𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐒 - Slytherin Boys

Biggest Mistake~T.N

The roar of the crowd was a physical thing, vibrating in my chest as I lined up for the hit. Another Thursday night, another game, another chance to prove myself.

"Theo, baby!" I heard her shrill voice cut through the noise; Pansy. I smirked, knowing she would be there. Number one hottie, number one fan and one of my many conquests. As captain of the quidditch team, I was supposed to be focused, a leader. But a part of me reveled in the chaos, the adrenaline, the feeling of being untouchable.

We won, of course. It wasn’t even a close game. The taste of victory, the backslaps, the cheers – it was all intoxicating. Later, at the party, I was king. Surrounded by people who wanted a piece of me, a piece of the Theodore everyone thought they knew. The life of the party, the star athlete, the charming boy. It was a role I played well… I knew what they wanted.

I spotted Y/n across the room near the snack stand, her dark hair cascading down the side of her shoulder, her nose stuck in a book. She was a stark contrast to the green-clad, giggling girls around me. Quiet. Reserved. Y/n. She hated me. I knew it as surely as I knew the feel of a quaffle in my hands. We had been in the same potions class since first year and ever since then, she always gave me a look of disdain whenever our eyes met.

"What’s got your attention so far away, Theo?" Pansy purred, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Nothing," I said, peeling her off. "Just…thinking about the next game."

Liar.

I grabbed a beer and navigated through the throng of bodies, an idea bubbling in my head. Teasing Y/n was a guilty pleasure, a way to break through the monotony of my carefully constructed world.

"Enjoying the party, Y/n?" I asked, leaning against the wall next to her.
She didn't even look up from her book.

"Not particularly."

"Surprised to see you here. I didn’t think partying was in your wheelhouse." I said, taking a swig.

"I came with Astoria. Now, if you don't mind, I'm trying to read." She adjusted her glasses, the movement almost comically prim.

"What is it this time? Some long- lost poet?" I mocked.

She finally looked up at me, her eyes, a startling shade of blue, narrowed.

"It’s none of your business. And if you must know, it's Shakespeare. Try reading it sometime. You might actually learn something."

Ouch.

I smirked, undeterred.

"I learn plenty on the pitch, thanks. Besides, I think Shakespeare would be more impressed by my athletic prowess than your…studiousness."

Her lips curled into a sneer.

"I highly doubt that. He valued intelligence and wit, qualities you seem to lack."

“Okay, Y/n. Whatever you say." I laughed, the sound rough around the edges. "Just try to have some fun, loosen up a little. You might actually enjoy it."

I winked and walked away, leaving her fuming. I could feel her eyes on my back, burning a hole in my leather jacket. God, I loved getting under her skin. 

My home life was a different story. The cheers faded, the lights dimmed, and the mask slipped.

The front door slammed open and my dad’s voice boomed through the house.

"Theodore! Get your ass down here!"

He stank of whiskey and his face was flushed with anger. I already knew what was coming. Another lecture about responsibility, about not wasting my potential, about being more like him.
It was always the same. He’d build me up, telling me how great I was, how I was going to be a star, and then he’d tear me down, reminding me that I was nothing without him.