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.

11. Chapter 11

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 10

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.

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

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 11

Because no one other than OTS employees were allowed inside the department, Blaise held the interviews in one of the open offices on their floor. By 4:00 in the afternoon, Harry, Craig Dunn and Michael Corner had been accepted into the OTS. After a bit more discussion, the three men were sent down to the specialist to receive the necessary employee charms which would allow them entry into OTS.

Blaise spent the next twenty minutes writing up rejection owls which would be sent to the other eight candidates.

Dear (insert name here)

Thank you for applying for a position with the Office of Truth Seeking. While you were not a successful candidate. We will keep your application on file for three months.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Blaise Zabini,

Head of OTS

Ministry of Magic

It was coming up on 5:00 by the time Blaise returned to his office to finish up his paperwork. He made quick work of signing documents, updating department files and getting copies sent to HR, Kingsley and Anthony Goldstein, Assistant to the Minister.

Finally finished, Blaise grabbed the Woodson file which the Prosecutors would be taking before the Wizengamot on Friday. Rechecking the information, Blaise couldn't find anything out of order, but he knew that. He didn't put his signature on anything without meeting with the agent in charge to review and discuss.

Blaise had been caught out once in his first month as Head. The Agent in charge had taken shortcuts and Blaise had signed off on the information taking the agent at his word. The upshot was the criminal had very nearly gotten a pass and Blaise had learned a valuable lesson. The agent responsible had been summarily dismissed. From then until now, Blaise couldn't even be civil to the wizard when he ran into him on the street. No one embarrassed Blaise Zabini and still remained a friend. Blaise considered himself lucky Kingsley had so much faith in him. Otherwise, he could have been chucked out of the Ministry on his arse.

OTS had sent all information to Granger & Associates earlier. So it was on to the next. There were other files on Blaise's desk, but he didn't bother with any of them. He had a policy. He did not do a first review unless the Agent was in front of him. Seeing as no one was sitting in front of him, Blaise was ready to call it a night. Casting an Impenetrable Charm over his desk as was required of every employee who had a desk, Blaise grabbed his wand and cloak and headed towards Draco's office. The poor chap probably needed a shoulder to lean on after his run in with Hermione.

/*/

It wasn't necessary for Draco to remain after close of day, but he chose to stay behind to pick up tips and pointers from the other Agents. This afternoon had been extremely enlightening for him. He'd had the opportunity to sit in with a brilliant agent who'd been with OTS from the beginning.

Agent Rick Walters was a handsome, well built specimen of a wizard. A bit taller than Draco with deeply set amber eyes a couple of shades darker than Hermione's…

What the hell? Where had that come from? What did Hermione's eye color have to do with anything? Why was he thinking about Hermione Granger at all? Draco glanced at his office door as though anyone standing there could read his thoughts. Giving his head a bit of a shake to clear away that specific errant thought, Draco glanced back up to find Blaise now standing in the doorway giving him a strange look.

"You look a bit perturbed Draco. If it's something about the job, I'll be happy to go over it with you."

"Thanks for the offer Blaise, but I'm all set. I've just returned from sitting in with Rick. Nice bloke. I'll just cast the Impenetrable Charm over the desk and be ready to leave."

"Perfect. We can ride the lifts together." Riding down, Blaise asked Draco about having a night out. "Have you given any thought to getting out this evening? We'll go to Finnigan & Thomas which is a well respected pub and restaurant run by Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas. Two fine, former Gryffindors whom I personally think are in a romantic relationship. You rarely see one without the other."

Draco smirked at his good friend offering a bit of insight. "If I didn't know better, I'd think the illustrious Blaise Zabini, Head of OTS just spread a bit of gossip. You talk about me having left any charm I had in Switzerland. It seems you've lost all your manners without stepping foot out of London."

"Hilarious Malfoy. That was not gossip. It was simply an observation."

"Really?" Questioned Draco. "It seems you and Theo are full of observations which could be misconstrued as gossip. I'll have to watch what I say around you both. Shall I meet you there or will you be stopping by the manner?"

"Ginny and I will meet you there at 9:00. In case you don't know. The pub is located at 10 Diagon Alley."

Stepping out of the elevator with Draco reminded Blaise he had Floo Services scheduled to set up a Ministry connection to Malfoy Manor. "Your floo connection to the Ministry will be set up by end of day Friday. Monday morning you'll be able to step right through like the big boys."

"Fuck you Blaise." Draco replied with a grin. "I'll see you at 9:00"

/*/

Draco dressed casually but carefully hoping some lovely witch would be dazzled by his appearance.

