Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 20
Draco wanted to pay the one hundred Galleons as agreed and present Brendan with the gift as well.
When Draco tried to give Brendan the Galleons, he refused to accept them. "Although, I appreciate the gesture, I've enjoyed myself far too much to be paid for services. Use the Galleons to purchase a funeral arrangement for Theo's wife from Brendan Eilson."
Draco understood and didn't try to press the money on Brendan, but he wouldn't take no for an answer about the gift.
Brendan accepted the small box which he opened to find a handsome, deep red, Pyrope Garnet ring. For several seconds, Brendan was speechless. He could count on both hands the number of gifts he'd received in his life. Most of which had come from Lily Evans. Garnet was his birthstone and the mounting was magnificent.
"If you try it on, I'll show you to see the best parts." Added Draco.
Slipping the ring on his finger, Brendan was surprised to see the curly, cursive initials BE appear within the stone.
Draco wasn't finished. He explained how the ring had an empath spell on it and could distinguish when Brendan was alone. At that time, the initials would change to SS.
Brendan who was amazed by this particular piece of magic, commented he hadn't ever seem anything like it.
Draco remained silent, but was glad he'd found a gift that impressed a wizard who couldn't be impressed.
For several seconds, Brendan gazed at the ring. Then, snapping back to a Snapelike demeanor, he offered Draco a curt thank you before heading back to the living room…. to open his other gift.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 21
When Brendan and Draco walked back into the living room, Theo was in the midst of his five minute walk around while Blaise waited patiently to see this gift Hermione was making such a to-do about.
"Don't open any gift until I finish my mandated walk. Two minutes to go. Does it have to be five minutes exactly Prof…..Brendan? I believe my circulation is just fine now."
"Stop whining Mr. Nott." Brendan replied never taking his eyes off the brandy he was pouring. "It doesn't become you. The walking is for your own good. However, if five minutes is proving too rough for you, I think three minutes will suffice."
"Fine," said Theo still walking, but eyes glued to Hermione who was standing holding a fairly large box.
Walking over to stand next to Brendan, Hermione handed him the box. "For all you do," said Hermione watching as Brendan unwrapped the box.
A quick smile crossed Brendan's face as he lifted the lid to reveal the much ballyhooed lemon soufflé cake. "Thank you Hermione. As usual, you've outdone yourself. However, with all that's gone on here. I believe this gift is anti-climatic. Not to say it isn't appreciated. Feel free to share it among yourselves. Except for Mr. Nott who is not ready for sweets. Too hard to digest. Perhaps you should put a small slice aside for him."
"Don't worry Theo. I'll put some aside for you," remarked Hermione setting aside a good sized piece. "You must be hungry. I've ordered soup with the takeaway. In the meantime, would you like some soft fried eggs?"
"I'll wait for the soup Hermione. Thanks. It'll just be a tall glass of apple juice for me. I know my limits. There is so much to be done. I don't want any setbacks. Sometime tomorrow, I may need a bit of assistance. I'd like to go look in on my Padma."
/*/
The bantering and joking had obviously kept thoughts of what he faced away from Theo. Now reality had come home to roost. Suddenly, cake and Chinese soup had no meaning. Suddenly, the enormity of what was to come next hit him like he had been hexed.
A defeated looking Theo headed towards his bedroom. "I think I'll go have a lie down. The rest of my walk will have to wait. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue sir. Your appearance, although surprising, was more than I could have hoped for."
Blaise and Draco looked to Hermione who immediately stepped up.
"I'll pour a glass of water, a glass of apple juice and a glass of cold, unsweetened tea which I will leave on your bedside table." She volunteered. "Rest well. Everyone is here for you. If you'd like, after Brendan leaves, I'll contact Parvati to let her know where you are."
Blaise glanced at Draco when Hermione mentioned Parvati. No one needed that drama. Especially now that Draco and Hermione were a couple. A small furrow appeared across Draco's brow, but other than that. He said nothing.
Without turning around, Theo declined to have Hermione contact Parvati. "With the help of you and my mates, I'll get through this. I'll decide what's best for my wife. Parvati will be notified after I decide what I plan to do for Padma." Then the door closed behind him.
