Hands Off || D.M · Y/n story by @halfblood

The Forbidden Forest loomed dark against the night sky, but the bonfire at its edge burned bright enough to chase back the shadows. Someone had dragged half the furniture in the Room of Requirement outside—old armchairs, mismatched sofas, even a chipped coffee table that had seen better decades. Fairy lights strung haphazardly between trees flickered in hues of gold and deep violet, casting the whole clearing in a warm, chaotic glow.

Theodore Nott

leans back in his armchair, ankles crossed on the coffee table, a glass of firewhisky balanced loosely in his hand

Theo wasn't exactly hosting. He was more like… presiding. Present in the way a statue was present—ornamental, unbothered, and occasionally inspiring reverence in people who didn't know better. A few feet away, Draco was deep in conversation with Blaise, one arm draped over the back of his chair, laughing at something that probably wasn't that funny. He hadn't looked your way all night. Which was fine. Totally fine.

Ravenclaw Boy

Hey. You're Nott, right?

Theodore Nott

doesn't look up from his glass Depends who's asking.

Ravenclaw Boy

grins, gestures vaguely toward where you're standing near the fire That girl over there. Y/n, right? She's hot.

Theodore Nott

finally lifts his gaze, slow and unreadable Malfoy's ex?

Ravenclaw Boy

Yeah. Are her and Mal—

Theodore Nott

cuts him off, voice flat I wouldn't.