Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 24
Hermione spent the rest of the day going over cases which would be presented that week. She chuckled to herself when she met Blaise coming down the hall.
"Mr. Zabini. Shall I guess what brings you to my neck of the woods?"
"You may guess if you wish. However, I think you already know. I'm a man of my word, so I'm here to tell you I've found my man."
Hermione gestured Blaise to a seat. "Have you now?" She asked. "I saw you scrutinizing my staff yesterday. Even if you have selected the correct wizard, I will not acknowledge whether it is right or wrong."
"No matter." Blaise answered nonchalantly as he handed over the information relating to the LeClair case. "I believe the culprit is the ever arrogant Terry Boot, but no need to worry. I have no intention of taking this any farther. I just wanted you to know I keep my word. I will add one small caveat. If he fucks up again, I'll be ready for him and he won't like it. Thank you for your time. I need to get back."
Hermione sat there idle for several minutes fingering the case packets and thinking about the conversation with Blaise. Terry was grown. She wasn't going to go running to ask him to behave himself. All she could do was hope he wasn't foolish enough to cross Blaise again. Because Blaise was very serious about what would happen if there was a next time.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 25
Earlier in the day, Blaise had set aside time to review the applications on file. With Craig Dunn a memory, he needed to fill the empty slot on T4. He had been going back and forth over Tracey Davis who, in his estimation, was the best candidate, but was unable to make a concrete decision. Tracey was who he wanted, but hiring her might cause some dissention between him and Draco and Draco and Hermione.
No matter. He was Head of a fairly large Ministry department. He couldn't let some long ago blow job stand in the way of him hiring the best person for the position. He'd discuss it with Draco, but his decision was made. If Tracey was still interested in OTS, she would be his new hire. He and Draco would be stopping by Theo's later that day, so he would discuss his decision with Draco then. Draco was his mate and Hermione was his friend, but this was about business. He would do what he had to do. It was a complete no-brainer.
/*/
Nearing the end of the day, Hermione received an intra-Ministry message from Draco reminding her that he and Blaise would be stopping by Theo's house and he would see her later.
Hermione thought Draco going to visit Theo was a good thing. She was going to use the free time to sort through catalogs after a quick visit to the library. She needed the catalogs in order to search for furnishings for Draco's house and the Ministry Library of History and Genealogy located on Atrium level to make use of the genealogy area.
Only the most astute students and researchers were aware the room existed or cared what was stored there. Hermione knew because she had been an integral part of Kingsley's team to, as he explained it, put Wizarding histories into perspective.
The main room was named The Room of Modern Wizarding History and covered historical events, big and small, of the previous twenty years continuing through the present.
The smaller, less utilized room was called The Room of Modern Wizarding Genealogy and contained a great deal of information which included listings of the lineage of most magical people in Britain, Ireland and Wales.
Any citizen, Ministry employee or lessee was allowed to utilize the areas during normal Ministry hours with one day advance notice and presentation of their wand. As part of the original team, Hermione was allowed immediate entrance any time she appeared.
Thanks to all the information collected by Umbridge, Thicknesse and others of the Muggle-Born Registration Commission during their reign of terror at the Ministry. There had been more than enough information to fill most of the shelves. Hundreds of terrified families had their history documented after being accused of having stolen their magic. The Purebloods had willingly allowed their lineage to be documented as proof of their high standing within the Wizarding World. Halfbloods on the side of Voldemort had been quietly documented as families in good standing.
It was a little known fact, but Purebloods had discreetly kept tabs on each other as well. Never thinking they would lose the war and all their snippets and secrets would fall into the hands of the Ministry.
After the war, Kingsley had all the documentation collected and stored in a room off the Atrium until finally declaring the information, within reason, be made available to the citizens, students and professors who were interested.
Hermione took the lift down to the Atrium having decided to make DHG her first stop. She ignored the sharp look as well as the sharp tone she received from the wizard in charge due to the lateness of the hour.
"You have fifteen minutes before we close Miss Granger."
"I realize that Chester," answered Hermione tersely. "So why not hold off on using that tone for the next fifteen minutes. I will be quick."
Chester turned away without another word, but had set a large book down on the desk with a resounding snap.
