The corridors of the castle bustled with students on their way to class, the echoes of footsteps and low chatter filling the air. You were just about to round the corner when a group of boys from Serpentine caught sight of you. They exchanged knowing glances, their grins widening like they’d just found a target.

"Ah, look who it is..." one of them said with a mocking laugh, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Draco was the first to step forward, his posture straight and his eyes narrowed. "You’re just a little m/dbl00d," he spat.

You stood tall, your chin slightly raised, unaffected. "Who said I am?" you countered, crossing your arms with quiet defiance, your gaze unflinching.

Draco opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, Tom stepped out. His sharp eyes locked on Draco’s, and without a word, he moved closer to you, standing protectively at your side. "That’s my sister you're talking to."

The boys faltered for a second, their cocky expressions slipping into uncertainty. Tom’s presence was enough to make anyone hesitate—there was a chilling calmness to him, something that made it clear he wasn’t someone to mess with.

Mattheo took a step forward with a wide grin, his eyes flickering with mischief. "Want me to be4t them up?" he asked casually, cracking his knuckles as if he’d been waiting for this moment all day.

You sighed, shaking your head with a roll of your eyes. "Nah, they aren’t worth the time," you replied, your voice almost bored.

Tom shot you a brief glance, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, a small, approving smile tugging at his lips. He didn’t need to say anything more. The boys, now thoroughly out of their depth, exchanged looks of defeat before retreating into the crowd-

You, Tom, and Mattheo stood there for a moment, the tension slowly slipping away.

With a soft chuckle, Mattheo nudged you playfully. "You sure you don't want me to take care of them next time?"