Beta love as always to CarbConnoisseur.
"I have never in all my time here at Hogwarts seen such irresponsibility," Severus lectured, pacing in front of the assembled students. Annoyingly, other than his Slytherins the rest looked surprisingly… perky. Perhaps there was something to Hermione's claim that she hadn't been drunk. Could it have been that the Slytherins just had a lower tolerance to alcohol?
Hermione privately thought that Severus was talking nonsense. He'd gone to school with Sirius after all, and she'd heard about a fair few of his exploits. However, she decided that keeping her mouth shut was probably the wisest move as he continued to lecture them about their behaviour. By the end, all of the Slytherins except Theo were pale and sweaty looking.
"You will be dicing flobberworms," Severus announced, slamming a caldron full in front of them. The Slytherins winced as the noise reverberated around inside their heads. "Ten jars each. Go!"
And that was when Malfoy vomited.
Severus looked at him in disgust, muttering a quiet, "For fucks sake" as he vanished the vomit and pinned Draco with a glare. "Do you wish me to make it twenty, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked quietly, his voice deadly.
Carefully, Draco shook his head. "No Sir."
"Indeed. Can you explain to me how you six appear to be suffering when no one else is?"
"I don't know Sir."
"You don't know," he sneered. "Did it cross your mind to drink less…or not. at. all!"
"I…I…we were all…nervous about not ruining things for Theo," Draco tried, vaguely remembering Hermione mentioning something along those lines last night. It was all rather fuzzy, so he hoped he'd gotten that right. "And…and I don't think we realised how much we'd had until we stood up."
Severus arched a brow. "You were nervous?" he queried softly. Draco faltered at the controlled fury in his voice. Shit. He did not believe him. Still, he'd started now.
"I… well yes. We… we've known that Theo's missed his twin his entire life, and when we all thought she was dead there was no chance of fixing that. But… but now she's not and she's here and… well we don't exactly have the best history and… he'd bloody murder us if we mucked it up for him so… yes… Yes, we were nervous."
Severus faltered slightly. It was a surprisingly reasonable explanation, and he was sure there was almost some truth to it. It wasn't the complete truth. You didn't work with irritating teenagers for as many years as he had and not pick up on half-truths and roundabout answers. However… Hermione and Draco were about to have to change their relationship completely. Their lives were on the line if they didn't. And damn it, he didn't actually want to have to punish his goddaughter on the last damn day of school. He wanted to spend time getting to know her. The summer was likely to see him pulled in too many different directions to be consistent. But if they thought he was showing weakness…..
"Ten jars," he commanded softly, summoning hangover potions. He fucking hated vomit. "You will drink these, and if you are ever drunk and caught in this school again, I will put you in detention until the end of the year, are we clear?"
The murmured "Yes, Sirs" accompanied by sighs of relief as the potions took effect would have made him smile if he thought they wouldn't notice. Little idiots trying to be the grown-ups that they weren't. He hoped they were allowed to keep some of that innocence for a while yet.
"Where are you going, my girl?" Severus asked, looking up from his desk as Hermione slunk towards the door. She'd hidden herself in his room following their lecture and subsequent punishment, and he hadn't quite been brave enough to call her on it, still unsure of this new dynamic.
"Outside. It's too warm." she huffed, "Even here and the dungeons are normally freezing."
He arched a brow. "Where are your clothes?"
She scowled. "You sound like Malfoy."
"He may have a point."
"Seriously, Uncle Severus? This is perfectly acceptable!"
"You are missing most of your skirt!" he replied indignantly.
"Oh for the love of… Look. It. is. Summer! It's warm. I'm covered. I've even managed to have my top reach the waistband of my skirt to comply with Theo's complaints from yesterday! I will not be covered neck to ankle because some misogynistic old sods have decided I should be! Heaven forbid someone should realise I have ankles! The scandal!"
"Hermione!" he growled. "That skirt does not reach your knees, let alone your ankles! And you appear to be missing sleeves!"
"Oh, my dear god. It's called a vest top, Uncle. They're worn in the summer. It's not like I'm going out in my underwear!"
"That skirt can hardly be considered an appropriate length." he pressed, ignoring vivid images from his own youth of muggle women in an awful lot less.
"For stuffy old purebloods, perhaps not. Nobody else has a bloody issue with it! Why is it that in the space of less than twenty-four hours three males have felt the need to comment on my body and choice of clothing? Do I talk about what you wear? What Theo and Draco wear? Draco called me a whore, but apparently that's ok because my fashion choices dare to show that I have skin."
"He called you a what?" Severus growled, momentarily diverted from the original argument.
She waved him off. "Do not get sidetracked! Explain why any of you have the right to comment on my clothing?"
"Because it is not appropriate to be showing so much skin!"
"Why?"
"I…well…because…it's just not done!"
"It's just not done?" she sneered. "Oh well do let me run off and change then. Of course, the fact that I'll then be uncomfortable because it's bloody boiling is neither here nor there as long I don't upset the status quo because my knees are uncovered."
He gaped at her momentarily as she darted out the door, slamming it behind her. Well fuck.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight of Hermione storming out of the castle, making a beeline for the Black lake. "Shit, who upset Mione?" he asked, not really expecting an answer as the group cautiously followed her.
"No one I'd like to be right now," Neville murmured. "She looks furious."
"Do you think it was Malfoy and we can hit him?" Ron asked with a grin.
A slow smile spread across Harry's face. "Let's hope so."
Ginny rolled her eyes, thumping him on the arm. "Honestly! You two are ridiculous. Leave Hermione to me. Coming Lu?"
Luna nodded vacantly. "Of course. She has so many nargles they're attracting the snicklings."
"Right," Ginny nodded, shooting a bemused glance at Harry, who merely shrugged and allowed the girls to go ahead of them.
"Mione?" Hermione jumped at the sound of Ginny's voice. "Who do I need to bat bogey hex?"
Hermione gave a strangled laugh. "Snape, Theo, and Malfoy."
"Ouch. Dare I ask why?"
"Theo and Snape made comments on the amount of skin showing and Malfoy likened me to a hooker."
"He did what?"
"Why do you think I ended up dancing with Pucey last night?"
Ginny's jaw dropped before she laughed. "Yeah, we're going to have a chat about that Miss Prim-and-Proper-in-public. What's going on?"
"Ugh," Hermione's head thunked onto Ginny's shoulder. "This goes no further. Even the boys can't know, although I think they might have an inkling, I sort of brushed it off yesterday. Still, they don't need confirmation. Ron's doing so well holding his temper. Let's not tip him over the edge."
"Of course, right Lu?"
Luna grinned. "You and Draco have a large infestation of Elektrathones that you really should deal with. I wouldn't like to interrupt the process by sharing before you're ready."