Hermione grinned to herself as she surveyed the shelves. Old coot. If memory served her right, what she was looking for was in the very back. Seconds later, she had the information in her hands including some which had been marked, not for public dissemination. None of the material was allowed out of DHG, but Hermione got what she needed by using a special replicating spell she and Terry had worked out to duplicate the pages. She had copied twelve pages of information and notes, and was on her way out well within the allotted fifteen minutes.
"Thank you Chester. You might do well to remember you are required to be here from 10:00-7:00. An acid tone does nothing to change the hours of this department. Have a good night."
"Cheeky solicitors," Chester mumbled rolling his eyes as the door closed behind Hermione.
/*/
Hermione had what she needed to look up not only the Nott lineage, but others as well. From the time Draco mentioned incest, a bastard child and Lucius footing Esther Nott's bills, her radar had gone up and she wanted to know more. She didn't plan to mention any of it to Draco. Unless she came across something which could hurt him personally.
With the information tucked safely away, Hermione headed to Wilkerson's Home Management Shop, staple of the illustrious Malfoy Family, to pick up a few catalogs. It's a good thing times have changed, she thought. Otherwise, this Muggleborn would not be stepping foot into a Pureblood stronghold such as Wilkerson's. She collected three catalogs after being assured that delivery and set up could be arranged through the shop's Owl Delivery Services.
No matter how times had changed. Hermione knew Draco must have Owled ahead for them to expect her. Their solicitousness was almost overbearing.
With everything she needed in hand, Hermione decided to do her lineage study at her flat. She wasn't hiding anything from Draco. She was a solicitor who knew to never share something that might turn out wonky without having a grasp on it herself. Later on, she would browse the catalogs at Draco's house so they could eyeball furniture needs and placement together.
Settling in with a lettuce, cucumber, onion and tomato salad and two bottles of water, Hermione pulled the duplicated pages from her bag and began to look for anything wonky.
/*/
Draco was only seconds behind Blaise. Theo was expecting them, but Blaise took a minute to pull Draco aside.
"I've made a decision on my next hire mate and want to let you know beforehand. I plan to interview Tracey again. I think she will be a decent fit. I realize you and she have a bit of history, so I wanted you to know."
Blaise's choice aggravated Draco. He was just getting everything right with Hermione, but knew his feelings toward Tracey would not deter Blaise from hiring the best candidate for the position.
"No problem. I'm a professional. I'll work with Tracey as I would any other agent."
"And Hermione?" Asked Blaise.
"Hermione knows exactly where my heart and dick lie. It won't be a problem." Draco replied knowing this could put a kink in his relationship with Hermione. "Hermione trusts me."
"Fantastic." Blaise replied a little skeptically with his fist poised to knock on the door. "I wouldn't want Granger after my arse."
Draco laughed. "No worries. The only arse Hermione is after is mine."
/*/
Theo opened the door after the first knock welcoming his friends into the house. "Chuffed you stopped by boys, but I'm fine. No need to worry about me. Cely and I have been working industriously to clear up while keeping Padma foremost in our thoughts. I love this house, but with Padma gone. It feels like any other place. I've made some decisions. I plan to let Parvati take what she wants. Then I will wrap up everything else and donate it to magical people who are less fortunate. Once the house is clear, I will put it up for sale. However, I will only sell to someone I deem appropriate. With all that said, I don't mean to keep you standing in the entryway. Please come on through."
The three men sat down to talk. Blaise and Draco complimented Theo on what he had planned for the future. The surprise came when Theo mentioned he planned to get away for a bit. "Don't act so surprised boys." Theo responded good naturedly. "If I stay here, even if I sell the house. I'll come by everyday expecting Padma to be in the front yard fussing about her flowers. I want to get away. Let's just see how it goes."
Nodding like two bobbleheads, Draco and Blaise acquiesced knowing it would be futile to try to change Theo's mind.
"Whatever you need mate. I'm here to help." Draco replied.
"The same goes for me as well." Blaise answered honestly. "Just don't jump too fast."
"Right in one." Draco added. "If you don't want to stay here, you are always welcome to take your room back at my place."
Theo smiled at his two best mates. "Thanks for all your support. I am going to take a few days to sort myself. I'll let you both know what I decide. Let's have a drink to my lovely wife and her smooth transition into the next life. By the way Draco. You may tell Hermione that Cely is aware of my situation and has designated herself chief chef. I am in good hands. I intend to have her remain here when I sell the house, but I will have a talk with her before the new owner takes over. Separation will be good for the both of us. Except for Draco." He said with a nod in Draco's direction. "A single wizard doesn't really need a house elf. Hopefully the family who purchases the house will have children or be planning to have children."
