Albus woke at the sound of his wand going off; it was almost time for him to go meet Nott.
He rubbed Thomas's letter softly through his fingers, stood up, and shoved it into his desk. He took a breath. It was fine; he would worry about that later.
He needed answers; he needed to know more. What kind of boyfriend had his father been with Draco? The way Nott made it sound, his father wasn't all that great.
Albus shook the thought away. No, his father was good. He knew that; they had to hide their relationship for a reason. He needed to know everything. Why did Draco get his mark? Why had his aunt married his uncle instead of being with Nott? He was still alive, so what happened?
Albus bounded down the stairs to grab his coat, his thoughts running wild. He was about to apparate away when the foo roared to life, and Rose stepped out.
She had a mad look on her face. Albus swallowed thickly. If Rose was mad, it would be best to stay away from her.
"Hey."
"Don't 'hey' me! What is going on?! You dropped all that yesterday about your father, then last night my mum came home crying! I asked her what happened, but she wouldn't answer! You need to tell me what's going on right now, Albus!" Rose said sternly.
"I….. look, Rose, it's a long story."
"You never keep things from me…. We tell each other everything." Rose mumbled out sadly.
That was true. Rose was more than a cousin to him; she was like a sister. Everyone always said that their relationship was much like his aunt and dad's relationship. She also was the only one who knew about his feelings towards Thomas…. The kiss they had shared.
He couldn't tell Rose everything; he couldn't shatter the image she had of her parents. For her, her parents had been in love all throughout school, even if they didn't get together until a month after the battle.
His uncle always said he had feelings for her. His eyes widened, but his aunt always said that she didn't realize her feelings until later… Albus, of course, never thought much of it, but now he understood.
"Come on, Albus, just tell me, please," Rose interrupted his thoughts.
Albus waved his wand to check the time; he didn't have long. He needed to go.
"Look, Rose, I have to go, okay? I'll tell you what I can when we all meet at the Burrow on Christmas, I promise," Albus said as he grabbed his wand.
He felt the tug at his navel, then his eyes widened when he saw Rose grab his arm, and they both blinked out of existence.
They landed roughly in front of the small pub. Albus took a deep breath.
"Are you crazy??? You could have splinched us! What were you thinking??" Albus yelled out.
Rose just rolled her eyes and gave him a pointed look.
"I want to know what's going on! Come on, Albus, please," Rose begged.
Albus opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by a voice.
"Alright kid, let's hurry; I don't…" Nott stopped talking as his eyes fell on Rose. He swallowed thickly.
"Shit…. You look just like her…" Nott muttered out, then he sharply turned towards Albus and narrowed his eyes.
"What the hell are you playing at, kid? I don't have time for this shit!" Nott snapped out.
"I didn't tell her to come! She followed me!" Albus yelled.
"Albus, who is this?" Rose asked.
"No one," Albus and Nott said quickly.
"Look, Rose, please. Just go back; I'll explain everything."
"No, you are going to tell me what's going on. Who is he? Does he have anything to do with what you said about your dad? Being gay?" Rose asked in a whisper.
He watched as Nott's face fell into a grimace.
"That's the second time a Granger has accused me of being with Potter," Nott mumbled as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"Look, kid, just let it go; I gotta go," Nott said as he began walking away.
"No! Please! She won't say anything and just, you know, leave those parts out," Albus said with a pointed look towards Rose.
He saw Rose look Nott over, then he was thrown away by the small smile she gave him.
"You're him, aren't you?" Rose asked.
He saw Nott's eyes widen at this; Albus's eyes widened as well.
"You… You know about me? She told you?" Nott asked.
Rose bit her lip and gave a small nod.
"It was just last year; I was snooping in her room and found this really expensive-looking necklace… I knew my father couldn't have given it to her… So I asked her about it… She told me that it was from someone she was with before my father… That I couldn't tell him about it, so as not to hurt him," Rose said.
He saw Nott smile sadly at her.
