Letters from Home. Pv Closed

AEIOUSA𝖕rat sat at the Slytherin table with an air of nonchalance around him. His plate soon to hold merely the remnants of a hearty breakfast. For now however; his eyes remained glued to the parchment, digesting it's words more thoroughly than the food placed right in front of him. As a young blonde approached and took her seat opposite him, he offered her a nod of recognition but remained silent. He knew who she was, the subtle pale of her skin, the eyes, the hair, all of which left no doubt in his mind. Prat was a Pass, after all, and the Pureblood politics of Hogwarts were as much a part of his upbringing as his ability to breathe. His thoughts swirled around the peculiar situation he had been thrust into, his mother's meddling in his affairs were those few events he did not enjoy , his mother's attempt to interfere with his life only irked him.

Once Theodora spoke, Prat folded the letter with a practiced ease, tucking it into his robe pocket. He met her gaze, attempting to mess with her as he mirrored her own gaze – a blend of resignation and a small hint of amusement at the absurdity of it all. "Miss Parlow" he began, his tone a mix of formality intertwined with faintest trace of sarcasm, "I trust your morning has been as delightfully unexpected and uneventful as mine." He paused, with a smirk playing on his lips as he took a sip of his juice. "What brings you to my table?" He knew why she was here, of course, but he enjoyed watching her navigate the social dance that was their predetermined interaction. It was nothing short of watching a chess piece move across a board that had been already set in motion by someone else's hand.

Prat sat up straight, wiping his mouth with a napkin. His initial thoughts were a whirlwind of indifference and a touch of annoyance. He did not enjoy the interruptions during his breakfast on any day of the week. He had better things to do than babysit some girl from a family he knew through forced proximity. Yet, he would dare not attempt to test the consequences of disobeying his mother's wishes, and the political ties between these two families meant that he had to play along for now. He regarded Theodora with a cool, appraising gaze, taking in her posture and the way she handled her own breakfast. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Theodora, i wasn't aware you were to attend this year." he said, his tone polite yet devoid of any real genuine warmth. "It's quite refreshing to see a familiar face amidst this sea of overeager first-years." He had to agree, coming to Hogwarts and seeing all these unfamiliar faces was a new experience had he not been prepared for it. He offered her a small smile, his mind racing with the best possible route to navigate this situation without compromising his time or plans.

Prat's thoughts raced as he regarded Theodora with a veneer of indifference. "I hope you've been finding the castle and snake dorms fun so far," he added, his voice carrying a hint of challenge as he attempted to steer their conversation towards more interesting waters. The last thing he wished to be saddled with were the role of her personal tour guide or confidant, worse yet a set of eyes over her. Her presence added another set of potential eyes on him. Another set of eyes meant another potential snitch, and while he didn't care about the Parlows in that regard, the scrutiny was a nuisance. Yet, he knew better than to let his true feelings show. He treated her with the a warmer acquaintance as he would any other Slytherin, using his pride and family name a silent shield against any perceived obligations.

The smile that was teasing at the corner of Theodora's mouth spread, though her eyes still had a somewhat calculating look, “I assume either mommy or daddy dearest mentioned me? Mine mentioned you. Quite a fun situation,” the word fun dripped with sarcasm as she spoke, softly waving her own letter before placing it back in her own robes. Her hand settled on her cup of tea before slowly bringing it up to her lips, she didn't know the boy very well, they had only met on brief occasions, he wasn't one to attend the parties, soirees, or balls her parents frequently hosted; However, he was one she knew well enough to be somewhat comfortable with.

She knew, thankfully, at least by his attitude that he didn't want to be a spy for her parents. And her own father hadn't mentioned any spying on Prat, so she started to relax slightly, “What's this? Using my first name with such familiarity?” She raised a hand to her chest with a small fake gasp and a light smirk, “Such manners, what would our dear, overbearing parents say, Prat? And we're unchaperoned. Tsk tsk,” a small giggle comes from her. She still nods along to his comment on familiar faces, “Tis nice indeed. At least it will be nice to talk to someone whom I know, mayhaps not well, but I know nonetheless.”