Draco finished the last of his drink before responding to Theo's barb with a wide smile and a two finger salute. "Fuck you Theo. My house elves came with the Manor."
Blaise slapped Theo on the back. "Please Theo. Do not get Draco started on entitlement or we'll be here all night. I'm going home. Take it easy. I'll see you soon. I'll see you in the morning Draco. Give me some feedback on what I told you. Later boys."
Draco remained behind to chat with Theo for a little bit. Around 8:30, he said goodnight and headed home.
After his mates left, Theo called Cely to his den for company, and even though she was only a house elf. They sat in companionable silence until Theo left to go to bed.
/*/
Brendan sat in a chair on his back porch holding Kingsley's response in his hand wondering if this had been the way to go. He had a lot to think about after receiving such a positive answer from Kingsley. It was all happening so fast. He thought Kingsley would need weeks of meetings and denials before deciding on an answer. However, from the looks of things. Kingsley was willing to welcome him back without any reservations. Which was a good thing. Draco had mentioned in passing how strongly Kingsley had supported him on his return to London. The ability to forgive and move forward was the mark of a good man. If the rest of London was as forgiving, Brendan felt there would be few problems with his reentry
At the present time, he was happy, or as happy as a reformed Death Eater could be. He was respected in his field. He had access to the best and most current information. In addition, he had Jean to hold him down and lift him up as well.
Now that he had an invitation to return to London. Brendan was wavering. Was this what he really wanted? He sat there for several hours trying to balance one segment of his life against another. When he finally got up to retire for the night, he'd made his decision. Come hell or high water. He was going back to London as Severus Snape and a welcome citizen as well. His plan was to write Kingsley to expect him in a week.
After that, he would explain it all to Jean. One bit at a time.
After his shower, while lying awake in his bed. Brendan turned his attention back to Jean. Was this the point in time where he accepted her affections and asked her to come to Britain with him? After much thought, Brendan decided it wasn't. It wasn't because he felt there was something or someone better in London. It was because he could offer Jean his knowledge and his dick, but not much else.
There was another decision Brendan made while lying there. He would not sell off his home. Even if everything went to plan with his return to Britain, having a home to return to was a smart back up plan.
/*/
Draco was surprised to find the house empty when he returned home. Somehow he expected Hermione to be there in the study reviewing her case work. Maybe she just wanted some time alone. Draco could relate. Even though they were dating, it was important he and Hermione have some personal time away from each other. He had a few things he wanted to review, so this would be as good a time as any. Sitting in the chair in his study, Draco felt his lower half grow warm. Even as he tried to concentrate on what was in front of him. It was as though he could feel remnants of Hermione's arse in the chair. After a few more minutes of warm arse, Draco jumped up from the chair.
"This is bull shite. She's my witch and I want her here, or I'm going there." Rummaging through his drawers, Draco pulled out a long sleeved tee then pulled a pair of jeans from the closet mumbling that he wanted to see his witch.
/*/
Hermione immersed herself in the information she had gathered at DHG and couldn't pull herself away. Talk about filthy wankers. She absolutely loved Theo Nott, but the bloodline he came from was gross. Maybe the word wasn't gross. Perhaps it was more like disgusting. Purebloods obviously had no problem taking a relative as a sexual partner. A lot of what Hermione was reading made her want to gag. Personal notes written by the devious traitor Pettigrew implied Nott senior had shagged anything with an entryway. Hermione wasn't sure animals had been safe around Nott. The power mad Lucius had been almost as bad. A lot more discreet, but almost as bad.
An interesting piece of information inscribed in the side margins was Nott senior's run in with Severus Snape. Reading between the lines, Hermione gathered that Nott had tried to seduce Narcissa at a point in time when Lucius had been under Voldemort's thumb.
Certain facts made it seem as though Narcissa had been attacked, but the side notes and smudged out entries made it all but impossible for Hermione to determine what was true and what was false. Certain entries made it seem Lucius had retaliated by shagging Esther. It was all fucked up. What was clear. There really was an Esther Nott who had become pregnant and had a child. The most Hermione could discern was Esther did not have a wizard, fiancé or significant other when she turned up pregnant. Hermione had to draw her own conclusions on some things.
