Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 6
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.
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Returning To His Roots: Chapter 7
Ginny was staring over Blaise's shoulder as he wrote his reply to Draco.
"Why are you even bothering with that foul git? You're going through all this trouble for him. For what? He's no good and he's never been any good."
"The owl is waiting Ginny. Please let me finish this reply. Then we'll talk."
Ginny sauntered into the bedroom intent on getting dressed. "Take your time Blaise." She called back over her shoulder. "I'm going to head home now anyway. Perhaps you'll find time for me when Malfoy runs back to Switzerland or Sweden or wherever he was. After all these months, our time is now limited because you have to spoon feed the great Draco Malfoy."
"Irritating woman." Blaise huffed under his breath To Ginny he simply said. "That's Hermione talking. You haven't mentioned Draco one time in the five years he's been gone. All of a sudden he's some kind of bloody pariah because Hermione thinks he's a pariah. Come on now love. You have a brilliant mind and don't need to regurgitate someone else's thoughts."
Ginny was half dressed, but came over to sit beside Blaise. "You don't know what you're talking about Zabini. I am not regurgitating Hermione's thoughts. I don't care for Draco Malfoy. He's an arrogant git who thinks the world owes him something."
Blaise walked over to the bar to pour two drinks. Not because he was thirsty, but because he didn't want to say exactly what he was thinking.
"Have a drink Ginny." Blaise said pushing the drink towards her. "I want to hear exactly why you are so angry with Draco. I want to hear what he has done to you personally that elicits such loathing."
"He's foul."
"Really?" Blaise replied raising his eyebrows. That's it? He's foul. Your brother Ron is foul. Theo and Harry are foul. Your ex is foul. Yet you don't hate them. You don't accost them in Diagon Alley. And you most certainly don't draw your wand on them. What makes Draco so different? I want to hear it because Draco is my mate and hopefully you will soon agree to be my witch. I would like for you two to get along."
"Think again Blaise. Me and Draco Malfoy will never get along. That's not going to happen."
An exasperated Blaise took another sip from his glass before answering. Gazing at Ginny as if he was seeing her clearly for the first time, Blaise responded in a reasonable manner. "I understand you don't care for him Ginny. My question still remains why. What has Draco done personally to either you or Hermione? Don't give me the foul git bullshite. That's old and tired. Explain to me what it is about Draco that has you in such a fury."
Ginny didn't like to be challenged. By anyone. Here was the wizard who was trying to court her doing that very thing. Blaise was challenging her thoughts and beliefs. "I'm a grown witch." Ginny snapped slamming her glass down on the living room table. "I don't need you or anyone else telling me how to think or feel. I'm not about to stand here like a chastised child explaining anything. You want to pal up with Draco Malfoy. Go ahead. I won't be around to watch."
Blaise gazed at the red faced, angry witch without responding. He been through this on several other occasions when Ginny felt she was not getting her way. Normally things wouldn't have gotten this far because Blaise would capitulate. But the words spilling out of Ginny's mouth had become mean and vindictive. She was no longer angry at Draco Malfoy. She was angry at him.
Blaise was infatuated with this beautiful, intelligent witch. To his detriment, he had let Ginny get away with this behavior in the past because he wanted her in his bed and possibly in his life. But this day, she was being ridiculous. She was shouting about things that had nothing to do with Draco Malfoy. His last straw had been when Ginny spit out some bullshite about his mother having been too busy with wizards to teach him any manners. Ginny had just stepped across that invisible line. Whatever his mother had or had not done, was none of Ginny's business.
As far as Blaise was concerned, the conversation was over. Setting his glass down just as firmly as Ginny had, Blaise rose to his feet. In his most blistering tone, he let Ginny have a dose of her own medicine. "So here we are. I ask you to explain your rabid feelings about Draco. Instead of giving a simple answer, you choose to speak disparagingly about my mother who has nothing to do with this conversation. Then there's the part where you want to run off in a huff if I dare question you. Well. It's like this Ginevra. I have dared to question you. I am questioning you. This time, unlike other times, I will not run after you or ask you to stay. I will not bring up Draco's name to you ever again. What I will tell you is Draco has changed. If he hadn't, you'd still be lying in Diagon Alley picking wand splinters out of your arse."
As angry as Ginny was, she wasn't so angry she didn't recognize what she'd done. She tried tears which worked on other men. Blaise had turned his back. The tears weren't working on him.
"Blaise?" Ginny called in a much softer, gentler voice. "I was upset that you are choosing Draco Malfoy over me. I apologize for bringing your mother into our argument. I like what we have….."
