Drama/Romance. Enjoy. Everything from the Potterverse belongs to JKR.
Rated M
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Previously on Remnants No More 3: Whatever Comes
Jocelyn woke about 11:30 on Sunday in a dark mood. Initially, Theo thought the Obsequens compliant trance hadn't worked quite right. Being curious, Theo followed Jocelyn into the kitchen where after several minutes she frowned and said, "Theo, we really should talk.
"About what Jocelyn?"
"I don't like the way things are going with us. It seems we've grown away from each other instead of closer. Rather than drag it out, I think we should just separate and be done with it. You don't want to get engaged and you certainly don't want to get married and I do want both those things. You're a good man Theo, but you're not the wizard I need. This is the end of it. I'll just get dressed and leave you to it then."
With a solemn expression on his face and joy in his heart, Theo told Jocelyn he understood perfectly and was sorry she felt that way.
"That's just the way it is Theo," Jocelyn answered.
Theo pulled out his wand and said, "Obsequens Desino," and again whispered in Jocelyn's ear. Then he stepped back and said, "Goodbye Jocelyn."
Theo waved his wand to put the kitchen back to clean and headed for the bathroom gloating, "All you will ever be able to say about Theo Nott is that you broke up with him because he was acting the git. Good for you Jocelyn. You are well rid of this filthy Death Eater… and he of you."
Chapter 4: An Interesting Sunday
Theo was chuffed. He was now a single wizard who had just been dumped by his witch of a year. What in Merlin's name would he do with himself? Well the first thing he was going to do was pat himself on the back for remembering the Obsequens hex. After that, it was all uncharted. Theo even hummed in the shower. He had just finished dressing when the floo rang. Someone was calling. Theo hurried to the floo and accepted a head view floo call from Blaise.
"Howdy mate, Blaise said in greeting. How's everything? Jocelyn floo called checking on your whereabouts and I told her where you'd gone. I'm calling to make sure I didn't speak out of turn by telling her you were out at Pierre's and The Times."
"No worries mate, Theo replied. It's all over and done. Jocelyn told me this morning I'm not the wizard for her and she broke it off with me."
Blaise swore, "Shite man. I'm sorry. I didn't realize she would take it that badly. Do you want me to talk to her or something? I'll tell her I was mistaken. Shite, the one time I open my mouth, it causes problems. That's the last time I share any knowledge of anyone's whereabouts. Are you okay?"
Theo called out, "Blaise slow down. It's alright. Jocelyn and I were moving in opposite directions anyway. She wanted to be engaged by Thursday and married on Friday, if you know what I mean. This breakup is probably the best thing for both of us. Truthfully, I'm a bit glad it's over. No more pressure on me to meet the family and get that diamond ring. I'll be fine, so don't worry."
Okay mate, if you're sure. Listen, I'm going out a bit later. Why don't you come out with me to let off some steam. I guarantee you'll meet some beautiful witches who will take your mind right off Jocelyn. What do you say?"
"Thanks for thinking of me Blaise, but I have some parchment to look over in preparation for business tomorrow and our Investors Meeting on Thursday. You know I like to be prepared."
"Alright mate, Blaise replied. I'll speak to you later. Don't go all Draco on me and sit there in a funk because the witch you want won't look at you. Get out and do something. Bye."
Theo really did want to look over the business information as well as the parchments needed for Thursday, he just didn't need to do it at that particular moment and he just didn't want Blaise to think he had to drag him out to cheer him up. If the truth be told, he was happier than he'd been in a long time. Besides, he wanted to visit the shops in muggle London to freshen up his wardrobe. It had been a while since he purchased anything new and he did need new suits, jeans, shirts and tees. That was all about to change and when he was finished in the shops, he would look as sharp as His Honor Malfoy. Theo grinned at himself in the mirror before apparating out to shop.
After Narcissa left, Draco put in a call to Bart Waldron, but Bart's service picked up saying the office was closed and please call back during office hours. That's fine, thought Draco, I'll catch up with him tomorrow.
Draco walked up behind Hermione and kissed her on the neck. "A flower among flowers. You look beautiful sitting out here among all the lovely flowers."
Hermione smiled as she looked up from the book in her hands. "I am reading up on house elves. I'm sure I've read something about twin house elves and I'm not finding anything. Nothing is as frustrating to me as knowing I've read something and not being able to find the references."
