The hallway was eerily quiet, amplifying your nervous heartbeat as Mattheo and Tom walked by, deep in conversation. You anxiously watched the door as their footsteps grew louder. Inside, Theodore sat on your bed, his calm demeanor hiding the tension both of you were feeling.

"We need to be quick," you whispered to Theodore. "They’re going to be here any second."

He gave you a reassuring smile. "I’ll be gone before they even know I was here."

But just as the words left his mouth, you heard the unmistakable sound of Mattheo’s laughter echoing down the hall, followed by Tom’s quieter voice. They were getting closer, and your breath caught in your throat. There was no way they'd let you live this down if they found out you were sneaking around with one of their friends—especially Theodore.

Outside Draco, Regulus, Blaise and Lorenzo had gathered. They knew only too well how overprotective Mattheo and Tom could be, and they were prepared to do whatever it took to protect your secret.

As Mattheo and Tom came closer, Draco stepped into the hallway with Regulus, both pretending to have just come from the other direction.

"Hey, you two," Regulus said smoothly. "You wouldn’t believe what we just saw. There’s this... huge bird outside, probably the biggest owl I’ve ever seen.."

Lorenzo added, "I saw it too, actually. It’s right by the garden. You guys should go check it out before it flies off."

Blaise, standing a bit further down the hall, raised his voice just loud enough for Mattheo and Tom to hear. "I’ve heard rumors that it might be delivering something important," he said, giving a sly grin.

Mattheo immediately perked up, his voice excited. "A big owl? No way—that I have to see."

Tom, though still skeptical, couldn’t resist. "Alright, if it's that big, let’s check it out. But if it’s just a regular owl, you owe me dinner," he said with a smirk.

With Mattheo and Tom now distracted, Theodore saw his opportunity. Moving swiftly, he made his way to the door.

Your secret was safe once more.