Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 12
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.
/
A/N: I made a small faux pas in chapter 8 which has since been corrected. Anthony Goldstein is Kingsley's Senior Assistant. The ever petulant Percy Weasley is a Junior Assistant.
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 13
Rebecca had been steadily whispering her support to Della since they arrived at F&T.
"You know Terry. He's probably still arranging and rearranging his team setup and lost track of time. Owl him."
"No." Replied an embarrassed Della. "I'm sure he'll be here in a few. I'm going over to congratulate Justin."
"Oh good." Rebecca gushed gently pushing Della towards Justin. "Maybe he knows when Terry will arrive."
"Will you stop? If Terry is coming, he'll come. If not, I'll see him tomorrow night for your party. Gina is looking over here. She probably thinks you're trying to chat me up. Go. I'm going to mingle and perhaps send a quick Owl."
Rebecca threw her head back in laughter. "I knew you'd come around. See you in a bit."
Della joined the small group around Justin adding her congratulations to all the others. When someone asked Justin about Terry, he had spoken out of turn. "I thought he'd be here by now. Perhaps he stopped by to pick up Hermione. He should be here shortly."
When Justin turned away, a disappointed Della who had been surprised by his remark turned away as well. Terry still had his mind on Hermione. Stupid me for listening to Rebecca. Terry must think I'm some desperate witch to be all over him when he's already seeing someone.
Della got two steps away from the group before changing her mindset. I looked into Terry's eyes. He was being forthright when he asked us to lunch and truthful when he said it would be his pleasure to escort me to the party. Why would he bother, if he wasn't interested? I'll Owl him. Then I'll have my answer. Stepping over to Seamus, Rebecca asked if she could send an Owl. Seamus was more than happy to allow her the use of his Owl Services.
Ten minutes later, Della returned to the room and took a seat at the bar to wait for her answer.
/*/
Friday evening found Terry Boot languishing about his flat when he should have been out celebrating his promotion. Justin had Owled earlier inviting him to a small party at F&T, but he wasn't in the mood. He had made moves on Della, but wasn't sure of what he wanted to do next. He and Hermione had a difference of opinions in the past that had lasted for a week or more. Terry didn't want to think this was really the end, even though he had grabbed spurious bullshite remarks out of the air and thrown them at Hermione.
Draco Malfoy. The supposed thorn in Hermione's side had come home and turned everything upside down. As far as Terry knew, all he had were his own assumptions. Hermione hadn't admitted to anything. In fact, she had seemed surprised to hear Malfoy's name come out of his mouth. Still. She hadn't denied anything either.
Terry took a deep breath then a deep sip of the whiskey in his glass. Before he did anything with Della, he had to be sure Hermione meant what she said. He was still debating his choices when an owl tapped on his window. The owl didn't wait for a treat so Terry closed the window and sat down to read the message.
Terry,
Wondering why you aren't at your own celebration. Must Justin hold down the fort himself? Come get your congratulations. There is a seat reserved especially for you.
Della
Terry reread the message thinking how nice it was of Della to think of him. The message was just the push forward he needed. What was the dilemma? Terry knew he could keep going round and round about Hermione or he could take up with the witch who cared about him. Throwing the message on the table, Terry hurried in to shower and dress. There was a seat and a witch waiting for him at F&T.
Gazing in the mirror as he straightened the arms of his jumper, Terry spoke softly to himself. "I move forward from here."
/*/
Della smiled at the wizards who engaged her in conversation. All the while keeping her eyes on the door. Then, there he was in all his handsome glory. Terry Boot had arrived and he didn't have Hermione Granger on his arm.
Their eyes met across the room and they grinned at each other.
Yessss, she thought. Terry received my owl and is here to see me. From here, I will do everything in my power to get and keep him. The thought of doing everything brought a touch of pink to Della's cheeks. By the time Terry approached, she was in full blush.
"That blush looks lovely on you Della. I hope I'm the cause. I'm here for my seat and my congratulations."
