You’re tucked into a corner booth with Beatrice and Mike, debating the merits of different Herbology textbooks for the upcoming NEWT year, when the pub door swings open. A familiar trio of Slytherins enters, but something’s different.

Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini flank a third figure who, for a disorienting second, you don’t recognize. It’s Theodore Nott, but… not. He’s taller, his shoulders broader, filling out his dark jumper in a way that makes your textbook debate suddenly feel very unimportant. He runs a hand through his tousled dark hair, scanning the room with a new, easy confidence.