Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
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Author's Note:
This story was inspired by the following fanfictions:
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
4) Delilah's Black Book of Poems by Dark Whisper - (Absolutely one of the best fanfictions I have ever read!)
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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 3: In which someone messes with a time-turner.
"No!" said Hermione in a terrified whisper. "Don't you understand? We're breaking one of the most important wizarding laws! Nobody's supposed to change time, nobody! You heard Dumbledore, if we're seen —"
-Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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October 31-November 1, 1991
(five years ago)
Hermione hated Ronald Weasley right now, more than anyone in her former Muggle primary school. He was a boy but he was acting like a girl: whiny and talkative. Just because she corrected him in their Charms lesson today, he started complaining to Harry Potter and the other Gryffindor boys about her. He had been doing that since they had their first flying lesson. No one was expecting a Muggle-born like her to command her broom at the first attempt, so she got a lot of praises. Even some of the Slytherin girls were too surprised to say anything. But Ronald Weasley always had to ruin her day. He even told them that she had no friends!
If only you knew, Weasley! If only she could flaunt her friendship with Theo to his face.
Now, she was crying. She wanted to write to her parents to just get her out of Hogwarts because she felt like she didn't belong there. Sure, the professors were kind and they were impressed by her diligence and intelligence, except for Professor Snape. But she was still having a hard time fitting in.
"Hermione?" came a familiar male voice from outside. It sounded worried.
Hermione was surprised. What's he doing here? She left the cubicle and wiped her tears. But she didn't move to the main door of the lavatory. "Theo? What are you doing here?"
"I didn't see you after class, so I... was looking for you. Is it because of Weasley?" he asked and Hermione could hear the concern in his voice. She smiled tentatively, even though he could not see her.
"Don't mind him, Hermione," she heard him say. "He's just insecure, and I guess, feeling pressured because most of his brothers did well in school, and the twins are still funny, even though they aren't as brilliant as the prefect."
She frowned at Theo's words, but she realized that he might be correct. Ronald Weasley wasn't as diligent as Percy. He wasn't funny, either, like the twins. And now, he was only getting other people's attention because he was always with Harry Potter.
She sighed. Theo chuckled. "That's deep."
She smiled. "Thank you, Theo. Maybe, Ronald Weasley isn't worth my tears."
Theo did not say anything, so Hermione moved to the doorway. She found her friend leaning sideways on the wall, facing the entrance to the lavatory. His arms were crossed over his chest. He looked up to her and offered a small smile.
"Let's go and enjoy the Halloween Feast?" he suggested.
"You go ahead," she urged. "I'll just... uh, wash my face and - "
Theo nodded and stood straight. "I want to see you at the Great Hall after five minutes, all right?"
She grinned. "Yes. See you."
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But Hermione and Theo saw each other again the following morning when it was time for breakfast at the Great Hall. She walked to the Gryffindor table with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley and they were chatting animatedly. When she sat with the boys, facing the Slytherin table, she immediately searched for Theo, who met his eyes and didn't even bother to hide his scowl.
Later in the afternoon, Hermione went to the library and waited for Theo, but he didn't show up. Hermione felt a pang of hurt. She gained two new friends, but she felt like she just lost one; the first and most important one.
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October 31, 1992
(four years ago)
"So, will you be at the feast tonight?"
Hermione looked up from the essay she was working on, to glance at Theo. "Harry, Ron and I are going to a Deathday party."
"What a nice way of celebrating your friendship anniversary," he replied sarcastically.
Hermione looked up to her best friend with a frown. "You remember things like that?"
He shrugged and opened his book again. "I'm skipping the Halloween Feast."
"Why?" she asked in a concerned tone.
"'Cause you won't be there," he replied nonchalantly without looking up from his book.
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November 1, 1992
(four years ago)
"Theo!"
Her best friend stopped walking and looked around, and saw her hiding in an alcove. He hurried to her side. "What are you doing here... in the dungeons?" he hissed angrily.
"You didn't meet me at the library," she answered instead. "Are you avoiding me?"
Theo looked away and raked his fingers in his hair, which is a bit longer now. "I'm just... busy, with some stuff."
Hermione frowned and wanted to ask more, but decided against it.
"What's up?" he asked, finally meeting her eyes.
"What do you know about the Chamber of Secrets?" she asked.
He frowned. "What made you think that I know anything about the Chamber? Because I'm a Slytherin?" he sounded offended.
Hermione touched his arm gently. "No. It's because you know almost everything. And you read a lot. I guess you've read more books than I did." She was telling the truth. She did not come to Theo because he was a Slytherin.
"I guess, Potter is suspecting that Draco's the heir, isn't he?"
Hermione gave him a guilty look. "But he isn't, right?"
Theo snorted. "If Draco were the heir, don't you think he won't brag about it?"
