Free || Vivian & Theo

[VIVIAN HOPE BLACKWELL]

Vivian was absolutely exhausted. She was sitting in her potions lesson, her head resting in her hand, her eyes glazed over, not even trying to look as though she was paying attention, even though Professor Slughorn was looking right at her. He asked her a question, and she mustered up enough energy to delicately raise one eyebrow at him. He glared, then moved on.

There were dark rings under her eyes, and Vivian knew she had looked better. But she hadn't been able to sleep at all last night. Ever since she had agreed with Theo that she would try, she had been having nightmares. Every night, without fail, horrible ones that often featured her parents quite heavily. A few times she had cried out in her sleep, which she knew because she woke to very disgruntled room mates. Not that she cared. It was her own sleep she was worried about.

Finally, after what was surely much longer than an hour, Professor Slughorn dismissed them. Vivian packed up her bag, and once again joined the crowd moving towards the door. She knew who she'd find there, because he almost always met her after this class. She and Theo shared the free that came after it.

She was also not surprised, when she finally reached him, to find a couple of girls in her class standing around him, gazing up at him as though the sun shone out of his arse.

"...are you going to the ball, Theo?"

Vivian caught the end of what was surely a fascinating conversation as she approached them. She was in no mood, and she didn't even have the energy to come up with something witty to say.
"Oh, move!" she said, as she shoved the girl who had been talking aside. She and her friend hurried off, with mutterings of 'so rude!'

"Hi." Vivian said, looking up at Theo, but then...

"Theo, m'boy!" Professor Slughorn appeared at Vivian's shoulder, beaming at Theo. Sluggy loved Theo. He hadn't at first, not when he'd found out that Theo's father had been a Death Eater (well, Nott Sr, anyway), but Theo was excellent at potions, and now that Voldemort was gone Slughorn didn't seem to mind Death Eaters so much. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Vivian grabbed Theo by the elbow and dragged him away. Honestly, could she not have her friend to herself for one damn minute!

"Careful Theo, or Sluggy will pop the question soon," she said, irritably. She starting to walk out of the dungeons. She thought they could go to the lake, and she knew Theo would follow even if she didn't say where they were actually going. She yawned, putting a hand up to her mouth, before looking up at Theo and noticing that he looked unusually happy about something.
"What's up with you?" she said, slightly grumpily, although she knew Theo would never take her seriously.

note ; sorry for the unimaginative thread name

[THEODORE JACOB NOTT]

Theo only had to sit through two classes before he had a free, and part of him cursed those classes. If he hadn’t had them he could still be in the forest, he could still be speaking with his father, he could still be bonding with the man he knew so little about. He wanted to know everything. He wanted to know what he liked, what he was good at, what he did for fun. He couldn’t imagine being cooped up and on the run like his father and his uncle, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to be told about what it was like. He wanted to know everything there was to know, to share everything he could with his father.

Still, even with the two classes he sat through he was still inexplicably happy as he walked through the halls with a grin on his face. He made his way toward the Potions room after Defense Against the Dark Arts and waited for Vivian. Classes were sure to get out soon and he’d spend this free with Vivian like he did most days .Every once in awhile a forgotten homework assignment would creep up on him and he’d not be able to hang out, but, that was very rare. Theo was surprisingly good at handing in quality work on time. He wasn’t stupid and he knew how important grades were whether he wanted them to be or not. He’d never really considered what he would do after Hogwarts. After he graduated what doors would be open for him? With his views and his past? Would anyone want to hire him? He could become an alchemist. Merlin, now that was something he would love. In fact, perhaps just working in an apothecary could be fun. Well, at least that was a start.

He was leaning against a wall as students came bursting from inside the Potions room. One gaggle of girls giggled as they passed by him. He offered a grin and wave and one of them squealed as they left. Theo’s eyes widened but the smirk never left his face. He felt like he was on top of the world, and not even squealing fangirls was going to ruin that. Another group of girls exited the room.

”Oh I’m so excited for the ball,” the one girl sighed out like a lovestruck puppy, making sure she was loud enough for Theo to hear. Theo continued to smirk and the other girl nodded eagerly before looking up at him.

