You're hurrying down the corridor, arms full of books, when you bump with someone. The impact sends your books flying, papers scattering across the floor.

“Oh—sorry,” you mumble, immediately kneeling to gather them.

Before you can even reach for the first book, a pair of strong hands beat you to it. You glance up—and your breath catches when you see Mattheo. His usual smug smirk is absent. Instead, his eyes study you intently.

Then, his expression shifts.

His fingers tighten around the book. "What happened?" His voice is low.

You shake your head quickly, avoiding his eyes. "Nothing," you say, pressing the books to your chest.

"Nothing?" Mattheo echoes, his tone tinged with disbelief. He reaches out and gently brushes his fingers near your eye. "Tell me who did this."

You hesitate.. “Mattheo, it’s nothing. Harry and Draco got into a fight, and I stepped in to stop it. Draco didn’t mean to—”

Mattheo’s entire demeanor changes. His grip tightens on the last book he picked up, his knuckles turning white.

“Please,” you whisper, trying to meet his gaze. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

For a moment, he doesn’t move. His expression is unreadable, but his body is rigid, his jaw set. Then, without another word, he stands, hands you the book, and turns away.

You watch him disappear down the corridor. You quicken your pace, weaving through the corridors, your unease growing. Then - a sharp thud. A gasp.

You round the corner just in time to see Draco stagger backwards, clutching his jaw. Mattheo is standing in front of him, fists clenched.

“I told you,” Mattheo mutters, looking at you, “I’ll look after you.”