Theo had revealed that Nott Sr. had crippled his own sister. He had to have crippled Esther after the baby was born, or the child would have been born deformed or something. A quick thought crossed Hermione's mind. Perhaps Esther wasn't as despicable as it might seem. Perhaps, being cripple, Esther had no control over what was done with the child as she had no control over being used as a sexual partner to her brother. Three seconds later, Hermione was chastising herself for being foolish. Neither Esther nor Nott Sr. would want a child of incest hanging about to have his parentage questioned. It was probably a good thing the child had been sent to Ireland.
Hermione knew there were things that went on in the Wizarding World which were different from the Muggle world, but this was ridiculous. Keep the bloodlines at all costs. Even if it meant seducing your kin. Bloody disgusting.
Another wayward thought crept across Hermione's mind unbidden. Maybe there's a reason Lucius is helping Esther. Hermione sat straight up. No way. No way in hell this has anything to do with Lucius Malfoy. The child's father is Nott Sr.
Even though she persuaded herself that Lucius wouldn't … Wouldn't what? Back in those days. There was no telling what Voldemort's boys and girls would or would not do.
Trembling inside, Hermione threw the papers across the room where they landed in a haphazard heap. "This is not finished. This is not over." She kept repeating to herself. However, an hour later when Draco came walking into the living room. All the hateful shite she was determined to follow up evaporated from her mind when she looked into his eyes. For him, she would not let her innate curiosity get the better of her. She would let the sleeping dogs lie.
/*/
"Hello love." Draco said bending over to kiss the top of Hermione's head. "I thought you would be happily ensconced in the study ordering a long list of furnishings that would break the account of a working wizard."
Hermione reached backwards and pulled Draco down so she could reach his lips. "Don't give me any ideas. You do remember it is on account of you I need to replace the couch and my bedding as even subsequent refresh spells haven't completely removed the odor of your sex."
"My sex?" He asked sniffing the couch. "First of all. That would be our sex. Secondly. You are imagining things. Everything smells fine." Holding out his hand to beckon Hermione, Draco slyly replied. "Come to the bedroom with me. I'll show you everything smells lovely."
"I'm not following you to the bedroom." She smirked brushing his hand away. "We need to go over these catalogs to put together an order. By the way. The staff at Wilkerson's nearly bent over backwards to assist me. I assume you advised them of my impending visit."
"I did, but don't read anything into that. I wanted to be sure you got the best service possible. You know. Malfoy service." Then he sat there with a wide grin waiting for Hermione's retort. However, if there was a retort. She kept it under her breath so he couldn't hear.
Going room by room, they had a complete list of what was needed in a short period of time. It hadn't taken much longer to get the order written up, signed and sent. The confirmation would obviously be sent to Draco sometime the following day.
/*/
With the ordering out of the way, Draco decided now was the time to tell Hermione about Tracey Davis. "Listen love. As you know, Craig Dunn was let go."
Hermione nodded in the affirmative not sure where Draco was going with this.
"Long story short. Blaise has decided Tracey Davis is the best candidate to replace Dunn. If Tracey accepts the position, she will be on Harry's Team 4. I want you to hear this from me instead of someone else."
Hermione didn't know how to feel, or if she should feel any way at all. What Tracey and Draco had done together was in the past. As far as she knew, they hadn't done anything else or been together since. Still, a small chill ran through Hermione before she was able to form an answer.
During the seconds it took for Hermione to respond, Draco became wary that her mind was going to dark places. However, Hermione looked him full in the face before responding in a metered yet measured tone. "Are you telling me this because you want me informed, or because you think there will be problems between you?"
No, no, no thought Draco. We are not going backwards. "I'm telling you because I want you to know. Why do you think I mentioned it?" A little frustration apparent in his voice.
"Haha. Got you didn't I? When I pause or hesitate before speaking, there's nothing sinister going on. I'm simply allowing myself time to reply in a manner conducive to a pleasant conversation."
Draco smiled as he took Hermione's hand and squeezed.
"I can't say I'm happy about you working closely with Tracey, but as long as she respects our relationship. We'll be fine. The past is the past as long as we keep it there. Thank you for telling me." She finished leaning up to kiss Draco. Then Hermione had to sit back in surprise as she watched him go into some kind of act.
Holding his stomach, Draco gazed at Hermione with what was supposed to pass for a pitiful look. "I haven't eaten since breakfast. Would you please feed me?"
