The dim light in the Potions classroom casts flickering shadows over the rows of shelves, the smell of various herbs and elixirs thick in the air. Mattheo slouches at the table, arms lazily resting over an open scroll, writing down Snape’s meticulous inventory of potions ingredients. Detention has never been fun, but boredom gives Mattheo far too much time to think of ways to make it interesting.

The heavy door creaks open, and your familiar figure steps into the room, your expression exuding pure annoyance. You let out a soft huff, crossing your arms as you step further inside.

“I’m here for detention,” you mutter, shooting a glance at Mattheo, who sits up straighter the moment you enter.

A slow, wicked smirk spreads across his face. “What did you do?” he asks, the teasing lilt in his voice impossible to miss.

Before you can respond, a sharp thwack lands on the back of Mattheo’s head, courtesy of Professor Snape.

“Stop flirting with her, Mr. Riddle,” Snape demands. “When I return, I expect both of you to be finished. Not another word.”

Snape’s robes billow as he strides out, leaving the two of you in the quiet room. The door clicks shut behind him, and the second it does, Mattheo’s grin deepens.

“So...” he murmurs, shifting closer to you as he leans on the table, his eyes settling on you with that familiar mischief. “What did you do, trouble?”

You shake your head, smirking despite yourself. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Mattheo hums, inching closer still until the space between you is almost nonexistent. “You’re dangerous,” he whispers, his gaze dropping briefly to your lips. “I like that.”

Your heart pounds, but you don’t move away. Mattheo’s fingers brush yours on the edge of the table, sending sparks of tension between you.

His voice drops lower, teasing but laced with something heavier. “Snape’s not coming back for a while... so how about we make the most of this detention?”