Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 15
"It would seem you're not the only one who has forgotten their manners. I should have asked about Wil sooner. How did he make out? Went home with all his appendages, did he?"
"Yes he did. Thanks for asking." Draco answered without turning away from the door. "The Healers at St Mungo's allowed him to go home under a Partial Stasis Charm."
"Really? A Partial Stasis Charm."
Hearing the excitement in Hermione's voice, Draco made a mental note. He now knew two things that excited Hermione Granger.
"I haven't heard anything about that spell in years." Hermione continued, either forgetting or ignoring the fact she had just been angry with Draco. "So that must mean the spells Goyle cast were indeed dark magic."
When Draco didn't answer, Hermione realized she was keeping him from leaving. "I've already chucked you out. Yet I'm keeping you here with my questions."
Draco put his hand on the knob to go, but Hermione stopped him with a statement and another question. "Since you are already here. Shall we get to work on mobile technology so you can ring me before popping up unexpected?"
Draco smiled as he turned away from the door, not only because she invited him to stay, but also because she expected to see him at her door in the future. "We can do that. Besides, I have been thoroughly reprimanded about turning up at your door uninvited. It will not happen again."
Glancing down at the floor so Hermione couldn't see the happiness in his eyes. Draco thought to himself, I wonder if she'll consider this a first date.
His plan had worked. Only by the bare skin of his teeth, but it had worked.
Ah! Technology.
/
A/N: Chapter Warning; Character death
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 16
Draco knew he shouldn't get too comfortable with himself even though he'd been invited to stay. He had therefore waited for Hermione to open the dialogue. He sat in a chair patiently waiting for Hermione to finish reviewing the documents in her hand. Finally, after five, long minutes she spoke. What came out of her mouth was not what Draco expected to hear.
"Although timely and on point. What part of the document in my hand was instrumental in leading you to my door on a Sunday night? The information while interesting does not scream share me within the next five minutes or I'll be lost forever. In fact," Hermione continued turning the documents over in her hand. "The date in the corner leads me to believe the information has been lying around for several weeks."
Draco cleared his throat as he brushed an imaginary thread from his trousers. How could he have thought Hermione would accept his flimsy excuse for being at her flat at face value. The lie had to end here.
Draco opened his mouth to tell the truth, but….."You've seen through me Miss Granger. Although I do want to share this very interesting information with you. My true intent was to offer support in light of what you will be facing tomorrow. I understand just about your entire staff was involved in the fiasco that started out as a party. Your office will be down to bare bones if your staff is all called to the second floor. I have been well trained in prosecutorial matters and would like to offer my services if you find yourself unusually strapped for personnel."
Hermione looked at him in amazement. Draco himself couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth. He had started out with the truth on his lips and had turned it into some far fetched fallacy.
Draco snapped his mouth shut.
Hermione let out a hysterical giggle. "That was great Mr. Malfoy. It's getting late. If that's the story you're going with, fine. The short answer is, while I appreciate your concern. I'll have to decline your offer. I lease premises in the Ministry, but my firm is not part of the Ministry. Therefore, you cannot loan yourself out to me."
Draco gave Hermione an embarrassed, little grin, thinking, shite. I knew that. To Hermione he replied. "Alright. I admit my idea is rubbish. I am here because Saturday night didn't work out. For many it would seem. I wanted to be sure you didn't forget we are due a date."
To his surprise. Instead of tossing him out head first, Hermione let out another giggle. "Is that your final answer?" She asked trying to smother the next giggle. "If it is, I'll have to ask you to leave. I need my sleep."
Draco stood and wished Hermione a good night. Once again, as he had his hand on the door knob, Hermione spoke. "Thank you for coming by to…check on me….offer your services….share information. Until we can work out how to speak to each other through some mobile gadget, I suggest you Owl then wait for a response."
"Right," answered a dispirited Draco stepping over the threshold hoping for even a tiny bit of encouragement. And he was rewarded. As the door closed behind him, Hermione called out.
