Disclaimer: All rights belongs to J. K. Rowling. All recognizable characters, plot and situations are not owned by me. I make no profits from this story.

Warning: Story rated M for language, violence and graphic sexual scenes.

This chapter is rated T.

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"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

…...

I like to write with a song in my mind.. This chapter is definitely Stormy end by Sunrise Avenue. watch?v=9nnP5w8ppZQ

CHAPTER 2

Malfoy Manor, 20th March, 2004

.

Draco was proud as hell and of course he would be damned if his engagement party would not be the biggest event in wizardly world this year... Second biggest, if the wedding will take place.

Hundreds of guests, two music bands, famous piano player, bloody fountain of wine. Official speechings at the beginning, Minister of Magic as the first to congratulate and all. Of course, Theo knew that Draco did all of that for his mother's pleasure, but still.

„I hope that the Diviner will be here soon", he admitted when Blaise reached him with two glasses of wine.

„Are you that impatient?", the wizard respond.

He didn't know what Zabini is talking about at first.

„To get a girl. Because you know, you are going to stay here to the very ending".

„Yes but if it is going to be that boring all night I can catch few bottles of wine and just get drunk. I doubt if Draco will notice, even if I leave soon", he said ignoring the suggestion about Daphne.

Of course he didn't forget about the promise he'd given to Draco. He intended to fulfill it and at some point, he was impatient despite he would never admit it. But he also wanted to get over it as well. And forget about it immediately. Two or three bottles of wine will be helpful.

„Yeah, he wouldn't notice", Blaise admitted lazily. „It seems to me that he is too nervous to notice anything. But you won't leave earlier because you gave him your word".

Theo couldn't disagree with that. Sometimes he wanted to curse himself for being so predictable.

„I will join to you and your appealing bottle of wine if I won't catch any girl tonight", Blaise declared.

Theo didn't say anything due to politeness but he was sure he was not going to share anything with Zabini. Even if it was only one goddamn bottle of alcohol.

Draco appeared next to Theo and it was rather unexpected. He would better keep company to his lovely fiancee and noble guests.

„How are you spending your time?", he just said and Theo became suspicious. Draco was never as simple as polite, even with friends unless he wanted something from them.

„Very well, enjoying views", Blaise grinned in a way Theo found disgusting. Really, he could tolerate a lot but Zabini was sometimes infuriating. „I had no idea there are still so many beautiful women I hadn't had a chance to get to know closer."

Draco smiled with amusement. Simple grimace like that was very unusual of him. „None of them would put a second glance at you because of your well-known reputation".

That conversation was boring at the very beginning and it looked like it was not going to change. „What do you want, Draco?", Theo asked.

Malfoy shrugged his shoulders. „Nothing. I just came to check out if you remember about our agreement".

„It doesn't seem to me like an agreement but I will do what I said. Why are you so insistent?"

The blonde wizard looked offended. „I'm not insistent, I just make sure everything is done like it should be", he said. „Do you know where is Daphne?".

It was really stupid question and Theo started to think that his friend bemused himself with drugs so he could deal with that „engagement" thing. Hard to think how it will be when it comes to the wedding.

„Of course we know, she would be hard to overlook even if she was not in the center of this show", Blaise interfered. „I don't know, how it happened that I missed her... Certainly during every of those parties we attend".

Draco looked at him like he was mad. „Yeah because she hardly go anywhere".

„That's a pity", Blaise mumbled looking at the direction where Greengrass sisters were talking to professor McGonaugall and professor Flitwick. Of course, almost all Hogwart's teachers came, except from professor Binns and that gatekeper who happened to teach Magical Animal Care.

Greengrass sisters wasn't very similar except they both had exactly the same tone of blonde long hair. But not as long as a month ago Theo noticed that Astoria has blue eyes and he remembered very well that Daphne's eyes are grey.

He had been meeting Astoria occasionally so he wasn't surprised with her appearance – of course today she made huge impression wearing blue formal dress. She was considered beauty and he was curious if Draco sees her as one. She was obviously pretty but Theo would not call her beautiful. She looked very young, younger than she really was, almost like a teenage girl. He supposed that Astoria in few years will turn into beauty but now she was rather like flower bud which is going to blossom soon. Or maybe he saw her like that because he always thought about her in comparison to Daphne. Even at school Daphne had that kind of elegance in her that there was no other words to describe her instead of beautiful. Or maybe gorgeous - that word was kind of popular at school but he wouldn't use it related to Daphne. He for sure wouldn't call her pretty or nice because it could fit to Patil twins but not to her.

