Returning To His Roots

by Divess

Sent to Switzerland shortly after the end of the War. Draco Malfoy has been enjoying life. However, a nasty run in with Hermione Granger at a conference in France forces Draco to change his entire mindset. He will return to London to face his past and prove his worth as well. With all the mitigating factors, will Draco prevail? AU/T/OC/OOC Dramione/Blinny.

10. Chapter 10

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 9

"I remember when that Tracey witch disappeared. Dumbledore had teams searching the school and grounds for her." Hermione whispered softly. "As appalling as it sounds, I didn't care if she had fallen down the stairs and was lying somewhere with a broken neck. I had seen her with you." Here Hermione stopped to take in a deep breath. "Because I had begun to have feelings, I read more into what was really there." She remarked as another sob slipped out. "There was no real culprit."

Then Draco made another revelation. "I would like for you to know that the intimacy we shared back then was extraordinary. It was your….. closeness that kept me from jumping off the Astronomy Tower and ending it all. Had it been a different time and different place….." Draco let his words trail off.

Hermione gave Draco a sad smile along with a wistful comment. "A different time and a different place probably still wouldn't have been enough."

Draco offered a sad smile in return. "You've allowed me to have my say so I will now leave as promised. I hope my explanation helps to lighten the burden you've been carrying around all this time. Before I go, I would like to ask a favor. Please destroy that memory. Not for my sake, but for yours. Gazing at it over and over will not help you heal. I hope now that we've spoken, we will be on civil terms with each other. I won't bother Professor McGonagall this time of night. Please thank her for allowing me into her home. Goodnight Hermione."

Draco was just about at the door when Hermione called to him. "Thank you Draco. For reaching out to me and for opening my eyes to the truth."

"No problem." Said Draco before turning the door knob. "Be well."

Then he was gone.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 10

She had faced her demon after all this time only to find there was no demon. There was only a misconception. Her misconception.

For hours, Hermione remained in the same chair from which she had watched Draco leave. Her heart was clear, but her head was spinning. Draco had and he hadn't. He had been with Tracey Davis, but he hadn't been cheating on her. As much as it had hurt her at that time, Hermione had to admit Draco had been nothing but truthful.

In retrospect, it was easy for Hermione to see what had gone wrong. Draco was her first everything. He was her first kiss, her first shag, her first oral sex partner. She had fallen in love. They hadn't talked about relationships. They had spoken about the war, about Voldemort, about his parents, about him coming over to the right side, about how much he appreciated her support. But never anything remotely related to personal feelings. The fault, if there was any, lay directly with her.

At that time, everything she knew about relationships and sex had come from books which she had read voraciously. It was down in black and white. If you met a boy and had sex, he was supposed to be your boyfriend. If you had sex more than once, you were, what Muggles called, going steady. If your boy did things to you with his mouth, it was a sure sign he cared for you as much as you cared for him. The books never explained the variables. She had thought they were in a relationship. Would she have worked so hard to get Draco over to the side of light if she hadn't thought they would be together? Maybe. Maybe not. Now. At the ripe old age of twenty four she understood. It wasn't any less painful, but she understood. Relationships weren't built on theory, books or assumptions. They were built on an agreement between two people.

After much soul searching, Hermione realized something else. Her inability to get past a certain point with wizards who tried to get close to her related directly to her first sexual encounters. Unconsciously, she hadn't been able to let any man get close enough to hurt her. That explained the one offs and short relationships. She had passed the last five years comparing every relationship to the one she thought she'd had with Draco.

She had cried some more. Then, as much as possible she had let go of the gaseous, malodorous ball she'd carried around for the last five years. Perhaps it was her mind playing tricks, but Hermione did feel lighter…..and happier. Perhaps happier wasn't the correct word. What she felt was…..less angry.

Eventually, Hermione got up from the chair, washed her face one more time then conjured up a very large glass which she filled to the brim with the extremely expensive wine Draco had purchased for her. She sipped until the glass was empty then had fallen asleep right there in the chair.

/*/

Draco arrived back at Malfoy Manor feeling better than he had in six months. The meeting with Hermione although volatile had ended well. The one thing he couldn't shake was having to watch himself getting oral sex from Tracey Davis knowing what the act had cost him. Too much time had gone by for him to approach Davis about what she'd done, but she was definitely one witch he wouldn't be pulling into his circle of friends.

