Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 4
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 5
As he often did when he was home alone, Blaise was wandering around his flat as naked as the day he was born. He wasn't expecting anyone and his housecleaning witches had come and gone. There wasn't any reason for him to be fettered with clothing.
Since Draco returned to London, Blaise had spent a great deal of his time getting his mate situated. He hadn't had time for his regular female company who would appear at the drop of an owl message to give him pleasure. So Blaise was horny. However, he was expected at the Nott's that evening. There wasn't time to feed, fondle and fuck any of his regulars.
Additionally, for reasons of his own. Blaise didn't want to arrive with a witch on his arm this night. He had goals. If luck was on his side, he would be heading home with a certain preferred piece of womanhood on his arm. If he was really lucky, she might invite him into her bed. Either way, his personal problem would be solved as it had been several times before. But, for the time being. There wasn't anything for him to do except satisfy himself.
Summoning three towels and a bottle of Wizard's Body Lotion, Blaise leaned his head back against his luxurious couch. Using his wand, Blaise spread the lotion over his slightly inflated dick. A few stray thoughts later, his dick was in full erection standing up waiting to be tamed. With thoughts of a favored witch running through his mind, a sexually charged Blaise used both hands to bring himself to an intense climax calling out a name as his semen spurted onto the towels.
As always, after he had pleasured himself, Blaise felt a bit awkward. He'd never want his mates or colleagues to know he jerked himself off even though most males by the age of fifteen had done it numerous times. The difference being, he was Blaise Zabini, wealthy, upstanding member of Wizarding society. There were seven witches he could call at any time to do this for him.
Blaise remained immobile feeling the last vestiges of his manual pleasure ebbing away. Using his wand once again, Blaise cleaned the sticky liquid from his scrotum, thighs and now deflated long, brown pole before sending the three soiled towels into the realm of dirty clothes. Blaise also cast a fresh air smell around the room. He didn't want the living room smelling of sex. Even one person sex.
A smile crossed Blaise's face as he thought about where he would try to place this very same pole later in the evening. If successful, that was a climax he looked forward to.
With his Wonder Wizard Watch showing almost 7:00, Blaise went to his bedroom closet to choose his attire for the night. He ended up choosing a midnight blue, Basic, dress suit which he paired with a light blue shirt, black tie and black slip ons. Blaise was meticulous in his dress. His mantra had always been dress to impress. No matter the occasion. Tonight would not be an exception.
With his choice made, Blaise headed to the bathroom to shower and groom himself. He also planned to use a smattering of the body scent he had been given as a gift. Couldn't hurt.
/*/
Away from London in Wiltshire, Draco was doing the exact same thing as Blaise except for the self pleasuring. Although it was hard to believe. Sex and shagging were the last things on Draco's mind. There would be plenty of time for witches after he got his life in order. Until then, his dick would remain soft and limp in his trousers.
Draco had already bathed and chosen a dark gray, Basic, dress suit which he would pair up with a crisp, white shirt, mixed gray tie and black lace ups. Like Blaise, Draco was meticulous in his dress. Even on the most casual of occasions, Draco dressed impressively. It wasn't just a Pureblood thing. It was more of an ego thing and always had been.
Draco still had an hour and a half before Blaise was due. Pouring himself a small bit of fiery Grappa he brought back with him, Draco sat down to relax and psych himself up for what was to come.
By 8:45, Draco had finished dressing and sat down to enjoy his second Grappa. At 9:15, Blaise who had obviously come through the front gates in order to greet Draco's parents arrived at the bedroom door.
"Greetings mate. Are we ready then?" Asked Blaise brushing a nonexistent piece of lint from his sleeve. "Let us go dazzle a few witches. Perhaps we will end up in a very happy place this evening."
Draco gave Blaise a scowl as he reached out to shake his mate's hand. "The only happy place I want to be in at the moment is a group which isn't crying out for my blood. My dick can wait. Let's be off."
"I'll have to save this memory," laughed Blaise. "Draco Malfoy going out to be among beautiful witches and his mind is not on what the lovely ladies carry between their legs. Switzerland has done a magnificent job of knocking the arrogance out of you. Hopefully, your life there hasn't removed your sex drive as well. We wouldn't want to disappoint the lovely ladies of London."
"Enough Blaise!" Draco exclaimed with an even deeper scowl plastered on his face. "My dick and/or lack of sex have nothing to do with you. Shall we go or do you want me to pull it out to ensure you it's still there?"
Blaise held up a hand. "Calm down Draco. You're letting the old Malfoy out of his cage. I was just having a bit of fun. Let's get to Theo's before I find myself on the receiving end of some foul curse or something."
