Disclaimer - don't own Harry Potter! All I got is this cold I brought back from vacation. ;-)
Now - Hogwarts and Theo gets scientific
Chapter Eleven
Theo loitered at the Hogsmeade Apparition point. He was early to meet Hermione for breakfast. While he was waiting, he let his mind replay their kiss from yesterday.
Their heads were bent together looking over her Arithmancy equations. Theo continued to be impressed by Hermione's brilliance. He was in the middle of a question when he turned his head to look at her. The look on her face made him stop speaking. Then she leaned in and kissed him. Her lips were soft and warm. Theo froze for a half second before kissing her back. As it became more heated, Theo pulled her out of her chair and into his lap. He needed to be as close to her as possible. Her scent and body heat swirled around him in the air. He was so focused on her, on feeling and experiencing her that he wasn't surprised he hadn't heard Marcus come in. One thing was for sure, Theo couldn't wait for a repeat.
Hermione appeared with Adrian at eight o'clock on the dot. Theo internally chided himself for forgetting that she couldn't Apparate on her own. He should've offered to pick her up rather than meet her.
Hermione looked sweet and professional in a gauzy teal pleated skirt that came past her knees. She had on a white top with a big bow near the neck as well as a small cream-colored sweater. Theo liked when she wore heels, like the tan ones she was wearing now, because it put her face a few inches closer to his own.
"I've brought you our witch, Nott." Adrian grinned. Hermione rolled her eyes, but managed to look amused. "Have a good day, kitten. I doubt I'll see you again today, but I do want to come to your Friday meeting so owl me the time."
"I will. Have a good day at work," Hermione smiled. Adrian leaned down and gave her a kiss before Apparating away.
Hermione turned to Theo with a big smile.
"Good Morning," she chirped. Theo was glad she was a morning person, because he was too.
"Good Morning, Mi." Theo reached out and took her hand. "I thought we could go to a place that opened a few years ago. I think you'll like it."
They walked down the street, holding hands. Theo talked about the new shops as well as the old ones that Hermione knew. She lit up at the sight of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, but of course, they didn't open until later in the day.
"Oh, they finally put in a book store!" Hermione enthused. Theo had brought her to a stop in front of Bronzed Eagle Books.
"It opened a few years ago and they have a little cafe that serves a decent breakfast," Theo said, opening the door for her.
Theo watched Hermione pause and take in her surroundings. It was a good book store created by someone who loved books. The walls were Ravenclaw blue with bronze accents. There were large windows and shelves of books.
"You can browse after breakfast." Theo smiled and pulled her toward the cafe in the back. Theo held out a chair for his witch and sat across from her.
"How was your date last night?" Theo asked.
"Wonderful," she smiled, "and entirely romantic."
"That's Ades for you," Theo chuckled. Theo could be romantic, but Adrian seemed to have an innate sensibility for it. Aesthetics, beauty, and sentiment were priorities in his life, so he was very good at romance. To Theo, a romantic date would be bringing flowers and taking a witch to a lecture.
"There was something that came up that I wanted to talk to you about." She looked worried and Theo reached across the table to take her hand.
"You can talk to me about anything, Mi. You know that right?"
Hermione nodded, but still looked a little worried. She was biting her bottom lip, so Theo leaned across the table to brush his thumb over her lips. She smiled then.
Theo didn't notice anyone approaching the table until two menus dropped unceremoniously between him and Hermione. Theo looked up and groaned inwardly. He'd dated this waitress for about three months, but she hadn't really held his interest so he stopped seeing her a month ago. For a Ravenclaw and a generally smart witch, she had been pretty stupid about their breakup. She had denied that he was allowed to end things with her, insisting that she had a say in the decision as well. He knew she worked here, but she never had the morning shift. She was not a morning person and definitely looked out of sorts now.
"Good Morning, Lisa," Theo said casually, leaning back in his chair. "This is Hermione Granger. Hermione this is Lisa Turpin."
"Theo's girlfriend," Lisa hastily added, venom dripping from her voice.
"You're not my girlfriend," Theo contested, still speaking calmly. "We stopped dating a month ago. We can go elsewhere for breakfast."
They both stood and Theo extended his hand to Hermione. They started to walk away when a voice interrupted them.
"Hermione? Is that you?"
