Hermione's thoughts were racing that night as she lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Theo loved her. He didn't say as much but she could feel it through his memories. Why hadn't he said anything before? How did she feel in all of this? Confused. Just plain confused.
The next morning she had expected things to be awkward, but surprisingly, they weren't. He didn't act any different toward her then he had before. For that she was grateful. Her thoughts were interrupted as he sat down at the table with his cup of coffee. He had been addicted to it after she showed him how to make it.
"So I think we should set some boundaries now that you're seeing Draco."
Surprised, she set her mug down with a thud. "Such as?"
"Don't worry it's just one really. I'd rather not walk into the common room and see you shagging my best mate on the sofa, so if you could please keep extracurricular activities confined to the bedroom and use silencing charms, I would be eternally grateful."
Hermione almost spit out her coffee, causing her to cough. Theo rolled his head back in laughter.
Hermione shook her head, trying to hide the red that had appeared on her cheeks. "Theo! Honestly you need to get your mind out of the gutter! We haven't-we're not-I mean I've never even-"
Theo held up a hand "Save it Princess. Listen, I don't want you to coddle me or walk on eggshells around me after what I said last night. Your happiness is the most important thing to me. If Draco makes you happy, then I'm glad, ok?" He reached over and patted her hand, hoping the mask he put on was convincing enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next couple of months went by smoothly as fall gave way to an early winter. Besides Theo feeling a bit like a third wheel, the three of them grew close. Everything almost seemed normal, until one afternoon in their common room a bright red envelope shot through the portrait door and stopped midair in front of Hermione.
"HOW COULD YOU MIONE?? He's a death eater!! He stood there and watched you be tortured! Called you slurs for years! Made our lives miserable! Released death eaters into the school! When did you stoop so low? I know you must be lonely at Hogwarts on your own but really? HIM?? Godric Hermione! I know it's my own fault we didn't work out but honestly! You can't be that desperate for a shag! I thought you were better than that."
The howler finally closed and ripped itself to shreds. As it fell to the floor, tears fell down her face. Theo instinctively moved to comfort her, but Draco beat him to it. He stopped himself just in time to realize that it wasn't his place. So he knelt to the floor and began to pick up the pieces.
"That git. What right does he have to tell you who you should or shouldn't be with? And to send you a howler no less." Theo shook his head and he dumped the contents into the bin.
Draco released Hermione and tilted her chin to look at him. "I thought we agreed not to tell anyone." Theo stopped in his tracks. Uh oh.
"I know we did I just thought since they were my friends it would be ok. Harry didn't seem upset, he was even supportive. And Ginny was ecstatic. You know how she gets. I knew Ron wouldn't like it but I never thought he would downright insult me." The tears flowed anew. She didn't want this to be a secret. She wasn't ashamed of Draco. Why didn't he want to tell anyone? Theo didn't care. His father was dead. The only other person was…his mother. Did he not want to tell his mother about her? Was he ashamed of her? She shook the thought away.
"I've changed my mind Draco. I don't want to keep our relationship a secret. I'm not ashamed of you. Even with Ron being upset, he'll get over it. No one has the right to tell me who I can or can't spend my time with."
"But Hermione, if we go public with this, it won't just be our friends getting upset here, it'll be perfect strangers on the street spitting at us and heckling us. Do you want that?"
Theo felt out of place once again. This was a private conversation. He managed to sneak to his bedroom, though he wouldn't get much sleep.
"No of course not! But I'm not going to hide in the shadows like some naughty fourth years."
They stood in silence for a moment before she continued. "Draco…have you told your mother about us?"
"Why does that matter?"
"Answer the question."
"No. I haven't told her about us."
"Were you ever planning to? Or would I just be your dirty little mudblood secret?"
"Don't call yourself that! She just…I know she wouldn't approve. She may not have liked Voldemorts ideals but she still believes pure bloodlines should stay pure. It's more a class issue really."
"And if she wants to see you married off to some high society witch? What then? And what if WE ever wanted to get married? Or have children? What then Draco?"
"I don't know Hermione! I haven't thought that far ahead! Merlin it's not like everything needs to be decided right now."
"If not now Draco then when? We've been together for months. We'll have to tell her sometime. Or am I to understand I'll just be the mistress on the side like so many of you 'high class' wizards have? If that's the case then tell me now before this goes any further."
