Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

So I know this has taken a while to post, this chapter gave me quite a lot of trouble to write. I knew what I wanted to happen but kept rewriting it. It's kind of short compared to other chapters but I hope you still enjoy it. Also, business ideas for Theo and Pansy are still welcome. I'm narrowing down what I want from them but I'm still open to suggestions. Sorry again for the wait but I'm running into roadblocks on how I want this story to go and actually writing it all down.

Also, I've started posting another story, I've mentioned that I have had a dark Grey Harry story in my mind and something completely different than what I've done before and so that is what I'm writing now. It's called 'It's Just Temporary with a Bit of Necromancy' if you are interested.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Choo! Choo!

"That's the ten-minute warning," Tracey commented pointlessly. "You two should be getting into your compartment soon."

There were agreement nods from the group but the two having to leave made no move to hop on the train. Theo gazed at the two leaving for Hogwarts, mainly to stop from paranoidly gazing out at the crowd that was giving him and his group wide berth.

Luna and Astoria were huddled together in the middle of the rough circle formed around them. Theo hadn't had much communication with either girl, but Potter had decreed everyone at the house see them off.

Theo tended to keep to himself, nose in a book, it had always served him well. His books didn't judge and he was safe within their pages. Whenever he was parted from his books his father had taken over and forced Theo to participate in horrendous acts. His books didn't make him do that. His books were safe.

However, even he felt the soft stirrings of sadness at the knowledge that the two girls would be leaving the house, however temporarily. He and Astoria had always been in the same circles, attending the same fancy parties that their parents dragged them too but aside from polite conversation they hadn't branched much farther. He knew that Daphne and Draco were going to be missing her the most.

He watched as the two sisters gripped each other tightly. Daphne holding firm to her Ice Queen mask but her white knuckles in her sisters' shirt and her tightly shut eyes gave her away. He felt envious, having never had a sibling himself, over their obvious affection. Starting to feel like an intruder on the private moment between sisters, Theo turned his attention to Luna. The girl had approached him earlier in the summer and told him that they would be friends. He had scoffed at the idea. Theo had very few friends. Draco and Blaise earning the title but only after many years of close proximity and the actions of the past that gave them common ground and foundation.

The blonde Ravenclaw had been persistent though, and he had found her mind and her comments fascinating if not completely delusional. But, he had permitted her presence and he would admittedly miss her flitting about the library or talking about non-existent creatures. When her large blue eyes turned to him and he gave a small nod to signify his goodbye. It was an expected gesture of proper upbringing. The Ravenclaw didn't accept that though and after hugging Longbottom she turned her attention to him and wrapped him in a hug. Her arms were thin and she felt more like air as he awkwardly patted her back. He had never been good at physical contact.

"Don't let the Nargles bother you for too much longer," she whispered to him before letting go.

"I'll try my best," he replied uncertainly. How was he supposed to respond to that?

That was Luna though, intriguing but insane, there was no other reasoning for it. He brushed off her comment though to continue watching. Next in line for the blonde's hugs was Hermione. And just like every time he looked at her this summer he couldn't help but admire her.

Her hair no longer bushy but also no longer hanging limply about her as it had at the start. Those brown eyes met his over Luna's shoulder and they shared an amused look. Theo knew that the brainiac Gryffindor had similar feelings about the blonde's sanity. Hermione had been a godsend this summer. Of course, Theo was immensely grateful for Potter's opportunity and offer for a second chance. Originally, Theo had planned on escaping England. Maybe trying his hand in America, anything to escape and run away from the horrors of the past years. Notts were bred for their intellect and for hiding in the shadows. Being thrust into the spotlight, especially negative spotlight was not in their handbook and when faced with this, Theo planned to do as he always had: hideaway.

Even in the Manor, Theo felt alone. No one else had the same degree of knowledge. Draco could hold a decent conversation with him but his friend was far to withdraw to hold debates with him now. However, Hermione could match him in wits like no one he had ever met before. And the fire that lit in her eyes when they started to debate always made his breath catch and make him lose focus. At the beginning of the summer, he had questioned if she did this on purpose to gain the edge in the debate.

Now he knew differently.

Luna moved to Potter who looked too tense and only tore his gaze from glaring at the crowd when the blonde tackled him in a hug. Theo saw Luna whisper something to Potter but Hermione was moving closer to him so he didn't bother trying to read her lips.