They turned to see Penelope Clearwater rushing across the store.
"Penny?" Hermione responded, smiling at the blonde.
"It is you!" Penelope reached Hermione and gave her a big hug. "I read in the paper that you were back. You look so good! Are you here for breakfast? How do you like my store?"
Hermione gushed about Penelope's store and the two witches chatted for a few minutes.
Theo took a moment to pull Lisa aside. He made it clear that she was being insane and that he wanted nothing to do with her. She had been owling him and trying to visit him at work, which he ignored. He could handle Lisa's crazy, but he wouldn't tolerate the mad bint making Hermione uncomfortable. Theo was generally a passive person, with a tendency to float along contentedly and not let much bother him. However, he had a limit, and when it was crossed, he became a totally different person. Blaise had given angry-Theo the nickname Hurricane, because the recipients of Theo's wrath couldn't stand it for long and Theo destroyed everything in his path. Lisa had never seen him like that, few people had, so after a few minutes she was just standing slack-jawed and speechless.
Theo walked away from her and back to his witch, who was laughing with Penelope.
"Theo, Penny wants to order us her recommended breakfast. Do you mind?"
"Sounds good." Theo smiled a little stiffly. He slid his arm around Hermione's waist and felt better. When he did get angry, it took him a while to calm down again. Like a Hurricane, there was little use trying to control it and there was nothing to do except let itself blow itself out.
Penelope happily went back to the kitchens and Hermione led Theo back to their table. She sat next to him, rather than across from him, which Theo appreciated.
"Okay?"
"Yeah." Theo nodded and sighed. "The guys always say I let things go too easily. I dated that witch for a couple months, but broke it off a month ago. She didn't agree with my decision, owled, and came by my office. I may be laid back, but I'm no push over. I'm not going to keep seeing someone I don't want to see. I just ignored her. But today she made me angry. I think she's finally got the picture."
"I'm glad you worked it out," Hermione said. "I imagine any witch would be quite upset to lose you."
Theo grinned and reached to squeeze her hand.
"I like that you are laid back," she continued. "You do get intense about ideas and your work. But not everyone needs to get worked up over everything. It's an admirable trait to be calm and not easily flustered. I can't imagine you being a push over, though."
Theo leaned over and kissed her softly.
"Thank you," Theo smiled. He was glad she understood. Adrian could be intense and Draco was never laid back about anything. Marcus had his relaxed moments, but he was about as subtle as a rampaging ogre. "Now, what did you want to talk about?"
Hermione opened her mouth, but was interrupted when Penny brought them their breakfast. They each had a piece of quiche, sausage, fruit, and tea. Penny left them, asking them not to hesitate to call her if they needed anything. Theo watched Hermione pour them tea, adding what they each liked, cream for her and lemon for him. He would wait.
"So, a certain... phenomena has occurred twice now," she said, sipping her tea. "It happened yesterday with Marcus in the afternoon and then with Adrian last night."
She paused and bit her lip again. Theo had a pretty good idea what she was talking about.
"Marcus mentioned yesterday that your magic reacted strongly when the two of you were...alone together," Theo said.
"He told you about that?" Hermione blushed.
"He didn't go into details, but he was worried," Theo explained. Her brow furrowed and she looked concerned. "He was afraid it meant that your magic doesn't like him, or that part of you, deep inside didn't like him."
"That's ridiculous!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Great big wizards like Marcus get insecure too, Mi," Theo gently chided. She looked thoughtful, so Theo continued. "When it happened last night with Ades, was it in the same context, when you...you know."
"Had an orgasm? Yes." Hermione's eyes danced with amusement. Theo rolled his eyes at her teasing.
"Do you think it's your unregulated magic getting expressed because it finally has the opportunity to do so?" Theo was analyzing this as they spoke. "I mean, you are doing a good job of trying to suppress these unintended outbursts and, so far, your control has been impressive. You haven't allowed yourself to use magic or to fully relax. But in those situations with Marcus and Ades, you let yourself go, there was no control."
"So the magic finally had a way out," Hermione nodded. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"We should do an experiment," Theo said, thinking of the variables, "Recreate parts of the situation and see what happens.
"You want to make me come?" Hermione's eyes were twinkling with amusement again, that and lust.
