One Step at a Time ((Theo))

[Scott Ryder G7]

One step at a time. That was the way Scott was taking life recently. It was a trite concept, really. Everyone had always heard the phrase of taking things 'one step at a time'. Scott felt though that it really fit his current mood. It was the way he was choosing to go about things. Winter holiday had proved to be another good experience at home. Like always, he found himself having a hard time accepting that it was time to return to the castle once December faded into January and the day came when he would have to board the Express. Flick made it easier though. He was grateful for that. It was almost like she was a little piece of home that he could always take with him back to Hogwarts. He wasn't sure he'd have made it through the years without Flick by his side. Even if they didn't spend much time together at Hogwarts, it was just a sense of security that her presence gave him. During his first year, when Flick wasn't yet a student. Scott remembered the Express ride back to the castle after his first official winter holiday from Hogwarts. It was miserable, to say the least.

When his parents had heard that he had made Seeker for his house team and then proceeded to catch the Snitch and help Gryffindor win the very first game he played in, they were very proud. Flick almost made him sound like a hero, and Scott still felt a bit embarrassed when he thought about it. Hidden behind the embarrassment though, he felt a true sense of pride. He had never expected to do something so big... something so influential. With that, and then his recent friendship with both Theo and now Lori, Scott had had quite an end to the first half of his fifth year. It had been all of that though that had Scott taking things one step at a time. Never before had so many things seemed to come onto him all at once. He was always safe in his own world. But now, it was like he was slowly stepping out of his shell. He was slowly taking risks, but it hadn't been easy. At times, he laughed at himself for being so afraid to take risks. He was a Gryffindor after all. He shouldn't be so afraid to take risks. He was supposed to be brave, right? One step at a time.

With his broom and Quaffle, Scott was on his way to enjoy the bit of lapse in the extremely cold weather. It was still cold out today, but nothing like it had been. The weather seemed it might be kind enough for at least a half hour or so of some flying. Scott really needed the fresh air and the time to just mull things over a bit. Ever since he had gotten back to school after holiday, it seemed as though all he had time to do was school work and nothing else. In fact, he hadn't even got to have a proper conversation with Theo. It was the first time he actually had a friend who he cared to see how their break had been. He wanted to see Lori again too, but he wasn't so sure she considered him as much a friend as Theo did. There would be time for that though. One step at a time, he reminded himself.

The wind was a bit biting, but Scott had his winter Quidditch robes on, so they kept him warm enough. With gloves on, it wasn't as easy to steer, but he was managing. Despite being the Seeker for Gryffindor, Scott always practiced with a Quaffle. To use a Snitch would just be crazy. There was no guarantee where it might fly. He knew it would only frustrate him. For that reason, he saved Snitch chasing for actual practices and matches. When it was just him, Scott preferred a Quaffle. In fact, had he enjoyed teamwork more, he figured he'd much like being a Chaser. Scott wasn't good at relying on people and working so closely with them. Being a Chaser meant being one of a three part whole. For now, he wasn't ready for such a commitment.

With the Quaffle in one hand, Scott would toss it up and forward as hard as he could. Then, he would race to try to catch it before it landed on the ground. His speed was much better than his strength though, so he rarely ever missed catching it in time. In fact, it almost got to be a bit boring, and he wished that he had someone to practice with. As if fate had read his mind, Scott had the Quaffle in mid-throw when he spotted a person coming down the hill from the castle. Blonde hair made him think instantly that it might be Theo, and then he figured that it just might be hopeful thinking. Sure enough though, as he drew near, Scott was sure that it was Theo. He even had his broom! Scott smiled and flew down to the ground to meet him. "Fancy you coming to practise a bit of flying. How'd you know I was here?" Scott tossed the Quaffle to Theo before mounting his broom again and circling around him. "How was your break then?" he asked, pleased to finally have a bit of company. Scott had never before looked forward to company. But, sometimes things changed. People changed. Life changed. One step at at time.