"As if." He mumbled to himself. "With the luck I have, it will be Rita Skeeter taking hold of my arm." Since it was almost 9:00, Draco continued his mumbling as he headed downstairs. He wanted to do a quick check of his father's study to be sure he hadn't overlooked anything pressing.

There were several envelopes laying on Lucius' desk. A quick review showed at least two required a response. Draco waved his wand sending all the messages to the dresser in his bedroom. To be worked on when he got back home.

/*/

Hermione was well rested having had two days away from Granger & Associates so she was more than willing to have a night out when Ginny owled inviting her to F&T. Finnigan & Thomas was not only an excellent pub, but a go to place for a great many Ministry workers as well. Hermione had owled Ginny back to let her know, among other things, she'd be there by 9:00- 9:15 and would be looking forward to a steak sandwich, some fries and a few dances.

Ginny purposely didn't mention anything about Malfoy ..…..Draco in her owl.

Ginny did mention Hermione's response to Blaise who quickly took offense. "That's bloody nice. I told you in advance Draco would be joining us. What would possess you to invite Hermione? You know she and Draco are like oil and water. Will we now have to listen to her shout at him all night? He wouldn't tell me straight out, but I believe Hermione tried to hex him yesterday. The meeting didn't go well at all."

Ginny wasn't about to get into it with Blaise who was going on about shite he knew nothing about. So she had remained silent. Hermione had explained in the owl how she and Draco had had a decent meeting and worked things out. She was trying very hard not to smirk at her know-it-all boyfriend who surely had a surprise coming to him.

/*/

Ginny and Blaise arrived at the F&T Apparition Point at 9:05 landing right behind Draco. After greetings all around, Draco, Ginny and Blaise went inside to find a table. Even though there was a very decent crowd scattered about, the three found a table right away.

Glancing around the pub, Draco came to the conclusion Blaise had been spot on. F&T was nicely set up. Then he spotted Hermione's two goons sitting at the bar and had simply turned away when Boot scowled in his direction. Draco was not up for a problem with Boot or anyone. He wanted to enjoy his evening.

Blaise volunteered to get drinks from the bar while the women decided what they wanted to order. Which gave Ginny time to chat with Draco. "Blaise doesn't know you and Hermione have come to terms. He thinks she tried to hex you yesterday."

Draco laughed even though he thought it odd Hermione would bring up such a sensitive subject to anyone. "Blaise asked and I responded truthfully. He didn't believe the truth and went about concocting a story of his own making. I didn't try to correct him. That's the reason he invited me out. He thought I could use a bit of cheering up."

Ginny brought both hands up covering her mouth laughing into her hands.

After a few additional comments from Ginny, Draco realized the only thing Hermione had divulged was she'd had a reasonable conversation with him and they'd agreed to be civil to each other. Draco was feeling a bit smug thinking none of the foul stuff had been disclosed when he looked up to see Hermione approaching the table. Out of the corner of his eye, Draco saw Ginny break into a wide grin. All he could think was he'd been sabotaged.

Before Hermione reached the table, Ginny whispered to Draco. "Won't Blaise be surprised?"

"Not as surprised as I am." Draco quickly whispered back before standing to greet Hermione. "Hello Hermione. This is a pleasant surprise."

"It is indeed." Hermione replied giving Ginny a hard stare. "I had no idea you would be here tonight."

Turning to Ginny, Hermione asked about her steak sandwich and fries.

/*/

Draco now knew why Blaise was so long in getting back to the table. He knew Hermione was coming. "Blaise seems to have taken the long road round. If you ladies tell me what you'd like, I'll be glad to go order for you. I'm sure I'll be back before Blaise."

As he headed to the bar, Draco received another cold stare from Boot who seemed to be watching the table. More likely he was watching Hermione. That boy is love struck, thought Draco as he stepped up to order. Dean and Seamus shook Draco's hand greeting him in a businesslike manner before passing his orders to the kitchens.

While waiting, Draco glanced around catching sight of Blaise sitting between Parvati and a blonde witch he did not recognize. Blaise looked up just as Draco looked over. With something akin to an embarrassed grin, Blaise stood, said something to the ladies then headed toward Draco.

"Hello mate. Sorry I was away so long. I was talking….."

Draco interrupted him. "You stayed away so long because you knew Hermione was coming. What a shite fucking mate you are. Luckily for you. What I told you this morning is true. Hermione and I have agreed to put the past behind us. All is well at the table. You may return at any time."

