Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 26

Hermione love would have to wait. When Draco landed at home, Hermione was in the middle of directing the delivery service on where to put the furniture and other accessories.

Draco gave her a wink and a kiss on the nose. "Beat me to it then. Have you? I thought we would do this together."

Hermione gave him a cheeky wink back. "Well. When my wizard tells me he needs me, I make myself available. They are almost done. I hope you approve of my decisions."

Looking around, Draco nodded. "I approve of almost everything you do…. except stay away from me. You started, so you finish. I'll have a shower then we can have a relaxing dinner before…" Draco lowered his voice. "Before I ravage you. I'll teach you to stay away from me for days at a time."

"Days at a time? I saw you on Monday. You tale telling git. A girl needs a bit of time on her own you know. Go have your shower. We'll talk after. Excuse me! Excuse me" Hermione called out to a delivery wizard. "That goes in the room at the far end of the hall."

Draco walked away smiling. No need for him to worry. His no nonsense witch would get it sorted. All he had to do was shower and come away smelling so good she would be eager to sort him.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 27

Draco's idea of Hermione jumping his bones and getting him sorted had to wait for a bit. She was intent on getting everything just right. So, as he stood there in the least amount of clothes possible and still be dressed. Draco found himself answering questions about the placement of beds, dressers and lamps. When Hermione finally saw him, she shrieked at him. "Draco Malfoy. Go put on some clothes. There are still two delivery wizards in the house."

A voice from the back room called out to Hermione. "Did you say something miss? This is our last trip. We'll be out of your way in two shakes."

"No. Sorry." Hermione called back. "I was speaking to someone else." In a lower voice she mumbled. "I was speaking to the scantily clad owner of the house."

Draco hadn't realized there was anyone else in the house until Hermione screeched at him. Making a quick exit, he headed back to the bedroom where he put on a shirt and jeans before returning to the main area.

"Sorry love." Draco chuckled as he gave Hermione a quick kiss on the lips. "That wasn't very nice of me. I wouldn't want those wizards to get jealous of my overly large man parts. Those are for you alone."

Hermione grinned, but didn't have a chance to reply as the two delivery wizards came through looking to get a signature on the delivery invoice.

"I'll need your signature Mr. Malfoy." He said giving Hermione a cheeky, long look up and down. "Just a formality."

Draco went rogue. "I won't be signing a fucking thing. Not only that. I'll be advising Wilkerson's that you are a piece of shite who dares to insult my witch with your demeaning looks. Get out of my house. Now."

The second delivery wizard who did not want to be tainted with the same brush, mumbled something about seeing his partner back at Wilkerson's, and hurriedly left through the back.

The delivery wizard who had been caught ogling Hermione offered an apology while assuring Draco he hadn't meant anything disrespectful.

"I'm an idiot then?" Draco shouted. "I cannot recognize when some tosser is trying to make advances on a witch in my home. Get the fuck out of here. Get used to not having a job. One last thing. If you ever see Hermione again, look away, or I will make you look away."

The wizard made a very hasty retreat checking back over his shoulder as if checking to make sure Draco wasn't going to hex him.

Hermione who was impressed by Draco standing up for her, walked over to encircle her arms around his waist and lay her head on his shoulder. "I've never seen you so red love. Thank you for defending me against some random wizard's look."

Draco was still aggravated. "This is not a joke to me. Filthy low lifes who overstep their bounds make me want to draw my wand. You are not a piece of dinner meat to be appraised before baking. I intend to see him on another occasion."

Hermione pulled away from Draco. "Alright Draco. I get it. You're upset. I need you to calm down so we can have a nice night. I would also like to ask that you drop this right here. You've scared the shite out of the idiot. I'm sure he won't look at me that way ever again. Leave it. You haven't seen me in, what did you say in your message, several days. It's time for us to enjoy a night together."

Hermione's calming words didn't stop Draco from letting out a loud snort, but he relented. "You're right. I agree. It's time for us to enjoy each other."

"Good. We'll start by doing a walkthrough of the house…..together. After that, who knows.

/*/

The walkthrough didn't take very long. Draco swapped out several things and rearranged several others. But, for the most part, he was very pleased with the way the decorating had turned out.

