Theodore Nott sat on his bed sneering into nothing as he nursed his bruised cheek with a pack of ice. Damn his bastard father. Theo's father, Remington Nott, had caught Theo being kind to the house elves and flew into a rage. He had demanded to know why he was treating such abominable creatures with care and if he wanted to be kind to elves, he'd treat him as such.
Remi had then purposely demanded Theo to recite the Nott family line knowing he'd make a mistake and when Theo had mentioned his sister like Remi knew Theo would, he struck Theo across the face, hard enough to leave his handprint.
"Do I need to remind you again that you have no sister?" He had said.
"No, father," Theo had said through clenched teeth, avoiding rubbing his cheek. If he had, it would've been a sign of weakness and he didn't want to get struck once more by his father.
Theo closed his eyes and exhaled harshly through his nose. A knock broke through his thoughts and he sighed.
"Enter," he said gruffly.
When he saw the sight of his mother peeking in through the door, Theo let a breath of relief escape him and he gave her a smile.
Amelia Nott smile sadly at her son and took a seat next to him, pulling him into her comforting embrace.
"My sweet boy," she said stroking his brown hair that was currently not gelled to perfection. "I'm so sorry."
Theo pulled away and shook his head. "No, mum, if you helped me, father would have hurt you as well."
"Darling, you know there is nothing I wouldn't do for my children. I know that you don't believe any of your father's teachings, but please, for the sake of my weak heart, just appease him for now. I hate you getting hurt because you decide to rebel."
"I thought you'd be pleased," he muttered, reapplying the ice pack to his face.
Amelia smiled and took out her wand. Gently, she removed the ice pack from his hand and did a healing spell. "Believe me when I say I am absolutely pleased and proud of you that you know right from wrong. That despite what your father," she cringed at the term. "Had been telling you, you still know it's complete rubbish."
"Let's not forget who taught me right from wrong. Plus why would I ever believe anything that man says to me?"
"Ah but do not sell yourself short. It's hard to believe something else when you are repeatedly taught differently and in a manner that would've forced you to believe it no less."
"I know mother, but it's easy to ignore something when you know deep down it's wrong. Plus, I have people who teach me what to and not to believe."
Amelia smiled lovingly at her son. "Would you like to accompany me today?"
Theo scoffed and rolled his eyes, "As if you really had to ask. Seriously, mum, you should know by now that I will always go."
They both headed down to the room where their floo was situated and with a burst of green flames, the arrived at Spinner's End.
Theo was immediately engulfed into a big hug and chuckled. "Come on now, you do this every time." Suddenly, Theo was pushed away and he let out a hearty laugh when he saw the glare on his sister's face.
"You're a prat. I don't get to see you except for these 3-hour visits, sorry if I just miss my little brother," she snapped.
Theo grinned and shook his head. His wonderful, feisty sister that was practically a carbon copy of their mother. Her hair, just like his and their mum's, was brown but when hit with sunlight, becomes honey brown and gold. Her skin, just like their mum's, was perfect and pale. While Theo had their mother's blue eyes, Hermione had their father's firewhisky colored ones. However, while Hermione had their mum's delicate features, Theo had his father's aristocratic ones.
"I was just joking. You know I missed you," Theo sighed, pulling his sister into another hug.
"I missed you too, little brother."
"I'm only 7 months younger," Theo pouted.
"Ahh, that's because you decided to turn up 2 month's early, darling," Amelia grinned.
"Mum!" Her daughter cried and ran into her open arms.
"Oh, Hermione, I've missed you so much, love."
"I miss you too, mum," Hermione smiled sadly. Amelia stroked her daughter's face and planted a kiss on the top of her head.
"Where is your godfather? I must speak to him before you two start your lessons."
"He should be in the basement brewing some potions," Hermione said.
Amelia nodded and pulled her daughter and son to the couch so they could all catch up. Theo enjoyed watching his mother and sister chat animatedly together. They both shared that passionate attitude once they got going on a topic, but he also liked how much they looked alike and were alike. His mother and sister were both caring and beautiful people and at times like these did Theo really hate his bastard father.
