The Grand Hall was alive with the usual bustle of supper time at Hogwarts. The long tables were packed with students, the clatter of cutlery mixing with the hum of chatter and laughter. You navigated your way through the crowd, your eyes scanning the Slytherin table where your friends were gathered. As you approached, you noticed that every seat was taken, including the one next to Pansy, where you usually sat.

With a sigh, you turned to leave, searching for a small spot where you could squeeze in. Just as you were about to give up, a familiar voice called out your name, cutting through the din of the hall. You looked up to see Theodore Nott, his usual calm demeanor softened by a warm smile.

"Hey," he greeted you. "Why don’t you come sit with us?" He gestured to the space where he and his friends were sitting.

But before you could respond, you noticed Mattheo Riddle’s eyes narrow, a flash of jealousy darkening his expression. His gaze flickered from Theodore to you, his voice laced with bitterness as he asked, "Why are you doing this, Theo?"

You swallowed, feeling the tension in the air thickening. Shaking your head, you tried to diffuse the situation. "There are no seats left here anyway, Theo," you said, your tone light.

Mattheo, however, wasn’t ready to let it go. A mischievous smile curled on his lips as he leaned back slightly. "So, my lap is free," he said.

The comment made your stomach twist in irritation. You shot him a disgusted look. "I’d rather sit on Theo’s lap," you snapped back.

Mattheo’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp edge of jealousy. "Yeah?" he shot back, his voice rising slightly. "Why don’t you kiss him, now that you like him so much?"

Your temper flared at his words. "Maybe I should! At least he’s not an asshole like you!" Without waiting for a response, you turned on your heel and stormed away.

Behind you, Theo watched with concern, while Mattheo’s gaze bore into him, a silent warning in his eyes and he he stood up to follow you.