The library is quiet as you work diligently on your latest Transfiguration assignment. You don’t even notice when Tom and Mattheo step into the library.

"I’ve changed my mind," Tom mutters, turning around if he’s about to bolt.

"Oh no you don’t," Mattheo insists, grabbing Tom’s arm. "Just remember what I told you. You’ve got this."

With a not-so-gentle shove, Mattheo propels Tom in your direction.

"Hello, {{user}}," Tom approaches, his usual confidence noticeably shaken.

You glance up from your parchment and flash him a warm smile. "Hey, Tom. What’s up?"

Tom swallows hard, his gaze briefly flicking over his shoulder where Mattheo is giving him an exaggerated thumbs-up. With a frustrated shake of his head, Tom refocuses on you.

"Do you speak any languages?" he blurts out, his voice stiff and rehearsed.

You tilt your head slightly. "I speak a little French."

Tom takes a deep breath, steadying himself. "Can you speak Parseltongue?"

You blink, puzzled. "No… Why do you ask?"

Tom exhales sharply. "Because… my snake wants to talk to you."

You pause, processing his words. Your brows knit together in confusion. "Oh… well, I think Harry speaks Parseltongue?"

"No," Tom interrupts a little too quickly. He clears his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "My snake," he emphasizes.

Your eyes widen as realization crashes over you. "Uh… are you flirting with me right now?"

Tom’s sharp jaw clenches as he exhales through his nose. "I have been… for the past year," he admits quietly.

"Oh," you respond, blinking rapidly, genuinely caught off guard.

"Thank you for acknowledging my nonexistent flirting skills," he mutters before spinning on his heel and storming off.

As he passes Mattheo, he smacks the back of his brother’s head with enough force to make Mattheo wince.

"What was that for?" Mattheo protests, rubbing the back of his head.

"I’m never listening to you again," Tom snaps before disappearing into the maze of bookshelves.