Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 93
Reg and Theo remained out back discussing the Junior Savings Account. When they were finished, it had been decided Reg and Declan would visit Gringotts on Monday to open the account and be seen by the Goblins. It was a good plan.
/*/
Hermione and Draco had gone back to Draco's house to get everything ready for their trip to Malfoy Manor. At 12:45, Hermione shrunk down the mobile set, gave herself one last look in the mirror judging herself ready. Hugging her from behind, Draco whispered a few soft words.
"If Narcissa is in a pissy mood, you and I will hex her into compliance."
Hermione returned his cheek with some of her own. "And what will we do with Lucius Malfoy while we are hexing his darling wife into compliance?"
Draco shrugged. "Don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead."
Giving Draco a hard pinch, Hermione grabbed him by the hand. "Come on git. Let's get this over with. Apparate me."
Pretending to shiver, Draco offered a smart arsed retort. "Ooh. Only you can make a mundane statement sound sexy. After we finish with my mother, I'll gladly apparate you. All day long."
Hermione giggled. "You'd better keep those sex thoughts to yourself. Remember where we're going. Now apparate me please."
"Consider it done witch." Declared Draco as he turned them into apparition.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 94
Narcissa Malfoy had spent a great deal of time sitting in front of her large mirror wondering why she had let herself be forced into accepting something as base as a mobile phone. A mobile phone indeed. Lucius might want to go along with the masses, but she was a Black and a Malfoy. Common items didn't impress her. She sighed. Common things didn't interest her but keeping her husband did. Although it went against everything she, her family and in the past, Lucius believed she would do what was necessary including assisting with the wedding. Brushing a lock of hair back from her face, she put her nose up in the air. She would help with the wedding unless there wouldn't be a wedding. For several minutes, the racist pureblood thought of things she could do to insure there wouldn't be a wedding. Then she came to her senses. Lucius was all in. He was happy his only son had fallen in love with a mudblood. Imbecile. Well, he was Lucius Malfoy, head of Malfoy Manor. What he said went. Unless she wanted one of her fair weather friends to be lying beside Lucius in her place, she would go along. With another long sigh, Narcissa stepped into her outfit. She might have to entertain a muggleborn, but she would greet her in the pureblood manner.
/*/
Narcissa was giving herself a last look in the mirror when a house elf appeared at the door.
"Hello Miss Cissy. Mr. Lucius sent me to tell you Mr. Draco and his guest are here. He expects you in the study."
"EXPECTS ME?" Narcissa shouted causing the elf to take two steps back.
The cowering elf replied in a shaky voice. "Okay Miss Cissy. I be telling Mr. Lucius you busy."
Narcissa knew she was wrong. If the elf went back to Lucius with that answer, she might find herself on a portkey to nowhere. She backtracked with a sharp response. "You simple elf. You won't say anything of the sort to my husband. Go back and tell him I'll be there shortly. In the future, if you know what's good for you, you won't be putting words in my mouth. Are we clear?"
The frightened elf was nodding here head up and down. "Yes Miss Cissy. I'm being careful of the words I say. I'll be telling Mr. Lucius you will be there shortly."
"Good. Now get out."
Narcissa sat down on thee side of the bed and took a deep breath. "What am I playing at? I have assured Lucius I would take a mobile phone and assist with any wedding plans. Narcissa Black Malfoy will not go back on her word."
She had obviously taken more time than she thought because when she looked up, a scowling Lucius stepped into the room closing the door with a loud snap.
Narcissa stood. "Lucius?"
"I know my name. What I don't know is why you are still here in this room when our son and Miss Granger have arrived. Guests I might remind you were invited here."
Lucius was angry. Narcissa tried to pull a pout that he used to find so charming.
"I've just finished dressing Lucius. You can't expect me to greet our son and his guest half naked."
Lucius wasn't having any of it. Her charming, little pout wasn't working. Taking her arm, his face was only inches from hers. "Shall we have further discussion on what will happen if you continue to pull this pureblood shite? You agreed to do certain things and I expect you to fulfill them with grace. Draco and Miss Granger are in the study waiting for their host who should have already been down there. I suggest you get your arse down there now and perform your duties."
