Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 3

p.s. I know you are wondering about the term Basic Wear. It's just Kingsley's way to get us out of stuffy robes while allowing us a variety of clothing without shoving certain terms down the throats of Magical people. Nowadays, robes are only required at legal proceedings. However, manner of dress outside the courtroom still remains with the witch or wizard who has to wear it. Older wizards have remained attached to robes, but the younger generations are very comfortable wearing Basic Wear.

I could have waited to explain all this, but I didn't want to chance you doing or saying something else awkward.

I'll see you at 1:45.

Blaise

/*/

Awkward my arse, thought Draco reading through the message a second time. Time was at a premium so Draco hurried to dress and get to Diagon Alley where he hoped to find a decent apparel shop.

With Blaise's explanations running through his mind, Draco decided for the present he would purchase five day outfits, two dress outfits, three formal outfits and accessories as needed. Better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, he would have to make time to see a barber for a bit of a change in hairstyle.

It was already 9:30. 1:45 would be there before he knew it. Draco had less than four hours to get himself in order. Everything would have to be done on the run.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 4

As early as it was, there was a decent little crowd standing around the courtyard waiting to get through the portal to Diagon Alley. Giggling witches with young wizards following in their wake as well as old crones shuffling along with bags held close to their sides. All standing at the mouth of Diagon Alley waiting to go through.

Draco was at the end of the line moving at what he felt was a snail's pace.

I'm on a tight schedule he thought to himself. Move it along. As Draco moved up step by tiny step he happened to glance to his right and found himself looking into the eyes of Ginny Weasley who returned his gaze with a look of fury.

"I heard you were back in London you fucking tosser. Have you come back to see who else you can get killed?" Shrieked Ginny.

Draco moved forward not wanting to answer Ginny and cause more of a scene. But it was tart mouth Ginny Weasley and she was not about to be silenced.

"Nothing to say you instigator? You had plenty to say and do when you were under Voldemort's protection."

That was it. She had hit a nerve. Facing Ginny, Draco replied in kind. "Believe what you will Weasley, but I can tell you I was never under Voldemort's protection."

There. Draco had said the name. Perhaps for only the second time in his entire life. "That monster had me and my parents in the same stranglehold he had the Wizarding World. We were prisoners in our own home given daily instructions that had to be followed to the letter or someone would die. I am sorry your brother and your friends died. I'm sorry about the whole bloody, fucking war."

Draco turned away from Ginny to make his way into Diagon Alley and quickly turned back when he heard a scuffle. Harry Potter had appeared in the courtyard and had Ginny by the arm preventing her from throwing whatever spell she had been about to throw at him.

Draco nodded at Harry and elbowed his way through the small crowd that had gathered to watch the argument between him and Ginny. Hurrying to the apparel shop, Draco wanted to get his business done and over and get back to Malfoy Manor. One run in with the enemy was more than enough.

/*/

Draco finally made it to a totally renovated Madame Malkin's shop which was now called The Clothing Retreat, Proprietor Parvati Patil. Draco wondered for a second if this was the witch who had married Theo Nott certain Patil was the surname Blaise had mentioned in his message.

In for a penny. In for a pound thought Draco as he took in a deep breath releasing it slowly through his mouth before opening the door to the shop.

If the proprietor was Theo's wife, it didn't come up in conversation. Neither had any threats, name calling or overt display of hate. In fact, Draco thought the visit went quite well. By 11:00, Draco had been fitted for the items he wanted, chosen his accessories and made his way to the men's salon. By 11:45, Draco was sporting a fresh hair cut as well.

Draco was finished with his business in Diagon Alley. Hurrying back up the street, he made one unplanned stop in a floral shop to make a purchase. It was just good manners to have something in hand to present to Theo's wife that evening. With flowers shrunk down, Draco hurried back through The Leaky Cauldron. All the time hoping he wouldn't run into Ginny Weasley again.

He didn't.

And two minutes after stepping out of the pub. Draco was back in his wing of Malfoy Manor where he placed the flowers under stasis so they would remain fresh. The delivery owls carrying his purchases showed up fifteen minutes later. The normal wear, dress wear and formal wear Draco ordered arrived with everything just as it should be. Draco used his wand to place everything in their proper places except for what he would wear to the interview.

/*/

Blaise was punctual stepping out of Draco's floo at precisely 1:45.