The takeaway arrived shortly after Theo left the room. Although the friends shared the food, it was in a much more muted atmosphere. There was a bit of talk between Hermione and Brendan about telecommunications in the magical world, but neither Draco nor Blaise was up for any discussions.
Shortly after, Brendan wrapped his remaining cake, stowed it in his leather bag then said his goodbyes. True to the nature of Severus Snape. The goodbyes were short and to the point.
Blaise left right behind Brendan telling Hermione and Draco he was glad he could now bring Ginny over because she was beginning to look at him sideways over his coming and goings.
Then Draco and Hermione were alone.
/*/
They discussed Theo. They discussed going out to dinner the following evening. They discussed Brendan. It was getting late so Draco invited Hermione to stay the night with him. Hermione declined promising to make it her second home once everything was settled with Theo.
"I'd just be too uncomfortable sleeping with you with Theo in the house. We have time. I'm not going anywhere."
"Of course you're not," replied a cranky Draco who had visions of shagging Hermione all night long. "I just hoped…." Letting his sentence fall off, Draco ended by changing the subject entirely. "Next week some time there are two matters I'd like to discuss."
"Like what?"
"The first is Brendan's telecommunications project and the other is this house."
Rubbing her hand across the back of Draco's neck, Hermione agreed to both. "Brendan will be thrilled. I might have mentioned that he and I have discussed getting a team together. Although, at the time, I couldn't mention his name. It's an interesting subject still in its infancy. Just right for two enterprising people such as ourselves."
When Hermione smiled at him, Draco's heart slid across his chest. Moving closer so he had her backed against the couch arm, Draco leaned in seeking her lips. Their lips met with the ferocity of the previous evening as did the movement of Draco's hands. Sliding his hands up and down Hermione's back, he kissed her neck sliding his lips to her ear. "I know we agreed not to share my bed while Theo is here, but you must know how you affect me. If I had my way, I would have been inside you five minutes ago."
Hermione was aroused as well, but stuck to the agreement. "We agreed. We'll have all the time in the world to be together as soon as things settle. I'm going home to get some sleep. Justin has a case in court tomorrow so I want to get in early. Are you and Blaise going to accompany Theo to St Mungo's to view Padma's body?"
"I believe we are. I'll have to speak to Theo sometime during the day to find out what he wants to do. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'll be there for Theo. I'm not trying to exclude you love, but I believe it will be more productive if it was just us wizards. If you can find the time, what you can do is get information on the best wizarding funeral directors for Theo to review. I'd say use fifty miles as a perimeter. If necessary, we can have port keys set up. I know Theo said he'd do this himself, but I believe he won't be in any shape to make decisions after he sees Padma."
"I agree and I will make the time." Hermione remarked laying her head on Draco's shoulder. "I feel so badly for Theo. His life is in tatters. What will he do?"
"Theo's strong and we'll be there for him. He'll make it through. The big question is if he even wants to go back to his and Padma's home. However, we'll deal with that topic when it comes up. Will you need me to accompany you home?"
Hermione gave him an eye roll. "Thank you for asking Mr. Malfoy, but I'm quite capable of getting home on my own. Because we are now a couple doesn't mean I've lost my mind. I'll see you tomorrow evening."
"Am I allowed to walk you to the Apparition point? I'd like one or three goodnight kisses. If, you don't mind."
A soft giggle escaped Hermione's lips as she pulled Draco off the couch. "Well come on then to get your kisses. This girl needs her sleep."
They spent fifteen minutes kissing, touching and saying good night. When Hermione finally pulled away, Draco thanked her for the compliment.
"What compliment?" She asked a bit perplexed.
Bringing his mouth to Hermione's ear, Draco simply said. "The cheeky, big one."
It dawned on Hermione what Draco meant and she was laughing her arse off as she turned into Apparition.
/*/
Draco decided to check in on Theo before going to bed. He opened the door to find Theo sitting on the side of the bed.
"Merlin Theo! Have you been awake all this time? Brendan was quite clear that you need your sleep."
"I realize that Draco." Theo replied dryly without turning to look at Draco. "When I lie down, I see Padma lying on the floor. My wife was the friendliest, most loving, most open witch you could meet. She had so much to live for. She and I had finally agreed to start trying to get pregnant. We'd been trying for the past several months. I guess it's a good thing she didn't get pregnant. What life would a child have with only me as a father?"