"Right. And I don't know why you're still friends with him."
"We're not Slytherins for nothing, Hermione," he said seriously. "Despite his arrogance, Draco is still a good friend and he values our friendship. I'd bet my trust vault at Gringotts, that bloke would save me if I'm in danger. And we, Slytherins would still be friends even after twenty years or so."
"Oh. So, you can be as loyal as a Hufflepuff?" she teased.
Theo rolled his eyes but smiled.
"But I have to convince Harry and Ron that your friend is not the heir." Her face turned serious again.
Theo ran his fingers in his hair once more. "Right, right. You'll think of a way, I'm sure, with that brilliant mind of yours."
She gave him a calculating look. "You have ideas already," she accused.
Theo looked away. "Let me hear your plan first. Then, we'll see which idea would work."
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October 31, 1993
(three years ago)
When Hermione woke up that morning, she felt very excited. It was their first Hogsmeade trip. She had been waiting for this day since they were sent permission slips in summer. She wanted to explore the shops there, especially Tomes and Scrolls, the only bookstore in the village. She also made a mental note to drop by Honeydukes to buy some sweets for her and Theo. She noticed that her Slytherin best friend had a sweet tooth, but despite that, his white teeth could pass the inspection of her dentists parents. He had an overbite, but that was it.
Before going down for breakfast, Hermione pulled out her map to search for Theo. She wanted to ask his permission - or maybe, just opinion - on something. Her eyes found his name. He was in their classroom.
Hermione walked briskly to the sixth floor and entered their classroom. She was surprised to see him sitting comfortably on a transfigured couch, with Crookshanks on his stomach. What surprised her the most was the fact that Theo was talking to her pet, and the half-kneazle was looking at the wizard intently. She had never seen someone talk to their familiar as if it were a human being.
"Crooks? Theo? What are you two conspiring at?" she asked, trying not to sound suspicious as she walked towards them.
Theo looked up and placed Crookshanks gently on the floor. "Just telling Crookshanks to stop chasing Weasley's rat," he grinned, but Hermione knew that it amused Theo: Crookshanks chasing after Scabbers, plus Hermione and Ron arguing.
"I don't believe you." She sat beside him.
Theo smirked. "Good. Excited for the trip?"
"Yes, of course. But I wanted to ask you something..."
Theo cocked an eyebrow. Hermione tried to concentrate and ignore the way he looked. He was sitting in a leg-over-leg cross position, both of his arms were resting on the back of the couch. His hair was a bit tousled, but he still looked handsome.
"Hermione," he called gently.
"Oh," she gasped. "Er, I'm thinking of lending Harry the map. You know, his guardians didn't sign his permission slip and I thought maybe I could - "
"Help him sneak out," he cut her off, looking unhappy.
She gave him a guilty look.
"Hermione, you do realize that there are Dementors around the castle, don't you? They're at Hogsmeade, too. Remember, when we got off the train?"
Hermione silently nodded.
"And what's Potter's Boggart?"
"But, he's got an invisibility cloak."
"Dementors couldn't see you. They could feel you, Hermione. Didn't we read about them last month?"
Hermione sighed. "I'm sorry. I just feel sad for Harry. He doesn't deserve to be left out again, so I feel like I have to do something to ease his sadness."
Theo sighed and took her hand from her lap, squeezing it gently. His other hand smoothed her hair in a loose bun. She wanted to lean to his touch, but she stopped herself. Theo was her best friend and he was only thirteen.
"I understand. But believe me, Hermione, he will be safer here. It's the best he could do to repay his parents' sacrifice." And there was his gentle and caring tone. It was times like this that Hermione forgot Theo's actual age. He would act and think beyond their age. He was more mentally matured than the Weasley twins combined.
She nodded once again and smiled softly. "I knew I had to ask you first before doing something. You always give the best advice."
Theo released her and smirked, pinching her nose. "You're helpless without me."
She rolled her eyes but laughed.
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Hermione walked side by side with Ron. For once, he didn't bring up their pets and they shared some sweets they bought at Honeydukes. He even went to Tomes and Scrolls with her and in return, she went to the post office with him to check the rates of international deliveries. Ron was, of course, thinking of sending something to his brothers in Egypt and Romania. After visiting the shops, they decided to rest for a while and just talk by the tree where they could see the Shrieking Shack.
"They said it's haunted," she told Ron softly.
"Yeah. Hagrid said that the other week, he heard someone howling. He was drunk, but he wasn't the only one who heard it," Ron said.
She already knew what the thing that had been howling was. She and Theo figured it out last full moon, but she didn't say anything to Ron.
"Look! It's Granger and Weasley!" came Draco Malfoy's mocking voice.
Hermione and Ron turned around and saw the arrogant Slytherin with his girlfriend, and Crabbe and Goyle.
I wonder where Theo is, she mused.