Gesturing to the chair beside her, Della took a deep breath before telling Terry she was glad he hadn't missed his own celebration. With her plan in motion, Della kissed Terry on the cheek as she congratulated him on his level up.
Surprising himself, Terry leaned in to tell Della he hoped he would be allowed a proper kiss when he escorted her home.
Della was delirious inside. There was no question. No hesitation. Terry had made it clear. He was escorting her home.
Laying her hand on Terry's, a determined Della assured him a proper kiss would be allowed even as she tried her hardest to remember the charm used for contraception. She hadn't had sex with any wizard over the year plus she had been trying to catch Terry's eye. If it came to it tonight, she wanted to be ready.
/*/
Hermione glanced at the message in her hand. The word about her and Terry's distancing themselves from each other must have traveled farther than Magical Transportation. Anthony Goldstein, Kingsley's Senior Assistant had sent an Owl asking if she would accompany him to the theatre. With his Half Blood heritage, Anthony enjoyed many of the Muggleborn things Hermione enjoyed. One of those being the theatre.
It was a pleasant surprise to know Anthony wanted to spend time with her, but Hermione didn't have any feelings for him one way or another. The last thing she wanted was to get into another relationship where emotions were at the bottom of the list. She had Owled Anthony back thanking him, but declining his invitation. That was that.
Hermione knew about the celebration at F&T as she knew about Rebecca's party Saturday night. She would not be attending either. It would have been good form to show up to support her Team Heads, but neither she nor Terry were comfortable with each other at the moment. She wouldn't intrude and throw a damper on his time in the spotlight. Anyway, if her perception of Rebecca's behavior had been on point, Della was sure to be at the celebration which would be good for Terry. He deserved a witch who wanted him for the proper reasons.
As unexcited as Hermione was about celebrations and parties, she was very excited to meet with Draco. A 5:30 Tea at The Promenade was very thoughtful and fairly expensive. Even though she only wanted to share a bit of private information with Draco, she was impressed with his thoughtfulness. It remained to be seen how well the meeting would go.
With nothing more than relaxation on her mind, Hermione picked up one of her newest purchases, a book on technology in the US Wizarding World. She had only gotten two chapters in, but was very interested in what the American witches and wizards were using to communicate. There was a small but growing field of Magical people researching person-to-person communication. It was a technological tool Muggles had been using for years. Recently though, Magical inventors had worked towards using the tools in the Wizarding World. What interested Hermione most was the fact these devices were available for use right now. The only issue would be to make using something like mobiles worth the while. When or if the idea was presented to Kingsley, everything had to be in order down to the last point.
Hermione began pacing. Yet another thing had caught her attention. She knew it was time to drag the Wizarding World into the here and now, but an idea meant nothing without the hard work needed to bring the plan to fruition. She immediately ran through her mind a list of people she thought would be interested in this type of project. It was a short list as most wizards and witches were satisfied using Owl Services. Hermione realized she would need a forward thinking someone with tons of Galleons and access to great international connections.
Normally she would be bouncing ideas off Terry. However, those days were over. She'd have to find another sounding board. Perhaps this was another something she could address with Draco. With a stretch and a sigh, Hermione pulled the book towards her with the admission her thoughts about mobile communications for the Wizarding World were nothing more than wishful thinking.
/*/
Draco arrived home Friday evening to find a stack of Owl Messages waiting. He rifled through them quickly but decided to bathe and dress before reading any. He had just finished combing his hair when Missy came rushing through his bedroom door without knocking. Draco spun around ready to give the elf a telling off about not knocking when he recognized something was wrong.
"Mr. Draco sir. Someone been getting through the front wards and was banging on the front door. Elder had to block and contain the wizard cause he been knocking and banging so hard." She added nervously rubbing her head. "That boy's not hurt just stopped. Elder knows better than hurt a wizard Mr. sir, but he can't be letting some stranger be pounding on the Malfoy door."
Putting his hands on Missy's small shoulders, Draco told her to go back downstairs and he would be right down.
Grabbing his wand, Draco Apparated to the front hall where he threw open the door to find a panicked Gregory Goyle frozen in place unable to move.
