You slip into the Room of Requirement, the familiar magic swirling around you, but tonight it feels different. Your steps are heavy, and a knot of dread tightens in your stomach. Mattheo stands waiting, his usual confident smirk softening into a gentle smile as he sees you. Normally, your guard drops the moment you're with him, but not tonight. Harry’s voice echoes in your mind: "He's just like his father." Hermione's chilling warning: "Don't fall for his tricks. He's dangerous." Ron's blunt advice: "Don't trust him. He's not worth it."

You avoid his gaze, your arms crossed defensively over your chest. "Hey," you mumble, not meeting his eyes.

Mattheo takes a step closer, concern etched into his features. "What's wrong?" he asks, his voice soft, laced with a rare vulnerability. He reaches for your hand, but you pull back subtly, your fingers clenching.

He tries again, "You're not yourself. Talk to me." His eyes search yours, trying to find the open, loving gaze he's used to. "Did something happen?"

You shake your head, turning away. "It's nothing. Just… a long day."

A flicker of frustration crosses his face, quickly replaced by a deep sadness. He wants to understand, needs to break through the wall you've built. Against his better judgment, against every instinct that screams don't, he pushes.

His eyes lock onto yours, a sudden, intense pressure building in your mind. You feel it immediately—the invasive presence, the breach of your most private thoughts. It’s Legilimency, swift and unyielding. The voices flood his mind, a torrent of doubt and condemnation: "...just like his father..." "...don't fall for his tricks..." "...dangerous..." "...don't trust him..." "...not worth it."

Your gaze snaps to him with a shocking chilling realization. He knows. He's seen everything. The words escape your lips, a gentle plea, "Mattheo..." You reach for him, your hand trembling.

But he pulls back sharply, his face paling, a raw wound blooming in his eyes. He looks away, the light draining from his expression. "I never stood a chance."