Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 16
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 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.
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, Ginny has caught me out of bed.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 17
A/N: Guess who's coming to dinner
Ginny was not worried about Parvati clinging to Blaise. Nor was she worried about him being out and about instead of getting his bed rest. She was just thankful he was alive. The Wizarding grapevine traveled as quickly as the Muggle grapevine and just like its Muggle counterpart. It was often wrong or incomplete. Ginny had heard about a former Slytherin being killed and had immediately thought Greg Goyle had gotten past Blaise's wards and cursed him to death. Seeing Blaise standing in the middle of the hall alive and well caused all Ginny's pent up emotions to be released in the form of tears. Pushing Parvati out of the way, Ginny had grabbed Blaise around the waist and sobbed openly against his chest.
Between sobs she explained the pieces of information she had heard and her first thoughts had been of him. "I'm so glad it wasn't you love." She choked out between sobs. "R… R… Ron thought it might be you."
Blaise put his arms around Ginny leading her into a small alcove away from prying eyes. "I want you to calm down love. I'm fine. A little tired, but fine. Padma is dead, Goyle is dead and Theo is…. Well I don't know how Theo is. Draco went through to the back to find out. He and I were going to support Parvati while she made proper identification, but I think she became much too clingy for Mr. Malfoy and he literally ran for the hills."
Ginny gave Blaise a small smile knowing he was trying to calm her down. Looking up into his eyes, Ginny whispered. "Thank you for being alive."
With her fears alleviated, Ginny turned to hug Parvati. "I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. Padma was an elegant and brilliant witch who will be greatly missed. If you don't mind my company, I would like to stand with you when you identify your sister so Blaise can go see about Theo."
For a second it seemed as though Parvati would refuse, but she gave a sad smile telling Ginny her company would be appreciated. But even with the death of her sister. Parvati hadn't been able to resist asking about Draco. " Shall we try to locate Draco first? He did say he would be there for me."
Blaise gave Ginny a peck on the cheek before hurrying down the hall at the same rapid pace Draco had used.
The sadness of the situation had compromised Ginny's normally sharp radar to where she had no idea why Parvati was asking about Draco when she had already volunteered her support. Taking Parvati by the arm, Ginny gently steered her towards the room of the dead.
/*/
Blaise stopped at the floor desk to inquire about Theo and was directed to a room very close to where he and Wil had been. Which unnerved him until he realized he'd made it out instead of lying somewhere with people praying over his dead body.
A sad faced and disheveled Draco rose from his chair beside Theo when Blaise entered the room. "This isn't looking good at all Blaise. He was brought in with blood bubbling out of his mouth and ears. They can't wake him up. Look at his face. He has that same gray look you and Wil had except he won't open his eyes. I had a private chat with that same Head Healer. He couldn't believe I was back again over more bullshite. His personal consensus is, Theo needs alternative treatment. By alternative he means, someone who is versed in dark magic and willing to come forward. The problem is anyone with the skills to reverse or cure dark spells will be putting themselves at risk of being thrown into Azkaban especially after what happened Saturday. The healer was reluctant to even speak one on one, making it perfectly clear he would disavow any knowledge of anything relating to dark magic."
Blaise sunk down into a chair on the other side of the room trying to come to terms with what Draco had disclosed. He, Draco and Theo had been Slytherins, yes. But contrary to public opinion, they didn't know a lot of dark spells. At least not a lot of powerful spells. It had been Crabbe and Goyle who trailed after Bellatrix trying to learn all they could. And they had learned quite a bit. Although, knowing some of the counter curses might have been what kept Theo alive. Such as he was."
"How can we help? What can we do?" Blaise asked plaintively." Harry helped Wil and I. Perhaps he knows other things. Can we trust him?"
"Although I believe we can trust Harry. He has already put himself and St Mungo's in jeopardy just by revealing what he knew about the spell Goyle used on you and Wil. I think it was only his relationship with Kingsley and former status as an Auror that kept him from coming under heavy scrutiny. We can't ask him to extend himself any more than he has. One thing I didn't mention is the Head Healer will not allow Theo to be treated here even if we did find someone. They want to watch him for a bit in case he comes out of the sleep on his own. If he doesn't, we will not only need to find a powerful wizard with alternative powers, but a place to keep Theo as well. I hope this isn't some foul shite Bellatrix invented to use on Muggles and Muggleborns. If it is, it could already be killing Theo from the inside out."