It was good to see that she still had that elegance. They all've grown up, majority of girls from their year was prettier now but she still looked special in comparison to them. They became much more pretty and she became much more beautiful. He had notice that every time he was in the Ministry of Magic and saw her for a while and he would be blind if he didn't put attention now.

But this time he noticed something else, probably because of backless black dress she's been wearing. She always was a little bit thinner than her younger sister but now it seemed like the difference was even bigger. Astoria was almost exactly the same height as Daphne but she was thicker.

He should be careful to never say this to Draco who probably would feel offended. Malfoy could not be in love with his fiancee but he surely was sensitive when it came to her.

Theo realized that he missed some of the conversation when Blaise snorted. „Can't be. What would... What everyone would said about that? Slytherin princess who've broken dozens of young pure innocent boys hearts, dumped by a Ravenclaw".

Draco smirked.

„Don't get so excited about that", he scoffed. „Firstly, maybe pure but not innocent boys, secondly I really doubt in dozens of them. To be honest, if she's broken anyone's heart it was only yours because others could adore her but never actually tried anything. And not only a Ravenclaw but also muggleborn. Boot's mother is muggle. I'm pleased as hell because it would be miserable to be related to any muggles in any way".

„I'm just curious", Blaise respond. „Have you bribed him so he dumped her? Or have you used classical threats?"

Draco didn't seem offended by the question. Before he answered, they heard a quiet „pop" and old House elf appeared next to them. Draco looked at him in surprise. In Malfoy Manor house elves were not allowed into the ball room if they weren't called.

„We have an issue, master Malfoy", he said. „Please, follow me".

Draco haven't said anything, just did like he was asked with serious look on his face. Theo was curious what it was about, Blaise as well. After few minutes, dark-skinned wizard said „We better check it out". This time Theo had to agree with him. Malfoy was short-tepered and rather quick with casting spells. As for Theo, fixing house elves wasn't his favorite way to spend time. So he said nothing but left the ball room along with Blaise. They went to the hall and there they've met Malfoy, pissed as hell.

„This is a disaster", he said to them. „I've got tricked by a Ravenclaw. He hired another Diviner".

Blaise seemed confused. „Who?"

Draco looked at him with anger. „I have no fucking idea. Anyone affiliated to the guild. I would've known about that earlier".

Theo somehow hasn't felt perplexed. It would be too easy if everything went after Malfoy's thought.

„I'm asking about that Ravenclaw", Blaise replied.

Draco hasn't looked like in the mood to explain anything.

„Mr. Greengras was in Ravenclaw back at Hogwart's", Theo said.

„Really? I always've thought he is pure-blood with conviction".

„He is", Draco was visibly annoyed. „But still, he was a Ravenclaw. And right now he outwitted me". It looked like that angered Malfoy more than the fact he's started to lose control over situation.

Theo hasn't refrained himself from making a comment. „Maybe he was far too clever to choose a Slytherin".

Draco sent him curious glance. „What?"

Theo shrugged his shoulders. „It never looked good in CV".

Draco snorted. „But what makes you think the Sorting Hat decision is the matter of person's choice?;

This time, Theo felt confused. „Because it asked me?"

„It asked you", Malfoy repeated with disbelief, „which house you want to be in".

„Yes. It asked politely. It wasn't like that with you?", then he came to realization. „Ah, I remember, it wouldn't have time. Looks like your mind never was complicated thing".

Draco nearly groaned with frustration. „Screw you, Nott. But before do that, you better come up with something. I need and idea to deal with this problem. Poisoning the Seer is out of question".

„Then, you need a miracle", Theo replied, not even concerned. Obviously it wasn't his worry.

Before Malfoy came up with response, Blaise interfered. „Calm down, guys. The Diviner or Seer or whatever, is here".

He was right. Through the opened door to the Manor they've seen what was outside and right now the carriage entered the courtyard. The woman in white tailor-made dress and white hat got off.

Probably all over the world, there was no Seer wearing clothes like that other than...

„It's Hestia Carrow, isn't it?", Blaise spoke aloud.

Draco looked amused. „Great. Looks like you will make that miracle come true, Nott".

