Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 5
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.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 6
Hermione sat in a corner slowly sipping a white wine as she watched her friends and enemy interacting with each other. Harry was still busy talking with Anthony Goldstein, Randy Jordan and Justin. Ginny was having a discussion with Blaise. Neville and Luna were having a lively discussion about Merlin knew what. Terry was at the food table laughing with Della from Magical Transportation. The Della. The witch who had made it well known she was interested in being more than a friend to Terry.
Hermione took another sip of her wine as she surreptitiously watched Terry and Della. They did look good together. Terry was a great guy who deserved much more than she was willing to give. Hermione knew it was totally unfair to keep Terry wrapped up, but…. But what?
With a half formed retort on his lips, Terry looked up to see Hermione looking in his direction. He didn't do anything rude, but quickly distanced himself from a surprised Della.
Hermione didn't read lips, but would have sworn Della asked Terry if something was wrong. Terry had responded with a shake of his head.
Hermione took another look around the room spotting Draco Malfoy speaking with Parvati, Padma and Theo and let out a deep sigh. Not only had she thrown out the word dick. She had been bang out of order the way she had spoken to Parvati. What had she been thinking? Consorting with the enemy. She was getting as bad as Ron. Speaking of Ron. He'd obviously had one too many whiskeys and was hanging off Lavender's shoulder. It would only be a matter of minutes before Lavender or Harry had to shoulder march Ron out of the house.
Hermione understood. Some witches and wizards had been able to put the happenings of the war behind them. Ron hadn't been one of them. At least, Ron hadn't been able to put everything behind him, but neither had she. She and Ron had tried to find comfort in each other, but that ended the night Lavender came pounding on Hermione's door looking for her wizard. Ron had left out her back door on the run. That had been their last attempt at comforting each other. They were adults now and had to stand on their own two feet. Their kiddy shite could not go on any longer. When all was said and done, comforting each other was synonymous for cheating and scheming.
The word cheating sent a host of words careening through Hermione's brain. While the remembrance of a never spoken secret brought her up straight in her chair thinking. You silly girl. If you are allowing yourself to go to that place, you are sliding off the deep end. Get a grip.
/*/
Hermione didn't have the chance to mentally chastise herself any more as Terry appeared at her side with a plate of hors d'oeurves.
"I haven't seen you eat a thing." Said Terry pushing the plate into Hermione's hands.
"Thanks love." Hermione replied watching as Della walked across the room to stand with a few of her colleagues. "We have the Woodson case coming up this week. It's big and important. We'll need all hands on deck. However, after that you and I…."
"Hermione." A jovial voice called out. "I've been trying to catch up with you since Thursday morning. It would be nice if you checked your owls every once and a while. Hello Boot. How are you?"
"Edgar. All the way from Scotland. What a surprise," answered Hermione watching as Parvati said something that made Malfoy smile. "I don't know how I missed your owls," she snapped. "What can I do for you?"
"Well." Edgar replied a bit snappishly himself. "I have a case I would like Granger Associates to prosecute. The defendant is fairly well connected. Some important people might have to be called to testify. Zabini's group has collected the evidence and is in the process of is sorting it out. The case will be handed to a prosecutor sometime late next week. Can I count on you and Terry to handle this? Or would you rather I give it to that Dillard fop?"
"Fop?" Questioned Hermione. "That isn't very nice Edgar. Jack Dillard is a perfectly capable prosecutor. Not as capable as Terry and I, but capable nonetheless. The case sounds interesting. Of course we'll take it. Send the particulars to Terry. We'll look it over and get back to you."
"Thank you. I'll have the files sent out right away. How has everything been? I see Draco Malfoy is back in London. He seems to have caught Parvati's attention. Hasn't changed a bit that one. Always one to have the prettiest witch. I wonder what he'll say if his father is called to testify."
"What?" Asked Hermione and Terry at the same time.
Edgar immediately backtracked. ""I've said too much. Read the files for yourselves. Then we'll talk. If I can pull Blaise away from the delightful Ginevra Weasley, I need to have a few words. Nice to see you both." He remarked giving Hermione a slight bow and extending his hand to Terry before walking away.
/*/
Hermione was excited. Important cases always got her blood flowing. Edgar's mention of Lucius Malfoy made the case sound even more tantalizing.