”Are you going to the ball Theo?” the first girl asked, and Theo smirked. He’d been about to say something, but he saw Vivian approaching from behind them and he was much more interested to see what she was going to do. And her reaction didn’t disappoint in the slightest as she shoved one of the girls out of the way. Theo let out a laugh as the two of them ran away and he grinned at Vivian. She said hi and he gave her a little wave, but then Slughorn was there. Theo grinned at Slughorn. As much as he hadn’t liked Theo when he was younger Theo knew he was now one of Sluggy’s best students. He took pride in that fact. What Slytherin wouldn’t, really? Pride was one of their trademark traits, and currently in that moment Theo was full of it. Proud of himself, proud of his father, proud of his achievements. He wondered if Rabastan was any good at Potions…

”Nice to see you professor!” Theo laughed over his shoulder with a wave as Vivian dragged him away. She seemed in a foul mood, but her comment of sluggy popping the question he laughed, but he simply shrugged in reply. He could see the circles under her eyes and he wondered what was going on. But she beat him to the punch as he began to follow her to wherever it was that they were going. After seven years he’d learned not to ask questions.

”Nothing’s up with me. What’s up with you, grump?” he asked nudging her lightly with his elbow.

[/blockquote]

[VIVIAN HOPE BLACKWELL]

Theo really was in an intolerably good mood, especially when Vivian wanted to be moody. She didn't do well on little sleep, and wasn't exactly the kind to pretend to be happy when she wasn't, for the sake of those around her (hah!).

Vivian rolled her eyes as Theo said there was nothing up with him, and wrinkled her nose as he called her 'grump'. Wow, there was a nickname she sure hope stuck. They walked through the castle doors, and she started to steer them towards the lake.
"Sure," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Urgh, wait, its not something gross, is it?" she wrinkled her nose again, and when she spoke next it was in a mock baby voice, "Did Greengrass say she loved you thiiiisss much?" she held out her hands to indicate just how much, then dropped them, rolling her eyes again. If she had to hear mushy stories she might just vomit.

They made it to the lake, and Vivian flopped down by the side of it. The ground was cold, but she didn't really care. She had her cloak on. Her bright blonde hair stood out starkly against the black, falling in a tumble of waves. Even without a good night sleep, she looked like something out of a fairy tale.

A tentacle rose out of the water, and started creeping towards Vivian. When it reached her, it flicked at her hair, and Vivian swatted it away. It swatter her back, and she rolled her eyes, before lifting up a hand and letting it coil around her finger. Oddly enough, Vivian had formed something of a bond with the Giant Squid. Although some people wouldn't be surprised that the only animal that really liked Vivian was a sea monster. They were both cold blooded, after all...

"If you must know," she said, in response to his earlier question, playing with the Squid absent mindedly, letting it coil its tentacle around her hand while her attention was on Theo, "I haven't really been sleeping. No thanks to you," she scowled at him, although she wasn't mad, not really. Just grumpy. "Feel things, Vivian," she said in a deep tone, mocking Theo's voice. "It'll be great Vivian, you deserve it Vivian..."

[THEODORE JACOB NOTT]

Vivian clearly didn’t believe that nothing was up with him, and he smirked slightly. He’d always considered himself a pretty good liar, but apparently not. Not that he was really trying to hide his practical giddiness. He could lie and say he was just glad his hangover was gone, because Merlin knew he was thankful for that. But Vivian seemed to draw a different conclusion from his mood and het let out another laugh, immediately shaking his head. The tone she’d used to mock Daphne was hilarious, whether he wanted to admit it or not. But no, no. This had absolutely nothing to do with Daphne Greengrass.

”Not even close, but feel free to keep guessing,” he said with a smirk as Vivian rolled her eyes. Was the idea of he and Daphne loving each other really that repulsive for her? That was just a shame, though he wasn’t really sure if he loved Daphne. It had been years of building up to this point and while they both seemed to fancy each other like there was no tomorrow… Love was a strong word that he really knew very a little about. He wasn’t even sure he could name the amount of people in this world he loved on more than one hand. He wasn’t even sure he could fill one hand.

