Hi, all! A big thank you again to my betas Whitney, Kati and Michelle for their support 3

This chapter was written awhile ago but as I'm aiming to try and release one a week, I was wanting to get a bit ahead of myself in terms of future chapters :) It's working so far!

Nott Manor, Thursday evening

The floo in Theo's study roared and he looked up from his desk in surprise to see Draco step through the fireplace, looking despondent.

"Draco. I wasn't expecting you." He looked at the clock above the mantle and frowned. "It's a bit late, isn't it?"

Draco brushed the soot from his clothes and wordlessly walked over to the cabinet housing Theo's liquor supply, where he poured himself a generous tumbler of brandy.

"By all means, help yourself. Make yourself completely at home. No need to explain why you're here or even say a word, for that matter." Theo sniped.

Draco turned to his friend. "I apologise, I didn't offer to make you a drink. Shall I pour you one?"

"You might as well." Theo sighed.

Accepting the glass Draco handed him, he wanted until the other was seated in a chair opposite his desk before asking, "Right, what's up? Out with it."

"I went back to the club and tried to get in." Draco started into his tumbler, looking defeated.

"And? They told you to bugger off?"

Draco nodded. "They said I was a troublemaker. Me! Can you believe it?!" As the brandy flowed into his stomach, Draco's sense of wounded outrage was beginning to surface.

"Not at all." Theo replied, dryly. "Draco Malfoy, drunk off his arse and causing a scene like he has so many times previously, a troublemaker? Impossible."

Draco didn't respond, although he had the good grace to look ashamed.

"So? What else did they say?" Theo prompted, after a few minutes of silence.

Draco repeated the exchange that had occured between himself and the bouncers. "Who are filth, anyway? Unwashed people? And why would they have so many people named Bobby arrive unexpectedly?" He asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Theo burst out laughing. "They're referring to muggle police. Filth is a muggle term for the police in general, and bobby is a term referring to a policeman or group of policemen."

Draco nodded in understanding. Abruptly changing tack, he said, "I need you to help me convince the doormen to let me in the club. I have to see her again, Theo. I need to find out who she is." He looked at his friend pleadingly.

Theo sighed in resignation and leaned back in his chair. "Well, there's no point trying to go back tonight, and I'm not available tomorrow. I promised Hannah I'd take her out for a romantic date. She's been a bit pissed off with me, thinks I've been neglecting her lately. I've arranged a portkey to a restaurant in Nice, but she doesn't know that yet."

Draco huffed in amusement at Theo's revelation. His friend seemed quite taken with Hannah Bones, much to the consternation of Nott Snr's portrait. More than once, the old man had cursed his son soundly for associating with what he referred to as a 'lowly half-blood'. As a result, Theo had banished the portrait to the darkest corner of the Nott home, declaring that there it would remain until such time as the remnant of his father pulled his head out of his arse.

"You must like her if you're taking her all the way to France for dinner." He paused. "Saturday, then?"

"Yeah, okay." Theo leaned forward again and gave Draco a piercing stare. "It's not going to be easy to convince them to consider unbanning you, but you won't get anywhere if they think you're pissed." He looked pointedly at the glass in Draco's hand. "So try to stay away from the bottle before we get there, yeah?"

Draco nodded, wondering how he could possibly wait another two days.

The Blue Jazzist Club, Saturday night

Draco fidgeted nervously beside Theo as they approached the club.

"Calm down and keep still." Theo hissed. "They'll think you're on some sort of Muggle drug and they won't let us in."

Draco stopped fidgeting and looked at Theo with a perplexed expression.

Theo waved his hand dismissively as they approached the entrance. "I'll explain later."

"You again!" grumbled Larry in disgust. "You slow, or something?"

Theo interjected first. "Good evening, sir. I'll be this man's chaperone for the evening. I am prepared to take full responsibility for him and keep him out of trouble."

