?~HEARTS OF SLYTHERIN~?

~Your first lunch with them in the Great Hall~

Mattheo processed his words for a moment before his eyes widened slightly in amusement-and then, with a sly grin, he let out a chuckle.

"Y/N?" he blurted out, his voice just a little too loud.

Heads turned. Conversations paused. Practically half the Great Hall was now looking their way as they neared the Slytherin table.

And then, as if on cue, Y/N herself glanced up at them, from the table, eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"Did you guys call for me?" she asked, oblivious to the sudden shift in attention. Pansy, who was sitting beside her also glanced up at the boys in confusion and a new found interest.

Enzo let out a slow exhale, resisting the urge to strangle Mattheo right then and there.

Mattheo's grin only widened at Enzo's visible discomfort. Sensing an opportunity, he wasted no time.

"Actually, Y/N, why don't you and Pansy join us for lunch?" he said casually, throwing an arm around Enzo's shoulders as if this wasn't a calculated move.

Draco, catching onto the plan instantly, smirked. "Yes, I think that's a brilliant idea."

Enzo stiffened. He could see right through them-this was a setup, plain and simple. A perfect opportunity for them to embarrass him in front of Y/N.

Y/N glanced at Pansy, who shrugged as if to say, why not? With a small smile, she nodded. "Sure, why not?"

Mattheo clapped his hands together, pleased. "Great! The more, the merrier."

As they reached the Slytherin table, the other boys were already seated. Theodore Nott sat with his usual composed demeanor, idly swirling the drink in his goblet as he observed the scene with mild amusement. Tom Riddle, ever the enigma, leaned back slightly, watching with an unreadable expression, though the sharp glint in his eyes suggested he wasn't entirely uninterested in the unfolding spectacle.

Draco and Mattheo, still reveling in their scheme, made room for Y/N and Pansy, forcing Enzo to sit directly across from Y/N. He exhaled sharply, knowing he was trapped.

"So, Enzo," Draco began, feigning innocence as he picked up his fork. "You were saying something earlier about standing up for Y/N? Care to elaborate?"

Mattheo smirked, trying not to laugh out and took a bite of his food. "Yeah, do tell. I'm sure Y/N would love to hear it."

Enzo shot them both a glare, his jaw tightening. He swore, if looks could kill-

Y/N, completely unaware of their game, tilted her head curiously. "Oh? You stood up for me?"

Enzo cursed internally. Perfect.

Mattheo and Draco exchanged victorious glances. Theodore merely smirked behind his goblet, while Tom let out a barely noticeable chuckle.

This lunch was going to be pure torture.

Enzo forced a casual shrug, trying to ignore the smug expressions of Draco and Mattheo. "They're just joking," he said smoothly, casting them both a warning glance.

Y/N chuckled, seeming to take his answer at face value. "Figures."

For a moment, Enzo thought he was off the hook-that was, until he noticed her hesitating. She shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against the rim of her goblet as if debating whether to speak. Finally, she glanced up at him.

"Still," she said, her voice quieter now, "thanks... for earlier. In Potions."

Enzo's brow furrowed slightly. "Potions?"