"I have heard rumors that Sir Etienne LeClair has been up to something, but you know me. I'm not one to follow rumors. I need cold, hard facts. But it does make sense. LeClair is an important fellow as well as a friend to Lucius Malfoy. Perhaps we have stumbled onto something very big. LeClair's son is married to Pansy Parkinson. I wonder how she will take it if her father-in-law is taken before the Wizengamot."
Terry was chuffed. Hermione had come out of her foul mood. She was so much easier to talk to when she was happy and excited. She was also more sexually receptive when she'd had good news. Perhaps tonight would be a repeat of the previous night. Terry hoped so.
"Let's meet as soon as we receive the files from Edgar." Said Terry flexing a bit of authority. "You and I can review the files. I'll have Justin and Rebecca give the Woodson case a last review."
"Sounds great Terry." Hermione replied giving Terry a smile that quickened his pulse.
Hermione had started to say something just before Edgar walked up. Terry hoped it was something about them, but Hermione hadn't gotten back to whatever it was. He felt it was up to him to get her back on track.
"Before Edgar walked up, you were about to say something. Is there something we need to discuss?"
Hermione knew exactly what Terry meant, but things would be very hectic for the next two or three weeks. Now wasn't the time for her to cut him loose. So she told a small lie. "Whatever it was has slipped my mind. Couldn't have been anything earth shattering Mr. Boot."
A disappointed Terry nodded at Hermione guessing it hadn't been their relationship she wanted to discuss.
Hermione rose from her seat giving her arms a bit of a stretch. "I'm going to have one last wine, make my rounds then get home to my bed. I'm tired. I'll see you Monday morning."
Terry wanted badly to ask Hermione if she wanted company, but hesitated. If she wanted company, she would have made it clear before then.
More disappointed than ever, Terry crossed the room to join the small group consisting of Neville, Luna, Dean and Della to make some irrelevant small talk.
/*/
Draco flinched when he saw Hermione coming towards him, but was pleasantly surprised when all she wanted was a few words with Parvati.
Guiding Parvati away from the others, Hermione apologized again for her earlier behavior which Parvati had gladly accepted. However, when Hermione brought up Draco's name. Parvati held up a hand telling Hermione she should have a decent conversation with Draco so they could try to work out their differences.
Not wanting to start the argument up again. Hermione held her tongue. There was no way she was going to have a conversation with that piece of shite. But Hermione recognized that Theo had been right. She would refrain from confronting Malfoy, but she wouldn't give up trying to make his life miserable. He deserved nothing. He was a cheat, sneak and liar. There might be people who would accept Malfoy back with open arms, but she, Terry, Ginny, Harry, Ron, Justin and Dennis wouldn't be among them. Moving away from Parvati, Hermione said a pointed goodnight to Theo and Padma completely ignoring Draco as she moved away to offer her goodnight to the other guests.
After Hermione left, Draco couldn't resist commenting. "I'm chuffed. That was the best conversation Granger and I have had since I ran into her in France."
His remark evoked a spattering of laughter from Padma and Parvati. Theo clapped Draco on the shoulder agreeing that no words from Hermione was sometimes the best conversation.
Draco was in complete agreement.
Parvati, who was watching Draco thoughtfully made her own statement. "There's something off in the way Hermione acts towards you. I understand people think it's because she blames you for things that happened during the war. In my opinion, it has to be something else as well. We were all there during the war, but are learning to put the war in perspective and move forward. Hermione has forgiven just about everyone else. Not to be rude Theo, but Hermione has forgiven you even though your father was almost as dangerous and evil as Voldemort. In fact, the only two people Hermione still treats coldly, if you will, are Draco and Ron Weasley. Ron nowhere near as bad as she treats you Draco. You'll have to put on your thinking cap. What is it you've done to Hermione personally to make her act this way?"
Theo, Padma and Parvati were all gazing at Draco waiting for him to respond, but it was Blaise who offered some insight. "I can think of something. What I'm about to share is not common knowledge. However, the war is over so those secrets are null and void. The only thing that matters now is our ability to put shite behind us and move on."
Draco was on his feet before the last words were out of Blaise's mouth. "Whatever you think it is. If I told you in confidence, I expect it to remain a confidence." Draco spit out in a low growl. "The passage of time does not negate a promise."
