You had just settled into a chair with a book when the familiar rumble of bickering reached your ears.

You knew that sound all too well: the unmistakable sound of Mattheo and Tom arguing. Whenever they started, there was no middle ground - just escalating insults, mischievous glares and the occasional shove. Over time, you had learned that your job was simple... to intervene before someone got hurt.

“Tom, you cannot be mean with Mattheo,” you said, standing and planting your hands firmly on your hips.

Tom leaned back against the wall, rolling his eyes, clearly daring you to do more than scold him.

You spun to face Mattheo. “And you can’t be mean with Tom. Mattheo, you are eighteen years old… and I had to put you in time-out!”

Mattheo’s eyes flicked towards Draco, Regulus, and Theodore, who were lounging in the corner, barely containing their smirks.

“And don’t even think about looking at them,” you added, narrowing your eyes.

Tom muttered something under his breath, probably another jab at Mattheo, and you had to bite back a groan.

You fixed your gaze on Tom. “Say sorry to Mattheo.”

Tom shuffled forward, dragging the words out. “Sorry, Mattheo,” he muttered, his tone reluctant and slightly annoyed.

You pivoted to Mattheo. “Now you say sorry to Tom.”

Mattheo crossed his arms and grinned. “You’re falling for it!”

You blinked, then pointed at Tom triumphantly. “He said sorry!”

Mattheo raised one eyebrow, clearly delighted.

“Yes, it counts,” you insisted. “Acknowledging wrongdoing is step one. Step two is that you apologise properly, or we escalate.”

Tom’s face twitched. “Escalate?” he repeated.

“Oh, yes,” you said, dropping your voice to a threatening whisper. “The next step is grounding you.”

Mattheo laughed, shaking his head. “Fine,” he said, smirking, “sorry, Tom. Happy now, {{user}}?”