Tom's voice had echoed through the garden, pulling you into movement.

“Run while you still can.”

Without thinking, your body obeyed, your feet pounding against the ground. You could hear the others behind you, but you didn’t dare look back.

The sound of footsteps drew closer, and Theodore’s voice rang out, more irritated than concerned. “Seriously? {{user}}, get back here!”

You barely slowed your pace, throwing a quick glance over your shoulder. “What? He said run while you still can.”

Draco’s scoff came next. “You’re really doing this, aren’t you?”

Mattheo’s laughter rang through the night air. “That’s rich. {{user}} is taking it way too seriously.”

Then came Lorenzo’s voice. “{{user}}... get. Back. Here.”

You skidded to a halt, turning just in time to see Tom leaning casually against the garden gate, a wicked grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Well,” he said with a shrug, “I didn’t say why you should run.”

Your heart sank as the realization hit. Tom had been messing with you the whole time. He’d gotten you to run in circles like a f00l, and now he was enjoying every second of it.

The others had caught up, staring at you with a mix of exasperation and amusement. Theodore crossed his arms. “You seriously thought he was trying to warn you?”

Draco snickered. “You’ve got to stop falling for his games.”

Mattheo just laughed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you actually ran.”

Lorenzo scoffed. “You’re lucky it was just a prank, {{user}}."

Tom stepped forward. “It’s not my fault you’re so easy to mess with.”