Pulling Strings - Theodore Nott

33. Pureblood

Time passed.

So, her plan wasn't exactly going as expected but she was sure that it was, in any way, better than before. During the past month they hadn't exactly become friends or anything of the sort but they hadn't fought either, which was a huge accomplishment. Everything boiled down, to her knowledge, to the fact that neither of them wanted to talk about the vulnerable moment shared. Theodore for obvious reasons and Ophelia...for less obvious reasons.

Or, at least, she hoped they didn't look obvious.

When it happened, she didn't have a clear mind to really think about it, being all too focused on trying to get the boy to calm down. But, when she returned to her room that night and laid her head on her pillow, it was all she could think about. First, she felt guilty, for having been spying on him and thus catching him in such a vulnerable moment. Then, she felt a bit proud—yes, exactly as weird as it sounds— mainly because she had never thought herself capable of helping someone in that way, and the simple memory of being responsible for making someone feel better, filled her with extreme happiness and pride over her actions. Lastly, she felt...weird.

There were no other words for it, no way to describe her very conflicted feelings. She tossed and turned in her bed, trying to rid herself of them, trying to find the peace of mind to fall asleep. But sleep eluded her and her mind was determined not to let her rest.

She felt...tenderness. Towards him.

And immediately wanted to barf.

She didn't know what it was. If it had to do with seeing him show any sign of human emotion or with an instinctual reaction to wanting to care for someone when they are going through a tough time, but Ophelia felt her heart clench whenever she thought of Theodore.

That boy couldn't be the same arrogant one that enjoyed making her life miserable. That boy, who looked up at her with big, wet eyes, couldn't be the same that glared at her with hate and disdain any other day of the week.

But it was...the same boy. And that was making her lose her fucking mind. Because if he could be capable of such softness, why did he decide that Ophelia was not worthy of it?

Why was she always greeted by sneers and glares instead of smiles and sparkling eyes?

Ugh, barf, again.

Why did she even want that? She was fine living with his content. She didn't need his good side, nor did she want it.

Well, perhaps she did need it now, if she wanted her plan to work...

That night, Ophelia barely slept. The next morning, she woke up with a new understanding and purpose. She was not going to use the shared moment to try and garner any advantage from Nott. She was going to act as if nothing had happened, as if she hadn't felt an unwelcome feeling tugging at her chest. As if she didn't care if she was greeted by a snark comment next time they meet.

She was going to go against her instincts, which were telling her to work this angle in her favour. She was going to be the bigger person.

For now.

But to her surprise, she was greeted by a slight nod in acknowledgement and nothing more. She had to fight the unease it gave her.

Then, they compromised on staying on as potions partners. Something she never thought possible. But, Theodore excelled at potions and when he asked her what was she had in mind to avoid speaking of the library incident, she panicked. She did not remember saying that, most likely it just came out to try and take some seriousness out of the whole deal. So, naturally, she had to improvise now and she never prided herself for being someone who works well under pressure.