Blaise had the courtesy to blush when Hermione waved to him from the table. With bits of pink still showing across his cheeks, Blaise growled at Draco. "You nasty git. You knew I thought your meeting came to shite. Why didn't you correct me?"

"I'm correcting you now. Please take the orders to the table. I want to order a bottle of wine. Thanks mate."

It was an embarrassed Blaise who set the orders down on the table. "Hello Hermione. Nice to see you. Sorry I was so long love." He said directing his comment to Ginny. "Parvati started talking and I couldn't get away."

Both witches thanked Blaise for the food trying hard not to laugh at the bewildered looking wizard.

Draco returned to the table with a bottle of the very wine he had gifted to Hermione the previous day. "I hope you don't mind Hermione, but I told Seamus the wine was for you when he mentioned it was the first time anyone had purchased a full bottle."

"Seamus already knows I'm quite the wine drinker. So no harm there. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Hermione had just taken a bite of her sandwich when Terry Boot came to stand by the table. It was obvious he had not heard the shouting he expected and had come over to find out why. Terry gave a general greeting ostensibly so he wouldn't have to greet Draco personally.

Draco couldn't have cared less if Boot spoke to him or not. In his opinion, Boot was nothing more than an annoying tosser.

It had been Hermione's turn to blush. She hadn't seen the need to explain her meeting with Draco to Terry. Now she wished she had. The last Terry knew, she'd been a raving lunatic when it came to Draco Malfoy. She obviously couldn't explain now so she did the next best thing. She invited Terry to join them. Which he did after glancing warily around the table.

The conversation around the table was desultory until Ginny complimented the wine and Hermione explained how Draco had gifted her a bottle. The atmosphere then went from chilly to awkward. At least it did for Draco who waited cautiously for Boot to make some explosive comment about him giving Hermione a gift. Nothing. Terry only scowled as if trying to figure out the when and the why. But like any good prosecutor. Terry didn't ask a question to which he didn't already know the answer.

Draco looked up from his steak sandwich directly into Hermione's eyes. The words, they are two shades lighter, popped unbidden into his head. Looking away from Hermione, he prayed the blasted kaleidoscope wouldn't pick this moment to start playing through his head. There wouldn't be any way for him to explain an erection and soiled trousers to a table full of people. Without looking in Hermione's direction, Draco excused himself to the men's room.

When he returned to the table, Draco could tell there had been some sort of conversation. More than likely about him. He was finishing off his sandwich when Blaise began to go on about how great it was for Draco and Hermione to have settled their differences. "Not to be a git about it, but the peace at this table is overwhelming. I hope things stay this way. Why were you so angry at Draco?"

Blushing slightly, Hermione picked up her glass of wine gazing at Blaise over the rim. "Private matter Blaise. Suffice it to say, Draco and I are satisfied with the outcome of our meeting. There is no need for me to have a conversation with anyone else regarding the matter."

Blaise who had been practically salivating over the answer he expected to hear, looked at the faces around the table after Hermione finished speaking seeing nothing but scowls. Especially from Ginny and Draco. Blaise knew immediately they would be having words with him later.

As classy and mannerly as Blaise was, his curiosity had caused him to cross a line. He had brought up a private matter at an inappropriate time. In fact, he had broached a matter that shouldn't have been mentioned at all.

Draco was so pissed off with Blaise he couldn't think straight. He felt as though Blaise had compromised Hermione, in public, over something that wasn't his business. Draco actually wanted to reach over and place his hand over Hermione's to show his support, but he didn't. Inappropriate. Boot hadn't said anything about the gift, but Draco was sure there would be a reaction if he placed his hand on Hermione's.

For several minutes, there was an awkward silence with Blaise suddenly finding his food very interesting. The air was finally cleared when Ginny asked Draco how he was finding his new position. They held a short conversation which ended with Ginny complimenting Blaise on his choice in employees. Thankful the heat was off him. Blaise smiled at his witch holding out his hand for a dance.

Through all this, Terry was listening and learning. Whatever the matter. It had been important enough to keep Hermione away from work and concealed from him as well. He was angry and hurt. Malfoy had done something to Hermione that had wreaked all kinds of havoc on their lives, but one meeting between them had settled it all. Bullshite. He had endured the six months of agony since France. Hermione was hiding something. From him. From everyone. However, if a simple meeting had adjusted Hermione's attitude. He could live with that. Feeling a little more at ease, Terry reached out as Blaise had done to ask Hermione to dance.