Both men turned to look at their mate and became more despondent when it appeared Theo had gotten more gray in the short time they had stood talking.
"I am not a violent person and never have been, but I swear if Goyle wasn't dead. I'd hunt him down myself." Blaise snapped banging his hand down on the back of the chair in front of him. "All this because a low life piece of shite would rather live as a criminal than a righteous wizard. It's beyond comprehension."
Draco stood there mute wondering how it all could have gone so wrong. Only hours ago, he and Theo had been laughing and joking with the proverbial world at their feet. Now this. He had to do something. They had to do something. And they had to do it fast. "I need to get out of here Blaise. I'll go back to OTS to check on Donald and Brian."
"Alright mate. I need to find Ginny. She accompanied Parvati down to make the identification on Padma. She was as upset as I've ever seen her because her tosser brother told her he thought it was me who had been killed. He's another one I'd like to take a wand to. I'll catch up with you later. Perhaps Ginny and I will stop by the Manor later."
"Alright mate. I'll speak with you later."
/*/
When Draco arrived at OTS slightly before 5:30, both Donald and Brian came rushing at him to offer their condolences. Draco thanked them, but didn't give any further explanation.
After being assured that their casework was on point, Draco went to his office to ponder the situation and figure out answers. There had to be someone who could help Theo. Someone alternative.
Draco was so deep in thought, Donald had to knock twice before being told to enter. In his hand, Donald held a small stack of morning, midmorning and afternoon mail. Handing it to Draco, Donald made a surprising remark about Rita Skeeter. "Included in the stack is a special delivery package marked with the return address of Rita Skeeter. It looks to be a special edition of The Prophet. Brian and I have finished up for the day and will be leaving shortly unless you need us to stay."
"That's fine Donald. I'll see you both in the morning." Draco replied as he sorted through the mail. The packet from Rita wasn't hard to find being bigger and thicker than every other envelope. Hurriedly, Draco removed the paper from its sleeve and set it aside to read her note.
Dear Draco,
I hope you will find this special edition interesting. Even though we have been directed by the Minister to heavily redact our articles, we have shared as much as allowed with our Wizarding public. You may also tell the ill tempered Mr. Zabini we have no need of his photo. Those we have are more than sufficient to meet our needs.
Cheers,
Rita Skeeter
"Annoying witch." Draco mumbled throwing the note aside to scan the articles. However, the small amount of print at the bottom of the page was hardly noticeable. Rita and the editor had spread four large photos of him and Parvati across the front page. Draco looked at the photos in disbelief. In one, Parvati was clinging to him so tightly it looked as though they were having a sexual encounter standing up. Another photo caught Draco just as he looked around making it appear he was checking for observers before making his next move. And instead of looking devastated, Parvati looked ecstatic. The last photo was almost obscene.
Draco sat there staring at the photos. He and Parvati looked like lovers who had snuck away to a corner to…..to…to indulge themselves. He was livid. Rita Skeeter had outdone herself. With his head in his hands, Draco wondered if Parvati had played to the photographer. He had been sitting there calling curses on Rita and her photographer when it dawned on him Hermione might have seen the paper as well.
"No! No! No!" He growled throwing the paper across the room. "She can't have. She won't understand. She'll think….. I have to do something about this." Scrambling up from his desk, Draco was about to leave when he noticed the top Owl was from Hermione. Dropping back into the chair, Draco ripped open the envelope and began to read.
Draco,
I am being forward once again. My day went to shite from very early this morning and has only just straightened itself out. I am in need of a solicitous wizard to lean on. If you don't have anything planned, I'd like to invite you to my flat for an after work drink or three. I've given my remaining staff the afternoon off to assess what went on today. There's no need to reply as I'll be at home from 3:45 pm on if you can make it.
I heard a disturbing rumor from a young MLE witch earlier. Something about Gregory Goyle being located. I hope there isn't any more trouble.