"Shit…. Figured she would have thrown it out after what I…" Nott stopped talking with a pained look.
Nott took a breath.
"Fine… I'm not telling either one of you everything, but come on before someone sees us and runs off to tell your father, Albus. I much like not to get hexed by him… again," Nott said with a dry laugh.
Rose and Albus both had excited looks as they walked towards Nott. Nott grabbed them and blinked them away.
He watched as Nott quickly grabbed his wand and cleaned the place up. He cleared off space for both Rose and him.
Albus frowned.
"You didn't clean the place up for me," Albus mumbled.
Nott smirked.
"Well, when you become the child of the brightest witch of our age, then we can talk, alright?" Nott laughed.
Rose gave a wide smile.
"So, what's your name? I'm Rose," Rose asked.
"Ummm… Theo Nott. You can call me Theo," he said kindly.
Albus scoffed.
"Hey! You didn't say I could do that!" Albus yelled.
Rose rolled her eyes.
"Just let it go, Albus! Come on, let's get the story started. I want to know everything. Catch me up, Albus," Rose said excitedly.
Albus told her everything he knew so far. He left out the part about the ghost at Hogwarts. He could tell Rose was excited to learn more, especially about her mum. He had thought for sure Rose would be heartbroken about this news; he also felt sadness that Rose had never told him about it, if she had known about it.
He rolled his eyes as Nott gathered up glasses he had spelled clean. He saw him pour some butterbeer into Rose's and his cup, followed by fire whisky for himself.
Nott came and sat across from them, smiling fondly at Rose.
"You can call me Theo too, kid. Honestly, I don't know why I said to call me Nott—I hate the name. Also, I was taking out my anger towards your father on you, Draco… Draco would kick my arse if he knew I had done that," Nott said with a pained smile.
He already knew that he was going to like this Draco person; he must be good if his father was with him.
"Okay… So what happened next? When did my aunt find out? Why had Draco taken the mark?" Albus asked excitedly.
"When did you and Mum get together? How long were you together for? Did you love her? Treat her well? Did you tell her about Draco and Uncle Harry?" Rose asked excitedly.
Theo laughed but also had sadness in his eyes.
"No… Well, we started off as friends really… I was too scared to admit my feelings, but then she comforted me one day, and well..."
Shortly before the third task, fourth year.
Theo Nott couldn't believe his luck. After following Hermione down that stairwell and comforting her, they became fast friends—much to Theo's disappointment, but he knew he barely deserved her friendship.
They would meet in the library, in secret of course. That had hurt, but he understood—the history between his friends and hers, their houses; no one would accept it.
They were sitting in the library when she said something that truly disgusted him.
"You know, I'm not stupid… I know what you are doing," Hermione said softly.
Theo felt panic then; she knew. She knew he wanted her… knew his thoughts were consumed by her.
"What… how… when?" he mumbled quickly.
"Come on… of course I would figure it out. The timing makes perfect sense. Harry has been acting odd lately—sneaking out late at night, being secretive, coming back smelling like someone else… Makes sense. Then you start coming around… trying to be my friend so that when you two reveal your relationship I'll be more understanding. I mean, it's fine, I get it…" Hermione mumbled, but she had a look about her that he just couldn't place.
Theo let out a loud laugh that made her startle back.
"Gods, those are the most disgusting words that have ever come out of your beautiful mouth. For someone so brilliant, you can be incredibly draft at missing the obvious," Theo said with a smirk.
He watched as redness bloomed across her face, but he also saw anger, and he knew it was from calling her daft.
"You think I'm beautiful… I… Well, I…" Hermione stumbled out.
"Ah, I've left the wonderful Hermione Granger speechless," Theo said with a smile and a wink.
"So… You aren't with Harry?" she asked.
"No… and please never say those words again; I almost lost my lunch already," Theo said.
She bit her lip, and he saw her blush.
"Good… Well, I mean… well, now that makes me feel better… I don't feel as guilty now," Hermione said in a whisper, though by the way she widened her eyes, she hadn't wanted to say it out loud.