"Theo, mate." Draco answered moving closer to the bed. "You have to stop thinking like this. Where is the calming draught and the sleeping potion? You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of Padma. Please take the medications and get some sleep. Blaise and I will see you through this. You have my word."
Reaching out, Theo took the sleeping potion from Draco and spooned a full dose into his mouth. "Thanks Draco. I'd like to get some things sorted tomorrow. I do not want my Padma lying in the bare cold of St Mungo's thinking no one cares about her. I have to see to her."
"We'll see to her together mate." Draco remarked trying to be as supportive as possible.
Then, almost in the middle of a sentence. Theo was asleep.
Draco stood there with a lump the size of a bludger in his chest looking at his mate. Fucking Goyle, he thought. If he wasn't dead, I'd hunt him down myself. Backing out and closing the door, Draco knew he had to stand with Theo every step of the way until this was over.
Sad and suddenly extremely weary. Draco had a pee, washed his face then fell into bed. He pulled the other pillow to his chest murmuring he would soon have Hermione in his arms and wouldn't need the substitute.
/*/
When Blaise arrived home, Ginny was in a mood. Blaise tried to kiss her, but she turned her face away.
"Finally decided to come home?" She asked jumping out of the chair to get away from Blaise. "I'd like for us to discuss just what is going on. You go somewhere directly from work. You don't Owl me. You've been moping around when you are with me. What are we doing Blaise? Is it time to call it over?"
Blaise should have seen this coming, but he had and hadn't. The thought of Ginny being angry had passed his mind once or twice, but he had joked it away. He hadn't stated it, but if Ginny would have him, she was who he planned to spend his life with. She was his witch. Nothing was over.
Blaise followed behind Ginny grabbing her shoulders to turn her around. She pulled away, but he grabbed her again. This time pulling her to him. "I'll never call us over. You are the woman I want. I haven't been up to anything and I'm not going anywhere."
Then Ginny scared him. She started crying. Ginny Weasley hadn't cried over anything since Fred had been killed.
"Hey!" Blaise called out softly. "If you're crying because you think I've been doing something foul, you may stop now. The truth of it is I've been with Draco. We found a healer for Theo who insisted on anonymity. I couldn't get you involved. The healer has done his work and Theo is on the mend. I'm sorry I couldn't discuss it with you, but purveyors of so-called dark magic do not want it shouted about. Please stop crying. I love you Ginny. I'm not about to jeopardize our relationship for some other witch. You'll do well to remember that the next time you want to turn your face away from me."
Ginny laid her head in the crook of Blaise's neck. And for that second, the feisty Ginevra Weasley disappeared. In her place was a soft spoken witch who was glad the man she loved was not drifting away. "I love you too Blaise Zabini. I'm very happy you and Draco are helping Theo. Hermione, Hannah and I will help as well."
When Ginny mentioned Hermione, it reminded Blaise he had news that would bring his overreaching witch back to herself.
"You'll never believe what has happened."
Ginny gazed into Blaise's eyes as though reading his mind saying the first thing that came to mind. "Draco shagged Parvati."
Blaise looked at Ginny like she had lost her mind. "Parvati? No! What are you talking about woman?"
"At St Mungo's, Parvati was onto Draco like she'd caught his scent. And the photos in the Prophet. It's a reasonable guess."
Blaise shrugged lifting Ginny's chin to give her a quick kiss. "Yes. Maybe it is a reasonable guess, but you're way off."
Suddenly, Ginny knew. She knew as sure as she knew the mole on Blaise's stomach. "Draco asked Hermione out. That's it. Isn't it? Draco finally asked her out. I told you."
Blaise crashed his lips into Ginny's and for a minute all was quiet until he spoke. "You are almost right love. Not only has Draco asked Hermione out, he has also asked her to be his witch. They are a couple." Blaise really wanted to relate the remark Hermione had made regarding Draco's privates, but knew somehow that would be crossing the invisible witch-wizard line.
"Ginny hopped out of his arms then right back into them. "I should have been a seer." She crowed poking a finger into Blaise's chest. "From now on Mr. Zabini. You will listen to me."
