The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the common room. Mattheo lounged on the emerald-green couch, one arm thrown lazily over the backrest.

Nearby, Draco, Blaise, and Theo sat in their usual spots, immersed in quiet conversation and the occasional playful banter. You plopped down beside Mattheo.

“I had a horrible dream last night,” you announced dramatically, breaking the hum of casual chatter. “You wanna hear about it?”

Mattheo didn’t even hesitate, raising an eyebrow. “No.”

Ignoring him completely, you leaned forward with a smirk. “I’m gonna tell you anyway.”

The other guys chuckled, Blaise smirking over the edge of his book while Theo shook his head in amusement.

“So, there I was, running through the woods, and this greasy bear was chasing me. Teeth bared, drooling everywhere—it was terrifying!” You shuddered for emphasis. “And you? You did nothing.”

Mattheo leaned forward slightly, his grin widening as he played along. “Nothing, huh? What was I doing then?”

“You,” you said, “were sitting there, playing poker with a rabbit. That’s what you were doing.”

The room erupted in laughter. Draco leaned back in his chair, shaking his head, while Blaise covered his mouth, trying to stifle a laugh.

“And that’s the thing!” you continued, your voice rising in mock indignation as you threw your hands in the air. “You’d totally do something like that. You’d play poker with a rabbit while I was getting eaten by a bear!”

Mattheo leaned back. “Depends. Was the rabbit winning?”

You burst into laughter, swatting his arm. “Luckily, I didn’t need you to save me, because a giant unicorn came to the rescue! It had this massive laser horn, and boom—bear’s gone!” You mimed a laser shooting from your forehead, dissolving into giggles.

Theo’s dry voice cut in. “At least the rabbit got a good game in.”

Even Mattheo couldn’t stop laughing at that, his loud, carefree laugh filling the room. “I’ll try to step it up next time you’re chased by a greasy bear, alright?”