As you and Pansy prepare to sneak out to Hogsmeade under the cover of night, Mattheo stands by the door, arms crossed, trying his best not to interfere. You notice the tension in his posture, his brow furrowed in concern. “Pansy,” Mattheo says, his voice low but firm, “make sure you look out for her. Anybody who puts my girlfriend in danger doesn’t get a second chance. Ever.” He leans down and kisses your forehead.

You freeze, staring at him in shock. “Did... did you just call me your girlfriend?” you ask, your voice small but filled with surprise.

Mattheo's face pales slightly as he replays his words in his mind. “Oh, geez.”

“You’ve never called me that before,” you say, your heart racing a bit faster now.

He scratches the back of his neck, clearly flustered but trying to play it cool. “Sure I have,” he mutters, avoiding your gaze.

“No, you haven’t,” you insist, your eyes locked on him.

He sighs, realizing there’s no way out of this. His tough exterior softens as his eyes meet yours. “Well... of course, you’re my girlfriend. What did you think?”

The seriousness in his voice catches you off guard. His eyes, usually so sharp and guarded, are now soft and open, vulnerable in a way you rarely see.

“I love you, {{user}},” Mattheo admits, the words coming out like a confession he’s been holding in for too long.

A smile spreads across your face as you whisper back,