DISCLAIMER! All things you recognize belong to J.K. Rowling and Sense and Sensibility belongs to Jane Austen!
A/N: So, this is my attempt to write a romance/humor story, so I apologize if it's not good. Um, well, I would like to dedicate this short story to weasleytwinsjunkie who has encouraged me throughout my other Harry Potter work. I hope you like it! You are awesome, thanks!!! Oh, I'm sorry about the OOC and the use of past and present tense stuff you may find!
The reference to Snape looking like Colonel Brandon comes from the movie where the actor playing Colonel Brandon is the actor that plays Snape in Harry Potter. Aside from the main Theodore Nott/OC pairing, there's also a Blaise Zabini/Hermione Granger pairing! You have been warned!
***
Why? Why was this person staring at me? You might be wondering who I'm talking about, right? I would give you an honest response… if I knew who it was. I always felt this persistent stare at mealtimes, it was annoying at best. It started at the beginning of sixth year, and trust me; I've tried to find out who it is.
First, I had skimmed the table of my own House, but I realized this person wasn't there. Next, I had looked at the Hufflepuff table. Quickly I realized this person wasn't there, so I skimmed the Ravenclaw table, and this too was a fruitless task. It took some time to realize I felt the stare on my face, rather than the back of my head. I sighed; this was definitely not what I was expecting. This person had to be in the table in front of me, because I always sat in the same spot.
"Heather?" I hear a voice call my name. I am greeted by warm brown eyes and a shy smile. I smile back. "Can I sit here?"
"Of course, Colin," I say in a friendly manner. Yes, you read that right, I did say Colin. Yes, as in fifth year Colin Creevey. I'm okay with him… especially now that he doesn't walk around with his camera. Oh, yes, I almost forgot but I think you've been able to figure it out: I'm a Gryffindor. Yes, my "looker" has to be a Slytherin. Great, so I've narrowed it down, now… who in Slytherin would stare at a Gryffindor? Why? It seemed that it always came back to that. I sigh quietly but Colin doesn't miss it.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yes, just a bit tired," I lied and gave him a little smile. He returns it with a shy one of his own. Why shy? I don't know. As he makes conversation I listen enough to be able to answer while I examine the Slytherin table discreetly but closely. I see the usual people, but they're all talking to each other. My eyes slide past Malfoy and his friends, or whatever they are. Unfortunately, in my quest, I'm caught. Fortunately, at least it's by Blaise Zabini. His dark eyes lock on mine and he raises an eyebrow. I give a tiny shrug. Then we give a tiny nod of acknowledgement, and I move on.
I'm almost sure that right now you're like: what the hell? Is Zabini like, your friend? Well, here's my answer: not really. Well, we're not friends but we're friendly toward each other and have had the opportunity of having a normal, friendly, and civilized conversation. It's actually polite and pleasant. I think it's safe to say we don't hate each other. Anyway, I got sidetracked. So, I kept looking, my eyes going from one Slytherin to another. Soon, they all seem to start to blend. I close my eyes briefly, and still try to look like I'm paying attention to Colin. Ugh, there are so many black robes with the snake emblem. I open my eyes and continue my quest and my eyes drift passed him. Yes, him; a guy. I almost passed him; I actually had to look back. He's staring quite openly and this surprises me… until I notice he's not accompanied by anyone. So, this is my "looker" I think to myself. A rather physically attractive "looker" at that. His hair is shaggy and a little long, just enough that if he bowed his head, to read let's say, than it would cover his eyes. I personally think that's pretty cute. His features are quite nice, aristocratic; very pretty. From before I know that he's very thin, not that I would mind. My eyes finally lock on his and he's still staring openly. I thought he was going to turn away, but he doesn't. His eyes, I notice, are a nice and intense dark blue, very pretty, very pretty indeed. Theodore Nott is a cute boy who is friendless and doesn't seem to mind.
