Forevermore

Hermione’s days were at the brink of bursting. Their lessons were getting very demanding. Professor Slughorn and Flitwick had announced that they would be assigning projects to all the students soon, which would constitute a major part of their final grade. Professor Vector had also been hinting at some sort of an experiment he would be setting up for his class. Professor McGonagall was training them in changing their appearance, a skill that was usually tested in the final exams because it had a direct impact on your ability to be recruited as an auror. Her weekends flew by trying to cram in studying, DA, occlumency and their Slytherin problems. Hermione was beginning to miss her time turner.

It was on the weekend before Halloween that Neville and Theo both revealed their additions to The Den. Neville had set up a muggle gym, the floor lined with mats and benches with weights, resistance bands and balance balls. He expressed his disappointment at not being able to get any electronic equipment, as he had not been able to get it working with magic.

Theo on the other hand had delivered on his book club idea. One of the corners near the windows now held mis-matched chairs of bright colours and different sizes, there was a table in the centre, which held some refreshments ready for the first gathering.

Hermione was making her way to Neville when she saw Pansy talking to him, looking more interested in him than the gym itself.  Neville was reciting the importance of weight training, while Pansy was ogling him like he was a piece of candy.

Not wanting to interrupt, she instead sought Theo.

“Theo I absolutely love what you’ve done with this corner. It looks so bright and – positive,” she said with a huge smile.

“Thanks Hermione, I was actually thinking, we should have a mix of both muggle and wizarding books.”

“Really? Would anyone here want to read muggle literature?”

“I don’t want to read big names and old classics. What I think we need is relatively newer authors, who have written stories based in the real world. I think those kinds of stories would help us all understand the muggle lifestyle in better context than what we are being taught in muggle studies, which I feel is outdated already.”

“Consider me game. I think this is a really good idea.”

“Winning Hermione Granger over books. Of course.”

Neville called everyone’s attention and announced that he would love to make a practical demonstration of his gym equipment on Sunday morning and Theo said he would be hosting the first book club meet at the same time.

“Not everyone will want to try everything and that is fine.”, they said in chorus, like they had rehearsed it beforehand. “But if someone is interested in trying both the things, come to the book club meeting first, we will wind up in 15 minutes and then you are all Neville’s.”

Ron came and wrapped an arm around Hermione’s shoulder. They were much more comfortable being in each other’s presence now that the weight of their ‘relationship’ was off them.

“Has Theo made you book club VP yet?” he asked kidding.

“Look at you. Making Theo jokes. I am so proud of you,” she mocked back.

“Did someone say my name?”

“Theo! Yes, Ron was just saying he wants to attend tomorrow’s book club because he loves reading classic muggle literature.”

“Oh yes Ronald our very first book is an old English play.”

Ron just rolled his eyes and said, “You both are twinning.”

“Has anyone signed up yet,” asked Hermione relaxing her head in the crook of Ron’s arm.

Theo showed her the list – She saw that all the Slytherins had signed up, probably to show support. It was such a silent gesture of comradery that Hermione couldn’t help but be glad Theo had such loyal friends.

“I was wondering”, asked Theo haltingly “– could I borrow some of your time tomorrow to go book shopping? I would really appreciate your insight; that is if your friends won’t mind,” he added hastily looking at Ron.

“If you love books as much as she does, and she wants to go, I don’t mind at all. Hermione has to carry me all over the store while I am counting down the minute till we leave,” replied Ron in earnest.

“I would love to Theo,” she said elbowing Ron.

“It’s a date,” he said with a mischievous smile, looking over her shoulder.

She turned around to see Malfoy who looked like he had just heard what Theo had said and had his lips sealed shut in disapproval.

Next morning Hermione woke up looking forward to the day. It was such a refreshing change from the usual dread she had. It showed their efforts to heal really were working.

Her nightmares had decreased in frequency and even when they did appear, weren’t as potent as they used to be before.

She reached the den, waved at Neville who was in some kind of gym wear that was clinging to his every muscle.

She settled in a bright blue chair, with a view of the grounds. The Slytherins were already there. Then came Susan, who gave Theo a small wink, which reminded Hermione she had never asked Theo how things had progressed between the two of them.

Theo had just begun his introduction to the book club and was going around asking everyone what they liked reading and what kind of books they wanted included in the club.  Hermione was not participating, as Theo had already asked her preferences in great detail the night before. Instead, she looked over to the gym. Neville seemed to have started a few warm up exercises. While he was stretching, she couldn’t help noticing how fit he was. He had become bulky and muscular. No wonder all the girls were swooning after him.

“Don’t go after my man candy Granger”.

She was startled out of her thoughts and looked to Pansy, who was sitting next to her, and had a feral expression on her face.

She bit back a laugh, and said “Trust me, I have no feelings for Neville.”

“Good. Let’s keep it that way shall we.”