„It will cost you", he answered immediately, just because he hasn't want it to look like he was Malfoy's servant. „It is the second favor this evening".

„What do you want?".

„That bottle of Chateau d'Yem you refused to shared with us last week".

„What? It's three-hundred-years wine. It's worth more than aunt's Arabella Chinese porcelain. You are going to drink it, just like that?"

Theo shrugged his shoulders.

„No, then. It's ok with me".

Draco frowned.

„Alright, you win. But you tell to Hestia she is supposed to see we are meant for each other and she makes it look real."

…...

Great job, Dad. Very smart.

The thought like that went through her mind but she knew she is the one to be blamed.

She's told father to find another Seer, and definitely not one who belongs to any guild. He did exactly what she asked for. Right before the party he sent the owl to the previous hired diviner and informed him that his service is no longer requested. She thought she was smart but apparently Draco was smarter... Or just lucky. She's never believed in some things like fortune but right know, she nearly started to believe in destiny.

That girl who was „modern diviner and gifted seer" turned out to be her housemate from Hogwart's. And if it was just that... But no. It had to be Hestia Carrow, Theo's very-distant relative.

How father could come up with that sort of idea while he hates Carrows? She was unable to even imagine that.

When she was standing there, in the ballroom full of people she barely knew, who was laughing and rising one toast after another, she felt like she was going to choke because of lack of the oxygen. It was too crowded, too loud and too hot.

Hard to believe, in the past she loved parties. But it was at Hogwart's. Back then, everything was different.

There was one good thing after divination – people were so excited, just drinking and talking nonsense and for the first time in that evening she wasn't forced to chat with anyone. She took her chance and approached the doors to the balcony. Cool air hitted her in the face but it wasn't unpleasant. It was refreshing and healing.

She's been wearing long backless dress. Of course it was predictable cold outside and in a few seconds after she felt that she can breathe freely, she felt like she was going to freeze. She should went back inside the building but couldn't decide to do this just yet.

Suddenly it became warm and she turned around to face whoever it was. Now she really regretted she hadn't had her wand. Fucking evening dresses.

„You", she said involuntarily when she discovered that she was standing in front of Theo. Suddenly, she was out of breathe again and it had nothing to do with that warming charm he casted around the balcony.

He was standing next to the door, the wand in his hand but he decided to put it into the pocket of his jacket. That was another reason, besides the crowd of people, why she hated parties now. It was just not fair that women are always wearing dresses and men still have their wands.

After that unnecessary word splitted out of her mouth, she hadn't known how to behave. She's just wanted to have five minutes alone and it apparently was too much for her to ask.

She was really not in the mood to deal with people now. Especially not to deal with him.

Theo was wearing a grey shirt and black suit. His appearance was as close to perfection as possible but she knew it was not thanks to well-tailored clothes. And she hated to admit it.

The last time she's seen him in real, Theo was a boy and now he was a man. He always was good-looking but now she's had the impression that he was almost unbelievable handsome. Pale skin, dark hair and... those black eyes she always adored. He's changed, grown up but his eyes was the same, dark and in the same time clear and... bright.

Once she said to him that his eyes was shining and he replayed that it's because of her. Despite she was complimented far too often for her taste, she's never heard anything which could be compared to that.

But it was very long time ago, she reminded to herself. Now everything is different. She should not look at him like that. All emotions reflected on her face, she was sure of it and it made her want to escape.

Of course, she didn't do that.

„It's me", Theo responded after some time. It seemed to her like couple of minutes despite it had to be just several seconds. „What are you doing, Daphne, trying to catch a cold?".

She could expect malicious question like that.

„Actually, I'm trying to cool down", she said and even for her it was surprise that in the first words to him after so long time she hadn't had to lie. „And you? It's not enough to celebrate this little victory with your friend, you just had to come here and check the impression?".

He looked at her with astonishment.

Of course it wasn't his goal. He was not Draco. She knew that but she just had to release some anger, even just a little bit. It was mistake. She shouldn't be that obvious.

„I don't think we are on the war anymore, Daph", he replied very calmly.

It infuriated her that he was calm while she was almost boiling with anger, as well as the fact that he called her with short name so easily an made it sound natural, as if there was nothing strange or inappropriate with it. As if nothing changed.

But she was not going to tell him to not call her with nicknames. She was not going to give him that satisfaction.

