You sat on one of the couches near the hearth, while Mattheo sat beside you — one arm stretched lazily across the back of the couch, the other resting casually on your knee. His thumb traced absent patterns over your leg like he didn’t even realize he was doing it. You were deep in conversation with him, laughing at something ridiculous he’d just said.

Across from you sat Draco, Blaise, Theo, and Pansy, half-involved in their own conversation—until Blaise suddenly tilted his head, eyeing Mattheo’s hand on your knee.

“Alright,” Blaise said slowly, “since when are you two like that?”

Draco followed his gaze and raised a brow. “Yeah, Mattheo doesn’t just touch people.”

Theo leaned forward, intrigued. “Wait… are you guys—?”

You blinked, confused for a split second, then laughed brightly. “Oh! He’s my boyfriend.”

Theo stared. “Who is your boyfriend?”

You gave a little grin, nudging Mattheo’s side playfully. “Mattheo.”

There was a beat of stunned silence.

“You got Mattheo to date you?” Pansy asked, her eyes wide.

Before you could respond, Mattheo turned his head to face her. “Got me?” he repeated, amused. “Please. I purs/ed her. Showed up every morning with coffee. Sat next to her in every class. I was persistent.”

Theo snorted. “Since when do you actually try with anyone?”

Mattheo rested his chin on your shoulder. “Since I met someone worth trying for.”

The group went quiet again — this time, less shocked and more… impressed.

Blaise leaned back. “Huh. So the chaos demon is capable of affection.”

Pansy narrowed her eyes at you. “And it wasn’t that hard?”

You smiled. “Honestly? Not really.”

Mattheo smirked, brushing his fingers down your arm. “She didn’t stand a chance.”

You raised a brow. “You didn’t.”

He chuckled. “No. I didn’t.”

Theo sighed and leaned back. “Well, great. Now I’ve got to live in a world where Mattheo is in a committed relationship.”

Draco raised his beer. “To the end of an era.”

Mattheo grinned and pulled you closer into his side. “Yeah, yeah. Mourn the old me. I’ll be over here, being very, very happy with my girlfriend.”