Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 17
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."
/
R.I.P. Alan Rickman. Severus Snape, Colonel Brandon, Hans Gruber. You will always remain alive in my stories.
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 18
Draco was angry and frustrated when he arrived back at the Manor. He wasn't worried about anything happening between Hermione and Boot even though the simple bastard had been crass enough to reveal something Hermione must have said in private. "Expectations of sex my arse." Draco growled even though he knew Hermione was free to have sex with anyone she chose. "Not for long. Not for long." Draco repeated throwing his outer cloak across the room before heading to the bathroom to shower. "Not for fucking long."
Draco was soaping up when he had an epiphany. He had just purchased a town home. It would be the perfect place to move Theo if or when Hermione's friend Brendan agreed to come to London. Brendan could work there in complete privacy with no one the wiser.
Quickly rinsing off, Draco headed for his desk summoning a towel on the way. He needed to get a quick message off to Blaise.
Hey mate,
I have a place for Theo and Hermione has a friend who may be willing to help. We can discuss it more in the morning.
Draco
Draco felt better. If things came together, they just might be able to get Theo back to right. Draco stepped into a tee and jeans before summoning dinner from Elder. As he waited for his food, other thoughts crept across his mind. How would his father know what or whom Hermione knew? What kind of personal business did his father have with the infirm witch. Why was his father angry about him asking about LeClair?
Draco silently hoped his parents weren't involved in any scandal. It wasn't until Elder returned with his meal that Draco came out of his reverie.
"Thank you Elder. You may pick up the tray after I've gone to bed."
"Yes Mr. Draco. Ise be back."
After finishing most of his meal, Draco summoned his copy of the technology brochures from his dresser. The subject was very interesting. The more Draco read. The more he became convinced Hermione had found an excellent opportunity.
Draco made notes he would present to Hermione when he had a chance. The only place he differed from Hermione's ideas was the need for a list of people. He felt anything that needed to be done could be done with the right three or four people along with the right investors. One of the notes he made was to order a Muggle mobile unit he and Hermione could study. Adapting the Muggle device might be as simple as a bit of magic. The harder part would be to find a way to connect the devices. In this area, the Wizarding World was way behind the Muggles, but Draco had the feeling Hermione wasn't the only forward thinking magical person. It was clear to Draco they would also need to include a discreet yet expeditious researcher.
With a big yawn, Draco put the information aside and got into bed. For the few minutes it took for him to fall asleep, Draco's thoughts had run rampant. Theo. His new home. The upcoming weekend with Hermione. The LeClair case. And Brendan, the friend.
/**/
It was a somber group walking around Granger & Associates on Tuesday. Not only because most had been called in front of the CW for the first and hopefully the last time, but also because of the deaths of two magical people. Magical people died from wizarding diseases or very old age. They didn't die anymore from being cursed. That was the old, war bull shite. Yet there it was on the front page of the morning paper. Padma Nott and her attacker were dead.
Padma's death had hit people hard, including Kingsley, as most knew her and Theo through the monthly meet and greets held in their home. A contrite Terry had come to Hermione's office to inform her the staff wanted to send an arrangement as a group. Hermione agreed that was a very nice gesture as she pulled ten Galleons from her purse and handed them to Terry.
"I suggest no one person contribute more than ten Galleons. It is meant as a gesture not an act of grandstanding. I don't want anyone to feel pressured into giving more than they feel comfortable giving. Have one of the researchers find out where the services will be held. Put Gloria in charge of the collection. She'll know how to handle it. Let her choose the arrangement which is to be sent in our name, Granger & Associates. Staff members who want to be recognized individually may send arrangements in their own names."
Terry stood there staring stupidly at Hermione.
"Something else Terry?" Hermione asked hoping he wasn't going to start on expectations of sex or something.
"No Hermione. Nothing else. I'm just appreciating the fact our fierce, no nonsense leader is back to herself. With or without me by her side." Before Hermione could comment on his last sentence, Terry was out of the office heading down the hall.