"As I stated earlier in my Owl, I haven't forgotten about our date. I look forward to it. However, it might be time to get a new excuse Draco. Goodnight."
/*/
Draco chastised himself from the minute he landed at the Manor until he had stripped down to underwear. What was I thinking? I was talking like a madman. I actually volunteered to loan myself out. Hermione must think I'm a total arse.
By the time he slipped between his covers, Draco had run out of things to browbeat himself over. He tossed and turned for a bit before closing his eyes with a smile on his face. Hermione hadn't forgotten about their date. She looked forward to it.
/**/
Donald and Brian walked in minutes behind Draco Monday morning chattering about the big mess over the weekend. Draco wasn't one to participate in idle gossip, but he was curious to know if his assistants were discussing the party or some other happening.
Brian had gone into full swish mode as he revealed what he knew. Throwing his hands around, he revealed what Draco already knew. A Gregory Goyle had gotten pissed off and run amuck because someone insulted his sister. Donald who had been away for the weekend hung on Brian's every word until it came to the part where he explained that Blaise had been seriously wounded. That statement had taken Donald aback and he had turned to Draco for verification.
"Is this true Draco? Was Blaise attacked? How is he doing?"
Draco didn't like gossip, but he did answer Donald. "Yes. Blaise was attacked along with a mate of mine from Switzerland." Without explaining anything about dark curses, Draco explained how the healers at St Mungo's had taken very good care of Wil and Blaise. "Wil was able to catch his Portkey back to Switzerland and Blaise was released last night under strict orders to rest. Now that you know the story, I suggest we get down to work. I'm sure Blaise wouldn't appreciate us standing around discussing things that aren't our business."
"Of course Draco. Let us put our cloaks away and we'll meet you in the conference room." Brian replied hurrying to the cloak area.
Donald remained behind to hand Draco the morning mail.
"Thank you Donald. I'll be in the conference room in five minutes. We'll pick up where we left off."
Donald nodded, only stopping to hang his own cloak before leaving the room.
/*/
The three wizards spent the next hour breaking the case into components with each man given a portion to handle.
Draco happened to look up in time to catch Brian trying to talk out the side of his mouth to Donald. Both wizards turned two shades of pink when Draco addressed their behavior.
"We need to get our ducks in order." Draco snapped a bit harshly. "Save your whispers and secrets until we've finished what we are charged with doing."
Donald was embarrassed at being caught doing schoolboy shite, but he wasn't cowed by a sharp tone. "Brian has a piece of evidence I think you need to see." Was all he said as he handed Draco a page from the case.
Draco laid his quill down on the desk to take the page from Donald. "What is more important than….." Draco stopped in mid sentence as his mother's name jumped off the page at him. "Gentlemen, in order to be above reproach. I'll need you to remain seated while I familiarize myself with this information. If my mother is in any way involved other than by name, I will recuse myself and move to another case."
Donald and Brian returned to reviewing other aspects of the case while Draco scratched out notes with his quill. When he was through with his notes, Draco addressed his assistants. "While my mother's name did come up in LeClair's interview. There's no record she was called in to give evidence or was charged with anything. I will continue to work this case unless Blaise decides I should step away. For now, let's get on with it. I must admit this case is a bit troubling. Purebloods using Muggleborns to do their dirty work. I thought all this was in the past."
"It's supposed to be Draco, but there are still those who play their little games. This case is tame compared to some of the shite that went on even in the last several years."
Draco had every intention of answering Brian, but something in the paragraph he was reading caught his attention.
Donald noticed the look on Draco's face and asked if there was a problem.
Without thinking, Draco made a spontaneous utterance. "I know this address."
Brian and Donald glanced at each other. Narcissa Malfoy's name turns up, then her son recognizes one of the primary addresses in the case.
"Are you speaking of the LeClair address?" Asked Brian. "That's a small thing Draco. I would think almost every witch or wizard old enough to read knows the address or at least the whereabouts of Mr. LeClair's Wiltshire property."
