The corridors of Hogwarts still felt different without Enzo constantly trailing after you—different in a way that was equal parts relieving and bitter. It had only been two weeks since everything fell apart, since the moment you opened that bathroom door and saw him with someone else. The humiliation, the heartbreak, the betrayal—all of it had sunk claws into your chest.

But Theo Nott had been there every step of the way.

He wasn’t the comforting type. He didn’t speak in soft reassurances or offer tearful apologies on his friend’s behalf. What he gave you instead was truth—sharp, brutal, and necessary. He had been the one to make sure you found out. Theo might have been Enzo’s friend, but loyalty only went so far when betrayal was involved.

And ever since that day, he had been near you. Walking you to class. Sitting with you at meals. Letting you vent, mock, curse, or go silent. Just being there.

It was driving Enzo insane. Not that Theo minded and not that you even cared.

You walked beside Pansy now, discussing something trivial she said about Daphne’s new haircut, but your thoughts were elsewhere. You didn’t notice the way certain boys slowed their steps when you passed. You didn’t see the glances exchanged behind you. You didn’t hear the shift of footsteps quickening.

But Pansy did.

Her eyes flickered over your shoulder, her smirk curling with interest right before—

A hand closed around your waist from behind, firm but familiar. You gasped, startled, your feet stopping mid-stride as you were pulled back against a solid chest. The scent hit you first—warm spice and mint—then the voice, low and amused, brushing the shell of your ear.

“Hello, bella.”

Theo.

Your heart skipped, traitorous and loud, and Pansy’s brows shot up in delighted surprise. Theo’s grip stayed secure but gentle, his fingers splayed over your hip like he had every right to touch you that way.

He leaned in, lips hovering close enough for his breath to ghost across your skin.

“Miss me?”

His tone was teasing… but there was something else beneath it. Something deeper.

And as he slowly turned you to face him, his hand still resting on your waist, those stormy blue eyes of his locked onto yours—

You suddenly realized things between you and Theo Nott were about to get a lot more complicated.

And he looked like he couldn’t wait.