"Guilty?" Theo asked.
Her eyes darted quickly to his mouth; he felt his own cheeks heat up then.
"For liking you," she said in a whisper.
Theo felt like the whole world came to a halt. She liked him? Really? He didn't know if he believed it, but he didn't let his thoughts consume him as he grabbed her face quickly and brought her in for a deep kiss.
He brought her to her feet, moving her backward until she hit a bookshelf. His hands went to her hair, basking in the feeling of having her amazing curls run through his fingers.
He brought his mouth away and attached his lips to her throat; she gasped at the contact.
"I wonder who Harry is seeing then," he heard her mumble out breathlessly.
"Please do not mention Potter while I am trying to snog you, alright?" Theo said as he nuzzled further into her neck, but he also felt guilt for not telling her the truth.
He couldn't; he gave Draco his word, and even though he didn't give two shits if Potter lost his friendship with Granger over dating a boy who yelled slurs at her, he wouldn't betray his friend.
She let out a laugh, bringing her hand to run through his hair.
"We should slow down anyways," Hermione said.
Theo moved away, pressing a small kiss to her head.
"Sorry, got carried away there… I'm… Well… What does this mean? I mean… If you just want to snog…" Theo asked but hoped that wasn't the case.
"No… No, I don't want just that; I like you, Theo… I really do. This time together with you has been so great, I just… well, we wouldn't be able to tell anyone…" Hermione said.
Theo knew that, but it didn't stop the heartbreak he felt, but he wanted her so badly. So he just gave a small smile and a nod.
She smiled brightly back, but he could see guilt in her eyes. He wondered where the guilt came from, but he pushed the thoughts down, grabbed her hand, giving her a light kiss on the knuckles.
"We should head back to our dorms; it's getting late… Umm… Well, we can still meet here and, you know, plan how we want to see each other…" Theo said.
"Yes! Yes, of course!" Hermione said.
Present.
"Why did she do that!!? Why didn't she just be honest with her friends!" Rose said in anger as she interrupted Theo story.
Albus widen his eyes.
"No… don't be mad at your mum Rose…. It was a different time then…. There was a lot going on." Theo said quickly.
"No! It doesn't matter! She shouldn't have done that! How could she do that! She always tells me lying is wrong! That you should never hid someone you care about!" Rose cried out.
Albus felt a dread, he didn't see this outcome and based on the look on Theo face, he hadn't expected it or wanted it.
"Rose…. Really it's a long story…. Please don't be upset with her. We both did things wrong… I hurt her…. I broke her heart."Theo said quickly.
Rose eyes filled with tears….
"What do you mean? You broke up with her…. I thought maybe she had left you for my dad…." Rose said.
Theo shook his head at this, Albus was surprised by this. He thought for sure his aunt left Theo.
"What happened?" Albus said.
"Look. Let me tell you more about Draco and your father. I just…. Kid…. I don't want your view of your father to change…. I really don't…. Are you sure you want to know everything." Theo asked
Albus did want to know, maybe Theo only saw the bad parts….. maybe he didn't really see the truth… Albus thought with hope.
Fifth year, a few months into term.
Theo smirked as he saw his girlfriend bent over a large book. She was scribbling wildly on a piece of parchment paper. She had been acting oddly lately, like she was keeping something from him. He knew it had something to do with Potter because, of course, it did. He had heard what Umbridge had done to Potter; he had to calm Draco down before he gave himself away to the woman.
If she knew about him and Potter, she would tell Draco father, and it wouldn't be good for anyone.
He walked slowly behind Hermione until he was right behind her. He lifted his hands and covered her eyes. She gasped out loud.
"Guess who?" He whispered into her ear.
She made a fond giggle, grabbing his hands softly and pulling them away from her face. She stood, then wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hey love... Sorry I got distracted by... well, I... Anyways, how has your day been?" she asked him fondly.
He wanted to know what she was keeping from him, why she felt like she couldn't tell him, but he also understood. His father was a Death Eater... his best friend was Draco Malfoy.