"How sweet!" said Pansy Parkison. Her tone was laced with sarcasm. "Talking about your dream house? I bet the Shrieking Shack is bigger than any house your family can afford, Weasley."
The Slytherin boys laughed cruelly. Ron flexed and looked like he was about to say something, but Hermione stopped him by placing gentle hands on his arm and back. "Ron, they're not worth it. Ignore them," she said softly.
Ron stared at her and, thank Merlin, he listened. He nodded, took her hand and they walked away, ignoring the Slytherins. But on their way to the Three Broomsticks, Hermione caught the sight of Theo, speaking with Blaise Zabini at the other side of the street. His eyes fell onto Hermione's and Ron's joined hands.
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October 31, 1994
(four years ago)
Theo was aloof again and not talking to anyone. Hermione noticed that he wasn't at breakfast this morning, neither at lunch and now, it was the Halloween Feast. He wasn't around, too. Hermione searched for him on the map earlier before dinner. He was in Professor Snape's office again. But he was alone. Their potions professor was present at the Great Hall for the three meals.
What's going on with Theo? What could be his problem that he would choose to discuss with Professor Snape, instead of his friends?
But then, Professor Snape was his Head of House. He was an adult; a full-fledged wizard. He would be able to help Theo more than anyone in school, especially if it was about his father.
Hermione has drifted away from her thoughts of Theo when Harry's name was called by Professor Dumbledore in front of the many students, guests, and staff at the Great Hall.
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October 7, 1995
(one year ago)
Tracey Davis.
He was with Tracey Davis. Hermione felt a pang of jealousy as she watched the Slytherin pair from her table by the window at the Three Broomsticks. Theo and Tracey were walking down the street rather leisurely and talking quietly. Hermione's heart clenched when Theo said something that made the Slytherin girl laugh uncontrollably, making Theo grab her hand to keep her on the sidewalk.
She wanted to cry. She was jealous for a few reasons. First, she had never walked around the village (or even around the school) with Theo. They were always hiding. Second, she wasn't used to seeing him with anyone else, other than the Slytherin boys in their year. Third, she had realized last year that she was in love with her best friend, and nevermind if she was selfish, but she didn't want to see him with any other witch.
"Hermione? Are you even listening?" called Harry.
She turned to her best friend. "Sorry, just remembered something. I'm fine."
"He was asking if you know any place where we can practice you-know-what," whispered Ron who leaned forward from his seat across him and Harry.
Hermione remembered her and Theo's classroom. "There are some empty and unused classrooms, but it would be impossible to be unseen. There are a lot of us. But..." Let me ask Theo.
The other part of her mind protested. He's probably busy with Davis. She wanted to cry, but she calmed herself. She, Harry, and Ronhave just finished meeting students from other houses who might be interested in joining their study group, and she wanted to tell Theo about it. She was excited to go back to the castle and meet him using their coins but seeing him now with someone else, she just wanted to cry.
"Hermione, you're so pale," came Harry's worried voice and he squeezed her hand. "Are you sure you're all right?"
She smiled tentatively at the two boys who looked worried. "I am. Let's drink some more," she said and ordered more glasses of butterbeer.
Half an hour later, Hermione was sandwiched between Harry and Ron and she flung her arms around them for support. She felt so dizzy, but happy at the same time. The boys couldn't stop joking and Hermione seemed to forget the hurt she felt earlier. Until she saw them again, ahead of her, Harry, and Ron. She tightened her hold to the boys. Each of them had an arm wrapped around her waist. "You guys are the best!" she suddenly shouted.
Harry and Ron laughed and continued to hold her. "Hurry. Let's walk past the Slytherins," she whispered to them. The two boys obeyed without any questions.
Hermione didn't turn her head, but she could feel his eyes on her.
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October 31, 1996
(the present)
"Hermione, do you remember Saul Croaker's theory on the alternate universe?"
Hermione placed a bookmark on the page she was reading and turned to Theo who just finished dueling dummies in the Room of Requirement. He said that it was part of his training for the Order.
"That a true time-turner, which can take you back years or even decades, once hit with the Killing Curse, can give you a second chance in life? That you will live again, back to your younger body, with the knowledge of the future?"
"Yes."
She shook her head. "I don't know. That kind of time-turner has not been invented yet."
"Maybe the Ministry has, or someone already had."
"Maybe. Why do you ask?"
"Do you think, there was a universe in which you and I weren't friends and you were in love with someone else?" he asked, not breaking eye contact.
She frowned. "I don't think I'm going to like that universe. But maybe, if, in that universe, you didn't befriend me, helped me on that day at Platform 9 3/4, or taught me how to ride a broom... Why?"
Theo smiled and shook his head. "Nothing. Let's go back to our dorms."
Hermione shrugged and pulled out the map. "Malfoy's outside."