Regards,
The ever overstepping Hermione Granger.
PS: This time you are invited
Draco was surprised and chuffed. Hermione hadn't seen the special edition. He had two things to do then he would be heading straight to her flat.
/*/
Even after a bitch of a morning. By 1:30 that afternoon, Hermione had also;
Watched as Terry, receptionist Gloria and researchers Jason and Elroy left the office to meet with the Chief Warlock and return cleared of any wrongdoing, but with notations made to the files the Ministry kept on all non Ministry personnel.
Been notified that Rebecca Farmer was no longer allowed to work within the Ministry for consorting with a user of dark magic and not reporting him. In addition, she would be spending time in a Ministry holding cell until Gregory Goyle was caught or killed.
Been advised Betty Goyle had been let go from the Department of Magical Transportation for consorting with a user of dark magic and not reporting him. She would also be spending time in a Ministry holding cell until her brother was caught or killed.
Spent twenty very uncomfortable minutes listening to Kingsley rant about wizards running around using dark magic to attack citizens and foreign visitors, traitorous workers and reasons he didn't like leasing out Ministry office space among other things. Kingsley was in full fury so all Hermione had done was answer, yes Kingsley and I understand Kingsley. At the very end of Kingsley's rant, Hermione apologized for her employees. After which, she hurried from the room before he saw fit to send her to a Ministry holding cell.
/*/
On the lift up, Hermione found herself trembling. Not out of fear or anger, but out of disappointment. She had always prided herself on being the best at whatever she did. She was feeling that what had gone on over the weekend had tarnished her sterling reputation.
Hermione had had it. She would give her employees a short talk, send Rebecca's personal items down to Ministry Holding then send the staff home for the day to ponder what had happened. After that, she was homeward bound.
Hermione did exactly what she set out to do. After everyone left, Hermione pulled out a pen and paper to send Draco a note. He wanted to visit and she needed a distraction. It was win-win.
/*/
The first thing Draco did when he got to the Manor was send a quick note to Blaise to explain he wouldn't be home that evening and they could talk in the morning. Then he had sent a special delivery, person to person Owl to his father asking for immediate assistance.
Draco was antsy. He had an invitation from Hermione, but he needed information from his father. He paced the floor while he waited to hear back from Lucius. At 7:00 pm, the Owl he was waiting for arrived. As cryptic as it was.
Draco,
I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Nott. Gregory Goyle never did have a bit of sense. Regarding your request, I have made a promise which I will not break. As foul as it might be to you. Perhaps you should speak with Miss Granger. She may be able to help you. As to your other questions, they are my personal business and do not concern you. Your mother is having a wonderful time and misses you. We'll see you in a couple of months.
Be well
/*/
Draco sighed as he reread his father's cryptic message. He's made a promise. Ask Hermione? What the fuck did anything have to do with anything? This was not the time. Theo needed help not platitudes. Folding the message, Draco slipped it into his pocket. He was going to see Hermione. Perhaps she would know to what his father alluded.
After a quick shower and some man maintenance, Draco was ready to go. Whether Hermione realized it or not, this would be their first date.
/*/
Terry Boot meant to go straight from the Ministry to his humble flat, but had made a stop for some takeaway and picked up a copy of a special edition Daily Prophet. Terry had stared at the front page. Draco Malfoy looked as though he was shagging Parvati Patel in the middle of St Mungo's. He laughed. Hermione had sent everyone home by 3:30. There was no way she could have seen the paper. However, because he had her best interests at heart, Terry thought Hermione should see the paper. He decided to have his dinner, freshen up a bit then bring the Prophet to Hermione. After all, she deserved to see Malfoy in action before she took up with him…. again. At least that's what he told himself.
/*/
Hermione was feeling a bit plaintive. It was almost 7:30 and Draco hadn't come. Perhaps she had been too reckless telling him there was no need to reply. She wanted to know if he was coming. She was ready.
/*/
At 7:29, Draco gave himself one last look in the mirror and was ready for a first date. He was a bit embarrassed because he would appear at Hermione's door without anything in his hands. He should have stopped for wine or at least some flowers, but he hadn't. He just wanted to get there.
