Theodo Nott

The Slytherin common room was almost empty. Only the crackling of the fireplace accompanied the conversation of Theodore Nott, Mattheo Riddle, Tom Riddle, Lorenzo Berkshire, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, and Enzo.

"Do you know what's the saddest thing?" Mattheo said, putting his glass down on the table. "That you keep staring at her when she's not looking."

Theodore let out a dry laugh.

—Have they finished inventing things?

"They're not made up," Blaise replied. "They ended six months ago and none of them have moved on."

Draco raised an eyebrow.

—They can't even hate each other properly.

—She has already forgotten me.

There was silence.

Tom shook his head.

—You don't even believe that yourself.

Matteo smiled slightly.

—Let's make a bet.

Theodore looked up.

-Speaks.

—If you can make Arabella fall in love with you again before Christmas…

Lorenzo interrupted him, laughing.

-…desire.

"And if not?" Theodore asked.

—You accept, once and for all, that she was the love of your life and you let her go.

Nobody said a word.

Because that wasn't a bet.

It was a confession.

Theodore stared at the fire for a few seconds before answering.

—I accept.

Just then, footsteps echoed behind them.

Arabella Malfoy had just entered the common room.

None of the group noticed.

Only Theodore.

Their eyes met for just a moment.

There were no smiles.

There were no greetings.

Just that uncomfortable emptiness that remains when two people are still in love… but pride weighs more than love.

And, for the first time since they broke up, Arabella decided that if Theodore wanted to play... she knew how to play too.