Eternity

A/N: Ladies, ladies (or gents, if there happen to be any reading). You truly are an awesome bunch of gals. Your amazing reviews for the last chapter made my week, and you begged so very prettily that I rather thought you deserved this chapter a day early.

A shout out to the lovely BrenaMarie, who recommended Denial on the Petulant Poetess FB page last week. Thank you, BrenaMarie!

And now ... what does Theo have to say for himself???

LB x

He who binds himself to a joy

Does the wingèd life destroy

But he who kisses the joy as it flies

Lives in eternity's sun rise.

- William Blake, Eternity

***

Hermione gaped in disbelief at her husband across the sitting room. She had been expecting his return for many weeks now, but it was still something of a shock to find him in what she had begun to see as her house.

She felt many things as she stared at Theo: anger for everything he had put her through; disgust at the cowardly manner in which he had fled and the devious way in which he had returned; sadness that it had all gone so badly wrong for them. Struggling to remain calm, she crossed the room and placed her mug of tea and her book on the mantelpiece before she let them fall.

"Did you miss me?" Theo asked with a smug smile.

She whirled to face him, suddenly overcome with rage. "You're the most cowardly, underhand, spineless wanker I've ever met in my life," she spat. "So no, I did not miss you."

He chuckled maddeningly. "Fair enough."

She couldn't help herself: she whipped her wand from the pocket of her jeans and cords flew from the tip of her wand, binding Theo where he sat.

He looked down at the ropes around his chest, shocked. "Can't we behave like adults?"

"You hardly behaved like an adult the day you ran away." Hermione took the armchair opposite him, her hands shaking with a mixture of anger and shock. It suddenly occurred to her that he could have been in the house for hours; he could have heard her and Severus in the bedroom, or maybe he'd watched them part at the front door. Panic and guilt joined her already warring emotions. "You hardly behaved like an adult the day you ran away."

"We are not going to resolve anything if I'm tied up," Theo said, twisting in the chair.

She pointed her wand at his face. "I think a few ropes are the least of your problems, Theodore Nott."

Barely able to move his arms, he held up his hands. "Okay, okay. Calm down. I behaved badly. I can't deny it. Would you like an apology?"

She ignored his question and lowered her wand. "How long have you been here?"

"Almost an hour. You weren't here when I arrived." His smirk returned. "Why? Afraid I might have walked in on you and your lover?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. Did he know? She flicked her wand and the ropes disappeared.

Theo sighed and rubbed his arms. He held up his ring finger. "I've had enough of this stupid ring, and seeing as it burned for almost an hour last night and for even longer this morning, I decided it was time we reversed our wedding vows."

Hermione glared at him, relieved he hadn't asked the identity of her lover. "So you can dish it out, but you can't take it, Theo? You weren't one bit concerned when you made my ring burn, but as soon as the roles are reversed, you want out. You're such a selfish bastard." To her surprise, he actually blushed.

"I knew we'd feel it if either of us was unfaithful, but I'd no idea it would be so painful. I might have been more considerate if I'd known," he said. "I didn't mean to cause you so much pain."

Hermione sat back in her armchair and sighed. "Your timing was pretty poor," she said, the anger beginning to fade. "The first time my ring burned was in the middle of Lance's birthday party. An audience of fifty people wasn't ideal."

Theo looked horrified. "My mother knew?"

Hermione nodded. "It was all kept fairly discreet, thanks to Lance's quick thinking. But yes, she knew."

He shrugged. "Well, it would be rather hypocritical of her to criticise my behaviour."

"You know about Everard?" Hermione asked.

Theo looked surprised. "Yes. You know about Everard?"

"I spotted them together in Scotland while I was having dinner with a client," she explained.

"A client? Since when does the Department of Mysteries have clients?" he asked, confused.

Hermione had forgotten how little Theo knew of her current situation. "I no longer work for the Ministry of Magic: I was fired."

"Fired?" he repeated. "You?"

"Yes, me," she said, angry again. "Remember when you abandoned me, Theo? Well, I was rather upset. You might not have cared about being in limbo, but I did. I was angry, upset, ashamed; I curled up into a ball of misery and didn't want to face the world. I didn't turn up at work for two weeks, so they presented me with my dismissal."

