Clandestine | Theodore Nott

Hogsmeade

This Saturday was Hogsmeade day, which meant that students were locked up inside their rooms getting ready.

Starla's heart was pounding, after the previous day's events she didn't know what to think about her friendship with Theodore. She didn't even know whether it was friendship or not, was it a companionship, perhaps a situationship? Alas, none of the words above fit the predicament she was in. A companionship would mean that they weren't friends, only acquaintances. A situationship would mean way more than what had happened. No word, no sentence, no paragraph made her feel better about herself, because friends did not look at each other the way they did. Starla did not know what to think.

His words had rung in her ears on repeat for the whole night.

"Would you like there to be something?"

She knew what he had meant, or, she knew what she wished him to have meant. If he hadn't meant it in that way it would be embarrassing for her. However, why in Merlin's name would he have said it if it were in any other context?

She had no clue about what she would do, think, not feel.

Since they were going to Hogsmeade together, she thought it best to behave as she always did in his presence. A flirty comment here and there, but mostly normal friendly conversation. She had applied foundation that day, hoping that it would conceal even a bit of the blush which she knew was going to appear on her cheeks.

She stared at herself in the mirror determinedly.

Friends. Friends. Friends. You and Theodore are friends. A friendship... goodness it's not as if you're in love with him.

You're not even sure if you fancy him... wait... do I?

What the fuck is wrong with me, I've never behaved like this before. Give him a kiss on the cheek at best, only if he buys you something...

She looked at herself hopelessly, nodded while straightening her back and said, "Okay."

On her way to the Entrance Hall she thought about what her and Theodore were to do. He knew she despised Madam Puddifoot's, she was sure they wouldn't go there. Cassius Warrington had taken her there once and she hated every minute of it and never talked to him again.

Starla wondered if her outfit was too dark, perhaps she ought to have worn something brighter, softer.

"Funeral I don't know about?" Theodore smirked as she reached him.

She rolled her eyes. Maybe her outfit was too dark.

"I'm only joking, you look beautiful," he smiled.

"Thank you, you look very handsome."

He rolled his eyes. "This is how I always look."

"Precisely."

He chuckled. "Shall we go?"

Starla nodded with a small smile.

"So where would you like to go first?"

She pursed her lips. "Three Broomsticks?"

"Yes," he nodded seriously.

"Fuck, I've been craving a Butterbeer for weeks."

He nodded.

"Did you know that people drink Butterbeer at parties?" she said.

He looked directly at her and said, "What?"

"I know, I found out just last week."

"I don't even feel Butterbeer," he frowned.

"But then again, you're immune."