/*/
Once Terry left the office, Hermione rummaged through her cloak pocket and pulled out the reply from she had received early that morning from Brendan. He wasn't happy. She knew he wouldn't be. He had given her a sharply pointed telling off. She knew he would. However, in the end. He agreed to come have a look at Theo adding he wasn't making any promises. His estimated time of arrival was the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Hermione wasn't worried about the bluster. She knew he was probably chomping at the bit for a chance to show off his rusty skills. Hermione laughed to herself. If Brendan ever heard her refer to him as rusty anything, she'd be picking her arse up off the ground. Brendan was arrogant like that, but he was true to his word. Hermione didn't know how he would feel about kipping on her couch. Yes she did. Brendan was much too private. He wouldn't like it all. But, it was the best she could do for his arbitrary arse.
Now that she had the alternative magic wizard. Draco would have to find a place where Brendan could work. Pulling out a piece of parchment and picking up her quill, Hermione sent a detailed note to Draco explaining the situation.
Draco,
Brendan will be arriving in London late tonight or early Wednesday morning. He plans to come directly to my flat to await further instructions. I need you to find a secure place where he can work on Theo in private. Please Owl me back with the address and Apparating directions as quickly as possible.
Even though Brendan is welcome at my flat, I'm sure he would be more comfortable kipping in the presence of another wizard. I suggest you find a large enough place to accommodate him as well as Theo.
If he cures Theo, his fee is 100 Galleons. If he fails, there will not be a fee. If you don't mind, once you have sent the address. I will see to it that tea, coffee, fruits, biscuits, some light fare, a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky and a bottle of Ogden's Brandy are made available.
Regards,
Hermione.
/*/
Blaise and Draco spoke briefly Tuesday morning. Blaise handed Draco a case folder informing him he would be working with Harry, Michael and Craig. Rick Walters would be working the LeClair case with Donald and Brian.
"I'd like us to sit down this morning at 10:00. My office will be fine. I'm off to see Kingsley."
Instead of going back to his own office, Draco headed for the office of OTS T4 to meet with Harry, Michael and Craig. T4 wasn't scheduled to officially take on a case until the following day. However, there was nothing to stop them from familiarizing themselves with the facts today.
Harry and Craig had their orders. Draco would be joining them for their first case. The wizards greeted each other then got right down to business. When Michael returned to the room, he closed the door so they could begin going over the facts of the case.
Because Draco had a bit more experience than them. Team 4 listened as he explained what would come next. Craig was the only one who seemed a bit put out that Draco Malfoy was laying out things they already knew. However, he remained quiet knowing Draco was close to Blaise.
Draco wasn't trying to overstep. He was simply doing what had been asked of him, but he had cut his commentary short figuring the members of Team 4 were intelligent enough to catch on without his guidance. Draco ended his commentary by standing.
"Thank you for listening to me go on and on. I will excuse myself to check on my own affairs. Perhaps I'll sit in on your afternoon session. If not, I'll see you in the morning."
Harry and Michael immediately stood to shake Draco's hand. Craig was slower, but shook Draco's hand nonetheless. Draco recognized that Craig had a problem with him. However, they were in a professional arena. Draco was not going to let some arse get him off track. With a nod in the general direction of the three wizards, Draco headed to his office.
Draco noticed it was 9:30 when he walked into the office. He would do what he could in the thirty minutes before meeting with Blaise. He glanced at several pieces of interoffice correspondence and put them aside to check the mail Donald had left on his desk. There were three pieces of personal mail as well as an interoffice.
The interoffice memo was one which had been sent out to every employee to remind them that security in the Ministry had been tightened and it was every individual's duty to report anything suspicious. Draco threw the message aside. If he saw anything suspicious, they would feel the point of his wand. No need to bother MLE.
