Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 43 Declan
"First off Mick, I'm not you," remarked Theo briskly. "Secondly, Cely is not just an elf. She is a valued house employee who has been trained to take care of the family. Thirdly, Declan's aunt has promised to make herself available whenever she is needed. If that isn't satisfactory enough for you, even though it's not your business. I plan to hire a permanent Nanny Witch who will watch over Declan when I cannot. My son will be properly watched."
Mick hung his head even as Conor stepped in to diffuse what could become a situation. "Please do not take offense Theo. I have to admit I was thinking along the same lines as Mick. We've lived with and loved that young wizard from day one. It's hard to turn him over to you without a question. Mick's remarks were not made to disparage you."
Mick nodded in agreement.
Theo realized this was about two uncles who were concerned for the welfare of their nephew, nothing more. "I promise. Declan will have the same love, care and guidance you and your mum gave him over the last seven years. In addition, the Nott doors will always be open to the uncles of my son. Drink up mates. We are all on the same page."
Mick raised his glass to offer a toast. "To a long and happy relationship between the Notts and the Byrnes. Slainte chugat!"
Slainte," echoed Conor.
"Cheers to you both," added Theo.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 44
Even after their little disagreement Friday evening, Draco and Hermione had spent a lovely evening out. A bit of dinner, dancing and a romantic walk settled them both down. Then, for a small change, they retired to Hermione's flat instead of Draco's house. Hermione had to cast a quick clean up spell to clear away the dust that had settled.
"This is embarrassing," she said moving hurriedly from one room to the next. "I haven't been to my own flat in so long it has become dust covered."
"Has it been that long? I really hadn't noticed," Draco answered mockingly as he grabbed Hermione from behind. "I guess that must mean your wonderful pussy is equally as good in either place."
Pushing Draco away with her bum, Hermione kept moving until every drop of dust was gone. "Good as new. Would you like a drink, or….."
"I would like or," replied Draco once again grabbing Hermione from behind. This time kissing her neck. "As long as the or means a long, slow shag."
Hermione giggled as she leaned back into Draco. "That wasn't the or I had in mind, but now that you've brought it up, I concur. I'll take or as well.
With one final nip on Hermione's neck, Draco turned back towards the kitchen. "Now that I've been assured of some time alone with my beautiful witch, I'll just get some alcohol to hasten the process."
"Really? You need whisky to hasten the process? Has sex with me become a process?"
Draco immediately saw where words spoken in jest were going and backtracked. "I was having a little joke love. Sex with you has always been and will always be amazing. Forget the drinks. Let's just go devour each other," he added, grabbing Hermione by the hand.
As Hermione willingly followed him to the bedroom, a few quick thoughts darted through Draco's mind. One of which was how did he keep finding himself on the short stick of a disagreement. He felt like he was changing or losing part of himself trying to keep Hermione happy and the arguments at bay.
The stray thoughts hadn't impacted their lovemaking in any way. They had shared equally intense orgasms before settling down for the night. Draco had initially planned for two or three of those intense orgasms, but Hermione had turned on her stomach and closed her eyes almost immediately.
Feeling satisfied yet unsatisfied, Draco turned on his side facing Hermione and also closed his eyes. For several minutes, he lay there wondering if he truly had given up a part of himself to keep harmony in the relationship.
Whatever wisp of thought that had run through his mind disappeared during the night. On Saturday morning, he'd gotten his additional intense orgasms.
/*/
Hermione and Draco spent most of Saturday out and about on different errands. While Hermione visited the greengrocer to restock the larder and the dress shop to pick up a few additional pieces of business attire, Draco picked up a couple of takeaway meals to take to Brian's flat.
On the way back to Hermione's flat, Draco stopped by the Manor for a quick check of things. His parents would be arriving on Sunday and would expect nothing less than perfection. In fact, Draco thought it would be appropriate for him to be there to greet them when they arrived.
With a quick word to Missy and Elder promising to return shortly, Draco headed for Hermione's flat to let her know he'd be staying the night at the Manor and most of Sunday. The flat was empty when Draco got there, so he waited around for another hour before leaving a note explaining where he'd be.
