Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 50
Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, and laying her head on his chest, Hermione whispered her reply. "I have a big decision to make Draco. I'd just like to be alone to make it. I'll see you tomorrow after work."
Draco remained standing on the spot with his mouth hanging open. Hermione had just Apparated away without so much as an I love you or a kiss.
"Thinking my arse," Draco mumbled to himself. "This strange behavior must have something to do with that piece of shite Boot. I swear to Merlin, if he's asked to meet up to beg for his position, I'll curse the shite out of the bloody simpleton."
Draco didn't have a chance to further curse out Boot because Theo threw open the door wand in hand.
"Bloody hell Draco. I thought you were some stupid jackarse come to try his luck at dying. Why are you standing out here alone cursing up a blue streak? Where's Hermione?"
An embarrassed Draco told Theo Hermione had gone on ahead.
Remembering how volatile Draco and Hermione's relationship sometimes became, Theo decided not to pry any further. "Rather than stand out here acting like a villain. Why don't you come inside? I can put up with your company for a few more minutes."
Draco didn't have anything else planned, so he took Theo up on his offer even as he thought about what might be happening at Hermione's flat.
///
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 51
Draco accepted a brandy, but his mind was still on Hermione. Had she agreed to meet Boot at her flat? Why would she agree to meet him if she had sacked him?
"Hello! Earth to Draco Malfoy."
Draco looked over at Theo pulling a smile onto his face. "I guess I'm a bit sidetracked at the moment. My apologies."
"No need to apologize Draco. I was having you on. You had this faraway look in your eyes. Is everything alright? I only ask because you arrived with Hermione but are suddenly on your own."
Draco took a sip of the brandy. "Everything is good mate. Hermione has some business related matters to think over, so we decided to spend the night apart. Nothing to it."
Knowing Draco and Hermione would do what they wanted to do, Theo took the hint and changed the subject. "Our project seems to be moving along. It will probably move along even more rapidly now that Severus is bringing in a personal assistant."
Draco snapped to attention. He hadn't heard about Severus bringing in an assistant. "An assistant? Who is he? When did all this come about? I never thought my godfather would accept anyone at his elbow."
Theo shifted in his chair hoping he hadn't given away Severus' private business. "At this point, it is supposition. I stopped by the project today and was made privy to some information I probably shouldn't be sharing until Severus announces it."
Draco was surprised but not perturbed. His and Hermione's last meeting with Severus hadn't gone all that well. Perhaps his godfather thought they didn't need to know every little bit about what he was doing. "No matter. We'll find out what's going on when Severus is ready to announce it. Anyway, I believe Severus is still on track to make his presentation to Kingsley and the Governors soon."
"I thinks so as well." Theo replied. "I got a quick look at a prototype today. In my humble opinion, the model needs to be scaled down. It's far too big to be an item any wizard or witch would willingly carry around."
From there, Draco and Theo discussed technical specifications for the next hour until Draco realized the time and stood up.
"Time for this hardworking agent to get his arse home. Thanks for the drinks and conversation."
"My pleasure mate. Stop by anytime Hermione has to be alone to mull things over."
Draco didn't bother to answer Theo's bit of sarcasm, because he himself was wondering just what was so important Hermione had to be alone, if alone was what she was.
/*/
It hadn't been a hard decision. Draco had no intention of going home without checking on Hermione. However, he wasn't foolish enough to Apparate in without warning. Hermione was known to be quick with the wand when surprised. Therefore, he landed at the front doors then walked gingerly to her flat and rang the bell.
With no response after the third ring, Draco made another decision. He wasn't leaving until he made sure Hermione was alright. At least that's what Draco told himself. The other thought in his mind was Boot had talked his way into….. Draco's thoughts stopped there knowing Hermione would never take Boot back into her bed. However, he wasn't going to leave without being sure. Five seconds later, Draco landed in Hermione's flat. Not being a foolish wizard, he called out to announce his presence.
