Chapter 7
The meeting with Ironfist was fast, only taking about thirty minutes. What took the longest was getting Hermione to agree to using the vault he had Ironfist set up for her. She didn’t want to take his money but he kept insisting that this was standard procedure. People in the main family of older, well off wizarding families generally had vaults that received a monthly stipend. After about twenty minutes of back and forth and Theo repeating that it was THEIR family money she finally relented, much to Ironfist’s amusement.
After getting everything sorted out and leaving with the key to her new vault, they made their way into the muggle world to get lunch and kill time before hopefully meeting with Harry and Ginny.
Hermione was having a fantastic time out with Theo, it had been a few hours and the duo had decided to go out and look around some more after finishing lunch. She knew he went into the muggle world quite often but he apparently tended to stay away from the main streets so as to not attract too much attention to the fact everything was so new to him. With Hermione around though he felt more comfortable exploring and asking questions. This wasn’t such a big deal but it did leave them in a bit of a predicament about an hour before their actual meeting time was supposed to begin.
“Hermione?”
Hearing her name called she turned to the sound, mid laugh at something ridiculous Theo had said. Unfortunately she wasn’t the only one that turned around at the sound of her name being called, Theo did too.
“Shit.” Was the only thing she could say, and Theo was inclined to agree.
There, about two shops down from where they were standing, was Harry and Ginny, Staring at her and Theo in shock and confusion.
“Well this is earlier than I had hoped.” Hermione muttered to herself.
“And I’m still visible.” Theo added unhelpfully.
“Yes Theo I see that, thank you.” She snarked back as Harry and Ginny made their way to them cautiously.
Looking back at the couple rushing up to them, Hermione opened her mouth to defend Theo and herself, figuring they were going to react like everyone else did towards Theo, when she was cut off by an arm full of furious redhead.
“What did he do to you! Are you okay! Where have you been? We've all been worried sick! You could have come to us, we would have helped you!” Ginny aggressively questioned her, giving her no time to respond between questions thrown at her.
Cutting her off and pushing her back she glared at Ginny, her tone sharp. “Theo hasn’t done anything to me, if anything he has been helping me! You don’t even know what is going on how could you talk about him like– “
Ginny cut her off.
“I’m not not talking about him I’m talking about my stupid fucking brother. It had to be bad if you wouldn’t even come to us for help. You’re family Hermione no matter what. With or without my stupid brother.”
As if sensing her confusion and impending tears Theo moved to stand beside Hermione.
“Mia let's all get to the park to talk like we were going to, ya? Give ourselves a bit more privacy than the middle of London.” He prompted, offering his arm out to her.
Taking a deep breath she sent him a shaky smile and took his offered arm. Theo turned back to Harry and Ginny addressing them.
“It’s a bit early but let’s head to the park so you all can talk. It sounds like both sides have a hell of a story to tell.” Without waiting for a response he started the trek to the park in question, about five blocks away. They didn’t say anything on the way there but as they got closer Theo spotted a beverage cart and got them all something warm for their talk.
Arriving at the park they found a more secluded area with a table and benches, they placed a couple charms up discreetly so they wouldn’t be interrupted and no one could eavesdrop. Before anyone could start the discussion Theo turned to Hermione.
“Do you still want me to stay Mia? Or do you want me to just be nearby?”
Reaching out to grab his hand she responded. “Stay please Theo.”
Nodding his head he agreed. “Anything for you Mia.”
Turning back to Ginny and Harry she couldn’t help but ask.
“I figured from Harry’s first letter that you all would be on Ronald’s side of this mess.”
“That is entirely Harry and Ron’s fault and you can absolutely blame them for that. As soon as I found out what this idiot sent to you, you better believe he got one hell of an earful from me.” Ginny stated, glaring at Harry.
“It would have been better if she would have just sent me a howler from the other room.” Harry remarked sheepishly looking at Hermione. “I’m sorry that I implied that you were crazy Hermione, I was just listening to what Ron was saying and not seeing the signs that you left on your own. No one but me even believed what he was saying about you leaving. And not long after I sent that horrible letter to you did I start to see that he wasn’t telling the truth. What happened Hermione? We’ll tell you what he’s been saying and how everyone reacted but we really want to know the truth of what really happened between you two, please.” Harry pleaded to Hermione.
Squeezing Theo’s hand, Hermione took a deep breath and told them everything. From the beginning of their relationship and her feeling like it was expected of her to her ending up alone completely. She stopped just before the bookstore incident. She wouldn’t tell them about how she and Theo met, and what happened after that meeting until she knew what they had to say about her leaving Ron and what he did. She wanted to hear what they were going to say first. Looking up from her hand clenched around the cup in her lap she was shocked at their reactions.
