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.

12. Chapter 12

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 11

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."

Hermione and Hannah held up their glasses and waited 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.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 12

Draco enjoyed dinner at the Manor with Missy and Elder fussing over him. Without a conversation partner, Draco's mind drifted to the unknown flat and the rent payment he had signed. He couldn't fathom what that was all about. Most of his father's investments were in other countries. There weren't many left in London. Especially not some flat. Then Draco realized something. The document had the notation rent. If his father owned the place, he wouldn't be issuing rent drafts. Draco's curiosity was peaked. Laying his napkin down on the table, Draco thanked Missy and Elder then headed for his wing.

Twenty minutes later, Draco landed in front of a handsome all-in-one. Draco didn't know what to make of the flat, but deep inside little twinges were telling him he knew exactly what it was. His father was possibly keeping a mistress. Disappointed, angry and hurt for his mother, Draco thought about ringing the bell and giving the witch a piece of his mind. Instead, he headed back to the Manor. This was not his business.

Draco brooded for a bit, before deciding brooding solved nothing. He certainly had things he could do. There were items of clothing he wanted to buy without having to go into Parvati's shop. He also wanted to send a few owls to Switzerland to see how the boys were getting on.

The ordering of clothes and owls to Switzerland took less than an hour. It was only 7:15 and Draco was bored. After taking a shower, the Wizarding clock on his dresser was showing 7:30. "Shite." Draco mumbled pulling on boxers and a black tee. "I'm obviously going to pass this evening fifteen minutes at a time if I don't do something. It might be time for me to venture out and about."

/*/

Thirty minutes later, Draco was seating himself at the bar of Finnigan & Thomas ready to order himself a stiff drink. Dean took Draco's order just as Harry slid onto the stool next to him.

"I see you needed a drink after all that studying."

Old habits do die hard so Draco wasn't sure if Harry was trying to be an arse or just making conversation. The new Draco chose the high road. Congratulating Harry on his new job, and extending his hand, Draco laughingly told Harry the guideline book was imprinted on every last memory cell. Harry nodded looking over Draco's shoulder as Dean set what must have been his usual in front of him.

"What do you think? Is OTS something you'll like?" Asked Draco taking a sip of the Ogden's.

"I think it will hold my interest longer than the four years I passed in the Auror Department. I've been on one side of rounding up criminals. Now I'm on another. It's actually a win-win for me." Lowering his voice just a bit, Harry gave Draco a heads up. "Don't look now, but I think you have an admirer. She's been smiling in this direction since I sat down."

"Come on Harry." Draco replied dryly. "If she's been smiling in this direction since you sat down, she's probably smiling at you."

Harry laughed so heartily the ale he had in his hand came dangerously close to spilling over. "I doubt that. I've had to arrest her dumb arse of a brother twice. There's no love lost on me. We'll see. She's making her way over here. I think I'll just take my ale and wander to the back for a bit of Quidditch talk with the boys. Keep your hand on your Galleon pocket if her brother comes around." Harry added before walking away.

Draco had just ordered his second whiskey when a brunette witch tapped him on the arm. "Hello Draco. I would have come over earlier, but that pompous arse Potter was with you. How have you been?"

Draco knew the face, but it took a minute for him to put it together. Turning on his stool, Draco found himself facing Greg Goyle's younger sister. "Hello Betty. It's been a while. How's Greg?"

"What can I say? Greg is Greg. With Vincent dead and you gone, Greg couldn't get a foothold on life after the war. He's been in and out of trouble ever since. Just ask bloody Harry Potter. Greg can't walk down the street without that git harassing him."

Draco didn't respond to Betty's cheeky remarks about Harry. He had no intention of making offhand remarks about Harry and have them get back to his fellow agent. A battle with Harry was something Draco did not need. Instead, he offered to buy Betty a drink and turned the conversation to a different topic.

"What are you up to these days?" Draco asked as Dean set a glass of wine in front of the witch.

Betty gave Draco a look. "Don't worry Draco. I haven't followed in Greg's footsteps. I have a lovely job in Floo Network Activity in the Department of Magical Transportation. In fact, the other day I saw an application for a floo connection from the Ministry to Malfoy Manor. It pays to have a top job eh? Nothing small for a Malfoy." She added sounding peeved.