"No! Well, yes," Theo was blushing. "That's not what I was going to suggest though. I was wondering if the same thing would happen if you did it yourself."
"Hmm. I don't know." Hermione looked thoughtful. "I haven't done that in a while."
"So, we'll take some time later and see what happens," Theo decided.
Hermione nodded and they set about finishing their breakfast. Hermione only had a few minutes to browse before they had to meet Percy and Bronwyn. The pair from the Ministry was waiting near the Apparition point and the four of them walked up to Hogwarts.
When they reached the front door, Headmistress McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Hermione!" the older witch enthused, coming out to embrace Hermione. Theo smiled. McGonagall had always had a soft spot for her brilliant student.
"Minnie!" Hermione responded in kind. "It's so good to see you!"
"Come in, come in, all of you," the Headmistress gestured. "Mr. Nott and Mr. Weasley, welcome back to Hogwarts."
Hermione introduced Bronwyn, who for once was schooling her features and behaving herself. The school was fairly quiet since it was the first week in June, final exam week. Most students were sitting for exams during the morning and then may have another that afternoon.
McGonagall showed them to a room they never knew existed, a faculty research room off the library. Theo grinned because Hermione seemed a little miffed that there was something about the Hogwarts library she didn't know. It made sense though. Theo rarely saw professors using the library and it stood to reason they would need to.
Madame Pince glided in, a pile of books in her arms to add to the already considerable stack on the table. Theo knew Hermione and the librarian came to an understanding after the war. Pince had never appreciated Hermione sneaking in after hours and taking or accessing books that she was not yet allowed to read. After the battle at Hogwarts though, Hermione returned to find a tearful Madam Pince sorting through the rubble, trying to create some semblance of order. Hermione spent hours of her free time that summer helping to inventory and assess the damage. When the school year started, the library looked almost back to normal. Despite her full workload, Hermione would take damaged books to restore. Theo remembered teasing her about her excessive reading and she'd explained the situation to him. He felt a little bad. He hadn't considered the extent of the damage. Since everything looked close to fine, he'd assumed it was. Theo got really good at repair and restoration charms that year.
McGonagall invited them all to have lunch in the Great Hall later, and then left them to their business.
Percy and Bronwyn presented maps of possible locations they'd found for the rituals. Theo listened for a while, but he was finding he really hated the Bronwyn chit and her shrill voice. He began imagining her hitting on Marcus, which the other wizard had described in detail to him and Draco at the pub the night before. Theo started chuckling at the memory of Draco's impression of the American witch as he clutched at Marcus, making filthy propositions in what was actually a reasonable copy of Bronwyn's accent and voice. Theo covered up his laughter with a fake cough and got up to look out the window.
The lake glittered not far below, the giant squid splashing happily in the shallows.
"Why isn't Hogwarts on the list?" Theo interrupted the others. "It's a good location for the ritual. There is a body of water and is a naturally magical location, which is why they built the school here."
"It isn't public nor is it Ministry property," Bronwyn said, her tone implying that Theo was slow. "During the school year, the Ministry is forbidden from holding non-school related events on the grounds, for the safety of the children."
Theo rolled his eyes.
"The Headmistress will give Hermione permission to do anything she wants here," Theo returned, staring down the witch. "If Hermione took a notion to run illegal dragon races out of the Astronomy tower, McGonagall would just ask that she try to keep the noise down."
Hermione scoffed.
"Percy," Theo continued, "Expand the search to include private property. Between the Granger, Potter, and Malfoy names there is nowhere we can't go. People that won't give the Ministry the time of day will accept a request from one of them."
The four got back to work. Pince had already organized the books by likely pertinence and then by age of the book. It was actually very helpful and sped up the research process.
A few owls arrived as they worked. Hermione got feedback from her old Arithmancy Master, Selma Turan, which had a few suggestions about how to fine-tune some of the equations to possibly make them more accurate. Master Turan also reported that she insisted on coming to be of assistance and support Hermione through these rituals. She groaned softly.
"Not excited to see your friend?" Theo asked quietly.
"It's not that." she grinned wryly. "I can't have guests when I am a guest myself. Spinner's End is not that big. I was just thinking yesterday that I need to get my own place. Severus is wonderful and I know there are lots of people I could stay with, but I'm tired of living out of suitcases and boxes. Next week I can take some time to go house hunting."