Her demeanor somewhat softens, “I do hope you know I don't plan on spying on you for your parents, and I'd hope you are kind enough to offer the same kindness. If they me ask of you, I'll say good things like “oh he's been showing me around the school” or “he helps me with my coursework,” I do hope that would be satisfactory for you. After all, could been a worse decisions made for us,” a noticeable shutter runs through her and she gently knocks on the tabletop, “knock on wood that that doesn't come to pass…” A light dusting of pink starts to appear on her cheeks as she starts to realize both the weight and meaning one could take from her words, “not that you'd be a bad option, per say,” her pale cheeks slowly get redder as she speaks, "j-just that.. uh.. ya know uh… nevermind.” She quickly takes a sip of tea to occupy her mouth so she can stop digging the hole she has found herself in, the pale blue and green orbs of her eyes are downcast so as to not look at him, let alone meet his eyes.

AEIOUSA𝖕rat took in Theodora's smug expression, only to reply with the same tone. "I'm sure it was a fun situation for you," he echoed her tone, sarcasm thick as molasses, "my parents however made no mention of you." The lie slid smoothly from his tongue, shielding the content of his own letter from the girl right in front of him. He had no intention of sharing his family's private matters with someone who was, at best, a distant acquaintance from his past.

He wasn't sure if she was truly expecting him to act like a spy, not that he ever had any intentions to. He took a sip of his juice, letting the cold spread through him before setting the cup down with a gentle clink against the tabletop. "Ah, but Theodora, " he said, laying it on thick, "surely you don't think I'd be so easily swayed by the whispers of our dear, overbearing parents." He leaned back in his chair, feigning a casualness he was not feeling, and allowed his eyes to meet hers, holding them just a second longer than necessary. "After all, aren't you yearning for a breath of freedom from their watchful gazes?" This was a game he knew well, one he was not very fond of yet he had a stature to maintain. For now, he'd play along. After all, this conversation with her was far more entertaining than the stifling conversations he was used to involving usual purebloods.

Prat's mind swirled with questions as Theodora's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. "Could have been worse decisions made for us," she said. What was she possibly implying by her statement? Nonetheless, Prat couldn't help but feel a slight hint of offense at her words. The very implication that he could be seen as a consolation prize was beneath him. But then again, he assumed she was only teasing, an attempt to navigate the awkwardness of their situation with a bit of humor. He decided to play along, raising an eyebrow as he feigned a look of mock indignation. "Not a bad option, you say?" he quipped. "I'll have you know, I'm better than most if not all your options," he added, allowing his eyes to dance with mischief. In reality, he was quite pleased with how things were in his life currently, joining Hogwarts had opened more doors for him as person than he had imagined.

Prat's thoughts came to a halt as he watched her cheeks grow redder. He couldn't help but enjoy the idea of teasing her further before she possibly backed out. A smirk playing on his lips as he contemplated his next words. It was a risky move, He took another sip of his juice, "Well, if we're to believe in the worst-case scenario," he began, his voice low and playful, "I suppose I could do much worse than you." He watched her closely, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "In fact," he continued, "I'd say you're quite the catch."

"Yes, Yes, it is nice to not be under my father’s thumb," she says lowly, almost to herself, almost like she shouldn't say something like that, especially not out loud, especially to someone not in the family. The facts of it cause the blush on her face to worsen, as she sets the cup down, nearly choking down the last gulp of tea as he starts to defend himself and saying that he'd be better then any other options she had.

Theodora froze at his words, "I'd say you're quite the catch." Her face was red, and if one listened closely the base of her tea cup was rattling against the saucer as her hand shook slightly out of nervousness. "I-I-I..." her words caught in her throat, not knowing what to say, 'Is he being truthful? I can't tell... God... this is new...' her thoughts raced. One of her shaking hands go to fiddle with a piece of fruit on a plater near her, "S-Strawberries are nice..." she spoke softly as if to ignore both the few seconds of conversation and the new feeling in her chest as her heart raced.

The other hand tucks a few strands of her pale blonde hair behind her ear, out of her face. The situation was very new to her, flirting wasn't something she really knew, something she didn't experience, her parents weren't lovey dovey and she had no experiences like it before hand. 'How was he able to turn the conversation like that? Why did he?' her thoughts still stormed in her head, as she still avoided the gaze she could feel coming from him.

AEIOUSA𝖕rat decided to continue their conversation as he noticed Theodora's cheeks turning a shade of pink. Her words were a familiar echo of his own thoughts from recent times. Thoughts he would dare not share with the rest of world. "Indeed" The weight of familial expectation was something he was quite familiar with. All that pressure was quite oppressive to say the least. "I assume it's a welcome change," he said hiding his own thoughts from her, his voice as gentle and understanding as he could attempt. "It's always nice to have some space for yourself, some time to breathe and think without the constant nagging and scrutiny. Hogwarts offers a lot of that, lake is my chosen spot."

