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

Chapter Five

"The thing is, I've always liked you in some way. Ever since Hannah and I broke up, I was always around, watching you whenever I could. It sounds weird said like that but it was just because I didn't know how to reconnect after all that."

Theo continued to speak, oblivious to the turmoil going on inside Hermione. It was as if the words coming out of Theo's mouth were coming from a new language. This unfamiliar dialect prevented Hermione from fully understanding the meaning of his words. Or perhaps it was she who refused to do so.

"I had no idea you were looking at me like this. But I don't understand why you didn't try to talk to me earlier, especially after your breakup.

- She's your friend. I didn't know what she said about the whole situation, about me... 

- I would never take a side without listening to what the other has to say, you know? I'm going to be honest with you, Theo. I never paid attention to you these past few years. To me you were just a familiar face that I came accross here and there. And for this, I'm really sorry. 

- It's alright Hermione. I can take the truth. I know I'm not exactly at the top of your lisy, or anyone's list, really.

- Don't be silly, you're on eveyone's list Theo. Just look around!

- I'm never the one they choose, said Theo with a hint of bitterness in his voice. I'm always the second option, the flirt, the backup plan. Never the first pick."

Who would have believed it? Theo Nott lacked self-confidence. His words betrayed a wounded self-esteem, a feeling Hermione knew all too well. Seeing him question himself like that pained her, she only wanted one thing: for him to see himself as others saw him. She stepped closer. 

"Look around you. Do you see how the girls all look at you, their eyes like those of a lion who has spotted a gazelle?"

Theo's eyes glanced around the common room, and sure enough, he caught a few girls sneaking glances in his direction. He couldn't deny that they looked interested, but that didn't mean he felt any better about himself. 

"I guess some people find me decent enough. So what? It doesn't mean they see me anything more than a pretty face."

The distress in his gaze pierced Hermione's last defense. She crossed the space that still separated them and whispered, her fresh breath caressing his cheek.

"Listen carefully because I won't say it twice. You can have any girl here. You have the body, the kindness, the state of mind that everyone is looking for. Trust me."

Hermione leaned back, her gaze scanning the room as if searching for someone. Suddenly, she grabbed a first year by the arm and planted her in front of Theo. The poor girl looked frightened and confused, staring at him with wide eyes. Theo could hear her group of girlfriends giggling behind them.

"Theo, this is Maddie. Say hi Maddie!"

Theo chuckled at Hermione's antics, giving the shy girl a smile. 

"Hi, Maddie. Nice to meet you. 

- Hi, said Maddie, barely audible. 

- You're a first-year, right? What house are you in? 

- You're in Gryffindor's common room Theo, focus please!", interrupted Hermione, rolling her eyes.

Ah, right. Theo mentally cursed himself for asking such a dumb question. He laughed nervously, realizing his mistake.