"Elder please. I need you to remove your spell."
Elder came quickly looking at Draco out of the corner of his eye. "Ise removing it right now Mr. Draco sir. Mr. Lucius not wanting people banging on the door of Malfoy Manor. I thought it was a bad man. "
"You did the right thing." Draco assured Elder as the elf stood before him with his head bowed. "It is your job to protect Malfoy Manor. You've done well. I'll take care of it from here."
Elder gave a quick bow before disappearing with a poof.
/*/
Draco couldn't help but smile as he turned back to the door to find Greg still standing in the same spot even though he was free to move. "That bloody elf tried to kill me," said Greg through chattering teeth.
"Hardly," drawled Draco. "If it was Elder's intention to kill you, believe me. You'd be dead."
"And I'd see to it his arse was beheaded and hung on a wall," snapped an irate Goyle.
Draco had immediately gone on the defensive when Greg snapped at him. "Watch your mouth Goyle. Still as stupid as ever. Elder was only protecting his family and his home. Why were you pounding on my door anyway?"
Never one to take a hint. Greg growled more drivel at Draco. "Why? Too good for me now. Eh Draco? Betty told me you didn't have time for old friends. Can I come in or should I stand out here freezing my arse off after what that bloody elf did to me?"
Draco hesitated, but finally stepped back to let Greg in. "You know better than to speak to me in that tone. You and your sister seem to think I owe you something or have in some way treated you badly. Change your attitude or go back through the wards." Draco growled. A deep scowl covering his face. After stowing his wand, Draco asked Greg what would it be.
"What will what be Draco? Don't get all cryptic with me boy. No matter how high and mighty you think you are. You'll do well to remember I was one of the wizards who guarded your bloody arse."
That was enough for Draco. Turning on a dime, Draco drew his wand screaming Everte Statum then watched as Greg flew backwards across the room. "Who do you think you're talking to? Now get out of my home you bloody nuisance. By the way." Draco snarled with wand still in hand. "You've just missed your chance. I had convinced Blaise and Theo we needed to find and help you. We were to start looking tomorrow. However, after this, you won't be getting any help from me. So why don't you scurry back to wherever you've been keeping your sorry arse. One last thing. I don't care how low you fall or how much assistance you require. Do not approach me again until you've remembered the little manners you used to have. Get out!"
Greg raced for the door without looking back.
The door slammed soundly shut almost before Greg's arse had cleared the doorway. A surprised Draco turned to find Missy with her hand in the air.
"Thank you Missy. Please tighten the wards against the person who just left. I'm not sure how he made it to the front door, but he will not make it through again unless invited.
I'm surprised my father never changed certain wards." Draco added almost as an afterthought. "That reminds me. There is company coming tomorrow afternoon, but it will be welcome company. I'll be in my rooms."
/*/
It had taken Draco a few minutes to diffuse the anger which had accumulated during his confrontation with Greg Goyle. What a bloody prat. And there I was asking Blaise and Theo to step out on a limb to help the wanker. Then, for one second and one second only, Draco wondered how things would have gone had he remained in London after the war. Shaking off the thought, Draco retrieved the mail he had put aside earlier.
Even with Goyle's nonsense and a hectic work week, Draco was relaxed as he sat at the desk in his study opening the Owls.
The first envelope brought a smile to Draco's face. Wil Baker had written to cheek Draco on the fabulous write up in The Daily Prophet. Evidently the story had been republished in other papers and somehow found its way to Switzerland.
Draco,
What the hell is a OTS Agent? All that studying gone for naught. Once a Prosecutor, always a Prosecutor I say. Everyone sends their congratulations anyway.
We have a surprise for you. Probably by the time you read this. Clarke, Desmond and I will be knocking at your door. Well, not exactly knocking on your door, but we will be in LONDON. I'm not sure how far it is from you, but we have reserved rooms at the famous Dorchester Hotel for this weekend. Get ready to let loose.
We'll be picking up our reservations by 7:00 pm. You'll get to show us around your fabulous city. Perhaps we will be able to convince you to come back to Switzerland.
