"Oh, my babies! It's so good to have you home again," Mum says, her voice warm and full of love as we sit around the breakfast table. The smell of cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee lingers in the air—a comforting reminder of what I didn't realize I missed so much.

I won't lie—I missed being home. I missed the way Mum would hum while reading, her hugs that seemed to hold the pieces of me together no matter how broken I felt. I missed how Dad would always ask about school, even if he didn't understand the details, sneaking in a joke just to make me laugh. I missed my big bed, my own space, and the sense of belonging only home could bring.

"I'm happy to be home," Adel says softly, her eyes sparkling as she looks at Mum.

"Yeah," Adrian adds, his words slightly muffled by the toast in his mouth. Mum gives him a pointed look, but he just shrugs and grins, unapologetic.

I stay quiet, staring at my plate, my fork absently poking at scrambled eggs I can't bring myself to eat. Last summer was one of the worst times of my life, and I can't help but feel the ghost of it still lingers. The thought of reliving it sends a cold shiver down my spine.

How can you sit at the same table, laugh at the same jokes, and pretend everything is fine with people who lied to you your entire life? How do you reconcile the warmth of their love with the sting of their betrayal?

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Mum's voice pulls me from my thoughts. Her eyes are full of concern, her gaze searching mine.

"Yeah," I say quickly, forcing a small smile. "Just tired from the trip."

She smiles back, but there's a flicker of doubt in her expression. I feel Adel's gaze shift toward me, and Adrian shifts in his chair, but neither of them says a word.

Home is supposed to be a place where you feel safe, where you can let down your guard. But how can I feel safe when the truth I've uncovered has turned everything I thought I knew upside down?

"So, Mum, where's Dad?" Adrian asks, breaking the silence.

"He had to leave for work, but he said he'd be back by ten," she replies. I glance at the clock—it's already 10:30.

"Ariana's dating Miles, and Adrian likes a Ravenclaw," Adel blurts out suddenly. I choke on air, and Adrian spits his pumpkin juice onto his plate.

"Excuse me?" Mum looks shocked, her tone almost as disbelieving as I feel.

"Adel!" Adrian and I exclaim in unison. My heart pounds in my chest. I was planning to tell Mum and Dad eventually, but I wanted to figure out the right way to bring it up—certainly not like this.

"Good morning, everyone," Dad's cheerful voice fills the room as he walks in, a newspaper in one hand and his briefcase in the other.

"Good morning, Daddy!" Adel chirps, unbothered by the chaos she just unleashed. Meanwhile, Adrian and I are still frozen in shock.

"What, a father can't get a good morning from his two teenagers? Or are you too old for that now?" Dad teases, walking over to press a kiss to the top of my head and give Adrian a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Adrian and I mutter a half-hearted "Morning," both glaring at Adel, silently questioning why she'd say that. Adel is never the one to throw anyone under the bus, let alone her own siblings.

Dad notices the tension almost immediately. "Is everything okay?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at us.

"It's all good," Adrian and I say in unison, the words hurried and unconvincing.

Mum, however, isn't about to let it slide. "Actually," she begins, her tone deceptively casual, "Adel just mentioned that Ariana is dating Miles. And Adrian, apparently, has a Ravenclaw girlfriend."

Dad's brows shoot up in surprise as he processes the information. He sets his newspaper down, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "Well, Miles isn't a bad guy to date," he says, surprising me. "And a Ravenclaw, huh? As long as she's pureblood, I don't see an issue."

Adrian's posture stiffens beside me, and I catch the brief but panicked glance he shoots toward Adel. It's a silent plea, practically screaming, Don't you dare say another word.

I can feel the tension rolling off Adrian in waves. His new girlfriend isn't a pureblood, and we both know that if Dad finds out, he'll stop at nothing to end the relationship. Adrian may be good at keeping secrets, but Adel's unexpected outburst has thrown him off balance.

Adel, to her credit, seems to pick up on his unease. She avoids his glare, instead shoving a piece of cinnamon roll into her mouth, her expression carefully neutral.

"Well, that's settled then," Dad says, leaning back in his chair as if the matter is entirely resolved. He takes a sip of his coffee, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Adrian and I exchange another glance, a silent agreement passing between us: damage control starts now.

"Wait a second," Dad says, setting his coffee mug down with a little too much force. His brows furrow as he looks between us. "Isn't Miles your best friend?"

The room falls into an awkward silence. Adrian freezes, his fork halfway to his mouth, while I shrink into my seat, wishing I could disappear.

