Buying a Broom {Theo}

[Oscar Flynn G7]

The first wizard’s shop that Oscar had ever been inside was Quality Quidditch Supplies. Back then, just at the tender young age of eleven, he hadn’t ever played Quidditch. He had had no idea what a Quaffle was, or that you had to catch the snitch for the game to end. The idea of riding on brooms and actually being able to take off into the sky was laughable, impossible. So when the small boy, clutching the hand of his wide-eyed mother in his tiny fingers, had walked through the doorway of Quality Quidditch Supplies, his expression had been one of complete awe and wonder. Quidditch! What on earth was that? The people coming in and out of the shop were all muttering to themselves or a companion about broom lengths and polish. A large poster was facing the room that read ‘Montrose Magpies’ and showed an image of a grim-faced wizard in black and white robes, a magpie logo on his breast. Even six years on, Oscar still remembers the poster- how could he not? After all, he had insisted that his mother bargain with the shopkeeper and ask how much he wanted the poster for. They’d settled on a price in the end, the shopkeeper seeing the determined want in Oscar’s young eyes even then. Now, the poster hung above Oscar’s bed at home, the grim face of Hamish MacFarlan, the team’s captain, frowning at him whenever he came into the room.

That was Oscar’s first memory of the shop. After purchasing the poster, he’d spent most of his galleons on his first ever broom. A Swiftstick, trustworthy and faster than the Tinderblast that his mother had insisted on. No-one he knew had the broom now. It was old, rubbish. It was cheap. And indeed it had been when Oscar had first purchased it- cheap, that is. He didn’t have much money then, and even the Swifstick had seemed like an amazing broom. Even now it was doing alright. And yet… Oscar knew that it’s time was up. He was a Gryffindor team player now, and he needed a better broom. Money was less of a problem these days, and he’d been dreaming for a while of a brand-new shining handle, of perfectly cut sharp bristles. So he'd headed that morning to Diagon Alley, and then made a bee-line for Quality Quidditch Supplies. And now, dressed in his usual dark jeans and a pale blue t-shirt beneath an open shirt, Oscar was before the shelves of the many brooms available to him. They all looked beautiful; how could they not? They were broomsticks, after all. Magical items. Truly some of the most stunning things Oscar had ever seen. And so many choices of broom available... Nimbus 1001… 1500…1700…1800…2000…2001… Firebolt. His dreams didn’t go that far, certainly. But a Nimbus… could he? They did look fabulous. Oscar compared the Nimbus 1800’s long, bright handle to the worn dark one of his Swiftstick. He imagined soaring through the winds on the Nimbus, fingers grasped tightly around it’s wood just like they had clutched at his mother’s hands six years ago.

“Yes…” He said softly, muttering to himself. A nimbus was perfect. He studied the versions, eyes lingering between the 1800 and the 2001. The differences were so subtle, and yet so clear. When his eyes drifted over them it was as though he could see himself on them, see how much better he flew when he rode the 2001. But the price tag- it was a little on the heavy side. Although Flynn family had been doing well for themselves lately, Oscar didn’t want to take what he didn’t need from his parents, even though his mother had instructed him to buy whatever broom would make him happy. Well then- why not the 2000? He examined it. It was rare for Oscar to analyse something so carefully, with so much detail. He was not usually someone to take time over anything, or put much thought into tasks. But this was different; Quidditch was like breathing. And you couldn’t very well breathe with a lung missing could you? Just like Oscar couldn’t fly without a good broom. It appeared that the Nimbus 2001 would be just that.

“So, you’re gonna come home with me, beautiful.” Oscar grinned as he spoke softly. He wasn’t really one to speak to himself, preferring to converse with strangers if he really had to speak aloud. But telling the Nimbus that she would go home with him made it more final. And why not speak aloud?
The answer to that soon came to him as he glanced to the side of him, and noticed a blonde-haired boy beside him. “Oh Merlin, sorry- I didn’t mean you.” He chuckled lightly. “I meant her.” He cocked his head in direction of the Nimbus 2000, smile still in place. Oscar was always a friendly boy after all, and he did to like so smile.

[Theo Darke]

"Dad, you know how I joined the team?" Theo began with the sort of grin one would use when they wanted to bribe one's parents for something. Mr Wesley Darke glanced at his eldest son over the top of his Daily Prophet, eyes twinkling in perception as much as Theo's were in a silent plea. He took a sip of his tea, then said, yes, he did indeed know Theo had joined the house team, and did Theo not remember how delighted he had been when he'd told him? "Of course," Theo smiled proudly. Then, Mr Darke pointed out, did he not question his son on end about why he had suddenly changed his mind about Quidditch, when even he, Theo's very own father, hadn't been able to convince him for almost sixteen years? "I remember," Theo sighed sufferingly, squashing his cheek against his palm as he readied himself for a long discussion in order to get what he wanted. "And I already said it was no big deal. It just suddenly came to me." Mr Darke did the usual fatherly guilt-tripping that he knew exactly when his son was lying, stretching out the conversation in mirthfulness, until Theo gave a long sigh of impatience and surrender. "Fine, Dad. If you want to know why I suddenly brought this up... The truth is, I want a new broomstick. Well, I need a new broomstick. The one I have now was never built for Quidditch; you only bought it for me to practise on now and again, and we always thought I'd never be serious." His point exactly, Mr Darke stated triumphantly.

It took a good deal of friendly bantering for Theo and his father to finally come to a head, with Mr Darke acquiescing that he had been planning on buying Theo a new broom all along to encourage his son to continue in the direction of the sport and to show his delight. "Thanks, Dad." Theo grinned delightedly, clutching a card that allowed individuals to pay directly from their Gringotts bank account. "I'm off!" he yelled excitedly as he disappeared in a flush of green flame to Diagon Alley. Once there, Theo made his way, determined, towards the most well known and trusted broomstick supplier: Quality Quidditch Supplies. There, Theo could also purchase other broom-related things, as well as Quidditch books (but his interest hasn't stemmed so far yet). Theo smiled fondly when he recalled something his father had just said to him - "Buy your broom carefully. I trust you to do so." Theo wasn't an expert on brooms, and he wished he could send an owl to Scott to ask for his advice, but Theo was carefully avoiding his friend right now. No, Theo didn't want to see Scott, not if he could help it. Throwing the Gryffindor from his mind roughly, Theo turned a sharp corner and was walking into the shop before he knew it. Around him was really a Quidditch player's heaven - from broomsticks to Quaffles to Quidditch fans merchandise. Theo smiled to himself, before heading to the broom section.

There, Theo was browsing casually along the train of shiny new broomsticks, looking upon them inspectfully but admirably too, when he heard a voice sound from beside him. Theo didn't jump in surprise, but his eyes did widen when he heard exactly what the male speaker said. "Excuse me?" Theo asked, blinking, and turned around to face his company. His eyes alighted upon a familiar face of a classmate, Theo was sure, but before he could make sense of the entire situation, the boy - Oscar Flynn, Theo knew, a fellow sixth year in Gryffindor - apologised and explained the meaning behind his confusing words. "Oooh," Theo eventually nodded in understanding, barely able to stifle his laughter. "And there was me thinking I was finally being hit on by some extremely good looking guy. I'm disappointed again." Jokingly, Theo tilted his head questioning at Oscar. "Oscar, right? I'm Theo. We're in the same year...?" Theo attempted to prod at Oscar's knowledge. "I'm in Ravenclaw. I'm a Prefect, actually. That's probably why I know your name - I seem to know everyone's names. Comes with the job." Smirking, Theo turned to the brooms again, wondering at the back of his mind whether or not Oscar knew he was gay. He must do. "Come here to buy a broom, then? The Nimbus is a good one. It's a good choice." He nodded, then smiled wistfully. "But to be honest, I don't know that much about brooms. I only just recently joined the Ravenclaw team, and I feel a bit out of my depth. Are you on the Gryffindor team? With Scott?" Theo's mouth jammed shut as soon as Scott's name was out. Damn. He'd told himself not to think about, or talk about, him. Damn.

"I'm here to buy a broom too," Theo quickly tried to cover up his alarmed thoughts, and he smiled broadly. "I don't know which one. Money's not an issue," he admittedly modestly, "but I don't want to buy the most expensive one based purely on price. I'm sure the most expensive isn't the most suited to me. I'm not an expert, like I said, but isn't it important to find a broom suited to you, like a wand? And it should be important that the broomstick has the requirements you need, like being sturdier or faster, right? I'd prefer a light broom, one that can go quite fast, but I need it to be somewhat sturdy." Theo looked to Oscar questioningly. "Are you a Quidditch fan, Oscar? Going to any matches this summer? Or are you even staying in the country. I won't be around all the time. My family and Lori's are going abroad together again. I think it's a cruise, but our parents still haven't finalised the details." Theo's talkative side struggled to overcome his desire to think and talk about Scott, so he continued asking Oscar questions anyway, as though the two of them were old acquaintances. Theo supposed they were - they had attended the same school for five years now. "What are you taking next year, by the way? We may share some classes." Theo gave a friendly smile and ran a nervous hand that gave his emotions away somewhat through his crop of bright blonde hair.

((Hm... Oscar wouldn't be gay, by any chance? XD))

[Oscar Flynn G7]

The smile on Oscar’s face held as he watched the boy’s reaction. He did recognise him; how could he not? After five years at Hogwarts it wasn’t hard to know who was in your year. Oscar doubted there were even many witches or wizards left that he had not yet spoken with in his year. This boy was Theo Darke and a Ravenclaw, that much he knew. He couldn’t remember if they had ever really had a conversation that involved more than a few words. It was likely, Oscar being the friendly boy he was, but he couldn’t remember just then; his mind was taking a little time to forget the image of him riding on his future broom, looking all majestic and brilliant. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to speak to Theo, for Oscar welcomed the chance to get to know the Ravenclaw a little more. It was merely the excitement he felt. He was getting a beautiful new broom, after all. It was a pretty big deal.