By the time Hermione arrived an hour later, Draco was long gone. Initially, Hermione didn't realize Draco had come and gone until she found his note.
Hello love,
Mother and father are scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. I think it appropriate their only son be there to greet them and spend some time. I'll be back here sometime Sunday evening.
D.
Hermione automatically turned the note over in her hand, looking for what, she didn't know. After a second glance, Hermione laid the note down and began putting everything away using her wand. Suddenly, the special meal she had planned to make didn't seem important. Even the new outfits she had purchased didn't seem all that special either. She was being silly, but it had been ages since she and Draco had slept apart. She was actually feeling lonely, and Draco had only been gone hours.
As 7:00 pm rolled around, Hermione had a thought. She should Owl Gloria to see if she wanted to stop by the flat for a drink. However, that came to nothing when Gloria Owled back that she had plans. Hermione threw Gloria's Owl down on top of Draco's note, summoned the wine then grabbed a book. Her Saturday night would be spent drinking wine and rereading an old book.
She missed the company of her wizard.
/*/
Draco was in Lucius' study going through items that should have been resolved days ago, and had just picked up the last document when Elder stepped in to announce Severus.
Rising from the chair, Draco stretched out his hand. "Good evening godfather. I hope all is well."
"All is in order. I stopped by to ensure all my mail has made its way to my home. I must say I'm surprised to find you here, especially on a Saturday."
Draco hunched his shoulders explaining he'd been remiss in checking his father's desk before calling Elder to take the three envelopes to the Owlery.
"Well that's done. May I offer you some refreshment?"
"A whisky sounds good Draco. I'm glad we have this chance to converse. Progress is being made."
Summoning glasses and the Ogden's, Draco sat back to hear what Severus had to share.
/*/
Although he maintained his Malfoy composure, Draco was excited to hear that several contractors and electricians had already arrived in London and were putting basic plans together.
The two men discussed the labor end of the project until Draco surprised Severus with a very personal statement.
"I'd like you to give your candid opinion of Draco Malfoy as a person. There are times lately when I feel as though I'm losing part of myself. I'd rather not get into what makes me feel this way, but I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Stretching his neck so he was gazing at the ceiling, Severus gathered his thoughts. He did have an opinion, a definite opinion on this matter. However, it wasn't his place to speak on it without being asked. He had now been asked, and would share his thoughts, as hard as they would be to say, and as hard as they would be for Draco to hear.
Refilling both glasses, Severus began to speak without preamble. "You left Wiltshire a befuddled man-boy and returned an accomplished adult. However, from what I understand, you were immediately inundated with hate and maltreatment. In order to get along, you decided to go along. Your Malfoy resolve was the first piece of yourself you altered. You then decided getting along wasn't enough. You needed closure on some long ago slight, so you adjusted your Malfoy pride and accepted someone else's idea of fault. Lastly, I believe you've given up a portion of your Malfoy strength to be in a relationship which only works as long as you're willing to fall on the proverbial sword, or accept apologies after the fact. I'm sure you realize every adjustment you've made revolves around Hermione. That's the gist of it."
Draco rubbed his glass between his hands then sat silently watching the liquor swirl around.
"I won't make any apology for what I've said Draco. You asked. Neither am I trying to disparage Hermione whom I consider a friend. Relationships vary between any two people. I can take the nonsense Hermione sometimes hands out because she and I don't depend on each other to be happy. I don't strive to take her to task over behavior, but neither will I back off to spare her feelings when she's wrong. You make allowances not because it's the right thing to do, but because it keeps peace in the relationship. The bottom line is for you to think over what I've said. I realize you care for each other, but how many more pieces of yourself will you have to adjust or change to remain her perfect wizard?"
The room remained silent for several more minutes before Draco cleared his throat then began to speak. "While your synopsis of me is hard to hear, I have had some of those same thoughts. There have been times when instead of following my first mind, I've acted in a manner which is the best solution for the relationship as opposed to what's best. Unless I want to end up like some kept rent boy, I need to fix this. I appreciate your candor Severus. As bad as it is to hear from my godfather, it would be so much worse coming from father."
Lifting his glass and tilting it in Severus' direction, a solemn sounding Draco murmured one word before excusing himself from the room. "Cheers."
