It started with sweet notes between classes, stolen glances across the Great Hall, and walks back to the common rooms that ended just before curfew. You had started seeing a Hufflepuff—kind, thoughtful, warm. Everything that should have made things simple.

But nothing ever stayed simple at Hogwarts.

Especially not with Slytherins involved.

They stopped greeting you. No more teasing remarks, no more sarcastic quips. Blaise passed you without a glance. Draco didn’t even smirk. Theo? Silent. Cold shoulders and narrowed eyes were all you got from the group that once couldn’t stop invading your personal space.

You tried to ignore it—until Blaise cornered you after Potions.

He stepped in your path with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes, hands in his pockets, voice dangerously low.

—“Really?” he said, scanning your expression. “A Hufflepuff?”

You blinked, caught off guard.

—“What—?”

He took a step closer.

—“I mean, no offense to loyalty and muffins and whatever else they stand for—but you? I thought you had taste.”

Your heart skipped. His stare was sharp, burning.

—“You used to make us work for your attention,” he added, voice lower now. “Now you just give it away?”

You swallowed, suddenly aware of how close he was.

Blaise leaned in, lips brushing near your ear.

—“Tell me... is it serious? Or do I still have time to ruin it?”