"Right," Hermione frowned, taking that as agreement. "Look, Snape and Thoros appear to have come up with this ridiculous plan where Draco has to pretend to seduce me. Voldy wants a signed and sealed betrothal contract by the end of next year….I really hope he means school year, not actual year because it's horrifying enough without making the timescale that small, and I forgot to clarify with Uncle Severus."
"I'm sorry…what now?" Ginny barked.
"Ugh. They're relatively certain Voldemort will want me dead. Actually, they're not relatively certain, they know. I'm a blood traitor after all, and I'm directly helping Harry. They thought if they could convince him that I was either coming around to their way of thinking through Theo and Uncle Severus, or at the very least passing on information because I'm clearly too stupid to know what I should and shouldn't say, then he might call off the dogs for a bit so to speak. They also thought that it would help if a Pureblood male from an acceptable family was deemed to be romantically interested in me. Apparently, Voldy reached that conclusion all on his own though and demanded Lucius Malfoy inform Draco of his orders. Of course, we'd already discussed it as an option but we have to make it look real and…God, Gin how am I meant to do that!"
"I mean… he's not exactly hard on the eyes Mione," Ginny grinned. "Bit pale for my tastes but…well Quidditch is surprisingly good for the body."
"Wow," Hermione intoned flatly. "Just…wow."
"I think it'll be a good thing," Luna piped up.
"Oh?"
"Yes…I think you getting to know him will help with your Nargle infestation. And really…he does seem to get an alarming amount of Elektrathones when you're near. You get them too but fewer… Maybe that'll change," she mused idly.
"I… ok. You really think it could work?" Luna was…odd, but Hermione wasn't stupid. Luna saw things that others missed, and if she'd learned anything this year, it was that wading through the oddness was worth it to understand what Luna really meant. It was usually accurate.
"Oh yes. I think you'll like him eventually, and Theo would like it, wouldn't he? And of course, having Draco's protection will help with what's to come." With that alarming statement, Luna wandered down to greet the Giant Squid, just as the boys appeared.
"All good?" Harry checked.
Sighing, Hermione nodded, leaning into Neville when he sat down beside her. "Are you sure?" he muttered into her ear.
"Yes. I… I had an argument with Uncle Severus over the length of my bloody skirt. I know some things will have to change and I'm going to have to apologise for the way I spoke to him, but Merlin, Neville, I don't think I can change absolutely everything and stay sane. Wearing what I want seems like such a little thing to be allowed to keep."
Neville snorted. "It should be, but unfortunately, I think it might be something you're going to have to let go, at least a little. Purebloods tend to be stuck in their ways, love. They'll expect some form of conformation and given that it'll need to be visible, I think you might need to change things slightly. It'll be fine. Gran would help if you asked, you know. Although… Uncle Severus? Gods Mione. Do you know how bloody odd that sounds?"
"Tell me about it," she replied softly, her heart sinking at the thought of being forced into an acceptable mould to appease the Purebloods, even while silently acknowledging that he was probably right, before she grinned impishly, "think you'll call him that when you get with my brother?"
"Hermione!" he gasped, turning red. "Tell me you haven't…gods actually maybe I don't like him if he comes with…."
Everyone's heads snapped towards them as Hermione laughed so hard she was gasping. "Your face!"
"I really dislike you right now." Neville grumbled.
"No you don't, you love me."
"Right now I'm wondering why," he muttered. "Is...Theo…not interested in girls?"
Hermione shrugged. "I don't honestly know. I've known about him for a total of four days. It hasn't really come up. I'll sound him out over the summer."
"No! I…just…gods how bloody embarrassing. Who would want the Longbottom squib."
She thumped his chest. "Do not ever call yourself that again in my hearing Neville Longbottom. He'd be bloody lucky to have you!"
"Do we want to ask?" Harry ventured looking between them. "Mione has her outraged-on-behalf-of-someone-else face on and that never ends well."
Hermione scowled at him. "Neville was being an idiot. I was just reminding him not to be."
"Ah, right then," Harry nodded, deciding to leave well enough alone. "What's everyone's plans for the summer? Sirius is talking about opening up one of the less horrible Black properties. Tell me you'll come and visit us?"
"Of course. How many of your new sexy Slytherins will also be visiting?" Ginny grinned, looking at Hermione.
"What? Sexy…no! Absolutely not!" Ron sputtered.
"Oh...Um, I don't know. Malfoy and Theo are pretty definite, but Adrian said he'd like to visit," Hermione grinned back.
"I'll bet he did," Ginny murmured, making Hermione blush. "Shame your brother will be chaperoning."
"Ugh, don't remind me. You have to come and stay for a bit to save me from their ridiculous rules. You too, Luna. Please!" she begged, not sure how to convey how unsettled this new relationship with Malofy made her. She knew she had to make an effort, and in order to do so she'd need to let go of the urge she had to hex him on sight but it had gone on so long, it was proving a hard habit to consider breaking. Silently, she reminded herself that she'd had days to adjust to this new status quo and perhaps she needed to cut herself some slack.
"Me?" Luna asked, looking startled, rousing Hermione out of her internal pep-talk.
"Of course. I'm going to need my friends if we're all going to survive the summer. Uncle Severus will be most displeased if I hex Malfoy."
"Friends," Luna whispered softly as if to herself. "I think I like that."
"Oi! What are we then?" Ron demanded.
"Likely to abandon me to play quidditch with Harry and unlikely to want to discuss the attributes of the aforementioned sexy Slytherins," she deadpanned as Ron turned puce.
"Ah, right then. I'll leave that to Nev, I think," Ron muttered.
Neville laughed, a wicked glint in his eye. "Thanks. Do you think you can persuade Sirius that you need a pool?"
"Oh yes please!" Ginny begged. "Can you imagine!"
Slowly, Hermione smiled. "I think maybe I can. Maybe we should invite Blaise while we're at it. The boy is an arse but you have to admit it isn't painful to look at him."
Harry groaned. "Please no!"
"If you help me convince him, I'll also invite Daphne Greengrass," she wheedled.
"Done," Harry replied with a decisive nod as the rest of them laughed at him.
"What do you think is so funny?" Draco mused as he and Theo wandered towards the random group of Gryffindors and their token Ravenclaw. "And why the fuck is she continually draped over Longbottom?"
"I don't know," he shrugged. "I…I sort of envy them, you know?"
"Why?" Draco frowned.
"Because despite all the shit they've pulled and the mess we're currently in, they're…free, I guess, in a way we aren't. And Longbottom and Potter…hell even Weasley…they've had my sister since first year. They know her, and she loves them. I…I don't have that, and whatever happens, I don't get that time back. I don't get to have the memories of growing up together, of coming to Hogwarts with her. I get nothing before now. And I'm glad she's here and she's alive, and I'm damn well going to make sure I have at least the relationship with her that they have but…they'll always have five years of memories and time that I don't have."
"Fuck Theo," Draco replied softly.