"Strange not to be getting on, isn't it?" Hermione asked softly.

Theo turned to look at the Hogwarts Express. He remembered his first time seeing it back when he was eleven. He remembered how excited he had been, so eager to do well and prove to his father that he was worthy of the Nott name. He had sought out a compartment and had been quickly joined by Draco, Blaise, Greg, and Vincent. He even remembered Hermione, she had stopped by their compartment looking for Longbottom's toad while Draco, Greg, and Vincent had been searching for Potter.

Theo remembered how impressed he had been by the young girl. Entering a compartment and announcing her purpose without hesitation. She had been so sure and confident, traits that had never ceased in all of their time at school. While Draco and the rest of Slytherin had sneered at the goody-two-shoes, know-it-all, Theo had respected and admired her thirst for knowledge, something that he could relate too. He wouldn't dare approach her in conversation though. Simply observing her bushy head hidden in a book from afar, admiration and respect growing each year. It had probably been for the best he had stayed away. If he had actually looked into her eyes during their time at school he would have been lost and floundering torn between earnings his fathers' approval and whatever spell she had him under.

Now, he could talk to her and look into her eyes all he wanted and he doubted he had ever been happier.

"Yeah, it is. It was going to happen eventually though," he replied looking back at her.

"True. Do you think it will be easier being here when we bring our own children?"

"Probably not," he sighed. "Because then we will want to attend if only to protect our children."

Hermione nodded but said no more. Astoria had moved to hug Draco and Luna had finished her rounds and was saying a final goodbye to her father. Astoria placed a quick kiss on Draco's cheek and Theo smirked softly. How more obvious would the witch have to be to show his friend that she was still interested?

The train whistled again and the group tensed up. "Can't delay much longer," Potter said, speaking up and taking charge. It was a role he filled easily, something Theo had noticed from their school days and had secretly envied. He hated taking such direct charge. He was better behind the scenes, pulling the strings. Not facing things head on. "We'll see you both this Christmas and maybe during some Hogsmeade trips. Stick together and you'll be fine," the Saviour continued, squeezing both girls shoulders as he led them to the train.

Theo briefly wondered about why Potter was taking the girls the last steps to the train before he realized that Daphne, Draco and Luna's father would probably stall more and the girls might miss the train. This way, Potter could make sure the girls made it.

The girls entered the train and just a few moments later appeared in their compartment window waving goodbye. Theo averted his eyes off the tearful goodbye. Emotions made him anxious, books were never emotional. Books were safe.

Instead, he took stock of the platform. It wasn't as crowded as it had been in past years. Most families probably still nervous about sending their children off to Hogwarts, memories still too fresh. The hostile glares were numerous and Theo felt his spine stiffen in response and his fingers grip his wand tighter. He might not like to be in the spotlight but he knew a lot of spells and had become a remarkable dueller to keep himself alive. It had been one of the few things that his father had praised him for.

The others seemed to be feeling the same because everyone had their wands out and were constantly glancing over their shoulders at the crowd. There was a few curious eyes but not enough to lessen the tension growing. Restlessness was starting to grow and if he hadn't had such intense training as a child he would be fidgeting and shifting his feet, but Theo had been trained as a Pureblood Heir and so remained stiff and straight, mentally running over his list of spells.

Except for the muggle cousin. Theo caught the look of awe and wonder overtaking the large man's face. Theo thought it was rather innocent in its childlike enchantment. He had enjoyed witnessing the fascination the muggle held for all things magic over the week the man had been living in the Manor. It brought a fresh perspective to the very thing that Theo had always taken for granted growing up. Magic was everything, to never have it had never occurred to him. It was what set them apart from muggles, what made them superior, but now, having witnessed how enraptured the cousin was with it. Theo almost wished had been able to experience that astonishment and proper appreciation for magic like muggleborns did upon first arriving in the Wizarding World.

Finally, the train began to move and gain speed. The smoke billowing and swirling around the red engine sent a pang through his chest. It was hard seeing the symbol of his childhood freedom gain speed with him not on it. He could vividly picture what he would be doing if he were on it, the same thing he had done all seven years he had ridden it. Watch the landscape begin to blur as the speed picked up and then pull out a book while the others began to talk about their summers.

"Let's go," Potter said when the train turned the final corner. The others nodded but Daphne remained fixated on the dissipating smoke cloud. Potter gently grabbing her wrist to gain her attention and pull her back to the group. They shared a look that Theo wished he could decipher. So much seemed to be said in just that look and again, Theo felt like an intruder for witnessing it.