Pulling her face away, Narcissa huffed at her husband. "I know my duties Lucius. Your constant threats do not help matters. I am your wife and intend to remain your wife Threats won't change anything."
"Really Narcissa? I love you, but I also love peace and will do what is necessary to continue to have that peace. You don't believe I'd go through with my 'threats'. Try me." Lucius turned to leave the room. "I'm going back to the study. I suggest you be on my heels."
Narcissa scowled at Lucius' back, but made sure she was right on his heels.
/*/
Draco landed himself and Hermione on the front porch of Malfoy Manor explaining to Hermione he'd rather land on the steps and be safe than land inside and have a problem.
Hermione concurred, however, was pleased to be welcomed by a friendly elf then received by an also friendly sounding Lucius Malfoy.
"Good afternoon Draco. Good afternoon Miss Granger."
"Good afternoon father."
"Good afternoon Lucius."
Lucius nodded while hiding his irritation. Narcissa who should have been in the study to receive her guests was nowhere to be seen. He would definitely get her sorted if she was being insolent.
"Please come with me to the study. Although our host is running a bit behind, I'll be glad to fill in until she arrives. In fact, have a seat while I see to a few things."
Draco and Hermione glanced at each other. Perhaps this wasn't going to be the rosy visit they had envisioned. It seemed contrary to her words Narcissa Malfoy wasn't in the mood to entertain or be shown some muggle device.
Hermione sighed as she leaned into Draco. "If she enters the room with her wand drawn, I expect you to protect me."
Draco gave a short uncomfortable sounding chuckle. "No worries love. If mother enters the room with her wand drawn, grab onto me because we will be apparating out of here."
Hermione giggled. Even though it probably wouldn't come to that, she whispered in his ear. "That's one of the reasons I love you Malfoy. You're always prepared."
"Hahaha. Yes there's that. Since our host isn't available at the moment, let me do the honors. Wine or brandy?"
"I'll have a wine love."
"Wine it is."
Suddenly, Narcissa was the study door calling out in a stern voice. "Just what are you doing Draco?"
"Good afternoon mother. It is as it appears. I'm fixing Hermione and myself a drink."
"Since when do you fix your own drinks? That is why we have house elves." Pulling on a long, velvet rope, Narcissa summoned a small elf who appeared to be in fear of her life.
"Yes Miss Cissy?"
"We have guests. Please see to it they are served."
The small, house elf turned to Draco who held up the two drinks he had in his hand. "We are fine for now Dora. Thank you."
Dora was caught between a rock and a hard place. Her mistress had given her an order which had been superseded by Mr. Draco. Not wanting another scolding she turned to Narcissa.
"It seems our guests have served themselves. Please get me a small brandy."
"Yes Miss."
Turning to Draco, Narcissa reminded him of the rules at Malfoy Manor just as Lucius entered the room.
"Are you giving our son who has lived here all his formative life a lesson in manners?"
Narcissa's firm manner suddenly softened. "I was simply reminding our son how things are done here. Nothing monumental. Lunch is ready. We'll sit down as soon as Draco and Hermione finish their drink."
Draco leaned over to whisper in Hermione's ear. With a shrug, Hermione handed him her drink.
"Thank you love. We don't want upset Malfoy Manor rules."
Lucius scowled at Narcissa but remained silent.
Narcissa who realized she was on the way to getting on Lucius' last nerve relented a bit. "Don't be silly Draco. Lunch can wait a bit. Have your drink."
Grabbing Hermione's hand, Draco simply said they were looking forward to a lovely lunch."
Narcissa grew a bit pink in the face. The males in this family were defying her. First Lucius now Draco. She might have to stand still for it now, but she would even things out down the line. Walking over to Lucius, she took his arm.
"Alright then. Lunch is served."
Draco squeezed Hermione's hand and she squeezed his back. Come what may they were in this together.
/*/
Contrary to the prior atmosphere, lunch was lovely. Narcissa Malfoy had turned from a shrew to a welcoming host who couldn't have been more friendly. Hermione sat there thinking Narcissa's mood change had been so quick she might end up with a severe case of whip lash. However, when Narcissa asked how she liked the food, Hermione gave it rave reviews.
