The Boy Who Watches

Saturday morning at Hogwarts was particularly quiet. The students were enjoying a well-deserved rest after a hard week of studying, and Itachi and Theodore were preparing for their trip to Slanted Alley. They both realized that this was not just a walk, but an opportunity to stock up on potion ingredients, magic books, and other necessities.

Leaving the walls of Hogwarts, they moved into Slanted Alley. Itachi, as always, was calm and composed as he observed the lively atmosphere of this magical place. He saw wizards hurrying about their business, and he saw children admiring the storefronts. He understood that Slanting Lane was not only a place for shopping, but also the center of magical life, where everyone had their role and their secrets. He noticed strange looks, awkward movements, and unusual behavior, trying to remember them, and analyze them later, in silence. He could feel the magic, like invisible threads, binding all these people together, creating a complex and intricate pattern.

Theodore, unlike Itachi, was more open and curious, looking at the store windows with interest and asking Itachi to evaluate what he liked. Itachi appreciated this, realizing that Theodore, with his childlike directness, was allowing him to be distracted from his eternal vigilance.

They began their journey at the potions store, where Itachi carefully selected the ingredients, checking their freshness and quality. Theodore, watching his actions curiously, asked many questions, which Itachi answered calmly and patiently. He realized that Theodore, though cunning, was still a child learning about the world, and he wasn't about to deprive him of that pleasure.

Itachi paid special attention to some rare ingredients that he couldn't find at Hogwarts. He realized that they might come in handy in the future, and he didn't want to miss that opportunity. He also noticed some books on dark magic that were hidden on the back shelves of the store, but he decided to save them for later.

After the potions store, they went to the Florish and Blotts bookstore, where Itachi started looking for books on rare magic that could help him in his training. He used his Sharingan to quickly scan the shelves, and he found several books that he thought might be useful to him. Theodore was curious as always, but Itachi decided not to share his findings with him.

Itachi also visited a magic wand store where he decided to purchase a spare wand. He realized that his wand, though powerful, could break at the worst possible moment, and he didn't want to be left defenseless. He spent a long time choosing a wand, and finally he found one that he felt was perfect for him.

Itachi and Theodore also looked in a few stores with various magical artifacts, but Itachi didn't bother to buy anything. He realized that most of these artifacts were useless and that he would have to rely solely on his own powers. He also understood that you had to be very careful in this world, and that any artifact could be dangerous if used incorrectly.

On their way back, they stopped by the Fortescue Ice Cream Cafe for a little break. Itachi didn't show his emotions as usual, but Theodore, noticing his brooding, realized he was thinking about something.

"What are you thinking about, Itachi?" - Theodore asked, taking a bite out of his ice cream.

"I'm thinking about the future," Itachi replied, not taking his eyes off of what was happening outside. "I'm thinking about what's ahead of us, and how we should prepare for it."

Theodore nodded

"You know, Itachi," he said, taking a bite out of his ice cream, "I was wondering, do you have parents who are wizards like mine?"

Itachi, hesitating slightly, replied, "Yeah, my parents are wizards."

"Oh, cool!" - Theodore exclaimed. - "They must have taught you a lot, huh?"

Itachi, looking at him with a slight shadow of wistfulness in his eyes, replied, "Yes. They were... very talented. They taught me a lot, but not all of their lessons I like. They showed me power and the responsibility it entails."

Theodore, slightly embarrassed, decided to change the subject:

"What do you like to do when you don't have lessons?"

Itachi, after thinking for a bit, replied, "I like to read. And practicing."

Theodore smiled. "Well, that's understandable. But anything else? Maybe you, too, like me, want to become a great inventor? Or maybe you want to travel the world and search for rare artifacts?"

Itachi, after thinking for a bit, replied, "My goal is a bit different, but yes, I like to travel too... In my head, learning the history and culture of different peoples."

Theodore smiled again, realizing that Itachi wasn't as simple as he seemed.

"Ah, yes, Itachi," Theodore said, suddenly remembering. - "You're so good at flying a broomstick, aren't you! Have you thought about taking up Quidditch?"

Itachi shook his head. "No, I'm not interested in that."

Theodore, a little disappointed but not surprised, asked: "Have you, Itachi, ever... well... interested in girls?"

Itachi, raising an eyebrow slightly, replied, "No."

Theodore, with a smirk on his face, rested his chin on his hand as if he understood everything about Itachi. "Awww, I see, so gay then. Well, that's okay, it's nothing new these days."

Itachi froze for a moment. He hadn't expected such a question, and though he remained calm, his eyes narrowed slightly. He looked at Theodore carefully, trying to figure out if he was joking or being serious.

Theodore, noticing his reaction, laughed. "Come on, Itachi! I'm just kidding! It's just that usually, at our age, everyone is already looking at girls. And you, it's like you're from another world where that's not even accepted."

