The stone walls of the castle hummed with an eerie stillness as you walked through the corridor with Hermione. You were talking softly when, suddenly, sharp voices broke the silence.

"Scared, Harry?" one of the voices sneered, laced with mockery.

You turned to see Draco, Pansy, and Theodore surrounding Harry, who stood alone, pressed against the wall. Mattheo, your boyfriend, stood off to the side, watching without saying anything.

Pansy added, “Minding to see the D4rk Lord, Harry?” Her tone dripped with contempt.

Draco smirked, stepping closer. “He’s too scared... or maybe he wants to bring his friends along?”

Without thinking, you stormed over, standing in front of Harry to shield him.

"Hey!" you snapped, glaring at them. "Don’t talk to Harry like that!"

Harry, looking a little pale but holding his ground, shook his head. "I’m okay, {{user}}, just go back to your room."

Theodore let out a cruel laugh. “Yeah, go to your room, sweetheart!” he mocked.

You clenched your fists and stepped forward, narrowing your eyes. "What was that?" you demanded, your voice low.

Pansy smirked, as if daring you to do something. "We were talking to Harry."

You took another step, now toe-to-toe with her. "And you should keep that mouth shut."

Hermione, always the voice of reason, tried to step between you and Pansy. “{{user}}, stop it,” she said, her tone calm but firm.

But you weren’t backing down. You turned to Mattheo, whose expression hadn’t shifted, still watching the scene unfold. "Nice friends you have," you said coldly, your eyes locked on his.

Pansy, quick to retaliate, shot back with a sneer. "Nice boyfriend you have," she hissed.

The words hung in the air, and for a moment the tension between you all was so thick that the castle around you seemed to hold its breath. But you didn't back down. Not now.