Returning To His Roots

by Divess

Sent to Switzerland shortly after the end of the War. Draco Malfoy has been enjoying life. However, a nasty run in with Hermione Granger at a conference in France forces Draco to change his entire mindset. He will return to London to face his past and prove his worth as well. With all the mitigating factors, will Draco prevail? AU/T/OC/OOC Dramione/Blinny.

22. Chapter 22

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 21

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 Padma 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.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 22

Blaise was aggravated, but he entered the room of the dead in full composure. This was not the time to give any credence to Parvati's bull shite. This was the time to support Theo. By the time he arrived, the witch in charge had brought out Padma's body. Blaise walked up behind his two mates to gaze upon Padma. To him, it looked as though she had simply laid down and fallen asleep. She was still Theo's beautiful wife.

There was a glass between Padma and the viewers, but Theo was trying his best to get through. Then his legs gave out from under him and Draco and Blaise moved quickly to hold him up.

"A minute. We need a minute." Draco called out to the witch in charge as he helped pull Theo back to his feet.

Looking from Blaise to Draco, Theo straightened his shoulders bringing himself up firm and straight. "Thank you mates. I'm fine. My wife has been taken away too soon and now is the time for me to see to her. I want a few minutes with her before she is laid to rest."

It wasn't normally done, but Draco spoke to the witch in charge to make it happen. Several minutes later, the witch approached Theo to bring him around the glass. Blaise and Draco watched as Theo said goodbye to his wife. They also watched as Parvati followed Theo around the glass to say her goodbyes as well.

"About time she's come to her senses," sniped Blaise.

/*/

Theo was in control when he came back around he glass. Padma was dead. There were things to be done. Facing Blaise and Draco, Theo asked for their help. "I want to clear out my house. The last time I stayed there was the last time, but I need to clean it out."

Draco was quick to answer Theo. "Mate? Do you really want to think about that right now? You are welcome to stay with me until you are back on your feet. Leave the clean out for another time. Blaise and I can see to that."

Theo remained silent. He didn't agree or disagree.

The three wizards plus Parvati went back to Draco's house where they could sort out what needed to be done by Sunday. When it all came down to it, the preparations were being handled.

Once inside Draco's house, the three wizards sat down to discuss what had to be done. Although resigned to what had to happen, Theo was content that Bellows and Howe would handle every aspect of his wife's service. That knowledge allowed him to breathe.

"I think I need some fortification. I'd like a drink."

Parvati who had gone to the kitchen and was in the midst of preparing food for the men brought Theo a glass of whiskey. Holding the glass out to Theo, she told him she had poured a double shot to settle his nerves.

Draco was first out of his chair grabbing the glass from Parvati's hand. "Theo is under healer's orders. He can have water, apple juice, pumpkin juice or soup. Monday or Tuesday is the soonest alcohol can pass his lips. You do remember he was nearly killed?"

Using his wand to change the liquor into apple juice, Draco placed the glass in Theo's hand. "Drink this or don't drink anything. We will not watch you undue all that Brendan has done for you."

Parvati seemed near tears as she once again gravitated towards Draco to issue her apology. "I didn't know." She stammered taking his hand. "I'm sorry."

Draco removed his hand from hers and moved across the room. "You have this habit Parvati of manhandling me. It stops now."

While Parvati stood with her mouth hanging open over Draco's words, Theo let out an enormous sigh. "Can we please have some peace? I'm starving. Let's go have some soup."

Blaise smiled letting Theo know he wasn't having any soup. He wanted a meal. Theo let half a smile play across his face as he commented to Blaise that food would have to wait until Tuesday. Because if he could only eat soup then everyone would be eating soup.

It was a welcome turnaround to see Theo joking, and Blaise and Draco were glad to see their mate coming around.

"How about this mate? I'll swing by OTS to check on things. I'll pick up Ginny and come back through. At that time, you can have a bowl of mashed and the rest of us will have a fine roast dinner."