Theo shrugged. "It's fine. There's nothing you can really say and it's not like we can change it. Come on. Let's go see what the deal is with my sister and Longbottom."
Draco scowled in response. "Whatever it is, it can stop," he muttered.
Theo stopped abruptly, startling him. "I would advise you to never to say that to her," he said softly. "And Draco…if you start treating my sister like she has to answer to you, you'll be answering to me. And probably Lord Black. I don't quite see him standing for it."
"I didn't mean it like that," he muttered. "I…she's going to be mine and she's constantly draped over Longbottom and standing too close to Weasley. Hell she was flirting with Pucey last night."
"She only has to pretend to be yours," Theo reminded him softly.
"I know." Taking a deep breath Draco decided to go out on a limb. Maybe her twin's approval would help his chances. "I don't want her to pretend though."
Theo's jaw dropped. "Pardon?"
"I wanted her when she was Hermione Granger, muggleborn. If the Dark Lord wasn't likely to murder my parents…well things might have been different. I…fuck. I have an actual shot at this and I want it to be real."
"Well fuck," Theo muttered. "Then perhaps another word of advice. You can't treat her like a pureblood. I know she is…and I know in public you have to, but in private? She doesn't think like that. Hell, that should be bloody obvious after last night and…you're going to have to adapt and lose some of the…pureblood scion of an Ancient House shite we project."
Draco nodded. "I…I imagine I'm going to fuck this up in every way possible," he admitted quietly. "But I intend to try, and I sure as Salazar refuse to lose to Neville sodding Longbottom."
"Then let's go get to know some lions." Theo sighed, wondering if he should have talked Draco out of this madness for his own sanity. "We both know they're not going anywhere."
"Fucking wonderful," Draco muttered.
"Hermione," Theo greeted neutrally. "Draco and I wondered if you'd mind the intrusion?"
"And if we did?" she asked, wincing as Neville pinched her side, hissing "Be nice." directly into her ear.
"I…I'm really fucking hoping you don't," he admitted honestly.
"Sit down Theo. Malfoy," she replied, with a sigh, annoyed at herself for falling at the first hurdle, again. Something about Malfoys presence just needled her, even when he hadn't opened his mouth. "We were discussing summer…and the likelihood of Sirius agreeing to a pool."
Draco felt like he'd swallowed his own tongue at the thought of Hermione in those muggle swimsuits. "What're the chances of him agreeing?" Theo asked idly.
"Oh, pretty high. Pads is… more excitable about things than we are," Harry replied grinning.
"Why do you call him Pads?" Theo asked curiously.
"Oh. Um."
"Childhood nickname," Hermione cut in. "We sort of…fell into it after hearing Mo… Remus call him Padfoot so often. It suits him."
"Yeah, although how long until he gets you to call him dad instead," Harry teased.
"Apparently he prefers Papa," Hermione shrugged.
"What, like seriously?"
"Yes. It feels odd to be honest. I don't know if I will. I feel sort of bad if I don't try it. He keeps describing me as his daughter."
"Wow," Harry muttered.
Hermione looked at him shrewdly. "He'd be bloody ecstatic if you did it too," she said bluntly, noting the flush that crawled up Harry's cheeks. She rolled her eyes. "He bloody adores you, you idiot. Do not start that! He probably just worries about taking your dad's place."
"I hadn't thought about it like that," Harry replied quietly.
"Right. Enough of this. Remind me who I'm bat bogeying," Ginny cut in, a slightly manic gleam in her eye.
All of the Gryffindors grinned slowly, sending a jolt of fear through Theo and Draco. "Do we give them a headstart?" Harry asked.
"I wouldn't," Ron muttered.
Theo caught on quicker than Draco. "Hermione!" he pleaded. "What did I do?"
"Other than think you had the right to comment on what I wear?" He blanched. "Draco inferred I was a whore and Uncle Severus commented on the goddamned length of my skirt! I've had enough!"
"Right…if I promise to never ever say anything ever again unless you ask my opinion, will you call the Weaslette off?" he begged, watching Ginny warily.
Hermione cocked her head looking at Ginny, who shrugged. "I say we reserve the worst of it for the one who called you a whore…" she voiced, making Draco pale.
"Fair point. You got lucky Theo." Hermione agreed, feeling another twinge of guilt that she was already falling back on old habits before shoving it down. He had likened her to a whore after all. Theo, knowing when to keep quiet, merely nodded.
"I'm going to count to five Malfoy," Ginny informed him.
"No, wait! I didn't…fuck. Granger…Black. I…call her off! I apologise! I shouldn't have…fuck," he howled as Ginny raised her wand.
"Two," Ginny intoned with a sinister grin.
"Shit!" Scrambling to his feet, Draco turned to run as Ginny shouted a gleeful "One!" landing the hex. None of them could contain their laugh as Draco screamed, batting at the flapping bogeys escaping his nose.
"That…that is absolutely disgusting," Hermione shuddered, even as she laughed, determinedly ignoring the voice that sounded suspiciously like Severus sighing at the back of her mind, chastising her for acting like a brat.
"Meh…not hurting him though is it?" Ginny grinned back.
"Call it off!" Draco begged. "Please! Fuck! I'll apologise!"
"In the Great Hall," Ginny prompted.
"In the Great Hall," Draco agreed frantically.
"At dinner."
"Fine, fine whatever you say, just make it stop!" Laughing, Ginny muttered the counter curse. Draco glared at her. "Happy?"
"Ecstatic," She beamed, "The sight of you screaming and hitting your own face will be my Patronus memory for years!"
"Patronus?" Draco frowned. "You can cast a Patronus? That's NEWT level!"
"We all can," Ginny admitted with a shrug.
Draco and Theo's mouths dropped. "Seriously?"
Harry cast a surreptitious eye around them before nodding. His stag was joined by Ginny's horse, Ron's terrier, Luna's hare, Neville's labrador, and Hermione's otter. "Holy fuck," Theo breathed. "That's…fucking hell. Who taught you?"
"Harry," Hermione grinned.
"No fucking way. Who taught Potter?"
"Remus…Professor Lupin," Harry admitted.
"In third year?"
"Yup."
Theo gaped at him for a moment before turning to his sister. "Teach me! Please!"
She laughed, shaking her head at him. "Fine. Over the summer. Although Harry might be a better bet. I..didn't find that one easy."
"Only one I've ever seen her struggle with," Harry grinned, nudging her with his elbow.
"Watch it Mr. it-took-more-hours-than-I-want-to-count-to-learn-how-to-accio." She mocked, laughing.
Harry stuck his tongue out at her in response. "Rude."
The Great Hall went silent as Draco Malfoy got up from his seat with clear reluctance and walked towards the Gryffindor one.
"What is he doing?" Pansy hissed.
"Shhh!" Theo shushed, his eyes glued to his best friend.