Betty's tone set Draco's nerves on edge and he had snapped back. "Watch yourself Betty. If you're pissed off because your brother is pissing his life away and you evidently don't have the job you want, keep it to yourself. I'm here to have a drink not listen to an unhappy witch complain about her life while disparaging mine. Enjoy your drink."

Draco gave Dean a wave then walked away without looking back.

As it had been earlier, time seemed to be moving at a crawl. Tomorrow he would get his first case. His father had a mistress. Draco figured he deserved a drink…. in peace. He was not about to return home at 8:15.

Draco had been gone five years and really wasn't sure where any other decent pubs were located. He did remember the location of The Leaky Cauldron. So that's where he went.

Draco walked into the Leaky not expecting to see anyone he knew or at least anyone who would sit and drink with him, so he headed straight to the bar and ordered a drink from a cute, blonde Bar Witch who cheekily informed him her name was Jackie.

Draco smiled at Jackie then sat back to wait for his drink.

/*/

Hermione, Hannah and Ginny were on what they had decided would be their last drinks when Draco walked into The Leaky Cauldron. Ginny couldn't believe her luck. She hadn't got home to share her thoughts with Blaise, but this was better. Draco Malfoy in the flesh. Ginny excused herself ostensibly to use the ladies room. In reality, she was going to stir the shite.

"Draco!" Ginny called out softly pretending to pass by. "Is my better half here with you? Hermione and I are here having a few after work drinks with Hannah. Would you care to join us?"

Draco was surprised on two levels. First. He wondered why Ginny Weasley would go out of her way to speak to him if Blaise wasn't in the area. Second. He didn't know why she would invite him to a table occupied solely by witches. He immediately went on the defensive. Ginny had tried to sabotage him once. He wasn't going to be caught out again. And Hermione. Running into her two nights in a row, she'd think he was stalking her.

Turning his head to look Ginny in the face, Draco kept his face inscrutable. "I haven't seen Blaise since we left the Ministry. I'm here because I wanted to get out of the Manor for a bit. Thanks for the invite, but I'd feel out of place at a table with three witches who are spoken for. It's not appropriate. Give my regards to Hermione and Miss Abbott. I think I'll just finish up and head home. Your wizard will likely have my feet to the fire tomorrow."

Because Ginny had a plan in mind. She wasn't about to give up so easily. "Really? Draco Malfoy refusing to sit a table because he's outnumbered by witches. I don't believe it. There must be another reason. Perhaps you don't like Hannah. It can't be because of Hermione. Haven't you and she come to terms?"

Draco tapped his fingertips on the bar seething inside. What was it tonight? Witches without manners coming at him left, right and center. He actually had no qualms about sitting at a table with three witches. He simply didn't want to sit at a table with Hermione Granger when her presence seemed to affect him in odd ways.

"Was I not clear Ginny? I've declined your invitation. I'll just send drinks over to the table and be done." He said pulling out Galleons. "I'm fairly certain Hermione and Miss Abbott didn't come out this evening with the idea of entertaining me. Maybe another time."

Ginny had to think fast. There was no way she would let Hermione's possible new beginnings walk out the door without some interaction between them. So she did what she could. Waving her hand in the air, Ginny took the decision out of Draco's hands.

"Ladies." She called out loudly. "Look who I've found at the bar." Ginny faced Draco's scowl with a smile. "Come on then. They already know you're here."

With an exasperated sigh and not wanting to look like an idiot, Draco followed Ginny over to the table.

/*/

Neither Hermione nor Hannah had seen Draco enter the pub and thought nothing of Ginny getting up to use the ladies. They continued to chat. However, both women looked up in surprise when Ginny shouted at them from across the room then returned to the table with Draco in tow.

Ginny knew Hermione would not be happy with her so she started talking two feet away from the table. "On my way to the ladies, I saw Draco sitting at the bar alone, so I invited him to our table. I hope you don't mind. He seems to think he'd be interrupting. Tell him he's wrong."

Hannah, ever the epitome of a pub owner answered immediately. "Of course you're not interrupting. We were just about ready to call it a night anyway, but please join us for last rounds."

