Returning To His Roots

by Divess

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

36. Chapter 36

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 35

There were lights on. Draco drew his wand as he walked down the hall. He never left lights on. Walking as softly as he could, Draco approached the living room and came face to face, not with some intruder, but the witch he had been looking for.

Dropping his wand, he and Hermione stood face to face, each waiting for the other to speak.

The air felt thick.

Finally, they both spoke at the same time.

Hermione said: "I'm hoping we can talk."

Draco said: "I'd like for us to talk."

"It seems we both want the same thing," acknowledged Draco. "However, before we do, I have not eaten and I am famished. May I get you something?"

"I'd like roasted chicken, mashed with gravy, carrots, peas and a pudding."

Draco smiled. "Okay. Except it will be in the form of a ham and cheese sandwich."

Hermione shrugged. "Close enough."

With those few normal words spoken as part of a normal exchange, the air cleared. How they would end up after their discussion was unknown at the moment, but it was a reality they would start off on the same foot.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 36

The atmosphere was a bit awkward as Hermione and Draco sat devouring their ham and cheese sandwiches, concentrating on eating rather than each other.

Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Hermione decided she would be the first to speak. "I was an arse."

Draco nodded and kept chewing the last bit of his sandwich.

"I had no right to take any of that information out of DHG."

Draco nodded again, brushing his hands together to shake off the crumbs. "I was told you are so upset you cried in front of Blaise."

"I didn't mean for Blaise to see me at my lowest. It just happened."

"You're talking to me Hermione. If you let Blaise see you at your lowest, there was a reason. Hermione Granger doesn't do anything without thinking it through. I believe you let Blaise see you indisposed knowing he would relay your state to me."

Hermione started to protest, but realized she was trying to get back with Draco. At this point in time, a lie wouldn't do.

"Did it work?" She asked cautiously.

Leaning back in his chair, Draco snapped off a reply. "I don't think I can do this right now Hermione. You are my witch, but I cannot condone the devious shite you've done and continue to do. You're acting as though this has all been a game where you can manipulate the players. It's not Hermione. I'm over thinking about my mother in that despicable context, but I'm also over you using any means necessary to get your way. We are at an impasse. We should leave this for another day."

Draco walked out of the living room, but Hermione followed him. "I'll see myself out when I'm through. At this moment, I'm not through. I'll admit I didn't use the common sense Merlin gave me. However, stomping around giving ultimatums isn't going to change anything. What is it you want me to do? Shall I slit my wrists? Shall I fall on my knees? I'm not going to do either. What I want is for you to look me in the face and tell me you've never made a mistake. Before you speak, remember I knew you before you became so self righteous about other people's mistakes."

Hermione was getting emotional and her voice was rising. "I cried in front of Blaise because I thought it would get back to you. I was trying whatever I could to get you to see me. Perhaps that was the wrong tact, but nothing else was working. I'm grown. I'm not asking you to condone anything I've done. I find it insulting that you think you can talk to me as though I'm one of your fucking criminals and not expect me to stick up for myself."

Draco stood there looking at Hermione. She was absolutely right. It really was enough. He was being a self righteous prick. A Malfoy trait.

Reaching out as he went, Draco took Hermione by the hand. "Let's sit back down."

Hermione gave Draco one last glare before sitting down at the far end of the couch.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why am I sitting on your couch when you've already asked me to leave?"

"You didn't go."

"Of course I didn't go. You aren't the boss of me."

Draco made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a snort. "That's one thing I know for sure. Shall we start again? I'm not trying to be your boss. I'm trying to be your partner in a relationship. The simple truth is that I don't trust easily, but I gave my trust to you. What you did damaged my perception of you when you made spurious information more important than our relationship. I just need for you to tell me something like this won't happen again."

Feeling hopeful, Hermione held Draco's gaze. "I'm inherently curious. In this case, my curiosity has been sated. Going forward, I promise not to keep anything from you except my private Granger & Associates business and things which are personal to me as a witch, unless you want to hear about my monthly cycle or how I cast my contraceptive spells."

Draco cringed over Hermione's last remarks. No wizard wanted to know about monthly cycles or contraceptive spells. At least not before they were married. Maybe even not then.