Draco landed outside Hermione's flat with a stomach full of butterflies. He was here and the time was now. It would be up to him to direct the evening where he wanted it to go.
She was waiting.
Knock, knock.
With just as many butterflies in her stomach as Draco, Hermione opened the door with a smile. "Hello Draco. Please come in. I didn't know if you would take kindly to my overstepping arse contacting you yet again. I almost expected you to take a pass. Have a seat."
Draco laughed as he moved across the room to sit in the large, comfy looking chair. "Have you forgotten? It was me who invited himself to your flat? I would not have stood you up for all the Galleons in Gringotts. Has your day gotten any better?"
"It's better now." Hermione responded. "I believe everything that needed to be sorted, has been sorted."
"Ah. Yes. Well." Draco answered with a slight stammer. "That's wonderful. However, there is something I would like you to see. If an explanation is warranted, I will be glad to explain."
Handing the special edition of The Daily Prophet to Hermione, Draco sat back to wait for the questions.
"When was this edition issued?" Hermione asked keeping her eyes on the paper. "Lovely photos." She added sarcastically. "I see you've fine tuned the art of shagging a witch standing up. How charming. Why are you showing this to me?"
"Because I wanted to explain the situation. And I wasn't shagging anyone. Parvati was in emotional distress and…."
Finally taking her eyes away from the paper, Hermione looked at Draco and went into overdrive. "And what Draco? You're here explaining why you're on the front page of The Prophet. Where is Parvati? Have you left her somewhere in emotional distress? I don't think a date will work out for us. It seems you'll always be that wizard who needs more than one witch at a time. I wouldn't accept it back then and I won't accept it now. I suddenly have a raging headache. Show yourself out."
"I'm not trying to be obstinate Hermione, but I'm not leaving until you have the full story."
Hermione who was doing an excellent job of keeping her voice level snapped off an answer. "I don't want to know the full story Draco. The photos are enough. The only thing I'm surprised about is Parvati isn't on her knees."
"That's uncalled for." Draco replied also trying to keep his voice level. "Those photos have nothing to do with sex. I don't even like the witch. I was simply doing the gentlemanly thing. Read the entire article. Goyle killed Padma Nott and gravely wounded Theo. The witch was in distress. Her sister had been killed."
"Oh Merlin!" Hermione gasped grabbing her chest and picking up the paper from where it had fallen. "Goyle killed Padma? When? Where?" Parvati must be devastated." Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she continued reading. "Theo is on death's door and Goyle is dead as well!"
"Yes. And to clarify things a bit more. The photos of Parvati and myself were taken at St Mungo's by a very sneaky reporter in Rita Skeeter's employ. The ghoul was obviously trying to generate gossip. I do not have any interest in Parvati Patel."
Looking over at Draco with tear filled eyes, Hermione apologized for her outburst. "I'm sorry for flying off the handle. The photos made it seem…."
"The photos made it seem exactly the way Rita wanted. Like a rubbish, gossip article."
Hermione who felt like a complete shrew, asked if there was anything she could do to help.
"I left Parvati with Blaise and Ginny. They'll see to her. Right now, Theo is my main concern. The healers at St Mungo's cannot figure out what spell Goyle cast on him. When they found him, he was bleeding profusely from the mouth and ears. The Head Healer spoke to me in confidence about alternative magic."
Hermione's interest was piqued. What was alternative magic?
"I've never heard of alternative magic. What is it?"
Draco moved restlessly in his chair. "You've heard of alternative magic. It's the way the Head Healer refers to dark magic. Because of what happened to Wil and Blaise. He is certain the only way to help Theo is with something to counter dark magic. Being a healer in the employ of St Mungo's, he does not want to be associated with anything dark magic related. Therefore, he uses the term alternative magic. The problem is, anyone who could possibly be of help, will not help due to the fear of being outed as someone who uses dark magic. The healers plan to monitor Theo for at least another day, but he needs help now. As it stands, I have no way of helping him."
Hermione remained silent gazing down at her feet. She had a dilemma. There was someone who could help, but she would have to break a promise. Breaking a promise versus helping a fellow wizard stay alive was a no brainer.