"Yes let's." Was all Draco had to say.
/*/
Theo and Padma were pleasantly surprised at the number of people who were showing up for their function. It wasn't as though this was something new. He and Padma had been inviting Wizarding society into their home for the past two years at the request of Kingsley Shacklebolt who thought them the best couple to represent how far their world had come. A Slytherin had married a Ravenclaw and they were happy. To Kingsley, that was perfection.
So far this night, Theo had greeted Seamus Finnigan and his fiancée, Laura a transplant from Germany who had landed in London after the war. Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbot and the usual Potter gang, Ron, Michael Corner and Randy Jordan. Dean Thomas came in close on the heels of Pansy Parkinson LeClair who had conveniently left her husband at home. Again. Far be it for Theo to comment on anyone's behavior, but Pansy was showing herself to be quite the slag. Always in a dark corner with one young wizard or another. Theo was apprehensive that one of these Saturdays Mr. LeClair would show up at the door to hex everyone including his wife.
Theo excused himself to check on the food, liquor and entertainment. When he returned to the foyer, he was chuffed to see Kingsley, who tried to make as many of his and Padma's nights as possible. After all, they were carrying out his idea. Theo raised his eyebrows when he moved farther into the hall and saw it was Harry Potter speaking to Kingsley. Harry had become less than sociable over the years so it was a big deal for him to show up. Hermione, Terry (of course) and Finch-Fletchley had also arrived in Theo's short absence. Ginny Weasley and Lisa Turpin along with several of their friends were now in attendance as well.
Theo had thrown up a hand in greeting as Neville and Luna moved from the foyer into the main room. He was about to grab Padma so they could mingle with their guests when a sort of hush fell over the room. Turning back to see what had caused the hush, Theo was surprised to see his old mate Draco Malfoy coming through the front door with Blaise.
/*/
Theo was the host and had to ensure all his guests felt comfortable even if one of them was disliked by most people. Taking Padma by the hand, Theo went over to greet his friends even as a small rumbling began to permeate the room.
Extending his hand, Theo shook hands with Blaise then Draco. "Hello Blaise. Draco Malfoy. How are you? Back in town after all these years. Welcome to our home. This is my wife Padma."
As Theo spoke to Blaise and Draco, Parvati Patil appeared at his shoulder smiling demurely in Draco's direction.
Parvati greeted Blaise without taking her eyes off Draco. "Hello Blaise. Nice to see you." Then turning to Draco she offered an apology. "My apologies Mr. Malfoy. I did not recognize you when you were in my shop this morning. I am Parvati Patil. Padma is my twin sister. The suit fits you well."
Blaise smiled as he caught the quick glance Draco had given him before answering Parvati. "No apology necessary Miss Patil. Thank you for your courtesy this morning. It was unexpected. I haven't been back in London long enough to make my presence known. However, after tonight. I'm sure the whole of London will know."
In a brazen move, Parvati put an arm through both Draco and Blaise's arms offering a cheeky quip. "And they will also know that Parvati Patil had the arm of the two most handsome wizards in the place. Shall we go for a drink and bit of food?"
Blaise smiled at Draco over Parvati's head mouthing the words, happy place.
Draco let a sliver of a smile play over his mouth, but quickly rearranged his face. He was smiling in the midst of a group of people who would like to see him dead. His mask fell snugly back into place.
The grumbling seemed to have grown louder as Draco, Parvati and Blaise followed by Theo and Padma entered the main room. For several seconds, Blaise thought he might have to hurry Draco out. But before anyone threw a hex. Kingsley moved across the room with his hand extended greeting Draco, Blaise and Parvati in his deep voice.
"Miss Patil. Nice to see you. Good evening Blaise. Good evening Mr. Malfoy. Twice in one day Draco. I've seen you more today than I will probably see you in a month in your OTS position. I'd like you to join me in the celebratory drink we couldn't have this afternoon."
The grumblings turned to soft murmurs and exclamations as the Minister let his complimentary words drift throughout the room.
Kingsley led the way with Draco, Blaise, Parvati, Theo and Padma following behind. Theo nodded at Blaise as they came abreast of each other. Kingsley had done in five minutes what it would have taken Draco a year to accomplish. Draco had been accepted back into the fold by the Minister of Magic no less and in front of all the movers and shakers of Wizarding London.
After a few minutes of hesitation, several people came over to ostensibly greet the Minister greeting Parvati, Draco and Blaise as well.
Parvati held onto Draco's arm even more tightly displaying a very wide smile.
Theo and Blaise stood back to watch the Minister's work in action. Kingsley wanted peace. By greeting Draco as he had, Kingsley was insuring that's what he would get.
