Chapter 6
She’s been staring at the blank paper for at least thirty minutes. Sighing in frustration she folds her arms on her desk and face plants onto them.
“It shouldn’t be this bloody hard to write a damn letter.” She mumbles to herself
All she can think is everything that can go wrong once she sends the blasted letter, which in turn makes her second guess what she wants to write. Really it's just a repeating cycle of self doubt and despair. It’s while she’s wallowing in self pity, that she realizes something so important and obvious it makes her feel silly for even wasting her time fretting over what to write.
“It doesn’t matter what he has to say. Of course I don’t want to lose my friend but I'm not alone anymore. Harry isn’t all I have left. I Have Teddy now and if I lose Harry I won’t be alone. I spent weeks without him already, I don’t need to rely on just him anymore. If I lose him to Ronald then fuck him, he obviously wasn’t my friend in the first place.”
“Well damn Mia that’s one way to think about it.”
Placing a hand on her chest in fright she looks to the door, there leaning against her bedroom door is Theo looking at her smugly.
“Merlin Theodore you scared the hell out of me.”
“Sorry, I heard your pep talk from the hallway and came to see what was going on.” Shrugging at her he made his way into her room, settling on the bed and looking at her expectantly.
It had been a few days since their visit to Gringotts, giving them time to process what they had been told and talk some things over. Her favorite part of that conversation had been telling Theo what Ironfist had meant when he called her ‘Dragon Stealer’. Oh, she will never forget the look on his face.
"I’m sorry, you mean to tell me that you, Weasley, and Potter…. Broke INTO Gringotts. And escaped on the back of a DRAGON? That you stole from the goblins, all while throwing spells at said goblins! I don’t know if that is brilliant, brave, cunning or stupid!”
He was in a bit of hysterics over hearing how everything went down in the belly of the supposedly securest bank in the entire wizarding world.
“I'd go with desperate. But yes, It was a rather hectic day honestly. We were just winging it and trying to survive.” She replied like she hadn’t just shocked him into an early grey hairs.
Thinking about the conversation still brought a silly smirk to her face, his reaction to the whole thing was honestly better than she had expected. Bringing herself back to the present time she groaned at Theo.
“I didn’t realize I was talking out loud. What are you skulking about the family wing for anyways?”
“Excuse you! I do NOT skulk! I was just coming to see if you were finished with your letter to Potter. But based on your little pep talk you just gave yourself I’ll assume not.”
“No. I don’t know what to say to him. I want to explain everything and yet I also don’t want to give too much information.” she replied, turning back to look at the blank paper on her desk.
The desk was a new addition along with the two new bookcases they added after she moved into the manor. Theo had been right back at her old flat. This room felt more like her even before the changes they made. It really feels like home.
“Do you want my opinion or to work it through yourself?” He questioned from his perch on her bed.
That was another thing she loved about living here with Theodore. He never told her how she should do something, react or feel. He almost always asked before giving his opinion on something personal like this. Sometimes he offered his opinion on something he feels she should do, like breakfast a few days ago when he told her he thought writing back to Harry would be a good idea. But it was always done out of a place of love. Never for a need to control, and that made all the difference in the world.
“What do you think, I’m torn on what to write. If I sound too cryptic he’ll definitely bring Ronald along and I don’t want that. Ginny would be okay though. Maybe I should ask for both him and Ginny?”
“Sounds to me like you don’t even need me Mia. That sounds like a good idea. Where are you going to ask them to meet?”
“I was thinking at a muggle park, that way it would be less likely to run into anyone magical. But I do have a request.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then slightly embarrassed she asks him. “ Will you come with me? You don’t have to meet them if you don’t want to, you could even disillusion yourself if you want. But just knowing you’ll be there if anything goes wrong makes me feel better.” She sounds hopeful at the end.
Smiling at her warmly Theo can’t help but feel a rush of affection for his new sister.
“Of course I'll go with you Mia, I’ll probably go under a disillusionment charm unless you decide otherwise when we get there. If anything happens or if you start to feel overwhelmed I’ll make sure to get us out of there and back home safely. How does that sound?”
Sighing in relief she can’t help but feel grateful to him.
“Thanks Teddy. It’s still early. I'll see if they can meet us in a few hours. Does that work for you?”
“Sure, just write your letter and I’ll go get Hermes while you finish it.”
With that he got off her bed and made his way down the hall. Smiling to herself she turned back to her letter.
Harry,
I Know I haven’t talked to you in a while, I would like the chance to explain.
Can you and Ginny meet me at the muggle park near Charing Cross? I would like
to talk to the two of you but only you two. Please do not tell Ronald you are
meeting with me. 3 o'clock .