Alone at the table, Draco felt it was time for him to be on his way. He didn't want to be a fifth wheel. Rising from the table, Draco intended to give the others a wave on his way out the door. But he hadn't been fast enough. Parvati and the unknown witch suddenly appeared at his side.

"Hello Draco. Were you getting up to come ask me to dance? This is my friend Lisa Turpin. Lisa. Draco. Draco Lisa."

Draco nodded at the rather pretty, blonde witch then asked if she would like to dance. Not knowing Parvati had her eye on Draco. Lisa gave a resounding yes as she followed the very handsome Draco Malfoy to the dance floor.

A disgruntled Parvati remained standing by the table shooting daggers at the backs of Draco and Lisa.

Hermione was surprised to see Draco on the dance floor. Especially with Lisa Turpin. She was also surprised at the little pinch in her chest when Draco smiled at Lisa. A pinch which turned to a flutter when Draco smiled at her.

Although one thing couldn't possibly have anything to do with the other. It was at that moment Hermione decided the fate of her and Terry's relationship. There wouldn't be a relationship.

After the one dance, Draco thanked Lisa then waved good night to the rest of the group before heading for the door. He had danced with the blonde to keep from dancing with Parvati. He most certainly wasn't going back to the table to be strong armed into dancing with the irritatingly aggressive witch.

/*/

Draco Apparated directly into his bedroom. After undressing down to boxers and a tee, he washed his face, brushed his teeth then gathered his father's mail. An annuity had matured which called for a signature and checkmark authorizing it to be rolled over for another year. Draco signed the document and put it off to the side. The next item was a strange request for payment of rent on a London residential property Draco hadn't known existed. He authorized payment after committing the address to memory commenting that there was something odd there. The next few things were nothing more than sales pitches or informational flyers. Draco put everything on top of his dresser, turned out the lights and climbed into bed.

Climbing into bed had been easy. Turning off his brain, had been much harder. Under the cover of darkness and blankets. Draco admitted something to himself he would never say out loud. He might not have been in any condition to appreciate Hermione back in the day, but he was in his right mind now. And he wanted her. She wouldn't stay out of his mind. He wanted to kiss those lips. He wanted to look in those eyes as they made love. He wanted to put his face in that hair and squeeze her until she couldn't breathe. He wanted….

By this time, Draco was so inflamed he had to get release. Lying spread eagled in his bed, Draco used the liquid leaking from his dick to get himself off. After achieving a very intense orgasm, Draco summoned his wand for a clean up. Then he had laid there telling himself how foolish he was being. Even if Hermione would give him a second look, there was Boot to consider. Boot wasn't just going to stand by and let another wizard walk away with his witch.

Draco let out a sigh of resignation. Hermione was out of his reach. Perhaps he should follow up on the blonde. Five minutes later he was fast asleep with wand still in hand.

/*/

Across London, Terry was just escorting Hermione through her door. It hadn't been a great night for him, but he was there with Hermione. The night might get better.

Hermione didn't offer either a drink or access to her bedroom. She asked Terry to sit.

Terry sat. He wasn't a Seer or a Reader, but something was telling him he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.

Hermione was speaking, but Terry had tuned her out afraid to hear what she had to say.

"Terry! Terry! Are you alright?"

Terry brought himself back to reality. "I'm sorry Hermione. I missed what you said. My mind was somewhere else."

Hermione repeated what she had said. It took several seconds for her words to sink in. When they did, Terry could only nod. His throat had completely closed up.

While Terry was reeling internally. Hermione was still speaking. "I want us to remain the best of friends Terry. I just don't want there to be expectations of sex after a night out. Do you know what I mean? Can we do that?"

"Of course we can do that Hermione." Terry replied much too quickly. "We're both grown after all." After reflecting on Hermione's words, Terry added some thoughts. "I don't mean to be blunt, but it's almost a relief to know where I stand with you. For far too long I've accepted our random shags always hoping you'd finally admit to feelings for me. I guess I did us both a disservice by not stepping away when I began to feel like an intruder in your life. I hope this isn't why you've given me a team of my own. I've earned a team. But I'll be damned if I accept it to help you ease your conscience. I might be just some git in your eyes, but I'm a git who has pride."

This was not how Hermione wanted their conversation to go. Walking across the room to stare out the window, Hermione replied in a calm, rational voice. "Normally, I wouldn't dignify accusations of that sort with a reply. However, you mean a lot to me. You and Justin have worked tirelessly for Granger & Associates even when I was being a bear about anything and everything. I am not elevating you to clear my conscience. You deserve what I have offered you. I can't force you to take on a team or even stay at the firm, but I'm hoping you will. One more thing Terry. You've never been an intruder in my life."

