Prodigal Witch

Time with Theo and a party!

Hermione was barely affected by the side-along Apparition. Maybe it was the pain potion or maybe it was the warm, strength of Marcus' arms. She looked up to see a dark, foreboding-looking castle against a stormy grey sky.

"Wow, that's ominous," Hermione murmured, nestling into Marcus' arms.

"It is," Marcus chuckled. "It seems we've caught a rainy evening here at the cliffs."

Hermione took a deep breath with a twinge of pain, probably because of the broken ribs. It smelled salty and wet like the ocean.

"I bet this place is gorgeous on a sunny day," Hermione mused.

"It is unique," Theo chimed in, having Apparated right next to them along with Adrian and Draco. "Let's get inside before this storm breaks open on us."

Hermione watched Theo perform a series of very complicated wand movements to temporarily dismantle the wards. The group followed Theo inside the wards and he reinstated them with a much simpler wave of his wand.

The entrance and foyer was entirely in keeping with the exterior of the castle. It was dark due to the grey stone and polished mahogany floors and rafters. There was soft fire light coming from a fireplace and a few candle chandeliers. A tall, thin older wizard came into the front hall. Hermione could see some of Theo's body features in him, such as the reedy frame. Theo must've inherited his facial features from his mother though, because this wizard had very sharp, hawkish traits and was entirely bald.

"Dad, this is Hermione Granger," Theo announced, gesturing to her. Hermione felt a little awkward because Marcus was still cradling her like a child. "Mi, this is my dad, Theodore Nott, Senior."

"Thank you for your hospitality and please excuse me for not shaking your hand," Hermione said. "I'm afraid this arm is not working at the moment and I need my other arm to hold onto my escort here."

Nott Senior's lips twitched in a sort of grin for a moment.

"You are most welcome here, Miss Granger," Nott Sr. reported. "There is no need for apology. Practicality always trumps pomp and circumstance in this house. I have no wish to keep you. Your current condition and research into your ritual leads me to conclude that you have had a trying day. I merely wanted to introduce myself and let you know that I am at your disposal, though I doubt that any service I can provide will be necessary given your current company. So I will bid you good evening."

"Thank you, Mr. Nott," Hermione smiled tiredly. She liked the strange way he expressed himself. He spoke like a book, but Hermione enjoyed it. "I hope you have a pleasant evening as well."

The wizards around her all chimed in with their goodnights and Theo led them out of the hall. They made their way upstairs to a large bedroom. An enormous bed made of dark wood dominated the room. There were two fireplaces, both of which blazed; one near the bed and the other centered in a seating area on the other side of the room. Heavy dark green velvet drapes covered the far wall, but the room was not as dark as the hall. More lights were set up here.

Marcus laid her gently down on the bed and Hermione yawned widely.

"I don't know how much longer I can stay awake," she reported to the four wizards surrounding her.

"So let's get to work then," Adrian smiled. "Theo, why don't you see about an iron and protein rich dinner for all of us? Draco, open up that bag of yours and get out the bruise paste. This witch is black and blue. Marcus, I'm sure stripping Hermione won't be problematic for you. I'll get started on those two liters of water you need to drink."

Hermione watched the wizards get to work. Theo left the room, Draco began to sort through the potion bag, and Adrian found a large pitcher of water and glasses on a sideboard. Marcus sighed as he sat down next to her on the bed.