Donald hurried to get the case containing the physical remnants and handed them over to Draco so he could see for himself. "Here you are. OTS Case T401. Have a look."
An off balance Draco thanked Donald, but pushed the evidence to the side. Thoughts were merging in his mind. Wiltshire? Another surprise. Draco had no idea Pansy's in-laws had property in the vicinity of Malfoy Manor. There seemed to be a lot he didn't know. His mother was somehow connected to human trafficking. His father was paying for a flat involved in the case. Now, he had found out the principals of the case lived within shouting distance of him. Not good. Not good at all.
"I need to step out for a bit. I also have a 1:00 appointment so I may not be back before late afternoon." Draco explained as he headed for his office to get his cloak. "Continue with what you are doing. Donald, I'll need you to make an entry to the file stating I stepped away from the case at," glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, "10:45 am."
/*/
Draco did not want to bother his injured boss, but neither did he want Blaise saddled with a case that the Defense Wizard could call into question over tainted evidence. If his mother and father were somehow involved, his presence on the case would certainly taint any evidence he touched.
Several minutes later, Draco tried Apparating onto the front steps of Blaise's small estate, but was repelled by very strong wards. Draco guessed Blaise had tightened his wards on the chance Greg Goyle was still looking for blood. Dammit, he thought. A mobile device is looking more and more promising with each passing day.
Draco was still mumbling to himself when Ginny appeared at the gate to see him through with an apology on her lips. "Sorry Draco. I've tightened the wards. Blaise is still a bit weak and I was called to the Ministry first thing. I set the wards so I would be notified if anyone tried to breach the gate. Come on through."
"Thanks Ginny. Very good thinking on your part. I won't be long. There's a very important matter I need to run by Blaise."
"You're very right Mr. Malfoy." She said with a wink and a chuckle. "You won't be long. My plan is to chuck you out after twenty minutes. My wizard needs his rest."
By this time they had reached the main hall to be met by a frowning Blaise who had something to say. "I appreciate you looking out for me Ginny. However, I am Head of a large Ministry department and my employees need to have access to me. Whatever you've done to the wards, please undo it."
Blaise's words irritated Ginny who huffed away calling over her shoulder. "Fine. I'll adjust the wards, but remember Goyle is still on the loose. I need to get to work. I'll see your ornery arse tonight. Bye Draco."
Blaise smiled as he led Draco into his library. "If Goyle doesn't kill me, Ginny surely will. What can I do for you?"
Not one to beat around the bush. Draco came right out with it. "As you know, Donald, Brian and I are working on the LeClair matter."
"I assigned the case to your team Draco. Of course I'm aware." Blaise replied a little testily.
Draco had important shite on his mind. He hadn't come to Z Estate to be chastised. "Don't make me sorry Harry and I saved your ungrateful arse. Just listen. I have come across information in the case which might be a problem. It would seem my mother and father are somehow connected to Etienne LeClair and his human trafficking. In addition, LeClair's home in Britain is in Wiltshire. I feel I should step away from the case."
Blaise remained silent for a minute before rising from his chair to take a turn around the room. "I've been lying in bed too long." He explained. "All Ginny allows me to do is use the loo and move from bed to chair. You are astute Draco. If you have concerns, those concerns are probably justified. Step away. I won't assign another OTS Agent. I'll oversee it myself. I'm not 100 per cent yet, but I will be in the office tomorrow. Have you made the required notation to file that you've taken yourself off the case? Never mind. Of course you have. I'm very surprised your mother's name came up in something as foul as trafficking. She's too smart for that, but to be blunt. Lucius' involvement wouldn't surprise me all that much. Before you get all bent out of shape, I didn't say I thought he was in involved. I just wouldn't be surprised if he was. I can't discuss anything more with you. Let Donald and Brian do their work. I'll Owl them and I'll have another assignment for you tomorrow. I know you have an appointment with Theo in a short while so I won't hold you up."
