With a deep breath, you push open the heavy wooden door. A dozen heads turn in unison. At the front of the dungeon-like room, the professor stops mid-sentence.

The silence is suffocating.

"You are late, Miss...?" His voice is a slow, deliberate drawl, dripping with disdain.

Heat rushes to your cheeks as you step inside. "I'm sorry, Professor."

The professor watches you for a long, tense moment before exhaling sharply through his nose. "Fine. Take a seat."

Your eyes dart around the dimly lit room, searching for an empty chair. The stone walls feel like they’re closing in on you as you quickly slide into the only available seat near the middle row. Just as you settle in, the air in the room shifts—murmurs spread like wildfire, hushed whispers behind cupped hands.

Frowning, you lean slightly forward and whisper under your breath, "Why is everyone staring at me?"

Before you get an answer, the door swings open again. Two figures saunter in, completely unfazed by the late arrival—Mattheo and Draco. The atmosphere changes instantly. It’s as if the entire classroom collectively holds its breath.

Draco’s gaze lands on you first, his expression unreadable. He glances at Mattheo, who is smirking lazily, dark curls slightly tousled, a glint of amusement in his piercing eyes.

Draco tilts his head, arms crossing over his chest. "Why are you sitting in our seat, new girl?"

Your lips part slightly, words failing you for a second. "I—I didn’t know. The professor told me to sit here," you finally manage.

Mattheo chuckles under his breath, shaking his head. "Did she now?" he muses, his voice dripping with amusement.

Before you can react, he drops into the seat beside you, his posture relaxed. Draco follows suit, sitting on your other side, placing you firmly between them.

Mattheo leans in slightly, his breath ghosting against your skin. "Looks like you’re stuck with us, then."

Draco smirks, twirling his quill between his fingers, eyes never leaving you. "Hope you're ready for that, new girl."