Draco looked to the letters next. One was from Parvati Patel. The other from Hermione. Parvati was inquiring if he would be available to help her with the arrangements for her sister. Draco swore softly under his breath. The overstepping witch was on his last nerve. After those photos in The Prophet, he didn't want to be anywhere near her. In addition, the overall tone of the letter annoyed Draco. Theo was still alive, and as long as he was. Parvati had no decisions to make.
Pulling Hermione's letter in front of him, Draco was more than ready to read something sweet and soft. Unfortunately for him, it was all business. It was about helping Theo. Hermione's friend had agreed to come to London. He would be arriving sometime in the early hours of Wednesday. Draco would need to relocate Theo to a secure place. Draco smiled to himself. Hermione Granger was no joke. He was glad she was on his side. He would do everything she asked. Fortuitously, he had the perfect location.
At 10:00, Draco plopped himself down in a chair in front of Blaise's desk, but before Blaise could speak, Draco handed him Hermione's letter. Blaise looked up from the letter with a wide smile plastered across his face. "Mate. I suggest you take hold of this witch and never let her go. Is there nothing she doesn't have a hand in?"
Smiling as widely as Blaise, Draco nodded in agreement. "I am trying to take hold mate, but life keeps getting in the way. She has everything lined up. I think it will be fitting if we move Theo to the home he sold me just before all this happened. It is large enough as well as secure enough to fit our needs. It will be up to us to get him there. Or, perhaps you can work on getting Theo released from St Mungo's while I get the house set up for his arrival."
"Consider it done Draco."
"After we've finished here, I will be on my way to Wilkerson's Home Management Shop." Draco explained. "My family has used them for years. I'll have the house set up before the Head Healer can sign Theo's release. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
"No. Theo's recovery is the most important thing right now. I'll let Team 4 know you'll see them in the morning. Go do what needs to be done. I have the address and the permissions. Theo and I will see you no later than 5:00. Well done Draco. Actually, well done Hermione. Let's get this done."
Draco hurried back to his office to send a response to Hermione. Theo was holding on. Hopefully, he would be healed and all this would become a shite footnote in their lives.
Draco locked up his office, waved to Donald and Brian then headed to the lifts with nothing but positive thoughts running through his mind.
/*/
Hermione received Draco's letter around 1:30. Probably to expedite matters, Draco had sent his reply to her via Granger & Associates instead of to her home address. Once she read it through, Hermione knew she needed to get moving. She had a quick discussion with Terry and Justin informing them of her intention to leave early. Then she had headed directly to Diagon Alley to purchase the groceries and incidentals Brendan would need. Need, she thought. More like expected. Brendan was perpetually in a less than stellar mood. It was important she do all she could to see to his comfort.
Running hither, thither and yon, Hermione completed all that needed to be done and was back in her flat by 3:30. After a shower and a change of clothes it was 4:30. Shrinking down all her purchases and slipping them into her beaded bag with the undetectable extension charm, Hermione was ready to Apparate to the address in Draco's letter.
/*/
Blaise arrived at St Mungo's at noon requesting an audience with the Head Healer regarding Theo Nott and was told he would have to wait. At 1:30, a very aggravated Blaise demanded to see the Head Healer immediately. The healer at the desk apologized profusely explaining he had forgotten to pass on Blaise's message.
Five minutes later, Blaise was sitting in front of the Head Healer requesting information about Theo's condition as well as a release form. The consensus was, Theo's condition hadn't deteriorated, but neither had he gained any ground. The healer also informed Blaise that Theo had had several instances of uncontrolled bleeding. His final admission was that they had done all they could do for Theo other than move him to the Spell Damage Ward on the fourth floor for long term care.
Blaise sat there trying to absorb all the healer had revealed as he completed the release form. "Thank you sir for all your help in this matter. If there isn't anything more that can be done for Theo at St Mungo's, his friends will see to it from here. I'll see to his bill. Then I will be taking Mr. Nott to a private retreat where he will recover or…. He will not. Thank you for your service. Please have Theo ready to go by the time I get back from the Billing Office. Thank you."