"Miss Black. Might I have a moment of your time?" Hermione swivelled on the bench, cocking an eyebrow at him. Draco took a deep breath, aware that every eye in the room was on him. "I wish to unreservedly apologise for my words last night. I meant no offence."
"And?"
And, what? What more did the witch want! "And…and I will never say anything like it again?" he ventured, not entirely sure it was the correct response.
"Even if I go out in my underwear?" she goaded.
He swallowed visibly, "I… even then."
"Fine. Apology accepted. Go and sit down Malfoy." Making a split-second decision, he moved into the bench beside her. "I didn't mean here!" she hissed.
"Looks different from this side of the room," he mused, ignoring her as he began helping himself to dinner. It took several beats longer for the rest of the Gryffindor table to follow suit. Draco grinned as she glared at him. He'd had a good day. None of the Gryffindors had hexed him after the Bat bogey, and there had been tentative summer plans made. All in all, things were looking brighter than they'd been, which was necessary given how much he was dreading returning home.
"Uncle Severus?" Severus looked up warily wondering if she was going to shout at him again. If she had been anyone else, she'd have been in detention well into the new year, as it was, he silently conceded that perhaps she had had a point.
"Yes."
"I…I came to apologise for how I spoke to you earlier." Her eyes darted about the room, looking anywhere but him. Everything about her screamed unease as she held herself tense as if waiting for the blow. He sighed. He didn't want her to fear him.
"Hermione? Look at me." Slowly she lifted her head, "I owe you an apology as well. I…I had no right to make comment the way I did. We are going to have to discuss some changing rules, my girl but…I should have been more mindful of how little time has truly passed."
She nodded, briefly, biting her lip before she blurted, "Everything's changing and I don't know what to do with it."
Standing slowly, he approached cautiously before wrapping his arms around her, feeling the tears start to seep through his coat. "This isn't just about the skirt?" he guessed. Silently she shook her head. "Come on, my girl, let's go somewhere more comfortable." He guided her through the door into his quarters and onto the sofa. "Now, do you want to explain the tears?"
Haltingly, Hermione attempted to explain. "I…I've always known I was adopted but…I…I think I could really like Theo and I don't regret meeting him but…but I wish I didn't know too. I'm…I'm going to have to change things I don't want to and I understand why, it seems silly to be complaining about having to change the way I dress when not doing it could get someone hurt if he thinks I'm not accepting my new….station but I shouldn't have to. Just to be accepted. And…I don't know what to do with Malfoy. Logically I know I have to be nicer to him, it'll all fall apart if I'm not but….he wished me dead, in second year. Did you know that?" Severus shook his head, remaining silent. He had not known that and he had to tamp down the irrational flare of temper at the thought. He wasnt unaware of the pressure Draco had been under his entire life but fuck it all if he didnt want to hex the little sod. She hummed, "He did. It was…childish bravado, I think….I hope but he has spent my entire time here reminding me of how far beneath him he thought me to be and now…now I'm going to have to pretend that none of that ever happened. And I don't think I know how. I'm..trying but I don't…I'm not…" she floundered slightly.
"Hermione," he interrupted. "Your entire life has been turned on its head in a matter of days. Breathe my girl. It's going to take time."
"We don't have time." she whispered. WIncing, he silently acknowledged that she wasn't wrong.
"We have some. Not as much as any of us would like, but some."
"Uncle Severus?" he winced, hating how unsure she sounded.
"Yes?"
"Am I going to have to give up Harry?"
He froze. "I…I cannot promise you anything but I hope not. As long as Black is your guardian, you are protected."
"But how angry is he going to be? He wants a betrothal with Draco, he surely won't accept that I'd go along with that and still be friends with Harry."
"I dont know." Severus admitted, "If we could convince him Draco and Theo have gained your trust and you remain unsuspicious to their true motives, we might just be able to. Of course it does depend on how things are looking politically, we'll have to adapt as things happen, Hermione. I want to give you assurances but I refuse to lie to you."
She nodded, her face pensive. "I know I should thank you for that. And I….do really. I…I just wish…"
"It wasn't something you needed to worry about?" he finished with a sigh. Silently she nodded, dropping her head onto his shoulder, allowing him to wrap his arm around her shoulders.
"Stupid really. I made the decision the minute I lied for Harry and Ron in first year. And I would do the same again. I would but….sometimes, sometimes I wish we got to be…normal. We have moments…"
"Like getting the Slytherins drunk?" he interjected wryly.
She snorted. "Perhaps." she allowed. "I…we need it." she admitted softly. "Those little moments of normality because if I think too hard about what's coming for all of us…its overwhelming. And all I need to do is pretend to like Malfoy…Harry…" she swallowed visibly. "It's always him isn't it?"
Severus winced, "Yes. Yes, my girl, it is." he sighed as he allowed the silence to fall, pretending he didn't know she was crying again.
"Where are you going?" Draco asked as Theo began to walk past the compartment Pansy and Blaise had secured.
"To find Hermione. I have no idea how often we're going to manage to meet this summer."
"Ah. When does she meet your father?"
"Next week. Black wanted her settled first. He's opened Black Hall apparently. The eldest Weasely has been combing through it for the past few days." Draco nodded, falling into step beside him. "What are you doing?"
"Coming with you," Draco replied with a shrug.
"Why?"
"Do you want to be left alone with all those Gryffindors?"
"Fair point."
"Mione, your snakes are back," Ron grumbled when he looked up and noticed them standing at the door.
"Oh. Um…" she looked around as if a seat would materialise. Sighing, Neville picked her up and plonked her on his lap.
"You can fight for it," he said with a smirk at Draco and Theo's dumbfounded looks.
"Oh no, it's fine." Luna waved airily before moving to sit down on a startled Harry's lap, making them all giggle. "Gryffindors are very tactile people," she said knowledgeably as Ron nearly choked on his jelly slug. "I'm learning."
"Right," Draco said slowly, wondering what the hell they'd got themselves into.
"Are you sitting down or not?" Hermione enquired after she'd calmed down.
"Yes," Theo replied decisively. "Is there a reason it's always Longbottoms knee you end up on?"
"Because he's my favourite?"
"Oi!" Ron objected.
"Yes?"
"I…well..how come he's your favourite?"
She snorted, "Because he's the only one who hasn't made me cry. Don't worry, Ron. You're Susan's favourite."
Turning so red he clashed with his hair, Ron muttered something unintelligible as Theo muttered "What are we missing?" into Hermione's ear.
"Oh. Susan and Ron have been dancing around each other all year. We've given up on subtle nudges."
"We're not that bad, Mione!" Ron whined.
"Really? Done something about the fact that you like each other?"
"Be quiet. We can't all have International Quidditch stars who make the first move," he muttered.
"But the Krum thing is over, right?" Theo frowned.
"We're still friends. I think he's visiting this summer. I meant to ask Sirius if he could stay."
"Seriously?" Theo asked.
"Which bit?" she queried. "Yes, we're friends. We write fairly often, and yes I think he's planning to visit. I visited him last summer."
