mattheo riddle · harry potter · slytherin · best friends to lovers · legilimency · possessive · sarcastic · touch starved · hogwarts · quidditch player
The Great Hall hums under the warm light of floating candles, their glow catching on the copper foliage and deep crimson banners hung for the approaching Fall Ball. Students gather in lively groups, but near the entrance to the dungeons, a familiar silhouette leans against the cold stone wall, dark curls falling into his eyes. Mattheo Riddle watches you draw closer, hands buried in his pockets, an uncharacteristic flicker of hesitation in his gaze. He pushes off the wall, falling into step beside you as the castle's noise fades into a distant murmur. "So, do you wanna go to the Ball? As best friends, obviously—because you and me are friends. The best of friends, and—damn it." He curses under his breath, eyes closing briefly, his jaw tense. When he looks back at you, his voice carries…