The word’s he had said earlier that had been overheard by Theo came back to him, and he laughed again before listening to Theo speak. It was a fairly well-known fact that Theo was gay. It didn’t bother Oscar in the slightest. Although he himself was straight (or at least quite sure of it) he respected people of any sexuality. That was very much Oscar; he didn’t discriminate. Oscar’s mother’s brother-in-law was gay. Apart from Bruce, he knew of no-one who liked, well, men. And although he would never be offensive to someone because they did feel that way, the fact that he was straight often made it a little hard for him to respond when people- other males- happened to flirt with him. It made his brain a little confused, in a sense. He knew what he knew, and he didn’t know about being gay. So when Theo replied with a compliment to Oscar’s physical appearance he became a little flustered. It wasn’t a problem for him, he knew that. It was very much the same as a female complimenting him, only there was no chance he would feel the same way in this situation. There was a joking tone to Theo’s voice, but in his slightly confused state Oscar didn’t pay attention to this.

“Oh- err- no that wasn’t about to happen. I mean, not that it couldn’t, because you are, um, very good-looking too, but I don’t- I’m not-” Oscar tripped over his own words, his face going a little red. It wasn’t from embarrassment, just because he’d just called another male very ‘good-looking’. “I’m not gay.” He finished off with a sheepish grin. Oh very well played, idiot, He thought to himself. Now he seemed completely sane.

“Yeah, Oscar Flynn.” He replied, attempting to regain a little more self-control by moving from the former topic. “I’ve seen you around with that Ryder guy; Theo Darke, right?” Oscar didn’t know that Theo was a prefect, and he chuckled a little. “Congrats, I think. My ma was a little disappointed I wasn’t made one myself, but I doubt I’m made of the right stuff really.” His mind flashed back to the many years of mischievous midnight adventures and forbidden magical artefacts he’d snuck through the castle walls. Nope, he certainly wasn’t one to tell others off for misbehaving.

“I certainly am buying a new broom!” His grin returned. It was odd his jaw didn’t hurt he smiled so much. “This one, in fact. I certainly think she’s a good choice. I currently own a Swiftstick…” an almost guilty expression came over his face. “Had that one for ages, I thought it would be a bit hard to let her go really… but this baby’s stunning, don’t you think? Just imagine riding her…” He stopped himself talking before he rambled on about the Nimbus 2000. “I think another congratulations is in order then, for the joining of the team. Ravenclaw do have a brilliant team, I must say… although obviously not as brilliant as us Gryffs.” He teased with a grin. “Yeah Scott’s on my team…” He stopped talking, about to say a little more about the guy. There was something about the way the Ravenclaw boy beside him had just clammed up after talking about Scott that made him think he’d regretted bringing the boy’s name up in the first place. So Oscar didn’t say anything else about the boy, forgetting that he himself had mentioned his name earlier on.

“You’re lucky money isn’t a problem, but I agree; I do think brooms are often very much like wands. There’s something so great about them, as if they have their own minds that they themselves somehow created out of the magic wizards initially placed on them. They’re so clever, so quick to respond. I couldn’t tell you which to buy because to me, it’s about which one you can really see yourself winning on.” Oscar was speaking in a flow now, the words pouring from his mouth. How could they not? After all, Quidditch was his sport. He almost lived Quidditch. “The most expensive brooms certainly are faster, I’ve found. This little darling,” He once more indicated to the Nimbus 2000. “she’s slightly pricy, but I think there’s something about her that makes her that little bit more appealing to me than the 2001. And the Firebolt… the price on that one is a little too much for me. And the broom seems a little ridiculous. Sometimes I feel like the Firebolt would be the broom for me, just because it has that illusion of being able to make you win. But it would be the broom controlling the flying, not the broom and the player. It wouldn’t be fair to me if I bought a Firebolt and I don’t think I’d get the feeling I get when I ride the perfect broom. It wouldn’t be fair on my bank account either.” He added with a smile.

“This summer? Well… I’ve been to a few of these art classes run by Julie McGreggor- you might know her son, Carson? I never thought myself creative, in a musical or artistic way. But the stuff’s appealing to me somehow. So my ma’s encouraging me to attend Llanrhystud Centre for Art, and I think I might just do it.” He listened as Theo talked about his own plans. He knew who Lori was and he’d seen her with Theo many times over the past few years.

Theo was asking Oscar a lot of questions, he noticed. Although he was always one to talk a lot, Oscar felt a little pressurised; as if he was being interrogated. Glancing around as Theo ran his fingers through his hair, he noticed that many wizards and witches were trying to peer around the two students, trying to see the brooms. He hadn’t noticed that they were in the way until now.
“Hey- do you want to get a drink or go somewhere else for a bit? I can always come back to the brooms. Unless, of course, you have to get home or something.” He suggested leaving in a light tone, hoping at the back of his mind that he wasn’t making another come-on to Theo without meaning to.

{{At the moment, he is completely straight. But... that is negotiable. If the right guy comes along, who knows what his sexuality can be? I do like the idea for him. It could be fun putting him through the confused 'what are these feelings' stages after all.... hmm...}}

[Theo Darke]

Theo watched Oscar's reaction in unhidden amusement, his eyes twinkling blue. "I know," he spoke when Oscar had finished fumbling for the 'right words'. "I know you're not gay," he repeated again in case he confused poor Oscar any more. "Don't worry, I wasn't hitting on you. It was a joke." Patting Oscar sympathetically on the arm, Theo chuckled, not at all offended by the Gryffindor's flustered reaction. Theo took his sexuality in his stride now, and he was comfortable with joking about it and others becoming embarrassed due to accidental insensitive suggestives about him being gay. "And am I really good looking?" Theo couldn't help but resist to ask jokingly, finding the comment truly hilarious. Theo didn't think himself 'good looking', but he was content with his appearance. "Or was that just a statement uttered in desperation?" Theo winked conspiratorially and relaxed into the amusing atmosphere, temporarily forgetting his troubles concerning Lori and Scott. The happy couple could wait... until Oscar managed to mention him almost immediately. Theo almost jumped at the name of 'Ryder', before glancing across at Oscar, nervous again. "Ryder?" he feigned confusion. "You mean Scott? Yeah, we're friends." The word 'friends' was strained against his teeth. "Yeah, that's my name." Theo nodded curtly, trying to ignore the fact Scott could haunt him indirectly.

Theo smiled modestly. Scott was the Gryffindor male prefect, but he wasn't about to bring that up with Oscar. "Thanks. It's a time-consuming job, especially when you've got more important things to think about, like OWLs and NEWTs. But to be honest, I enjoy it. It gives me a reason to get to know people, and I get to give something back to Hogwarts. It's like a second home. I'm sure it is to everybody too." Theo smiled warmly, pushing Scott further and further away. "I enjoy responsibility anyway. I have two younger siblings, and Lori has a little sister. I always end up babysitting them." Theo's expression was wistful, but fond. He couldn't believe five years had passed for him at Hogwarts, and his little brother and sister were finally coming to join him at the prestigious wizard school. Theo had literally no doubt Callum and Brittany would also be sorted into Ravenclaw. After all, the Darkes came from a long line of Ravenclaws, from Wesley Darke's parents to Yvonne's mum and dad. It ran in their blood, and Theo was thoroughly proud to be a part of it. He was destined to be a Ravenclaw, and he was more than happy now to be able to represent his house not only in terms of being a Prefect, but also as a Quidditch player. Yes, Theo's position on the main team as Chaser was something he was revelling in... and it was all Scott's doing. It was Scott's fault. Theo's fingers dug into his palm.

"She is," Theo grinned, caught up in Oscar's enthusiasm for the broom. It was liberating to be in the company who wasn't so caught up with depressing problems and thoughts. Theo felt grateful to Oscar, even if he didn't know it. After all, if Theo had remained alone here, staring at the broomsticks and pondering over which one to buy, he most certainly would have ended up dwelling on Scott, and how happy he looked with Lori, and how unneeded Theo was. Those thoughts were still present, aching at the back of his mind, but at least Oscar was there, all smiling and friendly, and it helped to keep Theo's concentration on him, and not Scott. Thankfully too, Oscar seemed to catch on that Theo didn't want to talk about the other Gryffindor, and they soon moved on from him in conversation, leaving Theo to gracefully let Scott leave his mind for the mean time. It was as if he was politely showing Scott the door from his mind. "Please leave," Theo imagined himself saying with a little shame. It's for our own good. Both of us.

"You like flying and Quidditch a lot, huh, Oscar?" Theo asked with interest, eyeing the Gryffindor in admiration and amusement. To say Oscar was a lot like Scott wasn't wrong in terms of their interests, and they were both nice people at the end of the day. But Oscar was open and inviting in a way Scott wasn't, and although Theo couldn't say he preferred this, he was grateful for something not Scott. Oscar was also pretty tall too, and Theo had nothing on him at his current height of 5'9". He had grown two inches this year, and Theo doubted he'd grow any taller. The men in the Darke family had never been gigantic, and Theo didn't think he'd like to be as tall as Oscar anyway. He'd feel alien, towering over everyone. He liked to see people right in the eye, on the same level. "Yeah, I know Carson. He's a fellow prefect." A shadow crossed Theo's face for a moment as he recalled the death of Ethan Jacobs, a Gryffindor boy in his year. In fact, Theo assumed, Ethan must have shared a room with both Scott and Oscar. He wondered if Ethan's death had affected Oscar at all, but Theo was sure it had left a scar on Carson. After all, the Hufflepuff and Ethan had been best friends.

