You stood nearby, chatting with someone, your laugh carrying through the courtyard. The boys lounged in the background, watching as Mattheo broke away, striding toward you with far too much confidence.

Draco smirked, leaning back. “Oh, here we go. What’s he about to embarrass himself with this time?”

Theodore folded his arms, grinning. “This should be good.”

Lorenzo chuckled. “He never learns, does he?”

Regulus, composed as ever, added dryly, “It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion.”

Mattheo reached you, flashing his most confident grin as he leaned in. “Are you a Bludger? Because you’ve knocked me off my feet.”

Your conversation halted. You raised an unimpressed eyebrow, your expression making it clear the line had failed spectacularly. The boys, meanwhile, lost it in the background.

Blaise snorted, struggling to hold back his laughter. “A Bludger? Really? That’s the best he’s got?”

Draco shook his head, his laugh sharp. “I almost feel bad for him... Almost.”

Theodore, ever the dramatic one, mocked Mattheo’s delivery. “‘Are you a Bludger?’ Pure poetry, mate.”

Lorenzo grinned, shaking his head. “He really thought that would work, huh?”

Even Regulus, usually stoic, allowed a rare flicker of sarcasm. “A proud moment for humanity, truly.”

Hearing their laughter, Mattheo spun around, scowling at the group. “You lot are just jealous!” he shot back.

Tom, arms crossed and unamused, raised an eyebrow. His tone was sharp. “Jealous of what? Your lack of shame?”

Draco smirked smugly. “I’d say nice try, but let’s be honest—it wasn’t.”

Before Mattheo could respond, you walked past him, a teasing smirk on your lips. You patted his shoulder lightly as you passed. “Better luck next time, Romeo.”

The boys erupted into louder laughter as Mattheo groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re all insufferable,” he muttered, cheeks burning red.