Theo let out a small laugh grabbing his side as he did. "You wankers are going to make me have a relapse. But, if we are going to abide by the rules. Mashed is what it will be. For the moment, I'll ask you to excuse me while I put my feet up. I'll see you all in a bit."

Before leaving, Blaise advised Draco he would check his office as well. Then he was gone.

Parvati began chattering about this, that and the other thing. Not wanting to hold a conversation with the witch, Draco suggested she leave and perhaps come back after the service on Sunday before excusing himself to take a shower.

Blaise was coming back with Ginny. If Theo was settled in, perhaps they would accompany him and Hermione out to dinner. He had promised his witch they would go out Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Although Sunday was out, he intended to make good on the rest of his promise.

/*/

The Friday mail brought Kingsley Shacklebolt a great surprise. In fact, he was so surprised he advised Anthony and Percy to clear his afternoon schedule due to emergency business. Kingsley was not a stupid man and would not accept anything at face value. Even though he couldn't think of a reason someone would use subterfuge to get in his good graces, Kingsley would not simply rely on words on a piece of parchment. He would check all facts before responding to the odd request from the wizard calling himself Brendan Eilson and professing to be Severus Snape.

He sent an interoffice message to Hermione Granger asking to see her in his office on Monday morning. Then he sent a few Owls of his own.

/*/

Knowing the Minister's directive would cause a backup on Monday, an annoyed Anthony was uttering his displeasure to Percy when Kingsley opened his door to call him in. Initially, Anthony thought he had been caught out commenting on a decision made by the Minister of Magic, but once inside the room he found out differently. Although, he was sure Kingsley heard his comments, there was nothing said when he entered the office. Kingsley needed him to make an immediate, discreet inquiry into a wizard named Brendan Eilson of Silverton, Oregon, USA. Anthony's orders were to drop everything else because the information was needed as soon as possible.

Anthony retired to his own office shutting the door behind himself. Even though he had been in the process of complaining to Percy. Anthony didn't want Percy nosing about while he secured the information. Scratching his head, Anthony wondered how he was supposed to go about such a task in a short period of time. Then he remembered that the US had The American Registry of Magical People. This Brendan had lived other places, but Kingsley only asked him to go back five years. Pulling out an Official Ministry Request For Information Form, Anthony completed it and had it out by International Speed Delivery requesting it be returned in the same manner.

Leaning back in his chair, Anthony wondered about this Brendan Eilson. Who was he and why was his information of such importance to Kingsley? Rolling the pen between his fingertips, Anthony wondered if like Hermione, this wizard was a Brit who chose to study in the States. Shrugging, he rose from the chair, opened his office door and waited for nosy arsed Percy to come through asking questions.

/*/

Hermione was last in the office. Gloria had just passed the office on her way out telling Hermione she would see her at Padma's service on Sunday.

Sunday really wasn't something Hermione wanted to think about, but it was their reality. They would be burying one of their classmates. With a sigh, she gathered her things before locking up. It was time she got to her flat to get ready for the night. But first, she would stop by Draco's to check on Theo and see what Draco had planned. That way, she could dress appropriately.

The ride down in the lift seemed extraordinarily long. Then she ran into Anthony who stepped out of the second lift. They chatted for a few minutes with Hermione asking if he knew why Kingsley wanted to see her on Monday.

Hermione's question caught Anthony off guard. He was in charge of the Minister's schedule and hadn't been advised of any appointment with Hermione. "It must be something personal Hermione. The Minister said nothing to me. So, I guess I'll see you on Sunday at the service then again on Monday." He solemnly remarked before wishing her a good night.

Yes Sunday and Monday, thought Hermione as she walked outside and turned into Apparition concentrating on Draco's house.

/*/

Hermione landed softly and could barely hear her own footsteps as she walked down the hall. The house was very quiet except for some soft music coming from the living room. Hermione's first thought was that Theo was listening to music to relax. Imagine her surprise when she entered the living room to find Parvati stretched out on the couch like she lived there.

