Cedric was sick. He had the flu and his father didn't hesitate for a second to send him to St Mungo's.

But the second his absence was noticed…

The vultures came out to feast.

It was late. Most students had already gone back to their dormitories after dinner. The corridors were dimly lit, only a few torches flickering against the stone walls. Olivia walked alone, her mind elsewhere—until she felt it.

A hand wrapping around her wrist.

The grip was tight. Unfamiliar.

She barely had a second to react before she was yanked backward.

She spun on her heel, eyes narrowing, ready to snap—

But then she saw them.

Six. Maybe more.

A mix of older students, all leering, all blocking her way.

And suddenly, she realized—she didn’t have her wand.

“Look who it is.”

One of them, taller than her, smirked as he kept hold of her wrist. His fingers dug into her skin.

“The most wanted girl in the school.”

The others chuckled.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with Cedric?” one of them sneered. “Oh wait—he’s not here to save you, is he?”

“…Bet she’s lonely,” another muttered, eyes dragging over her body.

“…Bet she misses his hands on her.”

Even one of Cedric’s own housemates took a step closer to her.

“Maybe she just needs someone else to keep her warm.”

Laughter.

Low. Cruel. Amused.

Olivia yanked her hand back, but the grip tightened.

Her jaw clenched. “Let go.”

“Or what?”

Another leaned against the wall, watching with an arrogant smirk. “What are you going to do? Scream?”

Someone reached out—fingertips brushing against her waist.