Itachi, remaining calm, replied, "I don't think love or affection is something that should be limited by gender. I believe that feelings are a personal matter for everyone."

"And No, you haven't offended me. I just don't think about those things right now."

Theodore, laughing, said: "Yeah, right. I mean, you're so mysterious. Or maybe you have a favorite professor? I, for one, have a lot of respect for Professor Flitwick. He's so... kind?"

Itachi replied, "I respect all the teachers, but I can't say I have a favorite. I try to learn from each of them, but I don't bow down to anyone. My parents taught me that only myself is the measure of my success. And that doesn't just apply to magic."

Theodore, realizing that he was once again at an impasse, decided to tease Itachi: "Yeah, well, you're so serious. Maybe you don't like ice cream either?"

Itachi, smiling faintly, replied, "No, I like ice cream."

Theodore, realizing that Itachi had opened up a bit, continued the conversation, asking questions about his favorite books, his attitude towards magic, and his plans for the future. Itachi, in turn, answered his questions calmly and judiciously, trying not to reveal his true thoughts and goals. He also told him that he liked to observe other mages and wizards, trying to understand their motives and intentions. He saw that every wizard had their own secrets, and that the world of magic was a much more complex thing than he had first thought.

They sat in the café for a long time longer, talking about all sorts of nonsense like normal kids do, but they both realized that these conversations were more than just idle chatter. They grew closer to each other, learning more about each other's personalities and views. They realized that they were different, yet it was as if they complemented each other, like two sides of the same shadow learning to interact together.

After a busy day in the Slanted Alley, Itachi and Theodore returned to Hogwarts. The air of the castle, always filled with quiet conversations and whispered spells, seemed a bit noisy to them after the relative quiet of the Scythe Alley.

On the way to the Slytherin Lounge, Theodore, still impressed by their conversation, quietly teased Itachi.

"You know, Itachi," Theodore whispered, barely containing his laughter, "maybe you just need some time to realize that girls are interesting too? Or maybe... maybe you like guys in armor?"

Itachi remained unperturbed as always, but a slight shadow of a smile seemed to slip across his lips as Theodore thought.

"Theodore," Itachi replied, "there's no need to waste time on idle talk. We need to prepare for future lessons."

Theodore, shrugging his shoulders, laughed. "Oh, right, of course. I mean, you're always so serious. But, to me, a little fun never hurt anyone!"

Itachi only shook his head, but remained silent. He understood that Theodore, with his youthful energy, sometimes needed a release, and he wasn't going to stop him from doing so.

As they approached the entrance to the Slytherin Drawing Room, they ran into Draco Malfoy and his entourage. Draco, seeing Theodore walking next to Itachi, smirked evilly.

"Look at that," Draco hissed, "our little Nott has completely forgotten who he is. Forgot that he's a pureblood wizard. Or maybe he wants to be a mudblood himself already?"

Theodore, rolling his eyes, replied, "Draco, there's no need to be so rude."

Draco, grinning contemptuously, shifted his gaze to Itachi. "And what did that mudblood promise you, Nott? Or did he just bribe you with his potions?"

Itachi, ignoring Draco, calmly walked past him, heading into the living room. This calmness, this deliberate detachment infuriated Draco even more. He couldn't stand being ignored. He couldn't stand Itachi acting like Draco was nothing more than an annoying fly.

"Hey, you mudblood!" - Draco shouted, his hand already clutching his wand, which he pointed at Itachi. - "Are you deaf? I'm addressing you!"

Theodore, seeing this, instantly snatched up his wand and with a cry of "Leave him alone, Draco!" pointed it at Draco. They both stood against each other, their wands pointed at their opponents, and you could feel the tension in the air, ready to explode.

"Stay out of this, Nott," Draco growled, keeping his eyes on Itachi. - "This is none of your business."

"Yes, it is mine!" - Theodore replied, his voice trembling, but he didn't lower his wand. "You're always looking for an excuse to hurt others!"

Crabbe and Goyle, who were standing behind Draco's back, watched as if mesmerized. They hadn't expected Theodore to dare confront their leader.

Itachi, noticing that the situation was getting more and more dangerous, turned to them and calmly said: "Theodore, that's enough. This is going nowhere."

Itachi quickly assessed the situation. He realized that if they started using spells in the hallway, it might attract the teachers' attention. He also realized that it wasn't worth wasting energy on useless arguments.

Theodore reluctantly lowered his wand, but didn't put it away. Draco, realizing he couldn't continue the conflict, snorted angrily and lowered his wand, but didn't put it away.

"You'll regret this, Nott," Draco hissed, glaring at Theodore. "You too, mudblood," Draco said, looking at Itachi. Draco turned around and headed into the living room with a disdainful look, and his minions hurried after him.