The two wizards shook hands as Blaise asked if Draco was ready to meet his future.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be." Draco remarked straightening his tie. "I'm hoping Minister Shacklebolt will allow me time to offer my apologies for things gone by before chucking me out of his office."

"Enough of that weak arse bullshite," snapped Blaise. "I know you've changed mate, but it's time for you to put that wimp like persona away. There are people in London who will chew you up and spit you out if you appear before them as a weakling. That is not you. As I have previously mentioned. If you intend to join OTS, you will represent me and I will not be saddled with some weak arsed, pussy arsed wizard who is afraid to step up because of what he thinks someone will say. Let them say whatever they want Draco. You and I will not only dazzle them with brilliance. If they aren't careful, we will baffle them with bullshite as well. If you're ready, let's get going. Kingsley will be waiting."

"I don't quite care for your tone Blaise, but I believe what you say has a lot of truth in it. I have changed. For the better I might add. However, I'm no longer in Switzerland where a peaceful demeanor is expected. From here on out, I will give London what it expects from me. I'm ready."

/*/

Hermione slept in on Saturday. It was only the continuous tapping that caused her to get out of bed at all. Fighting a wicked headache and trying to keep her sticky thighs apart, she stumbled to the window where she received her owls and pulled it open. The owl entered the house and unceremoniously landed on a counter.

"Bloody owl." Hermione snapped reaching out for the message attached to the owl's leg putting on the kettle with her other hand.

"What is so important it couldn't wait until a more reasonable time of day." As she said this, Hermione checked her clock and was astounded to find she had slept until noon.

After a much needed hangover potion, Hermione turned her attention back to the owl.

This particular owl had delivered messages to Hermione many times and remained rooted to the spot knowing no matter how grumpy this witch was. If he waited long enough, she would give him excellent treats.

Hermione continued to grumble as she pulled out a tin of biscuits sticking one in the owl's beak. Even then, the owl didn't immediately fly away. Instead it took time to eat the biscuit a bit at a time. When he was finally done, he tipped his head before flying away.

Cheeky owl, Hermione thought as she opened the message. Just like your owner.

/*/

If the tone of Ginny's owl message had been any angrier, it would have been a Howler. Hermione held her cup of tea mid way between her mouth and the saucer as she read what Ginny had to say.

Hermione,

I am so bloody pissed off I could spit nails. I went to Diagon Alley early this morning to get a few things for this evening. Who do you think I ran into passing through the entryway? Bloody, sneaky bastard Draco Malfoy is who. He was passing through as big as you please. As though he belonged there. The filthy spawn of a hag smarted off to me as well. I pulled my wand to hex the shite out of him, but your good friend Harry came to Malfoy's rescue grabbing my arm and marching me back through the Leaky. I screamed so loudly at Harry I hope I broke his eardrum. How dare he stand up for that murderous traitor? Has he forgotten what Malfoy and his family did to my family? What they did to all of us. Harry wouldn't even listen ordering me to stay away from the lousy git. I'll bloody stay away from the tosspot after I've hexed his bollocks off and perhaps some of that ugly, blonde hair. I'll hex him so bad, no witch will give him a second look. As if any would. I just want to know why no one has kicked Malfoy up the arse and sent him packing. I hope he's not back in London to stay.

Sorry I've gone on and on, but I had to tell someone before I burst.

Oh yeah. Screw Potter. I went back to Diagon Alley a bit later and picked up an absolutely gorgeous emerald green, Basic, Thin Skin sheath. Fits me better than my own skin and makes me feel very sexy as well. I plan to give the blokes a run for their money tonight.

By the way. When do you plan on making an honest wizard out of Terry. I hear Della from Magical Transportation has been eyeing him. Don't fly off the handle. I'm just kidding. Well not about Della.

See you later.

Ginny

/*/

Hermione threw the letter aside. So Draco Malfoy was already making trouble. She had expected no less. He'd better not try making trouble with her because Harry or no Harry. She would hex his arse to Switzerland and back.

"Bastard." A disgruntled Hermione shouted to the walls. "Good for nothing filthy piece of shite is what he is. I'm going to have a word with Harry. He can't seriously think to go around protecting Malfoy. With all the enemies that git has, protecting him will be a full time job.