"Hermione it's not like that."
"Then what is it Draco? Can't stand to disappoint mum?"
"Don't be cruel. She's the only family I have left! She's barely hanging by a thread as it is since my father died, I can't just discard her."
"I understand your sense of duty to her. But I won't be hidden under your bed like a bottle of fire whiskey. You have to tell her Draco. Now."
He ran his hand through his hair. "Fine. I'll send her an owl in the morning. Maybe she'll surprise me, but I doubt it. You have no idea the can of worms you're opening."
"I don't care Draco, and you shouldn't either. I think you should go."
Draco reached out and took her hand. "Hermione-"
"Please. I'm tired and I want to write back to Ron. I'll see you in the morning."
Defeated, Draco turned for the door. "Ok..good night Hermione."
"Good night."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo had heard it all, not that he meant to. Ok maybe he had his ear pressed to the door. He couldn't help himself. When he heard the portrait door close he immediately opened his. When he turned the corner to the common room Hermione was on the floor in front of the sofa, knees to her chest, staring into the fire. He knelt on the floor beside her, and for a long time they both just sat with their thoughts.
How could Draco say those things? How had he never thought of a future with her? He'd dreamt of it for years. He could see why Draco wanted to stay close to his mother. Narcissa was like a mother figure to him as well, since his own mother died giving birth to him. He didn't want to see her hurt, but shouldn't she want her only son to be happy?
His thoughts were interrupted by soft sobs next to him. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into him. He petted her hair as she cried. Why was he always the one having to be there when she cried? This girl had been through too much. Why was it so hard for others to put her first? She always took care of everyone else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Draco paced back and forth in the Slytherin common room. How could he have been so stupid? He should've known this would happen sooner or later. His mother would never accept her. He couldn't abandon his mother. He was all she had. She was all he had. He would write the letter, but he didn't see how it would do any good. He sat down at the desk and began to write.
After making a pile of crumbled parchment on the floor, he was finally satisfied. The letter read :
Mother,
I look forward to coming home for the holidays. Things are good here, I have good marks in my classes and am preparing for NEWTS exams in the spring.
I have someone I would like to reintroduce to you over the break. Her name is Hermione Granger, I'm sure you remember her from that Merlin awful day at the Manor. I've gotten to know her well over the past months and we've begun dating. I love her, Mother. Please respond with the best dates that work for you and we'll make a plan. Stay well.
All my love,
Draco
He folded the letter and headed to bed. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His mother's reply shocked even him. He still had to show Hermione the letter. She wouldn't be happy. What was he supposed to do? He wouldn't leave his mother. He would just have to convince Hermione to give him time. He'll convince his mother to see sense, surely. He had to put his mother first. He was all she had left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dear Draco,
While it may be advantageous to align ourselves with the war heroine in the short term, once the Malfoy name has been restored, it would be inappropriate to continue such a relationship. You must take every precaution though, son, to make sure there are no children born of this. Such children could hardly be considered legitimate heirs and would be a huge inconvenience.
You are young. I know you think you love this girl but in time you will see that intermarrying between blood status' would be simply disastrous. A meeting is unnecessary as I think it would give the poor girl false hope as to her future. It would be cruel to lead her on in such a way. I advise that you end things soon, before she starts getting ideas in her head.
I am glad to hear you are doing well in your classes and also look forward to spending the holidays with you, my dragon.
Much love,
Mother"
"Damn Draco. I knew Narcissa could be cold but Merlin. You're not gonna let her speak about Hermione that way are you?"
"I'm standing right here, Theo. I can speak for myself. It's obvious that she will never be accepting of us, or any future we might have together."
Draco reached for her hands. "Hermione please. Just give me some time, I'll convince her that she's wrong. If you'd just give me a chance to-"
Hermione ripped her hands away. "No Draco. I'm not going to spend our entire relationship trying to prove myself to her. Not to mention her comment about any potential children. Refusing to recognize her own grandchildren because they'd be half bloods? How dare she!"
"Hermione it's not like we've even discussed getting married or having children-"
"But isn't that the whole point of dating? To see if we have a future together? I'm telling you right now the future is not looking in our favor Draco."