/*/
Severus remained seated staring into the fireplace as the SS on the empath ring Draco had given him flashed wildly in the fire light. His godson had asked and he had answered. For the sake of a healthy sense of self as well as a healthy relationship, he hoped Draco had listened.
Calling for Elder, Severus left instructions about clearing away in the study on his way out the door.
/*/
Up in his wing, Draco was feeling as though a small weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There was a situation he needed to explore. His only other thought was his father wouldn't have been nearly as restrained if he'd had to speak to his son about such matters. He and Hermione would have to talk it out, because there was no way he wanted to end up some bloody ghost of himself. He wasn't looking forward to what might very well turn into a battle.
/*/
Mick had a surprise in store Saturday evening. At the last possible moment, Conor appeared in the doorway looking very handsome in a BasicWear casual outfit.
"I'd like to see some of the London nightlife as well, so I'll be accompanying you and the lovely witch out. I hope you don't mind the third wheel." He chuckled, sending a wink in Theo's direction. "Perhaps Parvati will have a witch for me, eh Mick."
Theo laughed at the look on Mick's face.
"You're being an arse right now Conor," sniped Mick. "I don't need you holding my hand. I told you I wouldn't make trouble."
"You've gotten it all wrong brother," countered Conor. "I trust you not to be your normal, aggressive self. I simply want to see this Leaky Cauldron. Even though I wasn't lucky enough to get an invitation from a witch, Jay saw fit to invite me out, and I accepted his invitation. I have the coordinates, so I'll see you there."
"Bastard," Mick mumbled before striding to the door.
"I don't think Mick will be all that thrilled to have you looking over his shoulder," remarked Theo, following up with a hearty laugh.
Returning Theo's laugh, Conor made an exaggerated shrug. "It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. We'll be fine. Jay's witch Leanne has paired me up for the night with one of her friends. It'll be interesting. Remember, Mick and I will be returning on our own. Please don't forget to lower the wards. There's nothing worse than trying to get through wards that do not recognize the bodies trying to get through. Thanks. I'll see you in the morning. I'll say goodnight to Declan and be on my way."
"Okay then. I'll see you in the morning."
/*/
Theo spent some time alone enjoying the solitude, but missing the feeling of Padma snuggling up to his side. Saturdays had always been their special night, even if it was only sitting side by side enjoying each other's company. He was slipping into melancholy when Declan came into the room, sat by him and snuggled close to his side. Without looking up at Theo, Declan made a request.
"Father. Please tell me about my mother."
Although the request surprised him, Theo quickly began to relate the fake story of the conquest who got pregnant without his knowledge and died while giving birth.
"No father. Not that lady. I'd like you to tell me about my mother Padma." Declan replied firmly.
Declan's specific request made Theo pause. What did this child know about Padma? Unsure how to explain that Padma wasn't his mum without upsetting him, Theo gathered his thoughts before admitting that this seven year old wizard was on the mark. Had she lived, Padma would have become his mother.
Theo chose to begin at the very beginning of his and Padma's relationship ending with that last Meet and Greet a few days before her death. When the last sentence left his mouth, Theo looked down to find Declan fast asleep. Gently putting the boy over his shoulder, Theo carried Declan to the bed where he'd have his first sleep as a Nott.
Theo pushed a thick lock of Declan's dark hair away from his face as he sat on the side of the bed staring down at him. He would give this child the best of everything, including the love and care he'd never received from his parents. In that moment, Theo couldn't refrain from thinking how he and Padma had put off having their own child. Such a stupid mistake. Had he known how it would all end….
An emotional Theo jumped up. He and Padma couldn't ever have a child together, so it was much too late for retrospect. All he could do now was what he was doing.
Heading out the bedroom door, Theo stopped in his tracks when he heard Declan, as clear as day, utter a soft remark as though replying to a suggestion or command.
"Yes mother."
Turning back, Theo stood there holding his breath. Had he really heard Declan speak, or was he imagining it as he did Padma's presence? Several seconds passed, but Declan remained silent. Running a hand through his own thick, dark hair, Theo headed for his bedroom to experience his own first sleep, as a father.
