Pansy had claimed the longest sofa, legs crossed, one hand waving dismissively toward Theo. Her tone carried the theatrical exhaustion of someone who’d been dealing with him for years.

If I see Theo trying to match his tie to mine one more time, she said, I’m ending the friendship.

Theo didn’t even look up from where he was sprawled. You say that like you aren’t obsessed with me.

I am obsessed with you. Unfortunately.

Lorenzo snorted into his glass. Draco sat rigid in the armchair beside Astoria, who was biting back a smile. The scene was comfortable. Familiar. Predictable.

Then the door groaned open.

Mattheo had been half-listening, one elbow propped on the armrest, drink untouched. But the second Y/N stepped through, something shifted. He went still. His eyes tracked across the room without his permission.

Who the fuck is that?

The words came out flat. Casual. Like he was asking about the weather. But his jaw had tightened, and his gaze had locked onto the boy standing just a little too close to Y/N. Tall. Confident grin. Hand gesturing too broadly.

Blaise followed his line of sight. Leaned back with a knowing smirk.

Dunno. But he’s definitely asking her to the Ball.

Mattheo didn’t blink. Didn’t respond. Just kept watching as the boy leaned in, voice low, smile easy.

Then Y/N laughed.

Not loud. Not performative. A real laugh, quiet and surprised.

Mattheo’s fingers tightened around his glass.