Draco sat down in the chair next to Hermione to remind her they were still on their honeymoon.
Hermione grinned and retorted, "I know that git. Is there something specific you'd like to do?"
Draco wriggled both eyebrows, but Hermione cut him off. "Get your mind out of the bedroom and go study some Wizengamot rules or something. Your wife is busy reading."
Draco huffed, "It's your mind that's in the bedroom. I was simply thinking of getting you naked right here on the back patio, but since you are being so churlish, I'll leave you to read and be on my way. Harry should be turning up soon with information on this Eva Frost and he and I, without any help from you, will see what the facts tell us."
Hermione looked up from her book once more to grin and cheek, "Good."
Draco grinned as he made his way to his study thinking he'd make that little minx pay for being so cheeky
Hermione continued to read, but was becoming increasingly more frustrated at not being able to find what she was looking for. She knew there was something important relative to twin house elves she should know. It hadn't mattered at the time she read it, but the information was important now. Hermione thought she might have seen the reference during the time she was trying to set up S.P.E.W. so it had to be in one of her books. Sighing, Hermione got up from the chair to use the bathroom and just like that, it had come to her. All it had taken was for Hermione to get her head completely out of the book for five minutes. As she was washing her hands and gazing into the mirror, she had remembered. She hadn't read about twin house elves in any of the books she had laid out in front of her, she had read about them in a book which should be with her old S.P.E.W. stuff. Now that she knew where the information was located, Hermione could even remember the title, Little Known Facts About Our Most Useful Friends. All she had to do was find the bloody book.
Draco had laughed when he found out Hermione was still dragging school books around with her, and she had….she had shrunk them down and put them in her old Hogwarts trunk. Hermione sped out of the bathroom and down the stairs to the basement floor. When they had the house built, she and Draco had insisted on a basement set up as a small flat should someone need to stay with them for an extended period of time. There were extra bedrooms on the first floor and the second floor as well, but the basement afforded more privacy. There was a decent sized bedroom with en suite, a kitchen, good sized living room and a small study. Hermione had put her old trunk in the bedroom closet down here so it would be out of the way of her jeering husband.
It took Hermione three quarters of an hour to complete her task. She found the book straightaway, but spent the rest of the time looking over old Hogwarts memorabilia. Sitting on the side of the bed, Hermione finally opened, Little Known Facts About Our Most Useful Friends and began to read. When she found exactly what she was looking for, she put everything else away, took the book back upstairs and settled herself in Draco's den.
Hermione sat in the den because she needed to quills and parchment at her disposal for the notations she would make. If she had put two and two together correctly, Perfected Cures would soon have another money spinner on their hands as long as everything else fell into place. Bitsy and Bigger were the catalysts, so everything depended on what they knew and what they could tell her. Hermione's very first step before anything else would be to speak to Bitsy and Bigger.
"Bitsy, Bigger, she called out softly. A moment please."
Crack! Crack! Bitsy and Bigger appeared before her asking how could they help.
Hermione set a locking charm on the door and began to ask questions. Bigger did most of the talking and was very clear on exactly what Hermione wanted. He only stepped aside to let Bitsy speak when it came to the physical aspects of what Hermione was asking.
Bitsy revealed how Mamie (their mum) had explained to them how rare they were and how they held magical secrets. Their mum had also told them there were evil wizards who would hurt them to secure those secrets not knowing that once they hurt the twins, the magical secrets would be lost.
Hermione listened raptly as the tiny house elf explained how once a month on the fullest moon she had to take to her bed because a sac full of water formed on her left chest and the only one who could split the sac and retrieve the magical water was her twin Bigger. Bitsy could not harvest the liquid herself. She revealed that the one time the old masters separated her and Bigger during her time, she had tried to harvest her liquids and failed. Their mum had explained how strong, powerful and important the water was and how they should always keep their secret safe from others, so it was a terrified Bitsy who had gone in search of her brother so he could help her. It had been that bit of disobedience which had gotten Mamie and her twins thrown out of Malfoy Manor with clothes. Bitsy went on to say, because of the magical waters which were drained from her body on a monthly basis, she wouldn't ever be able to bear children making the birth of a next set of house elf twins nearly impossible unless Bigger made twins with a partner. Clarifying what she had just revealed, Bitsy told Hermione even though twin house elf births were rare, it was rarer still for a female twin to generate the waters.
