Hello Theo
Draco and Hermione had spent countless hours in her apartment, planning, bickering, and debating over every detail, until it all led to this moment. After much discussion, they finally agreed that Draco would stay behind at the Manor, while Hermione would go alone. The decision wasn’t made lightly. The last time Draco and Nott had crossed paths, things had ended… well it just ended; and Draco refused to speak of it.
Props to Malfoy for arranging this meeting still. The room was dimly lit, heavy with tension as Hermione sat across from Theo Nott, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the parchment in front of her. She and Draco had arranged this meeting carefully—neutral ground, an ancient chamber under a historic building where the walls seemed to absorb every whisper and the air itself held a quiet, ancient power. The faint scent of musty books and stone lingered in the air, but it wasn’t the location that mattered—it was the conversation that would unfold here.
Theo, ever the calculating figure, leaned back in his chair, his eyes sharp and calculating as they met hers. His cloak billowed slightly around him, the dark fabric a reflection of his austere, enigmatic presence. He was playing the part of the inscrutable strategist, but Hermione could see the flicker of curiosity beneath his otherwise unreadable expression.
"So, Granger," Theo began, his voice laced with cautious amusement. "If it’s not the brightest wretched witch of our age?"
Hermione met his gaze without flinching, the carefully rehearsed words she and Draco had crafted swirling in her mind. It was time to play the game, and she knew exactly what to offer.
"Hello to you too Nott, can’t say I’m pleased to meet you but I do have a deal to offer" she said, her voice calm but firm.
Theo raised an eyebrow, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of the table. "A deal? Enlighten me please, Granger?"
She leaned forward just enough to assert control of the conversation, her eyes never leaving his. "Immunity.All your past actions, all your dealings—gone, wiped clean."
Theo’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "And what are my dealings, Granger?
Hermione knew all too well what he meant. The ministry took him as a scapegoat for what his father did. Sins of the father and what not. She was supposed to follow through with her rehearsed conversation with Draco but what he just said, it was a low blow. Too close to home. So instead of elaborating on the deal she wants to offer him, she justified herself.
“Nothing’s ever that simple with you, Nott. You know that" she whispered.
“Well, you’ll find that statement very true just now,” he countered. He’s not going to make this deal easy.
“I did what I could. I still am. Why do you think I’m pushing this werewolf act?” She argued weakly.
“And that would help? It would only give the ministry a leash to bind them.” He sounded exasperated.
“Well, you of all people should know that legislatives have a long way to go without compromises and sweet manipulation, and machinations of sorts.” She bit out.
“Right, Granger. It has been so difficult for the golden girl living the life of a war hero.” He mocked.
“Don’t you dare. I did not leave you. You decided to give up. You left. You cannot blame me for the things you wished I did. I was only a child just as much as you were.” Hermione reasoned meekly. She knew that if Draco was here, he would have been pissed for straying from the conversation they practiced. But Draco had no idea of the friendship she and Nott developed in their 8th year. Merlin, he probably does not even know that she used to be Nott’s secret lawyer. Well, technically, she is not on paper but technicalities don't matter now.
They just sat there for a while, both having their inner turmoils caused by their pasts.
“He’s safe with me… for now” Theo said. An offer.
“Tell me your deal, Granger,” he added.
Hermione leaned forward, her tone measured but tinged with resolve. "We know you’re after more than just power, Theo. You’ve been building a network of influence, but it’s fragile. People are beginning to question your loyalty, your alliances. Research and experiments are two different things. You see, research from the perspective of the wizards, is simply a compilation of papers whereas experiments consist of real subjects, in your case werewolves. This causes whispers. We can help you build it.”
Theo’s eyes narrowed slightly, the interest now undeniable. "Go on."
Hermione gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "We offer you immunity, Theo. No questions from the Ministry. In return, you give us Ron, and you agree to allow your research to be regulated under the new magical creatures legislation we’re drafting. You can continue your experiments, but under the oversight of the Ministry. Controlled. Legal."
Theo let out a soft chuckle, though there was little humor in it. "That’s a bold offer. But you’re forgetting one important thing—there are no laws concerning werewolves. You’d be offering me nothing but empty promises."
Hermione’s expression remained unwavering. "Not quite. You see, we’re already working on those laws. The werewolf legislation is in the works. I just need Malfoy Sr. 's vote of confidence and the whole of Wizengamot will fall to their places. The framework is already being laid down as we speak.”
“You forget that I am to not step in their soil for the rest of my life.” he reasoned
“And isn’t that the reason you abducted Ron?” Hermione huffed.”You needed him so we’d offer you what you want so why are you questioning it?” Hermione asked curiously
Theo for his part did not deny nor acknowledge this. Instead he focused on the plothole at hand “How am I going to be a part of this whole new werewolf propaganda if I am not allowed in wizarding britain?”
“By being my benefactor under the law of Mutual Accord. Nothing in your legal case states that you cannot be a part of any business. Just that you cannot step foot.” Hermione said.
“Mutual Accord” Theo repeated.
“Yes, Nott, Mutual Accord, it’s a magical law that allows individuals to act as official representatives for each other across borders.” Hermione explained.