"But if you give up now, it's just giving her what she wants! We have to fight-"
"I'm tired of fighting!" Hermione shouted throwing her hands in the air. "I've been fighting for half my life! From the moment I stepped foot in this school I had to fight to prove myself because of my blood status. Then I had to fight to try and get Ron to even notice me, but in the end he chose his own wants and needs before mine. Then I fought in a bloody war for Merlin's sake! We all did! I am so bloody tired of fighting!"
"Hermione-"
"I can't do this anymore Draco."
Theo's head snapped up. He had been standing awkwardly in the corner, not wanting to be in the way, but they were blocking the way to his room so he couldn't retreat there. And he couldn't go through the portrait door without making it painfully obvious, where would he go anyhow? No. He'd just tried to stay as out of the way as possible.
Draco's shoulders dropped. "What…what are you saying?"
Tears spilled from Hermione's eyes. "I'm saying…that this isn't working Draco. We wanted to see where our relationship would go and I think this is the end of the road. It's not entirely your fault, I just don't have it in me to constantly be fighting an uphill battle anymore. These past few months have been wonderful. I know someday you will make some witch very happy. I'm just not her."
"Please, don't do this. Just give-"
"NO. No Draco."
Draco stood there for several seconds, hands in his pockets and facing the ground. "So. This is really goodbye then?"
"I think it's for the best. At the risk of sounding cliche, I hope we can still be friends? I don't want things to be awkward between us, if only for poor Theo's sake."
Theo ran his hand through his hair and emerged from his corner. "Ahem sorry mate, I couldn't find a graceful exit." He put a hand on Draco's shoulder, genuinely feeling sorry for him.
"It's alright. I'm going to need some time Hermione. I can't just go back to how things were overnight."
"I understand."
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. But this is for the best Draco. Really."
Draco nodded solemnly. "Can I kiss you?"
"Anddddd this time I'll make myself scarce." Theo scurried to his room and shut the door. That was the most brutally awkward he had ever felt. He definitely did not belong in that conversation.
Hermione giggled as she wiped tears from her cheeks. "Poor Theo."
"Eh he's a big boy, he'll get over it." He looked down at her again, his eyes dark. "May I give you one last kiss?"
Hermione nodded her head. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and gave her one last kiss. They poured everything into that kiss. Tears ran down both of their faces. Reluctantly he released her, gave her hand a squeeze and walked toward the door, stopping just before crossing the threshold.
"I love you Hermione, don't think this is me giving up. I'll never give up." With that he closed the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo slowly made his way out of the room. Hermione had already moved to the couch. He sat down silently in the wingback chair beside her.
"You ok?"
Hermione shook her head, unable to hold back a sob. "You understand why I had to end it right? I mean…You don't hate me for breaking your best friend's heart?"
"Hey, no of course not. It sounds like you did the right thing for you. He'll be ok. It'll take some time but he'll be alright. Besides, I heard through the grapevine that Lovegood may even have a thing for him."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "That's a strange pairing. I doubt he gives her the time of day."
Theo smiled. He loved her laugh. "You think? Bring it in." He moved to the sofa and motioned for a hug, which she complied. Once again he held her while she cried. Even if he never got to be with her the way he wanted, this was enough. He would never do anything to jeopardize this. He would always be there for her, even when no one else was.
Next thing he knew he heard her breathing become more even. He looked down to find she had fallen asleep. Careful not to wake her, he picked her up bridal style and took her to her bedroom. He folded down the covers and placed her gently on the bed. He removed her shoes and the clip she had in her hair, then covered her up. She looked so peaceful. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Sleep tight princess," before silently leaving the room and shutting the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Hermione awoke with a start. Her alarm didn't go off! She was going to be late for class! She shot out of bed only to realize today was Saturday. Thank Merlin for that. As she sat back down on her bed her own reality also settled in. She had broken up with Draco last night. She felt the familiar tinge of hurt in the pit of her stomach, but also, the tiniest bit of relief. Why was that?
She turned around to make up her bed when she spotted it. On her nightstand was a small cup of hot chocolate, under a stasis charm to keep it warm. Theo. She smiled and took a sip, it warmed her from the inside out.
She went into the kitchen to find Theo already sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee and eggs. "Good morning."
"Morning princess. How are you feeling today?"
"I'm actually ok, possibly due to having hot chocolate right when I woke up," she gave him a smile and lifted her now empty cup, "Thank you, by the way, for last night and the chocolate."
