You’ve always found solace in the forbidden.

The Restricted Section has been your secret refuge since first year—somewhere to escape the noise, the expectations, the weight of everything pressing in. The thrill of sneaking past the castle’s rules only makes it sweeter. Tonight is no different. The dim glow of your wand barely illuminates the ancient tomes as you run your fingers over their spines, savoring the musty scent of parchment and ink.

As you step deeper into the Restricted Section, the faintest sound of footsteps echoes against the stone. You freeze. Filch. It must be.

Your heart lurches as you dart into a nearby alcove, pressing yourself against the cold stone. You don’t move. You don’t open your eyes. You don’t even breathe. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll pass you by—

But then, a voice cuts through the silence, smooth like honey.

"Enjoying yourself?"

The voice is smooth, edged with amusement. Not Filch. Not a professor. But somehow, that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.