When Amelia was betrothed to Remi while they had still been attending Hogwarts, she never thought that underneath that sweet facade, was a horrid man. At first, they got along nicely, but when one thing led to another and Amelia had fallen pregnant, Remi had demanded the child be aborted as having a 'bastard child' out of wedlock and when they haven't even finished school was unacceptable. Amelia fought him on it, but when he had threatened to take matters into his own hands, she agreed– except she didn't. Instead she sought out the person she trusted the most and he helped her conceal the pregnancy. When she had given birth, it had been in the same home they were currently in with a team of healers who had to be obliviated after. If word had gotten out that there was another Nott Heir, Remi would no doubt stop at anything to make sure the child could not taint his reputation. So for now, the only people who knew about Hermione Nott was Theo, their mother, and Hermione's godfather.
Theo snuck away from the conversation and went to the kitchen for a glass of water but watched them from a distance with a longing look. He wished he had gotten to spend more time with his sister and he wished his sister had gotten to spend more time with them– especially his mother. Though, sometimes Theo thought that maybe it was for the best. He hated thinking what his father would have subjected her to. She was safe and that's all that mattered to him.
"How is your mother these days?" A low voice said from behind him, causing him to jump a little. Theo turned around and glared at the smirk plastered on Severus Snape's face.
"Hey, Uncle Sev," Theo drawled. Despite Snape being Hermione's godfather, it was weird not to address him as Uncle Sev as well, plus Snape didn't mind either. In fact, Theo would hazard a guess that he cared for him and his sister as if they were his own children. After all, he was more like their father than Remi would ever be. Instead, Theo had the misfortune of having Lucius Malfoy as his godfather. Not that the man was abusive like his father, but he was as every bit the pureblood supremacist his father was and made sure that Theo and Lucius' only child knew what it meant to be a pureblood. Draco Malfoy, Theo's best friend and Lucius son, idolized his parents Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Unlike Theo's mother, Narcissa was a devoted pureblood wife. She believed in pureblood ideologies whereas Amelia couldn't care less about it. She thought everyone was equal and blood was blood that flowed through the veins to keep us alive, not something that defined us or our magical abilities.
Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy were loving parents, that was clear– well in private– but Draco idolized them and followed their teachings of pureblood ideologies. Theo didn't agree with him on the inside but for the sake of keeping up his appearance and not risking punishment, Theo played along but always wanted to roll his eyes when Draco would ignorantly parrot whatever tripe his parents taught him. If there came a time where it was revealed that Theo didn't give a damn about pureblood supremacy and Hermione was revealed to be his sister, Theo couldn't care for people who won't accept them– friendship be damned. Though, he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Draco Malfoy was Theo's best friend alongside Blaise Zabini, and it would hurt if they decided that their stupid beliefs got in the way of that.
"Mother's getting weaker. She acts strong but I know it could be any day now," Theo sighed. His mother's heart was weak and he as well as Hermione and Snape knew that she would soon be on her death bed. It was one of the reasons he hated that Hermione was only able to spend so little time with her. Theo honestly couldn't fathom life without his mother. He loves her and his sister more than life itself and he knew that soon, there will come a time when they'd have to say goodbye to their mum. He'd be left in the care of his abusive father but Theo knew that Snape would always look out for him and his sister. He knew his mother would die happy knowing there was someone who would love, care, and protect her children when she was gone. However, what Theo nor Hermione knew was that the reason their mother was dying, the reason her heart was weak, was weak due to a dark curse inflicted on her by her loving husband who had caught her plotting to take Theo and run away.
Snape placed a comforting hand on Theo's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Theodore."
"Me too," he whispered as they watched his mother and sister laughing about some nonsensical thing. "I'm more sorry that Hermione never had more time with her."
"Hermione said as much. She looks like she's keeping everything together but at night when she goes to sleep, she'll clutch that locket of hers and cry of how unfair everything is."
"It is unfair."
"Would you and Hermione like to skip the Legilimency and Occlumency lessons today?"
Theo looked up at Snape. "I think we should talk about what will happen when we go off the Hogwarts."