Adel, ever the instigator today, innocently pipes up, "He is. Now he's Ariana's boyfriend."

Adrian's face turns red as he glares daggers at Adel, who looks far too smug for someone who supposedly didn't mean to cause trouble.

Mum clears her throat, clearly trying to diffuse the situation. "Well, that's... an interesting development," she says, shooting a warning glance at Dad.

Dad, however, seems more intrigued than upset. "So, let me get this straight," he begins, leaning forward slightly. "Your best friend is dating your sister? That's... bold."

"It's fine," Adrian mutters through clenched teeth, stabbing at his scrambled eggs with unnecessary force. "Miles and I are good."

I glance at Adrian, silently willing him to keep calm. The last thing I need is for this to blow up into a full-blown family argument.

"Well, as long as everyone's happy," Dad says, leaning back in his chair again. But there's an edge to his tone, like he's still trying to process the situation.

The tension in the room is almost suffocating, and I can't take it anymore. "Dad, it's really not a big deal," I say quickly. "Miles and I are taking things slow. And Adrian and I have already talked about it."

Adrian doesn't say anything, but he nods stiffly, clearly eager to move on from this conversation.

"Alright then," Dad says, though he still looks unconvinced. "Just remember, Ariana, relationships can get... complicated when family and friends are involved."

I nod, forcing a smile, but I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. This breakfast has gone completely off the rails, and I silently vow to have a serious talk with Adel later.

Adrian's fork clatters onto his plate, and he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. His jaw tightens as he glares at Dad.

"Why do you keep bringing it up?" Adrian asks, his voice low but sharp. "If I'm fine with it, why do you have something to say about it?"

The air in the room turns heavy, the awkward tension now teetering on confrontation.

Dad raises an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by Adrian's tone. "I'm not saying anything bad, Adrian. I just think it's... unusual, that's all. I'd imagine it could get complicated for you."

"Complicated for me?" Adrian scoffs, his frustration bubbling over. "You think I can't handle it? I've known Miles my whole life. If I had a problem with him dating my sister, I'd say so."

"Adrian," Mum warns softly, but he's not finished.

"And honestly," Adrian continues, sitting up straighter now, "it's kind of funny how you're all worked up about Ariana and Miles when I've seen you be way more relaxed about other things. What's the big deal?"

Dad frowns, clearly taken aback. "I'm just trying to look out for you both."

Adrian shakes his head, letting out a dry laugh. "Right. Because I can't look after her. Because saying things like 'relationships with family and friends involved get complicated' is totally supportive."

"Adrian, that's enough," Mum says firmly, cutting through the tension.

Adrian sighs, running a hand through his hair, visibly trying to rein himself in. "Fine," he mutters, picking up his fork again. "But seriously, Dad, Miles is a good guy. He makes Ariana happy, and that's all that matters. Can we just leave it at that?"

Dad looks like he wants to argue but ultimately nods. "Alright," he says, though his tone suggests he's still mulling things over.

I glance at Adrian, silently thanking him for sticking up for me, even if it did make breakfast ten times more awkward. Adel, meanwhile, seems thoroughly entertained, nibbling on her cinnamon roll as if this is the best show she's seen all week.

I glance at Adrian, his jaw still tight, his eyes fixed on his plate like he's trying to hold himself together. I know this tension with Dad isn't new, but it's never been this bad.

Adrian and Dad have never quite seen eye to eye, not since Adrian told him he didn't want to be the heir to the Pucey name. I can still remember that argument—it felt like the whole house shook with Dad's anger and Adrian's stubborn refusal to give in.

Adrian said he wanted to make his own choices, forge his own path, and not be tied to some legacy he didn't believe in. Dad saw it as a betrayal. Since then, their conversations have been polite but distant, like they're dancing around a minefield, always careful not to trigger another explosion.

But today, it feels different. Worse.

Adrian finally looks up, his eyes meeting Dad's. "You know," he says, his voice quieter now but still carrying that edge, "if you actually listened to me instead of questioning every decision I make, maybe things wouldn't feel so 'complicated.'"

Dad stiffens, clearly caught off guard by the remark. "I'm not questioning your decisions, Adrian," he says, though his tone is defensive. "I'm just trying to make sure you're both making the right choices."

Adrian lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Right. Because you've always been so supportive of what I want, haven't you?"

"Adrian," Mum says, her voice firm but gentle, a clear warning to dial it back.

But Adrian's already standing, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I'm done," he mutters, grabbing his plate. "Thanks for breakfast, Mum."

Without another word, he stalks out of the room, leaving the rest of us in stunned silence.