Draco didn't know why Hermione had suddenly gone quiet. "Are you alright?" He asked pulling his father's message from his pocket and handing it to Hermione. "I did Owl my father to find out if he knew anyone who could help Theo. He sent me a very cryptic reply. He thought I should ask you."
Hermione read the message and handed it back to Draco. She couldn't confide in Draco just yet. She first had to contact her friend to see if he would even travel all the way to London. He owed her. He'd come if she asked nicely.
"I'm fine. Just thinking. I might have a lead to someone who can help. Whether or not he will, is a different matter. I'll need a few hours. Sounds as though you're day was even worse than mine. Would you care for a drink or some dinner?"
Draco was hungry, but he needed to get the date thing sorted. "I'll have a drink thank you."
"Brandy or whiskey?"
"You didn't hex me over the photos. I'll have a double whiskey."
"And I'll have wine." She said with a wide smile.
As they sat quietly sipping their drinks, Draco tried to think how to get the conversation around to dating without seeming callous. Callous or not, he wanted to get started with this witch. There just didn't seem to a right time. He'd have to make a right time.
"Hermione?"
"Draco?"
They had both spoken at the same time.
"Ladies first." Draco remarked a little exasperated that he had been interrupted after gathering up the nerve to address the subject.
"Alright. I was simply going to ask about our date. Shall we plan it now before anything else happens?"
Draco was chuffed. Of course they could plan another date. In his mind, sitting in Hermione's living room sipping a drink and holding a lovely conversation was a first date. Unless Hermione thought otherwise, of course.
Sitting his drink down on the table, Draco went for it. "Shall we plan on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon?"
Hermione let out what Draco had come to think of as her signature giggle. "I'm thinking we might plan for one date at a time. One never knows. Our first date might not work out."
Aha, thought Draco. This is exactly the chance I've been waiting for. "I was thinking. If you put on a bit of music and consent to dance with me, we could actually call this our first date and get past the jinx."
For a second, Hermione sat motionless. Then, instead of being annoyed with him, she smiled as she stood. "I think that can be arranged Mr. Malfoy. What shall it be? Slow or fast?"
"Slow will do nicely." He replied also getting to his feet.
/*/
They had danced one slow dance after the other. By the third dance, Draco felt sure enough to kiss Hermione on the forehead. With that simple kiss, the air in the room became infused with a sexual charge.
Moving her arms from around Draco's waist to around his neck, Hermione offered him her lips which he gladly covered with his own.
Pulling Hermione closer, Draco put his hands in her hair while savagely attacking her lips. When they came up for air, Draco tried to move away from Hermione so she wouldn't feel his growing erection, but she held him tightly throwing caution to the wind.
"It feels nice against me Draco. Don't move away."
With those words, right in the middle of Hermione's living room. The kaleidoscope began to run at full speed. Draco saw her lying with arms extended beckoning him. He saw her face as he pushed into her. He saw the grimace as she reached orgasm. He saw her making love to him with her mouth. He saw her gazing at him when she thought he was sleeping. Draco realized Hermione had been in love with him, but he had been in such a fucked up place he couldn't have done anything about it even if he wanted to.
Then the bits began to go faster sending all his sexual tension into his dick. Draco knew if he continued like this he would soil himself and Hermione. As loathe as he was to let her go, he had to excuse himself to the loo. To run cold water over his dick if necessary.
/*/
While Draco was in the bathroom, someone knocked on the front door. Not expecting anyone else, Hermione grabbed her wand for protection as she called out to the visitor.
"It's Terry Hermione. I have something to show you."
Hermione opened the door intending to take whatever Terry wanted to show her and send him on his way. But he had other ideas and walked right past her.
"So, you walk right in now without being invited. What is it you have to show me?"
Draco hurriedly finished up in the bathroom wanting to know who was with Hermione.
Terry had his back to the hall leading to the bathroom so he did not see Draco come to stand at the mouth of the hall.