Snape smiled and nodded. "That's an excellent idea."
They both made their way to Hermione and Amelia and sat comfortably on the couches.
"I think, it best we discuss what will happen in the coming months," Snape started. "Theodore, you are turning 11 in just a few days. By July, you and Hermione will have received your Hogwarts letter and when the day comes to depart, we must make sure everything is set in place."
"What do we tell people? What will Hermione tell people?" Theo asked worriedly, clasping his sister's hand.
"It is crucial no one finds out about Hermione's lineage– especially your father. I've spoken to Albus Dumbledore and we've come up with a story," Snape said pointedly. "Hermione will play the role of a muggle-born. Her parents are Wendell and Monika Granger, both dentists and not very supportive of her being a witch. The fewer questions about them, the better. I will work with Hermione on how to play the role of a muggle-born. You, Hermione, will be knowns as Hermione Jean Granger instead of Hermione Amelia Nott. Albus and I have forged up documents in the case that a situation arises and things must be authenticated. But please, for your brother, mother, and my sanity, try to keep on the low."
Our Occlumency and Leilimency lessons will continue at Hogwarts as well. You two have been superb and I want to keep strengthening your skills. We will have lessons every other night and it'll also give us the opportunity to, what muggles say, 'catch up' as both Hermione and Theo must limit their interaction– especially in public. Theo, you still need to keep up your persona as a pureblood enthusiast. I do not want word to go around that you are tolerant of muggles, only to keep Remi away."
"I'll do anything just to keep him away and to keep Hermione safe," Theo declared. Snape gave him a small smile and Amelia gave him an affectionate hug. "Wait, but if Hermione is playing the role of a muggle-born, what if she becomes targeted by the Purebloods in Slytherin?" Theo asked distressed. "I won't be able to protect her then or stand up for her!"
Snape sighed. "Yes, that may happen, but Theo, you must remember to play your part. Doing so is still protecting her. As for being sorted into Slytherin...I'm afraid we'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it. We don't know for sure if she will actually be sorted into that house. She won't be called up as a Nott, she'll be a Granger."
"And don't worry, Theo. I can handle a few taunts. It's better than the alternative," Hermione said with a reassuring smile.
"Then it's settled. I'm afraid that is all we can really discuss, everything else will come when the days come nearer."
"Snape, may I speak to you for a moment?" Amelia asked before turning to her children. "Why don't you two catch up upstairs then after, we can spend the day in muggle London?"
Both children's face lit up and they nodded enthusiastically before racing up the stairs to Hermione's room.
Snape narrowed his eyes. "What is it, Amy?"
Amy sighed and shook her head. "Have you heard what's been going on? There is talk about bringing the Dark Lord back. I knew he hadn't completely vanquished after the first war, especially since your's and Remi's mark remain as dark and prominent as before. If he were really gone, then it would have faded."
Snape observed Amelia for a few moments before nodding hesitantly. "Yes, Albus and I have discussed as such but he is being very vague about it. He won't even go to the order with this information."
Amelia nodded. "I don't have much longer, Sev, but I suspect you already knew that."
"I do. And Theo has told me as much."
"Yes, but what he doesn't know, what neither he nor Hermione knows, is that it's worsening rapidly. The curse is spreading and I'm afraid I'm all out of time."
Snape's mouth dropped open. "When–"
"The best outcome? I would make it to April 21st. The worst? I have only 48 hours."
Snape's nose flared. "April 21st? Theo's birthday?" He hissed. "You need to tell them. You need to prepare them!"
"And I will," she glared. "Today, I will tell them."
"Everything?"
They looked at each other momentarily before Amelia shook her head. "They're too young."
"And they deserve to know," he snapped.
"I know that, but they can't know yet. I hope you tell them when they're ready. I've already prepared everything and made sure that all my inheritance is split between the two. I even made sure that Remi could never access my will. Because I am the last of the River line, I have left the manor hidden under a fidelius charm. The location is in the will and only you and the children will know where it is. If the Dark Lord rises once again, I don't want Remi pulling Theo into all that nonsense and danger. Take them there and keep them safe. "
Snape hesitated. "I hate that you're making me do this," he said, sounding resigned.