John snorted. " You were with 'im last week, weren't ya?" Theo nodded. "You didn't do a very good bloody job being responsible for 'im then, didja?" He paused. "He may need a babysitter, but like I told 'im the other night, he ain't coming in. Doesn't matter who's with him."

"My friend has already recounted the previous conversation he had with you gentlemen. I understand the owner ultimately makes the rules regarding who may enter and who may not?"

"Yeah, that's right." Larry responded, looking at Theo suspiciously.

"Thank you for confirming that. I'd like to speak to him, please." Theo replied, firmly.

"You taking the piss?" John asked, moving closer to Larry. "Why would we bother the boss over some bloke who wants to argue a decision that's already been made?"

"If a potential patron disputes the decision, they can still ask to appeal, can they not?"

"Management reserves the right to exclude anyone they choose, without explanation or debate." John folded his arms and glared at the men in front of him.

"All the same, I really would appreciate it if you would just let me speak to him for a few moments."

"OI! What's the hold up?" Yelled a voice behind them. Theo and Draco turned around to see a small line had formed behind them. Theo turned back to the two bouncers, raising an eyebrow.

John and Larry looked at each other and seemed to come to a decision. Signing, John said, "Righto then, I'll call 'im. Move outta the way, will you?" He gestured to Theo and Draco to step to the side to allow the people behind them to approach the door. As Larry set to work managing the small crowd gathered at the entrance, John bought a small black box to his mouth and spoke into it. "Hey Rog, you mind coming out front for a tick? No dramas, just two very insistent blokes who want to speak to ya." He touched his ear, seeming to listen, before making eye contact with Theo and nodding. "Yeah, righto. See you in a minute."

After several minutes a heavyset man of middling height emerged from the entrance. He looked to be about middle age, with small glasses and a neat goatee. He glanced around, spied Theo and Draco waiting to the side of the doors, and walked over to them.

"You the blokes who wanted to see me?"

They nodded.

The man offered his hand. "Name's Roger." Theo and Draco returned the gesture, introducing themselves in turn. Roger took a closer look at Draco, who met his gaze apprehensively. "You look familiar. You been here before?" He looked back over his shoulder at the two doormen.

Larry, having ushered the other patrons inside, walked the few steps over to where the small group was standing. "He's the one we threw out last week for fightin'."

Roger turned back to Draco and frowned. "I'm sorry, if people cause trouble in the club we decline them re-entry. Surely the lads told you that?"

Draco gulped. He had expected this would not be easy, but he was becoming increasingly worried he would not be able to convince any of the men to allow him access.
"Y-yes sir, they did. Actually, we spoke last on Thursday evening. I had been hoping to apologise and be given another chance, and at that time they explained your policy."

"If you know the policy, what are you doing back here, then?" Roger asked, with thinly disguised impatience.

"The gentlemen over there said it was your call who could come in and who couldn't, so I thought to appeal directly to you." Explained Theo.

Roger looked unimpressed. "You're honest, I'll give you that. What makes you think I'll change your mind just because you appeal to me?"

"He was asking about our star vocalist." Larry chimed in. "Was asking all about her, wanted to know who she was."

Roger looked back at Draco with narrowed eyes. "You her ex, or something?"

"That's what John asked, Rog, but he reckons no."

"If you're not her ex, why do you want to know about her? Is she the reason you want to come in? I won't have anyone harassing my employees."

Roger's suspicious stare was making Draco feel increasingly uneasy. "N-no sir, it's nothing like that at all. One of the few things I remember of that night is hearing a snatch of her voice. I don't remember anything of that portion of the night but her voice." Draco shrugged helplessly. "Her voice, it was-well-" he paused. "Look, do you mind if we continue this conversation privately? It's of a sensitive nature."

Roger was silent for a minute, looking from Draco to Theo and back again, and Draco was becoming increasingly anxious. Just as he was sure he was going to be turned away, Roger sighed. "Against my better judgement, I'll hear you out. Come through to my office." Turning away, he walked back through the entrance and gestured for them to follow.

"Want one of us to tag along, Rog?" John called from the doorway.

