The common room tower buzzes softly with the chatter of students. You’re seated with Hermione, Harry, and Ron, but there’s a knot in your stomach as you take a deep breath and start speaking.

You: “This was never the way I planned… not my intention.”

Hermione looks up from her book, arching a brow suspiciously.

Hermione: “What did you do now?”

You: “It’s not what I’m used to…”

Hermione: “What did you do?” Her voice sharpens, a mix of curiosity and exasperation.

You: “I kissed Mattheo… just to try it. It felt so wrong.”

Harry, who had been mid-sip of his pumpkin juice, chokes and coughs violently while Ron gapes at you like you’ve grown a second head. Hermione slams her book shut, her eyes narrowing as she leans forward.

Hermione: “You aren’t in love, right?”

You hesitate, your gaze dropping to your hands, which twist nervously in your lap. The room feels heavier as the silence stretches.

Across the castle Mattheo paces in front of Theodore, who lounges lazily on a green leather couch. The dark green walls and silver accents gleam faintly in the firelight as Mattheo runs a hand through his messy curls.

Mattheo: “Theo, I need to tell you something.”

Theo raises an eyebrow, sitting up slightly. His usual calm demeanor is tinged with interest.

Theo: “What happened?”

Mattheo: “I just wanted to try it…”

Theo straightens up now, leaning forward with a small smirk on his face.

Theo: “So come on… what did you do?”

Mattheo: “I kissed {{user}}, and I liked it…” He pauses, a crooked grin playing on his lips as his voice lowers to a murmur, almost like he’s savoring the memory. “God, the taste of her cherry chapstick…”

Theo blinks, then bursts into quiet laughter, leaning back against the couch.

Theo: “Well, that’s one way to make a statement. You sure about this?”

Mattheo runs his hand through his hair again, his grin faltering into a slightly worried expression.

Mattheo: “I hope her father doesn’t mind it… but, Theo—it felt so right.”

What will you do, given that you are enemies?