The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

79. Young Hearts, Run Free

By the time Theo finally knocked on the office door, the chaos from Ron and Pansy's session had mostly settled.

Mostly.

Draco had been sworn to secrecy under threat of bodily harm from both Sloane and Daphne. Whether he would actually keep the secret remained to be seen, but after several dramatic vows, a lengthy lecture from Sloane and the threat of never getting another kiss from her for the rest of his life, about confidentiality, he had eventually surrendered.

Then he had been dragged away by a group of fourth-year boys who needed help with their Defence essays.

Not before stealing three biscuits and kissing Sloane goodbye.

Twice.

Daphne had pretended to be disgusted.

Sloane had pretended to be annoyed.

Neither performance had been particularly convincing.

Now, as another knock sounded at the door, Daphne was gathering her things and preparing to leave.

Sloane smiled and crossed the room. "Come in."

The door opened immediately. Theo Nott stepped inside. The moment he saw Daphne his entire face brightened.

It was ridiculous. Actually ridiculous.

Sloane wasn't sure she'd ever seen two people look quite so happy simply to see each other.

"Hey, honey." Theo's smile widened.

Daphne blushed instantly. The reaction seemed automatic now.

Theo checked his watch. Then frowned. "I thought your session would've finished ages ago." His brow furrowed. "It's been nearly an hour and a half."

Daphne looked guilty. "Well..."

Theo immediately looked concerned. "Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Daphne."

"I'm fine."

Sloane stepped in before the poor girl combusted from awkwardness. "Pansy needed to swap times."

Theo nodded. That made sense. "She had a class." Another nod. "And poor Daphne had to wait outside for ages."

Theo looked horrified. "You made my pregnant girlfriend stand in a corridor?"

"I offered her biscuits." Sloane shrugged. "And a chair."

"Oh." Theo frowned. 

"Several biscuits." Daphne smiled. "And a very comfy armchair so I could read my book while I waited. I was too tired to head to the dungeons and come back down again."

"Fair enough." Theo kissed her cheek.

Daphne laughed.

Sloane smiled. "So her session only really started about forty minutes ago."

Theo relaxed immediately. "Ah."

Then Sloane turned toward Daphne. "Thank you for coming to see me."

Daphne smiled warmly. Despite the difficult conversations they'd had, she looked considerably happier than she had earlier.

"I really enjoy our chats." Sloane smiled. 

Daphne's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Thank you, Sloane." There was genuine gratitude in her voice. "For everything."