Theo sighed. "Of course. He needs the Room. Let me handle him."
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Hermione couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were plagued by images of her boyfriend.
Boyfriend. That word alone brought a smile to her lips and butterflies in her stomach. They've been best friends for five years now and she realized last year that she was in love with him. After her silly crush on Lockhart (the fraud, Hermione grimaced), there was no one else who caught her heart but Theo - the brilliant, quiet and kind Slytherin who lent her a helping hand on her first time at Platform 9 3/4.
Of course, he wasn't perfect. He was sometimes cold and distant. He wouldn't share his problems with her. He didn't talk much about his relationship with his father and he seldom talked about his mother. He liked talking about books, and so was she. He liked being there for her and she liked talking to him about anything - her dreams, her goals, her beloved parents, her frustrations, and her friendship with Harry and Ron. He wasn't perfect, but for Hermione, it was like he was made for her.
Only for her.
Making a decision, she reached for the Marauders Map and fake galleon Theo gave her last year. She sent him a message.
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A small door the size of a broom cupboard's door appeared on the wall. It opened and revealed her handsome boyfriend, wearing a worried look... and green pajama bottoms.
"Hermione? What's wrong?" He placed his hands on her shoulders and ran his eyes from her head to feet.
"I'm fine," she replied with a smile. She inhaled and was calmed by his scent: spice. Her eyes darted to his face. The five-o'clock shadow wasn't there. It only meant that he shaved after dinner. He also smelled like lemon and cinnamon. Hermione knew that Theo favoured lemon with cinnamon over tea.
Theo released her shoulders and grabbed her wrist to lead her in his room. After they entered the small door, it disappeared. She looked around. Theo's room was smaller than the sixth year Gryffindor boys dormitory, but it looked cozy. There was a four-poster bed in Slytherin colors and three bookshelves. He had a small sofa in between the shelves and a coffee table. His study table was pushed against the wall near the bathroom door.
"Your room's all books," she giggled.
Theo sat on the edge of his bed and shrugged. "All books, no Quidditch."
Hermione went to one of the shelves to inspect the titles. Most of them were familiar and were lent by Theo over the years. "How do you manage to bring these many books in school?" she asked, turning around, only to find him already sitting comfortably on the bed, with his back resting on the headboard.
"My trunk has an Undetectable Extension Charm."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow. "I'm not surprised."
Theo just smiled and opened his arms. "Come here."
Hermione walked rather nervously towards the bed. Then, she kicked off her shoes and removed her robe, revealing her short pajamas before climbing next to Theo. He instantly pulled her to his waiting arms, and she rested her cheek on his bare chest. She inhaled comfortably.
Theo chuckled. "Comfortable?"
"Uhm," she replied.
"Why did you come here, Hermione?" he asked afterward.
She inhaled his scent. "I couldn't sleep."
"And since when did you come to me when you can't sleep?" he teased.
Hermione wrapped both of her arms around him and buried her face to the crook of his neck. "Since now," she replied before kissing his flesh.
Theo groaned and gathered her in his lap. He held her face with one hand while the other hand was still wrapped around her waist, then he kissed her passionately.
Hermione moaned, knowing that Theo's room was heavily warded. She ran a hand to his chest and her left fingers toyed with his hair. Theo released her face and grabbed her hips with both hands. She knew what he wanted her to do, so she straddled him and ground herself to his crotch. Their kiss deepened until their hands were everywhere. Soon, they were both panting.
"Hermione," he whispered huskily.
"I want more, Theo, please," she whispered, leaning her forehead to his.
He caressed her back. "I know, but I cannot let us go further without telling you something really important."
"Is it about your secret?" she asked calmly.
"Yes," he replied, kissing the tip of her nose.
"Theo, whatever it is, my feelings for you won't change. I will still love you and choose to be with you. You're a good man."
Theo smiled and tucked a curl behind her ear. "I know. But it's still important for you to know this."
She sighed. "All right. What is it?"
"Do you remember Mia-Rose?"
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October 31, 1995
(one year ago)
She wouldn't talk to him. She hasn't, since the first Hogsmeade trip of the term. In the library, she chose to sit near the entrance and sometimes, she would drag Harry or Ron, and even Ginny. She did not go back to her and Theo's usual spot. He didn't press her what her problem was, but she would always look at his dot on the map. He still went to their spot in the library and their classroom.
Last weekend, she saw Tracey Davis walking hand-in-hand with Adrain Pucey, a seventh-year Slytherin and was also a member of the Quidditch team. The two seemed to be dating and she even saw them snogging near the lake. Hermione felt relieved. It only meant that there was no romance between Davis and Theo. She decided to apologize for being cold and distant, that's why she went to their classroom three days ago. She found him sleeping soundly on the couch and a gold necklace on the desk where he would usually brew. The necklace had a heart-shaped photo pendant (which was open). Intrigued, Hermione inspected it. She felt a lump on her throat when she saw the picture inside. It was a photo of a young witch, wearing a blue witch's robe with dark brown straight and silky hair. Her eyes were blue, but a lighter shade than Theo's. She had a perfect nose and a perfect smile. On the other side of the pendant was a name: Mia-Rose.