Hermione sat enthralled as she listened and when Bitsy finished, Hermione thanked them both for sharing their most private secret with her. Hermione had more questions, of course. "Am I to understand that Bigger harvests the liquids and discards them?"
"No. Mrs. Hermione, answered Bitsy. Mama Mamie makes it clear Ise had to save and protect my liquids because they would be very important to a good master. I gets about a quarter cup at the moon and when Ise has a big cup filled, Ise turning it to powder to keep it safe and fresh."
Hermione breathed a low sigh of relief as she revealed how important the liquid and powder could be to researchers who were developing cures for illnesses in the wizarding world as well as the muggle world.
Bigger spoke up, "Mrs. Hermione is a good mistress, but we belonging to Master Harry now. We be needing to ask Master Harry if he wanting us to give our secret liquid and powder to him or to you. We loves you Mrs. Hermione, buts we has to do what's right. Master Harry first."
Hermione smiled, "Of course we should ask Harry first. He is your new master and that is the rule. Harry should be here shortly if he isn't already here. When he arrives, I'll ask him to call you both and you can discuss it with him. Thank you for trusting me. You may return to your duties."
Two cracks and Bitsy and Bigger disappeared.
Hermione was beside herself with joy. According to her book, the liquid being drained from Bitsy on a monthly basis was called heart water for the lack of a better name and was an essential base ingredient for potions and salves meant to treat brain and heart disorders.
For the next several hours, Hermione made notes and set hypotheses. When she finally sat back in her chair, she was elated. She would need to speak with Neville and Luna about her findings to get their opinion on the worth of securing the heart water. After that, she would throw her hat into the research ring with Neville. This was definitely something she wanted to collaborate on with the research and brewing staff of Perfected Cures. Hermione slipped all her notes inside the book and carried them to the bedroom where she put them in her purse.
Her next task was to send an owl to Neville asking to see him sometime Monday. The next owl went to Minerva McGonagall asking if she would authorize a visit to the portrait of Severus Snape with Hermione explaining she wasn't trying to go round the current Potions Professor, but as it was summer break she expected him to be on holiday. With both owls sent, Hermione decided it was time to give Mimsy orders for dinner and do bit more research.
Hermione gave Mimsy her instructions and headed back to the den where she reread several chapters before making an outline for three separate potion recipes. The recipes weren't complete, but Hermione wrote out the information as approximations as she would need Neville or Luna to assist with the details. She was chuffed at what she thought she had, but at the same time Hermione was cautious with her enthusiasm. If there was any basis in fact, and she would find that out by interviewing Professor Snape, the repercussions could be far reaching. If she had all her answers before Thursday, the promising ingredient along with its possibilities could be presented at the Investor's Meeting.
In the wizarding world as in the muggle world, there were maladies which couldn't be healed or cured by normal potions or medicines and this is where Hermione hoped these alternative potions would take over. If all went to right, Perfected Cures could end up being owner of several highly sought after cures. It would all hinge on what Professor Snape had to say and what he remembered about rare ingredients.
Harry arrived back at Malfoy Estate by 3:30 at which time he and Draco sequestered themselves in the study to go over the information he had retrieved regarding Eva Frost.
Harry was quick to explain he hadn't found much more than the regular filings pertaining to healer credentials. The one professional surprise was Eva had specialized in memory research, but gave it up to work with Nickles. The personal surprise which Harry found after a substantial amount of rooting around the file was Eva had once been married to a muggle and had a child with him. For whatever reason, Eva and her husband divorced with her leaving the child behind with the father. All information regarding the child was hand sealed and could not be accessed without specific authorizations.
Draco and Harry discussed Eva's marriage and came to the conclusion Eva left her child with the muggle husband because the child was more than likely non magical, but they could only guess and wonder if Eva's former life had anything to do with her life as it was now. Perhaps Eva was sorry for giving up her child which could be why she clung so desperately to John Nickles. He was all she had. Harry did make a note to find out if he could get an interview with the husband if the need arose. With not much else to discuss, Harry and Draco decided to leave everything as it was unless or until Eva made another move.
