Hermione always believed in the power of punctuality and tidiness, even as she raced through the third-floor corridors. She had gotten lost in a detailed study of the lesser-known effects of wrakesbane root, making her completely forget about the conference. She agreed with Theo to meet half an hour early to go through all the expected questions and customs she might encounter. Now, with only five minutes left, she'd have to wing it.
The gargoyle nearly jumped from her path, letting her enter McGonagall's office uninterrupted. Theo was waiting for her, as was the Headmistress. She allowed them a couple of days ago to travel by Floo directly to Nott Manor, but only after a slew of questions that made Hermione dizzy. It still felt like she's been lying to all of her friends through these years.
Despite this, the old witch gave her a warm welcome, and after a moment, she uttered a spell that twisted around Hermione like a fresh breeze, smoothing out her clothes and cleaning off the sweat.
"I do certainly hope that despite all contrary evidence, you are well prepared for your first clash with the expectations of wizarding high society, Miss Granger." The witch remained well-composed, but Hermione knew that she must have been eager to fuss over her. "The games they play can be ruthless and treacherous to the uninitiated."
Hermione smiled. "I never back down from a challenge."
"That is exactly what I fear.'
Theo chuckled and the witch finally stood from her chair, and with a quick wave of her wand, she undid the sealing charm on the fireplace and levitated a small container of Floo powder to her hands. As Theo reached for it, she pulled away.
"Mister Nott, will I have to remind you of your responsibilities as paterfamilias?"
"No, Headmistress. I will do everything in my power to keep my family out of danger." There was a flash in Theo's eyes, that made her reconsider things.
Was it really a good idea to tempt fate and possibly anger pureblood society just to prove a point? She could've just gone back to being plain old muggleborn Hermione if she wanted to. Yes, she decided. It was like Ginny said, she had a second chance that should not be wasted.
"And you, Mister Malfoy?" McGonagall asked.
"No, Headmistress," came the answer from the corner, and Hermione's eyes snapped there immediately.
Draco stood in the shadows, leaning against the wall. He had changed from his regular school uniform to a perfectly fitted grey dress robe and dragonhide shoes that complimented his Seeker physique perfectly.
Why was he here?
Interrupting her stare, her old professor offered him the container, and he took the Floo to Nott Manor immediately. She gave a questioning look to Theo, but only received a wink as an answer.
She followed her brother through the flames.
She tried to go in with no expectations towards the Manor, but after the Malfoy's home, she was skeptical of all pureblood homes. Maybe the ceiling would collapse on her, or the walls would form a maze, or the paintings would scream, or-
She did not have time to finish that thought as they landed in the foyer.
The room around her was very much like the one in Wiltshire, but if it is even possible, it was more ominous. Dark marble, dark wood, and tinted windows made the otherwise huge space feel claustrophobic.
"A sickle for your thoughts?" Theo asked.
"The Manor is very…" He arched a brow at her. She took a deep breath. Here we go. "It's very cold, and it feels so confined I've half a mind to Reducto some of these windows to smithereens just to let some light in," she blurted out.
Theo chuckled for the second time of the day, and it made her feel better. It was a small noise, but when it came from the previously morose Slytherin, it meant the world.
"I wouldn't stop you if you tried. I already decided to redecorate, although I'd prefer to keep it more constructive. But who knows, maybe the shattered glass would only add to the appeal?"
"It is possible. We'd have to invest in some charms to keep the wind out and the glass pieces in place. I think I read about some stasis spell that could do the trick."
Before they could continue their playful banter, the fire roared again, and the other guests arrived.
Napthak looked like your typical goblin, short and crooked in more places she could count. The other man was old and lanky but wore impeccable dress robes.
Hermione now knew that the goblin was their advisor at Gringotts, provided by the bank only to the most exclusive clients. The other man, Mr. White, was the family solicitor.
After a brief introduction, they all moved to a different room, that had tea and some biscuits already prepared. She sat next to Theo and then tried not to shudder as Draco slipped into the chair to her right, effectively boxing her in. Maybe this was another custom they were supposed to go over?
Theo quickly started the discussion, jumping from point to point on Napthak's list of questions. He would sometimes exchange a look with the other Slytherin, after which Draco made a short comment, and then they continued, repeating the cycle.
Hermione did her best to follow the conversation, but wizarding legalese was out of her reach at this point. So her eyes wandered, sometimes watching his brother's face that did not convey a single emotion throughout, sometimes counting the crooks on the goblin's hands…
And sometimes, accidentally, she might have slipped some looks towards the man on her right.
He was still so impossibly blond and his grey eyes focused like he was observing his prey. His pointy features have somehow transformed into what she begrudgingly admitted to being chiseled. The scent of apples that always surrounded him had some deeper notes mixed in that tickled Hermione's nose.
She was in the middle of taking note of how his Adam's apple bobbed with every carefully composed answer, and how his jaw would tighten when faced with a tough question when she glanced up to his face. He was looking at her expectantly.
She blushed, and snapped her head the other way, only to find Theo looking at her as well.
"Do you have anything to add, Miss Granger, or can we conclude this meeting?" Mr. White asked.
What meeting? Oh, yes, the meeting. That meeting. The meeting she was currently sitting through.
"Yes, actually." After all these years, thankfully she knew how to compose herself quickly and efficiently. "Mr. White, I was wondering if it is possible to change my name to Hermione Nott?"
She had thought about this all week long. She loved her parents, but that love did not come from her surname. No, and it would be selfish on her part to keep a name for sentimental reasons and leave her brother as the last living Nott. But she did prefer Hermione to Dorothea, so Hermione Nott was the final solution that hopefully pleased everyone, herself included.
Both men stilled at her sides, so much so she could've sworn they stopped breathing altogether. She gave Theo's hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"Of course, Miss Nott. I shall submit the application first thing on Monday." Unlike her brother, the man was fully poised.
"When will the school be notified?" She asked. She knew she had to plan for the big reveal.
"It usually takes about a month for requests to go through unless we wish to help the process along."
A month seemed long, but there were so many things she had to learn before she could call herself at least semi-prepared for what's to come.
"A month is fine, thank you. I have nothing else to add."
"Then I call this meeting finished. Any documents and items agreed upon will be sent out by owl next week. Have a nice evening." Napthak stood, and slipped from the room as quickly as he could. Looks like the Manor felt just as hostile to everyone else.
Mr. White left the same manner, leaving the three of them behind. Draco stood to retrieve a bottle of Firewhiskey and three tumblers from some unseen corner. He poured, and she watched silently as Theo grabbed his glass, only to twist it in his palm and stare at the swirling liquid, then put it back on the table, without taking a sip.
"Are you sure?" he whispered, still not meeting her eyes.
"Yes. I have thought about it, and whatever feelings might tie me to my old name, I will not leave you as the last living Nott in the world. Nott a chance!"
Theo chuckled again, for the third time in a single day, and she loved every second of it.
A/N: So... I might have forgotten about the meeting last time. Sorry! Next time I swear we get to some tutoring!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Love,
LydieBerry