To a Better End

Chapter 31

September 2nd 1945

Hermione stayed in the house for a couple of hours after Malfoy left. She spent time considering his words, her actions, and the validity of what he told her. It wasn't until her thoughts were disrupted by the rumbling of her stomach did she realise how long she was there.

After having a quick lunch at the Three Broomsticks, Hermione floo'd back into Diagon Alley and walked to Tom's flat. At the edge of Knockturn Alley, she reached into her pocket and grabbed her wand tightly. She didn't think anyone would attack her, but she would rather not risk it. It was an unsavoury place to be alone in.

A few steps in, she heard a man clearing his throat. Turning to meet the eyes of Nott, Hermione let out a small gasp. He was leaning against a brick wall with his arms crossed and a devious look in his eyes.

"Did I scare you, little serpent?" Nott Sr. looked at her with a raised brow. He was attractive, but the way he acted took away from that.

"Startled," she clarified. "You startled me, Nott."

His smirk made her uncomfortable. "Please, call me Theodore."

"Okay," she deadpanned. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of using that name.

"So," he started, pushing off of the wall, and taking a step towards Hermione, "You and Tom. Quite serious."

She pressed her lips into a thin line. She attempted to smile at him, but he got a look of indifference instead. "Looks like it."

"It does look like it." He tilted his head, surveying her with suspicions that were quite valid. "That man is going to change a lot of things, you realise."

"I'm sure he will." Hermione nodded, trying to walk away.

Nott stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "He's driven, little serpent. I hold him in high regard. I'm a very loyal friend."

Hermione let out a sharp laugh that didn't seem to deter him slightly. "Is this a 'break his heart and I'll break you' speech?"

"Something like that," he said, smiling with his teeth while he leaned his head closer to her, looking at her inquisitively.

She rolled her eyes. "Noted."

He stepped aside, allowing her to make her way to Tom's flat. She made herself a cup of coffee, realising that she never finished the one Malfoy had made her. She took this time to peruse his flat, undisturbed.

She couldn't help but take note of the dark texts he'd been accumulating, books that wouldn't even be in the restricted section of Durmstrang. She shuddered as her fingers ran along the spines. She opted to read a spell-building book that didn't look anywhere near as menacing as the rest of the selection.

After getting lost in the calculations section of the book, Hermione noticed that it was already dark. Tom must be late with his errands. Hermione had dressed in her pyjamas, deciding that she would just go to sleep and see him when he came home. Just as she was getting into bed, the door opened.

Tom stood there with a tired smile. Hermione ran into his arms, inhaling his scent. She helped him out of his coat and noticed a dark spot on his clothing.

"What's this spot on your shirt?"

"Oh," he rubbed his eyes and took a look. "I must have spilled my cocoa a bit. How clumsy of me."

Hermione hummed in response, hanging his coat up. They fell into bed easily, tired from their individual days. Hermione allowed herself to relish in the scent of this man. Her moments with him were numbered. She had to leave, her mind knew that, no matter how badly her heart wanted to stay.