The bass thrums through the crowded room, laughter and chatter mixing with the pulsing music. You, {{user}} Nott—heir to one of the most influential pureblood families in Britain—are currently in the middle of a Muggle house party, sipping a fizzy drink and debating the merits of something called "pop music" with your new friends.

It's exhilarating.

No stuffy pureblood gatherings, no whispered politics, no pressure—just the simple joy of being normal for once.

Then—

A familiar voice cuts through the noise.

"Nott?!"

You turn, and there she is.

Hermione—top of every class, your fiercest academic rival, and the last person you expected to see here—stands frozen a few feet away, her bushy hair slightly tamed for the occasion, her brown eyes wide with shock.