"Thank you for your explanation Hermione." Terry replied crisply. "Does it dull this bloody pain? No, but I'll live. I'll see you in the morning."

"Alright Terry. I'll see you in the morning."

Terry had taken two steps towards the door when he stopped short. "It's Malfoy. Isn't it? It's been Malfoy all along. Hasn't it? I saw the way he looked at you. Like he wanted you for his personal sweet. You two have mended fences and now want to pick up where you left off. Have I hit the mark? Never mind. You don't have to answer. It's none of my business. I only wish I'd known sooner. I wouldn't have fallen so hard."

/*/

Sad and relieved at the same time, Hermione stood speechless with all kinds of thoughts running through her head. Terry was angry and was lashing out. She really couldn't blame him. But trying to justify things by blaming Draco was ridiculous. How could Terry even think such a thing? Draco Malfoy wouldn't be interested in me if I was the only available witch in London. He seems to prefer blonde show offs and sullen brunettes.

It was late. Hermione tried to push all thoughts of Draco and Terry out of her mind. She needed her sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

/*/

When Blaise and Ginny arrived at his flat, Ginny couldn't stop smiling. "So Mr. know-it-all. Do you have any more insight into you best mate's life or any more probing questions you'd like to ask?"

Blaise was highly irritated with himself. He was a well educated, well mannered Pureblood wizard who knew how to carry himself. What he had done tonight was low brow and gauche. Wizards of his caliber did not do these things. He didn't want to discuss his misstep with Ginny. So he said nothing.

Ginny wrapped her arms around Blaise's waist giggling into his back. "You should have seen your face. I suggest you listen to a person when they answer a question you've asked. I don't think it will matter though. Did you see the looks Draco was giving Hermione? Glance. Look away. Glance. Look away. I believe he sees something he likes."

Blaise swiveled around so he was facing Ginny. "Have you gone barking mad? Hermione isn't Draco's type. She's. She's. She's too brash and shrill. They'll be lucky if they can remain civil to each other for very long."

Ginny smiled up at Blaise before kissing him on the lips. "Alright love. If you say so. I know what I saw. I think Terry saw it as well. He was so tense I thought he was going to crack down the middle. He and Hermione need to get things sorted before Malfoy moves in." Ginny added with a laugh.

"Ah. Clever girl. Will this be one of those things you can't let go? I can't imagine listening to pillow talk that revolves around the absurd idea Draco is interested in Hermione. He was more interested in Lisa."

"As if," snorted Ginny grabbing Blaise by the hand leading him towards the bedroom.

/**/

Hermione met with Terry, Justin and Rebecca first thing on Thursday to discuss information relating to the LeClair case. They wouldn't get the evidence from OTS until next Wednesday. Thursday at the latest, but they could be prepared.

Going over the information should have been an easy task, but Terry's attitude was making it impossible. It wasn't that he was unprepared or ill. He was cold. Speaking in almost a monotone, he wouldn't make eye contact with anyone in the room.

Before they could get through all the information, Hermione called for a break asking Terry to remain behind for a word. After Justin and Rebecca left the room, Hermione closed the door and cast locking and silencing charms on her office.

"Is this the way it's going to be Terry? You giving everyone the cold shoulder. What has Justin or Rebecca done to you? Nothing. Yet you are coloring them with the same brush you are using to color me. I understand you are angry with me and I'm sorry it has come to this. If you choose to remain here, you will not take our issues out on your colleagues. I won't stand still for it. What will it be?"

Terry was hurt, but he was not leaving the firm. At least not until he found something better or Hermione admitted her relationship with Malfoy. "For now, I choose to remain at the firm. I apologize for my attitude. It's still a bit hard to be in your presence watching you act as though nothing has changed when everything has changed. I'll get over it all. I'll be fine if you choose to continue the meeting."

"If ? If I choose to continue the meeting? There's no if Terry. The meeting will continue with or without you. You and I have had an issue which I will not allow to interfere with the operation of this firm. You're either in or you're out. Tell me now or walk the hell away."

Terry stared at this witch he had fallen for realizing anything they ever had was over. "I'm in. We can get back to work if you'll take down your charms." Terry replied standing at the door with his back to Hermione."

Pointing her wand at the door, Hermione called out the reverse spell. "Explico, Explico."

"I need five minutes to use the men's room. I'll be back before you start talking."