Hermione huffed her way down the hall and into her bedroom where she continued to huff all the while she put her room back in order. The bed was a mess. The blankets were hanging off the bed and the sheets gave evidence that her and Terry's lovemaking had come to a successful end. As she cast a Tergeo over the bed, Hermione thought about what Ginny had said in the message. When will you make an honest wizard out of Terry? That was just like Ginny. Brutally frank about things which weren't her business.

Hermione sat down on the side of her freshly made bed…. To think. Did she really have any intention of making Terry her wizard? Probably. Maybe. Then with a huge expulsion of air. Hermione fell back on the bed admitting to herself that she and Terry would never be a proper couple. Terry was a….. He was a….distraction. Someone to shag when her nerves were on end. Not someone she would choose as a partner.

Shaking her head, Hermione jumped up from the bed gagging slightly. She had just sickened herself by sounding like some horny wizard who took a witch simply for satisfaction with no thought of the witch's feelings.

Throughout her shower, as she washed Terry's residue from between her legs. Hermione chastised herself for being so cavalier about her relationship with Terry. But by the time she had toweled off and slipped into one of her favorite sundresses. She had an entirely different outlook.

The truth was she did not want Terry fulltime. He was too pliable. Always willing to do as she said or as she wanted. He rarely voiced an opinion that was not hers. He and Justin were wizards of the same ilk. Hermione did think Terry was stronger than Justin, but not by much. Perhaps it was time for her to release Terry so Della from Magical Transportation could have her chance.

/*/

It was Saturday so Kingsley's Assistant was not available to greet Blaise and Draco. However, the door to Kingsley's office was wide open and they could see him sitting at his desk. When Blaise knocked softly, Kingsley rose from his seat to greet the two men.

"Always nice to see you Blaise."

Turning to Draco, Kingsley extended his hand. "Mr. Malfoy. The last time we saw each other wasn't under the most ideal of circumstances. May we hope for a better outcome this go round?"

Draco shot a quick glance in Blaise's direction before straightening his shoulders and addressing Kingsley directly.

"I want to thank you for even giving me this opportunity Minister. Even though the past has shown me to be a cowardly wizard. I want to assure you that is no longer the case. I have come home to London to take up a career and show myself to be a productive citizen. I realize there are many who would rather I not come back, but I believe by my actions I will be able to persuade most that I mean them no harm and only want to live a life they themselves live. I offer you and the British Wizarding world my most humble apologies for what went on during the war. I hope you can forgive me as I have finally forgiven myself."

/*/

Blaise kept his eyes fixed on the floor. He was proud of his mate. Draco couldn't have fallen on his sword any more eloquently. In fact, even though he had spent most of the war in France away from all the Voldemort madness. He had done this very thing to get himself into Kingsley's good books. And because Kingsley was not a vindictive wizard. The Slytherin ploy had worked. Kingsley had accepted him and it had gone on from there.

Raising his head, Blaise saw the same look in Kingsley's eyes he had seen when he himself had stood before the most powerful wizard in the Wizarding World. He saw forgiveness and acceptance. To be accepted by Kingsley was the first step to being accepted by all. Or almost all. Draco would be just fine.

/*/

After his little chat with Draco, Kingsley invited the two wizards to have a seat. Kingsley then addressed Blaise. "It is your wish that Mr. Malfoy come aboard as a member of your department. Is it not?"

"It is sir." Blaise replied firmly. "I believe Draco would make an outstanding addition to OTS."

Kingsley replied with his all knowing smile. "I take it your request is not just a Slytherin thing."

Draco felt a distinct tremor run through his body when the Minister made this remark, but Blaise simply smiled back at Kingsley. "Well yes and no Minister. It is a Slytherin thing, but it is also a, what's best for the department, thing. I take pride in my department. Being Slytherin alone is not enough for me to bring someone before you. Draco has the credentials." Blaise said handing Kingsley the packet of information Draco had put together. "If you will review this information sir, I believe you will be as convinced as I am. Why don't I go down to food services to get the three of us some nourishment? I don't want it said I tried to starve the Minister of Magic. That would not bode well at all."

"Thank you Mr. Zabini. It is past my lunch time." Kingsley replied with a deep chuckle never raising his eyes from the information before him. "Chicken salad with lettuce and tomato and a white tea. Thank you."

"Draco and I will have the same. I shall return shortly."

/*/

Draco knew Blaise well. His going to pick up the lunch was a ploy to give Kingsley a chance to speak freely if he so chose. And he had.