Handing over the Special Edition of the Prophet, Terry stood looking at Hermione with a big smirk. "Nice huh?" He asked sarcastically. "Malfoy isn't back in town for a month and he's acting every bit the entitled Pureblood. I'm not sure if you gave me up for him. If you have, you've made a grave mistake. I'd be careful if I was you. Your photo might be next on the front page of the Prophet."
Draco stepped forward to confront Terry. "I don't think Hermione gave you up for anyone. More than likely, she gave you up because you're a smarmy git who can't face the fact she's moved on. The photos have been explained to Hermione's satisfaction. So your back door attempt to denigrate me will not work."
Terry Boot moved closer to Draco and growled in his face. "I've seen you sucking up to her. Hermione is a Mudblood remember. Keep your filthy doings away from her. She doesn't need your kind of trouble. You miserable wannabe Death Eater." With that, Terry turned on his heel and strode towards the door with his shoulders firmly set in a rigid posture.
A livid Draco, wand suddenly in hand, followed Terry to the door intending to see the argument through. "Face me you bloody sneak. Face me and draw your wand. You will not get away with spewing such filth."
"Filth is it?" Terry shouted.
But Hermione who had been so shocked at what was going on in her own living room finally came to her senses to shout over Terry. "You are in the wrong Terry. You shove your way into my flat throwing around accusations and calling names. What are you playing at? I know it can't be about being with me as you've moved on to Della. And you Draco. You are wrong as well for drawing a wand in my home. Now we sit down to hash this out or you both can leave and duel each other away from here."
Both wands were immediately stowed.
Draco apologized to Hermione for drawing his wand and arguing in her home. Terry followed suit still rolling his eyes at Draco.
Hermione was now so far out of sorts she thought about drawing her own wand. "Sit down. The both of you."
Each wizard took a seat as far from the other as they could…. and waited.
"I'm not taking another telling off Hermione. Once in twenty four hours is enough. We have worked through our differences. Coming here tonight was foolish, but I was only trying to protect you from him." Terry said nodding towards Draco.
Draco sat up straight as though he was going to respond in kind, but answered in a level voice even though he wanted to grab Boot by the neck. "Hermione doesn't need to be protected from me. It is you who seems to want to dredge up the past. I know my past. You know my past It's over and done. Most of us have moved on. Why can't you?"
Terry sat fuming for several seconds before blurting out. "Because I've gone through hell during the last six months. I wasn't sharp enough to realize it all began after running into you in France. Or if I realized it, I didn't put two and two together until the other night. You two were back on decent terms and suddenly I didn't exist. The wizard who had treated her the worst was the wizard who suddenly had her beaming and blushing at the same time. I thought it disgusting to be truthful. As far as I'm concerned, you'll never be good enough for Hermione."
This was where Hermione stepped in. "I've let you both have your say. Now I'll have mine. What I do and with whom I do it is none of your business Terry. I love you…"
Draco shuffled restlessly.
"But I'm not in love with you. I need for you to understand this because I want you as my friend. I want you in my life. Can we do this without, without…."
"Expectations of sex." Terry offered crankily.
Draco jumped up. He didn't want to hear this shite. "That is a private matter part of a personal conversation. I'll leave you two to it. I'll just say. I'm in London to stay Boot. We can be at each other's throats or we can conduct ourselves with a modicum of propriety. I hope the latter."
Then taking Hermione by the hand, Draco led her to the door where he took hold of her free hand before kissing her goodnight. As he moved away from her lips, he whispered. "I'm interested in finding out what we could have together. So you know what's what. At this time, I have no say in the matter. However, this is the only time I'll willingly walk away leaving you alone with any wizard." Stepping back from Hermione, Draco returned his voice to normal. Goodnight Hermione. I'll speak to you before the week is out. Goodnight Boot."
Hermione sighed. She wanted to rip Terry a new arsehole. But how would that help anything? Now that he'd spit his venom at Draco. Perhaps he would begin to concentrate on Della and leave her life alone.
"So, it's on to kissing then….?
Draco was gone yet Terry was still going on about shite that wasn't his business. Hermione turned brutal. "That's e-fucking-nough." She screamed at Terry. "You tried to embarrass Draco then me. Did it make you feel good to spit out those words, expectations of sex? I'm fairly certain Draco knows we've shagged each other, but you had to be sure he knew. You call him foul. I call your actions foul. Do you want to turn in your notice again because you're upset? We keep going around and around, but this ends here. This ends tonight. Go as mad as you like somewhere else. Live your own life Terry and leave mine alone. You may leave. Goodnight."