It couldn't be that hard. She just had to pull herself together and behave like... Like a Slytherin whom she was after all, didn't she?

„There always is a war somewhere", she said and hoped it sounded sharply.

For a few seconds, he just measured her up with his dark eyes.

„Why are you talking about the victory?", he asked her very simple question in very simple tone.

Like he's had nothing to hide.

„Because Draco fooled me, of course. With your little help", she explained. Then, she heard the next sentence, expressed with so many venom in it and she was surprised that it escaped her own mouth. „It almost seems like they are really meant for each other".

Theo didn't comment that despite he could. In some way, she felt grateful for that.

And she was angry at herself for being grateful in situation like that.

„Why are you so much against Draco? You used to like him".

Here it was. He was asking calm simple questions, pointing out her mistakes. To make her think about things so it would lead her to the conclusion that she was not right about something, that she was just stubborn. It used to work out. But she wasn't that silly teenage girl now. And it wasn't going to work on her anymore.

She couldn't disagree on his statement. But she wouldn't admit that he was right even if he was.

„Is it supposed to matter? I used to like you too also. It doesn't mean anything now", she said and suddenly felt like she was about to cry. But she wasn't going to allow herself to cry. Never again. So, to avoid that urge, she made the choice to talk. „We are not those stupid proud children anymore. And it's not Hogwart's, Dumbledore won't resolve anything anymore. The time is passing by, people are changing. Everything changed".

„I don't think so", it was his enigmatic answer. Right now she hadn't put too much attention into this.

„Yeah, you are right. Ten points for Slytherin. Draco Malfoy hasn't changed so much, he is still so silly proud".

She didn't expect him to reply on that. And for sure, not in the way he did.

„Maybe he is proud because it's the last thing he's had left", he said.

She blinked several times. He was still there. Good-mannered, composed, calm.

It might be true. She knew that Draco's had harshful life. All of them had, one way or another, but his life seemed to be especially miserable. But still...

„You are probably right", she agreed and she was surprised that it was so easy to agree with him. To be honest, it gave her a relief. „But I'm not going to let him destroy my sister".

This time, Theo looked like he was confused. Or concerned. There was something on his face despite his previous lack of emotions. She felt uneasy about it, maybe even scared because she still remembered how it was back at school. He always seemed to be neutral and cold but not when he was alone with her because they were friends and they trusted each other. Now, they aren't friends anymore so he shouldn't show her any emotions.

Despite what she said a few moments ago, she was sure that he couldn't change so much.

She saw his hesitation, he looked like he was going to come closer to her. She hoped he would not do that because she was comfortable while talking to him from this distance.

Comfortable? She was astonished with her own thoughts. That conversation was weird and distant, not comfortable at all but... At some point...

Maybe she was wrong when she thought she wouldn't want to meet him anymore. It was good to see him and be sure that he is fine... Just fine. After all this mess, after the war, fine was enough. At least for them who were the most affected.

Her own thoughts distracted her from that conversation and when Theo spoke, at first she didn't know who is he talking about. „What makes you think that he is going to destroy her?", he was truly confused. „Are you drunk?".

„Maybe, a little too much of firewhisky", she admitted aloud although she hasn't really drunk much. Even if she would like to, there were guests and she had to take care about many things. But alcohol could explain strange behavior... And yes, she realized that her words was strange. She turned down her voice, like she was ashamed of words she was about to say. Maybe she was. „I know that Draco has no bad intentions towards Tori. But good intentions are not enough".

At that, Theo made a step towards her. He came closer... So she stepped back. It was safer this way. Theo lived among Slytherins and most of them was very careful about there personal space... Well, in eyes of Gryffindors or Hufflepuffs they were cold and distant but it was all about the space which they didn't want to share with people who were almost completely strangers. In Slytherin everyone knows that it has to be respected. So of course, Theo stopped and it was good because that balcony wasn't that large and she had no place to escape.

He understood so she calmed down and continued her speech. „I just think that arrangement marriage is not good enough, at least not for Tori. She deserves to be loved".

„And you know she won't be, because Death Eaters are unable to love, is that correct?".

She narrowed her eyes. This question sounded like it was made by a teacher... But not any other teacher than professor Snape. Only he could be so sharp and contain so much passive agression in one simple question.

So that was all, Theo wasn't going to show her any emotions, he was back to his cool and distant self. She should be glad.

