For once, you had a wonderful day, and your excitement radiated as you walked into the Slytherin common room. With a cheerful step, you dashed toward your friends, who were clustered at their usual spot.

“Oh my gosh, guys, today was just amazing!” you exclaimed, excitement bubbling as you took your seat next to Theo. Your heart raced with memories of unexpected compliments from professors and triumphs in class. You grabbed a glass of firewhiskey, savoring the warmth it brought.

As you shared your day—acing your Potions exam and laughing with classmates—you couldn’t shake the strange silence from your friends. Their faces, usually animated, were now downcast, eyes averted. The cheerful atmosphere you expected felt stifled, like a balloon losing air.

Finally, Mattheo snapped, “Can you just stop talking? You talk too much! No one needs to hear about your day!” He slammed his glass down on the table.

In shock, you glanced around at your friends. “Don’t look at them; I’m just saying what they’re thinking,” he sneered, while the other boys averted their eyes. You felt Theo stiffen slightly, almost shifting away from you.

“Read the room, {{user}},” Mattheo continued.

Hurt and trembling, you quickly got up and left the common room, barely making it to your dorm before the pain hit you.

The next day was supposed to be Quidditch practice, with a big game against Ravenclaw looming on Sunday. Instead, you decided to quit the team, sending a note to Marcus Flint, the captain, just hours before practice. You chose to spend the day in your room, not wanting to face anyone.

Unfortunately for the boys, Marcus was furious. He paced back and forth as the team gathered, his gaze briefly landing on Mattheo, Theo, and Draco. “We’re forfeiting the game against Ravenclaw tomorrow. {{user}} quit the team, and we don’t have enough time for a replacement.” His jaw clenched. “Any ideas on why {{user}} decided to quit?” His question was pointed; he knew exactly why, having heard the gossip that spread quickly throughout the school.