Blaise grinned over Ginny's exuberance. He wouldn't tell it all, but he would share some of it. "And I think they've shagged."
Ginny stopped in mid exclamation. "No! Oh Merlin. I was so right. I can't wait to see Hermione. Miss, I'm not interested in him and he's not interested in me."
Blaise knew he'd gone a little too far discussing his mate's love life. "Please don't mention any of this until Hermione tells you. I shouldn't be discussing their affairs. Promise me Ginny."
Pulling on a wicked grin, Ginny promised. "I won't say anything until she says something to me. Now. Let's have some dinner. After which, you can focus on shagging me."
"I'd like a quick wash up. I'll be right there. We'll make it a quick dinner because I'd like to focus on you all night long."
Ginny grinned as she hurried through to the kitchen. Focus is what she needed…all night long.
/*/
Brendan arrived back in Oregon late in the evening, but after unpacking he found himself unable to do anything productive. He was being drawn back to Britain. Oregon had served him well, but he wanted to go back to his roots. Pouring himself a brandy, Brendan stepped out onto the large back porch which had been one of the reasons he'd purchased the property. The pristine scenery was breathtaking. Only, this morning. The lure, the pull wasn't there. At that moment, Brendan knew his time in Oregon was up. He'd have to figure out a way to go back to Britain as Severus Snape and Brendan Eilson in one.
He had been living as Brendan Eilson from the night he fled Spinner's End and he had been content. Or as content as Severus Snape could ever be. Initially, he had been uncomfortable using the name Brendan Eilson, but it had grown on him. Then he had run into Hermione Granger. At first, he looked at it as a stroke of bad luck, but Hermione was now an adult who had seen his memories. She had reminded him of what a miserable, hateful man he had been, but like Harry, felt he deserved commendations. He would be lying if he said it hadn't been awkward at first. It had been, but they had gotten past it.
Hermione had followed up on the brilliance she had shown at Hogwarts. To be perfectly frank. He admired her tenacity and willpower. Not only had Hermione left London to pursue her education, but she had come all the way to the States. They continued to meet each other two to three times a month growing closer as time went on. At one point, probably after too much brandy, they had tried being intimate. The intimacy had only gone as far as a kiss before they both realized it was something neither should pursue. Even so, Brendan had spent many restless nights wondering what would have happened had they pursued a relationship. If he ever decided to marry, it would be a witch along the lines of Hermione Granger.
/*/
Brendan's glass was empty and his mind was wandering. He'd made a decision. It was now time to put together a plan. Little did Brendan know he was following the same exact route Draco had followed when he realized he needed to get back to Britain. After thirty minutes of coming up with nothing, Brendan decided to sleep on it with the thought there might be something in the back of his mind that would push itself to the forefront during the night.
Pouring himself one last brandy, Brendan drank it down in one then proceeded to the shower. He kept himself immaculate in all areas. Brendan Eilson had no time for greasy hair or body odor. And at this point in his life, neither did Severus Snape.
Brendan showered, released a bit of tension and headed for the one luxury he had allowed himself. A bed so large it nearly filled the room. He had dragged the bed with him from Germany to France to the US. Running his hand over the bed coverings before pulling back the top sheet, Brendan thought the bed only meant so much to him because he'd never had the opportunity to own anything.
From childhood on up, the word luxury hadn't been in Brendan's vocabulary. What he did manage to obtain in childhood had been promptly destroyed by an ugly, drunk and belligerent Tobias Snape bent on ruining anything of value he and his mother held dear. Usually before Tobias beat them senseless for daring to have something. The best thing the miserable tosspot had done was die. Running his hand across the bed once again, Brendan thought about Spinner's End and let out a bitter laugh. Spinner's End and luxury were words which could never co-exist in the same sentence.
As he closed his eyes, a few stray thoughts played through his mind. One in particular caught his attention. Throwing back the covers, Brendan sat on the side of the bed mumbling. "Now that I can do."
Reaching for his wand, Brendan summoned pen and paper from his study. Hastily scribbling his thoughts, he kept thinking, this could work. Using several additional sheets of paper, Brendan wrote Kingsley Shacklebolt a detailed letter outlining the sequence of his life from the moment Hermione had applied those three drops until the present and his plan to return to London.
