Chapter 8
As everyone seemed to fall into a predictable routine, Draco couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he was still waiting for something to go awry. The tension in his mind was palpable, and he found himself resorting to Occlumency more often than was probably healthy—an issue he knew he would have to confront at some point, but for now, it lingered in the background, a silent companion to his thoughts. Just as he began to drift deeper into his contemplation, a sharp knock at his office door pulled him back to the present.
“Theo. What are you doing here?” he asked, arching an eyebrow as Theo sauntered into his office and flopped into the chair opposite him, a casual grin plastered across his face.
“I thought we could catch a late lunch, catch up a little bit, see what’s going on in that large platinum brain of yours,” Theo replied, his tone light.
Draco scowled at him. “As much fun as that sounds like, I can’t today. I have things to do this afternoon,” he said, trying to maintain a façade of seriousness.
“Things so important you can’t spare a moment for lunch? Just blow it off,” Theo insisted, his fingers deftly picking up the round paperweight from Draco’s desk and tossing it back and forth in a rhythmic motion.
“Can’t,” he paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s for Potter. Wouldn't look good blowing off the boss in my second week here,” he explained.
“Ughhh,” Theo exclaimed dramatically, throwing his head back as if the very concept of Draco’s dedication was the most absurd thing he had ever encountered. “Fine! I’ll just find new friends since nobody cares about me anymore,” he added, mockingly pouting as he crossed his arms.
Draco rolled his eyes at his overly dramatic friend, suppressing a smirk at the theatrics.
“Very well then, be sure to introduce me when you find them,” he replied, unable to resist a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he turned back to his work dismissing his friend.
Later that day, Theo found himself back on the bustling DMLE floor, delivering a final report to Pucey. As he handed over the last of the paperwork, he caught sight of Blaise emerging from Potter's office, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation.
“What the bloody hell are you doing here, and can’t you even stop to say hello?” Theo exclaimed, slapping his hand onto Blaise's shoulder with a forceful friendly gesture.
“Theodore. What are you doing here?” Blaise replied, raising an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the sudden confrontation.
“I work here… Now answer my questions,” Theo shot back, his tone pointed and insistent. Just then, Astoria stepped out of Potter's office, her presence radiating warmth as she walked over to the two men.
“Oh Theo! We were just discussing having you over for dinner soon. What a wonderful coincidence to run into you!” she exclaimed, her smile brightening the dimly lit corridor. “Send me your evening schedule for the next week. What with all of us snakes rolling back into town, we simply must get together.”
“Ah, so you've seen little miss sunshine, I take it,” Theo remarked, a teasing glint in his eye.
“Of course, Theo! I’m the first person she visited; don’t let her lie to you,” Astoria replied, her laughter light and infectious.
Theo leaned over, planting a quick kiss on his friend's cheek, and she patted his face affectionately, a gesture of their long-standing friendship. “I mean it, pick an evening! We are all getting together whether you like it or not. Come on, Blaise, we will be late if we don’t hurry. We’ll be in touch, love,” she added, already turning to lead Blaise away.
With that, the Zabinis walked off, leaving Theo staring after them with a mixture of suspicion and confusion. “What the bloody hell was that about?” he thought to himself as he approached the head Auror's office door, his mind racing with unanswered questions.
“Oi, Potter, what was that all about?” he called out, knocking firmly on the door.
Potter startled slightly at his desk, looking up with feigned innocence. “Hm? What was what all about?” The chosen one was a shite liar.
“Blaise and Astoria…” Theo gestured behind him, his annoyance palpable.
“Oh, just discussing the ministry fundraiser, is all,” Potter replied, shrugging nonchalantly.
Theo scrutinized him, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “Was there something you needed, Nott?”
Theo crossed his arms defiantly and leaned on the doorway, feeling increasingly like a pawn in someone else's game. He couldn’t shake the feeling of being ‘handled’ by everyone today and was determined to uncover the truth. “Yea. Have you seen Malfoy today?"
"Not today, I've been in and out meetings though." Harry answered.
"Mind if I borrow him for a little bit, or did you need him for something? Might take a while.”
“If he’s available, sure, I don't need him for anything,” Potter responded, already turning his attention back to the mountain of paperwork cluttering his desk.
“Delightful,” Theo bit out, the irritation evident in his tone as he spun on his heel and headed for Malfoy’s office. He was so annoyed that he didn't bother knocking; instead, he pushed through the office door with a sense of urgency. “Listen here, you prat—” he began, only to cut himself off as he realized the office was empty. “Well now I'm really irked,” he muttered under his breath.
Theo stepped further into the office, rounding the desk with a determined stride. Without touching anything, he scanned the documents strewn across the surface until his gaze landed on a planner peeking out from beneath a stack of papers. Flipping to today's date, his annoyance deepened as he deciphered Draco’s atrocious handwriting scrawled across the page: “Granger—half two.”
Looking at his watch, Theo felt a surge of frustration. He stormed out of the office, heading straight towards the floo, determined to confront Malfoy and get to the bottom of whatever was happening.
****
Pansy was deeply engrossed in her meticulous measurements, focused on testing their latest potion, when the lab door suddenly flung open with a loud bang. She flinched at the jarring interruption and shot daggers at the idiot disturbing her precious peace. “Theodore, must you act like an animal?” she snapped, annoyance evident in her tone.
“The hell is that platinum-haired prat? Is he here?” Theo demanded.
“Draco?” She questioned, arching an eyebrow. “Why on earth would Draco be here?”
“Because he’s a right foul git, that’s why.” Theo huffed indignantly as he hopped up and perched himself on the lab table nearest to Pansy, swinging his legs carelessly.
“Uh, Theo darling, if you value your manhood, I would suggest not sitting there,” she stated matter-of-factly, eyeing him with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Theo blanched at her warning, his eyes wide with sudden realization, and jumped down from the table. “Well, I was trying to be a pal and offered to take him to lunch earlier, and he blew me off! Spouting some nonsense that Potter needed him. Then, I talked to Potter and discovered the git was lying!” Theo exclaimed, throwing his arms up in frustration. “Being the nice friend I am, I snooped through his belongings, and his scheduler says he’s actually meeting with Granger!”
Pansy listened intently before responding, “Well, neither of them are here, so begone. I am busy, and you’re disturbing my carefully crafted peace.” She began to push him toward the door with purpose.
“That's not the least bit unsettling to you? That he is sneaking around?” Theo argued back, his brows furrowing in concern.
“Maybe he’s finally getting laid. Salazar knows he needs it,” Pansy laughed at her own joke, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Gross, Pansy. Plus, I’m pretty sure they hate each other,” he said contemplatively, tapping his chin as if deep in thought. “Although,” he held one finger in the air pointedly, “I’ve heard that spices things up in the sheets, if you know what I mean.” He winked at Pansy, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.
“Alright then, this has been fun, but goodbye, Theodore,” she said, attempting once again to shove him out the door.
“Wait!” he shouted, his voice rising with excitement. “I also saw Astoria and Blaise talking to Potter, and they were being super cagey about the whole interaction. They practically bolted out the door when I questioned it.” This revelation made Pansy pause, her interest clearly piqued. “Slightly more curious about that one,” she admitted, pondering for a moment. “But still, get out. We can ask them about it at the dinner party Astoria is planning. I have work to do. Check Draco’s flat tonight. I’m sure he’ll be there; he never goes anywhere.” With that, she finally managed to shove Theo out the door, closing it firmly behind him, ready to return to her potion-making.