“To get this straight, you’ll be pioneering my experiment, get the cheers and praises for it while I’m kept in the shadows?” Theo clarified mechanically. “It’s very slytherin of you granger”
“We both get what we want.” Hermione continued, her tone cool and calculated, "once this plan succeeds, the demand for wolfsbane potion ingredients will skyrocket. Factories will spring up, production will increase, but supply will still fall short. They'll have to find a way to meet the demand, and that’s when prices will rise. Everyone benefits—profits roll in, and money makes people happy. As for you, once they realize you're the one who strengthened their coffers, they’ll be far more eager to welcome you with open arms."
She paused, her gaze flicking briefly to Theo before continuing, "And let’s not forget the role of purebloods in all of this. The Wizengamot still holds considerable sway over the economy, the policies that shape it, and the people who thrive within it. If they see you as a benefactor, someone who bolsters their influence and wealth, they won’t just accept you—they’ll help solidify your place among them. Money talks, but power, particularly the power of pureblood lineage, speaks louder." She shrugged nonchalantly, as if the whole thing were already a foregone conclusion.
“You can help shape that framework. You’ll have a say in the regulations, the oversight. You’ll be at the center of it, Theo. You can even continue your work in peace. But only if you cooperate."
Theo leaned forward now, his eyes gleaming with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. "And what’s in it for you? What’s the catch?"
“Ron” she said
“I’d say bullshit granger” he said seriously.
“Obviously, I get the praise, I get the boost. I get the support from the purebloods when I'm running for minister of magic.”
“There it is,” he said.
"You’ll have access to Ministry resources," Hermione continued smoothly. "We’ll grant you a degree of autonomy within the bounds of the law. All you’ll have to do is abide by the conditions we set. And we’ll throw in something else—your position in society. You’ve lost your place among certain circles, we can bring you back as someone who helped pave the way for a new era of werewolf integration into the wizarding world."
“Right, and risk losing the support of pureblood” he snorted
“Oh please, you won’t. The money you will bring to the table will be enough to keep them in your sleeve. Money makes power and they so love power." Hermione said.
Theo’s lips curled into a small smirk. "All i’m hearing is this ‘We’ll give you what you want, but only as long as you stay within the lines we draw. If you step out of those boundaries, everything is revoked, and we will dismantle everything you’ve built, piece by piece."
Theo stared at her for a long moment, the silence thick between them. Hermione could practically feel the wheels turning in his mind as he processed the offer. She knew he wasn’t used to being offered control—he was always the one pulling the strings, not the one having them pulled on him. But that, she realized, was exactly what made this so dangerous—and so effective.
Finally, Theo broke the silence, his voice calm but heavy with a threat. "And if I refuse?"
Hermione’s lips tightened into a small smile. "You won’t. You miss society." she said matter of factly.
Theo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable once again. For a moment, Hermione thought he might dismiss her entirely, but then he spoke, his voice low and calculating.
"You're playing with fire, Granger. But... I’ll consider it."
Hermione’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You’d better.” she said cooly
For the first time, she saw a flicker of doubt in Theo’s eyes. The power in this room was shifting, and Hermione was certain that, despite all his posturing, Theo knew he had little room to maneuver.
"And you think you can control me?" Theo asked, his voice a little too soft for comfort.
Hermione met his gaze without hesitation. "You’ll believe it, soon enough."
Theo stood, his cloak swirling around him as he moved toward the door. He paused, then turned to look at her one last time, his face unreadable.
—
Hermione didn’t go straight to Draco after her conversation with Nott. Instead, she lingered in the lavender field. She created this place. She designed it all based on her memory. This is her safe haven, letting the soft fragrance of the flowers wrap around her like a blanket. The place felt like an old friend—familiar, soothing, a secret she had kept for years. Only Harry knew about it, knew how the weight of the world could become too much for her sometimes, and this field was her refuge. It was where she could breathe, where the noise in her head would quiet, even if just for a moment.
But Harry knew her too well. After a while, she felt him—his presence steady, grounding, like an anchor in the storm of her thoughts.
"Harry," she whispered, barely audible above the soft rustle of the breeze.
In an instant, he was there, his arms wrapping around her with that unspoken understanding, as if he’d always known she’d need him.
"You don’t have to carry this all by yourself, Mione," he murmured, his voice low, warm with reassurance.
"I don’t know if I can," she admitted, her voice fragile, cracking ever so slightly.
"You should," Harry said softly, his tone full of conviction. "Let go. I mean it. You don’t have to hold it all together anymore."
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, her heart heavy. "What about Ron?" she asked, the question feeling like a weight in her chest.
"It’ll work, Mione," Harry reassured her, his voice unwavering. "We’ll figure it out. But you’ve carried enough for all of us. It’s time to let someone else carry a little of the weight."
She didn’t speak at first, simply allowing herself to lean into him, her body finding solace in the comfort of his presence, the warmth of the sun. Harry had always been her family, the one who understood without needing words. And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe that maybe—just maybe—she could finally let go.
