You’re relaxed on the grass, listening to the murmur of voices and the hum of cicadas.

Tom is standing nearby, his dark hair perfectly in place and his sleeves rolled up. When you glance up at him, you almost feel peaceful for a moment.

Almost.

Hermione walks towards you, her eyes sharp and curious as they flick between you and Tom.

“Hey, Tom,” she says. Then, as if it means nothing at all, she adds, “Are you and {{user}} a thing?”

Tom doesn’t answer right away. He looks down at you and, for a split second, something unreadable flashes across his face. Then it’s gone.

“No,” he says. “We’re friends. Nothing more.”

Friends.

The word sinks into your chest like a stone.

“Oh,” you say softly, forcing a small laugh as you look away. “Yeah. Just friends.”

Hermione’s eyebrows lift. “Oh, nice,” she says, turning back to Tom with a bright smile. “In that case... are you free tonight?”

Tom’s jaw tightens slightly. He doesn’t answer her immediately, and you don't wait around to hear his response.

You push yourself up and move away, crossing the lawn towards the oak tree where Theodore and Lorenzo are lounging.

Without hesitating, you sit down between them, positioning yourself so that your shoulders brush theirs. Theodore stiffens slightly before relaxing, while Lorenzo chuckles under his breath.

From across the garden, you can feel Tom’s gaze burning into you.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he calls, his tone deceptively light.

You tilt your head. “What?” you say. “We’re just friends.”

Then you turn towards Theodore. You curl your fingers into the fabric of his shirt, lean in and kiss him.

You pull back just long enough to turn the other way.

Lorenzo's grin falters when you cup his face and kiss him, laughing softly.

Tom is already striding towards you. “How dare you kiss them?” he snaps. “You’re mine. Mine only.”