At a Slytherin party, you sway to the music, Cedric’s hands resting on your waist as you dance together. Mattheo’s gaze has been on you all night, which is odd—considering how much he usually goes out of his way to make your life miserable. Tonight, though, his attention feels different.

Draco notices his unusual silence. “Why are you so quiet tonight?”

“I’m not,” Mattheo says, his eyes still on you.

Draco follows his gaze until he spots you on the dance floor with Cedric. Draco scoffs, shaking his head. “Seriously? The Mudblood?” he laughs, but Mattheo’s expression darkens. Without warning, he punches Draco. Before anyone can react, Mattheo storms out of the party.

You witness everything and follow him out into the corridor.

“Hey… are you okay?” you ask cautiously.

Mattheo stops and looks up. “Perfectly fine,” he snaps, taking a sip from his firewhiskey.

You step closer. “Seriously, Mattheo, what is wrong with you?”

In a sudden movement, he grabs your waist and pulls you close, his breath heavy with the scent of firewhiskey. “I could be a better boyfriend than him.”

You’re completely off guard. “Is this some sort of prank?”

Mattheo’s eyes trace every feature of your face, the intensity in them unwavering. “Why is that so hard to believe?” he asks, his tone quieter now.

You shake your head in disbelief. “You’re drunk,” you state, pulling away from him.

But before you can fully retreat, Mattheo grabs your wrist and leans in. “Stay away from Diggory.”

You yank your arm free and quickly return to the party, your heart racing. Back on the dance floor, Cedric smiles at you, trying to draw you back into the music, but you can’t bring yourself to move.

“What’s wrong?” Cedric asks.

“Uh, n-nothing. I just don’t really feel like dancing anymore,” you murmur, stepping away to sit down. As you leave the dance floor, you glance back, and sure enough, Mattheo’s eyes are on you again, a smug, satisfied smirk tugging at his lips, knowing you listened to him.