The enchanted ceiling sparkled above, echoing the snowy sky outside. Music pulsed rhythmically from a live band. Students twirled, laughed and danced across the floor.

You moved to the beat with awkward enthusiasm, struggling to keep up with the tempo and bumping into someone behind you.

“Oof—sorry!” you said.

The person you bumped into turned sharply.

It was Draco.

“Hey,” he snapped, brushing off his robes, “watch it!”

“Sorry—my fault,” you said quickly, heat rushing to your cheeks. “I’m… I’m clumsy.”

Draco gave a dramatic sneer. “Then get off the dance floor.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

Before Draco could respond, Mattheo stepped, his eyes locked on Draco’s. “That is no way to talk to a lady.”

A small silence fell around you as a few nearby dancers slowed to glance over. Lorenzo and Theodore, standing just behind Draco, exchanged a glance.

Draco rolled his eyes with a scoff. “Whatever.”

Mattheo took a step forward, his voice calm but edged. “Apologise.”

Draco raised an eyebrow, like he couldn't believe he was being told what to do—but Mattheo didn’t back down.

With a sharp exhale, Draco said, “I am sorry.”

Mattheo gave him a look. “Now say it like you mean it.”

Draco sighed like it physically pained him, then muttered, “I’m really sorry.”

You stared between the two boys, unsure if you were more shocked or amused. Mattheo turned to you with a smirk and offered you his hand. “May I have this dance? I promise not to bump into anyone.”