You’re all gathered in the common room.. You sit perched on the arm of the sofa, legs swinging lightly as you speak.

“He’s just… different, you know?” you say, smiling down into your cup of tea.

Mattheo leans forward, brows lifting. “Different how?”

You grin. “Polite. Smart. Charming. He listens—like really listens. Not like most guys.”

Theo snorts. “Doubt he’s that perfect.”

You shrug, unfazed. “He makes me feel safe. And when he talks, it’s like the room quiets just for him.”

Draco raises a brow. “Sounds intense.”

“Sounds suspicious,” Blaise mutters.

“I’m happy for you,” Regulus says softly. “Who is he?”

You hesitate, just for a second. “Tom.”

The room stills.

Mattheo slowly lowers his drink. “Tom who?”

You blink. “RiddIe. Tom RiddIe.”

Enzo nearly chokes on his butterbeer. “Excuse me?!”

Theo bolts upright. “You’ve been spending time with Tom fuckıng RiddIe?”

“He’s not like how you guys make him sound!” you argue. “He’s complicated, yes—but he’s been nothing but kind to me.”

Blaise runs a hand down his face. “That’s what makes him dangerous.”

ReguIus stands. “He’s using you, {{user}}. That’s what he does. He doesn’t ‘date’—he manipulates.”

Mattheo’s voice is cold now. “He’s not your friend. He’s a predator in a suit…we should know.”

“I can handle myself,” you snap.

“No,” Draco says grimly, already reaching for his wand, “we’ll handle him.”

Mattheo’s jaw sets as he looks to the others. “Let’s end this.”

As the rest of them rise, a chilling voice enters the room.

"By all means, let's..."

You look up and see Tom entering the room. The challenge between him and your friends settles in the air leaving you to wonder what the casualty will be--your friendships or your budding relationship.