Theodore Nott sat on his bed sneering into nothing as he nursed his bruised cheek with a pack of ice. Damn his bastard father. Theo's father, Remington Nott, had caught Theo playing house with the house elves, pretending one was his sister.

Remi had demanded to know where he had heard of this 'so-called sister' but Theo kept his mouth shut. Angered at his defiance, Remi struck Theo across the face with a force big enough to knock him down to the floor and leave a blue and purple bruise on his entire right cheek.

"Do I need to remind you once again that you have no sister?" He roared.

"No, father," Theo had said through clenched teeth, avoiding rubbing his cheek. If he had, it would've been a sign of weakness and he didn't want to get struck once more by his father.

"Seems like I need to remind not just you," and with that, he sneered at his son sitting on the floor in search of his wife.

Theo closed his eyes and exhaled harshly through his nose. A knock broke through his thoughts and he sighed.

"Enter," he said gruffly.

When he saw the sight of his mother peeking in through the door, Theo let a breath of relief escape him and he gave her a smile but the smile quickly disappeared when he saw she was sporting not just the same blue and purple bruise on her cheek, but a swollen lip, nose, and eye.

Amelia Nott smiled sadly at her son and took a seat next to him, pulling him into her comforting embrace.

"My sweet boy," she said stroking his brown hair that was currently not gelled to perfection. "I'm so sorry."

Theo pulled away and shook his head. "No, mum, I'm sorry. I swear I didn't think he'd hear– I didn't even know he was home!"

"Oh, darling. It is not your fault, never your fault! Just please, no mentions of your sister when you're in this house if not for the sake of yourself, then for me and my weak heart?"

"I thought you'd be pleased," he muttered, reapplying the ice pack to his face.

Amelia smiled and took out her wand. Gently, she removed the ice pack from his hand and did a healing spell on his cheek. Before she could do the same for hers, Theo grabbed his wand and did it for her, accustomed to it by now.

Amelia felt the familiar sting in her eyes and the ache in her heart at the act. She was saddened and guilt-ridden by the notion that she had utterly failed as a mother. Theo was just barely turning 11. He shouldn't have to know nor deal with these things at his age or at all. None of her children should. She had intended to heal herself before coming to check on her son, but she had been too worried he had been punished much worse than her.

Holding herself together, she simply sighed and caressed his brown hair. "Believe me when I say I am absolutely pleased and proud of you for becoming such a wise boy and knowing everything he tried to instill in you was absolute rubbish."

He scoffed, "Why would I ever believe anything that man says to me?"

"Ah, but do not sell yourself short. It's quite an honorable thing to stand your ground and stand up for what is right despite the consequences– in the face of harm."

"It just seems so obvious."

Amelia smiled lovingly at her son. "And do remind me again why you think you wouldn't be sorted into Gryffindor?"

Theo's eyes widened and he spluttered. "I may hate my name but I am Slytherin all the way!"

Amelia just shook her head in amusement. "Would you like to accompany me today?"

Theo scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Seriously, mum? As if you really had to ask."

They both headed down to the room where their floo was situated and with a burst of green flames, they arrived at a quaint home in Spinner's End.

Theo was immediately engulfed in a big hug and he chuckled. "You do this every time!" Suddenly, Theo was pushed away and he let out a hearty laugh when he saw the glare on his sister's face.

"You're a prat. I don't get to see you except for these few hour visits twice a month. Sorry if I just miss my little brother," she snapped.

Theo grinned and shook his head. His wonderful sister who was almost a carbon copy of their mother. Her hair, just like his and their mum's, was brown but when hers was hit with sunlight, it became a honey brown that seemed to glisten gold. It also seemed to have a mind of its own because whilst she inherited his and their fathers curly hair, somehow hers was wilder, almost like a lion's mane. Her skin, just like their mum's, was perfect but a little too pale in comparison from the lack of being able to go out much on top of the fact that the area of and around Spinners End quite rarely received any sun. While Theo had their mother's blue eyes, Hermione had her father's firewhisky coloured ones. And while Theo had his father's sharp aristocratic features with a bit of softness that came from Amelia, Hermione had their mum's delicate features, that only somewhat resembled Remi's sharpness when she was angry.

"I was just joking. You know I missed you," Theo sighed, pulling his sister into another hug.

"I missed you too, little brother."