His eyes followed her trembling hand as it reached for the strawberry, her attempt at deflecting this conversation was amusing to witness. Inside, Prat felt a peculiar mix of amusement and empathy. "delicious fruits i know right" he thought, The air between them now tad bit weird as both were acutely aware of the delicate dance they somehow Landed themselves in. "Do you like them?" he asked, his tone mirroring the softness of her own.

This was rare, a sincere instance for him, asking a question that held no hidden meaning or ulterior motive. Just his attempt at gentle inquiry into her preferences, with extension her life. A minor attempt at mending their relationship as acquaintances who had drifted further apart with time. While waiting for her response, he couldn't help but wonder what other simple joys suited her taste.

"I'm joking," he continued, his voice softening slightly, "we've barely met and I'd like to think that we can at least manage a friendship that doesn't feel like a prison sentence." "Besides," he added, "I have more to do than spy on kids." In reality, Prat was just as uncertain and overwhelmed when the adults decided to kids involved in their matter. However, he had learned long ago that his confidence was the best armor against the unpredictable tides.

A slow nod came from her as he asked if the change was welcomed, things at home weren't the picture perfect pureblood family that her father allowed the outside world to see. Especially when it came to her, especially after her brother's birth, not that she could blame the child, but after his birth she quickly became a background character in her own home, a pawn for her father to prepare for one eventually. "R-Reading by the lake widows in the common room w-was nice last night," her soft voice spoke the words carefully, measured for her own safety more then to hide from him.

She once again nodded to his question, "T-They are one of my favorites, t-them and cherries. I-I haven't had strawberries in... four years? M-My brother is allergic, so father banned them from the house." She slowly brought it to her lips and bit into it, a slow genuine smile crept onto her lips at the taste alongside a small hum of approval.

"I'm joking," those two little words shattered the tension she felt in her chest, but why did they leave a dull ache in its place, like she could breath but her heart ached now. She couldn't help the small amount of disappointment show in her eyes at those two words before blinking it away, slightly shaking her head to get rid of the thoughts that still dominated it. "I-I think I'd like that, friendship... t-that is." The smile from before reformed, "T-Thank you Prat, you really don't know what that means to me."

AEIOUSA𝖕rat couldn't help but feel a little bad for her as he watched the delicate way she spoke of her home life. Banning strawberries was not something he had even considered to be possible. He had never dealt with such troubles, in fact his mom had to chase him and feed him fruits. The stark contrast between her home life and that of his tugged at his heartstrings. He had never known the feeling of being overlooked, being a single child meant he was always cherished by those around him.

Prat reached out for a handshake, however he ended up accidentally placing his hand over hers. Deciding to save himself the embarrassment, he ended up leaning into it. Giving her hand a comforting squeeze as he met her gaze with a warm smile. "It was nice catching up Theodora, but now it's time for me to head to class," he said, trying to keep his voice light despite the gravity of their conversation.

He gave her a final wave before withdrawing from their conversation. A symbolic gesture of reassurance that he would see her again, soon. With a final nod, he gathered his things, his mind already racing with plans about his upcoming day. Excusing himself, he left with the intent of figuring out how the rest of his tasks needed to be accomplished.

It was a simple gesture, the squeeze her gave her hand, the warm smile he gave her, but then why did the touch feel so warm, she could feel her face heat again. She couldn't help but give him a soft smile at his words, "It was nice speaking to you again, Prat. I look forward to our next conversation." Her words soft, but hopeful.

She would return his wave with a small shy one of her own accompanied with an equally shy smile. After he left, she looked down at the hand he had squeezed, she would smile softly at it. His touch was warm and comforting, nothing like that of her Father or Mother, he had given her something she didn't know that she needed, affection. She smiles softly to herself, before blushing again at the thought that she wouldn't be against some more of it in the future. The thought however couldn't allow her to dwell in some happiness for long as it soured with her remembering his words earlier, he had just been kidding, "Don’t kid yourself Theodora... he doesn't look at you that way, and won't... No one will..." She let's out a sigh before standing and gathering her belongings and left the Great Hall for her own classes.