The first thing that came to Hermione's mind were the photos in the Prophet and she bristled thinking Parvati was up to no good. But this wasn't her house. She really didn't have the right to question anything. Anyway, from the looks of things, Parvati was there alone to keep watch over her brother-in-law.

"Hello Parvati. Did everyone leave you alone to sit with Theo?"

Parvati glanced at Hermione with what seemed like a smug smirk. "I'm not alone with Theo. Draco is here. He just stepped away to take a quick shower. Have a seat. I'm sure he won't mind."

As soon as the words were out of Parvati's mouth, Hermione's heart overrode her head and she spit out her question. "Why did Draco leave you sitting out here while he took a shower?"

Parvati shrugged giving Hermione a look that said it was none of her business. "We have unfinished business."

"Ah! Unfinished business then. You mean like the business you two had in the waiting area of St Mungo's?" Hermione snapped, angry that any witch was sitting waiting for Draco to come out of the shower. "Well. That sounds personal. Sounds like I'd be a third wheel. I'll look in on Theo another time."

Hermione walked back down the hall to Apparate home.

/*/

Blaise and Ginny came walking down the hall having missed Hermione by seconds. "Hallo! We're back."

Parvati rose up from the couch with a finger to her lips. "Lower your voice Blaise. You know very well Theo is sleeping."

Blaise was stunned into silence, but Ginny was not. "Who do you think you're talking to Parvati? Did Draco die and leave you in charge?"

Parvati glared at Ginny. "I'm here sitting watch over my brother-in-law while Draco is in the shower. I don't know why Hermione didn't mention it to you. You must have passed her in the hall."

Blaise, who was already irritated with the cheeky, overstepping witch spoke up after hearing that Hermione had been there and was now gone. "Why did Hermione leave?"

Suddenly, Draco entered the room. "Hermione left where? What are you on about?" Then he spotted Parvati and immediately changed tone. "What are you still doing here? I thought I asked you to leave."

"You suggested I leave, but I thought we could discuss…."

Draco cut her off. "We have nothing to discuss. If you don't understand when a person is trying not to be rude, I'll make it clear. I would like you to leave my home. Now. And in the future, please don't accost me for anything. I am not interested in you for any reason. Goodnight."

Ginny sniggered and couldn't resist adding her two cents. "Hermione was here and now she's not. Parvati told us we just missed her. I imagine she was wondering why a witch was in your home while you were in the shower." And after a pause added. "Maybe she wanted to give you and Parvati some alone time."

Blaise nudged Ginny telling her that was enough.

Realizing that Parvati might have said something stupid to Hermione, Draco turned on her with a growl. "Get out of my house now. Do not come back for any reason unless you are invited. Have I made myself clear?"

Parvati grabbed her purse from the table and headed for the Apparition area. "You don't have to be rude Draco Malfoy. You either Ginny Weasley. Goodnight."

"That little tart doesn't want to start with me." Ginny snapped plopping down on the couch. "I'll…."

Blaise interrupted what he recognized as the beginning of a Ginny rant. "Stop Ginny."

Ginny glared at her man, but immediately closed her mouth.

/*/

Draco had left the room and come back adjusting his suit coat telling Ginny and Blaise to make themselves at home. He was going to get Hermione. "We have a date planned for tonight. However, if she is pissed off about that simple witch being in my house, I'll be lucky to come away with my head. I'll be back shortly. With Hermione or without my head. Check on Theo and have a drink."

/*/

Hermione was pacing and thinking. Why had she left? Because she didn't want to be embarrassed. She and Draco were way too new for her to trust him implicitly. It felt very intimate for him to leave a witch in his living room while he was nude two doors away. Maybe Parvati was …. Was what? If Parvati was anything to Draco, she and Draco couldn't be anything.

/*/

Hermione was sitting on the side of her bed still trying to decide if she should be angry or disappointed. She was totally ignoring the little voice in her head which told her to speak to Draco before going off half cocked. Hermione may have thought to answer the little voice, but was interrupted by Draco's appearance at her bedroom door.