"You did what?" Draco choked.
"Stayed with him last summer," Hermione repeated, frowning at him.
"By yourself?"
"Um…yes?"
"Theo!" he whined.
"Hermione…you know that in some circles that's…a declaration of intent?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Funnily enough I do. We discussed it but we decided that the distance was too far and given that I still had three years of school left it would be too difficult. We agreed to stay friends."
"Holy fuck." Theo muttered. "And that's all you are?"
"Yes, Theo," she reassured him with exaggerated patience. "I have no urge to become a quidditch player's wife. Can you imagine? It bores me to tears."
"Quiddich bores you?" Draco yelped.
"Yes. It's boring. I watch my friends play because they're my friends, not because I enjoy it."
"How can you not enjoy quidditch?"
"You're several feet up in the air on a flimsy piece of wood while throwing balls at each other while other balls deliberately try to knock you off the aforementioned flimsy piece of wood. It's barbaric."
"Flimsy… Potter, how can you have let it get this bad!" Draco exclaimed, turning to glare at Harry.
"Me?" Harry yelped, peering over Luna's head. "How is this my fault?"
"You're the one playing! How can your best friend hate it?"
Harry shrugged. "We've tried mate. She's a lost cause. Can't even get her on a broom."
"Can't… For the love of Merlin Black. Tell me you can at least fly?"
Hermione flushed. "No. It's bloody unnatural."
His jaw dropped. "No. Absolutely not. I'm teaching you this summer."
She went pale. "Ah, no thanks, Malfoy."
"I'm not taking no for a goddamned answer! You're a witch. You need to know how to fly!"
"Theo!" She turned her eyes to her all too amused brother. "He belongs to you. Tell him no!"
Theo snorted. "Not a chance. Who am I to deprive Draco of all those little fantasies that involve moonlit broom rides and you…"
She glared at him. "There will be no broom rides, moonlit or otherwise. I do not like heights!"
Draco bit back the innuendo he desperately wanted to voice and focused on the very real look of fear on her face. "I won't let you fall. It'll be fine. Have you flown anything other than the school brooms?"
"A sodding thestral. Do you have any idea how terrifying it is to be flying on something you can't even see? And a hippogriff….that wasn't fun either."
"I…right. So no thestrals," he assured her, wondering why the hell she'd been anywhere near a bloody thestral. "And ah…no hippogriffs. I'm not fond of them myself." He ignored the smirks of the rest of the carriage."Try and trust me?" he hedged, desperately trying not to give away how much it would hurt if she dismissed it completely.
"Go on 'Mione," Neville whispered. "Look at those thighs. Imagine them pressed into yours….arms around you….holding you tight to that very well-defined chest."
"Neville Longbottom, I am going to hex you!" she growled, blushing.
"You don't want to know," Harry interjected when Draco opened his mouth. "Trust me. I've heard some of the secrets those two share. If it's enough to make 'Mione blush, you do not want to know."
"Right," Draco replied slowly, still frowning.
Harry snorted. "Do feel free to find out for yourself Malfoy, but honestly, the last time I asked I was scarred for life. Gods, I couldn't look Cormac in the eye for months."
Hermione and Neville laughed. "Don't lie, Harry. You just wanted an excuse to look at his bum."
Harry's face screwed up. "No."
"You're gay?" Theo asked in surprise.
"No," Harry replied simply.
"I don't understand."
Hermione and Neville shared a look before Hermione spoke. "Harry overheard us discussing the…ah…attributes of various people. We decided Cormac came pretty near the top if you could silence him."
"Who won in the end?" Ginny asked curiously. "Harry kept forbidding me to speak about it."
"They went into a lot of detail!" Harry protested, thunking his head onto Luna's neck. "It was traumatising."
"We couldn't agree," Hermione admitted. "Our top fives were not the same." She lowered her voice so only Neville could hear. "Which is a major bloody relief, all things considered." He choked on a laugh as he realised what she meant.
"Hold on, Longbottom's gay?" Draco asked, connecting the dots with a surge of relief.
"And if I am?"
He held up his hands placatingly. "I couldn't care less, mate. In fact, it makes me inordinately happy."
"I had no idea you were so taken with Neville, Malfoy." Hermione teased.
"I'm not…that's not…bugger off Black," he spluttered as the rest of the compartment laughed at him.
At Hermione's side, Theo looked thoughtful. Spotting it, Hermione smirked, before meeting Ginny's eyes and raising an eyebrow. The redhead's eyes widened before she slowly grinned back. Seeing it, Draco wondered just how scared they should all be.
"Kitten! Pup!" Sirius bounded over to them with infectious enthusiasm.
"We saw you yesterday, Papa," Hermione chided, barely keeping her nose from wrinkling at how odd it sounded.
"I know, I know but….Black Hall was all cleared as of half an hour ago! So I brought a surprise."
"What?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"Hello love."
"Mum!" Hermione launched herself at her mother and promptly burst into tears. A tall man with a genial smile wrapped his arms around both of them, shushing his daughter as his wife stroked her hair. A few feet down the platform, Thoros Nott felt like he'd been punched in the gut. His little girl was burrowed into the embrace of another man. A man she called Dad. And fuck it all if it didn't hurt. Following his friend's eyes, Lucius sighed.
"Come on. You'll meet her next week. It does no one any good standing here torturing yourself."
Thoros tore his eyes away from the family in front of him. "It wasn't supposed to be like this," he whispered.
"No. It was not, but it is and we'll just have to work with what we have."
Nodding absentmindedly, Thoros allowed Lucius to guide him to the apparition point. "Can you manage?"
"I am not an invalid, Lucius!" he snapped.
"No. You're upset and distracted and transporting your son," he replied pointedly.
Thoros sighed. "I'll be fine." Taking Theos arm, he apparated them home, ignoring every instinct that was screaming at him to go back and remove his daughter from those people and bring her with them.
"Come on then you two. Let's get you home."
"Papa…how are…Moony!" Harry's head whipped around at the sound of Hermione's call as she threw herself at Remus.
"Hello to you too, Miss Black," Remus grinned at her, squeezing her tightly.
"That's never not going to sound insane," she muttered, before grinning at him as he loped an arm over her shoulders so he could be introduced to her parents. "Do I get to call you Uncle Moony now?"
He spluttered for a moment before he grinned back. "You know what, maybe you should. I hear you have an Uncle Severus these days."
She laughed at him as she ducked under his arm to allow Harry to greet him. "He's not so bad."
"Really?" Remus arched an eyebrow.
She shrugged. "He's… old-fashioned and a bit stuffy but he's… sweet really."
"Severus Snape is… sweet?" Remus checked.
"Apparently he was close to my mother."
"He was," Remus admitted.
"So yes… sweet."
"He adores her," Sirius admitted reluctantly. "And we've managed to spend more time in each other's company in the last few days than in seven years at school. He's…not as bad as we all assumed he was."
