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.

23. Chapter 23

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 22

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."

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 23

Draco spent an hour going through mail, authorizing drafts and generally tidying up. There were several things that needed Lucius' immediate attention. Those items Draco forwarded to France. When he was finished with mail, he brewed a pot of tea which he sent ahead to his bedroom. He planned to go through his closet for clothing he would take to his new home. As he climbed the stairs, something Brendan said crossed his mind. Narcissa won't be pleased when she finds out you've left home. Draco really hadn't thought about it, but realized it was probably true. His mother and father probably figured he would stay at the Manor for the rest of his life bringing his wife to live there when he married. If he married. There was no question. He was going to marry and it was going to be to Hermione Granger. Since there was no way he would ask Hermione to step foot in Malfoy Manor ever again, his parents would just have to get used to the fact he was not going to call Malfoy Manor home for the rest of his life. But that was a conversation which was a long way away.

Draco climbed the last of the stairs wondering to himself why he hadn't just Apparated to the bedroom. Before setting about his task, Draco sat down to have a cup of tea. As he sipped the tea, Draco let his mind wander over the things that had gone on in the last two to three weeks. Wil and Blaise getting cursed. Theo almost dying. Padma dead. It seemed as though the war had come back to London. Then he thought about that pig of a wizard Goyle. Betty had said her brother couldn't find his way after the war with Crabbe dead and Draco disappeared. Fuck him. Everybody had issues, but not everybody went on a rampage. Sighing, Draco put the empty cup down and got up to sort through his closet.

Twenty minutes later, Draco had chosen what he would be taking to the house, including black robes for the funeral. With everything sorted, Draco made a quick check of the Manor then Apparated to the house knowing Elder and Missy would be back before days end.

/*/

Hermione was also up fairly early, but her mind wasn't really on getting to Draco's house. She knew Theo was coming along and would be fine as long as didn't stuff his face with food. Her mind was on the message from Kingsley. Her last two visits to his office hadn't been that…productive, and the last thing she wanted was to bump heads with the Minister yet one more time. Hermione scrutinized the simple message over and over as though willing more words to appear. Of course none did. Kingsley hadn't stipulated a time, but she knew he'd probably want to see her sooner than later. Making a mental note, Hermione decided she would see Kingsley first thing Monday.

With that decided, she prepared breakfast. Sitting there chewing her sausage, she began to feel a bit warm between the legs as she reminisced about just how good Draco's hands and body had felt against hers when they were in the shower. A great smile passed across her face as she also remembered Ginny's words, and Draco, you look….damp. Her friend had no filter whatsoever.

After finishing a few tasks, Hermione stepped out of her night clothes into something a little more fetching and was ready to go.

When Hermione arrived at the house, Draco wasn't there, but Theo was just coming out of his room. Fully dressed and without anything hanging from his mouth or chin, Theo smiled at Hermione. A faint blush appeared across his nose as he greeted her. "Hello love." He said beaming and pulling Hermione into a one armed hug. "Made a mess of myself yesterday. Thank you for cleaning me up. Normally, I'd be embarrassed that I needed a witch to clean me up, but at this point in time. I'll take all the help I can get. I'm not one to cast aspersions or lay blame, but I think it was the eggs."

Hermione laughed out loud. "Oh, you think it was the eggs do you? You don't think it could be you stuffing everything on the tray down your throat at the same time? I mean really. Your manners were appalling."

It was Theo's turn to laugh. "Point taken Miss Granger. Since then, I have taken nothing but liquids. Even though the rules laid down by Brendan say I'm allowed what my stomach will tolerate today, I plan to go very easy. I've promised Draco nothing solid until lunchtime. Which should be within the next hour or so. I plan to have anything except soft boiled eggs."

"Alright! Alright! I get it. No more soft boiled eggs," sniped Hermione jokingly. She and Theo got comfortable making mundane conversation.

