The soft hum of chatter and clinking cutlery from the Gret Hall barely registers as the presence of Dolores fills the corridor. Her sweet smile doesn’t quite mask the venom in her tone as she stands before you.

“You have gravely disrespected the rules, my dear,” she chirps. “An apology is the least I expect.”

You shift your weight onto one hip, crossing your arms with a smirk. Behind you, your entourage—Draco, Lorenzo, Regulus, Blaise, Tom, Mattheo, and Theodore—waits silently, their expressions varying from mild amusement to outright delight at the showdown.

You cock your head, your tone dripping with mock innocence. “What am I supposed to do? Apologize?”

“That’s exactly what I want you to do,” Dolores says.

You take a step forward, locking eyes with her. “Over my rich, hot, de4d body.”

A ripple of stifled laughter erupts behind you.

Draco lets out a low chuckle, the smirk on his face widening. “Perfect,” he whispers.

“That’s the kind of response I live for,” Lorenzo mutters with a grin.

Regulus tilts his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Classic,” he murmurs.

Blaise lets out a low laugh. “Flawless execution,” he says under his breath.

Tom’s lip curls into a rare, knowing smile as he watches you. Mattheo leans forward, arms crossed and a sparkle of mischief in his eyes. “Merlin, I think I might actually be in love with you,” he says, earning a few chuckles from the group.

Even Theodore, reserved and quiet, smirks ever so slightly, his eyes lingering on you. “Impressive,” he says softly.

“Such disrespect will not go unpunished!” Dolores barks.

You shrug nonchalantly, turning your back on her. “Then do what you have to, Dolores,” you say.

As you walk away, the boys fall into step behind you like an army of admirers. Mattheo leans closer, “You’ve got more guts than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Draco’s smirk deepens. “You’re going to be a legend after this, you know.”

Tom, calm and composed as always, chuckles softly. “They’ll be talking about this for years.”