"Is this the end of the world?" Remus teased. "Sirius Black and Severus Snape are becoming… friends?"
Sirius looked momentarily horrified before he smirked. "Jealous, Moony? He ignored you for a year and I've managed to win him round in days. It must be my superior personality."
"Yes, that will be it. Nothing to do with Hermione. Just your ego."
"I said my personality, Moons, not my ego."
"Oh, I apologise. Your ego tends to eclipse all things."
"Um… Papa? Are we ever actually going to leave?" Hermione ventured, before they could descend into bickering, casting a glance around the abandoned platform.
"Oh," Sirius looked momentarily surprised to find them alone. "Yes. Right. Pup, you and Mr. Granger are with me. Kitten, you and your mum are with your old Uncle Remus."
"Old! I'm younger than you Pads!" Remus objected, taking Hermione's arm as Mrs. Granger took his other one. "Have you ever apparated before, Mrs. Granger?"
"Lynne, please and… no."
"Alright. Well, this isn't going to be pleasant, sorry. Don't worry if you vomit when we get there and…ah don't let go?"
"Wonderful," she muttered in response.
"If you're ready?" Remus checked.
"As I'll ever be," she replied, startling slightly at the sight of Sirius, Harry, and her husband disappearing. Nodding, Remus twisted, landing in the newly cleared Black Hall. Lynne Granger vomited.
"Ah, don't worry," Sirius assured her, vanishing it. "It happens all the time. Now, who wants a tour?"
Following Sirius as he bounded through the house was more amusing than any of them had anticipated. His enthusiasm was infectious as he joyfully dragged them through rooms, discussing various events they could use them for, before showing them the upstairs. He directed them to bedrooms, but promised they could redecorate as they wanted. He was almost vibrating when he finally convinced them that they wanted to see his last surprise. Having seen the library and been forcibly removed from it, Hermione wasn't sure he could top it until he led them into the garden.
"Sirius… that's a pool," Harry voiced slowly.
"Indeed it is pup!"
"How…?"
"Well, we sort of ruined Hermione's summer holiday so… we're having it here. Your mum and dad are staying for the fortnight and what's a holiday without a pool?"
Hermione's jaw dropped before she flung her arms around him. "Thanks, Papa."
He squeezed her tightly in response. "Anytime, kitten. I'm really glad you're all here."
"Me too," she whispered back before releasing him.
"Now…who's up for some summer clothes shopping tomorrow?" Harry and Hermione both groaned but agreed at the look of joyful anticipation on Sirius' face. "Wonderful. In that case, dinner and then bed. We have a lot to achieve tomorrow."
Both teens whined but followed Sirius through to the dining room where elves were placing several dishes on the table.
"So, should we expect to meet this twin of yours, Hermione?" Lynne asked once they'd all started eating.
"I..ah…probably?"
"Definitely," Sirius interjected pointedly. "I'm surprised he hasn't appeared already given how reluctant he was to let you out of his sight."
"I don't think he wants to force it," Hermione murmured. "And I'm almost certain he's joined to Malfoy's hip."
Sirius snorted as Alfred Granger frowned. "Is this the boy who has been horrible to you for years?"
"Malfoy? Yes. But he's Theo's best friend and we've….decided to at least try and be civil."
Alfred made a noncommittal nose, "Anyone else we need to know about?"
Hermione shrugged. "Theo comes with a whole host of Slytherins, but they were….tolerable at the party we threw at the end of the year, so I'm reserving judgement."
"Tolerable? Given the way you were dancing with Pucey, that's not how I'd describe it," Harry teased.
"Pucey?" Alfred queried.
"Ugh, Adrian Pucey. He came to speak to me because he knew it would annoy Theo and Malfoy. We had a dance, that's it," Hermione explained, glaring at Harry.
"And are we likely to meet him?"
"Maybe, he said he'd visit."
"Did he now?" Sirius interjected.
"Ugh, let it go. He was funny and ridiculous and very much just out to see how much it would take for someone's temper to explode."
Harry laughed. "I had my money on Malfoy. Between Pucey and Neville, I thought he was going to hex someone."
"Neville?" Lynne questioned, thoroughly confused with the conversation.
Hermione sighed, "You know how you and dad completely overreacted the first time you met Neville and I sat on his knee?" her mother nodded looking sheepish. "Well Malfoy is even more conservative and was not happy."
"I don't think it's because he's conservative Hermione," Harry grinned. "He perked up massively when you explained that Nev's gay."
Both Sirius and Alfred frowned at that remark, even as Hermione shoved him, muttering "Arse."
"Hermione Jean…" her mother froze. "I…your surname…."
Hermione winced. "Can apparently be either Nott or Black. I'm going with Black for now. Did Sirius explain everything?"
"Yes," her mother sighed. "I don't like it, you know."
"I know," she murmured, looking down at her plate. She wasn't sure she liked it much either if she was honest.
"Will we meet this other father of yours?" Alfred asked pensively into the silence.
Remus choked as Harry, Hermione, and Sirius' eyes all widened comically at the thought. "I…do you want to?" Hermione stammered.
"Yes," her father responded decisively. "I do, actually."
"Perhaps that's a topic best left until Hermione has decided if she'll see him more than once?" Remus suggested diplomatically.
"Fine. But if you choose to meet with this man regularly, I want to meet him. Am I clear, Hermione Jean?"
"Yes Dad," she sighed.
"Good."
The next day saw Sirius waiting impatiently at the floo with an exasperated Remus and a pensive Lynne. "Your father is golfing apparently," Lynne voiced in lieu of greeting the children.
"Lucky Dad," Hermione muttered
"So let's go! We have shopping to do! I'm warning you now Moons, I'm not taking no for an answer. You need trunks. Dora will thank you."
"Dora? Tonks?" Hermione gaped as Remus blushed.
"Ah didn't your Uncle Remus tell you, Kitten? He and my baby cousin are something of a thing."
"Go Uncle Remus," Harry muttered, making Hermione laugh and Remus blush harder.
"Speaking of things…when do we get to meet Kingsley…officially?" Hermione asked, giving Remus a reprieve.
"Oh, um. Good question Kitten. He ah..thought maybe we'd need time to settle in and stuff."
"Papa, are you blushing?" Hermione grinned, enjoying his discomfort.
"You know 'Mione, I think he is," Harry mused with an evil little smirk. "Maybe we should help…we could owl Kingsley and invite him over…maybe a pool party….I'm sure Pads would enjoy the sight of him in trunks."
Sirius's jaw dropped in disbelief for a moment. "You wouldn't!"
Harry and Hemione shared a look before arching a brow in eerie synchronisation. "Wouldn't we?"
"Fuck. I…. that's not fair! You weren't meant to gang up on me!" Both of them laughed, allowing the adults to deposit them in the floo.