Pulling Hermione into his arms, Draco kissed her forehead then slid his lips down her face until he reached her lips. "How many days has it been?" He asked throatily, his lips against hers. "I've missed you"

Running her fingers through Draco's hair and letting her hands settle on the back of his neck, Hermione pulled him into a searing kiss. "I've missed you too Mr. Malfoy." She remarked, running her tongue across his mouth causing him to shudder in pleasure.

"Oh." He mumbled hoarsely, running his hands across her breasts while leaning in to kiss her neck. "You have awakened the big dog. He now wants your attention entirely on him. What shall we do about that?" His hands still wandering over Hermione's body.

"I can fix that." Hermione replied mischievously, moving her hands to Draco's waist and undoing his jeans. "I have the perfect solution."

Bereft of clothing, Draco's big dog was just about standing at attention as he wobbled on legs hobbled by the jeans now around his ankles. "I'd rather undress you love. Get up."

Hermione pushed Draco's hands away as she moved her mouth to the tip of his big dog and began rolling her tongue against it.

Draco fell back against the wall, moaning as he tried to free his legs without using his hands. "Oh gods." He called out as Hermione pushed more of him into her mouth while running her hands up and down his arse.

Moving gently in time with Hermione's movements, Draco put his hands in her hair unable to stop himself from moving more forcefully.

Hermione was giving this fellatio everything she had. In no time, she had Draco mewling and groaning like a kneazle in heat. When she felt him tense up, she began moving her mouth like a madwoman.

"Move away love." Draco croaked. "I can't hold off any longer. Pull away."

With a slight shake of her head, Hermione held tightly onto the back of Draco's thighs, moving even faster. In seconds, to pull away or not pull away, was out of her hands as Draco released his liquids.

Hermione watched Draco as his legs gave out and he slid down the wall, and he couldn't take his eyes off his goddess.

You, was all Draco could say. Extending his arms, he gestured for Hermione to come to him. When she reached him, he summoned his wand from the table to clean his liquids from her mouth and chin. "Thank you." He whispered. "For being everything I've ever wished for."

Hermione sighed contentedly, but a bit restlessly. She had been so intent on giving Draco an oral orgasm. Until he slipped his hand inside her bra to finger her nipples, she hadn't realized how sexually ready she was. Stretching herself to give Draco better access, Hermione reached back and brought Draco's lips down to hers. Then she whispered in his ear. "I think it's time you pulled up those jeans, and took me to the bedroom. I have issues."

Draco who was still lost in his orgasmic aftermath didn't quite catch onto what Hermione was saying. "Issues? What issues love?" He asked with closed eyes. Suddenly, he felt like an idiot. It dawned on him what Hermione meant, and he sat straight up. "Your mouth made me forget myself. Your issues are my issues. Let me clear them up for you. Come." He said, struggling to get up on his still weak knees.

Taking Hermione by the waist, Draco led her to the bedroom, relieving her of her blouse as they went. Draco deftly removed the rest of Hermione's clothing and she began to tremble from his touch.

"I am a pathetic excuse for a boyfriend. My first thoughts should always be about your satisfaction. My apologies." Spreading Hermione's legs apart, Draco positioned himself over her. "I will fix my faux pas right now."

Letting out a small yelp of pleasure as Draco pushed into her, Hermione eagerly pushed up to meet his strokes.

As he pushed, Draco whispered words of sex and love in Hermione's ear, and they moved together gradually gaining momentum. The feeling of skin to skin and hip to hip along with their frantic movements drove them both to their sexual peaks. Grabbing Draco as tightly as she could, Hermione cried out as her approaching orgasm began to wash over her. In turn, her shouts and movements brought Draco to the same place. Going up on his knees, Draco gave several more fierce strokes before he and Hermione crumpled into sexual release.

Hermione could only lie there letting the last of the intense feelings ebb away. Draco who had fallen onto his back, leaned over to pull Hermione closer. Kissing her on the forehead, Draco then moved to her lips, and onto her chest where he laid his head.

"You are my first priority. Always. Had you not sucked all my sense out through my dick, I would have recognized your needs."

Hermione pinched Draco on his thigh. "That's right git. Blame the witch with the lovely mouth. You could have pushed me away at any time."

