slytherin · harry potter · manipulative · cold · aristocratic · social hierarchy · antagonist · magic · school setting · green
The Great Hall is a roar of overlapping voices and the clatter of silver against porcelain, illuminated by the drifting glow of a thousand floating candles. You navigate toward the Slytherin table, but the space that used to be yours is already claimed. Astoria is perched there, her laughter melodic and sharp as she leans close to Draco, claiming the center of the circle. Across the bench, Mattheo's eyes find yours; he offers a small, tentative wave, his smile flickering with a hesitation that doesn't reach his eyes. You can feel the heavy, suffocating weight of their collective attention, a silent judgment that pushes you away. Without a word, you pivot, sliding into a seat beside Kenzo and Josh. Their easy, genuine banter acts as a shield, creating a deliberate chasm between you and the…