Orders were given as soon as Blaise left the room. The Head Healer felt sad they hadn't been able to do anything for Theo, but was actually glad to see the last of him. The healer felt he had worked too hard and too long to be caught up in drama of the dark magic kind that could possibly lose him his reputation. He was embarrassed by the thought he would not be upset if he never saw any of them again.
Although Blaise had been offered two Mediwizards to assist him, he accepted their help only as far as the front doors. Draco had made it clear. Only three people should have knowledge of where Theo was being taken. Draco, himself and the bloke who would be casting the cure. And of course Hermione, who would be dropping off some provisions that afternoon then return to introduce Brendan on Wednesday.
With everything in order, the two Mediwizards accompanied Blaise and Theo to the front doors where each shook hands with Blaise wishing his mate well.
Even though Theo was magically wrapped for travel, Blaise was unsure how Apparition would affect him. But, there was no other recourse. Blaise had to get Theo to the house. Taking what he hoped wasn't a last look at a living friend, Blaise wasted no more time getting them to where they needed to be.
/*/
When Draco walked into Wilkerson's Home Management Shop, most of the staff had their ears on his conversation with the owner. The Malfoy's were top clients. Whenever they needed something. No matter how small the request. The staff knew it was a priority.
Draco's first words to the owner had been about complete discretion among any of the staff chosen to complete his request. The owner had almost broken his back in the attempt to bow and assure Draco at the same time. The utmost discretion would be used.
The owner had called over two of the most senior staff to assist with Draco's request. Draco had informed them at the start he needed to furnish three bedrooms, one with a special bed which he described, a sitting room and a living room. Incidentals like towels and linens would be thrown in free.
After giving his instructions, all Draco had to do was point out his choices from their catalog. The rest would be done by shop staff.
/*/
With everything in order, it was time for Draco to get to the Manor, collect a few things then get to the townhouse. He had told Blaise he would be there by or before 5:00 which was less than two hours away.
Used to cloaks and robes, Draco almost reached for a set before realizing what he was doing. Grabbing a complete Basic Wear suit for work in the morning along with other necessaries, Draco called out folding and shrinking spells and was ready to go.
Instead of Apparating from his bedroom, Draco walked downstairs to inform Elder and Missy he would be away for the night.
The Apparition time from the Manor to the townhouse was seconds which landed Draco in his new hall in quick time. Blaise hadn't called out so Draco figured he hadn't made it there yet. Seconds later, Draco spun around wand in hand to face Hermione with wand drawn.
"Shite Draco. You startled me. I heard moving around. Since I was here alone only a few seconds ago, I felt I should be safe rather than sorry. My apologies." She added stowing her wand away. "I hope you don't mind that I conjured a kitchen table and chairs from a few odd bits I found laying on the sink."
Laughing, Draco admitted he'd drawn his wand for the same reason. He'd heard movement. Looking at all the provisions and liquid refreshment Hermione had placed on the table, Draco whistled. "Thank you for doing this, but that's enough for an army. It must have cost a fortune. If you'll give me a total, I'll reimburse you immediately."
"Why would you need to reimburse me?" Hermione asked a bit sharply. "I invited Brendan to London. He will need food and drink. Isn't this all about helping Theo? You owe me nothing."
"Fine." Draco replied a little surprised by Hermione's tone. "It wasn't my intention to upset you. I felt offering to pay was the right thing to do. But, as you say. It's all to help Theo. Why don't I just get out of your way?" Walking out of the kitchen, Draco mentioned he hoped his purchases would get there before Blaise and Theo arrived.
Realizing there hadn't been any need for her to be sharp with Draco, Hermione told him in a much more relaxed voice that his deliveries had already arrived.
Draco peered into the living room then walked through the bedrooms. Every bit of furniture was in place. The room with the hospital type bed was ready for Theo. Wilkerson's had outdone themselves. They had even set up the master bedroom as he might have set it up himself.