"I know, but you're my oldest and best friend. You will be all they have left. And I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for raising Hermione and being a father figure to both my children. They love you and I know you love them. I couldn't have asked for a better guardian." She shifted her brilliant blue eyes towards the stairs and gazed longingly. "You've taught them well. They're brilliant and caring, and they will always know what is right– what is good." She shifted her attention back to Snape, who was doing his best to conceal his emotions, but after years of friendship, she knew him well enough. "Look out for them. You've guided Hermione towards the right path, but I fear that once I'm gone and Theo is left with his father...please, guide him too like you have been. Make sure he is loved and cared for and taught that blood and status do not matter. I don't want my innocent boy to be alienated by that monster. I trust you, Sev. Take care of my children." She wiped her eyes and clasped his hands in hers.
"I promise you, Amy, I will love and care for Hermione and Theodore. I will do whatever I can to shape them into the people you wanted them to be– someone like you."
Tear's leaked out of Amelia's eyes and she smiled ruefully. "Lily was a fool. She never would have deserved you. Take care of yourself as well, Severus. I will expect to see you when the day comes and if you can, please bring Hermione. I only wished I could've been better for her– that I could've given her the life she deserved. But I think you're doing an exceptional job with that. However, I can't rest without a proper goodbye."
"She knows you love her and you would do anything for her."
"Yes, but I'm afraid I couldn't give her enough." With that last statement, she stood from the sofa, wiped away her tears, and went up the stairs to her children.
Severus let out a shaky breath before rushing down to the basement where he cried in resignation because, after all this time, she still thought he loved Lily. Yes, Snape had once loved Lily deeply, but Amelia will always be the love of his life. Snape silenced the room and let out a heartwrenching sob before grabbing empty potion flasks and throwing them against the wall. He slumped against the wall and slid down, burying his face in his hands.
Amelia River's personal elf appeared in the middle of the living room in Spinner's End, greeted by Snape and Hermione who were clutching the hands of each other for support. It had been 4 days since Theo's birthday and 3 days since Amelia's body had finally started giving in.
"Tibby did what Mistress Amelia requested. Tibby slipped Master Remi a sleeping draught in Master's tea so Master goes into a deep sleep and Mistress Hermione may see Mistress Amelia," the elf with big floppy ears wearing a silk pillowcase said solemnly.
Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go," she said to Snape. He frowned and nodded, stroking Hermione's curly hair that reminded him so much of Amelia, before taking her hand. Tibby grabbed on to Hermione's hand and with a pop, apparated them to Amelia's private room.
As soon as they arrived, Theo engulfed Hermione into a hug and cried. Hermione looked over his shoulder to see her mother lying in the middle of her death bed, pale as a ghost and breathing slowly. Her eyes were closed and she looked extremely skinny and small. It was a contrast from seeing her mother as the force of nature she grew up idolizing.
Finally, Theo stepped away, wrapping his arms around Hermione and leading her towards the bed. Hermione's legs felt like jelly and stone at the same time. It was as if without Theo holding her up for support, her legs would give away, yet, walking was like having legs of stone, dragging and forcing it to move with every step.
Hermione and Theo both settled on the bed, each on either side of their mother.
"Mum?" Hermione said softly, her voice cracking. "Mum? It's me, Hermione. Mummy, I'm here. I'm here, mummy, please wake up."
Slowly, Amelia opened her eyes, blinking a few times and taking in her surroundings. When she saw the faces of her children she broke out into a toothy smile, a few tears escaping her glassy blue eyes.
"My darlings," she whispered. She turned to Hermione and shakily lifted her hand to stroke her face. "My princess, you made it."
Hermione let out a sob and clutched on to her mother's cold hand that was still cradling her cheek. "Of course I'd be here, mother. No one would keep me away from you, not even Remi."
Amelia sighed and smiled sadly. "I'm afraid my time has come, my loves. I only wished there could have been more time. I wished I had done better as a mother–"
"No, mum. Don't say that," Theo said shaking his head. "You were the best mum anyone could ever ask for. You loved me and Hermione. You taught me what goodness was when father tried teaching me differently. You put Hermione and me before yourself and you did everything you could."
