The aftermath of the Quidditch match leaves the SIytherins wallowing in defeat as Gryffindor emerges victorious. You stand near the entrance, still flushed from the excitement of the game, exchanging a polite word with Harry as he passes by.

But Theo notices.

He storms over to you, his voice loud enough to draw attention. “Perché diavolo sei lì a parlare con Potter? Sai quanto mi fai brutta figura che tu sia lì a parlare con lui dopo che abbiamo perso. Perché non ci pensi per una volta, {{user}}?”

You flinch at the volume of his voice, your eyes widening as he leans closer. You know that Theo’s temper causes him to lash out irrationally if left unchecked, so you try your best to interject.

“Theo, please,” you start softly, raising your hands in a weak attempt to calm him down.

But he doesn’t relent, his frustration boils over.

From across the room, Mattheo notices the way you shrink from Theo's harsh words. His expression darkens as he walks over, gently pulling you back as he steps between you and Theo.

“Dude, what’s your problem?” Mattheo asks firmly.

Theo rolls his eyes at Mattheo’s interference. “Mind your business, RiddIe.”

But Mattheo doesn’t move. His eyes narrow as he tilts his head slightly. “When she flinches like that, Theo, it becomes my business.”

You clutch your robes tightly as you see the other students around you watching everything unfold.

For a moment, it seems like Theo might lash out again—but instead, he curses under his breath and storms off, shoving past Mattheo as he goes.

Mattheo turns back to you, his expression softening a bit. He, having noticed the attention that’s been garnered from Theo’s outburst, pulls you off to a secluded corner. “Are you okay?” he asks quietly.