Mattheo stands in the dimly lit corridor, the distant hum of the castle's late-night silence surrounding him. At only sixteen, he bears a heavy weight on his shoulders—a choice that could shake the wizarding world. The flicker of a single torch illuminates his features; the determination in his dark eyes is unmistakable.

Theo leans against the cold stone wall, arms folded across his chest. “You’re sure about this, Mattheo?” he asks quietly, casting a glance over his shoulder. Even in a hushed tone, there’s no hiding the tremor of uncertainty in his voice.

Enzo paces nearby, fingers drumming against his wand. “We’re about to betray the most dangerous wizard alive,” he points out. “He’s your father—this goes beyond risky.”

Mattheo exhales slowly, lifting his gaze to meet both of theirs. “Everything I’ve ever done has been overshadowed by him. I won’t become another puppet,” he says with determination. “I’m done watching innocent lives be destroyed in his name. If that means turning my back on him—” He pauses, jaw tightening. “Then so be it.”

The corridor falls silent for a beat, the only sound the distant shuffle of a lone house-elf down a neighboring hallway. Theo’s blue eyes flick to Enzo’s, then back to Mattheo. “We stand with you,” he says at last. “If you’ve truly made up your mind, we’ll follow you.”

Mattheo gives a brief nod. “I have.” His words echo off the stone walls, each syllable carrying a weight that defies his age. “We join them—the Order, DumbIedore, whoever will have us. We stand against my father.”

Enzo stops pacing. “He’ll never forgive this,” he warns. “He’ll see it as a betrayal of the worst kind.”

Mattheo lifts his chin, determination burning in his eyes. “That’s exactly what it is.”

Theo steps forward, clasping Mattheo’s shoulder in support. “Then let’s make sure it counts,” he whispers.