[Theo Darke]

Hopscotch. It was a children’s muggle game in primary schools, played outside in the playground with friends. It consisted of ten squares, numbered one to ten, drawn on the concrete in coloured chalk. It would have the first box with the number one, then two and three on top of it on the same level. Then it was four on its own, then five and six together, seven on its own, then eight and nine, and finally ten. The basic point of the game was for the child to hop across the squares as quickly as possible. One foot – hop – two feet down, then one foot again. It was a very simple pastime, containing little interest for older children who outgrew such activities. However, it was still entertaining for the younger ones, and especially those individuals who had never heard of, never mind played, the game before. Theo had come across the concept of it the other day, fascinated immediately by its lack of complexity. So this was what muggle children did in school. Theo hadn’t even gone to school between the years he was born and the age of eleven. Until Hogwarts, he had stayed home with his family and Lori; Lori was his playmate, his best friend, and they kept one another company. That was why he was grateful for her existence – Theo knew without her, his childhood would not have been half as exciting and fun. He loved his parents and his twin siblings, but it could have been lonely for him, since Brittany and Callum were stuck to one another like glue, being twins and all. Theo would’ve felt like the middleman had Lori not been there. From Day One they had been together though – the moment they were born they were placed side by side in the hospital beds – tiny ones for newborns.

Theo completed the hopscotch sequence again in rapid timing, before smiling to himself and sitting down on his bed. The dorm was empty, and Theo had constructed his own wizard version of hopscotch on the floor. Currently a shimmering blue outline had the children’s game before him, and he had been jumping and hopping across it for about ten minutes. It did get tedious after a while, but it still made Theo smile. It was the simplicity of the game that made him stare at it in awe. How did muggles do it? Create such pointless, and yet entertaining activities? How did they live without magic? Theo couldn’t imagine life without a wand, without magic around him everywhere. Standing up again, Theo placed his right foot on the number one box, his blonde strands falling over his eyes as he peered downwards, eyes sparkling in concentration. One step. He lifted his left foot and placed it on the large 2. Smiling to himself, Theo took another step, his right foot going to three. Then right to four, left to five, and his legs began to get tangled up. Laughing to himself, Theo collapsed on his bed once he had made his way to ten again, letting his magic hopscotch fade and seep into the carpeted floor. Catching his breath, Theo stared up at the ceiling thoughtfully. One step at a time. That was one way to describe life right now. Or maybe it was the only way to describe Theo’s life at all.

Theo had always taken his life one step at a time; calmly, sensibly, thoughtfully. He didn’t rush things, but he didn’t try to slow things down either in fear or worry. He let nature and fate run its course, but still made decisions that he felt could determine his future to steer it in the way he knew he wanted it to go. When he had found out he was gay, for a few moments Theo had lost his usual control; he had been frightened, anxious to the point he wanted to burst. But after he had taken the correct steps to rectify his fear, he had been treading his usual pace ever since. The same went for his friendship with Scott; it was progressing well, well enough to make Theo smile when he thought about him. He didn’t know why; Scott was so quiet, but he was also kind. Theo could tell. He didn’t want to rush their friendship though, and so they were taking it a step at a time. Theo had finally introduced Scott to his best friend, and the two had seemingly gotten on all right. Theo was glad; Lori worried him, but Scott had been accepting, and this brought a smile to Theo’s face constantly.

Thinking of Scott, Theo couldn’t help but take out his broomstick. Having come back from the winter holidays, he had decided he wanted to try out for the Ravenclaw reserve team. Something Scott had told him so many weeks ago, when they had been practising Quidditch, had made something click within Theo. It was like whatever had repressed his flying ambitions had suddenly come alive, broken free of its previous cage. Smiling fondly at his broomstick, which he had used quite a few times during the holidays, much to the surprise of Wesley and the twins, Theo stood up and left his dormitory. It was time for a bit of practice. After all, Jasmine Anderson had accepted him onto the reserve team, and he needed to make sure he was on top form for that upcoming match against Slytherin. Although he was only a reserve, there was a chance he would be used, and Theo wanted to be ready for it. Anyway, he had no homework to deal with, this was the perfect opportunity. The skies looked cold, but fair, a good day for flying. Theo grabbed a coat before he left, not wanting to catch a cold, and headed for the Grounds.