She had never seen the witch before. She looked like fourteen years old and Hermione wondered if she was a Beauxbatons student Theo had met last year. But she couldn't remember anyone Theo mentioned.
Feeling her tears fall from her eyes and the clenching of her heart, Hermione left the classroom silently.
"You've been ignoring me."
Hermione spun around and was greeted by Theo's hard chest. She was in the Restricted Section, after securing a permission slip from Professor Flitwick, looking for a Charms book, and she wasn't expecting to see him there. Knowing Theo Nott, he probably had all the books he needed at his family library.
"Theo," she was forced to say.
"Why were you ignoring me?" he drawled.
She didn't meet his eyes. Instead, she turned around again and picked a book on Patronuses on the shelf. "I've been busy."
But Theo grabbed the book from her gently. "You don't need this. You used to ask me. You have me."
Hermione closed her eyes and saw the image of the girl in the picture. The pain was still there, in her heart.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" asked Theo.
His voice. She wanted to melt just by the sound of his voice. So gentle, so caring... For once, she wanted to have an answer, so she faced him. "Who's Mia-Rose?"
Theo looked surprised and he paled. He looked away, making Hermione feel a stab of pain in her heart. "How did you know about her?"
"The picture in the pendant," she replied casually.
Theo didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the shelf beside him.
"Is she someone important?" she found herself asking.
Theo nodded. She bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying. "I better get back to Ron." She didn't bother saying Harry's name. She wanted to give him the impression that she and Ron were getting closer. But she wanted to correct herself when Theo's body stiffened.
"Right. Weasley," he said flatly and stepped back to clear her way.
She took the books she needed and walked away. Theo was just standing there, unmoving, she knew. So, she turned around (for the last time, she noted), and met his eyes. "Do you see Mia-Rose in your life five years from now?"
Theo smiled fondly that caused Hermione's heart to shatter in pieces. "Ten years," was all he said.
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No matter how hurt she was, Hermione did not run to Harry and not especially to Ron. She went to Ginny. Her female friend didn't ask what happened. She just listened and held her, until she fell asleep.
Mia-Rose. She wanted to hate the name, but she couldn't. She wanted to insult her bright, blue eyes, but she couldn't.
Why does her name have to be Mia-Rose? she asked bitterly.
Mia was her mother, Jean Granger's middle name. And Hermione's beloved and late grandmother was Rose. She loved these two women. Why is life fucking with me?
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October 31, 1996
(the present)
"Why do you have a Pensieve?" she asked when Theo lead her to his study table after receiving the marble basin from under his bed.
"Sometimes, my mind is too congested, so I decided I needed a Pensieve to remove some memories," he replied with a calm look.
"What are you going to show me?"
"Some important memories. Don't worry. It might feel like you've been there for too long, but in here, you will only miss less than an hour," he assured her.
Hermione nodded and dived into her boyfriend's memories.
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October 31, 1999
(Theo's past)
"Hermione! Over here!"
Hermione grabbed his hand and together, they approached Weasley and Potter at their table near the bar. But when Weasley stood up to kiss his girlfriend, Hermione released Theo's hand.
"Hey, Nott!" greeted Weasley casually, who had an arm wrapped around Hermione. The witch was grinning from ear to ear in the arms of her wizard.
"Weasley, Potter," he nodded.
"Were you two really working on a Sunday? At Nott's place?" asked Potter incredulously.
Theo cocked an eyebrow. "Are you doubting your best friend, Potter?"
"Harry," called Hermione gently. "We were working on our proposal for the Elfish Rights and Theo has a vast library in his childhood home. It was kind of him to offer his place to do our research. Ron knows about it." She turned to her boyfriend. "I've told you on Friday, right?"
Weasley smiled. "Yes and I believe you, babe." He turned to Potter. "Honestly, Harry, it's all right. And Nott is a nice bloke, according to Hermione."
Potter huffed. Nott shook his head. "It's not my problem anymore, Potter, if you don't believe me, is it?"
"Your father must be rolling in his Azkaban cell when you brought Hermione to your manor."
"Theo! How are you, mate?" called someone from the door.
Theo groaned. "Draco." He turned to Hermione. "See you tomorrow at work."
Hermione grinned and hugged him. "Thanks for helping me with the proposal, Theo."
He reluctantly patted her back. "You're welcome." After Hermione pulled away, Draco grabbed him, but only after saying something stupid to Potter and Weasley.
