The Great Hall buzzed with lively chatter as dinner settled into full swing. Laughter echoed between the long house tables, the warm glow of enchanted candles drifting lazily above everyone’s heads. It was Friday night, and the air practically crackled with excitement—tomorrow meant Hogsmeade. A break from stone walls, classes, and professors.

You sat at the Slytherin table between Barty and your boyfriend, Evan, the three of you laughing easily as plates magically filled with food in front of you.

“God, I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Barty groaned dramatically, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated sigh. “I need to escape this castle for at least a few hours.”

Both you and Evan snickered.

“You always say that,” Evan replied, smirking.

“Yeah, you really do,” you added, nodding in agreement as you reached for your fork.

“And it’s always true,” Barty shot back with a grin.

You narrowed your eyes at both boys playfully. “I’m also running low on sweets—and you two somehow keep raiding my stash.”

Evan laughed softly. “Sorry, love. Can’t help it sometimes.” He winked as his hand slid lightly over your thigh, giving it a teasing squeeze that made you laugh and lean instinctively into his side.

Barty rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. “You two are disgustingly sweet. I feel ill just watching it.”

Evan kicked him lightly under the table.

Before either of them could fire back, the seat beside Evan suddenly scraped loudly as someone plopped down next to him without warning. Evan stiffened immediately.

You didn’t even have to look to know who it was.

“Hey, Ev,” your younger sister, Chrissy, chimed in sweetly—far too sweetly. Her voice took on that dainty tone she always used when she was trying too hard. Every single one of you had to fight back a collective groan.

Chrissy was a sixth year—just one year below you—but in every other way, she felt miles apart. While you were calm and grounded, she was stubborn, entitled, and always wanted what she couldn’t have. And unfortunately for everyone at the table, what she wanted most right now was your boyfriend.

Despite knowing Evan wanted nothing to do with her, she’d never stopped trying.

“Hey, Chrissy,” Evan replied politely—but flat, his tone clearly uninterested. You and Barty exchanged knowing smirks.

Chrissy didn’t take the hint.

She twirled a lock of hair around her finger, eyes fixed on Evan. “So… are you guys planning to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow?”

Her gaze flicked briefly over the table—but always returned to him.

You felt Evan’s hand tense against your thigh so you placed your own over his, grounding him, both a claim and a silent reassurance.

The atmosphere shifted—comfortable laughter replaced with a tight, brewing tension that hung between all four of you.