"But things had been going so badly between us...I didn't think you would've cared, particularly," he said.

"I didn't care about you; I cared about being a deserted wife. My parents are Muggles. The wizarding world sided with me and believed you were in the wrong, but my parents were terribly upset and would have preferred me to have a clean-cut divorce."

"Why?"

"So that I wasn't still shackled to you; so that I could have another relationship if I wanted," she explained.

Theo gave a wry laugh. "Well, it certainly hasn't stopped you having another relationship. Or has it been more than one?"

"How dare you?" she snarled. "Maybe you've been hopping into bed with every tramp that comes your way, Theo, but there's only been one man for me."

He raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "And that would be?"

"And that would be absolutely none of your business."

"Not my business? You're still my wife, Hermione."

She looked at him in disbelief. "You gave up all your marital rights the day you walked out that door. I owe you absolutely nothing, and my private life is none of your business."

They glared at one another in silence for a moment until Hermione said, "Why did you leave like that, Theo? Why did you sneak away in the middle of the night?"

Theo shrugged. "I'd had enough; I wanted out."

"Why didn't you ask me for a divorce?"

He sighed. "It seemed like such a complication. I just wanted to get out of here; I honestly didn't think you'd want a divorce. I thought, if I asked for one, you might try to make me stay, that you'd start banging on about wanting a baby again."

Hermione's cheeks grew warm. She knew she was not entirely blameless when it came to the disintegration of their marriage. "So you just ran away? Like a coward?"

"Yes, I just ran away. I don't see why it was so wrong."

"It was wrong. I'm not saying that you were the only one to blame for our shambles of a marriage, and perhaps it was time for us to part. But it was the way you did it, Theo."

"You and I come from very different worlds, Hermione. Don't you realise there are marriages of convenience all around us, and that the people in those marriages pursue their pleasures elsewhere?"

"Yes, I do realise that," she said, "but you were wrong to just abandon me. Even your family agrees. You should either have stayed and had an affair, or have divorced me before you left. Your mother was horrified at what you did."

Theo rolled his eyes. "Yes, I got a few Howlers from her. Look, maybe I was wrong, and I'm sorry I got you fired, Hermione, but it gave us some space ... And if we'd divorced, we would have had to remarry by now, thanks to the stupid Marriage Act."

She watched Theodore in silence for a moment. She knew what she wanted of him, and the best way of getting it was by remaining calm. "Why did you marry me, Theo?"

"So that I had the option of travelling, or coming home to Britain if I wanted," he admitted.

"So I was nothing more than a passport?" she asked sadly.

He grunted. "Look, when I graduated from university, I knew I had to leave the country or abide by the law and marry. I couldn't decide, and I talked the subject over with Severus on many occasions. Mum wanted me to marry and have the choice of returning home when I wanted, but Severus knew that any future bride I might have would be unlikely to want to travel for very long. He had almost talked me round, and I was on the verge of moving to Berlin. But then ..."

"And then?"

"I noticed you," he said simply. "I wouldn't have considered marrying any of the other girls, but you just ... caught my eye. I thought you were pretty, clever ... I thought there was a chance we'd be suited."

"I thought so, too," Hermione said. "But I suppose we weren't meant to be. It's strange how it's worked out for everyone. Draco and Susan; Pansy and Michael ... They seem so happy, yet I would never have put them all together. Demelza and Dennis are divorced; Neville and Hannah are separated; Blaise is cheating on Katie. And then there's us."

They looked at one another for a long moment. "How did it get so bad, so fast?" Theo asked, frowning.

Hermione shrugged. "Let's not re-examine all the old issues. We just wanted very different things from life; I don't think either of us is to blame. The biggest mistake we made was these ridiculous rings," she said, twisting her wedding band on her finger. "What on earth made you suggest it, Theo?"

He shook his head. "I don't really know. Some rash impulse to convince both of us that I was really willing to commit, I suppose."

