The castle brimmed with Valentine’s Day cheer—floating hearts drifted through the corridors, and soft, enchanted music hummed in the background. Everything glowed with a rosy charm, and you couldn’t help but feel giddy as you made your way to Hogsmeade. Today was supposed to be special. After all, you had a date with Cedric—the Hufflepuff heartthrob every witch at Hogwarts swooned over. And for once, he had chosen you.

The Three Broomsticks buzzed with couples nestled in cozy corners, sharing drinks and hushed words. You stepped inside, scanning the room for Cedric’s warm smile. But he was nowhere in sight.

Minutes passed. Then more. Disappointment settled in, growing heavier with each moment. Had he forgotten? Gotten caught up in something else?

Just as you turned to leave, a slow, deliberate voice cut through your thoughts.

“How tragic,” Tom mused, appearing at your side as if conjured from the shadows. His tone was smooth, laced with smug amusement. “It seems your charming Hufflepuff has abandoned you.”

Your stomach twisted, though whether from irritation or unease, you couldn’t tell. “He’s probably just running late,” you said, more to convince yourself than him.

Tom hummed, tilting his head with an air of lazy indifference. “Or perhaps,” he drawled, “he realized he was in over his head.” His sharp gaze locked onto yours, the smirk on his lips stretching into something almost cruel. “A shame, truly. But, of course, someone ought to salvage your evening.”

He took a deliberate step closer, his presence suffocating in the most intoxicating way. The flickering candlelight carved sharp shadows across his features, accentuating the calculating glint in his eyes. His voice dropped to a taunting murmur, his smirk deepening.

“Lucky for you, Doll, I’m feeling generous.”