Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
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Author's Note:
This story was inspired by the following fan fictions:
1) THE DARK LORD'S DAUGHTER, Or, the Corruption of Hermione Granger by Amandah Leigh
2) Second Time Around by Neko-Tenchi
3) You're Mine by Nautical Paramour
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Summary: "I went to Dumbledore," he confessed. "I want to join your side, Hermione. I don't want to be like my father. I want to be a better man. For you and only for you."
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Chapter 2: In which Hermione receives useful and unusual presents.
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"This little beauty's taught us more than all the teachers in this school."
-Fred Weasley, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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September 19, 1991
(five years ago)
Another school owl landed in front of Hermione, dropping a package wrapped in a teal special paper. She frowned, reaching for it. It was her birthday and she just received her parents' presents to her five minutes ago via owl post.
Who else would send me a present? She asked herself.
There was a small birthday card attached to the package.
Hermione,
Happy Birthday!
In case you're wondering how I knew it's your birthday, you mentioned it while we were at the library a week ago. You wouldn't remember because you were half-asleep.
Here's a simple gift for you. Hope you like it.
Have a good day!
-T.N.
She looked up at the Slytherin table, suppressing a smile. No one could notice that she and Theo were friends, so she just looked at him casually, before pretending to just look at her surroundings. Theo was munching a toast while reading a book. She smiled at the scene. Hermione never met anyone in her age who could read as much as Theo. It was like he was reading a different book every day. And Hermione noticed that when he read, he looked so serious and focused. That made him more attractive to her.
She discreetly opened his present on her lap and found a box of Sugar Quills, a type of Wizarding sweet she had never tried before, but already heard of. Having Muggle dentists for parents, Hermione was not allowed to eat just any kind of sweets, so she never tried anything off the trolley on Hogwarts Express.
But perhaps, Theo noticed her chewing at the end of her quill whenever she was too focused on studying. She smiled at the thought of Theo, being so observant and attentive. She made a mental note that she had to know when his birthday was.
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"Hey, thank you for the present!" she whispered as she slid to the seat beside him at their usual table near the Muggle fiction section of the library.
"Hmn? You're welcome," he replied, looking up. "Have you tried one?"
"Yes, and it was good!" she replied happily. "When did you buy them?"
"In summer. I like having a stash of sweets," he confessed.
Hermione smiled, but stared at him, thinking of the right way to ask the question in her mind.
"Spit it out, Hermione," chuckled Theo.
She raised her eyebrows. "How did you know that I wanted to say something?"
"You're not good at hiding your feelings. I could tell through your facial expressions. So, what's the question?" He even leaned forward to imply that he had her full attention.
"When is your birthday?" she asked quietly.
He grinned and relaxed back in his seat. "June 6th. I was born a day after Draco. You could say that we grew up together."
"Oh. But you don't talk," she observed.
He scrunched his nose. "We have different interests and I am not keen on following him around. But we discuss things in private and though our personalities are very different, he's an only child like me, so we treat each other like brothers."
She nodded and smiled timidly, but deep inside, she wondered if she could be true friends with someone very close to Malfoy, the boy who seemed to hate her more than anything in the world just because of her blood status.
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September 19, 1992
(four years ago)
On Hermione's thirteenth birthday, Theo asked her to meet him by the entrance hall before breakfast. He took her downstairs, to a broad stone basement corridor, where they found a painting of a bowl of fruit. Hermione was puzzled, but before she could even ask where they were going, Theo faced her with a serious look in his face.
"Before we enter, I must ask you, do you know what a house-elf is?" he asked calmly.
She frowned and shook her head. "No."
He sighed and placed gentle hands on her shoulders. "Hermione, in our world, we have these creatures called house-elves. They are magical, too, like us, and they are devoted and loyal to the person, or sometimes a whole family, designated as their master."
"Servants?" she asked with a frown.
Theo ran his fingers in his hair, looking hesitant. "Well, yes. But they are more than a housekeeper because they are also our protectors. I... have a house-elf and she had been taking care of me since my mother died. Every time my father wanted to hit me, well... Pinky protects me by taking his punishment."
Hermione's mouth formed a small 'o'. "But that's..."
"Horrible, I know," admitted Theo. "And I don't think you will ever like this, but... they are not paid. We can give them food and permission to use their magic, but we never give them clothes and money."