At one time, Brendan would never have sought anyone's permission or guidance for anything, but that time was gone. If he wanted to fit in, he'd have to make some concessions. Which were a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Setting the letter aside, Brendan got back into bed intending to send the Owl out in the morning. There were other parts of the plan he'd need to see to, but that could wait until morning.
/**/
The first person Hermione thought about when she woke on Friday was Draco. The second person was Theo. The warmth she felt about her burgeoning relationship with Draco and how she had shagged him without thought was overshadowed by the sadness she felt for Theo's situation. A wife laying dead at St Mungo's, his own body decimated by a murderer, and the house he shared with Padma in tatters. Things couldn't get any worse for him. Perhaps she could enlist Ginny's help to clean up Theo's home before he returned. She'd have to check with Blaise or Draco before doing anything. The truth was, Theo might never want to see the inside of that house again.
Letting out a huge sigh, Hermione lifted herself off the bed and went to put on the kettle. While she had a quick breakfast of toast and cereal, she remembered Draco had asked her to look into funeral services. For the moment, she'd leave the house clean up to someone else. It would be more useful if she got Padma's services in order or at least found a funeral proprietor so Theo could.
/*/
Fridays at Granger & Associates were typically quiet and typically court days. This Friday was no exception. Justin would be in court more than likely until mid afternoon. Terry would be busy getting his case ready for court the following week.
Justin stopped to have a quick word with Hermione when they met in the hall. "Good Friday morning Hermione." Justin offered in a very jaunty manner.
Hermione was suspicious. Justin was hardly ever jaunty. "What's got into you this morning?"
"About that." Justin replied toning his exuberance down a bit. "I foresee my case running until maybe 1:30-2:00 if that. I have the opportunity to get away for the weekend and will be ducking out as soon as everything is wrapped up. I will have my completed case file on your desk first thing Monday. If I don't see you, have a fantastic weekend."
Hermione watched Justin head for the lifts. Whatever was going on had to be huge. It took a lot to get him to that state of excitement.
Hermione dropped her bag and jacket on her desk before heading down to speak with Gloria. Her most reliable source would be able to help get a jump start on what needed to be done.
"Good morning Gloria. How is everything?"
"Everything is going well. I've handed a few things to Terry I found on Rebecca's old desk." Here she blushed. "What I mean…."
"I understand what you mean. Thank you for that. I need your assistance with a purely personal matter. I'll need for you to comprise a short list of funeral directors with recommendations and bring it to my office so we can discuss them. Take your time. I would just like to have it completed before the end of day."
"No problem Hermione. I'll have it for you after lunch. Elroy can sit the desk while we talk. I'll see you then."
Hermione realized she was relying on this dependable woman more with each passing day and hoped the tall, auburn haired witch would come through the vetting process with the requirements necessary to rise to a Associate Prosecutor. "That would please me immensely."
"What would please you immensely?" Asked Terry as he stood hesitantly in the doorway.
Hermione said good morning, but nothing else.
Terry remained in the doorway for several seconds before asking Hermione if they could talk.
He had pushed her with his attitude and actions, so Hermione pushed back. "Do you have more private information you wish to spread or will it be a reasonable conversation?" She asked glaring at him.
Terry was uncomfortable. For the third time in as many weeks he had crossed lines with Hermione. He knew her patience with him was growing thin. It wasn't as though he purposely tried to be dense, but somewhere deep inside he seemed to want to hurt her for things past. And he would readily admit, although not out loud, Malfoy was the crux.
Hermione was speaking and he hadn't heard what she said so he didn't even pretend. Instead, he began to speak about the Bloomington Case which he would take before the Wizengamot on Tuesday. Hermione would never turn away any of the team who wanted to discuss a case. They spoke for about twenty minutes going over things Terry knew by heart. But he had gotten Hermione to speak to him in a normal manner. And that's all he wanted. She had even turned her lips up in what might be considered a smile. If one looked at it in just the right way.
Hermione usually didn't bother with lunch. However, today her stomach was making grumbling noises, so she headed to the small kitchen intent on having soup and a sandwich. Gloria was already there eating lunch and reading The Prophet.
"Mind if I join you?" Asked Hermione.
"Not at all. I have an extra chicken sandwich if you like."
