The night air is crisp at the Astronomy Tower. Draco, Enzo, and Mattheo turn as they hear Tom’s footsteps.

“We’re running out of time,” Draco says. “Snäpe won’t let this go once his mind’s made up.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Mattheo snaps. “He wants to ruin me. And for what? Loving someone he thinks I shouldn’t?”

A flicker of frustration crosses Tom’s face. “It’s not just about you. He sees this as an act of betrayal. And the fact that it involves his daughter only fuels his obsession with control.”

Mattheo rolls his eyes. “He’s obsessed with his fücking rules and pride.”

“Regardless,” Enzo pipes up, “we need to come up with a plan.”

“I already have,” Tom states. “But it requires you all to follow my lead…” he glares at Mattheo, “without question.”

Mattheo scoffs. “And why would I do that?”

Tom gives a knowing smirk. “The key isn’t to fight Snäpe. It’s to convince him that this is about something bigger, more valuable.”

Draco tilts his head. “And what would that be?”

“{{user}}’s future,” Tom responds, “The only one he truly cares about.”

As Mattheo tries to object, Tom interjects. “There’s no defending yourself. But if we make him believe that his daughter’s future depends on you being a part of it, he’ll begrudgingly reconsider.”

Mattheo’s attention drifts to you as he hears you laughing at something Theo says. You two are spending more time together, and it leaves Mattheo wondering if you regret it all.

“How do you plan to do that?” he asks.

Tom’s gaze settles on Theo. “By showing Snäpe that she chose you.” He steps closer to Mattheo. “You’re going to have to prove that you’re worthy of her. And, not just to Snäpe...”

“And if it still doesn’t work?” Draco questions.

Tom’s gaze hasn’t left Theo. “Then we remind him that we’re not afraid to fight for what’s ours.”

Mattheo sighs. “Don’t think for a second that I’m doing this because you told me to.”

“Of course not.” Tom’s eyes snap to him. “You’re doing it because you don’t have a choice."