"Sorry to intrude, but it was important I get to you before you went into some deep, dark recess and had to be pulled out. As you can see, I also took the liberty of letting myself in. We are a couple. The open invitation to come through at any time is a rule."

Hermione smiled at the other half of her relationship. "As you can see, I have not fallen into some deep, dark recess. Nor will I."

At that point, Hermione was not exactly lying, but she was stretching the truth. Left to her own devices, she could definitely have fallen into something. "I simply left because…..because. Because I felt as though I was intruding."

Draco had been leaning against the door frame, but brought himself up straight glaring in Hermione's direction. "You left because you didn't think things through. If you had thought things through, you would have realized I already have the most beautiful, most brilliant witch in London and the Patil woman pales beside you."

"So, it's just London then?" Hermione remarked cheekily.

"Please don't try to distract me. I'm not through. If you had been thinking, you would have joined me in the shower. Thereby showing Parvati Patil just what was what. I know we've just started Hermione, but what I've told you is true. You are the witch I want. Therefore, I have no reason to look elsewhere."

"I know that," offered Hermione smartly. "How did you find out I'd been there?"

"I overheard Blaise mention you had been there and left. It was then I noticed Parvati was still there. I was rather rude, but I believe she finally understands I have no interest in her."

Hermione moved towards Draco until she was standing well within his personal space. "Well done Mr. Malfoy. But knowing Parvati, you may have to tell her again."

Draco smiled down at Hermione pulling her to him. "So I get a well done now that you know I wasn't purposely parading around nude to entice one of the most aggressive witches I've ever met. And that is saying a lot with some of the witches I've come across. I'll take the well done and call it over. Now. Is that what you plan to wear out tonight or shall I sit on the couch while you shower? I will tell you. If Boot comes through while you are in the shower, I intend to go to whatever deep, dark recess you didn't go to."

"Terry!" Exclaimed Hermione in surprise. "Let me tell you what you told me. You are the wizard I want. Therefore, I have no reason to look elsewhere. I will now go shower." Taking a few steps forward, Hermione turned back to look at Draco. "There's no Theo here. We are alone. If you really want to show me what's what, you'll join me in the shower."

/*/

Theo had finished his lie down and was sitting in the living room discussing his sister-in-law with Ginny and Blaise when Draco returned with Hermione in tow.

"There you are," gushed Ginny jumping up from beside Blaise to hug Hermione. "You are positively glowing." She said turning to give Draco a knowing look. "And you Mr. Malfoy look….damp."

Blaise let out an exasperated sigh as he reached out to pull Ginny back down beside him.

Hermione blushed, but Draco simply ignored yet another overstepping witch while thinking that Weasley and Patil would make a lovely team. "How are you feeling mate? Hermione will update you on how things stand."

With a furrowed brow, Theo closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "I didn't want you to go to any trouble Hermione. I have hired Bellows & Howe at your suggestion. I assumed they would take care of everything."

Hermione knew Theo was feeling overwhelmed and replied as gently as she could. "It wasn't any trouble Theo. Bellows & Howe will take care of anything funeral related. It is up to relatives or friends to take care of personal matters such as who will attend and floral arrangements."

Theo didn't want to hear any of it because he didn't want any of it to be true, but it was something he couldn't avoid. Taking a deep breath and opening his eyes, he told Hermione to fire away.

Hermione spoke quickly, sharing the things Gloria had done. Theo nodded as Hermione advised him that notification of Padma's services had been scheduled for the nightly edition of the Prophet as well tomorrow morning and evening editions; she also advised that funeral notices with date and time of service had been mailed out to all his and Padma's family and friends; lastly, she advised that floral arrangements and remembrances were scheduled to arrive at Bellows & Howe Saturday evening.