"Remember that you have an assistant now," Theo reminded her. He didn't want her doing too much and over extending herself. She may not look it, but she was fragile at the moment. "Percy can gather information for you."
Percy looked up at the mention of his name.
"It's my job to help you, 'Mione," Percy scolded. "You don't want me to look bad do you?"
Hermione chuckled, but agreed. Percy was going to contact some realtors and put together information about available properties for her to look at after the ritual. Hermione expressed her desire for something with a cozy cottage feel to it. Theo reminded her that she would have what basically amounted to a husband, possibly two, in less than three weeks. Any home she bought would have to be big enough for an unusually large family. Plus, Hermione wanted rooms for guests.
Hermione also gave Percy a list of people to owl, inviting them to the last planning meeting the Friday afternoon before the ritual. One of the earlier owls had been from Potter. He'd offered Grimmauld Place for the meeting, since they would already be there tomorrow morning using the library.
The rest of the morning went by smoothly. Theo lost focus a few times, but not very often. He was a diligent scholar, but the idea of observing Hermione 'experiment' to see if she could create a magical discharge on her own was exceptionally distracting. He was also trying to think of an impressive date, even though he had yet to ask her out. He knew Draco and Marcus had booked her next two evenings. From what Draco said last night at the pub, Hermione was in for an amazing evening. Theo knew he wouldn't be able to compete with the exciting dramatics Draco had planned. He also knew that he wasn't ever going to be able to pull off anything as romantic as Ades would do. Theo sighed. It wouldn't work to try to emulate one of them. He had to be true to his own style. He and his friends had different personalities and they were each playing to their own strengths; Theo would do the same.
OoOoO
Hermione was startled when Theo told her it was time to break for lunch. The morning had gone by so quickly. She stretched and put away her things. She would come back to them that afternoon. On the way down to the Great Hall, Percy caught her attention.
"I know you're busy, 'Mione," Percy began, looking a little embarrassed, "but Mum, Dad, and George are very eager to see you. They were hoping you would have time to see them next week."
"Why not Saturday?" Hermione offered. "Are they free then? We can meet somewhere for lunch."
"But Saturday is the ritual," Percy said, looking confused.
"Not until five o'clock," Hermione reminded him. "I can't just sit and wait all day, the anticipation will kill me. Besides, I'd really like to see them before, in case...in case it doesn't go well."
Hermione noticed Theo stiffen at her comment.
"It will go well," Percy stated confidently.
"You all have read about the unsuccessful rituals, just like I have," Hermione said seriously. "I think we have a good plan and are getting as prepared as we can be, but it would be silly to ignore a real possibility, even if it is unlikely. My point is, see if they are free on Saturday around noon please, Percy."
The redhead nodded. Hermione sighed. She hadn't meant to make them so glum, even though Bronwyn didn't look affected by the idea of Hermione turning into goo. Theo took her arm and tucked it into his and the group walked silently the rest of the way.
The Great Hall was buzzing with students, all sitting and talking, waiting for lunch. When Hermione and Theo entered, followed by Percy and Bronwyn, the room became silent. Hermione began to feel a little self-conscious. She was just a student here four years ago. She'd been here with the current fifth, sixth, and seventh year students. Theo gave her a little tug and she kept walking toward the faculty table where Minnie was waving her. Hermione stopped thinking of the students and surveyed the staff tables at the front. Minnie was beaming at her. Hermione knew her old mentor would be happy to see her. Hagrid was clearly holding himself back from running across the hall toward her. She smiled. She had missed Hagrid. Severus and Lucius Malfoy were also at the table. There were two empty seats between Minnie and Severus and another two over between Professors Flitwick and Trelawney. Hermione headed straight for the seats by the Headmistress. Minnie stood.
"Now that everyone is here, we shall begin," the Headmistress announced. As soon as she sat back down, platters of food appeared on all the tables.
It was so nice to be back at Hogwarts. Lunch was good, as usual, and Hermione was able to catch up with her old professors. They asked for stories about the places she'd been, people she'd met, and things she'd learned since she'd been gone. Professor Vector wanted to meet another time to discuss advances in Arithmancy. Hagrid also invited Hermione to come for tea. Similarly, Hermione wanted to hear all the news about the school over the years.