Theodore, looking at Itachi, said: "I'm sorry Itachi, I didn't mean to get you in trouble because of me."

Itachi looked at him with a slight shadow of a smile and replied, "It's not your fault, Theodore. But you should be more careful. You shouldn't waste your energy on those who don't deserve it."

After the incident with Draco, Itachi and Theodore returned to the Slytherin living room. The atmosphere there, as usual, was tense and full of underlying hostility, but they both tried to ignore it. They found a quiet corner and Theodore, still concerned about what had happened, started a conversation.

"I'm sorry, Itachi," Theodore said, his voice full of remorse, "Draco is acting like this because of me.

Itachi remained calm as always, but this time there was more than just detachment in his eyes. He looked at Theodore and said: "Theodore, you don't need to apologize. You did what you thought was right. And I appreciate your support."

Theodore looked at him in surprise. "Really? But I could get us in trouble because of me, couldn't I? Draco won't just let it go."

Itachi replied, "Draco is just a child fixated on his origins. His words have no meaning. And your actions say more about you than any words."

Theodore, calming down a bit, continued: "But why is everyone so fixated on blood purity? It's so stupid. Does ancestry define who you are?"

Itachi replied, "No, of course not. A person's true strength is not in their origins, but in what they do with their lives and how they treat others. Prejudice about blood purity is a foolish and pointless way to divide people."

Theodore nodded, agreeing with his words. "I've always thought so, but I was afraid to say it out loud. My family is also very stuck up about it, and I don't want them to know I think that way."

Itachi replied, "I understand. I can't always say what I think either. But now that we're alone, I want you to know that I value your friendship."

Theodore, encouraged by his words, suggested: "Let's promise each other that we will support each other no matter what happens. We will always protect each other, even if the whole world is against us."

Itachi, without hesitation, replied, "I agree. We will help each other in times of need and we will always trust each other."

They both looked into each other's eyes and felt their friendship grow even stronger and their alliance even more meaningful. Itachi, for his part, remembered that Theodore hadn't hesitated for a second in pointing his wand at Draco, despite his background, and realized that it was a sign of true friendship that he would treasure for the rest of his life.

They sat together for another long time, discussing their plans for the future, and they both realized that they were not alone. They knew that they had a friend who would always be there for them, and that together they could overcome any difficulties.

After talking about friendship and prejudice, Itachi and Theodore decided to take a little distraction and just enjoy each other's company. They began by discussing their plans for the future, but the conversation quickly turned to lighter topics.

Theodore, with his usual spontaneity, began to banter with Itachi, trying to make him laugh.

"You know, Itachi," Theodore said, winking at him, "I'm thinking maybe you should let yourself go a little? Being so serious all the time is so boring!"

Itachi, raising an eyebrow, replied, "What do you think I'm supposed to do? Jump around and scream with delight?"

Theodore laughed. "Well, at least smile a little. Or better yet, make a joke!"

Itachi, after thinking for a bit, tried to mimic Theodore's carefree tone, and said: "Hmm, why do you think Draco likes his platinum blond so much? Maybe because his brains are as white as his hair... I mean, as empty." Itachi finished his sentence and looked at Theodore with an unreadable expression, waiting for a reaction.

Theodore looked at Itachi after a bit of silence, as if he had said something very strange. "Uh... Itachi? Are you making a joke right now? That... Was weird."

Itachi, frowned, though it wasn't evident on his face. He realized that his attempt at a joke had failed, and he felt a little embarrassed. He wasn't strong on sarcasm like Theodore was.

Theodore, noticing his confusion, laughed. "That's okay, Itachi. It was funny, albeit a little weird. But it's still better than nothing!"

Itachi, smiling slightly, replied, "I just don't find it necessary to waste my humor on idle talk."

They continued to joke and laugh, discussing everything from the stupidity of the other students' behavior to the absurdity of certain magic spells. Theodore talked about his attempts to invent something new, and Itachi listened intently, trying not to miss a single detail. He realized that these conversations, though seemingly pointless, helped him relax and take his mind off his eternal vigilance.

Theodore, suddenly frowning, asked: "Itachi, have you ever wondered why Snape always looks at us like that? Like we owe him something."

Itachi replied, "Snape is a very complicated man. I try to analyze his behavior, but so far I can't understand his true motives."

Theodore, sighing, said: "And I just don't like him. He's always so sullen and angry. It's like he purposely wants to ruin our mood."

Itachi, nodding, replied, "Maybe. But everyone has their own reasons for behaving a certain way."

When it was getting late and there were hardly any students left in the living room, Theodore yawned.

"I guess it's time for bed," Theodore said, rising from his seat. "Otherwise we'll have to listen to boring lectures again tomorrow."

Itachi nodded. "Agreed. We need to get some rest before the new day."