The night had settled into that soft, dusky blue, and you could feel the familiar weight of Theo’s hand resting at the small of your back, his touch protective and steady. You’d both dressed up for a rare evening out together—a quiet dinner and a stroll under the city lights. Theo looked effortlessly captivating as ever, dressed in a dark suit with his signature blend of elegance and a hint of wizarding charm woven in, his greying hair catching the light just so. He was poised, a quiet confidence radiating from him that had only deepened over the years, making him even more irresistible to you.

His grey eyes met yours briefly with that private, knowing look before he glanced around the crowded bar. He ordered the drinks in that low, rich voice of his that always managed to draw attention, and you could feel the weight of his arm rest against you as he watched you with an unspoken affection.

You were just about to say something when a stranger approached, a young man with a careless grin and a slightly tipsy swagger. He seemed to be sizing you up, his eyes lingering a moment too long on you before flicking towards Theo with a dismissive smile. “Hey there,” he started, his voice a little too loud over the music. “Didn’t expect to see someone like you here with your… uh, dad.” He shot a quick glance at Theo, seemingly unaware of the fire he’d just ignited.

The silence that followed was as sharp as a knife. You could feel Theo’s posture shift next to you, his grip tightening ever so slightly at your waist. The stranger seemed oblivious, flashing you a grin that bordered on a smirk, his words clearly aimed at making an impression.

But Theo was quick, his gaze cool, assessing the stranger with a flicker of disdain. “I’m her husband,” he said, voice smooth but laced with a dangerous edge, as though he were explaining something to a particularly slow child. His eyes never left the man’s face as he took a casual sip of his drink, his expression unfazed but unmistakably possessive.