Ginny glanced at Hermione waiting for her to say something welcoming, but she was wrong. Instead of being welcoming, Hermione came across as cranky.

"Draco. Two nights in a row. I hadn't realized London was so small. Shall I tell you where I'll be tomorrow? Save you some time."

Hannah was embarrassed for Draco. Ginny was horrified. Why couldn't Hermione act right just one time?

"My apologies Draco. I hadn't realized in my short time away from the table my good friend would fall into a cranky mood. She was fine when I walked away."

Draco smiled even though he was burning up inside. He had arrived like an interloper and set Hermione off. In the back of his mind he was hoping he hadn't caused another rift simply by walking up. "There's no need to apologize Ginny. I didn't realize The Leaky Cauldron was off limits for me. Hermione and I have agreed to be civil to each other. There was no agreement we would become best friends. If you ladies would like a last drink, I'll be glad to have the Bar Witch bring them over. Goodnight ladies."

"What the hell Hermione?" Ginny whispered in a low growl.

Ignoring her best friend, Hermione got out of the chair and followed Draco to the bar where he was ordering the drinks. With Draco's back turned towards her, Hermione had to reach out to touch his arm.

Draco turned to look at Hermione. Even as aggravating as he thought she was at the moment, Draco felt shivers emanating from the spot where she had touched him. That hair. That body. The aroma of lilac emanating from her. All those things were like an aphrodisiac to him. But, to Hermione he was curt. "Have you come to tell me I haven't left the premises quickly enough? You may blame it on the Bar Witch. She is moving very slowly."

The cute, young, blue eyed blonde smiled and giggled at Draco's remarks slowing down even more.

The simple girl aggravated Hermione with all her simpering and Draco aggravated her for standing there enjoying it. Hermione took a breath. She was at the bar to apologize not find fault. "I'm here to invite you back to the table. If I came across as rude, that was not my intention. In fact, I thought I was making a little joke. Evidently, I'm not all that good at humor. Even though it is a table of witches. You are welcome. Shall I help you carry the drinks?"

With one last glance at the simpering Bar Witch, Draco picked up two of the drinks gesturing for Hermione to lead the way.

Hermione found herself more annoyed as she heard the Bar Witch tell Draco to owl her. The rustle of parchment told Hermione the witch had passed Draco her information.

Even though it wasn't her business, Hermione unkindly whispered to herself. "Stupid girl."

/*/

Once back at the table, Draco chose a seat between two empty chairs. He might have forgone some of the niceties, but he hadn't lost his mind. No wizard was going to walk up and accuse him of being some kind of Lothario.

Even with chairs on either side of him, Draco was uncomfortable. Then Ginny began stirring the pot once again.

"I think you have an admirer Draco."

The remark was unexpected. But once the words left Ginny's mouth, Hermione turned pink and Draco glanced at Hermione before quickly glancing away. It was all cleared up when Ginny clarified her statement. "Hannah's Bar Witch seems to have taken a liking to you. I think the only thing stopping her from approaching the table is Hannah sitting here."

For some reason, Hermione had thought Ginny was referring to her. And for that same unknown reason, Draco had thought the same thing.

Ginny hadn't missed anything. She wasn't one hundred percent certain, but it seemed something was already happening between Hermione and Draco. It made her wonder if they'd done more than make amends. There was some kind of pseudo-sexual tension between them. Then Ginny made known what she wanted made known. In her own way.

"I don't know Draco. The Bar Witch must not realize you are sitting at a table with two single witches."

What was this witch going on about? Draco thought to himself. He didn't give a rat's arse about Hannah's status, but Hermione was a different story. She was single? Since when?

Ginny just kept talking. "Lucky man. You now have three women to choose from. And you were worried about invading our space."

By this time, Draco was tired of Ginny. She had stepped way too far into his private affairs as well as his private thoughts. Whom he chose to deal with was none of her business. He'd had enough of being overly polite while tiptoeing around. Sliding his chair back, Draco stood and addressed Ginny directly. "You may think it charming to stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. I don't. You've crossed a line with me. I suggest you put your mind on your own wizard and take it off me." Turning to Hermione and Hannah, Draco gave a quick nod before walking away.