"Nah, I'm sure they'll behave themselves." He turned back to look sternly at the two men behind him, who nodded silently in assent. Satisfied, Roger continued on, leading them through a small side door and down a hallway until they reached another door. He opened it and stepped back to reveal a small office, gesturing for them to enter.

Draco and Theo surveyed the room. It was cramped and cluttered, and smelled faintly of cigar smoke and cologne. There was a lone chair in front of the battered desk, and Theo nodded silently at Draco to take it.

Roger moved around to the other side of the desk and sat down on the tired swivel chair positioned behind it. "I must be mental even entertaining whatever story you're got for me, but I could use a break from these bloody accounts." He gestured to some papers in front of him. "Out with it, then. What did you want to tell me that couldn't be said out there?"

Draco paused, trying to gather his thoughts. "Well, I mentioned the singer's voice. It got through to me because- well- because it reminded me of my mother." Roger's brow furrowed and Draco sensed he didn't understand. "My mother used to sing often. She had a beautiful voice. Your singer reminded me of her."

"So you want me to let you back into the club because our singer reminded you of your mum?" Roger asked, eyeing him dubiously.

Realising how thin his previous words must have sounded, he tried to explain. "My mother passed away a year ago. In fact, last Saturday was the anniversary of the day she was buried. She was m-" Draco looked down at his feet, took a steadying breath, and raised his head again to meet Roger's eyes. "-She did not die peacefully, or of natural causes. The past year has been… difficult. She was all the family I had in the world, and I loved her very much."

Roger, clearly still sceptical, glanced over to Theo as if to verify Draco's story.

"It's true, sir. She was taken before her time, and Draco has had a tough go of it since. She really did have a beautiful voice."

Roger looked back toward Draco, appraising him critically. He exuded a slight air of desperation, nervously watching Roger's face while he waited for an answer.

At last, Roger sighed heavily and rubbed his face with his hands. "I must be barking mad." He muttered, more to himself than to the men in the room. Returning hands to the desk and his gaze to Draco, he slowly nodded his head. "All right. I'm prepared to give you one chance-." Holding his hand up at the sudden excitement that appeared on the blond man's face, he continued, "-and only one. And I have conditions, you understand?"

Draco nodded eagerly. "Yes sir, of course. I'm happy to comply."

"Right, then." Roger started counting off on his fingers as he listed his terms. "You're not to drink any booze while you're here. If you try to order any, or try and get any other patron to buy any for you, you're gone. Don't turn up here in any condition other than sober. The boys know how to spot someone who's buzzing, so don't think you can fool 'em. No hassling patrons or any of the staff, and that includes our performers. Any complaints about your conduct and you're done, no arguments. Following on from that, don't get involved in any shit. You get caught up in something with someone else, I won't give a toss who started it, you'll be out on your ear." Roger stared hard at Draco. "Am I crystal, son?"

"Yes sir, absolutely," Draco replied, relieved. "Thank you. I'm very grateful to you."

Roger nodded impatiently and waved his hand at him, dismissing them both. "Right then, bugger off. I've got work to do. She'll be on at eleven."

Draco got up from his chair, and followed Theo out. The two walked back the way they had come and out into the club's foyer, where they stood uncertainty for a few moments.

"I-I guess we can go in, then." Draco said nervously. Now that he had passed the first hurdle of being granted readmittance to the club, he found himself anxious and excited at the thought of actually seeing the mystery woman whose voice had captured his attention.

"So. Rog took pity on you, did he?" a flat voice spoke from behind them. Draco and Theo turned to see John behind them, looking displeased.

"He did, yes." Draco replied quietly. "Rest assured, I will to comply with the conditions he set down."

"You better." It was clear the doorman wasn't convinced, as he stared at Draco with an intensity that made him feel quite intimidated. "I've dealt with your sort before. You're one of those rich toffs who thinks his shit smells better than most." He raised a finger in warning. "I'll be watching you. You're on thin ice, my friend. And I shall be under it when it breaks."