"I've put in a call to Bart Waldron and expect to speak with him tomorrow, Draco revealed. I intend to put him on notice that Eva Frost has singled Hermione out over some nonsense and this is the final straw as far as I'm concerned. I will tell him I plan to bring the battle to the healer community every chance I get, so they'd better get their houses in order. When I'm through, Bart will be aware that for each infraction I find, I will file a complaint with the first complaint being lodged against Eva Frost for threatening Hermione and myself."
"Slow down Draco. Please don't start off issuing ultimatums and threatening people, Harry remarked. It won't do anyone any good. Try talking and reasoning first and then if that fails, take stronger measures, but be reasonable. Bart Waldron hasn't done anything to you. All he's ever done was try to help even if it was off the record. As far as I can see, he's a good man and an upstanding wizard. Tread carefully. It has been my experience in these type of things that allies are more important than enemies. I'm not telling you what to do, I'm just making a suggestion."
Draco scowled, but admitted, "You're right Harry. I should settle down a bit before I speak to Bart. It's just frustrating to get rid of one maniac then be faced with another, but I shall approach Bart in a reasonable manner. Thank you for always being the voice of reason. Now let's go find out if my lovely wife has set dinner for us."
Harry declined dinner telling Draco he wanted to see if Leanne was back at the house yet.
As they were leaving the study, Hermione met them in the hall and tried to drag Harry and Draco back into the room. Raising his eyebrows Draco quipped, "My wife is one strong witch. She can drag two wizards at the same time."
"Yes, I am strong, so please don't make me use my powers, retorted Hermione. Please just bring your arses into the study. I have news."
Harry smiled as he reentered the study and took the same seat he had recently vacated. Draco sat on the couch next to Hermione and waited for her to share her news.
Excitedly Hermione explained how she remembered previously reading about rare twin house elf births during her S.P.E.W. days and how she found the book and discovered some exciting facts. Once Hermione explained everything, she advised Harry and Draco she had already spoken to Bitsy and Bigger and it was a true fact about the heart water.
Both Harry and Draco looked at each other in amazement before Draco remarked, "My brilliant witch,"
Harry quipped, "My brilliant friend. This could be huge for our company and for medical and healer communities worldwide. Will we have anything ready to present on Thursday?"
"I do believe we will be able to present the basics on Thursday. I have requested an appointment with Severus Snape to get his insight which I hope will be fruitful and there's just one thing you'll need to do Harry, stated Hermione. You'll have to give Bitsy and Bigger permission to pass me the heart water or heart powder. You are their master and they were concerned about doing anything without your permission."
Harry blushed, "They were your house elves before they were mine. Why do they need my permission?"
Draco interjected, "You have just recently acquired house elves so you wouldn't know, but there are rules Harry. Masters have the first and last word, always. A house elf could be punished for speaking out of turn to someone other than his or her master. So, no matter who had them before you, you are their master now and even though they love Hermione, they wouldn't tell her anything in case it was private for you. In the past, house elves would be punished or even given clothes for speaking out of turn. You need not worry. I don't believe they think you would punish them, they are just showing you respect."
Hermione nodded and quietly added, "Think about what Dobby went through in our second year.
Harry was quiet for several seconds before replying, "I remember Hermione. If it will speed up the process, I'll call them now and give my permission for them to tell you and give you whatever you need, stated Harry."
Draco made another suggestion before Harry could call Bitsy and Bigger. "Just a small point of order Harry. Word your approval in such a way that they know it is alright to share further information about this particular issue with Hermione. Talk to them both at the same time, but face Bitsy when you are talking. If it ever comes down to letting them share something with me or another wizard, you can speak to them both at the same time, but direct yourself to Bigger. There are certain things Bitsy will discuss with Hermione or Leanne only, just as there are things Bigger will discuss with you or I only. It's a male female thing. It isn't always that way, it becomes male-male or female-female when it's personal. It's not that strange when you think about it because this type of thing usually applies to single witches and wizards, but can also apply in marriages as well. For instance, it would be unacceptable for Elder to advise Hermione she missed a menstrual cycle, but it is perfectly okay for Mimsy to do it. Of course, I can only tell you how it is at Malfoy Manor and Malfoy Estate. Other families may deal with interaction between house elf and masters in entirely different ways. It will be up to you to set your own terms."
"Wow, exclaimed Harry. Who knew it was so complicated having house elves."
"It's not complicated really, said Draco. Just set your terms, let the house elves know and that's it. They will act according to your wishes. Done and done."