Without a word to Draco, Hermione summoned her wand and waved it once. Draco heard something move in the kitchen. Hermione then moved the wand in a zigzag, up and down motion. More noises from the kitchen.
"I'm still hungry. What was all that?"
"Oh! You meant for me to serve you as well? Let me see. There is a very nice half lamb roast with vegetables sitting on the counter. Do you think you can manage to fix your own plate, or are you too hungry to move?"
Jumping up, Draco grinned at Hermione as he headed towards the luscious smell emanating from the kitchen. "You little house elf. That was a nice bit of magic. This hungry wizard thanks you from the bottom of his heart. Come have some dinner with me."
Hermione joined Draco at the table where they enjoyed a lovely lamb meal while discussing the happenings of the day.
/*/
Cely the house elf moved listlessly through the house tidying up things that were already tidy. She had lost her mistress and from what Mr. Theo had divulged. She would be losing him too. Cely had been born into the old Nott family, but her time with lovely Mistress Padma and Theo had been the happiest in her life. Mistress Padma had treated her like she was her child. Cely had never been beat or berated by her mistress. Although Mr. Theo had a great temper, he was very seldom cross with her because the mistress would give him a telling off which was usually enough to make him calm down.
Temper or not, Cely would rather stay with Theo than be left behind when he moved on.
House elves were strong, powerfully magic beings, but at that moment, knowing she was destined to be left to strangers at a time when should have been preparing a nursery. Cely let a few stray tears fall as she moved through the house tidying the already tidy.
She had no use for strangers.
/*/
Blaise was deeply immersed in paperwork when Ginny arrived home. "Sorry I'm so late love. I stopped by the Burrow to see my parents. How is Theo?"
"Hello sweet." Blaise replied dropping his pen down on the desk. "Theo is fine. He's thinking about leaving London for a bit. I don't think he will, but that's his mindset at the moment. How was your visit with the parents? Still fretting because you're dating a Pureblood?"
Ginny reached out to give Blaise a sharp pinch. "Watch it wanker. My parents are not biased towards purebloods. They aren't biased towards anyone."
"Ow," groaned Blaise pulling his arm away grabbing Ginny by the waist. "You're very lucky I care about you Miss Weasley. Otherwise, I'd have that lovely arse over my knee giving you the spanking Arthur never did."
"For your information, I was a model child. I didn't need spankings."
Blaise laughed so hard it took him a minute to reply. "Please. I heard even your brothers were afraid of you, so don't go rewriting history now. And that little thing with Harry."
Blaise immediately felt Ginny tense up. He had crossed a line. No one was supposed to talk about her failed relationship with Harry, including him. Especially him. "Sorry Gin. That's none of my business."
Ginny sighed. Before she began dating Blaise, talking about her relationship with Harry had been painful in the sense she and her strong personality had tried to run rough house over Harry and lost. Being with Blaise had allowed her to relegate that embarrassing portion of her life to a very small place in the back of her mind, not to be pulled out and studied on a daily basis. "I'm over that Blaise." She replied softly. "There's no need to tiptoe around me. I am in a good place with you."
Blaise was actually pleased with Ginny's answer. He cared a lot about her and didn't want to be coming up second to Harry. No wizard wanted that. "I'm glad to hear that. Shall we talk about something else?'
"Yes let's. My mum has invited us to dinner on Sunday. I guess the family wants to give you the look over." Ginny replied cheekily. "I believe they want to see if you measure up."
"Measure up my arse," huffed Blaise. "Your mother and father know me. Besides, I'm dating their daughter. The acceptance is automatic."
Winking saucily, Ginny replied with a smirk. "Tell that to my brothers love. I'm off to take a shower."
"Not without me you're not." Blaise mumbled jumping up to follow Ginny to the shower. "I'll give you something to tell your brothers. Prepare yourself."
Ginny let out a loud giggle as she stepped out of her jeans and called out to Blaise. "Come on then. You cheeky bugger. We'll see who gives whom what."
/**/
On Tuesday, after a short discussion with Draco, Blaise spent the rest of the day either behind closed doors or out at meetings.
Draco, Donald and Brian left the office early in the morning and spent most of the day in Wellingborough sifting through evidence relating to a case of family mayhem in which the ex-husband broke in to confront the new husband. And it had been a confrontation which ended with the wife and the new husband being cursed. The ex-husband Apparated away, but had been caught by MLE Agents who had followed his Apparition trail to the Hogs Head Inn where the drunken, blubbering sot had his wand confiscated and was taken into custody without fanfare.