"I thought we were trying to have a serious discussion Hermione. That's shite I don't need to hear about anyway, and doesn't have anything to do with what we're discussing."

"We are in a serious discussion Draco. I was simply citing examples."

Draco paused to stare at Hermione thinking she was still making light of the situation.

Realizing her remarks had not gone over well, Hermione capitulated. "I didn't mean to be blasé. We both have private thoughts and personal things we need to keep to ourselves, but that's all we should keep from each other. It's important to our relationship that we share and discuss things, especially if the information is harmful or hurtful to the other."

Draco picked up his comments where he'd left off. "That's it in a nutshell. I can't share OTS case business with you, so I understand you not discussing your court strategies with me. However, as you say, most everything else should be negotiable. If you believe this, I think we finally have this sorted. Did you really let Blaise see you in tears?"

"I did."

Draco chuckled again. "You nearly scared him to death. From now on, if you want to get a point across, use your normal manner. Browbeat people."

Hermione smiled. She could feel the positive air around them as Draco's acrid manner of the last few days began to dissipate.

"I don't browbeat people. I'm simply firm in my convictions."

"Too firm at times," replied Draco truthfully.

/*/

The two people who had grown so close over the past few weeks remained at opposite ends of the couch.

"What shall we do next Hermione? We are sitting here like two adolescents trying to figure out what they should and should not do. It's late. Would you like to spend the night here?"

That question was something Hermione could answer easily. "I think it would be better if I slept in my own bed. Truthfully, it feels like we are starting over. Maybe we should plan a date or something. You know, to get rid of this awkwardness between us."

"I don't feel awkward," lied Draco. "However, if sleeping in your own bed makes you feel better, I won't argue."

Hermione stood. "I'll be going. Thanks for the discussion. Goodnight."

/*/

Hermione landed at the flat with two things on her mind. She was happy that she and Draco had finally gotten to the end of their disagreement. However, she was disappointed their discussion hadn't done anything to reestablish their relationship. They were still floundering. It had been her hope when they finally came to terms their relationship would do the same.

Hermione didn't bother showering. She simply fell across the bed wondering if forever still meant forever.

/*/

Draco watched Hermione walk to his apparition area. As soon as he heard the small pop, he strode to the bathroom, took the quickest shower in Malfoy history then threw on a tee and a pair of jeans. Grabbing his wand, Draco apparated directly into Hermione's living room hoping not to get hexed for his trouble. They had gotten their difficulties sorted. He had no intention of letting their relationship backslide any further.

The living room was empty, so he quietly headed to the bedroom where he found Hermione lying on top of the blankets. Removing his shoes, Draco climbed in beside her only to be surprised by Hermione asking what had taken him so long.

He had expected to slip in beside Hermione without incident. However, now that he'd been caught, he was at a loss for words.

"I had to shower," was all he could think to say. Then it sunk in. Hermione had asked what had taken him so long. She'd been expecting him.

Draco lifted Hermione and put her under the blankets while he remained on top of the blankets. Pulling her into his arms, he whispered in her ear. "You said you wanted to sleep in your own bed. You never said I couldn't sleep with you. I was an arse to you. I'm sorry. If you want us to start over, that's what we'll do. Just remember one thing Miss Granger."

Hermione sighed. "Are you going to start again?"

"We are past that," Draco replied. "What I want you to remember is this relationship is forever."

Hermione threw back the covers and got up on her knees. "You bloody prat. You've been treating me like a pariah and you're lying there telling me our relationship is forever. Is that forever as long as I'm a pliable little witch who genuflects at your every word, or will I be allowed to have thoughts of my own?"

Draco took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "You asked what took me so long to chase behind you. You also asked if I was going to start up again. Maybe you should listen to what you're saying. I was wrong and I have apologized. You were wrong and have apologized. Just what point are you trying to make with the shite you are spewing right now?"

Hermione fell back on her arse. What point was she trying to make? Swinging her legs around so she was sitting on the side of the bed, Hermione placed her face in her hands.

"I know I'm being stupid lashing out, but it's down to me being afraid of losing you over shite. Will you always be waiting for me to do the next stupid thing, or will you forgive me unconditionally? I just want all of this to go away. I want us back to where we were before I did those stupid things. I don't want to go backwards Draco. I want us to be us. Can we do that?"