Draco was pleased. He planned to keep Theo company and was happy it would be done in comfort.
The kitchen was empty when Draco returned. Glancing around, he wondered if Hermione had left without saying anything until he heard voices coming from the room set aside for Theo. When he got to the door, Hermione and Blaise were removing the spells the healer at St Mungo's had cast. When the spells were removed, Theo began bleeding from one ear. Hermione had been first with her wand out and had quickly staunched the blood flow.
"That spell won't change anything. It's just a Staunch Spell I learned in sixth year when Harry, Ron and I were chasing Horcruxes. I had to learn a lot of things quickly." Hermione admitted without taking her eyes off Theo. "I hope Brendan is not held up. He needs to see to Theo as quickly as possible. Bleeding from the ear often means brain damage. Not always, but often. I read that in Bleeder's Bleed back in fourth year. Ginny, Harry and Ron thought I was mad to study it when I didn't have to. But, you never know when something will come in handy."
Draco and Blaise glanced at each other.
Obviously not realizing what she was doing, Hermione rambled on.
Softly calling her name, Blaise reached out to touch her arm. "Alright there Hermione?"
When she raised her head, Draco and Blaise could see she was fighting to hold back the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "I-I d-don't understand how we are back to this. Nothing like this was ever supposed to happen again."
"Hermione?"
"I'm fine." She said wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Just being an idiot. I've left your dinner on low simmer. It should be ready in thirty minutes or so. I made tons so there'll be some for tomorrow. I'll just use the loo and be on my way before I embarrass myself any further."
"For fuck sakes Draco, snapped Blaise after Hermione left the room. "Are you just going to let her walk away as upset as she is? You were just talking about catching her. Start now. Theo is as comfortable as he can be so he'll be alright. I'm leaving. Go get things sorted. Merlin! You've become a sad specimen. Go see about her."
"But,….."
"Don't think," growled Blaise. "Just go. I'll see you in the morning."
Draco watched Blaise walk out of the room thinking, I'll have to tighten those wards. After a quick glance at Theo, he hurried to check on Hermione who was just leaving the loo.
"I've come to check on you." He said noticing her red, rimmed brown eyes.
Hermione smiled at him and he knew. He just knew this was the time. The place. Closing the short distance between them, Draco stopped five inches from Hermione and used his thumb to wipe away the tear that had appeared. He took another step, wrapped his arms around her and leaned his chin on her head. "What happened to Theo should never have happened, but we have to keep moving forward. There's no boogeyman. There was just an arsehole wizard who thought the world owed him something."
Hermione had laid her head against Draco's chest as she listened to him speak. When he finished, Hermione looked up into his eyes. He is gorgeous, she thought. Out loud she remarked. "Thank you for that bit of cheering up. I…."
Draco gently cut her off. "I would like to kiss you. May I?"
Hermione lifted her head and presented her lips to Draco. "You may, but only if I may kiss you back."
The biggest surge of happiness he'd ever experienced shot through Draco as he leaned down to catch her lips with his. The kiss began easy, but morphed into tongue seeking tongue. They stood there wrapped around each other getting deeper and deeper into the kiss. When they finally pulled away from each other, they were breathless.
Hermione finally stepped back. "I should check on dinner. Are you hungry. Why don't you pop in to check Theo again while I set places."
Draco who was feeling quite….hard, took the opportunity to move his semi formed erection to a more comfortable position while he checked on his mate. When he felt his lower half looked presentable, Draco went to the kitchen to have dinner.
/*/
Brendan Eilson was in one of his regular funks. Sitting on his large couch, one leg crossed over the other. He was cursing himself for ever agreeing to go to London. He abhorred the place. He would be revealing his secret. It was cold and dreary even on the sunniest day. Brendan set his glass down firmly on the table. He would be putting his name and the reputation he'd spent years building on the line if he was caught practicing dark magic. Especially in the tightly wound London Wizarding community. Not to mention all the questions that would come up.
