Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Thank you to those who did review - I am so happy you're enjoying thus far! But please continue to do so :) Reviews - thoughts, comments, etc., are always welcomed! Please review! Apologies for the late chapter! Again, please continue to review - they really do bring a smile to my face :)

Chapter Eighteen

After leaving Harry's home last night, Hermione kept to herself most of her Sunday morning. She awoke in her bed with Crookshanks besides her and for at least forty-five minutes, she absentmindedly stroked his fur while she continued to lay in her bed. Crookshank's different shades of orange weren't soft underneath her fingers, but a little rough. Hermione didn't mind and her half-cat's purring indicated he didn't mind at all. Stroking Crookshank's fur grounded Hermione; the coarse hair reminded Hermione she was still present instead of dissociating. She needed to decide on what school best suited her current needs, her future goals. Harry tried his best to list out to pros and cons from each school with her help, but in the end, he truthfully told her that he was biased. He didn't want her to live far away, but he understood if Yale is what she chose. They were magical – they could always use floo calls or portkeys to see one another despite the distance. Harry's last word of advice was to get an unbiased opinion; that meant not him, not Ginny, but someone else had to give her advice if she wanted to really think her decision through. Normally she would have asked Luna as the girl usually gave sound advice but she was traveling and couldn't be reached. Hermione thought about Neville but she didn't want to spring this on him when she hadn't seen him but that once when he invited her over. Nibbling on her bottom lip, her thoughts strayed to a brunet, blue eyed Slytherin whose affections brought a smile to her lips. Theo would be unbiased as we're new friends, he could help. She silently thought to herself. After a few more long moments of deciding to owl Theo, Hermione slowly got out of bed to retrieve her mobile from her jeans from last night. Still on the floor where she left them, she took out the silver device and rung Harry to ask if she could borrow his owl instead of using an owl from Ozwald's. Harry answered close to the last ring.

"Morning 'Mione!"

He cheerfully said. Hermione couldn't help but to smile at her friend's attitude. Despite having a rough patch last night, he told her he would support anything she choose even if she didn't choose being closer to home.

"Morning, Harry. I was wondering if I could borrow Hermes?"

She asked. Hermes was Harry's new owl; while it had taken him awhile to choose one, he had finally chosen a new friend since the death of Hedwig.

"Of course! I have breakfast with Hagrid so I won't be in, but make yourself at home, 'Mione."

He said.

"Thanks, Harry. Give Hagrid my love."

She said and closed the mobile with one wrist motion. Hermione made her way to her kitchen after grabbing her wand from her bedside table, trying to remember if she still had any dry food to have breakfast. There was a large basket on her kitchen counter that was definitely not Hermione's that made her stopped her in her tracks. There was a note attached outside the stasis charm keeping whatever was inside at its temperature and away from the elements. Hermione walked towards the basket, knowing her wards would not let anything malicious or cursed into her home. She opened the purple note:

'Mione, sorry for last night.

Made guilt muffins and packed leftovers per mum.

Talk later, love you loads.

- Ginny W.

Hermione sighed at the note in her hand. She knew Ginny meant well. Even though she and Ron had tempers to match, she knew her best girlfriend wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt her – even if she did get into a fight with her sibling over family dinner. With a stomach rumble, Hermione placed one hand on the weaved handle of the picnic basket, and the quilted napkin unfolded revealing the food inside. The stasis charm evaporated on contact, filling her small kitchen with Mrs. Weasley's leftovers of what she had last night: roast, mash potatoes, green beans, corn bread, and even pieces of lemon cake. Underneath, she could see the muffin tops that Ginny made. Hermione truly smiled at the care package her magical family sent her and how magic always seemed to cheer her up.

"I don't even need to heat it up."