Now that she had recovered from the shock of his return, she took a minute to look him over. He looked happier, somehow, than he had the last time she'd seen him. He looked less haggard, less restless. "What have you been up to since you left? Apart from the obvious," she added, gesturing to his ring.

"The usual," Theo said vaguely. "Travelling, hanging out with Hans. I've bought an apartment in Berlin, so I've been spending a lot of time there these past few weeks."

Hermione grimaced at the mention of Hans.

Theo smiled. "Hans had no sympathy for me when my ring burned," he said. "He thought you deserved to get your own back. It was his suggestion that I return and sort this out. Anyway, what about you? I wasn't sure if you'd still be living here. What did you do after you lost your job?"

She willed her expression to remain neutral. "I've been working for Severus...in his Potions business. He was kind enough to offer me the job after you left, seeing as I was qualified to master's level."

Theo looked surprised. "That must be fun," he said sarcastically. "I never got the impression you particularly liked one another."

Hermione studied her fingernails. "He's not so bad once you get to know him, and the job is fascinating ... I really enjoy it. The money's good, too."

"Rather you than me. His bark has always been worse than his bite, but I don't think I'd like to spend all day in a laboratory with him."

Changing the subject, she said, "So what do we do now, Theo? Will you agree to a divorce?"

He looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "Yes. Will you?"

She met his gaze, knowing she would have to abide by the Marriage Law and remarry in six months if they divorced. If she was single again it would complicate her relationship with Severus, but she wanted to be free of her disastrous marriage. "Yes. I'll agree to a divorce and a magical reversal of the vows if we can work out the details."

Theo gave a small sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear it."

"Have you met someone you'd like to be with?"

He shook his head. "Not particularly, but I'd prefer to be free. Germany hasn't opted for the Marriage Act, and I don't think they will." He looked at her curiously. "If you're determined to stay in Britain, a divorce will mean you have to marry again. This bloke of yours...will you marry him?"

Hermione avoided his gaze and shook her head. "No, I can't marry him."

"He's a Muggle-born?" Theo asked and then smirked. "Or is he already married?"

She shrugged. "It's complicated, and I would rather not discuss it."

He sat forward. "Well, then. To business. I've spent the last few weeks researching British wizarding Marriage Law, and you're entitled to half of everything I own."

"No. I don't want half of everything. The details are negotiable as long as we both agree to them, and there's very little I want. I'm certainly not interested in half your fortune."

"There has to be a settlement of some sort. What do you want?"

She looked around the room. She had come to regard this house as home. Lance's sporadic and often hilarious company was very welcome, and Moe had become a friend and confidante. Hermione had no desire to leave, and she couldn't stand the thought of living further away from Severus. "I want this house. That is, the half of it that's yours. Nothing else."

Theo frowned. "This house? No, I can't agree to that. This is my only property in London. Where am I meant to stay when I visit?"

She glared at him. "I don't give a damn where you stay. Stay in a bloody hotel for all I care. I don't think I'm asking too much of you, Theo: You own a property in Berlin; I know you still own that house in Cambridge...that's hardly far from London. Besides, I know you can afford to buy another property in London, and Cordelia owns another house in Grosvenor Square. You've lots of places to stay."

"You can continue to live here, and half of my share of the property will be yours, but that's all you're entitled to," he said with a scowl.

"Theo," she said, her heart thumping with anger now, "I'm not asking for half of anything else. I want to live here; I want the bottom stories of the house to be mine and mine alone. I can demand half of your Berlin property and half of your money if I want, but I'm willing to waive those rights if you sign over your share of this property to me."

He shook his head. "No."

She rose from her chair. "Theo, I want to continue living here. That's all I'm asking."

"I've already said you can continue living here," he said.

"Yes, but I don't want you wandering in every couple of months if the notion takes you. Would you like it if I could just pop into your apartment in Berlin whenever I feel like it?" she asked, her voice rising.

"Be reasonable, Hermione! Why should I give you the whole fucking house?"

"Why?" Hermione shouted in disbelief. "Because you owe me, you stupid sod. How dare you ask me to be reasonable?" The now cold mug of tea on the mantelpiece shattered, and she looked at it in surprise. It had been a long time since she'd been angry enough to let her magic escape her.