Draco sighed. He wanted what Hermione wanted, but they seemed to be going about it in two entirely different ways. She was lashing out while he was ready to shag her senseless.

"Here's what I think. I think you should make this the last time you shout at me. You may think it's fine, but I don't. I'm a grown man who knows how to listen when someone speaks in a reasonable tone. Remember that, and we'll be fine. We both have to work in the morning, so I suggest we lie down to get some sleep."

Hermione got back under the covers and Draco remained on top of them. Once again, Draco pulled Hermione up against his chest. "If you don't have any objections, I'd like to hold you in my arms."

"I don't have any objections," replied Hermione softly. "I'd prefer it if you do."

"Ah," remarked Draco with a sigh. "Peace at last." Pushing Hermione's hair aside, he kissed her shoulder. "Goodnight love."

"Goodnight," Hermione answered in her soft voice. "Thank you for coming to see about me."

Draco pulled her even closer uttering a seemingly simple answer. "How could I not?"

/*/

When Theo showed up at St Mungo's, he was shown to a small waiting room after being told the healer was in a consultation.

Taking a seat, He began to sort through the magazines laying on the table. "Old arse magazines," Theo growled as he continued to pick through the magazines. As much as he and Esther were paying St Mungo's and this specialized healer, he thought they should be able to offer better reading material.

Throwing the magazines aside, Theo sat back to reflect on his trip to the Ministry. The trip had been for nothing. The Ministry would not issue any documents in the name Declan Cobb. As far as Ministry records went, no such child existed. Theo explained himself to the records clerk who then checked the files to discover an unnamed baby boy Nott had appeared in The Wizarding Book of Life on 10/10/96.

For one second, Theo was as livid as he'd ever been. His foul, arsehole of a father couldn't do even one thing right. Because Voldemort and his followers appeared to be winning the war, Nott, Sr. had obviously decided he didn't have to abide by any laws or fill out any forms. Evidently, he had picked a name out of the air, shipped Declan off with that name and that was supposed to be that. Filthy, ignorant….

The record clerk was back at the window. "The only thing I can do is give you all the proper forms, have you fill them out then return them to me with proper documentation. At that time, I will adjust the records to reflect your son's correct name and parentage."

It was almost on the tip of Theo's tongue to correct the wizard, but he stopped. He definitely wasn't going to stand in the middle of the Ministry explaining Declan's parentage. However, the clerk's comment did give Theo an idea. As long as Declan didn't turn up having three eyes or something, there might just be a way to get this whole thing sorted without churning up a ton of ugly memories.

"Fine," replied Theo reaching out for the forms. "We'll have these back to the Ministry in no time at all."

The clerk had then given Theo a low key telling off. "We have records for a reason Mr. Nott. Waiting this long to register Declan for his papers could have had dire consequences. In cases like this, if the child isn't registered by his tenth birthday, his name is stricken from magical records. After that, it would be a beast to get those records reactivated."

Theo wanted to growl at the prat. Instead, he replied in a pleasant, level voice. "Well. It's a good thing we've caught it now. Thank you for your time. Have a good day."

/*/

Theo was still thinking about that prat of a clerk when Healer Stevenson stalked into the room with an outstretched hand and a wide smile.

"Good evening Mr. Nott. If you'll follow me, I'll share my findings about your aunt."

What the fuck is he smiling at? Theo wondered as he followed the healer to his office while silently admitting that he didn't care for this overpriced bag of wind.

/*/

After five minutes of conversation with Healer Stevenson, Theo was ready to draw his wand on the wizard. His first impression had been accurate. This arrogant, full of himself healer might excel in his field, but he was shite with people. Padma would have eaten him for lunch.

"Mr. Nott."

Theo tuned back in to the conversation.

"What do you think about what I've said?"

Theo had to apologize because his mind had totally wandered away from the conversation. "Pardon me Healer Stevenson. My mind was on some of the many things I have going on in my life at the moment. What did you say?"

Healer Stevenson was used to people hanging on his every word. He was their Merlin. He could fix the unfixable, and didn't care for people who didn't respect his worth. This Nott fellow was annoying him.