Theo asked Hermione for a favor. "I'm not quite acclimated to where Draco keeps his belongings. If you could get me a quill or a pen and some paper or parchment, I'd like to send a quick Owl to Parvati. The witch is a handful if nothing else, but as Padma's sister should be standing with me. I want her to meet me here on Sunday morning so we can walk into the service together. I'll sort it out with Draco."

"Of course." Hermione replied getting up to find something for Theo to write with. "Unless I've somehow missed it, I don't think Draco has set up owl quarters yet." Hermione commented genially. "So, after you've written your letter, I'll take it out to Owl Services. Or, I just might hand deliver it to Parvati. It's Saturday. I don't have anything important to do and I might just find something lovely to wear."

Nodding as he wrote, Theo agreed she should get out and about instead of sitting around keeping him company. "Go out. Enjoy yourself. Contrary to popular opinion, I am now able to see to myself. Speaking of something lovely to wear. In my missive I will ask Parvati to put together two complete, Basic Wear, black dress suits. One or Draco and one for myself. It's the least I can do. Parvati knows how to bill me."

Hermione stood as Theo handed her the letter. "Draco will appreciate your gesture. By the way. Since you'll be here alone. Why not take the time to do some more walking. Brendan's rules."

"Helena on a horse. Not another person forcing me to walk. I've been walking. You can't imagine what walking the length of that hall does to a lad's legs."

"Really?" Hermione answered in mock surprise. "We're worried more about the lad's arse than his legs. Try some walking. I'll see you later."

Theo groaned as he got up from the chair. He had a bit of walking to do.

/*/

Great minds think alike. When Hermione walked into The Clothing Retreat, she saw Gloria off to the side sorting through a rack of dresses. As she headed in Gloria's direction, the shop bell rang and Hermione turned to see a grinning Ginny step into the shop.

Holding up a finger in Ginny's direction, Hermione went over to greet Gloria. They spoke for perhaps five minutes before Gloria turned back to the dress rack and Hermione walked over to Ginny.

"Hello Miss Granger." Ginny greeted giving Hermione a quick hug. "Are you in need of a drab dress for the service tomorrow?"

Hermione hurriedly looked around to see if anyone heard Ginny's remark. No one had. "Merlin Ginny. Don't be an arse. There are better words to use than drab. It's a solemn occasion after all."

"For fucks sake Hermione. I didn't mean anything by it. It's just a word."

"An ill-chosen word Ginny. Be that as it may. I'm not here to argue. I'm here to hand Parvati a note from Theo, find an outfit and pick up suits for Draco and Theo. Are you wearing a dress or a suit?"

Ginny, who had bristled over Hermione taking her to task took several seconds before replying she was looking for a dress and a jacket."

"A suit." Hermione replied arbitrarily.

"Tomato. Tomahto." Ginny answered just as arbitrarily before walking over to a rack on the other side of the store.

Hermione sighed. She wasn't there to argue with Ginny. She had three errands. Find an outfit, hand over a message and pick up two sets of suits. That was it. Instead of walking towards Parvati, Hermione moved over beside Ginny and lowered her voice. "So. Just what color drab are you looking for?"

Ginny smiled at her friend. "Actually, I'm looking to find a muted color. I've found this lovely chocolate color that I'm about to try on. What do you think?"

"I think it's a lovely color Gin. With just enough mute."

Both witches laughed as Hermione picked out a dark grey long sleeved sheath. They were still laughing as they approached Parvati so Hermione could give her Theo's message.

Parvati took the envelope with a look of suspicion. "What is this?"

"It's a letter Parvati. Open it and read it," answered Ginny tightly.

Hermione put her hand on Ginny's arm to calm her and answered Parvati's question. "It's a message from Theo. Please read it. Ginny and I will be back once we finish trying on our garments."

Hermione could feel Parvati's eyes boring into her back, but she linked arms with Ginny and kept walking towards the dressing rooms. She had Draco and Parvati did not. Nothing to see here folks.