Looking around, Draco thought to himself how magical people were beginning to act like Muggles. Instead of sorting things out, they were resorting to violence.
The place was a bloody mess. Draco surveyed the property making copious notes on what he saw while Brian and Donald collected the evidence. Even though it was clear what had happened. All evidence still had to be collected, logged, categorized and presented to Blaise before being turned over to prosecutors.
The three wizards stopped to have a late lunch before returning to the Ministry. Because any discussion of their case was forbidden. The colleagues discussed things going on within the Ministry touching upon who had transferred in, who had transferred out, and the Minister's upcoming programs. Draco contributed his part to the discussion, but went silent and remained silent when Donald and Brian began to gossip. Until Donald mentioned having seen Betty Goyle being led into the courtrooms.
Draco's ears perked up and he listened closely to Donald explain that Betty's solicitor was trying to get her released from prison alluding to the fact her brother was dead and no longer posed a problem.
Draco raged inside as he listened to Donald express his opinion of where he thought the Chief Warlock should send Betty.
"I can agree with you on that." Draco offered shoving his plate away. "Had the addle brained witch reported Goyle, Padma Nott would still be alive. It's a good thing I changed careers because I would have petitioned to be the prosecutor on her case, and I wouldn't have rested until I had her put away for life. Padma Nott doesn't get to have a life, so why should Betty Goyle?"
Donald stopped talking and glanced at Brian. They had heard Draco was a former prosecutor, but this was the first time their Team Head had mentioned his former career.
Throwing some Galleons on the table, Draco told Brian and Donald he would see them back at OTS before stalking away.
"Have I fucked up yet again?" Brian asked Donald. "This has not been one of my better days."
"Of course you haven't. Draco is mates with Theo and was a friend to Theo's wife. I don't think Betty Goyle being alive will ever sit well with him. I'm sure Blaise feels the same way." Gesturing towards his kit, Donald suggested they get everything back to OTS.
The men paid the check leaving Draco's Galleons on the table for the server.
Once back in the office, Draco, Brian and Donald worked silently and efficiently. By 6:00 pm, each man had completed his portion of the case. Wands and the bits of physical evidence had been checked, logged and sealed as well. Draco wrote up his overall report which would be attached to the top of the box for Blaise's review.
As he attached his report, Draco was thankful he had the team he had realizing how easy it would have been to be put on a team with the likes of Craig Dunn. The name automatically brought to mind Dunn's probable replacement. He and Blaise had discussed it again that morning. Placing Tracey Davis on Team 4 had no bearing on him. She would be just another agent.
/*/
With everything boxed up, Draco went back to his office where there was a days worth of mail piled on his desk. Which in turn brought to mind the mail lying untouched on his father's desk. Realizing he had a duty to look over his father's affairs, Draco hurried to begin sorting through the pile on his desk.
He had barely started when Donald and Brian stopped by to say goodnight. "Goodnight then mates. I'll see you in the morning."
Then he had gone back to sorting. "Not important. Not important." Draco mumbled as he sorted. "MLE. I'll have a look at that. A private and personal from Kingsley. I'll have a look at that." Something from someone named Rebecca Farmer. Draco knew the name, but couldn't place it. Curiosity got to him and he put the Rebecca Farmer envelope in his review pile. The last piece on the bottom was the confirmation from Wilkerson's. That one puzzled Draco for a second as he wondered why the shop had sent the confirmation to OTS rather than his home. His next thought had been that Hermione may have directed the shop to send the confirmation to the place he was most likely to be during the day.
"That sounds reasonable," said Draco mumbling to himself once again.
Draco checked his watch to find it was already 6:50. Time was passing quickly, so he pulled the remaining envelopes he had set aside for review in front of him.
Kingsley requested Draco appear at his office Wednesday 1:00 pm for a working lunch. That was it. Appear for a working lunch. Draco shrugged. There wasn't any thought needed about this. He'd been summoned.
The message from Head of MLE was just a bit of bantering about the numerous witches who found Draco…. appealing. Draco smiled as he threw the message aside. What numerous witches thought about him didn't excite him in the least, but he did think it was nice to be noticed.