"Don't you mean his sister?" Theo chuckled at Oscar's mistake. Yes, he'd heard about Carson's older sister advertising about the art classes. Theo had never been much of an arty person himself, although he was creative, with a flair for the piano and a good hand for writing. "I've heard about the art classes," Theo voiced aloud, then smiled enthusiastically, "Creativity doesn't have to be anything to do with music or art, I don't think. Flying can be creative. I don't think there's any one person in this world who isn't even the slighest creative. I don't draw, but I would class myself as creative. People think it means you have to be good at arts stuff, but I think creativity is all around us. You have to be creative when playing Quidditch, as much as possible, to outwit your opponent, right? I'm sure you're more creative than you give your credit, Oscar." Smiling up at him kindly, Theo's grin broadened at the mention of Llanrhystud. "You should go, it'll be fun. Lori and I are going. So's Scott." Theo's eyes struggled to remain fixed on Oscar's face, but he managed to do it and not give away his emotions. "We have one more space in our cabin. Do you have anyone to stay with? I'm sure Lori and Scott wouldn't mind. They're busy being lovey-dovey and all, you know?" Theo gave a hollow laugh that sounded completely genuine. It was as though he didn't care.

"Oh," Theo saw Oscar looking around at the people attempting to see the brooms over their shoulders. Oscar was so tall he was probably blocking the entire view. "Oh, I didn't notice we were in the way at all. Oh dear. So sorry." Theo flashed a bright, apologetic smile at a boy right behind him, evidently eager to look at the broomsticks. Ever the gentleman, Theo carefully sidestepped the small crowd, before meeting Oscar on the other side again. "I'd love to," he answered properly now, having escaped everybody. "I don't have to get home. Far from it. I want to be able to get and stretch my legs." Theo began to leave the shop with Oscar by his side. "So, where to? And I'm so sorry if I was bombarding you with too many questions before," Theo apologised in embarrassment as he reflected on his behaviour. He had loosened up almost fully now, even if Oscar didn't know it. "I had a lot on my mind, and when that happens I tend to ask other people lots of interrogating questions and absently listen to them so they can distract me. I'm normally not quite so talkative, but it depends on who I'm with." Theo smiled, then noticed a pizza restaurant nearby, the delicious smell wafting across the cobbled street. "Hey, have you had lunch yet? Do you like pizza?" Theo gestured at the shop. "Unless you have somewhere else in mind?"

[Oscar Flynn G7]

Theo’s hand came out after Oscar spoke, and patted Oscar’s arm in a way that somehow made Oscar feel a little more comfortable in his presence. It wasn't as if he had been uncomfortable before, as Oscar always fit in well with any new people. But it was something about the way Theo made the simple gesture which Oscar liked. His question about his own attractiveness surprised Oscar. The Gryffindor knew he himself was good-looking. That was that. He was certainly not conceited or vain. He took being good-looking in his stride as easily as Theo took being gay in his. Glancing up from the place Theo had patted him, Oscar momentarily looked over the other boy. The encouraging tone that Theo had used when he had put forward the question he’d asked was teasing, but for some reason Oscar felt complied to answer it. “I think so. It’s not the in-your-face attractiveness. But it’s better, much like the way the Nimbus is to the Firebolt for me.” He spoke confidently. If he had hesitated in the way he had before, he knew that he would merely finish the reply like he did before- red-faced and confused. But to him, what he had now said was fact and he now felt no reason to have regrets for saying it. It certainly didn’t mean he was gay anyway.

“I think it’s great you get so much out of it. Looking at it like that, I appreciate all the work that prefects do and I know it’s not just confiscating bits of crap from fourth-years and so on. And I completely agree with Hogwarts being like a second home. For me, I have the greatest family anyone could ever have. I could never ask for anything to change at home. But Hogwarts… there’s just something about it. It’s like although home for me is in my blood, Hogwarts is more… it’s more my bones.” He smiled a little. “That probably sounds like nonsense though.” Oscar listened while Theo spoke of his sisters, and the wistful expression that grew on his face reflected straight back into Oscar’s. For he wanted that now; a sister. Not in a few weeks, but now, just so he could talk about her with the same love in his eyes that he saw in Theo’s now. The other boy spoke of babysitting- oh how Oscar would love to baby-sit for his little sister! He could just picture it now, and it made him long even more for the few weeks until the adoption was final.

“They- they must be very special to you. And Quidditch?” The last question surprised him. He’d thought it was pretty obvious he enjoyed the sport. Smiling, he replied with a laugh. “Yeah, it’s the best. I used to be obsessed with Football- that’s a muggle sport, played on foot with seven players per team and one ball. But since my first year, my first broom, Quidditch has taken its place. There’s just something about the sport that’s so brilliant, so exhilarating. I play Keeper and I have to say it’s the perfect spot for me. I get pretty competitive.” The light chuckle returned. “and when the other team is beating Gryffindor, I tend to lose my temper… used to happen quite a lot. But when I have something to guard, something that’s mine to watch and hold on to and protect; all the anger just goes into that task. Beater’s similar, that’s why I like that position too. But chaser and seeker are far too fickle.” He shook his head as if there was something disgraceful about the last two positions mentioned.

When Theo said he knew Carson, Oscar nodded as he recalled McGreggor’s prefect badge he’d once seen on his robes. Then the sheepish grin from earlier returned. “Err- yeah his sister. I knew that.” Oscar bit the left side of his lip gently with his teeth as he listened to Theo speak about art. It was perfect what Theo was saying- as he spoke; Oscar knew that if he’d been able to phrase the words in that way it would have been how they’d have sounded. That was very much the way with Oscar’s head. The words were all there, just a bit muddled up and unsure about which other words they should pair up with to make the perfect sentence. Clearly Theo didn’t have this problem.

The news that Theo would be attending Llanrhystud too made him a little more eager to go. He didn’t yet know, apart from his roommates, who would actually be attending. If wizards had mobile phones life would be so much easier; just a text of ‘you going to Llanrhystud?’ and once you had the reply, you were sorted. Oscar liked comparing the muggle world to the wizarding; it was rare that the muggle world ended up with more benefits what with Quidditch on the other side and Oscar loving it so much. And of course there was the whole hocus-pocus wand deal, that was quite cool too.

“I suppose I will, my ma mentioned she’d already sealed the deal so there’s not much point me cancelling.” The offer to stay with Theo, Scott and Lori was extremely tempting. He knew he liked Scott well enough, and certainly seemed to be getting on with Theo nicely. “Thanks for the offer but I’ve actually got a cabin with a friend of mine. You know Jez Cuthbert? He’s the year above. Then there’s Sophia, she’s a Huffle.” The mention of Jez reminded him they should get in contact again soon. He hadn’t seen him yet since they broke up and they always got on famously. “But if anything happens to that plan I’ll be breaking into your cabin at night to join you and the lovebirds, promise.” Oscar joked lightly as the two began to leave Quality Quidditch Supplies. It was turning out to be a great day really. He’d made what he was sure to be a good friend in Theo, and soon it looked like he’d be eating Pizza- his favourite. “Merlin no, the questions were fine.” He fibbed lightly. “How else are we able to get to know one another, after all? I like you being talkative, it makes me seem a little less so, seeing as I normally can’t shut-up. Feel free to talk about whatever was on your mind though.” Oscar offered the last comment lightly, trying not to make it sound like he was pressurizing Theo into telling him what he’d been thinking about. Oscar had noticed a little that Theo had seemed slightly pre-occupied earlier and was glad that he could be helpful and distract him from his thoughts. But he also wanted the Ravenclaw to feel comfortable with him, like friends should. “And Pizza will be perfect! A genius idea. As long as there are no mushrooms, of course. Disgusting things.”

Oscar stepped through the doorway of the pizza place slowly, and immediately a kindly looking waiter with shockingly chiselled handsome features led them two a table of two near the back of the restaurant. As they took their seats Oscar’s mind went back to the talk about sister’s earlier. He’d been playing with the thought to talk about his own soon-to-be sibling with Theo. He wondered whether it was the best idea. Would it seem out-of-place? Oscar decided he didn’t care. He knew enough about Theo now to know that he was a nice enough guy to share Oscar’s happiness.
“I’m getting a sister!” His first attempt to share the news came out a little loud, as if it were an answer to a quiz he really wanted to win and couldn’t say fast enough. “My parents, they’re adopting. Everything will be final in a few weeks.” He couldn’t keep the grin from his face. But then again, he rarely ever could. “It’s just the best thing. She’ll be a girl, about four or five. From Africa. My parents get these crazy ideas into their heads sometimes, ways to better the planet and so on. I normally think they’re mad and will never work… but this one, this one’s just perfect.” Until now Oscar had been looking at the menu as if it was incredibly exciting and could answer him back. But now he glanced up into Theo’s blue eyes, unable to keep the joy from his own brown ones.

[Theo Darke]

"Really?" Theo laughed, having not expected Oscar to answer his question so seriously. However, the way the Gryffindor said the statement, it sounded like it was the truth. "Well, I'm flattered. Truly." Theo's grin was genuinely pleased. "It's not every day I get compliments about my appearance from another guy, straight or gay. I can't say it's unenjoyable." Hands in pockets, Theo continued in a joking tone, "I'm glad I'm not 'in-your-face' attractive though." Inclining his head towards Oscar again, Theo eyes softened. "I'm quite happy as I am. I'm sure you are too, Oscar. You don't seem the type to be overly concerned about your appearance. I can't say I'm attracted to vain people, as a friend or as an admirer. I admire people who aren't stuck-up, even if they are beautiful." Theo's eyes ran down Oscar's face quickly, before a playful grin erupted on his face. "Hey, has a guy ever told you that you are pretty attractive yourself? Well, you can take it from me, in a completely un-flirtatious manner - you are good looking. I hope my comments don't get to your ego, though. But I'm sure my opinion, especially as a guy, doesn't mean as much as someone else's."