Hermione softly said to herself as she walked towards the kitchen drawer to get a fork. Crookshanks came to investigate the smells and he perched himself on top of the kitchen island, eyeing the food. Hermione smiled at her pet. Even though it was uncouth of her, Hermione ate standing up in her pajamas, eating bits of the assorted food. She was too lazy to actually pull out a plate and serve herself. Besides I'm in a hurry. She rationalized her ungraceful behavior as she finished her hearty breakfast for the day, still leaving more than she would have – thanks to Mrs. Weasley – for dinner. She reached inside for a muffin, smiling down at the blueberry treat before packing away the leftovers in her fridge. Silently, the basket unpacked itself, the fridge door opened, and the food flowed into the cold machine, just leaving the muffins in the basket. Hermione covered them with the quilted napkin before taking a bite of the soft bread. Inhaling deeply, Hermione smiled again. Ginny you baking, cheeky witch. Hermione thought to herself, thoroughly enjoying the blueberry treat. She took a small piece and left it besides Crookshanks. She giggled softly as her pet sniffed the baked bread and she turned, making her way back to her room to change before leaving for Harry's. Hermione finished her muffin in four big bites, still chewing as she changed into dark leggings, a large royal blue jumper, her converses, and a bright yellow scarf. She let her curly hair wild and loose before turning on her heels to check on her half-cat, half-kneazle before leaving. He had finished her offering and she said,

"Accio qut damiya."

Hermione said out loud and one of Crookshank's toy flew into her outreached hand. It was bright blue, plush bird that was charmed to behave like a real bird for the entertainment of her pet. Hermione just had to tap it twice with her wand and the charm would activate; Crookshanks loved it and Hermione felt awful living him alone for hours of the day. As soon as he caught sight of the bright blue toy, his eyes widened and his tailed started twitching slowly. She smirked at her half-cat, tapping the head of the bird, and it quickly flew out of her hand to an awaiting Crookshanks.

"See you later, Crooks."

She said as her half-kneazle paid her no mind and she apparated to Grimmauld Place. Landing in Harry's kitchen, she quickly made her way to Harry's unused library where she knew Hermes' owl post was located. She walked into the large, dark yello room, barely decorated as rows of books lined the walls. There were three black armchairs on the wall with the least amount of books and a wooden owl post besides the far left chair. Hermes was sound asleep and Hermione approached him carefully – he wasn't the friendliness unless she was Harry. She cleared her throat and she saw one large orange eye peek at her. She gave him a weary smile and held out her left hand.

"Hello Hermes."

She said. At his name, the owl ruffled his feathers and stood tall – his entire two feet. Silly bird. She thought but kept it to herself; the first, and last time, she said that he ignored her for three weeks.

"Can you do me a favor?"

She asked, cautiously approaching the bloody bird as if he was a wounded animal instead of a pampered pet. She waited entirely too long before he gave her a short hoot. Hermione forced a smile at him.

"Thank you, Hermes."

She said and accio'ed paper and a pen to her to write Theo a short note. She opened the only window in the dark yellow room, right next to Hermes' post, to let him out and with one more glare, he flew away. She watched the picky owl flew away. It was Sunday afternoon, not too late, so she'd hope Theo reply back today. The sooner she asked, the better. Hermione did as Harry instructed, keeping herself comfortable at his home while she waited for a reply. She gave herself at least an hour before heading home if Theo hadn't replied so she searched for a book to read in the meantime and settled in the room. She sat in the chair closes to the window, least Hermes think she was making him travel longer than he needed to. Sooner rather than later, the black owl with speckles of white, came swooping in, dropping the letter in her lap. Hermione thanked the owl out loud, but Hermes was impatient and didn't wait for any affection from the witch. He settled on his post with his back turned, seemingly going back to sleep. The thick parchment paper weighed in her hands, automatically nervous as Theo's response. Opening the sealed letter, rolling her eyes again at the overexaggerated "N", she read:

Darling Hermione, you can come over whenever you please.

I don't have anything important planned for today

but I shall be here for whenever you come by. On the back

I've attached the address just in case you don't remember.

See you soon, Theo.

