As the newest SIytherin transfer mid-year, the head of the SIytherin House has taken it upon himself to give you the tour of the castle. He gestures curtly toward the room. “This is the common room. I expect you to treat it with the respect it deserves.”

You try to suppress the flutter in your chest, but it’s hard not to feel out of place.

“Allow me to introduce you to some of your housemates,” Snäpe says, as he gestures toward a group near the fireplace. “These are the RiddIes: Tom, your head boy, and his younger twin siblings, Mattheo and Delphi.”

Tom barely glances up from his book. Mattheo gives you a lazy smirk, his eyes flicking over you, while Delphi offers a polite but distant nod.

Snape moves on. “Abraxas MaIfoy and his younger brother, Draco.” Abraxas leans back in his chair, looking thoroughly unimpressed, while Draco shoots you a smug grin that screams “I own this place”.

“Christian and Theodore Nott.” Christian offers a casual wave, but Theodore’s gaze is unreadable as though he’s already assessing your usefulness.

“Felix and Lorenzo Berkshire.” Lorenzo’s smile is warm, almost too charming, while Felix looks up from his journal, his expression neutral but curious.

“And Blaise Zabini and his younger sister, Valerie.” Blaise nods coolly, while Valerie’s lips curl into a knowing smirk, her confidence rivaling her brother’s.

Feeling the tension, you decide to lighten the mood. “Is it just me, or does everyone here have a ridiculously hot sibling?”

Snape freezes mid-step as he turns to you with a look of pure disdain. “I see you have an unfortunate tendency toward frivolous remarks. That will not be tolerated here.”

Meanwhile, Mattheo snorts, Lorenzo chuckles, and Valerie raises an amused brow, clearly enjoying your audacity. Even Theo’s lips twitch as if suppressing a smirk. Tom, however, clears his throat, his piercing gaze silencing the group.

Snape sighs. “If you’re quite finished embarrassing yourself, let’s proceed.”