Hermione started to refuse then the rumblings in her stomach spoke for her. "Well. You have your answer. I will have a bowl of soup and half your extra sandwich."
"Anything good in The Prophet?" Hermione asked thinking of the photos of Parvati and Draco. "Hopefully something decent."
"Actually, the most interesting article is about Kingsley." Gloria replied without taking her eyes away from the paper. "He has plans to set up a new department. I believe the article is referencing the flyers Kingsley sent around about a month ago. The article states he is looking to set up a planning committee within the next month. Telecommunications. I don't know exactly what it is, but it sounds interesting."
Hermione stopped in mid chew. Telecommunications! Kingsley had such good timing. After finishing her meal and thanking Gloria for the sandwich, Hermione told her to come to the office when she was ready.
"I'll be right down." Gloria remarked folding The Prophet and sliding it into her purse.
/*/
Hermione hurried back to her desk to rifle through her drawers. She was looking for the pamphlet Draco had given her. The one he had found on his father's desk. The one that had come from B. Eilson, Sole Proprietor. Hermione finally found the pamphlet in her bag. Turning it over in her hand, she wondered if she should pass it to Kingsley or first discuss the opportunity with Brendan. Caution won out, so she decided to Owl Brendan first. Before Hermione could put quill to parchment, Gloria turned up at the door.
"That was quick."
"Hello again," Gloria said with a bright smile on her face. "I have a list of four. In my estimation, Bellows & Howe Funeral Services are top. Pros: They are located on the other side of Gringotts which makes it easily accessible to guests. Cons: They are on the small side with a hall that only fits seventy five. Which means the deceased's family might have to sit through multiple services if they expect a large turnout."
Moving through the other three choices, Gloria offered pros and cons as she had for Bellows & Howe. Hermione looked over all the information deciding Bellows & Howe would be best. Then she realized it wasn't up to her, so she took all the information from Gloria with the intention of presenting it to Theo who would have the final say.
"Your attention to detail is outstanding. I will pass this information on. By the way. If you have a chance, look into telecommunications. It's an industry in its infancy which I think will grow exponentially in the future. Can't hurt. Thank you Gloria."
"You're welcome Hermione. Has this to do with the awful death of Padma Nott? I attended several of her and her husband's Meet & Greets. She was a lovely witch. If you let me know what Mr. Nott decides, I'll make sure our arrangements are sent."
Nodding her head slowly, Hermione acknowledged that the information was indeed for Theo. After a few more comments about the unfortunate situation, Gloria started to walk away, but turned back to ask a question. "Is it true Rebecca was harboring the killer?"
Hermione really didn't want to get into this, but she gave the short answer. "Yes. I believe she was. Rebecca and Goyle's sister Beth knew his mentality and did nothing to stop him. In my eyes, they are almost as culpable as Goyle."
Gloria realized this wasn't a subject Hermione cared to discuss and excused herself to get back to work. Before leaving the office, she did add. "I'll look into telecommunications. Thank you for the tip."
Before sending the funeral services information to Draco's mailbox, Hermione carefully duplicated everything, folded the parchment then slid it into her bag beside Brendan's pamphlet. She wanted to have an extra just in case the information got misplaced.
So much happening at the same time, she thought. All I can do is ask Merlin to guide us. "Do you hear that Merlin?" She whispered rhetorically. "Guide us."
Pulling the case file of the witch who had hurt her married lover's children in front of her. Hermione browsed through the material getting a glimpse of a woman gone mad and two disfigured children. The entries had visibly shaken Hermione and after reading several pages of graphic descriptions, she vowed to bring down the harshest possible sentence on the pitiful piece of shite. Mad or not.
/*/
Draco and Blaise had spoken Friday morning. They agreed to go check on Theo by 3:00. Draco advised Blaise that Hermione was putting together information they could pass along to Theo. He just didn't know what time it would arrive in his mailbox.
Blaise promised he would go up to Granger & Associates to see Hermione if the information hadn't arrived by 2:30. But at 2:15, Donald had come through with the afternoon mail which included a large envelope from Hermione. He hurried into Blaise's office holding up the envelope. They took a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the contents determining it was exactly what they needed.
"The information is well presented and with recommendations." Blaise remarked while nodding his head in appreciation "We couldn't have asked for better."
