The room glowed warmly with floating candles as laughter and music filled the air. Amid the lively crowd, you stood on the edge, feeling out of place among a group that seemed effortlessly connected.

“Alright, you,” a voice cut through your thoughts. Mattheo. His dark curls were slightly mussed, his grin wide. “You’ve got to stop hovering in the corner. Come join the fun.”

Before you could respond, he slung an arm over your waist, guiding you toward a circle of couches and cushions forming in the center of the room. “We’re playing truth or dare. Nothing breaks the ice better than a little embarrassment,” he quipped.

The group was already settling in. Tom sat on a sofa, his sharp eyes observing everything with a quiet intensity. He gave you a brief glance as you approached. Next to him, Pansy, her dark eyes narrowing as she appraised you. “Truth or dare?” she muttered under her breath with a sly smirk.

Blaise leaned back on his elbows. “It’s not the game; it’s who’s playing,” he said smoothly, flashing you a charming smile as he twisted the ring on his finger.

Draco was next to Lorenzo, his brown eyes flicking toward you briefly before returning to the group. “At least pretend to look like you’re having fun, Lorenzo,” Draco teased.

Theodore was lounging on the floor, one long arm draped lazily over his bent knee, his other hand swirling the drink in his glass. He offered you a fleeting smile. “Don’t worry,” he said with dry humor. “The first round’s always the easiest.”

Regulus was perched on the armrest of a chair. His gray eyes caught yours for a moment, before he turned back to Mattheo. “Do you ever take this game seriously?” he asked.

“Mattheo’s idea of seriousness is picking the worst dares possible,” Pansy said. “But I suppose that’s half the fun.”

Mattheo clapped his hands together, reclaiming the room’s attention. “Let’s get started. New girl here gets the honor of going first.”

All eyes turned to you, and you felt the weight of their anticipation.

“Truth or dare?” Mattheo asked.