Draco moved across the room to shake Blaise's hand and give a cheeky quip. "Hold me up? I'm a man without a mission. I have all the time in the world."
Blaise let out a chuckle that turned into a soft cough. "I'll be glad when they catch fucking Goyle. I have a lot to say to that tosspot. Anyway, thank you for displaying the work ethic I've come to respect. You do OTS proud. Good luck with your transaction. I'll see you in the morning."
Ginny had obviously adjusted the wards as Draco had no problem getting out the gate. He was disgusted with his parents. Because of them, he had to step away from his very first case. Draco was sure of one thing. He wouldn't be able to help on the case, but he would satisfy himself about the level of his parent's involvement, and the first place he planned to start was his father's records.
/*/
At 8:00 am on Monday, Hermione entered her firm in a bear of a mood shouting as she came down the hall. "Everyone who attended the fiasco incorrectly labeled a party. In the Case Review Conference Room. Now. Don't stop to take a breath or plead to Merlin. In there now."
Throwing her cloak across her desk chair, Hermione gave her staff 0.5 seconds to get to the conference room before her. She still hadn't decided the final outcome of this meeting, but was willing to consider parceling out her current cases and closing down the firm until such a time she could hire new staff. That's how angry she was over the lot of them being caught up in a shite storm.
After swinging her wand to close the door, Hermione had begun to speak when Rebecca opened the door and scurried in. Hermione didn't know where the excess anger came from. From the incident or from the knowledge Rebecca had shared Hermione's personal business with others. Whatever it was, it showed. Hermione stopped Rebecca in her tracks. "Nice of you to join us Rebecca. Perhaps I wasn't loud enough or clear enough when I asked everyone to get to this conference room. Were you busy getting the invites out for your next party?"
Rebecca stood frozen to the spot not knowing whether to answer or remain silent in the face of Hermione's biting sarcasm. The ten or so others sat mute waiting for someone to speak. As the silence stretched on, Justin spoke up making a blanket statement.
"Hermione." He started off, holding his hands out in front of him as if to ward off her next words. "None of us attended the party expecting a foul maniac to show up. We.."
Hermione cut across him. "I understand that Justin. Let me ask a question I hope will clear up the whole matter. Who left when, what was the description, a foul maniac showed up?"
Everyone stood except Rebecca, Terry, receptionist witch Gloria and researchers Jason and Elroy.
"Everyone who is standing may leave. I'd like to be informed if you are called down to the second floor. I need to know facts so I can try to protect you if the need arises. For the future, there are easier ways to leave a position."
With eyes forward, those who had been released left the conference in double time.
Turning to the remaining employees, Hermione spoke her mind. "You all work for one of the top prosecutors in London. You are well versed in what and what not to do. It boggles my mind that none of you recognized trouble when it was staring you in the face and raise some type of alarm or band together to knock out the threat. People were attacked and severely injured. I understand you were also knocked down Terry. Yet the only person to draw a wand was Ginny Weasley. You people should be on guard at all times."
Terry turned bright red while the others suddenly found the walls and windows very interesting. "I'm sorry Blaise and the Swiss wizard got injured." Terry answered. "It all happened so fast. One minute it was an amazing party. The next, Goyle was howling like a banshee and throwing curses." His disclosures until that point had been reasonable, but Terry's next words seemed to be spiteful. "I had all I could do trying to protect Della. I didn't want her to get hurt."
Rebecca slid down in her chair trying to get out of the way of what was coming next.
However, Hermione remained stoic. Her insides were churning, but she smiled and replied accordingly. "I'm glad you at least did that Terry. I've had my say, so I'm not going to belabor the point. What I will say is this time is the last time I speak to any of my staff about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The next time, you will all be unemployed. No exception. Since you five were there during the duel, I imagine someone down stairs is looking for you. If you are summoned, please let me know before you leave the office."