Hermione and Hannah were looking at Ginny in astonishment.

Hermione pushed her almost empty glass away. "Way to ruin a lovely night Ginny. What possessed you to go on like you did? Admirers. Single witches. Calling him out about the Bar Witch. I've told you before. You go too far."

Hannah sat quietly listening to Hermione say the things she wanted to say. Ginny Weasley was still the same outspoken, brazen, bordering on ignorant witch she had been at Hogwarts. And Hannah didn't mean that in a good way. It was for that reason she didn't care to be around Ginny any more than necessary. The witch never showed any restraint. And to top it off. She had no fucking filter.

/*/

Ginny understood that Hermione and Hannah were upset. They'd get over it. She had stepped across that imaginary line with Draco, but it was for a purpose. Draco now knew Hermione was single. She was not going to let her arbitrary friend turn her back on what could be a new relationship. Hermione and Draco had an obvious attraction to each other. Now perhaps they would work on it.

The three witches sat in intermittent silence before Hannah excused herself to get back to the bar. Hermione also called it a night leaving Ginny alone at the table.

Ginny finished the last of her drink and left not too far behind Hermione.

Hannah watched Ginny leave thinking to herself. Good riddance.

/*/

Blaise was in his study going over financial matters when Ginny arrived home. "Hello love." He called out. "How was your evening out? I've missed you. How are Hermione and Hannah?"

Ginny had come in and gone straight to the bathroom. The night had been fulfilling, but tiring. It wasn't like she wanted Hermione angry at her, but she had done what needed to be done.

When he didn't receive an answer. Blaise left his study to find out what was going on. Hearing the shower, Blaise headed to their bathroom wondering why Ginny had to shower even before greeting him. His thoughts were not good. In fact, they had gone to a place he did not like. How many times had he rushed to the shower after being with one witch before approaching his witch of the hour? He didn't have to do that with Ginny. She was his only witch. Had the tables been turned?

Blaise stepped up pulling the shower curtain back. "I've never known you to rush for the shower without greeting me. What's going on?"

Ginny kept her face turned away from Blaise, but answered quietly. "I may have stepped over the line with Draco tonight."

Without taking a moment to get clarification, Blaise grew furious. Even as far back as Hogwarts. Draco had a reputation as a lady killer. If he so much as put a hand on Ginny….

But Ginny put a stop to Blaise's errant thoughts by explaining what she meant. Reaching out for a towel, Ginny expounded on her statement. "I mentioned to you how I think Draco is interested in Hermione as more than an acquaintance. I think Hermione is interested in him as well. Tonight, Hermione told Hannah and I she and Terry are no longer seeing each other which solidified my theory. Don't you see? Hermione broke up with Terry to…."

Blaise was beside himself. He'd been on the verge of accusing his best friend and colleague of something foul. When it really all came down to Ginny.

"Stop talking Ginny." Blaise growled. "Stop talking right now. I told you how bloody ridiculous I found your ideas about Draco and Hermione. Yet you decide to hound my mate. Are you out of your mind? Why is it you think either Draco or Hermione needs help in finding a partner? This is so like you. You can never take a bit of advice. Everything has to be your way. You need to back off this. Immediately. No more trying to pair up Draco and Hermione. Is that clear?"

Ginny huffed into the bedroom throwing the damp towel on the floor and pulling through the dresser drawers for her pajamas.

"GINNY! Have I made myself clear?"

"Stop shouting Blaise. You've made yourself perfectly clear. Anyway, my job is done. Draco now knows Hermione is single. That was the whole point. Would you like me to make you a snack before bed? Or are you too angry to take me to bed?"

Blaise grew even more irritated with Ginny who was under the impression a shag could settle anything. He cared for Ginny, but some things were non-negotiable. Interfering in the lives of friends was right up there with lashing out at him physically and verbally. She just wasn't going to do those things and remain his witch. Being with Ginny sometimes made him feel as though he was raising a child. It was as if she knew nothing of courtesy and good manners.

Turning away from Ginny, Blaise headed back to the study. "I'll take a pass on the snack. I have financial documents which need to be reviewed and signed. I'll be a while."