/*/

During the time Hermione and Terry were behind charmed doors, Rebecca had sent a Person-To-Person Owl to her good friend Della in Magical Transportation. It was short and to the point.

Della,

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it has happened. Get yourself together and go after what you want. I'll see you in Food Services at 1:30.

Rebecca.

/*/

The morning had passed quickly for Draco. Blaise had come to his office earlier with a hangdog expression to apologize for not listening as well as speaking out of turn. The two wizards who had been mates for a long time got everything sorted and very quickly moved on to other things.

"I have Harry, Michael and Brian going through orientation as we speak. After which, they will go through the same training exercises you went through. If you'd like to sit in, feel free. Rick Walters will be going over the OTS kit with you, Donald and Brian a bit later. This is one of the more important aspects of your training. The kit is our connection to the evidence which in the end will be turned over to prosecutors.

On his way out of Draco's office. Blaise started to make a comment. "Ginny thinks…." Then he had turned to grin at his friend. "My witch is barking mad. I'll speak to you later."

Draco shrugged at the half finished comment then left his office to head down to Food Services. Brian and Donald who were already at the lifts invited Draco to lunch with them. Which he accepted.

The three wizards got their lunch then found a table situated next to a charmed landscape window. They were in the middle of a conversation when the blonde witch from the previous night sauntered over to the table. "Hello Draco. I saw you sitting here and thought I'd come over to extend an invitation to a party my friend Rebecca is having Saturday night. You may bring your friends as well." Lisa remarked beaming and nodding at Brian and Donald.

Donald beamed back as he introduced himself and Brian. Lisa smiled at Donald, but turned her attention right back to Draco.

Draco who hadn't expected to be invited anywhere by someone he barely knew was almost caught off guard. Almost. "Thank you for the invitation Lila. I'll have to decline as I have plans already in place for Saturday."

"Lisa." She enunciated seeming a bit offended at having to correct Draco on her name. "My name is Lisa. Lisa Turpin. I will send an Interoffice with details in case your plans for Saturday fall through. You are more than welcome. I should get back to my friends. Have a great lunch. I hope you men decide to turn up. It'll be fun."

The three men finished up and headed to the lifts. Draco remained silent on the ride up. He didn't know Donald and Brian well enough to discuss anything other than work. Brian and Donald probably felt the same as they remained silent as well.

Once they stepped off the lift, all three men headed towards the conference room where Rick Walters was scheduled to hand out the kits.

/*/

The meeting with Rick hadn't taken all that long. Forty five minutes later, Draco was back at his desk checking through his most important tool. He had just finished going through the entire kit for the second time when Donald entered the office with the afternoon mail. There were two pieces. One General Delivery and an Interoffice.

Draco opened the General Delivery first to find a message from Padma who was giving him a telling off for embarrassing her in front of her friend. Draco threw the message down on his desk. The Interoffice was from Lisa Turpin giving him the details of the party. Draco threw that aside as well. Then he leaned back in his chair wondering why he had lied when just last night he had thoughts of following up on Lisa.

Grabbing his wand and jacket, Draco let out a chuckle. He had made a juvenile mistake calling Lisa by an incorrect name. He'd have to do better than that if he wanted to follow up on any witch.

/*/

Hermione found herself in a pensive mood after her confrontation with Terry. Last night she had seemed so sure. However, in the cold light of day she was doubting her actions. For almost an hour she had gone back and forth arguing with herself about letting him go. And their friendship was in tatters. She regretted that most of all because she genuinely liked Terry.

As far as Hermione knew, none of the staff was aware of the rift between herself and Terry. She wanted to keep it that way. Dissention in the ranks was not a good thing.

Hermione felt the stress throughout her entire body. This would be a night for stress relieving drinks with friends. With that in mind, Hermione sent an owl to Ginny asking if she'd like to meet after work explaining the day had been hell and she needed a bloody drink.

Ginny owled back she would be happy to meet her at the Leaky.

/*/

Justin, who was still riding the high after being give a team of his own didn't put much stock in Terry's chilly attitude. He was used to the attitudes between Hermione and Terry. Especially after they'd been together and Terry was acting like a little puppy and Hermione was acting as though nothing had happened. The display that morning hadn't bothered him a bit. Justin knew they'd get over it and be back to normal before the end of the day.

/*/

The second part of the meeting had gone well with everyone adding his or her comments to the review. The only difference had been Terry's actions after the meeting. Usually, he would remain in Hermione's office discussing whatever. Today he left Hermione's office along with Rebecca and Justin heading directly to his office. Justin and the rest of the office staff didn't give his behavior a thought, but Rebecca had.

