Over the next month, the dynamics within the Slytherin group shifted palpably. The common room, once a hub of laughter and casual banter, now simmered with an undercurrent of tension that was hard to ignore. Mattheo and Sara, previously at the heart of the group's jovial interactions, now maintained a strained silence that hung heavily around them.
Mattheo, often seen with Violet by his side, seemed to immerse himself more into this new relationship. They were frequently spotted walking together between classes, sharing meals, and laughing over private jokes. Yet, despite the appearance of contentment, those who knew Mattheo well—like Theodore and Draco—could sense an unease in him, a distraction that wasn't there before.
Sara, for her part, tried to keep up a brave face. She threw herself into her studies and socialized with Pansy and the others, but the sparkle that once lit up her eyes seemed dimmer now. Her laughter, when it came, often sounded forced, and her magical prowess, once so formidable when paired with Mattheo, began to wane noticeably.
This decline was evident in classes too. Professor Slughorn commented more than once on the lackluster potions that came from Sara's workstation, potions that lacked her usual flair and precision. Mattheo, who had switched partners following their fallout, showed a similar downturn in performance. His new partner, though competent, couldn't synergize with him the way Sara had, leading to mediocre results that frustrated him visibly.
Their friends felt the impact of this rift keenly. Group outings became less frequent, and when they did happen, conversations were carefully steered away from topics that might ignite further conflict. Lorenzo, Blaise, and even Draco found themselves acting as buffers more often than not, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy within the group.
In quieter moments, when the group fragmented into smaller clusters, the topic of Mattheo and Sara's fallout would sometimes surface. "They were better together," Pansy would murmur to Lorenzo, who nodded in agreement. "Not just magically, but... you know, as friends. It's sad, really."
And sad it was. The division between Sara and Mattheo not only diminished their own spirits but also cast a shadow over the entire group. The laughter that once echoed so freely now seemed to catch and falter, like a spell poorly cast.
As weeks turned into a month, the situation grew only more entrenched. Despite the unspoken longing from their friends for reconciliation, neither Sara nor Mattheo showed any signs of softening. Each passing day only seemed to solidify the new, colder status quo, leaving those around them to wonder if the vibrant camaraderie they once enjoyed was lost for good.
~
The night was crisp and clear, perfect for stargazing or, in Sara's case, catching up on overdue astronomy homework. She ascended the steps to the Astronomy Tower, her mind preoccupied with constellations and celestial calculations. However, as she reached the top, the sight that greeted her was unexpected: Mattheo was there, alone, leaning against the stone parapet, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. His shoulders were hunched, his posture one of defeat rather than his usual confident stance. Even in the dim moonlight, Sara could see the glisten of tears on his cheeks.
She hesitated at first, unsure whether to intrude or quietly retreat. But concern overrode her caution. "Mattheo?" she ventured softly, her voice laced with uncertainty.
He didn't startle; it seemed he had sensed her presence long before she spoke. With a sharp inhale, he wiped his face quickly, masking his vulnerability. "What do you want, Sara?" His voice was harsh, a stark contrast to his usual smooth tone.
Sara took a deep breath, stepping closer. "I came to do my homework, but... I saw you. Is everything okay?"
"Just peachy," Mattheo snapped, the bitterness in his voice cutting through the cold air. "Why do you care?"