We have your address. So do not try to duck out on us. See you soon.
Wil
Checking the time, Draco saw it was already 7:45. Glad he had bathed earlier, an excited Draco summoned a navy blue suit from the closet and was dressed in ten minutes. Before leaving his rooms, Draco sent three quick Owls. One to Blaise. One to Theo and one to Wil Baker at The Dorchester.
On his way out, Draco advised Missy and Elder he might have company with him when he returned.
A curious Missy asked a question. "Is this the welcome company from tomorrow Mr. Draco?"
Her question caught him by surprise. Elves didn't question the Head of Household, but he realized she was just checking that everything was in order. "No Missy. These fellows are not the company I am expecting tomorrow, but they are welcome. Please ensure my father's den is well stocked and there is some light fare available. Goodnight."
"Yes Mr. Draco. Missy and Elder will see to everything."
/*/
Draco checked with the Reservations Desk to get Wil's room number and took the lift up. It was a raucous reunion once the door to room 419 closed. Clarke and Desmond were there as well and wouldn't stop clapping Draco on the back.
"You're a sight for sore eyes Mr. Malfoy," said Wil holding out a glass of Ogden's. "I hope you can put whatever plans you have for this weekend on hold. We expect to be squired around as though we were royalty. By the way, I also Owled Miss Hermione Granger. When we met at the conference in France, she invited me to look her up if I ever got to London. So I'm here. So I did. Perhaps by the time I leave, I'll have myself an English lass."
Draco frowned in frustration at Wil's revelation. "Has Hermione responded? Will she be joining you tonight?"
Wil gave Draco a peculiar look. "You look….disappointed. Shouldn't you be happy for me? A very beautiful witch has invited me to look her up. I hope she doesn't bring that oaf Boot. To answer your question. Miss Granger has not responded, but I expect an answer soon. She doesn't seem like the type witch to ignore a chap, even if it is only to decline."
Draco had just let out a sigh of relief when the door opened and in walked Beth.
Wil and Clarke smirked at each other as Beth headed directly for Draco.
"Did I forget to mention this surprise Draco? Well. Surprise," said Wil. "Beth forced us to bring her."
Beth turned to correct Wil. "I did not. You invited me." Balancing her hands on Draco's arms, Beth leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. "Hello Draco. It's nice to see you."
Draco was even more frustrated. He had Wil trying to meet up with Hermione. Now here was Beth acting as though she expected to pick up where they'd left off.
"Nice to see you as well Beth." Draco replied rolling his eyes at all three of his Swiss mates and stepping back from Beth.
Beth noticed that Draco had stepped back, but it didn't dampen her enthusiasm. "So what is the itinerary for this weekend? I want drinking and dancing and…drinking and dancing."
Clarke laughed out loud. "You heard her. She wants drinking and dancing….and. Let's get to it."
As Clarke, Desmond and Wil laughed their arses off, there was a soft knock on the door followed by an Owl Message being slipped under the door. Wil grabbed the envelope announcing to the room at large that Hermione Granger declined for the night, but would take a rain check for Saturday evening.
"There you are. She's mine now. I might have to excuse myself from Saturday's frivolities. I have a date."
Draco could have smacked the smirk off his friend. Wil wouldn't be accompanying Hermione anywhere alone if he could help it. "Really Wil? You're not excusing yourself from anything. We all go together."
Wil, Clarke and Desmond laughed, but Beth gave Draco a curious look. Her former lover was too tense over such a trivial matter. Something was off. Beth didn't have a chance to dwell on it as the four wizards were eager to get to somewhere called F&T.
/*/
Hermione kept looking at the message laying on her low table. It had been a surprise to hear from Wil Baker the wizard she had met in France. Thanks to Terry, she and Wil hadn't been able to speak for more than ten minutes at the conference. She was pleased he remembered her, but surprised he had taken her at her word. Didn't everyone say, if you're ever in, fill in the blank, let's get together? Obviously, Wil had. He was in London and wanted to get together. Hermione wasn't one to jump at any invitation, especially one from a near stranger. She'd give it a night and take him around Saturday. Of course it would have to be after her already planned meeting with Draco. Unless…
Hermione picked up the book she had been reading. Unless Draco Malfoy gave her a reason not to.