Theo smiled as he listened intently to Oscar. The Gryffindor was a talker, more so than Theo, which was saying something, because for a male Theo did quite a lot of chinwagging. He didn't mind that Oscar liked to talk though; Theo found himself chatting much more fluidly than he normally would, even with girls. Theo had always preferred male company, whether it be for friendship or romantically, but it didn't mean he was averse to conversing with girls, and Theo had always had a knack for that anyway. It seemed girls enjoyed talking to him, and they always said it was because he was so sensitive and caring and polite. Theo always waved those comments off. He knew them, but he also knew that if he really believed those compliments, one day they could get to his ego and inflate it so huge it would explode, and then come tumbling down again. Theo didn't think he was anything special - far from it. He believed himself normal, and he liked himself the way he was. Theo didn't wish to stand out of the crowd, but he wasn't going to shield away from attention. He was one of those people that was quite happy with anything, never on the extreme end of life. Theo liked taking the middle way. "I know what you mean," Theo nodded in agreement. "I love my family life too, but Hogwarts is different, like you said. And no, it's not nonsense. It makes perfect sense." Bones. Oscar certainly had a way with words Theo had never had. Theo always used the same boring, cliched vocab. "I think saying it's in my bones is a perfect way of describing Hogwarts. You describe it better than I ever would," Theo complimented genuinely.

"Yeah, they are," Theo nodded in unhidden enthusiasm, his fond smile lengthening. "My brother and sister, Callum and Brittany, are joining Hogwarts this year. There's no doubt they'll be sorted into Ravenclaw too. It's the Darke blood. I can't wait for them to be with me, even if it's only for my last two years." Theo chuckled at the question concerning Quidditch. "I have to be completely honest with you. Quidditch meant little to me before my fifth year began. I love flying, but I didn't enjoy the sport, which really annoyed my dad, because Quidditch is a skill that runs in the family. He used to play for Ravenclaw back in his day, and Callum and Brittany seem to have a love for it too. I had the family flair, just not the heart." Theo's expression was mournfully reminiscent, but still composed. "Everything changed this year though. I suddenly saw it in a completely different light. Goodness knows why." Theo attempted a casual, lopsided smile, knowing full well why he had suddenly changed his mind about Quidditch. "But now, Quidditch is special to me, but I wouldn't say it's my biggest passion. I suppose you love Quidditch though, right, Oscar?" Theo's eyes twinkled as he looked up at his companion. "You speak of it like... well. In a way I never could about anything. I think I lack that sort of passion you have. It seems all the Gryffindors I know have this burning passion for something or another. I really admire it."

"Really?" Theo chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I can get quite competitive on the Quidditch pitch, even though I'm normally not so bothered about competition. I always want to win it for the team though, not for myself. I think that's the difference. I play Chaser, though before I joined the team, I always thought I'd be a Keeper. But now, I really enjoy playing Chaser. I get to use my teamwork skills. But I don't mind when I'm switched into Keeper, it's just as good." Theo laughed at Oscar's reaction to the positions of Chaser and Seeker. "I wouldn't want to be a Seeker, but Chaser is pretty fun. There's lots to do, you're always doing something, which I like. I don't like being a Beater though. I think it's because I'm not that strong, and I'm naturally not so aggressive or angry. That's why I like the Keeper position, because you don't face anyone head on. I'm quite the calm person, so it suits me. With Chaser, you have to steal the Quaffle, but I always make sure I don't injure anyone. I'd have a big guilt complex afterwards." Theo chuckled at himself, before his smile morphed into a sadder expression. "Oh? Well, if you ever need someone to stay with, our cabin houses one more." Theo tried not to nod too furiously. It was a shame about Oscar; now he wouldn't be able to escape the 'lovebirds'...

"Yeah, I've heard of Jez... Who hasn't?" Theo couldn't help but laugh in some amusement, some exasperation. "He's infamous throughout us prefects for being... well. Who he is. His pranks are still quite lethal, even if he's a seventh year next year. I'm really glad I'm not Ariane or Noalan." Theo hoped Oscar knew who he meant when he referred to the two seventh year Gryffindor Prefects. "To have to deal with Jez must be a handful. I can't imagine what their last few years have been like." Theo smiled at the thought of Ariane Chan trying to put a stop to Jez Cuthbert's antics. Ariane was a distant, cold kind of girl, but it didn't mean she wasn't responsible, which was probably why she had been made a Prefect. However, Theo doubted she'd have any patience left after dealing with Jez. "Yep, I know Sophia too. She's Carson's 'other half'. Not as in girlfriend, as in Prefect." Sophia was a nice girl, Theo had always thought this. She was quiet and shy, but sweet and gentle, and Theo liked her company. "Good," Theo smirked at Oscar declaring he would come over if he could. "I really don't want to be left alone with them." That was no lie. Theo was somewhat desperate. "Ah, I think I'll decline that offer. Just talking to you about other things, however trivial, is better than bringing up what was on my mind before." A dark look crossed Theo's brow, but he quickly erased it to smile gratefully at Oscar. "But thanks anyway. I appreciate the offer."

Theo's laugh broke any tension remaining in the air though. "I take it you don't like mushrooms then?" he teased Oscar in amusement. "They're all right. My favourite is pineapple on my pizza," he said as they entered the restaurant, where they were met by a rather handsome young male waiter. Theo smiled at him politely, letting his curious, admiring eyes gaze at his good looking features. He and Oscar were seated and the young man left, leaving them to stare through the many available pizzas on the menu. The two boys read in silence, until Oscar broke it excitedly with a piece of news. "Yeah?" Theo lowered his menu and looked at Oscar, smiling broadly. "That's great news. When's she due?" Then Oscar explained his parents were adopting. "Oooh, I see." Theo laughed at his jumping to conclusions. "That's great, really, it is. I've always liked the thought of adoption. Only because I won't have kids naturally, unless I, well, find some sort of willing woman who'll give birth to our child and then give it to me. Or I change my sexuality. Easier said than done." Theo chuckled and shook his head. "I'm really pleased for you, you're obviously thrilled." Theo grinned, Oscar's joy completely infectious. "I take it you don't have any other brothers and sisters? Well, they're a handful, but they're a wonderful handful too. Callum and Brittany were like two new, tiny miracles when I was just six years old." Theo's eyes glazed in memory. "They're so big now... it's weird. I'm sure you'll think that one day when you look at your sister."

The waiter returned, breaking up their conversation. "Oh we're not done yet," Theo explained apologetically. "Too caught up in conversation. Just give us a moment?" Theo chuckled, before turning to Oscar. "How about we share? I'm fine with no mushrooms, and I'm not picky at all. Take your pick," he smiled encouragingly, passing the unused menu to the waiting waiter. Once Oscar had chosen, Theo resumed the conversation eagerly. "I plan on adopting when I'm settled down in the future, so it'll be interesting to see your little sister. I'd love to meet her once she arrives. I want to adopt from Africa, China... any place that has orphaned children, desperate for a good home. I just hope my future partner is okay with it all. I just love children, since I grew up with younger friends and family."

[Oscar Flynn G7]

The smile on Theo’s face after Oscar complimented made Oscar a little pleased with himself. Although Theo hadn’t been upset or even remotely sad, there had been a certain pensive air about him since the two had started talking. Oscar was glad he could make him smile like this. “Me? No, I’m not too bothered on how I look. My mother’s a fashion designer, so she pretty much focuses on my appearance for me. I have to say, she’s the only one who’s told me such a thing before. She’s always making me try on her new designs and I’ve actually modelled for her a bit in the past.” He smiled, a slightly sheepish expression coming to his face. “I hate doing it. I can’t say I hate the limelight, but posing for cameras is one of the most embarrassing things I think I’ve ever done. And believe me- I’ve done quite a few.” A light chuckle came from his lips as he said this.” But it looks good in the magazines to have a family member modelling the designer’s clothes I guess. And thank you.” He thought about what Theo said about his opinion not meaning as much as someone else’s with a small frown. It was a hint of self-consciousness he hadn’t really seen on the Ravenclaw till now. To Oscar, everyone’s opinion mattered. He didn’t care who they were; whether they were an old friend or a new one like Theo, the fact that they cared enough to have an opinion made the difference. Oscar told Theo this earnestly with what he guessed was a reassuring smile. “So male or female, your opinion really does matter to me.”

The smile grew, as it often did, when Theo complimented how Oscar phrased his feelings for Hogwarts. “I’ve never really thought of the connection any differently. It’s just a fact really, in my head. I’m the worst person with words- trust me. I can’t get them out, or when I do they’re normally the wrong ones. I tend to be incredibly forgetful which doesn’t help. When you were describing what you thought art was earlier… that was better than something I ever could have said on the subject.” The way in which Oscar’s mind worked was something he never spoke about with other people. He doubted anyone ever did talk about such things with friends or even family. It was just something that people kept to themselves; whether they were easily confused or gullible, forgetful like Oscar or especially short-tempered, people didn’t seem to discuss it often. It was almost refreshing to actually do so.

Oscar listened with amusement as the other boy began to speak about his own siblings a little more. He liked the way the conversation went on. It was so comfortable, so relaxed. If both Theo and Oscar stopped talking he doubted it would be uncomfortable, merely a moment to think in. But he strongly doubted that either would stop speaking anytime soon; they had a lot to talk about. “They’re joining? That’s fabulous! Two years, that’s still a good amount of time. Maybe I can nick one of them for Gryffindor myself.” Oscar joked with a casual laugh. He didn’t know until now that Theo was a pureblood; it made no difference to him of course. He just hoped Theo wouldn’t end up being one of those people who wouldn’t have a friend because they were muggle-born or something as equally ridiculous. Oscar guessed that Theo was above such petty thoughts however and so didn’t worry about it for long.