"Alright. With that out of the way, let me call them and let them know they can share this information with you and Hermione only. Bitsy. Bigger. I need you please."
With two cracks, the house elves appeared and listened as Harry gave instructions.
When Harry finished, Hermione asked Bitsy to gather the items they spoke about and meet her in the master bedroom in thirty minutes. Bitsy nodded, then she and Bigger turned towards Harry who dismissed them to home.
With two cracks they were gone, and at the same moment, Mimsy appeared announcing dinner. Harry thanked Draco again for the offer of dinner, but remained firm he wanted to get back home. He wished Hermione and Draco a good afternoon and left.
Hermione didn't want Draco to eat alone so she made a plate and nibbled at her food, but she looked forward to having the heart water in her hands and food was the last thing on her mind. She was also waiting impatiently for owls from Neville and Minerva. After all things were as they should be, she would be glad to sit back and relax, but not before.
She and Draco chatted a bit with Draco wondering how Theo was making out and laughing that Jocelyn probably had him on lock down since he was out and about without her the previous night.
Hermione smiled, but didn't comment. Draco's comment reminded Hermione that the last of the remodeling work would begin again in the morning and she in turn reminded Draco about the work and if everything went right, her meetings with Neville and Snape. She and Draco talked for a bit more about what Severus could possibly offer on the subject then Hermione kissed Draco on the neck and excused herself to go meet with Bitsy.
Before she could get away, Draco whispered in her ear what she could expect later for the cheek she had given him earlier. Hermione grinned and told him he would have to catch her first.
Draco snorted, "We sleep in the same bed minx, catching you will be easy."
As she left the dining room, Hermione quipped, "I'm staying up all night. I want to get an early start."
Draco laughed out loud before telling Hermione he would be sitting out in the back garden patio for a while. Hermione waved and headed to the master bedroom. When she stepped into the room, Bitsy was waiting patiently. Hermione looked around, but didn't see any evidence of the heart water and heart powder.
Bitsy noticed Hermione looking around and asked where should she put the powder and the liquid. Hermione was disappointed thinking there was so little of it that Bitsy could carry it in her pocket and told Bitsy she could leave it on the dresser.
Bitsy looked at the dresser in puzzlement as she told Hermione the dresser was too small to hold the powder and liquid.
A surprised Hermione asked Bitsy how much did she have, and with a quick snap of her fingers, Bitsy produced a shimmering image of a larder filled with maybe fifty to sixty sealed jars of powder. Hermione was ecstatic as she advised Bitsy she would only take three jars for now and all the rest should remain safe in the larder. Bitsy snapped her fingers again and three jars of powder materialized on the dresser and the image of the larder disappeared. Hermione smiled at Bitsy and thanked her for the amazing gift.
Bitsy replied, "You is welcome Mrs. Hermione," and with a crack, she was gone.
Hermione walked over to the dresser to get a closer look at the jars and found the powder to be shiny and opalescent with red being the predominant color. The powder was beautiful and Hermione had to pull her eyes away. Before she shrunk the powder down and put it away, she wanted to show it to Draco. Hermione stepped out into the hall and called out to Draco to come into their bedroom.
Draco came speeding into the bedroom with a cheeky remark on his tongue until Hermione held out the jar for his perusal. Taking the jar in his hand, Draco marveled at the color and consistency of the powder. Glancing at Hermione he remarked, "If this is anything like you explained, there are cures on the horizon which will help hundreds of sickly witches and wizards regain their health."
"Don't forget there is a potential for this to help muggles as well, but we'll see," exclaimed Hermione as she shrunk the last jar down and put it into her purse. Draco grabbed her up in his arms and asked if she was ready to lie down, but Hermione pinched him and retorted, "It's only 7:30 in the evening. May I stay up a little longer papa to see if I receive any owls?"
Draco smirked, "Well I've solved everything because you've had two owls which I left on the desk in the study. Hermione ran for the study with Draco on her heels. Both owls were good news. Neville invited her to come around at 10:00 and Minerva had replied that Severus would see her at 1:00 and requested she bring his godson if he was available.
Everything was set and the wheels were in motion. As Draco headed for the bedroom, he huffed, "At least my godfather wants to see me as my wife doesn't have time for me."