Trying hard to hide the exasperation in his voice, Healer Stevenson began again. "Your aunt, Esther Nott, was not hexed as she led me to believe. She was obviously attacked with fists and foot by some muggle monster, no doubt. While her injuries are severe, it only took a bit of my concentrated magic to correct a good bit of what ails her. Miss Nott will need at least three more of my specialized treatments before she can be called healed. Right now, she is about forty percent better than when she was wheeled in."

Muggle monster? If only this arrogant man knew the truth. The muggle monster was in reality a loathsome wizard who used his fists and feet to intimidate his family. Theo didn't like this healer, but he was impressed. Really impressed. "In this short period of time, you have corrected forty percent of my aunt's problems? That's amazing. Thank you."

Healer Stevenson smiled. He was finally getting the admiration he was used to. "Not so amazing Mr. Nott when you are working with an experienced healer. The question now is shall we keep your aunt in St Mungo's and immediately proceed with the rest of the treatment, or would you like to take her home for a rest period before the next step?"

Theo knew what he's like to see done, but felt he should at least discuss it with Esther. "If you don't mind, I'd like to discuss this with my aunt. You'll have your answer within the hour."

Healer Stevenson nodded. "I have other patients to see, but here is my request for services form. When you and your aunt have made a decision, fill it out and leave it with my assistant. I'll have someone take you to your aunt. Thank you for coming in."

Before Healer Stevenson could leave the office, Theo asked if the subsequent treatments would be done by Friday.

"If you and Miss Nott agree to the treatments, I will have her back as close to whole as possible by Thursday."

That was all Theo needed to hear. "Wonderful. I will speak to my aunt, but I can assure you, she will remain under your treatment. Thank you."

Healer Stevenson reached out to take Theo's extended hand very happy to be getting the admiration he felt was due him.

/*/

Theo had a discussion with Esther who was thrilled with the treatment so far. Although she still walked in a slightly bent over manner, she had been quick to explain how her pain had decreased in intensity. "I would like to remain under Healer Stevenson's care. This might seem like a one hundred eighty degree turn, but if I can be whole when I meet Declan, that is my wish. I choose to stay."

"I agree Esther. While you are here, I will check on your home to see how renovations are coming along. However, I'm also of the mind that you and Declan stay in my home until I'm sure you and he are suited to each other. We will not go through all this only to find out you cannot abide your own child. I'll fill out the required forms for Healer Stevenson. Oh yes," remarked Theo as an afterthought. "There are issues revolving around Declan that must be resolved. We will take care of everything on Saturday after he arrives. Good luck to you. I'll be back on Wednesday to check on you."

Even though Esther knew Theo didn't like to be thanked, she thanked him anyway.

In a move that surprised them both, Theo actually replied before exiting the room. "You're welcome Esther."

/*/

Esther was overjoyed at her opportunity to be healed. However, she was still frightened about having her child return to England. He was an abomination and always would be. Esther laid there in her hospital bed wishing she'd never have to face her son and her past.

/*/

Blaise hadn't only Owled Theo. He'd Owled Ginny as well.

Hello love,

I did as you asked. I went to have a discussion with Hermione about her behavior at Viglio's. It was a simple thing to get sorted. However, in the midst of our discussion, Hermione began to cry. You know I'm shite when it comes to that, so I nearly broke my neck getting out of her office. Her crying didn't have anything to do with the subject we were discussing, which makes me think her behavior has caused problems between her and Draco.

I'm not ashamed to say that a crying Hermione Granger is not a sight I care to experience again.

I love you. See you this weekend.

Blaise.

/*/

After a long day chasing celebrities, assigning photographers and filing reports, Ginny was glad to see an Owl from Blaise. As she read it, all the weariness of the day slowly slid from her body as she chuckled to herself.

"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione. I don't think you've cried since you discovered Ron had taken up with Lav Lav. Smooth move girl. I think you must have gotten everyone's attention."

Laughing, Ginny put the letter on her bedside table, thinking she and Hermione would have a good laugh the next time they saw each other, or not.

After a shower and a quick meal, Ginny laid down with a smile still on her face.

/**/

Draco woke early Tuesday morning with his arms still wrapped around Hermione. They were back to being able to sleep with each other. He was more than chuffed. Moving her hair out of the way with his nose, Draco kissed Hermione's neck then her shoulder.

