The Hall buzzed with the usual energy of students chatting, whispering, and exchanging glances. The long tables gleamed with polished silver and crystal, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows across the stone walls. Professors, in their robes, sat near the head table, the air thick with expectation. Today, something felt different.

The buzz of conversation died down as the headmaster stood, commanding the room’s attention with his commanding presence. His sharp, wise eyes flicked over the students as he adjusted his glasses, preparing to introduce the new faculty member.

“If you could all assist me in welcoming your new professor of Defense Against the D4rk Arts... Professor Tom.”

The doors at the back of the hall creaked open. In walked Tom, tall and imposing, every step calculated and deliberate. His tailored suit hugged his form perfectly, his broad shoulders carrying an air of authority. His eyes, intense and thoughtful, scanned the room with precision, surveying the sea of students as though calculating each one’s worth. He moved with the quiet confidence of someone who knew exactly who they were and what they were capable of.

At first, his gaze wandered over the students, taking in the whole room in that slow, methodical way that made you feel like you were being analyzed. But then, his eyes locked on you.

For a moment, everything else faded. The chatter, the bustling energy, the subtle murmurs — they all disappeared. All that existed was his piercing, calculating gaze. It lingered on you for a heartbeat longer than comfortable, like a secret exchange only the two of you shared. His lips tugged slightly, the smallest hint of a smile, before he quickly shifted his attention, taking his place at the head table.

A slight chill ran down your spine, though it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

The students around you stirred, whispers starting to pick up again, but you couldn’t help but feel like you were still caught in that moment — that silent, heavy moment when his eyes had fixed on you.