The afternoon sun filtered through scattered clouds, casting warm golden light across the Hogwarts courtyard. It was the first weekend back after the start of term, and the castle finally felt alive again—students lounging on the grass, laughter drifting through the air, the quiet hum of a new year settling in.

You were seated against the stone edge of the fountain with Evan and Regulus nearby, Barty pressed comfortably at your side. His arm rested loosely around your shoulders, fingers absentmindedly tracing slow, familiar patterns along your upper arm as the four of you talked about the week—about classes, professors, and how not even four days into term Barty and Evan had already managed to land themselves in trouble.

“Not even the first week back and you already have detention,” Regulus remarked dryly, a hint of amusement slipping into his otherwise cool tone.

Barty snorted. “What can I say? Trouble just seems to follow me.”

You and Evan laughed in unison.

“And you dragged Evan into it,” you teased, earning a shrug from Barty.

“Evan doesn’t mind, do you, mate?” Barty said, nudging him lightly.

Evan rolled his eyes. “Nah. Same old, same old. And anyway, it’s our last year. Who really cares?”

That earned another round of laughter—until a familiar, high-pitched squeal cut through the air behind you.

You stiffened instantly. So did everyone else.

Each of you groaned softly as you turned, already knowing who it was.

Your younger sister, Katie.

She was only a year beneath you, sorted into Slytherin just like you—and unfortunately, she’d been infatuated with your boyfriend for as long as you could remember. Two years of you and Barty dating, two years of her lingering glances, forced conversations, and relentless attempts to wedge herself between you.

Barty tried to tolerate her. For your sake. But patience was not his strongest virtue.

“Here we go,” Evan muttered under his breath.

Katie practically skipped over, a few of her sixth-year friends trailing behind her. All wide eyes and barely concealed curiosity.

“Hey, Barty,” she chirped in a sickeningly sweet voice, lashes fluttering as she smiled at him.

You barely managed to restrain the urge to roll your eyes.

“Uh… yeah. Hey,” Barty replied, his tone clipped and clearly unenthusiastic.

It either went completely unnoticed—or ignored. Katie beamed at him anyway while her friends exchanged amused glances behind her, stifling giggles as if this whole thing were entertaining to them.

“So,” she said brightly, placing herself directly in front of Barty, forcing his attention. Her gaze flicked briefly over the rest of the group before snapping right back to him. “What are you all up to today?”

You leaned back slightly against the stone, already bracing yourself.

This was going to be a very long afternoon.