"Ah, young Draco," Draco barely hid his shudder at the Dark Lord's hissing. He did not want to be here, but he'd been summoned and he wasn't stupid enough to refuse. Around him, several Death Eaters looked on with interest. "I wanted to speak to you in regards to your mission."
"My Lord?" he inquired politely, hoping no one could hear how loudly his heart was hammering.
"I'm sure your father managed to convey my request regarding the new Miss Nott?"
"Ah, yes, my Lord."
"Good. Do not fail me."
"Of course, my Lord," He murmured, wishing he was anywhere but here.
"Unfortunately, we shall have to delay the marking of our newest members." Tom Riddle raised his voice to include the entirety of the table. "One of our own has been found abandoned to muggles. Young Draco and Theodore will be responsible for bringing her back to us."
Severus watched the reactions around the table. Dawning horror flashed briefly over Corban's face.
"Who, my Lord?" Bella simpered. "Who abandoned one of their own to that filth."
"Young Theodore's twin." The dark lord looked amused. "As for who, I do not know. Thoros?"
"I do not know either, my Lord. I intend to find out."
Bella had paled, her face torn between fear and rage. Beside her, Rabastan twitched. Lost in his own world, Rodolphus appeared oblivious.
"Do let me know who dared to steal such a prize," Tom hissed.
"My Lord," Thoros acquiesced.
"Now. Rookwood what do you have for me?"
The meeting dragged on. Several reports were given until the Dark Lord came to Lorcan Travers, who dared to admit that imperio-ing the Minister was proving more problematic than they had feared.
Draco almost vomited as the Dark Lord bore down on him with a menacing hiss, casting a crucio until the man lost control of his own body. "Let that be a lesson," the Dark Lord warned, "to anyone who thinks they can fail in their orders. Clean up the filth or I'll let Nagini do it."
Severus met the boy's horrified eyes from across the table and winced. Lesson learned, clearly.
"Go," he mouthed. Not needing to be told twice, Draco bolted, heading for Nott Hall in the hopes that the screams would stop reverberating inside his head if he wasn't at home.
Several hours later with more clothing than Hermione thought they'd ever need, both Harry and Hermione collapsed onto the sofa in Black Hall.
"I never want to see another shop again as long as I live," Harry muttered, his head slumping onto Hermione's shoulder.
"Me either," she agreed. "Although…at least now we have something to wear in the pool."
"Fair point. I have no idea why it's different but I really don't want to see you in your knickers, 'Mione."
Hermione laughed, shoving him. "Like I want to see you in yours either!"
"First one there takes the blame for owling Kingsley?" Harry suggested with a smirk.
"You're on!" Hermione was up before Harry had even realised she'd left, summoning a bikini as she ran.
"Not fair!" Harry shouted following her up the stairs. She beat him to the pool by seconds.
"I could get used to this," Harry admitted, floating on his back. "Do you think Pads has rigged the temperature?"
Hermione laughed. "Of course he has. It's sunny, but it's not that sunny. "
"Young Mistress has guests," Winky announced from the edge of the pool, peering down at Hermione. She jumped, glad that Winky was now looking well, having bonded to Sirius, but wishing that she wasn't so damn quiet.
"Oh, where are they Winky? Can you just send them out?"
"Shouldn't you check who they are?"
"With the wards Papa has on this place? I think we'll be ok," she replied, pulling herself out of the pool.
"Hermione! Why are you out in your underwear!" Theos scandalised voice came as she stood. Beside him, Draco's jaw had dropped.
"Oh, for the love of Merlin! It's called a bikini. It's a perfectly acceptable muggle swimsuit." Draco whined in response, as Theo attempted to formulate a reply. "Don't say a bloody word, Theo. I won't listen to it. I'm at home, not parading down Diagon Alley in it, and Sirius was there when I bought it. Why are you here?"
"Can't I want to see my twin?" he asked, still looking mutinous.
"You can. Did you bring trunks?"
"No."
"Do you own trunks?"
"Yes," he sighed.
"Then go and get them."
"Fine. Are you coming?" Theo paused, turning to look at Draco before he hit the back of his head. "Stop ogling my sister!"
"But…but she's…Theo…" Draco looked at him with wide eyes, allowing some of the tension to leech from his shoulders now he was away from the Manor.
"Stop it!" Theo growled as Harry laughed from the safety of the pool. "Keep your eyes in your head and off her or you can go home and not come back!"
Draco's jaw clacked shut with an audible noise, knowing that he was in no hurry to be back there, especially not now he was somewhere not tainted with darkness.
"You're going to kill Malfoy, 'Mione." Harry grinned as the two boys left. "Gods, did you see his face? Do you think Neville would be up for a last-minute invite? And maybe Gin and Ron…and Susan…maybe Luna."
Hermione laughed. "Don't you think we should check with Papa first?"
"Nah. It'll be fine. Do you think Uncle Remus would send the patronuses….patroni?" he paused, looking at Hermione for confirmation of the correct word.
She shrugged. "I actually have no idea. Use whichever one you want."
"Ok, patronuses. Do you think he'd send them? Faster than an owl."
"True. Which is a shame, if you think about it. Gin would definitely appreciate Kings in trunks."
Harry laughed. "Indeed she would. Oh! What about the DA coins?"
"Good call! Let's try that!" she lifted her wand, summoning the coin to her.
"Lazy!" Harry teased.
"It's warm. I'm comfy and can't face trudging up all those stairs after shopping for most of the day," she replied, waiting on the coin to appear in her outstretched hand so she could send her message.
Susan, Neville, and Luna got back within minutes, agreeing to come over.
Less than a half hour later, all seven teenagers were in the pool and it was…awkward. Sirius reappeared as the silence stretched, doing a double take at the number of bodies.
"Did I miss something?" he asked.
"Nope," Harry grinned. "Are you joining us?"
"Absolutely not. You all look like you've forgotten how to smile. Although I warn you, your Uncle is coming over with Dora soon and we all know how limited her filter is."
Harry and Hermione snorted. "Let's hope it's not directed at us then," Harry muttered.
"Sirius! For the love of God will you convince that little creature that I can put away my own pants!"
Harry and Hermione's eyes widened before they began sniggering at the sight of a visibly flustered Lynne Granger clutching a pile of knickers to her chest, trailed by Roly, one of Sirius' elves.
"Hello, Mrs. Granger," Neville greeted, valiantly attempting to hide his own mirth.
"Oh!" Lynne flushed before she sighed, turning to Roly and relinquishing her grip. "Top drawer."
"Yes, Mrs. Grangy!" the elf beamed.
"Because this isn't embarrassing," she muttered, pointedly ignoring the giggles. "Hermione Jean, where are your manners?"
"Stunned after watching you cuddle your pants," Hermione murmured too quietly for her mother to hear as Neville lost his grip on his laughter. She bit her lip and raised her voice. "Sorry Mum. You know Neville and Harry. This is Luna, Susan, Draco, and Theo."
