Unaware {M.R.}

thirty-six

⚠️ tw: needles

Zoe's POV

Wednesday.

The common room and corridors were quite empty. It's quite hard to believe that five minutes into the first period- no one is late for class.

Unless they slept in, like I have.

At last I appeared at Transfigurations, and got a blind eye from professor McGonagall. I slipped into my seat, and pulled out my books.

Only when someone lightly hit my arm, I looked up and realized Mattheo sat beside me.

"Why are you late?"

I frowned, supplying no answer and simply just looked down at my books.

Why does he even care?

"Hey," he said, knudging me again. "Zoe, please don't ignore me."

I inhaled slowly and deeply- quite trying my best to ignore him.

"Zoe-"

I lift my hand into the air, attracting McGonagall's attention.

"Ma'am may I maybe sit near a window? It's a bit stuffy here Ma'am."

She agreed and I pulled my bag over my shoulder as I shuffled my books together. Mattheo tried to stop me, but the next thing I know, I sat down at the seat nearest to an open window.

Merlin was I happy our class was small. Just enough students.

I opened my books again, but had no idea what to do.

"Summary on page 257."

I looked beside me at Hermione. She pointed at my books.

"Page 257."

I smiled softly. "Thank you."

She smiled back. "Zoe, right?"

Nodding, I looked back at my books.

She's oddly nice today.

-----

Stepping out of my double Transfigurations, it wasn't even a few steps, before Mattheo stepped beside me.

"Zoe, a word?"

I kept looking at Hermione, and she took a clue that I was ignoring him.

Mattheo sighed. "Zoe. I'm not going to ask again."

"Good," I stated, glancing his way, but not turning my head.

"Zoe, stop."

He grabbed my arm, but somehow Harry Potter appeared beside us, his wand flying to Mattheo's neck.

"Let her go."

Mattheo looked from me to Harry, his eyes confused. "Mind your business, Potter."

"Let go of me, Mattheo," I said, making him look at me. "Don't touch me, got it?"

He gripped tighter, and I felt my skin pinch between his fingers, and it made me lightly whimper. It actually hurt a lot. Immediately he losened his grip, letting go of me. I grabbed where he had gripped me, and Hermione and I walked off, with Harry following after us.

I know Mattheo was just watching us walk away. I know he wasn't moving.

"Thank you," I whispered, not even knowing if both Harry and Hermione heard me.

"It's fine," Harry said, scratching over his scar. "That boy seems like trouble. I haven't even seen him before last month."

I nodded. "New kid. Three months ago. Mattheo Ri- Mattheo."