Draco stands near the hearth in the common room, arms crossed tightly across his chest. "It is official… this castle isn’t a school anymore—it’s a madhouse." He says, rolling his eyes.

"Relax, Draco. Maybe he’s just here to catch up on his math." Theodore says from his armchair, not even looking up from his book.

"I heard he hexed a teacher in his previous school." Tom chuckles.

"It could be worse… he didn’t take anyone’s fingers this time." Mattheo says with a grin, stretching out like he’s enjoying this far too much.

"Are you talking about the new student?" Pansy asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Wait—who is the new student?" You say, glancing between them.

"Basically Mattheo with less self-control and worse timing." Theodore says, a chuckle slipping out.

"Okay, seriously… who is that?" You say, now actually concerned.

"Mattheo’s cousin. Darian." Lorenzo says, his voice low.

"One hundred percent dark energy, zero percent small talk." Mattheo says, smirking. "But hey, at least he’s got that ‘I cursed someone at twelve’ vibe."

The common room door creaks open just as the words leave Mattheo’s mouth. Darian steps in—lean, intense, with that permanent look like he’s two steps ahead of everyone and already bored of it.

"Eleven, actually… but thanks for the credit, Mattheo. Nice to see you’re still talking sh/t before I even walk in." Darian says, casually strolling into the room.

"And you’re still the same arrogant person who thinks k/IIing people is sexy." Mattheo says, smirking like it’s a compliment.

"Here I thought Mattheo was the problem…" You say, eyebrows raised.

"Sweetheart, Mattheo is the problem… he’s just not the only one." Pansy says with a smirk, tossing her hair.

Darian shoots you a wink as he walks past, knowing exactly the effect he has on girls. That half-smirk of his lingers just a second too long before he turns his back, leaving the air charged with something you’re not sure is danger or charm.

Yep. This was going to be fun. Or a disaster. Possibly both.