"I'm only 7 months younger," Theo pouted.

"Ahh, that's because you decided to turn up two months early, darling," Amelia grinned as she stepped out of the floo.

"Mum!" Her daughter cried and ran into her open arms.

"Oh, Hermione, I've missed you so much, love."

"I've missed you too, mum," Hermione smiled sadly. Amelia stroked her daughter's face and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"Where is your godfather? I must speak to him before you two start your lessons."

"He should be in the basement brewing some potions," Hermione said.

Amelia nodded and pulled her daughter and son to the couch so they could all catch up. Theo enjoyed watching his mother and sister chat animatedly together. They both shared that same passionate attitude once they got going on a topic. He also cherished how much they looked alike and were alike. His mother and sister were both caring and beautiful people and at times like these did Theo really loathe his bastard father with a burning passion.

Before Amelia became betrothed to Remi, they were both in their final year at Hogwarts. Remi was already engaged to another, but he and Amelia were secretly seeing each other. The young and impressionable Amelia believed Remi was the kind man he portrayed himself to be. When he convinced her to spend the night with him, she didn't refuse. One thing led to another, and Amelia fell pregnant. When she told Remi about her pregnancy, he immediately ordered her to get rid of 'it', claiming he couldn't father a child out of wedlock with a woman he wasn't betrothed to.

Terrified, Amelia ran to her parents for help. Her father, a strong and archaic man, demanded that Remi's family break off his current engagement and marry Amelia instead, or risk public scandal. To Amelia's surprise, Remi refused. Despite his secret relationship with Amelia, he was actually infatuated with his fiancée at the time, Narcissa Black, Amelia's best friend. Narcissa, however, was infatuated with an older pureblood, Lucius Malfoy, though only Amelia knew this.

Remi's family, despite his objections, begrudgingly accepted the demand, knowing that if word of the pregnancy got out, Narcissa's family would sever the engagement themselves and no one would want to marry their son. They agreed to the marriage on the condition that Amelia get rid of the child, believing it would disgrace both the Nott and Wright names.

Amelia fought hard against this, already attached to the fetus growing inside her. But when they threatened to take matters into their own hands, she seemingly agreed. In reality, she sought the help of the person she trusted more than Narcissa to conceal the pregnancy until the birth of her daughter before the wedding. She gave birth in the same home they were currently in, with a team of healers who had to be obliviated afterward.

Once Remi and Amelia reluctantly married, they tried to conceive as quickly as possible to fulfill their duty. Thus, Theo was born.

Remi had no love for Amelia—in fact, he held her in contempt. He had hoped that with Theo, his heir, he would have the son he wanted. But alas, he was disappointed, and he regarded Theo as a disgrace, just like he regarded Amelia. The only time he ever really graced them with his presence was during very public events where they had to be the picture perfect family– though everyone knew otherwise based on the numerous whispers within the inner circles of Remi stepping out of his marriage and sleeping around.

However, if word had gotten out that the first Nott heir was in fact, not Theo and in fact, the one Amelia did not get rid of, Remi would no doubt stop at nothing to make sure the child who had not only ruined his chance with the woman he loved, but ruined his once perfect life, was gone. And if it so happened he found out Theo knew, he would kill him too, Nott line be damned because nothing mattered more to Remington Nott more than himself. So for now, the only people who knew about Hermione Nott were Theo, their mother, Hermione's godfather, and Albus Dumbledore.

Theo snuck away from the conversation and went to the kitchen for a glass of water but watched them from a distance with a longing look. He wished he had gotten to spend more time with his sister and he wished his sister had gotten to spend more time with them– especially his mother. Though, sometimes Theo thought that maybe it was for the best. He hated thinking about what his father would have done should he have found out she was actually alive. She was constantly safe and never harmed and that's all that mattered to him.

"How is your mother these days?" A low voice said from behind him, causing him to jump a little. Theo turned around and glared at the smirk plastered on Severus Snape's face.