Hermione giggled at the Slytherin's theatrics but couldn't stop the smile spreading. She took the smaller piece of parchment with Theo's address and slipped it into her back jean pocket. Closing the book on blood wards she was reading, she left the book on the table besides her knowing it would go back into place after she left it alone, and she stood up to leave. She apparated back to her home. It was still early afternoon but it didn't give her enough time to go for a run. She spotted Crookshanks on the end of her sectional, paws on the bird toy she left with him. She grinned at him and walked to sit besides him, but he wouldn't let off the play bird. Taking a moment to give her half-cat attention before she left again, Hermione got back up and stretched herself out similar to her own half-cat's poses. She was getting anxious as time drew by but she was unsure why. Theo's my friend. It's perfectly fine to ask a friend's advice on these things. She encouraged herself to not cancel. Once done with trying to get rid of the anxiety building up, she patted Crooks once more before pulling out the slip of parchment with Theo's address. She inhaled deeply, eyeing the parchment paper, before concentrating and apparating to Nott Manor.

"Theo?"

Hermione called out, landing in the same main foyer she had nights before. In the daylight, she could see the reconstruction going on accordingly. The room felt brighter, more comfortable already, not to mention her landing was smoother than the first time. There a loud pop reverberating across the room and a green-eyed elf dressed in a dark green baby doll dress appeared in front of Hermione. She bowed before looking back up.

"Minty is taking you to Master."

She said sweetly. Hermione was pleased that Minty looked well taken care of, but she didn't think the law she helped push had anything to do with that. Theo didn't strike her as a cruel person, much less a cruel master. Hermione nodded, smiling down at the elf as she gingerly took her hand. Suddenly Hermione was standing in front of not one, but three Slytherins. Minty apparated them to a different room than Hermione had been to – the house elf bowing before disappearing again. Hermione had come to expect most rooms in Pureblood manors to be larger than needed and this room was no exception. The room itself was a dark gray with the large wooden desk at the far end, a large office chair behind it, and one sneering moving portrait behind it. There were two tall windows on her right that were covered with sheer curtains, one lounge chair which Blaise stood by, and two moderately sized wooden chairs in front of the desk. The room was carpeted but Hermione could make out small, light gray "N"'s scattered across the floor. Theo rose from behind the large wooden desk to greet her, while she noticed an ever-smirking Blaise standing beside one of the tall windows.

"Hermione!"

Theo exclaimed, walking towards her as she smiled at him and Blaise, ignoring the gray eyes that were on her the instant she showed up. Theo immediately pulled her into a quick hug before giving her a peck on her cheek. She blushed unconsciously as she offered him a smile in return. All three wizards were surprisingly not dressed as usual; they had on comfortable, dark muggle clothing and that intrigued Hermione. It reminded her of the muggle attire she saw Malfoy dressed days prior.

"Hello, Theo. Blaise, it's nice to see you again."

She said to Theo then to Blaise. Blaise winked at her, champagne glass in head with an orange liquid inside.

"Always a pleasure to see you, Mia."

He flirted with her. She rolled her eyes at his choice of nickname for her but didn't ease her smiling. Finally, her eyes landed on the blond standing beside Theo's desk. Her anger hadn't flare at his person suddenly being in front of her, but that was because she was here as a guest and on an important mission. She didn't have time for a petty fight with Malfoy right now. As much as she would have liked to hex him on the spot, she wasn't here for him. She pressed her fingertips together against her palms.

"Good afternoon, Malfoy. Feeling better?"
She asked conversationally since last time he looked positively murderous. He nodded once, his fair hair falling slightly into his gray eyes.

"Good afternoon, Granger. Yes."

He replied, short words coming from his lips. Hermione nodded at him, not surprised that he wasn't as talkative as the firewhiskey made him nights prior. Hermione turned to Theo, frowning slightly as she remembered he said he wasn't busy but appeared to be with friends. As if he was a legilimens, Theo reached for her, squeezing her arm before letting his hand fall back.