The room was silent as Theo appeared to be turning things over in his mind. Then he finally spoke. "Thank you Hermione. I really appreciate you and Gloria's attention to detail. It's very important for me to see Padma off in the best possible way. It seems you've left no stone unturned. With everything in place, I feel loads better. One more favor Hermione. I know this is a scheduled date night for you and Draco. However, if you could find it in your heart to fix a soft meal for this decrepit lad, he'd be ever so grateful."

Hermione walked over to give Theo a quick hug before jokingly commenting she would be glad to fix him a bowl of mush.

Theo called after her that if she couldn't manage mush, he would take a lightly sweetened bowl of water.

"Really git?" Hermione remarked loudly from the kitchen door. "You dare insult the witch who will be preparing your food. You're living dangerously. Anyway, you're not allowed any sweeteners yet. So dwell on that for a bit."

Theo sort of choked out a laugh murmuring something he found funny, but unintelligible to everyone else.

Blaise and Draco breathed small sighs of relief. They may not have understood what Theo found funny, but it was the second joke he'd made in as many days. And that eased their minds.

/*/

On the premise of helping in the kitchen, Ginny followed Hermione into the kitchen. There really wasn't anything for her to do, but that didn't matter because she only wanted information.

Hermione was sitting in a chair preparing several soft boiled eggs and a bowl of oatmeal with her wand.

"Need any help?" Ginny asked pulling out a chair.

"Thanks Gin. I have everything under control. The eggs only need two more seconds and as you can see, the cereal is done." With three more swishes of her wand, Hermione pronounced everything done.

As Hermione prepared Theo's tray, Ginny finally broke down and asked a question. "Are you really going to leave this kitchen without telling me what's going on between you and Draco?"

Hermione paused. It wasn't a secret that she and Draco were dating. However, knowing Ginny had probably already picked every last bit of information from Blaise. She played it cagey. "Why? What have you heard?"

Ginny was caught. She didn't expect Hermione to respond with a question and stammered a reply. "I, I… haven't heard anything which is why I'm asking."

Placing her hands on her hips, Hermione just stared at Ginny.

"Oh alright." Ginny replied with a big smile. "Blaise might have mentioned that you and Draco are dating."

Hermione continued to stare.

A sudden flush appeared on Ginny's face as she revealed Blaise might also have mentioned….

Hermione held up one hand. "Evidently, Blaise has revealed more than a little. What a bloody gossip. Draco and I are dating. He also asked me to be his witch and I accepted. There. Now you have it all."

Ginny ignored the slight bite of sarcasm in Hermione's voice when she mentioned Blaise being a gossip and shot a few taunts at Hermione. "So. You weren't interested in him and he wasn't interested in you. He's more interested in aggressive brunettes and silly blondes eh? That's odd, since he ended up landing you. Congratulations. Isn't this where you say, you were so right Ginny? I had my eye on Draco and he had his eye on me?"

Hermione laughed as she picked up the tray. "You were right Ginny. And that's all I'll say about my very new relationship. After you."

Ginny reached over the tray to give Hermione a one armed hug. "Just call me seer Weasley from here on out. In future, I will be charging for my services."

"Just go through Ginny," Hermione snorted in mock annoyance. "Theo has probably died of hunger by now."

/*/

It wasn't long before Theo was wolfing down the eggs and oatmeal while the others watched in amazement.

"Slow down mate." Blaise chided with a turned up nose. "The rate you're going. You'll choke yourself to death."

Theo didn't even look up. "I didn't realize how hungry I was until the food touched my mouth. I think Brendan meant to starve the poison out of me." Finishing off the last of the cereal, Theo leaned back in the chair. Then, without warning, a projectile of vomit shot out of his mouth as he leaned over and vomited up everything he just ate.

It was like a scene in a Muggle comedy movie as everyone jumped every which way to get out of the way of the sick. Theo couldn't help himself. He sat there with the dry heaves giving off weak snorts of laughter with nasty looking shit hanging from his mouth.

Hermione and Ginny immediately pulled out there wands to remedy the situation. Ginny magicked away the sick following up with a cleaning spell while Hermione cleaned up a still laughing Theo.

