Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 31
Severus wasn't out of the door good before Hermione was striding towards her study.
"Hermione! Severus has asked you not to interfere. If you intend to Owl Gloria, may I suggest you don't. There's no faster way to get on the wrong side of my godfather than to go against his wishes. If you want Severus to make an unbiased judgment, let him tell you when he wants to meet Gloria."
Hermione walked back through to the living room and sat down beside Draco to disavow any intention of trying to fix Severus up with Gloria.
"Alright," he answered, running his hand up and down her arm. "We're due at Viglio's by 7:00. Let's have a soak and a maybe a tickle.
Hermione stood pulling Draco up with her. "A tickle is it? It's a good thing you're my favorite wizard, or I'd take exception to you calling a sexual encounter between us a tickle."
Standing up and wrapping his arms around Hermione, Draco whispered, "First and foremost. I'm your only wizard. If it's a sexual encounter you want, a sexual encounter it will be. Shall we just go do it and talk about it later? Perhaps we should forsake a soak. If you allow me access to your lovely, small, pink box of honey now, I promise to be in and out of the shower in ten minutes."
"Challenge accepted," Hermione cheeked as she walked rapidly towards the bedroom.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 32
Severus' intention was to first stop by Gringott's to withdraw funds to cover the purchases he intended to make in Diagon Alley. A withdrawal really wasn't necessary as a wand draft usually sufficed for any proprietor in any shop. However, still unsure of his welcome, Severus didn't want to find himself in the position of being denied service because an irritable proprietor wouldn't accept a draft.
Severus' transaction at Gringott's had gone smoothly. The Goblins at Gringott's didn't care what had transpired in any wizard's life. They only cared that the wizard presented the correct wand corresponding with the correct vault. Anything else was irrelevant.
Severus made his withdrawal, and was on his way in thirty minutes.
/*/
On the way out of Gringott's, Severus ran into Theo who was on his way in to transact his own bit of business. The two wizards moved away from the front door and had a short conversation covering various things.
Extending his hand, Theo thanked Severus once again for his assistance then inquired if he was back to London permanently.
"For now, I am back permanently. However, who knows what is down the road. As far as assisting you, it was an opportunity to use skills I have had little chance to use over the past few years. I appreciated the opportunity. It would seem you followed my instructions. Somehow, I expected my instructions to have gone out the window as soon as you saw the back of me. I'm pleased you chose to do the right thing."
"How could I not, with Hermione overseeing the process?" Joked Theo. "She was relentless. Anyway, it is my wish to live, so I did what was necessary. Once you are settled, I'm hoping you will accept an invitation to dinner. I'd like to regale you with the tale of how Miss Granger almost killed me."
Severus' eyebrows went up into his hairline at Theo's last words. "You and I are not one for jokes Mr. Nott, so I'm hoping this is an exception. I look forward to hearing the tale."
"Excellent Severus. Perhaps we can set something up for next weekend. If you don't mind, I'd like to invite the others as well."
Severus hesitated. "I'm staying at the Manor, so I've obviously seen Draco. As Draco and Hermione now seem attached at the hip, I've also seen Hermione. I suggest our dinner be for the two of us. I might have a few suggestions regarding Esther which would better be discussed between the two of us."
Severus and Theo spoke for several more minutes before going their separate ways.
/*/
Severus proceeded down Diagon Alley at a leisurely pace. He was not at all surprised by the looks of shock on the passers by. He was back from the dead. They'd have to get used to it. He was surprised when he received several nods of greeting from a few wizards who crossed his path.
That's different, Severus thought to himself. I'd expect a nod or two from those down Knockturn Alley, but not out here in the open. Perhaps things won't be as bad as I thought.
/*/
It turned out that Severus had made the right decision stopping by Gringott's. The proprietor of the men's shop was either in a surly mood, or annoyed by Severus' presence. Whatever the reason, the man made it quite clear he wouldn't accept a wand draft from Severus. Rather than make the transaction any more contentious than it already was, Severus readily pulled out his bag of Galleons to pay for his purchases which seemed to inflame the proprietor even more. With his purchases shrunken down, Severus started for the door only to hear the miserable proprietor mumble something.