"Let me show you a new painting I got for the foyer while these gents figure out what we're eating for lunch. And before you object, I will ward the house."

Theo smirked at her, offering his arm as she sighed before taking it.

"Fine, but I do get to object regardless."

Hermione huffed before they begin making their way out of his office. Theo chuckled as they made their way about the house, knowing he chose to do so she could speak freely around him. There shoes barely made any noise against the old wood underneath besides the occasional creaking. While she had seen some of his home, this side apparently didn't allow for much sunlight. There was a rare window when walking the long hallways, so the halls were lit with some sort of fairy lights that lit up at their motions. They would dim as soon as they were away. Already biting the inside of her cheek, before they could make it another step, Hermione stopped. Theo noticed her apprehension and she could feel his questions. Usually, the brunet Slytherin bantered with her, even flirted with her, but this time he was quiet – allowing for her thoughts to accumulate amongst her head. He was patient and she appreciated that.

"I have a dilemma."

She started. Theo nodded, choosing to stay silent so she could express herself.

"I… I don't know if I should go to a muggle school in America to get away from all this."

She said, looking away and dropping her hand from his arm as she walked towards a random room where she could see light shining in. Theo didn't say anything as she walked away. As soon as Hermione took a step in, her eyes widened at the beautiful solarium, out of words to describe the beauty around her. The larger-than-life room was covered with constellations and moving planets all around the room. The stars above weren't shining as it was day, but the planets moved accordingly, revolving around the bright yellow orb she assumed was the Sun. It was a bright blue room, Hermione guessed it was this color to mimic the day outside, and the plants were vibrantly colored. The floor beneath was fully covered with smaller, fluffy white rugs as to mimic clouds. The wood beneath them colored black. She must have taken too long in staring around the wonders when Theo's words rang behind her.

"It was my mother's favorite room."

Theo said softly, snapping her back to reality.

"Do you miss her?"

She couldn't help but to ask. Theo approached from behind her, stopping besides her as he looked at the moving sky above.

"Yes."
He answered. After a few seconds, Hermione dropped her eyes from the planets and focused on the Earth. It was moving at a slower pace than Mercury and Venus.

"Or if I should go to a magical school in France and study memory charms to help my parents."
Hermione finally finished saying what she started out in the hallway. She felt Theo's eyes on her but didn't look at him, truly fearing he was a legilimens. One look and she would spill the betrayal she felt of the actions she had done on her parents – even if it was for their safety.

"Your parents?
He asked. She nodded, biting her cheek harder to keep her tears from appearing. Speaking about her parents was always hard for Hermione. Harry, Ron, and the Weasleys tiptoed around the subject while Luna only ever asked if she brought them up.

"I obliviated their memories of me to keep them safe before the war started and they're living in Australia, care-free, child-free."

She whispered. Theo's hand found hers and he squeezed it, offering support. Hermione smiled weakly at him seeing his sympathetic face before pulling away, wrapping her arms around herself as she looked away.
"Now you see my dilemma."

She said.

"Do you think you can help your parents by studying?"

Theo asked. Hermione looked above her before shrugging, releasing an inhale. She had finally controlled her emotions so she wouldn't openly cry in front of him.

"I don't know, but it's better than not trying."

She responded.

"And you can't do that from the muggle university?"

Theo asked. Hermione shook her head.

"No, the muggle university was more an escape. After my break-up with Ron and stressful events at work, I thought it was time for a change. America seemed far away."

Hermione said. Theo nodded before stepping in front of her, forcing to look at him. She tried concentrating on his brown shirt instead of his imploring eyes. She focused on his left shoulder.
"The pros of leaving mean you can get away for a while – both at the muggle school and the magical one. However, you can't forever outrun your problems, Hermione."