Hermione looked scandalized with the new information she learned, and asked Theo why there was nothing written about Hogwarts elves in "Hogwarts: A History". He had asked her to calm down and explained that not all house-elves were being mistreated. It took Theo an hour to convince her to enter the Hogwarts kitchens because surely, the elves would prepare something for her birthday. Hermione was reluctant at first, but Theo told her that there could be other ways to help the elves.
Hermione trusted Theo, so she calmed herself before her Slytherin best friend tickled a pear on the painting. The pear giggled and turned into a green door handle. Soon, they entered the kitchens.
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"Why don't you tell Potter and Weasley that it's your birthday?"
Hermione bit her lip at Theo's question and licked the icing on her cupcake before answering. "I don't know, honestly. They never asked and I don't want to tell them, sounding like I am expecting presents."
Theo finished his knickerbocker glory and reached for an eclair on the plate in front of them. "How about Longbottom? Or the girls you share your dormitory with?"
She shrugged. "Neville never asked, and honestly, I do not know when his birthday is. Parvati and Lavender... well, they're nice, but we're not friends. They're kind, but their conversations at night don't interest me."
"So, you're stuck with me," he smirked.
She snorted. "I guess."
"Don't you Gryffindors separate after the first year?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, turning to him after taking another bite of her cupcake.
"Well, we have our own rooms now," he explained. "Not all, because Crabbe and Goyle are sharing, while I, Draco, and Blaise have our own rooms."
She shook her head. "We don't."
Theo shrugged. "Guess it's just the Slytherins because most of us came from old, rich, and pure-blood families."
"I think it should be offered to other houses, too. Neville doesn't get along too well with Dean and Seamus and Harry and Ron."
Theo's face turned serious. "Longbottom and Potter are like me and Draco; born hours apart," he suddenly said.
She looked up to him and raised an eyebrow. "So, Neville's birthday is on... the 30th of July? Really? How did you know?"
He frowned deeply. "Pure-blood children talk. Draco said, the Dark Lord - that's what we were taught to call He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named - targeted two children: Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom because they were born at the end of July. But the Dark Lord chose to go for Harry Potter because he was half-blood."
"So, Neville wasn't harmed because of his blood status?" she asked quietly.
Theo sighed. "He was raised by his grandmother, wasn't he?"
Hermione's heart clenched, feeling sorry for Neville. So, he lost his parents, too, despite being a Pure-blood.
"No, his parents are alive," Theo told her as if reading her mind. Her eyes widened at him. "But they aren't themselves anymore."
"So he's like an orphan, too."
"Yeah. But don't ask Longbottom about his parents. Don't even mention them. He doesn't seem ready to talk about them."
She smiled and patted Theo's hand. "See? You care for others, too."
Theo snorted and shook his head.
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September 3, 1993
(three years ago)
"I hate your friend!" she blurted when Theo finally arrived at their usual spot in the library.
He rolled his eyes and sat beside her. "I know. He's such a prat. Knowing Draco and his father, that hippogriff and Hagrid are going to be in danger."
"What are we going to do? I mean, me, Ron and Harry? We have to help Hagrid! He's our friend!"
"Help him defend the hippogriff."
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September 4, 1993
(three years ago)
"What do you think your Boggart is, Theo?" she asked while they were in the library again and she was doing an essay assigned by Professor Lupin. Only Hermione was studying. Theo was reading a Muggle fiction, and she was starting to wonder how he was doing it: maintain to get good grades. He was even in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes classes with Hermione. Maybe if he studied a little more, he could beat her in every class.
Hermione watched him stop reading and frowned deeply. "Probably seeing someone important in my life dead," he whispered and looked down at his book again.
"Oh!" She bit her lower lip, feeling silly. She never thought that her Boggart could be the dead bodies of her parents. Of course, she loved her parents dearly. They were the best for Hermione. They have always supported her, even if they were technically in different worlds now. She felt guilty, because yesterday, after their D.A.D.A. lesson, she thought that the thing she was most afraid of was getting failing grades. But now, Theo made her realize something: there are other fearful things in life, and getting failing grades is not one of them. And then, she remembered Harry. His Boggart was a Dementor- a foul, "soul-sucking" creature.
"Why do you ask?" came his voice again.
"Nothing."
Theo snapped his book shut. "It's not nothing," he drawled. "Come on, tell me why."
She shook her head. "It's silly, but now, you made me think of Harry's Boggart. What if... my Boggart's a Dementor, too?"
Theo frowned. "You didn't pass out like Potter."
"It's because you were there. You cast the Patronus Charm," she said rather fondly and noticed that Theo's face turned red.