/**/
Hermione rose early on Sunday after being awakened by an owl tapping at the window. Gloria had sent an Owl inquiring if she could stop by the flat with brunch makings. With Draco gone, Hermione was glad to have company and had replied in the affirmative.
Gloria arrived at 11:30 with a shrunken bundle which turned into a huge spread once brought back to size.
"Merlin Gloria!" Hermione had exclaimed. "Have you left anything on the shop shelves? This is enough to feed an army. You've done the shopping, so I'll set up and serve."
Gloria smiled at her boss as she removed the covers from the dishes. "Nonsense. We'll both set and serve. Perhaps I did over shop, but we're two, strong, hungry girls who'll make fast work of it all. Let's sit down. I want to explain about last night."
Hermione stopped in mid chew feeling as though she should have known there was something more to this visit than just brunch. "What about last night Gloria? There isn't anything to explain. I extended an invitation not a summons."
"I understand that Hermione. Maybe explain wasn't quite the right word. What I'm actually looking for is input."
Through a witch's insight, Hermione knew immediately what the input would be about. Terry Boot was going off the reservation once again.
"Alright Gloria. How can I help?"
Gloria danced around the subject a bit before getting into the gist of it. It seemed Terry had been hot on her tail vaguely flirting and sending strange signals. Because she found Terry interesting, she had accepted his invitation to go out for dinner. However, in retrospect, was wondering if she had put herself in a compromising position.
Hermione listened while silently fuming over Terry's behavior. Gloria wasn't going to like her answer because she and Terry had already broken the first rule at Granger & Associates, no fraternization between staff members. After that, she could offer advice, but Gloria and Terry were two adults who had the right to do as they wished outside of work. The word tosser came to mind when Hermione thought about Terry, but she couldn't remember him ever being dishonest. The one missing piece was the status of Terry's relationship with Della. If the relationship was over, the only issue was two employees dating each other without making full disclosure at the start of the relationship.
Hermione spoke frankly, offering Gloria one friendly caution. Before moving forward, she should make sure Terry was single.
"Of course he's single," Gloria replied somewhat impudently. "Why would he approach me in this manner if he wasn't? Please give me some credit Hermione."
Ignoring Gloria's somewhat cross reply, Hermione answered. "So Terry has told you he and Della are no longer together?"
Gloria took a deep breath hesitant to admit Terry hadn't come out and said as much. The fault, if there was any, might lay with her. She had assumed.
Hermione waited.
"Bloody hell! I'm supposed to be the next great thing in prosecuting and I can't even tell when a man is trying to have a go at me. What the fuck does that say about me?"
"Listen Gloria," said Hermione reaching out for Gloria's hand. "I've known Terry for ages. He has done a few unsavory things, but I don't think he'd put you in an embarrassing position. If you are interested in him, ask the blunt questions. If his answers are satisfactory, and you want to move forward as a couple, make my office your first stop. We'll figure things out from there."
Gloria nodded and began to clean up, but Hermione stopped her. "You don't have to clean up. I'm on my own today, so I'll have plenty of time between nibbles to put everything away."
"Alright then. I guess I'll be on my way. I'd like to get things between Terry and I straightened out before tomorrow. Thanks for your time boss. In case this all goes sideways, I'm quite thankful I didn't let Terry get to where he wanted to be last night. I'll see you in the morning."
Although it was a serious situation, Hermione had a giggle when she thought about Terry standing about with his dick hanging out. Then she giggled even more loudly. She'd been in that position, saw that and it hadn't been that impressive.
/*/
Draco slept in on Sunday. In the early afternoon, Missy popped up at Draco's door to inform him of his parents return. They had been told he was in the Manor and had sent her with a message.
"Mr. Lucius and Miss Cissy saying they is glad you're here. They want to get settled and will be seeing you before dinner."
"Thank you," replied a groggy Draco. "Please bring me eggs, sausage, buttered toast and tea."
"Right away Mr. Draco. I be back in a flash."
Still a bit perturbed over his interaction with Severus, Draco spent a few minutes sitting on the side of the bed taking deep breaths, head bent low and arms clasped behind his neck before going to the bathroom for a shower. As the warm water beat down on him, Draco realized he should put certain matters out of his mind for the moment. If there was anything his father could sniff out, it was weakness and uncertainty, and he didn't want to be on the receiving end of any probing questions.