"Bah." Brendan spit out rising from the couch to stand at his large picture window overlooking his little piece of forest. His dream. It was a dream Brendan didn't know he had until he stumbled upon it. Now he wouldn't part with it for the world. Leaving even for whatever number of days he'd be away was what had him so irritable. If it hadn't been Hermione Granger asking, his arse would be staying right there in Oregon.
He had been Brendan Eilson for five years. It was the name he had chosen in those long, dark nights as he lay hurting and healing in a dark bedroom in Spinner's End. Brendan, an anglicized name meaning Prince and Eilson because he was Eileen's son. Before that he had been the miserable, egotistical Severus Snape. The almost dead Severus Snape. The saved by Hermione Granger Snape.
That fateful day when Voldemort set Nagini on him. Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the dolt Ronald Weasley had appeared in his peripheral vision. Weasley had stood there immobile nearly vomiting. Harry had the presence of mind to collect some of his memories for which Severus was glad. But Hermione had been the one to remain behind to administer six drops of venom reversal potion which allowed him time to get to his stores where he had saved his own life. But Hermione had been the catalyst. Without her, he would have died on the filthy floor of the shrieking shack. He owed her a life debt. Ironically, Hermione didn't know if her six little drops had worked because shortly after administering them, the shrieking shack had burned to the ground. Ostensibly with him in it.
But he hadn't died. He had healed himself to the best of his ability then he had gotten the hell out of Dodge to ultimately land in Oregon. He had tried other places. Germany, France then California. None of which suited a wizard who didn't want anyone to know he had survived Voldemort.
It was his fault he was now obligated to return to London. For a chance to meet up with a female contemporary, he had signed on to a bloody, communications seminar in Seattle WA attended by no other than Hermione Granger. On a fucking spur of the minute trip to keep current in his newly chosen field and possibly get a shag. He had ended up in the same city Hermione had chosen for University.
It still has to be determined who was more surprised, himself or Hermione. However, after the initial shock and a hard given rundown on how he'd come to be there. He and Hermione had grudgingly arrived at a place of mutual respect. He, because she had saved his life. She, because Harry had told her about the memories.
Brendan's only thought had been, now two people knew he was alive and living in Oregon. Lucius Malfoy and Hermione Granger.
That had been in December of 1999 during Hermione's first winter break and continued through her four years at University. Although she was studying law, Hermione had become very interested in telecommunications. The field of study he had chosen. Rolling his eyes skyward, Brendan remembered how long and hard Hermione had laughed at his answer when she asked why he had chosen that field. He had simply told her the truth. The American Wizarding World wasn't ready for an old, miserable, dressed in black, bat of a man. Even if he was a master of potions. His choice made him more presentable.
After she finished laughing, Hermione had embarrassed him with compliments on the changes he'd made to his person. His sun streaked, dark hair was cut short and neat. He had built himself up with exercise which had produced wide shoulders and a trim waist and he smiled. Sometimes he even laughed.
Towards the end of University, there had even been a minor flirtation between them which ended when they both came to their senses after one steamy kiss. It had taken weeks for them to get back to the level of comfort they previously shared. But the kiss had somehow strengthened their friendship.
Even though she had promised to keep his information to herself. A dire emergency had caused her to reach out. And because she was who she was. He had answered.
Brendan finished off his drink, sent his glass to the sink to wash itself then strode through to the bedroom to pack up the leather bag with the undetectable extension charm Hermione had generously made for him. Along with all his potions, brewery and medicinal stores, Brendan packed clothing for a maximum of two days. There was no reason to pack more. If he couldn't heal Mr. Nott within two days, there was no helping him.
With one last look around, Brendan walked to his lower deck where he Apparated out to catch the first of three port keys which would ultimately land him back in London.
/*/
After they finished their meal, Draco went to check on Theo while Hermione cleared up. Neither she nor Draco had eaten much. There was plenty left to tide Brendan over for the next several days. She was on her way to the loo when Draco called out in a somewhat panicked voice. "Hermione. Please come to Theo's room. He is bleeding again."
