Detention in the dungeon is quiet in the worst way.

Seven Slytherin boys sit spread out across the long table, parchment half-ignored, quills barely moving. The air smells like damp stone and irritation.

Mattheo is leaned back in his chair, boots hooked around the legs, spinning his wand between his fingers like he’s daring the room to say something.

Theo is whispering commentary under his breath. Blaise looks bored. Draco is scowling like detention personally insulted him. Enzo is doodling. Barty’s already been told to stop tapping his foot twice.

Then the door creaks open.

Every head snaps up.

Lexi steps in like she owns the place.

Hands behind your back. Sweet smile. Completely unbothered.

Professor Slughorn isn’t with you.

Mattheo groans immediately. Oh no. Not you.

Tom doesn’t look surprised. He never does. He just lifts his eyes slowly, already annoyed.

What do you want, Lexi.

You tilt your head innocently. I was walking by and thought… wow. Detention? All of you? Again?

Theo snorts. Careful, Riddle. She’s about to start counting your offenses.

You stroll closer, peering over Blaise’s shoulder. Ooooh, potion-related detention. Shocking. I’m so surprised.

Blaise sighs. Why is she allowed in here.

Because I’m delightful, you say easily. And because Slughorn owes me a favor.

Draco narrows his eyes. Since when.

Since I helped him fix his crystallizing draught last week. You shrug. Skill issue.

Mattheo drops his head back against the chair. Merlin, you’re actually insufferable.

You grin. You raised me.

Tom’s quill stops.

I did no such thing.

You lean down beside him, whispering just loud enough for everyone to hear. You literally taught me half my spells and all my emotional repression.

Theo chokes on a laugh.

Tom glares. Watch it.

You move on, circling the table like a predator. Parchment… parchment… blank parchment—

You stop in front of Mattheo.

You haven’t written a single word.

He smirks. I’m thinking.

You snatch his parchment and read aloud. “Reflect on why reckless spellcasting endangers others—”

You look up. Oh my god. This is about you.

Theo claps once. She’s not wrong.

Mattheo reaches for the parchment. Give it back.

You hold it out of reach. Or what. You’ll hex me? Go ahead. I’ll tell Mother.

Instant stillness.

Mattheo exhales sharply and drops his hand. You fight dirty.

Always.

You finally set the parchment back down and hop up onto the edge of the table, swinging your legs.

So, you say cheerfully. Which one of you blew up the corridor this time.

Barty raises a finger. Technically—

Tom cuts in. That’s enough.

You look at him, unamused. You don’t get to shut me up just because you’re in detention.

His jaw tightens. You’re distracting them.

You smile sweetly. Good.

The door creaks again in the distance.

You hop off the table instantly. Oop. That’s my cue.

As you head for the door, you glance back.

Try not to get expelled while I’m gone, yeah? I’d hate to be the only competent Slytherin left.

Mattheo calls after you. I’m telling everyone you’re adopted.

You pause at the door. Says the one who can’t even finish a detention essay.

Theo laughs as the door shuts.

Tom picks up his quill again.

…She’s unbearable.

But his lips twitch just barely.