Amelia choked out a sob. "I'm sorry you both weren't given the childhood you deserved– together."
"It's okay, mum. Even if we had to live apart, you made sure we were never separated," Hermione said.
"I love you, my darlings. I'll always love you and just know that no matter what, I'll always be watching over you." She turned to Theo and held his hand. "My love, I know what has yet to come will be hard for you. I know that living with your father won't, in any way, ever be easy, but remember what I told you, yes? Remember everything I've taught you, what Severus has taught you. I know you want to stand up to your father, but I don't want you getting hurt. As long as you know who you are, that's all that matters." She wiped away a tear from Theo's cheek and smiled. "I wish I could have protected you better. I wish I could have taken you and ran, but to do that would have been selfish because your father would have stopped at nothing to find us. I just want you safe, and if it means you acting to appease that horrid man, then do it. But there will come a time where you must stand up for what is right. Promise me you'll do that."
"I promise I'll be the person you raised me to be, mum," Theo said.
Amelia turned to Hermione and let out another sob. "Oh, my beautiful princess. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I had to put you into hiding. I'm sorry I was never able to spend more time with you. But just know, my lovely, that mummy loves you. I love you so much and I'm sorry."
"Oh, mum. I love you and I understand you had to do what you had to do. You kept me safe, mum. You made sure I was cared for and I couldn't have asked for a better guardian than uncle Sev."
Amelia pulled both her children into a hug as they wept.
"Don't leave us, mummy," Theo said, his voice cracking.
Amelia brushed her fingers through her son's brown locks and smiled. "I'll never leave you. Take care of each other, yes? Listen to Snape. He knows what's best. He may seem cold at times and indifferent, but that man loves you both as if you were his own children. He'll always take care of you, and take care of him for me too."
"We will, mum," Hermione and Theo said in unison.
Amelia blinked a few times and smiled, "Can I speak to Severus for a moment?"
They both nodded.
"I love you both. Always," she smiled, her eyes becoming heavy.
"We love you too, mum. Always."
Both children each gave their mum one last kiss on the forehead and moved off the bed, allowing Snape to take tentative steps towards her and take their place. He held both her hands forcing himself not to cry.
"Remember what I said," Amelia whispered.
Snape nodded, feeling as though there was cotton lodged in his mouth, preventing him from speaking.
"Severus Snape, I will always love you for everything you've done for me. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Lily Potter was a fool, but maybe I was too. Maybe in another life, it could've been us instead," she smiled ruefully.
Snape's jaw dropped and a few tears escaped his eyes. He squeezed her cold hands and smiled. "Amelia Rivers, you were the love of my life. And you always will be."
"Always?"
"Until the very end," Snape whispered. "I wished I had told you sooner. I promise you, I will always care for them as if they were my own."
Amelia smiled and hummed. "Thank you." Finally, she allowed her heavy eyelids to shut. When Snape felt her body go limp and the rise and fall of her chest cease, he let out a sob and brought her cold hands to his lips. "I'm sorry, Amy," he whispered.
Snape turned to see Theo and Hermione clutching to each other as if they were the other's life support. Tears flowed endlessly down their red and blotchy cheeks and they were visibly shaking. He beckoned them over and when the settled on the bed, they each whispered their goodbyes and words of love.
It was the day before Hermione and Theo were set to leave for Hogwarts. They were both showing each other what they had gotten from Diagon Alley since both of them had to go on seperate days to avoid Remi. If he saw Hermione, he would instantly know. After all, even at 11, she was a carbon copy of Amelia.
"I miss mum," Hermione said softly.
Theo held her hand and nodded. "Now that she's gone, the manor is much more...cold. Father is trying to make me into him, trying to make those pureblood ideals stick. Of course, I go along with it so he doesn't punish me, but even if I pretend to follow him, he's still a cold and evil man."
"I wished you could've lived here with me and Uncle Sev."
"I do too, but there is no escaping the devil."