I tilt my head to the side a little in the universal "what are you doing?" expression. He rolls his eyes and gives me a look as if to say "duh". I narrow my eyes at him and he just stares with a trace of humor in his face. I suppress a sigh because he's right and "duh" is exactly correct. He's staring, that's what he's doing, duh. Well, I'm a Gryffindor, and I don't give up easily, so I raise an eyebrow and allow a ghost of a smirk on my features, like I've figured something out. Now it's his turn to tilt his head to the side a little. I suppress a smile as I semi listen to Colin and I roll my eyes and give him the "duh" look. I almost gave a toothy smile as I saw him narrow his eyes at me and I allow a trace of humor on my face. Ha! I got him back! When he realizes that we're even I give him a tiny smile and a small nod of acknowledgement which he returns a little surprised. I break the connection and look at my food and nod at Colin feeling a little smug and triumphant… until I feel a stare not coming from Nott's direction. Curious, I look up and find Zabini looking at me with a funny look on his face, and I wonder if he saw the exchange. I offer a shrug and look at Colin. Well, it's lucky Slytherins have a remarkable ability to have silent conversation.
So, Theodore Nott, someone I wasn't really expecting, though I don't really know who I was expecting. I don't really know much about him except that he's cute, always alone, and in my Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions classes. Back in fourth year I use to fancy him, but as time passed I didn't really stop fancying him, it's just that I don't really know how I feel about him. Truth be told, I sometimes feel like him, alone that is, because even though I talk to people I don't really have friends. It's sad, yes, a Gryffindor comparing herself to a Slytherin. Oh, well, I think I'll live.
(Theodore's point of view)
It took her long enough to figure out that I'm the one who's been staring. I was surprised by the way she took it, not really what I was expecting, but I can't say what exactly I was expecting. The exchange was pleasant and a little humorous… and she got me back, also something I wasn't expecting. She actually acknowledged me, and I'm surprised about that, and the fact I kept my cool. I watched the two exchanges between her and Zabini and found it interesting, and she's really good at having the silent conversations. I've watched them speak to each other before and I'm surprised at how civil they are toward each other, they almost seem to enjoy it. I'm taken out of my thoughts when I feel someone looking at me, but it's not her. Reluctantly I look away from her and find Zabini giving me the oddest look. I shrug and look away from him feeling uneasy.
You might have figured this out already but if you haven't I'll let you in on something: I fancy her, Heather Blanche that is. I've fancied her since fifth year but only started to openly stare at her this year. Why? I have my reasons. Let me describe her for you so then you can get an idea of why I fancy her.
Her eyes are wide and a clear blue and it's easy to tell when she's daydreaming, or at least I can tell. She has a nice straight nose and her lips look… supple. She has a pretty smile, and her sandy blond hair barely touches her shoulders and it's cut in a choppy style that looks rather nice on her, and it helps that her hair is straight. She has delicate slender hands and fingers which are now folded neatly on the table as she listens to the boy next to her in apparent interest, though I can tell she isn't interested at all. She has a nice, lithe body… or at least I think she does. I've never seen her in anything but her robes, I didn't go to the Yule Ball fourth year. Oh, and it's not just her appearance, it's her personality too. In fact, I think she'd make a good Slytherin… kind of. She talks to everyone who talks to her but she can be shy. She's actually funny and nice and she puts up a very good front when she wants to. She has the talent of getting what she wants and she's very subtle about the way she convinces her fellow students. I think us Slytherins could very well learn something from her subtleness. I've noticed she makes a good job of interacting with people but she doesn't actually have friends. I've also noticed she's as bad of a bookworm as the Granger girl, and she's smart but doesn't flaunt it, unlike the Granger girl. Oh, I almost forgot, she's half Welsh and so when she speaks she has the most interesting, but slight, lilting accent.
You might be wondering how I know this because no, I don't stalk her twenty-four seven. Well, for the most part it's from watching her at mealtimes or class, but other things like the Welsh factor… well, I heard that when she talked to Zabini because I happened to be walking by. Aw, she doesn't look at me for the rest of breakfast and I feel a little disappointed.
(Heather's point of view)
I'm in Potions right now and after taking notes I'm working on a potion with my usual Potions partner, Hermione Granger. We're both quite efficient which is why we decided to become partners. Today I'm brewing and Hermione is chopping. Try as I may I still can't quite grasp the fact that pureblood and Slytherin Theodore Nott has been staring at me since the beginning of sixth year. It's not annoying anymore; it's frustrating because I don't know why! It just gets better and better, doesn't it?
"Have you considered paring up with someone else?" I hear a voice ask. I raise my eyes to meet Slughorn's. Uh-oh, did I do something? Right at the moment I assume the worst. The class has gone quieter and they're watching us.
"I wasn't aware that the potion was incorrect sir. I-" I shut my mouth because Slughorn is giving me a strange look.