"Excuse me," snapped Severus spinning around to face the wizard.
"I said," replied the surly man staring defiantly at Severus. "Dead things should have sense enough to stay dead."
Severus strode back to the counter to get directly in the man's face. "This presumed dead thing is very much alive with plans to live the rest of his life in this area. Get used to it. Have a pleasant day." Severus had then left the shop swinging the door wide.
He was furious. Perhaps he had made a mistake walking about in the open. Perhaps this was how life back in London would always be. Perhaps it would take a lot for him not to hex some bastards.
Rather than suffer through any more bull shite insults from insufferable shopkeepers, Severus decided he'd had his fill of shopping in public. There was always Owl Order Service if he had needs. He Apparated back to Malfoy Manor, North Wing directly from in front of the men's shop.
/*/
Theo left the house that morning on his way to Gringott's to withdraw funds to cover costs of what he planned to do. After Gringott's, he planned to stop by St Mungo's to hire a healer who would take Esther on as a private patient. It was important for all concerned Esther get help with her maladies. As he'd told her, she would not get away with using her infirmities as an excuse not to take care of her son.
Theo also intended to start the process of opening an account for Esther to be used for herself and Declan. The paperwork could be done that day, but the actual opening of an account would have to wait until Monday when Esther was available to present her wand. It was the premier rule at Gringott's that new accounts could only be opened if a wand was presented to verify the identity of the owner.
Esther did have dealings with Gringott's, but in an indirect way. The funds Esther received from Narcissa Malfoy were deposited into a special account meant for withdrawals only. Which had been fine, because Esther didn't have any money to deposit, or any business to transact. The account he planned to set up on Monday would be a regular Gringott's account with all privileges.
With his mind on opening an account for Esther, Theo's thought process went to his father's account, over which, he was conservator, and owner. Theo Nott Sr. had a large vault at Gringott's Theo had never touched. The last thing he had wanted was any of his father's filthy Galleons. But now, now that he had agreed to help Esther, those filthy Galleons would come in handy. Esther could have it all.
Theo wasn't exactly sure how, or, if it could be done. He decided he would take the less complicated path. If it was easier to change owners on his father's old account, that was what he would do. Esther would still have to appear in person. However, taking over an account seemed a lot more simple than opening a brand, new account.
/*/
There were other small things Theo would have liked to get out of the way, but he'd have to wait until certain Ministry departments opened on Monday. Theo knew no matter how quickly his father had spirited Declan out of England, the child's name had immediately gone down in the books the moment he took his first breath as a British, Wizarding citizen. Declan Cobb would be in line to receive a Hogwarts letter on his eleventh birthday the same as any other magical child. If Declan was to remain in England, Theo wanted to ensure all paperwork was in order.
Magical child? Theo stopped short in the middle of the sidewalk. He knew nothing about Declan Cobb. Considering the foul manner of his conception, Theo didn't know if the child was even magical. Perhaps incest (filthy word) negated magical powers. Theo decided there and then Esther would have to immediately request a copy of all Declan's records before the child arrived. Turning on his heel, Theo went back down Diagon Alley to the Public Owl Services building to Owl Esther. He needed to know what she knew about her son.
With all he had on his mind, it was no wonder Theo literally bumped into Brendan/Severus as he was making his way into Gringott's.
Extending his hand, Theo welcomed his savior back to London.
/*/
Hermione and Draco spent the afternoon at Draco's house discussing Severus' plan, Kingsley's proposed plan and a host of other topics. It was getting late in the afternoon when Hermione remembered Terry's Owl and mentioned it to Draco.
Sitting down on the couch, Hermione swiveled her body so her feet were in Draco's lap.
Deep into the movie Men In Black playing on the telly, Draco automatically began to massage Hermione's toes without taking his eyes off the screen. "Lovely toes."
