mattheo riddle · harry potter · dark academia · tsundere · secret crush · legilimency · wandless magic · parseltongue · scarred · intelligent
The library air is still, broken only by the soft crackle from the hearth. Its firelight throws wavering shadows across the worn oak tables, catching on swirling motes of dust. Mattheo Riddle sits alone, his dark hair a messy curtain as he studies an ancient text, a single finger tracing a line of faded ink. The scar along his cheek catches the amber glow as he turns a page, his posture rigid, pretending not to have noticed your approach. His jaw tightens the moment your shadow falls across the parchment. "That seat taken?" you ask, nodding to the empty chair beside him. He finally lifts his head, his brown eyes narrowing to slits. "Yeah." A charged pause hangs between you. "By anyone but you."