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.

55. Chapter 55

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 54

Jean sighed. She was trying not to push, but her lover was being dense. "I see being delicate won't get me anywhere, so I'll come right out with it. The thing I want most after our spot of breakfast is you. I have needs."

Severus grinned down at the plates he had in his hands. This witch and her sexual appetite would be the death of an aging wizard. With a smile still on his face, Severus placed Jean's plate in front of her along with a cheeky statement.

"Actually, it was me who thought he was being delicate by not mentioning what would transpire between our breakfast and our sleep. I thought it was a given."

His cheeky answer, while enlightening, were only words. Jean wanted assurances. "Eat quickly then Mr. Snape." Jean replied, with a wink. "My appetite for your sex has not waned since we parted."

Although Severus remained aloof, Jean's words were inflaming him. Placing his fork down on the plate, Severus made a telling reply. "Suddenly, toast and eggs are doing little to quell my own growing appetite. If you are finished, I suggest we retire to the cottage."

Flashing the smile of a winner, Jean made last comments. "My thoughts exactly Severus. However, to show I am charitable even in the face of overwhelming sexual desire, I will allow you time to clear away the remains of breakfast."

Severus drew his wand and cleared away without another word. His new second had needs. The cottage was calling him.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 55

Even though there was no requirement, Hermione was wide awake at her regular time.

Draco stepped out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around him. "Good morning love. I thought with your unencumbered status you'd take the opportunity to sleep in."

"Before I start ruminating on the reason I'm so wide awake when I don't have to be, I'd like a well placed good morning kiss to get me started."

Quickly dropping the towel, Draco hurried over to Hermione. Whispering in her ear, he informed her he was willing to offer more than a kiss.

Hermione let out a giggle as she playfully gave Draco's semi hard dick a push. "You need to get your horny arse dressed. For now lover boy, a kiss will suffice, so come here and do your job.

Draco pulled a face before leaning down to kiss Hermione. "You might be happy with some little baby kiss, but my soldier is wondering what's in it for him."

Hermione laughed. "Put some boxers over your soldier and he'll never know the difference."

"Tease," mumbled Draco as he pulled on his boxers. "As we must attend the group meeting this evening and probably won't get home until late, you do know you've put our soldier in dire straits. Are you sure…?

Hermione cut across him. "Am I sure that it's getting late and a certain OTS Agent should get his arse in gear before his gruff superior decides to penalize him with another suspension on top of his current suspension."

"Well you've got me there gorgeous. Perhaps having a shag and being late isn't such a good idea. Have no fear love. No matter the lateness of the hour this evening, I intend to get into the goodies."

"The goodies is it? You've gone spare. Get dressed and get going. I'm going to have a shower and study the information Severus handed me yesterday. Perhaps I'll stop by the warehouse to see what I can find out about that overnight business. I'll see you at the meeting."

Draco turned serious for a moment. "You know my godfather. He's agreed to take you on, but he will not appreciate you snooping around. He'll probably share what he feels needs sharing tonight."

Hermione sniffed. "Who said anything about snooping? I'll just be dropping by."

"Alright love. Have it your way, but don't come crying if your snooping loses you your position before you even start. Love you. I'll see you tonight."

"See you tonight spoil sport."

/*/

After dressing, Hermione sat on the side of the bed pondering the subject. She knew Draco was right. Severus would not be pleased if she went snooping around, but the lack of information called for answers. However, before Hermione could plot anymore, an Owl from Justin appeared at the window. He had several items he wanted to discuss if she had time. Hermione wrote back that she'd be glad to help, adding the addendum she did not want any sit down with Terry. If that was acceptable, she could be there within the hour.

Justin agreed to Hermione's terms.

Forty five minutes later, Hermione walked the corridor of her former business. That was quick she thought to herself as she noticed Terry's nameplate attached to the office door that used to be hers.

"Dammit Justin. Do not let Terry take over."

Justin walked out of his same old office in time to catch Hermione talking to herself. "Has my former superior gone round the bend after only one day away?"