"Ow," croaked Draco, pushing her fingers away. "You've gone daft if you think I'd ever push you away. Especially, when you are giving me the best oral sex I've had since the last time you gave me oral sex. I sincerely apologize for leaving you wanting. It will probably happen again."

"Well, Mr. smartarse." Hermione remarked taking his dick in her hand. "You've just bought yourself a moratorium on oral sex, but I have acquired the right to be shagged at least twice a night."

Hermione's manipulation of his dick made Draco hard and horny once again. He wasted no time in putting it to good use. "Twice in a night, is it? Wrap those legs around me witch, and I'll get right to it."

"Good," moaned Hermione as Draco slid into her once again.

/*/

After sex, Draco and Hermione laid there discussing their day. They each mentioned their meeting with Kingsley. Hermione was a tiny bit surprised by Kingsley's plan, but just went with it. She was surprised as well as furious when Draco went on to inform her about the letter he had received from Rebecca Farmer.

"Rebecca? Exactly what is that witch playing at? She needs to worry about her own arse instead of the other witless wonder. Personally, I can't imagine any reasonable witch or wizard stepping up for Betty Goyle. But, I suppose since she was working in the Ministry. There are those who think she's getting the wrong end of the stick."

Draco sat up and responded more sharply than intended. "If there are any who support either of those witches, they've been smart enough not to mention it around myself or Blaise. Both woman should be charged with party to murder, or at the very least, obstruction."

"There's no sense being cross with me love." Hermione answered crisply. "I feel the same as you. In fact, I'm going to do some discreet checking with Edgar. Someone had to have spoken up for Rebecca in order for her to be out free. To me, she's just as culpable as Betty and Goyle. I'll let you know what I find."

Draco pulled Hermione close, so he could murmur in her ear. "I didn't mean to sound cross. I will not allow mention of Rebecca or Betty to spoil our evening. Let's discuss more pleasant things."

They went on to discuss other parts of the day with Hermione disclosing she had promoted Gloria, and the LeClair case would be going to trial on Friday.

After listening to Hermione speak about Gloria, Draco asked if her new prosecutor would be joining their circle of friends.

Hermione was quick to answer in the affirmative. "I think yes. One cannot have too many brilliant witches around. Can one?"

"One is enough for me. Two might be a little much to take."

"Too bad for you." Hermione answered mockingly in a squeaky, baby voice.

Draco grabbed Hermione and began tickling her sides. "Making fun of me, are you? I'll lock the both of you in some long, forgotten storeroom, and make do with zero brilliant witches. How does that sound?"

A giggling Hermione pulled away from Draco and jumped from the bed. "Really? Lock me away. You have already worked yourself into a moratorium on oral sex. You will then have lost access to the best naked dancer you've ever seen. Your words. So. Lock me away. I'm brilliant. I'll figure a way out."

Then, after a very suggestive, naked twirl. Hermione hurried to the bathroom.

Draco shouted after her. "I've had second thoughts love. Locking you away wouldn't work. You'd miss me and the big dog too much."

Peeping out through the cracked bathroom door, Hermione told him she knew he would come to his senses. Then she quickly closed the door before he could respond.

Getting out of bed, Draco headed to the kitchen mumbling about how she would never be away from him, if he could prevent it.

/*/

Ginny was on a wicked tear. Blaise had come home, and all appeared to be normal as they ate dinner, had a lovely shag then remained in bed having a nice talk. The problem rose when Blaise told Ginny he was going to meet up with Theo and Jay Patil.

"Am I invited then?"

"It's just going to be a few lads having some drinks."

"I'll take that as a no." Ginny remarked sarcastically.

Blaise didn't respond, knowing how wrong this conversation could go. Instead, he headed to the bathroom.

Ginny was not pleased, and the drama began. "You're just going to leave me lying in this bed with your semen dripping from between my legs to go meet two blokes? Am I just a piece of rotten, dragon meat meant to be swept aside?"

Blaise sighed. Here we go, he thought. A full on Weasley tantrum. "Don't be stupid Ginny. It's not like I'm walking away for good. I'm simply going to Theo's to have a few drinks with him and Jay, and possibly Draco."