Ginny snatched back the covers on the bed and climbed in. Staring into the darkness, she laid there angrily mumbling to herself. "I'm not a child. Him and his bloody rules. One of these days, I'll shove them all up his arse and walk away."

It was a long time before Ginny dropped off to sleep and an even longer time before Blaise climbed in beside her.

/*/

After leaving The Leaky Cauldron, a furious Draco landed in his bedroom with his mind made up about one thing. Typical Malfoy or not. He would make himself unapproachable to ignorant people like Weasley. This night had been enough to show him certain people in London were taking his level, compliant persona for weakness. That they could push up on him as though they knew him. No more. From here on out, he would make sure no one approached him unless invited. Then they could talk about him for the way he carried himself. Who gave a shite?

It was late and Draco had exhausted himself ranting. Falling into a chair without making any attempt to undress and get to bed, he smiled about one thing. The trifling Weasley biddy had let slip one important thing. Hermione Granger had obviously split from Boot and was now single. The question then became how did he go about positioning himself in such a way Hermione would consider him.

Draco jumped up from the chair. Consider him for what? Hermione had been on his mind so much he hadn't really put any thought into what he would do if she was single. Or what he wanted if he was lucky enough….

"Bollocks." He shouted at the air. "I don't even know why this woman is affecting me in this way. There are witches all over the city, like the Bar Witch, who would be glad to accept my attentions. Am I only fixated on Hermione because it feels like I left something unfinished with her?"

A soft knock on the door interrupted Draco's tirade.

"Who?" Draco called out leveling his voice.

"Mr. Draco sir. It's me Elder."

"Enter Elder."

A cautious Elder walked slowly into the room. "Ise just checking on you sir. You was shouting. Missy sent me to make sure you was doing fine."

Draco couldn't help but display a small smile. "Tell Missy everything is fine. I had a bit of an upset this evening and was working it out. A bit loudly evidently. Not very Malfoy of me, but there you are. I'll be having an early breakfast. Please have Missy see to it. Thank you. You may go."

Elder gave a nod and disappeared with a pop.

The house workers are worried for my sanity, thought Draco as he undressed and got into bed. I should be as well.

Many thoughts passed through Draco's mind in the few minutes he laid waiting for sleep. His brain was working furiously to connect the dots and answer the questions Draco had charged it with and continued to work furiously through the night in the form of a dream Draco wouldn't consciously remember in the morning.

/*/

Like Draco and Hannah, Hermione was aggravated with Ginny's behavior. However, unlike Draco she had a calming shower and climbed into bed ready for a good night's sleep. She only had two thoughts. Bloody, brazen Bar Witch and…those eyes.

Ginny didn't even cross her mind.

Then, she too dreamed a dream she would not consciously remember in the morning.

/**/

On Friday morning, Draco passed by the training room on his way to his office. All three trainees had thrown up their hand in greeting. Not wanting to disturb the trainer, Draco nodded and kept moving. As soon as he had hung his jacket and put away his wand, he headed straight for the OTS conference room where he, Brian and Donald would receive their first case.

Blaise who was in attendance gave his mate a searching look as he greeted him and the others. Nothing seemed amiss so Blaise sat back to oversee.

The transfer of the LeClair case from pending to active took only minutes with Blaise handing off the case to Draco and his team. Ready to begin their casework, Draco, Donald and Brian grabbed their kits to head out to survey the crime scene.

Before Draco could leave the room, Blaise asked for a word. Gesturing to Donald and Brian to go ahead, Draco waited for Blaise to speak.

"Everything alright there mate?" Blaise asked not really wanting to hear Draco's answer.

Draco knew Blaise was fishing, but refused to get into anything in the middle of a conference room. "Other than you keeping me from my duties, everything is fine. Me and the team plan on being here fairly late tonight. I'll catch up with you a bit later. For now, I'd like to get going. Later mate."

Feeling certain Draco wasn't upset over Ginny's abysmal behavior the previous night, Blaise pushed the worry out of his mind and checked in on the trainees before heading to his office to finish off some parchment and paper work.

Blaise wasn't used to the feel of paper just yet, but more and more departments were using paper over parchment.

