A/N : 'Breath' Breaking Benjamin

Theo sat in front of the fire in the Slytherin common room. His breathing grew deeper as he stared at the dancing flames, a small smile tearing at his lips. He stretched and brought his legs up to the sofa to lie across it.

"Finally, a relaxing evening." he mumbled to himself. He had an amazing Draco-less dinner in the Great Hall and actually got to sit and enjoy the quiet without the brooding or the grating complaints of Malfoy.

He had spoken, or rather thought, too soon. Draco suddenly stormed through the wall and sat in a leather armchair next to Theo's sofa with a humph.

"Are you going to sit there and pout until I ask you what's wrong, mate?"

"Yes, I just might." Draco replied with a sneer.

"Such a little girl sometimes. What ever is the matter, princess?"

Draco reached across the distance between them and pounded Theo in the arm with his balled fist.

"You're lucky I don't hex you for that, Draco." he said as he took a bronze knut from his pocket and transfigured it into a cheap plastic tiara. With a flourish, he placed it atop his friend's head. "There! Truly fitting for you, your highness."

Suddenly the flames in the fireplace shot out of the hearth and Draco pelted Nott with the tiara. "Calm down! No need to burn the castle down, mate." Theo said with a wink.

Draco said nothing.

"Out with it, Draco! Before I decide I'm suddenly uninterested."

"That bloody witch!"

"I assume we're speaking of the usual one? What of her now?"

"She is so bloody stubborn!"

"As are you, mate."

"Yeah, well it seems as if fate has other plans on its mind as of late."

Theo froze. "How do you mean?"

"It was as if I...as if I could've kissed her today."

Theo then sat forward, "No. No. No. No. NO. You can't do that you barmy git!"

"I know. You don't think I of all people know that?" he said incredulously.

"Right. Well, have you eaten yet?"

"No, why—?"

"Just trust me, you'll feel better. Let's go."

"And where is it we're going?"

"The kitchens, you gormless codger!"

Theo rose from the sofa, followed by a steadily brooding Draco. The two headed in silence toward the kitchens. When they got there, they were greeted by a spry old house elf who took one look at Draco and anticipated his hunger. The boys took a seat at a table and the elf brought out a plate filled with roast beef, potatoes, peas, and gravy.

Draco tucked in right there before Theo broke their silence. "Are you ever going to ask me about my date with Honey?"

Draco finished chewing his bite and looked at his friend, bewildered. "Well, you came back naked, spare your shoes, and absolutely pissed. I assumed you shagged and that was it? Or are you getting married this summer?"

"What? No, you bloody doffer! I'm starting a business. You're looking at the newest investor of Honey's Lounge!" Theo said with a confident puff of his chest.

"Honey's Lounge? Ah! That makes sense now."

"Yes! I came back nude because we were scouting talent" he said with a wink "and blimey, did I find some!"

"That's great, Theo!"

"It's bloody brilliant! All the shags I could dream of and the best part is, I get to put the Nott fortune to good use; my own happiness! Therefore, my father will be most unhappy."

"Sounds like the perfect plan! This actually also completely explains Granger's contempt toward your time spent there."

"I guess it wasn't Honoria's cheekbones she was jealous of after all but all the shagging I was doing with other witches." Theo said with a wink.

Draco kicked him under the table.

"I'm only joking, Draco. Keep firm hold of your knickers! She's like my little sister."

Draco only growled through a mouthful of potatoes before placing his fork down.

"I think I'm done eating. Let's get out of here."

"Yeah, mate. It's getting late. I quite need my beauty sleep." Theo responded through Draco's rolled eyes.

They had almost made it back to the common room when they were stopped by Professor Snape emerging from the shadows. Theo immediately started giggling, remembering seeing him leaving Madam Mysteries on Christmas. Draco steeled himself and prodded his mate sharply in the ribs with an elbow.

"Mister Malfoy, Mister Nott. I think it in both of your best interest to not wander the halls this late. People might think you are up to something."

"Yes, Professor." Draco said as a strange, strangled, giggle escaped Theo's lips.

"Only up to filling young Draco's belly with roast beef, Professor." he spouted, reaching to rub Draco's stomach before getting his hand swatted away by it's owner. Theo spoke once more. "What are you up to tonight, Professor? Going somewhere?"

Severus Snape only stared down at him. "Bed. Now, Mister Nott."

"Oh, but whose bed?" Theo asked with a cheeky grin as Draco pulled him by the arm to the entrance in the wall to Slytherin House.

"Your bed, Theo."

"No, I meant Snape." said Theo dumbly before continuing. "I've been trying to think of some good jokes about seeing him on Christmas but my mind couldn't pick one on the spot given all the rather amazing choices. Plus, we were alone in a dark corridor with the manky, old bloke. There were no witnesses to the hilarity...or what he'd do to us, if I let out a really good'n." he chuckled.