The dim glow of the Hall cast long shadows as Cormac leaned against the table beside you, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. You could feel his eyes scanning your face, searching for something—confirmation, maybe, or denial.

"Why do they always protect you?" he asked.

You tilted your head, feigning innocence. "Who are you talking about?"

Cormac scoffed, pushing off the table and stepping closer. "You know who I'm talking about… The Serpentines. No one dares to come close to you."

The words hung in the air, triggering a flood of memories.

Lorenzo standing between you and an older boy who had been spewing insults, his stance firm, daring the boy to take another step toward you.

Mattheo, fists bl00died, teeth bared, fury radiating off him as he stood over a boy who had dared to touch you. His breathing was ragged, his knuckles cracked, but he didn’t care. He never did when it came to you.

Theodore pulling you into his embrace, warmth wrapping around you like a shield as silent tears slipped down your face. He never asked questions, never demanded explanations—he just held you, whispering, "I'm here."

Regulus, always watching, always knowing when something was wrong. His voice was quiet but firm when he asked, "Are you okay?" And he wouldn’t drop it until you answered honestly.

Draco, his touch surprisingly gentle, caressing your face the moment someone dared to call you ugly. "They’re blind."

And Blaise… always watching from the shadows, making sure nothing ever happened to you.

You blinked, shaking off the memories as your gaze returned to Cormac. He was waiting, expecting something.

A slow smile curled at your lips. "Maybe I just have people who care about me."

Cormac frowned, as if the concept itself was foreign to him.

And from the other side of the hall, you caught a glimpse of them—Mattheo, Tom, Theodore, Regulus, Lorenzo, Draco, and Blaise. Your protectors. Your family.

They were always watching. Always there.

And they always would be.