Hello, darlings! The 25th is the one year anniversary of the first post! I was going to wait and post number 50 then, but was excited to be finished. So, I compromised with myself. I am posting the main chapter today, and will be posting the lemon chapter on the 25th. That way anyone who wants to skip it can. Enjoy.
Chapter 50
Harry contemplated dragging his feet on the Slughorn task, to give Dumbledore a taste of his own medicine. But he also hated that they were wasting time. With that in mind, he approached the potions professor on a quiet Saturday afternoon.
"Harry, my boy, come in, come in." Horace bustled around his desk to greet him. "Sit, sit, what brings you to my humble office?"
"I need your help, professor. I have some questions only you can answer."
"Certainly, glad to help, my boy." Slughorn grinned broadly. "Ask away."
"Professor Dumbledore gave me a special project this year."
"How enterprising for you, is it potion related?"
"No, sir. I'm researching a former student, his past, and possible motivations." Slughorn's genial smile fell as Harry spoke. "His name is Tom Riddle. I need to know what you told him about horcruxes."
Slughorn bristled, "Nothing. I told him that they were evil incarnate and to avoid those types of things or they would drive him down a dark path. There is nothing to discuss, Mr Potter."
Harry made a show of taking a deep breath, then continued in a measured, bored voice, "Professor, I already know Riddle fashioned a horcrux, possibly more than one. In your memory Riddle was wearing the Gaunt ring, meaning he had already murdered his father and paternal grandparents. Nothing you said changed anything. He was all ready on a dark path. Hermione thinks he had made two and just wanted to know what would happen if he kept going."
Slughorn stared sadly at his hands, "If you know all that you know everything you really have know enough." Harry simply watched his aged professor frown and puff. He smoothed his hair, then his mustache repeating the journey. Finally, he spoke, "Even as a young child he was charismatic. As he aged he learned to hold himself well, and ape the mannerisms of others. He knew just how to exploit his orphan status to the fullest advantage. So when he asked those questions you wanted to answer. To help him succeed, and not just for the future networking possibilities." He shook his head sadly. "I did explain what a horcrux was. I cautioned him against making any, let alone more than one. About how it makes the soul unstable. He assured me with a smile, his interest was purely academic. But he was the consummate Slytherin. He might mention it with a coy smile and humble shrug, but he was very proud of his Slytherin ancestor."
"Yes, he was. I'm kind of surprised he never went by his middle name. Marvolo fits into the wizard world better than Tom. And more unique. He'd have liked that."
"That might have drawn the wrong kind of attention. At school he presented himself as humble, unassuming, but also confident. Changing his name to fit in would have exposed a vulnerability. He couldn't risk that. Perhaps, if he had discovered his family in first or second year, but by his sixth year, he was established as Tom."
"Until he reappears as Lord Voldemort." Harry verbally rolled his eyes over the name.
Slughorn sighed, "I assume Albus will want the memory as proof?"
"I expect so. He didn't want us to discuss it, just get it from you."
"Don't think too badly of me when you view it."
Secretly thinking nothing could lower his opinion of the sycophant, Harry reassured him, "This changes nothing. I already know you regret telling him, and that Riddle would have continued with or without your advice."
Slughorn raised his wand to his temple, removing the silvery wisp of memory from his mind. He stored the memory fragment in a vial. He handed it to Harry. "I hope it helps you, my boy."
"Thank you, professor." Later, Harry would tell Hermione he thought the conversation with the professor granted him more insight than any of the memories.
Shortly after Harry retrieved the memory from Slughorn, Snape began teaching them how to conjure fiendfyre. Both struggled to produce even a spark initially. Snape recommended several texts for Hermione to study, then sum up for Harry. "Consciously, or not, this is how you two had always operated." he explained.
Hermione devoured the information. "Muggles refer to it as hell fire. It burns hotter, therefore brighter. Kind of adds credence to the idea that witches were in league with the devil."
"How does that help us?"
"Imagine conjuring fire, the hottest fire you can imagine. Imagine the fires in the pits of hell."
"Okay, that may help."
By Valentine's Day they were both able to create a small tongue of flame. "The real work begins now. You can create fiendfyre, by its nature, the flame spreads easily. It consumes everything in its path. Now you will learn to control it, make it go where you want, to contain it, and extinguish it. Once you master that, we will attempt the nearly impossible task of controlling another's fire."