Draco breathed a bit easier, but knew he wasn't out of the woods yet. In fact, with some he would never be out of the woods.
/*/
Not everyone moved to greet Draco. Little groups had formed in different areas of the room obviously discussing the fact that Draco Malfoy was back in London and the Minister was fine with it. Most people didn't know whether to shite or get off the pot. Their Minister had thrown them a curveball. They now had to make an effort to acknowledge Malfoy in order to remain in the Minister's good books. And everyone wanted to be on good terms with the Minister.
One of the little groups was made up of Hermione Granger, Terry Boot, Ginny and Ron Weasley and Dennis Creevey. They were all furious over Draco's presence as well as what the Minister had said. First. Kingsley had welcomed the piece of shite. Second. The piece of shite had secured one of the most sought after positions in the Ministry. Third. The piece of shite was acting as though he belonged among good people.
Hermione who was the angriest left the group heading straight for Draco. Blaise who expected Hermione to try to confront Draco moved to intercept her. Theo who immediately understood what was about to happen steered Draco and Parvati, who was still stuck to Draco, into his study where they were intercepted by none other than Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter and her trusty photographer. Before Theo could warn Rita away from Draco, she smiled coquettishly and began asking Draco questions in rapid fire succession not giving him a chance to form even a single answer.
Just like in a Muggle cartoon. A light bulb went on in Draco's head. He saw an opportunity. Even if it was with the despicable beetle. Rita liked him or at least she had in the past. Perhaps he could turn her intrusion into something beneficial to his case.
"If you don't mind Theo, I'd like to answer Miss Skeeter's questions. I may never get to address the concerns of the good citizens of England face to face so I'd like to do it through The Daily Prophet."
"Should I leave?" Parvati asked uncertainly.
"Yes." Rita sputtered in a slightly biting tone.
"If you don't mind Miss Skeeter, I'd like Miss Patil to stay." Draco replied addressing the ugly reporter with his most charming smile.
"Fine," huffed Rita rolling her eyes at Parvati. "She may stay if she keeps her mouth closed and out of the way of my photographer."
Draco gave Rita another smile as if agreeing with her.
Theo who was very quick on the uptake threw up locking and silencing charms to block any possible intrusions. Sliding into a chair, Theo sat back to watch Draco Malfoy run a show.
/*/
Rita Skeeter settled her plump bottom into one of the larger chairs and pulled out her notepad.
Draco didn't know if the old bat still used a Quick Quotes Quill, but neither did he care. He had a message to get out and wasn't concerned how it came about.
Facing Draco, Rita adjusted her ridiculous glasses then began to speak. "Thank you Draco for agreeing to this little interview. As soon as I saw you come through the doors. I knew there was a story to be had."
Then the interview had begun in earnest with Rita asking probing and personal questions which Draco answered in his most charming and seductive manner. At the tail end of the interview, Rita asked the one question Draco had hoped would not come up, but knew was the one question he had to answer.
Rita cleared her throat gazing at Draco like some infatuated schoolgirl. "Draco. You are accused of doing one thing during the war that stands out from anything else. Did you let Death Eaters into Hogwarts by way of a Vanishing Cabinet? And how do you feel about your actions now?"
Theo tensed up a bit waiting for his mate to chuck Skeeter out on her arse knowing bringing Death Eaters into Hogwarts was one of Draco's biggest regrets.
However, Draco did not hesitate to answer the question. He reiterated in full detail the information he had given the Wizengamot particularly stressing how Voldemort had promised to kill him and his mother if he didn't follow orders. Then had gone on to explain how crushed he was over the results of his actions.
Rita smiled warmly at the wizard sitting before her almost purring her acceptance of what he had just shared. Finding her tongue, Rita asked Draco if he had any last words before allowing the photographer to take a few photos which would go along with the article.
Draco immediately held up a hand. "I do have a last thing to add, but before I do I must insist you not print any photo of me smiling. This is a very serious matter. I wouldn't want anyone to think I take it lightly. As for last words. Here they are. My actions brought about some dire results. I know I cannot change what happened, but I would like the Wizarding World to know something. If I'd had the courage, strength and support to get myself and my mother out of Voldemort's clutches, my actions would have been very different. I hope someday people will understand and accept my apology."
Both Parvati and Rita were nodding their heads at Draco's heartfelt words.
Rita then gestured to the photographer who began taking photos of Draco. Some with Theo. A few with Parvati which caused Rita Skeeter to frown until the photographer suggested she take a few with Draco as well. Rita turned on her brightest smile while Draco remained true to his request keeping his face a mask.
