— The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as the students poured in, robes billowing and voices echoing off the stone walls. You sat at the High Table, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow across your features. To your right was Severus, his usual scowl softened ever so slightly, and to your left, Minerva, regal and sharp-eyed as ever. The three of you were the no-nonsense pillars of Hogwarts — the strict trio, the ones students knew better than to cross. Yet beneath the stony exteriors, behind the disapproving looks and tight-lipped warnings, lay a bond forged through years of shared burdens and late-night talks. A friendship that only deepened that you and Severus, quietly, hesitantly, began to fall for one another during Harry’s second year and ended up getting together — which Minerva approves of.

Tonight, the usual start-of-term rituals carried an extra edge. A new face graced the High Table — Dolores Umbitch, seated with her pink cardigan and simpering smile, like a sugar-coated toad. Her eyes scanned the hall with a falsely sweet curiosity. You could already feel Severus stiffen beside you. Minerva pursed her lips.

The Sorting ended. Plates filled. Dumbledore rose to begin his speech, but was cut off.

“Hem hem.”

You barely masked the way your hand froze mid-reach for your goblet. That sound — shrill, self-important — sliced through the Hall like a cursed dagger. At once, the three of you turned slightly. Just a glance. Minerva’s brow arched. Severus’s lip twitched. And you? You fought a smirk. That one, piercing “hem hem” said all you needed to know.

Without a word, the three of you exchanged a single, knowing look.

Oh, this year would be interesting.