Draco stands in his room, pale and composed in black robes. His jaw is clenched from the tension. Beside him, Blaise twirls his wand without saying a word. Regulus leans against the far wall, arms crossed, ever calm but clearly irritated.

They’re ready. But three are missing.

“Where the hell are they?” Draco snaps. “The mission starts in less than two hours. Enzo was briefed. Mattheo had the map. Theo…well, Theo barely shows up on time, but this is—this is unacceptable.”

He heads down the stairs, each step more determined than the last. “Blaise, check the dungeons. Merlin have mercy on their souls if they–”

Blaise gently grabs Draco’s shoulder, bringing him to a halt. “Found them.”

Draco’s eyes narrow. “Where?”

ReguIus lets out a slow, exhausted sigh. “On the dance floor.”

Draco whips around. “What?”

And then he sees Mattheo, Theo, and Enzo acting like they don’t have a mission. Like the Dark Lord isn’t waiting. Like war isn’t knocking at their bloody door.

Enzo’s shirt is half-unbuttoned. Mattheo’s tie is around his forehead like a headband. Theo? Wand tucked behind his ear, twirling a butterbeer bottle like a microphone.

Blaise bites the inside of his cheek, struggling to contain himself. “At least they’re coordinated.”

“They’re going to dıe tonight,” Draco threatens in a low voice. “Whether it’s from the mission or by my wand is yet to be determined.”

ReguIus shrugs. “You’re assuming that the Dark Lord won’t beat you to it since we’re late.”

Draco exhales through his nose, his eyes twitching. Theo spots them first and waves like they’re just showing up to the party. Mattheo mouths something across the room that looks suspiciously like "Hi, baby." Enzo is busy twirling a HuffIepuff girl, completely unaware of his impending doom.

Blaise leans in just enough to murmur, “So… do we hex them here? Or wait until the mission fails and blame it on trauma?”

Draco starts to head over. “I’ll do it now. Less paperwork.”

“Let’s at least let them finish their little dance number,” ReguIus suggests as he grabs Draco’s shoulder. “One last moment of joy. You know… before the carnage.”