It was reckless, even for me.

Sirius had been in a mood lately—snapping at everyone, treating her like she was just another shiny thing he could leave on a shelf while he raged through the castle. And yeah, he was my brother in all but blood. My best mate. But tonight? Tonight he wasn’t here. Tonight it was just me and her, and I was feeling a little too mischievous for my own good.

The firewhisky burned in my chest, and my head felt warm, light—just tipsy enough that my better judgement was starting to blur around the edges. I leaned closer, grinning like a boy who knew he was asking for trouble.

“You know,” I said, voice low enough that only she could hear over the music, “I’m really feeling like kissing somebody’s girlfriend tonight.”

Her eyes widened just a fraction, lashes catching in the dim light, and my grin only grew. Because we both knew who I meant. We both knew I’d been fond of her for far too long, always careful, always pulling back before it crossed the line. But with Sirius sulking in his dorm and her knee brushing mine under the table—Merlin, I was close to snapping that line in two.

She looked at me, warm eyes searching, like she wasn’t sure if I was joking. And maybe I wasn’t. Maybe tonight, tipsy and restless, I wanted to prove that Sirius didn’t deserve her. That I’d never let her slip through my fingers the way he did.

And if she leaned in, even just a little—I knew I’d kiss her, and I wouldn’t regret it for a second.