Unsure of what to say in response, Draco simply nodded mutely. With a final mistrustful glare, John turned away and returned to his position alongside Larry, leaving Draco and Theo to venture into the club unhindered.

Theo clapped Draco on the shoulder. "Buck up, mate. You're in! And it's-" he looked at his watch "-ten minutes until eleven. Let's go and grab a non-alcoholic drink and grab some seats."

They headed over to the bar and examined the bottles in front of them. The barman approached and Theo asked, "What non-alcoholic drinks can you recommend?"

The barman looked at them in mild amusement, seeming to sense how out-of-place they felt. "You lads ever tried a mocktail?" They shook their heads in negation, causing him to grin widely. "Well, you're in for a treat! I'll make you our house special. Won't be a mo'." Turning back to the row of bottles and glassware behind him, the barman picked up a cylindrical container and scooped some ice into it, before pouring in the contents of several brightly coloured bottles and topping it off with liquid from some sort of nozzle. Draco watched the process with fascination. "What's he doing?" He murmured quietly to Theo.

"This is a muggle way of mixing a drink." His friend explained. "Usually it contains alcohol, but they can make non-alcoholic ones this way, too. They put everything in the container, put a lid on, and shake it about to mix the contents."

Draco watched, bemused, as the barman did just that. Attaching the lid, he shook the container with a flourish, even tossing it in the air and catching it neatly behind his back. Then, reaching above him, he took down two wide-brimmed glasses resembling a cone turned on its point and placed them on the bar in front of the two men. Removing the lid, he deftly poured the contents evenly between the glasses, not spilling so much as a drop. Draco felt the urge to applaud, though thankfully he managed to suppress it. Instead, he nodded at the barman in thanks and picked up his glass. It was a bright red colour, and rather pretty. He took an experimental sip, and found it both sweet and tart. "It's good. What is it called?"

"A virgin strawberry daiquiri." came the reply.

Theo paid for the drinks and, thanking the barman again, he and Draco moved towards the stage to find seats. The tables closest to the front were already occupied, but Draco spotted a free space about halfway back. Taking their places, they settled in to wait for the next act.

Turning to Theo, Draco remarked, "What an odd name for a drink. Virgin strawberry...what was it called?...dack-rey?"

"Daiquiri. Yes, these types of drinks are popular, especially among muggle women. They usually have alcohol in them, and those versions are quite potent. The name 'virgin' refers to a version of the drink which was no alcohol in it at all."

Draco nodded in understanding at Theo's explanation, and then frowned. "So the barman gave us women's drinks?" He felt slightly miffed. "Was he making fun of us?"

"I didn't say they were women's drinks, I said they were popular with muggle women." Theo clarified, amused. "Men do drink them too, just not as frequently." He paused, thinking. "The barman may have been taking the piss a bit, though. I'm pretty sure we stuck out like a pair of sore thumbs. He'll knew this isn't our usual type of club."

Draco looked mollified, but only slightly. He was about to speak when the house lights over the stage dimmed, bringing the area into darkness. Draco could see movement as shadowed figures appeared, arranging themselves on a podium where he could faintly make out several instruments. Movement closer to the stage caught his eye, and he saw a faint shimmer as some sparkly clothing caught what little light was shining from further back in the club. He felt his heart begin to beat heavily in his chest as butterflies took up residence in his stomach. The band began to play a smooth tune, and after several beats she began to sing.

"You had plenty money nineteen twenty-two
You let other women make a fool out of you."

Draco swallowed, recognising the song from the previous week.

"Why don't you do right, like some other men do..?"
Get outta here, and get me some money, too."

The house lights suddenly came up again, and both men gasped audibly at the woman standing on the stage. She was wearing a sequined sapphire own with a plunging neckline and a slit up to mid thigh. White elbow-length satin gloves, an up-do, dark smokey eyes and red lips completed her look.

Draco turned, speechless, to stare at Theo. He mouthed one thing.

"Hermione Granger."

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