Dad exhales, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why does he always have to make things so difficult?"

I feel a pang of frustration and sadness as I glance between them. They're both so stubborn, so set in their ways, and neither seems willing to meet the other halfway.

"Maybe because he's tired of feeling like he can't do anything right in your eyes," I say softly, surprising even myself with the words.

Dad looks at me, startled, but before he can respond, I push my chair back and follow Adrian, leaving him and Mum to finish their coffee in uncomfortable silence.

I find Adrian in the backyard, sitting on the old stone bench under the oak tree. His plate is untouched beside him, the eggs already cold. He's staring out at nothing, shoulders tense, his frustration still radiating off him like heat.

"Mind if I join you?" I ask softly.

He doesn't answer right away, just scoots over slightly to make room. I take that as a yes and sit beside him, folding my hands in my lap.

"You didn't have to say anything back there," he mutters after a moment, his tone quieter but no less annoyed.

"I couldn't just sit there," I reply. "You know how he gets when he's in one of those moods."

Adrian snorts, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, it's nothing new. He's always like this. Always has to have the last word, always has to be right."

I glance at him, the lines of tension in his face making him look older than his years. "It wasn't always like this," I say gently. "You two used to be close."

He laughs bitterly. "Yeah, until I told him I didn't want to be his perfect little heir. That was the beginning of the end."

I hesitate, trying to find the right words. "He doesn't hate you, Adrian. You know that, right?"

Adrian finally looks at me, his expression softening just a fraction. "Sometimes it feels like he does. Like nothing I do will ever be good enough because I'm not following his script." He pauses, his gaze dropping to his hands. "It's exhausting, Ari. I'm tired of trying to prove myself to someone who's already decided I'm a disappointment."

Hearing that breaks my heart. I reach out and put a hand on his arm. "You're not a disappointment. You're just... different from what he expected. But that doesn't make you any less amazing."

Adrian doesn't say anything, but I see the way his shoulders relax just a little, like the weight he's carrying has shifted, even if it's just slightly.

"You know," I continue, trying to lighten the mood, "you did kind of save me back there. I owe you one."

He smirks, the corners of his mouth lifting just a bit. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it. You're still my annoying little sister."

"And you're still my stubborn big brother," I shoot back with a grin.

For a moment, the heaviness between us lifts, and it feels like we're kids again, teasing each other over breakfast without a care in the world.

"Thanks, Ari," he says after a moment, his voice softer.

"Always," I reply, squeezing his arm

"You know, Miles is planning all these romantic summer dates for me," I say, trying to keep a straight face. "He's already talking about picnics by the lake, stargazing, dinner by the beach... it's going to be the best summer ever."

Adrian looks at me, his brow furrowing slightly, though there's a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Uh-huh. Sounds like he's really got it all planned out."

"Oh, yeah." I nod, grinning. "And you're welcome to come along, you know. I'm sure Miles would love to have a third wheel."

Adrian's face immediately scrunches up, and I can't help but laugh. "You're funny," he mutters, rolling his eyes.

"I'm just saying," I tease, poking at him. "It could be like a family outing. Miles, me, you... I'm sure you'd fit right in."

He shoots me a glare, clearly trying to ignore the idea of spending his summer with me and Miles. "I think I'll pass, thanks."

"Come on, it'll be fun!" I grin, thoroughly enjoying myself now. "You could even help Miles plan the perfect date for me. I'm sure he'd appreciate your... input."

Adrian groans, his face turning red, and I can see the discomfort written all over him. "Can you not?"

"Alright, alright," I say, laughing "I'll stop, but only because I know you're too proud to admit you'd actually enjoy being part of the group."

"Don't push it, Ari," Adrian calls after me, though I can hear the reluctant smile in his voice.

I giving him a wink. "Just wait until you see how perfect this summer is going to be. Maybe you'll change your mind about joining us."

 Adrian and I are okay. Even if he's not thrilled about the idea of me dating Miles, he's still my brother, and we can tease each other.

"I'm gonna have a talk with Miles, you know."

I raising an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that conversation gonna look like?"

He crosses his arms, his smirk unmistakable. "Just a little 'bro-to-bro' talk. You know, making sure he's not planning anything too romantic for my little sister."

I snort, rolling my eyes. "You mean, like he'd ever listen to you? He's way too whipped for me to even care."

Adrian laughs, the tension between us now fully gone. "Yeah, I noticed that," he says with a teasing grin. "The guy can't stop talking about you. I thought he was going to get a cramp on the train from all the times he mentioned your name."

