Broken Bonds

Chapter 22

As the Slytherins entered the Gryffindor common room, they were immediately met with the piercing gazes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The trio's expressions were a mix of suspicion and curiosity, and it was clear they weren't about to let the Slytherins off easy.

"What are the Slytherins doing in our dorms?" Ron's voice carried a sharp edge, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Hermione stepped forward, her brow furrowed in concern. "And why would Percy be escorting you? It's not like Slytherins to get special treatment."

Y/N's jaw tightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "We don't need to explain ourselves to you. We're here under Professor Snape's orders, and that's all you need to know."

Harry's eyes narrowed at the defensive tone in Y/N's voice, his suspicion growing. "Snape, huh? That doesn't exactly inspire confidence."

Mellony stepped forward, her gaze steady as she met Harry's gaze head-on. "We're not here to cause trouble, Potter. We just need a place to stay, and that's it."

Ron scoffed, his scepticism evident. "Yeah, because Slytherins are known for their hospitality."

Blaise's patience wore thin, his voice laced with frustration. "Look, we're too tired for this drama, we've had a heck of a day. We're just trying to make the best of a bad situation. So if you've got a problem with us being here, take it up with Professor Snape."

Hermione's eyes flashed with indignation as she levelled a piercing gaze at Mellony. "We're just supposed to accept that Snape suddenly has a change of heart and wants to help Slytherins? I find that hard to believe."

Mellony bristled at Hermione's implication, her tone growing defensive. "Believe what you want, Granger. But Professor Snape made it clear that he expects us to be treated with respect."

Ron scoffed, his scepticism apparent. "Respect from Slytherins? That's rich."

Theo's patience wore thin as he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. "And what's that supposed to mean, Weasley? You think you're better than us just because you're Gryffindors?"

Harry stepped forward, his expression guarded. "We've had our fair share of run-ins with Slytherins over the years. Can you blame us for being cautious?"

Y/N's temper flared, her voice tinged with anger. "We're not here to play games or fit in your stereotypes. We just need a place to stay, and if you can't handle that, then stay out of our way."

Hermione, her brow furrowed in concern, said with a sharp voice. "You Slytherins have always been so secretive. Who's to say that you're not plotting something right now?"

Theo's patience wore thin as he stepped forward, his usually calm demeanour replaced by a simmering intensity. "Enough with the accusations. We're all just trying to make peace. We aren't here to cause trouble. Can't we put aside our differences for once?"

Harry's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. "Put aside our differences? Like Slytherins have ever done that. And you're always up to something, Malfoy."

Draco's lip curled into a sneer. "And Gryffindors are always sticking their noses where they don't belong. Maybe if you minded your own business, we wouldn't be here."

Ron, his temper flaring, stepped forward. "You're one to talk about minding your own business, Malfoy. We know what Slytherins are capable of, and we're not about to let you cause trouble here."

Mattheo, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, his tone tinged with frustration. "Look, we didn't ask for any of this. We're just as confused as you are. But don't think for a second that we're here to beg or are going to beg. We have our own reasons for being here. Reasons you don't need to know, and whether you like it or not, we're not going anywhere."