He listened, interested, as Theo talked about Quidditch being quite a skill in his family. “It’s great that you’ve found a love for it now then, before you leave school. It’d be terrible to regret never starting to play it if you left without getting into the sport.” He grinned at Theo’s next question. Did he love Quidditch? “I certainly do. I don’t know if it’s really a Gryffindor trait as I think everyone has passion for something, they just have to find the trigger that releases it. It could be something music they adore, or a family member. For me it’s certainly Quidditch though. There’s just something about it that you can’t get with anything else.” He paused, a pensive expression on his face. “I’ve never been in love and I know it’s probably a silly comparison, but from what I’ve heard or read about the feeling, it’s the same. The excitement, hating the wait until you next play. Then the joy with the release. It’s all part of the game.” He wondered if Theo had ever been in love. The only things Oscar knew he loved in his world were of course Quidditch, his parents, and a few close friends. But actually being in love? He didn’t know how that felt at all. He almost wished he did, for it sounded like something brilliant. Although he had said he felt the same about his sport, he knew there was obviously a difference; a person was certainly not a broomstick, a few goal posts and a large red ball. You could talk to a person. You could hug them. You could kiss them.

“Win it for the team… that’s definitely a big part of my game too. But I have to say there’s the selfish streak in me with the sport. I love the glory. I love knowing that I’ve saved something and have stopped the other team’s Quaffle.” Oscar smirked. “I’m definitely going to up my game if I’m ever guarding the Gryffindor posts while you’re Chaser then.” He hadn’t played against Theo as far as he could remember. Oscar always found playing against friends a little odd; it was sometimes quite distracting, especially if you were easily-distracted like Oscar was. “God, Beater’s fabulous if you’re angry. As I mentioned, I can get pretty annoyed and aggressive when the other team is in the lead. Launching that bludger at someone’s head… it’s incredibly refreshing. I go running a lot, with my dad in the holidays and alone at Hogwarts. As well as the gym my mother makes me go to and some weights I use sometimes, I guess I’m pretty well adapted for slugging a bat at a bluder strength-wise.” He tried not to make himself sound vain as he knew those who worked out sometimes could be.

The obvious fact that everyone had indeed heard of Jez before made Oscar’s question if Theo knew him a little silly. Especially since he was a prefect and Oscar had no doubt Jez’s name had come up enough times between the prefects whenever they had meetings; or whatever prefects did these days. This was confirmed when he listened to Theo speak a little more about his friend and grinned when he mentioned happiness at not having to deal with him in his own year. “I guess he must be a bit- well, a lot- to keep an eye on for Ariane and Noalan.” Oscar had often messed around with Jez and some pranks before. He knew he wasn’t seen as a trouble-maker however, and was thankful that Theo didn’t see him as someone like that. Not like Jez, because Oscar did admire the seventh year’s boldness and ability to make any task enjoyable. Oscar didn’t talk much about Sophia, merely nodding as he acknowledged that she too was a prefect. He didn’t know how well Sophia and Jez got on; hopefully he wasn’t too crazy for her, and she not too ‘prefect-y’ for him. Similarly, he didn’t say anything as Theo declined his offer to speak about what was troubling him. After all, they weren’t very close and Oscar know it wasn’t his place to pry.

Theo’s reply to Oscar’s comment on pizza as they entered the pizza place sent a fake shudder through his body. “Mushrooms are repulsive. It’s like eating rubber, only somehow even less flavour. Disgusting.” He wrinkled his nose lightly as if he really was that repulsed by them. But that soon changed as his eyes lit up to Theo’s thoughts on pizza-toppings. “Pineapple! Oh you are brilliant, Theo. It’s my favourite too, though my mother’s allergic so we never have anything with the stuff in at home.” Oscar had ignored the model with classically handsome features as they had been shown their seats, but he couldn’t help but notice Theo glancing over him a little. It made him feel a little odd for a moment, a feeling he couldn’t explain. He put it down to the fact that he’d never actually seen a guy appreciate another guy even with a look.

Moments later, Theo’s response to Oscar’s news made his smile grow even further- he hadn’t thought that was even possible. He laughed with Theo when he asked about a due date. “Me too- I love the thought of adoption. I think even if I am ever in a situation where I can have a child, adoption will always be something I would think about. I do see where my parents are coming from, and even being a part of this girl’s life will make every difference. And that is something wonderful. Even if it’s just a little improvement to the world, it’s the biggest one in the girl’s life. I am indeed thrilled! It’s the best thing that could happen to our family right now. My mother had the chance to have a baby girl once before, but she was taken away from us.” Oscar spoke softly. He didn’t outright say that his mother had given birth to a stillborn, as the words would have sounded wrong in this situation. So he changed the words around a little until he was satisfied. “So this is such a big deal to her even more than it is to me. No I have no other siblings- although you probably know of Elsie Covens in your house, a third year? I’ve known her for quite a while now and she’s so close to me we’re almost siblings, I swear.” He smiled at the thought of Ellie.

His thoughts were broken as the waiter returned, was sent away, and Theo spoke again. “Sharing sounds perfect. How about… Hawaiian?” Oscar indicated quickly to a passing waitress. She was as beautiful as the former waiter was handsome. Her hair was tight back in a messy bun, with a few dark brown strands curling beneath her chin. Her uniform wasn’t the most modest, and being the sixteen-year old boy he was, Oscar’s eyes flickered from her face to her cleavage and back again quickly, unable to stop them. He ordered with a soft smile before returning to Theo as she left. “Of course you can meet her!” It pleased Oscar that Theo was so quickly interested in the adoption. “I don’t know how long it will take for her to settle in. But if there’s a good time before the holidays finish just give me your address and I’ll send a letter.” He smiled again. “I adore children too; Elsie’s got two little sister’s and I have two young cousins, and I have so much love for all four. It just makes me want these five weeks to finish faster though, so I can meet my sister…”

[Theo Darke]

"It sounds fun," Theo smiled as Oscar described his mother and his role as a model. "I've been told I would make a good model... Can't remember by who." Theo laughed modestly. "I don't think it's something I would consider seriously, though it must be a fun full-time job if all you do every day is be reassured how beautiful you look and how dashing you'll be in magazines. But I'm sure modelling has its downfalls too. I can't imagine the amount of pressure models come under in order to stay 'perfect' on the outside." Musing, Theo smiled at Oscar when he said he felt uncomfortable under the limelight. "I'm not one to shy away from attention, but I don't try to look for it. I wouldn't mind cameras flashing at me - just don't get me naked, that's all I ask!" Laughing, Theo fixed Oscar with a playful look. "You don't have any of those modelling photos still, do you? You have to show me some time. I won't let you forget it." Theo smiled lazily, before Oscar's next comment made him grin in a little embarrassment. "Well, that's good to know." "Glad to know I matter while Scott and Lori are off doing god knows what."

Theo eyed Oscar disbelievingly. "You? 'Worst person with words'? Are you kidding? You are a lot better than most people I know. I've lost count the number of times I have had to force myself to ask pointless questions in order to get me a decent reply. I work myself to death making polite conversation. Then I meet you, and you're so easy to talk to." Theo's eyes twinkled again in humour. "You're good fun to talk to as well. You're laidback and casual and you have no pretences. Really, Oscar - you're a breath of fresh air. I don't mind if you always say the wrong things. To me, you're saying all the right things." Theo shrugged a relaxed shoulder back. "You talk a lot, so how can you say you're bad at talking? You're a chatterbox, if you don't mind me saying. I like it." Theo couldn't suppress an amused grin; Oscar's company and his constant chatting helped to calm him rather than annoy him. "Forgetfulness can be endearing! Though it's probably pretty annoying too, when you forget something important." He chuckled at Oscar's admittance. "Oh, that... that was just me being lyrical out of the blue. Trust me, I'm normally not so poetical, though I don't forget things that easily, because I have a good memory, and I don't tend to fall over my words either. I don't know why. People say it's because I'm naturally charismatic, but I just think it's a part of who I am, and I haven't looked into it any more than that."

"Yeah," Theo nodded to Oscar's equal enthusiasm, glad his joy was shared. He liked that about Oscar - he was so open and he didn't hold himself back - his emotions or his personality. It made him very easy to talk to, and it made conversations enjoyable. "I can't wait to show them around the school. They've been hearing about the place for six years. More actually, since my parents always talk about Hogwarts, even from the day we were born, so it's been driving them nuts." Theo laughed when recalling the frustration evident on Brittany's face and the anticipation on Callum's as their father rambled on about the greatness of Hogwarts, sharing conversations with Theo only the eldest son could so far comprehend. "Hogwarts is something they've always, and yet never, known." Smiling wistfully, Theo then laughed at Oscar's joke. "Just you try. The twins are inseparable. Maybe it's a twin thing, I don't know. They remind me of Lori and me though. Lori and I are kind of like twins." Theo talked about his best friend with his usual fondness; he couldn't help it. Even though it was her who had taken what Theo had only too late realised he always wanted, he couldn't hate her. He still loved her so very much, because she was like a sister. He couldn't stand to be in her presence because of the guilt, but he could stand to think of her with love. Scott, on the other hand, was a different matter altogether. It was Scott Theo loved, not Lori. It was Scott Theo couldn't let go of, even though he had never had him.

"No, no, I think the comparison makes perfect sense," Theo protested about the topics of love and Quidditch. Oscar was a confident boy, but he often said things and then apologised for using the words he did. That was something Theo found endearing, but he hoped would one day change. He wished Oscar to realise his words were actually a musical melody, something he didn't have to dismiss as a silly notion. "I admire the fact you can admit that," Theo said when Oscar said he had a selfish streak when playing Quidditch. "I probably have one myself. Either I genuinely don't realise it, or I can't admit it." He laughed dismissively, but Theo's conscience knew the truth: the main reason Theo played the game, besides for his house, was for Scott. "I look forward to it," Theo smirked, welcoming Oscar's challenge. "I've either already or will play all my friends in Quidditch. It's odd." Theo mused over his comment; he had been matched against Scott in the Chaser position, and had narrowly escaped being put against Dylan, who played as Beater for the Slytherins. However, Theo had a feeling he would be playing against Dylan soon, and Oscar not far behind. "I have another friend who plays Beater in our year. You'll probably be up against him sometime in the coming year. Dylan Caoimhe? He's in Slytherin. He's not your usual type of Slyth, thankfully. He's pretty decent." Theo was grateful for Dylan's tentative friendship. He had helped Theo work out some issues that he would never have been able to understand alone.