Theo hadn't thought about a certain thing in years. But, if that was what Blaise was referring to, Theo knew why Draco would rather it remain a secret. "Come on lads." Theo said putting a hand on the back of both Draco and Blaise. "Slytherin business will always remain Slytherin business. Blaise was simply having his little joke."
Blaise was standing with his mouth open. He had come upon the group as Parvati was finishing her little speech and thought he would be a bit of a wise arse. Unfortunately, his remarks had hit a sore spot with one of only two wizards who knew he would never reveal a confidence.
"Step back Theo." Snapped a red faced Blaise. "I was having a little joke Draco, but I see my humor is not appreciated. I apologize, but I think all this Hermione Granger shite has made you a bit paranoid. I just stopped over to say goodnight. Now that I've upset my mates. I'll be taking my leave. Goodnight all."
/*/
Draco was embarrassed. He had been so quick with his words anyone would think he was guilty of something. Thank Merlin Blaise and Theo had stepped in to clean up his faux pas.
Draco turned around to find Parvati gazing at him with a strange look on her face.
You may look all you like Parvati, thought Draco, but you won't get any more of an explanation about anything from anyone. What was done in the past will remain in the past….until Blaise and Theo get me alone. Then I'll be raked over the coals for losing my cool.
Turning to Theo, Draco reached out to shake his hand. "I'll be saying goodnight as well mate. Thanks for having me. One more thing. I'll need your expertise. I'm looking for a flat in or around London. Fairly big, private. I'll send an owl with the particulars or you are welcome to stop by the Manor. I just want to find something as soon as I can."
"No problem Draco. I have several flats available you might like. Although none are in London proper. I'll put a packet together and bring it by the Manor. Will Monday evening work for you?"
"Tuesday evening might be better Theo. I have the feeling Blaise will keep me extremely busy on Monday."
Turning to the ladies, Draco thanked Padma for her hospitality wishing her and Parvati a good night.
/*/
Parvati was feeling a bit disappointed as she watched Draco walk across the room nodding at several people on his way to the door. She hadn't expected any type of overt move on his part. She being his mate's sister-in-law. But, she did think he would at least have asked to see her again. Things had been going well between her and Draco until Hermione had pushed her nose in.
Hermione! What is her problem? Parvati thought glancing around the room to see if Hermione was still among the guests. She wasn't. Now that she's ruined my night. She decided to leave.
"Everything all right over there Parvati? Theo asked laughing at his sister-in-law. "You're mumbling under your breath."
Padma smiled at her sister agreeing with her husband. "You do sound as if something is stuck in your throat. What's going on?"
"Hermione ruined everything. Draco would have asked me out if Hermione hadn't annoyed him. I still believe there is more to her anger at Draco than some war shite and I'm going to find out what it is."
Theo had been through this sort of thing with Parvati before. In some ways she still acted like the spoiled, self-centered witch she had been at Hogwarts. It couldn't just be that Draco wasn't interested. Someone else or something else had to be the reason he hadn't fallen at her feet. In this instance, Parvati was blaming Hermione. Theo thought it best he warn her away from Hermione. Especially if it concerned Draco, who did not take kindly to interference from anyone.
"Don't get involved Parvati. The problem is between Hermione and Draco. They will have to sort it out or they won't. London is a big city. They may never run into each other again. You certainly won't get Draco to ask you out by interfering in his life. Stay out of it. If he wants to date you, he'll ask. Now excuse us. The last of our guests are leaving. Padma and I have to see to the door."
"I'll do as I please Mr. Nott." Parvati whispered softly to herself. "Now that I know Hermione and Draco had some kind of exchange in France six months ago. I'm more determined than ever to get to the bottom of this. It was about six months ago that Hermione started acting like an ogre to everyone. I'm more than sure it has something to do with Draco Malfoy."
/*/
Padma and Theo were back.
"Still mumbling I see. Shouldn't you be getting home? I'd like for the cleaning elves to get in here to set up for tomorrow's brunch. Remember what I told you. Stay out of it. Now. Padma and I are going to have a nightcap then we are off to our rooms. Let yourself out."
"I'm leaving Theo." Parvati sniped. "There's no need to be crass."