"Terry sent an Owl today."
At the mention of Terry Boot's name, Draco turned his head to look at Hermione. "Only an Owl? How interesting." Draco drawled. "I'm surprised he didn't show up at your flat. The ignorant arse."
"For fucks sake Draco," huffed Hermione, pulling her feet from Draco's lap. "I was simply trying to share a bit of information."
"Calm down love," Draco said reaching out for Hermione's hand. "I wasn't trying to upset you, but the bloody sot irritates me, and I cannot resist commenting when you bring up his name. What did he have to say? Share away."
"It wasn't important. Just a bit of Ministry gossip," replied Hermione as she rose from the couch. "I know we're going out to dinner tonight, but would you like something light to tide us over? I'll make a nice, lettuce, tomato and cucumber salad."
"Come here love," Draco said as he reached out to grab Hermione's hand. "Share your news. Terry Boot and his….expectations of sex annoy me."
Hermione gave Draco a hard stare as she sat back down on the couch. "Sometimes you can be such a prat."
"Me, a prat? I'll just leave that statement right there. So, what's going on at the Ministry Boot thought would interest you?"
"Well!" Hermione replied with a wide grin now she was getting the chance to share something she found interesting. "Kingsley called all Aurors and MLE Officers to a mandatory meeting this morning."
"Really? A mandatory meeting. What was it about?"
"Oh! All interested now, are we?" Hermione sniped.
Draco laughed as he pulled Hermione onto his lap. "I was interested from the go. I just had to give you a bit of shite about Boot. Made my day. What else do you know?"
"I only know what was in the Owl. Kingsley called a mandatory meeting. I did want to know more, but I wasn't about to trade Owls with Terry after reading him the riot act about gossiping. We'll probably have to wait until Monday to find out what went on. There you have it."
"Do you think it has anything to do with the Farmer madness?"
"That was my first thought as well. On second thought though, I realize the Aurors and MLE can't be blamed for that. It has to be something else. Can you imagine Kingsley's state if there is more than one issue? Kingsley is a fair Minister, but he will not stand still for any bull shite. Whatever the problem, it must be big."
Draco was listening to Hermione, but at the same time, running scenarios through his head. He agreed. It must be something big. But, like Hermione stated, they would have to wait until Monday, unless there was something in the Sunday Prophet.
/*/
Hermione and Draco had let the time get away from them. They had less than two hours to get ready for their evening.
They both despised lateness in others and would not think to be late for a prearranged engagement.
"Why don't you use the front bathroom and I'll use the one off our bedroom," suggested Hermione. "We'll cut our preparation time by half."
"Agreed," said Draco grabbing Hermione from behind and nuzzling her neck.
Hermione enjoyed the feel of Draco's lips on her neck for several seconds then set him straight. "Perhaps my wizard could put off the nuzzling and pinching until after we return home this evening. Otherwise, we won't get to Viglio's before dessert."
"Fine," huffed Draco playfully while Giving Hermione's breast one last pinch. "Just don't get all horny looking at this tip top body across the dinner table. I'm against shagging on the tables at Viglio's." He called back over his shoulder.
Hermione giggled as she shouted a mocking reply. "Thank you for informing me of your parameters. It is my fondest wish to be shagged on a table in a restaurant. I just love it when my bare bottom hangs out."
Draco didn't reply. He simply closed the bathroom door after letting out a loud hmph.
/*/
Blaise and Ginny had been in and out of bed since they arrived back to Blaise's flat, and were just getting into the shower at 6:00.
Blaise was huffing and puffing so loudly that Ginny had to give him a quick talking to. "Calm down love. Being late is not the end of the world. Our friends will wait."
"I understand that Gin, but the whole point of making reservations is to be there at the appointed time. I abhor being late."
"I, for one, think our time together was well worth it Mr. Zabini." Ginny replied with a wink. "I can be ready to go in fifteen minutes. What about you grumpy?"
"Grumpy, is it? Come here and I'll show you grumpy."
