The Slytherin common room was buzzing—low music drifting through the air, drinks in hand, laughter echoing off the stone walls. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting warm golden light across the green-tinted windows of the lake.

And it was completely packed.

Every couch, chair, and corner was taken. You stepped inside, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on the familiar group near the center of the room.

Mattheo was slouched comfortably on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table like he owned it. Blaise sat next to him, grinning as he interrupted whatever wild story Lorenzo was in the middle of telling. Regulus lounged in a nearby armchair, watching with quiet amusement, Draco sat slightly to the side, swirling his drink in a crystal tumbler with casual disinterest, Tom sat at the edge of the group, posture relaxed, but sharp-eyed as ever.

And right in the center of it all—on the couch—was Theodore.

Your gaze landed on him and lingered.

He was leaned back, legs stretched out, one arm draped across the backrest. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, his tie loose and a soft smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

And next to him—too close—was Daphne.

Perched neatly against his side, her knees angled toward him, posture open and inviting. She laughed softly at something and her fingers brushed the back of the couch, just behind Theodore’s shoulder.

You’d noticed it before. The way her smile always brightened when he entered a room. The way she conveniently found herself next to him during group work, at the dinner table, on walks back from class.

And now, there she was, exactly where she wanted to be.

She noticed you the second you walked in. Her eyes flicked to yours and that smug little look slid across her face like she was already gloating. Like she’d won something.

She shifted even closer to Theodore, as if to make it clearer: there’s no room for you here.

But then Theodore looked up.

His eyes landed on you and something in his face instantly changed—like everything he’d been waiting for had finally walked in.

“There you are, tesoro” he said, voice low and warm. A slow smile tugged at his lips. “Come here”

He patted his lap, beckoning you.

“Saved you a seat.”

Daphne blinked, caught completely off-guard. Her shoulders stiffened as Theodore looked away from her without a second glance, all his attention now fixed on you.

You walked over without hesitation, sliding easily into his lap. His arm wrapped around your waist, secure and natural, and he leaned in just enough to press a quiet kiss behind your ear.

Daphne stared straight ahead now, jaw tight.

Mattheo looked over and smirked, clearly entertained, while Blaise bit back a grin. Lorenzo trailed off mid-sentence with a raised brow, and even Regulus tilted his head slightly, like he was enjoying the show.

Draco chuckled softly into his glass. Tom didn’t say a word—but you could’ve sworn you saw a smirk flicker across his lips.

Theodore’s warm hand rested possessively on your hip, his thumb grazing slow circles against the fabric of your skirt as if to make a point.

Whatever Daphne had been hoping for—it wasn’t this.