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

Chapter Seven

As Hermione made her way to her common room, her thoughts kept drifting back to Malfoy. The unexpected moment they had shared had left an impression on her mind, making her question everything she thought she knew about him. Meanwhille, her mind was still consumed by the absence of Theo. She couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't been seen around all day, a nagging feeling of worry in her gut. 

As Hermione turned the corner, she was met with the sight of Theo standing in front of the portrait of the Fat Laedy, a weary expression on his face. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him, the mix of relief and worry washing over her. 

"Theo", she breathed. "Where have you been all day? I've been looking for you everywhere. 

- I need to tell you something."

Hermione's heart sank slightly at the serious tone in Theo's voice. Something was clearly weighing on his mind, making her heart flutter with nerves. 

"Yesterday, when I went back to my quarter it was with a realy big smile on my face. But this morning, I saw Malfoy. 

- Malfoy? What did he want with you? 

- He asked about you, about my smile. I think he's onto something about us. We need to be more careful. Did he say something to you today?

- No, he didn't say anything to me. He just...", she trailed off, trying to find the right words. "He just accused you of being a heartbreaker and not someone I should be interested in. He said I derserve better. 

- Son of a.. I swear, that guy is becoming more of a nuisance every day. I don't know why he's suddenly so concerned about you and me", he said through clenched teeth. 

Hermione melted into Theo's embrace, the warmth of his arms offering comfort and reassurance. She rested her head against his chest, taking a moment to savor the closeness and the safety she found there. Hermione looked up at Theo, her eyes meeting his.

"My lips are a little bit sore today, do you think you can help?"

Hermione knew what Theo was suggesting, and she coudn't deny she wanted it too. But there was a small voice in the back of her mind, cautioning her to be careful. 

"What do you want me to do?, she asked, her voice soft and breathless. 

-  Kiss me like you mean it."

Theo's words had an immediate effect on Hermione, her heart racing with desire and anticipation. She looked into his eyes, seeing the same desire reflecting back at her. As she leaned in, her lips brushed against his, the contact sending a shiver down her spine. And then, she kissed him. Slowly, deeply, putting all the pent up frustration and longing into that one kiss. 

"I've missed you."

Hermione pulled back just enough to meet Theo's gaze, her lips still just centimeters away from his. Hearing hos words, a wave of emotions crashed over her - relief, affection and a hint of desperation. 

"I missed you too, she whispered, her voice slightly shaky. 

- I can't stay longer, I need to see Draco and put an end to his behavior. I promise he's going to leave you alone."

Theo gently strocked her hair, a small, reassuring gesture that tugged at Hermione's heartstrings. She wanted to keep him  by her side, to hold onto him and never let go. 

"Come back to me, she murmured, her voice barely over a whisper. 

- I'm all yours.

- All mine? 

- That's all I've ever dreamed of. 

- And I'm yours. 

- Looks like I finally tammed the lion."

***

Theo made his way back to his dorm, looking for Malfoy. Learning that the one he thought was his friend was taking advantage of his absence to try to destroy his relationship had awakened a deep rage in him.Malfoy was found in the common room, sitting with a grooup of friends, their laugher echoing through the room as they talked and joked. 

"Can I talk to you?"

Malfoy looked up, his smile faltering at Theo's approach. He had expected a confrontation from the moment he saw him, but he tried to remain composed. 

"Yeah, sure. What is it? 

- It's about Granger. 

- What about her?"

Malfoy knew perfectly well the turn this discussion was going to take. He was trying to gain time, just to prepare his arguments. 

"I don't need your approval but you need to know that I like her. I'm seeing her and you have to leave her alone. I know you fancy her but I can't explain why you act like this around her. You had your chance, you didn't do anything and now it's too late for you."

Malfoy's expression darkened at Theo's words. Did he really think he could waltz in here and lay claim to Hermione? The audacity of it grated on Malfoy's nerves,  his grip on his wand tightening. 

"You like her, huh? You think you're good enough for her? You think she deserves someone like you? 

- Seems like she does when she kisses me."

The image of Hermione kissing Theo, of her choosing someone else, made a pang of jealousy and anger flare up within Draco. He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his emotions in check.

"Forget that. I don't mined, he said, trying to sound indifferent. She can  do whatever she wants. I don't care about her, after all she's not my friend."

Draco  had hoped to convince Theo, maybe even himself, that he didn't care about Hermione. But the reality was, her being with someone else hurt. He tried to ignore the growing feeling of jealousy and longing, pretending to be aloof. He thought he was ready to fight for her, but who was he to fight against her own choices? Yet he had the courage to reveal his feelings to her. But perhaps they had not been clear enough, spoken half-heartedly? Or had she not wanted to hear them? The result was the same: she didn't want him. And he was going to have to find a way to deal with it.