Pairing: Theo Nott X Fem! Character
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 : Jules spent years hating Theodore Nott. He was cruel, arrogant, and always knew exactly how to get under her skin. But in fifth year, everything changes when the two agree to a fake dating arrangement to make certain people jealous. What starts as teasing and stolen glances slowly turns into late-night conversations, lingering touches, and feelings neither of them were supposed to catch. Theodore becomes Jules’ escape from the pressure, expectations, and loneliness that follow her everywhere. But some people are destined to destroy each other no matter how hard they try to hold on.
warnings/tags: 18+ content (read responsibly!) fake dating trope, enemies to lovers , swearing, emotional constipation, sexual tension/ suggestive banter + character "glowup" & kissing.
Trigger warnings will be placed before chapters when necessary.
Please read responsibly ♡
notes: This is like the 5th time I’ve tried to post this praying it goes through this time but Finally making a tag list so if you wanted be add comment so I can add you!! Leaving off this chapter here for now please don't hate me lolll im already finishing up the next chapter stay tuned!!
Jules folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at Theo lounging in his chair like he hadn't just been caught snogging some random Hufflepuff in the middle of the common room.
"I'm not staring, you idiot," she said flatly, even though her cheeks still burned. "But seriously — if you're gonna be snogging a girl mid–common room, don't be surprised when you're interrupted."
Theo gave a lazy grin, like he lived to get under her skin. "You seemed very interested, Greengrass. Could've joined in if you wanted."
He laughed softly, standing and stretching. "So. Have you thought about my offer? Tonight would be perfect to start it, just saying."
Juliet frowned. "You mean your ridiculous suggestion ?"
He shrugged, taking a step closer. "You said it yourself — you can't stand seeing Diggory and Chang together. And I can't stand Daphne parading round with that Prucey git. We might as well make them a little uncomfortable, yeah?"
Juliet huffed, crossing her arms tighter. "I'm not fake-flirting with you, Theo."
"Oh, come on. We'll flirt a bit, have a laugh, give people something to talk about. "
"Maybe," he said, smirking. "But I'm a tosser with a plan."
She hesitated. Merlin help her, part of her actually wanted to say yes.
"Fine," she said finally, glaring at him. "But we're setting rules. Clear ones."
Theo arched a brow. "Rules?"
"Yes. We don't get attached. No real feelings, no jealous fits, no actual snogging unless it's for show."
Theo smiled, clearly amused by her so-called rules.
"Alright then," he said, crossing his arms. "I'm listening."
Juliet blinked, half expecting him to roll his eyes and drop the whole thing. "I'm serious on the snogging part Nott."
Theo actually laughed, loud and disbelieving. "You're so oblivious."
"Why are you laughing? I'm being serious, you idiot." Her tone was so flat he stopped mid-chuckle.
"You've got to be joking," he said again, staring at her like she'd gone mad. "How are we meant to fake-date if I'm not allowed to kiss you?"
"You can— I don't know — put your arm round me, look at me like you adore me or whatever. Just no kissing. I don't go around snogging anyone for the sake of it." She avoided his eyes, pretending to fuss with a quill on the table.
Theo tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his mouth. "Don't tell me you've only ever kissed Diggory, Greengrass. Merlin's beard, you're more innocent than I thought."
Juliet's eyes snapped up, cheeks flushing. "That's none of your bloody business."
He laughed quietly, clearly enjoying how flustered she'd become. "Relax, princess. I'm only teasing."
"Add that to the list," she muttered. "No calling me princess either."
Theo grinned wider. "You're making an awful lot of rules for someone who's pretending not to care."
"I just don't want you getting the wrong idea."
He leaned back against the wall, eyes glinting. "These rules are starting to sound more for you than me, Greengrass."
Juliet glared at him, but her lips twitched like she was fighting a smile. "Keep talking, Nott, and I'll add no smug gits allowed to the list as well."
"I was only trying to help," he said with mock innocence, hands raised. "Alright then — no kissing, no pet names, no catching feelings. Anything else, Commander?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes. no holding hands unless we have to, and absolutely no telling Pansy — she'll make it a whole thing."
Theo nodded thoughtfully. "Right. Got it. So basically, I'm to flirt with you in public, keep my hands to myself, Easy."
"Merlin, you're insufferable," she said, snatching her bag off the chair.
He just smiled, watching her head for the door. "See you tonight, then?"
"Don't be late, Nott," Juliet said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Theo's smirk deepened. "I wouldn't miss it for anything, princess. I'll see you later."
He blew her a kiss before strolling off down the corridor, still chuckling to himself.
Juliet rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fight the small, traitorous smile tugging at her lips.
"Bloody idiot," she muttered — though she wasn't quite sure if she meant him or herself.
Juliet stood in front of the mirror in her dorm, muttering a charm to curl the ends of her hair. Her heart thudded annoyingly fast. It wasn't for Theo, obviously — it was because she knew Cedric and Cho would be there. She had to look good. Effortlessly good.