The five quietly left the room closing the door behind them.
/*/
Sitting at his desk, Terry was still fuming. Not only was he disgruntled over being read the riot act, but because his little jab about Della hadn't affected Hermione in the least. He felt like a complete arse.
/*/
Hermione had stopped short of sacking the lot because she had suddenly realized her own behavior over the last six months left a lot to be desired. In fact, she had been a total bitch. In a manner of speaking, her past behavior had saved at least four jobs whether they knew it or not. Additionally, once her anger subsided, she knew there was no way she wanted to go through the process of filling multiple positions at the same time.
Hermione sat down to write a few notes about the meeting. She may not have sacked anyone, but she wanted a record. She still intended to keep an eye on Rebecca who came across as bad news. One more foot out of line and the witch would definitely be casting about for her next position.
Hermione finished up then took a walk around the main office before returning to her own office.
Huffing softly to herself, Hermione decided to put all the crap aside. They would deal with whatever came up. Pulling a small stack of files across her desk, she began her case reviews in earnest.
She wasn't too far in when Terry appeared at her door. He waited until Hermione acknowledged his presence before stepping through the door. "Do you have a minute Hermione? Can we talk?"
/*/
Hermione wanted to get through her file reviews, but was curious about what Terry had to say.
"Of course we can talk Terry." She answered pushing the files aside. "What is it you need?"
Terry let out a deep sigh before proceeding. "I want to first apologize for my offside remark about Della. There was no reason to bring up her name except I thought it would annoy you. It was childish, but that's my life. Since we had our little talk, all I've managed to be is churlish and childish. That isn't me Hermione, but as long as I remain in your vicinity, it seems that's how I'll remain. Long story short. I don't want to be around you anymore. I want to be able to breathe. To think. You gave me an ultimatum. Get with it or get out. I want out."
"Terry." Hermione whispered softly in complete surprise. "You are a brilliant prosecutor as well as a brilliant wizard. That ultimatum was given in anger. I don't want to see you go. You are one of the major threads holding Granger & Associates together. If you want time off to assess the situation, take it. Then come back and we'll discuss the future. Don't just walk away."
Terry smiled at the witch he loved being fairly certain he would always love her. "I didn't come to negotiate Hermione. I came to tender my resignation. As such, I'll be declining your offer to head a team. No worries though. I would never leave you high and dry. If you have someone else in mind, I'll be glad to stay thirty days to help him or her get the team going. If not, I'll make Friday after next my last day."
This is not the way I hoped things would go, thought Hermione. Terry has been with me since day one. I never foresaw Granger & Associates without him. "I'm sorry to hear you've made your final decision. I'll miss you. I'm sure we'll talk about the team over the next two weeks, but I'll tell you now. It has been a pleasure working with you. Della seems like a nice girl. You'll be fine."
Terry rose from the chair and added some last words. "Della is a nice girl Hermione, but she's not you. Thanks for speaking with me."
/*/
Hermione was still sitting at her desk pondering the state of things when there was a loud knock on the door. Someone wanted in badly.
"Come in." She said rising from her chair to be met by two wizards she did not know who introduced themselves as Aurors. They were there under orders to bring Rebecca Farmer down to the second floor and were stopping by her office as a courtesy. The Aurors mentioned that MLE Officers were on their way to her office as well, but would explain themselves when they got there.
"Follow me please," said Hermione leading the two wizards to Rebecca's office. "Rebecca, please go with these Aurors. They have orders to bring you down to the Chief Warlock. When you are finished on the second floor, please report to my office."
One of the Aurors asked Hermione for a word. "The Chief Warlock is in a fury about the dark magic used at her flat. I only say this to inform you that depending on Miss Farmer's answers, she may be detained or at the very least removed from the building. As a member of the Ministry Force, I strongly suggest you get rid of her if the Chief Warlock lets her off easy. Just a thought."
Overstep much, thought Hermione. This person I don't know is giving me advice. I'm more than capable of making decisions for my firm. To the Auror, she simply said thank you.
