Theo didn't know if Hermione was unaware of the stares they received as they walked to class hand in hand or if she simply just didn't care. Either way he was enjoying the feeling of her closeness and the smile that came across her face when he squeezed her hand a little bit tighter. He knew this was going to be difficult, what people might say, the initial reaction of the lions last night during truth or dare was proof of that. And yet, here they were walking to class like any other couple. Except he wasn't sure exactly what they were. To be honest he was afraid to ask and ruin the first thing that made him happy in a very long time.

"Are you okay?" Hermione mused.

Theo looked deep in thought, and she was beginning to worry.

"I'm fine, don't you worry about me." Giving her hand another little squeeze before letting go so they could enter class.

By lunch time the whispers had begun. Hermione wasn't surprised of course she had expected this the second Theo had taken her hand to go to class. Word travelled ridiculously fast at Hogwarts much to her dismay. She would love nothing more than just one day of complete utter privacy but alas that was highly unlikely to happen.

"So, he held your hand walking to class. That's bold" Ginny stated. "And most definitely a move. Though after last night I am not surprised."

"Gin, can we talk about this later, you know when the whole school isn't trying to listen in."

It was if the whole hall had heard and suddenly shifted away.

"Ahh good point."

The day seemed to go quicker with Hermione by his side. Just her presence made him feel as if this weight had been lifted from his shoulders. So far, they had received some weird looks and whispers, but no one had come out and said anything to either of them, something he was truly grateful for.

As their last class of the day came to an end Theo was slightly taken aback when Professor McGonagall asked him to remain behind. He looked to Hermione for reassurance, and she smiled telling him she would see him in the common room.

"Mister Nott, I trust you know why I have asked to speak to you?" her tone was stern as she looked him dead in the eyes.

"I'm going to take a guess and say it relates to Hermione." Theo stood tall, a smirk ever so lightly on his face.

"You would be correct. I would assume Mister Nott that you would understand that given past events I, as well as many others, are very protective of Miss Granger. And given said past events, I hope you understand that were anything to happen that might upset or hurt Miss Granger the consequences would not be pleasant for yourself. As such I hope you hold nothing but noble intentions."

"Are you threating me Professor?"

"No Master Nott, I am not, I am merely making you aware of what is at stake should you and Miss Granger continue down the path you are currently on. You may go now."

Theo turned toward the door. He couldn't believe the conversation that had just taken place. He was almost out of the classroom when she spoke again.

"And Mister Nott, not that you should need reminding, but Miss Granger is a Muggleborn and thus unaccustomed to Pureblood traditions."

Whilst the sternness had not left her voice Theo swore, he could see the new headmistress hiding a smile.

When Theo reached his room, he found a note on his bed from Hermione.

Theo,

I hope Professor McGonagall didn't give you too much grief. Ginny is coming over; we will talk after dinner.

Hermione

x

He placed the note back down, quickly got changed and decided to go see Draco, like Hermione he too had to debrief his best friend on the day's events.