Draco sat on the edge of his bed to remove his shoes and was suddenly hit with the memory of something Hermione had said. She had thought they were in a relationship. He sat straight up forgetting all about shoes. Even with all that was going on, she thought enough of him to want to be in a relationship. A mental kaleidoscope began running through Draco's head. Hermione Granger laid out beside him. Hermione with closed eyes as he brought her to climax. Hermione grabbing his back so tightly he had marks for days. When the kaleidoscope showed a picture of Hermione giving him oral sex, he had ejaculated pre-cum on himself. Jumping up off the bed, he grabbed his wand to clean himself. Then he had stripped down and headed directly to the bathroom.

Draco talked to himself throughout the shower. "The witch has hated you for the past five years. You've only been on decent terms for under an hour. Suddenly, thinking about her is giving you a leaking erection. Straighten up lad. She may have thought of you that way once, but that time has long passed. Your best bet is to take a run at the Patil witch."

At the thought of having Parvati wriggling beneath him, Draco went into a cringing position nearly causing himself a nasty slip and fall in the tub. Once he was safely out of the tub wrapped in a towel, Draco reiterated. "Not if she was the last witch in London."

Draco was still wrapped in the damp towel when Elder knocked on the door.

"Enter Missy."

"It's not Missy Mr. Draco. It's me Elder. Come to tell you Mr. Theo has come calling. I showed him to the small study."

"Elder! Haven't seen you in a while. Please tell Theo I will be down shortly. Thank you."

"Yes Mr. Draco sir. I'll tell him."

With all that went on earlier, Draco had forgotten he had invited Theo to the Manor to go over available real estate opportunities.

/*/

Five minutes later, Draco was shaking Theo's hand. "Hello mate. Sorry for the wait. I've only just got back to the Manor. Would you like something to eat or a drink?"

"I'm good Draco. Padma and I had dinner a bit early knowing I would be coming here. How are things with you? Blaise working you to death?" Theo asked with a laugh.

Draco laughed back as he got up to pour himself a brandy. Holding up his glass, he asked Theo if he was sure he didn't want a drink.

"You know what. I think I will have one. You, however, must remain clear headed. I wouldn't want you to end up buying some crap flat in Ottery St Catchpole next to the Weasleys."

Draco gave Theo a side eyes glance. "Ah. From someone so enlightened. Do I detect a bit of retroactive prejudice? Do not let Ginny Weasley hear you say that."

"You detect nothing of the sort Mr. Malfoy. I was simply making an observation. A little far fetched, but an observation nonetheless. I've brought along four listings. Three flats and a lovely, newly built town home where you would be first owner. Knowing you as I do, I lean towards the town home. However, that is only my opinion. Take your time going through the listings. One point I'd like to make. There has been interest shown in the town home. Our old friend and Slytherin Tracey Davis evidently plans on moving house when she is hired for OTS."

The name resonated through Draco like the proverbial chalk on a blackboard. Just when things were getting back on track. Who, but Tracey Davis, cause of all things fucked up would pick this time to cross his path.

Keeping his eyes on the documents in his hand, Draco said nothing. He wanted to make some crass retort about Tracey not getting a position, but it was information Blaise had not yet divulged. Therefore it was not open for discussion. Instead, Draco steered the conversation back to the reason for Theo's visit. "I believe I'd like to see the town home first. I wouldn't want it to be exactly what I'm looking for and have someone buy it right from under me."

"Alright mate." Theo replied going full tilt into real estate developer mode. "It has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, eat in kitchen, dining room, two areas which can be used as a den and a study, a wrap around porch, a large back garden. All on a one acre lot. Big, but not too big. I've had a thought. Throw on a jumper and we can take a look now if you'd like."

Draco had talked himself into this when all he really wanted to do was revisit his time speaking with Hermione. However, Theo was doing him a favor. It would be rude to turn him down. "I have the Apparating directions which are on the sheet. I'll meet you there in ten minutes."

"I'll be inside the property. Just come through when you get there. See you in a bit."

Draco Apparated to his room, threw on a jumper then Apparated to the front of the Manor. Checking the directions one last time, Draco waved his wand and turned into Apparition.

/*/

Blaise and Ginny had just finished dinner and were chatting over a glass of wine. "Your best friend and my best friend are meeting as we speak. Hermione finally responded to Draco's message. It's quite mysterious. Hermione left the Ministry yesterday citing a pressing problem yet she messaged Draco to come to wherever she is. This has all the overtones of a weak, Muggle movie. I tried to find out where the meeting would take place, but Draco was being obstinate. He's probably lying somewhere dead."

