The cottage is small but cozy as Sirius and Remus have done their best to make it a welcoming home. Mattheo, Enzo, and Theo sit on the worn couch, their arms crossed and their expressions cold as they glare at you.

You stand near the doorway, clutching the strap of your bag tightly. Your father is one of the last known Dëath Eäters to be locked away along with Theo and Enzo’s fathers. You’ve known these boys from school—their reputations, their tempers, their chaotic ways.

Sirius breaks the silence. “Let’s get one thing clear. This house is a home. It’s a family. And I won’t tolerate anyone making anyone else feel unwelcome. Is that understood?”

Mattheo leans back in his seat. “A family?” he repeats sarcastically. “We’re not a family. We’re just a group of abandoned misfits no one else took pity on.”

Theo and Enzo’s silence speaks volumes.

Before Sirius can respond, Remus steps forward. “That’s not true, Mattheo,” he says softly. “Sirius and I worked very hard to create a home for you. A place where everyone feels loved and cared for. It’s not perfect, but we’re trying.”

“Doesn’t mean we trust you,” Theo mutters.

Enzo’s eyes dart to you. “Or her.”

Mattheo’s smirk twists as his eyes lock onto you. “Especially her. Her dad’s the biggest traitor of them all. Guess betrayal runs in the family.”

Your grip on your bag tightens, your anger flaring as you shoot back, “Yeah? Well, at least my dad is still alive.”

Mattheo’s smug demeanor falters for a moment before his cold mask returns.

“I didn’t ask to be here either,” you say quietly.

Mattheo cold glare bores right through you. “Good. Because we don’t want you here.”

“Enough,” Sirius snaps. “The three of you might not like the situation, but this is it. And you will treat each other with respect, or so help me—”

“Sirius,” Remus interjects gently. “Let’s give everyone some time to adjust.”

Remus shoots a warning glance over to the boys before he turns to you. “Follow me, {{user}}. I’ll show you to your room.”