Theo offered. Hermione sighed, but nodded in agreement, looking down at her converses. He was right of course, but she wasn't going to verbally tell him. She knew leaving for Yale or La Guerison wasn't a permanent fix with her struggles from break-up with Ron. But she wasn't lying when she told both dark headed wizards she wanted a breath of fresh air. She felt like a burden here, single, lost Hermione Granger. While Harry's words told her opposite of what she felt, she still felt it.

"When all is said is done and you graduate from either or, which one will make you feel happy?"

Theo finally asked.

[-]

"If you hold that glass tighter, Draco you might break it."

Blaise quipped, smirking at the blond before him. Draco scowled at him before finishing his fourth drink before Granger appeared.

"Shut up, Zabini."

He snapped, already moody from his mother's visit and his jealousy flaring to life at once again his mates being closer to Granger than he could ever dream about. He was shocked when Granger popped in unexpectedly but seeing Blaise's smirk made him think Theo already plans with her and he intruded. This only made him even moodier.

"You know you can't behave like a wanker and expect different outcomes."

Blaise offered, still drinking his own mimosa from when Draco arrived. He wasn't planning on getting sloshed so early in the day and one of them had to be sober just in case. Blaise knew Draco had a habit of acting 'out of character' from himself when he had a drink too many – especially in front of Granger. Theo also didn't make it a habit of keeping Pepper-Up potions. Draco didn't say anything, just glared at his friend before walking out, choosing to walk back to Theo's entertainment room rather than to accio the drinks to him. He needed to get away from his friend's helpful, but smug remarks. Doesn't he know that I know that. Fuck, if it were that easy. Draco thought to himself. However, Draco made the wrong turn and soon he was eavesdropping on a conversation he knew he should have walked away from but couldn't stop himself. Quietly, he walked towards the murmurs and stopped short of Theo's mother's solarium.

" – break-up with Ron and stressful events at work, I thought it was time for a change."

He heard Granger's soft voice say. She's talking about Yale. Draco pieced together, still standing close to the doorway and out of sight. There was a pause and then Theo's voice said, not catching his entire sentence,

"– you can get away for a while – both at the muggle school and the magical one… can't forever outrun your problems, Hermione."

Draco's interest peaked at the mention of a magical school. He didn't know she was thinking of applying to a magical school, just the muggle one. Granted, he only knew about the muggle university because he was snooping in her private life. He internally groaned, remembering he still needed to apologize in full for ratting her out. He felt awful at the sight of her and half-expected another punch in the face. But Hermione was the epitome of nonchalant when it came to him – and he didn't know if he wanted to be grateful or annoyed. Half of him expected a hex on sight, but the other half expected her cool demeanor. While most Gryffindors were quick to react, Granger was always the coolheaded one amongst the trio. The last thing he heard was Theo asking which would make her happy and Draco decided he needed to step out. He didn't know if it was the firewhiskey helping, his guilt, or Blaise's words about acting differently, but he stepped into the doorway and Theo's blue eyes snapped to him. He was standing in front of Granger and her back was turned to him; her curls were wild and even though he hadn't expected to see her today, he was pleasantly surprised to see her wild curls.

"Draco –"

Theo started saying, Hermione turning to her side. Her brown eyes landed on him, suspicion written across her face.

"Blaise is about to set your room afire because he lost a bet with me. I would go stop him."

Draco easily lied and while he could tell Theo didn't believe him, his friend nodded at him after a few short seconds of watching him. He watched as the brunet Slytherin squeezed Granger's hand before leaving. He stopped short besides him, looking at him.
"Don't be a prat."
Theo whispered before leaving them alone. Jealousy roared within him, but he stifled it down knowing his friend meant well. Theo didn't have any romantic affections for his witch, he was inclined to be her best friend if they both chose. Hermione turned fully to watch Theo walk away and Draco to walk in; he stopped shortly in front of her, not paying attention to the moving objects around them. He spent only a couple of times in Theo's mother's favorite room, and he knew Theo thought of it is as sacred. It shocked him a little that he had let Granger in, assuming after her second visit. After more than few uncomfortable moments, Hermione glaring up at Draco and Draco fighting the urge to openly show his distress in front of her, Draco opened his mouth to apologize.