They’d exited the castle and headed to the black lake. There was a chill in the air and Theo was thankful he was in his cloak. The black cloak seemed to swallow him whole as his dark curls hung heavily over his face. He probably should…no, no, he couldn’t even fathom the idea. The last time he’d gotten a haircut it was unmerciful and completely against his will. Stupid bet. He closed his eyes for a moment remembering what had happened that day. Merlin how he wanted to absolutely murder the entire Quidditch team, and Vivian too. She’d been there laughing at him. Stupid girl. But still a smirk remained on his face as Vivian began speaking as he sat down beside her.

He watched as the tentacle rose from the water and contorted his face into one of disgust as Vivian practically allowed the giant squid to use her as a plaything. What if it got angry all of a sudden and just dragged her into the water? He doubted that would happen, but still… what if? He wasn’t about to go jumping into the water after her. Okay, that was a lie, he probably would immediately, but the water was probably freezing and he just really didn’t want to think about all of that right now, so instead he focused his brain on the words that were leaving her lips. He frowned at her sarcasm for only a moment before pushing her slightly on the shoulder.

”Don’t be such a spoilsport, it will be well worth it. You’ve just got to sleep better,” he said throwing a wink in her direction. ”I can probably make you something that would make you sleep better, if you wanted.” He shrugged after the offer, trying to let her know that it wouldn’t be a big deal if she wanted him to make her something. He didn’t want her losing sleep. She already seemed to dislike the idea of feeling altogether already, so the more he could to do lessen the transition the better.

[/blockquote]

[VIVIAN HOPE BLACKWELL]

Vivian saw the look of disgust on Theo's face as the Giant Squid's tentacles crept out of the water towards her, and would have rolled her eyes if she hadn't already done so many times. She didn't want to be predictable.

"Honestly, Theo," she said, "you're not still scared of him, are you?" Vivian had decided long ago that the Giant Squid was a 'him'. "He doesn't bite... actually, I don't know, he might well do. Do they have teeth?" She looked at the tentacle and twisted her hand, playfully.

Vivian had never been scared of the Giant Squid, not even in her first year, probably because she didn't feel scared (well, she never used to. Now she did, that was for sure). She had played with it, and teased it, and it seemed fond of her. Seven years had passed, and it hadn't done more than swat at her playfully. But Theo still looked at it as though it were about to drag her to the depths of the lake. Vivian turned over, and lay down on her front, facing the edge of the lake. She let her hand trail lazily through the water, and the Squids tentacles followed.
"Play nice, or I'll sic him on you," she said, glancing at Theo and smiling slightly (the first smile she'd cracked all day) before looking back to the lake. Obviously, she'd never do that. But it was an interesting idea. She wondered what would happen if someone attacked her near the lake. Vivian quite liked the idea of having the wrath of a sea monster behind her. It conjured up an interesting image.
"He doesn't like you," she said to the water, like she was talking to a pet. Another tentacle rose out, and flicked some water at Theo. Vivian grinned.

Theo said that she needed to sleep better, and Vivian looked at him sideways.
"Want to help me with that?" she said suggestively, throwing him a wink. She turned back to the lake, and seemed to realise what she'd said after the fact. It wasn't so much what she had said (she teased Theo all the time, it was harmless and he knew it) but more the fact that she had said it. When she had first returned to the castle, there was no way she'd have joked with him the way she had been doing today.

Turned out Theo did want to help her sleep, though not in that way. He suggested a potion of some sort, and Vivian frowned. It would be nice to be able to sleep, but a potion probably wouldn't stop the nightmares. At least now, when she had a nightmare, she could wake up. She didn't at all like the prospect of being trapped in sleep.
"No," she said, finally, shaking her head. "Its not sleeping that's the problem, its what happens when I do." She probably should have said 'thanks' or something, but it didn't occur to her. Theo knew how glad she was that he was there for her. Did she really have to repeat herself at every small gesture?

"Anyway, if its not Greengrass that's got you gooey, what is it?" She asked. Her curiosity was piqued. Sure, it was great that Theo was happy, but it wasn't like him to seem so sunny and optimistic. She'd have to find him some Hufflepuff robes if he kept it up.