"So, do you want to learn it?" He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Just in case your Boggart is really a Dementor, and just in case the Dementors show up in Hogsmeade during our trip."
Hermione smiled broadly. Theo never failed to surprise and amaze her. "Of course! When?"
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September 7, 1991
(five years ago)
"Theo, what are we doing here?" she asked rather nervously when they reached the Forbidden Forest. It was a Saturday and after breakfast, Hermione planned to visit the library and read some more, but Theo waited for her outside the Great Hall and pulled her away from the castle.
Theo, without saying anything, released her hand and stopped in front of two brooms lying on the ground. She frowned. "What are we doing now? Why are there broomsticks here?" she asked rather nervously.
"Oh, Hermione, you and I are going to sweep the castle ground, all right?" he jested.
Hermione stomped her feet. "Theodore!"
Theo chuckled and moved to stand in front of her, hands in his pockets. "You have to relax. I'm going to teach you how to ride a broom.
Hermione's eyes widened. "What?" she exclaimed rather loudly. "No, no, no," she shook her head violently.
"I'm going to teach you the basics only, don't worry," Theo replied.
"Theo," she called in a small voice, fiddling the hem of her Muggle shirt. "Why are you doing this?" she asked carefully. It wasn't like she wanted to join the Quidditch team, and she didn't remember telling him - or anyone - that she wanted to learn how to fly a broom.
"Because we're going to have a flying lesson with Madam Hooch on Thursday. Gryffindors and Slytherins," he replied kindly. He moved to the brooms on the ground and held out his hand. "Come on."
Hermione took Theo's waiting hand and he led her to the left side of a broom. Then, he went to the left side of another.
"Now, stick out your hand like this," Theo demonstrated. He had his hand over his broom and she mimicked him. "Say 'Up!'"
Theo's broom jumped to his big hand instantly.
"Up," she said rather nervously.
"Said it with more firm, Hermione," Theo encouraged.
"Up!?"
"Try again, Hermione," Theo encouraged again. She frowned a little, noticing how gentle he always was when speaking with her. But with his housemates, especially with Malfoy who was his oldest friend, it was different.
"Up!" she said more firmly and thankfully, the broom flew to her waiting hand.
"Fantastic!" Theo beamed and he went on to show how to mount a broom.
For the second time in her life, Hermione Granger got excited at something which didn't involve books. First, Hogwarts; second, riding a broom, under the tutelage of Theodore Nott.
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September 18, 1993
(three years ago)
Weasley and Weasley,
No pleasantries, no sugar-coating.
I know you need galleons for your dream joke shop. Here are fifty galleons. It's yours if you give me that brilliant, old parchment of yours called The Marauders Map. I happen to know who Moony, Wormtail, and Padfoot are, and I know Prongs's son.
If you send it to me through this owl, I'll send you another fifty for your Hogsmeade shopping.
-N
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September 19, 1993
(three years ago)
Hermione left the Gryffindor third year dormitory very early, even if it was a Sunday. It was her birthday and she was excited to receive presents from her dear parents, and of course, from Theo. She was planning to wait for him at the Great Hall, then, they could probably walk around the Quidditch viaduct for half an hour before going to the library for a bit of light reading.
But it turns out, Hermione didn't have to wait for him at the Great Hall. Theo was already waiting outside the Gryffindor common room.
"Theo!" she exclaimed, looking very surprised. She even looked around, just to make sure that no one had seen them. "What are you doing here?"
Theo, who was leaning against the wall, hands in his trousers pockets, looked relaxed. He was wearing a white button-down shirt, a pair of black trousers and his shiny. black school shoes.
Why does he always have to dress up nicely, even on Sundays? Hermione asked herself and scrunched her nose at her choice of outfit: a pair of Muggle denim trousers and a long-sleeved pink cotton shirt. She also wore a pair of trainers with a Muggle brand on them. Theo's hair was brushed back neatly, while Hermione's bushy mane was pulled to a loose ponytail.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to come here from the dungeons? I was already panting when I made it to the bloody fifth floor. I don't know how you manage to get here with your heavy book bag."
She smiled and approached him. "Oh, hush! You taught me the Feather-Light Charm in our first year to make sure I wouldn't trip."
"What are you ever going to do without me?" he teased.
"Right," she replied with a roll of her eyes. "So, what brings you here? Want to flaunt our friendship already?"
Instead of answering back, he handed her a piece of old parchment. "Happy birthday, Granger!" he smirked.
She frowned as she accepted the parchment, and gave him a confused look.