Theo rose and stood facing her, his hands on his hips. "I thought we'd agreed that the failure of our marriage wasn't just my fault?"

"It wasn't just your fault, Theo, but you're the one who walked out, and this is the only concession for which I'm asking."

The stared at each other, both of them fuming.

"No," he said stubbornly. "I won't agree to it."

"Then I won't grant you a divorce," Hermione said though clenched teeth.

They glared at one another, and then, simultaneously, they drew their wands. But before either of them could act, the door was flung open and Lance hobbled in on his cane.

"What's the meaning of this racket? I heard something smashing! What ..." His words died in his throat as he took in the sight of his great nephew. "You!" he cried, shuffling over to Theodore.

Theo lowered his wand. "Hello, Uncle Lance."

Lance brought up his cane up and hit him on the arm. "You stupid boy!"

"Ow!" Theo said, cringing away from his irate uncle.

Lance hit him with the cane again. "You no-good, self-obsessed mummy's boy." He hit him once more.

"Stop hitting me, you crazy old man," Theo said, rubbing his arm. "What's gotten into you?"

Hermione grinned.

"What were you thinking, deserting your wife like that, you silly boy?" Lance asked, brandishing his cane.

"Lance, perhaps you could help us out," Hermione said. "Theo and I have decided we'd like a divorce, but we're struggling with the terms and conditions."

"You better give her everything she deserves," Lance said, narrowing his eyes at Theo. "I used to think you were an all right sort of lad, until you ran away like a lily-livered juvenile."

"There's only one thing I want, but Theo is reluctant to grant me that one favour. I'm glad you're here, Lance, because it would also require your approval," said Hermione.

Lance continued to glare at Theodore, but lowered his cane. "What have you asked of him, Hermione?"

"I want his half of this house and nothing more," she said. "I will comply with whatever your wishes are as to whom you eventually bequeath your share of the property, Lance."

Lance gave a snort. "Well, I've no intention of popping my clogs just yet, so we can cross that particular bridge when we come to it." He returned his scrutiny to Theo. "Why won't you give her the house, boy?"

"Where am I meant to stay if I wish to return to London?" he asked.

"Where do you stay when you visit Paris? Or Rome?" Lance asked.

Theo frowned. "With relatives or friends, or in a hotel."

Lance shrugged. "Well, that's what you'll do when you visit London. Your family live here, you moron. Stay with your mother; stay with Gawain; stay in the Dorchester or the Savoy. You're hardly short a few bob."

Hermione glanced at Theo: he didn't look pleased to find his uncle was siding with her.

"You and I have shared this property since I turned seventeen, Uncle Lance," Theo said sulkily. "Don't you care that I won't be around anymore?"

Lance rolled his eyes. "Stop playing the sentimental Nancy-boy, Theodore Nott. Have you ever stayed here for long? No! You take off around the world with that no-good cousin of yours, puffing the magic dragon, if you'll pardon the expression. Hermione, on the other hand, has been marvellous company for Moe and me. She works just across the road, too. Give her the house, Theo. You know I'll miss you, but it's the least you can do for her."

Theo crossed his arms and moved his furious glare from Lance to Hermione. Finally, he gave a disgruntled sigh. "Fine, she can have the bloody house."

Lance beamed. "That's more like it! Now, come here and give your old uncle a hug."

Shaking his head, Theo crossed the short space and hugged his uncle, rolling his eyes at Hermione over the tiny man's head.

Hermione smiled, feeling rather choked up at Lance's defence of her and delighted that she could continue to live in the house.

Lance stepped away from his nephew and thumped him in the arm with his cane again.

"Ouch! You insane old bat," Theo said. "What the hell was that for?"

"Never treat a good woman like that again!" Lance said, wagging a bony finger at Theo. "Now. When are you going to file for divorce?"

"Tomorrow morning, I guess," Hermione said, looking at Theo for confirmation. He nodded enthusiastically. "The Ministry of Magic opens at nine, and it should only take a few hours for the divorce to be granted. We'll probably both be free and single this time tomorrow."

