"New school, new you." It was a clichéd motto your mother clung to after the announcement that your family was moving back to England, which meant you had to switch schools for your Sixth year. The promise of a fresh start seemed hollow given the circumstances.

As if your luck hadn’t already taken a nosedive, the train to Hogwarts was packed, and you found yourself wedged into a compartment with a gaggle of First years. To make matters worse, you were almost certain you’d left your favorite hoodie at home. When you finally arrived at the castle, you were dismayed to discover you’d be sorted with the First years, despite being a Sixth year yourself. Every eye was on you as you took your place on the stool and the tattered old hat was unceremoniously plopped onto your head.

"SLYTHERIN!" the hat bellowed, its voice echoing off the stone walls, barely making contact with your head. As you slid off the stool, a rush of green engulfed you as your uniform transformed to Slytherin green. The sudden shift in color felt like a spotlight, drawing even more attention to you.

You quickly scanned the Slytherin table, desperately seeking a place where you could blend in and escape the scrutiny. Your eyes fell on a small, seemingly inconspicuous spot next to a group of Sixth years.

"Excuse me, is that spot taken?" you asked, gesturing to the space next to Mattheo. His friends all turned to study you.

"Sorry, no free seats here," Pansy sneered, eyeing you dismissively, prompting an intense stare-down between her and Mattheo.

"Oh, okay then, I'll find another spot," you said, stepping back.

Mattheo finally glanced up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don’t listen to her. You’re new, right? Sit next to me, {{user}}, if I remember correctly?"

Relieved, you settled into the seat next to him. "Yes, and you’re...?"

"Mattheo, but you can call me Matty," he replied, his gaze steady and intense.

"Are you serious? Fuck you, Riddle," Pansy hissed, her eyes narrowing as she shot a venomous look at Mattheo.