"What makes you think the potion is incorrect, Miss Blanche?" he asks me raising an eyebrow.
"Well, Miss Granger is very good at Potions, Professor. If you wish me to take another partner I suppose I'm not good enough to be her partner," I stated innocently, blinking up at him. I hear a snort from the Slytherin side, probably Malfoy. Slughorn looked at me for a moment.
"I think you're excellent at Potions, Miss Blanche, which is why I suggest it. That you both take different partners," he says. Really now?
"Who would you suggest us to pair up with?" I ask curious.
"I think that perhaps the interaction between Houses would be beneficial. Perhaps you could pair up with Mister Malfoy, or Mister Nott," he says and I detect a bit of reluctance when he says both names. Malfoy? He's got to be kidding! I look over at him briefly but he's not looking at me, he's smirking into his cauldron. I then look at Nott, and he's staring at me. How surprising, and please note that I'm using sarcasm here. I look back at Slughorn.
"We could think about it," I say knowing that I won't.
"Excellent," he says smiling and he moves away from us. I look at Hermione and her look of amusement mirrors mine. He'll forget about this conversation by lunchtime. I grin at her before we set to work.
I look forward to lunch. Why? Because I really want to make sure it is Nott whose been looking at me. Why? Because I can, that's why. So, I take a little longer to put my things away to give Hermione and her friends time to leave. I head to the Great Hall and when I get there I sit in my usual spot. I put food on my plate and get some pumpkin juice while feeling him staring at me. I skim the Slytherin table to see if Nott is sitting somewhere else, but instead I catch sight of Malfoy talking to Zabini. I look back down at my plate hoping he's not telling Zabini about Potions class. I look back up and yes, Nott is sitting right there like before. What is he doing? You guessed correctly if you said he's staring at me. So, I stare back. I give him a little half smile in greeting and he graces me with a tiny smirk. Graces me with a tiny smirk? What the hell? Where did that come from? I notice the palest shade of pink on his cheeks. For a moment we just stare at each other, well, I have to break the gaze every so often to take a bite of food; he seems to be an expert at this. Then he barely opens his lips to mouth one word: partners. He's mocking me; I can tell by the way he looks at me. I snort quietly and roll my eyes at him. His face takes a trace of mock offense and I give a slight and mocking 'aw' look and he shrugs. I look down at my plate and smile. This is actually fun.
"Can I sit here?" I hear someone say. I look up and am greeted by an upset Hermione Granger. I nod and when she sits she lets out a huff. I have a hunch of what she's upset about. I give Nott an apologetic look because now I need to speak to Hermione. Nott gives me a little nod.
"What's wrong Hermione? You look upset," I say and look at her.
"Nothing," she mutters unconvincingly.
"Is this about that Ronald git?" I ask. Truly, I don't really like him, but that's just me. Hermione gives me a wide eyed look. "Hermione, it might not be obvious to everyone, but it's obvious to me. You fancy him and he's being a git," I say.
"Well, uh, yeah," she says defeated. Oh, how I wish I could hex him. Hermione and I aren't friends but I mean, I'm not heartless and plus the fact I don't like him… well, yeah.
"Now that I've figured that out, you mind elaborating?" I ask. She huffs and offers a shrug. "Why don't you eat something while we talk?" I suggest.
"Not hungry," she mutters. We're silent for a moment.
"Okay, why don't we go for a walk then?" I offer. After a little pause she agrees. As I gather my things I look at Nott and give him a tiny smile, and he smirks back. Then, Hermione and I leave the Great Hall.
(Theodore's point of view)
So there she goes with Granger. I wonder about that but I don't think about it too much. Well, she didn't ignore me and that's good I suppose. I almost chuckle when I remember the look on Heather's face when Slughorn suggested that she work with Malfoy. I swear she lost all color. I found myself wondering where they went but I don't follow them or else that would be creepy. So, instead I sit here thinking about nothing in particular.
(A week later)
I'm in Potions class and I'm feeling… the same, sort of. Heather and I have been having silent conversations during mealtimes, but they're short because Granger and Heather have been spending some time together, which I semi resent. I have a feeling Zabini has been watching and I don't know if I should be on guard or not, but overall it's been pleasant.
For today's potion we have to be in pairs. Unfortunately, not that I would ever admit it aloud; Heather didn't consider Slughorn's advice because she didn't take him seriously. Besides, she had said she could think about, not that she would. Both Granger and Heather are reviewing notes and looking at instructions when Slughorn approaches them.
