When he returned, he was quiet for the rest of the morning and afternoon.

Theo Nott arrived on Thursday evening. As he stepped through the Floo and into Draco's bedroom, he didn't seem at all surprised to find Draco perfectly healthy.

"Ah. That curse did some serious damage, Draco," he said with a smirk. "You've never looked worse."

"I'm still ten times more handsome than you, so—"

"That's enough," said Hermione sharply. "Have a seat, Theo. Please."

Theo smirked and plopped down in one of Draco's armchairs, swinging his leg up to cross at the knee. Hermione sat down in the chair opposite him, giving Draco a meaningful look.

Draco mumbled under his breath before shuffling over to his desk, where they'd call for a serving tray with a bottle of Firewhisky. He filled a glass with Firewhisky and returned to Theo's side, offering it to him.

Theo looked at the glass, then up to Draco, and said with an innocent smile, "Ice, please."

Draco glared down at him, and his knuckles turned white around the tumbler. Hermione rolled her eyes as he nodded stiffly and walked back to the serving tray to add ice.

"A strange location for a friend to pay a call, Draco," Theo said, glancing around the bedroom. They'd tidied up earlier, making the bed and putting away their books. "I'm flattered, but I really don't think introducing a third partner will help your sex life—"

The Firewhisky tumbler slammed down on the tray, and Hermione jumped.

"We just didn't want to be overheard," she said with a scowl as Draco returned with Theo's glass.

Theo took it with a smile. "So what's this about?"

Draco sat down, took a deep breath, and said, "Does your father have a Pensieve."

Theo blinked at him. "Whose memories are you looking at?"

"None of your—"

"The less you know the better, Theo," Hermione interrupted. "Trust me."

He looked between them and furrowed his brow. "He doesn't, no."

Disappointment churned in her stomach, but she quickly recovered.

"Would you help us obtain one?"

His eyes narrowed at her. "Why? Does this have to do with the tattoos?"

"Yes." The room was silent, apart from the swirling of Theo's ice. "We wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

Theo hesitated for another moment, then blew out a quick breath. "Alright. The most I can do is ask around when I'm in Knockturn this weekend." He eyed Draco as he brought the glass to his lips. "Owls are being monitored, so I'll have to visit again if I have news."

Draco nodded. "Of course."

"Your father won't be suspicious?"

"No. He's out of the country. The Dark Lord isn't happy about Edinburgh, but my father has sworn that his new wards will be 'even more powerful.'" Theo's expression darkened. "He's working with an old associate of his. Some Swiss bloke."

Hermione took this in, her stomach turning at the idea of stronger wards at Edinburgh.

"Is anyone else in hot water?" Draco asked.