She rummaged through her wardrobe until she found it — a black fitted body suit that hugged her waist and jeans that flared just slightly at the hem. Paired with her black small heels that she stole from Astorias wardrobe , it looked perfect. She smirked at her reflection. "You're gonna be fine, Jules," she whispered. "You'll flirt with Nott a bit, look unbothered, and show everyone you're over Diggory how hard could that be."
The Gryffindor common room was already buzzing when she and Pansy arrived. Fairy lights flickered across the ceiling, bottles of Firewhisky lined the tables
"Bloody hell, props to the Weasleys ," Pansy muttered, already eyeing the drinks.
Juliet spotted Theo across the room — sleeves rolled up, grin in place, chatting with Blaise and Draco Malfoy like he owned the place. He caught her eye immediately.
She looked away quickly, heading for the drinks table, but he was beside her within seconds.
"You clean up nice, Greengrass."
She smirked. "Don't start."
"Not starting. Just appreciating the view."
"Merlin's sake, you're insufferable."
"Funny. You didn't think so when you agreed to flirt with me tonight."
Before she could respond, her breath caught — Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory had just stepped through the portrait hole, fingers intertwined, looking disgustingly perfect together.
Juliet froze. The sound of laughter and chatter around her dulled, fading into a low hum. All she could see was them.
Theo followed her gaze, and for a moment he didn't say anything. His smirk softened into something almost — almost — sympathetic. It was like watching a puppy watch another puppy get adopted.
Without a word, he shifted closer, his hand finding her waist. The warmth of his touch startled her.
"Let's get you a drink, yeah?" he murmured against her ear, low enough that only she could hear.
Juliet blinked, forcing herself to look away from Cedric and Cho. "Yeah," she said quietly, clearing her throat. "Yeah, alright."
Theo guided her toward the drinks table, his hand still resting lightly on her hip — protective, possessive, or maybe just for show. She wasn't sure, but she didn't push him away either.
Theo handed her a cup of Firewhisky, leaning casually against the table. "There we are, Greengrass. Strong enough to burn away your heartbreak."
Juliet rolled her eyes, taking a sip — and instantly coughing. "Merlin's beard, Theo, are you trying to kill me?"
He grinned. "If that's what it takes to make you loosen up, then maybe."
"you're real funny" she muttered, wiping her mouth
"Go on then, smile," Theo teased. "If we're meant to be convincing, you can't look like you're about to hex me."
She gave him a tight-lipped grin. "Better?"
Juliet sighed, but when she looked up at him — really looked — he was already watching her, eyes glinting in the low firelight. Something in her chest fluttered annoyingly.
"You're staring," she said, taking another sip.
He smirked. "Maybe I am. Good for the act, isn't it?"
"Sure," she said, voice quieter than she meant.
Across the room, Cedric's laugh carried above the music. Juliet stiffened, catching sight of him with Cho — his hand resting low on her back, the way it used to rest on hers.
Theo noticed immediately. "Right," he said, downing the rest of his drink. "Time to give them a show."
Before she could ask what he meant, Theo slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. Juliet tensed on instinct, but his voice was smooth when he spoke, loud enough for the people nearby — and for Cedric — to hear.
"Did I tell you you look gorgeous tonight?" he said easily.
Juliet blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. "You're laying it on a bit thick, Nott."
"That's the point, isn't it?"
She scoffed but played along, tilting her head up with a smirk. "Well, at least pick your compliments better. You sound like every other bloke at this school."
Theo grinned. "And yet, you're still standing here talking to me. Must be doing something right."
She was about to retort when Fred jumped up on a chair and shouted, "Alright, everyone! You know what time it is—SPIN THE BLOODY BOTTLE!"
A chorus of cheers and groans filled the room. Hermione muttered something about "juvenile nonsense" before being dragged into the circle by Ginny.
Juliet laughed, shaking her head. "You've got to be kidding."
Theo nudged her lightly. "Come on, Greengrass. Perfect opportunity."
They sat across from each other on the carpet, surrounded by students from every house — laughter, music, Fire whisky, and the kind of reckless energy that always came with Hogwarts parties.
Juliet could feel Cedric's eyes on her from across the room, Cho tucked against his arm. Good, she thought. Let him look.
Theo gave the bottle a lazy spin, the glass clinking against the floorboards as it turned — once, twice, then slowing... until it landed right between them.
The circle erupted with cheers. Fred shouted, "Go on, Nott, don't be shy!" while Pansy whistled dramatically.
Juliet groaned under her breath. "Oh, for Merlin's sake."
Theo leaned in, that infuriating grin back on his face. "You sure you don't want to add another rule?"
"Shut up and Kiss me" she muttered, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
He leaned in slowly, his usual smugness replaced by something softer — teasing, but charged. When his lips brushed hers, the room fell away for half a second.
Cheers exploded around them — wolf whistles, laughter, Goerge shouting, "Bloody hell, that's how you do it!"
Juliet pulled back quickly, face flushed. "Well. That's one for the list," she muttered, reaching for her drink.