-Hermione
Reading it over she figures it will work, it’s still a bit cryptic sounding but it gets the point across. Leaning back in her chair she starts to mentally organize her day. It’s still a bit early, they finished breakfast about an hour ago leaving her about six hours before she hopefully meets up with Harry and Ginny. She finished unpacking yesterday so that's done. The only thing she could think to do is maybe go over more wixen customs, and ‘Intro to Aristocratic Magical Assholes and How to Deal with Them’ as Theo liked to call the ‘Class’.
Ever since they came back from Gringotts Theo has been even more excited to teach her everything he can about their world. Especially how to navigate the intricacies of pureblood society. She was worried he was trying to turn her into the perfect Heir but he assured her it was not that.
“I want you to know what is going on in those situations Mia.” He had told her plainly but warmly. “Most purebloods are pompous asses and I want you to know when they are politely insulting you so you can politely bury them in return.” He said with a sharp glint in his eye. “I don’t plan on putting either of us in the situation where all that Aristocratic bullshit is needed but better to be prepared than not, No?”
After that she didn’t argue, it was actually a rather sweet notion, making sure she knew how to navigate the aristocratic circles and not be eaten alive.
In return she told him of the muggle world. Movies and high speed trains, the internet, anything and everything she could think of that he didn’t know. With the promise to go out and do all those things in the muggle world together. It was all rather fun teaching each other of the worlds they grew up in.
Hearing footsteps coming down the hall, she moved her attention back to the door.
“Who’s a pretty bird? -soft trill- Hermes is! -Hoohoo- Yes he is! Who’s the fastest Owl around? -Hoohoo!- That's right, it's you pretty bird!”
Smiling fondly she couldn’t help rolling her eyes at their antics.
“You two are too much.”
“Did you hear something Hermes, -hooo-, yes I thought so too. It must be the wind and not my very rude sister.”
Walking into her room Theo couldn’t help but smile smugly at Hermione.
“You’re just jealous he likes me more.” He stated.
“Of course he likes you more Theo, he’s your owl.”
“No, he’s the family owl!”
Raising her eyebrow at him he relented. “Fine he’s my owl, but we are going to get you your own pet. No ifs ands or buts!” Adding after a moment, “Did I say that right?”
Giggling slightly she nods her head. “Yes Teddy, perfect execution.”
Haughtily he sticks his nose in the air. “Good.”
She can’t help it and laughs loudly at him, slightly startling Hermes.
“Sorry Hermes.” She says, getting up and stroking his feathers. “Can you deliver this to Harry Potter please oh beautiful Hermes.” He was such a vain little owl.
Receiving a soft trill in response, she steps back as he opens his wings, grabbing the letter from her as he heads for her window. Waving her hand, she wandlessly opens the window allowing Hermes to continue on his path uninterrupted.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” Theo quietly mutters to himself.
Turning back to her brother she looks at him questionably.
“Do you not know how rare it is to be able to do wandless magic like that?” He looks at her in intrigue.
“I’ve always been able to do that, ever since my magic manifested as a child.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I mean I accidentally floated a book to me that was too far out of reach when my magic manifested, I figured if I could do it once I could do it again. So I just kept trying and practicing until it was an unconscious act. When my Hogwarts letter came my parents were shocked but not surprised. They told me they always knew I was special and now I get a chance to really learn what I could do. The sky was the limit”
She’s quiet for a moment before shes engulfed in a hug.
“I miss them so much Theo.” Her voice comes out barely above a whisper.
“I know love, I know.” He whispers just as quietly, running his hand up and down her back in a soothing manner. It’s just like her dad used to do for her when she was upset.
She takes a moment to soak in the feeling of security Theo’s hug, -he's a very affectionate person- before taking a deep breath, willing away the tears gathered in her eyes.
“I told Harry Three o'clock in the note I sent him.” she tells him still relaxing into his hug.
“Okay, what do you want to do before then?”
“I’m not sure, I'm starting to feel a little nervous since I actually sent him that note. Any suggestions?”
“Why don’t we go wander around muggle London for a few hours? We can get lunch while we are out, maybe pick up a few books?” He finishes the question wiggling his eyebrows enticingly at her.
Breathing out a giggle she agrees with his idea, mostly.
“That sounds lovely Theo, But I actually have a bit of an idea that I want to run by you before we do that.”
She’s nervous but better now than never she thinks to herself.
“I’ve been thinking about it since Ironfist brought it up and if I am to be the Heir to your family-” “Our family” Theo interrupts her. “Our family, I should take the Nott name. You said after we got home from Gringotts that you would love it if I took the family name and I agree. It was a hard decision that I've been thinking over for days. I didn’t want to give up my parent’s name but then I realized I have something better than just our shared last name. I have the name that they gave me. The name that they chose together for me means more than just the last name we shared. So why not take the Nott name and have a name that embodies both of my families.”