/*/
The last envelope marked Rebecca Farmer held the biggest surprise. As soon as Draco read the first several sentences. He remembered exactly who she was. Rebecca Farmer, best friend to Betty Goyle was contacting him in the hope he would support Betty's petition for early release from Ministry custody. The letter explained how Betty thought as a former Slytherin he could support her in trying to resolve something that hadn't been her fault.
The letter went on to explain how Betty had tried to get help for Greg, but there was none available.
Bloody liar.
Through Rebecca, Betty even tried to play on Draco's sympathies reminding him he should have been there for Greg who was once his best friend.
Harry's words came to mind. Betty Goyle has nothing good to say to me. I've had to detain her brother on several occasions. It was unfortunate Harry hadn't found anything substantial enough to keep Goyle off the streets.
Draco gazed at the letter in amazement before crinkling it up in a ball and throwing it across the room. He had then begun cursing loudly at the air while slamming things around.
The audacity of both these witches he thought. Why would any rational person think he would help the sister of a lunatic? Especially at this point in time when her brother's victim had just been buried. Betty had lived with the bloody murderer. She had to have realized his behavior was escalating. Yet she had done nothing when a discreet Owl to MLE or the Aurors would have alerted them to the situation and the mayhem which followed might have been prevented.
Still cursing and banging things around, Draco shouldn't have been surprised to find Blaise at his door, but he was.
"What the hell is going on in here?" Asked Blaise shutting the door behind him. "You're not the only one left in the office Draco. If something has you that upset, you might want to take the issue to Malfoy Manor or your house. Anywhere but here."
Draco was too aggravated to offer any apology, or even form a coherent sentence. Instead, he walked over to retrieve the crinkled ball of paper and handed it to Blaise. "Read it."
Blaise read the letter then glanced over at Draco. "This must be some kind of ill advised prank? This witch has to be out of her mind. It can't be real."
"It's real enough." Draco remarked sourly while pounding his fist on the desk. "I don't often call witches out of their name, but these two despicable twats deserve each other. I can't even fathom how this Rebecca hag is out of Ministry custody when it was she who first invited Goyle to come around normal people knowing his state. You and Wil could have met the same fate as Padma. And the other one. She dares ask me to support her. What I will do is put a word in Hermione's ear. She has all the right connections to keep this piece of shite incarcerated until the day Padma comes back to life. I did my part. In fact, I did too much. I was the one who suggested we help Goyle. And we all know where that ended." Draco shouted so forcefully that a line of spittle shot out of his mouth. "Fuck both those bloody slags."
Blaise understood how Draco felt. After all, it had been he and Wil who had first fallen to Goyle's wand. "The simple answer is you don't help. Don't even respond to this piece of rubbish. Personally, I like the idea of letting Hermione look into it. Knowing your witch, I believe she can fix it so Rebecca and Betty both get their just rewards. Now. If you have finished your rant, I suggest you lock up and head out." Opening the door, Blaise turned back to chastise his mate. "The next time you want to have a shout down with your office walls. Close your door. Nice work on the case today. Goodnight."
A clearly still aggravated Draco mumbled goodnight, locked up his desk then strode to the lifts where he began punching buttons like some nutter.
/*/
At the same time an aggrieved Draco was stepping out of the floo at Malfoy Manor. A chuffed Tracey Davis was sitting at the bar in the Leaky Cauldron revealing to Hannah how she might have scored a position in OTS.
"That calls for a celebratory drink on the house Miss Davis. What will it be?"
"If the house is buying, I'll have a champagne sampler."
Hannah nodded at Tracey then winked at Harry who had just come through the door. After pouring white wine into a glass of champagne, Hannah held out the glass to Tracey. "Here you are Tracey. Congratulations."
"Thanks Hannah." Tracey said raising her glass. "I won't know for sure until Wednesday or Thursday, but thanks. Cheers. Nice to see you Harry."
Harry nodded at Tracey. "Davis. How are things in Magical Cooperation?"
"Things are fine Harry. But starting next week, you might have to ask someone else. Excuse me. I see Della and Terry."
"Well that was cryptic." Harry said following Tracey with his eyes.
Hannah continued wiping the bar top. It wasn't her place to reveal Tracey's business. Harry had recently been hired for OTS. He'd find out Tracey's news soon enough.
/*/
At Malfoy Manor, Draco had just finished clearing up his father's correspondence and was on his way home to wrap his arms around his witch. He needed to feel her warmth.