Charms was not supposed to be a problematic subject. Hermione had fantastic grades in every subject and was not going to let a stubborn boy mess it up for her. Professor Flitwick liked the Charms Partner Project. It gave the students a chance to work with people they may not have talked to before. Hermione thought it would be okay. Theodore Nott, her partner this year, was normally passive. When it came to school, this was the same, but there was a subtle aggressiveness behind it that she had never noticed before.
She usually worked well with a partner. They could split up the work equally, help each other, and ended the year- long project as good friends. She had managed this with even the most difficult: Draco, Blaise, and Zacharias were nothing compared to the nightmare of Theo Nott. He was headstrong and quiet, as far as she knew from interrogating Draco. It was going to be a challenge.
It was their first time working on the project outside of class. After lunch, they met in front of the doors to the Great Hall. Hermione hesitated.
"Are you okay with working in the library?" She asked. Theo stared at her, silent. She was not sure if this was an affirmative and started towards the library, looking for Theo to walk next to her. He did not move. Pausing, she sighed and turned around. The quiet ones seemed to expect a person to be able to read their minds. Hermione did not know Legilimency and had to do this the old fashioned way.
"Where do you want to work on this?" Hermione loved the library as much as her own home, but she could work elsewhere if it was needed. Theo looked wary and started towards the front of the castle. He wanted to work outside. Hermione took a deep breath and followed him. She could do this.
He picked a shady spot under a tree away from the lake. There were students making lots of noise, but that did not seem to bother him. They sat down and pulled their materials out. Theo waved his wand and the voices of the students disappeared. The sounds of the trees, creatures, and wind continued. It was peaceful. Hermione liked this. Theo spoke up when they had both settled.
They had talked about the specifics of their project earlier and worked silently. Hermione decided that Theo was alright. He did not talk too much, but he also was not completely mute all the time.
At the end of the year, Hermione's Charms class had presented their projects. Theo came up to her after. He shuffled his feet and cleared his throat before speaking.
"It was nice working with you this year. If there's another project and you need a partner, then I'm definitely interested." He gave her a small smile. Hermione smiled back and nodded.
"It was a pleasure. I'd like to do it again."