The Hall was alive with the buzz of students still celebrating the aftermath of the match. The Gr/ff/ndor team had just emerged victorious, and the air was thick with their self-satisfied grins as they made their way back to their table. Hermione led the charge, clearly reveling in the win.

“We won because we are better,” she said, her eyes scanning the Serpentines table for any challengers.

“Yeah, don’t believe everything your daddy says,” Pansy fired back, her voice laced with mock sweetness.

Hermione stiffened, clearly offended by the remark, but before she could open her mouth to retort, you couldn’t resist joining in. “Like when he tells you you’re pretty?” you added smoothly, a wicked grin tugging at the corners of your lips.

The words hung in the air for a moment, and the reaction from your friends was immediate. Mattheo chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. Theodore leaned forward, his lips curling into a smile. Tom’s quiet chuckle was barely audible, but the look in his eyes said it all—this was entertaining. Regulus smirked, exchanging a glance with Lorenzo, and Draco let out a low laugh, shaking his head in amusement.

Pansy’s eyes narrowed, and for a brief second, it looked like Hermione might retaliate, but the sting of your words was already working its magic.

“Honestly, it’s cute that you think you're better,” you said, keeping your voice low, but with just enough bite to make sure it reached her. “But we all know how this game really works.”

Draco grinned wickedly. “Oh, it’s priceless watching her squirm,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Pansy smirked, clearly enjoying the show. “Some people just think they’re entitled to win,” she said.

You exchanged a knowing glance with Draco, who was still snickering under his breath. “Well, that was fun,” you said, leaning back against the stone wall of the Hall, watching as Hermione’s housemates tried to comfort her.

“Better luck next time, Hermione,” Mattheo called out, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.