It’s quiet after her explanation. Looking up at Theo she was getting a little concerned that maybe he had changed his mind about her taking up the Nott name. But looking at him she knew she shouldn’t have been worried. He was quiet because he was trying and failing at not crying. He was smiling so large she was afraid his face hurt, tears streaming down his face and he was shaking.
He let out a sob, crushing her to him. “You’re really going to take my name! This is amazing, YOU are amazing Mia! Thank you. Everyone will now know your my sister!”
She held him as he cried, as if sensing Theo’s tears Bipsy popped in.
“Whats be happenings Master Theo? Mistress Hermione?” She was looking at the two in clear concern.
“She’s going to take the Nott name!” Theo wailed.
“Oh Master Theodore.” The concern melted away leaving a soft smile on Bipsy’s face. “You’ve always been an emotional child, Bipsy’s glad to see some things be never changing.” Turning to Hermione, who was still holding a sobbing Theodore. “Master Theo was always afraid he would always be the last of his name. Bipsy be knowings Mistress Hermione is now his sister but it means so much to Master Theo to not be alone in this too. Thank you Mistress Hermione Nott.” Smiling at Hermione knowingly she disappeared with a soft pop.
“Thank you.” It’s whispered so quietly she almost misses it.
“Anything for you Teddy, we're family after all.” It’s said just as quietly. He hugs her tighter in response.
After a few minutes he lets her go. Drying his eyes, he smiles at her blindingly. “Well shall we stop by Gringotts and then head into muggle London to celebrate before your meeting?”
She smiles at him softly, “That would be wonderful, brother.”
“Come along sister! We have much to do!”
Grabbing her hand he all but drags her out of the Manor talking excitedly about all the fun things they can do to celebrate her new name.
They arrive at an apparition point inside Diagon Alley, near Flourish and Blotts. Theo doesn’t even bother hiding his excitement, he's still holding onto Hermione but she now has her hand resting in the crook of his elbow as he guides them to Gringotts. She’s still smiling slightly as they make their way down the busy street. Ignoring all the looks they’re garnering has apparently gotten easier since Theo started teaching her how to navigate the pureblood aristocratic society she’s been thrown into.
Reaching Gringotts they make their way inside, requesting to meet with their family’s accounts manager.
“My apologies Lord Nott, Ironfist is with a client at the moment. You may make an appointment to see him or I can show you to the private lobby to wait until he is available.” The Goblin at the counter informs them.
“The lobby please Sir Goblin.” Theo respectfully replies.
Said Goblin leads them to the private lobby that leads into the hallway where the high ranking Goblins have their offices.
“Please wait here, someone will come to collect you when Ironfist is available to see you. Good day to you.” With that the goblin left.
Sitting in the rather comfortable chairs waiting to speak with Ironfist, Theo and Hermione make idle chatter discussing where they want to eat lunch and any shops or bookstores Hermione knows of that they would enjoy. It’s about thirty minutes when the door to the hallway opens revealing none other than Draco Malfoy. It’s not until Draco addresses Theo that they even notice his presence.
“Theo, mate, I'm glad to see you. We’ve been trying to get in contact with you for years!” He’s still staring at Theo when he realizes there's someone with him. Turning to introduce himself he stops short.
“Granger?” He says in confusion. He hadn’t seen her since the war. There were even whispers that she disappeared. Yet here she sits, comfortably chatting with Theodore Nott like they’re old friends.
“Actually it’s Nott.” They reply in tandem. Glancing between the two he watches as they share a secretive smile.
“Excuse me?” He says in confusion and a good bit of shock.
“It’s not Granger anymore. It’s Nott.” Theo replies nonchalantly, but his body language says otherwise. He’s tense, hand poised to flick his wand into his hand from his wrist holster. Hermione is tense too, waiting to strike.
Just as he was about to ask why her name was now Nott, he’s interrupted by Ironfist himself.
“Lord Nott, Dragon Stealer, what a pleasant surprise.” Glancing between the two tense siblings and Lord Malfoy he continues, “Come to my office, Am I to assume this visit is related to your previous one?”
Standing they make their way to the Goblin. Pausing before the door closes Theo turns to Draco.
“I was planning on owling you, Pansy and Blaise soon. I’ll talk to you later, Draco.” With that he turns, closing the door behind him.
“What the name of fucking Merlin was that?” Draco whispered to himself.
Heading out of the bank he decides to swing by Blaise’s place to share what he just learned. He can’t help but feel a spike of jealousy shoot through him at the thought of Hermione taking Theo’s name. He didn’t even know that either of them had gotten married! Let alone Hermione breaking up with Weasel. He’s had a crush on the brilliantly beautiful witch since fifth year, not that he could ever act on it. She was always surrounded by Weasel and Potter and he had to play good little death eater or who knows what would have happened to him, or to her.
