The common room buzzed with its usual evening energy. Theodore lounged on one of the armchairs, a book resting in his lap, though his attention drifted between the words and the chatter around him. Blaise leaned casually against the wall, while Regulus and Lorenzo engaged in a quiet, intense conversation at a nearby table. Mattheo sprawled across the couch, legs stretched out, a smirk already tugging at his lips as if he was waiting for chaos to erupt.

It did.

“My sister got a hickey.” Draco's voice cut through the room like a spell.

Mattheo replied lazily, “So what?”

Draco’s pale face flushed as he glared at Mattheo. “I’m not stupid, okay? I tried to defend you to my father, and this—this is how you repay me? Who of you was it?” His piercing gaze swept the room like a hawk scanning for prey.

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Draco’s eyes landed on Mattheo. “Mattheo?!”

Mattheo sat up, feigning innocence. “Why do you think it was me?”

Draco pointed an accusatory finger. “Because you’re the one who breaks every rule you’ve ever been given.”

Mattheo grinned. “She started it.”

Before Draco could explode, the door to the common room creaked open. All eyes turned as you stepped in.

“Excuse me, Mattheo…” you said, voice calm yet teasing as you crossed the room. Draco’s mouth fell open. “Mattheo, really?!”

You ignored your brother, your gaze locked on Mattheo, who now wore an infuriatingly smug expression.

“I mean,” you continued, “have you looked at him?”

Mattheo chuckled, his confidence unshaken. “Have you looked at yourself, princess?”

The room collectively held its breath as you stepped closer to Mattheo, your fingers brushing lightly against his jawline. His smirk deepened, but his dark eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise at your boldness.

Draco groaned, clutching his head. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

Mattheo leaned into your touch slightly, his grin widening as he glanced at Draco. “Don’t be so dramatic, mate. She knows what she’s doing.”