"Of course we couldn't." Draco replied with a smirk. "My witch doesn't do anything half arsed.
Blaise grinned. "I guess she doesn't," replied Blaise with his own smirk. "You've been a couple for probably less than a week and she already knows the size….."
Whipping his head around as though it was on the swivel, Draco snarled softly that Blaise should keep Hermione's name out of his mouth if he was going to use it in that manner.
"You're right. You're right," said Blaise with hands up palms facing Draco. "Sorry mate. It won't happen again. Hermione is a proper lady who doesn't deserve that kind of comment. Okay. I'll let the Agents know we will not be available this afternoon. They will advise their teams. Why don't we tidy up any loose ends then meet at the lifts in fifteen minutes. We need to get this done and over. See you in a bit."
"Fine." Draco replied churlishly as he walked out of the office. Obviously still a bit peeved over Blaise's remarks.
/*/
When Draco and Blaise arrived at the house, Theo was looking a little peaked, but he was dressed and waiting. "I wasn't sure what time you lads would get here so I dressed early to be prepared."
"Feeling alright then?" Asked Blaise. "Hermione put together some information for you. Draco and I think you should have a look before we go to St Mungo's."
Theo realized what he was being handed was information about funeral services. Wearily, he reached out to take the envelope. "Thanks. I can't get over having to do this. I keep thinking it's a bad dream and Padma is at home worrying and waiting to jump my bones."
Blaise and Draco smiled. To them, Theo's little snippet about Padma gave them hope their mate was coming around.
After reviewing the information, Theo made a decision. "I'm going with Hermione's suggestion. I'd like to visit Bellows and Howe before going to St Mungo's. I'll hire the services and set a date. That way I can tell Padma what I intend to do. It kills me that my wife is lying somewhere cold and dark. I thought Parvati should be there as well. I've Owled her that we'd be going to St Mungo's sometime this afternoon if she'd like to accompany us. Padma is her sister after all."
The moment he heard Parvati would be tagging along, Draco got irritated. If the bloody witch put all her focus on him instead of Theo and Padma, he would tell her to get her priorities straight.
Blaise reached out to clap Draco on the back. "Don't worry mate. I know what you're thinking, but not even Parvati would act the arse at such a solemn time." Turning to Theo, Blaise asked if he was ready.
"As I'll ever be," sighed Theo. "As bloody ready as I'll ever be."
/*/
The three wizards entered Bellows & Howe at 3:00 pm and had everything settled by 4:30. Padma's services would be held on Sunday, April 18th, 2004 at 10:00 am.
Theo wouldn't allow his wife to be buried in the Nott section of their pureblood burial grounds. Instead, he started a new tradition by purchasing a family vault to be erected on a small, but lovely plot of land that overlooked a grove of trees which would bloom red and pink come May. After all the paperwork, Theo appeared satisfied.
The men made one stop so Draco could Owl Hermione with details of the service asking that she get the information out to Padma and Theo's friends. With that done, Draco, Blaise and Theo headed to the hospital.
/*/
When the three wizards walked through the doors of St Mungo's, Parvati came charging across the reception area to hug Theo. Draco and Blaise fell back to let the in-laws have some privacy, but Parvati had other ideas. Pulling herself away from Theo, she headed straight for Draco.
"Hello Draco." She said reaching out to touch his arm. "I was under the impression you would be calling on me to help make arrangements for Padma. You'll just have to make it up to me after all this is over."
Draco swore under his breath. "I don't know where you got that impression Parvati," snapped an annoyed Draco. "It wasn't up to you to make any arrangements while Theo was still alive. We are here to stand with Theo while he sees to Padma. If you have issues with me, save them for another time."
Theo didn't have the energy to deal with his sister-in-law, so he turned in the direction of the room of the dead to find his Padma.
Draco glared at Parvati before following behind Theo.
Parvati turned to Blaise. "I wasn't being obtuse. Draco did say he would help me."
Blaise brushed past Parvati, but did pause to give her a few sharp words. "This is about your sister, not you. Be quiet for once. Save that other bull shite for another time. If you intend to stand with Theo, come now. If you intend to continue your nonsense, go away."
Then he too followed behind Theo and Draco leaving Parvati standing in the middle of the hall.