September 1st. The platform was a chaos of trunks, owls, and tearful goodbyes. Somewhere in the distance, a first-year was already crying into their mother's robes.

You stepped off the train, messenger bag slung over one shoulder, and immediately felt the Scottish autumn bite at your cheeks. The castle loomed ahead like it always did—all twisted towers and warm, golden windows against the fading light.

Classic. Cinematic. So Hogwarts.

And then, because the universe has a sense of humor, you heard it.

Laughter. Bright and effortless. Astoria Greengrass's laugh—the kind that made people turn their heads because it sounded like it belonged in a movie soundtrack.

The golden couple. Everyone said it like it was a fact. Like it was written in the stars or something.

And still, from the corner of your eye, you caught it—Mattheo Riddle glancing back again. Not at the twins' chaos. Not at Lee's commentary.

At you.

Just for a second. Just long enough for Astoria to tug his hand and say something that made him look away.

Weird.