Where the hearts meet - A short story of love and hate

Chapter Two

Draco noticed Theo in the background and silently cursed under his breath. He didn't want an audience for this bickering with her. He gave Theo a subtle warning glare, hoping he would go away and mind his own business. Unfortunately, Theo didn't take the hint and continued to move towards them. Soon, he was right behind Draco, his gaze locked on Hermione with an intensity Draco had never seen in him.

The latter groaned internally, feeling annoyed and frustrated. Theo was now inserting himself into this situation. He turned his head slightly to glance at his friend, trying to convey with his eyes that he didn't appreciate the interruption. Meanwhile, he continued his conversation with Hermione, attempting to act nonchalant.

"Everything's okay here? Hi, Hermione!", Theo says.

Draco gritted his teeth, his annoyance dangerously growing. He managed to keep his cool, his expression remaining neutral.

"Everything's fine Nott. Just having a delightful conversation with Granger here", he responded in an overly casual tone.

Hermione looked at Theo with relief. This interruption couldn't have come at a better time. Who would have guessed that his serving knight of the day would appear in the guise of a handsome dark-haired man. Slytherin at that! Hermione always liked Theo, the best behaved Snake in this school. Bright, funny and inherently kind, he seemed to have it all without realizing his charm. His fine and slender physique didn't spoil the picture in any way, his light curls falling in disorder on his forehead were reminiscent of Roman statues.

"Hi, Theo! Malfoy is being his annoying self, nothing new under the sun don't worry", she answered with a large smile, happy to see a familiar face.

Theo chuckled at her words, his gaze flitting between the two of them. He could sense the tension in the air and found her hostility towards his friend amusing.

"Ah, typical Malfoy, causing trouble wherever he goes.

- Would you mind helping me out?, Hermione asked. I just happened to fall on my own this morning and my ankle hurts a lot."

Theo's expression softened as she addressed him directly, his attention shifting from Draco to Hermione. Giving her an empathic look, he seemed clearly concerned about the injury.

"Of course I don't mind! Would you like me to take you to the infirmary or do you need assistance walking?

- Both please", answered Hermione, letting out a grimace of pain as she carefully placed her foot on the ground.

Theo was clearly enjoying being able to help a damsel in distress. He held out an arm for her to take support and chuckled as Hermione inspected his muscles with a whole new interest, before taking it.

"Let's get you checked up and take care of that aching ankle, shall we?

- You're a true gentleman, aren't you?"

Theo's smile widened, he was clearly enjoying the praise, giving her a charming wink.

"I do try to be, especially when it comes to a charming lady like yourself. Now lead the way, I've got your back!

- I guess all Slytherins aren't insufferable brats after all. See you, Malfoy!"

Draco scowled at the mention of Slytherin, his gaze flickering between her and Theo. He couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy. Theo was the one helping her and he, Draco Malfoy, was dismissed so easily. He sneered, trying to hide his annoyance behind a lock of his platinium hair.

"Hmph. See you around, Granger. Don't forget to watch your step next time."

---

As Theo accompanied her to the infirmary, he was worried about her well-being, even though they lost touch years ago. A concern etched on his expression.