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"You're torturing yourself, mate."
From Hermione, Theo's eyes darted to his best mate who was drinking beside him. "Don't know what you're talking about."
"You've been harbouring feelings for her for four years now."
It wasn't a question. But he glared at Draco. "I beg your pardon?"
Draco shook his head. "I've noticed how you would look at her in our shared classes with them. You even kept her handkerchief which she dropped during our Potions class. Some creepy admirer you were. And you bloody left the country after the sixth year because of her."
"Because I didn't want to take the Mark," he corrected.
"Because you didn't want her to hate you. You didn't want to fight against her side."
"And I made the right decision. I'm not rotting in Azkaban, am I?" he reasoned. "I've returned after the battle and finished my Hogwarts education."
"With her. All because of her. Now, instead of being a Curse-Breaker, you're a lowly Ministry worker, also because of her." There was no malice in Draco's voice. He was merely teasing him.
"Stop it, Draco. She's my friend and I'm happy for her."
Draco snorted. "And I will watch you become the godfather of her and Weasley's firstborn."
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October 31, 2000
(Theo's past)
Theo sat on Hermione's chair for visitors and looked at the witch sleeping with her head on the table. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, and there were dark circles around her eyes. Her mouth was slightly open. She looked exhausted. He knew she had been crying at night and not getting enough sleep.
Theo's eyes darted to the picture frame on the left side of her desk. He felt a pang of pain not for himself, but Hermione. It was a picture of her and Weasley, both were beaming and the wizard kissed her hand, the one with the engagement ring.
Theo sighed and stared at the beautiful engagement ring she was wearing. He could vividly remember when she excitedly told him about it.
"Theo!" she called him cheerfully.
Theo turned around and saw Hermione trying to keep up with him. It looked like she just got out of one of the Ministry's Floos. "Hey, what's up?" he asked casually, offering a hand to carry her briefcase and they continued to walk to the lift.
Hermione handed her the briefcase. "Thanks! I have something to tell you!"
He cocked an eyebrow and studied her face. She looked more beautiful today. Her eyes were twinkling and she couldn't stop herself from smiling. "What? You seem to be in a happy mood. Weasley proposed?" he asked casually.
Hermione's grin widened and she held up her left hand. Theo spotted the thin band with a princess-cut stone. He felt a lump in his throat, but he ignored it. He forced a smile and patted Hermione. "Congratulations."
"He said, he'd been saving up for this for months! I told him, he didn't have to get me an expensive ring. A simple silver band would do. We're planning a spring wedding. You have to be there, yeah?"
"Of course. I will be there."
That was three months ago. Now, she was hurt and devastated. Ronald Weasley died in a mission in Edinburgh two weeks ago. Theo wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but he thought it might be a bad idea. He might do something reckless or say something stupid. He didn't want to confuse her. She loved Weasley so much, and they were truly happy. The bloke even matured a bit for Hermione.
Theo promised that he would continue being her friend. He would continue to love her in silence.
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October 27, 2019
(Theo's past)
He woke up with his beloved (and still beautiful) wife beside him, the current Minister for Magic, Hermione Granger. Just like the past fourteen years, his arms automatically reached out for her. He spooned and pulled her closer to him, resting his left hand above her lower abdomen; his right arm was tucked under Hermione's head and right hand was palming one of her soft breasts.
"Good morning, love," he said, just like always.
He heard her smile. Yes, heard.
Hermione placed a hand above his hand, the one resting on her abdomen. "Morning, dear husband."
He hummed sleepily, kissed and licked his wife's bare shoulder rather erotically; his left hand was traveling south, very, very slowly and his right hand continued to play with her breast. Hermione made a sound of approval and pressed her bum to his crotch.
"Theo, darling..." she moaned and begged at the same time.
Theo smiled to himself. He calls her 'love' and she calls him 'darling'. It has always been like that since the day they confessed their love for each other.
"Don't stop, darling."
"My love... my Hermione."
After fourteen years of being married - and despite Hermione's busy schedule, they still find time to make love rather passionately.
Theo shifted a little so he could have more access to the side of Hermione's neck. He kissed and licked her there, knowing that it would turn her on more and more. His fingers found Hermione's weakest spot on the south.
Merlin, she's very wet already! He smirked on her neck. Meanwhile, Hermione's hand reached for something between their bodies. He made a sound of pleasure when his dear wife clutched his already hard cock. Hermione laid on her back, making Theo release her breast. He propped on one elbow to capture her lips. His middle finger finally entered her and he was rewarded with moans of pleasure.
Hermione's hand stopped pleasuring him, but he didn't mind. He was sure she would return the favour later.
Hermione first.
"Theo..." He loved hearing her sing his name. He loved watching her come.
"Oh, darling, I'm so close..."
"Are you?" he teased, kissing her again and adding another finger inside her. "Yes, you are."
