You stepped into the Potions classroom, the air thick with the mingling scents of exotic ingredients. This was your first year at Hogwarts, and being placed directly into the seventh year was daunting, especially after years of homeschooling.

Uncertainty churned in your stomach as you scanned the room for an empty seat, nervously chewing on your bottom lip.

The classroom was nearly full, and the only available seat was at the back. You made your way towards it, but a group of boys converged on the same spot. You quickened your pace, but one of the boys blocked your path, leaning casually against the chair, his back to you as he chatted with his Slytherin friends, one of his legs propped up on the seat.

Summoning your courage, you lightly tapped the boy's shoulder. "Excuse me, may I have this seat?" you asked quietly. His friends turned to look at you, but the boy remained unmoved.

"Sorry," he said without glancing your way. "I think it's school property," he added with a smirk, prompting laughter from the others.

You stood there, feeling increasingly awkward and sighed. “This is going to be a great bloody year,” you thought.

Draco Malfoy, one of the boys, eyed the one blocking your way—Mattheo. Draco cleared his throat and nudged Mattheo, who rolled his eyes before exchanging a glance with Blaise Zabini. Then Mattheo turned to face you, his expression shifting from indifferent to suddenly captivated.

Straightening up, he quickly moved his leg off the chair. "I meant—yeah, of course," he said, his tone now softer. "You can have the seat."