"Hey, Uncle Sev," Theo drawled. Despite Snape being Hermione's godfather, it was weird not to address him as Uncle Sev as well, plus Snape didn't mind either. In fact, Theo would hazard a guess that he cared for him and his sister as if they were his own children. After all, he was more like their father than Remi would ever be. Instead, Theo had the misfortune of having Lucius Malfoy as his godfather. Not that the man was abusive like his father, but he was as every bit the pureblood supremacist his father was and made sure that Theo and Lucius' only child knew what it meant to be a pureblood. Draco Malfoy, Theo's best friend and Lucius only child, idolised his parents Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Unlike Theo's mother, Narcissa was a devoted pureblood wife. She believed in pureblood ideologies whereas Amelia couldn't care less about it. Amelia thought everyone was equal and all blood was simply something that flowed through the veins to keep us alive, not something that defined us or our magical abilities, and that's what strained their friendship the most.

Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy were devoted parents, that was clear, but Draco idolised them and followed their teachings of pureblood ideologies– Lucius's teachings moreso than Narcissa's. Theo didn't agree with him on the inside but for the sake of keeping up his appearance and not risking punishment, Theo played along but always wanted to roll his eyes when Draco would ignorantly parrot whatever tripe his parents taught him. If there came a time where it was revealed that Theo didn't give a damn about pureblood supremacy and Hermione was revealed to be his sister, Theo couldn't care for people who won't accept them– accept her– friendship be damned. Though, he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Draco Malfoy was Theo's best friend alongside Blaise Zabini, and it would more than hurt if their stupid beliefs got in the way of that. He had come to think of them as his brothers so it would be more than losing a friendship, it would be losing family.

"Mother's getting weaker. She acts strong but I know it could be any day now," Theo sighed. His mother's heart was weak and he as well as Hermione and Snape knew that she would soon be on her deathbed. It was one of the reasons he hated that Hermione was only able to spend so little time with her. Theo honestly couldn't fathom life without his mother. He loves her and his sister more than life itself and he knew that much sooner than anyone except Remi were ever prepared for, there will come a time when they'd have to say goodbye to their mum. He'd then be left in the care of his abusive father but Theo knew for certain that Snape would always look out for him and his sister. He knew his mother would die relieved, knowing there was someone who would love, care, and protect her children when she was gone.

However, what Theo nor Hermione knew was that the reason their mother was dying, the reason her heart was weak, was due to a dark curse inflicted on her by her loving husband who had caught her plotting to take Theo and run away. The curse has slowly been killing her, just what Remi wanted. A death slow and painful, blaming her as the reason his life, this life he absolutely abhorred, was slow and painful.

Snape placed a comforting hand on Theo's shoulder, "I'm sorry, Theodore."

"Me too," he whispered as they watched his mother and sister laughing about some nonsensical thing. "I'm more sorry that Hermione never had more time with her and she never got to experience us as a true family."

"Yes, it is quite unfair."

"It is unfair."

Snape just hummed in agreement. "Would you and Hermione like to skip the legilimency and occlumency lessons today?"

Theo looked up at Snape then back to his sister and nodded, "I think we should talk about what will happen when we go off to Hogwarts."

The older man gave a tight smile and nodded. "That's an excellent idea."

Theo laughed at Snape's attempt at smiling. While he wasn't the completely cold and callous man he portrays himself to be to the public, Snape definitely wasn't what most would typically classify as warm or affectionate, but he was in his own way.

They both made their way to Hermione and Amelia and sat comfortably on the couches.

"I think, it best we discuss what will happen in the coming months," Snape started. "Theodore, you are turning 11 in just a few days. By July, you and Hermione will have received your Hogwarts letter and when the day comes to depart, we must make sure everything is set in place."

"What do we tell people? What will Hermione tell people?" Theo asked worriedly.

"It is crucial no one finds out about Hermione's lineage– especially your father. I've spoken to Albus Dumbledore and we've come up with a story," Snape said pointedly. "Hermione will play the role of a muggle-born. Her parents are Wendell and Monika Granger, both dentists and not very supportive of her being a witch. The fewer questions about them, the better. I will work with Hermione on how to play the role of a muggle-born. You, Hermione, will be known as Hermione Jean Granger instead of Hermione Amelia Nott. Albus and I have forged documents in the case that a situation may arise and things must be authenticated. But please, for your brother, mother, and my sanity, try to keep on the low."

Hermione nodded resolutely.

"I don't understand," Theo interrupted. "Why does she have to be a muggle-born? Why can't she just pretend to be… I don't know, a half-blood?"

"Because," Hermione answered, "the less likely they are to ask about my parents. If people believe I have muggle parents, they won't be too curious. If they knew I was a half-blood, they would wonder who of my parents is the pureblood, so it's better to be safe than sorry."

