HIDDEN REFLECTIONS

ELEVEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The common room devolves into chaos within the first hour. The sound of loud music reverberates through the dimly lit space, while abandoned cups of liquor clutter every available surface. I notice remnants of spilled coke on the edges of the tables, resembling scattered particles of sugar.

Choosing to keep to myself and not dampen anyone else's mood, I find a spot in the back of the room. I try my best to participate in the festivities, hyping up Enzo and Blaise as they arrive and playfully teasing Draco about his near falls off his broom during the game.

Feeling somewhat disconnected, I absentmindedly tap my fingers against the glass screen of my phone, scrolling through the various videos and photos that have been uploaded on Snapchat. A frown tugs at my lips as I notice that Mattheo has spammed his story with multiple posts. It strikes me as odd since I haven't even seen him at the party yet.

❝Leah!❞ Pansy exclaims in a drunken state as she stumbles toward me, her sweaty palms gripping onto me. I instinctively sink further into my shirt, the sleeves providing a shield for my cold hands.

❝We're playing truth or dare and you're the only one missing,❞ she informs me with slightly slurred words and a hint of laughter.

My skin tingles with unease as I have no desire to participate in the game. ❝It's okay Pansy, really. Play without me,❞ I try to assure her as she forcefully pulls me up from my spot and to the direction of where the rest of the group is gathered.

She rolls her eyes at my resistance. ❝Don't be silly, you're playing too!❞ she insists, not taking no for an answer.

I dig my heels into the floor, desperately attempting to halt her movements. ❝Honestly, Pansy, I don't feel like playing,❞ I express, my lips pressing together in apprehension.

❝Nonsense,❞ she dismisses my concerns, tugging on my arm so strongly that I almost lose my balance. She urges me to keep up with her, determined to include me in the game against my wishes. Despite my reluctance, I follow along, uncertain of what awaits me.

❝Aww, you managed to find her,❞ Enzo remarks the moment I enter his line of vision.

I shoot him a look, but begrudgingly take the empty spot next to him. ❝Shut up,❞ I whisper under my breath, not in the mood for his teasing.

Enzo smirks knowingly, sensing my annoyance. He leans in closer and mutters,❝Don't worry, I won't say a word.❞

I look up, instantly spotting Mattheo, unable to ignore his precense. His penetrating brown eyes seem to burn into the side of my face, and I can feel his gaze trailing down my arms. The intensity of his stare only heightens my anxiety, causing me to fidget nervously with my fingers.

Ignoring the discomfort, I try to focus on the game as Mattheo instructs Pansy to spin the bottle. He doesn't acknowledge me directly, adding to my unease. Pansy snorts at his demand, raising her plastic cup in his direction before giving the bottle a spin. My heart skips a beat as the bottle comes to a stop, pointing directly at Draco.

Draco chooses dare, and a mischievous grin spreads across Pansy's face. She declares that he must "drunk"-text Harry Potter. A mixture of amusement and curiosity fills the air as we all await Draco's response.