Ginny immediately seized upon the word possibly. "So, Draco might not be there. He might have decided to forego the wizard tete-a-tete and stay home with Hermione. Nice."

Ginny was now irritating Blaise, and he responded a bit unkindly. "There will be at least three of us. I don't think that qualifies as a tete-a-tete."

And Ginny lashed out. "I don't give a fat rat's arse. I want to know how you figure on leaving after you've had your way with me. I'm not one of your slag whores Blaise, and I won't be treated like one."

Blaise went from irritated to angry in a flash, being very accustomed to Ginny's tirades. Turning in mid-stride, he went back to stand beside the bed. Looking down at Ginny who was still in a reclining position, he became the unyielding Blaise. "Is that what you believe? You imagine I think of you as some slag whore? You're doing yourself a disservice Ginny. I suggest you find another way to get your point across. Other than these banal accusations. You and I are in a committed relationship. A few hours out with Theo and Jay changes nothing. We've had this type of ridiculous discussion before. They are becoming tiresome. I'm having a few hours out with my mates. That's the end of it."

Blaise closed the bathroom door behind him.

"So I'm ridiculous. Am I?" Ginny muttered jumping from the bed. Pulling open a drawer, she grabbed just enough to cover herself, and without so much as a goodnight, or I'll see you tomorrow, she Apparated out.

/*/

Blaise had time enough, while in the shower, to rethink his stance. He still planned to meet up with Theo and Jay, but he needed to get things sorted with Ginny first. With an apology on his lips, he stepped back into an empty bedroom.

"Ginny love." He called out when he didn't see her in the bed. "Come on. We cannot let this get out of hand. Get dressed. It's not some kind of secret meeting. One witch in attendance won't upset anything. Ginny. Stop being dense. Come here."

Getting no answer, and with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Blaise checked the house, including the other bathroom, thinking Ginny had chosen to shower there. But Ginny was nowhere to be found.

Are you fucking kidding me? Blaise asked himself as he stomped back to the bedroom. Ginny Weasley didn't get her bloody way, so she is in a snit. And there I was, ready to capitulate.

Towel and all, Blaise sat down on the side of the bed. There wasn't any argument that he loved Ginny. He just didn't like the way she sometimes went about things. The anger had left him, but disappointment had set in. Ginny's behavior had somehow taken away his enthusiasm for sitting around with mates.

Blaise sat with his curly hair crimping up as it dried on its own, and a damp towel stuck to his body. Thinking….thinking…thinking.

Finally, he went to get dressed. Talking to himself in the mirror, Blaise decided he would push past his little argument with Ginny, and go have a decent time out. The rest of it could be sorted at a later time.

The one thing Blaise did know. He had changed himself to be with Ginny, but she didn't seem willing to do the same.

/*/

Ginny was still in a fury when she landed at her flat. Blaise was treating her like some slag, and she was not going to take it. Fuck him. He could have all the nights out with the boys he wanted. One thing was certain. She wouldn't be lying there like a….like a. Like some desperate woman waiting anxiously for her wizard to come home to parcel out a bit of time.

Ginny showered. Then, drink in hand, paced her living room floor for the next hour. During that hour, like Blaise, Ginny calmed down. She still wasn't happy about not being allowed to accompany Blaise to his meet up, but her anger had subsided enough for her to see reason. She had also unwound enough to get some sleep.

Her bed felt cold. Even though she only stayed at her flat intermittently since taking up with Blaise, the bed hadn't ever felt this cold. Ginny tossed and turned. She checked the clock on the bedside table to find it was after 1:00.

I'll be a washed out wreck in the morning, she thought adjusting her pillow. The clients will think I'm ill. Giving off a loud yawn, Ginny turned to her other side and willed her eyes to close.

Ginny knew the reason she was so restless. She had done the one thing Blaise found disrespectful and childish. She had walked out on him when she couldn't get her way. They had discussed this behavior several times, and several times she had promised it wouldn't happen again. Yet, here she lay in a cold, unwelcoming bed instead of Blaise's warm, welcoming one. Turning on her back with both hands over her eyes, Ginny knew she had a lot of making up to do.