After his shower and late breakfast/brunch, Draco went down to the study to make sure everything was in order for the meeting he knew was coming. His father was sure to want reports on all that had been done in his absence. He needed to be ready.
/*/
Although Draco knew he hadn't overlooked anything, he went through everything before leaving a meticulous pile in the middle of the desk. Draco was still sitting when Lucius came striding through the door with his hand outstretched, but rose immediately to accept his father's handshake.
"Good to see you son. Your mother will be down soon. I expect that neat looking pile in the middle of my desk is meant for me. I appreciate your diligence. Anything I should know right off the top."
For better or for worse, Draco admired his father. At this point in his life, he didn't agree with all his beliefs, but he admired the man.
"Good to see you as well father. The pile is yours sir. Most of it is documents which only called for automatic renewal. However, I did have to make several small decisions which I have clearly noted. I'd ask about your holiday, however, you and mother have returned three weeks early which suggests I should err on the side of caution and refrain from asking."
A rare smile broke out on Lucius' face. "Nothing to worry about on that front Draco. Your mother and I had a lovely time. The fact is, I have returned early because there are matters I am anxious to discuss with Severus."
Draco shifted slightly, hoping his name wouldn't come up in that conversation.
Lucius sat down behind his desk and began to browse through the pile as he continued speaking.
"For your information, I plan to make a sizeable investment in Severus' telecommunications project. I believe electronic communication, especially the portable kind, will be as big in the magical world as they are in the muggle world. I'd like you to think about doing the same. Build for your future. Speaking of the future, I understand you've met someone."
Draco didn't want to get into this now. Not when he was having doubts, and not when his father started the conversation with, I understand you've met someone when he knew exactly who Draco was dating.
"If you don't mind father, I'd rather not discuss the state of my love life at this time."
Lucius gave Draco a hard stare before uttering a cynical remark. "Sounds to me as though whatever was going on is over. Good. There are plenty of pureblood witches out there who would jump at the chance to be on your arm."
Draco responded emphatically. "It's not over father. I just don't care to discuss it. I'm glad you had a good holiday. I'm going to excuse myself right now. I'll see you and mother at dinner."
"As you wish Draco. We'll see you at dinner. You might want to think over what I said about pureblood witches. You may have your fun, but when it comes time to marry and settle down, I suggest you choose wisely. Our bloodline must….."
"Thank you for your advice father," Draco replied, cutting across Lucius. "I will settle down and marry the witch I love. No matter her blood status."
/*/
Lucius remained at his desk in a pensive mood. Times and mores had changed so much. It used to be that a pureblood father wouldn't even have to have a discussion such as this with his son. It was a given the son wouldn't entertain any witch who's blood wasn't of the purest quality. But now….
Narcissa entered the room with a puzzled look on her face. "Lucius love. Where is Draco? I thought he'd at least want to greet his mother."
"Ah! Your son was here, but I believe my advice on his dating preferences drove him to leave the room."
"For Merlin' sake Lucius. Couldn't you have given Draco a day before browbeating him over his choice of dates? I don't like to think we might end up with a low blood witch for a daughter-in-law either, but they are barely in a relationship. Not to be indelicate, but the girl probably fulfills his baser needs. Draco will regain his senses when it comes to choosing a bride. If he doesn't, we'll have to live with whomever he chooses, or lose him forever."
Lucius didn't like what Narcissa was saying. She was making too much sense, and it irritated him.
"Enough talk," he growled. "I will not lose my son, and he will make a proper marriage."
Narcissa didn't take kindly to Lucius growling at her. "I'm your wife Lucius. I've done nothing to deserve that tone. As far as whom Draco chooses to marry, that will be up to him, not you. Since you've obviously upset our son, I'll have Elder call him to my sitting room where he and his mother can visit in peace."
Lucius watched Narcissa flounce out of the room not really understanding why she was so upset. He'd spoken nothing but the truth. Perhaps he was holding on too tightly to the old beliefs, but as a father, that was his right. Draco would fall in line. He had to.