"Good morning love," he said, running his hand down Hermione's arm. "Are you awake?"

"I'm awake."

"I've missed being with you Hermione," Draco admitted in a hoarse voice. "Shall we start our renewed relationship off with a bit of sex?"

Turning so she faced Draco, Hermione had a very smart reply. "I missed being with you as well. Perhaps if you remove those jeans and get under the blankets, we can get up to something."

Draco jumped up off the bed seemingly removing every stitch of clothing in one move before sliding under the covers. "You smell so good love," he whispered hoarsely, running his thumbs over Hermione's breasts. "I can't contain myself."

"Come to me," Hermione whispered in the same hoarse voice. "I'm more than ready."

Draco didn't need any more of an invitation. Turning on his back, he pulled Hermione across his body so she was straddling him. As she lowered herself onto his throbbing dick, they both let out moans of sexual excitement. It had been days, and they made love like it had been months. Their first go was fast as their orgasms came quickly. They were slippery and sticky, but that did not deter them. Ten minutes after their first orgasms, Hermione and Draco were working on their second.

Whispering to each other, promises were made to never let anything come between them again. By the time they were lying side by side enjoying the afterglow of sex, they were both at least an hour late for work. Normally two of the most punctual people in the Wizarding community, Hermione and Draco decided that being late this one day didn't matter as much as their renewed relationship.

/*/

At both OTS and Granger & Associates, the employees were wondering about their missing colleagues.

Blaise had stopped by Team 3 and was surprised to find out Draco hadn't made it in yet. As he greeted Donald and Brian, his thoughts turned to mayhem. He'd rather think mayhem than the possibility Draco had been removed from the Ministry rolls for cause.

He sat down at his desk hoping that the dispute between Hermione and Draco hadn't turned to something dark. Blaise was still sitting in his desk worrying when Draco stopped in to apologize for his lateness citing an important matter that had come up early that morning.

Blaise who was happy to see his agent in one piece told him to send an Owl the next time he needed time away.

"Will do," Draco replied as he headed to his office.

/*/

Although Donald and Brian were wondering, they didn't comment when Draco entered the workroom, realizing it had to be something fairly important to keep their always on time supervisor from his job.

"Good morning lads. I apologize for the lateness of my arrival. How is everything?"

"Good morning Draco. Brian and I have finished up with our prior case and moved on to the next. All the case needs is your review before we turn it in to Blaise."

"Excellent," replied Draco. "Thank you. I'll just review the case now so we can get it to Blaise. No worries about this new case boys. I'll remain behind tonight to get as much sorted as possible."

Brian smiled at Draco, but pointed at Donald. "Feeling a little guilty about leaving me alone with this nutter? No problem. I had him well in hand. The only problem was him trying to banter me up."

Both Donald and Draco chuckled at Brian's remarks.

"Careful Brian," Donald sniped, never raising his head. "You are among wizards who have mastered the art of bantering."

"You won't be roping me into your bull shite Donald. Time to get our minds back to the job at hand. I'll be over the other side reviewing the case. One small change. When I'm finished Brian, I'd like you to present it to Blaise. Donald will present the next case."

Brian and Donald glanced at each other. Their supervisor was delegating, which meant he trusted them to make the team look good. They were both chuffed as they busied themselves with the case in front of them.

"We'll be so smooth, Blaise won't know what hit him," smarted Donald.

Without looking up from his own case review, Draco smarted off right back. "You might want to hold off being so smug until after you've faced Blaise."

Draco's comments wiped the smug smile right off Donald's face. "Point taken. I've heard he can be a bear."

Draco got in the last words. "I'll just point out that it's better to have heard than to have experienced."

Donald nodded his head, but didn't reply, because there was no rebuttal for the truth.

/*/

Hermione arrived at her desk happy and very satisfied. She and Draco had made up, made love and her world was back on it's true axis. It was time to get to work.

On the top of her work pile, Hermione found a note from Justin who wanted to discuss a case he had coming up on Wednesday. She and Justin hadn't had a decent discussion in a while. Hermione looked forward to it.

Justin stood when Hermione entered his office. After their initial greeting, he got right down to facts. He was wavering on how to prosecute his case. The defendant had been accused of several crimes. Some more serious than others. Justin knew he could get the wizard convicted on the lower offenses, but was unsure about the higher crimes.