/*/

As soon as Blaise arrived at Theo's, he couldn't help but let out a big sigh when he realized Parvati was there, and had brought a friend along. This was his faux pas. He had made the assumption it was to be a gentlemen's night, and he'd been wrong. He and Ginny had argued for nothing. Even though Blaise knew this to be true, he was still very aggravated by Ginny walking out on him.

"Lost in thought are you?"

Blaise realized he had been standing there like a dunce while everyone was greeting him. Turning on his best Zabini grin, he returned the greetings.

Extending his hand, Blaise reached out to Jay pulling him into a brief hug. "My wizard. Good to see you. Long time. Ready to run with the big boys one more time?"

Jay laughed at the wizard he had found to be the most irreverent of the bunch. "I'm good Blaise. How about yourself? You still running loose giving the witches hell?"

Blaise had the decency to blush, but threw a barb right back at Jay. "I see you're still mad that the witches preferred me over you? I'd say more, but there are ladies present."

Turning away from Jay, Blaise shook hands with Theo then greeted Parvati and her friend Mary Ann.

There was a short awkward silence in which Theo realized his mates had expected a boisterous, possibly suggestive get together, but found they would have to watch their tongues because witches were present.

Luckily, Parvati realized she and Mary Ann had intruded on a night meant for guys. "Mary Ann and I will leave you to yourselves. I only stopped by to apologize for mucking up the notice I sent to Ajay about Padma's death. I don't know what I was thinking. Anyway, I've done that, so we'll be going. Enjoy your night."

Mary Ann also wished the men a goodnight before following Parvati to the door.

/*/

"You should have seen your face Blaise. There you were all set to rag on Jay about how much more pussy you got than him then turned to see Parvati and her friend. It was priceless."

Jay smugly interjected. "Oi. The friend's name is Mary Ann. I know this because I pay attention. I had thoughts of Blaise and I competing to see which of us could make her like him best. Just like back in the day."

Blaise chuckled uneasily. "I'm not that wizard anymore Jay. I haven't had a posse in a year. I've done a full one eighty. These days I concentrate on one witch only."

Jay covered his mouth and coughed out. "Bull shite."

Theo went into a hysterical bout of laughter. When it subsided, he confirmed what Blaise had revealed. "It's true mate. Blaise has one witch, and he has also become a force to be reckoned with within the Ministry. No more catting about for him."

Then Jay and Blaise had gone back and forth recalling tidbits of when the three of them ran London. "We were beasts, but it became less fun when Theo fell in love with my cousin Padma and left us on our own. Even without our third, it was still hard as hell to leave and go back to Spain. However, I've made a nice life. No special witch as of yet, but there are possibilities. If it's meant to be, it will be. Then again. Maybe I'll find a sweet, British witch to take back with me."

Theo and Blaise howled. "If you still take as long as you did to ask a witch out, I think you'll be going home alone." Blaise jokingly replied. "Perhaps I can help you with that. I still know a few women who will come if I called."

The bantering went on like that for several more hours until Blaise stood to call it a night. "Work tomorrow gents. I'm going to get my handsome arse home. Are you here through Sunday Jay? I think we should take Theo out to feed him a nice dinner before you leave."

"I wasn't sure of what shape I'd find Theo, physically or mentally, so I arranged to be here a minimum of two weeks. Dinner sounds fantastic. If your schedules allow, why don't we set it for Saturday. I'd like to get out on my own on Friday."

"Ah, secrets Jay? Saturday is fine with me. However, you both need to remember I've just lost my wife. No nonsense."

"We're not prats Theo." Blaise huffed as he turned to wink at Jay. "Well, I'm not." He joked. "There'll be no nonsense. Especially with Hermione and Ginny there. Draco was tied up this evening, but I'm sure he and Hermione will accompany us as well. If you're at loose ends while Theo checks his office tomorrow Jay, Owl me. We can meet for lunch."

"Thanks for the invitation Blaise. Let's just see how Theo fares on his first day back to work. I'll let you know one way or another."

"Goodnight then mates. If Draco is available tomorrow evening, I'd like for him to meet Jay. I'll Owl you Theo. See you later."

/*/

After Blaise left, an anxious Jay asked if Draco was the bloke who had disappeared after the war and thought to be dead.