Both Ginny and Hermione were pleased with their choices and were back standing in front of the check out station within twenty minutes. There was no queue, but Parvati was nowhere to be seen. After they had been waiting for what seemed like a very long time, Parvati came rushing over carrying two suit bags. Laying the bags on the counter, she began to ring up the purchases.

While Ginny and Hermione waited to pay for their purchases, Ginny started a conversation. "Blaise and I will meet you, Draco and Theo at Bellows & Howe. I imagine you three are expected earlier than the rest of us. It will be a hard day for Theo."

With a frown on her face, Parvati stepped into Ginny's recitation before Hermione could answer. "Theo insists I accompany him to the service, so I will be in his entourage as well. I know Theo asked for two black suits. However, I have taken the liberty of pulling a dark gray suit for Draco. I hope he will be pleased with my selection."

Hermione remained silent as she handed her dark gray dress to Parvati. "It seems we think alike. Thank you. Draco and I will be evenly dressed."

Parvati blushed as she realized she had involuntarily made Hermione and Draco complements of each other. Not to be outdone, she admitted that she too would be wearing a shade of gray.

Hermione bit her tongue. Ginny did not. "I assume everyone will be coming back to Draco's after the burial. I'm sure Draco wants his witch to handle everything. Will you need me to host with you? I know there will be a lot to do."

Mentally, Hermione wanted to give Ginny a slap. Instead, she smoothed things over. "I'd be so grateful for your help Ginny." Then facing Parvati she asked if she would help as well.

A myriad of emotions flashed across Parvati's face as she tried to determine which way to go. Then, as if she had decided there wasn't a chance in hell of getting Draco away from Hermione, she smiled and accepted Hermione's invitation to help host the Repast.

"Good, said Hermione turning to smile at Ginny. "It's settled. The three of us will host together. Which reminds me. We need to get to the shops. Please ring us up Parvati, so we can get on to the next task."

Ginny and Hermione were soon on their way with their purchases shrunk to fit in Hermione's bag.

On the way out the door, Hermione gave Parvati a reminder. "We'll see you around 8:00 am then Parvati? We can get some things squared away before the service. See you then."

"Yes. See you then." Added a not too willing Ginny.

As soon as they were outside, Ginny gave Hermione a piece of her mind to which Hermione had simply replied. "I have Draco. She doesn't. We make peace and move on from here. All will be well as long as Parvati stays in her own lane. Let's get to the shops so there will be something to offer those who come to partake and support Theo."

Hermione and Ginny moved quickly hitting all the necessary shops. By the time they reached Draco's house, even the bloody, bottomless, beaded bag was loaded down. Ginny removed her purchases from Hermione's bag and left Hermione at the door explaining she wanted to get home to show Blaise her suit.

/*/

Draco had returned in their absence and was quick to greet Hermione with a kiss and a whisper about getting some alone time at her flat that evening. Whispering back, she advised him he might get some attention if he behaved himself. Which left him assuring Hermione he would be on his best behavior.

Then Hermione began emptying the bag. Theo and Draco stood mesmerized as Hermione unloaded the bag pulling out food, then liquor, then silverware and plates, the two suits and her new dress.

"Finally!" Theo quipped looking at the massive number of items Hermione had pulled out. "I didn't think there would be an end to it."

Grinning, Hermione handed each of the men a suit bag. "I hope Parvati has chosen well. Ginny and I did not have a chance to look them over. By the way. Ginny and I invited Parvati to help out in the morning and with the guests that come here after the service as well. She will be here at 8:00 am."

Before Draco could get all irate, Theo stepped over to Hermione to kiss her on the cheek. "Thanks for that Hermione. I may never want to hold a conversation with Parvati after this, but Padma is her sister. She should be involved. Once again, you have anticipated my needs. Perhaps, if Draco falls down on the job, I'll make you my witch."

