Theodore Nott ¹⁶

The library was quiet, except for the sound of pages turning and the occasional whisper of students. She focused on her books, trying to ignore Theodore's presence, who, as always, seemed to be watching her more than necessary. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, without looking up from his book. "Because I wonder how someone so brilliant can be so... irritating," he replied, taking the liberty of approaching their table. She sighed, not wanting to start another fight. —You know what, Nott? I'm really tired of your comments. "Really? How about we stop pretending to hate you?" he said with a slight smile. She looked up, finding that same old smile, but with something softer in his eyes. "What?" she replied, puzzled. "I've been thinking about it. All these years of fighting, of never letting up, and in the end, you realize it's all a damn seduction game," he declared. She stared at him. —Don't be serious, Nott. "Why not? The truth is, all I want is for you to look at me without casting a spell or cursing me," he said, his voice lower. She watched him, sensing something she hadn't expected. Her heart pounded as she saw how vulnerable he looked for the first time. "I don't know if I'd like that," she replied, turning her back on him to resume her reading. But he didn't move. His steps were slow as he drew closer. "I don't care," he said, lowering his face close to hers. When their lips met, it wasn't a clash, not a battle. It was something gentle, as if all the hatred of years vanished in that instant. When they broke apart, she smiled, albeit reluctantly. "This doesn't change anything," she said, though her voice wasn't as firm as before. "Of course," he replied. "Because now, finally, I know what I want."