The party was lively with chatter and music as you leaned against the wall beside Mattheo, the group gathered in your usual corner.

"There is a thin line between being a genius and being an idi0t," Draco remarked, casting a pointed look in Mattheo's direction.

You grinned. "And Mattheo uses that line like a jump rope."

"Hey!" Mattheo protested. "I’m not just jumping rope, I’m doing tricks! Double Dutch with style, baby!"

"It’s more like you’re tying yourself in knots and calling it choreography." Theodore added.

Tom raised an eyebrow. "I don’t know whether to be impressed by his stupidity or concerned that he manages to survive with it."

You nudged Tom with your elbow. "Oh, come on, Tom. Don’t pretend you’re not entertained. You watch Mattheo like he’s your favorite soap opera."

Draco chuckled. "Just admit it, Tom. You’re one plot twist away from sitting there with popcorn, saying, ‘What will that idi0t do next?’"

Tom scoffed and Blaise’s smooth voice slid into the conversation. "Do you remember the time Mattheo tried to hex himself in the mirror? The mirror hexed back, and he was stuck talking to his own reflection for an hour."

Mattheo crossed his arms. "I was just making sure the mirror knew who the boss was."

Theodore’s lips twitched with a rare hint of a smile. "At this rate, they’re going to add a whole new chapter in ‘Fantastic Fools and How to Mismanage Them,’ featuring Mattheo."

Mattheo bowed theatrically. "Thank you! I’d like to dedicate this award to my unparalleled skill in making Draco’s life miserable and Tom’s bl00d pressure spike."

Draco shot him a pointed look. "Mattheo, you’re not just raising my bl00d pressure. You’re giving it a broomstick and coaching it for the Qu1dditch World Cup."

Mattheo shrugged. "What can I say? I like to see you sweat. It builds character."

"If any more of your character building happens, I will be forced to cast a Silencio on my own brain." Tom added.

You laughed. "Too late, Tom. You’re already hooked! Admit it. The drama keeps you young."