Theo found himself wanting to blush when Oscar called him 'brilliant', just for liking pineapples on his pizza. He laughed quickly to cover up his embarrassment. Theo knew full well Oscar had been exaggerating and talking in his usual fashion; it had nothing to do with actually complimenting him. Still, from Oscar's mouth it made Theo want to flush red. Just about able to suppress it, he murmured "Oh, that's a shame" in reply to Oscar, before burying his face in his menu. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Oscar," Theo frowned deeply when the Gryffindor admitted he had once almost been an older brother. He almost had the inclination to reach out and pat him on the hand, the shoulder, in an effort to console him, but Theo restrained himself, his hand twitching on the table. Oscar was a brave boy anyway; if he wasn't, he wouldn't be a Gryffindor. And Theo could tell too; Oscar was not the type to get too down with sadness. "Yeah, I know of Elsie. I haven't spoken to her much, but she seems a lovely kid." Theo recalled blonde hair and a bright smile. "Yeah, I have that relationship with Flo, Lori's sister. She's in Ravenclaw, in... Well, she's going into her fourth year. She looks the spitting image of Lori, apart from her eyes." Theo spoke of Flo warmly, because he saw her like a part of his family too, like another sister. Really, the Darkes and the Leighs might as well have been one big happy family.

Theo watched as Oscar placed his order with a passing young waitress, his eyes gazing up at her pretty face. Even though he was gay, it didn't stop Theo from admiring the opposite sex, though he felt no inclination towards them romantically. The young lady was beautiful, and evidently Oscar thought so too, his eyes flicking up, down, and up again. Theo resisted a smirk until the waitress left, and fixed his eyes on Oscar. He felt a little... envious about Oscar's attentions, but Theo wasn't really sure why. Oscar had already spent so much time chatting with him, and he certainly didn't belong to Theo. But nevertheless, Theo felt a little jealous, and immediately quashed it with the emerging smirk. "See something you like, Oscar?" he teased. "My address..." he trailed off now, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I'm sure I had a piece of paper somewhere... Don't want you forgetting it now, would I?" Joking, Theo finally extracted a piece of worn out, crumpled parchment, left over from some notes Theo had written for himself about shopping or whatever. "This'll do," he spoke out loud, taking his wand and using it to write on the scratchy surface with a spell that ingrained ink. "I never thought that would come in useful, but it always does when there's no quill and ink around." Smiling at his wand, Theo pocketed it and passed the note over to Oscar. "That's my address. Send an owl any time. And give me your address when you do that too, don't forget. Otherwise I'll be stuck with an invitation I can't make."

Before Theo could say anything else, the large pizza arrived. "Big," was all he managed to say as it was lain down before them. "Sure we can finish this all, Oscar?" he asked over the food, eyes glittering with unspoken challenge. "I hope you're not on a diet." Chuckling, Theo moved to take a piece. "Right, let's tuck in. I don't know about you, but I've suddenly found my appetite."

[Oscar Flynn G7]

“You would make a good model.” Oscar said matter-of-factly. He leaned forward a little and studied Theo’s face up-close. “Nice, classic features that would work well with shots. And about getting naked…” He pulled backwards to his earlier distance and cast a head-to-toe glance at Theo, teasingly. The thought that to a gay guy he could be acting almost flirtatiously didn’t come to his mind. Oscar didn’t think too much about his actions when he knew they couldn’t hurt anyone directly and this was an example of that; he was just joking with Theo. After all, why would a straight guy want to ‘flirt’ with a gay one? Oscar listened as Theo asked the question about his shots, his smile growing. “Oh I don’t mind showing them to you. After all, they were taken to be shown weren’t they? There’s no naked ones though, thank god.” He laughed. Oscar laughed quite a lot, as he saw no reason to not do so when he was happy. He noticed that Theo was laughing and letting go a little more as there conversation went on. Oscar listened to his laugh when Theo mentioned the naked photo shoot. It was playful, but with a serious undertone that Oscar liked. It wasn’t too loud or too quiet, and fortunately wasn’t any odd type of annoying bray. It also wasn’t forced, something which Oscar was pleased about as it supported his notion that Theo was more comfortable around him now. Overall it was a good laugh, the kind that Oscar could easily join in with.

Then I meet you, and you're so easy to talk to. The words made Oscar’s lips tug themselves into another grin. After all, who didn’t love such nice compliments? No-one, that’s who. Theo continued with them and Oscar tried not to let them get to his ego too much. He knew that he was good company really- but only with those who were also happy to be happy. He wasn’t much use on grumpy Slytherin’s for example. Or even grumpy Hufflepuffs, his mind going back to that encounter with Kael Collins the other day. That certainly wasn’t full of bright complimentary conversation like the one he was having now was. “Chatterbox?” He pretended to look offended, his mouth turning into a shocked ‘O’ shape. But then he smiled again. “Yep, I guess I am. Why not? If you can talk, use that ability I say.” That was exactly how Oscar felt. He’d noticed that Theo wasn’t exactly a clam in the talking department, and he was glad for it. Already he’d learnt a lot about Theo- and oddly, about himself- that he didn’t know before. And they’d only been talking for a little while. Who knows what they could find out with more time?

“That’s great- my parents are both muggles, so it’s interesting to see how pureblood children grow up around magic. My parents were just as new to Hogwarts as I was when the news came… you couldn’t imagine how crazy it was. I thought it was a joke at first.” He chuckled lightly. “And when I found out it wasn’t…” He couldn’t find words to describe that moment so he just shrugged happily with a small smile. It was pretty obvious how brilliant that moment of realisation had been for him.
“Yeah, Frank and Melanie- my cousins- they’re twins and you can’t pull them away from each other. They’d be brilliant wizards though.” A wistful expression came across his face. “It’s a shame they won’t get the chance. I love that you have a friend so close to you like that. Elsie… she’s fabulous, but she’s just thirteen. I’ve got some brilliant friends but I can’t say I’m as close to any of them as you are with Lori. It sounds like such a special bond.” Oscar thought about Ethan Jacobs- they had been quite close. And then the accident. It had been messy for Oscar… he’d dealt with death before though and hadn’t lost himself completely with sadness. Ezzie however… Oscar had found her outside Ethan’s old house earlier in the holidays and the state she had been in was shocking. Completely drunk in public. No trace of the old Ezzie left….

Oscar gave a nod of thanks when Theo mentioned his admiration for Oscar admitting his selfish streak. His mind took a moment to pull away of the image of Esmeralda, her head muddled with spirits, swinging on the swing in the park in front of Ethan’s house. The park where everything had happened. “I can’t say I know Dylan that well. Quite a sarcastic guy at times?” Oscar didn’t really know the guy but was pleased that Theo recognised that even Slytherin’s could be nice; Oscar himself sometimes judged people by their houses, it wasn’t something he was proud about seeing as he got angry at Slytherin’s for doing just that.
“I can’t say I know Flo.” Oscar knew everyone in his year, most in the year above and quite a lot of the new fifth years. But below that he didn’t have much opportunity to meet fourth years despite his social personality. Apart from those on the team of course, and a few of Elsie’s friends.
happy family.

“See something you like, Oscar?” Oscar had thought his glance at the waitress hadn’t been noticed, but apparently Theo was observant enough to see it. His voice was teasing in a friendly way, but Oscar couldn’t help notice a slight strained undertone to it, as if the words didn’t want to come out. He gave a sheepish chuckle, unsure how he felt about the situation. There was something awkward about it, as if he shouldn’t have looked at the girl at all. As if it wasn’t allowed. Wiping this thought from his mind- it was too confusing after all, and Oscar didn’t spend time with things he didn’t very well understand- he spoke lightly. “Well, boys will be boys…” But like Theo’s question, the words seemed strained and false.

He accepted Theo’s piece of parchment. As he did so, the tips of their fingertips brushed lightly against each other. There was something strange about the touch. Oscar couldn’t describe it, and so once again he ignored the thought all together, busying himself with tucking the parchment safely away in his grey shoulder-bag on the floor. “I’ll definitely send an owl; I want my sister to get to know my friends as soon as possible. I just… I just hope everything is sealed before I go back to Hogwarts. It’s unlikely though and my parents told me not to hope she would arrive early enough for me to meet her.” He spoke in a tone he hadn’t used yet to Theo. It was sad, but not so sad that it took away the happy glint in his eyes. It was longing- a hunger for something that he felt he needed badly, but that he might not get.

Oscar wasn’t a greedy guy at all. He ate perhaps a little more than the normal sixteen year old boy but never really put much weight on; the working out and morning runs he did certainly burnt off any excess fat. But… this pizza was big. His eyes widened a little as the waitress from earlier set it down. She noticed this and giggled in that (fairly irritating) girlish manner. Oscar smiled at her, looking into her eyes. As he did so he expected to feel the need to say something complimentary, to flirt a little or just say anything to get her attention a little more. But there was nothing. She was looking at him almost expectantly, and he realised his mouth was open slightly, as though he’d been about to say something before stopping himself. He closed it and looked away from her. What was wrong with him? Here was this gorgeous waitress who clearly wouldn’t have cared if he’d have flirted with her, and he’d passed up the chance? Oscar didn’t even care as she gave him an affronted glance and trotted away in what seemed to be a ‘girly huff’. Something was wrong, but he didn’t care enough to think about it- there was a massive pizza in front of him.
Grinning at Theo’s comment he sniffed the delicious smell of the pizza before popping a large chunk of pineapple in his mouth. In seconds he gave out a gentle moan of appreciation. “Delicious.” He grinned and was soon selecting his own piece eagerly.

