Yule Ball: Write about listening to someone's secret.
Word Count: 670
Blaise doesn't mean to overhear the conversation. He has never been one for eavesdropping, but sometimes it just happens. Ordinarily, he'd keep walking; gossip has never really appealed to him. However, he recognizes one of those voices as his boyfriend, and curiosity gets the best of him.
"I know what I'm doing," Theo says firmly.
"You really have no idea what you're asking." Draco's voice is soft, almost broken. He's changed so much since sixth year started, but Blaise can't quite put his finger on what's changed.
"I'm joining the Dark Lord," Theo insists.
Blaise feels his insides freeze. He swallows dryly, shaking his head. Theo's father is a Death Eater; it's common enough knowledge. But Theo is too kind, too good to follow in those footsteps.
Blaise has never approved of the Dark Lord, though he would never dare voice his opposition. The Slytherin common room has far too many supporters. Talking can be risky.
But Theo knows how he feels. There have been too many nights of laying awake, talking about their hopes and fears. He had confided his doubts in Theo. How could his boyfriend want this life? It feels like such a betrayal.
"You joined."
"I had no choice," Draco says, and Blaise finally understands why the blond has seemed so drain and deranged lately. "You're making a mistake, Nott."
"We'll see. I do hope your master doesn't find out you're talking like that, mate," Theo says coldly. "I can't imagine he would be terribly pleased, do you?"
Blaise walks off, keeping pace brisk. Behind him, he hears a door open, followed by two sets of footsteps. He doesn't look back; he keeps his head down as he always does.
…
"When were you planning to tell me?" Blaise asks as he and Theo sit atop the Astronomy Tower, eyes fixed upon the starry skies.
He feels Theo shift beside him, but he doesn't look at him. "Tell you what?"
"That you're planning to join the Dark Lord."
His boyfriend tenses. "Did Draco tell you? Did I hope you could dissuade me?"
"I overheard you two talking."
He expects Theo to lash out. Maybe the other boy realizes how hypocritical it would be because he remains silent.
"Why would you even think about it?" Blaise demands. "It's too risky."
"My father is pressuring me. He says it's the right thing to do."
"It isn't." The words come out harsher than Blaise had intended, but he doesn't apologize. Now is the time to stand his ground.
He finally looks at Theo, and his heart breaks. He can see the pain and confusion in his lover's eyes. This isn't the life that Theo wants, and Blaise wonders how he can make him see that.
"So, what? Are you a Muggle lover now?" Theo asks.
"Hardly," Blaise says dryly. "But picking a side is dangerous. Picking the wrong side is worse."
"How do you know it's the wrong one?"
Blaise takes Theo's hand gently in his and guides it to his chest. "I feel it in my heart. There's no need for bloodshed. Don't do this, Theo. For me, please."
His boyfriend slumps against him, resting his head on Blaise's shoulder. Blaise knows it can't be easy. There is so much pressure these days, and it can be easy to give in to it. He just hopes Theo can see reason.
"I don't know how to refuse," Theo mutters. "I'm not like you. Your mum isn't trying to force you into some life that you don't even want."
Blaise pulls him close, pressing his lips to Theo's. It's a quick kiss, gentle compared to the many intense ones they've shared over the years. But it's enough. "We'll figure it out together."
"Together." His lips quirk into a smile.
"Together," Blaise confirms. "We'll make this right."
And he doesn't know what will happen. Maybe it will work. Or maybe Theo will choose the wrong path. In that moment, it doesn't matter. They have each other, and Blaise is at peace.