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

Chapter Four

Without really having time to think about what he was going to say, Theo found himself facing the portrait of the Fat Lady. The latter wore a pink tulle dress with puffed sleeves, so puffy that they largely hid her face. The bottom of the painting was littered with used tissues and the sound of sobbing echoed softly. This didn't bode well.

"Hmmm, hello there ?!"

No movement. 

"I don't want to bother you but -"

A new tissue hit the bottom of the painting. The crying intensified. 

"I mean I really need to see someone and -"

A fleeting movement and suddenly a bloated face appeared. The Fat Lady was looking at him, raising her eyebrows, clearly surprised to see him in front of her. The task was going to be more tedious than expected.

"You look very beautiful this evening, said Theo, trying to coax her. 

- Lies and flattery, that's what we, women, have to expect when a man needs a service! Unfortunately I know only too well what my face looks like when my heart has just been broken. Can you answer a question, young man?

- I can try, I'll do my best!"

The Fat Lady took a deep breath. Concentration showed on her face, or maybe it was just anger? Theo felt his heart beating rapidly. He knew that the answer that came out of his mouth would determine the rest of his evening. 

"Why do men always need to lie and deceive? You court us, declare your eternal love for us, all for what? So that you end up sharing the same painting as a mermaid 300 years your junior? I promised myself I wouldn't fall in love again at my age! And that's where it got me! I don't even dare to set foot outside my painting anymore. When I close my eyes, they are the ones I see, huddled on this rock. He left the warmth of my bed for a common stone, you realize!

- I'm sorry Fat Lady, but who are we talking about exactly?", asked shyly Theo. 

Coming back to reality, the Fat Lady looked at him. Disapproving at first, she suddenly softens, a sad smile even appearing on her face.

"I'm sorry my love, these stories must have bored you. What can I do for you?

- I'm here to see Hermione Granger. Please ?!"

At the mention of Hermione, her gaze darkened again. No doubt she was a girl's girl. Theo would have to navigate carefully through this minefield.

"I need to talk to her about an important matter. I wouldn't say it's a matter of life or death, but it's very urgent."

The Fat Lady stared at him for a long moment, scanning his soul, trying to determine the truth of his words and the purity of his intentions. Obviously, being a Slytherin didn't help on this one.

"Hermione Granger is in the common room, you can go ahead. But make sure not to cause any trouble, young man."

As Theo walked into the common room, he still could feel  her eyes following him. They were quickly overtaken by others, disapproving of his presence. Prejudices die hard and Hogwarts was still not a place where a Slytherin could easily wander around without drawing attention. 

"Hello everyone, I promise I came in peace! Just looking for my friend Hermione Granger."

The common room fell into a hush as Theo's voice echoed through the room. The older students eyed him with curiosity and suspicion. However, a handful of the younger students whispered to each other, clearly amused by the sight of a Slytherin in their midst. But Theo paid no attention, focused on scanning the room until his gaze fell on three familiar figures. Harry, Ron and Hermione appeared to be studying, sitting comfortably in armchairs facing a fireplace. As he approached the group, Hermione was the first to notice his presence, her eyes widening slightly. 

"Theo? What are you doing here?

- I wanted to talk to you so... Do you mind? It's important."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised and a bit supicious of this unexpected visit. She looked over at Ron and Harry, who were watching Theo with wary expressions. They clearly knew everything and seemed pretty unconfortable. After a moment, she turned back to Theo and nodded. 

"Fine. We can find a spot to talk. But make it quick, alright?"

Hermione led Theo to a quiter corner of the room, away from prying eyes. She sat down on a chair, gesturing for Theo to take a seat as well. 

"So what's this important matter you needed to discuss with me?, she asked with a closed expression. 

- Earlier, when I left the hospital wing with Draco, we were discussing a few things and if I'm not mistaken, you were behind us?"

Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly as she remembered overhearing part of Draco and Theo's conversation  earlier in the corridor. She nodded slowly. 

"Did you hear anything?, Theo asked carefully. 

- I did overhear a few snippets. Bu you already know that, otherwise you wouldn't have bothered to come all the way here, would you? I heard him talking about me, and you. Saying things I already knew, things I heard all my life. Did you know that a similar thing already happened to me in first year? I'm not talking about low masses in the hallways. I'm talking about hearing someone I considered a friend talk negatively about me behind my back. 

- That's why I wanted to talk in person. I didn't want you to mirsinterpret -

- Misinterpret? Care to explain, then? Because what I heard sounded pretty clear to me. Draco was talkind and you were backing him up. So what else is there to interpret? Do you really think i'm stupid enough not to understand?

- I... First of all I'm sorry. I was rude to you for no reason except toxic mascunility I guess.

- Apology accepted, answered Hermione, letting out a soft sigh, her arms relaxing slightly. I still don't undertsand why you were talking about me bahind my back. I thought we had a good time together, that we were friends. Isn't that enough? Can't two friends communicate when there's a problem?"

At these words, Theo decided to tell the truth. This would surely change things, and not in his favor, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Hermione confused, her feelings hurt.

"I suspect Malfoy to fancy you, that's what we were talking about. He was all 'she's not yours to pursue' and stuff. Trust me I learned the hard way not to contradict him when he sets the limits regarding you."

Hermione was in shock. Thye thought of Draco being possessive towards her, let alone secretely fancying her, never crossed her mind. 

"It may be just a feeling, pursued Theo, but since ou first year this idea can't leave my head : you don't let him indifferent, that's the least I can say. 

- What... what are you saying? Have you lost your mind? Malfoy's a git who likes to torment me. How could he possibly fancy me?

- The thing is : I like you. You're nice, intelligent, funny and really beautiful. That's what I was trying to say to Malfoy and of course he reacted like the brat he is, mocking my feelings, telling me you're out of my league, forbidding me to pursue you... In his mind you're not available for anyone, except for him I guess."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat upon hearing Theo's unexpected confession. Her brain was unable to process all this new information. It's as if Theo had opened a passage to a parallel reality and the journey to this other world in which two Slytherins competed for her favors felt like a jump from the top of the Eiffelt Tower. Without a parachute.