“You didn’t say they were from Serpentine,” Harry said sharply.

You didn’t turn around, merely looking into the distance. “What difference does that make?” you asked softly.

Harry stepped closer. “It makes every difference,” he said. “They’re dangerous.”

Your eyes drifted past him.

They were waiting.

Mattheo leaned against a pillar with one shoulder, his expression relaxed but alert. Next to him, Tom stood motionless, and Draco stood with his arms folded and a half-smirk on his lips.

Blaise didn’t speak; his gaze was cold. Theodore stood slightly apart, looking elsewhere, but listening.

Lorenzo sat on the edge of the fountain with his legs crossed, his expression unreadable. Finally, Regulus... His gaze held yours and didn’t waver. It never did.

“They’re not like you think,” Harry said, trying to keep his voice low. “You don’t know what they’re capable of.”

“Don’t I?” you murmured, finally turning to face him fully.

Harry stared at you and you could see his uncertainty and suspicion; you could see the way the pieces were beginning to shift in his head. The way trust began to rot the moment fear took hold.

You stepped past him, and all the boys looked at you.

Harry’s voice broke. “You can’t trust them.”

You paused, your back still to him.

Then you looked over your shoulder, a slow smile spreading across your lips — one that didn’t reach your eyes. “You still don’t get it.”

The courtyard held its breath.

“I’m from Serpentine too.”

Harry took a step back. “What—what do you mean?”

You turned fully now. “You think you know who’s dangerous. You think danger looks like darkness, like cruelty. But it’s never that simple.” You nodded toward the boys. “They’ve been shaped by secrets. Forged by legacies you were never meant to understand.”

Harry looked at you like you were a stranger.

And then, Mattheo took a step forward, standing beside you.

Tom followed. And then the others.

You no longer stood between them and Harry.

You stood with them.

Harry’s voice faltered. “Why… why didn’t you tell me?”

You looked at him one last time. “Because Serpentine isn’t just our House. It’s who we are.”

Mattheo linked his arms with your, and whispered. "Let's go."

As you started walking into the castle, all the boys followed you.