Hermione grinned as she followed Draco into the bedroom and cast a locking spell on the door while undressing in the middle of the floor. Standing nearly naked in front of her wizard, Hermione told him she was ready to lie down for a bit."
Draco didn't need any further invitation as he pulled Hermione towards him and began to peel away the rest of her clothing. "Rubbish. You've missed the lie down window love. There won't be all that much lying about when I get you in this bed."
Hermione pulled Draco into a deep kiss and let out a little shriek as he turned her on her back and put his mouth between her legs. Raising his eyes to look at Hermione, Draco whispered, "You always taste so good. I just can't get enough of you."
The most Hermione could manage was a moan as she was enjoying the feel of Draco's tongue in her slit too much to reply. After bringing Hermione to climax, Draco hurriedly got out of his clothes and climbed up on his minx who was waiting with outstretched arms.
"You make me feel so good Mr. Malfoy."
Draco positioned himself at Hermione's slit, but before pushing into her he used both hand to push the hair out of her face whispering, "That's because I love you so much Mrs. Malfoy and it's my job to make you feel good," and he pushed himself inward. Draco growled into Hermione's ear spurring her to greater and greater passion until at last she cried out in release and he pushed himself one more time to reach his own climax. Before rolling onto his side, Draco kissed Hermione one more time. Then they had laid quietly savoring the sex they'd just had before falling asleep back to front.
Jocelyn had the evening shift once again on Sunday, but had spent most of the day second guessing herself as to why she broke up with Theo. Theo had been acting the prat and they were having a bit of a problem, but she was sure they would have worked it out, yet she had up and walked out on him. After a year spent ingratiating herself not only into Theo's life, but also into the Potter/Malfoy/Granger group as well, she had given it all up in a flash of anger.
For most of her shift, Jocelyn's mind was on her personal life rather than her duties and by mid shift, the Head Healer had already called her out twice because she was so unfocused. The third time the HH caught Jocelyn wrong, she brought her into the office, gave her a telling off and assigned her to desk duty with the warning her next step would be out of St Mungos.
The telling off straightened Jocelyn up for all of ten minutes and then she was right back to thinking about Theo. She sat at the desk debating whether or not she should owl Theo to ask if they could talk. Jocelyn knew it was a long shot, but now that she was in a more positive frame of mind she wanted to be back with Theo. To that end, she got out quill, parchment and envelope and wrote Theo a note. After the note was sent, Jocelyn felt better. Even though Theo hadn't ever told her he loved her, she felt as though he did have feelings for her and would probably want to get back together, at least she hoped so.
Just before the end of her shift, Jocelyn received an owl back from Theo. She had nervously laid it out on the desk and looked at the envelope for five minutes before plucking up the courage to open it. Jocelyn opened the envelope as though it was a precious item and read Theo's answer, and it was a thoroughly dispirited Jocelyn who apparated home to her flat.
Theo spent the day going from wizard shop to wizard shop buying numerous additions to his wardrobe. His purchases included seven sets of robes as well as many muggle items of clothing. He had also enjoyed a solo dinner at Arpeggio's, a wizarding restaurant in the east end of London. When Theo returned home, he put his various purchases away and sat down to have a few drinks and look over some unread real estate information.
T. Nott Real Estate Developers was the premier company for those in the wizarding world looking for upscale properties and Theo was always on the lookout for buyers and sellers. There were a few good leads among the unread messages and Theo made notes for Monday. Glancing at his wonder wizard watch, Theo realized he had been at it for hours and just as he put the papers aside, an owl tapped at his window. Theo retrieved the message and smiled as he read Jocelyn had a change of heart, didn't want to break up with him and asked that they talk.
Theo sat back down to answer the message as nicely as possible.
I don't feel as though there is anything for us to discuss. You've made yourself perfectly clear about me not being the wizard you need or want. Therefore, I don't understand what has changed in a matter of hours to make you want to be back with me as I'm still the same Theo I was this morning. I'd feel less than a wizard if I knowingly took back a witch who wasn't interested in me a few short hours ago and who was just biding her time until the right wizard came along. I'm fine with your decision to break up with me. Best of luck in your search for the perfect wizard.
Theodore Nott, Jr.
Theo tied his answer to the leg of the owl who had obviously stayed around expecting a return message and sent him off. After watching the owl wing his way out of sight, Theo finished off his drink and headed to bed.
