Theodore was sitting at a table by himself in the library when he noticed that Daphne was walking towards him.
Theodore looked up from the book he had been reading, and he gave her a warm smile in greeting.
Daphne returned the smile as she sat down beside him, but her smile was weak.
"Is something wrong?" Theodore asked in concern.
"Not with me," Daphne replied. "I'm just worried about you."
"Well, there's nothing to be worried about," Theodore returned. "I'm just doing a little extra studying on the Charms that we've been covering recently. But I am glad to see you. You've always been better in Charms than me."
"How can you act as if everything is normal?" Daphne asked. "Your father is in Azkaban."
"You know there has never been any love lost between me and my father," Theodore responded. "And I really enjoyed staying with my mother's relatives over the summer. They're always been kind to me, and they actually care about me. And for once, I'm actually looking forward to the Christmas holidays."
"That's not what I'm worried about, Theo," Daphne replied. "I know that you're probably better off without your father. But I am concerned about the fact that some people have been whispering horrible things about you because of him. That has to bother you, at least a little bit."
"It does a little," Theodore admitted after a brief moment of silence, "but I really haven't heard too many comments directed towards me. It's been a lot worse for Draco. He actually loves his father, and Lucius Malfoy is much more well-known than my father ever has been. Most people don't consider him important enough to bother me that much on his account. Really, Daphne, there is no reason for you to worry about me. I'm doing just fine. I am having some problems in Charms, though. Would you like to practice with me?"
"Just promise me, Theo," Daphne sighed in reluctant acceptance, "that you will always remember that you're not alone. If you ever need to talk about anything, and I'm not just referring to schoolwork, I will always be there for you."
"I know, Daphne," Theodore smiled, "and I appreciate that a lot. You've always been a good friend to me."
Theodore then pulled out his wand and said with a grin, "I wasn't lying when I said I needed some extra practice in Charms."
Daphne couldn't help but smile slightly as she pulled out her wand as well. "Which Charm do you want to practice first?"