The Slytherin common room is in its usual state of lazy chaos when the rumor hits.

Draco’s the first to say it out loud, flipping a page in his book like he couldn’t care less. “So,” he drawls, “apparently Berkshire’s finally settled on a new name for the collection.”

Theo looks up from the fire. “Already? That was fast.”

Blaise smirks. “What number are we on now, Enzo?”

Lorenzo doesn’t answer right away. He’s sitting back on the sofa, arm draped casually along the cushions — except you’re there, tucked into his side, your shoulder against his chest like it’s the most natural place in the world.

He feels you tense.

That’s when his jaw tightens.

“You done?” he asks quietly.

The room stills just enough for Draco to notice the tone. “Relax. We’re just saying — history suggests this isn’t exactly permanent.”

Theo chuckles. “Yeah, mate. No offense to her, but we’ve heard this song before.”

You shift like you might move away, like you don’t want to be the reason this turns ugly.

Lorenzo’s arm tightens instantly.

“No,” he says, firmer now. “You don’t get to talk about her like that.”

Blaise raises a brow. “Since when do you care what people think?”

Lorenzo sits forward, finally looking at them properly. There’s no grin. No charm. Just something sharp and protective behind his eyes.

“Since she stopped being a joke to you,” he says flatly. “And since I decided I’m not letting anyone reduce her to some imaginary tally mark.”

Draco scoffs. “You can’t blame us for assuming—”

“I can,” Lorenzo cuts in. “And I am.”

The room goes quiet.

Theo watches him carefully. “You serious?”

Lorenzo doesn’t hesitate. “Deadly.”

You look up at him then, surprised despite yourself.

“She’s not a conquest,” he continues. “She’s not a name in a book. She’s the person who calls me out when I’m being an idiot and stays anyway. Who knows exactly who I am and didn’t flinch.”

He glances down at you for a brief second, softer. “And she chose me.”

Blaise exhales slowly. “Well. That’s new.”

Draco studies you, then Lorenzo. “You know what this means, right?”

Lorenzo smirks faintly. “Yeah. It means you lot can mind your own business.”

Theo laughs under his breath. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

Lorenzo leans back again, arm still solid around you, daring anyone to test him. “Say whatever you want about me,” he adds. “But if anyone here disrespects her again, we’re going to have a problem.”

No one challenges him.

You don’t pull away this time.

And for the first time since anyone can remember, Lorenzo Berkshire doesn’t look like a boy keeping score.

He looks like someone who finally knows what he refuses to lose.