You and Enzo had never gotten along. You butted heads constantly, sharp words exchanged whenever you were forced into the same room. The only reason you tolerated each other at all was Draco. He was like family to you—and Enzo’s cousin—so sometimes, for Draco’s sake, you both tried to keep the peace. Or at least ignore each other.

But tonight, none of that mattered.

You’d been dating James, a Ravenclaw, for five months. At first, he had been kind, attentive, sweet. But recently, his temper had sharpened, his patience frayed. You’d felt yourself pulling back, and tonight, when he accused you of cheating simply because you wanted to spend time with Draco, you’d snapped.

The argument escalated fast. His voice rose, his anger flaring—and then he slapped you. The right side of your face burned red from the impact, your lip stinging. Shock froze you for only a heartbeat, then anger kicked in. When he shoved too close again, you kneed him hard, sending him crumpling, and bolted before he could recover.

By the time you reached the Slytherin common room, your chest was heaving, heart racing. You just wanted to make it upstairs before anyone saw you. The emerald glow of the lanterns reflected off the black lake outside, painting the room in eerie, shifting light.

“{{user}}?”

Draco’s voice. You froze mid-step, cursing under your breath. He was sitting with Enzo near the fire. You turned your face slightly, hoping the shadows would hide you.

“What’s wrong?” Draco asked, concern sharp in his tone.

You sighed, knowing there was no hiding it. Reluctantly, you turned toward them. Both boys’ faces fell instantly. Draco’s eyes went wide, his jaw tightening—but what shocked you was Enzo. He was the first to rise, crossing the room quickly.

Without a word, his hand reached up, fingers brushing your chin. Gently, carefully, he tilted your face toward the light to see the swelling bruise and redness across your cheek. His touch lingered for only a second before he pulled his hand back, his expression hardening.

When your gaze flicked back up, both he and Draco were staring at you, fury etched into their features. Draco, you expected. But Enzo? That threw you.

“Did James do this?” Enzo’s voice was low, dangerous in a way you had never heard before.

You swallowed and gave a small nod.

His jaws clenched in unison. A silent look passed between the cousins, an unspoken agreement.

And then—the common room doors creaked open.

You turned just in time to see James step inside, another Slytherin boy holding the door for him. His eyes locked on you instantly, blazing with rage.

The air in the room shifted as Enzo and Draco stepped forward, both placing themselves squarely in front of you. Their posture left no room for doubt—between you and James was a wall he’d never get through.

James stormed across the floor, but when his gaze hit the two boys waiting for him, something in his stride faltered.