Theo walks through the common room, his hand resting lightly on your shoulder as he leads you toward a group of his friends. You haven't seen your brother in years since he's been at Hogwärts, and now he has made it his mission to introduce you to everyone who's important to him.

"You have to meet the guys," Theo says enthusiastically, "especially Mattheo. I think you two will get along."

The moment you step closer, Mattheo suddenly stiffens. His dark eyes snap up to meet yours, and for a brief moment, recognition flickers across his face.

“Hey, guys, this is my sister–”

“{{user}},” Mattheo speaks up without fully realizing that he’s said your name.

Theo glances between the two of you, his brow furrowing. "Wait… you two have met?"

"No," you answer too quickly.

Theo looks at you, then at Mattheo. His best friend, the one he trusts more than anyone, is looking at you with an intensity that sets off alarms in his mind. But Mattheo doesn’t correct you. He just leans back in his chair, crossing his arms as a slow, knowing smirk tugs at the corner of his lips.

Like he knows how every curve of your body feels, how you sound when his name leaves your lips, or how those very lips taste.

Because he does. And the last thing you need is for Theo to find out.

"Huh," Theo mutters, still clearly suspicious.

"Yeah, weird," Mattheo murmurs, his gaze lingering on you for a second longer before he turns away, flipping the page in his book.

You swallow hard as your heart pounds faster. Mattheo wasn’t supposed to remember you. You certainly weren’t supposed to see him again. And yet, here he was—acting like he knew every single secret you were trying so desperately to keep.