?~HEARTS OF SLYTHERIN~?

~Your first lunch with them in the Great Hall~

Y/N gave a small nod. "When Slughorn asked me that question, and I gave the wrong answer..." She trailed off, exhaling softly. "It was embarrassing, but I tried to act like it wasn't." A wry smile tugged at her lips. "And then you-" she hesitated before continuing, "You reassured me. That helped..."

Enzo blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He hadn't expected her to bring that up.

Enzo stared at her for a beat, her words settling in. He remembered that moment-how flustered she had been, despite keeping up her composure. He hadn't thought much of it at the time when he had looked at her and mouthed 'You did good'. But now, seeing the sincerity in her eyes, it was clear it had meant something to her.

Before he could respond, Mattheo let out a low whistle. "Wow. Didn't know you had it in you, Enzo. A real knight in shining armor."

Draco smirked, adding, "Indeed. Such chivalry."

Even Theodore, who had been silent so far, chuckled under his breath, while Tom merely raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with mild intrigue.

Enzo exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Oh, shut it, all of you."

Y/N laughed at that, a blush spreading on her cheeks. Yet, despite the relentless teasing from his so-called friends, Enzo couldn't help but feel just a little bit smug.

~~~~~~

You continued eating with the boys, sharing laughter over inside jokes and tales of your past mischiefs at your old school, Beauxbatons. The warm camaraderie made the grand hall feel a little less daunting, a little more like home.

That's when Enzo suddenly turned to you, his dark eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Y/N... since you came from Beauxbatons, how do you feel about Hogwarts?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he awaited your answer.

You barely had time to answer Enzo's question when Daphne and Astoria Greengrass strolled into the Great Hall, their platinum blonde hair slightly windblown from their trip to the Owlery. Daphne looked utterly unimpressed, adjusting her cloak with an annoyed sigh, while Astoria grinned mischievously, holding what looked like a slightly ruffled letter in her hand.

They exchanged a brief glance, their surprise evident as they took in the sight of you and Pansy seated among the boys. Still, with a shrug and a knowing smirk, they made their way over, sliding into the open seats beside you.

"We nearly got assassinated by a homicidal owl," Daphne announced dramatically as she dropped into the seat near Pansy.

Astoria nodded in agreement. "It stole my hair ribbon and nearly took Daphne's earring as a trophy."

The boys snickered at the sisters' misfortune, but before you could comment, Enzo leaned in slightly, his sharp gaze still fixed on you. "You never answered my question, Y/N." His tone held a challenge, and you knew exactly what he was doing-pushing you, just to see how you'd react. Typical Lorenzo Berkshire.

You smirked, picking up your goblet and taking a slow sip before meeting his eyes. "Hogwarts? It's... different," you teased, deliberately vague.

Enzo raised an eyebrow. "Different?" he echoed. "That's all you've got?"

You pretended to consider. "Well, for one, I don't have to worry about breaking a nail every time I step into the dining hall."

Mattheo chuckled. "That's a fair point."

Enzo, however, wasn't letting you off that easily. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Admit it. You miss the posh Beauxbatons life. You probably had silk tablecloths, enchanted chandeliers, and servants feeding you grapes."