"Good... Hey, come on, I found a new hiding spot," he said as he waggled his eyebrows and led her down the rows of books. He twirled her around until she was in his arms, then back down the hidden shelves, and wished he hadn't come this way as she made a startled gasp.
"Harry?!! What are you doing?" Hermione asked in anger.
Theo flicked his eyes as he watched Draco and Potter quickly try to pick up their discarded shirts. Draco's neck was covered in love bites; Potter's hair was mussed up from where fingers had been running through it.
He was a bit happier not to see shame on Potter's face this time, but he did see guilt in his eyes.
He watched Draco and Potter swallow thickly, then Potter narrowed his gaze when he saw Theo still holding onto Hermione in a lover's embrace.
Hermione finally seemed to come back to herself. He felt the hurt and loss so loudly as she stepped out of his embrace, but she didn't move away from him.
"Hermione, I can explain... I... Me and Draco... Look, please don't be mad," Potter begged.
"Honestly, Harry!!! Don't be mad! Don't be mad that you are with Malfoy!" She spat Draco's surname with so much venom that he surely thought a hex was coming now.
"Granger," Draco tried to say.
"Oh! It's Granger now, is it! Not mudblood anymore! Honestly, I don't get this! Theo! Why aren't you freaking out...?" Hermione abruptly stopped talking as she met Theo's eyes, the look of betrayal in them so strong that Theo was certain he wanted to die.
"Love..." he whispered.
He heard Potter scoff.
"So you two? Really, Hermione? You are with him, but yet you are mad about Draco?" Potter spat.
"Theo isn't a blood purist like your little, whatever he is," Hermione spat as she faced the two of them again.
"Draco isn't like that either! He isn't! You don't know him!" Potter yelled out as he grabbed Draco's hand.
Draco gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand.
Hermione just glared at them both. She turned towards Theo again.
"I thought... how... How could you keep this from me? You... you know how... I feel about him... I told you..." Hermione said.
Theo felt sickness and dread. Hermione hated his best friend. He had known that from the start of their friendship. How she was even hesitant to talk with him after the ball, in fear that Draco would do something awful if he found out about them.
She had only told him, shortly after they began dating—only him—about how much she truly cried over Draco's words... How she tried to put on a front for her friends, but in secret she would break down.
"Granger... If you just... I'm sorry... really," Draco tried saying, but Hermione cut him off with a hand.
"You're only sorry because you are with Harry... I can't... I can't be here... We are done, Theo," Hermione said with tears forming. She started to walk away, but then he saw something in her eyes.
"Oh, and Malfoy, I'm not sure if Harry told you or not, but he went on a date with Cho Chang just the other day, and they kissed," Hermione spat out, but he also saw guilt in her words. She ran from the row of shelves.
"Harry?" he heard Draco choke out in a hurt voice.
"Draco… please, that isn't what happened… Please let me explain," Potter begged with tears.
Theo felt anger, and he wanted to hex the git, but he knew Hermione wouldn't forgive him. He was hoping he could beg for her forgiveness for this.
"I…" Draco couldn't find the words.
"Come on, mate, I told you he was a fucking prick and just using you."
"Fuck you, Nott! You don't know what you are talking about," Potter spat with venom and turned toward Draco, trying to grab him, but Draco yanked away, running out of the small area, tears running down his face.
Theo sneered at the man; he saw the broken look on Potter's face…
"Nott… It wasn't like that… please… Please tell him I… She kissed me and I pushed her away… I didn't… I didn't know she thought it was a date, it wasn't truly… I just… After what happened to Cedric… I wanted to make sure she was okay… Please Nott… I can't lose him… I love him," Potter begged with tears.
Theo didn't know what to think or say. A part of him believed Potter, but he was still so upset that these two had caused his relationship to crumble, even though Theo was partly to blame for lying in the first place.
Theo just shook his head and left, not knowing who he wanted to run after—his best friend or the love of his life.