[Theo Darke]

Theo barely tensed when Oscar's face loomed closer to his, though the quiver of an eyebrow probably gave away his surprise. He hadn't expected the Gryffindor to suddenly come so close, but Theo had never disliked people invading his personal space. He was comfortable if a complete stranger launched him- or herself at him, as long as he or she didn't molest him in the process. However, Theo did freeze when someone caught him off guard; he appreciated a little warning. Staring into Oscar's face, mostly his eyes, brown stinging blue, Theo felt the abrupt need to blush. Furiously. He didn't know why or what it was about Oscar's handsome face pressed so closely against his, but it unnerved him, which was completely uncharacteristic. Blinking rapidly, Theo calmed his nerves enough for him not to pull away, and his eyes continued to stare blankly into Oscar's, sometimes shifting to slide across his nose and lips. "Would I?" Theo managed quietly. "Um, thanks." He suppressed an out-loud sigh of relief when Oscar finally pulled away, but he did release a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding. The short length of proximity had Theo's heart thumping madly and his nerves tingling on end, and it took him a while to recover his senses. By that time, Oscar was openly joking about him being naked, which only added to the embarrassment Theo was feeling. Not only was Oscar's eyes roaming across his entire body like he was checking him out ("which he's not"), under unnecessary intense scrutiny, but he also had that teasing glint in his glance too, which made Theo aware it was nothing more than a joke, but it still made him stand on edge, causing the blush he had managed to successfully conceal from before threaten to emerge once more.

"Fight it, fight it," Theo told himself fervently, spreading a casual smile across his lips like he was just fine ("god, what the hell is wrong with me?!). "Oh, that's such a shame," Theo gathered enough wit to joke in return about Oscar's photos, and how they lacked in nakedness. "I was so looking forward to seeing some flesh." Before Theo could control them, his eyes darted down Oscar's tall, athletic body ("what am I doing--"). "I look forward to seeing them anyway." Theo's fluid smile erupted on his lips, disguising any discomfort or any other emotion that might give him away. "Of course," Theo supplied effortlessly when Oscar laughed at his calling him a chatterbox. "I know worse though. There are some people who just don't know when to stop talking, and talk themselves into a hole..." ("like you were doing magnificently before, Theo, good one. Actually, you were more like a gaping goldfish, you besotted idiot--") "Really?" Theo had to feign interest as Oscar moved onto his parents and heritage. It wasn't that he was bored by the subject, he was just so busy distracted by his feelings. He was comfortable in Oscar's presence in one sense, but beginning to feel completely uneasy in another. It was as though, all of a sudden, Theo really cared what the other boy thought of him, and this thoroughly alarmed him. Of course, there was an obvious explanation for the way he felt - he just did not ("I cannot--") want to admit it.

"Hm," Theo continued to nod, beginning to zone back into the conversation. "It is a shame. You must feel pretty lucky. Special." Knocking another bright smile back, Theo let Oscar do the talking for a while, glad the other boy was so into chatting; he hoped Oscar hadn't noticed his change in behaviour. "Yeah, Lori and I do have a special bond." Theo perked up at the name of his best friend. "We were born together. On the same day, at the same hospital. Our parents are best friends, and needless to say, we became best friends too. It was a major coincidence, our birth dates coinciding, but it only drew us closer together. That's why I feel like she's my twin sister. I might feel a bit left out if Callum and Brittany had each other and I was alone, but I have Lori. Twins have this natural bond; Brit and Cal love me, but they're inseparable from one another. It's a different thing all together." Smiling wryly, Theo asked in curiosity, "Do you have a best friend, Oscar? Who is your closest friend?" He had to admit to knowing literally nothing about Oscar, and Theo had a huge urge to rectify that. He put it down to his desire for socialising. "Yeah, sarcastic's the word," Theo laughed when Oscar described Dylan. "Dylan can be prickly. I haven't been friends with him for long, but honestly, he's a great guy. He's more understanding than half the friends I know, and they're not even in Slytherin." Smiling warmly, Theo hoped Dylan wouldn't mind him describing him so positively. He knew Oscar wouldn't go around spreading pointless rumours about Dylan being 'soft', but Theo had a feeling Dylan would prefer him not to talk about him at all, so he stopped elaborating after that. "I'll introduce her to you when we get back to Hogwarts. She probably knows Elsie, since there's only a one-year age gap." Theo had a feeling Flo would Oscar and vice versa. Only he was beginning to imagine Flo squealing after meeting him that he would make such a good boyfriend for Theo, and heck, were they dating in secret?! ("Oh god.") Maybe Theo would hold off on that offer of an introduction.

Theo offered a quiet laugh as he sat opposite Oscar, diverting his intent gaze away from his distracting strained face. "Yes. Boys will be boys..." Theo repeated the muttering, staring at the floor to his left. It was cleanly tiled, a deep cinnamon red that looked brown in the dark of the table shadows. He contemplated Oscar's phrase silently, not sure if he fully agreed with it or not. And it seemed to Theo that Oscar sounded more like he wanted to avoid Theo teasing him about the waitress than actually something he felt honestly. However, the thoughts were dispelled temporarily from his musing mind as Theo was jerked aware by his fingers gently grazing Oscar's as he absently passed him the note with his address. Theo fought the urge to say sorry ("nothing to be sorry for... right?") and looked down at the floor again, desperate to avoid Oscar's eyes; his hand withdrew swiftly, resting on his knee. Theo protested within his mind that he did feel comfortable around the Gryffindor, he really, really did... He just also felt nervous and on edge, which was completely unlike him, and it deeply frustrated Theo. "I see," he replied gently, letting the flow of conversation catch him again and float him along a more serene runway of water. "I'll cross my fingers for you." Theo smiled softly, lifting two reassuring fingers, entwined in a cross. It was a silly tradition people said, but it was one Theo found endearing. He managed to look Oscar in the eye again, all too aware that he was looking the saddest Theo had seen him in the past hour or so, and he had this desperate longing to get rid of it.

Then the pizza arrived, along with the pretty girl from before, and Theo flicked her a polite smile as she set the food down. However, when she gave a high-pitched giggle, Theo jerked his head back up and hurried to conceal a frown of annoyance. It wasn't that he disliked girls giggling; Lori did it often enough, as did Flo. However, first of all, there was something extremely unmodest about the way the waitress laughed that struck Theo's nerves. Lori and Flo giggled cutely; this woman giggled like someone who was out to get what she wanted. And indeed, she seemed to want Oscar, which was the second reason why Theo was beginning to feel irritation - an emotion he rarely felt, but it seemed was beginning to become rather acquainted with - creep up his gut, tickling his system to act, say something to get this annoying woman to leave them alone ("we're in a restaurant, can't she be a bit more professional--"). Theo watched in silent exasperation as the waitress sent Oscar the usual flirtatious glance a desperate woman would cast on any available, gullible man, and he couldn't say a word - his mouth was closed up and refusing to open. His teeth ground subconsciously against themselves, but he took no notice. To Theo's confusion and surprise (and ignored delight), Oscar seemed lost for words also, finding nothing to give to the waitress as she waited to hear him expectantly. When it was obvious Oscar wasn't going to deliver, the waitress left, and Theo let out another long breath he had been holding in for the second time that day.

Theo was surprised at the spaced out reaction Oscar had given the good looking waitress, but glad for the situation to be over, he didn't question; that and Oscar also seemed to want to forget it, and Theo was happy to oblige him. With Oscar's attentions back on him and the pizza, Theo tucked into the food with a greater appetite than he usually knew. He grinned when Oscar announced "Delicious", and he nodded his agreement whilst taking a large bite of his own slice. It took just over half an hour for the two boys to clear up the whole plate, and finally they sat back, stuffed and full, both on pizza and on conversation. Completely relaxed again, for no awkward situations had happened since, which he was thankful for, Theo leaned forward across the table and smiled. "That was... delicious," he described, echoing Oscar's word. "And I learnt a lot more than I thought I would today," he mused aloud, sitting back in his chair and smiling casually. "I like learning more about other people."

[Oscar Flynn G7]

Any oddness that Oscar had picked up on from the Ravenclaw during the time he’d moved forward to study Theo up-close was dispelled as a smile crossed the boy’s lips. It reassured Oscar, and the comment that followed it made him chuckle lightly. But he couldn’t ignore the glance that the other boy cast over his body. It made Oscar feel a little awkward; but not so unpleasantly. It was as though he wanted to get Theo’s attention. So far, using his usual wit had been doing that perfectly. But now it was as though he had to try a little harder, like he wanted to try harder. But why? He broke of this chain of thought. Something was going on inside this head of his, and he didn’t like it. These thoughts… they just weren’t his. Oscar knew that girls were often attracted to him and he rarely passed up the chance to at least talk with a girl he hadn’t met yet. The fact that he’d ignored the glances of the waitress was something which he found hard to get his head around. For it wasn’t just because he didn’t feel like flirting back with her- it was because he didn’t want to. As though someone had flipped a switch in his brain that changed how he approached the opposite sex. It was all so confusing; he wanted to flip the switch back but he didn’t know how to do that.