"I'm sorry."

He said at the same time she said,

"You had no right."

Draco groaned internally, nervously running a hand through his hair as he looked above him. He saw the darkened constellations above him; the solarium mimicked the day outside and since it was still daylight, the stars were not shining. How appropriate. He glumly thought. He didn't know if it was his eyes tricking him, but the witch before him didn't look as vibrant as she was. She was dimming before his eyes – crying before she saw him days prior – and now here, upset, talking to Theo about her life decisions.

"I know. I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention."

He responded. Don't be a prat. Theo reminded him and his words reverberated throughout him; he didn't mean to be a prat, she just made him forget how to act. While his pride had been taking a beaten since his first apology to Theo and now his multiple apologies to Hermione, he knew he wasn't going to win her over without them.

"What were your intentions?"

She coldly asked. He flinched internally at her tone, but she had every right to be mad. He invaded on her privacy and instead of curiously asking and apologizing, he outed her private plans to her best mate. He would be furious too.

"I assumed Potter already knew. Again, I'm sorry."
He said, his voice faltering in the end. He took five breathes before she spoke again.
"Why do you care?"
She asked, this time her tone softer. He then looked back down at her, her brown eyes tinted with flecks of golden – he swore – and he wanted nothing more to drown in them.

"Strong affectionate attachment."

He replied, re-stating what he said before. Although she assumed friendship, he wasn't going to clarify – yet. He didn't know what she saw but after a few moments of staring at one another, she nodded, looking away.

"After all this time?"
She asked. Draco couldn't help but to chuckle at her question, her eyes peering back at him. If she only knew. Then tell her, idiot.

"My father taught me at a young age that muggle-borns were lesser than, you know this. He said Purebloods were the best of the best; better than our fellow wizards and infinitesimally times better than muggles."

He started, turning around to glance at the planets before him. He watched as all the planets moved around the Sun, the brightly yellow orb in the center of the room. While he knew he wasn't, felt like one of those orbs orbiting the smaller replica; he was revolving around Granger even if she didn't know. He didn't want to get married with another witch because of his feelings for her. He was apologizing against his instincts because he wanted to make her feel better and it was the right thing to do in his and her eyes. But that had only recently changed in the course of his life; 12-year-old Draco wouldn't have dreamed of apologizing to Hermione Granger just because she thought it was the right thing to do. He felt the oncoming buzz of alcohol swarming around him, but he welcomed it. Alcoholic courage, he thought, smirking to himself.

"When I was a child, I thought he was right. He was my father, how could he be wrong?"

He asked out loud, more to himself than to her. Glancing up, locating the hidden Draco constellation, he then looked for the Andromeda constellation.

"But year after year, you proved him wrong. You proved me wrong. Muggle-borns weren't lesser than Purebloods – I wasn't the best of the best."

Draco said, feeling like a confession his lips. He had only ever said this in front of his best mates; his mother had no idea of his 'reformed' ways and least of all, his father. He had inkling Potter knew as well and that's why he gave him the time of day, but he hadn't openly said how he had changed in front of the scarred war hero. It's not that Draco was ashamed of being a reformed Pureblood, he just didn't know how to go about saying these things. He let his actions speak for him – donating to the rebuilding of Hogwarts, the muggle-born foundation that helped muggle-borns with school expenses and tuition, and the Wizengamots members who weren't blood purists.

"You irritated me, knowing your heritage and still being better than me. Time after time, I was proven to be lesser than Hermione Granger."

He continued softly. Clearing his throat, he finally turned to look back at her; Hermione had changed from uneased suspicion to shocked intrigue. Her wide eyes and bitten lip inching him closer.

"I'm sorry for not knowing better. I'm sorry for not stopping Bellatrix. I'm sorry for being lesser than."

He apologized.