Theo grinned and held her by the wrist to pull her to the nearest alcove hidden behind a tapestry. "How did you know - "
"'Cause I know everything," he cut her off, but not in a rude way.
The alcove was very narrow; their bodies were pushed against each other, but Theo was very tall, so Hermione's face was pressed against his chest. "Get your wand, Hermione," he told her. She obeyed. "Point it at the parchment and say these words: "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Hermione gave him a stern look. "Is this a joke?"
It was Theo's turn to roll his eyes. "Come on, Granger. I'm doing you a favour!"
With one last unconvinced look to her best friend, she pointed her wand at the parchment. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Then, ink lines appeared from the tip of her wand to the parchment. they were like spider's web, joined each other, crisscrossed and they fanned into every corner of the parchment. Words began to form across the top.
Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs
Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers
are proud to present
THE MARAUDER'S MAP
Hermione realized that it was a map of Hogwarts, showing every detail of the castle, with footprints - each labeled with a name.
"You see, it's a map of -"
"Hogwarts!" she exclaimed, looking up to Theo. "It's the map of Hogwarts! Theo, this is brilliant!" Then, her eyes searched for the seventh floor on the map, to the corridor of the Fat Lady. Her eyes stopped at a certain alcove, with two sets of footprints and two names written on it. The two footprints were facing each other rather closely; she smiled, realizing how close she and Theo were.
"Urgh! Looks like Draco and Pansy are snogging again," groaned Theo. When Hermione looked up, she saw that he was looking at the other half side of the map, his index was pointing at a room in the Slytherin House.
Her eyes widened at the position of the two sets of footprints. It rather looked like hers and Theo's, so if someone else would see her and Theo's footprints, they'd think they were snogging, too! She felt her cheeks flush.
"Look, this is my room," Theo was saying, not even noticing how red her face was already.
She followed to where he was pointing, to a room adjacent to Draco Malfoy's. And on the other side of his room was the Potions corridor! "Your room is just near the Potions classroom!"
"Hmn? Yeah," he mumbled. "There's a secret passage at the Potions corridor to my room. I can leave my room without passing by the Slytherin main entrance," he said proudly.
"Wow! That's amazing! You can easily avoid people and leave even after curfew," she smiled at him. Theo gave her an intense look. Perhaps, she was just imagining it, but it seemed that he was looking at her lips. Hermione, once again, felt shivers down her spine. "So, how did you procure this and where?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful.
Theo tore his eyes away from her lips and shrugged. "Just bought it from some pranksters. But, hey, do not show it to anyone, please."
She eyed him intently. "Was dark magic used to create this? Is this cursed?" she asked sternly, ignoring the fluttering of her heart upon looking at his beautiful blue eyes.
"What? No! I would've known if it was cursed before giving it to you!" he blurted.
She sighed in relief and touched his arm gently. "That's good to know. But, why are you giving this to me? Why not use it for yourself?"
Theo frowned and ran a hand on his chin. "Let me see... Well, I don't need it, because I'm such a good student. I never leave the Slytherin House beyond curfew and my only secret is that I'm meeting a secret friend in the library. But that wouldn't be subject to detention, right? You, Hermione Granger, on the other hand, are friends with two rule-breakers, who might've been expelled if you haven't been saving their arses for three years now."
Hermione hit his arm. "Don't insult Harry and Ron!"
Theo laughed and patted her head. "I'm not insulting them. Just telling the truth. honestly, the reason why I gave it to you, is for us to meet in other places aside from the library. I must confess, it's making me sick already. It would be nice to go to empty classrooms to brew potions, or just test a new spell. Don't you think so?"
Hermione grinned and squeezed his hand. "I don't know how you do it, but you're such an amazing and brilliant wizard, Theo."
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They never went to the Great Hall for breakfast. Theo urged her to use the map and find an unused classroom on the sixth floor, near the Room of Rewards. Hermione was surprised when Theo cleaned the room with a wave of his wand. Then, he placed the food he asked from the Hogwarts elves earlier on the table while Crookshanks happily ran around the classroom, toying the spiders Theo caught for him. They studied the map together while eating their breakfast. After they finished eating, Theo handed her a book on Charms and bookmarked the chapter about Patronus Charms. He asked her to read it first before he teaches him the charm. They spent the entire morning in the classroom. Hermione, reading the book, while Theo and Crookshanks sat comfortably in one corner. Hermione swore, she heard Theo talking to her familiar in a hushed tone. Thus, she couldn't understand what he was saying.