With some prompting from Hermione, Harry planned a romantic evening for Tracey, instead of just winging the holiday. Dobby helped him prepare a pudding picnic. Since the holiday landed on a Friday, Dumbledore had extended curfew over the weekend for the older years. He spread a blanket on the floor between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables in the middle of the Great Hall. "Outdoor stargazing during a Scottish winter can be problematic." he explained.
"No, this is perfect. I love this." Tracey sat down, patting the spot next to her for Harry to join her. He sat, running his hand through his hair, causing it to stick up crazily, even worse than usual. Tracey smiled and smoothed his hair down. "Relax, Harry, this is brilliant."
She leaned back, dragging him with her. She reclined, pacing her head next to his. For a short time they watched the night sky displayed on the ceiling. Afterwards, she was never sure which one of them moved first, but eventually they ended up a tangle of limbs on the blanket. Remembering what Hermione said about Harry's hesitancy, she ran her hands under his shirt, stroking the skin on his back.
Harry tentatively slipped his hand under her shirt. Tracey shivered at his touch. When Harry panicked and started to withdraw his hand, she grabbed his wrist. "Keep going. I want you to touch me." Emboldened by her statement he returned his hand to its previous location. With more confidence, he ran his hand over her lace clad breast. Tracey arched her back, thrusting further into his hand. Pulling his head back down for a kiss, she moaned, enjoying Harry's kneading. She ran her hands through his hair as they snogged. Their exploration of each other continued until Harry's curfew alert sounded. He insisted on escorting her to her common room and stealing one last snog. They parted ways five minutes after the extended curfew ended. Harry insisted any trouble he might encounter would be worth it.
For Hermione, Valentine's Day began with flowers and the promise of riddles. The owl post delivered a bouquet from Theo. Sunflowers, yellow tulips, mixed with baby's breath. She smiled at the short note.
Sweet,
To celebrate today, no hurried dates, just a day
of different riddles for you to solve leading you to
our date in Hogsmeade tomorrow.
Love, Theoretically
"What does that mean?" asked Fay.
"The flowers here mean dedicated, perfect, everlasting love. The note means this is the first delivery of several. Each will be a riddle. Once I solve all of them I'll know what we're doing tomorrow, or at least the beginnings."
"Huh?" Sally-Anne looked confused.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Theo drags out tomorrow to be several stops, instead of just meeting up tomorrow morning."
"Too right." Theo slipped onto the bench next to her, Fay scooting down to make room. He kissed her briefly. "Happy Valentine's Day, sweet."
"Thank you, love."
"Awe, the know-it-all found herself someone as swotty as she is." laughed Lavender a bit cruelly. She looked at Ron expectantly. Instead of laughing, the redhead shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He ignored her question offering her a card and small box. She squealed, "Won-won! Thank you!" Attention shifted away from the overly affectionate couple and their exuberant public displays of affection.
"Ignoring the opinions of the common rabble, I adore it. I can't wait to get started."
"Wonderful." He stood. "Your first clue will be delivered soon." He kissed the inside of her wrist. She tried to hide the smile splitting her face.
"How romantic." Sally-Anne sighed. "A tailor made present." She looked around the table. "I hope you all are taking notes." Everyone laughed. "I'm only half kidding."
"During Charms, Hannah Abbott handed her a lilac envelope. Eagerly, Hermione tore it open, grinning madly. Inside she found a cipher of symbols. She tucked it into her textbook to puzzle through later. Having mastered the charm weeks ago, she had time to work on the code at the end of class. By the end of class she had found the key.
Harry guided her from Charms to Herbology, keeping her from walking into things: walls, people, doors, trees. By the time they reached the greenhouses, Hermione finished deciphering the first message.
Since I know you'll dress nice, sweet, I thought
to begin by pampering you. You have a 9am appointment
at Goldy Locks. Anything you want, or nothing at all.
I love you just the way you are.
Annoying Draco and Harry, Hermione and Tracey partnered together to discuss the first part. Theo merely smiled smugly at their annoyed glares. At the end of class Theo handed Hermione a sky blue envelope. "Can't let the others have all the fun." he winked.
She pulled out the folded slip of paper. Instantly she realized this one was inverted letters. She raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"I wanted them to be fun, not impossible. I do want you to reach our date, not get stumped before it can even begin."
She chuckled, "I can agree with that. I shall be delighted to collect your acid pops and my ice mice at Honeydukes." She pecked his cheek and waved, making her way to Defense. No one passed her anything, which was just as well, Hermione wouldn't risk Snape's wrath reading one anyway.