She could tell him that his conclusion is wrong. Death Eaters or not, some people are just enable to love. She didn't respond because of his attitude. If he was going to be like that, she won't answer any question.

It looked like Theo also didn't want to talk anymore. But he also didn't look like he was about to go away. It would be better if she go back inside... But she wasn't able to make the decision.

Then, she saw her father through the glass door. She walked by Theo, ignoring the sensation deep in her chest in that split moment when she was so close to him she could sensed eau de cologne he was using. Suddenly it reminded her about the willow tree at Hogwart's. Not because the scent was similar – it wasn't similar at all. It was just that at Hogwart's there always where a lot of people around and even among Slytherins it wasn't easy to be alone... Just alone or alone with someone. But in that moments when there were just the two of them, they used to go to the meadows to sit in shadow of that tree.

While she thought about it, there was another memory related to that tree, sweet and bitter in the same time. She definitely was not going to dwell on it... And sure as hell, not now.

Her father opened the door and she felt his critical gaze on her. He also looked at Theo behind her back.

„Good evening, Mr, Greengrass", she heard his calm voice. She didn't turn around but she knew Theo laid his head politely, like it was required towards senior wizards from ancient families. She felt ashamed because her father completely ignored him and good manners as well.

„You better go inside", he said and went back to the ball room. She turned around, just to see Theo's face for a second and she noticed his gaze on her. Then, she followed her father who was obviously unpleased. „You are not supposed to be seen with former Death Eaters", he said.

It was ridiculous statement because no one cared about that things anymore. Those who were found guilty were in Azkaban now. And those who were clarified of charges were free and no one would dare to call them... that. No one but her father and few others who was not able to get over it.

With that, there was no use to oppose. She really didn't want to irritate him but words involuntarily escaped her mouth.

„You know, he happens to be best friend of Draco Malfoy who is supposed to be your son-in-law. And you accepted him. Or did he force you to agree to this marriage?".

It was her inner Slytherin personality which dared to be so malicious towards her own father. There wasn't any other way to explain that rude behavior. Part of her regretted that she said those words because it was her father after all and she really didn't want to upset him anymore. But the other part of her, didn't regret that at all.

This Slytherin girl knew that what she said was pure truth.

Her father stared at her with disapproval but said nothing.

…...

…...

Hogwarts, 8th Sept, 1996

.

It was already a week since school had started.

Her 6th year at Hogwarts. She remembered that almost exactly a year ago she and Pansy and the rest of girls from her year were sitting in Slytherin common room, laughing and sharing stories about how vacations went. They have been thinking that everything is ok. And they were talking about how great it will be the next year, when they will be almost the oldest students at school. The two remaining years at Hogwarts was supposed to be the best.

Of course, Harry Potter has been already plotting about the Dark Lord who returned. There were huge fights among Gryffindors because most of them haven't believed him but there were also a few who did believe what he said was true.

That night, at the beginning of the 5th year she, Pansy and their friends didn't care about it - at all. Draco and Theo were acting suspicious already but for some time she just ignored it. She probably didn't want to see.

Now, a year later, everyone knows that The Boy Who Lived was right. You Know Who have returned and he is going to terrorize the wizarding world again. Anyone was thinking about how entertaining the next year at school will be... What they were thinking about was rather – if in the end of this year they all will be still alive. And if they relatives will be.

Daphne also was scared. Really scared. She knew that the Dark Lord contacted her father this summer. And father assured them – Astoria and her – there is nothing to worry about. He won't cooperate with the Death Eaters. You Know Who won't hurt them. He will not be able to. Things are under control, at least in this case.

She trusted him. She knew her father is clever and brave enough to keep his word. It wasn't him or Astoria or herself that she was worried about. It wasn't even the future of wizarding world – because that time, in September, she still thought it won't be that bad. Ministry of Magic is going to catch the bastard. There are aurors, there is Dumbledore and there is Harry Potter himself... She hasn't known it all will turn into war. If her father was able to face You Know Who and he was still alive – there is no chance Dark Lord is really that powerful. His fall is just a matter of time.

Yes, in that time, the autumn after the return of the Dark Lord was announced, she wasn't that much worried about muggles, wizards or upcoming war. It hasn't seemed that real yet.

She was worried about Theo.