"Crass? You know me better than that Parvati. I can be a lot worse things. But, if and when I want to be crass, you'll recognize it straight off. I've been aggravated by one witch tonight. Don't add to it. Go home."
Parvati started to reply, but Padma stepped in. "Enough. The both of you. Do I need to remind you we are family? Goodnight sister." She said giving Parvati a quick hug. "Thanks for coming. Use our floo."
"No thanks Padma. I'll Apparate." She huffed giving Theo a sour look. "I wouldn't want to get ashes on the family rug."
On the way to their rooms, Theo told Padma he loved her more than anything in life, but would not put up with her mouthy sister too much longer. Adding that Parvati always wanted to think someone else was at fault when it all came down to her mouth and overbearing attitude.
"Parvati is not the only one at fault." Padma chided running her hand up and down her husband's back. "You were quite short with her as well. However, we are on the way to our bedroom where I will not allow any bad temper tonight. I want all your attention on me."
Theo grabbed his wife around the waist lifting her off the floor. "More than my attention will be on you this night Mrs. Nott. Prepare yourself."
/**/
There was a message from his mother laying on the table when Draco arrived back at the Manor reminding him about dinner.
Ah yes. His mother and father would be leaving for France tomorrow. Actually, it was after midnight. They would be leaving in a matter of hours. Draco took a quick shower thinking it would help him sleep after the night he'd had.
He was wrong.
His magical clock was showing 3:20 and Draco's eyes were still wide open. Blaise was right. Worrying and fretting over what Granger would do or say did have him a bit paranoid. He was back in London. He would have to remember to be less transparent. He'd have to bring out some of the old Malfoy. Not too much. Just enough to withstand the bullshite.
The next thing Draco remembered was Missy setting a tray on his bedside table. "Mr. Draco be out late. Missy bringing breakfast so you can rest up. We is fixing a mighty fine dinner for you, Mr. Lucius and Miss Cissy. You'll need to be awake and freshed. Dinner being served at 6:00 sharp. Mr. Lucius still be liking robes."
Draco smiled at the feisty elf. "Thank you for your advice as well as your opinion. I will be on time and I will be dressed in robes. Thank you."
"Yous welcome Mr. Draco sir. Ise glad to help. I be coming back for the tray later."
/*/
Missy had been of great service. Draco was now fully awake and ravenous to boot.
As he padded around his rooms, Draco thought about Blaise. The man had done everything in his power to see that Draco got settled. And what had he done? He had questioned his mate's loyalty. Even worse, he had questioned it in front of others. Embarrassed by his behavior, Draco got a quill and parchment to send an owl message inviting Blaise to dinner hoping they could discuss…..
Draco was in the middle of writing a sentence when he noticed Missy had left the Sunday Edition of The Daily Prophet on a table. Grabbing the paper, Draco didn't have far to look for his article. It was dead center front page. Rita Skeeter had obviously seen to that. The article was titled Our Newest OTS Agent Is No Stranger, with the subheading, Draco Malfoy Shares His Story.
Draco put his message to Blaise aside to read the article which was continued on pages two and three.
In Draco's estimation, the article was so clear and thought provoking it caused chills to run down his spine. Whatever else Rita Skeeter might be. She was first a brilliant journalist who had a way with words. If she liked you. And she most certainly liked him.
The article showed Draco to be candid, remorseful and thankful he and his family had made it through. Rita had strategically placed photos and several of his quotes throughout the article lending even more credence to Draco's story. Rita had even managed to get a quote from Kingsley Shacklebolt. While not overly solicitous, the quote showed the Minister to be supportive of Draco's efforts to reenter British, Magical Society.
Draco put the paper aside and let out a deep sigh of relief. In his opinion, the article clearly showed he had been as much a victim as any other witch or wizard forced to live through The Second Wizarding War. It explained everything,
Thankfully, Rita had not touched upon him letting Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Some people had an idea of what had transpired that night. Others knew exactly what had happened. There was absolutely no need to rehash it. It was a stroke of luck Rita agreed with him.
With his confidence high, Draco picked up his quill to finish the message to Blaise. The family owl came as soon as Draco called and the message was soon on its way.
Draco poured a glass of juice and sat back to wait for Blaise's answer.
Draco had his answer in less than thirty minutes. Blaise had sent his answer right back with the Malfoy owl.