He grinned, leaning closer so only she could hear. "You know, Greengrass... I think you like breaking your own rules."
She rolled her eyes, trying not to smile — and failing.
Laughter bubbled up around them again, the game spinning on to its next victim, but Juliet barely heard it. She could still feel the ghost of his mouth on hers — still taste the Firewhisky and mint.
She looked up for one reckless moment — straight across the circle.
His arm was still around Cho, but his expression had faltered, a flicker of something — surprise? irritation? — crossing his face before he quickly looked away.
Juliet's chest tightened, and for the first time all night, the ache didn't sting quite as much.
Theo leaned closer, voice low. "Told you this would be fun."
She shot him a sidelong glare. "You're insufferable."
"Maybe," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching, "but you didn't hate it."
Theo didn't press it. He just sat there, watching her with that same infuriating half-smile — like he knew exactly what she was thinking.
Jules watched as the rest to her friends kissed one another as she kept drinking fire whiskey
Juliet's chest felt tight as she watched the bottle spin, the laughter and cheers around her fading into a dull hum. She tried to focus on something — anything — else, but Cedric and Cho were right there, sitting close, their hands brushing.
His lips met Cho's in a slow, casual kiss, the kind that made it look effortless, perfect, as if the whole world belonged to them. The sight stole the air from her lungs. Juliet's stomach lurched, a twist of envy and heartbreak that left her frozen in place.
She couldn't watch. She couldn't stand to see it, not after everything — not after what she thought she had with him, however fleeting it had been.
"Back in a sec," she muttered to Pansy, voice tight, a lump forming in her throat. Pansy's eyes flicked to hers, sharp and understanding, but she didn't ask questions. She knew better than to try.
Juliet pushed through the throng of students, ignoring Theo's teasing grin as he leaned close. "Everything alright, Greengrass?"
She shook her head, barely whispering, "I... I need air."
Every step toward the staircase felt heavy, her heart pounding as though it would burst. The noise of the party — the music, the laughter, the clinking of bottles — became unbearable, each sound a cruel reminder of what she couldn't have.
The stairs seemed endless. Her heels clicked against the stone, each step a small punctuation in the storm of emotions roiling inside her. By the time she reached the girls' dormitory, her chest ached, her throat raw from the words she hadn't said, and her hands trembled slightly as she shut the door behind her.
She sank onto her bed, curling up under the covers, wrapping herself in the one thing that felt safe — the quiet. Her mind kept replaying the image of Cedric and Cho, the careless ease of his kiss, the warmth of his hand on hers now just a memory.
Jules. Hey, are you alright in there?" Fred's voice interrupted her thoughts he was concerned, and his brow furrowed as he caught sight of the flush in her cheeks and the tension in her shoulders.
Juliet froze, caught off guard. She opened her mouth to brush him off, to say she was fine, but the words felt empty. Instead, she shook her head slightly. "I... I just need a minute, Fred."
He didn't let go. "Come on, love. You stormed off like you had seen your boggart or something. open the door Talk to me. What's wrong?"
She swallowed hard, blinked back the sting in her eyes, and forced a tight-lipped smile. "It's nothing. Really. Just... too much noise, that's all."
Fred's expression softened, though he didn't let her lie go unchallenged. "Too much noise, yeah? Or something else? You don't have to tell me if you don't want, but... you're my best friend Jules. I can tell when you're not fine."
Juliet hesitated, looking down at her hands. She wanted to explain — the ache in her chest, the sight of Cedric kissing Cho, the knot of jealousy and heartbreak twisting her stomach — but she couldn't. Not here, not with everyone around.
"I... I'll be fine," she whispered at last, voice small. "I just... need some sleep, alright?"
Fred gave her a small, knowing nod. "Alright. But if you need me... you find me. Don't just vanish on me, yeah?"
She smiled at the fact her red haired friend was ditching his own part to make sure she was okay grateful for his concern, and finally she opened up the door, and without saying anything she simply hugged the boy in front of her.
No words needed to be said. Fred knew that, he hugged her back immediately. "get some rest june bug i'll see you tomorrow"
Once inside her dorm, she kicked off her slippers and collapsed onto her bed, curling up under the covers. once again Her mind replayed Cedric's kiss with Cho over and over, the sting sharper than she expected.
Tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She hated that she cared this much. She hated that it hurt this much.
Her fingers gripped the sheets as if she could hold herself together by force alone. Sleep came slowly, each blink heavy with exhaustion and a gnawing ache in her chest. But when it finally claimed her, Juliet let herself go completely, if only for a few hours, letting the heartbreak recede into the quiet of her room. fingers gripped the sheets as if she could hold herself together by force alone. Sleep came slowly, each blink heavy with exhaustion and a gnawing ache in her chest. But when it finally claimed her, Juliet let herself go completely, if only for a few hours, letting the heartbreak recede into the quiet of her room.
Tomorrow, the world would be waiting — Freddie, Cedric, Theo, classes, everything. But tonight, she let herself retreat, even if only for a little while, into the safety of solitude.