Hermione hummed. "How is Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini?"
Theo smirked. "I'm sure what you really mean to ask is 'how is Draco'.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Theo."
He let out a laugh and shook his head. "They're both fine. We went shopping for our things together. Look, I know you think Draco's a handsome bloke even if you never met him, but Hermione, you know he follows whatever Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa tell him. He truly believes all that pureblood crap."
"I know, but I was thinking I don't know, that you can subtly prove to him that it's wrong. I mean you are best friends after all. He's just misguided."
"Yes, but Lucius would be absolutely furious and so will Remi."
"I guess... So you really can't stay over?"
Theo sighed and pulled his sister into his arms. "I asked Remi and made the excuse that I'd be at Draco's, but he wants to be there to see me off at the Hogwarts Express, just for appearance sake. Merlin forbid he can't look like an uncaring parent." Theo paused before turning serious. "Make sure you stay out of sight. You and Uncle Sev will get there early right?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, we're going to run through things one final time on the Hogwarts Express." The two remained quiet thinking about what has yet to come before Hermione suddenly got up.
She took a box that was sitting on her dresser and sat back down handing it to Theo.
"What's this?" He asked, toying the hunter green ribbon.
"Open it," Hermione smiled.
Theo untied the ribbon and when he opened the box, he smiled. There were two silver chain bracelets, each had a bar with an engraving on both sides. On the inside the was an engraving with their full name but on the outside, there was an engraving of the word 'Always'.
"Our last words to mum. Uncle Sev taught me a charm to make it so that when either of us needs comfort, just tap the bar 3 times and the twin will instantly warm up." Hermione said softly. She took out one of them and clasped it around Theo's left wrist and allowed Theo to do the same for her.
He turned to his sister and pushed a lock of golden hair behind her ear. "Thank you, for this."
Hermione smiled. "I just wanted us to have something to connect us to each other. Hogwarts won't be easy given the circumstances and with both of us playing a different part, if we there's a time where either you or I can't be there for the other, this can help us with that.
"You'll be fine. We both will. We have Uncle Sev and Professor Dumbledore there and more importantly, we'll have each other," Theo said firmly.
"I know. It's just...mum and Uncle Sev taught us that blood purity is complete rubbish, yet we still grew up as a pureblood minus the crazy beliefs. I just worry I won't be able to pass off as a muggle-born. I worry about what will happen. We both know there are many people who don't think muggle-borns deserve to have magic. Our father is a prime example."
"You're Hermione Amelia Nott. You're brilliant and there is nothing you can't do. You are strong and fierce and a force to be reckoned with. You will be fine. Uncle Sev and I will never let you get hurt." Hermione smiled and leaned her head on Theo's shoulder. "You look and act exactly like mum. I'm sure instead of throwing insults at you for your blood, they'll be throwing themselves at you. I'll be fighting boys off with a stick in no time," he mocked sighed.
Hermione slapped Theo on the chest and scowled.
"What the bloody hell was that for?! See, just like mum, you both are a force to be reckoned with."
Hermione giggled and rested her head on his shoulder once again as they fell into silence before Snape knocked on Hermione's door.
"Yes," Hermione called.
Snape walked in and smiled fondly at the siblings sitting on the ground. "I'm afraid it's getting late and I don't want to risk Remi getting angry at Theo, plus you both have a big day tomorrow. Theo, have you finished packing?"
Theo scoffed. "Don't you know me? Of course I have, Uncle Sev. Just have to pack some bits and pieces then I'm all done."
Snape rolled his eyes and nodded. "Before you leave, shall we discuss things one last time?"
Both Nott children agreed and followed Snape to the sitting room.
"Remember–"
"Not to call you Uncle Sev in public," Hermione cut off, causing Snape to narrow his eyes before turning to Theo.
"Theo, you cannot–"
"Reveal my true beliefs nor act familiar with Hermione since she's a 'muggle-born'."
Snape scowled. "If you two act as though you have not been taught any manners, I will give you detention on the first day."
They rolled their eyes and chuckled. Snape tried to act annoyed but he couldn't stop the quirk in his lips.