Draco,
Thanks for the invite mate, but I'll have to pass. I have a guest and will be tied up for the rest of the day. Give your father and mother my regards and wishes for a great holiday. I'll see you in the morning, 7:30 sharp.
Blaise
/*/
Draco crumpled the message and threw it across the room missing the fireplace by the proverbial mile. Then he sat for several minutes hoping Blaise really was occupied and not just making an excuse.
Draco had another three hours before dinner. Which gave him plenty of time to rehash what Parvati had said. Although she was sticking her nose where it didn't belong, Parvati might be on to something. There was something more to Hermione's anger and hatred beside his participating in the war. In fact, there were two other things. Theo and Blaise knew about one because he had told them. The other thing was so demeaning and dastardly even for an arrogant, despicable wizard such as himself. He'd never mentioned it to another soul. And again, it revolved around June 30th, 1997. The night he let Death Eaters into Hogwarts. The night Dumbledore died.
When he and Hermione had run into each other in France, the thought never crossed Draco's mind that her behavior was anything more than anger over the fact she had run into a filthy Pureblood who had sided with Voldemort. When he arrived back in Britain to find how his world had changed…..for the better. It still didn't occur to him that Hermione could be angry over anything other than his audacity to return to the city and people he had almost destroyed.
Thanks to Parvati, Draco was now sure he knew why Hermione hadn't been able to move on or forgive him. And to Draco's way of thinking. There was absolutely no way he could fix it.
/*/
Draco had changed. He wasn't above saying sorry to Hermione. In fact, he would prefer being on good terms with her. His life would be so much more pleasant. As miserable and hateful as Hermione was acting. If her attitude was about what happened in 1997, Draco could understand her rage.
He was due at dinner with his parents, but in the recesses of his mind, Draco knew what step he would take next. Instead of leaving Hermione to do the confronting, he would be the bigger person and extend an olive branch. While he still had the courage, Draco got another piece of parchment. This time to write Hermione Granger.
/*/
Dinner was an excruciating affair as far as Draco was concerned. He was chomping at the bit to get back to his rooms to see if Hermione had replied to his message.
Draco suddenly realized his father had been speaking, but his mind had been far and away from the table mentally mapping out a plan to make his life easier.
"I'm sorry father. What did you say?"
Lucius who was less than pleased his son wasn't paying attention gave Draco a hard stare. "If I am boring you Draco, by all means tell me. What I have to say may be unimportant to you, but it is important to myself and your mother. These things will need to be done in our absence."
Draco felt foolish. Here he was thinking of ways to get into Granger's good graces ignoring the people who did accept him. Even if they were his parents. Foolish git.
"My apologies father. With starting my new position tomorrow, I have a lot on my mind. I should have been more attentive. If it is about taking care of the Manor and the correspondence that arrives in your absence. I will see to it all."
Lucius looked down at his plate with a small smile on his face. No matter where Draco's mind had been. He had heard everything.
"No apologies necessary Draco. You heard exactly what you needed to hear. Your mother and I will be leaving in two hours. Also. We have adjusted our holiday schedule. We plan to stay for three months instead of the one. You know how to reach us, but that shouldn't be necessary. You have been authorized to sign anything my solicitors needs signed. Represent me well."
"I will not let you down father."
By this time, Missy had served dessert. Narcissa made some idle chatter while Draco and Lucius quickly finished the dessert.
After dessert, Draco kissed his mother on the cheek, shook his father's hand then excused himself from the table. "There are notes and such I'd like to look over. Have a lovely holiday." Draco remarked before making his way to the stairs. "Missy and I will keep the Manor in tip top shape."
"I have no doubt." Lucius answered rising from the table. "By the way Draco. Your interview with Rita Skeeter was well done. Very well done. I've had several very positive owls this morning. Congratulations. It was done in true Malfoy form."
"Thank you father. Now if the rest of London would come around. I'd feel much safer leaving the Manor without a protective charm."
Narcissa smiled while Lucius let out an uncustomary laugh. "We'll see you in three months Draco. I understand where your interests lie at the moment. However, while your mother and I are on holiday I would like for you to seriously think about opening a firm of your own in the Malfoy name. No pressure. Just think about it. Be well."
That's a big negative right now father, thought Draco hurrying towards his wing. No firm of my own anywhere in my thoughts.
