The loud buzz of the Slytherin party fills the common room, but all you can focus on is Theo—his face twisted in anger as he steps closer, his voice raised and his words sharp. He’s inches from you, his frustration pouring out as he cusses, his hand pressing you back against the wall. You feel the sting of his words, his intensity overwhelming, but before you can respond, a voice cuts through the noise.

“Hey, Theo!” Mattheo calls out, his tone firm, but there's a dangerous edge to it. The room quiets slightly as heads turn, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

Theo barely turns, his jaw clenched. “What?” he snaps, his eyes still blazing as he throws a dismissive glance at Mattheo.

“Back off,” Mattheo says, his gaze steady as he steps between you and Theo, forcing Theo to take a step back. Mattheo’s presence is like a wall, protective and unyielding.

Theo scoff. “This isn’t your business, Mattheo.”

Mattheo’s jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing. “When you start treating her like this, it is. She’s not someone you can put your hands on just because you’re pissed off.”

Theo glares at him, but Mattheo doesn’t waver, holding his ground. “Walk away, Theo,” Mattheo says, his voice leaving no room for argument.

After a tense moment, Theo realizes the attention on them. With a final, frustrated huff, he turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving you and Mattheo standing in the aftermath.

Mattheo looks back at you, his expression softening as he reaches out to steady you. “You okay?” he asks quietly.