Blaise didn't give Ginny a chance to finish her sentence. "There was no argument. An argument takes at least two people. I asked for clarification on something I did not understand. You chose to respond with rudeness and vitriol. I've said all I have to say. You may use the floo if you like."
"Fine Blaise. Have it your way." Ginny snapped some of her anger returning. "Enjoy life with Draco Malfoy."
Blaise who had turned away heading for the bathroom turned back when Ginny spouted the last of her nonsense. "Still making your bullshite about anyone other than yourself then? Have a good night Ginny."
As soon as Blaise heard the whoosh of the floo, he summoned his wand to lock the floo. He'd had enough company for that night.
Aggravated with himself over the amount of time he had put in pursuing Ginny and have it all come to nothing, Blaise thought about calling someone to keep him company. He quickly changed his mind realizing he and Ginny had argued, but he was in no way through with the ginger. She was who he wanted.
It was too early for sleep, but too late to take Draco up on his dinner offer. With nothing better to do, Blaise turned on some soft music, laid his head back and dozed off thinking about shagging Ginny.
/*/
Several hours after sending the message to Hermione, Draco came to the realization that she had no intention of answering his owl. Pacing up and down the study off his rooms, he couldn't get his mind or his nerves to settle. What had he been thinking? The witch had hated him all these years. Why did he think an owl message would change anything? Draco's only saving grace was he hadn't put anything more personal in the letter than they should sit down to talk. Initially, he had thought to write why he was apologizing, but good sense had taken over. If he had admitted to anything, Hermione would have his admissions down in writing. In no way was that a smart idea. He could visualize it. Everyone in London including the Daily Prophet privy to his very private thoughts.
To get his mind off the faux pas he had almost made. Draco pulled out his OTS packet. But as he tried to review the information before him, the room suddenly went dim as old things came rushing back. Startled, Draco looked around immediately recognizing where he was. He was on his knees on the floor of what used to be his father's study but had become the Dark Lord's study. He was gagging having just been the subject of three Crucios in succession. While his mother, father and aunt stood witness.
Draco couldn't move. The pain was unbearable. All he could do was remain immobile hoping the punishment was over. While Voldemort continued to vent his fury.
"A little birdie has let slip that you are pursuing the Mudblood." Voldemort snarled causing spittle to rain down on Draco. "For what reason I do not know. Even as dull and stupid as I find this family. I'm sure none of you would have anything to do with a Mudblood. Isn't that right Draco? Crucio!"
A fourth Crucio. Draco thought he would die from the pain, but he had no such luck.
His mother had been crying quietly in the background which incensed Voldemort. "Shut that woman up Lucius. If you can. Or I will shut her up myself. Better yet. You shut her up Bella. NOW!"
Bella who was firmly in the Dark Lord's corner about all things, didn't want to see her sister writhing on the floor in pain. She had quickly cast a silencing charm on Narcissa which went to work immediately. Bella was satisfied. Her sister could make all the noise she wanted, but would not be heard.
Voldemort had gone back to ridiculing Draco. "Is all this because a Slytherin witch won't have your weak arse? That doesn't surprise me. However, I command you to find a worthy Slytherin witch straightaway. I hope you haven't stuck your Malfoy dick into that filthy Mudblood. If I find out you have, I'll have her torn apart in front of your eyes. In fact, if I find out you've gone near her again. I'll have you kill her after you've carried out your principal orders. Stand up. Address me as your master. What are you going to do?"
Painfully, Draco pulled himself to his feet to stand before the Dark Lord. "I will stay far away from the Mudblood. I will find a Slytherin witch. I am going to fulfill the orders you have set for me."
"Good. Get on with it." Voldemort had growled turning his back on the room. "Now get out. Leave me."
/*/
Draco jumped up from the sofa looking around as though what he had just experienced could have been real. Satisfied it had been some weird dream, Draco poured himself a double shot of brandy. Then he sat down and allowed himself to breathe.
Draco couldn't believe that particular bit of violence had come back so vividly after so many years. Especially since he had it tucked way back in the nethermost regions of his mind along with everything else from that time. But he had to admit, one never quite forgot receiving the Cruciatus Curse. Especially when it is cast four times in the space of an hour. Especially when his reaction to the Dark Lord's orders that day had been the start of this feud with Hermione.
Sitting with drink in hand, Draco was first to admit all his dwelling on back in the day had him spooked. He was starting a new position in the morning. It was time he put the bullshite aside.
