Mattheo wasn't exactly a model student, or rather the exact opposite. But everyone around him was beginning to notice... some changes that were happening in the young Slytherin

His grades improved, he started attending classes, any sort of discord or reprimands from proffesirs now were rare occurrences. He even stopped smoking! Or at least that's what he said

Tired of chewing that nasty thing called nicotine gum - one of the Muggle trinkets you'd so kindly given Mattheo as an indication of your concern and care - he was waiting for you at the station near Hogwarts and the train that was due to arrive soon.

You promised to spend the winter holidays at Hogwarts - with Mattheo - after you went to check on your parents. Mattheo didn't have much choice but to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays anyway, so you looked like a bright spark of hope when he heard the tracks creak.