Pulling himself to his feet, Theo began to shuffle towards his room, but not before telling everyone that Brendan just might have been right and he was off to take a hot shower.

Draco and Blaise held in their laughter until Blaise casually remarked. "That settles it then. Brendan just might have been right."

Even though it was a serious matter, Ginny soon joined in the laughter while Hermione fretted that she shouldn't have given him the eggs even though they were soft boiled.

A worried Hermione snapped that instead of laughing, either Draco or Blaise should go make sure Theo made it to the shower.

"I'll go," remarked a chastened Draco. "After all he's been through, we don't want him to slip on some sick and break his neck."

Hermione became annoyed with Blaise who was not very effectively trying to smother another fit of laughter. "Laugh it up Mr. clothes horse Zabini. Then look at the cuff of your trousers. Will you be going out on the town tonight with bits of vomit clinging to your cuffs?"

Both Ginny and Blaise looked down at the cuffs of his trousers where liquid bits of egg and cereal had landed and gagged. Blaise quickly pulled out his wand and vanished the nastiness, but was on his feet exclaiming that he had to get home to shower and change.

As Blaise grabbed Ginny by the hand dragging her towards the hall, it was Hermione's turn to laugh. "Ha! Not so funny now."

Blaise gave Hermione an eye roll as a giggling Ginny told him to calm down.

"I'll calm down after I've thrown away these trousers and had a hot shower." Turning to Hermione, Blaise asked her to tell Draco he and Ginny would be back after he felt clean. Then he and Ginny were gone.

A giggling Hermione used her wand to move the furniture as she double and triple cleaned it and the floor. By the time Draco returned to the living room, there was no visible evidence of the mishap.

"Ah! Back to normal then. Thank you. Theo's fine. He had a bit more to get out, but he showered and is lying down right now. I know I promised you a night out. However, things being what they are. I'm hoping you will settle for a lovely takeaway dinner, some Muggle telly and me."

"That's fine Draco." Not wanting to embarrass him as she had done Blaise. Hermione suggested he shower and change while she Owled in the dinner order.

Initially, Draco was confused as to why Hermione was telling him to shower knowing he had showered once at home and once at her flat. Until he noticed the spots and bits clinging to his trouser legs.

With a disgusted look on his face, Draco hurried towards the ensuite in his bedroom calling back for Hermione to choose the menu. Before closing the bedroom door, Draco laughingly called out that he would like some lemon soufflé cake for dessert.

Summoning several menus from her bottomless bag, Hermione decided to order Italian and use the large piece of Brendan's cake set aside for Theo as the dessert. She would order another cake for Theo. Mr. smart arse Malfoy would have his lemon soufflé cake.

/*/

Before leaving for the evening, Gloria had rifled through her desk to find the flyer Kingsley had sent out the prior month. She read it and reread it. The information really did sound interesting. Hermione had whet her appetite for telecommunications and she wanted to know more. With that in mind, Gloria stopped off at The Main Wizarding Library to look up anything she could find on the subject.

Like most things not sanctioned by the Wizarding World, the available information was limited. Gloria found a few miscellaneous pamphlets and articles and took one of each. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

After a quick dinner, Gloria poured a glass of wine and began to voraciously devour the little information she had. Three glasses of wine later, she knew the information by heart. Putting the pamphlets and articles aside, Gloria laid out an outfit on her bed and took a hurried shower. She was running late to meet friends for a ladies night at the Accio Pub.

At 9:15, Gloria was dressed and finishing up her makeup. At 9:30, she was landing in front of Accio greeting her fiends.

/*/

When Blaise and Ginny got back to Draco's house, Blaise voiced his opinion on staying in on a Friday night.

"You two are acting like nannies." He remarked placidly. "Theo will be alright if we leave him for a few hours. I'm fairly certain he won't try to eat anything else."