After lunch was over, Minnie, Severus, and Lucius accompanied them back to their research room. Percy left after lunch to study maps of private land for possible ritual sites. Bronwyn stayed. Hermione had to admit that the annoying witch was better today. She continued to challenge and question Hermione at every turn, but Hermione thought that was a good thing. Most people working on this project with her were her friends, and Hermione was afraid they might keep some comment or criticism to themselves because they didn't want to upset her. Bronwyn had no such issue.
Hermione explained that they needed two people to perform the ritual and asked Minnie to be one of them. The Headmistress was honored and agreed. Hermione officially asked Lucius to be the other, although with less enthusiasm. There were spells they would need to practice and preparations they would need to make for Saturday. Severus gave them copies of the ritual they'd drafted thus far to study.
Theo asked about using Hogwarts grounds for the ritual and Minnie agreed without reservation. Hogwarts was their first choice so far, unless Percy uncovered a better site. They discussed the ritual in general for a while, and then Minnie had to get back to work. Severus and Lucius also left.
Hermione surveyed the few books that remained. She wondered if they'd found all that they could. Theo and Bronwyn focused on the books, while Hermione reworked some Arithmancy equations and did some additional problems for new information.
While she was working, she got several owls. Percy confirmed lunch with Arthur, Molly, and George for Saturday. They'd meet in Hogsmeade at noon. The next owl was from Adrian. He wanted to let her know that he was thinking about her and that he missed her. Marcus' owl contained a similar sentiment, but his language made her blush. Draco's owl was the last one. He said to meet him at the Three Broomsticks at six and not to bother going home to change. Hermione liked an occasional evening at the pub as much as the next witch, but she thought Draco would plan something more impressive for their first date.
Hermione tried to focus on the work, but she found Theo distracting. He was bent over several books, parchments scattered around him. He'd left a quill behind his ear again and his collar was crooked. Hermione found him so attractive, especially at times like this when he was intent on his work. He was a wonderful kisser. She couldn't watch him writing without imagining what those long, tapered fingers could do to her. Hermione sighed, drawing Theo's attention.
Theo smirked at her and Hermione knew she blushed a little bit.
"Come on, Mi," Theo said, standing up and extending his hand. "You need a break."
Theo turned to Bronwyn.
"Go ahead and wrap up what you're doing," he instructed. "Meet us tomorrow morning at Grimmauld Place. Percy knows how to get there."
Theo pulled Hermione out of the room and then away from the library, away from a scowling Bronwyn.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked, as he led them toward what had always been a mostly unused wing of the castle.
"To do an experiment," Theo smiled.
"Now?" Hermione was blushing now, she was certain.
"Why not?"
Theo set about opening a few doors, looking for something. Finally, he found a room he approved of and pulled Hermione inside, grinning. It was an old classroom that was clearly unused. There was a teacher's desk and a few student desks; otherwise, the room was empty.
Theo put his hands on her hips and lifted her onto the big teacher's desk. He stood in front of her, cradled between her parted legs. He ran his hands over her thighs, still covered by her skirt.
Hermione pulled him forward, leaning to kiss him. Theo kissed her back. He ran his tongue along her lips and she parted them. She caressed his tongue with her own and pulled him closer. Now, he was pressed firmly between her thighs. Hermione didn't want to release his lips for anything. Theo was exploring with his hands as they kissed. He ran his hands up and down her back, over her arms, up her torso, and finally to her breasts. He pulled off the light cardigan sweater she'd worn and then he unbuttoned her shirt. His long fingers danced along her bare skin and he palmed her breasts through the thin bra she wore.
Hermione moaned into his mouth. She rocked her hips against him a little, making him moan as well. His fingers began to pluck at her sensitive nipples. Theo's hands, everything about him, felt so wonderful. Hermione rocked her hips into him harder, with more purpose. She wanted him so badly. Working with him for days on end had been wonderful, but frustrating.
One of Theo's hands disappeared from her breast and began making its way up her skirt. He stroked her thighs, and then toyed with the edge of her knickers.
Theo leaned back and broke their kiss. Hermione moaned at the loss of his lips and tongue. He maneuvered her knickers down her legs. Hermione saw the gauzy lavender fabric disappear into his pocket. He brought his hand back up her skirt and lightly teased her wet slit.