At lunch, Neville slipped her a spring green envelope. "Why thank you, Neville."
"You're welcome, Hermione." She opened the envelope, perusing the contents. This one consisted of numbers and letters. She frowned slightly.
"Problems?" Harry asked.
"No, I just have to find the key. This one is just more complex." She scribbled notes throughout lunch.
"Got it yet?" Harry teased.
"I think I'm on the right track. I'll finish it during my free period this afternoon." After moving around the figures for another fifteen minutes, she solved the riddle. Exchanging the letters for consonants, and the numbers with vowels. Each one moved five places forward. A became 5, B became E.
Sweet Hermione,
Rather than agonize over which book to buy you,
I will have left instructions at Tomes and Scrolls
for you to buy anything you want. Just give them
your name and mine.
All my love, Theo.
She smiled fondly, how sweet of him. She'd had Dobby pop Theo's gift directly to his bed. She sent him a copy of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnets from the Portuguese. She wrote a personal note on the title page explaining the history of the book and her agreements to that sentiment behind the poems. She sent it secretly to avoid embarrassing Theo in front of his friends. Most teenage boys would not appreciate a book, let alone a book of poetry. At least, she didn't think so, and probably not in front of their friends.
She dropped her books off at her dorm on her way to the Great Hall for dinner. She planned to use the extended curfew to snuggle in and enjoy some pleasure reading before bed. She hoped her loudest roommates would be off snogging in broom closets, instead of going on and on about their Valentine's and how much more romantic they were than anyone else on the planet. Hermione rolled her eyes as she thought of the idea of Ron Weasley being the most romantic person at Hogwarts was a bit much.
Turning the corner, she noticed Theo leaning against the wall just down from the double doors. He flexed one leg, resting the bottom of his foot against the wall, his head resting against the stones. He held a single long stem white rose with red at the petal tips. Hermione paused in front of him. Silently he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the alcove next to him. "Theo, what?" She never finished the thought because his mouth descended on hers, cutting off all rational thought. Startled, she froze for a second before enthusiastically responding. They snogged passionately for several minutes before Hermione pulled away to breath. Theo rested his forehead against hers, panting. "Thank you for my present, Hermione. Did she really write all of them for her husband?"
"Yes, to express everything she had trouble saying out loud to him. Numbers 33 and 43 are the most famous, but Number 32 has always been my favorite."
"I will be sure to read them while I wait for you tomorrow."
"You do that."
He offered her the slightly crumpled rose. "Ready for dinner?"
"I suppose we should eat." They entered the hall hand in hand.
The next morning Hermione took her time getting ready.
Excited squeals and stage whispers woke her the next morning. She took her time getting ready. She selected a cerulean sweater dress that ended mid thigh. She paired it with a pair of black knee high boots. Leaving her hair alone, she applied a light layer of makeup. Around her the other girls prepped for their own outings. Lavender prattled on about her plans with "Won-won" as she went to shower.
"She almost makes me feel sorry for Weasley. Who wants to be called Won-won?" Fay laughed.
Sally-Anne grimaced, "Do you think she makes him call her Lav-lav?"
Hermione shrugged, "None of my affair." She waved to her friends, "Have fun, ladies, I'm off." She skipped out the door and down towards the gates.
Tracey met her at the carriages. "Not off with Harry?"
"We're meeting for lunch. He's helping Finnegan and Thomas with something this morning. I decided not to ask."
"Probably for the best. Want to come with me to the hair salon? My treat."
"Why not? I have nothing better to do."
"And you can tell me how last night went." Tracey's face flamed. "That well?"
"Shut it." She fought to keep from grinning uncontrollably. "It was perfect." They both laughed as the carriage began making its way down to the village. "He was amazing. Who knew the Great Hall could be so romantic?"
"How was the snogging?"
"Adventurous." she replied with a smirk.
Hermione's eyebrows rose, "Oh, really?"
Tracey nodded, "Really." She regaled Hermione with the bare bones of details, knowing her friend didn't want to hear about her almost brother's sex life. "So, where does your mystery date end?" The carriage came to a halt.
Hermione dropped to the ground, "Still don't know. My instructions end at the bookstore."
"Mind some company until lunch?"
"Sure." The girls entered Goldy Locks laughing and joking. Hermione had the witch refresh her layers, while Tracey chopped off five inches of her hair. On a lark the girls dyed colored streaks through their hair. Bright burgundy for Tracey, and emerald green for Hermione. "Harry's going to die."
