The common room buzzes with its usual low chatter. You’re curled up in an armchair, flipping idly through a Potions text, and Tom is seated rigidly across from you, pointedly avoiding eye contact. But for all his pretense at indifference, everyone else in the room knows better.

Theo leans over to Enzo, nodding at the scene. “Watch this,” he whispers.

You close your book, stretching your arms. “I’m going to head upstairs,” you say casually.

Immediately, Tom stiffens and glances your way. He takes half a second to weigh his pride —and predictably, he stands up right after you. When you walk out, he’s right on your heels.

“See?” Draco mutters to Blaise with a smirk, “She gets up; he follows.”

Mattheo, usually the first to defend his brother, can’t deny the obvious. He rolls his eyes, recalling the infamous Tom who once made first-years shake in their robes. Now, all it takes is you leaving the room to make Tom hop to his feet like a loyal pup.

Regulus snorts, trying to hide his grin. “He swears she doesn’t control him,” he says under his breath. “But how many times is this in one day? Four?”

Out in the corridor, you pause when Tom catches your elbow. “Why are you following me?” you ask, arching an amused brow.

“I’m not following you,” he insists, voice betraying the slightest hint of defensiveness. “I just—needed some air. Coincidence.”

From the common room behind, you both hear muffled singing: Theo, Regulus, Draco, Blaise, and Enzo chanting in unison, “Walk him like a dog!”

Mattheo stands by, arms folded, shaking his head as he watches the once-feared Riddle brother trail after you like a devoted shadow.

“Coincidence, huh?” you tease, that knowing smile tugging at your lips. Tom just clears his throat, leading you down the corridor in a huff, determined to prove—despite all evidence—that you absolutely do not have any control over him.