"Mmmmm, so wet," Theo groaned. Hermione pressed herself into his hand, wanting more.
All of a sudden, Theo was gone. He'd taken several steps backwards, away from her. Hermione immediately felt the loss of him and looked at him, confused.
"The point of the experiment is for you to do it yourself," Theo reminded her. He sat at one of the student desks, as if eagerly awaiting a lecture. "I'm just here to observe."
Hermione suddenly felt shy and she blushed. She didn't think she'd ever brought herself off in front of anyone before.
"Pull your skirt up, Mi," Theo instructed. His voice was rough with lust, but firm. "I want to see you."
Hermione did as he said; his tone making her more aroused.
"Now reach your hand down and touch yourself," he continued sternly. Hermione obeyed. "That's good. Do you feel how wet you are?"
"Yes," Hermione sighed, feeling a little breathless. She was already so worked up from the earlier kissing and touching.
"Put your fingers inside yourself. Yes, just like that. I bet you feel so good. I can't wait to be inside you, Mi. Do you want that? Do you want me inside you?"
"Yes," she groaned. She wanted him now. She wanted him to shag her right there on the desk.
"I bet you have the most perfect little quim," Theo moaned. His words made her wetter. She was quickly pumping her fingers inside her channel now. "I bet it's wet and tight. Isn't it, Mi? I bet you'll squeeze my cock perfectly, won't you?"
"Yes," she panted. She brought her free hand up to her breasts and began caressing and pulling gently on herself.
"Pull your bra down, Mi," Theo ordered, his voice gravelly. "Let me see your beautiful tits."
Hermione did as he said. She pinched and squeezed her exposed nipple, watching him. His eyes were dark and almost feral looking. His hands moved under the desk and she knew that he'd freed himself from his trousers. She wished she could see him stroke himself.
"Make yourself come, Mi. Picture me fucking you right on that desk." She began rubbing her clit hard. "I'd push my cock into that wet, sweet little pussy of yours. It'll feel so good. I would pump in and out of you, hard. You'd want me to go hard, wouldn't you? I'd hold your legs up, putting your ankles on my shoulders so I could pound into you. Your beautiful tits would bounce as we fucked and you would scream for me. You would scream my name as you come."
Hermione did come, screaming his name just as he said. She loved every naughty thing he said. Again, a white light of magic shot out of her in all directions and Hermione wasn't able to bask in the glow of her orgasm. She was looking around, assessing for damage her magic had done.
"Theo! Are you okay?" she asked urgently. He was in his seat, head thrown back.
"I don't think I've ever come so hard in my life," he groaned. "Merlin, that was fantastic."
Hermione looked around and didn't see anything amiss. She was beginning to calm down, to think that maybe everything was all right, when the desk she sat on gave way.
"Oof!" Hermione slid awkwardly into the center of the broken desk. It looked as if it had been sawed in half, right down the center.
"Mi! Are you okay?" Theo jumped up and tucked himself back into his trousers.
"Fine, fine," she huffed as she let Theo help her out of the broken desk. She stood and set to buttoning back up her shirt. Theo picked up her sweater for her.
"Well, I guess we have strong evidence that whenever I orgasm, my magic shoots out destructively," she said, frowning.
"Not entirely," Theo grinned. She looked at him, waiting for him to explain. "You made me come too."
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, but that doesn't really-"
"No," Theo interrupted, chuckling. "I was enjoying myself, but I wasn't close to coming. I was still several minutes away, most likely. Your magic though, when it went through me, I was coming too and couldn't have turned back if I wanted to."
"I'm not sure what to make of that," Hermione said honestly.
"I will hypothesize that your magical discharge is a happy, loving magic," Theo responded, smiling. "The intensity might damage something you were touching, but it makes other people around you as happy as you are."
Hermione pondered it. Marcus had come when it happened and Adrian had just come a few seconds earlier. So far, no one had been really hurt, but she was still going to be careful.
Hermione wondered if it was going to be an issue on her date with Draco. Probably. She'd had a tiny secret crush on the Slytherin Prince for ages. There were years of pent up frustration, combined with the fact that no one could get under her skin and drive her mad like Draco could. If that didn't lead to sexual tension, she didn't know what did.
Next - Dramione abounds