/*/
It was like old friends week at F&T. Shortly after Draco and the group arrived, Theo and Blaise came through the doors looking to meet the wizards who had straightened out Draco Malfoy. Harry and Michael Corner had walked up next. After being introduced all around, the group kept Dean and Seamus very busy serving drinks.
Betty Goyle came in rolling her eyes at Draco accompanied by Lisa Turpin who greeted him before heading to the other end of the room where the celebration for Boot and Finch-Fletchley was being held.
Draco felt a warmth spread through him as he watched Boot and the witch from Magical Transportation being very familiar with each other. He didn't even flinch when Terry looked over to glare at him.
"Excellent!"
"What's excellent Draco?" Asked Desmond. "Our company I would venture to guess."
"You're absolutely right my friend. Your company has made my night. Have a good time. Go dance with Beth."
"Right," laughed Desmond. "As always, Beth only has eyes for you. A bit annoying really. I'll find my own partner thanks." He sniped heading towards the other end of the pub.
/*/
Theo and Blaise came to stand beside Beth and Draco. Nodding his head in Beth's direction, Theo raised his eyebrows. Draco was caught in mid shrug as Lisa walked up and tried to grab him by the arm for a dance.
Beth frowned almost as deeply as Draco.
"Please refrain from grabbing me Miss Turpin. Dancing isn't something I want to do at this exact moment. May I get you a drink?"
Lisa had sense enough to be embarrassed and declined the drink, but added one last retort. "I won't hold my breath, but perhaps you'll feel like dancing tomorrow at Rebecca's party."
Theo glanced at Draco then at Blaise without saying a word.
Blaise couldn't resist and spoke to Draco in low tones. "You haven't lost that Malfoy charisma. Witches lining up on either side of you. Unfortunately, not the right one. Reminds me of our younger days. Of course I'm referring to the days before….."
Draco cut across him in equally low tones. "Thanks Blaise. I get your drift. You might want to wipe that smirk off your face as the female Weasley has just walked through the door. If you'll excuse me, I need to empty the main vein."
/*/
Ginny headed directly for Blaise. "Hello love." She said giving Blaise a quick hug while casting a skeptical eye at the unknown witch standing there. "Who do we have here?" She asked looking first at Theo then Blaise.
Beth's face took on a faint blush as she told Ginny she was a friend of Draco's.
Here we go, thought Blaise.
"Oh, you're a friend of Draco's. Where is he? Not very mannerly leaving you standing here alone."
Beth wasn't cowed by Ginny's tone and quickly responded. "I'm not alone. I'm standing here with Blaise and Theo."
"Well. Theo is married and Blaise is my wizard. As I see it, you're standing here alone. By the way," Ginny asked turning to Blaise. "Is Hermione here?"
Before Blaise could answer, Draco stepped through the crowd. "Hello Ginny. How are you? Have you been introduced to my fellow Prosecutors from Switzerland?"
"No. I haven't. Neither Blaise nor Theo thought to introduce me."
"Well. The boys are down the other end, but this is Beth. Beth Wilcott this is Ginny Weasley."
"Pleased to meet you Ginny." Beth replied in a tone that implied something other than pleasure.
"And you as well." Ginny commented in a lackluster tone. "I see Lisa. I'll be back love."
A puzzled Draco looked from Blaise to Theo wondering what had happened in his absence to cause Beth and Ginny to be at odds.
Blaise shook his head from side to side while Theo who had been advised of Ginny's ongoing push to get Hermione and Draco together, simply smiled.
A short while later, Wil, Desmond and Clarke wandered back to where Draco, Beth, Theo and Blaise were sitting.
"Nice gathering Draco. Nice people. Harry Potter is quite the humble chap for someone who went through all he did." Desmond jovially remarked glancing at Beth. "Have you been sitting in that same spot all this time Beth? Come on. Let me introduce you to some people. Draco will be here when you get back. Right Draco?" He added with a wink.