Terry let out a deep sigh, but remained where was sitting. Then another sigh. "You're right. It's your life. I acted like an absolute arse tonight much like you've acted for months after running into Malfoy in France. You had me thinking I was somehow failing to live up. And all the while it had to do with him. Maybe I'm so angry because you didn't have the courtesy to tell me what was going on instead of dropping me like I burned you. No matter. I made a promise to Justin I plan to keep. Business before all else. Just so you know. I did come here with the best intentions. I didn't want to see you end up on the front page. It's been a long day. I'll see you in the morning."
/*/
Hermione thought about what Terry had said. Then she had pushed it all aside. Draco wanted to see what they could have together. Every last ache. Every last bit of stress. Every bit of anger left her body as though she was releasing a long held pee.
Hermione remembered her and Draco's final words at their meeting in Minerva's cottage. He had remarked. Perhaps if it had been a different time and place…. And she had replied. A different time and a different place probably wouldn't have been enough.
Hermione hoped she had been wrong.
Wrapping her arms around her body, Hermione let her own kaleidoscope play. Fifteen minutes later, she remembered she had agreed to reach out to her friend to see if he would be willing to come help out a fellow wizard. It was a bit of a long shot, but Theo was a good guy so she would try.
The letter was written and sent within minutes. It was early afternoon in the States. Her letter should reach Brendan long before dinner. She might even receive an answer that night. Hermione's last task of the evening was to run a warm bath and have a soak.
/*/
Ginny had just walked into Blaise's flat after being gone most of the evening. "Hello love. What a time I had!"
/*/
Earlier when Blaise found her at St Mungo's after leaving Draco, she insisted he go home to rest and she would take care of Parvati. The witch had just lost her sister so Ginny tried to be as comforting as possible. Which turned out to be nearly impossible. The witch was convinced Draco was somewhere in St Mungo's looking for her.
"Looking for you?" Had slipped out of Ginny's mouth before she knew it. "If he's still at the hospital, he's probably with Theo. You've been through a lot. Do you have anyone who can help you with the arrangements?"
Parvati answered with a frown plastered across her face. "I have several witch friends who might help, but I was thinking of hiring a wizarding service to take care of the whole thing. If Theo doesn't get better, there will be two to bury."
Ginny who was getting cross with Parvati got all the way cross and huffed loudly. "That's a bloody, poor thing to say. Can you wait until Theo's dead before putting him under the earth?"
Parvati bristled At Ginny's tone and answered a bit too brusquely for Ginny. "Well Ginny. You're the one who asked to be here. I was doing fine with Draco."
Draco again, thought Ginny. What is it with this witch? "Alright Parvati. Have it your way. I'll leave you to yourself. Goodnight."
As Ginny walked away, she looked back to see Parvati head towards the patients rooms. Probably to see if Draco was still with Theo. Ginny headed out the door hoping that all this Draco talk didn't mean Draco had made a move on Parvati. "Hell no." She mumbled quietly to herself. "I know what I know. Draco is interested in Hermione. Period."
/*/
The look on Ginny's face must have spoke volumes. Blaise laughed as he hugged her. "Don't tell me. Parvati was more worried about the whereabouts of Draco than she was about her deceased sister."
"Right in one my love. You must have a bit of the seer in you."
"No seer. Don't forget I was there for a bit. Draco couldn't pry her off him. He finally shoved her at me then ran."
Ginny was laughing her arse off. "Smart man. I finally got tired of her shite after she made a remark about Theo dying. I'll attend the service, but I won't lift another finger to help her out. Have you eaten?"
"I haven't eaten, but I'd rather have a cuddle. Come here." He said lifting his robe to show her his fine erection.
"Ah. My wizard has returned to the land of the working dick. Well done Mr. Zabini. Well done."
This will be the last update before the New Year. So Happy New Year my loves. Thank you for reading. Be safe.