Nott, I
She knew she shouldn't be there. To be mixed up with this trial was to ask for trouble but there was no stopping her from coming. Theo was in danger and she would not leave him alone. She might not be able to talk to him and he might not even know she was there but a part of her believed it would help. Who, she wasn't as sure but that was her friend down there. Perhaps her best friend and certainly the one she leaned on the most. She wondered if he had ever been able to lean on her in the same way. She wondered if it was too late.
Astoria came early and sat down quietly. The row filled up with strangers. She was soon made aware they were here to enjoy Theodore's pain. Her stomach churned but she did not move. Her uncomfort was nothing compared to what was being done to Theodore. Theo's confession hit her harder than the punch delivered by Tanner Pucey. Worse than a crucio given to her by the Carrows. It was every fear and betrayal she had ever felt rolled into a sinking feeling of despair. He had given up, or perhaps he had been robbed of every other option. She had failed him, they all failed him.
Some part of her recognized Tracey's outcry but all she could do was fight for breath, her hand on her heart as her eyes stared at him. The outline of his jaw, the tense stance of his shoulders, the pale skin of his hands. All Theo but all belonging to a stranger. He wasn't guilty and he wasn't a liar but here and now he had made himself both. The woman in front of her began to cackle, crying out for his head. It was like her someone had taken control of her voice, snapping at the woman to be silent. The woman turned quickly and Astoria rose, glaring down at her with cold hate. The woman muttered as she turned around, whispering to her friends but Astoria sat down. Outed as a Purist amongst mudblood scum. She didn't care. They were all vile heathens and they would be put in their place once again. She'd happily put them there, just as soon as she saw Theo out of this mess.