Ginny laughed so hard her drink spilled onto Blaise's immaculate white carpet.

"Hey! Watch it." Blaise remarked jokingly. "This isn't the Burrow where anything goes."

Ginny glanced at him through squinted eyes. "Be careful Zabini. I have no problem owling my dad to tell him you are getting out of hand."

Blaise stretched out his arms gesturing for Ginny to come to him. With an uncharacteristic belly laugh, Blaise hugged Ginny. "Oooooow. You'll get Arthur Weasley after me. You have me trembling in my boots love"

Using two hands, Ginny pushed Blaise away commenting in a harsh tone. "You'll keep my father's name out of your mouth. He's twice the wizard you'll ever be."

"Ah. Here we go. I thought we talked about this Ginny. You do not get to lay hands on me or speak to me any way you like. If you are upset and cannot keep your hands to yourself or speak to me in a decent tone, perhaps it's time for you to go home. This is non negotiable. I care about you, but I will not coddle you. As far as your father being twice the wizard I am. Perhaps he is. I just don't need it thrown in my face accompanied by a rabid tone. Let's speak tomorrow. I'm going to take a shower."

Blaise left the room without a backwards glance.

Ginny didn't even bother to pout knowing it wouldn't do any good because Blaise had walked away. She knew she wanted Blaise and he wanted her. Learning how to curb her tongue or at least respond in a positive manner was something she was working on. She had taken steps in the right direction. Before she started working on herself, she would have slammed out of Blaise's house in a fury after an argument. Not anymore. Ginny did the smartest thing she could do for her relationship. She stripped down and followed Blaise into the shower.

After a twenty minute meeting of the minds as well as body parts, Ginny and Blaise left the shower and retired to the bedroom. Their relationship safe for another night.

/*/

Feeling almost cheerful, Hermione had gone over to the main house to have a late dinner with Minerva. The two talked over a meal of beef stew. Never having had a mother to share her adult thoughts and feelings with, Hermione chose to share a bit with Minerva. Even though she was a grown witch speaking to another grown witch, Hermione never mentioned anything sex related. That was too personal. She did explain how she had tried to help Draco defect.

Not many things had gotten past Minerva McGonagall, but she was astounded to hear what Hermione had just revealed. "While I applaud your kind heart, I have to say you put yourself in a very dangerous position. You could have been killed."

Hermione smiled at her former professor now good friend and replied very softly. "I realized that Minerva, but I couldn't turn away from someone who was in need of help. Besides. What I went through with Draco at Hogwarts was nothing compared to what Harry, Ron and I went through while on the run. Anyway. It's all over and done. I've tied up the last loose end left over from those times. It's only onward and upward for me." Hermione added cheerfully. "Initially, I planned to stay until the weekend. However, I feel as though I should be back at the office getting on with my work. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning for London. Thank you so much for your hospitality and discretion. I hope you will allow me back from time to time."

Minerva came around the table to give Hermione an uncharacteristic show of affection. Hugging her former pupil, Minerva assured her she was welcome back at any time.

The two women said a few more words before Hermione headed back to the cottage. Halfway there, Hermione turned back to remind Minerva there were provisions in the cottage she should bring into the main house.

"Thank you dear." Minerva had replied with a wink. "I don't need the food and I have had the same bottle of spirits in my home for the last three years. I think your liquor would sit there and ferment before I made use of it. Please take it all with you."

"Alright then." Hermione replied breaking into a wide smile. "I don't want you to pick up any bad habits because of me. Thanks again Minerva."

/*/

Hermione had everything shrunken and packed except for the gift from Draco thirty minutes after leaving Minerva. Sitting back reflecting on her meeting with Draco, Hermione held her glass up in the air and gave the first of several toasts..…..To the truth.

It was fairly late when Hermione finally decided to put her glass down for the night. Pulling on pajamas, she climbed into bed looking forward to getting back to Granger & Associates. Perhaps she would even invite her boys out for drinks and a meal. She might even try a little harder with Terry now she knew what had been holding her back.

As sleep closed in on her, Hermione thought briefly about Draco. Those eyes.