"Well, ladies, did you consider my advice?" he asks them. Both girls look casual but have gone quite pale. Heather replies smoothly,
"We did Professor, and we concluded that we would not like to disrupt the order of things." Granger nods as if they really have considered it, but I am sure they haven't. Potter looks at them like he's never seen them before. Both girls, yes Granger too, are two very accomplished girls and are not dimwits like Potter and his loyal Weasel minion. The girls have pulled it off very well and I do admit they are both bright.
"Nonsense, I think it would be interesting," Slughorn says and then proceeds to ask, "So who's working with whom?" The girls look at each other in one of the briefest silent conversations I have ever seen before Heather gives a tiny, reluctant nod.
"I believe working with Mister Malfoy will be interesting, sir," Heather says a bit stiff. Wait! What?! She'd rather work with Malfoy?! What the hell?! At the moment saying I feel a bit disappointed would be an understatement.
"Excellent! Then Miss Granger may work with Mister Nott," Slughorn says. Great! I get to work with the know-it-all.
So, somehow I'm stuck chopping while Frizzy brews. Yes I'm upset at how unfair this is and I don't care how childish it is. Thankfully, Granger took the hint and didn't speak… or she wasn't until now.
"She didn't want to work with him," she says quietly. Her tone and words make me feel off balance.
"What?" I ask brusquely.
"Heather didn't want to work with Malfoy. She did it because of me," she answers but she's looking at the cauldron.
"Because of you," I repeat tonelessly.
"Yes. I'm Muggle-born and Malfoy can't stand people like me, so Heather volunteered to work with him because he can't insult her like he can insult me," she replies and suddenly I get it. How altruistic of her. Sure I'm pureblood, and proud of it, but unlike my father, I don't really care about blood status. I mean, Granger's a Muggle-born and she's like the smartest person in our year. I can't really explain why, but it makes me feel better and I nod at Granger.
(Heather's point of view)
I can't believe it! What did I ever do to deserve working with Malfoy of all people?! So, guess what I'm doing? If you say chopping… you're wrong! I convinced Malfoy to chop by subtly hurting his ego. Well, I should be glad for the little good things in life, but at the moment I'm not.
"You didn't consider anything, did you? After you told Slughorn you would," Malfoy states. Please tell me I'm wrong when I say this kid is getting a very good grade in Potions. Does he need English lessons or something? I bet Nott understood. Nott? Where did that come from?
"I made no such commitment," I counter.
"You did, this whole class heard you," he replies calmly.
"Either this class needs English classes or I was misunderstood," I reply as I brew the potion.
"Enlighten me then, Blanche," he says and there's an edge to his voice. I bet he's sneering at me but I'm not looking at him because I don't care.
"I said that I could, not that I would," I explain. I can't believe I have to do this.
"How very Slytherin of you," he says after a pause. What. The. Hell?
"Tell me; is that your version of a compliment?" I ask adding the last ingredient to the cauldron. There's a slight hesitation and I finally look at him.
"Perhaps," he replies his face unreadable. I wish I could go back to my seat.
While Slughorn's back is turned I take out my wand and mutter, "Accio Sense and Sensibility," under my breath. My book shoots out of my bag and in my direction. I catch it easily and I sight Hermione and Nott and I show them my book. Hermione's eyes widen in recognition and I grin at her. Nott looks confused and I shrug. Yes, I'm doing this to defy Malfoy because my reading book is Muggle… but he doesn't have to know that. I open my book and begin to read ignoring Malfoy. Unfortunately, he refuses to be ignored.
"What are you reading?" he asks sounding the slightest bit curious.
"A book," I reply not taking my eyes off the page and I hear him snort.
"I meant what book are you reading," he clarifies but I refuse to understand.
"A fiction book," I say and he makes a sound of exasperation. I bookmark my book and close it. No, it's not because of Malfoy, it's because Slughorn's coming up to us. He observes our potion, declares it perfect, and gives each of us ten points. Inwardly, I reluctantly admit Malfoy did a good job of cutting the ingredients like the instructions said. Luckily, Harry alone got us ten points because of how brilliant he's become at Potions this year. I do wonder about that. Anyway, I start to read again in blissful silence and when Malfoy is about to speak Slughorn reaches Hermione and Nott's table. I close my book and listen. Like us, Slughorn declares it excellent and gives each ten points. I give a sigh of relief. I begin to clear everything up and thankfully Malfoy isn't stupid enough to not take the hint and he helps me. When we finish I say, "It was most interesting working with you." I give him a smirk before walking away.
