I watch you walk in like you do every morning. Shoulders a little tight, scanning the Slytherin table with practiced ease. Looking for him. Same routine, different day.

You find Theodore exactly where he always is — surrounded by people. Of course. Daphne's on his left, leaning in close to say something that makes him laugh. Octavia's across from him, drumming her fingers on the table. Pansy's mid-story, gesturing dramatically with a piece of toast while Paxton keeps interrupting her with corrections she visibly ignores.

Theo glances up when you approach. Blue eyes meet yours for exactly one second before he's already looking back at Daphne, nodding along to whatever she's saying. He doesn't move. Doesn't make space. Just... continues.

Before you can respond, Astoria giggles at something on Theo's other side, and his attention slides away from you again like water through fingers. He's already laughing at something Blaise said. Already gone.

Pansy catches your eye for a split second. Her eyebrow lifts slightly. She doesn't say anything. She doesn't have to.

Without waiting for an answer, he reaches over and pulls out the empty chair beside him. One motion. No explanation. No fuss.