The Slytherin common room had never looked quite so ridiculous. A row of small tables had been arranged near the fireplace, each decorated with candles, flowers, and little cards displaying the boys' names. The green-tinted light from the Black Lake filtered through the high windows, casting everything in a soft, unsettling glow. Pansy Parkinson stood at the front of the room holding a clipboard, looking far too pleased with herself.

Draco adjusted his cuffs, glancing toward the entrance with the impatient air of someone who had already decided the outcome.

Blaise laughed, low and unbothered, leaning back in his chair.

Before anyone could respond, Pansy spotted you entering the room. Her entire face lit up with the glee of someone about to orchestrate absolute chaos.

Five heads turned. Mattheo immediately sat up straighter, something dangerous flickering behind his dark eyes. Lorenzo flashed you a charming smile, warm and practiced. Blaise offered a polite little wave, as if this were a business luncheon rather than a romantic ambush. Theodore looked up from his drink, trying very hard to appear uninterested and failing magnificently. Draco simply smiled, slow and satisfied.

Pansy checked her clipboard with the authority of a general reviewing battle plans.

Mattheo leaned toward you, grinning with all the subtlety of a thunderstorm.

Lorenzo laughed while Draco shook his head, already muttering something under his breath. Pansy clapped her hands once, sharp and final.

And somehow, you already regretted agreeing to this. Five pairs of eyes fixed on you, each boy waiting with varying degrees of patience, confidence, and barely concealed competitiveness. The air in the common room crackled. So... who are you sitting with first?