"Ah! The future." He said rubbing a sheet of paper between his fingers. Like every other witch and wizard who had attended Hogwarts, Blaise only knew parchment. But the future was now and he was a forward thinking wizard. If the new, best thing was Muggle paper, that's what his department would use. He could live with that. Actually, he had to live with it. Parchment was still acceptable, but Ministry Decree #10M declared all departments use paper where possible.

Many wizards in the Ministry were unimpressed with the changes Kingsley was advocating. But until a new Minister was appointed, they would have to toe the line or take their issues elsewhere. Most chose to toe the line.

With all things in order within the department, Blaise stepped away from OTS to meet with Calvin Mercer, Head of DOM for a previously arranged discussion.

/*/

Friday morning, Hermione and Justin met in her office to go over a few things before heading down to the courtroom. Justin advised Hermione that Terry had gone on ahead and would meet them downstairs. Hermione nodded to let Justin know she'd heard him, but said nothing.

Justin was unprepared for the length of this particular disagreement between Hermione and Terry. Normally, after a difference of opinions, they would be back chatting amicably before the end of day. He began to realize this wasn't a normal difference of opinions. Something else had happened. Because he and Terry were scheduled to meet with Hermione at 3:00 about setting up their teams, Justin hoped whatever shite was going on between them would be rectified by then. He didn't consider himself a violent wizard, but silently threatened dire consequences for Terry if he did anything to ruin their chances for a team of their own.

"Is everything alright?" Justin chanced to ask Hermione on the lift ride down. "You seem out of sorts."

"We are facing a very sharp Defense Attorney this morning Justin. I don't have time to be out of sorts. I only have time to be on point. Thank you for your concern." Hermione added quietly. "Here's our floor. I hope the lifts down to the courtroom level aren't crowded."

Terry said a curt good morning to Hermione and nodded to Justin. Together they entered the courtroom and settled themselves in the prosecutor's area. When the Chief Warlock called the case, Terry put forth a brilliant presentation of the evidence collected by OTS which had the criminal being sentenced to Azkaban within three hours of the case being called.

No matter whether they were at odds or not. Hermione was proud of the job Terry had done. Once again, the feeling of having done the wrong thing by letting Terry go passed through Hermione's thoughts. But a second later, she realized it was the right thing for both of them. Whether Terry thought so or not.

Justin clapped Terry on the back congratulating him on a job well done. Hermione nodded in agreement, but didn't try to touch Terry. When their eyes met for a second, Terry gave Hermione a sad smile before glancing away. They were officially over. He had to fall out of love the way he had fallen in.

Hermione invited Terry and Justin to lunch, but both declined. Justin because he didn't want to be in the middle of the fray. Terry because he didn't want to cause the fray.

Rather than lunch alone, Hermione shut the door to her office and went over how LeClair would be charged if the evidence warranted a trial. She knew the case was being put into the hands of OTS Agents that morning. If they were on their game, all the evidence should arrive in her office by the following Thursday. Although it was discriminatory, Hermione hoped LeClair would be brought to trial. Some of the old, hard line purebloods, of which he was one, needed a shake up.

/*/

Justin and Terry were waiting in the conference room when Hermione entered at 3:00.

"Excellent. Before we start, I want to impress upon you the responsibilities that go hand in hand with being Head of a team. Think over your decision carefully."

She had then spoken for a few minutes before asking Terry and Justin to present their plans.

Each wizard laid out his plans for Hermione who thought both presentations were brilliant and told them so. Justin beamed while Terry offered his first genuine smile in

two days. Then the three had gotten down to the complicated business of choosing staff. Hermione suggested they offer first refusal to the current staff. After which, they could hire from within the Ministry. If they weren't satisfied with the interested applicants, they could hire from outside. It was agreed that each team would consist of three members. The Head, an Associate and a General Clerk dedicated to that team.

There were other things to work out, but it was agreed the men could work it out between them.

Hermione told them they should start the hiring process, which was the most important aspect of setting up a team, immediately. She made a few other things clear as well. She would sit in on interviews to offer her thoughts. No applicant should be invited to interview unless he or she met the existing requirements for a Prosecutor's Associate. A point Hermione declared non-negotiable.