"Hermione love. I didn't feel comfortable in the way we left each other this evening. I've come to check on you."
No answer.
Taking a few steps farther into the room, Draco headed away from her, their bedroom. If there was something afoot, he wouldn't, couldn't walk upon it.
"Hermione. You're worrying me. Are you in distress? Answer me love."
Still no answer.
"Fuck this." Draco mumbled to himself as he headed to the bedroom. "Whatever the situation, I want to see for myself."
The bedroom was totally dark as was the bathroom. There was no light anywhere. Now Draco was worried. Hermione said she was going home to think. She should be here. Gingerly stepping into the dark room, Draco couldn't imagine what was going on. All kind of dark things crossed his mind. Had Boot come here and hurt Hermione or spirited her away? Had she injured herself? More insistent than ever, Draco began to move across the room. In a manner of speaking, he was moving blind. He was halfway across the room when he heard …. something.
"Hermione. Speak to me." He declared, waving his wand. "I am not leaving until you do. Lumos"
The room came into bright focus, and there was his witch sitting on the floor with her back to the bed as though she'd slid off looking at him through red rimmed eyes.
"Hermione!" He shouted, bending over to pull her up. "What has gotten you to this state? If you are this upset over sacking Boot, perhaps you should invite him back."
Now on her feet, Hermione summoned a wet cloth to wipe her face. "Why are you here Draco? I told you I needed time alone to think."
Draco who had been worried about her, bristled. "How about you not snapping at me when all I wanted was to be sure you are alright? I see you are as snappy as ever, so you must be alright. Forgive me for intruding on your, your tear stained solitude. I'll see myself out."
"Stop Draco. Please stop. Don't go. I did tell you I needed to be alone to think. However, it is now clear I need my wizard beside me to help the thought process. Please don't leave."
Draco did as asked, he stopped. "I don't know what this about Hermione, but I'll be glad to listen. We are a couple, a team. You only need say the word and I'm there for you. This bull shite running off to be alone sounds like something from a bad muggle movie. I'll get us a drink and you can explain to me how I can help."
"A drink would be perfect," sighed Hermione. "As would your input."
/*/
Jean Bradford stepped out of the London Portkey office to be welcomed to a drizzly, gray day. Pulling her shawl around her shoulders, Jean looked around remembering the absolutely perfect Oregon weather.
"Heavens! Is this going to be my lot in life?" She asked her self quietly as she turned to get a better glimpse of her surroundings. Shrugging, she decided if this was where she had to live to be with Severus, this is where she'd live. Checking the address, Severus had enclosed in his letter, Jean Bradford was about to turn into Apparition when a tall shadow appeared. Turning in the direction of the shadow, she gasped as the wizard she worshipped stepped into her line of sight.
"Hello Jean. I see you arrived safely." Stated Severus reaching out for the bag she had in her hands.
"Severus." Jean replied in a breathy tone. "Yes. It would seem I've made it to London without problems. How are you?"
"Come. We can save the conversations until we are at the house. I'll be better when we are out of this drizzle. Take my arm. We'll travel as one."
"Of course Severus. Let's be off."
/*/
When they reached the house, Severus showed Jean to a small cottage like building off to the side of his home. Setting her bag down on the floor, Severus shared his thoughts. "We have not discussed the length of your stay. I have, therefore, made these temporary quarters available to you. Should you need more permanent quarters, I know an excellent realtor who will be glad to assist us. I'll leave you to get settled. There is a path you may use outside the door that leads directly to the main house. After you are settled, we shall dine and talk. I'll see you in a bit."
"Certainly Severus. I shan't be long."
Jean was disappointed as she looked around the cottage. Not that there was anything wrong with the accommodation. There was a bed, a bathroom, living room, kitchen and a small study. It just wasn't what she expected. Although she had been asked to be his Assistant, Jean expected to be sharing Severus' bed. No, he hadn't invited her to London to share his bed, but. But, in her mind, she had imagined they would be paramours. It was now obvious Severus only expected an assistant. She had given up an important position in the US to come to London to be a mere gofer. Correction. She had given up an important position to be with Severus. Jean showered and changed with one important thought circling her mind. Severus may have expected a toady, but she was not here to be a toady. She was here to be a wife.
