Ginny Weasley was not handling this well.
She had spent months fantasizing about her perfect future.
Harry would love her.
Harry would marry her.
Harry would belong to her.
Because that's how it was supposed to be.
She had practiced writing her name with his surname.
She had daydreamed about their wedding.
She had imagined the life they'd have—the perfect Gryffindor fairy tale.
And then Theo Nott ruined everything.
He had no right.
He had no claim.
Harry was supposed to be hers.
Ginny's hands curled into fists as she watched from the Gryffindor table, her nails digging into her palm.
Theo had kissed Harry's hand.
In front of everyone.
And Harry let him.
Ginny's stomach twisted with rage.
But fine.
If Amortentia wouldn't work?
She would just have to try something stronger.
Meanwhile, Theo is Still Very Much Over It
Theo didn't let go of Harry's wrist.
Not immediately.
Even after the girls had scampered away, even after the Great Hall broke into excited whispers, even after Pansy and Blaise had openly started taking bets on when Harry would give in and admit he was Theo's—
Theo kept holding on.
His thumb brushed absently against Harry's knuckles, as if making a point.
A very loud point.
Harry sighed. "You do realize that was excessive, right?"
Theo tilted his head. "Was it?"
Harry gave him a look. "You just declared a blood feud over a potion, Theo."
Theo grinned. "You say that like it's unreasonable."
Harry groaned. "Merlin, you're exhausting."
Theo leaned in, low and amused. "And yet, you love it."
Harry choked.
Blaise smirked. "I love watching this."
Pansy nodded. "It's the most entertaining part of the year so far."
Harry exhaled sharply, yanking his hand back. "Can we just—eat? Like normal people?"
Theo smirked but allowed it.
For now.
Later That Evening: A Not-So-Accidental Accident
It happened at dinner.
Harry wasn't paying attention—he had been arguing with Theo about some nonsense, Noctis curled in his lap, the firelight flickering along the dungeon walls—
And then—
A goblet was placed in front of him.
Just like earlier.
Harry frowned, glancing up—
Ginny Weasley was standing there.
Smiling.
Too brightly.
Harry's stomach twisted.
Something wasn't right.
He barely had time to process before Theo moved—
Fast.
Before Harry could blink, Theo's wand was out, and with a flick of his wrist, the goblet was blasted away from the table—
Shattering against the stone floor.
The liquid inside sizzled.
A thick, pinkish mist curled out from the spill, hissing softly as it met the air.
Silence.
Everyone stared.
Then—
Blaise muttered, "Oh, shit."
Ginny's face drained of color. "I—"
Theo, slowly standing, turned to her with cold, lethal precision.
"What," he said softly, voice like a coiling serpent, "was in that drink?"
Ginny stammered. "I-I just—"
Theo took a single step forward.
Ginny flinched.
Harry, tired beyond belief, ran a hand down his face.
"Bloody hell, Ginny," he muttered. "Again?"
The entire Slytherin table was watching now, eyes glinting with amusement and dark curiosity.
Ginny shook her head violently, looking around like she expected someone to defend her. "I—I didn't—"
Pansy sighed dramatically. "Oh, dear. This is just tragic."
Blaise grinned. "That's two failed attempts now. Think she'll go for a third?"
Ginny's face burned red.
Harry was done.
"You tried to drug me, Ginny," he said, voice flat. "Twice."
Theo, still entirely too close, murmured, "Not very subtle, are you?"
Ginny trembled. "I—"
"Go."
Ginny's head snapped toward Harry. "W-What?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Leave."
Ginny hesitated.
But Harry's expression didn't change.
Neither did Theo's.
And then, finally—
Ginny turned and ran.
The Great Hall exploded into whispers.
Harry sighed. "Merlin, I need a vacation."
Theo sat back down, smirking. "Don't worry, Potter."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Theo leaned in, smirk dark and satisfied.
"You already have me."
Harry groaned.
Slytherin laughed.
And Ginny Weasley?
She wasn't done yet.