Talking themselves into a hole… he winced at the comment, not negatively. Oscar didn’t talk himself into holes because he often didn’t care enough about what the listener thought. If he was saying something embarrassing that could possibly put him in the hole then he’d merely change the subject swiftly. But he certainly thought himself into these holes all the time. Constantly, his mind was running away with him. It wasn’t because he was stupid or lacking in sense, for he knew that he was quite smart; perhaps not Ravenclaw-worthy, but he did like to learn knew things and knew he wasn’t dumb in any way. It was just because new thoughts were constantly coming into his head. New thoughts that suggested change, suggested unfamiliar things. And Oscar didn’t like change. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he was scared of it. A Gryffindor- scared? Yep. Deep down, he loved his life so much he didn’t want anything to differ. He was fine with those small changes- and his new sister was a change in the Flynn family life that he knew could only be positive, so that was allowed. But other unfamiliar things Oscar didn’t allow through the walls in his mind. He didn’t like to think about them so he avoided anything that could make him do so. This business with Theo… he liked Theo well enough. He seemed like a very down-to-earth boy, but with a good sense of humour; something that Oscar thought quite important in his friends. But this encounter seemed to have changed something in his head, so alien to him that he felt an urge to purge himself of it as soon as he could. It didn’t belong in his life.

He nodded with a smile to Theo’s reaction to his comments on Frank and Mellie. Oscar’s eyebrows rose slightly when Theo talked about the connection between Lori and himself. It was amazing, but something about it made Oscar a little uncomfortable. It was as though the two had had no choice but become friends- all the signs made it so. It was inevitable that they would become friends, but to Oscar it seemed as though they’d hardly made the decision themselves. But he didn’t know about it really and he mentally shook his thoughts, trying to take his mind away from making assumptions. His head really was muddled today.
It got tangled up in thoughts even further when Theo questioned him about his own best friend. He hesitated, momentarily silent. “Well…” Did he have a best friend? “I have some brilliant friends.” He said lamely. “I can’t really say that I have a best friend… I don’t like… I can’t…” The words couldn’t find themselves. He didn’t have a best best friend like he knew most people did. He had so many great friends, that all helped to shape him. But the only people he ever felt truly connected with in the way Theo seemed with Lori was his parents. With Elsie it was different because of the age gap; more of a brotherly love than a best-friend kind of relationship. It didn’t embarrass Oscar to say that he didn’t have a best friend. But he knew it must sound a little odd; he was an open and friendly guy. He supposed that Theo must now think there to be something very wrong with him to not have a best-friend. Something dark maybe? That wasn’t it at all. Deep down, it was because Oscar didn’t like to get attached. He had seen people get hurt in relationships and once again he didn’t want something that could change his life so drastically in his life. So he was best-friendless, to preserve the routine that was his own life. Oscar smiled at Theo’s appreciative description of Dylan and nodded when he offered to introduce him to Flo. “That’d be nice; I can’t say I know either of them all.”

Oscar hadn’t noticed Theo tense slightly when the waitress had given the pizza, a little too pre-occupied with his own alien thoughts. The two ate the mammoth pizza in companionable silence, Oscar now and then offering words of appreciation to the restaurant, not really expecting a reply. He really did feel comfortable with Theo, he realised with an inward smile. When a new waiter- Oscar was relived to see it wasn’t the waitress nor the handsome waiter from earlier- took away the platter, Oscar leant backwards, rubbing his stomach with a laugh. “It really was. And… I agree. I love knowing more, especially so quickly and with such delicious food available. Shall we go splits?” He offered with a smile. Oscar didn’t want to solely offer to pay for the food as he knew that some people wouldn’t like this at all. Going halves what was he always did, unless he was on a date of course. And this wasn’t a date. He opened his mouth to say more, but paused. A buzzing in his pocket made him pull out a thin, dark object and hold it to his ear. He didn’t know if Theo knew what a mobile was and threw an apologetic glance to the Ravenclaw as he listened to the voice.

“Mam? No… I’m in Diagon Alley with… with a friend. What’s wrong?” His eyes had widened and a look of surprise and slight shock had come over him. On the other line his mother was crying. He couldn’t decipher why, although she was attempting to tell him between sobs what it was. “Ma, put dad on. No just do it.” He’d finally heard enough from her to know that she wasn’t crying from sadness, but with tears of joy. Quietly, so as not to disrupt anyone at the tables around them, he talked with Isaac Flynn in a hushed tone. His eyes widened even further. “Oh Merlin, that’s fabulous! That’s… that’s amazing dad. Do you want me to come home?” He asked the last question with a little hesitance. The Nimbus he could get anytime, but he didn’t want to leave Theo on his own. He exchanged a few more words with his dad before hanging up and turning back to the Ravenclaw. “Sorry about that. It’s my sister- well, Thandiwe apparently…” He paused, trying to find the right words again. “There’s been a problem with the flights and the agency said she either has to come within the next few days… or in about half a year.” His eyes showed something that they hadn’t in a long time; almost an element of fear. For now that the time was so close, Oscar was worried. What if she didn’t like him?! What if she hated him… the thought was too much to bear.

“I’m sorry Theo, I have to go.” He spoke reluctantly. “I would invite you to join us; I know my parents would love you. It’s just… this is big.” He hoped with all his heart Theo would understand. “I’ll send you a letter as soon as I can with Herra, my owl, giving you a date to come. I won’t take no for an answer.” Oscar grinned. He rose, tucking his phone away in his pocket again. He really hated leaving so abruptly but he knew he couldn’t stay much longer. “I’m sorry.” He repeated, pulling his bag across his shoulders. He tried to put all his feelings into those two words, trying to show Theo even the smallest bit of his muddled head. He paused to drop some money onto the table and hesitated even more beside Theo. He felt an urge to do something in way of a goodbye; a handshake at least. With a girl, it would be a gentle kiss on the cheek. In the end he rested his hand on Theo’s shoulder for a moment before giving him one last look- a mixture of happiness and something else, something incomprehensible- and then he was out of the door. Four days until Thandi would arrive… the thought was almost too much to process.

[Theo Darke]

Theo smiled sympathetically as a panicked, almost trapped look hovered across Oscar's face about the subject of best friends. Quickly he intervened before he put his friend in a more embarrassing, cringe-worthy position, but he couldn't help but think Oscar's expression was a little endearing. "It's OK. Not everyone has best friends. I think I'm just lucky that I do. I know that not all best friends are as great as they appear to be. Again, I'm lucky that way." Theo didn't know it, but he was in for a big shock. Best friends, he didn't mention and didn't think, also kept secrets from each other. Secrets that could kill friendships. "I'm sure your friends are brilliant. So are mine," Theo smiled warmly, brushing over the topic casually as though nothing major had occured. He didn't want to make Oscar uncomfortable.

"Splits is good," he nodded when Oscar made the offer. He liked the Gryffindor's way of doing it; it was fair. Theo didn't mind treating other people, because he was generous and had the money to spend, but he knew not everyone liked to be paid for. He imagined Oscar was one of those people; Theo had other friends who didn't want to take advantage of his money, though he never saw it like that. He just liked to make kind gestures and wanted nothing in return. Perhaps Theo didn't know or understand the importance of money in a world rigged with poverty, but it couldn't be helped. This was the way he had been brought up, and it was hard to change. Anyway, Theo was very generous when giving to charity, and one day he hoped to fly to poor countries and give a helping hand, see the carnage mankind could create for himself. Theo was aware of his fortunate, wealthy birth, even if he did take it for granted.

Theo began to fish around for money in his pocket, looking at the bill brought to them, when an electronic sound pierced the air. Surprised, Theo glanced up as Oscar held a block of... metal, Theo guessed, to his ear and began to talk. Understanding dawned on Theo's face when he recognised the muggle device as a mobile phone. Such amazing creations! It awed Theo how inventive muggles could be without magic. He couldn't imagine life without his wand. In this way, Theo envied Oscar a little, because he had the best of both worlds. However, Theo loved his upbringing, and he wasn't one to complain. He didn't purposefully listen as Oscar chatted to whom he presumed were his parents, but since there was only silence and low murmurs from other tables to hear, it was rather inevitable. Oscar sounded excited nearing the end of a sporadic conversation (seeing as Theo could only hear one end of it), and he wondered what was the matter. Finally, Oscar put his mobile down and grinned at Theo, barely able to hide his excitement.

"Really?" Theo's eyes widened, and a smile bloomed on his face, pleased for his friend. However, for a moment Oscar looked dubious, and Theo felt hesitance radiate from him. Immediately he said, "Don't worry. Nerves are natural. When you meet her it'll fall into place. It might not be easy at first, but eventually she'll become your little sister. The little sister you've always wanted. And I know you'll be a great big brother." Theo threw Oscar a reassuring grin before nodding in understanding. "No, no, you go. I couldn't possibly intrude on something so private," he protested genuinely, watching Oscar prepare to leave. "I look forward to it. Of course I'll say yes." Grinning in return, Theo sent a fake serious glare as Oscar apologised again. "Don't apologise. It's not needed. Go. Hurry." Theo could tell Oscar was truly apologetic, and he appreciated it. How could he possibly begrudge him? Oscar's hand touched his shoulder in a friendly gesture, he assumed, although he felt a tingle flare along his skin and he shrugged away his feelings quickly. Theo's eyes stayed on Oscar as he hurried to the door before he turned and sent Theo a look - one that made him want to shiver again - and then disappeared out of the door.

Theo sighed as he remained alone in his chair, twiddling his thumbs. He could still feel Oscar's hand on his shoulder, his single look penetrating him, and couldn't help but sigh aloud again. The handsome waiter whom had originally greeted them appeared to receive payment, and this time Oscar barely paid him any attention. Smiling courteously as he took the money with tip and left, Theo sat back for a moment to process his thoughts and feelings. He was regretful that Oscar had to leave - he could feel disappointment in his heart - but he was happy for Oscar too, glad to know his little sister would be arriving soon. Theo was sure Thandie would receive a lot of love from Oscar; he would be the perfect older brother. Wondering next what to do with himself, Theo stood up and left the restaurant. He headed right back to Quality Quidditch Supplies, steering to the broomstick section once more and gazing upon them without so much as a thought about Scott... Barely, anyway. His face flashed before his mind, but Oscar presided over most of his concentration. Theo looked forward to seeing the Gryffindor soon; he couldn't wait for that invitation.