Lance frowned at Hermione's left hand. "You've still got the problem of your wedding bands. The magical vows require powerful magical reversal, and there are precious few witches or wizards who are familiar with the appropriate incantations."

Both Hermione and Theo's faces fell.

"The rings were forged in Reykjavik," Theo said. "Do we have to go there to have them removed? Iceland is too far for Apparition."

Lance shook his head. "I don't believe so, and I think the solution may be closer than we think." He looked pointedly at Hermione. "I think we know someone who has some experience when it comes to Fidelity Vows...someone who has probably, in the past, done his research on exactly how to reverse the magic with which those rings are imbued."

Hermione gasped. "I think you may be right, Lance. Do you think he'll know the incantations?"

"I'm almost sure of it," Lance said, hobbling back to the door. "I would seek his aid if I were you." He gave Hermione a meaningful glance as he passed and then left the room.

Theo looked confused. "Who's he talking about?"

She paused and said, "Severus."

"Severus? Why would Severus know how to reverse the vows? He and my mother had a civil ceremony without any magical vows."

"I think he knew someone who took a vow of fidelity," she said, afraid of revealing too much. "Should we ask him to come over?" She knew Theo was unlikely to want to see his mother or Severus.

He rubbed his brow. "I suppose we'd better. Can you send him a message without letting my mother know I'm here? I'd rather this was all done and dusted before I see her."

Hermione nodded. She cast her Patronus and watched fondly as the silvery otter sprung through the window and disappeared from view. "Now, we wait."

She took a seat in her favourite armchair, and Theo stood by the fireplace.

"Haven't you been in contact at all with your mother, Theo?"

"I sent her a note to let her know I was fine after I left, but apart from that, no. I haven't seen her or spoken to her. I imagine I'll get quite a tongue-lashing from her when I see her ... Damaging the family honour and all that."

"I'm sure she'll forgive you. I don't think she was ever exactly fond of me."

He raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that? I thought she quite liked you."

She shrugged. "Whether she likes me or not is immaterial, really. You're her only child, so I'm sure you'll be welcomed back with open arms."

Theo looked unconvinced. "Yes, well, Lance didn't seem too happy to see me."

Before Hermione could respond, they heard the creak of the front door. "Hermione?" Severus called.

"In the sitting room," she replied.

The door opened and Severus stepped into the room, his black robes billowing behind him. "Is something the matter? Your message ..." He stopped as soon as he laid eyes on Theo.

"You!" he snarled, pulling his wand from beneath his cloak and pointing it at his stepson.

Theo was flung across the opposite side of the room until he was flush against the wall, gasping for breath as if invisible hands held him by the neck. His fingers groped uselessly at his throat.

Hermione sprang from her chair as Severus strode across the floor, his dark eyes flashing with livid intent. "Severus, no!"

Severus stopped only inches from Theodore's face, his wand almost touching the younger man's nose. "Have you any idea how much anguish you caused her when you ran away like the coward you are?" he growled, his yellow teeth bared.

Hermione reached his side. "Severus, let him go!" she begged.

He ignored her. "Not that you care, but she cried for weeks when you left, you selfish bastard."

Theo was struggling to breathe, and Hermione's eyes filled with tears.

"Severus, please," she whispered, putting her hand on his forearm. "Don't do this on my account. You know we are both far happier apart than we ever were together."

Severus looked at her hand upon his arm and then met her gaze. Slowly, he lowered his wand, and Theo slumped against the wall, his hands on his knees, coughing and spluttering.

Shooting him a look of deepest loathing, Severus replaced his wand beneath his robes. "Tell me why I shouldn't hex him where he stands?" he asked, meeting Hermione's gaze once more.

"Because we both made a stupid mistake when we got married, Severus." She glanced at Theo, who had recovered and was regarding them curiously. "And if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here now; I wouldn't have a job that I love."

She looked back up at Severus and their gazes locked; she knew he understood that she meant they never would have gotten together if Theo had not left as he had. He stepped away from his stepson and crossed the room to lean against the mantelpiece.

Theo stood up straight and glared at Hermione. "Have you Confounded all the male members of my family?" he said, massaging his neck.

