The professor’s voice drones on as he teaches a lesson. You glance around, trying to focus, but your gaze inevitably lands on Mattheo. He’s seated a few rows ahead, his quill idle, and his expression distant. His dark eyes stare blankly at his open book, clearly lost in thought.

Curiosity gets the better of you. Carefully, you cast a subtle glance his way and try to slip into his mind using Legilimency. For a moment, you sense fragments—anger, turmoil, a haunting memory—but suddenly, a wall slams down like an iron gate. His Occlumency is swift and brutal, shutting you out instantly.

Mattheo’s head snaps up, his dark eyes locking onto yours with such intensity that you immediately look away. You feel your heart race as you pretend to focus on your parchment, but it’s too late. He knows.

The scrape of his chair echoes in the silent room as he stands, and before you can prepare yourself, he’s walking toward you. Everyone in the classroom seems to hold their breath as he towers over you.

“Don’t,” he warns as he looms over you. “Don’t ever try to get inside my head again. It’s too dark for you."

You swallow hard, unable to meet his eyes. His words are final, as he turns and walks toward the door. But you can’t let him go like this.

"Mattheo," you call out, your voice steady despite your racing pulse. He doesn’t stop. "I’m not afraid of the dark."

At your words, he freezes mid-step, his shoulders tensing as if they’ve struck a nerve. For a moment, he stands there. You hold your breath, waiting for him to turn around, to say something—anything.