It was Saturday evening and Theodore was in the library, busy perusing a book about medicinal herbs. At least, that's what he would want people to think. In reality, he was pretending to read while stealing glances at the beautiful girl sitting across from him. Padma Patil really was beautiful. She was quieter than her brash Gryffindor clone and probably smarter than most, if not all, of his friends (Daphne, the poor dear, had legitimate concerns about failing every single OWL).

Now, what would be talk to her about.

"We've been in classes together for almost five years now and I just noticed that you're hot?" No, she might, understandably enough, take offense to that (even though it was completely true). He couldn't strike up a conversation about what she was reading because he didn't know the first thing about mid-century Wizarding literature. Besides, even if he did, she probably knew more than him and looking foolish simply wouldn't do.

After much deliberation, Theodore decided a simple compliment would suffice. Then he could ask her out to the next Hogsmeade weekend or something. While other students slowly started to drift out of the library, Theodore considered what he would wear on their first date. He looked pretty dashing in the silver robes he got for Christmas. Or would that be to formal? He made a note to ask Daphne about that as soon as possible.

Finally he sauntered up to where Padma was sitting and shot her a (devastatingly charming) grin. When Padma finally closed her book and looked at him expectantly, Theodore delivered the perfect line he had rehearsed countless times in the past hour:

"I have never met an Indian girl as pretty as you."

Theodore, expecting blushes and tittering, was beyond shocked when Padma scowled and walked away, not even acknowledging him and his rugged good looks.

Girls made absolutely no sense. Especially Ravenclaws.

The next morning, Padma discovered a snow-white box waiting for her. Inside, there were a few pieces of smooth dark chocolate and a note:

I apologize.

With many regrets,

Theodore.

Padma smiled.