Draco, Pansy, and Blaise were the first to disapparate from the Platform. Greg, Padma, and Tracey were the next with Tracey taking the muggle cousin, Dudley with her. Then Theo was being sucked into the dark vacuum only to arrive on the grassy hill at Peverell Manor moments later. The group was silent as they returned to the manor and went their separate ways.

Theo felt his feet wandering to the library and could feel Hermione following him. He didn't expect a debate today. A day of reading was in store. Memories were too fresh and the mind wasn't focused, Theo knew Hermione probably felt the same. So silent contemplation lost in thought was just what was needed on the day's agenda.

It was dinner. The silence was heavy and Theo saw Daphne's eyes were redder and she barely ate. He was close enough to hear Potter murmuring to her though and encouraging her to eat though and to keep her gaze from flicking to the empty seat beside her.

Potter suddenly sat straight up and looked towards the dining room door. He looked confused and his tense posture made the rest of the table just as alert. Weasley burst through the door, panting and sweaty as though he had run all the way from the apparition point. He still wore his red Auror robes and just the sight made Theo have to fight back a wave of fear. Auror robes had never signified anything good while he grew up.

"Mione! Hermione!" Weasley yelled hysterically. Theo turned to look sharply at the woman beside him worried that something was wrong with her. But Weasley sounded far too happy for his presence to mean something bad. "They found them!" he yelled out, a grin spreading far too wide for his face. It took Theo a few moments to dissect that statement and he gasped. Hermione was out of her seat and rushing to Weasley as though in a daze. Potter had also stood, his green eyes looking vivid with rising hope. "They found them, 'Mione. I was working my shift when the news came in. My supervisor gave me special permission to give you the news."

"Mate, you're serious?" Potter questioned, his hand gripping Hermione's arm and Weasleys, connecting the three of them in a disjointed line. The Trio reunited, separated from others but always together, Theo thought absently.

"Completely. The Australian Aurors found them and notified us immediately. Apparently, they've just been out of the country for a bit. Kingsley says that they have their memories restored and are making arrangements to return. Should be here by the beginning of next week."

Theo was half standing now as was the rest of the Slytherins and the cousin, while Longbottom, Abbott, and Patil were starting to walk slowly over to the Trio. Theo saw Hermione's eyes were glistening in tears and her lips were twitching into an unbelieving but hopeful smile. "Your parents are coming home with their memories restored, Hermione," Weasley repeated with seriousness. This was apparently the key phrase that Hermione needed because she let out a loud cry and embraced Ron in a tight hug. Theo felt a pang in his gut at the sight but scolded himself. This was no time for jealousy.

Potter was next for the hug and the two men exchanged a pleased look at how excited their best friend was. What surprised Theo was that after hugging Potter and Weasley, Hermione turned to face the group who all offered congratulatory words and smiles. But Theo stood stunned when the Gryffindor sought out his face and then rushed him in a hug. Her warmth pressed against him was a feeling he wanted to remember forever. It filled a hole that he hadn't known he had and awkwardly he wrapped his hands around her and gave her a slight squeeze, not wanting to let go.

She pulled back and her eyes were sparkling and her smile was captivating. Theo couldn't remember much of the rest of the night, it was a blur of chatter and excited comments. Hearing of their friends' good fortune had lightened everyone's spirits. Hermione had disappeared quickly with one of Blaise's phones in hand hoping to contact her parents.

It was now the middle of the night and Theo lay on his back in the Observatory tower. It had been a frequent spot of his when he didn't want to face the realm of dreams. He heard the door creak open and he glanced away from the blanket of stars to see Hermione closing the door behind her. This was another reason that they had become closer and another reason her presence had helped him so much. Not only did they share the library but they shared the nights staring at the stars. In the library, they spoke of academics, debated, and grew comfortable on familiar territory. At night in the tower, staring at the stars, they spoke of their lives or they didn't speak at all and just shared in the feeling of not being alone.

Theo could almost feel the girl vibrating in excitement. "Were you able to speak with your parents?" he questioned after the silence had stretched.