"Love to," Ginny sang out dancing away from Blaise's hands. "But I don't want to be late. Maybe some other time."
Blaise laughed as he stepped into fresh boxers. "My witch is such a smart arse."
"Smart arse or not. You love me."
Suddenly serious, Blaise stopped buttoning his shirt to stride across the room and grab Ginny up in a passionate kiss. Holding her by the shoulders, Blaise looked deeply into Ginny's eyes to give a serious reply to her frivolous comment.
"Yes I do."
The atmosphere in the room had turned sexual, but Ginny stepped back. "Put on your trousers. We can talk about this later. Right now we have someplace to be."
"Dammit. I had to open my overly large mouth," Blaise sighed as he stepped into his trousers.
/*/
Theo had followed his first mind. After finishing his business at Gringott's, he had Apparated directly to Esther's house to get his questions answered in person.
It took Esther five minutes to shuffle to the door which she flung open holding a piss poor looking wand in a trembling hand.
Theo pushed her wand hand down. There was no way he wanted to get hexed by accident. "I'm here because I have questions. Did you receive my Owl?"
Esther nodded. "Yes Theo. I received your Owl. I expected you to turn up on Monday, but I have laid out everything I've ever received. It's in the dining room on the table. What is it you're looking for?"
"Never you mind what I'm looking for. I'll tell you when I find it. Have you ever read through the information about your son?"
"The information was sent to me as a matter of law, but there wasn't any stipulation I had to read it. The answer is no."
Theo glared at his aunt then took a good look around the house. "For as good as it looks on the outside, it is a hovel on the inside. No place for a child. I will walk through and make notes before doing anything else." Theo quickly examined the entire house, and had scathing remarks for Esther. "You are one lazy bitch. The bathroom and bedroom smell like piss. Do you ever raise your wand to clean? You're infirm, yes, but there is no excuse for you not using a few cleaning spells. I'll tell you this. If I have this house tidied up, you'd better keep it that way."
Esther was a bit frightened of her nephew. He was an adult now, not some kid she could push around. "I promise Theo."
/*/
Theo remained at Esther's house for several hours going over the Gringott's information, the St Mungo's information and reading everything that pertained to Declan.
"The information regarding Declan is very detailed. I found the answer I was seeking. Since I've done the walkthrough today, I'll be able to get workers in here first thing Monday. My suggestion is that you gather a few things, gather all information relating to Declan and come to my home. You shouldn't remain in this house while it is being treated. I'll set you up in one of the extra rooms. Your presence in my home will also make it easier for us to see about our business on Monday. Make your preparations so we can go.
Esther gathered everything Theo requested then went to stand by his side. "I'm ready," she said in a low voice. "Thank you for your kindness."
"I've told you Esther. I don't want your platitudes. The time for platitudes was back when I was a child. Keep them to yourself. Let's get going. I have an engagement tonight, and would like to get you settled before then."
The side by side Apparition was rough, but it got them to where they needed to be.
Jay heard them land and came out of his room to greet the pair.
"Hello again Esther. Nice to see you."
Theo was in no mood to have Jay fawning over his aunt, and spoke in a rough tone. "Since you are in such a good mood Jay and Esther will be staying here for a bit. Why don't you show her to the bedroom down the other end of the hall? Thank you. I'll inform Cely of your presence Esther. I'm sure she will be more than glad to assist you. Please bathe. I will not have my home smelling like yours."
With that, Theo strode away to his rooms to prepare for the evening.
/*/
Between 7:00 and 7:10, the entire lot met up in front of Viglio's, greeting each other as they walked up.
Theo was a bit edgy and had gruffly commented that he was hungry so they should get in and get seated.
Blaise held Jay back to ask if something had gone wrong at the house.
"As far as I know, everything is fine. Theo is a bit perturbed with his aunt who will be staying at the house for an indeterminate amount of time. Other than that, I'm thinking he is having a hard time being out without Padma on his arm. He'll be fine. Let's get inside. It's bad form for me to leave Leanne standing around by herself for too long."