"The lunch is lovely Narcissa. Thank you."
"Please don't thank me. It's the least I can do for my son and his fiancee. After lunch, perhaps we can work on the mobile device. That shouldn't take long. After which, I would be pleased to show you some of the wedding books I have on hand."
The very quiet Lucius smiled. It seemed his wife had decided to take the right road. The telling off he was prepared to give after Draco and Hermione left could be put off until another day.
"Sounds like a good idea Narcissa. I'm sure Hermione will be pleased on both accounts."
Hermione smiled as she once again squeezed Draco's hand. "You are right in one Lucius. I look forward to sharing information about the mobile as well as reviewing the wedding books."
Everyone smiled forced or not.
/*/
After Declan left out with the uncles and Reg was out about his business, Theo used the time to tart himself up. Behind the closed bathroom door, he laughed at himself. Tarting himself up. Who knew? Of course, any tarting he was doing was being done to impress his witch. Just the thought of Anna brought a hardening of his manhood.
"Calm down boy. Miss Grace is still at work. You will have to wait a while."
Theo was toweling off when he heard the ping of his mobile. Wrapping himself in the towel, Theo picked up the mobile and was surprised to see he had not one but four text messages.
Kelvin was checking in with updates, fine. Theo returned a quick text.
Wil was accepting the dinner invitation for him, Thom and Chris. Theo returned that text.
Jay inquiring if he and Leanne could bring Gabriella to dinner. Theo texted in the affirmative.
Anna telling him she should be home from work by 1:00 and about Hermione's request. Theo returned the text explaining he would be to the flat by 1:01.
Anna returned a laughing emoji.
Laying the mobile down on the bed, Theo finished drying himself then got dressed. He would be gone before Declan got back so he left note for Reg that he would probably be out overnight and expected a report when he returned. Theo looked at the note then banished it. Reg didn't need a reminder to make a report. He left a simple note explaining he'd be out overnight. Besides, Declan's uncles wouldn't be able to refrain from making their own report.
After stopping by a few shops, Theo landed at Anna's door at 1:07. He was a few minutes late. She hadn't made it home yet, but he had permissions so he went right in and unloaded the sacks he had shrunk down at the shops. Theo could have sat down and put his feet up, but he didn't. His witch had been on her feet all morning. It was his turn to pamper her a bit. So, he got busy. By the time Anna walked in at 1:30, Theo has steak with gravy, mashed and corn ready to eat.
After their kiss of greeting, Anna sniffed the air. "Ah, has Mr. Nott been busy cooking a meal?"
Pulling Anna to him, Theo nuzzled her neck. "The answer would be yes. Theo has been busy cooking his witch a meal which can be considered a late lunch or an early dinner. All I want you to do, among other things, is to sit down and put your feet up. I have everything under control."
"That sounds mighty good Theo, but may I have a few minutes to have a pee and a quick wash?"
Leaning in to whisper in Anna's ear, Theo whispered a cheeky response. "No need to clean up too much because I plan to dirty you up for as many times as you let me."
With a bright red mask covering her face, Anna grinned at Theo before heading to the bedroom and calling back over her shoulder. "I'll only wash a little because I look forward to getting dirty by the Nott hand."
"Hahaha. The Nott hand and dick. Dick is a very important part of the process."
"I concur." Anna called from the bathroom.
"Excellent." Theo answered as he cast a Stay Warm charm over the food. Food could wait. At that moment, his taste wasn't for food.
/*/
Several hours later as Theo and Anna dined on steak, they shared a conversation about Sunday dinner and how the guest list seemed to be growing exponentially.
"I'll have to cast an enlarging spell on the dining room."
Anna laughed. "I think you're right."
"You know what? We will enlarge the living and dining rooms. Let me send a quick text to Reg. He'll get it done."
"Excellent idea. Reggie is the best. What do you think about Hermione and Draco announcing their engagement?"
Reg immediately replied confirming the request.
Theo leaned back in the chair wiping his mouth before he spoke. "Both announcements are important. We can do them in quick succession. All four of us will be congratulated at the same time."
