It was midnight, and the halls of Hogwarts were eerily silent as you wandered alone, the dim glow of torches casting long shadows along the stone walls. You had meant to return to the Slytherin common room, but the stillness of the castle had lulled you into distraction.

Lost in thought, you turned a corner—and collided with something solid. A firm chest.

Stumbling back, you looked up, your breath hitching as your gaze met a pair of cold, calculating eyes.

Theodore Nott.

Your sworn enemy. His expression was unreadable, his presence looming as he stared down at you with that ever-present air of quiet arrogance.

“Out past curfew, are we?” His voice was smooth, laced with something you couldn’t quite place.