"You're right," said Blaise clapping his mate on the back. "I don't want to leave Ginny on her own for too long either."
/*/
The group was seated at a lovely table in a highly visible area of the restaurant by a very striking red headed server witch.
From the start, it was clear that their server witch was acquainted with Blaise. However, after an initial nod in her direction when they sat down, Blaise ignored her. She, on the other hand, seemed determined to remain in his eyesight.
After the third time the server witch touched Blaise, Ginny broke out her Weasley temper on the determined witch. Gesturing for the woman to come nearer, Ginny got her sorted in very short order. "I understand my wizard is handsome, dashing, sexy and all that bull shite. I concur. With the liberties you are trying to take, it appears obvious you might have known him at one time. Here's a newsflash for you sweetie. That time is over. Do your job, or I'll report your arse."
The red faced server nodded at Ginny, made a hasty retreat to the kitchens and never came back. Their new server was an older, cheery witch who kept her hands to herself.
Blaise had a little blush running across his cheeks, but neither he nor anyone else commented on Ginny's interaction with the first server.
/*/
With the orders handed in, bottles of wine were passed around so each man could pour for his witch. Then the conversations began.
After a small bit of conversation with Leanne, Hermione addressed Ginny. "I thought you wouldn't be back for another two weeks Gin."
Ginny answered with a wide grin on her face. "You're right Hermione. I'm not due back to London for another two weeks. However, Blaise came to get me so we could enjoy a lovely night out with all of you. Isn't he fabulous? I'll be returning to Scotland Sunday evening."
"I'm not sure if fabulous is the word I'd have chosen, but he is something," scoffed Theo with a low, but hearty laugh.
Blaise pulled a fake scowl as he reminded others at the table they should all keep their noses out of his private business.
"We are but innocent bystanders," replied Jay expansively. "Your admonition should be directed at Theo. However, I will say. If it comes down to wands being drawn, I'll have to side with Theo. I am staying in his house, after all."
Everyone, including Blaise, smiled at Jay's retort.
Theo responded with a wide grin on his face. "Thank you Jay. You are safe for another night."
There weren't any further comments as the server appeared at the table with their orders.
/*/
During the meal, Draco leaned over to whisper in Hermione's ear in an uncharacteristic public display of affection which did not go unnoticed.
"Someone call Rita Skeeter!" Exclaimed Blaise. "A Malfoy has stepped outside the bounds of good manners."
Draco smiled at Hermione. "It's Hermione's fault. I think she's put a spell on me."
"She's definitely put something on you," quipped Blaise quickly. "Perhaps she'll teach that spell to Ginny. I want to be a besotted fool whispering to my witch in public for all to see."
Hermione who wasn't going to sit quietly by offered her own little quip. "If that's the case Mr. Zabini, Ginny will only need the besotting spell. If you catch my drift."
While everyone had a good laugh, Blaise demanded Ginny come to his aid.
Patting Blaise on the hand, Ginny finished chewing what was in her mouth before replying. "Come to your aid? You've just sat there and implied, in a roundabout way, that I'm not up to enchanting you. I'm on Hermione's side in this."
"I've been outnumbered as well as out maneuvered. Perhaps I should just sit here quietly. Although, I will try to clear up by saying that my witch is perfectly enchanting."
Ginny turned to give Blaise a wink. "Smooth move love. You are back in my good graces."
Although smiling, the men remained silent as Hermione and Leanne laughed along with Ginny.
Hermione offered the closing blow. "That was close, eh Blaise?"
Looking around the table, Blaise quipped to the men. "You may step in at any time to save my arse mates."
Jay had the answer. "Perhaps this is where you make good on your promise to stop talking."
"I second that," added Theo.
"I think Hermione and Ginny are lovely witches who know how to use a wand, so I'll third that," added Draco between chuckles.
/*/
The table quieted down a bit as everyone went back to their meals.
Theo spoke into the quiet, casually mentioning his meeting with his disabled Aunt Esther and his future plans to help her.