Snape nodded in agreement and continued, "Our occlumency and legilimency lessons will continue at Hogwarts as well. You two have been superb and I want to keep strengthening your skills. We will have lessons every fortnight and it'll also give us the opportunity to, what muggles say, 'catch up' as both Hermione and Theo must limit their interaction– especially in public. Theo, you still need to keep up your persona as a pureblood enthusiast. I do not want word to go around that you are tolerant of muggles, muggle-borns, or even half-bloods. This is only to keep Remi away."

"I'll do anything just to keep him away and to keep Hermione safe," Theo declared. Snape gave him a small smile and Amelia gave him an affectionate hug. "Wait, but if Hermione is playing the role of a muggle-born, what if she becomes targeted by the Purebloods in Slytherin? Or worse! What if she gets sorted into Slytherin?!" Theo asked distressed. "I won't be able to protect her then or stand up for her–"

"I can stand up for myself, thank you very much." Hermione snapped, crossing her arms.

"Hermione, he's just looking out for you," Amelia encouraged.

Snape spoke before Theo could retort back, "Yes, that may happen, but Theo, you must remember to play your part. Doing so is still protecting her. As for being sorted into Slytherin...I'm afraid we'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it. We don't know for sure if she will actually be sorted into that house. She won't be called up as a Nott, she'll be a Granger."

"And don't worry, Theo. I can handle a few taunts. It's better than the alternative," Hermione said with a reassuring smile.

"Then it's settled. I'm afraid that is all we can really discuss, everything else will come when the days come nearer."

"Snape, may I speak to you for a moment?" Amelia asked before turning to her children. "Why don't you two catch up upstairs then after, we can spend the day in muggle London?"

Both children's faces lit up and they nodded enthusiastically before racing up the stairs to Hermione's room.

Snape narrowed his eyes. "What is it, Amy?"

Amy sighed and shook her head, "Have you heard what's been going on? There are rumors– whispers about you-know-who. I knew he hadn't completely vanquished after the first war, especially since your and Remi's marks remain as dark and prominent as before. If he were really gone, then it would have faded, right?"

Snape observed Amelia for a few moments before nodding hesitantly. "Yes, Albus and I have discussed as much but he is being very vague about it. He won't even go to the order with this information."

Amelia nodded stiffly. "I don't have much longer, Sev, but I suspect you already knew that."

"I do." and he did, even without Theo having to confirm it. He can see how pale and frail she has gotten. How she can barely stand sometimes without shaking or clutching her chest.

"Yes, but what you don't know– what they don't know– is that it's worsening rapidly. The healers say the curse has spread too far and I'm afraid I'm all out of time."

Snape's mouth dropped open. "When–"

"The best outcome? I would make it to the end of next month."

Snape's nose flared. "End of next month? As in Theo's birthday?" He hissed. "You need to tell them. You need to prepare them!"

"And I will," she glared. "Today, I will tell them."

"Everything?"

They looked at each other momentarily before Amelia shook her head, "They're too young."

"And they deserve to know," he snapped.

"I know that, but they're too young. They can't know yet. I hope you tell them when they're ready. I've already prepared everything and made sure that all my inheritance is split between the two. I even made sure that Remi could never access my will. Because I am the last of the Wright line, I have left the manor hidden under a fidelius charm. The location is in the will and only you and the children will know where it is. If the Dark Lord rises once again, I don't want Remi pulling Theo into all that nonsense and danger, I don't want to risk Hermione getting caught and killed. Take them there and keep them safe. Take them and run away."

Snape hesitated. "I hate that you're making me do this, that I once again am cleaning up your mess." he said, angrily.

Amelia knew his words held no real malice. That he was just angry at the circumstances. "I know, but you're my oldest and best friend. You will be all they have left..."

Snape looked away and into the fireplace, so many word on his mind but no courage to speak the decades of unspoken words.

"And I just wanted to say thank you," Amelia continued. "Thank you for raising Hermione and being a father figure to both my children despite saying otherwise. They love you and I know you love them. I couldn't have asked for a better guardian." She shifted her brilliant blue eyes towards the stairs and gazed longingly. "You've taught them well. They're brilliant and caring, and they will always know what is right– what is good." She shifted her attention back to Snape, who was doing his best to conceal his emotions, but after years of friendship, she knew him well enough.

