The train screeched against the tracks as it began to slow, Hogwarts coming into view beyond the rolling hills. The boys’ cart was restless, chatter bouncing off the walls.

“Where’s Enzo?” Mattheo asked suddenly, leaning against the window. “We’re almost to Hogwarts and I haven’t seen him once.”

Theo shrugged, tapping at his phone. “I tried to text him, but he didn’t answer.”

Draco gave a dry laugh. “I saw him getting on the train. He’s probably off flirting with a Hufflepuff. Pathetic.”

Blaise leaned forward, lowering his voice like he was about to drop scandal. “You didn’t hear it from me, but I saw him sneak into the train lavatory with a mystery girl.”

Theo sat up straighter. “You didn’t see who the girl was?”

Draco waved a dismissive hand. “Does it matter? He’ll add her to his black book and move on. That’s what he does.”

Mattheo shook his head, though a smirk tugged at his lips. “Look—we’re pulling up to the school.”

The train lurched, and soon everyone was crowding into the corridor, tugging trunks and adjusting robes as the castle loomed closer.

––

The crisp September air bit at your skin as you stepped off the train, the swell of students spilling toward the gates. You barely had a chance to glance at the lanterns glowing in the distance before a familiar voice called out.

“{{user}}!”

You turned to find Barty jogging up behind you, slightly out of breath, his tie hanging loose around his neck.

“I was looking for you,” he said quickly.

You crossed your arms, your tone sharp. “Says the guy who avoided me all summer.”

Barty winced. “Don’t be like that. I wasn’t avoiding you.”

“You’re my boyfriend,” you shot back, “and you saw me once. Once, Barty.”

Evan, who’d followed close behind, lifted his hands in mock surrender. “That’s on me. I might’ve kidnapped him for a summer holiday with my family.”

Your eyes snapped to him. “You should’ve just told me that.”

“I know.” Barty’s expression softened, his hand half-reaching for yours. “I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you.”

You hesitated, your gaze flicking to the castle gates, to the crowd pushing forward. His words sounded sincere—but they didn’t erase the sting of being forgotten.

––

Not far away, Theo stood with Millie, both of them watching the scene unfold from the shadows of the courtyard.

“Why are you staring at them?” Theo asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Millie’s brow furrowed, her arms folding tightly across her chest. “I just noticed they looked angry at each other.”

Theo gave a sharp laugh. “Well, Barty was a shitty boyfriend this summer. Why are you worried about it?”

Millie’s jaw tightened, eyes still locked on you and Barty. “Because I don’t like seeing her get hurt,” she admitted quietly.

Before Theo could reply, Professor McGonagall’s voice cut through the crowd like a whip.

“Everyone, to the Great Hall! The Sorting is about to begin. And Professor Dumbledore wishes to introduce your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.”

Students fell into line, chatter buzzing with curiosity as they funneled toward the castle doors. But even as the crowd swallowed you and Barty, the tension lingered—an unspoken weight that promised this year was going to be anything but ordinary.