"So, where's your boyfriend tonight?" a voice comes from behind you. You turn, only to find Theodore Nott behind you, his hands shoved into the pocket of his elegant smoking pants as he sits next to you, careful not to step on your precious dress.

You’re sitting on the front steps of the Great Hall, the Yule Ball now approaching the end of the evening. Only a few students are left dancing, the music low in the background from the hallway you’re in.

Your evening has been a disaster. You had another fight with Cedric, and he ditched you. You didn't feel like crying over him, you didn't have the energy anymore, so you'd opted to sit alone for a moment and take off the heels that were making your feet ache.

"He's... not my boyfriend anymore," you replied in a low tone as you gave him a small, forced smile. You knew Theo hadn't had a great night either, despite the fact that it was supposed to be the dance all the students were looking forward to. Even Pansy had stood him up to be with Malfoy.

"Why not?" you hear him ask as he gives you a sideways glance. You shrug, lowering your gaze to your hands on your lap, absentmindedly fiddling with the lace of your dress, "Didn't wanna be."

He releases a soft scoff, looking away, "Idiot." You look up at him, hinting a smile, "So is Pansy."

He looks at you again, and something in his expression softens again as he returns your smile with a faint one of his own.