He and Hermione would never get anything settled between them. He'd just have to go with it.
/*/
Hermione had read the message from Draco four times. She was now feeling some kind of way. The rat bastard had a complimentary article written about him. Now he thought everything was forgotten and she would fall all over herself to forgive him. She wouldn't. She couldn't. To her, what Draco Malfoy had done couldn't be forgiven. Even if he apologized on bended knee. It was way too late.
Holding up the letter one more time, Hermione decided she would take it to Kingsley to lodge a formal complaint about the Ministry's newest employee stalking her. It was far fetched that Kingsley would do anything about it. He was fine with Malfoy being back in town. However, he would still have to take her complaint because the proof was down in writing.
/*/
When the bell on her floo rang, Hermione hastily called out Depulso sending the letter to her top dresser drawer. Then she unlocked the floo with her wand which she held tightly in her lap. She was of two minds. First, she thought it might be Terry coming through to check on her, but for a split second she had also thought it might be Malfoy trying to push himself on her once again.
Hermione was wrong on both counts. Ginny came striding out of the floo with her blouse half buttoned, a jacket over her arm and a scowl on her face.
Hermione knew the signs. Ginny's date had said something to piss her off. And true to form. Ginny had walked out. Ginny dated quite a bit, but this had to be someone special if she'd had her clothes off.
Ginny was shagging someone and hadn't told her. This was going to be an interesting conversation. "Do you want tea or from the way your clothes look. Perhaps you'd like a strong drink."
Ginny rolled her eyes at Hermione as she plunked herself down in one of the living room chairs. My clothes look like this because I put them on in a hurry Hermione. If you want to know something, just ask. There's no need for you to beat about the bush. I'm not Terry."
Hermione stopped in mid pour and turned to Ginny. "Slow down Ginny. You may have had a bad night, but that's no reason to come through my floo being obnoxious. I don't need it."
"Oh! It's alright for you to be obnoxious, but if anyone else tries to keep up you're insulted. Excuse me for breathing." Ginny replied still being obnoxious but reaching out for the drink at the same time.
Hermione waved a hand in Ginny's direction answering her friend in an exasperated manner. "Alright Ginny. What happened? And with whom?"
Gazing in to her drink, Ginny let out a sigh. "I made a bloody mistake with Blaise."
"Blaise? What does making a mistake with Blaise have to do with anything?"
"For fucks sake Hermione. Grow up. Think outside the box for a bit. I like Blaise. I've been seeing him for two months."
Hermione went silent. Not only because Ginny was still being an obnoxious twit, but because her news was mind blowing as well. "You and Blaise Zabini? What could you possibly see in that….."
Ginny didn't even change position as she snapped back at Hermione. "Don't start in on Blaise. He's done nothing to you. The issue between him and I is his friendship with that bastard Draco Malfoy. Nothing more"
"Draco Malfoy?" Asked Hermione in surprise also thinking about the letter now sitting in her dresser drawer. "Leave it to that piece of shite to ruin yet one more thing. So. You've broken up with Blaise because of Malfoy? That's probably best. Blaise is solidly in Malfoy's corner."
"That's not quite it Hermione. Blaise broke up with me. Now I'm wondering why I let something as small as not liking Draco Malfoy lose me the wizard I have fallen for. I don't have to live with the snake. I don't even have to be in his company. Yet I went totally off the deep end. Even going as far as to disparage Blaise's mother. All Blaise wanted was a reasonable answer for why I hate Malfoy so much. It was something I couldn't answer so I acted out. Blaise accused me of regurgitating your thoughts and words. I think he might be right. Draco Malfoy has done nothing to me personally. I hate Malfoy because you hate him. That was fine. I'm your best friend so I hate who you hate. Until it interfered with my relationship."
Hermione sat there astounded. Ginny was blaming her for the break up. "Regurgitating my words. Hating because I hate. Really? That's pretty stupid Ginny. Don't you think? Draco Malfoy almost got us all killed. He…"
"For fucks sake Hermione. I remember the war just like you do. My brother was killed. Tonks and Professor Lupin were killed. Harry nearly died. I remember. What I don't remember after all this time is what Malfoy did to you personally. I don't remember because although he committed acts of war. He did nothing to any of us personally. The things he did were because Voldemort was pulling his strings. Just as the Order was pulling ours. Until tonight, I didn't realize how much I cared about Blaise. If I have to nod in Malfoy's direction or attend functions where he is present to make Blaise happy, that's what I'll do. I won't take anything away from you. It's plain that your hate runs so deep regarding Draco Malfoy you still have a lot to sort out. I just wanted you to know I am going to try to get along for Blaise's sake."