Putting her chin on her hand, Anna gazed at her wizard. "You are so charming Mr. Nott."
Theo blushed. "I have my moments. Speaking of moments, would you like to get out a bit this evening? We could visit Muggle London to have a few laughs and a few dances."
Anna moved her head from side to side. "Although a night out in Muggleville sounds interesting, we have a big day tomorrow. I want to be well rested when we greet your guests."
"Our guests Anna. You are part of the Nott household. My guests are your guests. I do want you well rested because I'm sure Declan will try to run you ragged. Muggleville. That's cute." He added laughingly.
Giving Theo a loving look, Anna assured him that Declan was a lovely, young wizard who would never run her ragged. Theo concurred.
"Poor choice of words my dear. Declan thinks too much of you to run you ragged."
From there, they revisited the story of how and why Theo set his sights on Anna. At times, she laughed. During other parts of his recitation, she cried. Her interview with Theo and Declan had been such a stoke of luck. She had interviewed for a position and met her future. Anna was more than thankful. She also silently gave thanks to Padma Nott without whose magical interference she might have just been another unsuccessful candidate.
Out of the blue, Anna asked a strange question. "Does Miss Abalo know you are taken or will she be trying for your arm once again?"
Theo was surprised. His mind had been on Anna not some flighty witch. "Try for my arm? You are overthinking things. My eyes are on you only."
Anna shifted so her head was leaning against Theo's shoulder before responding with a bit of cheek. "I realize that and you realize that but does Gabriella, Jay and Leanne realize that?"
Theo leaned down to leave a kiss on Anna's temple. "I don't know what they realize, but it will all be made clear tomorrow. Gabriella Abalo is nowhere near my mind. Perhaps she'll take a liking to Thom and him to her. That way, everyone will be happy."
Reaching over to give Theo a soft pinch on the arm, Anna told him he was barking mad.
"Perhaps I am barking mad, but it would be best if Thom put his eyes on Gabriella and kept them off you. I will only be charitable once."
Shifting once again, Anna stretched up to leave a kiss on Theo's lips. "Enough talk about things that don't matter. I purchased a game of Wizards Chess. I'd like for you to teach me a few things."
A smirk appeared on Theo's face when Anna got up to fetch the game. He was thinking he'd give his witch a few pointers on Wizards Chess then later she could give him some pointers on taming his dick. It would all work out.
/*/
When Reg returned home, he had the house to himself. Theo was out for the night and the uncles probably wouldn't be bringing Declan back for hours. It was Man time. Reg locked the bathroom door and ran himself a tub with some manly scents thrown in. For forty five minutes he luxuriated in the bath while random thoughts ran through his mind. Uppermost in his mind was how he would address his current situation with Theo. He had taken back up with a former girlfriend. That wasn't the problem. Wizards do like company. He position was being a Man to Declan Nott and that's where his mind should be. What would Theo think if he wanted a day off here or there to visit Wales? Would Theo be amenable to having an unknown witch around Declan? Reg sighed as he reached for his wand to empty and clean the tub. The only way he would know would be to ask.
After dressing, Reg checked the kitchen to make sure they had all needed ingredients for Sunday dinner. After checking the liquor cabinet, he had then enlarged the living and dining rooms as Theo requested. With a few quick swish and flicks, he freshened up the rooms adding fresh flowers here and there. Reg gave himself a well done when he was finished. Theo would be pleased.
/*/
Reg had just settled himself at his desk to go over the savings account he and Declan would be opening on Monday when he heard his charge call out.
"Hello. I'm home. I had a lovely afternoon in Diagon Alley. It is amazing."
Reg came out and greeted everyone while telling Declan to lower his voice. "It's a good thing Theo isn't home to hear you shouting the house down. You sound like you're addressing someone across a Quidditch field."
Mick and Conor glanced at each other. When the Byrne boys got together, they were usually very loud.
Declan wasn't embarrassed by Reg's words. Reg was his Man and would always point him in the correct direction. "Sorry Reg. I'm just a bit excited. I know the rules."
"Good man." Reg replied.