/*/

Theo gave Draco a cursory tour of the town home which hadn't taken more than thirty minutes. The two men took another twenty minutes to discuss the property. Draco thought it was a place he could call home, but it was Theo who had questions.

"Why do you want to leave Malfoy Manor? You have everything you need at your fingertips."

"Times have changed Theo." Draco replied thoughtfully. "I've been on my own for five years and liked it. However, if I could make a few adjustments to my wing in the Manor, I would definitely stay. It's actually something I should discuss with my father. As far as this property goes. I like it. Perhaps I'll buy it as an investment or to use as a place where I take my witch friend. If I ever find one. Discretion is the better part of valor. What my mother and father don't know, won't hurt them. Let me think about this. If you have time on the weekend, I'll have a look at the flats."

There was so much Theo wanted to say, but he refrained. His sister-in-law had set her sights on Draco. It might be a positive thing all around if Draco had a private place for…..essentials. "Sounds good Draco. I won't put a hold on this property, but I won't push it either. You mentioned it as somewhere to take a date. Has anyone caught your attention?"

Draco had known Theo as long as he'd known Blaise. He knew when his mate was fishing. Giving Theo a slight nudge on the arm, Draco told him outright that Parvati wasn't someone he was interested in.

Theo grinned. "Sorry mate. Just checking. The woman has not stopped talking about what could have happened had Hermione not interfered. I think she's smitten. Keep your wits about you. Parvati is determined to find out why Hermione is so angry at you. Even if it means delving into your personal business. I've advised her against it, but my advice means nothing."

Draco stopped short to look Theo directly in the eye. First. Hermione and I have had a discussion and resolved everything. There isn't anything to search out. Second. If your sister-in-law sticks her nose in my business, she may not like what she gets back. No offense Theo, but I'd rather she stayed away from me."

"No problem. I'm in complete agreement. What's this about Hermione? You and she are now on good terms. Glad to hear it. It was getting awkward listening to her tell you off every chance she got."

"Yes it was. We've come to terms. We'll just have to see where it goes from here."

Draco wanted to get off the subject of Hermione Granger so he told Theo he would get back to him as soon as he'd made a decision and would see him on the weekend to look at the flats.

The two friends shook hands Apparating off in different directions.

/**/

Wednesday dawned rainy and chilly. But at their respective locations, neither Hermione nor Draco noticed. Each was feeling a warmth inside that radiated outward. Weather could not touch either one.

/*/

Hermione was up early. By 9:30 she had left the cottage in Scotland behind. By 10:30, she had sent off several owls. One to inform Terry she was back in London and would be in the office in the morning.

A relieved Terry owled back inquiring if she needed anything. Hermione did want to know what she'd missed so she invited Terry and Justin over for lunch.

Terry was chuffed. Justin not so much. Justin felt he had more important things to do other than listen to his cranky boss. But he was still an employee and had been summoned. At least that's how he saw it. Lunch with the boss. A must do.

Terry hurriedly gathered a copy of all case materials relating to the Woodson matter to take with him. The case was ready to be presented to the Wizengamot on Friday, but Hermione was hands on. Nothing went before the Wizengamot unless she had reviewed it at least twice.

Terry was just in an all around good mood because he would finally get to the bottom of why Hermione had taken off as she had. The reason for her hasty exit had been bothering him for two days. Terry knew he might not get the exact answer he was looking for because Hermione had invited Justin as well. Just this once he had hoped Justin would take a stand, but of course he hadn't. So there would be three and Hermione might not want to discuss anything important with Justin in attendance. Regardless, Hermione was home and he would get to see her.

Putting the last of the documents into his case, Terry decided he wouldn't let Justin's presence deter him from having a frank conversation with Hermione. If necessary, he would remain behind after Justin left. It would be the perfect time for him to ask a few questions and hopefully get a few answers. It might also be a good time to verbalize his feelings.

It was coming up on 1:15 with lunch set for 1:30. Hermione had previously set both Associates up with Floo Permissions to her home. All they had to do was step through. Terry walked over to collect Justin who was shuffling papers with a sour look plastered across his face. Not looking up from his desk, Justin told Terry to go on ahead. He would meet him at Hermione's.

This is good, Terry thought as he pushed the lift button. I'll have a few minutes alone with Hermione before Justin gets there. "Damn lift." Terry mumbled to himself. "Is taking forever." The ride down seemed just as long. With an exasperated sigh, Terry stepped into the floo calling out Hermione's floo address.

