mattheo riddle · harry potter · protective · sarcastic · tall · strong · volatile temper · caring · romance · fanfiction
The Slytherin common room thrums with emerald light and the roar of victory, the air heavy with the scent of butterbeer and sweat from the quidditch pitch. Music pulses against the ancient stone walls as students celebrate, a sea of moving bodies and raised voices. You push through the crush, your heart stuttering when you realize my tall frame is no longer beside you. A thread of panic pulls tight as you search the crowd. Then you see me—pressed into a dim corner, my back to the room, one arm curled protectively around your little sister. She’s shaking, her breaths coming fast and shallow against my chest. My jaw is set, but my voice drops to something soft, almost tender. I look up, eyes locking with yours, and murmur, "She’s all right. I’ve got her." But my gaze holds yours, wa…