The sun was dipping low over the castle, casting a warm, golden light over the sprawling garden. You stood near the stone fountain with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, laughing softly at one of Ron’s jokes. The peaceful moment was broken by a familiar voice.

“Hey, {{user}}, I like your outfit,” Draco drawled.

You turned to see him lounging against a tree, his usual entourage of Tom, Mattheo, Blaise, Regulus, Theodore, and Lorenzo nearby. Each of them exuded a unique presence, but all wore expressions of varying degrees of amusement.

You sighed, rolling your eyes. “Go away, Draco.”

Draco tilted his head, his smirk growing into a full-blown grin. “Makes you look like a sl/t—”

“That’s enough!” Harry’s voice cut sharply through the air before you could react.

Draco’s smirk faltered for a split second before he recovered, his expression slipping into feigned nonchalance. “Relax, Harry. It’s just a compliment,” he said, his tone dripping with insincerity.

Harry took a step forward. “Stay away from her. You’ve crossed the line.”

Draco raised his hands in mock surrender, his entourage chuckling behind him. Mattheo leaned closer to Draco with an amused grin. “Easy there. No need to get all noble.”

You stepped between Harry and Draco. “Harry, it’s okay. He’s not worth it.”

Harry hesitated, his jaw tightening as he looked at you. Finally, he nodded, taking a step back. “Fine. But if he says one more thing…”

“He won’t,” you said firmly, casting a pointed glance at Draco.

Draco’s smirk returned, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “Always so dramatic,” he drawled.

Draco crossed his arms and leaned casually against the tree, his entourage mirroring his relaxed stance. The air between the groups grew thick with tension as his friends exchanged quiet smirks and glances.

“Looks like we’re staying,” Mattheo said lightly. “This spot’s rather nice, isn’t it?”

“Plenty of room for all of us,” Regulus added, his tone smooth as silk, though the edge of challenge in his gaze was unmistakable.