"No, the phones can't reach that distance. I knew that. It hasn't been able to work the other times I tried it. But I had hoped that since now I knew where they were, it might help but no luck. I spoke with Kingsley though and he said they would be in England by Saturday, so I should be able to speak to them then and see them on Sunday. Oh, Theo! I can't wait for you to meet them. I know they are going to love you. They always said that they doubted there would ever be someone who loved books as much as me. Well, you can help me prove them wrong," she laughed. A shaky laugh that spoke of how erratic and shot her nerves must be from the onslaught of adrenaline and joyful emotions.

"I do like proving people wrong," he quipped. "What will you do first?"

"Hug them," she responded immediately. Hermione had often spoken fondly of her parents, how affectionate and loving they had been while she grew up. An experience that Theo couldn't share. His father had been cold and distant, always expecting Theo to be better, smarter, more worthy. Theo had pushed himself to achiever his fathers' expectations, doing unspeakable things just to get an approving nod. His heart ached for the family that Hermione had been raised with. Now he would never see his father again unless he took a trip to Azkaban. But Hermione deserved this. Everything she had been through, having her parents returned was needed. "Hug them and not let go for hours. Tell them how sorry I am for what I did but hope they forgive me, hope they understand why I did it."

"I'm sure they will. From what you've said, your parents sound perfect and I doubt perfect parents would be angry with you trying to protect them."

"I suppose. Oh Theo, things just might be looking up now. My parents remember me again. They are coming home."

The two lay in silence, observing the night sky when Theo finally broached the thought that had been plaguing him since he heard the news. "Will you go and live with them? Will you leave here?"

He would completely understand if she did. Her parents were being returned, he couldn't fault her for it. But he knew he selfishly didn't want her to leave. He would go back to days and nights of loneliness. Looking at her though, as she stared up into the night sky her eyes alight with thoughts of her reunited family and the happy smile that hadn't left her face, he would suffer through the loneliness just to keep her happy.

"I'm not sure. Maybe they could move here? I mean Dudley is living here now, what are two more muggles? They could take that other cottage a little further away. I know Harry had the elves renovate it. Maybe they could live there. They will need a new house after all since the other one was sold off."

"I think that's a great idea," Theo agreed immediately. Keeping Hermione happy and near him seemed almost too good to be true. "Are you sure you want to introduce me to your parents? Any of us to them I mean. Our parents are the reason they had to be sent halfway across the world."

"My parents wouldn't judge you for that. They trust my judgment and I'm sure they'll love you, as I said. You're too nice and polite for them to not like. You're the perfect guy to bring home, a total gentleman," she said with a laugh and Theo felt his chest warm at the thought of being introduced to her parents as a boyfriend but knew she probably hadn't intended it that way.

The next two days were spent in a far lighter atmosphere. Hermione was never seen without an excited smile on her face. She stood straighter and her eyes were brighter, it was like her former self. Her confidence was returning and seeing such a change made Theo proud as her friend. V She had been a shell for far too long, he had missed her confidence, he had missed how she moved with purpose and intention. The war taking that had been one of the greatest tragedies in his mind.

Dinner was light, the chatter was amicable and Theo felt himself relaxing. He knew it couldn't have lasted.

One of the elves arrived to get Potter, saying that the Ministry Man had arrived. Puzzled, Potter left the table. Theo watched as the occupants at the table fell into an uneasy silence. Theo could feel dread pooling in his stomach but he didn't know why. Potter reappeared looking uncertain and was followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt the new Minister of Magic. Everyone rose out of respect but the large, imposing man, waved a hand to wordlessly telling them to sit back down. Theo numbly sat back in his seat. He saw his fellow housemates perched delicately in their seats, their faces growing tight the longer the ruler of Wizard Britain remained in the room.

"Miss Granger," the deep voice of the Minister rumbled out. "Could I speak with you privately?" Hermione nodded and stood. She still held her head high as she had in her younger years, but Theo could see the lightness in her steps, almost like she was tiptoeing, indicating her growing nerves. Theo felt the dread in his stomach form a knot and saw the worry etching itself on the rest of the people at the table.

Hermione reached the Minister who moved to leave the room but Hermione gripped his sleeve and shook her head. "Kingsley, what is wrong?" she asked quietly. He should have known that Hermione wouldn't be one for waiting for the formalities. She needed the facts immediately presented.

"I'm sorry Hermione," was all Theo heard. He was standing now his feet taking him towards the pair. However, Potter was closer.

So it was Potter who caught her as Hermione's knees gave out and she crumpled to the floor.