The common room is empty. Or so it seems.

A low, rumbling purr breaks the silence. Then a series of chirps. A soft hoot. A croak.

In the corner, tucked into the deep emerald armchair by the fire, Y/n sits cross-legged. Around them, a strange sight unfolds.

Jinx, Mattheo Riddle’s enormous black cat—usually a creature of silent disdain who hisses at anyone who dares breathe near him—is sprawled across Y/n’s lap, belly up, paws kneading the air. His eyes are half-closed, a deep, satisfied rumble shaking his chest.

Nibbles, Theodore Nott’s rat, is perched on Y/n’s shoulder, small nose twitching as he chatters in a series of squeaks and clicks, his beady eyes bright.

Gloop, Lorenzo Berkshire’s fat green toad, is balanced on the arm of the chair, periodically letting out a loud, burping croak that sounds almost like laughter.

Athena, Draco Malfoy’s pristine white owl, is preening her feathers on the back of the chair, occasionally leaning down to nuzzle Y/n’s hair with her beak.

And Echo, Blaise Zabini’s sleek brown owl, is perched on the windowsill, head tilted, letting out soft, questioning hoots.

The common room door swings open.

Footsteps. Five pairs. Voices, cut off mid-sentence.

Silence.

Mattheo Riddle stands frozen in the doorway, his dark eyes wide. Behind him, Theodore Nott nearly collides with his back, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Blaise Zabini peers over Mattheo’s shoulder, eyebrows shooting up. Lorenzo Berkshire’s mouth falls open. Draco Malfoy, bringing up the rear, stops so abruptly his school bag swings forward with a thud.

They stare.

The pets don't run to their owners. They don't even look guilty. They just... stay. Curled around Y/n like they've belonged there forever.