Draco smiled, but quickly fixed his face when Hermione gave him side eyes. "Well," said Draco throwing his arm around Hermione's shoulders. "It's up to Hermione. She has already agreed to put off our date until a more suitable time, but if she wants to go. We'll go."

The back and forth was annoying Hermione. She and Draco agreed to put off their date. She had Owled in the dinner order. Now he was putting her on the spot. He would have to learn and she would be glad to teach him. "Let's do this. I'll cancel the takeaway order, go home to change into jeans and be back within the hour."

Even though Hermione was saying all the right things, Draco heard the tension in her voice and addressed it. "You look amazing. Why do you want to go change?"

Still keeping herself in check, Hermione gestured at Ginny who was dressed in slacks and a long sleeved jumper explaining she felt overdressed. "If we are going to a pub, I want to dress for a pub. I'll be back as quickly as I can. Rather than cancel the takeaway, accept it. I'll put it away when I get back."

Ginny heard the tension in Hermione's voice as well and wisely chose to stay out of the conversation.

Draco followed Hermione from the room and reached out to grab her hand. Speaking softly so he wouldn't be overheard, Draco questioned if there was something wrong. And out of the earshot of their friends, Hermione explained. "You suggested we stay in and we made a decision together. Because Blaise didn't agree. You changed your mind and tried to change mine as well."

Draco bristled a bit because he thought Hermione was overreacting. "I did no such thing. All you had to do is say you'd rather stay in. I don't see the bloody problem Hermione."

"There is no problem Draco." She replied with a slightly raised voice. "You asked if there was something wrong and I answered. I'll be back in an hour. If Blaise can wait that long."

During the several seconds Draco stood there wondering why he had opened his mouth, the takeaway arrived. After accepting the delivery, he took the sack straight to the kitchen where he placed it in the fridge. After several deep breaths, Draco returned to the living room carrying some glasses, a bottle of wine and a bottle of Ogden's Old Brandy.

"Have a drink." He muttered sourly. "I mucked things up. I thought it would be better if someone remained here to look out for Theo. And without hesitation, Hermione agreed. Like an arse, I reversed my decision when you pressed me on the matter. Sit back. We might have a long wait."

Blaise was incredulous. "I did not press you. I simply said you were acting like nannies and Theo could manage on his own for a few hours. How is that pressing you?"

Leaning his head back against the chair, Draco replied simply. "I shouldn't have put Hermione in the middle."

/*/

They really didn't have a long wait. Hermione was back in thirty five minutes. "Ready." She sang out before turning back to the Apparition point. "Let's get this show on the road."

Ginny glanced at Blaise as Blaise was glancing at Draco. They all got up as one and followed Hermione out.

"Shouldn't someone check on Theo before we leave," asked Ginny.

It took everything Hermione had not to sarcastically shout out that Theo would be fine alone for a few hours. Remaining silent was the correct thing to do.

Draco peered into Theo's room announcing to everyone he was sleeping.

/*/

The four friends ended up at a club on the Muggle side of The Leaky Cauldron where they actually had a lovely time because somewhere between her second and third wine, the ball of annoyance Hermione had been carrying around evaporated into thin air.

They snacked on hors d'oeuvres and danced almost every dance. When they were ready to leave, Hermione kissed Draco on the cheek and thanked him for a very lovely first date. He accepted her thanks with one word, finally.

The two couples decided to walk the few blocks to Wizarding London. When they were safely away from prying Muggle eyes, Blaise and Ginny said goodnight and Apparated away. Draco and Hermione Apparated to Hermione's flat shortly after.

Draco caught Hermione by the arm before she could open the door. "I'm going back to the house. I know you were uncomfortable about my earlier decision to leave Theo alone, so I'll get back there to check on him."

Hermione didn't know what to say. She had been in a bit of a snit, but not because Draco wanted to leave Theo alone. "We've discussed this Draco. I've admitted I was annoyed. I simply felt as though I was being put in the middle. Had I said we should stay in after you agreed to go out. I would have made you look silly in front of Blaise and Ginny. I didn't want that to be the case."

