The enchanted ceiling of the Hall shimmered like a dark, star-speckled sky, casting a warm glow over the sea of students seated at their long wooden tables. The air buzzed with excitement as DumbI/dore stood, raising his arms to hush the chatter. His voice, smooth yet commanding, rang through the hall.

"Now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Be/uxbatons."

The massive doors at the end of the hall creaked open, and a cool breeze swept through the room as you stepped in alongside the other Be/uxbatons girls. Your movements were poised, graceful, and in perfect sync as you glided forward, your silk-blue robes flowing like water. The soft clicking of heels against the stone floor was nearly drowned out by the whispers that erupted around the room.

At the Serpentine table, Mattheo had been casually leaning back in his seat, arms crossed, his usual smirk playing at his lips—until he saw you.

Something shifted in his expression, his eyes widening ever so slightly. His smirk faltered. A slow heat crept up his neck, tinting his sharp cheekbones a faint pink.

Draco, sitting beside him, didn’t miss a thing. A knowing smirk tugged at the blonde’s lips as he nudged Mattheo with his elbow. “Looks like someone’s got a little crush.”

Mattheo scoffed, rolling his eyes, but the way his fingers tapped restlessly against the table betrayed him. “Oh, shut it.”

You, oblivious to their exchange, let your gaze drift over the hall—until it landed on him.

Mattheo’s breath caught in his throat as your eyes met. For a heartbeat, everything else faded—the chatter, the flickering candles, the grand entrance. It was just you and him, locked in that fleeting moment.

And then, he did something unexpected.

He smiled.

Not his usual cocky smirk, not a mocking grin—just a simple, genuine smile. One that made your chest tighten just a little.

Your lips curved slightly in return before you turned away, following your fellow Be/uxbatons girls to your seats.

Mattheo exhaled, shaking his head at himself. Merlin help me.