New Beginning
Theodore was finally happy, or, at least, not miserable anymore. The war had ended last year, so no more fighting, bloodshed or Death Eaters trying to terrorize him into joining the Dark forces. But most importantly, no more father. Lord Nott, renowned Voldemort follower, had been successfully sent to Azkaban, after a brief trial in July, and his only son was very glad. Theo had even testified against him, he really hated the man. From his point of view, Azkaban was the only place he deserved to be in, other than hell of course, and the young man quite hoped his genitor would slowly, but painfully go mad.
Now, September had come and it was time to return to Hogwarts for his second final year. Theo hadn’t had the chance to take the OWLs, with everything that had been going on and those horrid Carrows professors. As he took his study quite seriously, an eighth year seemed to be the better option. Besides, he really didn’t want to spend any more time all alone in the cold Nott Manor.
Theo wondered whose faces he would have to remember politely for the next year. Of course his cousin, Luna, was going to be there, she had said so herself in her last letter. He also knew he wouldn't be the only Slytherin, as Draco Malfoy was coming back too. But they never were particularly close friends and had taken completely different paths. Theo just hoped they would share a dormitory in quiet understanding, nothing more, nothing less. For once in his life, he wanted to enjoy his time without being afraid of the consequences. He had no more rules or cruel father to worry about, which was new, unknown and really exciting. Therefore, Theo was going to focus on his studies, obtain the best scores on his finals and get the hell out of England.
That being said, he wasn’t expecting that many people on the 9 ¾ platform. He had appareated a little late, with his suitcase wandlessly levitating behind, and almost crushed a small kid on the way. After a brief apology, Theo hurried to the train, not wanting to bump into someone that might recognize him. He wasn’t ready to talk to anyone and the massive crowd wasn’t helping his anxiety.
Muttering to himself, the black-haired boy jumped into the Hogwarts Express and went in search of an empty and isolated compartment. When he finally found one, he sighed in relief, setting down his luggage and charming the door so nobody else could enter. Yes he was being a tad asocial, but who could blame him, really?
Theo sat down by the window with a groan, stretching his legs. From his point of view, he could melancholically observe the families saying their goodbyes, hugging and kissing. He was surrounded by a familiar silence, while he could only imagine the joyful cacophony behind the glass. It was odd in a pleasing way to see happiness again. It reassured him to know that people had not forgotten how to act, feel and smile, after so much loss and sorrow.
Theo had spent his last summer in Italy, with his best friend Blaise Zabini, who had unluckily decided to stay there for the next year. At that time, following his father’s trial, Theo couldn’t bring himself to stay alone in a hollow house, haunted by terrifying memories. He needed someone to rely on, warmth and familiarity, and the only person he could think of, the only person he had left, was Blaise. So they spent a month together, huddled in one of his mother’s villas, near Naples. With each passing day, each nightmare, tear and painful scar, they rebuilt themselves, found their way to the quietude of certainty. It wasn’t a done deal, far from that, but they were okay at last. A work in progress, as Blaise loved to say, sparkling eyes he had dearly missed lighting up his face. God, Theo was going to miss him, not being in his comforting presence until Christmas.
Whilst the young man was completely immersed in his own thoughts, reminiscing fond memories, the train had taken its leave, coming across England's greenest landscapes. There was an air of revival, lingering in the Hogwarts Express. Bright faces, optimistic expressions and longing stares all over, a shared unnamed emotion in every child, full of eagerness, freedom and questions.
Coming down to a more conscious state, Theo shook his head and rummaged through his stuff, searching for a particular book to fill the time. The object of his desire finally in hand, Norse Sortileges and Runes, unearthed in his family library, the dark-haired boy relaxed in his seat, extending further his sore limbs. A serene look on his face and a content exhalation, he dived into his reading. Yes, this year was going to be great, quiet and without tumult.
Or so he thought.
Almost all the older students could see the Thestrals now. The same closed look and inscrutable gaze painted their faces. It was a sad, but testifying truth. While Theo had been able to see them since his first year, because of his mother’s death, he would have never thought nor wished for other children to gain that unsparing ability.
He quickly glanced around, noticing groups of students already formed, waiting for the next carriage. Merlin, Theo hated socializing! With yet another sigh and furrowed brows, the Slytherin approached nervously the line, choosing instead to rest against a large tree, hands in his pockets. He could see the change of atmosphere, in comparison with the previous year. People were mingling easily, joking around, excited for the new school year to begin. The uniforms’ colors didn’t seem to matter anymore, which was a clear progress. Wars did indeed create links that prejudice or past grievances couldn’t undo.
As he was inspecting the crowd out of habit, Theo didn’t see a slender figure coming his way. So, he really was surprised when suddenly a hand pressed his left shoulder, followed by the sound of a throat being cleared. Instinctively, he reached for his wand, turning around in one swift movement. A pale face, white silvery hair and a crooked smile welcomed him.
“Hi Theodore, it’s good to see you again.” Said the one and only Draco Malfoy, his tone surprisingly shy. His hair had grown since the last time he saw him, reaching just past his shoulder, but conserving their shining quality, although a little ruffled. He was as tall, thin and elegant as Theo remembered. However, there was a sort of gentleness to him that he had never seen before. How strange.
“Hello Draco, it’s good to see you too.” He responded, losing up and lowering his wand. ”It’s Theo, by the way. I don’t particularly like my full name.”