Blaise and Draco glanced quickly at each other knowing what Theo's family had put him through and remembering the scars and bruises on Theo's body. However, it was Theo's choice to assist his aunt, so they would support him.
While Blaise, Draco and Jay were congratulating Theo on the turn he'd decided to take, Hermione inquired about Declan which had thrown Theo a curve.
"Declan? What do you know about him?" Theo asked giving Hermione a piercing stare.
"I know some of it." Hermione replied, oblivious to how her questions and inquiries had affected Theo. "Where will he stay? Will he be staying with Esther?"
Draco and Blaise who knew Theo better than anyone were puzzled by Hermione's questions. They didn't know anything about a Declan Cobb. How could she?
"Interesting," remarked Theo, visibly holding himself in check as he let his fork clatter down onto his plate. Giving a grim smile, he stood. "I'm going to excuse myself. I feel like the odd man out. Besides, I already know my family history. I don't need to hear it regurgitated. I'm at a loss as to how others know so much. Goodnight all."
Hermione was finishing the bits on her plate and only looked up to wish Theo good night.
Blaise, Draco and Jay all recognized the reason for Theo leaving had nothing to do with being the odd man out. Hermione's questions had upset him.
Blaise was frowning at Hermione wondering what the hell she was playing at while Draco sat incredulous basically wondering the same thing.
Hermione had spoken out of turn, but Draco knew this wasn't the time or place to discuss it.
Blaise felt otherwise. He spoke in a level voice aimed directly at Hermione. "I'm not sure what you meant to do or prove by questioning Theo about private, family matters, but this was not the place."
Hermione suddenly felt like a deer caught in a spotlight. She'd commented on private information she'd only found out because of her position, and in front of others to boot.
Hermione turned away from Blaise to find Draco staring at her. "I'm sorry. It was irresponsible of me. I'll apologize to Theo."
This time it was Draco who spoke up. "Leave it Hermione. If Theo wanted an apology, he would have remained at the table. Please just let it go for now."
Blaise nodded in agreement which flustered Hermione who was feeling as though Blaise and Draco were united against her.
"Fine." Hermione huffed. "We're all friends at this table. You're acting like I submitted an article to the Prophet."
No one replied.
/*/
There was a minute of strained silence before Ginny spoke. "Let's not go off kilter. We've had a lovely dinner. It's time for a bit of drinking and dancing. How does that sound?"
Jay who was feeling uncomfortable was first to answer. "It was a lovely dinner. However, Leanne and I are going to decline the invitation to dance. Two left feet you know." He commented as he helped Leanne from her chair. "Enjoy the rest of your evening. Goodnight."
"Lovely time. Thanks for having me." Leanne remarked as Jay took her elbow to steer her out.
The atmosphere still felt strained.
Draco asked Hermione if she was up for some dancing.
Shaking her head, Hermione declined. "I'm feeling tired. I wouldn't make it through the first dance," she remarked with a forced smile. "Someone would probably have to pick me up off the floor. We can plan something when Ginny gets back home."
Blaise remained silent leaving Ginny to murmur a few supporting words to Hermione. "Get some sleep Hermione. I guess Blaise and I will have to kick up our heels alone. If I don't see you tomorrow, I'll see you in two weeks."
The two witches hugged each other. "Thanks Gin. Goodnight. Goodnight Blaise."
"Goodnight," responded Blaise listlessly. "I'll speak to you on Monday Draco."
"Monday then. Goodnight Ginny."
/*/
Blaise watched Hermione and Draco leave before calling for the bill. "Why don't we go home and have our own private dance? Suddenly, being in a room full of people flapping their arms around doesn't seem that exciting."
Ginny sighed. "Why ruin the rest of our night? I'm not really sure why Theo got upset. Whatever it was, seemed to upset you and Draco as well. I wasn't paying attention. Just what did Hermione say?"
"I'm not trying to ruin our night Gin," Blaise answered running his finger around the collar of Ginny's blouse ignoring her questions. "I just feel like going home to relax and show you how much I love you."