Rebecca had watched closely after the closed door session between Terry and Hermione. They'd had closed door meetings before. That was nothing new. However, Terry's attitude and Hermione's posture spoke to something else. Especially when Hermione stopped the review to speak to Terry alone. They seemed to be at odds which just didn't happen. Terry never let things get that far. No matter how badly things went, he always remained calm enough to bring Hermione back around. But not today. Today it was the opposite. Terry was the one out of sorts.

Most of the staff knew Hermione and Terry were seeing each other. If you could call it that. Today, Rebecca's witch sense told her they might have parted ways. She was chuffed. It wasn't that she didn't like Hermione. She liked her well enough and respected her as a superior. But she cared more about her friend Della who had fallen head over heels for Terry Boot.

/*/

After meeting with Hermione and finishing up the review, Terry chose to brood in his office for most of the morning. However when lunchtime rolled around. He felt as though the walls were closing in on him and needed to get out for a while. Terry may have been brooding, but he wasn't foolish. Hermione had told him what was what so he wanted to keep up appearances. On the way out, he stopped by Justin, Rebecca and Hermione to inform them he was stepping out for lunch. Hermione and Justin wished him a good lunch. Rebecca told him she was just going out and would ride down with him.

Terry didn't want to ride the lifts with Rebecca. He wasn't in the mood for idle chitchat, but he didn't want to seem rude. Telling Rebecca he would hold the lift, Terry walked away.

Rebecca put on a jumper, grabbed her purse and wand and hurried to the lifts. She was not going to let this opportunity get by her.

Terry had held the lift as promised and it was only the two of them for the long ride down. Terry could feel Rebecca looking at him and grew irritated. "If you have something to say Rebecca, please say it. Staring is so rude."

Rebecca blushed, but she did have something to ask as well as an ulterior motive. "I didn't realize I was staring Terry. My apologies. I was just wondering if you would be interested in attending a party at my flat Saturday night."

Terry turned to face Rebecca with a scowl, but before he could comment she clarified the remark. "Calm down Terry. I'm not being forward. My dear friend Della knows I work with you and asked if I would extend you an invitation. That's what I'm doing. For future reference. In case you are one of the two people in London who doesn't know. I'm keen on witches not wizards."

Terry was embarrassed and began to stumble over his words. This was not the type of discussion he wanted to have. "Well I. Ah. I had heard that you. Ah."

"That I date witches; I do." Rebecca answered with a sly smile. "Now that you know I'm not after your body. How about it? Will you accept the invitation? Your presence would make Della very happy."

Terry thought for a second. Why not? He found Della to be an interesting witch. He'd only kept her at arms length because his mind was on Hermione. Well. Things had changed. His mind might still be on Hermione, but Hermione's mind certainly wasn't on him. There wasn't any reason for him to turn down a perfectly acceptable invitation.

"I'd be happy to attend. Leave the details on my desk. Thank Della for thinking of me."

"You can thank her yourself if you wish. I'm going to meet her now. She and I are having lunch in Food Services."

"How lucky for me." Terry replied giving Rebecca a searching look. "Why don't I take you and Della out for a real lunch?"

With Terry following, Rebecca led him to the far side of the room where a surprised Della watched them approach.

"Hi Dell. You look nice. Terry has invited us out to lunch. He has also accepted the invitation to my party on Saturday."

Della smiled at the nerve of her pushy friend, glancing quickly at Terry to see how he was taking all this. "Hi Becca. You've just missed Lisa and Betty. They had to get back."

"I'll catch up with them later Dell." Rebecca replied winking at her friend.

Turning her attention to Terry, Della greeted him warmly. "Hello Terry. It's nice of you to invite us out to lunch."

Not having had a witch in a long while who was interested enough to claim him. Terry almost didn't know how to respond, but recovered quickly. Holding out both arms, he gave a glib reply. "It's my pleasure Della. It's not often I get to have lunch with two beautiful women. Shall we go?"

Behind Terry's back, Rebecca mouthed, told you, to a very red in the face Della.

The lunch went well. The outside of work Rebecca was refreshing. Terry worked with her, but didn't know much about her personally. Sitting there talking to her over lunch, Terry saw a very different witch from her Granger & Associates persona. Rebecca was a vivacious and interesting woman. Even if her proclivities ran toward being with witches rather than wizards.

On the other hand, Della with curly hair down her backside, bright, blue eyes and a healthy body was almost the opposite of Rebecca. She was quiet, but not so quiet people would overlook her. She was the total opposite of Hermione. Terry felt his face get warm. He was sitting with the witch who had been interested in him for over a year and was comparing her to a witch who hadn't been interested in him from day one. He needed to get over himself.