Not since he wasn’t forced to wear it anymore. A new identity, was what he thought each time the subject came up, a new me.
The blond boy smiled softly and nodded, settling himself next to Theo, back against the tree. They (fortunately) didn’t pursue the conversation, staying there in companionable silence, waiting for the last carriage. The two Slytherins feared the crowd but not for the same reason. At least, they understood and knew each other well enough to not question that.
Eventually, their transport came, the gloomy creatures in front. While passing by, Draco gave a slight stroke to one of them, a sad smile on his lips. Then, he opened the door and motioned for his classmate to get in.
“Thanks” Theo muttered, not wanting to break the comfortable silence they implicitly agreed on. It would be their last one before the chaos of Hogwart, that’s why they had to relish every minute of it.
The journey went by pretty quickly, each boy lost in their own heads, gazing at the familiar view. The castle in itself had promptly recovered thanks to the gracious help of many witches and wizards during the summer. Theo could spot the few differences, traces of what had happened, what had been lost. He had been there after all. Not particularly fond memories. Well, except when he cursed his father with a pretty efficient Crucio. Hateful man, really.
They arrived in the main courtyard, and as they got out, Theo couldn’t help himself : he shot a glance to Draco’s face, trying to decipher what the boy was feeling, being there again. But the latter was entirely closed off, his gentleness replaced by a mere impassibility, like a blank page. One only good thing the Pureblood education taught, this mask of indifference. Theo had never truly been great at it, his own emotions too overwhelming to suppress them, whereas Draco seemed to have mastered it.
“You okay ?” He asked nevertheless, not really knowing himself why. Draco turned his head, a bit startled. Ah, he wasn’t expecting that either. Well, that made two of them, cringed internally Theo.
“Yeah, I’ll be. Don’t have any other choice, anyway.”
The white-haired boy had kept his voice even, yet Theo could hear his gratefulness. One part of him was glad he could help, the other one was banging his forehead against a pretty hard mental wall. He had promised himself a quiet year, for fuck sake! Don’t go around rescuing every poor soul, he thought, chastising himself, you’re not even yourself in a terrific place right now!
Both inhaling a big gulp of air, they entered the castle, walking with determination. There were still a few students remaining in the Entrance Hall, so they wouldn’t be the last dramatic ones to get in the Great Hall. Hopefully, nobody would notice them, but then Theo didn’t have much faith on that one. It would be a very weird miracle indeed, if nobody paid any attention to the Draco Malfoy.
The usual sentiment of security that came with Hogwart Castle, flooded Theo’s body. It had always been a safe haven for him and he was delighted to be here again. He silently strolled up to the Slytherin table, head straight and expression unwavering. He could feel Draco behind him, but mostly the heavy burden of everyone’s eyes. Very subtle… They sat down, nodding to a few fellow green classmates, and that was it.
Well, that he hadn’t been what he was expecting! A few nasty remarks surely, maybe even insults, yet none of that happened. Pretty underwhelming. Just the shitty feeling of being watched. Interesting.
Theo picked up his glass full of pumpkin juice, and as he drank it, took the opportunity to look around. The Great Hall was as magical as ever, dreamy ceiling and flying candles, with an honorable mention for the stream of ghosts coming and going around the students. Said students were filling the four wide tables, chattering lightly amongst themselves. Theo could also distantly perceive the Professors’ stage, McGonagall as Headmistress in the front.
“You okay?” Draco’s voice interrupting his contemplation.
“Hmm. Lots of people.” Theo responded, turning his head around, in the direction of the other boy.
“Yeah. Lots of stares too.”
Theo stifled a snort, faced with the euphemism.
“You could say that.”
Draco shook his head, strands of hair fluttering. He went back to his empty plate and Theo to his own staring. Like he was suddenly pulled by an invisible force, he glanced at the Gryffondor table, curious to see who had gone back to Hogwarts. He caught a glimpse of Neville Longbottom, listening to an ardent Ginny Weasley. Then, to his utmost astonishment, the complete Golden Trio was there, talking and laughing quietly, under the admirative gaze of many.
Maybe if Theo had read the papers, he would have known that the two Gryffondor boys had refused Minister Kingsley’s offer to directly join the Aurors. They had chosen to accompany a thrilled Hermione and finish their school education, before doing anything else. To be honest, Harry wanted to spend at least a normal year at Hogwarts, without worrying about being murdered for once. And here, he could also escape the perpetual wave of paparazzis, chasing him every time he stepped a foot outside.
In the end, Harry wasn’t even sure he wanted to be an Auror. They had lots of discussions about it with Ron, both concluding their tiredness of fighting. They realized pretty fast that they never really saw past the war or expected a clear future. It wasn’t their priority then, but now everything seemed possible. So, a last year at Hogwarts was the better option.
However, Theo knew of course none of that, the utter asocial fool. So yes, a big surprise. Not that he thought their presence would have a great impact on him personally. Nop, quiet year, a very boring and peaceful year. Thus, he lowered his gaze and mechanically rubbed his eyes, a yawn menacing to get out.
He was going to say something to Draco, when he felt the burning tingles of one particular forceful gaze. Intrigued, the brunet turned around yet again, curious to see who possessed that kind of determination. And he met the eyes of none other than… Harry Potter. The “Boy-Who-Lived, Savior of the Wizarding World, Defeater of Voldemort” Harry Potter. A strangely grinning and staring intently at him, Theodore Nott, Harry Potter.
Why in the flying fuck was Harry Potter staring at him?