The common room was quieter than usual, the crackling fireplace filling the space with a warm glow. You sat curled up in a chair near the hearth, the others scattered around. Mattheo lounged on the armrest of your chair as he toyed with the corner of your book. Draco leaned against the mantle, arms crossed, a curious smirk playing on his lips. Lorenzo sat with his legs stretched out, flipping through a book, though his attention kept drifting back to you. Theodore, as always, was the quietest, seated in the corner.

“So,” Mattheo drawled. “Since you’ve got all of us here…” He let the words dangle, his smirk widening.

Draco leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "Why don't you tell us what kind of boys you like best?" His tone was casual, but his eyes sparkled with intrigue.

“I like Slyther*n,” you said.

Mattheo’s head snapped up first, a grin spreading across his face. “Obviously,” he drawled, leaning closer. “Who wouldn’t?”

Draco arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Well, that’s a given, isn’t it? But go on." Lorenzo glanced up from his book, an eyebrow raised, and Theodore’s fingers paused mid-page turn, his gaze now fixed on you.

“And other Houses,” you added, your voice deliberately casual. You glanced at Mattheo, catching the faint flicker of irritation in his dark eyes before he masked it with a grin.

“Other Houses?” Draco repeated, feigning shock. “This is a betrayal, truly.”

“Mostly Slyther*n,” you continued, letting the words linger in the air. You met Lorenzo’s gaze briefly, his lips twitching into the barest smirk, while Theodore tilted his head, clearly intrigued but saying nothing.

Mattheo, however, leaned in closer, his knee brushing against yours.

"Mostly Mattheo," you said suddenly, locking eyes with him. His grin froze for a moment, then widened. Draco gave a low whistle and shook his head with a grin, while Lorenzo chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. Theodore, as always, remained silent, though his raised eyebrow and slight grin betrayed his reaction.