Theo nodded at Jay. "I'm not sure anyone thought Draco was dead, but he is one and the same."

"There really wasn't much I heard about him that was good. However, I'm sure he has changed for the better if you and Blaise have him in your circle of friends."

"Quite correct Jay. We've all changed. You know full well that the same damaging information could have been passed around about Blaise and myself if we had chosen to leave London directly after the war. Enough about that. It's old shite. If you need anything, call Cely. I'm going to turn in for the night. See you in the morning."

Jay stood as well. It seemed he had brought down a dark cloud over Theo by mentioning certain things. That hadn't been his intent. "Theo?" He called out to Theo's back.

Theo turned back. "What's up mate?"

"I didn't mean to open old wounds. I'm sure Draco and I will get along. Goodnight."

Theo let out a huge sigh. "Damn right you'll get along, or Draco will hex you. Just having a little joke. Even if you two don't get along, it's small potatoes. Padma has been taken from me. Everything else is bull shite. Sorry to be blunt Jay, but that's the way it is. In any case, we'll manage."

/*/

Jay called out to his favorite house elf. "Cely. A minute please."

With a small pop, Cely appeared and quickly looked around before speaking. "You be needin something Mr. Ajay?"

"Yes I do Cely. I know it's late, but I would like a tray. Perhaps some pisto with egg on top. Not too much. Just enough to soothe this empty stomach. It's been ages. I hope you remember how to prepare it. And a café con leche."

"Ise remember Mr. Ajay. It be easy."

"Thank you Cely. I'll be in my room."

Pop. Cely disappeared.

Jay headed to his assigned bedroom to wait for his pisto and espresso, thinking he would read the back issues of The London Times and The Daily Prophet that had been left in the room. He needed something to fill his mind, seeing as this was the time of night where his mind tended to wander. Jay didn't want to think about the murder of his cousin and the attempted murder of her husband. He didn't want to dwell on anything of the sort.

/*/

When he arrived home, Blaise undressed, but instead of going to bed he poured a drink then sat down on the couch to mull things over.

What was it he had with Ginny? They got on well. She was smart as well as tough. The shagging was exceptional, and they made a very handsome couple. Then why did it come down to an argument if she didn't receive a yes from him.

Sipping slowly, Blaise thought back over the discussions regarding their attitudes and behaviors toward each other. Neither of them was perfect. He could be overbearing as she could be stubborn and manipulative. He thought he had made great strides in his behavior and attitude. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe he wasn't meant to be in a committed relationship at all.

Sighing, Blaise got up from the couch, sent the empty glass to the sink then headed for bed.

Lying flat on his back, Blaise brought his hand down on Ginny's side of the bed. He missed her. But was missing her enough? Without mutual respect, how could they sustain a relationship?

Blaise brought his hand down again, only harder. He wanted to be in a relationship with Ginny. Couples argued. Some more than others. He cared enough to overlook their little battles, but walking out without a word was not only disrespectful, but sent the message she didn't give a shite what he thought. Perhaps she didn't. Perhaps Ginny only cared when she got her way.

He and Ginny would talk. Of that, he was sure. Depending on how the talk went, they might walk away as singles.

/*/

It was very late, but Esther Nott didn't mind. Her aches and pains, courtesy of her brother, often kept her awake into the wee hours and beyond. Lately, even the back alley potions she'd begun taking after regular, legal potions stopped working weren't giving her much relief. And there was only so many times she could send her owl into the bowels of Knockturn Alley without raising suspicion.

Esther's hands shook so badly as of late, she couldn't even hold a glass properly, but that was her life. She deserved it. Looking back on things now, she realized just how disgusting she had been. The Death Eaters slut. That was what her brother called her. Even the snotty bitch Theodore married, called her that name.

Esther tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a croak. Miss snotty bitch who had married Theodore thinking she would live the rich, pureblood life had gotten a rude awakening. "Tough shite for you bitch." Esther said out loud. "Your snotty ways didn't protect you from Theodore Nott Sr."

