The dress you’d picked out for the Ravenclaw party was stunning—maybe a little bold, but that only made you love it more. So what if it hugged your curves and revealed a hint of cleavage? And sure, the heels were a few inches higher than usual, but you felt incredible, and that was all that mattered.

As you finished with a final touch of lipstick and strode past the common room, your brother and his friends intercepted you.

"And where exactly do you think you’re going in that dress?" His grey eyes narrowed, clearly not impressed by your choice of outfit.

"To the Ravenclaw party," you replied with a defiant tilt of your hip, crossing your arms as you held his gaze.

"By yourself? Not a chance." He glanced over at Pansy, who was, for once, staying in for the night. "You’re going with her."

Pansy gave a quick shake of her head. "Draco, I can't. I have a paper due tomorrow."

Mattheo, who had been sneaking appreciative glances your way all evening, finally stood up, extinguishing his cigarette with a casual tap and giving you an intense, lingering look. "I’ll go with her," he offered smoothly.

Enzo, another of Draco's friends, rose from his seat and adjusted his jacket, casting a quick grin in Mattheo’s direction. "Count me in, too," he said, slapping Mattheo’s hand in a high-five.

Draco’s eyes moved from Mattheo to Enzo, clearly torn between irritation and disbelief. Pansy, stifling a laugh, seemed more than a little entertained by how eager they were to go with you—she likely had a good idea of why.

Draco’s expression hardened as he turned back to you. "You're not going anywhere dressed like that."

Your mouth dropped open in protest. "What? No way, I’m going!"

"Not happening," he said firmly, a final glare in his eyes. "Back to your dorm."