Hermione watched as Rebecca, flanked by the two Aurors, headed for the lifts before going back to sit down in her office to wait for the next wave.
Instead of MLE, the next people at her door were Terry and Justin. Terry asked if Rebecca had been sacked.
"Not that I'm aware of Terry. Instead of worrying about Rebecca's arse. You need to be worrying about your own. I have it on good authority that MLE will be here shortly for one or all of you who witnessed the duel. Actually, I'll rephrase. You don't have much to worry about since you've already handed in your notice. Hopefully, bad choices won't follow you wherever you go."
Justin became noticeably pale as he turned to Terry. "You've given your notice? Why didn't you say something to me. Is this because of the party?"
Terry looked at the wizard who'd been with Granger & Associates as long as he had. "It's not because of the party Justin."
Justin became even paler as he asked if they could step in and close the door for a minute.
Hermione beckoned them in locking the door and silencing the room with her wand recognizing soft spoken Justin was about to let loose.
"I will speak frankly. I agree that I'm usually the last to know what's going on around here, but I'm not an idiot. Something. Some fucking thing changed last weekend. Whatever it was is now interfering with how you two interact with each other. It's ridiculous and is causing unnecessary friction in this firm. We are all adults who have worked hard to grow Granger & Associates. What is it neither of you can get past? Never mind. That's not germane to what I'm trying to convey. Whatever it is, needs to be put aside. I apologize for having to say this, but you're both acting like bloody arseholes."
Breathing hard, Justin paused to catch his breath resuming in a much more level voice. "I respect you both, but it is time to put the company ahead of your problem with each other. Please remove the charms Hermione. I need to step out of here."
Hermione removed the charms, but before Justin could leave, Terry grabbed him by the arm. "Please stay a moment J. You're right in one with everything you've said. It is a personal problem between Hermione and myself. One I thought I couldn't overcome. However, sitting here listening to you I realize I never tried to overcome anything. Instead, I wallowed in self pity. I'm not that wizard." Turning, Terry addressed Hermione directly. "Earlier, you offered me time off to assess myself rather than resign. I believe I'll take you up on that if you'll put aside my resignation and refusal to take on a team. I'd like to sit down with you later today to discuss the best way to get this done."
A smiling Hermione hugged Justin and without hesitation hugged Terry as well.
For the first time since their quarrel, Hermione felt comfortable touching Terry and he felt comfortable with her touch.
Shaking his head, Justin excused himself and left the room. As Terry followed Justin out, he gave Hermione a genuine smile. "Well, I guess that was my colleague growing this little boy up."
"This little girl as well. We'll talk after your interrogation."
Terry grinned another very real grin as he headed out the door. "If I'm still allowed in the building after the interrogation."
"What a bloody morning!" Hermione mumbled, pulling the files back in front of her. "And it isn't over yet."
/*/
Theo was waiting in front of Gringotts when Draco walked up. "Right on time Mr. Malfoy. I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I didn't ask if you're sure you want to go through with this transaction. I don't want to hear any buyer's remorse three days from now."
"I'm good. I look forward to having my own. I'm sure my father will have something to say, but there you are."
Something in Draco's manner made Theo skeptical. "I've known you a long time Draco. You have something on your mind. If it isn't the transaction, what is it? Hold that thought. Goblins don't like to be kept waiting when there is money on the line. Eldark should have everything prepared for us." He said as they passed the two Security Goblins. "Let's get through the business. After the sale, if you have time, we can discuss what's bothering you."
"Fair enough. There's no need for me to hurry back to the Ministry."
Theo looked back at Draco wondering just what the fuck was going on with his mate.
/*/
As with most things involving money and Goblins, the transaction had gone smoothly. Thirty five minutes after entering Gringotts, Draco was the new owner of a lovely townhouse in outer London being congratulated by Theo and Eldark. Five minutes after that, Eldark, who had another appointment right behind theirs, was escorting them out of his office.