It was quite chilly, but Theo soon adjusted to it. Trudging across the Grounds, Theo spotted someone in the distance in the direction he was heading, flying on a broomstick. For a split second he thought it was Scott, but then ridiculed himself for assuming things – it was probably just his wishful thinking. How coincidental would it be if Scott was out here today too? But as Theo approached the figure in its red Quidditch robes, the symbol of Gryffindor on its crest, his face split into a wide grin. It was Scott, practising his flying. “I should’ve guessed you’d be here.” Theo laughed when he was within hearing distance of Scott, who landed before him. Theo shook his head in amusement, “I didn’t. I just wanted to practice, but maybe my subconscious was hoping you’d be here too.” Grinning, Theo caught the Quaffle and mounted his broom. “Break was good. Uneventful. You?” Theo asked as he launched into the air. “Oh, I forgot to tell you,” He suddenly said as he tossed the Quaffle at Scott, a wide grin on his face. “I got into the Ravenclaw reserve team.

[Scott Ryder G7]

"Thinking about me in your subconscious?" Scott questioned with a laugh. He wasn't sure what that was supposed to mean, seeing that Theo was gay and all. Was he coming onto him? Scott wasn't really sure how gay guys flirted and if what Theo was doing was just being friendly or indeed flirting. It gave him a slightly uncomfortable feeling in his stomach, but he shrugged it off as nothing. Theo was simply a nice guy. There was nothing more to it than that. Plus, it had almost seemed as though he was trying to push Scott and Lori together, especially at the Winter Ball. Scott had meant to ask Theo more about that, but figured he would have plenty of time once they started to practice together.

"My break was good," he answered. "Got to see my family, which is always nice. Mom and dad were thrilled to hear about the match against Hufflepuff. It did help that Flick was practically overemphasizing everything. They didn't believe me when I told them that it was literally so close to being Charles who caught the Snitch instead. Our hands were like right on top of one another." Scott stopped talking about the match when Theo had shared the good news with him in return. "That's brilliant, mate!" he exclaimed. Scott was glad that he and Theo now had something in common. Sure, Theo had seemed to like Quidditch before, but Scott had never figured out if he was only interested because it gave him something to talk to Scott about or if he really liked it for sure. Trying out for the team must have meant that there was at least some part of Theo that wanted to be able to play. "You'd make a fine Chaser if you ask me. And I'm glad that as a Seeker I won't have to really play againstyou." Scott knew he would have found it hard to play against someone he considered a friend. Though Charles was a great guy, Scott didn't really know him as a friend. As for the Slytherin and Ravenclaw Seekers, Scott wasn't friends with either of them as well.

He threw the Quaffle back to Theo, flying circles around the pitch at a relatively calm speed. He noticed that when he and Theo practiced together, they tended to talk more than work. It didn't bother Scott though. Theo was one person he had grown to feel comfortable talking to. It was no longer awkward for him like it was for many other people. "So where's Lori," he asked, not quite able to forget about her when he was with Theo. They seemed to just come as a pair whether physically or mentally. Scott couldn't think of one without naturally thinking of the other. Plus, he wanted to see if she had said anything about him after the dance. "I'm not so sure she really enjoyed the whole dancing thing at the ball," he admitted with a guilty grin. "She thinks I'm odd, doesn't she. Too quiet for her. I don't blame her though." Scott laughed at himself as he darted around one of the goal posts to catch the Quaffle that Theo had thrown. "I doubt I'll ever get a girl. Just like you, I'll end up without ever having a girlfriend." He was only joking with Theo and hoped he'd see that. "But seriously... I think girls must think I am too creepy or something. I tend to get these odd stares all the time. Now that I am on the Quidditch team, I think that more people are starring at me, probably mad that I caught the Snitch

[Theo Darke]

Theo laughed at Scott's rhetorical question. "Maybe." He flashed a cheeky grin, the slightest flirt in his tone, and yet it wasn't flirting for him, because this was Scott he was talking to, not some gay guy at a bar. Theo knew he had to watch where he tread carefully; he didn't want to overdo his joking charm and cause Scott any discomfort or confusion that may ruin their budding friendship. That was always a fear of Theo's - that he wouldn't be able to maintain friendships with other boys. But, he tried his very hardest, and there wasn't only Scott to consider, but Dylan too. Theo liked Dylan a lot; he struck him as a good friend despite his exterior guard, and he was sure he wasn't going to push him away by developing some sort of gay crush on him. Then why was Theo so concerned around Scott? "But I'm sure my subconscious was thinking more of Quidditch and flying than anything." He continued speaking smoothly as though his mind wasn't reeling with thoughts, "I thought the next time I would see you would be in class, but I'm not complaining." He grinned again, trying to gauge a positive reaction from Scott. The Gryffindor seemed relaxed enough; not tense or on edge, which was a good sign. Choosing to believe this meant the situation between them wasn't uncomfortable, Theo decided to relax; he was just being paranoid. Odd, really... he was rarely paranoid. What had brought on such guarded thoughts?