Kingsley questioned Draco in depth about what was contained in the information packet. Then the two wizards discussed in depth Draco's decision to join OTS rather than a law firm.

At the end of their conversation, Kingsley held up the folder asking if he could keep it for his files noting that should he be questioned about placing Draco in one of the more sought after positions in the Ministry, he would have quantitative proof Draco deserved the spot.

With all that aside, Kingsley took a moment to touch on more personal things. "Even though I fully understand what you and your family went through to stay alive. There are many who don't or won't. Be prepared to meet some adversity along the way. I will say. If you meet the haters and doubters with the same eloquence you have shown me, you will bring them over to your side in no time. It could be a hard job. Just keep a firm back and a steady hand. If you know what I mean."

Ever the Slytherin. Draco couldn't resist explaining the full facts of his run in with Hermione Granger, Terry Boot and Justin Finch Fletchley in France and the interaction with the shite weasel that very morning.

Kingsley pursed his lips, but didn't offer any comment on Draco's revelations. The Minister would not speak against four upstanding citizens. That was not his way. That was okay with Draco. His job was done. He simply wanted Kingsley to understand there might be issues between him and the overbearing queen prosecutor as well as between him and the shite weasel.

/*/

Kingsley was not only a brilliant wizard, but a cunning one as well. Otherwise how could he have gotten to be Minister of Magic. He knew what others wanted before they knew what they wanted. It was a gift. He also understood why Draco had shared the bits of information. Well played Mr. Malfoy, he thought. Because of your little stories. I now know who will be first at my office door to make a complaint. And I will be ready.

Kingsley had made great strides in moving the after war London forward. Understanding the mindset of those who had lost family members and friends, he knew everyone wouldn't be quick to accept the arrogant Draco Malfoy back into the fold. If he'd ever been there in the first place. All kinds of foul things had gone on during the war. The problem was not many stopped to realize Draco Malfoy wasn't the cause of them all. Draco would have his work cut out for him, but he could do it. In the meantime, Kingsley knew he would not allow anyone to undo all the good work that had been done. The detractors and naysayers might come at him with their complaints and arguments, but he would do everything in his power to keep them from ruining the progress he had made.

/*/

Kingsley's mental process had only taken seconds. Out loud, the Minister offered a very positive statement. "Welcome aboard Mr. Malfoy. You have secured yourself a position. If Mr. Zabini ever gets back, we can enjoy a celebratory lunch in my staff room."

As if by magic, Blaise appeared at the door with three lunch trays following in his wake. Kingsley directed Blaise to the staff room where the three men sat down to enjoy lunch and discuss Kingsley's decision.

Blaise, his newest hire and the Minister of Magic ate chicken salad sandwiches while toasting themselves with white tea.

Once lunch was finished, Blaise and Draco extended their hands to the Minister with Blaise assuring Kingsley he would have all Draco's paperwork in his hand by Monday afternoon. As an afterthought, Blaise revealed his plan to have Draco acclimate himself to the department by working the first week off the books.

Kingsley gave Blaise a stern look, but kept any retort to himself while Blaise cheekily reminded him that as a Malfoy, Draco had plenty of Galleons. A week or more without pay wouldn't hurt him in the least.

Kingsley warned Blaise he might have a mutiny on his hands if that was how he treated his agents before ushering both wizards out of his office. Blaise and Draco left with Kingsley's deep laugh ringing in their ears.

Both men were quiet as they rode down in the lift. When they reached the ground floor, Draco offered his hand to Blaise. "Thanks mate. This couldn't have happened without your influence. I look forward to being a working pauper for a week…..or more."

Trying to stifle a chuckle, Blaise clapped Draco on the shoulder. "That was a little something to keep the Minister thinking. Your account at Gringott's will be funded along with the rest of OTS. I'll leave you here. I have a few things in OTS which need tidying. I'll see you around 9:00. Your next step approaches. If I'm not mistaken, and Kingsley gave you the same advice he gave me. I stand behind his words. Keep a firm back and a steady hand and everything will begin to fall into place. Later mate."

Draco stood watching Blaise walk away. I am in London and I am chuffed for the future. Two things I thought would never happen again.

As he walked out the Ministry doors, Draco took a deep breath noticing that even at four in the afternoon the day seemed brighter than usual. Just before turning into Apparition, Draco told himself he needed to take stock. It was one thing to be positive and pleasant. It was another thing entirely to be a complete arse about the brightness of the day.