"I'll miss him." Hermione promised, wiping away a fake tear.
"I'll bet Theo likes it."
"He's better."
The girls braved the crowds at Honeydukes to collect sugar quills and ice mice. Tracey bought Harry a package of chocolate frogs. Then onto Tomes and Scrolls. Hermione perused the shelves, searching for the perfect book. She selected one about ancient Greek wizards and muggle myths. She placed the book on the counter and greeted the salesclerk, "Hello, my name is Hermione Granger. Theo Nott prepaid for this."
"He did, indeed. And he left you these." She handed Hermione a small bouquet of flowers. Red and pink feather plumes rose majestically from the vase. The small clusters of flowers waved cheerfully. Large, flat round lacy flowers mixed with blue and white pea pod looking flowers.
"Looks like my last clue. I need to add a flower book to my purchase." Tracey bid her farewell as she researched her flowers. Astible, I'll be waiting, Queen Anne's Lace, sanctuary, and Lupine, the wolf flower. "I'll be waiting at the wolf's sanctuary. Oh, brilliant!"
Trying not to run, Hermione hurried to the Shrieking Shack. She found Theo sitting against a tree by the fence. "I expected you to take at least another hour in the bookstore."
"I picked a book I've had my eye on for sometime. Thank you, I might not have bought it for myself.
Theo stood, kissing her in greeting. "My pleasure." He made a show of looking her over and admiring the streaks of color in her hair. "And may I just say how lovely you look with the additional color?" He ran a hand over her curls.
"Thank you. You look pretty spiffy yourself. Where to now?"
"This way, my lady." He offered her his hand. They walked along the edge of the forest until they reached a short path. Theo led her down the path to a small thatch roofed cottage. Surrounding the cottage a waist high stone wall held back the forest underbrush. Theo opened the gate and ushered her into the small garden. "My maternal grandparents gave me the house when I turned seventeen. They purchased it to stay in when my uncles visited Mother. Father refused to let them stay at the house. Uncle Kagan used it the most, he was the closest to Mother. I thought we could have a romantic meal without everyone watching our every move." Nervously, he glanced at her trying to gauge her reaction. "We don't have to if you don't want to."
"No, this is perfect." She walked towards the house, admiring the vine covered walls. She looked over the shoulder at Theo, standing by the gate. "Are you coming?" He surged forward to catch up with her.
With a flourish he opened the front door and gestured her in. His personal house elf, Niko, had prepared the house, following Theo's instructions perfectly. Freshly cleaned, the house gleamed. A roaring fire warmed the house, creating an inviting environment. Mouth watering aromas wafted in from the dining room. Niko popped to them, "May Niko takes master and mistress's cloaks?" He held out his hands for the garments, hanging them on hooks by the door. "Lunch can be served whenever master bes ready."
"Thank you, Niko, we'll be right there." The elf nodded and apparated away. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm.
"We should it smells divine." He escorted her to the table. A platter of roast with browned potatoes and carrots filled the table. Thick curtains shrouded the room, allowing the silver taper candles to illuminate the room. "And looks amazing. Niko outdid himself!" Agreeing, Theo held out her chair for her before taking his seat next to her. They ate and discussed her purchases.
"I just want to mention again that I like the steaks."
"Enjoy them while you can, I'm not renewing the charm. I'm not sure if Mum or Dad would pitch the bigger fit."
"Strangely, I'm not sure either, or it could be neither."
"Either way, gone by summer break."
"I enjoyed the poems. Especially Number 22 and Number 1."
Hermione cocked her head to the side, "Okay, really?"
"Number 22 talks about how amazing their love is, that it belongs in heaven where it wouldn't be out of place. And the first one is about how she never thought she would find love, but she did, and it is wonderful."
"And that's how you feel?" She put down her fork and took his hand.
"Kind of." Theo looked away briefly, before returning his attention on her, "You know most Sacred 28 families still arrange marriages?" She nodded. "The most I ever hoped for was mild affection with someone close to my age."
Tears stood in her eyes, "I was eleven before I ever had a real friend. Finding someone who would want to marry me seemed beyond my wildest dreams, let alone even finding a boyfriend. Having it be someone as sweet, loyal, smart, and handsome as you is mind boggling."
"So handsome comes last? Am I not good looking enough for you?" teased Theo.
"Yes, you found me out. I can barely stand to look at you, the truth comes out at last." she deadpanned flatly. They laughed relieving the tension.