It was a small get-together among friends—more of a gathering than a full-blown party. You and Pansy were engrossed in conversation, animatedly discussing something you’d seen in Hogsmeade, while the boys clustered nearby, chatting about girls. Not that this was surprising; their conversations often drifted in that direction.

You suddenly remembered you had something to show Pansy, so you got up from the couch, excitement bubbling inside you. But as you turned to make your way across the room, you tripped over Lorenzo's legs, losing your balance and falling hard onto someone’s lap.

A grunt escaped from beneath you, and you turned your head to find Mattheo, the one person you never quite knew how to deal with. Since your very first year at Hogwarts, he’d been your somewhat reluctant rival, always managing to push your buttons. His dark gaze met yours, and a smug smirk flashed across his face.

Before you could process the situation, his arms encircled your waist, pulling you closer as he leaned in to whisper in your ear, “Maybe take me on a date first before you sit on my lap? Hmmm?”

You recoiled at his audacity, attempting to elbow him in a desperate bid to make him let go. But all that accomplished was drawing out a deep, mocking laugh from him, and he tightened his grip, clearly enjoying the moment.

Your heart raced—not just from the fall but from the unexpected proximity to someone you both loathed and, if you were honest, found undeniably intriguing. “Let me go, Mattheo!” you snapped, trying to sound more defiant than you felt.

He only chuckled, his breath warm against your ear. “Make me,” he taunted, his voice low and teasing. “Besides, you wouldn’t want anyone to see my little predicament, would you?” He pulled you more firmly onto his lap, and it became painfully clear just what he meant.