"Look out for them. You've guided Hermione down the right path, but I fear that once I'm gone and Theo is left with his father...please, keep guiding him like you have always been. Make sure he is loved and cared for and taught that blood and status do not matter. That he, no matter what his father may say, matters. I don't want my innocent boy to be alienated by that monster. I trust you, Sev. Take care of my children."

Snape had never been good with words so he simply nodded once and said tightly, "I swear to do my best."

Tears leaked out of Amelia's eyes and she smiled ruefully. "Lily was a fool. She never would have deserved you. Take care of yourself as well, Severus. I will expect to see you when the day comes and if you can, please bring Hermione. I only wished I could've been better for her– that I could have given her the life she deserved. But I think you're doing an exceptional job with that.

"She knows you love her and you would do anything for her."

"My 'anything' wasn't enough and soon I'll be dead without making any of this up to her," She hissed. With that last statement, she stood from the sofa, wiped away her tears, and went up the stairs to her children.

Severus let out a shaky breath before rushing down to the basement where he cried in resignation because, after all this time, she still thought he loved Lily. Yes, Snape had once loved Lily deeply, but Amelia will always be the love of his life. Snape silenced the room and let out a heartwrenching sob before grabbing empty potion flasks and throwing them against the wall. He slumped against the wall and slid down, burying his face in his hands. He doesn't remember ever feeling this desolate.

Amelia watched her children argue over whatever nonsense they always found themselves arguing over and smiled. She was glad she was able to take them out to muggle London today and currently, they were taking a walk around Hyde Park.

Remi has such a watchful eye on her and Theo that Theo was rarely ever exposed to muggles or the muggle world except the handful of times she got to sneak him out here, but Hermione was so natural in this environment. It's the only world she got to know. Despite being exposed to magic since birth, Hermione never got to experience this whole other world full of it and it pained Amelia that she'll never get to see her first-born child, her only daughter, experience that world.

"Mom?" Hermione's voice called out.

Amelia hadn't realised she had stopped walking only to see her two children slowly approach her with worried expressions.

"Are you exhausted," Theo asked.

Amelia smiled reassuringly and sat at a nearby bench that was quite secluded, beckoning her children to join.

"I want you both to know that in my entire life, having you as my children has been my greatest blessing and being your mom has been the greatest privilege."

"Has been?" Hermione asked softly.

Amelia looked at both her children, twin eyes looking up at her and both sparkling with the beginnings of unshed tears.

She held her resolve. "You both know I am not doing well–"

"No." Hermione interrupted.

"Hermi–"

"NO." Hermione interrupted Theo, before looking at her mother. "No...no, you- you just can't."

Amelia stood on shaky feet and kneeled before them. She had a whole speech prepared, a whole explanation, but looking at their small faces stare down at her and knowing she'll never get to see the amazing people they would grow into, something in her just broke. Her lips pursed and all that she could say was, "I am so, so sorry," and finally broke down.

Theo and Hermione wanted to ask more questions, they needed to know more, but they knew, answers would come later. Now was to spend time with their mum in what would probably be their last moments together, just the three of them while their mum was still strong enough.

Amelia Wright's personal elf appeared in the middle of the living room in a tiny house on Spinner's End, greeted by Snape and Hermione, the latter who had her arms wrapped around herself as if she could physically hold herself from breaking apart and the former who looked as if he was keeping his composure, but if you looked close enough, his hands had gone a new shade of white from gripping his robes too tight. It had been 4 days since Theo's birthday and 3 days since Amelia's body had finally showing signs of rapid deterioration.

"Tibby did what Mistress Amelia requested. Tibby slipped Master Remi a sleeping draught in Master's tea so Master goes into a deep sleep and Mistress Hermione may see Mistress Amelia," the elf with big floppy ears wearing a silk pillowcase said solemnly.

Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go," she said to Snape. He frowned and nodded, lightly patting Hermione's curly hair that reminded him so much of Amelia, before taking her hand. Tibby grabbed onto Hermione's hand and with a pop, apparated them to Amelia's private room.

As soon as they arrived, Theo engulfed Hermione in a hug and cried. Hermione looked over his shoulder to see her mother lying in the middle of her deathbed, pale as a ghost and breathing slowly. Her eyes were closed and she looked extremely gaunt and small. It was a contrast from seeing her mother as the force of nature she grew up idolising.

