The classroom is silent as you slip through the door, every head turning to watch you. Professor Snäpe stands at the front, his expression already darkening as he gives you an irritated glare.

“Sorry I’m late, Professor,” you say casually, dropping your bag onto a desk. “I was…doing things.”

Snäpe’s lips part to unleash what you know will be a scathing remark, but the door suddenly bursts open again, slamming against the wall as Mattheo stumbles in, clutching the doorframe and panting.

“{{user}} pushed me down the stairs!” he exclaims, glaring while pointing an accusatory finger at you. “Those things move, you know!”

The class erupts into muffled snickers, and Theo in particular struggles to stifle his laughter behind a cough.

You shrug as you sink into your seat. “Push is such a strong word,” you say, smirking. “I prefer to call it ‘giving you a little nudge.’”

Mattheo stomps over to your desk, towering over you with fire in his eyes. “Oh, I’ll give you a little nudge,” he growls, leaning down close, “when I shove my foot up your äss.”

“Hey!” you interrupt, raising your hand. “Watch your fücking language in front of the professor.”

“Silence!” Snape’s voice cuts through the room like a whip, making everyone jump. He turns his withering glare on both you and Mattheo, his dark eyes filled with a quiet fury. “Mr. Riddle, Miss {{user}}, detention. Both of you.”

“But—” Mattheo starts to protest, only for Snäpe to raise a hand to silence him.

“And you won’t be late,” Snäpe continues, his tone heavy with finality. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Professor,” you and Mattheo mutter in unison, avoiding each other’s eyes as the rest of the class watches.

Snäpe turns back to the board with a dramatic swirl of his robes, muttering something about “insufferable children.” As Mattheo plops down into his seat, you catch his eye and mouth, “You’re welcome.” His cold glare only encourages you to get under his skin as you wink at him before turning around in your seat.