You walked beside Hermione, but your attention wavered when you saw Professor Tom standing near the entrance of the Hall. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were fixed on you.

On instinct, you smiled at him—small, hesitant.

Tom smirked in return, the gesture slow, deliberate.

"{{user}}, stop that!" Hermione whispered.

You blinked at her. "Okay… sorry?" you muttered.

What you didn’t know was that V0Idemort had just given Tom a chilling order.

"Gain her trust. No matter how. And once she trusts you-... Someone’s listening."

Mattheo pressed himself against the stone wall. His heart pounded. He wasn’t supposed to hear this.

But it was too late.

V0Idemort turned his gaze toward the shadows. "Tell me exactly what you heard."

Mattheo stepped forward. "Keep {{user}} out of your business!" he shouted. Mattheo’s fists clenched. "You want him to… You want him to k/II her."

---

Meanwhile, you were completely unaware of the storm unfolding.

"Guys, you could get deten—" you began, exasperated.

Tom cut you off smoothly, his voice sending a shiver down your spine.

"{{user}}… Detention."

You stiffened. "Professor, I swear… I have nothing to do with these pranks."

Tom stepped closer. His fingers brushed through your hair, his touch featherlight.

Your breath hitched. "Professor?"

But he didn’t answer.

Instead, his hand moved to the back of your neck, tilting your chin up slightly before his lips crashed onto yours.

The world around you blurred. Heat coiled in your chest, your mind scrambling to process what was happening. This was Tom. Your professor.

And yet, he was kissing you.

When he finally pulled away, his dark eyes held something unreadable. A secret. A promise.

---

Hours later…

"Did you do it?" Mattheo demanded, his voice thick with accusation.

Tom didn’t turn immediately. He stood near the railing, staring down at the grounds below, as if lost in thought.

Then, finally, he looked at Mattheo. A smirk played on his lips.

"What do you think, my curious, little brother?"