Lynne drew in a sharp breath. "The twin then. Well let me get a look at you young man."
Theo looked momentarily startled before manners took over, hauling himself out of the pool to greet the woman who was looking at him intently. "Good god you do look like Hermione, don't you?"
"I…Maybe a little?"
She hummed. "Well, I look forward to meeting you properly later, Theodore. I assume you and the blonde eejit that keeps making my daughter cry are staying for dinner?"
Theos eyes went impossibly wide. "Maybe?" he hedged, shooting a pleading glance at Hermione who sighed, leaving the pool to join him.
"Stop it, Mum. It's not Theo's fault Draco's been an arse."
"No, but I assume it is his fault he's here!"
"We're attempting civility, Mum." Hermione sighed.
"Good luck with that. Remus and your Dad had a rather long chat about that boy last night."
Hermione looked at her horrified before she groaned. "Why didn't you stop them!"
"It's rather reassuring how protective that man is of you," she smiled. "I believe we're meeting the other one tonight? Severus was it? The Godfather."
Hermione actually choked as she laughed, making Theo look at her in confusion. "Uncle Severus is hardly part of the Mafia, Mum!"
Lynne shrugged. "I don't know, Sirius tells me he's deadly and part of a cult."
She snorted. "Please suggest it to him. He's a half-blood, so he might actually get the reference."
"Can someone explain it to me?" Theo whined.
"Not today, brother mine. Perhaps I'll take you home and we can watch it instead."
"Watch it?"
"On the tv…ah um…sort of box thing with moving pictures, a bit like a pensive I suppose, but instead of memories it's fiction, like plays, or news or...documentaries...ah things you can watch that talk about real-life events or people," Hermione explained haltingly.
"And you can do that in your house?"
"Oh Theo, you're going to learn so much this summer." Hermione crowed, grinning in a way that immediately made him feel nervous.
"And will you be willing to try it, young man?" Lynne barked.
"I…yes?" Theo ventured, not at all sure what he was agreeing to, but recognising it was the only safe answer.
"Hmmm, I suppose we'll see. Don't think Sirius hasn't informed us that your father is also a member of this little cult. We're well aware he'd see us dead."
"Mum!" Hermione exclaimed, her face flushing with embarrassment.
"Well, it's true!"
"I know, Mum, but it's not Theo's fault. And Sirius said he's fixed some things so you're safer."
"Safer, Hermione. Not safe."
"I know," she whispered, not knowing what else to say as overwhelming fear came rushing back.
"Hmmm." Lynne paused, looking over at her daughter's twin. He was tense, his face blank as he watched her warily. She sighed, some of her anger leaching out slightly. Hermione was right, it wasn't his fault, he was just a child. "I apologise, Theodore. This situation is….not one I ever expected. I shall see you all at dinner. Lovely to see you again Neville dear."
"Your mum is…absolutely fucking terrifying, Hermione," Theo muttered.
She snorted, her face still pale. "I know. I'm sorry she was so rude to you…she's not usually. I... she's struggling with all this."
"Come on, let's see if we can at least pretend to all like each other for a little bit. We can worry about winning over your mum at dinner"
Hermione nodded, allowing him to wrap an arm around her shoulder and guide her back to the pool where Neville immediately wrapped her in a hug. "It could have been worse," he whispered.
"Could it?"
"Yeah, she could have taken a leaf out of your book and just punched him like you did with Malfoy."
Reluctantly, Hermione laughed. "Thanks, Nev. Gods dinner is going to be so bloody awkward. Tell me you'll stay?"
Neville groaned. "Hermione, it's going to be bloody awful," he groaned. "And did I hear your mum say Snape was coming?"
"I'll transfigure Theo some jeans," she whispered.
"Damn it, Hermione!" he groaned. "Snape! At dinner!"
"Theo! In Jeans. I wonder if Malfoy will let me transfigure him some," she mused. "I dont think ive seen him in anything but robes…and apparently trunks."
"I think Malfoy will agree to just about anything you ask," he laughed. "He knows I'm gay and he's been glaring at me since I hugged you."
Hermione snorted, "I'm really rather annoyed that Gin wasn't wrong about how pretty he is." she muttered.
Neville choked on her hair. "Maybe you can train him to behave like a reasonable human being then, love. That way you won't be tempted to hex him until he's less pretty."
"I'm not a fucking miracle worker, Neville, maybe we could just silence him too?"
"I fucking hate this," Theo muttered. "How come Longbottom knows what she needs?"
"Because they've been incredibly close since first year?" Harry replied. Theo jumped, not having realised he was close. "It's best to allow Neville to calm her down. He's better at it than the rest of us."
"How?" Theo asked slightly desperately.
"Because he actually listens, I think. We didn't always, so he understands her better than anyone else. I'm learning, but Neville has years of experience on me and she…actively goes to him when she needs calming down or just someone to cry on."
"Oh," Theo replied softly.
"It's not going to change, Theo," Harry warned, noting his expression. "You can't be everything to her. Find your place as her twin but don't try and kick anyone else out of theirs. We won't let you….she won't let you."
"That was scarily grown-up Potter," Susan grinned. "Look at you sounding all mature and wise."
"I'll have you know I'm very wise," Harry replied, sticking his tongue out.
"Sure," she grinned. "I think they're done by the way."
"Yes, the wicklings are dispersing," Luna replied seriously.
"The what?" Draco asked.
"Wicklings. They're attracted to Wrackspurts."
"I...right," he looked at Theo for an explanation. Theo shrugged in response.
"Mione!" Harry called, swimming over to her. "Can you transfigure a ball?"
Rolling her eyes, she pointed her wand at one of the towels, creating a beach ball. "Happy?"
"Ecstatic," he grinned, throwing it at her head. Her eyes narrowed as she caught it with the tips of her fingers. "Oh, Harry. That was a silly move." He grinned as she flung it back, deflecting it deliberately so it hit the back of Draco's head.
"Oops?" He offered, smothering a smile at the startled look on the blonde's face. He might have agreed to tolerate him for Hermione's sake, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to have a bit of fun with it.
"Oi!" Draco complained, throwing it back at him, missing spectacularly as Harry dove out of the way, giggling.
Several minutes later, Remus and Dora looked on in astonishment at the chaos that had erupted. "Do you think they're trying to drown one another?" Remus asked quietly, watching Harry and Draco with some concern.
"Nah, not seriously. Is that the twin?" Tonks tilted her head towards Hermione and Theo, who were treading water in a corner of the pool, a shield charm protecting them from the worst of the chaos.
"Yes. I'm relatively certain he has no idea what he's gotten himself into."
Tonks laughed uproariously. "Well if nothing else, it'll be fun."
All of a sudden a hush fell over the pool making Remus spin around. Behind him looking thunderous holding a beach ball, was Severus Snape.