"Okay so I need you to tell me everything that happened since you went to bed last night. And I do mean everything."

There was a sense of almost urgency to Ginny's voice.

"Ginny, I don't see why that matters; all we did was hold hands."

"Hermione, I say this with so much love. You're not a Pureblood. Brightest witch of our age definitely but you aren't and that is nothing against you. However, it does mean that you have no idea how bold of a move it was for Nott to hold your hand like that in public."

Okay now she was worried. "I don't understand it's just hand holding?"

"No, it's not just hand holding, not in our world. Not to every Pureblood who saw the two of you today. So, I will ask you again. What happened since we all went to bed last night?"

And with that Hermione told Ginny everything. The nightmares, climbing into his bed, how she fell asleep and tried to sneak out in the morning. When Hermione was done Ginny put her head in her hands shaking her head.

"Merlin's sake Hermione you have no idea what you've done do you?"

Hermione shook her head, "Gin what is the big deal, so I accidentally fell asleep it's not like anything happened."

"Okay that's it, grab some parchment I am going to explain Pureblood customs to you because you are clearly in over your head. "

After what seemed like hours Hermione felt like her head was going to explode. Who knew that there were so many rules when it came to this sort of thing and why did no one think to inform Muggleborns or even Half-Bloods of these customs?

She stared down at the bit of parchment, reciting it to Ginny to make sure she hadn't missed anything.

Important Pureblood Customs for Women

No being alone with a member of the opposite sex

Public displays of affection are not tolerated unless official courting has begun (even then they are to be minimal in nature)

Courting may begin with the consent of guardian

Gifts such as jewellery will signify that courting has officially begun

During the courting phase contracts will be drawn up to be agreed upon and signed by both parties before engagement begins

Appearance is to be clean and well kept

Clothing is to be modest

No sex before marriage

"Ginny, this is ridiculous, can they really dictate how I dress?"

"Unfortunately, they can. I mean you are lucky; Nott doesn't have any parents, so most the other rules don't apply to you such as fortnightly meetings with his mother to learn about etiquette, which by the way we are going to have to get you up to speed on. But if you want to be with him you need to know how his world works."

"It's your world too Gin. Besides everyone saw us kiss during truth or dare, why is us holding hands such a big deal"

Gin waved Hermione off "Not really, mum and dad don't enforce any of this on us, but Nott was raised to be a Pureblood gentleman, war aside he will expect things to be approached a certain way. Truth or dare is different it's a game and it was just us 7th/8th years, those that know the rules will overlook it, but there are expectations. Take Astoria and Malfoy for example. Malfoy is a dick, was openly rude to Gryffindor and we all know his view growing up, but have you EVER seen him be anything but a gentleman to Astoria? Have you not seen the gorgeous pearl necklace that she wears? Tradition matters. And I bet you anything that's why Professor McGonagall asked Nott to stay behind."

Hermione's head was spinning, she and Theo had broken at least two of these rules already They had been together unchaperoned and had twice shown public displays of affection. She had seen him practically naked heck he had actually seen her naked. They had shared a bed together. How was she meant to do this; she hadn't known the rules? She wondered what Theo must think of her after the last few days.

"Wait, who is he supposed to ask if he wants to "court me"? My parents…." Her mind trailed off, she missed them so much.

"Well, I suppose he has three options, you're both of age so he can ignore that and officially ask you himself, in which case the two of you work out the contract. He could seek Professor McGonagall's permission, though I don't see that happening or and you're not going to like this, he could ask mum and dad. Weren't they listed as your magical guardians in case of an emergency? In which case he and dad work out the contract and you just have to sign off on it. You have about 2 months of courting before the contracts are signed, then they get sent to the Ministry to be filed before the official announcement is released."

Hermione dropped her head into hands. This was going to be far more complicated than she had anticipated, and extremely messy once Ron and Harry found out. All she wanted to was to get to know the cute boy in the room next door.

"So, what do I do now?"

"Talk to him about it, see what page he is on with all this. You won't know until you ask."

Ginny wrapped her arms around Hermione pulling her in for a reassuring hug. She deserved happiness and if Nott gave that to her then that was all that mattered.