He returned her smile. "Anytime. Now tell me how you're really feeling. Because you were not 'ok' last night."
She sat down and stared into the cup of coffee she had just poured. "I don't know. I know I will miss his company but at the same time I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulder that I didn't know was there. If that makes sense."
With a mouthful of eggs Theo mumbled, "eh not really, but continue."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm being serious Theo! Maybe I knew deep down something like this would happen. After thinking about it a bit, if I really loved him enough, shouldn't I be more willing to fight for our relationship? Shouldn't HE be more willing to fight for it, if we loved each other the way we said we did? Don't get me wrong I think I did love him but, maybe not in a 'love of my life, soulmate' type way. I think a part of me will always love him. But I just don't think we're meant to be. So yes, I'm actually ok."
"Alright, but if you're ever not ok, you know where to find me. I have an endless supply of hot chocolate at your disposal."
"Thanks. I don't want this to hurt your friendship with him either-"
"I don't think it will, but either way I plan to try and talk to him a bit today, see how he is. You know dramatic he can be."
She smacked him with a newspaper. "Theo!" Hermione laughed. Things were always so easy with Theo. Why couldn't everyone be this easy to talk to?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Draco didn't show up to breakfast. If Theo knew him, which he did, he would most likely find him in his room, hungover. There's a slight chance the room may be trashed. With a sigh, Theo got up from the breakfast table and headed towards the Slytherin common room. Being head boy had its advantages. He knew the passwords to every common room and was updated whenever they were changed. He entered the common room and made his way up the stairs to the boys dorm.
"Why am I not bloody surprised?!" Theo shouted as he pulled open the curtains, letting in what little light shone through the black lake.
"Gah! Theo what the hell?"
"Here drink this." He shoved a hangover potion into his hands and picked up the empty bottle of fire whiskey on the floor.
He held the bottle up before tossing it in the bin. "Seriously?? Get yourself together. You're reminding me of…well…me. Now get up and go take a bloody shower, you reek."
Draco stumbled off to the shower without another word, probably still reeling from being awoken so harshly. Theo glanced about the room. At least he didn't destroy anything.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn. He hadn't expected Theo to jerk him out of bed this morning. He felt the nausea and his headache begin to dissipate as the potion took effect. He did smell awful. Once he finally scrubbed off any trace of alcohol, brushed his teeth and got dressed he emerged from the bathroom to find Theo sitting on the windowsill.
"I miss this view sometimes. The sun comes right into my window in the mornings and it's just way too bright." They stood there in silence for a few moments while Draco fixed his sleeves and his hair.
"Want to talk about it?"
"What is there to talk about? My Merlin forsaken mother came in between the best relationship I've ever had."
"Well, you did seem to choose her side over Hermione's-"
"She didn't even give it a chance! She didn't even try! She just rolled over and gave up!"
"Draco you've got to understand-"
"You're supposed to be MY best friend! Why are you defending her?"
"Because she didn't do anything wrong mate! And neither did you really. The only one wrong here is Narcissa. You both want different things. It happens. Honestly it's probably better that this happened now rather than years down the road when there was marriage or possibly children involved, it'd be a whole lot messier."
"She was it for me mate. Or so I thought. When she was talking about being married and having children, the thought had never even crossed my mind. I was so wrapped up in the present and just enjoying what we had that I just sincerely never thought of the future. And now she thinks I was going to hide her in the cupboard like a bad habit."
"Well what WOULD you have done Draco? If your mother never came around would you have ended things with her? Would you have tried to keep your relationship a secret while your mum shaped your life for you?"
"I DONT KNOW!" Draco slammed his hands down on a desk.
Theo let out a sigh to calm himself down. "Listen. She ended things because she couldn't see a future where she was truly happy. Don't you want her to be happy?"
"Of course I do, I just…I thought I could make her happy."
"I know."
Draco ran his hand through his hair. "I think I'm going to go fly for a bit, clear my head. Want to come?"
"No. I've had enough of you and Hermione's brooding today and I have an essay to write."
"Suit yourself." Draco grabbed his broom and left Theo in his room.
He lied. Theo didn't have an essay to write, but he was exhausted. It was barely 9 am and he was already emotionally zapped for the day. Being the mediator between your best friend and the girl of your dreams took a lot out of a bloke.