"Glad to hear it." Theo smiled as Scott described his holidays. "It is good to see family again. When you come to Hogwarts it's almost as though there isn't another life you belong to, so it's nice to go back and remember the ones you've left behind." Theo's expression was sentimental, looking back on the recent holidays and the fun he had had with his and Lori's family. Christmas Eve had been a highlight; the Leighs had assembled at the Darke house, where the girls set about cooking the meals and the men were ordered to decorate the houses and keep themselves entertained. The dinner that evening had been superb, with the candles flickering over the food as everyone tucked into a vast quantity of nourishment with great enthusiasm. Wine flourished (but of course, not for the kids), talk was lively and animated, and everyone had a great time. It was one of the best Christmases yet, Theo thought with a smile; he wondered what next year's would be like. Whatever and wherever it was, Theo hoped it would be joyous as the one just past. "But you were very good." He tried to point out as Scott continued to explain, only for the Gryffindor to interrupt and congratulate him on him making the Ravenclaw team. "Thanks." Theo smiled modestly, patting his trusty broom. "It's an honour, really. Now I know how you feel." He teased with a laugh.

The Quaffle-passing was slow but steady, and neither boy dropped the ball. Conversation was comfortable and relaxed, which pleased Theo, because it meant Scott was opening up to him. The Gryffindor was shy, and he recognised the type of person who needed time to get to know someone and act themselves in their midst. Scott had likened to Theo more than he himself had anticipated, which made him happy, because he too liked Scott more than he had thought. Theo had hoped the two of them would become friends, but he had always had his reservations due to his sexuality. Not everyone could handle it, and he could accept that. It was harder and a completely different case with people that were already your friends. In Theo's point of view, anyway. Not that it bothered him much anymore; he had moved on. "Lori's with Flo, or with some girl friends." Theo explained with a wry smile as he threw the Quaffle to the other boy. "I was left all alone, so I thought I'd squeeze some flying practice in. She and I may be best friends, and inseparable and all that, but even we wouldn't be able to cope spending every minute every hour of every day together. One of us would kill the other before the day was over." Theo joked light-heartedly.

Theo shook his head at Scott firmly, flying up to the other boy and staring him in the eye. "No, Scott." He said genuinely. "Not odd. And certainly not 'too quiet for her'. Lori's not like that. She doesn't label people quite so heartlessly, even though she can be quite the airhead with her adoration of pink." Theo chuckled under his breath. "Anyway, I personally think odd is good. But, you're not odd; you're just different. Different to her, but you may find you're not that different, you know? Give her time... and give yourself time to know her. She's not the person she appears to be half the time. She may be popular and pretty, but inside, she's a lovely person. I can vouch for that with my life." Theo sent a dazzling, confident smile at Scott in hopes of reassuring him. "Oh, don't be stupid, Scott!" He exclaimed and leaned closer to the Gryffindor, laughing a little from his joke. "Of course you will. You are a great guy. And, I am sure you'll find the right girl someday. Give it time." Theo repeated gently. "You are not creepy at all. You're great as you are and you have to believe it. Otherwise, I'll drill it into you every single day." Theo patted Scott on the shoulder sympathetically, "But you're a hero to all the Gryffindors, and you did a fantastic job. You can't feel bad about that. Anyway... if you really can't find a girl, you always have the same sex to fall back on. I'll help convert you. Being gay isn't all that bad, you know." Chuckling, Theo realised his face was a little too close to Scott's for comfort, and leaning back quickly, took the Quaffle right out of Scott's arms and flew away with it, laughing loudly. "Catch me if you can!"

[Scott Ryder G7]

"That's true," Scott said with a laugh whenever Theo mentioned that despite being best friends with Lori, he couldn't possibly stand to spend every waking moment with her. Something in the back of Scott's mind though had him wondering if it really was true. He had always imagined that having a best friend meant that you would never get tired of spending time with them. Of course, perhaps that type of relationship was reserved for something even more than a friendship. Perhaps that was the way a real romantic relationship was supposed to work. How would Scott know though? When it came to things like that, he felt as though he were handicapped. He was a relationship misfit, or at least it seemed to be the way he viewed it.