Both Harry and Ginny had tears falling down their faces. Harry looked angry and regretful, but Ginny look ready to commit murder. Her face was twisted up in horror of what Hermione had gone through at her brother's hands and what she had faced alone, but her eyes held a fury she had only seen from Theo the day she told him everything in the library.
She waited a few moments for the two to recollect themselves and asked what had happened after she had left.
Ginny answered her first. “Well I’m assuming this was right after you left, Ron came to our flat and asked if we had seen you or heard from you. Luckily I was home for the weekend. When I told him we hadn’t seen you he started going off about how you just decided to go on this random trip around the world for no reason and you left him all alone. And he didn’t know what to do and he was just so worried. Then he left and went to the Burrow to see mom and dad. It must not have gone how he wanted because by the time we showed up about twenty minutes later he was gone and mom looked livid. Neither would say what had been said but mom did tell me to try to find you to make sure you were okay. I sent Harry back to our place and stayed with mom for a bit to try to get more information out of her.” She paused looking at Harry.
“That was when I sent you that horrible letter.” Harry said. “I’m really sorry Hermione, I never should have believed Ron.”
“I left the burrow and went to yours and Ron's flat, but when I got there he was gone. I snooped around and I saw that all of your stuff was gone and your key was laying on the ground like it had been thrown. I was already suspicious that you had broken up with him but that whole scene just confirmed it for me. I went back to the Burrow and told mom what I found and she agreed that you must have left him finally. We could all tell you weren’t happy with him but we just didn’t know how to approach the topic with you. We should have just come outright and said it. Maybe if we had, you wouldn’t have felt like you had no one to turn to.” Ginny said quietly, looking sorrowfully at Hermione.
“Ron eventually came back to our flat, about two hours later.” Harry picked up where Ginny left off. “I had already sent off that letter to you when he came by, he was drunk. He started going off about how grateful you should have been and how he couldn’t believe you left him just to find your parents and how you shouldn’t need anyone but him. I regretted sending that letter as soon as he started talking. Sometime during his rant Ginny came home, heard what he was saying and gave him a gnarly black eye. Everyone has been sending you letters asking you to come home, not because we wanted you to go back to Ron. But so we knew you were safe and for you to know that you are still family and what he did to you was wrong on so many levels. Molly’s forbidden him from coming back to the burrow until she calms down. That hasn’t happened yet.” Harry finished off with a small smile.
“I’ve heard rumors around Diagon Alley that you are missing, but that is all just drunken ramblings from Ron at the Leaky Cauldron. Or wherever he goes to waste his nights.” Ginny informed her. “Everyone has just been so worried about you Hermione, but we also understand your hesitancy about coming back.”
“I haven’t read any of the letters I received since I read the first one Harry sent me.” Hermione told them quietly.
“Oh… That explains a lot actually.” Ginny said, glaring over at Harry again.
“I swear I will make it up to you Hermione.” Harry said imploringly
Turning to look at Hermione, Theo softly murmured to her, “I guess we both should read our mail more often.” Smirking slightly as he said it, startling a watery laugh from Hermione.
“I know we aren’t in any position to demand answers from you Hermione, but will you please tell us what is going on between you two. How did this even come about?” Ginny asked. She wasn’t entirely sure what this even was and between them or what to call it.
Looking back to Theo to see if he wanted to take over, he nodded his head at her silent question.
“We haven’t announced it yet, so you two are the first to know. I would like to introduce to you Hermione Nott, Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Nott.” Theo stated in his most haughty and aristocratic voice. Peeking over at Hermione he couldn’t help but smirk at her very prominent blush. “What are you embarrassed about Mia, you already know this.”
“I know that! But I haven’t heard it yet with the fancy title after it!” She hissed at him playfully.
“Excuse me, but what the FUCK.” Ginny exclaimed, making Theo glad he added the silencing charms around them or that would have garnered a lot of attention.
Taking pity on the two of them, Hermione told them an abridged version of her and Theo’s first meeting and everything that happened after. Vaguely explaining what happened with the Ward Stone but not giving too much information away, making sure to keep her promise to Theo about not telling anyone anything that could be potentially used against them or their home.
“That is a lot of life changing situations you’ve found yourself thrown into within about two months' time.” Harry stated flatly, like he wasn’t sure how to process this bit of information.
“You have no idea.” She mumbled back in response.
“Do you both want to come with us to the Burrow?” Ginny asked the two sitting across from her and Harry. “Mom and Dad have been worried sick and mom would love to have another kid to drown in affection.” She said smugly looking at a surprised Theodore.
Turning to look at Theo, Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, receiving a thoughtful shrug in return.
