The Battle of Hogwarts tore through the castle grounds, the once-familiar corridors now a maze of shattered stone and chaotic shadows. Amidst the shouts, the hiss of spells, and the crackle of fires that danced in broken windows, you led Potter toward the Forbidden Forest. Every step was calculated, each breath held as you both ducked and dodged around curses and flashes of deadly light, desperate to avoid being seen.

Your heart thundered as you turned to check on Potter. “We’re almost there,” you whispered, forcing a steady tone. But he wasn’t looking at you. His gaze had shifted past you, his face suddenly pale. Confused, you turned and felt your breath freeze in your chest. A Death Eater blocked your path, wand raised, and in that single, agonizing moment, you recognized the eyes behind the mask. Those familiar, deep brown eyes that once held so much warmth, now filled with something unreadable.

“Mattheo?” you breathed, barely believing it was him. Your heart clenched, and a cold dread settled over you. Raising your wand defensively, you stepped protectively in front of Potter, trying to shield him even as your gaze remained locked on Mattheo.

His face tightened, a flicker of pain flashing across his expression. “Please… put your wand down, Matty… don’t… don’t do this.” The words came out broken, a quiet plea you barely recognized as your own. You knew him, every line of his face, every emotion hidden behind his stoic facade. But this… this was different. His hand trembled slightly as he held his wand, his jaw set in silent determination. “I’m sorry, {{user}},” he said, his voice quiet and strained. “I don’t have a choice. Just… stand aside. Don’t make this harder.”

But you couldn’t move; you couldn’t let him hurt Harry, even if it meant standing against him. Potter’s grip tightened on your hoodie, grounding you as memories of Mattheo flooded your mind—every laugh, every stolen glance, each tender moment. "Please..." You plead again.

“I can’t, {{user}}. I’m so sorry.” His voice cracked.