It was also mentioned that there weren't any specific requirements for the General Clerks except they be knowledgeable about office practices and be willing to learn. She did suggest they hire someone who had aspirations to be more than a GC.

At the end of the meeting, Hermione handed each wizard a folded sheet of paper which contained pay rises, adjustments to office space and other perks. By the time they finished, it was after 5:30. Justin and Terry thanked Hermione again for extending the opportunity.

"There's no need to thank me." She replied truthfully. "I have complete faith in your abilities or I wouldn't have offered the opportunity. I expect to be consulted on any major decisions. Collaboration among us will be key in setting up strong teams."

A chuffed Justin answered for himself and Terry. "That's exactly what we plan to do. You are our mentor after all."

Justin noticed that once again that Terry didn't remain behind with Hermione which led him to believe this whole, angry with each other, thing was more serious than he wanted to admit.

/*/

It wasn't any secret in the office that Hermione had offered Justin and Terry their own teams. But most of the staff was waiting to congratulate the men after the announcement. Not Rebecca. She had purposely waited after hours not only to congratulate the two, but also to see what interaction there would be between Terry and Hermione. There hadn't been any. It was safe for her to think Della was on the way to getting the wizard she wanted.

/*/

Hermione looked up from the message she was writing to nod at Rebecca who had wished her a good night in passing. With a quill in hand and elbows on the desk, Hermione watched as the very cheerful witch headed to the lifts.

Rubbing her eyes, Hermione leaned back in her chair. Rebecca thought she had gotten away with her bit of manipulation unnoticed, which wasn't the case at all. Hermione had noticed the flurry of activity between her and Terry. Knowing Rebecca fancied witches, Hermione knew her Junior Associate wasn't interacting with Terry on her own behalf, but was best friends with Della from Magical Transportation. The Della. It was simple math. Rebecca must be wheedling information from Terry and passing it on to Della. Hermione didn't know why Rebecca's behavior should bother her. She and Terry were finished in that area, but it did. As did passing personal information to others outside the firm.

Hermione, who demanded loyalty from her staff, decided she really didn't need an untrustworthy witch working for her. There was a distinct possibility Rebecca might shortly be doing her advocating for Della at a different firm.

Gathering her things, Hermione used a simple flourish of her wand to lock up for the night. She knocked on Terry's closed door to say goodnight to her two new Heads then headed to the lifts looking forward to a warm bath, a good book and possibly some nice wine. Draco's wine. Or more precisely. The wine Draco had gifted her.

/*/

Draco, Brian and Donald returned to the Ministry around 2:00 and began piecing the evidence together straightaway. At 6:00 pm, they were ready to call it a night.

"Great job." Draco said complimenting his Assistants. "We'll pick up from here on Monday morning. Enjoy your weekend boys because we will be balls to the wall next week. I intend for us to make a spectacular showing on our first case. Goodnight."

"Thanks Draco. Goodnight." Brian called out already headed for the doors.

Donald remained behind to give Draco the morning, midmorning and afternoon mail. "There are six pieces. Two general, three Interoffice and one mystery envelope. Have a good weekend. See you Monday." Donald remarked handing Draco the envelopes.

Draco started going through the mail, but Blaise entered the office and plopped himself down in a chair. "Good day then?" He asked Draco.

"The day went well. We made quite a bit of headway. I'm very pleased with Brian and Donald. Couldn't ask for better."

"I'm glad to hear it. Your floo connection has been set up. You may use it going home tonight if you wish."

"Excellent. Thank you Blaise." Draco replied giving his friend a skeptical glance. "You seem a bit antsy. Is there something else?"

Crossing and uncrossing his leg, Blaise hesitated a moment before addressing Draco's question. "It's my understanding there was a bit of a muck up last night."

"There was." Draco replied leaning back against his chair. "I said my piece and hadn't planned on bringing it up, but Ginny seems to have shared our interaction. I apologize for having to say this, but your witch is intrusive and has no filter. She tried her best to put me on the spot. I've been nice mate, but I will not allow anyone to interfere in my business. Especially an outspoken…" Draco caught himself. He was talking about the witch Blaise was dating. "No matter. I'm now aware of how Ginny operates. I won't be caught out again. If there's nothing else, I'd like to go through my messages before I leave for the weekend."