Hermione offered her insight. "I understand your concern Justin, but I am also baffled by it. Our only job has always been and will always be to present evidence. Sometimes we have to decide what pieces of evidence are most compelling, but we don't decline to prosecute because we think we might not win. Present the evidence and let the Wizengamot decide."

Justin nodded, but to Hermione he appeared uncomfortable.

Hermione closed Justin's door with her wand. "Is there something you're not telling me Justin? You are one of the most confident prosecutors in London. What has shaken that confidence?"

"I'm fine Hermione."

"Alright Justin. You're a grown wizard so I won't sit here trying to pull information you obviously don't want to share. You know where I am if you want to talk. Good luck tomorrow, and no matter the outcome, you'll be fine. You always are."

Justin smiled at Hermione. "Thanks for the pep talk, even though I didn't know I needed one."

Giving Justin a little wave, Hermione left his office and headed back to her own where she found another note. This one from Gloria who exclaimed in big letters that she had received a letter from Severus Snape inviting her to a meeting.

Hermione found it humorous that Severus had Owled Gloria so quickly. "Stay out of your business was it, Mr. Snape? You seem to be in a mighty big hurry to meet my brilliant assistant prosecutor."

Deciding she would catch up with Gloria before then end of the day, Hermione started sorting through the material piled up on her desk.

/*/

Severus had adjusted his routine. Instead of taking all of his meals in his rooms, he'd begun taking lunch in the dining room. Initially, it felt strange to have his meal alone in such a big room, but he had adjusted. It was a nice change from sitting at the table in the north wing kitchenette.

On Tuesday, in addition to his lunch, there was an Owl message beside his plate. Noting the Ministry seal, Severus hoped it was good news from Kingsley.

It was.

Severus read the message with a surge of excitement.

Severus,

My plate is more than full at the moment, however, what we've discussed is high on my list of priorities. Therefore, I would like to set up a meeting in my office for Wednesday, 4/28 at 10:00.

The capital for this project has already been secured. Please be prepared to present me with your vision, how we should proceed, and how you will go about bringing the correct people on board. We will discuss this at the meeting, but I need to impress on you your group must consist of more than a few part time people who can only work four or five hours a week. We will need anchors who will then supervise the part timers. I didn't mean to get this far into this subject, but, as I stated, my time is at a premium right now and I don't want to waste my time or yours. It's simple. Come prepared.

Regards,

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Minister of Magic.

Severus read the letter over again and was comfortable with most of what Kingsley had written. He didn't have any worries about being unprepared. He'd been working on this for over almost two years. He was prepared. However, the remarks about part time people annoyed Severus. He'd have to try to talk Kingsley around on that point. In any startup, part time people were the backbone of the project. Down the line, if they chose to remain with the project, they would be given the opportunity of coming on board full time.

/*/

Finishing his lunch, Severus headed back to his rooms to confirm the appointment with Kingsley as well as Owl the several witches and wizards who had expressed interest in his telecommunications ideas.

After sending his reply to Kingsley, Severus' next Owl was to Gloria Isles. For as much as he had cautioned Hermione against interfering in his life, he was very curious about this tall, brilliant, auburn haired witch.

After putting together a generic form letter which would be sent to the interested parties, Severus double checked it for accuracy.

Greetings, Gloria Isles

We have previously spoken about the possibility of you joining a telecommunications project I have in the works. Funding has come through and a team is being put together. However, before I accept you to the team, I would like to meet with you personally. I am scheduling appointments for this coming Thursday, 4/29/04.

The available times are, 10:30-11:00-11:30-1:00-1:30-2:00. This meeting should take no more than twenty minutes. I have scheduled you for 10:30. If this an acceptable time, please confirm with a return Owl. If not, please respond with the time you will be available.

If you are accepted to the team, please be ready to start within the next two weeks.

Regards,

Severus Snape

Telecommunications Specialist

Severus then addressed the letters to the appropriate candidates with the selected time. For this important project, he only wanted the best. Some people receiving his letter would probably be surprised to hear from him, but thrilled to be considered.

Getting up to stretch, Severus noted to himself, "I can work with thrilled."