/*/

Terry wasn't sure what to expect, but he hadn't expected a warm smile and a peck on the cheek. Wherever Hermione had been suited her.

"Come on through Terry. I expect Justin will come through shortly."

"Yes. He should right behind me. I left him at his desk shuffling papers. I brought along a copy of the Woodson file." Terry said handing the folders to Hermione.

"Excellent. I had planned to spend most of Thursday reviewing the case. Now we can do that today. Please send an owl to Rebecca let her know you will be away from the office for the rest of the day."

Terry was chuffed. He would be with Hermione for the rest of the day. Plenty of time for them to have a talk after they reviewed the case. "Shall I owl Justin a well?"

The surprise must have shown on Hermione's face because Terry immediately tried to clear up. "Have I misunderstood? I was under the impression it would be just you and I performing the review."

"Obviously you have misunderstood. I invited you and Justin to lunch. It will the three of us going over the case. Please send the owl. Justin should here in short order. I'll go set places for lunch."

Shite. Haven't I made myself look like a fool? Terry thought as he strode to the back porch of the flat where Hermione kept her owl enclosure. I've probably put Hermione in a bad mood as well. What in bloody hell was I thinking?

By he time Terry returned to the front of the flat, Justin had arrived and was in the kitchen helping Hermione lay the table. He thought Hermione gave him a strange look, but it could have been his lingering embarrassment over making a silly faux pas.

Hermione asked her guests to take a seat. "Let's sit down. I promise no shop talk during lunch. But we will be ready to go right after."

Lunch talk consisted of the few things that had gone on in her absence with Hermione pulling every bit of information out of both men. Then Hermione had gotten down to what Terry had been waiting for. Even though he felt Hermione should be explaining to him alone. Terry was keyed in on her every word.

"You two are like additional right hands to me. I apologize for leaving the office on such short notice. However, there was a personal situation that needed to be rectified. The problem has since been sorted and I can now put my full attention back on Granger Associates where it belongs. So that's that. Terry, if you'll pull out the files, I'll be in right after I tidy up."

That's that? A personal situation? That's the explanation for dropping everything and walking out the door? Terry couldn't resist making an answering remark. "Seems overly simple Hermione. You scared me half to death running out of the office like death was on your heels. I'm glad everything worked out." He had then picked up his case taking it into Hermione's study. He had also cast a very quick glance in the direction of Hermione's bedroom as he passed through the hall. With a wistful sigh, Terry laid the case on a table and waited for Justin and Hermione to come through.

/*/

As they went over the case, Terry noticed how Hermione was less inclined to snap over small matters than she had been in the past. She smiled and made small jokes. Several times Terry looked up to find Justin glancing at him in confusion. Neither man knew what to think about this Hermione. The old Hermione seemed to be back. For as much as they wondered over the change, Terry and Justin simply accepted it.

Hermione had dubbed the case court ready about 5:00 pm. "Everything is in order. Thank you for all the work you've put in. I appreciate you both very much." She had said reaching a hand out to touch each man on his arm.

Justin again glanced at Terry. They didn't expect her to reach out nor did they expect to hear how Hermione appreciated them. For a long while it had been simple. They did the job they were paid to do. When a particular case was done. They got a thank you, nice job. Now on to the next one. There hadn't been time for appreciation. There had only been time to study the next case.

Justin was first to reply. "There have been times when I thought you'd rather be working with another team. It's good to hear we are appreciated."

Hermione smiled at each man in turn before commenting. "Well don't for one minute think I've gone soft. I haven't. I will always expect the highest caliber of work from you both. With that said, I believe it's time we discussed you two taking on a team of your own. We'd have to move a few people around and possibly hire several more clerks, but it can be done. I will still require your assistance on high profile cases. Other than that, you and your team with see cases through from beginning to end. Close you mouths boys. You both deserve it. I have a few things to do this evening so consider yourselves released for the day. We'll talk more about your teams Friday after court. My conference room for 3:00 pm. Be prepared to discuss your ideas. Thanks again for your help today. I'll see you in the morning."

Both wizards were overjoyed by the news. They just about fell over themselves thanking Hermione for the opportunity as they moved toward the floo. This was a big step.

"As you might imagine, Justin and I are going back by the Ministry," remarked a very enthusiastic Terry. "We have a few things to discuss. We'll see you in the morning."

"Have a good evening Hermione. Thanks for lunch."

