The air in the dimly lit corridor is thick with the scent of old books and candle wax. You and Mattheo huddle near the grand mahogany door of Tom’s room, stifling giggles as you clutch the infamous black diary between you.

The door creaks open, slow and deliberate. Tom stands in the doorway, his cold, piercing gaze locking onto the diary. His face is a perfect mask of fury.

“Mattheo…” you whisper, eyes darting to your brother in warning.

Draco groans from the side, rubbing his temples as if he’s been through this a hundred times before. “I am sick of this.” His voice is sharp, tired, and completely over it.

Theodore crosses his arms, raising an eyebrow. “Did you two steal Tom’s diary again?”

“Uh… maybe?” you say, forcing an innocent smile as you hug the book to your chest.

Mattheo doesn’t wait. He grabs your wrist and yanks you back. “{{user}}! Run!” he shouts.

You don’t hesitate. You spin on your heel and bolt down the hallway, your laughter mixing with Mattheo’s as you weave through the dark corridors. Behind you, Tom’s footsteps thunder against the marble floor, fast and furious.

“I will k/II you if you don’t stop!” Tom roars.

Your heart pounds as you yank the diary from your grasp and throw it toward Mattheo. He barely catches it, fumbling slightly before pulling it open mid-run. His eyes scan the pages, and then—he skids to a stop.

“Let’s see what’s so important—‘Dear Harry…’” Mattheo says, his voice trailing off in disbelief.

Tom’s reaction is instant. “Stop!” he shouts, but there’s panic now, real panic.

You halt beside Mattheo, breathless. “Who is Harry?!” you demand, looking between the diary and Tom.

Tom’s entire demeanor shifts. His usual composed, superior expression cracks for the first time. His knuckles are white as his fists clench at his sides. His breathing is sharp, uneven. This isn’t just anger—it’s something else.

Something he doesn’t want you to know.