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September 19, 1994
(two years ago)
Hermione had been staring at two pairs of footprints for ten minutes now. They haven't been moving since she found them on the map. They were owned by Theo and Professor Snape and both were in the latter's private office. It was a Tuesday. Meaning, they had classes. She had a class with Theo today, but they didn't have the chance to speak, and truth be told, her best friend looked bothered. She caught him looking outside the window during their Ancient Runes class, not paying attention to what Professor Babbling was babbling. But even so, he was still able to translate the text assigned to him in just a matter of five minutes. Hermione wanted to think that Theo had a time-turner, too, that's why he was always prepared even if she didn't see him studying hard. But she never saw two Theodore Notts on the map.
She folded the map and took Theo's letter which arrived at breakfast this morning, re-reading it.
Hermione,
Happy Birthday!
I got you some titles from my family library. Hope they are to your liking.
Theo
He sent her three books. One was about magical creatures, especially the merpeople. Another was "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi", and the third book was about advanced spells, which Hermione saw a copy in the Restricted Section. For the first time in Hermione's life, she was not excited to read her new books. Her mind was too busy, thinking of and worrying about her best friend.
What's he doing in Professor Snape's office? And why aren't they moving? Just standing - or perhaps, sitting - beside each other. Are they talking? But it's awkward talking without facing each oother. Unless they're reading?
Hermione shook her head violently, trying to brush off the thoughts about Theo and their Potions professor. She packed her things and decided to find Harry and Ron, to check if they were studying, or just fannying about.
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September 19, 1995
(one year ago)
"I want something else for my birthday," she blurted when she entered her and Theo's classroom, finding him stirring a potion and counting. So, she paused and just stood there.
"-eight, nine, ten. Done," announced Theo and stopped sstirring. He put down his stirring rod - the one she gave to him as a birthday present last year - and looked up to her. "What was that?"
Hermione crossed the room to sit on a couch they Transfigured from a wooden armchair last year. Theo moved to sit beside her and patted her head. "Happy birthday!"
She smiled, meeting his eyes. "Thanks."
"So, what does my best friend want for her birthday?" he asked affectionately. Hermione's heart fluttered, like always.
She sat bolt upright. "Teach me something that old hag should be teaching! With Voldemort back, Harry needs to learn more defensive spells!"
"Hermione," he frowned, "you are aware that you're asking help from a son of a Death Eater, right?"
Hermione froze and stared at him, with her mouth slightly open. Then, she sighed. "But you're not a Death Eater."
He nodded. "Right, right. Why don't you help Potter start a Defence study group?" he suggested.
She frowned. "But Harry - "
"Had faced the Dark Lord four times already, and he always gets away," he finished for her. "He may not be as intelligent as we, or Draco, are -" Hermione scoffed, "but he knows what it's like to be out there, to face the evilest wizard in history."
"Yes, but will that be enough? His experiences?" she asked.
Theo shook his head and held her hand. "That's why you're helping him. You and I are going to study together. Relay your knowledge to Potter and together, you will lead this study group."
Hermione threw her arms around him, making him startle. "Oh, Theo! You're so clever, that's why I love you."
Theo chuckled and Hermione could feel the vibration of his chest. He hugged her back. "I'm always here for you."
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September 19, 1996
(the present)
Hermione snuggled against her boyfriend's chest while sitting on the sofa by the fireplace in the Room of Requirement. Both of them had books in their laps. It was already after curfew, but with the map he gave her three years ago, they weren't worried to get caught. Especially now that they both mastered how to cast the Disillusionment Charm properly, without them even seeing themselves.
Theo ran a hand on her upper arm, pulling her closer to him. "How's the story going?" he asked, looking at the Muggle fiction book she was holding.
"It's getting boring," she complained and snapped the book shut. Then, she shifted in her seat to face him. "How about yours?" she asked, touching the old copy of Advanced Potion-Making book in his lap.
Theo showed up a week ago with an old Potions text in his hand. She asked where he got it, but he wouldn't tell her other than: "It's from Father's good friend." The writing on the front page said it was the 'Property of the Half-Blood Prince'. So, Hermione assumed that his father's friend was called 'the half-blood Prince.'
"It's getting interesting. There are some unknown spells written on the back page. I kind of have an idea of what they do."
"Let's try one," she urged.
Theo raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? We don't know what these spells do. Aren't you supposed to tell me to do my research first?"
Hermione smiled. "I trust you. You've never put me in danger before. And besides, you mentioned one spell which is kinda easy to understand."
"Which one?"