/*/
"Ah. I thought you might have had second thoughts and taken a portkey back to Oregon." Stated Severus as he welcomed Jean to the main house. "My manner is often off-putting, which you know well. For that I apologize, but hope you know me well enough to disregard some things. Please make yourself at home Jean. I put off dinner, so we could dine together. I do remember your fondness for lamb. I hope it will meet your approval. I also remember your fondness for a good snifter of brandy. To that end, I have stocked up on your favorite brand. Shall we have a drink before dinner? I'll leave any discussion about work until after we've eaten."
Whatever thoughts Jean had had in the cottage disseminated as she drank brandy and held a conversation with Severus. She began to feel quite comfortable in this new place.
"Thank you Severus for the accommodations. I had visions of my living quarters being a small room somewhere in the factory."
For several seconds, Severus didn't reply. When he did, it was typical Severus Snape. "Your remarks irritate me Jean, but you know they would. I would never have relegated you to some small room within the factory. As we've discussed in the past, you know which words will irritate and which will inflame, so let me be brutally honest. I need your brains, intelligence, experience…."
Jean had become excited when Severus had spoken the word inflame. However, his next sentence brought her back to reality. He didn't need her writhing beneath him whispering in his ear. He need her brains, intelligence and experience. But Severus was still speaking.
"I have a reputation to uphold. At this point in our venture, I cannot have anyone doubting my ability to keep my mind on business rather than what I am doing between the sheets. I didn't need your words to inflame me as I was inflamed by our first touch at the portkey office. We will have our dinner and then retire to your cottage. I'm sure you noticed that I have several changes of attire in your quarters. When we are not working, I plan to spend the bulk of my time with you. It goes without saying, I have missed you. If I led you to think anything else, please forgive me. Let us now have dinner. I am starved on two fronts."
Jean sat there like a stone. Had Brendan Eilson/Severus Snape just revealed his feelings? Had he just admitted to wanting her? She sat there wanting a replay of his words. Neither as Brendan nor Severus had this man sitting across from her ever been this frank, but she liked it. Her only worry as Severus held out his arm to escort her to dinner was if she had sweetened her honey pot enough to receive her wizard.
/*/
Although the lamb dinner was excellent, the anticipation of what would come after enveloped both Severus and Jean.
"We will have our dessert in the cottage" Severus remarked as he waved his wand around the dining room and the kitchen before gathering up a huge pudding. "Come Jean. We have business in the cottage."
Jean looked back at the house wondering just when Severus had become so trusting that he'd leave his premises unlocked.
As if he could read her mind, Severus told Jean not to worry about the house as it was designed to be self locking.
Jean was in awe as she passed through the door of, if Severus could be believed, their love nest. She had to restrain herself from pulling off every stitch of clothing and pulling Severus into the bedroom. With a quick glance at the pudding in Severus' hand, Jean thought how pudding was the last thing on her mind.
No more than ten minutes later, Severus was showing her that pudding was the last thing on his mind as well.
/*/
After Hermione handed him his whiskey, Draco set it down on the table. He could drink later. At that particular moment, he want6ed to know what was going on.
"Besides giving Boot and Gloria the sack, what else has you so out of sorts?"
Initially, Hermione hesitated to speak her thoughts. However, after a bit of subtle prodding from Draco, she blurted out.
"I'm thinking of closing Granger & Associates and turning the business over to other solicitors."
This is not what Draco had expected. Sliding forward on the couch, he grabbed Hermione's hands. "What are you saying Hermione? Has sacking Boot got this far under your skin?"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco. "Don't be silly Draco. Even though Terry and I had a very contentious shouting match, his sacking has nothing to do with this. I've been thinking along these lines from the time Severus brought his project to London. I'd like to learn telecommunications from the ground up. It would be a challenge, but you know me. I love a challenge."