In the midst of his thoughts, Scott was a bit startled when Theo flew up to him, hovering closely in front of his face. There was a deep sense of seriousness in Theo's voice, causing Scott to lose concentration and dip a bit in his flying as his hands slipped. Quickly, he regained his balance as he tried to take in what Theo was saying. As Theo laughed, it lightened the mood a bit, comforting Scott in the least. He didn't say much, but rather listened as Theo explained that Lori wouldn't judge him. A lot of nice things came out of Theo's mouth, instilling a slight sense of hope deep down inside of Scott. It wasn't often that he heard things like that, mostly because he was never so willing to open up to people and talk about such things that breached the normal chit-chat which was the bulk of all the surface bonding that Scott had managed. He never went below the surface when it came to having social relationships. It was a brutal system. It seemed that the only way to improve his skills and open up was by diving in. Yet, the thought of diving in and doing what he was doing now by opening up to Theo was more than frightening. It sent a feeling of unease throughout his body which, paired with his glimmer of hope and gratitude for what Theo was saying, left him feeling quite confused and unsure about a lot of things.

Finally, when Theo concluded with what seemed to be a joke about Scott always having the option of being gay, Scott allowed himself to slip out of the state of confusion and just push everything aside for now. Theo had given him enough to take in and think about, probably more than what Scott was ready to handle. He willingly accepted Theo's ending statement as a good way to transition out of the topic. "Yeah," he said, laughing in a joking spirit. "If I can't snag a girl, being gay is a great backup plan." Scott knew that Theo wouldn't take offence to his joking about it since Theo was the one to bring it up in the first place. With a deep breath of fresh air, Scott smiled as Theo bolted away from him, issuing a challenge as he flew off. "Don't forget who you are messing with here!" Scott shouted forward to him, grinning as he took off toward Theo. "I am the hero for Gryffindor," he said, repeating what Theo had said just moments earlier.

As he chased Theo, Scott quickly realized that when Gryffindor had to play Ravenclaw, Theo could quite definitely prove to be a tough opponent. He made a mental note to tell Cass about the newfound skill that Theo might add to the Ravenclaw team. Something inside felt as though it wasn't necessarily betraying a friendship if it was all done in the spirit of Quidditch. Plus, it was a compliment for Theo, Scott reasoned.

While his mind was preoccupied, Scott failed to see that Theo had slowed. It happened very quickly, but before Scott could stop himself, he felt his broom and body collide with Theo's, and the collision was enough to knock him off balance. Just seconds later, and he fell to the ground. Luckily, they hadn't been flying high enough in the air for Scott to get fatally injured. He did land on his wrist though, and all he could do was lay there for a second as his body adjusted to the impact of the cold ground. Rolling over, he let out a groan of pain. "Hell, that hurt," he said, his eyes fluttering open to see Theo above him. Scott took a few seconds to shake off the shock of the fall before sitting up and examining his wrist. "I think I'm a bit out of it," he commented with a lopsided grin. "Guess that's what I get for trying to chase a natural Chaser." Looking back at his wrist as a sharp pain shot up toward his elbow, Scott knew he should make a trip to the hospital wing. "Care to make a trip to see Madame Pompfrey with me?" he asked, hopeful that Theo might agree to join him. Oddly enough, for once in his life, Scott found that he actually preferred company as opposed to being alone. Who'd have thought that once step at a time would lead him to the place he was now?

[Theo Darke]

"Whatever!" Theo grinned and snorted in fake derision, "Show me what you've got, hot shot." Teasing Scott, he flew a little faster, knowing the Gryffindor would soon catch up to him. Scott was much more experienced and probably faster since he was a Seeker, having to learn to gain top speeds to keep up with the mischievous little Snitch. But, Theo would do his best against his friend, and give him a real run for his money. As they hurtled across the sky, Theo slowed down his broom after a few minutes of cat and mouse, hoping to turn to face Scott head on. However, a heavy impact crashing into the back of his broom before he could react sent Theo surging forwards, almost falling off his broom at the sudden imbalance. However, he managed to stabilise himself, his hands gripping the wood tightly as he swayed in the cool breeze. Dazed, Theo immediately turned around to see what had happened, knowing Scott had bumped into his broom. "Scott, are you--" Theo trailed off as he saw Scott lying on the ground, seemingly in pain, his broomstick hovering a few metres away. "Scott!" Theo called in alarm, his first instinct being to rush down to check his friend was unharmed. However, he remembered the forgotten broomstick, flew over quickly to grab it, and swiftly sank down to the ground beside Scott. "Scott, hey, are you all right?" He asked in worry as he ditched his and Scott's brooms onto the grass and kneeled beside Scott's sprawled form. "Are you hurt anywhere?" He frowned, his eyes scouring Scott's body as the Gryffindor groaned in pain.