“Sure, as long as you are positive that Ron isn’t there. I have missed everyone.” She trailed off
“Do you still have your mirror on you dear.” Ginny asked, turning to Harry.
“Yes?”
“Good, I’ll apparate over and tell mom Hermione and her new brother are coming over and double check Ron isn’t there. I’ll mirror call you when you all can come over, okay?” Receiving a nod in agreement, Ginny flashed a smile at the siblings and with a sharp crack she was gone.
Standing, Harry walked over to Hermione offering her a hand up and sweeping her into a hug after she stood. Apologizing again for everything. “ I really am sorry Hermione. I never should have believed him, especially because that didn’t sound like something you would do. I let my loyalty and friendship with him blind me and I hurt you so much because of it. I will do anything to make this up to you.”
Stepping back from the hug she smiled at him softly. “Just be thankful I have Theo, without him I don’t think I ever would have gotten the courage to meet up with you here.”
Turning to the already standing Theo, Harry offered him a handshake. “Thank you Nott, for taking care of her when we all failed her. And welcome to the family.”
Taking his hand Theo shook it, “You don’t have to thank me Potter, I would do anything for my sister.” Pulling him in close by his hand he looked Harry dead in the eye, with sharp cold eyes he whispered menacingly, “Anything.” Then he leaned back with a pleasant smile. Seemingly innocent and not at all like he had just subtly threatened The Chosen One with an unspoken, unpleasant end.
“Hey! No aristocratic socializing right now Theo.” Hermione lightly reprimanded, elbowing him in the side.
“I’m just making my point clear.” He shrugged, looking at Harry in faux innocents.
“Loud and clear Nott, loud and clear.” He responded carefully, looking between the two in bewilderment.
A soft buzzing filled the air and Harry pulled out his two way mirror.
“Hey love.” He answered
“Hey, Good thing we all didn’t apparate over here. My dumbass brother was here trying to plead his case with mom. Not that it worked. He left a minute ago so we’re all good. Does Hermione want me to start filling in mom and dad with what actually happened?”
Turning the mirror to face Hermione she nodded her head. “Yes please Ginny that would be easier, just give her a quick run through. I wanna apparate in a bit from the house, I need a few minutes to collect myself again before having to answer more questions and a walk would help, okay?”
“You got it Hermione, see you when you get here.” With that the mirror went empty of Ginny’s face, only reflecting her own back at her.
“Well you heard the woman, you ready to head over?” Harry asked the two.
Hermione looked at Theo, receiving a nod from him.
“If you want to go home at anytime just let me know okay?” She told him.
Theo smiled softly at her, “Thanks Mia. Okay, let's go meet the Weasleys.”
Reaching over to put her hand in the crook of his elbow, she turned and nodded at Harry. Harry nodded in return and disappeared with a sharp crack. Taking out his wand Theo canceled all the spells he put up for privacy. After making sure they were still alone, Hermione disapperated with Theo in a soft pop, reappearing on a worn dirt road out in the country with the small form of the Burrow standing in the distance. They were alone, Harry seemed to have gone straight to the front gate leading to the Burrow, giving them a little privacy.
Making their way to the Burrow, she glanced up at Theo, ”Thank you, for doing this for me. I feel better with you here, safe. Like even if something goes bad you will be here to protect me.”
“I will always be here for you Mia. You will never be alone as long as I am somewhere on this Earth.” He told her easily, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brother.” She told him honestly.
“And I can’t believe I got such an amazing sister.” Smirking at her, he added. “ Now let's hurry along and see if I’ll be hexed out of this house for being a death eater hmm.” He told her jokingly.
She rolled her eyes at him. “Everything will be fine, you’ll see.”
Arriving at the front gate of the Burrow, Theo couldn’t help but be a bit nervous. What if they convinced Hermione that he really was evil and she was better off without him. What if she left him alone again. Merlin, he didn’t think he could take being all alone again. Hermione meant so much to him that it terrified him to think of the possibility of losing her. As if sensing his inner thoughts. He felt her hand give his arm a comforting squeeze. Looking down to meet her eyes he felt himself relax at the affection in her eyes and her comforting smile.
“I’m not going anywhere brother. It’s you and me, you’ll never be alone so long as I’m on this earth.”
“You really love parroting my words back at me don’t you Mia.” He told her with a slightly relieved tone.
“Well you do say some great things sometimes. Other times though, not so much. ” She told him with a wink. “Let’s go inside, I bet Molly is pacing around the kitchen in a tizzy.”
