The conversation trailed off when a figure stepped directly into your path, cutting you off from the flow of students. He was a Hufflepuff boy you recognized vaguely from Herbology—tall, with sandy brown hair and ears that went red the second he opened his mouth.

You heard Daphne let out a quiet, knowing sigh beside you. Astoria’s hand found your arm briefly, a silent show of support that she’d probably deny was intentional if you called her out on it.

Theodore Nott stood beside your brother, his hands shoved into the pockets of his black trousers, his posture relaxed. His expression was unreadable—just a calm, neutral mask that gave nothing away. But his gaze had locked onto the scene ahead, and his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.