While he was genuinely sad for his best friend who just had his heart broken, a small part of him was glad Hermione was single again, that meant he still had a chance. Though it was way too soon to broach the subject with her. If he ever could. She knew how he felt, he'd told her that a long time ago. But this break up was still too fresh. He had to go at her pace. Let her make the first move when, or if, she's ready. Maybe she never would be.
She's never actually told him she felt the same way he did. She did care about him. He knew that. They were good friends who looked after each other. If that was all they would ever be, he was ok with that. He just couldn't help hoping for something more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The days melted into weeks, and before anyone knew it, it was time to leave for the holidays. The trio settled into their new normal. Things between Draco and Hermione were friendly, but somewhat distant. It was different with Ron, Hermione thought. Even though her and Ron's break up was very messy and emotional, they had years of friendship to fall back on. After the dust settled and they talked it out, they were able to continue as friends. But with Draco, she didn't have the years of friendship. So they had to basically start from scratch, which proved difficult at times. By the time the winter break came along however, she could confidently call him her friend and she was sure he felt the same.
Hermione and Theo were staying at Hogwarts, while Draco spent the holiday at home. Even though she usually spent Christmas with the Weasleys, they were traveling to Romania to spend it with Charlie. She and Harry were invited to have dinner with the longbottoms, so she did have that to look forward to. An idea popped into her head, and she began to pen a letter to Neville, asking if Theo could come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankfully his response was positive and she shared the news with Theo, though he seemed apprehensive.
"I don't know Hermione, my father was a death eater after all."
"If they weren't ok with you coming, they wouldn't have said yes. Come on Theo, don't think I haven't noticed how down you've been the last few days. I know you think you have no one, and that you're alone. But that's not true. You have me! And I'm going to make sure you have a good Christmas!"
Theo smiled. "Ok, I'll go, but now we have to go to Hogsmeade and at least get a hostess gift for Mrs. Longbottom because, death eater or not, I'm still a high society prat and customs must be kept." He tried his best to keep a straight face before they both busted out in laughter.
Later that day, they walked down to Hogsmeade. They picked up a bottle of wine for Mrs. Longbottom, and while browsing Flourish and Botts, picked up an exotic plant book for Neville. While he was there, he spotted the perfect gift for Hermione. It was a leather bound journal with silver vines stamped into the cover. It was sealed with a lock, and beside the lock was a dainty silver bracelet of small diamonds and sapphires. Sapphires were Hermione's birthstone, and he still felt guilty for not knowing her 19th birthday was in September. This was perfect. He inquired after the journal, as it was in a glass case, careful that she wouldn't overhear him.
"Ah yes this journal is quite exquisite!" Beamed the proprietor. "The bracelet is the only way it will unlock. Simply wave it over the lock and it'll pop right open! Infinite pages of course."
"I'll take it, could you please discreetly wrap it and have it sent to the head boy dorm at Hogwarts? The person who I'm getting this for is here with me, and I don't want to ruin the surprise."
"Of course sir! It should arrive by tomorrow evening."
"Wonderful! Happy Christmas sir."
~~~~~~~~~~~
They went to a few other stores to finish up their shopping before stopping in at the Three Broomsticks. Theo had just finished his butterbeer when he caught Hermione giggling.
"What's so funny?"
"You've got..you've got cream on your upper lip, just there." She managed to get the words out in between laughs. But he kept missing it.
"Oh Theo honestly! Let me get it you're making it worse." She licked her thumb and wiped the cream off of his lip. It was too late that she realized what she'd done as Theo was frozen like a statue.
"Ahem, thanks. Well I think we should get back don't you? We have to get these gifts wrapped before Christmas Eve dinner tonight."
"Right yes, right let's go"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They apparated later that night to Longbottom manor and were in awe of the decorative lights framing the outside of the massive house. Even the greenhouse beside the house looked impressive, though Hermione expected nothing less.
When they knocked on the door Augusta Longbottom answered with a smile. Niceties were exchanged and Theo presented her with the wine while Hermione went off in search of Harry and Neville.
After a while they were summoned to the dining room and a huge feast was sat before them. A roasted turkey sat in the middle of the table surrounded by several different vegetables and breads. The plates floated up as everyone took their seats, magically filling themselves and returning to their places. Wine filled the glasses and only Hermione noticed when Theo politely asked a house elf for water instead. She squeezed his hand and did the same, determined he wouldn't feel out of place tonight. He gave her a smile and returned the squeeze. Once the plates settled there was a symphony of cutlery and friendly conversation as everyone enjoyed their fill.
