The air outside Hogwarts was thick with tension, a biting chill settling over the grounds as the young Death Eaters approached under the cover of darkness.

“Keep up,” Tom snapped, his voice low but cutting through the silence like a blade. At eighteen, he was already feared, even among your ranks.

You didn’t answer, biting back a retort as you quickened your steps. Mattheo, walking beside you, noticed your expression and nudged your shoulder. “Careful, little sister,” he murmured. “Tom’s in one of his moods. Don’t want him turning that glare on you.”

“We’re wasting time,” Draco said irritably, his voice dripping with impatience, adjusting his ropes. “The Dark Lord wants results, not excuses.”

“Then stop complaining and follow orders,” Theodore shot back, his tone calm but laced with venom. Theo was always like that—controlled, precise, and utterly ruthless when provoked. He didn’t even look at Draco as he spoke, his gaze fixed on the castle.

Behind them, Blaise smirked, his hands tucked casually into his pockets as if this were all a game to him. “Do try to get along, boys. You wouldn’t want to ruin the dramatic entrance, now would you?” His voice was smooth, teasing, but there was a glint in his eyes that suggested he was just as dangerous as the rest.

Tom came to a halt, raising a hand to silence them all. “Enough,” he said sharply, his voice low but commanding.

You felt your brother’s eyes on you, sharp and piercing, as if he were assessing whether you could handle what came next. “This is it,” Tom said, his voice steady. “The wards are down. Once we’re inside, no hesitation. You know your roles. We end this tonight.”

“{{user}}.” Tom’s voice cut through your thoughts, and you turned to see him staring at you. You felt your stomach tighten as his gaze landed on you. “Stay close to me,” he said firmly. “I don’t trust them not to target you first.”