The heavy wooden door creaks as you push it open, the dim light of the common room spilling out to greet you. The space is almost eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the usual hum of laughter and chatter. Your heart pounds as you step inside, the weight of the past week pressing down on you like a shroud.

Theodore is there, the only person in the room, seated in an armchair near the fire. His head lifts the moment he hears you, his sharp gaze locking onto yours. He looks startled, then concerned.

"Where have you been?" Theo’s voice is low, almost cautious, but firm. His dark eyes bore into you as he stands up. "The others have been looking for you for a week."

Before you can muster a reply, the door swings open behind you. The sound of hurried footsteps fills the air, and you don't even need to turn to know who it is.

Pansy’s voice cuts through the stillness, breathless and frantic. "Where have you been?! We’ve been looking for you all week. Are you okay?"

Mattheo, Draco, Lorenzo, and Regulus file in behind her, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and worry. You don’t answer them, your chest tight and aching as you walk to the couch. You sink into it, drawing your knees to your chest, trying to make yourself as small as possible.

"No," you whisper. The single word hangs heavy in the air, thick with pain.

Pansy takes a tentative step toward you, her hand reaching out. "Hey, it’s okay—"

"No!" You jerk back, your voice breaking. "No, please... Don’t come closer."

The desperation in your voice freezes her in place. Her face crumples, a mix of hurt and helplessness. The others exchange uneasy glances, unsure of what to do.

Tears spill down your cheeks as the walls you’ve held up all week finally crack. Your sobs fill the silence, raw and uncontrollable.

No one says anything. They don’t need to. The weight of your pain is enough to silence even the boldest among them.