Theo managed to crack a tight, amused smile. "Damnit, I'm so sorry." He finally said, feeling guilty about Scott's condition. "Where does it hurt?" He repeated, desperate to know whether his friend was seriously injured. "Of course." Theo nodded furiously, reaching out to take his hand and help him up, only for Scott to flinch and groan in pain again. Theo swore. "Sorry, sorry, it's your wrist, isn't it? C'mere, give me your other hand." He quickly went round to Scott's other side and took his hand to try to hoist him up. "Lean on me." Theo ordered, his arm going round Scott's waist to steady the injured boy. "Can you walk on your own? Did you hurt your legs too?" He asked worriedly, checking Scott's body for anymore injuries. It seemed the Gryffindor was unharmed anywhere else but his wrist though, and after Theo had banished their brooms back to their dorms, he led Scott to the Hospital Wing to pay Madam Pomfrey a brief visit. "Shouldn't take too long." Theo commented as they made their way through the corridors. "Should be an easy job for her." He scanned Scott's face, looking for any signs of pain. "You okay?" He asked in concern again.

They finally reached the Hospital Wing, where Scott was sat down by Madam Pomfrey to have his wrist examined. Theo sat in the corner, waiting for her analysis to finish. After inspection, she rose to get some medicine, and left the room. Theo immediately stood up and scooted next to Scott on the edge of the bed, slumping into the worn out mattress. "I'm sorry." Theo said in a quiet voice, leaning against Scott's uninjured side. "I'll make it up to you." He began, but then smirked. "But I can't promise to ever go easy on you in Quidditch." He teased playfully, nudging Scott gently in the ribs.

[Scott Ryder G7]

"Don't apologize," Scott ordered. "It wasn't your fault. There's no need to be sorry. Plus, it's nothing major." He was thankful that Theo was there to help him to his feet, but all in all Theo seemed to be more worried than what he needed to be. "I can walk fine," Scott said with a laugh as Theo made sure that Scott's legs weren't injured as well. He couldn't help but sense a sort of overprotection coming from Theo. Scott wasn't quite sure what to think about it, and so he brushed off Theo's arm from his waist. In the back of his mind, Scott couldn't seem to shake the thought that Theo's overprotective nature might be more than just his worrying about Scott's wellbeing. He didn't want to judge, but Scott kept wondering to himself if Theo saw him as more than a friend. The thought scared him a bit, but more than anything it was confusing for him. In fact, it was too confusing to worry about it at that moment, and so Scott gave a reassuring smile as Theo graciously agreed to join him on his way to the hospital wing.

"You're right," Scott said in agreement. Madame Pompfrey should be able to heal it in a matter of seconds. I really don't think it's that bad." Still Theo seemed to insist on questioning if Scott was okay. It was hard for Scott find Theo's constant worrying annoying. In fact, it was nice to know that he cared. Still, deep down, Scott found himself a bit uncomfortable with the whole situation. "Don't worry 'bout me. I'll be fine." Resorting back to his independent ways, Scott subtly distanced himself a bit from Theo. It wasn't intentional though, and he didn't even realize that he had done it.

As the two boys arrived in the hospital wing, Madame Pompfrey was very quick to help them out. Though, she did give Scott a few scolding glares as though she were silently admonishing him for not being more careful on his broom. He simply offered a thankful look as she mended his wrist and went to receive some medicinal treatments for him to take and be on his way. Shortly after her departure from his bedside, Scott felt Theo's body slump beside his own as another apology was offered. "Really, you don't have to apologize," he said, the mild annoyance in his voice was drowned out by Theo's cheerful teasing about not taking it easy on Scott during their upcoming Quidditch match. Scott forced a smile and wished that he didn't feel the need to keep Theo at a distance. Something just didn't seem to settle well inside of him all the sudden. As much as he would admit to enjoying Theo as a friend, a cloud of confusion seemed to take away from all the good things that their new friendship had brought for Scott. It wasn't easy, but he tried his best to keep his outward demeanour and actions from illustrating what was really going on inside of him. Theo was too good a friend to lose over some silly feeling. Scott was determined to figure it out and move past it. Plus, if he pushed Theo away as a friend, it meant he'd likely lose Lori as well. Scott wasn't sure he could handle losing the two new friends that life had so graciously seemed to give him. He was getting used to his new life, even if it was a bit confusing and overwhelming at times.