She smirked. "No, you've done that all by yourself."

"So what has brought you crawling back to London, Theo?" Severus drawled. "Missing mummy?"

Theo narrowed his eyes at his stepfather. "This has brought me back," he spat, holding up his ring finger.

"Aw," Severus said with mock sympathy. "Has Miss Granger been a naughty girl? Had a little revenge? Unless I'm very much mistaken, Theodore, you were the first one to, shall we say, go astray? Right in the middle of one of your mother's dinner parties, in fact."

"So I believe," Theo replied. "I mightn't have done it if I'd known how much pain I was causing."

"Your concern is touching," Severus said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. He looked at Hermione. "Why has my presence been requested?"

"We've agreed to a divorce," Hermione said, watching Severus's reaction. "But we also need our vows to be magically reversed."

"I see," Severus said, his expression remaining neutral.

"Lance said you might be able to help us," Theo added.

Severus arched an eyebrow. "Did he, indeed?"

"Is it true?" Hermione asked. "Do you know how to reverse the magic of the rings?"

He looked from Hermione to Theo. "It's not something I've ever attempted before, but yes, I believe I have an understanding of the process involved, and I'm familiar with the required incantations."

"Will you do it?" she asked.

He considered the question, running the tip of his finger along his lower lip. "If you wish it. At the very worst, I'll fail to reverse the vows; there should be no ill effects if something goes wrong."

Hermione and Theo both nodded.

"Let's give it a go," Theo said.

"Do you need time to research the method and the incantations, Severus?" Hermione asked.

He shook his head. "My recollection of the incantations is quite clear; I've no need to review them."

Hermione knew he must have learned the method by heart when he was at Hogwarts, with the intention of one day freeing his mother from the torture of her burning ring.

Severus withdrew his wand and stepped away from the fireplace. "The process is comprised of two components: First, the vows you made during the marriage ceremony must be revoked; second, the magic with which the rings are imbued must be reversed."

He beckoned to them to stand before him. "You faced one another when your vows were made, and in order to reverse them, you must stand facing away from each other, back to back."

They did as they were told and stood facing in opposite directions, their backs touching. After whispering a brief incantation that Hermione had never heard before, Severus reiterated each of the marriage vows they had taken and asked if they wished to reverse that particular promise, the tip of his wand glowing with blue light each time they retracted a vow. He came, at last, to the vow of fidelity.

"Hermione Granger Nott," he said. "You agreed to remain faithful to your husband, Theodore Nott, for as long as you both were wed. Do you wish to revoke and reverse this vow of fidelity?"

Hermione winced as her Goblin wrought ring grew suddenly hot. "Yes, I do," she said emphatically.

Severus placed the tip of his wand to her ring, and their gazes met before he turned to Theo. "Theodore Nott. You agreed to remain faithful to your wife, Hermione Granger Nott, for as long as you both were wed. Do you wish to revoke and reverse this vow of fidelity?"

Theo grunted, and Hermione knew his ring had begun to burn, too. "Yes, I do," Theo said through clenched teeth.

Severus pressed his glowing wand to Theo's ring, and both Hermione and Theo gasped as the burning increased.

"They're burning," Hermione said, alarmed.

"That is to be expected," Severus said. "They will burn until their magic is completely undone. I need you to turn and face me, but it is of vital significance that you do not make eye contact until I tell you it is advisable to do so."

They turned to face him, both of them frowning at their wedding bands.

"Hold your left hands out," Severus instructed, "but do not allow your hands to touch."

Hermione and Theo did as they were told, and Hermione watched in fascination as Severus placed his wand between their hands and began to chant rapidly in Latin, his voice so light and the words coming so quickly that it was almost like song. She watched his face, admiring the way his brow was furrowed in concentration, the way his black eyes reflected the blue light of his wand. The spell was a powerful one...she could tell that much from the level of magical effort he was putting into the task, and she looked on in awe as he emanated more magical strength than anyone she had ever seen.

The spell went on for many minutes, but eventually Severus tapped his wand first to Hermione's ring and then to Theo's. Hermione watched, stunned, as the burning sensation stopped and the Goblin wrought ring glowed with a bright, white light before disappearing completely from her finger.

