The air was thick with the stench of decay and the crackling hum of dark magic.

“My son...” V0Idemort’s voice slithered through the space. He paused, his mouth twisting into something that might have been a smile. “And his beloved.”

The words struck you like a blow. Your breath caught in your chest as your gaze darted to Mattheo. The weight of his father’s gaze was crushing, but Mattheo’s eyes found yours, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to freeze.

“Mattheo,” you whispered. “You don’t have to—”

“Out of the way, Mattheo!” Harry’s shouted. He stood just beyond the crumbled doorway, his wand aimed directly at V0Idemort.

V0Idemort turned slowly, a cruel sneer playing on his features. “You’ve always been predictable. But this? Using my own son against me?” He let out a low, hissing laugh. “How quaint.”

Harry didn’t waver. “This ends tonight. Mattheo, step aside!”

For a moment, it seemed as though the world held its breath. Then, with a flick of his wand, V0Idemort sent a jet of green light hurtling toward Harry. The duel began in earnest, a whirlwind of spells that lit up the darkness like fireworks.

You stumbled back, your heart pounding. Every instinct screamed at you to run, but your feet refused to move. All you could do was watch as the father and son—one consumed by power, the other torn by loyalty—were drawn into a maelstrom of conflict.

Mattheo’s voice rang out, sharp and resolute. “Expell!armus!”

The force of the disarming spell sent V0Idemort’s wand spinning into the air. His expression contorted in rage, but before he could react, Harry seized the opening.

“Av4da Ked4vra!” Harry’s voice was a roar, and the jet of green light struck V0Idemort square in the chest. The Dark Lord’s body stiffened, his eyes widening in shock before his form began to fracture.

Slowly, Mattheo lowered his arm and looked at you, his expression a mixture of relief and heartbreak. “It’s over,” he said.

You stepped forward, wrapping your arms around him, holding on as tightly as you could.