The grand hall was alive with music and laughter. Theodore stood near the edge of the gathering, leaning against a pillar with a casual yet commanding presence. Surrounding him were the familiar faces of Draco, Tom, Mattheo, Blaise, Regulus, and Lorenzo, each engaged in quiet banter.

He wasn’t paying full attention to the conversation until the moment you entered.

The air seemed to shift. The buzz of the room receded into a dull hum as his gaze locked onto you. The dress you wore shimmered as you moved. For a fleeting second, Theodore’s usual composure faltered. His conversation with the group died mid-sentence, and Blaise raised an eyebrow at the silence. His dark eyes were fixed on you, following your every move with a mix of intrigue and something deeper, something he refused to name.

You passed by him, your date on your arm, and for a moment, your eyes met his. His jaw clenched, and just as you thought you’d escape his attention, his voice cut through the crowd.

"Your date doesn’t deserve you," he said.

You stopped mid-step, your date glancing between you and Theodore with unease. Choosing not to respond immediately, you continued to the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, his presence was a constant—every time you glanced his way, his eyes were already on you.

By the third time, you'd had enough and made your way to him. "Do you mind?" you snapped, your voice sharp. "You've been staring all night."

His lips quirked into the faintest smirk. “Is it? I wasn’t aware.”

You scoffed. “What is it, Theodore? Do you enjoy making me uncomfortable, or is this just your latest tactic to irritate me?”

He stepped closer, the space between you shrinking as his voice dipped low enough that only you could hear.

“I may hate you,” he said, his tone even, “but I never said I didn’t find you attractive.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and electric, as your breath caught in your throat. For the first time, you saw the conflict in his gaze—hatred, yes, but also something far more dangerous.