theodore nott found himself ill-suited for the rigid confines of formal events, his disdain for button-up shirts and dress robes rivalling that of draco's sartorial preferences. despite his reluctance, he found himself coerced into attending the final christmas ball of his hogwarts educational slog, a feat accomplished through the combined efforts of pansy, lorenzo, and blaise; all to make sure he did not ditch last minute.

one solace which was not the copious bottles of butterbeer he had access to, was being able to dance with you. the word dance was employed with a generous latitude, however-- he would not be caught dead waltzing to the wizarding orchestra. his alternative to this was mingling with you in the deserted hallway outside the great hall, you could still hear the melodic hum of the music, however it also allowed you to be alone. theodore was not one to pretend that he did not enjoy the closeness of your bodies, after all.

"sei proprio una ballerina, tesoro." theodore murmured, his gaze languid as it lingered upon you, the two of you swaying in synchrony to the faint strains of music that filtered through the air.

his lips parted slightly as he regarded you, seemingly losing his train of thought as his eyes raked your face, the hand on your waist shifting idly as he considered his words before they left his mouth.

"imagine being here with anyone other than me." the teasing lilt in his voice betrayed a hint of mischief as he continued, his words a breathless whisper against your ear, "crabbe, goyle, perhaps potter." he suggested with a playful smirk, a mere breeze. "maybe they would actually dance with you inside the venue."