"It's gone," she said, fascinated. "The ring's completely disappeared!" She held her hand out before her in amazement, wriggling her fingers.

"Mine too," Theo said with a smile. "Thank you, Severus."

Severus grunted in reply and stowed his wand within the folds of his cloak once more. He glared at his stepson. "I understand the reasons why you ended your marriage, Theo, but I'm gravely disappointed with the manner in which you chose to leave. It was both ungallant and unkind."

Theo bravely held his gaze. "We all make mistakes, Severus. I will not deny I've behaved badly, and I regret any distress I caused Hermione."

Hermione and Severus exchanged a glance. "Do you intend to seek a divorce in addition to having reversed your magical vows?" Severus asked.

"Yes," Theo replied. "We've agreed the terms and we intend to seek a divorce first thing tomorrow morning."

"The terms?" Severus asked.

"Theo has agreed to sign over his half of this property to me," Hermione explained. "I want nothing more."

"Neither of you will suffer any further from the Goblin wrought rings. Are you sure it's wise to divorce?" Severus asked, frowning. "Hermione's life, in particular, could be greatly complicated by the Marriage Act if she becomes single again."

"It's what I want, Severus," Hermione said. "I want to be free of this, and so does Theo. I'll deal with the legal consequences as they arise."

They regarded one another in silence, the dread of the upheaval this would cause in their relationship almost palpable.

"Very well," Severus said finally. "I will bid you both good day."

"I'll see you to the door," Hermione said.

Before he left the room, Severus turned to Theo. "I suggest you visit your mother before you leave the country, Theo. I suspect she has missed you, and I know she has been worried about you."

Theo nodded. "I'll speak to her tomorrow, after our divorce is official."

With a brief nod, Severus left the room, Hermione behind him. She closed the front door, and they stood on the pavement outside.

"You're certain this is what you want?" he asked. "Don't just grant him a divorce because he has asked for one, Hermione."

She shook her head. "I want to be free of this marriage, Severus. I don't want to be a part of the Mill family anymore." They looked at one another, and she longed to touch him. "I know, Severus. I know this will complicate things, but I want to be rid of him once and for all."

He inclined his head and stepped away from her. "It is your decision. I'll see you on Tuesday morning."

Hermione watched as he took another step away from her and Disapparated with a crack. Uttering a deep sigh, she opened the front door and returned to the sitting room.

"Well," she said, smiling nervously at Theo. "We're halfway there."

Theo was standing by the fireplace, a strange expression on his face.

"Is something the matter?" she asked. "Aren't you relieved to be free of the ring?"

He crossed his arms and frowned at her. "So," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "You've been shagging my mother's husband?"

In shock, Hermione reacted automatically: she slapped him soundly across the face. "How dare you say that?"

Theo gave a short laugh and raised his hand to his jaw. "What a homecoming: three physical attacks in the space of an hour." He gazed at her. "You deny you're seeing Severus?"

No-one had yet asked her outright like this, and even though her heart was hammering in panic, she didn't want to deny she was seeing Severus. Stalling, she asked, "Why would you say such a thing, Theo?"

"Do you think I'm stupid, Hermione? I saw the meaningful looks that passed between you ..."

"He was concerned about us, that's all," she insisted. "He's been kind to me since you left."

"I might not have noticed, but when you touched his arm and he looked at you, my ring began to tingle." He held up his now bare left hand. "It started to itch, the way it does just before it starts to burn, the moment your eyes met." He frowned at her again. "Something's going on between you and Severus. He's the man you can't marry."

Hermione looked at him, wide-eyed, lost for words. She had felt that same tingle on many occasions before her ring had burned.

"Do you deny it?" he asked.

"I've already told you that my private life is absolutely none of your business," she said. "And given the fact that your mother has been seeing another man for years, I'm sure Severus is free to see whomever he chooses."

Theo shot her a triumphant glance and bent to retrieve his travelling cloak from the arm of the nearest chair. "Don't worry, Hermione. I've no intention of ratting you in to my mum. As you say, it's none of my business." He strode to the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked, alarmed.

