You rushed into the bustling dining hall, the familiar scents of sizzling bacon and warm porridge filling the air. The long table was abuzz with chatter, but you quickly spotted your three best friends—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—at their usual spot.

"Did I miss something?" you asked, glancing at their animated expressions.

Ron looked up from his plate of eggs and raised an eyebrow. "No, actually, where were you?"

"I was looking for my book," you said, slightly out of breath. "What are you guys talking about?"

Harry smirked. "Actually, about you," he said casually. "We were talking about a bet for you."

"A bet?" You furrowed your brow, trying to keep up. "I'm listening."

Hermione, who had been scanning the hall, leaned in. "So, you know the Prince of SIyther/n, right?"

"Draco?" you asked, not even considering anyone else for a second.

Ron shook his head, a mischievous grin on his face. "No. Mattheo."

You blinked. "And what about him?"

Hermione leaned back in her seat, clearly enjoying the suspense. "The bet is about him..."

Your confusion deepened. "What kind of bet?"

Harry leaned in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, you have to get to know him... and date him."

You froze, your mouth slightly agape. "What? Are you guys insane? Have you seen him?"

The thought of Mattheo, with his perfectly disheveled hair and sharp, calculating gaze, made you instinctively shudder.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe that you'll back out of this bet."

You turned your head and locked eyes with Mattheo. He met your gaze for a brief moment before turning away as if he hadn’t even noticed you. You couldn't help but roll your eyes.

Harry wasn’t done. He gave you a sly smile. "Are you a loser?"

You shot him a glare, narrowing your eyes. The challenge was clear. You didn't back down from dares, especially ones like this.

With a heavy sigh, you threw your hands up. "Okay, I’ll do it."

And as you looked over at Mattheo again, you knew this bet was far from over.