To a Better End

Chapter 47

April 18th 1977

Draco had become stressed since the dinner with a surprise visit from Tom. He didn't stay for dinner, which meant that he was there solely for the conversation with Mina Black. A part of her didn't want to reveal any of the conversation, but Hermione gave in and told him every bit of it.

They were both still shocked about the discovery of Tom's missing years. Hermione was sure he used the years to recruit his army, but he spent all that time looking for her. And when he couldn't find her, he came back to murder Alphard. The details of which were still a mystery. But Hermione owed it to him to uncover the secrets of his death.

Hermione was willing to forgive a lot of what Tom did, but after throwing the murder of Alphard in her face... She only wanted to see his downfall all over again.

But not yet. There was a lot they were still figuring out. A lot that was unexpected.

After discussions and arguments, they all came to the conclusion that Theo was not safe there. He wasn't exactly safe anywhere, but at least his father wasn't alive in Theo's present time. Draco was all for it. Hermione was sure that he was just tired of Theo kicking him out of the kitchen. All of Theo's snide comments about the upcoming wedding didn't help much either.

Hermione was helping Theo pack the random things he had collected over his time, while Draco was setting up the appropriate Time-Turners. Draco would return Theo to the manner and return back. A short trip, but an exhausting one nonetheless. Maybe Hermione would have enough time to fix him a cake or his favourite cup of tea in time for his return.

"You'll write, won't you?" she asked, packing up his denims.

"Don't I always?"

She smiled at him and looked back at his open suitcase. How he accumulated so much was beyond her. Theo came to stand beside her but didn't look at the suitcase. He stared right at her, burning a hole into her head.

"What is it?" Her voice was riddled with annoyance.

"You're thinking again," he said worriedly.

Huffing out a sigh, she looked up at him. "That's how the brain works, Theo."

Theo tilted his head in acknowledgement. "Yes, but when you think, it's like your brain goes into overdrive. What's going on, Goldy?"

"Sometimes I worry... I worry that I've already fucked things up with Draco," she admits in a hushed voice.

Theo chuckled lightly, peeking at the door. "I can assure you, there is very little you can do to fuck your chances with that man."

"How can you be so sure?"

"You know, he really tried to let you go. He dated Astoria, thinking that was the right thing to do. When that didn't work, he took a chance with Hannah. And he never found joy in those relationships."

"Your point?"

"He always found joy in you. The banter during pub nights. The speeches you gave. The way you laugh. Hell, even the way you eat chips. He's obsessed with you, you silly witch." He messed up her hair a bit like she was a child.

"Theo-"

He pointed a finger at her. "You're obsessed with him too. I know you have been for a while, honestly. You both just need to gather your humility and accept that you're doomed to love each other for the rest of your lives. Now let's close this suitcase up so I can go home."

Hermione nodded, not really sure what to say. How was she supposed to respond? As if on autopilot, Hermione followed Theo out of the room to find Draco waiting with the Time-Turners in hand.