You sit in one of the armchairs in the common room, laughter spilling from your lips as Draco leans a little closer, smirking, whispering something that makes your heart jump... not because of him, but because you can feel the weight of someone else’s stare.

Mattheo.

He’s sitting in the corner, sprawled in his chair like a predator at rest, dark curls falling into his eyes.

When his gaze finally meets yours, all the warmth in your body turns to static. He doesn’t look away. Not once.

Draco says something, but Mattheo is already moving.

Draco straightens up as Mattheo’s boots hit the floor, his steps measured and unhurried.

He stops just behind your chair. You can feel his breath ghosting across your ear as he leans down, his voice low. “I don’t know who you think you are playing with, darling…”

A shiver runs down your spine.

“You wanna sit there, looking all pretty, flirting with Draco?”

His words are almost a whisper now, though everyone nearby is frozen.

Mattheo’s hand slides along the arm of your chair, his fingertips brushing your skin. "And you think I’m not gonna do anything?”

The corner of his mouth lifts... not quite a smile, more like the promise of one. His voice drops an octave, a dark growl just for you. “Oh, honey… I think you have a lot more to learn about me.”

Your pulse stumbles. You can feel Draco shift beside you, suddenly uncomfortable under Mattheo’s gaze.

Mattheo finally straightens, towering over the both of you. “I do not share. And I always take back what is rightfully mine.”

Without waiting for a reply, he takes your hand firmly and pulls you to your feet. You barely have time to catch your breath before he guides you towards the door, leaving the stunned silence of the common room behind.