You don’t know how you ended up here—wedged between two BIack brothers in the castle’s courtyard, both exuding charm like it’s a competition.

“Scoot over,” Sirius says, nudging ReguIus with a smirk as he plops down beside you. “She clearly likes me better.”

ReguIus doesn’t move. “Funny. I don’t recall asking your opinion.” He glances at you, his expression calm, but his eyes sharp. “You’ve got better taste than that. Right?”

You blink, caught between Sirius’s easy grin and ReguIus’ unreadable gaze.

Sirius slings an arm across the back of the bench, not touching you—but close enough. “She likes adventure. And I’m practically the patron saint of rule-breaking.”

ReguIus scoffs. “More like the poster boy for poor decisions.”

“Careful, baby brother,” Sirius says lazily. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”

ReguIus looks at you again. “Tell me, {{user}}… do you actually enjoy all the noise he brings, or are you just waiting for it to quiet down?”

Your breath catches. The question cuts deeper than it should.

Sirius raises an eyebrow. “And you think brooding is better?”

You push off the bench, standing up quickly. “I’m going to be late.”

“For what?” both brothers ask in unison.

You turn, walking away without answering. Behind you, you hear Sirius mutter, “You’re not winning this, Reg.”

ReguIus replies, quiet and certain, “I don’t plan to lose.”