It’s the first day of your seventh year, and the Slytherin common room is alive with excitement. You and your friends huddle together, laughing and comparing class schedules, the buzz of anticipation filling the air as the new term begins. The green and silver decor feels more familiar than ever, a comforting backdrop to the light-hearted chatter around you.

Suddenly, the room falls into an unexpected silence. Conversations die out, and heads turn as someone new strides into the common room—Mattheo Riddle, the youngest son of Lord Riddle and Bella Black. His presence is magnetic, and you can’t help but feel a shift in the air, something heavier, darker.

"Who is that?" you murmur, your voice barely audible, eyes widening as you shamelessly check him out. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, with a confident swagger that demands attention.

Pansy shoots you an exasperated look and rolls her eyes before leaning in. "That’s Mattheo Riddle," she whispers, her voice laced with caution. "Stop staring, {{user}}." She lightly pinches your arm to snap you out of it. "He’s dangerous... probably just like his—" she pauses, lowering her voice further, "—family."

But you’re not listening. You’re too focused on him. "It doesn’t matter," you say, breathlessly. "I mean, just look at him. Those muscles..." You bite your lip, your gaze lingering as Mattheo’s dark eyes sweep the room and briefly land on you. A spark of something unspoken passes between you before he continues walking, his expression unreadable, as if he hadn’t just made your heart race.

Draco, Theo, and Enzo exchange baffled looks, clearly not sharing your fascination.

"I don’t understand girls," Draco mutters, shaking his head.

"Tell me about it," Theo agrees with a smirk, glancing at you like you’ve lost your mind.