"Goblins have no sense of decorum." Theo remarked with a laugh. "Eldark probably would have charged us if we'd stayed a minute longer. Now my friend. Why don't we pick up some lunch, Apparate to your new home and discuss whatever is troubling you. As long as it isn't Hermione. Her I won't discuss."
Draco frowned at Theo telling him there was absolutely nothing regarding Hermione to discuss and they should get going because he did have to report back to work before the end of the work day.
After stopping to pick up some takeaway, they Apparated to Draco's newly purchased home. While Draco replaced the current wards with his own, Theo took the food through to the kitchen where he conjured two chairs and a small table.
After setting the wards, Draco made a mental note to request a Floo connection from the townhouse to the Ministry.
Between bites, Draco told Theo about how Greg Goyle had gone mad at the party Saturday night throwing curses around attacking Blaise and Wil seriously injuring both.
Theo had jumped up from his chair gagging and choking with food hanging out of his mouth. Theo startled Draco who jumped up right behind his friend pounding him on the back thinking he was choking on the food.
"Breathe man. Breathe." Draco shouted.
Pushing Draco away, Theo shouted that he had to get home. He hadn't heard anything about the party and had let Greg kip in the back room when he came to the door early Sunday morning claiming to be ill. "You are the one who said we should help him." Theo remarked somewhat accusingly. "I'm harboring a bloody fugitive who has used dark magic on another person. Padma and I left at the same time this morning, but she will have made it home by now. She didn't like Goyle and won't be pleased if he is still there. I have to get home."
Draco's heart sank into his stomach. Fucking Greg Goyle could be alone with Theo's wife. Then he too ran out of the house behind Theo Apparating to the Ministry instead of Theo's home.
Draco came off the lifts like a shot shouting for an Auror. Three Aurors appeared and Draco relayed what Theo had told him. One Auror took Draco into the office while the other two called for all available men to follow him. The Auror who remained behind with Draco also advised MLE of what was going on. Soon, a contingent of MLE Officers were on their way to Theo's house as well.
After sharing everything he knew about the Goyle situation, Draco left the Ministry Apparating immediately to Theo's only to be blocked from entering. "No entry. Aurors or St Mungo's personnel only. Two dead, one wounded inside." Was all the MLE officer would say.
Two dead, one wounded? Who was dead? Draco couldn't even comprehend that Theo or Padma could be dead. He was at fault. He had been the one to mention helping Greg get back on his feet. Draco was horrified he hadn't thought to mention what had happened between him and Goyle. It was an angst ridden Draco who stood there hoping beyond hope one of the dead was Greg fucking Goyle and none was Theo. This shite just didn't happen. At least not in this new, Wizarding world.
Draco was pacing back and forth in the yard when he was asked to step back out of the way. Seconds later, a healer stepped out of the house reaching into his bag to pull out a miniature pillow Draco recognized as a Medical Portkey. As soon as the stretcher cleared the doorway, the healer touched the MP. Then he and the patient were gone.
Draco was even more frantic because he hadn't been able to see who had been transported. He didn't know whether to remain there or Apparate to St Mungo's. If Theo was dead, there was nothing he could do, but even dead, Draco was not leaving his mate.
Draco was still standing there in a daze when OTS Second Team appeared. A Lead Agent he recognized as Miller came to stand beside him.
"What are you doing here Malfoy? Our team was given this call."
"I'm not here for the call Miller. This is the home of one of my best mates who may not have survived this mayhem. I'm simply waiting to find out the names of the dead."
Ruffling through a few pages of the notepad he had in his hand, Miller told Draco the names. "Mrs. Padma Nott appears to have been killed by Gregory Goyle and Goyle was killed by Aurors after seriously wounding Mr. Theo Nott."
Even though he felt nauseated over the death of Theo's wife, Draco was relieved Theo had made it through. "Thanks Miller. I need to get to St Mungo's."