Draco was quick to respond that Theo should go lie down because he had obviously become delirious. Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco and laid her head against his back. "Now, now boys." She said with a laugh. "First of all. I apologize Draco for going against your orders regarding Parvati, but it was the right thing to do. And as Theo has alluded, we don't have to bring her into our circle of friends unless we want to. Now you Mr. Nott. Why is it such a surprise that I can handle a bit of business? I paid a fair few Galleons to attend Uni to learn what I know."

Draco grabbed Hermione's hands pulling her closer to him. "I guess she told you mate. She paid to be this smart."

Hermione pulled her arms from around Draco letting out a huff as she did. "Why don't you two go check on your suits before I show you just how brilliant I am with a wand? That reminds me. How did lunch go? I mean. Did everything go down and stay down?"

Raising both fists in the air like a champion before picking up his suit bag, Theo bragged that he was truly back on track to having a normal stomach. Lunch had gone well.

While Draco and Theo went to check their suits, Hermione began separating food items. She and Ginny had purchased a lot. Even with magic, it would take time. Then she had a thought.

"Draco." She called out. "When you've finished admiring yourself in what is probably a very handsome suit. I need to speak to you for a moment."

"Give me a minute love. I'll be right there. Or, perhaps you would like to come in here and help me along." Draco answered a bit loudly.

Before Hermione could make any sort of reply, Theo opened the door to his room to add his comment. "This house isn't that big and I heard every word. If you step foot towards that bedroom, I'll Owl the Prophet. There'll be no shenanigans in my presence."

Hermione bent over in laughter. "You eavesdropping git."

"Eavesdropping!" Theo exclaimed loudly. "I'd have to be deaf not to hear Draco's manly roar. Never mind the salaciousness of his words."

Draco came walking into the kitchen adjusting his sleeves. Turning to Theo, he snapped off an answer. "If my esteemed mate doesn't step out of my business right this second. I'll Owl the Prophet and you won't like the article."

Then all three had burst out in spontaneous laughter, after which, Theo brushed an imaginary piece of lint off his handsome black suit and returned to his bedroom.

"What can I do for you love? Besides the obvious." Draco added lowering his voice.

Hermione gave Draco a little pinch on the side before moving away from his grasping arms. "Would you be agreeable to having a house elf prepare the food while we are at Bellows & Howe? I'll prepare a menu if you provide the worker. Ginny, Parvati and I will tidy up any loose ends when we get here. May I also suggest you use an enlargement spell on the dining room to accommodate those who show up."

Draco stood there silent and amused at the inner workings of his witch's big brain. "I understand you went to University. Excuse me, paid Galleons to go to University, but could you try not putting everyone else to shame. I'm fairly certain I would have thought about all this….. Tomorrow." He joked. "I'll make it extremely simple. I'll have two house elves come over early tomorrow morning to prepare the menu and set up the dining room as well. I will also enlarge the dining room. Is there anything else?"

Hermione hesitated. "You and I are making these plans, but we haven't spoken to Theo. He may have other ideas. Perhaps he'd rather have the Repast at his and Padma's home. I think it might be prudent for you to check with him. If he agrees, our plans are in place. If not, we will change direction."

"Good point. I'll speak with Theo now. Hold those thoughts."

Hermione watched Draco as he headed to Theo's room thinking there was one more thing that should be discussed. Instead of being discarded after the service, the plants and any viable flora should be planted by or around the vault.

Draco was back in five minutes assuring Hermione that Theo was fine with what she had planned. Before gathering her things, Hermione disclosed her idea about the floral arrangements from the funeral. Draco just looked at her and smiled.

"I'll have someone see to it. Really! Anything else?"

"No smart arse. Nothing else. You'll be thanking me after this is all over."

Moving in close, Draco ran his hands down Hermione's back and across her bum then leaned in to kiss her neck asking where she thought she was going.