Finally, Theo stepped away, wrapping his arms around Hermione and leading her towards the bed. Hermione's legs felt like jelly and stone at the same time. It was as if, without Theo holding her up for support, her legs would give away, yet, it took all her strength to pick up one foot after another, dragging and forcing it to move with every step.

Hermione and Theo both settled on the bed, each on either side of their mother.

"Mum?" Hermione said softly, her voice cracking. "Mum? It's me, Hermione. Mummy, I'm here. I'm here, mummy."

Slowly, Amelia opened her eyes, blinking a few times and taking in her surroundings. When she saw the faces of her children she broke out into a toothy smile, a few tears escaping her glassy blue eyes. Even a inch from death, she still was beautiful. It was a shame she never got to be treated as such.

"My darlings," she whispered. She turned to Hermione and shakily lifted her hand to stroke her face. "My princess, you made it."

Hermione let out a sob and clutched onto her mother's cold hand that was still cradling her cheek, "Of course, I'd be here, mother. No one would keep me away from you, not even Remi."

Amelia sighed and smiled sadly, "I'm afraid my time has come, my loves. I only wished there could have been more time. I wished I had done better as a mother–"

"No, mum. Don't say that," Theo said shaking his head. "You were the best mum anyone could ever ask for... you–you loved us and did the best you could."

Amelia choked out a sob. "I'm sorry you both weren't given the childhood you deserved– together."

"It's okay, mum. Even if we had to live apart, you made sure we were never truly separated," Hermione said.

"I love you, my darlings. I'll always love you and just know that no matter what, I'll always be watching over you." She turned to Theo and held his hand. "My love, I know it won't be easy being alone with him. I know that living with your father won't, in any way, ever be easy, but remember what I told you, yes? Remember everything I've taught you, what Severus has taught you. I know you want to stand up to your father, but I don't want you getting hurt. Self-prservation, my dear. As long as you know who you are, that's all that matters." She wiped away a tear from Theo's cheek and smiled. "I wish I could have protected you better. I wish I could have taken you and ran, but to do that would have been selfish because your father would have stopped at nothing to find us. I just want you safe, and if it means you acting to appease that horrid man, then do it. But there will come a time, a time that will matter most, to stand up for what is right. Promise me you'll do that."

"I promise I'll be the person you raised me to be, mum," Theo said.

Amelia turned to Hermione and let out another sob. "Oh, my beautiful princess. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I had to put you into hiding. I'm sorry I was never able to spend more time with you. But just know, my lovely, that I love you with every fibre of my being. I love you so much and I'm so incredibly sorry for not being able to give you the life that you deserved. I'm sorry."

"Oh, mum..." was all Hermione could say.

Amelia pulled both her children into a hug as they wept.

"Don't leave us, mummy," Theo said, his voice cracking.

Amelia brushed her fingers through her son's brown locks and smiled. "I'll never leave you. Take care of each other, yes? Listen to Snape. He knows what's best. He may seem cold at times and indifferent, but that man loves you both as if you were his own children. He'll always take care of you, and take care of him for me too."

"We will, mum," Hermione and Theo said in unison.

Amelia blinked a few times and smiled, "Can I speak to Severus for a moment?"

They both nodded.

"I love you both. Always," she smiled, her eyes becoming heavy.

"We love you too, mum. Always."

Both children each gave their mum one last kiss on the forehead and moved off the bed, allowing Snape to take tentative steps towards her and take their place. He held both her hands, decades of trained occlumency preventing him from crying.

"Remember what I said," Amelia whispered.

Snape nodded, feeling as though there was cotton lodged in his mouth, preventing him from speaking.

"Severus Snape, I will always love you for everything you've done for me. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Lily Potter was a fool, but maybe I was too. Maybe in another life, it could've been us instead," she smiled ruefully.

Snape's jaw dropped as did his mental shields and a few tears finally escaped his eyes. "You?"

Amelia began struggling to speak and she nodded slightly.

His body shook in emotion that he tried not to release all at once and he pressed his forehead against hers in a rare occurence of baring his emotions. It was near impossible because so much time had been wasted, so many words were being left unsaid. He will never forgive himself for letting her believe she lived a life unloved by a man. Letting her live the life she did because he was too cowardly to do anything about it.