Giving him one last comforting smile, she pulled him though the gate. Looking around he couldn’t help but revel in the feeling of homeliness the Burrow gave off. The Manor always felt so cold and formal, save for a few rooms like the family kitchen and the library. But the Burrow just radiated the feeling of love and home. It was rather nice, even if the building itself looked like it had seen better days.
“This place is wonderful!” He breathed out to Hermione, looking around in awe. “It feels so welcoming and warm, nothing like the Manor. It’s Brilliant!”
“I’m glad you like it Lord Nott, welcome to The Burrow.” A man’s warm voice said from the doorway.
If it wasn’t for the time spent under Voldemort’s wrath he would have jumped out of his skin. Turning to attention back to the door in front of them, he was greeted to the sight of who he assumed was Arthur and Molly Weasley.
“Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here. You have a wonderful home.” It was said with all the aristocratic nobility that was to be afforded when one was visiting others home.
“Now now none of that. We're all family here!” Rushing forward Molly enveloped them both into a crushing, but warm hug. Startling Theo greatly.
The only person who had hugged him in years was Hermione. He reluctantly started to feel himself relax into Molly. She was still holding the two of them to her when he absently thought to himself, ‘Is this what mothers hugs felt like?’ He could barely remember what his mother even sounded like anymore, let alone what her hugs felt like. He’d been five years old when she died of Dragon Pox. He hadn’t gotten a hug from someone till Hermione came into his life. He hadn’t been properly held in sixteen years. When Molly released them he was relieved because he was going to start crying soon if she hadn’t. But also a little sad.
‘People wouldn’t be so afraid of me if they knew the ‘big bad death eater’ cried when hugged.’ He thought sarcastically to himself.
“Please come in for some tea while we catch up, Ginny and Harry are already in the kitchen. Oh Hermione, we have been so worried about you dear.” Molly told them as she ushered them into the house, towards the kitchen. “Not that we blame you for not coming to us. With all the horrible lies we have caught Ronald in recently I can only imagine the horrible things he filled your head with. I am so sorry for everything he has done my dear.”
Reaching the kitchen she rushed to grab more tea and biscuits as they sat at the table joining Harry and Ginny.
“Really if it wasn’t for the fact I know I gave birth to him I would say there is no way that boy could be my son. To treat someone you supposedly love like that and to lie to everyone about what you were going through. I am thoroughly disgusted.” Molly was on the verge of tears as she placed more biscuits on the table. Arthur reached out to his wife, gently pulling her into the seat next to him.
Arthur took his wife’s hand and turned to Hermione and Theo.
“We are so sorry to hear about your parents Hermione. We would have helped in any way to find them if we had known what was really going on. Our son had told us they abandoned you because of your magic and not to bring them up to you, and to change the subject if they did come up as to not bring up painful memories. We now know that was not the case at all. I never expected this from him. I don’t think any of us did. Our ignorance of the situation hurt you so much and we are truly sorry for that my dear.”
He looked so incredibly sad as he spoke that it broke Hermione’s heart. She knew that Ron hurt her deeply, but it seemed that she wasn’t the only one he hurt. He just hurt them in a different way than he hurt her.
“I’m sorry I never responded to your letters.”
“You have nothing to apologize for dear! Absolutely nothing! Even if everything that happened drove you away from us, I am just so relieved you were able to find a new family even after the loss of your parents. Somewhere you feel safe, somewhere you feel like you belong.” Molly told her vehemently.
“Thank you.” Hermione told her quietly with a small smile.
Turning to Theo, Molly smiled at him in that motherly way she had about her.
“Now Theodore dear, tell me about yourself! I want to know all about Hermione’s new brother.” Still looking at him she frowned slightly but her eyes still held a kindness towards him. “I have heard all those awful things people have said about you when you were forced to be a death eater. But I have also heard all the things you have done to save the people you could. Arthur works in the Ministry so we get to have more of an inside ear than just knowing what poppycock the Daily Prophet prints. You should be hailed as a hero, not a monster. So don’t you think for a second you won't be welcomed here. You’re family now, so tell me all about yourself dear.”
Glancing to meet his sister’s eye, he looked at her in disbelief and a bit of hope. Hermione smiled back at him softly giving him an encouraging look.
Looking back to Molly, Theo cleared his throat.
“Well I don’t really know where to start.” He said awkwardly.
“How about at the beginning dear?” Molly responded patiently giving him a warm smile.
“The beginning, huh.” He looked thoughtful before continuing. “ I didn’t have a happy life.” He told her honestly but a bit skeptical. “And it’s a bit of a long story.”
“We have time dear. We have all the time in the world for our family.” She told him gently.
“Okay.” He responded quietly. Then again more resolutely this time. “Okay.”
And taking a page out of his sister’s book he went with his heart, rather than overthinking.
He told them everything.