Mrs Longbottom wiped her mouth and turned to Theo. "Mr. Nott, what are your plans for when you graduate Hogwarts?"
All eyes were on him now. No matter, he knew what he wanted to do now, thanks to one of his many late night talks with Hermione over the last few weeks.
"After I take my NEWTS in the spring, I hope to secure an internship with the Department of Ancient Artifacts at the Ministry over the summer. Then I plan to assist Professor Biggs and hopefully, when he retires, if ghosts retire, take his place as History of Magic professor. I'd also like to do some archival research on the side."
"That's very ambitious Mr. Nott, very much a slytherin. That's wonderful! Perhaps one day you'll work alongside Neville, he aspires to be a herbology professor one day."
Theo raised his glass toward Neville. "Best of luck to you."
Neville returned in kind. "You as well."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry pulled Hermione aside, enveloping her in a bear hug. "I've missed you."
"And I've missed you Harry. How is training?"
"Brutal, but I only have a week and a half left, then after the new year I'll start going on missions."
"While I'm glad for you I do wish you'd be careful. You can only cheat death so many times-"
"I'll be fine mione. I'm concerned about you."
"Me? What for?"
"Because you gone and fallen for another bloody slytherin!"
"What?? No Harry we're not together!"
He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her. "I never said you were together I said you had fallen for him and you didn't deny it! Besides Hermione you invited him to bloody Christmas dinner!"
"He had nowhere else to go Harry!"
"Small detail. I see the way you look at him. I also see the way he looks at you. He's got it bad."
Hermione covered her face with her hands. "Ugh I know."
Harry was surprised. "You know? Well if you know he likes you and you obviously like him why don't you give it a shot? You deserve to be happy Hermione."
"I don't need-"
Harry held up his hands. "I know, I know. You don't need a man to be happy. But Hermione you deserve to be loved. And not like I love you. Loved the way your parents loved each other, the way I love Ginny. I just want that happiness for you."
"Theo, he…he's wonderful. He's always been there Harry. He showed me his memories from the past years and he's always been there, I just never noticed. But I don't feel like I can have a relationship with him."
"Why not?"
"Because of Draco."
"Draco? Do you still have feelings for him?"
"Well…no. I mean I'll always care about him and he's my friend but no, I don't love him. I'm not sure if I ever did really. I thought I did, but what I feel for Theo is…it's different. I can't imagine my life without him in it anymore. That if he left there would always be a void there. Like a-"
Harry smiled knowingly, "Like the puzzle piece you didn't realize you were missing? And now that you've found it you finally feel like you can breathe."
Hermione looked up. "Yes…exactly. But Theo is Draco's best friend. I couldn't come in between them like that. It'd be crushing for him, we've worked so hard to get to a good place and I just don't want o hurt him."
Harry took her hands. "Look at me Hermione. You cannot tip toe around Draco's feelings. He will be ok. If he chooses to end his friendship with you and Theo, then that's on him. What about your feelings Hermione? For once in your life think about what you want. You broke up with Draco because you couldn't see a future you could be happy in right? Well I can tell you now you won't be happy if keep holding back due to 'what if's' and other people's feelings. If you want to be with Nott, then be with him."
Hermione had tears in her eyes and almost knocked Harry over with a hug. "Thank you Harry."
"Anytime. Now go get him."
Hermione smacked his shoulder and laughed. "Happy Christmas Harry."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When they arrived home from the party Theo took her coat and hung it next to his on the coatrack. "That was fun. I'm glad you encouraged me to go Hermione, it was much better than a Christmas spent alone."
"Of course! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was nice to see Harry again, we had a good long talk."
"That's nice."
"After talking to him, I've come to realize something." She had taken a step toward him, but seemed nervous. Why would she be nervous?
He raised an eyebrow and looked down at her. "And what's that?"
"That I've been a fool. A blind, stupid fool." She took another step and took out her wand. What was she doing?
She cast a silent spell and looked up. Theo followed her gaze. He inhaled a sharp breath and whispered, "Mistletoe?"
He looked down at her, his eyes darkening. "Are you sure?"
