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Theodore Nott stood squarely in the Courtyard before the Great Hall's entrance. tonight was the night where the ‘graduates’ of Hogwarts's class of 1998 would gather once again to relive the joyous memories of their youth.
This would be cause for celebration had the school looked the same as it did in their youth.
“What do you mean, Theo?” Pansy scoffed earlier this week. “The school was rebuilt exactly the same.”
“Perhaps it still looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same.” Theo shrugged.
And it didn't. Gone were the carefree days of his youth where running through halls in order to not be late to Potions was the worst of his worries.
He also was scared of who would be in there to meet. He knew virtually everyone in his class. He knew what they thought of him and his family. This would be anything but a walk in the park.
He was mostly dreading to see her. Hermione Granger.
She and Draco really hit it off three years prior before Draco's past dark magic usage finally caught up to him. He passed earlier this year. Theo never thought of inserting himself in their relationship until his wake.
In Theo's grief, he saw her. She was beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate. She deserved the world. And Theo was inclined to give it to her.
Nonetheless, grief has a waiting period that Theo had no mind to rushing.
He would wait. He would wait for as long as it took for her to be ready, even if that meant never. He would never pressure her one way or another. As long as she found happiness, Theo would be satisfied.
Now, he would find a way to speak with her tonight. As friends for sure, but hopefully more. He looked around at the bushes that surrounded the Courtyard and picked up a Peony. The aroma was sharp and fresh. He tucked it into his jacket pocket and walked into the castle.
The night went swimmingly. It seems that with time, and LOADS of therapy, people understand more and more the reality of war and the choices others make. Everyone was welcoming if not tolerable. It also may have helped that, after Draco passed, the Golden Trio went public with what really happened during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Slytherins were just like everyone else. They were survivors. This was a win by anyone's standards.
Just as Theo was starting to leave, he felt a small hand on his forearm.
“Hi Theo.” Hermione smiled.
Theo turned and gave her a hug. “Hello, beautiful. How are you doing? I know this event wasn't easy for you.”
She leaned into the hug and sighed, “It gets better with time. Thank you for asking. Are you leaving now? I was hoping to get a dance with you before the night was over.”
“I was but I can stay to dance.” He replied.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. “Are you sure you have time? I don't want to keep you from something important!”
Theo smiled warmly, “I'll always have time to dance with you.”
Hermione smiled back and led him to the middle of the dance floor.