Probably to prove to himself he was trying to move forward. Terry asked Della if he could escort her to the party. "If it is acceptable to you Della, I would like to see you to Rebecca's party."

Della was quiet, but she was also smart. She had been waiting for a chance with this wizard for over a year. She wasn't going to muck this up. "I would like that very much Terry. Thank you."

"Alright. It's a date then. If you give me your address, I'll pick you up at 9:00." Turning to Rebecca, he asked if 9:00 would be an appropriate time.

"It's never too early to start a party." Replied a beaming Rebecca. "9:00ish will be fine.

"There you are Della. I hit the nail on the head. 9:00 it is."

Della was getting her chance and responded appropriately. "I'll send my information Interoffice when I get back to my desk."

Rebecca pretended to be eating, but was listening to every word. Her good friend needed a bit of a nudge. Reaching into her purse, Rebecca pulled out an invitation to her party along with a quill. "Della. Why don't your write your information on the back of the invite. Terry might as well get everything at once."

If Della had been red earlier, she went magenta until Terry remarked he thought it was a good idea. "I hope I'm not putting you on the spot Della. You might get back to your office, regret our date and want to back out. How will you do that if you give me your information now?"

Della let out a giggle before answering Terry. "As if I'd regret you taking me anywhere. It's done." She said handing Terry the invitation with her information on the back. I have to get back before Arthur sends MLE out looking for me."

The three stood. Once again, Terry offered his arm to the women so they could begin the short walk back to the Ministry.

/*/

Ginny and Hermione met up at The Leaky Cauldron after work to have a drink with Hannah who turned the bar over to the Bar Witch and came to sit at the table. The three witches made small talk about jobs, business and clothes as they sipped their wine.

When the conversation turned to wizards and matters of the heart. Ginny freely admitted being totally smitten with Blaise and could see herself with him for the rest of her life. Hannah and Hermione smiled and wished her the best of luck adding she would need luck if she intended to spend her life with Blaise Zabini.

Ginny pulled a pout face, but ended up laughing harder than Hermione or Hannah.

Hannah mentioned a wizard named William she had met right there in the bar explaining it wasn't anything serious. They were dating and having fun.

Both witches looked at Hermione who hadn't offered any information. Twirling the wine glass between fingers, Hermione flushed pink as she explained how Granger & Associates kept her so busy she didn't have time for dating and romance.

Ginny and Hannah were surprised by Hermione's answer as it was almost common knowledge she was having a thing with Terry. "What about Terry?" Asked Ginny unable to control her curiosity. "You and he are the worst kept secret in London. I thought by now you two would be ready for a committed relationship."

Hannah was nodding her head in agreement.

A seemingly flustered Hermione took a sip of wine before responding. "Interestingly enough, Terry and I had a long conversation which ended with us agreeing we had a friendship. Nothing more. So that's my status right now. No more worst kept secret in London."

Hermione's explanation was enough for Hannah, but not for Ginny. "Come on Hermione. Terry was all over you like a Basic Wear suit last night."

Hannah cleared her throat and excused herself to check on the bar.

"Sometimes you go too far Ginny," snapped Hermione glaring at her friend. "I've explained what needs to be explained. I apologize if what I've revealed isn't enough information. But there you are."

Ginny reached over to put her hand on Hermione's arm and spoke in a low voice. "Hermione. I was just curious. I didn't mean to pry. Now give me one of those lovely Granger smiles and tell me you forgive me."

Hermione smiled and held up her glass. "To nosy friends."

Ginny laughed as she held up her glass. "To me."

Hannah slipped back into her seat asking what they were toasting.

"We toasted to friendship. Now that you're back at the table. Let's make another." Ginny suggested eagerly.

Hermione and Hannah held up their glasses waiting for Ginny's toast.

With the gears in her head working furiously as they had been since Hermione revealed she and Terry were finished, Ginny gave her toast.

"To new beginnings: May we recognize them when they appear and accept them for what they are. Cheers."

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

Ginny's curiosity along with her well documented nosiness had her imagination running wild. Why had Hermione broken it off with Terry after all this time? Perhaps it wasn't only Draco who had seen someone he wanted.

Ginny smiled at Hermione over the rim of her glass. Her good friend might not realize it, but by letting go of Terry she had paved the way for new beginnings.

Ginny couldn't wait to get home to tell Blaise her theory.