Theodore had given Esther to each of the top Death Eaters many times over. At the time, she had loved being the center of attention. She didn't have any friends. Her sister-in-law hated her. Her brother hated her. She hadn't been pretty enough to attract a suitor, so she had been a very willing participant. Even when it was her brother sticking his dick in her. She had lived for the squad, and no matter how many times she was violated. Esther reveled in the fact she was being of service to the dark wizards that would soon be running the magical world.

Back then, her proudest moment had been the night The Dark Lord stepped through the door of the little sex room to take his turn. Unfortunately, the Dark Lord had not been pleased. She has received a severe beating from Theodore that night while he screamed how she had embarrassed him in front of his Master. That had also been the first night her brother had fucked her, screaming names at her all the while. The Dark Lord had used her only three more times. She must have pleased him, or at least given him release, because she didn't receive any more beatings about her failure to please the Master.

Her worst set of beatings had come when Theodore found out she was pregnant. He became frightened that The Dark Lord and The Death Eaters would kill everyone in the Nott household if they found out her condition. No one wanted to be declared father to the child of the Death Eaters slut. However, on the other hand. Theodore didn't have the courage to kill the child outright, fearing his squad would find out he had killed someone's pureblood child.

Theodore had locked Esther away until the baby was born. He had then arranged for the child to be sent to Ireland. Once the foul bit of flesh was gone, he had beat everyone in the house right down to the elderly house elf. Esther got the worst of it. Theodore had beat her so badly, she ended up a broken cripple.

Esther had done only one thing for the child. She had secured a potion which would identify the father. It hadn't been any surprise to Esther when the potion showed double black. Black meant incest. Double black denoted a brother sister coupling. After the test, Esther had vanished all evidence vowing never to reveal the name of the father.

Esther shrugged as she tried to bring a glass of brandy to her mouth without spilling. It almost worked. Esther got half of the drink in her mouth. The rest fell into her lap where it would remain until morning when her hired girl came through.

With a resigned sigh, Esther brought her mind back around to her immediate problem. More immediate than the pain that wracked her body. More immediate than her lack of money. More immediate than anything else in her life.

Esther had tried to speak to Theo Jr. about her situation, but he didn't want anything to do with her. Esther didn't blame him, but had no other recourse. She would have to make Theo listen to her. He was her only hope. The people in Ireland were unable to care for Declan, the name Theodore had given him, any longer. Come the 1st of May. The child was being sent back to London. To her.

Esther was barely able to care for herself. How would she take care of a seven year child? Fair or foul. It would be down to Theo to take responsibility for his… brother-cousin.

Esther managed to pour herself another drink. This go round, she got all but a drop of brandy in her mouth. As much brandy as she had consumed during the last several hours, she should be numb. Unfortunately for her, the brandy had done nothing to dull her pain. Any of it.

/**/

It was getting closer to May, and the sun was actually trying to peek out from behind the clouds. It seemed the prospect of warmer weather had put almost everyone in a decent frame of mind. Almost everyone.

Blaise arrived at OTS in a barely concealed beast of a mood. After a short conversation, even Draco had given Blaise a wide berth Thursday morning.

/*/

Blaise had gotten right down to business. By 11:30, he had interviewed Stuart Johns from the DOM as well as Tracey Davis. Blaise wanted to make a final decision, so he had assigned each candidate to a conference room and asked them to wait for his decision.

Each applicant had brought their own strengths to the table, but Blaise was looking for that little extra something. Poring over one file then the other, Blaise made a decision. Stuart had more experience in things aligned with OTS. Stuart was his man.

Blaise first addressed his decision with Tracey who was disappointed, but took the rejection in stride.

"Thanks for the interviews Blaise." She had said extending her hand. "I hope you'll keep me in mind should other positions open up. I think I would be an asset."

"I will keep you in mind Tracey. Thanks for applying."

After Tracey left, Blaise went to speak with Stuart. "Mr. Johns. You have met all my requirements. I would like to offer you the open position on Team 4. If you accept, you will be working with Harry Potter and Michael Corner."

Stuart broke out in a wide smile. "I'm chuffed Mr. Zabini. I think I'll be an asset to the team. Working with Harry Potter will be a pleasure. Thank you for this opportunity. I have the support of my supervisor on this matter. What have you set as my starting date?"

