She sat across from him with a piece of parchment lying flat on the table. He had one too. Slowly they swapped the parchment and read what the other wrote.
Hermione,
I don't know what to say. Part of me wants to apologize for going behind your back and buying the house and then getting the tickets. But I'm not sorry. I'm not sorry for buying a house that you, Fina, and Henry can call home. I'm not sorry for buying tickets to a play, which I didn't know was your favorite at the time, as idea for a date. I'm not sorry for wanting to go a date with a recently divorced woman before she even got her divorce. I'm not sorry for caring for your children as if they are my own. And I'm certainly not sorry for thanking Merlin everyday that Ronald Weasley is a cheating git.
Thanks to him, I now live in a house with a beautiful woman who was always too good for him and her amazing children who will always be too good for anyone. Thanks to him, I have a shot at a good future, even if it mainly revolves around the muggle world. I hate him a lot for the pain he caused you but I can't hate him that much since he's the owner of the sperm that created your children that I adore and the fact he drove you to me.
I also found out from my darling godson that there was no such thing as the letter project. Then I got the insight from George that you've always had some fascination with me. The feeling is mutual. I guess those late nights in the library and a couple History of Magic projects were worth hanging around you. I don't need an explanation, Hermione. I'm just thankful you did.
It's been two weeks since you came back into my life, Hermione Granger, and I can honestly say, and it's quite scary to me, that I am in love with you. I've never cared for someone as much as I care for you, and Fina and Henry too. If you'll have me, I'm yours.
Love, Theo
She didn't know what to say. She laughed at parts of the letter and was in tears by the end. He was hers.
Dear Theo,
Yes I will go with you to the Shakespeare play, or rather will you go with me? I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner. You've completely surprised me, and I say that in a good way. I never imagined life would be like this, but I'm glad it is. I wish you would've entered my life sooner but then there could've been a chance I wouldn't have Serafina and Henry, whom I love as much, though a little less actually than, you.
Yes, I love you Theodore Nott. I've fallen hopelessly in love you. The realization came sooner than I anticipated. I never meant to love you so quickly but you're a better man than I ever thought Ron Weasley was. I'm horrible with words, this is literally the worst explanation ever.
I have to be honest with you too. Fina never had a letter project. I found out your release was coming up and thought you could have little hope in your last days. I never expected to see you or for this to happen but I'm glad it did. I'm not glad you went to Azkaban or that you were there for so long.
I love Theo. I want you in our lives. You're good with my children and my children love you. You are the perfect guy for this family. If you'll have us, we're yours.
Love, Hermione
Theo looked up at the woman across from him. She loved him. They loved him. He loved her. He loved them. They could be happy. They could be a family. He wanted to kiss her. And he did at the kitchen table on Christmas night. He kissed her one more time outside her door before going to bed.
December 27, 2012
Dear Longbottoms, Scamanders, and Weasleys,
I didn't ask you this while I was around you because I didn't know how you'd respond, we weren't as well acquainted, and I hadn't talked to Hermione yet, but I didn't know what your plans for New Year's Eve were. As you probably know or remember, I am friends with Draco Malfoy and if you still read the Prophet every year Narcissa, his mother, throws a party and invites literally everyone via the Prophet. Narcissa's health is starting to take a turn and Draco really wants, needs, people to attend. He is aware of my relationship with her and of course extended the invitation to her and her friends. Your children are allowed to come too. Please do consider going. Owl me if you can or can't. You can floo or apparate here on the 31st around 6:30 if you choose to go. Dress code is elegant. I, and the Malfoys, would greatly appreciate your attendance.
Sincerely, Theo Nott
December 28, 2012
Dear Theo,
We'd love to go. It sounds fun, and I've heard around the Leaky Cauldron her parties are quite the thing. Neville and I will be at your place by 6:30. Neville also wants to know if you want to join the fantasy Quidditch league at the Leaky Cauldron.
Sincerely, Hannah Longbottom
December 28, 2012
Dear Theo,
I got Rolf to agree. Lorcan and Lysander will not be in attendance. They will stay with Rolf's family to let us have a personal night. We'll see you on the 31st.
Sincerely, Luna
December 28, 2012
Dear Mum & Dad,
I've given you time and now I'm giving you a choice. I know our relationship has been strained since the whole Australia thing and you weren't happy with me getting married young or getting a divorce or living with another man so soon after my divorce. You're probably going to say I've moved on too quickly now because I'm in love. Don't tell me I'm not because nothing you say can stop me from caring for this man.
His name is Theodore Nott and he is the man who lives with Serafina, Henry, and I. He loves me and he loves my children as if they were his own. He's a part of our lives that's not going to leave. That's your choice. You accept him and accept us and accept everything that is going on or we don't bother you anymore. I never wanted to do that butt you make me feel as if my family is a problem and I will not stand for that.
If you don't respond, I'll know your answer.
Hermione
December 26, 2012
Draco,
I love her. I told her I loved her last night. I kissed her too. I love her and I love her kids. I'm happy, brother. I'm happy and in love! I talked to Hermione today and she agreed, willingly I may add, to our attendance along with Serafina and Henry to your party. I'm going to owl her other friends tomorrow. Do I need to tell you who agreed to come? We'll be there sometime around or before 7.
Theo
December 27, 2012
Theo,
You're in love! I'm so proud of you, Theo. You are capable of emotions. No you don't need to tell me who can come. I'll see you in a few days dressed to the sevens because the nines are too much.
Draco
December 29, 2012
Theodorey,
Angie and I would be thrilled to go to this party. Fred and Roxy will not be in attendance. Angie and I are going to take advantage of the holidays. You should take note because with Fina and Henry around you and Hermione will have limited adult time. Though I suppose, with your new found feelings you are taking it kind of slow.
Speaking of adult time, Angie and I would like to offer our services of watching Fina and Henry when you and Hermione go on your date. Also, expect an angry Hermione when she gets home. You've been brought it up and some people are not happy. We're here for you guys.
Gotta stop writing because it's getting heated and I need to give this letter to Hermione before she leaves. Angie and I will see you in a couple days dressed and ready to party.
From your great friend, George
December 30, 2012
Dear Hermione,
I suppose we didn't and haven't acted the greatest. Your father and I are really sorry. We don't want you out of our lives or our only grandchildren. We'd like to meet the man has taken good care of you and the kids. He must be really wonderful if you're fighting to keep him. Maybe sometime for Sunday lunch?
Love, Mum
December 30, 2012
Hermione,
I don't want that Death Eater around our children. You can't raise them in a horrible environment that'll poison their minds. I don't even know how you landed one. I bet he's using you to get on society's good graces. Theodore Nott is just scum. Keep him away from Sera and Henrick or I will.
Ron