Tears sprung to Hermione's eyes. "Am I the only one who can see Malfoy for what he is?" Hermione asked through sobs. "I can't believe you're saying this Ginny….."
Ginny went over and wrapped her arms around Hermione. "It's past time we let this go. I know he hurt you more than any wizard ever could. But it is time to let it go. Perhaps if you and Malfoy….."
Cutting across Ginny, Hermione looked at her friend through tear filled eyes. "You know what he did to me? How could you know? I've never breathed it to another soul. I was too ashamed. I'm still ashamed."
"I was your sneaky, best friend. Of course I knew. Not the whole of it, but I knew some. I was full of anger about it, but I could not bring myself to question the secrets of the witch I thought of as my sister. After all these years, the only one you are hurting is yourself. Do you realize you can't take Terry seriously because you won't let yourself trust another wizard? It's time Hermione. Have a discussion. Make him admit what he did. You may never be able to be great friends with Malfoy, but a clearing of the air will allow you to get on with your life. Try it. Now. I'm going back to Blaise to get this sorted. I'll see you sometime during the week. I'll expect a complete update. Thanks for the drink."
/*/
Hermione cried in earnest after Ginny left. There were things she had to think over. Could she face Malfoy and listen to a ration of bullshite? No matter what he said. No matter how many apologies he made. His words wouldn't change the past. They wouldn't change what he had put her through.
/**/
Monday morning, Draco appeared bright and early at the OTS office. He was met by a cheerful Blaise who introduced him to the several clerks and OTS Officers who were already at their desks even though the day hadn't officially started.
Draco was given a fairly large office with a private room and an attached bathroom.
"Am I taking over your office? Seems quite nice for a low rung beginner." Draco remarked with a satisfied smile.
Blaise put on his best Zabini smirk. "No. You haven't taken over my office. In addition, I do not consider you to be a low rung beginner. After a bit of a brush up on things, I am putting you in charge of the next case coming up. The evidence is already here in the department. All I need is for you to get it sorted and hand me your results. Before you ask about stepping over the agents who are already in place. Let me assure you. They have their own cases to be getting on with. You will be allowed two assistants which should suffice unless the case becomes complicated. You will spend today through Thursday getting yourself acclimated and in order. Friday morning, you and your assistants will begin to put the LeClair case together."
"LeClair? Not Pansy's husband." Asked a shocked Draco. "What has she gotten herself into?"
Blaise didn't hesitate to answer. "As your boss, so to speak, let me make something clear. You have taken on a position which at times makes you privy to certain information. That information is not to be discussed outside this office or with anyone other than your assistants. Our job is to evaluate evidence. Nothing more. No matter who is involved. To ease your mind. I will say your case is not about Pansy's husband. However, it does involve Pansy's father-in-law Etienne LeClair. With that out of the way, our next step will be to find you two assistants."
"Let's get to it then."
"Yes. Let's. By the way Draco. I hope you don't have plans. I am looking for at least two more agents and will be reviewing applications this evening. I would appreciate your input."
"My evening is open. I'm not sure how much help I will be, but I am willing to lend a hand."
"Brilliant. I'll have Ginny bring in food around 5:45. Any preferences?"
Draco looked at Blaise in surprise. "What does she Weasley have to do with anything? You couldn't find anyone other than the witch who wants to hex my balls off to deliver dinner? I'm not that hungry."
"Very funny Mr. Malfoy," said Blaise with a good humored laugh. "Ginny and I have been dating for the last two months. We had a long talk last night and she has consented to be my witch."
"Dammit Blaise," huffed Draco. "That witch is almost as bad as Hermione Granger. She'll try to hex me the first chance she gets.
Blaise realized this was where he should explain what was what to Draco. For the next half hour or so, Blaise gave a brief synopsis of what had gone on between himself and Ginny the previous evening.
Blaise explained their argument and how Ginny had come back to his flat to work things out. "Ginny admitted that her feelings about you may have been the result of what Hermione feels towards you. So. She has agreed to start off fresh. She will not hex you, curse you or draw her wand. I promise."
Draco couldn't believe what he was hearing. One of his most violent detractors had done a turn around and was willing to be civil. Draco couldn't help thinking how Blaise always bragged he had a magical dick. In this case, Draco had to agree.
Feeling good over this turn of events, Draco's next thought was how he wished Terry Boot had a magical dick as well. Then all his problems would be solved.