"In that case, let's get moving," said Ginny, rising from her chair. "A promise like that is music to this girl's ears."
Taking Ginny by the arm, Blaise hurried them out. He'd made a promise he intended to keep.
/*/
When they landed at Hermione's flat, Draco immediately poured two drinks. They were going to need them. Although Hermione seemed to be in a sullen mood, he still intended to ask the questions. He wanted to know where she'd found old, private information relating to Theo and his family and why she would casually blurt it out.
Draco was sitting there watching the ice melt in his whiskey when he realized Hermione was obviously not coming back to the living room. He went to the bedroom and found Hermione in bed under the blankets.
"I'd like to have a conversation Hermione."
"Can't it wait Draco? I've done enough talking for one night."
"That's true. You have. Be that as it may. I'd like you to tell me about Declan Cobb, what he has to do with Theo and how you came across the information."
"I've said enough Draco. I don't want to upset you any more than I already have."
Draco sat down on the side of the bed. "Don't be arbitrary Hermione. You haven't upset me. Watching you sit at a dinner table firing question after question at Theo surprised me. The person you've upset is Theo."
Hermione sat up in bed. "I'm not being arbitrary. Do we have to belabor this point? I spoke out of turn. I'll speak to Theo in private."
"A bit late for that," snapped Draco, tired of Hermione ducking his request. "Why are you refusing to answer my questions?"
Hermione snapped right back. "I'm not refusing to answer your bloody questions Draco," she spit, roughly throwing the blankets aside. "Accio purse. I acquired the information from Ministry records."
It was now a battle between two stubborn people. "Good. Show me the bloody material."
With her purse now in her lap, Hermione summoned the folder with the information she had collected from DHG and fairly threw it at Draco. "Here you go. Read your heart out."
Draco took the folder, rolled his eyes at Hermione and walked out of the room.
/*/
Fifteen minutes passed before Draco appeared back at the door holding up the folder and speaking in a low, deadly voice. "I can see why Theo chose to leave tonight. Declan Cobb is the name Nott Sr., gave to Esther's son. I can only imagine he is the child born of incest Theo referred to at the Repast. What in Merlin's bloody, good name made you think Theo wanted the worst of his family history discussed across a dinner table?
"And that's not the least of the rubbish. You decided to research my family as well. You make very detailed notes, by the way," Draco added sarcastically. "My mother was forced to service a Death Eater, and my father was a male whore who was not only fucking Esther along with the rest of Voldemort's maniacs, but any woman with an opening. How dare you carry shite like this around in your bloody, beaded bag? What is the purpose of this disgusting information? I cannot believe it is freely available to just anyone. It may be history, but it is vile, disgusting and incendiary. Information such as this should be either in a private library under lock and key, or destroyed. I intend to report the ease of access to this type of information to the proper office." Draco ended in a rage.
Hermione knew she had been wrong. On the first front, most of the material she had furtively copied was never supposed to leave DHG. She had done it because she could. Secondly, when she realized the nature of the material, she should have destroyed it all. But she hadn't, because…. because it made her feel good to read about purebloods at their worst.
"It wasn't my intention to hurt or embarrass anyone," she offered, trying to bring some calm to the situation.
The rage had gone out of Draco, but hurt, embarrassment and humiliation, especially for his mother, had taken over. With steely, gray eyes fixed on Hermione, Draco told her it was best if he left before he said things he wouldn't be able to retract. Which is exactly what he did. Without even a backward glance.
/*/
Hermione was drained. Everyone was trying to move forward, yet she was spending time dragging out the worst that had happened. For a whip smart woman, she had fucked up big time, and perhaps lost her wizard in the bargain.
As Hermione laid back down in the bed, her mind went into overdrive. She hadn't gotten to be the top female prosecutor in London by backing away from a hard job. She could fix this. Maybe not the next day, or even the next after that, but she would bring everything back to normal after Theo and Draco calmed down.