She knew Mr. Nott was there in the Department of Secrets. She knew he was captured. He was imprisoned now and, at some point, she was happy about that. He wasn't a good man and he never was a good father. But still, Thoros Nott, as vicious as he had been, was the only remained family for Theo so... Of course it had to be difficult. He should't be alone but he hasn't wrote even a single letter during a summer. She's sent him letters every day. And she knew that he received it. But he never wrote back.

At some point, she wasn't surprised. She knew he was too stubborn and proud to write anything about his father or about this lonely summer or how he feels about it all. But, still, she insisted in sending those letters, hoping maybe this time there will be response.

She wanted to go and see him, just to tell him that he is a hopeless jerk ignoring her like that. She couldn't because of father's prohibition. She was supposed to listen to him... Well, he prohibitted her to contact Theo in any way but while she could hide the letters, he would find out if she go to Nott's residence.

So she's spent all summer writing those hopeless letters, cursing at Theo's stupidity and feeling more and more helpless.

When the school year started, she was going to say to Theo what she thinks about his worthless behavior. Then, she was sure, he would try to explain himself but he would talk nothing but rubbish. She hasn't been really thinking about what he would say because it didn't matter. Then, she would hug him because she missed him so much. He would apologize. And not in the instance, but eventually, he would talk to her about what happened because... He needed that and she was able to convince him to open just a little, she was sure of it.

And it would all be ok, as always.

But things haven't really occured this way.

Of course, she hunted him down right after the feast. There was no one at the corridor but she supposed half of the school wings had to heard her shouting at him. She didn't really care if they did. She was pissed off and yes – he as hell had to pay for that.

He allowed her to yell at him, hasn't even tried to cut her off. And he said nothing.

Really, nothing. Any excuse, any single complain, any apologies. It was his lack of reaction which forced her to shut up.

He always was calm while she reproached him but never to this point. And he always knew what to say so she will calm down.

This time he hadn't tried, as if it hadn't mattered. He listened to her until she finished whatever she had to say and, then, he just walked away.

And she realized how serious things are.

Then, in couple of days, it became even more obvious. Theo hasn't avoided her but he hasn't talked to her also. Not really. They spoke in the common room or between classes but it all meant nothing. She was hardly able to see him, like he was hiding.

Others could not notice it because he always was kind of a loner but she noticed, of course. Asked Blaise about it. He pretended that he didn't know what she is concerned about. He reacted exactly the same way when she asked him about Draco so she knew he lied.

There was something really wrong with Draco's behavior and it was too obvious to not notice. And it was another worry to the list.

So, after first week, she knew it will be very difficult year.

And she knew it is all related to Dark Lord.

Draco was the more difficult one. She decided to make it work with Theo first and she just waited for an opportunity to appear.

On Sunday morning she caught him outside. He was at the meadows, sitting in the shadow of the willow tree, looking at the lake.

He's noticed her far before she approached him but hasn't made any move because – of course – it would seem like escape.

She sit down on the grass beside him.

„Theo, I know everything is screwed-up now. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. But please, don't push me away".

He looked directly at her, no surprised at all.

„I knew you will make it all much more difficult".

She tried to turn it into joke.

„Well, I've always been difficult. Always am, always will be. Deal with it".

It didn't cheer him up. It had opposite effect, if any.

„I think you know as well as I know", he said in serious tone and her smile faded, „your family and mine family are totally different. You are on the other side and stay just there."

She furrowed brow.

„To be honest, we aren't at any side. My father is trying to be neutral but..."

„So you should be. Don't come too close. To stay as far as it is possible, it is the smartest thing to do".

She understood what he said but she wasn't going to agree.

„I thought you were going to be neutral".

„Yeah, but I'm already involved".

„You know, your father..."

„I think", he cut her off, „that your father would not want you to even talk to me."

„He is not here".

„And you should not be here as well. Why not attend that school in France? Eventually, England will be the most unsafe place in the world. Probably, Hogwarts at the top of that", he was avoiding her gaze for a while but now he looked directly at her. Suddenly she felt like there is really cold outside. He was so cool and distant. It was unusual of him... Unusual when he was talking to her. „Just take Tori with you and get out of here".

She shook her head in disagreement.

„No", she replied and gazed at him with conviction. She knew she was doing the right thing. He, on the other hand, was childishly stubborn in this case. He was not determined to be like his father. And even if he was, she would not just stay and watch him fall. „Let me make it clear, Theodore. I'm here and I'm not going to go anywhere".