"I love you so fucking much, Theodore Nott!" she screamed as her walls tightened around his fingers. Theo leaned back so that he could watch her beautiful face while coming.
She screamed his name again and he loved it. "Let go, love. Let go," he urged.
And then Theo saw it again. The beautiful look in her face as she screamed his name. After a few seconds, Hermione opened her eyes and smiled at him. "Thank you, darling," she said, cupping his face.
Theo leaned down to give her a chaste kiss. "My pleasure."
Hermione laughed and they laid side by side, facing each other. Theo pulled her to his arms, running one hand in her soft, brown hair.
"Oh, Theo. I love you so much!"
"I love you more."
"I am going to return the favor now," she whispered, running her hand again on his crotch, but she was stopped by a loud ringing.
Theo sighed and Hermione giggled. "Will it be a crime to throw your mobile phone outside the window?" he asked.
"Destruction of government property, darling husband," she laughed and moved away to reach for the Muggle device the ministry finds useful nowadays.
"Draco?" he heard Hermione answer the phone. He groaned, burying his face onto the pillow and tried not to listen to the conversation. What is Draco ringing for at this early?
"Just go straight to the point, Draco! what is it?" asked Hermione sternly. Draco was probably talking too much; apologizing too much for calling on a Sunday.
"HE DID WHAT?" his wife practically yelled and stood up to get clothes in the wardrobe. Theo frowned and sat up.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Don't do anything rash, Draco Malfoy and keep your cool with Harry! He's the Head Auror, remember? All right, all right!"
Theo got up from the bed and dressed for the day as well. "What happened?" he asked as soon as Hermione tossed the mobile phone on the bed and grabbed her purse with Extendable Charm.
"Oh, I can't believe this, love!" she said, frustrated while pacing back and forth. "Harry's second born and Scorp broke into the Time Room and nicked a time-turner!"
"What the hell!" he exclaimed. "Whatever for?"
"It was not very clear, but Draco mentioned something about going back in time and changing something. I shall tell you when I get back. I have to go to the Ministry and speak with Draco and Harry, and the two boys."
"I'm coming with you!"
Hermione frowned and shook her head. "No, no, no..."
"But what if you, Draco and Potter have to go back in time to fix something? If something's going to change?" he asked.
Hermione's brown eyes met his blue ones, thinking deeply. After a few seconds, she sighed in defeat. "Let's go."
.
"Where are we?" hissed Draco as the four of them landed on a cemetery.
Theo looked around and placed a protective arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"Godric's Hollow," replied Potter quietly. "This was the night my parents were murdered."
"Oh, right," snapped Malfoy.
"Of course I'm right," sneered Potter.
"Shut up the two of you, will you?" hissed Hermione. "Harry, it's night time already. Let's go and check at your parents' house."
When they arrived earlier in Potter's office at the Ministry, Theo and Hermione found Draco, Scorpius, and Harry's son, Albus. Hermione started asking questions and he listened as his wife interrogated the two boys.
Delphini, a young witch with an augury tattoo, appeared at Hogwarts and told Scorpius that they could be un-born because Amos Diggory found a time-turner and was planning to go back in time to save his son. Turns out, Delphini convinced the two boys to sneak into the ministry, Polyjuiced as Harry Potter and Seamus Finnegan (now an Auror), to steal a time-turner to stop Amos Diggory from changing the events in 1994, during the Final Task of the Triwizard Tournament. But when she finally had the time-turner, Delphini stunned Albus and told Scorpius about her real identity.
She was Voldemort's daughter.
Delphini confessed that she lied to the two boys and that she was planning to go back in time to make sure her father wouldn't be defeated by Harry Potter. She also promised Scorpius that she would make sure he'd still exist in the new timeline she was going to make.
Theo, Hermione, and Draco followed Harry's lead. They stopped at a vacant lot. "The house should be here. Bet it's still under Fidelius Charm," he told them.
"Let's find out if Voldemort's already been here," Hermione said and with a wave of her wand, she muttered "Appare Vestigium."
Then, something came around them: moving images. It was like watching a flashback in a film. They saw a young witch waiting on the side of the street, behind a tree. She had long, silver blond hair, just like Draco's, only that hers had blue-tips. She looked around seventeen years of age. After a few moments, a cloaked figure - Voldemort - appeared in front of the vacant lot. When Voldemort raised his wand, the girl announced her presence and showed something to Voldemort. The two Disapparated together.
"Great," Potter scoffed. "What now? We don't know where they are. Nice one, Minister."
Theo knew what was coming next, so he cast Silencing Charms.
"You shut up!" bellowed Draco. "And don't you talk to her like that."
Potter sneered. "If you only told us about your little cousin, we could've prevented these events from happening."
