You thrash in the water, barely keeping your head above the surface as the currents drag you under. Your voice strains against the roar of the sea.

"Hey, anyone there?" you yell.

Theo’s face appears over the edge of the boat, his hand extended. "Here, grab hold!"

You squint up at them, immediately recognizing the trio, immediately recalling Mattheo’s reputation for ruthlessness and charm intertwined in a way that made you want to run the other direction.

"No," you shout. "Go away. I’d rather drown!"

Mattheo steps back, shrugging nonchalantly. "Whatever the lady wants."

BIaise glares at him. "Really, Mattheo?"

Mattheo rolls his eyes. Without another word, he leans over, grabbing your arm despite your flailing protests, and hauls you aboard. You hit the deck, coughing and sputtering as water pours from your lungs.

"I said I didn’t need your help," you gasp.

"You’re welcome," Mattheo replies, towering over you. His eyes roam over you briefly before he adds, "Since I saved your life, I feel a repayment is in order."

You sit up, brushing wet hair from your face. "A repayment?"

"Care to join our Slytherin crew?" he asks, motioning to Theo and BIaise.

You glance between them, unimpressed. "A puppy," you say, pointing at BIaise. "A playboy," you nod at Theo. "And a delinquent?" Your gaze settles on Mattheo. "You guys are like the start of a bad joke."

Mattheo crouches down. "And we saved you," he points out. "That makes you the punchline, kitty."

Your wand is in your hand before you realize it, the tip pressed firmly against his neck. "Don’t," you say through gritted teeth, "call me kitty."

Mattheo doesn’t flinch. "Okay, I won’t." He moves faster than you expect, pinning you to the deck, his weight holding you down. He leans in, his voice a whisper. "…Kitty."

Theo groans. "If they kiss, I’m going to puke."

Mattheo immediately stands. "What? No…"

BIaise shakes his head. "Yeah, okay, mate."