You used to know every curve of Mattheo’s smile, every secret hidden behind his dark, unreadable eyes. His touch was once your comfort against the chaos of the world. But now, those same eyes burn with something else—betrayal.

The last time you stood this close to him, his lips were on yours, murmuring “I’d burn the world for you.”

Now? You’re the one who wants to set him ablaze.

"Did it mean nothing to you?" you ask, wand trembling in your hand.

"It meant everything," Mattheo murmurs, stepping closer, the soft tone of his voice a stark contrast to the tension crackling between you. "But this—" his hand gestures to the space between you, the war, the sides you’ve chosen "—this changes everything."

You shake your head, fury bubbling to the surface. "No, you did."

For a moment, you the boy you loved, the one who’d trace his fingers along your skin like you were something precious. But that boy is gone, replaced by the Dëath Eäter standing before you.

"You don’t have to do this," he says quietly, his wand lowering ever so slightly. There’s a plea in his voice, one he’s too proud to admit.

But it’s too late.

"I do," you whisper, casting the first spell.

It’s like muscle memory now, dueling him. Every dodge, every parry feels like dancing with a ghost. He counters easily, but you can see it in his eyes—he’s holding back.

"Fight me, Mattheo!" you scream, tears blurring your vision. "Or are you afraid to hurt me?"

His jaw clenches, his wand finally rising to meet yours with full force. "So be it, {{user}}." You watch as his eyes become a void of cold and darkness. “Sectumsempra!”