He snorted. Obvious sign of irritation, especially that he never allowed himself to react like that.

„Great", he said angrily. „But you better remember one thing. Notts and Greengrass are not friends. And we never will be friends."

It hurt. She felt like imaginary cold hand tightened up around her heart, as if it was going to crush it.

He knew that, since their 3rd year at school, she always considered him her best friend. The only one she could trust with no hesitation. And he knew that it will hurt as hell when he come up with this... family hostility which used to to meant nothing to them. He knew and still said that because so desperately wanted to get rid of her.

She forced herself to not burst into tears. In 16 years of her life, she never cried. Never allowed herself to be so weak. And she was not going to cry now, doesn't matter how harsh Theo was. No matter how upset he was and how helpless she felt about it.

„You are right", she said and her voice was surprisingly quiet even for her.

„Right with what?", Theo replied with a question and she knew he wouldn't expect her to agree so easily.

„Let's not be friends", she said, almost whispered, and she turned to him so she could carefully watch his reaction.

There was astonishment on his face and disappointment as well.

Surely it was one of a few moments in his life when he didn't know what to say. Not that he didn't want to respond but just didn't know how. She took it as her own little success.

She hesitated just for one second and then, she leant toward him and heard her own words, like it has been told by someone else. „Let's not be friends, Theo".

She was thinking about him all summer. At first, her thoughts never turned this way... It never did in the past, as long as they knew each other. But during this vacation something changed because she wanted to see him so much and wasn't allowed. Since their third year at Hogwarts, that never occured to not have a word from him for weeks. So, of course, she was worried and she missed him. She was thinking how it will be to meet again, spend time together in Slytherin common room, talking with friends, annoying Draco and teasing Blaise. And how it will be to spend time with Theo without anyone else. This was what she missed the most because there was a change in him whenever they where alone. He was more talkative, much more honest when there were just the two of them and she felt much more comfortable in his presence than with anyone else. And she loved the fact that they shared such a moments, despite the fact that it happened so rarely. Or maybe because of that.

It wasn't until this summer that she started to think about sharing a kiss with him – and in imagination it was always Theo who kissed her first. It just seemed to be more appropriate this way. Or more natural. She's never thought that she could inititiate this.

She's never kissed anyone so there was no way for her to imagine how to do this. But just now, a moment before her lips met his, she closed her eyes and realized that it didn't matter who would come up with the idea. It didn't really matter that she was the one to do this first. All that mattered was – if he kiss her back.

And he did.

His body stiffened a little at first, like he didn't expect it to happen at all. She felt as he tensed and she was almost sure that he intended to push her away. Even if he was, she had no intention to be first to break the contact. Her mouth was lingering on his lips which appeared to be surprisingly warm. It was the first time he was so close – except from few times when he hugged her in friendly way but it was so very different, not to mention that now it seemed like ages ago – and she was going to stay like that, as long as she could.

But then, Theo's mouth covered hers and she had to force herself to not shiver. His hand drifted to her back and pulled her closer, and she could really feel the warmth of his body. His lips stroked hers, rubbing gently until she opened her mouth to his. Their breaths mingled. He was kissing her softly and she followed his lead while his grip tightened around her waist and his other hand drifted to the back of her head and he threaded his fingers through her hair.

It was the strangest sensation she's ever felt. Her heart fluttered and warmth seemed to spread throughout her entire body. She settled both hands on Theo's chest, covered by black school robes, and she discovered with satisfaction that his heart raced as fast as her's.

And then, suddenly, his lips parted from her and despite she needed some air, she felt disappointed because of that separation. She tightened her hands on his robes and for a moment didn't care that it looked like desperation. She looked in his face and noticed that he looked confused, maybe concerned but not angry. He lowered his hand so he wrapped both arms around her waist and yanked her to him. She relaxed and laid her head on his shoulder. When he spoke, she could feel his warm breath on her neck.

„You really shouldn't do this. But I'm glad you did".

She cuddled up even closer to him and she felt him tightened his embrace.

She knew why he tried to reject her. She was not going to allow him do that. And it seemed that he really didn't want to. At this time, nothing else mattered.

…...

…...

Next chapter, Astoria's point of view.

This part is visibly longer. Is it better or not?