“Sure. But I should warn you, just because I’m not a threat doesn’t mean others haven’t noticed him,” she said nodding to a few of the girls in the gym not even pretending to warm up but just looking at Neville with their mouths hanging open.

Pansy didn’t say anything in return, only crossed her arms.

As soon as Theo was done talking, Pansy stood up and walked over to the gym. Hermione smiled to herself.

Theo and Hermione met a few hours later to get to the only book shop in Hogsmeade, Tomes and Scrolls, browsing for potential titles. Theo had insisted they would not use library books and that he would be buying everyone’s set, and Hermione was not in a mood to fight. They had a pleasant day. Around lunch time they decided to step into the three broomsticks, which was a little crowded because of the Halloween rush. Hermione and Theo found a few eighth years crowded at a table in the back.

Harry and Ginny were sitting with Pansy, Luna, Blaize, Ernie and Padma.

What an unusual group of people, thought Hermione, walking toward them as Harry motioned for her to join them.

“Hermione! Just on time. We are getting special firewhisky shots. C’mon, sit down, he said gesturing to an empty space next to him. There didn’t seem to be any space for Theo, but this was remedied immediately, for Pansy stood up to leave.

“Pansy, stay. The fun is just starting, said Ginny chirpily, a sign that she had already had enough to drink and was buzzed.”

 “As charming as this has been,” said Pansy, “I have a date. One which I am not in the mood to miss.”

“A date with who?” asked Blaise in surprise.

“With Neville.”

“Longbottom?” he asked stupidly.

“Yes, Longbottom. How many other Neville’s do you know.”

She flashed a quick look at Hermione, a hint of smile on her face, and left.

Almost instantaneously, Blaise left as well.

Their shots arrived soon, a mesmerizing green colour with something golden swirling inside.

They stayed there toasting to each other, talking about their favourite things in Hogsmeade.

“Sugar quills,” said Hermione.

“Fudge,” said Earnie.

“Madam Pudifoot’s tres leches”, said Theo.

This was followed by a chorus of moans of appreciation.

Theo arched a brow at Hermione, noting her lack of response.

“Don’t tell me you don’t like it,” he said disbelievingly.

“I have never tried it,” she said.

“What?! Let’s go!” he said pulling her up with him.

Hermione followed, protesting half-heartedly. She was pleasantly buzzed and let Theo steer her to the small pink café.

He wasted no time in ordering his favourite dessert as soon as they stepped in.

Hermione watched as a small witch got them a slice of white spongy cake.

Theo pushed the dish to her, watching expectantly. She dipped in her spoon, trying her first bite. As soon as the cake touched her lips, she knew why it was Theo’s favourite. It was light and moist and had a hint of cinnamon that felt familiar.

“Hermione moaned in pleasure. How had she never had this before.

“I can’t believe you have never tried it,” said Theo echoing her thoughts. He took a spoonful himself, seemingly satisfied now that Hermione had approved of his choice.

“I have actually never been here,” confessed Hermione. She half expected Theo to say something judgemental, but all he said was “I will be remedying it at once. This place may seem mushy, but their desserts are incomparable. Every weekend, we will be trying a new one, till you find your favourite.”

Hermione looked at her friend fondly. How did someone who had been raised by a death eater turn out so caring and kind, she thought.

Having wiped their plate clean, they both exited Madam Pudifoot’s happy and still buzzed. However, they had hardly taken a step when multiple lights flashed at their faces. Hermione froze, not understanding where the lights were coming from. She was going into panic mode, but before it could manifest, she felt a hand pull her from behind, back into the shop. She was about to scream, when she saw a familiar flash of blonde. Malfoy was holding her tight. Before she could make sense of what was happening, he wrapped both arms around her and said, “hold on Granger,” and disapparated them.

 They popped out into a hill nearby, Hermione now very disoriented thanks to the alcohol running in her veins.

“What just happened?” she asked confused.

 “Where are we? And why are we here?”

You got mobbed by some reporters Granger,” said Malfoy softly.

“You and Theo. They were probably alerted that you two were inside together, and they were waiting for you. I could feel you panic and I just pulled you back in on instinct.”

“But how did you know? Were you – following me?”

“No Granger, I was not following you,” he said slightly exasperated. “Consider yourself lucky that I happened to be there right then.”

“What about Theo?” she asked, trying to get a grip on her surroundings. They were outside a cave somewhere overlooking Hogsmeade.

“Theo will be fine. I am guessing they won’t be too interested in him now that you’ve disappeared.”

“Why did you bring me here though?”

“This – Um, this is a familiar spot to me. I dissaparated with you because I didn’t think you would want to stay. I should’ve asked your permission though. I apologise.”

“Oh. No, you thought right. I’m glad you manage to get me away. Thankyou Malfoy.”

Her nerves were still getting to her and she desperately wanted to go back to the safety of Hogwarts.

 “How do we go back to the castle from here?”

“We fly.”