Hermione drew her wand as she hurried across the house to Theo's room. The blood was bright red and coming out in globs. Hermione was terrified Brendan would get there too late. Raising the wand, she called out the spell. Her first call did little more than make Theo's nose quiver. She did the second cast with a firmer hand and stronger voice. The bleeding was stopped by a bloody, mucus plug that had formed at Theo's nostril.
For several minutes Draco and Hermione stood there waiting to see if the blood plug would hold. It held.
Hermione was shaking so badly, Draco led her down the hall to the living room where he sat her on the couch then summoned the brandy and a glass. He held his hand over Hermione's hand as she brought the glass to her mouth.
"I'm so sorry I can't do more." Hermione said sadly. "I don't know enough. The little I know. I picked up while Harry, Ron and I….." Hermione stopped speaking to finish her brandy.
"Hermione." Draco said softly taking the glass from her hand. "It is a dire situation which has nothing to do with what you don't know. You've been amazing. There are spells that Gryffin….."
"Please don't say there are spells Gryffindors or the 'good' ones cannot manage" She said using air quotes. "Because I know better. Dumbledore taught us that bull shite about good and bad. Left and right. Dark and light. Anybody can learn any spell. All that is needed is the power and the wand. If I had been given the chance to properly learn something besides Expelliamus, Accio and Alohamora, I'd probably be able to help Theo now. It's frustrating…."
Hermione was working herself into a frenzy, so Draco took her face into his hands and whispered softly. "Stop. No matter how hard you try. You cannot make this your fault. I know certain spells as well, but we are trying to save Theo not kill him."
Hermione smiled.
"That's better," replied Draco moving his hands down Hermione's arms so he was holding her hands. "Much better. Let's have another brandy. It will help reduce your angst."
"Thank you Draco. I could go for one last brandy."
They sat quietly sipping the brandy.
"You are staring Draco."
"Yes. I am Hermione." Moving closer, he picked up her hand bringing it to his mouth. "It's quiet. Boot's not here to interfere. Parvati isn't here to pin me to the wall."
Hermione let out a soft giggle calling Draco a git.
"I'll be a git later. Right now, it's time for me to speak and I'd like you to listen. You came to my rescue even though I was one of the most reviled students at Hogwarts. You comforted and supported me. You had the heart of a goddess. I'll never forget what you did for me or what you gave to me." Leaning in, Draco ran his lips down Hermione's neck which caused moisture to form between her legs as she moved slightly in place.
Feeling the movement emboldened Draco who moved his hand to Hermione's breast and his lips to hers. They were both caught up in the sexual tension when a slight noise from the Apparition area caused them both to jump up wand in hand.
Draco motioned for Hermione to stay back, but she rolled her eyes taking step for step with him.
Draco shook his head as he let out a soft sigh of exasperation thinking, I never should have told her I thought she had the heart of a goddess. It's gone to her head. They made it halfway to the back when a tall figure stepped into the light.
Hermione lowered her wand and rushed across the room to tightly hug the figure. "Brendan"
"Hermione," he chided. "Some decorum please. You left this address lying on your table. Feeble wards wouldn't keep a gnat out." Turning to Draco, he said. "Mr. Malfoy."
Draco who had lowered his wand when Hermione ran across the room was standing with his mouth hanging open in amazement only managing to croak out. "Professor?"
"I haven't been a professor in years Mr. Malfoy. Now please take me to Mr. Nott before we get any older."
Standing there gazing at his obviously not dead godfather and old professor, Draco finally snapped to attention. After a glance in Hermione's direction, Draco raised his arm pointing down the hall. "Yes sir. This way sir."
As Brendan followed Draco down the hall, his cranky reply floated back to Hermione. "Have your ears failed you Draco? I am no longer a professor or a sir. Call me Brendan."