Thinking back on how he used to treat her before he realized that blood purity rhetoric was crap had him shaking his head in disgust with himself.
Reaching the closest apparition point he disappears with a pop, reappearing at the gates of Zabini Manor. Walking through the gates he’s greeted with the sight of Blaise and Pansy sitting in the gardens near the manor gates enjoying what looks to be brunch. Making his way over he feels when he crosses into their bubble of warming charms around them. It’s the middle of October and far too cold to be outside without a warming charm or three.
Continuing his walk toward them he’s greeted by Blaise’s sarcasm.
“If you wanted free food you just had to ask. No need to crash our brunch date.” Blaise smirks as he waves his wand, conjuring another chair at the table and calling for a house elf to bring more food and tea.
“Sorry to drop in on you two unannounced but you won’t believe who i just ran into at Gringotts.” Draco replies, ignoring Blaise’s remark and taking a seat.
“Oh you brought the gossip with you! All is forgiven Draco dear, now spill the tea.” Pansy smirks at him, her attention focused intently on him.
“This must be good Draco, you’re not exactly one for gossip.” Even Blaise leans forward in interest.
“I ran into Theo at Gringotts, and he wasn’t alone.” He pauses making sure they’re paying attention. It’s a little fun to keep them in suspense, Pansy does it to them all the time.
“Well who was he with!” Pansy says in agitation.
“Hermione. But her last name isn’t Granger anymore… It’s Nott.” He says the last bit sorrowfully.
Pansy and Blaise knew he had a crush on her, one that never really went away. They had had a long time to talk everything out after the war. Between the three of them Draco was the only one that had ever actually believed the hateful things his father had instilled into him. And that only lasted until about third year. Ending about the same time that Hermione had broken his nose. They had a feeling that was why Theo cut them all off, that he thought they all were blood purists. They didn’t blame him for that but he could at least open one of their damn letters they sent him. Prat.
“What do you mean her last name is Nott!?” Pansy exclaimed.
“That’s what they said. That her name was now Nott. I didn’t even know he got married let alone that Hermione left that loser Weasley. Last I heard she was actually missing, that's what the weasel was telling everyone apparently.”
“Okay, now that doesn’t sound right. You said that Weasley was telling everyone the Golden Girl was missing and it wasn’t plastered across the front of the Daily Prophet? That sounds like there is more going on behind the scenes than Weasley is letting on.” Blaise remarked, taking a drink of his tea.
“They can’t be married. If they were, even if they didn’t announce it, the Ministry would have put a missive to the Prophet and they would have run it. There is no way to keep that a secret.” Pansy stated with certainty. Humming in contemplation she adds. “But there is something that could explain it. Something old and told only as a legend. Hold on.”
“Tilly.” She says, summoning her house elf.
“Yes, Mistress Pansy?”
“Bring me the Family Registry Book of the Sacred Twenty Eight please.”
“One moment Mistress.” Tilly responds, popping away.
“What do you need that for Petal?” Blaise questioned his girlfriend.
“Mother once told me a story of two platonic soul mates that became more. Centuries ago there was an old family that got down to only a few members but most were old. The young Lord that took over his family had a soul mate. It was a platonic soul mate so they weren’t interested in one another but the Lord’s soul mate was a muggleborn. Both boys were best friends and were happy with being soul mates. When the young Lord took his soul mate to the ward stone of the manor for whatever reason, the Young Lord's family magic basically infected the soul mate’s magical core. Thus changing his magic and making him one of the family, making him his heir until he had a family of his own. Enabling the soul mate to pass on the young Lord’s family magic and thus increasing the odds of expanding the young Lord’s family and the family magic. Theo is the last of his family. It’s a possibility and the book will tell us who his heir is. It’s a self updating book after all.” She said smugly.
“I’ve never heard that story before.” Draco said. He was very interested if that was the case for Hermione and Theo.
“My family magic is more inclined to soul magic, you know that Draco.” Pansy stated flippantly.
Reappearing with a soft pop Tilly held out the requested book to Pansy. “Here it be’s Mistress Pansy.”
“Thank you Tilly, that is all.” With a nod the house elf disappeared.
“Now let's see what we have here.” Opening the book she flipped to the Nott Family page. “Oh my…” She trailed off. “That legend must hold some truth after all, look at this.”
Turning the book to face her two companions, it was written clear as day. Right under Theo’s name and title was Hermione Nott - Heir.
Clapping Draco on the shoulder Blaise exclaimed, “Lookie there mate you might still have a chance to get your girl!” Throwing a salacious wink Draco’s way. He could hear Pansy giggling at Blaise’s antics.
Draco sighed in relief, sagging into his seat. “Thank Merlin they aren’t married.”