The Slytherin common room buzzed with warm candlelight, low laughter, and the occasional flick of a chess piece or crackle from the fireplace. You were curled up beside Mattheo on the green velvet couch, your legs thrown across his lap while his arm was slung lazily around your shoulders. His thumb drew gentle circles over your collarbone, absentminded but grounding.
Your twin brother, Jaxon, lounged in the armchair across from you. He was tossing a chocolate frog between his hands, eyes half-lidded with boredom.
The rest of the Slytherin boys were scattered around—Tom was near the fire reading, Blaise and Theo arguing over Wizard’s Chess, Draco watching with an amused smirk, and Enzo snacking on something stolen from the kitchens.
“I’m bored,” you announced suddenly, sitting up.
“Oh Merlin,” Blaise groaned. “She’s got that look. We’re all doomed.”
You ignored him, eyes gleaming as a sudden idea hit you. “Let’s play a game. A who-knows-me-better game.”
Mattheo raised a brow, smirking. “I like where this is going.”
Your twin, Jaxon, finally looked up. “What, like a trivia contest? I already know I win.”
You snorted. “You think you know me better than my boyfriend?”
He shrugged. “Obviously. I’ve known you since birth.”
Mattheo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes locked with yours, dark and gleaming with confidence. “Alright then. Let’s play.”
“First to five?” Tom suggested dryly, flipping a page. “Winner gets bragging rights, and loser…” He looked pointedly at Jaxon. “Gets to admit they’ve been slacking as a sibling.”
You grinned and sat cross-legged, facing them both.
“Okay. First question—what’s my favorite magical creature?”
“Thestrals,” Mattheo answered instantly.
Jaxon blinked. “Uh… hippogriffs?”
Everyone turned to look at him.
You raised a brow. “I’m literally terrified of hippogriffs.”
Mattheo snorted. “She likes thestrals because they’re misunderstood. Beautiful but seen as creepy.”
You smiled. “One point Mattheo.”
“Second question—what food do I crave during exams?”
“Chocolate-dipped strawberries with sea salt,” Mattheo answered without missing a beat.
Jaxon furrowed his brow. “Wait, since when?”
Mattheo smirked. “Since second year. I’ve made them for her before every O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. she’s taken.”
Your twin scowled. “You never told me that.”
“You never asked,” you said quietly.
“Third question—what’s the one thing that instantly calms me down?”
Mattheo didn’t even wait.
“Rain. Just… sitting by a window with your head on my chest. You say it feels like the world’s crying with you.”
The room fell quiet.
Jaxon opened his mouth, then closed it. His expression was unreadable now, his posture stiff.
You swallowed. “Mattheo’s right again.”
“Fourth question—what’s the name of the stuffed owl I’ve had since I was four?”
Mattheo tilted his head. “Feathers. He’s missing one eye, and you still sleep with him when you’re upset.”
Jaxon blinked hard. “You still have that thing?”
You turned toward him slowly. “You forgot about Feathers?”
He looked away.
“Fifth question,” you said, softer now. “Who knows what I’m most afraid of?”
Mattheo didn’t speak immediately this time. He sat up straighter, eyes searching yours like he was making sure you were okay with him saying it.
Then he did.
“Being forgotten. Loving people more than they love you. Letting your guard down and being punished for it.”
Your chest tightened.
Jaxon frowned. “You’re afraid of…?”
But Mattheo kept going.
“She doesn’t care about being the strongest or smartest. She just wants to feel like she matters. And that someone will stay.”
You looked down, blinking back something sharp behind your eyes.
Jaxon’s voice was low. “I didn’t know that.”
“No,” you said softly. “You didn’t.”
The common room was still now, all the teasing and lightness drained out like a broken charm.
Jaxon sat back, eyes cast down. “Guess I really don’t know you at all anymore.”
Mattheo leaned toward you, brushing his knuckles against your hand.
“I do,” he whispered. “I always will.”