/*/
Back in his rooms, Draco glanced around checking to see if Missy or one of the other elves had delivered any messages. There was nothing. Draco could see it clearly in his mind. Hermione had received his owl and immediately ripped it to pieces hurling hex after hex at the tiny bits of parchment.
Draco removed his robes which were stifling him to put on something more casual. He liked the Basic Wear and would be hard pressed to return to wearing robes as a first choice in clothing.
Picking up the OTS folder Blaise had left with him, Draco glanced at a few pages, but his mind was again on other things. Like why in bloody hell had he sent Hermione Granger an owl. Probably the only thing saving him from a fury filled visit from Hermione was the fact he was living at the Manor. Draco was certain Hermione would never step foot in Malfoy Manor….ever again.
/*/
Sunday morning started out nicely for Hermione, but deteriorated rapidly after she read the big bullshite write up on Malfoy in the Prophet. From there, she had worked herself into a fury spending an hour cursing and shouting at the air about the manipulative, foul, treacherous son of a hag who had some people, including the Minister, fooled. Promising, no matter how many people supported the dirt bag or how upstanding he pretended to be. She knew his true colors and would never accept his meaningless apologies or his fake mea culpa. He had…..
Furiously wiping away the few stray tears that had dared form in the corner of her eyes, Hermione stopped herself in mid thought grabbing her chest where a throbbing pain had suddenly materialized. She had been about to visit that horrible, dark, hurtful place and time she had vowed never to visit again.
No way! No bloody way!" She had shouted. "I will not allow Malfoy to…to. Without finishing her thought, Hermione fell limply onto the couch letting all the remaining fury seep out of her pores. After a few minutes, she had literally run to the shower. All that fury seeping out of her pores had left a foul odor.
Hermione spent the next few hours drinking wine and trying to review files. Still stressed, Hermione felt she could do with a distraction. She thought about inviting Terry over under the guise of discussing work. But on second thought, Hermione realized she was just prolonging the inevitable. Terry was getting serious. Sooner or later, she would have to back him off. More gratuitous sex was not the answer even though she did like the way Terry made her feel. Unfortunately, Terry Boot was not the wizard she wanted as her life partner. Hermione wasn't even sure there was any wizard she'd want for the rest of her life.
These were her demons. Shagging Terry, Ron or any other wizard wouldn't cleanse her soul. At least it hadn't so far. As much as she ranted, deep down Hermione knew there was only one way to rid herself of the lump of misery she had been carrying around for so long. She would have to face down a monster and force him to lay himself bare. All things being what they were. She knew there was absolutely no chance of that happening.
Tossing her pile of files aside, Hermione went to the kitchen to fix herself a quick meal. She wasn't really hungry, but she had been sipping wine all day. She needed food in her stomach. The beef, mashed and green beans hit the spot. So much so, Hermione drifted off as she sat on the couch. She couldn't have been sleeping long because there was still light coming in the window when a sudden tapping startled her awake.
Ah, thought Hermione. My good friend Ginny has finally returned to the land of the living. However, instead of the spotted owl Ginny had purchased two years earlier. There was a sleek, Great Gray Owl at the window.
"Who are you?" Hermione murmured softly offering the beautiful bird a handful of cold cereal. The bird turned up its nose at the cereal, but waited patiently to see if there would be a return message. Hermione didn't know who the message was from so she shooed the owl back out the window. If the message was something that needed answering, she would call for Owl Services.
There wasn't any identifying information on the outside of the envelope so Hermione had to open it to find out the sender. She had fixed herself a cup of tea and was standing cup in hand when she finally unfolded the parchment.
Hermione,
Then Hermione had glanced at the signature. The cup crashed to the counter cracking the saucer as they both fell to the floor along with the message which had fluttered out of Hermione's hand.
Hermione backed up as though she had a wand aimed at her. This couldn't be right. She had to have misread the name. Summoning her wand, Hermione repaired the cup and saucer before bending over to retrieve the piece of parchment.
Plopping down on one of the kitchen chairs, Hermione steeled herself as she unfolded the message once more. What she had seen at first look hadn't changed. She hadn't misread anything. The message was addressed to her. Ironically enough, it was from the last person she ever expected to contact her. Draco Malfoy.