A nod of her head was all he needed. He cupped her cheek with one hand and pulled her to him with the other, kissing her with years of pent up longing. Once she wrapped her arms around his neck, he lifted her up and wrapped her legs around his torso. Slowly, without breaking the kiss he walked over to the couch and laid her down gently. He pulled away for brief moment, and looked her in the eyes, questioning. Without a word passing between them she nodded her head again, and the world around them disappeared.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She awoke on the floor of their common room, fire crackling, head on Theos shirtless chest, wrapped in his arms and a nice warm blanket. She stared down at the sapphire bracelet on her wrist, thinking back to the gift he had given her yesterday. The memory made her smile. He had stumbled over his words and practically pushed the box into her hands and she was in awe over the journal and the bracelet. He explained how he knew her birthstone was a sapphire, so he thought the bracelet perfect. Little did he know she often compared his eyes to sapphires. It was beyond perfect.
Last night was perfect. Everything felt so right, so easy. They fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces. She felt him stir slightly and looked up at him, smiling from ear to ear.
"Good morning princess." Said Theo groggily, though he was smiling too. He ran his fingers in a circle over her bare shoulder. "Last night was-"
"Amazing"
He grinned wide. "Yes, amazing." He kissed her again. Merlin how long had he wanted to kiss those lips? He moved a stray curl out of her face and brought her lips to his again, and again. He never wanted to stop kissing those lips. Nevertheless he moved his kisses down her jaw to a sensitive spot on her neck that he'd discovered last night, but just as he got there, the portrait door swung open.
"Happy Christmas every-. What the hell?" Draco stood stunned in the doorway. Frozen before him was his ex girlfriend and best friend, obviously in the middle of something. Hermione moved to cover herself more with the blanket while Theo just looked like a deer in headlights.
"I can't believe this." Draco dropped his packages on the floor and stormed out of the room.
"Theo you have to go after him, bring him back so we can talk." Hermione pleaded as she struggled to find her clothes to dress herself.
"On it." Theo had already gotten back into his trousers and took off at a run. It didn't matter he was freezing, running through a stone castle barefoot and shirtless on Christmas. He shouldn't have let things go that far. He should've..
"Draco!! Mate let's talk this out ok? Please don't run from this!" He shouted down the empty halls. He'd lost him. Think Theo, think. He got it, he knew where Draco went. Out of his pocket he pulled out the protean charm galleon Hermione had made him as a Christmas gift. Into the coin he willed the words, "sixth floor bathroom".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Sixth floor bathroom" Hermione stared at her galleon and began to run. When arrived she was horrified to see Draco, more pale than usual, kneeling next to an unconscious Theo.
"Draco…what happened?"
"I didn't mean to…I was just so angry…and my magic, I couldn't control it!"
Hermione ran to Theos side. He had a pulse, barely. She tried hard to keep calm, but her breathing began to quicken and tears threatened to fall. "Draco you have to tell me exactly what happened…tell me NOW!"
Draco, who already had tears streaming down his face. "Theo found me in here, we argued. He told me everything. How he's loved for all these years. It just made me more angry. I went to shout at him and gust of wind expelled from my body, I don't know how. I couldn't control it. When it hit him he flew backwards and hit the back of his head on the faucet…Hermione I swear to you I never meant to hurt him-"
"SHUT IT DRACO. You said he hit the back of his head?"
At his nod Hermione reached her hand to the nape of his neck. Blood had already started to mat his hair and when she brought her hand up it was covered in bright red, sticky blood.
"We have to get him St Mungos, Madame Pomfrey is away for the holiday."
Draco stood and drew his wand. "Right, I'll help-"
Hermione glared at him and he swore he saw the fire of hate in her eyes as her tears continued to fall. "YOU will leave."
"Hermione-"
"LEAVE DRACO, NOW" she roared.
He stood there, heartbreak written all over his face. "I…Im sorry."
Hermione silently levitated Theo and ran for McGonagalls office, pushing past Draco on her way out. When she got there, she began to bang on the door. When Minerva opened the door, she clutched her nightgown collar in shock.
"Ms Granger, what is the meaning of this? What has happened to Mr Nott?"
"I don't have time to go into specifics, headmistress, but he's hit the back of his head quite badly and I need to use your floo to take him to St Mungos."