I'm sitting in my own seat, Hermione next to me, and I have given up trying to read my book. Nott and I are staring at each other. He's been trying to make me laugh and has been almost succeeding. Really, I never thought him to be this funny before. I always thought him to be the serious type. Guess I was wrong. Anyway, he flutters his eyelashes (can you believe that? I couldn't either when I actually thought about it) in such a way it's hilarious and cute. I'd never admit to even think that it was cute though. I put a hand to my mouth trying really hard to suppress a laugh and I'm so glad when we're dismissed. When we're outside Hermione asks me why I was trying not to laugh before. During this week we've become closer, but I'm not exactly ready to tell her about my Slytherin crush. My Slytherin crush?! Where am I getting these ideas from? It's kind of frightening. I watch Nott walking in front of us and after a hesitation I come up with something and say,
"Have you read Sense and Sensibility?" When she nods I continue, "This is going to sound absurd but I've been thinking that when Colonel Brandon is first introduced he reminds me a lot of-"
"Snape?" she finishes for me and I'm surprised. Even though it wasn't why I was laughing that statement is very true and I have actually been thinking about it, especially when we have Defense Against the Dark Arts. I hear a quiet snort and I wonder if it came from Nott. I nod at Hermione and after a pause we burst into a fit of giggles. The rest of the day is eventless.
(A week later)
I'm in Potions class with Slughorn and I find that I would rather have Snape teaching this subject. The most horrific thing has happened: I'm working with Nott on a potion. No, the fact that I'm working with Nott is not the horrific part, it's what it implies. It implies that Malfoy and Hermione are working together! As if there aren't any other Slytherins here. I'm really worried and I glance at the pair every so often as I chop the ingredients. I'm getting really anxious, but at the same time I feel this nice hum throughout my body; a hum I didn't feel while standing this close to Malfoy last week.
As I chop I'm distracted by Malfoy and Hermione who both look very stiff, but I'm interrupted when I feel a sharp sting an my index finger and I let out a quiet hiss. I look at my finger, which I've cut, and before any blood can get on anything I pull it away from the ingredients.
"You okay?" Nott asks me.
"Oh, don't worry, it didn't get on the ingredients," I reply.
"That's not what I asked," he says sounding a little annoyed. My eyes snap up to meet his and his expression is unreadable.
"I'm…" I trail off not really knowing what to say. He looks a little uncomfortable.
"I'll fix it," he says slowly, offering me his hand. Before I can actually put my hand in his the most brilliant idea I've ever had in my whole entire life strikes me.
"Wait," I say still not believing it, "if I add a drop of blood to the potion-"
"No," he interrupts.
"But the iron in the blood will make the potion be-"
"No," he repeats.
"We can both get our Houses a lot of p-"
"No," he interrupts firmly again. I look up at him confused.
"Why not?" I ask but he doesn't answer right away.
"Fine, but I'll do it then, not you."
"It's easier if I do it though because I'm already h-"
"I don't want you to," he interrupts yet again. He doesn't look at me and there's the faintest shade of pink on his cheeks. I think it's cute.
"Okay," I say slowly and defeated. He looks at me then and his eyes are soft. I simply look at him trying to breathe normally. He offers his hand again and slowly, I place my own hand in his. At the contact I feel a very pleasant sensation throughout my body and I find his hand is warm. He takes out his wand, points it at my injury, and he mutters something under his breath, and then my injury is healed. I don't pull away immediately and he doesn't really make a move to let go. "Thank you," I say quietly. He nods, still staring at my hand. He finally loosens his grip a little and I slowly, reluctantly, let my hand slide away. Then he clears his throat and we both busy ourselves with our tasks trying to avoid each others glances.
After being done and cleaning up we're both sitting and I'm anxiously looking at Hermione and Malfoy. I feel Nott watching me and for the first time I'm not paying attention.
"Maybe you should go save your friend," Nott says to me. I give him a wide eyed look and he smirks at me.
"I think I will," I say, standing up and giving him a tentative smile he returns. Then, I'm on my way to save my Hermione Granger, my friend.
Reviews are always welcome! Constructive criticism only, no flames please.