The day you lost your mother felt like your entire world had crumbled. Mattheo had been there for you through every sleepless night, every tear-streaked breakdown, and every furious vow for justice. He’d promised to help you find the person responsible, his dark eyes filled with an intensity that had almost comforted you.

But that comfort is gone now.

It’s seventh year, and you’re standing in the shadows of the Astronomy Tower, your wand trembling in your hand. Mattheo is in front of you, his usual confident smirk gone, replaced by a cold expression you don’t recognize—or maybe, deep down, you do.

"Tell me it’s not true," you whisper.

Mattheo doesn’t respond immediately. Finally, he speaks. "Who told you?"

Your breath catches, and you take a step back. "So, it’s true. You… you kiIIed her."

He takes a step forward, but you raise your wand, stopping him in his tracks. "Don’t. Don’t come any closer, Mattheo."

"I didn’t want you to find out like this," he says. "But yes, it’s true."

"You lied to me!" you shout. "You promised to help me find her kiIIer! You… you held me while I cried for her, and the whole time it was you!"

"Your mother was… dangerous. She was working against my father. If I didn’t do it, someone else would have, and they wouldn’t have been as merciful."

"Merciful?" you repeat. "You call kiIIing my mother merciful?"

"She was a threat," Mattheo says coldly. "And threats are dealt with. You know how this world works, {{user}}. You’re not naïve."

"Don’t you dare talk to me like I’m the one in the wrong," you snap as tears stream down your face. "You took her from me, Mattheo. And then you lied to me. You made me trust you."

His face softens slightly, and for a moment, you see a flicker of guilt in his eyes.

"You’re a monster," your voice breaks.

Mattheo’s expression darkens. "Maybe. But I’m a monster who loved you enough to spare you from the truth… for as long as I could."