𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 ━━ THEODORE NOTT.

IV

From when Theodore walked away from me yesterday evening to now, I haven't stopped thinking about what he said. It was on my mind as I fell asleep, and it even haunted me in my dreams.

I wanted to tell my friends, but I didn't want Harry or Ron to find out because only Merlin knew what they'd do. I needed to tell Hermione.

"Lexi," Harry said, clicking his fingers in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

"Yes, what?" I asked, shaking my head, getting Theodore out of my mind.

The three of them all stared at me with curious looks, clearly wondering what I was thinking about. 

"Are you alright, Lexi?" Hermione questioned, placing her hand on my forearm, trying to comfort me. But the only thing that would truly comfort me would be getting my thoughts off my chest, but I couldn't do that around Harry and Ron.

"Peachy" I smiled, picking up my spoon and digging into my porridge. "Are you sure, sis? You just zoned out. We were calling your name but you didn't respond"

"I said I'm fine, Harry!" I exclaimed, causing a few Gryffindors to look at me. "Sorry, I just don't want to talk about it."

Harry and Ron gave each other looks before Ron spoke. "Well, if you do want to talk about it, we're always here, mate." I smiled at him, showing my thankfulness. "Yeah, truly, Lexi."

The three of them started to get up when I stopped Hermione. "Wait, Hermione," I said, grabbing her forearm hoping she'll stay with me. She looked down at me and nodded to Harry and Ron as they left.

"I'm assuming you didn't want the boys to hear?" She smiled, sitting back down next to me. "Yeah, I need a girl to talk to about this."

I smiled at her and sipped my pumpkin juice before starting. "Last night, I snuck out to get a snack from the kitchens. And when I was coming back, I ran into Theodore Nott."

Hermione nodded, following along. "We talked, and I asked him about Malfoy and mine's conversation. He said Malfoy had told him what I had said, and he looked hurt." I took a sigh before continuing.

"He said that Malfoy asked me about him because he was staring at me on the train... and then he called me beautiful." Hermione gasped at this, clearly shocked. I smiled up at her, and I giggled a little. "I know,"

I took another sigh, deeper than the last. "And then he said he's fancied me since first year... ever since he first saw me on the train." She gasped again, this time covering her mouth.

"I know," I said while laughing.

"And what did you say?" She questioned. "Nothing. I didn't know what to say. And when I didn't reply, he asked me to say something, so I said, 'I've just never been told that before.' And he smiled before saying that I should go back to bed because he didn't want me to get caught."

She looked at me for a few seconds before speaking. "And did Nott say anything else?"

"Just that he was going to speak to me tomorrow so we can finish our conversation." 

She looked to her left, clearly in thought. "So he's going to speak to you today?"

"I assume so."

"I actually have no idea what to say, Lexi. Theodore Nott? I always assumed he was heartless." She giggled.

"Me too! And he called me Lexi and Love, too."

Hermione gasped for a third time, but this time she placed both hands over her mouth.

Hermione's eyes widened as she processed the information. "Lexi, this is... unexpected. Theodore Nott, of all people. I never thought he had it in him to express feelings, let alone for someone like you."

"I know, right? It's bizarre," I replied, stirring my porridge absentmindedly.

Hermione leaned in, her expression turning serious. "Lexi, be cautious. Slytherins, especially ones like Nott, can be tricky. We don't know his true intentions or if he's just playing some sort of game."

"I've been thinking the same thing," I admitted. "But he seemed genuine, Hermione. Vulnerable, even."

She sighed, her brow furrowing. "Just promise me you'll be careful. If you're unsure about anything, come to me. I don't want you getting hurt."

"I promise," I assured her, appreciating her concern. "But what do I do now? I've never been in a situation like this before."

Hermione tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Well, first, try to understand your own feelings. How do you feel about Theodore? I assume you don't see him in a romantic light, so you're  just confused right now?"

I nodded, agreeing with her. "Yeah, it's all so sudden. I've never thought about Theodore that way before, and now it feels like everything's changed."

"Give yourself some time to figure it out," she advised. "And when Theodore talks to you today, listen to what he has to say. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You deserve to know the truth."

Hermione grinned. "But... it sounds like he genuinely likes you. And calling you 'Love'? That's sweet in a horrible person type of way."

I laughed at what she said. "Yeah, it was," I admitted, a small smile playing on my lips. "But I don't know what to do now. I've never dealt with this kind of situation before."

I sighed. "And I really don't know, I mean, he's always been part of Draco's crowd, and I've never thought about him that way. He was always that guy who I didn't like cause he bullied my friends."

"Fair point," Hermione conceded. "But people can change, and maybe you just never saw that side of him before. Give it some thought, and when he talks to you later, see how you feel about it."

I nodded, grateful for Hermione's advice. "You're right. I shouldn't jump to conclusions."

As we continued to chat and finish our breakfast, I felt a sense of relief. Having Hermione by my side made things seem more manageable. But he remained on my mind, and I almost dreaded talking to him today.