/*/

After Justin and Terry left, Hermione sat down with a glass of wine pleased with the decision she had made. She had thought about it as they sat there discussing the Woodson case. Recognizing their value, Hermione knew it was time she let them out of her shadow.

Hermione also realized she still needed to make up her mind about Terry. Should she try to make a go of it with him? One thing was certain. She didn't want to spend the rest of her life having one offs. Yawning and stretching her arms above her head, Hermione didn't want to think anymore. What she wanted most was a warm bath and a book.

/*/

Wednesday morning Draco arrived at OTS early, but not so early he was the first one in the Ministry as Blaise had so kindly pointed out. He had pulled out the guidelines book straightaway and soon found himself deeply immersed in the contents. Blaise came through around 8:30 on the way to his office greeting Draco with comments about the bloody weather. Draco had breathed a sigh of relief thinking he had gotten a reprieve from his prying mate. No such luck. Fifteen minutes later, Blaise entered the office and closed the door.

"You're still alive. Does that mean the meeting with Hermione went well?"

"It went well enough." Draco answered with eyes still trained on the rule book.

Blaise, who was not about to give up pressed Draco. "What does that mean? Were wands drawn? ? Did she try to hex you or did she spend the entire meeting yelling shrilly about what an arse you are?"

Draco raised his eye to look at Blaise. "Hermione spent the first thirty minutes shouting at me, but I turned on the Malfoy charm. One touch and she was mine. Then she and I got naked and had hot, wild sex in the middle of her living room floor."

"You didn't." Blaise stammered almost rising out of his chair.

"Oh for fucks sake Blaise." Draco remarked dryly putting his eyes back on the material in front of him. "Of course we didn't. I didn't meet with Hermione for sex therapy. I met with her to discuss a way to resolve our differences."

"You bloody prat," snickered a wide eyed Blaise. "So. The Malfoy charm didn't work on her then? I'm not surprised. I personally think you left what charm you had in Switzerland. Did you resolve anything?"

"I'm trying to familiarize myself with which forms need to accompany which pieces of evidence and in what order. I don't have time to discuss Hermione Granger. Although I will say. We have come to terms."

Blaise couldn't believe it. He wouldn't believe it. "You did not. The miserable, foul Hermione Granger would not fold that easily. You're just saying that to get me out of your office. But I'm not leaving until I find out the truth."

Draco was beginning to get annoyed with his Superior. "She is no longer miserable or foul towards me. All you have to know is we have put our differences behind us. May I finish my reading now? Do you have any more questions which do not pertain to my personal business?"

Blaise stared at Draco, but was unable to tell if he was being serious. "I believe Hermione invited you to wherever to read you the riot act and give you another nice telling off. I'm sorry it didn't work out. You tried. Keep a firm back and all that." Blaise's demeanor had changed now he knew the meeting hadn't gone well. "If you want to get out for a bit tonight to get your mind off…. things, let me know. My interviews start at 10:00 so I'll be tied up most of the day, but I'll catch up with you before the end of the day. Chin up old man."

Draco shook his head without taking his eyes off the page. "Bloody git."

/*/

Draco's Assistants stopped by at 10:30 to discuss a few things. His butt had gone to sleep and he was experiencing tingly arse. The interruption was welcome. In the midst of their conversation, one of the other Agents stopped by the office to drop off an owl message and to remind Draco to check the mailboxes outside the department as Mail Services People were not allowed inside the department. Draco thanked the Agent and immediately turned mail duty over to Donald.

"Please check our mailbox at the start of day, midmorning and early afternoon Mr. Macomber."

Donald was chuffed to have been given a job. "Will do Draco."

"If you two will excuse me, I'd like to see what this owl is about. Checking the mail will begin today Donald. Thank you."

Draco couldn't fathom who would be sending him an owl. It wasn't an Interoffice and there wasn't any address. Slicing open the envelope, he was surprised to see a note written in a lovely hand. And even more surprised to see Hermione Granger's signature on the bottom. Before reading the message, Draco glanced around to make sure there wasn't anyone in the vicinity. Then he began to read his second message from Hermione.

Draco,

Just a note to thank you for the lovely wine and assure you I did not dispose of it in any manner other than down my throat. Bringing the wine was a very nice gesture.

Thanks again for the wine. And the truth.

Regards,

Hermione

Draco smiled as he folded the note. After all that fuss, she liked the wine.