"Don't blame me, Potter. I didn't know that she even exists! I never saw my crazy aunt pregnant."
"Oh, Theo, you're so right about coming with me. If the future's changed and you weren't here..." Hermione trailed off and sounded very frustrated. "Mia-Rose and Hugo... our children!"
He pulled his wife into his arms, not sure what to say.
"At least, you're together. What about my wife?" murmured Potter.
"Oh, stop, Potter, will you?" Draco said with annoyance.
"Right, because if Voldemort's successful this time in conquering the world, then, you're in good hands. You have a good life. I have my parents, but we'll still be targeted. And Hermione probably never got her Hogwarts letter. She would've married someone else, not your best mate." Potter threw a disgusted look at him.
"What now?" he asked his wife, worrying about their future.
"We go back to 2019. Let's see what we can do," she whispered.
"All right. Back to 2019, then."
.
'STUPEFY!"
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
"DIFFINDO!"
"CRUCIO!"
Shi*t, shi*t! Theo ducked and hid behind a tree, but Hermione was separated from him. He never expected that the moment they would land back in 2019, they would be cursed left and right.
"Who are you?" came a male voice. "Nobody could Apparate in this village. Show yourselves!"
Theo didn't know where the others were, but he was sure they were hiding as well.
"Malfoy?" came another unfamiliar voice.
"Yeah?" came Draco's voice and Theo heard footsteps.
Perhaps Draco revealed himself?
"What are you doing here?" someone asked furiously.
"Blaise?" asked Draco in confusion.
Theo frowned. Blaise Zabini?
"I knew it! You were still in touch with this traitor!"
"Shut up, Goyle!"
"What's going on?" asked Draco, sounding very confused.
"Don't pretend, Malfoy!" hissed Goyle. "Crucio!"
Theo heard Draco yelped in pain, but he didn't scream.
"Goyle! We have to bring him to the Dark Lord!"
"No. The Dark Lord permitted me to kill this traitor. Stupefy! Crucio! Avada Kedavra!"
Footsteps. He heard footsteps. "Well, well, well... if it isn't the filthy half-blood Potter..." mocked Zabini.
"STUPEFY!"
"EXPELLIARMUS!" came a female voice.
"PROTEGO!" Potter bellowed.
"DIFFINDO! AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Theo's heart sank. Not my Hermione, not my Hermione!
"Good riddance."
"STUPEFY!"
He knew that voice. Hermione! My Hermione is alive!
Theo moved to help, but he stopped when he heard an unfamiliar female voice. "Oh, so this is the Mudblood Malfoy had been protecting?"
What?
"Why does she have a wand?" asked Goyle angrily.
"Malfoy probably taught her. That traitor. I swear, he's in love with Potter," said the unknown woman. "Let's play, Mudblood, shall we? Crucio!"
Theo couldn't hide anymore. He moved, gripping his wand tightly. "That's my wife, you b*tch!"
Hermione managed to shield herself and was looking at him with worry.
"Oh, Nott?" mocked the witch who happened to be Pansy Parkinson. "Did you say 'wife'? Really?" she mocked.
Sectumsempra! he cast non-verbally, but Parkinson blocked his spell. "Crucio!"
"Theo!" Hermione yelled.
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
Hermione's shield was broken when she moved towards him. She got distracted and her wand flew towards Goyle.
Next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground and Hermione was kneeling beside him, whispering in his ear. "Theo..."
He felt something being pushed in his breast pocket. "My love, go back... you can do it, you can do this," she whispered to him. "Mia-Rose and Hugo..."
He was shaking like mad under the Cruciatus Curse and he was screaming to the top of his lungs. He could not respond to his Hermione. When the pain he was experiencing was gone and he stopped screaming, he heard two voices saying the same words.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
.
October 31, 1990
(six years ago)
Theodore Nott was home.
He could smell fresh bed sheets and fresh air. He could hear the sound of bacon and eggs being fried and smell them. He could hear the clinking of utensils, the stirring of tea and footsteps on the stairs.
Mia-Rose and Hugo. He smiled to himself. Hermione managed to send him back in time, didn't she? Everything sounded normal.
He moved his hand to reach for his favourite person, but he found a space. "My-knee," he managed to say, but his voice was too groggy.
"Theodore? What is it, dear?" came an unfamiliar, but soothing feminine voice.
"My-knee," he said again, opening his eyes, only to be greeted by a blonde boy and a dark-haired witch, looking down on him.
"Draco?"
"He must've fallen from the broom really hard. He looks so confused," said the blonde boy to his mother.
"Cissy? Draco? What happened to little Theodore?" came the voice of Lucius Malfoy.
He sat up and found himself on a sofa in the drawing-room of Malfoy Manor. He looked up to the three people gathered around him. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy looked younger. And Draco looked like he has not even started Hogwarts yet.
Fuck. I went back too far.