/*/
Draco made a quick stop at Public Owl Delivery Services to send a message to Blaise and Donald before continuing on to St Mungo's.
The admitting area was in chaos with Aurors, MLE and Wizengamot staff milling around shouting orders. Rita Skeeter and her photographer were also on hand trying to be first to report the story. The frazzled Reception Witch couldn't or wouldn't give Draco any update on Theo reciting what seemed like a rehearsed script. No one was being allowed back in the Critical Care area. He should stand off to the side until the Ministry released the area.
Draco took her advice and had just found a chair when Parvati came barreling through the front door screaming for her sister. Even though her sister was one of the deceased, Parvati was given the same instructions as Draco. Take a seat. Stay out of the way.
A visibly shaken Parvati was on her way to a seat when she spotted Draco and just about collapsed into his arms. Draco didn't care for this witch, but her pain was almost palatable, so he did what any gentleman would do. He took her in his arms to comfort her.
Draco must have sat with his arms around Parvati for thirty minutes before the noise level returned to normal. Telling Parvati if she didn't mind sitting there on her own, he would check to see if they would be allowed in the back.
Draco had just crossed the room when Blaise came rushing in. Evidently Rita Skeeter's photographer thought a photo of the panicked, disheveled Head of OTS rushing into St Mungo's to see about his mate was a good idea. Unfortunately for him, Blaise thought otherwise and landed a right hook that would have made any Muggle proud.
The photographer left the hospital holding his chin shouting about revenge.
Rita walked up to Blaise with her hand outstretched. "Was that really necessary Mr. Zabini? My photographer was only doing his job. Please hand over the camera. Those things are expensive."
Blaise handed the camera over, but had a few things to say. "Take the bloody thing and go Rita. It ends here. Both you and your photographer are being disrespectful. A good witch has been killed by a piece of shite maniac and the Daily Prophet is here feeding on the gore. You may also tell your bloody photographer to cross the street when he sees me, because this isn't over."
Rita Skeeter grabbed the camera and turned away in a huff. "Have it your way Blaise, but we have more than enough important photos. Those of Draco comforting Miss Patil will fetch top dollar.
/*/
After Rita Skeeter left, a visibly shaken Blaise asked how this had all come about. Draco told him about having lunch with Theo and telling him about what happened at the party. "I hadn't gotten the entire story out when Theo went mad shouting shite I couldn't make out. He actually frightened me with all that choking and gagging. I thought he was having a fit until I was finally able to decipher he'd left instructions for Goyle to leave as soon as he was dressed, but Padma was due home and he wasn't sure Goyle had left. Then he was off. I Apparated to the Ministry to tell Aurors what I knew then went straight to Theo's only to find out two people had been killed."
Draco finished his recitation just as an Auror called for Parvati asking if she had anyone to support her while she viewed her sister's body. Parvati automatically reached out for Draco who gestured for Blaise to accompany them. Draco was sure the Auror had it on his lips to deny Blaise entry, but had quickly snapped his mouth shut when he saw the look on Blaise's face.
Parvati, Draco and Blaise had moved two steps down the hall when Blaise whipped around to literally snatch something from the air. Parvati who was now sobbing openly and had a stranglehold on Draco gave Blaise a strange look before returning her head to Draco's shoulder.
Rita Skeeter the beetle was safely ensconced in Blaise's fist and would not be getting any more scoops that day.
Draco was trying his best to remain solicitous towards Parvati, but the more she clung to him the more he felt like changing places with Theo. Finally, with one quick shove he pushed Parvati onto Blaise and hurried down the hall to check on Theo.
Blaise automatically reached out for Parvati and they both shouted out at the same time. "Hold on!"
But Draco sped up even more and quickly disappeared from sight.
Then, with red hair flying everywhere and red eyes to match, Ginny came bounding through the doors.
With his eyes locked on Ginny's and a sobbing witch clinging to him. All Blaise could think was Ginny has caught me out of bed.