[THEODORE JACOB NOTT]

Vivian questioned whether or not he was scared of the giant squid. She started talking about whether or not it had teeth and Theo shivered slightly. ”I don’t know. I don’t really want to think about,” he said sneering lightly. Vivian didn’t seem to think that the giant squid was such a big deal, but it still skeeved Theo out to no end. She laid in front of the lake and Theo raised a brow, wondering what she was up to. She started talking to the lake like the giant squid was some kind of pet or something. She told him to play nice or she’d sic the giant squid on him and his eyes narrowed at her. Firstly that wasn’t a funny. Secondly, that wasn’t funny! But he ignored her as she told the lake that Theo didn’t like it. in return the giant squid flicked water at him. He stood there, an unamused look across his face as he narrowed his eyes further at Vivian.

”Now I really don’t like you,” he said seriously toward the lake, but he was thankful that the squid was too preoccupied with Vivian to pay any attention to his words. Vivian asked if he wanted to help her sleep and he smirked lightly as she threw a wink in his direction. It was odd for her to be making such a joke after everything she’d been through, and the realization brought a smile to his face.

”Nah. How about you ask your pet?” he shot back with a cocky smirk before lying back on the grass and staring at the clouds. She could play with the squid all she wanted, but he’d have no part of it whatsoever. She clarified that sleeping wasn’t the problem, but it was what happened when she did. So she was having nightmares. He pushed himself up on his elbows as he stared at her, wondering what she could be having nightmares about. It wasn’t hard to figure out, though, so he didn’t bother asking the question aloud. He just stared at her for a moment, wishing that somehow he’d find a way to take her nightmares away if he could.

But then she changed the subject to something that he wasn’t really sure he wanted to talk about. Sure he didn’t exactly try and hide his good mood, but when it came right down to it… Did he want to tell her? So soon after his father had told him not to trust her? So soon after Rabastan had told him to think really hard before he told anyone about what had happened. He stayed quiet for a moment, just staring at Vivian for a moment. He thought about how she’d taken the fall for him with the letter, about the first time they met, about how she promised to try and feel. And in that moment he decided that if she trusted him enough to be beside her through trying to feel again, then he could trust her with this.

”I… I met my dad this morning… when I was walking through the forbidden forest.”

[/blockquote]

[VIVIAN HOPE BLACKWELL]

Vivian smiled as Theo told the Squid he really didn't like it. She didn't think she'd ever get what his big problem was. Sure the Squid wasn't particularly pretty... but as a member of the beautiful elite herself, Vivian could safely say it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Maybe if she wasn't part Veela, her step dad would have left her alone?

Then Theo said that maybe he should ask her pet to help her sleep, and she shot him a shocked look.
"Theodore Nott!" She said, before sticking out her tongue at him just about as far as it would go. "Whatever kind of sick fantasies you have on your own time are just fine, but leave me out of them!"

She rolled her eyes, and then turned away from the Giant Squid, rolling over so she was lying on her back next to Theo, her eyes closed. It was bright out, and although it wasn't particularly warm, Vivian still enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her face. Night times were becoming a real ordeal for her. It was nice to lay here in the bright sun, with night kept so far at bay.

”I… I met my dad this morning… when I was walking through the forbidden forest.”

Vivian opened her eyes, and propped herself up on her elbow so she could look at Theo. That was... unexpected. Vivian knew that he didn't mean Theodore Nott Sr. Theo meant the man who was his real father, the man they'd tried to send the letter to. Rabastan Lestrange.

It wasn't often that Vivian was at a loss for words, but right now she was. She looked in Theo's eyes, and saw he was nervous. But he was happy too, surely, that was why he'd been so happy today. Which was good... that meant it had gone well.

"Okay..." she said, slowly. Clearly there was more to this story, and she could tell Theo wanted to talk about it. She wanted him to know he could trust her, but was at a loss as to how to let him know... then she supposed she should just say it. Theo wanted her to feel things, and if she was really trying then talking about things had to be part of that. If she wanted Theo to know something she should just... say it.
"You can tell me anything, Theo." she said, quietly, her voice soft but still serious. She really meant it. She'd never give him up, or betray him. She'd go to Azkaban before she did that. Hell, she'd even go back to her parents.