Draco brought Hermione's hand to his mouth and kissed it. "Point taken Hermione. However, we are two people with minds of our own. It's inevitable that we will disagree on certain points. In the future, if you have a point to make, make it. I'm sure I'll be able to handle it."

Hermione simply nodded.

"Right now, I'll ask for several of your delectable kisses then be on my way." He whispered seductively bringing Hermione's arms around his waist and leaning in to catch her lips with his. "I'll see you tomorrow. I need to check the Manor, but I should be back to the house by 11:00 am. Come early and make yourself at home."

Putting her hands on either side of Draco's face, Hermione kissed him again. "I'll plan to be there by 10:00. Thank you again for a lovely first date."

/*/

Theo was up when Draco arrived home. The two wizards spent a few minutes laughing at Theo's little accident.

"It was all Hermione's fault forcing those bloody eggs on me." Laughed Theo scanning Draco's face for any sign of displeasure. But there was none. Instead, Draco laughed right along with Theo offering a bit of advice.

"First. I wouldn't let Hermione hear you say that. Second. Your bloody, greedy arse should have adhered to Brendan's instructions no matter what someone offered you. There is some clear broth that came along with the takeaway order. Have some." Looking at his Wonder Wizard Watch, Draco grinned at Theo. "It's after midnight. You are now allowed soft food."

"Nothing like kicking a lad when he's down. For your information, I had the broth hours ago. I'm still hungry, but for the next several hours I will exist on liquids alone. Perhaps I'll try something a little more solid at lunchtime."

Draco rose from the chair covering a great yawn telling Theo he was going to bed.

"A minute more Draco." Theo said solemnly.

Draco sat back down concerned at his mate's sudden change of tone. "What's bothering you and how can I help?"

Theo sat there with emotions playing across his face. "I want to thank you and Blaise and Hermione for being there for me. Things I have faced in the past, pale in comparison to what I am facing now. I really don't think I could have done it alone. I'll get to the point. I'm not sure what I want to do about our home. Padma's blood is probably still puddled on the floor. I would be ever so grateful if you would allow Missy and Elder to assist Padma's elf in cleaning the house. They won't have to touch any of Padma's things. I'll see to that. I just need all evidence of the attack gone and the house brought back to order before I step foot in there."

Eager to get Theo back to a decent frame of mind, Draco assured him the elves would be available whenever he needed them.

Theo replied without hesitation. "If it can be managed, I would like it done before the end of Padma's burial. I know it's short notice, but I don't want a cleaning service stomping through the house touching our things." Theo hesitated for a moment. Then in a low voice added. "My things."

Although he would never say it, Draco was tired of the gloom and doom. He needed some sun, so to speak, and would do what he could to facilitate matters.

"No problem mate. I plan to visit the manor today to check on a few things. I'll send Missy and Elder over with orders to assist Cely. The house should be immaculate by this evening. Now. I'm going to lie down for a few hours. Water, juice and tea are at your disposal. If I remember correctly, you are supposed to be doing a bit of walking. You're up and awake. Walk. Goodnight."

/*/

Draco slept for several hours and walked into the Malfoy Manor before 9:00 am calling out to Elder and Missy as he headed for Lucius' study.

Missy and Elder appeared before Draco just as he sat down behind the desk. "Hello, Mr. Draco sir. You be needing us?"

"Actually, it's Theo who needs you. I want you to go to Theo's home to help put the house in order. You will not touch anything belonging to Miss Padma. You will clean up blood, stains and remove broken items. If I'm correct, your work will mainly be in the foyer and Theo's study. However, you will give the first floor a thorough going over to be sure nothing is missed. Those are the instructions you will give Cely as well. Finish what you were doing. Then get to Theo's. Thank you."

"Yous welcome Mr. Draco. Me and Missy get everything fresh and clean."

Idly sifting through the envelopes laying on the desk, Draco made a spontaneous utterance. "Get everything fresh and clean. If only it was that easy."