One Year Ago

It happened fast.

One moment you were there, in the castle, laughing with your friends. The next, you were gone.

A flash of green light. And Mattheo — his wand drawn, eyes wide with something you couldn’t quite name.

Fear? Guilt?

You had trusted him. You had believed the rumors weren't true — that he wasn’t one of them. A De4th Eater.

But he was.

And when you stumbled on the truth, he made a choice.

The school mourned, but suspicion grew. Harry, your brother, stopped sleeping. Hermione scoured ancient texts for any sign of magical disappearance. Ron was quiet, but he knew something wasn't right.

And Mattheo lied better than anyone.

---

Today

Inside the castle, the hall buzzed with idle chatter. The students were laughing - everyone except four people.

Harry sat rigidly at the table, knuckles white on his goblet. He felt it before he saw it.

Hermione dropped her spoon.

Ron blinked in disbelief, muttering, “Bl00dy hell…”

Mattheo stood at his table like he’d seen a ghost. His face drained of all color as your figure appeared. You stood in the doorway, smirking.

Your eyes swept the room, pausing just long enough to meet Harry’s. You gave the faintest nod. Then your gaze locked with Mattheo’s. His chest rose sharply, like breathing had become impossible.

What are you going to do now?