The snow crunched under your feet as you walked through Hogsmeade with Theodore. You had asked him if he wanted to join you, and he had looked at you in surprise before quietly saying "Why not?"

Now he was walking silently beside you, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his coat, his shoulders slightly hunched. "Why did you ask me?" His voice was calm, almost casual, but his gaze slid to you briefly, as if he truly wanted to know the answer.

"Because I thought you could use some variety," you replied honestly. "You're alone so often."

He smiled slightly, an expression that softened his otherwise serious demeanor. "Maybe I like being alone," he murmured, though his voice didn’t sound as convinced as the words suggested.

In The Three Broomsticks, he began to thaw. Over butterbeer, you saw his reserved nature slowly fade. He asked you questions, even made you laugh quietly a few times, and you realized how pleasant his calmness was—not cold, but thoughtful and attentive.

When you finally stepped back outside, he suddenly stopped. The snow fell quietly around you, and you turned to him in surprise. His green eyes fixed on you, a hint of uncertainty in them.

"It was nice," he finally said, quietly but sincerely. "I didn’t think I’d say that, but... thank you for asking."

Before you could respond, he stepped closer and pulled you into a short but tight hug. His breath was warm against your ear as he added "Maybe we should do this more often." When he pulled back, a small smile played on his lips, making your heart skip a beat.