Blaise gave his first genuine smile of the morning. "An enthusiastic hire. I'm pleased to see that. In fairness to all, I have set a starting date of Monday, 5/24. Which will give you a month to get things settled in DOM. Thank you for applying. I look forward to you joining the team. And please, call me Blaise."

The two wizards shook hands, and Stuart thanked Blaise once again for the chance.

/*/

Blaise sat down to fill out the paperwork required for a new hire. He had just finished up and was preparing to send the paperwork off to HR and Anthony Goldstein when Donald stopped in to drop off the mail.

"Good afternoon Blaise. Nothing in the morning mail, but a few things in the afternoon pile."

"Thanks Donald." Blaise replied, looking over the few pieces in his hand.

Blaise noticed one was from Ginny, but he laid it aside with the rest as he finished preparing the reports about his new hire. When he was finished with business, Blaise picked up the envelope from Ginny.

Blaise,

I know I owe you an apology for last night. I'm sorry. It seems I will never learn. Doesn't it? It's just that I was frustrated over your lack of understanding for my feelings. You called it ridiculous. I guess I saw it another way.

The City Editor at The Prophet has offered me an opportunity to get out into the field, and I have taken it. I'll be gone for the next three weeks. I love and respect you, but this change of duty might be the best thing for both of us. When I return, we can have a nice chat about where we want to take this relationship. If anywhere.

Be well

Ginny.

Blaise read the message for a second time before it dawned on him that Ginny was walking away yet again. The contents of the letter made him a little sad as well as a little annoyed. Ginny was leaving their issues in his lap to sort out alone.

Blaise didn't want to think this was all about punishing him over something as simple as a few hours out, but she had walked out over smaller things.

Throwing the letter down, Blaise decided he had three weeks to figure out if he wanted to be with a witch whose only route to happiness seemed to be hearing yes from her wizard.

/*/

Blaise hadn't received an Owl from Jay, so lunch, even a late one, was off. That was fine as Draco had already agreed he and Hermione would stop by Theo's to meet Jay.

Feeling a bit unsettled over Ginny's letter, Blaise advised his teams he would be leaving the building on a personal matter and would see them in the morning.

There wasn't any personal business. Blaise just needed to get himself sorted. To him, it was a choice between being sucked off by some unnamed witch in Knockturn Alley, or heading over to muggle London to get a tea then sit in the park.

Blaise sat in the park.

/*/

Having spent a lovely night with Hermione, Draco didn't let Blaise's less than cheery mood impact him in the least that morning. While Blaise growled, Draco smiled as he listened to his mate. Draco did agree to stop by Theo's house to meet Padma's cousin Jay, figuring it would get him and Hermione out of the house for a bit. After that, he had gone on to start his day.

There weren't any open cases for Team 3 that morning, so Draco, Donald and Brian had made themselves available to Team 4 which was down a man since Dunn had been given the boot.

The time spent with Team 4 was doing nothing more than grunt work, but the three wizards were more than glad to help out. Harry and Michael seemed to appreciate the assistance.

The men had shared some laughs during their late lunch.

"I heard you hoped I was dead Potter." Draco taunted Harry.

Before Harry could answer, Michael piped up. "No Malfoy. That would have been me. I was trying to get on a first name basis with Astoria. However, knowing she found you irresistible, I hoped you had fallen into the sea and drowned."

Draco laughed the loudest. "Nice Corner. Blame me for not being able to get with Astoria. She and I were nothing more than friends."

"Good to know." Michael responded before the words were fully out of Draco's mouth. "I'll tell her you said hello when I go home tonight. I'll tell our son as well."

Draco stopped with his sandwich between mouth and plate. "You married Astoria? Congratulations. It's no wonder your trousers are falling. Astoria probably keeps your balls in a jar on the side table."

"Okay guys. Let's not let the bantering get out of hand. We should get back to work." Clapping Draco on the back as they left the conference room, Harry joked. "Never knew you had a sense of humor Malfoy. Welcome to the real world."

Draco grinned as he followed Harry back to Team 4 area. Fucking gits. The both of them, he thought, picking up where he'd left off before lunch. Wait until they find out I'm dating the Gryffindor Princess.

Checkmate.