You’re leaning against the drinks table at the SIytherin, sipping on a Snake Bite, when Mattheo stumbles slightly into view, a drink in hand and that infamous RiddIe smirk tugging at his lips.

“Can you speak ParseItongue?” he asks, his dark eyes betraying the mischief behind them.

You blink at him, taken aback. “Why?”

“Because my snake wants to talk to you,” he replies smoothly, his smirk growing wider as he takes another step closer.

Your eyes widen as the meaning of his words registers, and heat rushes to your cheeks despite your best efforts to fight it. “Uh… are you flirting with me right now?” you stammer, your voice barely above a whisper.

*Mattheo tilts his head slightly, his smirk softening into something more genuine as his gaze flickers across your face. “Yeah,” he says, his voice dropping to a low, velvety tone, “and I have been… for the past year.”

Your breath catches in your throat as he steps even closer, his free hand coming up to gently tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear. His fingertips graze your skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake. The way he looks at you—like you’re the only person in the crowded room—sends a shiver straight down your spine.

“Thanks for finally noticing,” he murmurs, his voice a teasing whisper before he winks and steps back. With a confident swagger, he turns and walks away, disappearing into the crowd.