"To visit Draco. I'll spend the night at my place in Cambridge, and I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Nine o'clock?" she asked.

He nodded. "Nine o'clock. I'll meet you in the Atrium at the Ministry."

Hermione chewed her lip as he left the room and slammed the front door behind him. She lowered herself into the closest armchair, her knees suddenly weak. It had been quite a morning.

***

The following afternoon, she stood in the bright, golden light of the Ministry of Magic Atrium. Gone was the forbidding sculpture of the throned witch and wizard that had filled the massive space during Voldemort's reign: the Fountain of Magical Brethren had been rebuilt.

Hermione and Theo stopped at the first fireplace they came to.

Hermione faced her former husband, her newly drafted divorce papers clasped in one hand. She extended the other. "Goodbye, Theo," she said with a small smile.

He shook her hand and returned her smile. "Goodbye, Hermione. I'm sorry for ... well ... everything, I suppose."

She shrugged. "I'm sorry, too." She searched inside her robes and extracted her solitaire engagement ring. "Here...you should take this," she said, holding the sparkling ring out to him.

"No!" he insisted, holding up his hands. "I bought it for you; you should keep it."

She shook her head. "I don't want it. I'd prefer if you took it back."

He reluctantly took the ring from her and put it in the pocket of his jeans. An awkward silence fell between them. They eventually spoke simultaneously.

"I guess I should ..."

"I better go and ..."

Hermione giggled, and Theo grinned. "I'm going to Floo straight to Mum's house before I head back to Berlin," Theo said. "It's about time I let her have a good rant at me."

She nodded. "I'm going to go home. My parents are probably both at work: I'll tell them later tonight. How do you think Cordelia will take it?"

"I think she'll be pleased we sorted it all out," he said. "And don't worry, I won't mention anything about ... you know ... you and Severus."

She knew she should deny it, insist there was nothing going on between them, but she simply hadn't the heart, and for some reason she couldn't explain, she knew Theo wouldn't say anything to Cordelia. "Thank you, Theo. I'd appreciate that."

They shook hands again, and she turned to approach the next vacant fireplace.

"Hermione?" he asked before she could walk away.

She turned to him once more.

"Do you love him?"

She opened her mouth to deny it, to tell him to mind his own business, but she was emotionally drained, and her shoulders suddenly sagged. "Yes, Theo. I love him." She laughed at her own stupidity and shook her mop of brown curls. "Tragic, isn't it?"

He laughed. "Brave, I'd call it. He's a difficult man. But a good one, I suppose." He took a handful of Floo Powder from the pot next to the fireplace. "Good luck, Hermione," he said and disappeared in a rush of green flames.

She gazed at the spot where he had vanished, hoping she hadn't just made an incredibly foolish mistake. With a troubled smile, she strolled to the next fireplace, feeling simultaneously freer and entirely more trapped than she ever had in her entire life.

***

On Tuesday morning she pushed open the front door of Severus and Cordelia's house, hoping her former mother-in-law would not be inside. The hallway was empty, and she made her way down the stairs to the laboratory.

She felt the same rush of pleasure she always did when she found Severus already at his bench, his black-clothed back to the door, steam issuing from his cauldron. Her back against the door, she stood there for a moment, watching him, wondering what changes the next six months would bring to her already complicated life.

"Good morning," he said without turning to face her.

She left the door and walked to her workbench. "Good morning, Severus."

He cast a Stasis Charm on his potion and turned to face her. Their gazes locked, and they regarded one another for a very long moment in silent acknowledgement of the fact that things had changed irrevocably.

"So," he said finally. "You are officially Miss Granger once again."

She gave him a crooked smile. "Yes, the bane of your classroom."

He continued to look at her. "I don't know whether congratulations or commiserations are in order."

Hermione sighed. "Severus, I know this complicates everything, but can we just continue as we were for the moment? The law allows me six months; I'll think this through another day."

He gave her a small nod and returned to his work. "As you wish," he said.

She took her wand from beneath her robes and began to Summon jars and phials from the shelves, imagining she could hear the ticking of some giant, phantom clock.

She had six months.

The countdown had begun.