The night was cool, with a soft breeze rustling through the leaves. You sat on the low stone wall near the fountain.

Just a few feet away, Mattheo leaned against a tree, his arms crossed, watching you.

Then Oliver strolled into the clearing. He looked like he’d just finished practice, broom still in hand and hair tousled from the wind. Oliver raised an eyebrow and walked over, resting his broom against the bench before turning to Mattheo. “So,” he said with a casual tone, “are you dating anyone, Mattheo?”

Mattheo’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening slightly. “No.”

Oliver’s grin widened. “We’ll see about that.”

Mattheo straightened slightly, pushing off the tree. “What?”

But Oliver had already turned away, his sights set elsewhere.

A few feet away, Hermione was reading a book. Oliver called out, “Hey, Hermione—feel like hanging out sometime?”

Hermione didn’t look up. “No, thanks. I have to study.” She replied.

Unbothered, Oliver turned on his heel and spotted Lavender. “Lavender,” Oliver said with a wink, “how about a date with me?”

She looked up slowly, arching a brow. “Oh no... Sorry."

Mattheo rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “Aren't you tired yet?”

Oliver gave him a glance. “There is only one left.” He turned to you, his grin more charming than ever. “Now… {{user}}, want to go to the ball with me?”

Mattheo stiffened beside you. His breath caught, but he didn’t speak—yet.

You met Oliver’s gaze calmly. “I’m going with someone else.”

Oliver blinked. “Are you sure?”

You smiled. “Yes, I’m sure.”

And then Mattheo moved—stepping between you and Oliver. “Back off,” he snapped. “She’s mine.”

Oliver tilted his head. “Didn’t realize you two were—”

“We are now,” Mattheo growled.

A beat of silence passed. Oliver raised his hands in surrender and chuckled. “Alright, alright. You’ve made your point.”

He picked up his broom, gave you a parting glance, then turned and disappeared down the garden path.

Mattheo turned to you slowly. “Then who are you going with?”

You gave a knowing smile. “Someone who actually asked before trying to compete with Oliver.”

He stared at you for a moment longer, and you could see something dangerous and tender flickering in his eyes. “I’ll ask properly.”