"I'm going home for a bit. I need to get myself straightened away for our date tonight. Shall we go out early so we can get back to sit with Theo for a bit? I don't mind. This will probably be the only time in Theo's life he lets someone take care of him. Right now, I think that's our job."

Draco grabbed Hermione roughly in his arms. His lips seeking hers. "You are one amazing witch." He whispered hoarsely. "How did I get so lucky?"

"That's a no brainer." Hermione replied easily. "You apologized. It's 3:30. I'll be back by 6:30, 7:00 at the latest."

"We'll be back by 7:00. If you don't mind, I'll accompany you. I need some help with whatever comes up when I remove these trousers."

Draco was trying to be sexy, but his words sent Hermione into a giggling fit. As soon as she regained her composure, she called him a git then told him to come on. Before leaving, Draco let Theo know he would be back in a bit. Then he and Hermione Apparated to her flat.

/*/

Brendan had spent most of Saturday with a witch friend who shared his belief in the future of telecommunications in the magical world. She was a professional woman who much like himself was sort of a loner. She wasn't a beauty, but pleasant to look at with a pleasing personality. And he appreciated her brains. It was a treat for him because she was not only a colleague, but a sexual partner as well. They met three to four times a month to enjoy each other. This particular Saturday, they had shared several rounds of fierce lovemaking. Which was another reason he appreciated her. In public, she was staid and chaste. However, behind closed doors. She was a beast in bed.

Brendan reached out as Jean sat up on the side of the bed. Running his hand down her back, he questioned if she was leaving already.

Jean reached back to place her hand on Brendan's stomach. "Already? I've been here since midmorning and it's now coming up on 4:00 pm. It's time I get out and get something accomplished. I enjoyed our day."

"I always enjoy the time we spend together." Brendan replied quietly.

Getting up from the bed, Jean headed for the bathroom. She really had enjoyed the day as she had all their previous encounters. The warm water cascading down felt good against her skin and served to wash away the tears that kept forming as well. If things worked in his favor elsewhere, Brendan would be leaving Oregon and he would be leaving without having made any statement. She had felt Brendan was just a solitary man who needed time to voice his feelings. That hadn't been the case. The most feelings he had shown came through his guttural uttering's during sex. But that was all. There wouldn't be any proclamations of love. The tears just kept coming.

Jean hadn't realized how long she'd been in the shower until Brendan knocked on the door to inquire if she was alright.

Jean turned off the water and wiped her face with a small towel calling back that she was just finishing up. "Make me a coffee. Will you? I suddenly need a little boost of caffeine."

Still standing by the door, Brendan told her one coffee was coming right up. He wasn't a dense man. He realized his revelation of leaving Oregon had caught Jean by surprise, but there wasn't much he could do about that. Jean was lovely company, but that was as far as it went. The feelings she wanted him to have weren't there and he hadn't ever been anything but forthcoming with her. They had followed their passions and both had enjoyed themselves.

Brendan cut off the thoughts as Jean walked into the kitchen. "Your coffee is ready. Sit."

Jean took the cup and sat.

They sat there in silence drinking their coffee until Jean asked if he planned to continue exploring telecommunications.

"I do. I will not give up until every adult in the Wizarding world has a mobile at their disposal."

"That sounds like a massive undertaking. I hope you'll keep me informed of your progress." She said rising from the chair. "It's past time I get going." Jean didn't want to appear clingy and needy, but couldn't resist turning back to ask Brendan if she would see him before he left for London.

Brendan stood. "At the moment, I'm not sure if all will go as planned. Nothing is set in stone. However, if I do return to London. I will definitely see you before I go. I'm hoping you and I will still communicate about our shared interest. Let me see you to the door."

They stood in silence for several minutes as Jean looked around. "I've always loved this place and your spectacular view. I'll miss it. I'll miss you. Hopefully, I'll see you some time next week. Until then."

