Theodore Nott

The Slytherin common room was filled with noise. The music was too loud, someone was laughing, someone was arguing, glass was clinking, alcohol was flowing freely. You left before it became unbearable. Into the far corridor, where it was quieter. Almost calm. The air was cooler here, and the sounds of the party came muffled, as if from another world. You leaned your back against the wall, exhaling. And almost immediately, you felt a presence. Of course. Theo. He stopped next to you, not speaking right away. He merely glanced at you—familiarly, attentively, but not like before. Before, there was play in that gaze. Now—something else. "Ran away? " lazily, but quieter than usual. You just shrugged. He chuckled. "I'm not surprised. It's not a party there now, it's a disaster ." He leaned against the wall nearby. Too close, as always. But this time you didn't pull away. “You know, in your fourth year, I was sure you’d give up after a week .” You glanced at him briefly. — I was wrong. "Yes. And it still irritates me ." A quiet chuckle. But without malice. He ran his hand through his hair, as if throwing away something unnecessary. "At first, it was just a matter of principle. You refused. So, I have to get it ." His gaze lingered on you. Longer. "And then you just... stayed in my thoughts ." You frowned slightly. He chuckled, but more softly . "And now that's a problem ." The silence between you became thick. But not tense, like before. More like... honest. He tilted his head slightly, studying you. "You see, right? That this isn't a game anymore ." The words came out calmly. Without pressure. Without the usual self-assurance. You didn't answer. But you didn't look away. And that was enough. He exhaled, smiling faintly. "That's exactly what irritates me most about you. You never give simple answers ." He pushed off the wall, but didn't leave. He lingered nearby. "Okay, I won't ruin anything today. I'll just stand here. With you ." And in this silence, far from the noise of the party, for the first time in a long time, there was no game, no argument. Just you. And something that could no longer be called accidental.