Finishing up, Rita again thanked Draco for the interview and Theo for the use of his home. Rita ignored Parvati except to give her a distinct eye roll.
"This is an important piece which I hope to have ready for the tomorrow's issue. Do not worry. I will work my magic. It will be a magnificent article. I'm sorry to cut my visit short, but I have to get back to The Prophet to get the ball rolling. Nice to see you again Draco. Goodnight."
/*/
Theo removed the locking and silencing spells from the door as Rita and the photographer packed up to leave.
The door hadn't been unlocked more than a few seconds before Hermione Granger came tearing through with an aggravated looking Blaise on her heels.
Blaise respected people's right to be angry with Draco, but felt this was neither the time nor place for a confrontation.
Hermione thought otherwise.
Parvati stood as Hermione strode over to Draco. "What's wrong Hermione?"
"What's wrong?" Hermione shrieked. "Draco Malfoy in this house among all our friends is what's wrong. You should be bloody ashamed of yourself consorting with the enemy."
At the first shriek, Theo once again put locking and silencing spells on the door.
Surprisingly, Parvati squared her shoulders and responded to Hermione in an acid tone. "Consorting with the enemy is it? Sounds like something Ron Weasley once shouted at you about Viktor Krum. You're not in court and I'm not on trial so you will lower your voice when you accuse me of treachery." Parvati added sarcastically.
Blaise smiled at the feisty retort. It seemed Parvati had found someone she wanted in her happy place and wasn't above a bit of shouting to ensure it happened.
For a second, Hermione thought over her options. "My apologies Parvati. I am not accusing you of anything. My problem is with Draco Malfoy."
Turning to Draco, Hermione addressed him in a bitter tone and haughty manner. "Why are you back in London? I don't care what Kingsley said. You aren't wanted here. If you think I won't be lodging a complaint about you as well as your new position, you are sadly mistaken. You come back as big as you please and somehow step over wizards who have been denied a position in OTS. How bloody wonderful. I….."
Draco had remained quiet while Hermione ranted, but he'd had enough. "Why is it always you spitting venom in my face Granger? Half of London hates me, but none except you and the female Weasley have accosted me. Who has died and left you in charge of London? I'm sure Kingsley would like to be advised you have taken over his duties. I am aware that running off after the war was a cowardly thing to do. I was a frightened young man who fled for his life after having been ordered about by a madman. After five years, I have finally gotten over being disgusted with myself over things I did in the past. I do not need you reminding me of my shortcomings. I remember them well. Seems so very easy for you to judge. If I had it to do over, I would do things differently. Of course that's a moot issue. We both know I cannot change anything. You'll just have to keep haranguing me in public to make yourself feel better because your vitriol serves no other purpose. Since you've done you're haranguing for the night. Why don't you excuse yourself so I might have a conversation with more reasonable people."
It took Hermione several seconds to reply, but reply she did. "Spitting venom? Reminding you of your shortcomings? Haranguing you? The only thing you have right is that half of London hates you. People died Malfoy. Brothers. Sisters. Mothers. Fathers. All dead because of you." Hermione finished with a catch in her voice.
"Hermione." Draco answered addressing her in a softer voice. "Your friends died. I am truly sorry for that. Hold me accountable if you must. But they did not die by my hand. I did not kill anyone. We have now come full circle. Is this where I should repeat how I was forced to do the things I did?"
Hermione seemed to be struggling for an answer so Theo stepped in. "I respect you Hermione, but I wonder if you haven't misplaced your hate. Draco apologized for his part in the war in front of the Wizengamot in 1998 and probably every year after. There is nothing more for him to add. The war has been over for five years. Perhaps it's time you examined your belief that Draco is solely responsible for everything that happened during the war. I think you might find that while Draco played a part. You hate him because he is the only person left to hate. Most everyone else has moved forward with their lives putting what they can behind them. No one expects you to fall in love with Draco Malfoy, but you can try being hospitable."
"Well thank you for the sum up." Hermione snapped at Theo. "Please don't imply you know how I feel or why I feel. Malfoy is a no good…."
Theo was now past annoyed with Hermione's shite. "Enough of this shite Hermione." He shouted. "This is my home. And…I…have…had…enough. You've had your say with Draco. Your behavior is now bordering on harassment. Let this be the end of it or you may find yourself facing a prosecutor. This is my last word on the subject. Ignore Draco if you have to, but do not confront him again in my home."
Hermione tapped her fingers on the back of the nearest chair as she carefully formed her answer. "So. It would appear you three have decided to support Malfoy over me. That's very interesting. I'll try to stay out of your way. Don't say I didn't warn you when Malfoy turns on the lot of you….then runs back to Switzerland. As for you Parvati. I didn't know a dick meant that much to you."
