The common room flickered with the eerie green glow of the lake, casting ghostly shadows along the stone walls.

Pansy leaned in. “Have you heard? We have a new house member.”

Draco arched a brow. “What was his name again? Leonard?” He scoffed, fingers tapping idly against the armrest.

Blaise suppressed a grin, exchanging a glance with Lorenzo.

“Lionel,” Lorenzo corrected. “Transferred from another school. Now that Mattheo’s father is back.”

At that, the air grew heavier. Mattheo didn’t say anything, but the way his jaw tightened spoke volumes.

And then, the moment arrived.

Lionel stepped into the common room, and the shift in atmosphere was immediate. His presence commanded attention—self-assured, poised, like he had already claimed the space as his own. His curls framed sharp, striking features, and his piercing gaze swept over the room with quiet amusement. Even Tom, who rarely acknowledged anyone, lifted his head slightly in curiosity.

A slow smirk tugged at Lionel’s lips as he strode forward. “So, I hear you’re already talking about me.”

Without hesitation, he dropped onto the couch between you and Theodore, lounging back as though he belonged there. His voice was smooth, confident, as he turned to you first.

“I’m Lio.”

Before you could respond, he gave you a subtle side glance, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk—one that sent a knowing shiver down your spine. It was brief but intentional, like he had already decided something about you.

Before anyone could say anything, another voice cut through the moment.

“Arrogant, aren’t you?”

Regulus.

He was perched near the fireplace, his expression unreadable, dark curls falling into his stormy gaze.

Lionel merely grinned, unfazed. “Confident,” he corrected. “There’s a difference.”

Mattheo let out a low chuckle, though it lacked amusement. “Confidence gets you far.” His gaze was sharp, calculating. “But don’t mistake Serpentine for a schoolyard.”

Lionel only smirked wider, eyes gleaming like he thrived on the challenge. “Noted.”