Brendan remained on the porch long after Jean had gone gazing out over his piece of dream. Then he went inside wondering if he'd just missed his chance at a life with someone who loved him.

/*/

When they arrived at Hermione's flat, Draco gave Hermione exactly enough time to put away her purchases before grabbing and pulling her down on the bed. "Well missy. We are alone once again. Will you remove my trousers, or shall I?"

Hermione laughed and covered her breasts when she suddenly found herself without a stitch of clothing.

"You sneaky git. I didn't even see your wand move."

"You were paying too much attention to what I have to offer to notice." Draco cheekily replied. With another subtle wave of his arm, his own clothes fell away. Hermione's nakedness had already inflamed him so he only managed to croak out. "Is that better?"

"Much better," groaned Hermione as she straddled Draco and pushed herself down. "How about you? Better?"

Draco didn't bother to reply. Instead, he grabbed Hermione's bum and pushed himself up to meet her strokes.

Draco was as surprised as he was excited. He never thought Hermione would take first position, so to speak. The feeling was intense and he was willing himself not to release until he was sure Hermione was ready. Then she was whispering in his ear and he couldn't hold on. Reaching up to grab Hermione by the shoulders, Draco all but shouted he was coming.

Hermione who was bucking as though she was riding a mechanical bull shouted right back that she was ready as well. And they each achieved orgasm within seconds of the other.

When Hermione fell onto the bed, Draco reached out to pull her close. Gazing at her in amazement, he complimented her. "At what point will you stop surprising me? I hope I make you feel as incredible as you make me feel."

Hermione laid her head on Draco's chest and simply replied. "You do."

They laid there quietly until both drifted off to sleep.

/*/

Hermione didn't know how long she'd slept, but when she woke she was alone and under the blanket. Draco didn't answer when she called him, so she pulled on a robe and checked the flat. He wasn't there. It was after 9:00 pm, so Hermione cleaned up, freshened the bed and was ready to lie back down when she spotted a note propped up on the other pillow.

Hermione;

I hate I had to leave you, but I set Elder and Missy a task and need to check if they've gotten it done. I also need to set orders for tomorrow morning. I'll see you at the house. Thank you for this afternoon.

Draco.

Before lying down, Hermione placed the note back on the pillow covering it with her hand. As her eyes closed, she managed to mumble. "You're welcome."

/*/

Draco had every intention of seeing to Elder and Missy then returning to the townhouse, but there was a surprise waiting when he arrived at the Manor in the form of a letter. Which he read after talking to Elder and Missy.

Draco;

Where the bloody fuck are you? This is my third Owl. Clarke, Desmond and I are in London to attend the services of Theo's wife. We couldn't even get up the walkway of Malfoy Manor to knock on the door. What kind of bleeding wards are those? Forget I asked. With all the bloody murderers and ne'er-do-wells in Britain, I expect you need tight wards.

We made it to the front door of Theo's house, but some ugly little elf tried to put a hex on me when I asked for Theo. The little bleeder closed the door right in our faces. I don't think London likes me. Anyway, we are at The Dorchester. It was short notice, so all we could get was a room which sleeps four. We are in suite 303. Get here or get in touch with me, or I'll curse your arse the next time I see you.

Wil

Dammit Wil. Why didn't you give me some prior notice? Thought Draco.

Apparating directly from the hall to the discreet Wizarding entrance of the hotel, Draco was standing in front of room 303 within minutes.

/*/

When Draco knocked, the door was swung open and he was facing his old mate. After the proper old mate hugs, Wil blistered Draco's ears about being so unavailable. In return, Draco simply smiled telling Wil he'd been busy. Then they sat down to discuss serious matters.

Draco was curious about how they knew about Padma and addressed his question to Wil. "I know you're good, but how did you find out about Theo and his wife?"

Clarke snorted. "You give Wil too much credit Draco."