"I loved you– I love you– and my only regret was not having the courage to tell you– to show you– how I really feel and how I will always feel," he whispered against her forehead.

"Always?"

"Until the very end," Snape whispered. "I promise you, I will always care for them."

Amelia smiled and hummed, "Thank you." Finally, she allowed her heavy eyelids to shut, something she had been holding off for as long as she could. When Snape felt her body go limp and the rise and fall of her chest slowly cease, he let out a sob and brought her cold hands to his cheeks. "I'm sorry, Amy," he whispered with his first and only kiss to her forehead.

Snape turned to see Theo and Hermione clutching to each other as if they were the other's life support. Tears flowed endlessly down their red and blotchy cheeks and they were visibly shaking. He beckoned them over and when they settled on the bed, they each whispered their goodbyes and words of love.

The funeral followed quickly with Remi wanting to get it over with as fast as possible. Neither Hermione nor Snape obviously could attend but Snape couldn't deny Hermione– or himself– one last goodbye. So after some polyjuice potion and a strong disillusionment charm for good measure, they attended the funeral and watched from afar.

Hermione recognised some of the most prominent pureblood families in attendance. Her grandparents, Amelia's parents had long passed away so it was just the Notts, Malfoy's, Parkinsons, Zabini's and even the Greengrasses.

Hermione watched as each family stood stoic as each member waited in line to say their goodbyes. She watched as Theo did his best to occlude and hide his emotions. But what caught her off guard was the sight of Narcissa trembling and seeming as if she too, was doing her best not to cry, as gripping on to her son and husband for support.

Once the Malfoy's got their turn, she watched as Narcissa conjured a bouquet of Narcissa flowers then laid it on her casket. Remi didn't say a word but even from afar, she could see his displeasure.

After every family had their turn, the families stayed for a moment to speak to each other but her eyes focused on the two boys approaching her brother who stood beside Amelia's fresh grave. Blaise and Draco both put and arm around Theo's shoulders and she watched as they tried their best to help him keep it together.

She wished she could be there too. She wished she too had friends to help her keep it together.

Hermione hadn't realised how much she had been crying until she felt Snape place a comforting hand on her shoulder. The small gesture was big enough for Hermione to let go of all the pain and she just buried her face in her godfather's robe, wishing things had been different.

Once everyone had left, Hermione and Snape walked to Amelia's grave and bid their last goodbyes.

"Goodbye, mum. I love you," she whispered hoarsely.

It was the day before Hermione and Theo were set to leave for Hogwarts. They were both showing each other what they had gotten from Diagon Alley since both of them had to go on separate days to avoid Remi.

"I miss mum," Hermione said softly.

Theo held her hand and nodded, "Now that she's gone, the manor is much more...cold. Father is trying to make me into him, trying to make those pureblood ideals stick. Of course, I go along with it so he doesn't punish me, but even if I pretend to follow him, he's still a cold and evil man."

"I wish you could've lived here with me and Uncle Sev."

"I do too, but there is no escaping the devil."

Hermione hummed, "How is Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini?"

Theo smirked. "I'm sure what you really mean to ask is 'How is Draco'."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Theo."

He let out a laugh and shook his head. "They're both fine. We went shopping for our things together. Look, I know you think Draco's a handsome bloke even if you never met him, but Hermione, you know he follows whatever Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa tell him. He truly believes all that pureblood dung."

"I know, but I was thinking I don't know, that you can subtly prove to him that it's wrong. I mean you are best friends after all. He's just misguided."

"Yes, but Lucius would be absolutely furious and in turn so would Remi."

"I guess..." she murmured and stowed the thought away for later. Because Hermione had to remain sheltered for most her life, she lived through the playful memories of Theo, watching him grow up with his best friends Draco and Blaise. Sure, Snape brought her around the muggle world but he was too paranoid to allow Hermione to get too close to anyone. Part of her understood, but the bigger part of her yearned for more connection to the outside– to other humans. The first time she ever saw Draco, she was only 8 and she would swear she had felt her heart skip a beat. Snape helped Theo extract some memories to put in a pensieve and Theo excitedly showed Hermione the first time he, Blaise and Draco rode on a broom.

"Who was the blonde boy," she asked curiously.

Theo tilted her head wondering why she was only curious about Draco when Blaise was there too.

"That's Draco. Draco Malfoy. Lucius and Narcissa's only son," he said.