"Of course of course, I'll make myself decent and follow you there, right this way."
After she arrived at St Mungos, everything was a blur. There was a flurry of healers and mediwitches that asked her question after question and then whisked him away. When she watched him be taken through the double doors to the OR, she sank down in her seat and began to sob.
A gentle hand came around her shoulder. "He'll be alright dear, he's in the best of hands. Now, why don't you tell me exactly what happened."
She spent the next half hour reciting the entire evening to the headmistress, barely coherent in between sobs.
"Ms Granger, where is Mr Malfoy now?"
"I don't know, I was angry when I found Theo, I shouted at him to leave. He didn't at first, so I just left him in the bathroom when I left to come to your office."
"Right, I have to go see if I can find him. Now I'm only going to ask you this because you are a very levelheaded witch and I trust your judgement. Should I involve the aurors? If I do Mr Malfoy will likely be arrested."
Hermione thought for a moments then shook her head. "No, it was an accident. Incredibly, incredibly stupid! But an accident. He didn't mean to hurt Theo. I know that."
"Alright. But Ms. Granger, if and that is a big if, Merlin forbid Mr Nott doesn't make it, it will be out of our hands. It won't matter if it was an accident. Mr Malfoy will be arrested and, especially given his past, most likely be sent to Azkaban."
Hermione slowly nodded her head. "I understand." She couldn't lose both of them. Merlin how could she survive that?
She waited and paced the waiting room floor for hours, when Draco appeared. He seemed to approach her cautiously, perhaps still wondering if she even wanted to see him. He sat down beside her in silence, neither saying anything for a long time.
"I'm sorry-"
"It's not me you should be apologizing to." Hermione almost hissed the words out. He nodded.
"I know"
"If he doesn't make it you'll be sent to Azkaban you know."
"I know."
"I can't lose you both, I can't." Hermione thought she had cried all her tears, but apparently not, as they rolled down her face fresh anew.
Draco pulled her close to him and began rubbing her back. "You're not going to lose us love. He'll make it through, I know he will."
Just then, the healer came into the waiting room. "Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes?"
"You're listed as Mr. Notts next of kin, I'd like to give you an update." He glanced over at Hermione, but Draco interrupted before he said anything.
"Anything you have to say, you can say in front of her."
"Very well. I'm sorry Mr Malfoy, we tried our best and were able to repair a good bit of the damage to his brain. However, the brain is a most complicated organ. He is on supportive care, but he is in a coma, very near brain dead, at this point. There is very little brain activity being recorded. It will be up to you when or if we will let him go. Again I'm very sorry Mr Malfoy, I'll give you some time to think it over."
Hermione couldn't believe it. She stared after the dr, frozen in place. Draco turned to look at her, tears running down his face. She collapsed into him and he held her as they cried together. After a few minutes, Draco suddenly straightened and grabbed Hermione's shoulders.
"Wait, I have an idea, stay here and don't let them do anything." With that he went back through the floo at a run, leaving Hermione once again frozen in shock.
After what seemed like only a few seconds, he returned and asked the desk clerk to summon the healer. He was holding a small vial of clear liquid.
"What is it?" Hermione sniffled.
"Phoenix tears."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Where did you get those?"
"Generations ago, one of the Malfoys had a familiar that was a phoenix and before he passed he was able to bottle quite a few of the birds tears. They've been used very sparingly over the years and this is one of only two vials left."
The healer walked up to them. "Mr. Malfoy, have you made a decision?"
"Well I was wondering if we could try phoenix tears. Do you think they will help?"
"Honestly I'm not sure. They're so rare I've never seen them used on someone at this advanced stage before. It may not do anything."
"Would it hurt to try?"
"No I don't think it would have any negative effects"
"Then give it to him, please."
"Very well Mr Malfoy. Come with me."
Hermione and Draco reverently made their way to Theos room, saddened to see him hooked up to monitors and other machines. The healer uncorked the vial, transferred it to a syringe, and transferred it again to the bag of fluids and it made its way straight into his bloodstream.
"It may take some time, but if he will wake up, it will most likely within the next 24 hours. I'll leave you now."
"Thank you." Draco whispered. He moved to where Hermione sat. She had Theos hand in hers and had it lifted to her lips. He walked over to her knelt by her chair, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze. He was so still. All they could do now, was wait.