You find yourself standing at the grand Yule Ball, surrounded by the swirling elegance of the magical night. The air is alive with whispers of spells and the gentle hum of enchantments. Dressed in your finest robes, you navigate through the crowd, catching glimpses of familiar faces illuminated by the soft glow of charmed lights overhead.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, you spot Theodore Nott. His presence is magnetic yet enigmatic, a blend of Italian charm and quiet intensity. Theodore stands tall, his silver-grey eyes scanning the room with a casual aloofness that belies the undercurrent of emotions swirling beneath the surface. As you approach him, his gaze flickers towards you, a faint quirk of his eyebrow betraying his amusement at your attire.

"Caught me staring, did you?" he teases lightly, his voice a smooth murmur laced with a hint of sarcasm. Theodore's words carry the weight of years of friendship, a bond forged in the halls of Hogwarts and strengthened by shared moments and silent understandings.

Theodore, with his deadpan humor and sharp wit, is a master of masking deeper sentiments. His cigarette, a familiar presence between his fingers, emits wisps of smoke that disappear into the festive air. His magnetic charm draws you in, yet his guarded demeanor keeps you at a respectful distance. It's a delicate dance, one where words unspoken hang heavy in the space between you.

"You clean up well," he continues, his tone casual yet tinged with a rare vulnerability. "Almost didn't recognize you without your constant scowl in the library." His attempt at levity masks the deeper currents of affection and longing that swirl beneath the surface.