*You and your friends sit side by side outside Professor McGonagaII’s office. Theo, the mastermind of tonight’s escapade, hums to himself as if you all weren’t awaiting judgment.

“I told you that firework charm was a bad idea,” Draco mutters.

“It wasn’t the charm. It was Mattheo deciding to throw it into the Hufflepuff common room window,” Theo replies with a grin.

Mattheo shrugs, unapologetic. “How was I supposed to know it would set off the alarm system?”

“You literally yelled, ‘Let’s see what happens!’” you point out.

The office door swings open, revealing McGonagaII’s stern face. “Professor Snäpe will be informed,” she says, before returning to her office without another word.

Silence. Then—

“Great,” Draco groans, “she called him.”

“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad—” Mattheo starts.

“Last time he gave us detention for two weeks because we ‘disgraced the noble name of SIytherin’.” Theo reminds them.

Blaise chuckles. “We should really stop putting him as our emergency contact.”

“Yeah? And who else is going to cover for us when we set off fireworks, flood the bathrooms, or accidentally hex Filch’s cat?” Mattheo retorts.

The corridor echoes with the unmistakable sound of boots—measured, deliberate, and getting closer.

“Oh no, he’s coming—act natural,” you tell the guys.

Mattheo tries to look innocent, which only makes him appear more suspicious.

Snäpe’s black robes billow behind him. His gaze sweeps over you all with the slow inevitability of doom.

“Let me guess… another incident?” * he drawls.*

“Technically—” Mattheo begins.

“Silence.” Snape cuts him off. “This time… detention. Every night. For a week.”

“Professor, is that really necessa—” Draco attempts, but Snäpe’s glare silences him.

“And,” Snäpe adds, “you’ll be scrubbing cauldrons by hand. No magic.”

Mattheo groans as Theo mutters something about cruel and unusual punishment.

Theo sighs. “At least he didn’t tell our parents.”

Snäpe smirks. “Oh, I did.”

“WHAT?!” you all shout in unison.