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

Chapter Six

This idea of ​​taking things slowly, Theo knew from the start: it wouldn't have worked. Not for him, not with her. After all, he couldn't resist her. What he wanted was to kiss her every day, every hour, every minute. What he wanted was all of her. At the thought of their embrace, Theo smiled. He could hardly wait to see her again, holding her in his arms and kissing her sweet lips. Last night, when Hermione disappeared after saying 'see you tomorrow', Theo was left alone for in the corridor. Incredulous that the evening had taken such a turn, he needed a moment to come to his senses before heading back to his room, with a new sense of excitement and hope. It's with the same cheerful mood that he opened his eyes this morning, at least until he crossed paths with Draco Malfoy.

"Slept well?, Malfoy asked, unable to hide his curisosity.

- What do you want, Malfoy?

- Just saying hello to an old friend. What's with the smile? I've been looking for you last night. 

- Oh sorry, I was studying. In the library. And the smile... I don't know. Can't a person smile in this school? Or is this a formal ban for all Slytherins that I was the only one not aware of?

- I'm not used to it, geez, relax Nott! Tell me, how did it go with Granger? Did she slapped your pretty face? 

- What do you care? But since you're so desperate to know, I did meet with her... and schokingly, she didn't slap me.

- So what did she say then?"

Theo thought quickly, trying to come up with a convincing story that didn't reveal the truth of his encounter with Hermione. He knew better than to give  Draco any reason to be suspicous. 

"She asked me some questions about my studies and my future... tried to be the overacheving, know-it-all that she is. Nothing too interesting. 

- Remember what I told you, Nott. No need to waste your time with her. 

- Who are you to telle me who's unavailable or  not? It's none of your business. And I'll spend my time however I want, said Theo, his temper flaring slightly. 

- I'm just being your friend. 

-Yeah, some friend you are. Always giving orders and asking for services from his good little obedient soldiers.

- She's... she's not for you. You can have all the girls you want and you know that. I won't beg, Nott. "

Theo's jaw clenched, his irritation growing. He was tired of Draco's attempts to control his life, especially when it came to Hermione. 

"Give me one good reason why she's off-limits, beyond your petty jealousy and possessiveness!

- I said I was not going to beg."

Theo let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand though his hair. He could see that Draco wasn't going to back down, and he didn't want to cause a scene in the hallway. 

"Fine. Fine. I'll keep my distance frome her. Satisfied? Can I go now?"

Theo had to find another way to detach Hermione from Draco's thoughts. The man was so narrow-minded that strong-arm tactics would achieve nothing; he had to play it more subtly, but he wouldn't give up. He turned to walk away, his mind racing with thoughts of Hermione and his newfound attraction. 

***

As the day went by, Hermione grew increasingly frustrated. She had expected to see Theo at some point, eager to speak to him again and bask in the warm glow of their budding connection. But he was nowhere to be found. She checked the library, the common rooms, and even the courtyard, but he was nowhere. Her mind began to fill with doubts. Had she driven him away with hher boldness? Or has something else kept him away?