The rain pounded relentlessly against the stone walls of Hogwarts as you raced through the dimly lit corridors, drenched and shivering. By the time you reached the top of the tower, your chest heaved with every breath, and the cool night air stung your skin. You leaned against the cold stone for a moment, letting the storm outside echo the chaos in your mind.

Then you heard it—a faint sound, almost swallowed by the rain. A voice. A muffled cry.

Curiosity and concern urged you forward. You stepped around the corner and froze. There, slumped against the wall, was Mattheo. The boy who never missed a chance to taunt you, the one who seemed to take pleasure in making your life difficult. But now… he looked utterly broken. He was crouched low, his head buried in his hands, his shoulders trembling violently. His knuckles were raw and bleeding, as if he’d taken his pain out on the unyielding stone around him. Tears streaked his face, and his ragged breaths hinted at a panic attack consuming him.

For the first time, the boy who hated you didn’t seem cruel or untouchable. He just seemed… scared.