Wil grinned and completely ignored Clarke's remark. "It's simple really. I am one of very few foreigners who subscribes to the Daily Prophet. I have to keep tabs on your lovely city somehow. It was quite a surprise to read that the same mutt who attacked me and Blaise had been allowed to roam free to attack, and this time kill. When I realized it was Theo and his wife, I called the boys together to discuss coming back here to show our support. So here we are. We've already sent floral arrangements to the funeral home. Is there anything Theo needs?"

Draco explained that everything was in order and Theo didn't need anything except a show of support. Draco also explained a bit about how he and Blaise had called in a specialist when St Mungo's couldn't heal Theo.

"I'm not trying to be rude about your famous hospital, but it could do with a bit of updating in certain areas. I felt lucky to have gotten out of there with my life."

Draco hadn't been a team player for most of his life, but St Mungo's was an important Wizarding institution which he wasn't going to hear disparaged. Frowning at Wil, Draco immediately chastised him for speaking against the hospital warning him to watch his tongue.

"Alright. Alright boys that's enough," ordered Desmond stepping between Draco and Wil. "You can put those dicks away now. We should be getting on our way if we're going to stop in to see Theo before tomorrow. I hope you don't mind us tramping through your new home."

Draco answered with a cheeky response directed at Wil. "No problem. Everyone except Wil is invited to come through. He'll have to send his greetings from the door."

"Ah! Mr. Malfoy has reverted to kind. Still huffy over what I said about St Mungo's. I'll apologize because if history is any measure, you'll be pissed off all night if I don't. I apologize."

Widening his arms along with a slight bow of the head, Draco became expansive. "That's more like it Baker." Then widening his arms even more, Draco offered a little taunt. "I'm fine with it, but when we get to the house. Don't say anything like that in front of Hermione. She's not as forgiving as myself."

Both Clarke and Desmond glanced at each other before breaking into wide grins.

"So. We'll be seeing the lovely Miss Granger again," chuckled Clarke. "Perhaps Wil can ask her out. And this time, perhaps she'll show up."

"You're hilarious Clarke," answered a cranky Wil. "Let's just get going."

/*/

Once outside, Draco gave the three men directions to the house before Apparating away. Even if it was only seconds, Draco wanted to get there to give Hermione some warning they would have company. However, when Draco walked through. The only person in the house was Theo. "Hermione not here then?" asked Draco even though he'd already walked through the house.

"Haven't seen her since she left out with you. Lost her have you?" Theo then turned towards the Apparition area hearing someone coming through. "That's probably her now. Shall I give you two some privacy?"

"That isn't Hermione." Draco replied. "Some friends have stopped by to see you."

Theo stood wondering who, other than Blaise, Ginny or Hermione would be visiting. If it had been any of them, Draco would have called them by name. Theo didn't have to wonder long as Wil, Clarke and Desmond appeared in the doorway. He walked over to shake hands with each wizard easily quipping, "Please don't hug me."

Clarke and Desmond laughed out loud while Wil responded to Theo's blatant display of cheek. "You're not my type mate. You'll have to settle for the handshake."

Draco's mind was on Hermione wondering where she could be. It was Theo who invited the three Swiss lads to have a drink while Draco remained standing quietly in the background.

Wil, Clarke and Desmond offered their condolences and asked Theo if there was anything they could do for him.

"I'm fine." He replied. "Taking the time to come to London is more than I would ask. Are you staying at the Manor?"

Shaking his head, Wil then shared the trials and tribulations of his week long quest to contact Draco Malfoy.

Draco, who had finally sat down with the others, shrugged. "I was busy."

The men continued to talk for the next hour while internally Draco fretted over whether he had locked Hermione's door behind himself. He thought he had, but maybe he hadn't. Maybe Boot had shown up after him. When his Swiss mates stood to leave, Draco and Theo stood as well. After handshakes all around, Wil, Clarke and Desmond left for the hotel assuring Theo they would see him at the service.