/*/

Harry Potter sat before the fireplace in the living room of Grimmauld Place deep in his feelings. It was six years later yet Harry wasn't completely over anything. Looking around his sanctuary, Harry realized just how much he missed Sirius. People would probably think him mad if he said it out loud. But it was the truth. He loved and missed his godfather. The same couldn't be said about James Potter. Even though James was his father, Harry never got the chance to know him. But he'd had the chance to know Sirius and it still fucking hurt he hadn't gotten the chance to know even more about his godfather.

A bit of the Harry Potter temper presented itself when a few beads of water formed in the corner of Harry's eyes and he had thrown his glass across the room. Yes, thought Harry. I'm a git. When it comes to the loss of Sirius. I'll always act the git. The world can fucking get over it.

Harry only came to Grimmauld Place when he was maudlin. He had a perfectly good flat in London proper. Today he was feeling maudlin because he'd had to strong arm Ginny Weasley. In a manner of speaking, he had defended the piece of shite Malfoy because it was his job. Had Ginny hexed the blonde fuck. He would have had to detain her. Which was something he really hadn't wanted to do.

Harry summoned another glass and poured more whiskey. Closing his eyes, Harry admitted to himself he was tired of the Auror Department. Not just because he had to protect a tosser like Malfoy from being hexed. It wasn't that simple. He wanted to be away from dealing with criminals and villains altogether. He wanted a position where the only thing he had to oversee was evidence. Harry wanted to try his hand at being an Unspeakable or an OTS Agent. He had stopped wanting to deal with people a long time ago. It was time for a change. Harry had already advised Kingsley of his intentions and placed applications with both the Department of Mysteries and OTS. He hadn't heard back yet, but felt he had a good chance to secure a position in either of the departments.

Normally, Harry didn't attend the Meet and Greet functions thrown by the Notts. However, tonight he decided to do a bit of networking knowing Blaise Zabini Head of OTS and Calvin Mercer Head of the Department of Mysteries were sure to be in attendance. He was done being passive. It was time for the boy who saved the Wizarding World to make a move.

/*/

When Draco landed in Malfoy Manor. The first thing he had done was search out his parents. He wanted them to know he had met with the Minister of Magic and secured a nice position for himself within the Ministry. Draco had tread carefully not wanting to stumble upon another argument such as the one he'd overheard the previous day.

Draco was in luck. Whatever acrimonious feelings there had been between his mother and father had been resolved. Draco found then both in his father's study sitting close and speaking warmly to each other.

Allowing himself a deep breath of thanks that his parents weren't at odds, Draco entered the study. "Good evening father, mother. I have a bit of good news to share."

Narcissa walked across the floor to hug her son. "Let's hear the good news Draco." Lucius simply sat back to wait.

"I've had a meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt."

Suddenly Lucius was interested. "About what son? What is your good news?"

"Kingsley has approved my position in the OTS department. He was very impressed by my credentials. Better yet. I will report to Blaise on Monday. I am chuffed because the Minister gave me high praise for the way I am carrying myself. He also imparted a bit of wisdom which I intend to follow. Perhaps you have heard it before father. Keep a firm back and a steady hand."

Lucius reached out to shake Draco's hand. "Yes son. I have heard those words before. In the past, they meant little to me. However, for my son who is reintegrating himself into society. They mean a lot. Your mother and I wish you well Draco."

"Shall I have dinner set for the three of us?" Asked Narcissa hopefully.

"Thank you mother." Draco answered with a smile. "I will have to pass. Blaise and I have plans to do a bit of networking this evening at the Nott's Meet and Greet. I want to be prepared. If it is feasible, perhaps we can have dinner before you leave for France tomorrow evening. I'll excuse myself now so Elder and I can get me sorted. I want my first step to be a memorable one."

"You'll do fine," said Narcissa hugging her son again. "Just don't take any bullshite." Narcissa mumbled softly to her son's retreating back.

Lucius held out his hands to Narcissa kissing her lightly on the cheek. "Draco is still Draco. I don't think we have to worry about him taking any bullshite. Let's retire to our wing before dinner. I'd like a bit of private time with the mother of my brilliant son."

Narcissa smiled as she let herself be led from the room. She was an extremely happy witch.