"The uncles got me a hair cut. I hope father will be pleased."
Reg gave Declan's head the once over. "The barber did a great job. I believe your father will be more than pleased. He had mentioned it was time for another haircut. I hope you thanked Mick and Conor properly."
Declan let out a laugh as he turned to his uncles. "My uncles love me. They don't want any thanks for what they do for me."
Declan immediately knew he had spoken out of turn when he turned to see Reg's wrinkled brows. "I'll thank them anyway Reg. Thank you Uncle Conor, Uncle Mick. I appreciate my haircut."
Reg simply nodded at Declan before inviting Conor and Mick to have some lunch.
Both the uncles shook their head with Conor answering. "We're good thanks. Mick, Declan and I stopped by a muggle fast food place. Your charge can eat more than Mick or me. He won't be hungry for a while."
"Excellent."
"I purchased a few things but no worries. I spent my money wisely. The money left over can be deposited into my savings account on Monday.
Conor and Mick stood there with proud uncle smiles on their faces while Reg beamed as well. His charge was a very intelligent and engaging young wizard.
"Well done Declan. Thanks so much Conor, Mick for showing him such a good time. Go put your things away Declan. I'll have a look later."
"Okay Reg. See you tomorrow uncles."
Mick made his excuses and left. Conor remained telling Reg he wanted a shower and a lie down. "My witch is off visiting family. I hope you don't mind if I stay a while."
"This is your home as much as it's mine Conor. There's no need to ask. I've set up a Wizards Pool table in the room out back. If you're up to it later, perhaps we can have a game or two."
"Sounds like a great idea Reg, but don't be discouraged if I fall asleep. I'm tired off my arse." Quickly realizing he had used a swear word, Conor apologized then excused himself.
Reg wasn't fussed. Declan was in his room and hadn't heard anything. "No problem Conor. If we don't play today, maybe some other time."
"Sounds good. I'll see you in a bit or I won't." Conor called over his shoulder.
Reg headed to Declan's room to see just what his Charge had purchased.
/*/
It was 5:00 pm by the time Draco and Hermione returned to the house.
"All in all, I think our afternoon went well."
"I agree. It started off rocky but managed to end up well. I'm chuffed. You should have seen your face when you had to keep telling mother the same thing over and over. Push the button beside the name of the person you want to call. Yes, of course Hermione. Then two minutes later you're telling her the same thing. I thought mother was sharper than that. Then the texting. That's my mother but there were several times when I wanted to laugh out loud."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Not everyone can catch on quickly Draco. The point is she caught on. Narcissa Malfoy is now competent on a mobile."
Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist. "Don't be rolling those eyes at me. I am speaking the truth. Just another thing to make this reformed pureblood wonder why they think they are above everyone else. Some are downright slow."
Hermione pulled herself free and growled at Draco. "I know you're joking but you sound like one of them. Some are downright slow. That would be something to come out of a pureblood's mouth not yours. Don't be one of them."
Draco sighed. Hermione was right. He did sound like some uppity pureblood. He changed the subject. "You seemed quite enthralled with the wedding books. I was very surprised when you mentioned mother offering you the use of the Malfoy wedding planner. We won't have to spend a knut."
"Surprised me too. I was wondering if there was a catch." Hermione admitted, plopping herself onto Draco's lap.
"I don't think there's a catch. I do however think she hasn't given up hope some pureblood witch will catch my fancy." He replied with a smirk.
"Hahaha. Funny Malfoy. Perhaps she's hoping that some muggleborn wizard will catch my fancy. It's possible you know."
Draco squeezed Hermione so tight she begged for air. "Keep talking like that Miss Granger and I'll have you married and pregnant within the week."
Hermione who was finally able to get some air laughed out loud. "As if Malfoy, as if. I believe my muggleborn prince might be just over the horizon."
Draco didn't find Hermione's words funny gave a sarcastic reply as he stood pushing her off his lap. "Do you mean the dead one?"
Following closely behind her fiance, Hermione giggled like some maniac. "Not the dead one. The other one."
Draco growled out some nonsense as he closed the bathroom door behind him with a loud snap.
Hermione continued to giggle.