"Levicorpus. 'Levitate' and 'body'. Levitate the body."
Theo blushed furiously and looked away. "No. You might leave me hanging in the air."
Hermione stood up. "I won't. Do it to me, come on!"
"Hermione - " he called hesitantly, still seated.
Hermione stood in front of him. "Come on, Theo..."
Theo closed his eyes. "No."
Hermione pointed her wand to him. "Levicorpus!" Then, her eyes widened when Theo was hoisted into the air by his ankle; his school robe was disheveled, the hem was covering his face and his school trousers were fully exposed. She immediately undid the spell, letting him fall smoothly on the couch.
"See!" roared Theo angrily. "I knew it was going to happen! If I did that to you, your knickers would've been displayed!"
Hermione blushed and bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. Theo was right. If he cast the spell on her, her knickers would've been exposed in front of him. And he looked furious, not because she hit him with the spell, but because she was so insistent and he couldn't tell her what the spell does. She shifted to stand in one leg and looked down, afraid to meet the eyes of her still scowling boyfriend. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.
She heard Theo sigh heavily. She slowly looked up to him. He was running his fingers in his hair, then nodded. "Come here," he said, finally meeting her eyes. He patted the space beside him.
But Hermione was so touched by his reaction earlier. He was so concerned about her modesty; of her welfare. She could feel her heart pounding faster - because of happiness and nervousness, at the same time. She did not move to sit beside him. Instead, she sat in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest.
Theo looked surprised but wrapped his arms around her and she felt him kiss her forehead. "I'm not angry," he assured her.
"How do you do it, Theo?" she asked quietly.
"Which one?" he replied promptly.
"Being so kind and patient towards me. You never got angry. Sometimes, it scares me because I might become too lax and hurt you unintentionally. But it never happens. Last year, you were like a knight-in-shining-armour at least twice. You saved me and my friends. You were angry at Harry and Ron, but you still helped us secretly." She toyed with the lapel of his robe.
Theo shrugged. "Perhaps, I am just madly in love with you."
Hermione couldn't help herself anymore. His intense feelings for her was drowning her, and she felt like she had to do something, so she straddled his lap and kissed him passionately.
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Theodore Nott was in heaven. Or rather, heaven was in his arms. Hermione, the love of his life, the only witch he has ever wanted, was kissing him passionately. Her tongue was battling with his, her lips sucked his lower lip. Her one hand was toying his brown locks while the other was caressing his covered chest. And when she grounded her center to his hardness, he groaned and whispered her name like a prayer. In return, he caressed the curve of her hips, until he was tugging her shirt from her skirt and soon, his hands met her smooth flesh. Hermione did not protest. She continued grinding herself to him and kissing him. Soon, she was moaning. Theo knew he had to stop now because if he didn't he might not be able to control himself. There was a valid reason why he wouldn't invite her to his very accessible room. He didn't think that Hermione was ready for something more, so he had to take things slowly; he had to stop slowly, without hurting her feelings. He gently pulled away and turned to kiss her cheeks and forehead.
Hermione was panting, but her face flushed. Her lips looked swollen and her white Oxford shirt was untucked. "Let's take things slowly, yeah?" he whispered affectionately.
His girlfriend smiled and bit her lower lip before nodding. Hermione shifted to move on the empty seat beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she contentedly laid her head on his shoulder. They sat in comfortable silence, just looking at the roaring fire in front of them.
"Hermione?"
"Hmn?"
"I lied to you, seventeen days ago."
Hermione frowned but did not pull away from him. "The second of September," she realized. "Did you lie that you're in love with me?" she teased.
Theo chuckled and pinched her side. "No, silly. What I mean is about my secret."
"Uhm? What about it?" To her surprise, she wasn't disappointed.
"I told only one person about it because if I didn't, you might never see me again because I'd been a permanent resident of the Janus Thickey Ward."
Hermione smiled. "It's okay. So, who is this person?"
"The Half-Blood Prince," he replied softly.
"Does he go by the name Severus Snape?" she asked calmly.
Theo froze. "Yes. How did you know?"
"I have the map, you know. I always see you with him whenever you're not around; when something's troubling you."
"And you never asked me why I would always go to him?" he asked in a surprised tone.
She played with his Slytherin tie. "I thought you'd tell me whenever you're ready. We're best friends, but I understand that there are things you cannot tell me, and I accept that."
Theo's hold to her tightened and he kissed her forehead. "You're the best girlfriend in the world, do you know?"
She chuckled. "Now, I know."