Wil watched Desmond pull Beth towards a small group of people casually mentioning that Beth should wake up and give the man a chance.
Draco refrained from commenting as he was getting quite the scrutiny from both Blaise and Theo. "I see Dunn has joined Harry and Corner. I think I'll go pay my respects. Maybe talk a bit of Quidditch." He left Blaise and Theo talking to Wil and Clarke.
/*/
The groups began breaking up around midnight. Draco who was still talking to his fellow OTS Agents smiled as he watched Terry Boot escort Della, he had heard another witch call her name, out the door.
Beth and the boys approached telling Draco they were ready to get back to the hotel. Draco shook hands then double checked that they had the correct Apparating instructions.
"We are slightly inebriated Mr. Malfoy, but we have all our shite in order," answered Wil with a slight slur to his words.
Draco stood. "Listen you lot. Why not come stay at the Manor tonight? There's plenty of room. I wouldn't want anyone to splinch himself or herself trying to get back to the Dorchester."
"I thought you'd never ask." Clarke answered jokingly. "Of course we'll have to get Wil back to the hotel in time to clean up for his date with Hermione Granger tomorrow."
"It's not a date," snapped Draco without thinking. Then in a completely level voice added that it was a meeting.
"What's got into you?" Asked Clarke peering at Draco. "Meeting. Date. Whatever you want to call it. He'll be with the lovely Miss Granger. Are we ready? I could do with a bit of hangover potion. Goodnight lads."
Ginny and Blaise who were leaving just ahead of Draco stopped almost in tandem to look at Draco, but he ignored them. He was aggravated enough without getting into any shite about his non existent love life in the middle of the pub or in front of his visitors.
Giving a general goodnight wave and shout to the pub at large, Draco guided his little group out the door. When they got outside the pub, Beth told the men she would rather stay in the hotel and would be fine on her own. Desmond and Clarke glanced at each other. They weren't about to let their friend and colleague Apparate away alone.
"We've reconsidered your offer Draco. Clarke and I will accompany Beth back to The Dorchester. We can all meet up tomorrow. Watch out for Wil. He's been known to stumble over his own feet after he's been drinking. But you know that."
Wil straightened himself up. "They're right Draco. I should get back to the hotel as well. I look forward to seeing Malfoy Manor tomorrow."
Draco wasn't going to argue. He would catch up with them tomorrow afternoon and go from there. "Alright then. We'll speak tomorrow."
Draco watched as all four double checked the Apparating directions. Then one by one, Apparated away.
Draco wasn't long behind them Apparating directly to the front hall of the Manor.
He wasn't tired, but he was hungry. "Missy. Elder." He called out. "I'd like something to eat."
Poof. Elder was standing in front of him asking if he wanted his food in the kitchen or in his rooms.
"In my rooms, if you please. Beef sandwich with pickles, onions and celery on the side. Thank you."
/*/
Draco was gazing at himself in the mirror when Elder knocked on the door. "Enter Elder. You may leave the food on my table," he remarked not taking his eyes from the mirror. "Thank you."
Draco spent another five full minutes at the mirror before sitting down to eat. As he carefully chewed his food, Draco brought up scenario after scenario of how he should proceed. This date between Wil and Hermione had him unnerved. Hermione was single and Wil was a vibrant personality. Just wonder if she took a liking to him. Draco wanted a chance with Hermione before she made any decision on the next wizard in her life.
By the time Draco finished his sandwich, he had a fully formulated plan. He would do as Blaise had suggested and simply ask Hermione out.
His body was in obvious agreement with his plan as its immediate reaction was to once again produce a very firm and very leaky erection.
"As if." Draco muttered adjusting his suddenly tight trousers as he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth. "Even if Hermione agrees to date me, her lovely honey pot will probably be off limits until we're both seventy years old."
For some reason, that ludicrous thought made his erection even bigger. Forgetting all about the reason he was in the bathroom, Draco ripped back the shower curtain uttering a simple pronouncement just before he stepped into the shower. "Cold shower. You will have to suffice."