The dim glow of the common room fire flickered as the soft murmur of students filled the air. In the corner, near the window, Barty stood with his arms crossed, his usual smug expression in place. Beside him, a girl clung to his arm, her voice sweet, trying to catch his attention, but it was clear he wasn’t interested in her. His eyes were elsewhere.

You stood just a few feet away, glancing at the scene before you. Barty’s gaze drifted toward you for a moment, before dismissively turning away again. It didn’t surprise you anymore—the constant feeling of being insignificant when it came to him. The girl by his side giggled, her laugh sharp and piercing. She leaned closer to him, her hand gently brushing against his arm, and his posture stiffened slightly.

But then, Barty’s voice broke through the low chatter around the room, his tone laced with arrogance.

“I should break up with you,” he said coldly, eyes locked onto yours. “You’re nothing special. I could have anyone I want, and you—you're just average.”

The words hit you hard, but before you could react, Mattheo, Tom, Theodore, Lorenzo, Regulus, Draco and Blaise stepped in. Each of them wore expressions that showed they were all too familiar with this situation.

Mattheo stepped forward, a protective energy radiating from him. “You don’t get to talk to her like that,” he said, his voice low but laced with authority.

Tom moved in beside him. “You’re the one who’s average, if you think she’s nothing special.”

Theodore nodded. “You’re p4thetic.”

Lorenzo stood firm. “She’s strong, kind, and loyal. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

Regulus glared sharply at Barty. “You don’t deserve her, and you never will.”

Draco and Blaise flanked your side. “You’re lucky she’s even put up with you this long,” Draco said.

Barty sneered in response, rolling his eyes as though their words didn’t faze him, but you could see the flicker of frustration in his expression. The girl beside him looked confused, but she didn't say a word, shrinking back as the group closed in.