"Alright." Blaise answered rising from the chair. "Just answer me one thing. Are you interested in being more than an acquaintance to Hermione?"

Draco shook his head in annoyance. Fucking Ginny Weasley had rubbed off on his mate. "Why? Has Ginny asked you to inquire and report back? Is she still that interested in my love life?"

Blaise stood speechless. He hadn't meant to interrogate Draco, but was upset by his mate's words and tone. "I'm sorry I inquired," huffed Blaise. "It won't happen again. I'll see you on Monday."

Before Blaise could leave the office, Draco stood. "Blaise. I'm aggravated with your witch. Not with you. And to answer your question. I am interested in Hermione as more than an acquaintance. I just don't know what to do about it. As much as I hate to admit it, I think Ginny recognized something I'm trying hard to hide."

Blaise turned to smile at Draco. "I guess I won't be chucking Ginny into the streets then. Good luck with Hermione. You'll need it. However, if there's anything I can do to help. Let me know."

"Thank you for asking Blaise, but I'm good. I'll figure it out, or I won't. Perhaps I'll see you over the weekend. Theo and I have an appointment to look at properties. Why don't you come along?"

"I just might join you. If Theo finds you a flat, you might be more amenable to telling us why Hermione was so angry with you."

Draco laughed out loud. "Ginny Weasley has truly rubbed off on you. Given the right circumstances, I might be willing to share my personal business with two friends. That's only if you can manage to keep it from your witch. It's very personal and I don't want it bandied about."

"You have a deal. Owl me where to meet you and Theo. After, we can talk at the Manor away from Ginny's intuitive arse. I think Missy and Elder will be glad to see you, me and Theo back together after all this time."

"I believe they will. By the way, have you heard anything from Greg? I spoke to Betty last night. Greg has gone off the rails. Maybe the three of us can get him back on track."

"I know you, Crabbe and Goyle were like the Three Warlocks, but Greg and I were never close. I haven't thought of him in years. Let me check around. If he needs our help, I'll do what I can. However, you must know I won't accept any bullshite. We can only help if he wants our help. I'll see you and Theo tomorrow. I know I said I wouldn't interfere, but if you are interested in Hermione. Just ask her out. The worst that can happen is you'll have to duel Boot."

Draco watched a thoroughly amused Blaise head for the lifts.

Easy for Blaise to say, thought Draco moving papers around on his desk. If I approach Hermione for a date, I might have to duel her instead of Boot.

Draco started to cast the Impenetrable Charm over his desk, but remembered the mail. Four of the six messages could wait until Monday. The other two warranted immediate responses. The Bar Witch Jackie had tracked him down. She was on duty this weekend and wanted him to come to the Leaky to keep her company.

Draco's response was short and to the point.

Jackie,

Thank you for the invitation. However, I will have to decline. I have business which requires my attention this weekend. Perhaps another time. Have a pleasant weekend.

Draco Malfoy

Draco had stretched the truth a bit. Although he would be busy through Saturday afternoon, there was plenty of time to visit The Leaky Cauldron if he chose to do so. Jackie was appealing, but she wasn't Hermione. However, there was no harm in keeping his options open. Jackie would make a pleasant diversion if or when he struck out with Hermione.

Turning the last piece of mail over in his hand, Draco opened it to find a surprising but welcome missive from Hermione asking to meet with him. It was like Merlin had listened in on the conversation between him and Blaise. As Harry had said the previous evening. It was a win-win.

He responded with a very positive answer.

Hermione,

Thank you for the message. I would be happy to meet with you. In no way is your request pushing boundaries. If you remember, our last meeting ended on a very positive note. I have appointments scheduled for tomorrow morning and afternoon, but I will be free by 5:00 pm. I'll reserve a table at The Promenade in the Dorchester for 5:30 tea. I'll see you then.

Draco

Draco was chuffed. He didn't know what Hermione wanted, but whatever it was. He wanted it as well. Happily summoning his things, Draco headed to the lifts.

He made his way to the main floor floo whispering word of thanks to the very nosy, but very intuitive Ginny Weasley. If things worked out, he would be sure to send her a box of sweets.