shades of cool | theo nott

32 || just kids

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"𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣
𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙞𝙣'𝙩 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚
𝙬𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣"
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As the portkey swirled back into windy and rainy England instead of the sunny Southern Italy they were used to, Vera and Theo looked at each other sadly— almost longingly.

Their last few days in Italy were as beautiful as they could've imagined. Feverish kisses, blue skies, turquoise waters, and slow dancing in the plaza to live music, sung in a deep baritone by someone's grandfather, his weathered hands grazing the mic indolently. It was always jarring to return to real life after such a lovely holiday.

Vera kissed Theo softly before they stepped through the fireplace, his strong arms wrapping themselves around her waist. "I love you." She whispered against his lips—a promise. Vera didn't think it was possible that this boy turned her so... soft.

"I love you too. Don't be a stranger." Theo laughed lightly, a smile playing on his lips. Vera returned the smile, hoping that he would always stay this sweet.

They walked through the fireplace, finding Vera's mother standing there unexpectedly. They dropped each other's hands, stepping out gingerly. Vera dusted some soot off of her skirt, unable to make eye contact with her mother.

"Theodore." Her mother raised an eyebrow, a small polite smile on her face. "I wasn't expecting you to be back from Italy so soon."

"I assure you that isn't the case, Mrs. Saltori." He smiled back, ever the gentleman. "I was just making sure that Vera got home safely. I should actually be on my way back now, seeing as she's here." Theo was actually going to stay with Blaise or Draco for a bit but neither Alma nor Dumbledore needed to know that. His useless uncle would cover for him regardless.

"Nonsense, that was very kind of you. Would you like to stay for dinner?" Alma asked, genuine adoration in her eyes. "Cassius will be home soon and he would also like to see you again."

Theo's eyes darted to Vera who looked plain irritated that she had to be back in her house with her mother. "Well—"

"Theodore, please do not feel shy. Who knows how long it's been since you had a proper meal?" Alma was a charmer, as was her daughter. They both were able to get anything that they wanted. "If you're anything like Vera, you must be aching for some actual food right about now." Vera's head snapped up at the mention of her name. "Merlin knows she ate near to nothing on her trip." The woman continued, shaking her head.

There's no way her mother would bring that up, especially considering she was the one who caused any issues with eating that she had in the first place. A surge of anger ran through her and Vera was about to speak up when...

"You're correct, I'm quite sick of pasta and the likes. I have found myself missing some of my favorite English meals." Theo stated, looking thoughtful. Vera knew this was a lie. Just last night, the boy downed three plates of pasta and a margarita pizza. "The house elves' cooking is always comforting." He added.

Alma clapped her hands together. "Oh wonderful!" She exclaimed, with a quick snap of her finger, summoning the house elves to update the feast accordingly. "Show Theodore to the drawing room." Her mother turned to her, gesturing sharply with her eyes.