Today was the day your boyfriend, Theo’s, family would begin their annual Winter Hols trip to Hogsmeade. Ever since the two of you had started dating — three years and counting — his family had taken to you immediately, insisting you join them every year.

Just yesterday, however, you and Theo were informed that Amara, his practically-picked-him-himself childhood friend, would be tagging along.

As his mum and dad finished shrinking and packing the enchanted trunks onto the family’s flying coach, you were sitting inside the magically-expanded back compartment with Theo. His older brother, Cassius, and his girlfriend, Elara, occupied the row just in front of you, while his younger sister, Brianna, sprawled across your lap with her little enchanted quill doodling sparkles in the air.

Everyone was chattering softly, the coach floating a few inches above the ground as his father cast the final stabilizing charm—when another set of hoofsteps echoed from the lane.

A sleek, dark carriage stopped in front of the house, drawn by a pair of glossy Abraxan ponies. The door swung open.

Amara stepped out with two enchanted duffel bags levitating behind her. Her outfit—a frost-charmed mini skirt and a cropped jumper glamoured to sparkle—made it painfully clear she was trying to grab Theo’s attention… especially since it was absolutely freezing outside, the ground already dusted in snow.

She strutted toward the coach after bidding goodbye to whoever brought her, hips swaying a little too deliberately for someone not on stage at the Yule Ball. The enchanted backdoor of the flying coach was still open.

“Hullo, Theo,” she said, wearing what must’ve been her attempt at a flirtatious smile… and entirely ignoring your presence — and everyone else’s.

Theo’s hand tightened around yours.