"How dare you Hermione." A beet red Parvati shouted rising to her feet. "Instead of wasting time attacking Draco. You might want to use your big brain to figure out why you treat Terry in such a piss poor manner. Seems as though you are the one fascinated by a dick. Too bad for Terry its the only thing about him that interests you. Get your face out of everybody else's business and tend to yourself Hermione. For starters, you might want to treat Terry better. Or leave him to Della who will treat him the way a wizard should be treated. Now tell us. How does it feel to have someone trampling through your business?"
Theo too had jumped to his feet, but Hermione waved him off as she headed for the door. "Don't bother adding your two cents Theo. I've heard enough. Had a lovely time. I'll see myself out."
"Hey! No goodnight for me then Hermione?" Blaise called out facetiously.
Hermione rolled her eyes at Blaise before telling him to fuck off. Then she was out the door.
Draco sat looking horrified while an amazed Blaise remained in the corner trying his best not to laugh out loud over the fact Parvati had told Hermione Granger off good and proper.
/*/
After the door closed behind Hermione, Parvati, who was still quite red, excused herself to see if Padma needed help with anything.
/*/
Theo suggested to the others that they head over to the main room. As the three men were moving into the hall, Blaise cheeked in a low voice. "How about that mates? Hermione Granger said the word dick. Merlin must be turning over in his grave."
Theo grinned nodding in silent agreement.
Draco neither nodded nor spoke. He was busy twisting his neck to the side and back as if checking to be sure his mask remained snugly in place.
/*/
Padma approached the trio when they entered the main room. She hadn't been able to greet Draco properly when he arrived because Parvati had whisked him away. So she now greeted him warmly with a smile and a quick hug.
After a few words with Padma, Draco glanced around the room checking for any sign of trouble, but found none. For the most part, guests were chatting with each other or among themselves in the same small groups.
As he scanned the room, Draco noticed that Hermione Granger had not left the function. Instead, she was speaking earnestly to Boot, Finch-Fletchley, Potter, the female Weasley and the Longbottom chap. However, even as he watched the group. Draco also noticed the bored looks beginning to appear on all faces except Boot and Ginny Weasley who seemed enthralled by whatever Hermione was saying.
Draco turned away from his group watch when Pansy Parkinson LeClair called his name. Wrapping her arms around Draco's shoulders, Pansy chided him softly. "You're back in London and haven't bothered to send me an owl. How very trifling of you. How are your parents? Please give them my regards."
Draco let himself give Pansy a small smile as he listened to her go on and on about her wonderful husband all the while exchanging glances with a chap who didn't look a day over nineteen."
"Still at it then Pansy?"
"At what?" Pansy answered in her most innocent voice. "Can I help it if these young wizards won't leave me alone? I do not seek them out. They seek me."
"Come on Pansy. Save your explanations. I'm not your husband. I've known you for a long time. Just be careful." Draco cautioned before heading over to where Blaise and Theo stood talking to Kingsley.
"Ah Draco!" Exclaimed the Minister as Draco approached. "Theo and his wife spend a great deal of time setting up these functions. I hope you are enjoying yourself."
Initially, Draco thought to stretch the truth by telling the Minister he was having a wonderful time. However, on second thought. Draco decided to be truthful. "I wish I could honestly say I'm enjoying myself, but I've just purchased a new suit which I fear will have holes burned into the back before the night is over."
Kingsley let out booming laugh assuring Draco he experienced the very same thing on many occasions. Which caused Blaise and Theo to burst into laughter as well. The three men and Kingsley were still quite amused when Harry approached from one side and Kingsley's Assistant, Anthony Goldstein approached from another.
"Good evening gentlemen." Harry offered with an outstretched hand. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion. I wanted to be with the fun group."
"No problem Harry." Kingsley replied shaking Harry's hand. "You are always welcome in any group I am in. However, it's about time for me to make an appearance at the Regents Club where there is a game of Wizard's Chess waiting for me. Five Galleon limit you know. Anthony will fill my spot nicely. I'll just say my goodnight to Padma and be on my way. Thank you Theo for another interesting night."
Moving across the room, Kingsley called out. "Push forward ladies and lads. I'm counting on everyone here to do their part in setting the tone for the future. Have a wonderful evening. Goodnight."
A chorus of voices called out goodnight in return.
/*/
Kingsley's words must have left an impression because twenty minutes later, most guests were cheerfully circling the room which included stopping to greet Blaise, Theo, Anthony, Harry and Draco.
By evening's end, Draco was feeling a bit more settled. He had ventured out into the populace and had lived to tell the tale.