#jesp

Harry Potter blushes really easily, Theodore noted, as he watched the Boy Who Never Seems to Die trip over his laces and flush crimson as he caught himself. The shade wasn’t exactly flattering, especially with all the red the Gryffindor was already sporting, but it seemed to suit the boy. Theodore smirked as he noticed that the blush trailed down his neck. I wonder how far it goes.

He found out that Harry’s blush goes pretty far down his body when he catches the boy in the Prefect’s bathroom. Theodore knew that he shouldn’t come on too forward, lest he scare Harry away, but he couldn’t resist.

“Enough yourself, Potter?” he teased, watching as the boy played with the bubbles surrounding him.

Harry was startled, the water thrashing in his wake as he scrambled to cover himself. His cheeks flamed and the crimson hue stretched from his neck down to his chest. How cute, Theodore thought.

“Nott? What are you doing here?”

“I’m about to shower, just like you,” Theodore replied, holding out his toiletries for Harry to see. He allowed his voice to drop to a purr. “Mind if I join you?”

Harry bit his lip, eyes darting around. He positioned himself in the corner farthest from Theodore and nodded. “Go ahead. I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure, Potter?” Theodore murmured, letting a little hurt slip. “You’re sitting so far away.” This time, Theodore was sure that Harry’s cheeks were burning with shame and he had to admit that the look was adorable on the boy.

Harry shook his head, arms flailing as he stumbled over his answer. “No, it’s not that. I… um.. I really don’t mind.. I’m just.. I’m just not used to bathing with someone.”

“Oh?” Theodore glanced at him curiously, as he began to strip down. He hid a grin when he saw that Harry was blushing, eyes looking everywhere but at him. He was almost disappointed when he was completely naked; Harry had such a delicious reaction. “I thought the Boy Who Lived would have had more company in the baths.”

“Well, you thought wrong,” Harry mumbled, looking away. Is he embarrassed? Theodore refrained from chuckling. The boy was absolutely adorable.

“My apologies,” Theodore said sincerely. His apology brought Harry’s attention to him, brilliant verdant eyes blinking owlishly in confusion.

“Um, alright?” He idly played with the slowly diminishing bubbles. “Aren’t you going to bathe? I mean, you probably didn’t come here to talk to me.”

But, I did. Theodore smirked. “Maybe, I didn’t, but I will later.” The intent wasn’t lost on Harry as it caused him to blush brightly.

“I.. um..” The boy stammered, eyes adorably wide. “I’ll just go. I have to do homework, anyways.” As he climbed out of the tub, quick to wrap a towel around himself, Harry murmured, “Nice talking to you, Nott.”

Even if he did end up scaring Harry away, Theodore still found it as a victory. He found out how far the blush went and he got to speak to Harry without anyone interfering. Not only that, Harry has a cute butt.

“Um, Nott?” Theodore pulled his eyes away from the potions textbook and smiled upon seeing Harry’s face, shy and pinked.

“Yes, Potter?”

“Are you good at Potions?”

Theodore blinked in surprise. “Yes. Why?”

“I need help.” Harry blushed a brighter red at the admission, eyes looking everywhere but at him. “I don’t understand potions and I need to pass all my classes this year to start working as a student teacher.”

“Student teacher?” This was new. “I thought you were going to be an Auror.”

Harry bit his lip. “Can I sit?” At Theodore’s nod, Harry slid into the seat next to him. He took a deep breath, releasing it in a tired sigh. “I don’t think I can handle the stress of being an Auror. It’s… just too much, you know? I’ve had to fight all my life. I don’t want to fight anymore.”

“Oh, Harry.” His first name slipped out of reflex, but the other doesn’t seem to notice. Theodore saw the haunted expression in the boy’s eyes. “Well, then, what are you stuck on?”

“Um, everything?” Harry’s blush was back and the war-weary look disappeared. Theodore counted that as a victory as well.

He chuckled lowly. “Alright, then. We should probably do private tutor sessions if you want to catch up. When are you free?”

And, that was how Theodore ended up on private dates with one Harry Potter.

“Hey, Harry?” After their fourth tutoring session, Theodore had practically forced the boy to call him by his first name, as he would do the same. “Did you know that you blush a lot?”

Harry, true to his words, flushed darkly. “Who’s fault is that?”

“Mine,” Theodore growled possessively. He saw the startled look in Harry’s eyes and backed off. “Sorry, that was a bit forward. I’ve been waiting for quite a long time now, Harry.”

“Waiting for what?”

“To ask you out.” Theodore smiled softly, moving to stand in front of Harry. “Harry, will you go out with me?”

Harry blushed and nodded. “Of course. Why else would I only blush around you? I’ve liked you for a long time, you know.”

Theodore chuckled, pressing their foreheads together as he stared into Harry’s eyes. “I know. Sorry, I took so long.”

“It’s okay, Theo,” Harry murmured. “We’re here now, right?” He tilted his head slightly to press his lips against Theodore’s and smiled. “Boyfriends?”

“Boyfriends.”

Harry blinked. “Wait, Theo, are you blushing?”

Inktober 22