You pushed the heavy oak door of the boys’ dorm shut behind you and began walking towards the common room.

Halfway down the corridor, Pansy was leaning casually against the wall with her arms folded. Her dark hair framed her sharp face in glossy waves and she wore an expression of idle amusement, as though she had been waiting for you.

“Off somewhere, are we?” she drawled.

You offered her a small nod and slowed your steps as you approached. “Hey, Pansy. Would you please tell RiddIe that I’ve stepped away?”

For a brief moment, she looked uncharacteristically thrown off. Then her lips curled into a sly, knowing smirk. “Which one?” she asked, tilting her head. Her tone wasn’t mocking... at least not entirely.

“Both,” you said, your voice steady.

Pansy shifted her stance, uncrossing her arms just enough to tap a finger against her chin as she considered how best to deliver the message. “Interesting,” she murmured, savoring the word. “I’ll tell them. But don’t be surprised if one takes it worse than the other.”

The corner of your mouth lifted in the ghost of a smile. “I’ll risk it.”

Her laughter followed you as you stepped past her and pushed into the common room, where Daphne and Astoria were sitting together.

Astoria raised an eyebrow. "What trouble have you caused now?"