—
For many reasons, this could fail, and Hermione was scared—terrified, even. But above all, what truly unsettled her was the fear that maybe, just maybe, she had made a mistake in asking Draco to accompany her. She knew his presence wouldn't sway Nott’s decision or make the outcome any more favorable.He won’t look at Draco Malfoy and see him as a potential ally, not with his history haunting every interaction. But despite all that, she had asked him anyway.
She needed him. Not for any grand, strategic reason, but because she simply needed him there. In a world that constantly demanded selflessness from her, this was the one act of selfishness she allowed herself. She didn’t need him to change the course of things, to make a deal more likely to succeed. No, his presence wouldn't alter the tides, but it would offer her something far more personal—his steady, silent support. A grounding force she could rely on as the weight of everything pressed down on her. It was selfish, yes. But amidst all the sacrifices she’d made, it was the one indulgence she allowed herself: a small act of selfishness, something enough to carry her through.
“If it is not my favorite witch although i did not expect Draco’s presence here. And what made you grace me?” Theo joked sarcastically.
“Theo.” He barked.
“Have you thought about it?” Hermione asked.
Theo leaned back in his chair, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "Forget the immunity. Forget the mutual accord. I’ll re-enter Britain through a simpler means. Marry me, Hermione."
Draco shot to his feet, his voice sharp and incredulous. "No. Impossible. Are you out of your mind, Nott? That’s not happening."
Hermione’s stared at Theo. "You can’t be serious."
Theo’s smirk widened. "Oh, I’m entirely serious. Marriage to a British citizen restores my revoked status without the need for tedious legislation. It’s clean, legal, and efficient."
Draco’s tone dropped to a dangerous growl. "Efficient for you, maybe. You don’t actually expect us to entertain this ludicrous idea Granger?” But Hermione was deep in thought. “Granger!" Draco repeated slowly exhaling her name.
"Why not?" Theo shrugged, his gaze fixed on Hermione. "I’m offering a practical solution. The Ministry wouldn’t dare challenge the legitimacy of the union, and I’d gain the leverage I need to operate without constant scrutiny."
Hermione’s cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and disbelief. "And what about me? I’m just supposed to sign away my life for your convenience?"
Theo’s expression turned calculating. "My Convenience isn’t the phrase I’d use. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. You want Ron back, don’t you? This gets you access to my resources—and my loyalty, such as it is."
Draco barely controlled himself in slamming his hands on the table. "You think you can manipulate her into this?"
Theo’s gaze flicked to Draco, unbothered. "It’s not manipulation, Malfoy. It's a negotiation. Besides, Hermione’s capable of making her own decisions. Aren’t you, Hermione?"
Hermione’s voice was cold. "You’re out of line, Theo. Proposing something so... archaic, so self-serving."
"Is it, though?" Theo leaned forward, his tone smooth. "Think beyond your personal feelings. Strategically, this solidifies an alliance. I’m not asking for love, Hermione, just a contract. One that benefits us both."
Draco’s jaw tightened, his fists clenched at his sides. "You’re delusional if you think this will work. Hermione would never agree to something so... so vile."
Hermione’s glare shifted between the two men, her mind racing. "You’re using this situation to position yourself back into power." She regretted telling him her plans for running for Minister.
Theo’s smirk faded, replaced by a cool, serious expression. "Of course I am. I’m a strategist, Hermione. But don’t pretend you’re not using me too. We both know how this game is played."
"It’s not a game," Draco hissed. " Yes it is not Malfoy.It’s Ron’s life on the line. But of course you can just waltz out of here leaving my twisted ideas." Theo cut it full of mockery.
Theo’s gaze hardened. "Come up with an alternative. One that gets me what I want and Ron back safely. Otherwise, this is the deal."
Hermione’s lips pressed into a thin line. "You think this is leverage? Forcing me into a corner like this?"
"It’s not force," Theo said evenly. "It’s an offer. One you’re free to decline”
Draco turned to Hermione, his voice low and urgent. "You’re not actually considering this, are you?"
Hermione closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She is considering it.
But even as she kept quiet, doubts crept in. Theo’s logic, twisted as it was, had a point. If marrying him could ensure Ron’s safety and allow her to maintain control over the situation and the adage advantages the house of Nott would bring…
Draco’s voice cut through her thoughts. "Granger, don’t even think about it.”
Hermione’s eyes snapped open, blazing with defiance. When she spoke, it was with great control, she refused to be hysterical in this situation, “It makes sense Malfoy. It won't hurt anyone either”
Draco stared at her, stunned. It would hurt me, he wanted to say but what point would that make. She did not even consider him.
Theo watched the exchange with quiet amusement. "Take your time, Hermione. I’m not in a rush. But the clock is ticking for Ron."
The room fell into tense silence, the weight of Theo’s proposition hanging heavily in the air. For once, Hermione Granger didn’t have an immediate answer—and that terrified her more than anything else.
“Marry me Hermione” What an oddly specific yet cunning way to say. And here Draco had thought he could bury the past, that he could be friends with Theo again, let bygones be bygones. Well, he was fucking wrong. So damn wrong.
—