It was that time again—back-to-school shopping for your seventh and final year at Hogwarts. You’d planned to meet your boyfriend of two years, Regulus, in Diagon Alley to pick up supplies together. But, much to both your dismay, your younger sister Layla had insisted on tagging along.

You and Layla had never gotten along. Only a year apart in age, but worlds apart in attitude. She was bratty, entitled, and jealous—especially when it came to Regulus. Ever since you started dating him, she’d had a not-so-secret crush, and lately, she’d been growing more obvious about it. Regulus, to his credit, ignored her as best he could. He was polite, but barely. And lately, even his patience was wearing thin.

As the three of you strolled down the busy cobblestone street, you checked the parchment in your hand, making sure you didn’t forget anything. Regulus walked close beside you, his fingers intertwined with yours, his presence warm and grounding. Every so often, Layla would glance over, her expression souring slightly, though she tried to hide it.

She inched closer to Regulus a couple of times, but he subtly shifted away each time, pulling you in just a bit tighter. He was this close to snapping, and it took a lot to get Regulus to that point.

“So,” Layla said suddenly, turning toward Regulus with a sugary-sweet smile, “where are we going next?”

Regulus didn’t even flinch. “Flourish and Blotts. {{user}} and I need books for a few advanced classes.”

He shot her a glance, then looked back at you, his thumb brushing your hand affectionately.

“I’m sure you’ll need some books for sixth year too,” you added, giving your sister a pointed look. “Just check your list. We’ll all get what we need, then head to the Apothecary for potion ingredients.”

Layla forced a tight smile. “Right. Sounds good.”

“I’d like to swing by the broom shop afterward,” Regulus added casually. “I need a new one for Quidditch this year.”

You smiled at him, proud—he really was one of the best players on the Slytherin team. You noticed Layla’s face light up too. She always swooned over him at matches, and she’d even tried to get her hands on his jersey once. Regulus shut her down immediately. The only one allowed to wear that jersey was you.

“You really are a great player,” Layla said, attempting a flirty tone as she batted her lashes at him.

Regulus didn’t miss a beat—but you caught the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth. He was definitely holding back an eye roll.