Another surprise. Draco was astounded. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Being a concerned boyfriend, his first response was to ask just how contentious the argument with Boot had been. Then he thought better. "Never mind that right now. You're telling me you've been thinking about this? How come I haven't heard anything about it? Closing your offices, becoming a telecommunications specialist. Are you sure you're not still upset…."
Hermione tried to keep from raising her voice, but Draco was beginning to annoy her going on and on about Terry. "This is not about Terry, or Gloria, or the dressing down I received from Kingsley. Although today helped push me towards a final decision."
"The surprises just keep coming Hermione. You actually got a telling off from the Minister? Is there anything that didn't happen today? Tell me now instead of springing them on me one at a time."
Hermione began to turn a bright shade of red due to trying not to explode at Draco. "Please don't make this about you Draco. I did tell you I needed time alone to think. I'm sorry there is so much for you to digest. Imagine how much these things are impacting me."
Draco picked up his drink and took a sip. It was a bit cutting to hear Hermione say not to make it about himself. Cutting, but true. However, they were a serious couple. Anything of this magnitude did impact him, but he did not want to push them into a shout down. He wanted to help. "Alright love. How can I help?
As soon as those words were out of Draco's mouth, Hermione squeezed his hand as the tears began to slide down her face. "I just need for you to hold me down through this."
"You're my witch. Of course I'll be here for you." He murmured, stroking her hair. "I'm with you whatever decision you make."
"Thank you love. Your support means everything to me."
After a moment of silence they spoke simultaneously.
"I'll have to discuss this with Severus before I take any steps."
"You should probably speak to Severus."
"Great minds think alike." Joked Hermione. "Severus may be surprised, but I think he'll see reason."
"As do I," Draco agreed, bringing her hand to his lips. "Whatever you choose to do, I know you'll be amazing. Now that you are firm on that decision, enlighten me about this contentious interaction with Boot and your telling off from Kingsley."
"I'll tell you only if you promise not to go Malfoy crazy. It's been sorted."
"That bad then?" Asked Draco. "Because I only go Malfoy crazy when my witch has been attacked. Tell me everything, and don't leave out a bit."
/*/
It had taken Hermione another thirty minutes to recount her day. When she was finished, every nerve in Draco's body was screaming.
"I made a promise before I knew the extent of Boot's vitriol. I'm really not sure I'll be able to let this pass without confronting him. I can promise I won't kill him, or turn him into a bloody rock, but I will let it be known if he ever speaks to you that way again, he'll be living on borrowed time. The only thing saving his arse this time is that you drew your wand. As a man, that would have upset me as well. As far as the thing with Kingsley, I agree. If you don't close the office, you should move premises. I think that would be best all around. You had a good run as the prosecutor to beat, but now you can look forward to bigger and better things."
"That I can." Hermione whispered, before planting a wet kiss on Draco's lips. "Your support has validated my decision. Tomorrow I will make a list of possible candidates to take over any outstanding business when I close G&A. I'll have to give Justin, Walter, and the researchers at least thirty days notice."
Running her hand up and down Draco's thigh, Hermione asked him a rhetorical question. "How can I feel so happy and so sad at the same time?"
Draco knew it was rhetorical, but he answered anyway. "It's easy. I experience it all the time."
Hermione pinched the thigh she had previously been rubbing. "Hahaha. Did I actually say Malfoy crazy? I don't even know where that came from."
Draco laughed out loud as he pulled Hermione up from the couch. "How about we make our way to the bedroom where I will show you an abridged version of Malfoy crazy? It's a version you've experienced before, so I'm sure you'll like it."
"Lead on then," giggled Hermione, taking hold of Draco's waist. "Do your worst."
"That's the plan woman." Draco replied with his Malfoy smirk. "That's the plan."