Above the fireplace in the common room is a large television, which glows faintly. Beneath it, a sleek, black PlaySt4tion hums.

The boys are scattered across the sofas. Mattheo leans forward, setting down his controller. "I’ve k/IIed two hundred and five," Mattheo says, wiping his hands on his robes like he’s finished something satisfying.

Draco lets out a low scoff and stretches his arms. "Three hundred and fifty. No traps. No potions. All clean."

Tom chuckles. "Pff... four hundred and thirty-five," he says, without even a hint of effort.

A few mock groans and laughs ripple around the room. Blaise raises his drink. Theodore claps twice sarcastically. Lorenzo leans back against the wall, smirking.

You sit near the fireplace. Quiet. Watching. Then, without looking up from your beer, you speak. "Oh... I only have ten."

The noise dies instantly.

"Are you new to this game?" Mattheo asks, raising an eyebrow.

You turn your head slowly, meeting his eyes. "Game?"

The word lands like a stone in still water.

Mattheo blinks, then exhales a slow, impressed whistle. "Damn," he mutters, leaning back.

Blaise straightens slightly. "Wait… she is not talking about in-game k/IIed, is she?"

Lorenzo gives a dry laugh. "No way. You serious?"

"Ten... huh?" Regulus asks, his voice steady, but he stares at you for longer than necessary.

Theodore sets down his drink carefully. "That’s not... just a number to say, y’know," he says, half amused, half cautious.

Draco turns his head, narrowing his eyes. "Where did you even get ten?"

You say nothing, just smile.

Tom tilts his head, his expression unreadable. "Very interesting," he murmurs.

Mattheo runs a hand through his hair and exhales. "We should probably... not mess with you."