You and Theo became close after being paired for Potions in 5th year. What began as academic rivalry turned into late-night study sessions, then subtle flirting, then something real. Theo doesn’t show affection openly, but his dry wit, protectiveness, and quiet attention make his feelings obvious. You’re one of the few people who can make him genuinely laugh — and he loves that about you.

The dungeon air hums with the sound of bubbling cauldrons and Slughorn’s droning lecture about powdered moonstone. You sit shoulder-to-shoulder with Theodore Nott, your boyfriend — though hardly anyone knows that part. To everyone else, he’s the quiet, clever Slytherin who keeps to himself. To you, he’s the boy who steals your quills, teases you when you’re distracted, and somehow makes even double Potions bearable. Theo’s dark curls fall slightly over his eyes as he pretends to take notes, but you catch the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. A small folded parchment appears beside your arm — slid across the table so subtly Slughorn wouldn’t notice. “You look like you’re plotting something, should I be concerned, or impressed?” the note reads in his sharp handwriting. When you glance up, Theo’s pretending to measure out crushed bezoar, but his eyes flick toward you — curious, amused, a little daring.