/*/
Narcissa sent Elder up to Draco's quarters, but the house elf returned with the message that Draco would see her at dinner.
Narcissa was raging inside at Lucius as she made her way back their quarters. He was home all of four hours and had already gotten into a battle with their son. She'd already had enough of her husband's overbearing manner during their holiday. At home, she wanted, no expected, a respite from the bull shite Lucius put forth to impress his pureblood friends.
/*/
In spite of what Draco expected, dinner around the Malfoy table was a pleasant affair. His father was affable while his mother was solicitous with her indirect questions about his personal life. Draco realized his father was in such an affable mood because he expected his wife to elicit every answer he wanted from their son, which didn't happen. Draco skillfully turned the conversation away from himself back to his mother. It was probably during dessert that Narcissa realized she hadn't uncovered any pertinent information about her son's love life.
After dinner, Draco kissed his mother on the cheek, shook hands with his father and excused himself citing his need to return home.
Aggravated that Narcissa hadn't been able to confirm the fact Draco was seriously dating Hermione Granger, Lucius asked sharply. "Return home, or return to that girl?"
To keep the anger out of his voice, Draco took a deep breath before answering. "Both father," he replied, turning to look directly at Lucius. "And she's not that girl. You know perfectly well her name is Hermione. Dinner was lovely. Good night."
Throwing his napkin down on the table, Lucius stood. He had achieved his goal. "First of all Draco, watch your tone. Secondly, how hard is it to admit you are dating Hermione Granger?"
"Well father, you have your confirmation. Should Hermione expect an invitation to the Manor? I'm sure she'd be amenable to meeting you in the drawing room."
"Draco!" Shouted Narcissa also jumping up from the table.
"Remain calm Narcissa," Lucius snapped. "Our son forgets himself, but I understand his animosity. It must be hard for him to admit he stood passively by while Bellatrix tortured his future girl friend."
Draco agonized over the response his ill chosen words had caused.
"Please stop. The both of you." Narcissa shouted, close to tears. "How dare you invoke my sister's name Lucius, and how dare you bring up such a painful part of our history Draco? We will not speak of such things. You are father and son. Act like it. Apologize to your father Draco. Now!"
As the anger drained from his body, Draco knew he'd gone too far. His thoughtless remarks had been way out of line. He was lucky his father hadn't hexed him. He owed both his father and mother an apology.
Father and son faced each other across the room, each breathing as though he'd just competed in some relay race. Draco spoke.
"You're right mother. My remarks were vile and unnecessary. My apologies to you and father. Have a good evening."
Draco headed for the door instead of back to his wing wanting nothing more than to get away from his father. However, Lucius had other ideas.
"I accept your apology, but I would like a private word in my study." He said, walking away without looking back.
Draco made a move to follow his father, but not before Narcissa reached out a hand as though imploring him to mind his words and be respectful.
Draco automatically responded to his mother's unspoken entreaty. "Don't worry mother. My remarks were crass and beneath me. There won't be any repeat performance. This is my father's house. There's no room here for yesterday's truths. Excuse me."
/*/
Draco entered the study expecting to be met with his father's pompous vitriol. Instead, he was greeted by a calm man who uttered a few sentences. "I didn't want your mother to hear what I have to say. Your comments were hurtful and inflammatory, as were mine. I would like to clear the air. Remarks made today have no place in this Manor. I am a stubborn wizard who once found it impossible to let go of old behaviors. However, in this post war world, I am striving to become a different person. With your help, I'll do just that. I understand why Miss Granger wouldn't step foot here. I want you to know I'm not adverse to meeting Hermione wherever you and she deem acceptable."
"Thank you father. I know you are not one for apologies," Draco replied stiffly. "I appreciate the position you are taking. As a potential investor in Severus' project, there's a good probability you and Hermione will have the opportunity to meet. Have a good evening."
/*/
His mother was nowhere to be found when Draco left the study which allowed him to Apparate away without an additional discussion. As he landed in Hermione's flat, it did cross his mind that he'd gotten through one battle just to walk into the next even as Hermione called out.
"You're back. I thought you might have decided to go straight to the house."
Draco let out an irritated sigh wondering what part of, I'll be back to the flat Sunday evening, she hadn't understood.