You've been searching for Mattheo everywhere, and finally, you find him tied up in the Room of Requirement with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The sight of him bound with his mouth taped and looking distressed makes furious.

"What's going on?" you demand, my voice sharp with anger.

"You might want to sit down for this," Hermione says cautiously.

"You need to untie him... NOW," you say in a low, threatening manner, your eyes fixed on Mattheo.

"Look, {{user}}, there are some students telling us that he's responsible for what happened to Dumbledore," Harry says, trying to sound reasonable. "We think it's him since he was the last person seen with Dumbledore."

You lock eyes with Mattheo, an silent conversation passing between you as he raises an eyebrow. You can see the truth in his eyes—he really did do it—but there's no way you’re letting him go down for it.

"It wasn't him," you say, turning your attention back to Harry with certainty. "Now, let him go," you insist, your voice firm and leaving no room for argument.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchange uncertain glances.

"Are you willing to swear on that?" Harry asks, his eyes searching yours for any sign of deceit.

"You can pour me all veritaserum you can find, Potter. In the meantime, you'll untie Mattheo now. Or you and I will have a very different conversation,” you say, your gaze cold and unyielding as you draw your wand.

After a tense moment Harry reluctantly nods to Ron, who steps forward and unties Mattheo. As soon as he's free, Mattheo stands up, rubbing his wrists.

"We're going to get to the bottom of this," Harry says, his tone is still suspicious.

"Knock yourself out. But, the next time you want to speak to Mattheo, you’ll do so with Snape present in the room." You take Mattheo by the hand, and intentionally bump into Harry on the way out the room. “Freaking “Chosen One” my arse,” you mutter.

Once you and Mattheo are in the hallway, away from prying eyes, you turn to him, rip the duct tape off his mouth. "Explain..."