I blush, my heart skipping a beat. "What? Really?"

"Oh, yeah," he continues, clearly enjoying the teasing. "He couldn't shut up. I was trying to read and he's just sitting there, talking about how amazing you are, how he can't wait to spend the summer with you... you're like the highlight of his day."

I feel my face heat up even more, a little embarrassed but also giddy at the same time. "Okay, okay, that's enough."

Adrian chuckles, his eyes softening for a moment before his teasing smile returns. "No, seriously, I'm really happy for you two. Miles is a good guy. He's got that lovesick look in his eyes whenever he talks about you—honestly, it's kind of pathetic how much he's into you."

I grin at him, trying to play it cool. "You're just jealous that he's more in love with me than you."

"Ha! Please," Adrian retorts, rolling his eyes. "I've had my share of love drama, thank you very much. But, seriously, if anyone's good enough for you, it's Miles."

I can't help but feel a warm rush at his words. Adrian's approval means more to me than I want to admit.

"Thanks, Adrian," I say softly, my voice a little more serious than before. "I really appreciate that."

He ruffles my hair with a grin. "Don't get all sentimental on me now. I'm still your older brother, remember?"

I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you're not so bad after all."

He gives me a mock salute. "Glad to hear it. Now go on and enjoy your lovesick boyfriend. Write him a letter or someting"

I roll my eyes, laughing as I head toward the door. "I'll make sure to tell him you said he's a good guy."

"Make sure he knows I'm watching," Adrian calls after me. "And that if he hurts you, I'm coming for him."

I smile to myself, knowing that despite all the teasing and joking, Adrian has my back. And right now, that's enough to make me feel a little bit lighter.

I make my way to my room, still smiling from the conversation with Adrian. Hearing him say he was happy for me and Miles felt like a weight off my chest. But when I open my door, I stop.

Adel is sprawled across my bed, a book propped up in her hands. She glances up when she hears me, her face lighting up.

"Hey, Ari," she says cheerfully, sitting up. "Back so soon? How was breakfast?"

"Good," I reply, closing the door behind me and leaning against it. My arms cross as I give her a mock glare. "So... couldn't wait until I was around to spill all our business, huh?"

Adel blinks at me, clearly playing innocent. "What? What do you mean?"

I raise an eyebrow, my voice teasing but edged with seriousness. "You told Mum and Dad about Miles and me. You know, I was going to tell them myself."

She shrugs, completely unbothered. "It's not a big deal. You're dating him. What's wrong with them knowing?"

I walk over and sit on the edge of the bed. "It's not the end of the world, but you didn't stop there, did you? You told them about Adrian's girlfriend too."

Her confident expression falters as she realizes what I'm getting at. "Oh... right. I guess I did."

"Adel," I say, lowering my voice. "You know Dad's going to flip if he finds out Adrian's girlfriend isn't a pureblood."

Her face scrunches in guilt. "I wasn't trying to cause trouble. I just thought... I don't know, maybe it'd make Adrian happy if everyone knew he had a girlfriend."

I sigh, trying to stay patient. "Look, I get it. You meant well, but Adrian's private for a reason. How would you feel if I started telling Dad your secrets?"

Adel blinks at me, confused. "What secrets?"

I smirk, leaning closer. "Oh, I don't know... like how you've got a little crush on Luke."

Her eyes widen in horror, and she shakes her head rapidly. "You wouldn't!"

"Wouldn't I?" I tease, enjoying the rare chance to have the upper hand. "Luke's a Muggle-born, you know. Imagine what Dad would say if I mentioned that at breakfast tomorrow."

Adel's hands fly up in surrender. "Please, don't! Ari, I'm sorry, okay? I swear I won't say anything else about Adrian or you or anyone!"

I laugh, leaning back on my hands. "Relax, I'm not going to tell him. But now you see why it's important to think before you speak, right? Some things just aren't anyone else's business—especially Dad's."

Adel nods earnestly, her face still pale. "I get it. I really do. I won't say anything like that again."

"Good," I say, ruffling her hair playfully. "You're lucky I'm the nice one."

She swats at my hand, but she's smiling now, the tension broken. "Nice? You just threatened me!"

I grin as I stand up and stretch. "Call it a lesson. Next time, keep it to yourself—or else."

Adel groans but laughs softly, falling back onto the bed. "You're impossible."

"And you're nosy," I shoot back, heading to my closet. "But we'll work on that."

I know I said that the next chapter would have Mattheo in it... I'll try

-You Latina Victoria C