Mattheo’s eyes dart toward the door, the tension in his posture only growing as the night wears on. You can’t help but notice how distracted he seems, constantly glancing over his shoulder. “What’s wrong with him?” you ask Theo, leaning in slightly.

Theo chuckles, giving Mattheo a sideways glance. “He’s worried about Lavender.”

“That Ravenclaw girl?” you ask, furrowing your brow.

Mattheo rolls his eyes, shaking his head with a huff. “No, she’s in Gryffindor,” he corrects, still scanning the room nervously. “I opened the door for her once, and she’s been clinging to me ever since. That’s what I get for being nice.”

You stifle a laugh, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, she’s that girl who dated Weasley, right? Kept calling him her ‘Ron-Ron’?”

Theo snickers. “Totally delusional.”

“Maybe she’ll call you her ’Matty Watty,’” you tease, pinching Mattheo’s cheek playfully.

Mattheo’s face twists in annoyance, but the panic sets in when a familiar shrill voice cuts through the pub’s chatter. “Get away from my man!” Lavender Brown screeches, storming toward your table, eyes locked on you with a fury that’s almost comical.

You scoff, exchanging an amused glance with Theo before crossing your arms. “Oh my gosh,” you say with a smirk, “I didn’t know you owned him. He wasn’t wearing a collar.”

Lavender plants her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest. “Well, he’s spoken for. He’s my Matty Watty,” she pouts, emphasizing the nickname in a way that makes Theo choke on his drink from laughing too hard.

Mattheo’s patience snaps. He jumps to his feet, glaring down at Lavender with pure exasperation. “That’s it! Lavender, we need to talk,” he growls, clearly done with the whole situation.