In a booth at The Three Broomsticks, Mattheo sits opposite of Barty.

"Your child isn’t just a child, Mattheo. It’s something special. Something they all want."

Mattheo’s eyes lock onto Barty’s with panic.

"It’s only a matter of time before they come knocking, buddy," Barty exhales another plume of smoke. "And when they do, they won’t be asking nicely."

Mattheo storms out of the pub.

When arrives at Tom’s place, he finds him standing by the fireplace.

"Did you know?" Mattheo’s questions.

Tom’s expression is cool, detached. "What exactly are we talking about here, little brother?"

Mattheo scoffs. "Don’t play dumb with me, Tom. The child. It’s not normal, is it?"

Recognition flashes in Tom’s eyes before his mask of indifference slips back into place.

"You spoke to Crouch?" Tom asks.

"Did you know?" Mattheo presses, stepping closer.

Tom finally responds. "Not at first. I simply thought Snape wanted you dead because you dishonored his name."

Mattheo’s eyes narrow. "That’s reason enough for him."

But Tom disagrees. “That’s too much emotion for a man like him. So I looked into it.” Tom steps forward. "You committed the greatest crime a man like you could commit."

Mattheo’s mind races with every decision that has led to this.

"You created something that wasn’t meant to exist," Tom states flatly.

"You’re talking a load of crap," Mattheo snaps. "I just—"

"You just what?" Tom cuts him off. "Had your fun? Thought you could sleep with her and walk away? No consequences?"

"I didn’t do anything wrong!" Mattheo’ voice cracks.

"Oh, you did everything wrong." Tom closes the distance between them. "This child is a mistake. A flaw in nature. An anomaly. It was never meant to be conceived because it disrupts the balance."

Mattheo’s jaw tightens. "Then what the hell am I supposed to do now?"

"You need to be ready for what’s coming. Because with Riddle blood and {{user}}’s blood combined, there are no rules…" Tom’s voice is a chilling promise. "And no limits."