[Theo Darke]

Theo waited until Madam Pomfrey had finished fussing over Scott, before the two boys left the Hospital Wing together in amiable silence. Theo's previous guilt had subsided somewhat, as had his worry, since his friend was evidently not in pain anymore, but the incident had worried him a little. It didn't deter Theo from wanting to play Quidditch, or practice with Scott, but it made him more aware that there were definitely risks when riding around on a broomstick; did he think it was worth the risks? The more he thought about it though, the more Theo was sure flying was something he enjoyed. It was, as he compared it, similar to motorcycle racing for muggles. Apparently, it was a dangerous competitive sport, where people sped around in specially designed machines, hoping to out-race each other like a flying contest, only with a different vehicle, as Professor Hardy would have put it. Motorcycle racing was extremely risky, Theo knew; anyone could lose their life if they made a simple mistake. Quidditch wasn't as dangerous as that, obviously, otherwise the school wouldn't have allowed it, but it still posed some risk. Then again, Theo reasoned, didn't everything in life? Even if you take a simple test, you risk harming your self-confidence and inspiration if you fail; and yet, if you succeed, it gives you a burst of satisfaction; even if you fail, it there is the motivation to stand up again and do it better than before. Every decision, every mark of life was filled with risks, and every one of them had to be overcome.

Theo glanced across at Scott. The Gryffindor walked beside him quietly, preoccupied with his own thoughts probably. Theo wanted to take his chances with his new friend; he didn't know why, but something about Scott compelled him to let himself go for once. Theo was a carefree kind of guy, but there had also always been the pressure to be perfect, and in that sense, he was sure he had been inhibited a little to be natural. Theo knew he made mistakes too, but he rarely did, and when he did he could accept them, but Scott made him feel liberated of having to avoid mistakes at all. Theo was a moderate-paced person, and Scott was too, and for once, Theo felt like there was someone who wasn't sturggling to keep up with him, or walking too far ahead for him to have to race after. He liked his friendship with Scott, for it allowed him to take things one step at a time, because that was what he knew Scott wanted too. Scott wasn't Lori, who was fluctuating so often, makes him insecure in their friendship, which seemed to gradually become more distant as he became more comfortable with Scott; sometimes Theo felt he was pursuing the blonde-haired beauty, already out of reach, yet on other occasions, it was as though Lori was lagging further and further behind. Whatever it was, there was a gulf coming between her and Theo, and he didn't know what to make of it. He had tried - of course he had - to rectify the problem, but making he was making it worse. If he was, he didn't know what he was doing that was the source of the problem.

Snapping out of his thoughts guiltily, Theo cast another glance at Scott across the silence, and found his blue eyes met familiar, similarly-coloured ones. Theo was thrown a little from surprise for a second, then found himself smiling automatically as the two came to a halt in the corridor leading off to several staircases. "Well," Theo began, "I think it's time to take my leave." He was holding Scott's broomstick as well as his own, and stepped forward to hand the Gryffindor's to him. "Thanks for the practice. We'll probably be facing each other soon, so that was very helpful indeed." Theo gave an amused chuckle, "If that wrist hurts too much, don't hesitate to go see Madam Pomfrey again." He added as an after-thought, aware that his conscience still lingered worryingly and guility, "You don't want to ignore any problems, because they could become worse. Anyway, I'll catch you later, Scott." Grinning, Theo gave a casual wave and turned to climb the opposite staircase to the Ravenclaw Common Room, intent on finding Lori. A small part of him felt that whenever he spent time with Scott, he had to make it up to Lori and spend the same amount of time with her. At the end of the day, she was the most important person in his life... wasn't she?

Theo glanced around to see Scott's disappearing back, and smiled, before turning the corner.