As soon as the lads were out the door, Theo asked Draco what was bothering him receiving a noncommittal reply as Draco headed for the Apparition area. "I'm not sure…."

Theo spoke out loud to the empty room. "I'm not sure I'll make it through tomorrow. What are you not sure of?"

/*/

Draco breathed a sigh of relief as he turned the knob of Hermione's door. It was locked. Apparating to the other side of the door, Draco walked straight through to the bedroom to find Hermione deeply asleep with his note in her hand.

The little minx had fallen back to sleep. Backing quietly out of the room, Draco Apparated directly home.

Theo was not in the living room or the kitchen, so Draco went straight to his bedroom where he was undressed and in bed within five minutes.

/*/

Sunday morning dawned chilly and overcast which didn't help anyone's mood. A little sun would have been welcome for such a solemn day.

Draco and Theo were up and dressed when Hermione arrived at 7:45, Parvati at 8:00 and Ginny and Blaise at 8:30. The three witches attended to a few small things before taking seats in the living room.

Elder and Missy had come and gone. The kitchen was completely set up as was the dining room. There would be plenty for those who visited after the funeral.

Sweating profusely, Theo was already a wreck and couldn't sit still. He paced back and forth right up until time to leave for Bellows & Howe.

/*/

When Theo and the others arrived at 9:15, a queue of people waiting to give their condolences had already formed at the funeral home door. The funeral director directed Theo and Parvati to the front where they took their turn viewing Padma then stood aside to greet the mourners. Theo stumbled as he walked away from the casket, but was caught by Blaise and Draco who had placed themselves between the in-laws in case they were needed.

From there, the line moved along quickly, but was held up for a bit as an older, disabled witch came through in a portable chair. She had shakily stood to view Padma and greet Theo who seemed to cringe as the witch whispered something in his ear. The witch let out a sigh as she sat back down in her chair and moved ahead looking neither left or right. It was the only time during the greetings Theo had shown emotion. To Draco, the emotion seemed more of anger than grief. He made a mental note to inquire about the witch at a later date.

There was a lovely turnout. The space at Bellows & Howe was standing room only. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Anthony Goldstein, Percy Weasley and other minor Ministry Heads were the last to file through. Kingsley had spent a bit longer than most speaking to Theo. It was clear both wizards were using every bit of strength to remain in control. As the last of the visitors came through, Draco and Blaise took their seats while Parvati and Theo went to the podium.

Parvati spoke eloquently about her sister in a tear choked voice. By the end, Theo was holding her up, but handed her to Blaise who had stepped up to guide Parvati to a seat, so Theo could speak.

Theo was eloquent as well. He spoke about falling in love with Padma and dating quietly because the world wasn't ready for a Slytherin-Ravenclaw romance; he went on to explain how one day he and Padma had just thrown caution to the wind to come out as a couple making mention that except for a few hateful people. It had been fine. Choking up, he gestured in Kingsley's direction revealing how The Minister had been firmly in his and Padma's corner supporting them in every way. Taking a long, deep breath, Theo thanked Kingsley personally. Then he went on to say a lot more beautiful things about his wife before ending with a thanks to everyone who had come from near and far to support him on the worst day of his life.

Parvati grabbed Theo's hand when he sat down and they held each other for the remainder of the service.

Theo went to take a last look at Padma before they closed the casket for all time and was suddenly surrounded by a host of people wishing him well.

The portion of the service at the burial vault was short as Theo laid his wife to rest. When it was time to leave, Ginny and Hermione each had kissed Theo on the cheek before heading to the house to greet guests.

Draco, Parvati, and Blaise who had remained behind left shortly after Ginny and Hermione when Theo made a poignant statement. "I'll be to the house shortly. Right now, I'd like to be alone with Padma. There are still a few things I want to say to my wife in private."

The three silently acknowledged Theo's request by walking away….

…..leaving him to talk and grieve in peace.