"He's quite... funny," she didn't know what else to say.

Theo looked confused, "Funny? I don't remember him saying anything funny."

Hermione felt her cheeks warm, "Well not funny, but... umm he's different."

"Different?" Theo looked at his suddenly sheepish sister then the realisation hit him and he let out a hearty guffaw.

"Hermione, don't tell me– do you fancy Draco?"

At Hermione's reluctance to answer, Theo laughed even more.

"Oh, wait till I tell mum and Uncle Sev about this! Uncle Sev might just have a heart attack!"

Hermione lightly punched his shoulder and stomped her foot in indignation, " I do not li-like him!"

"Oh, you so do! Don't worry your secret is safe with me," he chuckled, wiping away his tears of laughter. "Besides, the thought of you having a crush, never mind having a crush on my best mate is disturbing."

"Ca-can I watch it again?" Hermione asked after her brother calmed down. Theo, seeing how hesitant she was, suddenly felt a tad guilty and so he just nodded.

"So you really can't stay over?" Hermione asked after some time.

Theo sighed and pulled his sister into his arms. "I asked Remi and made the excuse that I'd be at Draco's, but he wants to be there to see me off at the Hogwarts Express, just for appearance's sake. Merlin forbid he can't look like an uncaring parent." Theo paused before turning serious, "Make sure you stay out of sight. You and Uncle Sev will get there early right?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, we're going to run through things one final time on the Hogwarts Express." The two remained quiet, thinking about what was yet to come before Hermione suddenly got up.

She took a box that was sitting on her dresser and sat back down handing it to Theo.

"What's this?" He asked, toying with the hunter-green ribbon.

"Open it," Hermione smiled.

Theo untied the ribbon and when he opened the box, he smiled. There were two silver chain bracelets, each had a bar with an engraving on both sides. On the inside there was an engraving with their full name but on the outside, there was an engraving of the word 'Always'.

"Our last words to mum. Uncle Sev charmed it to make it so that when either of us needs comfort, just tap the bar 3 times and the twin will instantly warm up." Hermione said softly. She took out one of them and clasped it around Theo's left wrist then allowed Theo to do the same for her.

He turned to his sister and playfully punched her shoulder. "Thank you, for this."

Hermione smiled, "I just wanted us to have something to connect us to each other. Hogwarts won't be easy given the circumstances and with both of us playing a different part, if there's a time when either you or I can't be there for the other, this can help us with that."

"You'll be fine. We both will. We have Uncle Sev and Professor Dumbledore there and more importantly, we'll have each other," Theo said firmly.

"I know. It's just... I worry about what will happen. We both know there are many people who don't think muggle-borns deserve to have magic. Our father is a prime example."

"You're Hermione Amelia Nott. You're brilliant and there is nothing you can't do. You are strong and fierce and a force to be reckoned with. You will be fine. Uncle Sev and I will never let you get hurt." Hermione smiled and leaned her head on Theo's shoulder.

"Plus who could ever want to hurt you? You're as perfect as mum. I'm sure instead of throwing insults at you for your blood, they'll be throwing themselves at you. I'll be fighting boys off with a stick in no time," Theo mocked sighed.

Hermione slapped Theo on the chest and scowled.

"What the bloody hell was that for?!"

Hermione giggled and rested her head on his shoulder once again as they fell into silence before Snape knocked on Hermione's door.

"Yes," Hermione called.

Snape walked in, a small and soft smile playing fondly on his lips at the siblings sitting on the ground, "I'm afraid it's getting late and I don't want to risk Remi getting angry at Theo, plus you both have a big day tomorrow. Theo, have you finished packing?"

Theo scoffed. "Don't you know me? Of course I have, Uncle Sev. Just have to pack some bits and pieces then I'm all done."

Snape rolled his eyes and nodded, "Before you leave, shall we discuss things one last time?"

Both Nott children agreed and followed Snape to the sitting room.

"Remember–"

"Not to call you Uncle Sev in public," Hermione cut off, causing Snape to narrow his eyes before turning to Theo.

"Theo, you cannot–"

"Reveal my true beliefs nor act familiar with Hermione since she's a 'muggle-born'."

Snape scowled. "If you two act as though you have not been taught any manners, I will give you detention on the first day."

They rolled their eyes and chuckled. Snape tried to act annoyed but he couldn't stop the quirk in his lips.