Sang Sacré

Chapter 4

April 28, 2000

The next few weeks were easy. Hermione fell into a routine and became quite close with the Nott men. They started what Hermione dubbed "Pureblood Boot camp", where they tried to throw as many lessons on culture and etiquette at her as possible. Boot camp took place immediately following breakfast every day. She spent most of her free time with Theo debating new theories, teaching him about Muggle culture, or reading in her favorite nook of the library.

As the weather warmed, Hermione forced Tiberius to join her for daily walks. The more time she spent with her uncle, the more she began to care for the man. Hermione was determined to keep him healthy for the remainder of his sentence and Tiberius' condition already started to improve by keeping him active.

After dinner, Tiberius and Theo take turns telling Hermione stories about their family history, showing her pictures, and helping her study the family tapestry. One night, after all of the dessert had been eaten, Tiberius pulled out a small box instead of the usual photo albums. Theo smiled into his wine glass at Hermione's surprise.

"It's not much, but Theo was able to take a quick trip to the family vault and find something that belongs to you."

Hermione smiled as she took the box and opened it to find a simple pendant on a gold chain. On the pendant were a sapphire- her birthstone- and the Nott crest with the words sapientia potentia e st inscribed.

"Wisdom is power," Hermione translated easily, and Tiberius smiled proudly, confirming it with a nod.

"These were made for you when you both were born," Tiberius explained as Theo showed her his own chain that was hiding underneath his shirt. "We got lucky you were born only a week apart."

Hermione threw her arms around Tiberius and expressed her gratitude, not wasting a second to ask Theo to clasp it around her neck for her. When the chain was secured around her neck, Hermione examined the pendant, feeling tears start to build in her eyes.

After hours of reviewing floral arrangements and their meanings in the drawing room the next day, Tiberius turned them both loose and retired to his suite to rest before dinner. Hermione was frustrated she had been forced to talk about flowers for most of her day.

"I mean, seriously, this is what I've been missing all my life? An excess of five hours of nothing but studying hidden floral meanings and the proper way to fold napkins? I feel like I'm losing brain cells," she huffed, glowering at Theo.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but these are things that you'll be expected to know once you run your own manor someday," he rolled his eyes, "I used to dread these lessons, too, I get it. I'd much rather be picking your brain over the new Wizengamot ruling anyway."

Hermione sighed, letting her shoulders slouch finally and kicking off her heels. "Well, that's not happening anytime soon. Are you talking about the new Merpeople legislation? I was hoping to get my hands on an actual copy of the law; something tells me this is more about those greedy knobheads' desire for scarab beetles than the protection of the Rostherne Mere Merpeople's habitat."

Theo grinned at her. "You're the most opinionated witch I've ever met. How about we get takeout from that Italian place and I'll grab the usual at Fortescue's? We can watch another one of those Muggle movies you like so much when I get back. It's been a long week."

Hermione gave him a grateful smile. "That sounds lovely. I'll go get comfy and get the film set up if you want to Floo over and grab it?"

Theo had already moved to grab his cloak and crossed the hallway to the Floo room. "Already ahead of you. I'll be back soon."