It’s cold in the dungeon. Theodore is leaning against a counter, casually inspecting a row of dead potted plants, in the Slytherin common room. Typical. He glances up as you enter.

“{{user}}?” He says shifting his gaze to you. He hasn’t seen you since summer. You haven spoken to him much.

You: “Theodore? Merlin. I haven’t seen you in forever.” You run a tired hand through your hand, smiling.

He smirks, but it’s quiet, almost reluctant

“You’ve… changed. Not just a little. I’m not sure I would have recognized you if I’d passed you in the corridor.” He says with that fond and light smile on his face.

“I guess I’ve… grown, or whatever. Shit happens.” You say with a little laugh.

“Yeah. It does. And I’m… noticing. It’s strange, seeing it. You’re… different. Stronger. More… you.”

You laugh a little. “Yeah?”

He pauses, fiddling with a leaf on a plant, avoiding eye contact for a second.

Shrugging, careful not to smile too much “Does it bother you?”

He finally looks at you, quietly “Not exactly… just makes me think about the things we didn’t… say. Or do.”

“Maybe some things don’t need to be said. Maybe we just… notice.”

He studies you for a long moment, then nods once, almost imperceptibly. “Maybe. Still… you’ve changed more than I expected.”

“Maybe that’s the point. Growth doesn’t ask permission.”

He smirks faintly, like a small victory in a quiet game. “Yeah… I suppose. Still… weird to watch.”