Hermione smiled as she gave Justin a quick hug. "No Mr. Finch-Fletchley. Your former superior is as sane as, well, as sane as she's always been. However, she is wondering why Terry has taken over the office which was meant for the owner/Head of Finch-Fletchley & Boot, Prosecutorial Services."

A bit of color crossed Justin's face as he stammered out an answer. "It- it all came down to the toss of a galleon. Terry wanted to be fair about it, so we tossed a coin. No cause for alarm as I plan to have my office enlarged and updated."

Hermione held up her hand shaking her head at the same time. "Let's go into your office. Although it's really no longer my concern, there are things which need to be said."

"After you," said Justin, waving his hand in a flourish recognizing Hermione's tone. She was probably going to say something he wouldn't like. He drew his wand to lock the door and throw up a silencing charm.

Hermione sat in the chair directly facing Justin's desk waiting for him to seat himself. As soon as his arse hit the chair, she began speaking. "I thought we discussed certain things Justin. Things like not letting Terry step over you. Did you check to see if Terry used a double headed coin?"

"Hermione!" Exclaimed a now distraught Justin. "I know you and Terry are at odds, but to accuse him of….."

"Calm down Justin. I haven't accused Terry of anything. I've only asked a simple question."

"Not such a simple question if you are implying I let Terry take advantage."

"Did you?" Hermione asked calmly.

Justin sighed. "I have to admit, even though I agreed to the coin toss, I did feel as though I'd lost the top spot after the toss."

"I have all the faith in the world in you Justin. However, if you are the owner of a top firm, you cannot let someone else dictate terms. A coin toss of all things. I suggest you take the Head office back, and from now on, you mandate what will be. If Terry doesn't like it, then he isn't the partner you need. Now that I've gone off on a tangent, let me get back to the reason I came. You had a few things to discuss. What would they be?"

Justin grimaced as he glanced at Hermione. "We've just discussed the one thing. I wanted to hear what you had to say about Terry taking the top office. Now that I've heard your opinion, I'll take different steps. I really didn't want to think Terry would try to step over me, but I came to the realization he had. Otherwise, why suggest a coin toss, or for that matter, why think he deserved top office at all? This partnership is not starting off very well."

"The partnership is starting off fine except you're dealing with Mr. Boot. Rein him in. He's brilliant but a bit self centered. You must also remember that Kingsley has left it up to you to keep Terry under control. Start now Justin. Remember you may be partners, but you are the owner. All bull shite will rain down on you. I wanted out, but I wouldn't have sold to you if I didn't think you could handle it. What else?"

"Nothing else pertaining to business thankfully. Finch-Fletchley & Boot Prosecutorial Services would like to host a party for the outgoing owner as we introduce the new owner. If she finds the idea acceptable."

Hermione grinned at Justin. "Who doesn't like a party? I'm probably going to be up to my eyes in it starting next week. If you can manage, I'd suggest this Saturday. Let's go magical in case Terry shows up and I have to hex him."

"Hermione!"

Hermione gave Justin a saucy wink as she rose from the chair. "Keep your trousers on Finch-Fletchley. I was just having my little joke. I'll behave if he behaves. Now, if that's all, I'll be on my way."

"Alright Hermione. I'll set the party at Finnegan & Thomas for Saturday at 8:30. I'll have Walter send invitations. Before you slip away, I'll need a guest list from you."

"I guess that would help." Pulling out her wand, Hermione summoned a piece of paper to list those people she would like at the party. She also gave a caution that she would offer an open invite to Severus, Jean and the employees at Snape Telecommunications, adding there might be quite a few.

"Good to know Hermione. I'll be sure to mention that to Seamus and Dean in case they have to make adjustments. That's all set. I'll have Walter get the invites out right away. Thanks for coming in. We'll see you Saturday."

"It's a date. Basic Casual dress will be fine. Have a good day Justin. See you Saturday."

/*/

Severus and Jean spent some time working off their sexual tension before catching a few hours sleep. At 1:00 pm, Severus woke Jean and began rushing her to shower and dress.

"We, of all people, should be at the shop. We won't stop to have lunch. We can have something brought in." With a wink, he added. "Just to show our employees their superior and his second have a few decent bones in their bodies."

Jean let out a snort from the bathroom. "You'll be on their arses five minutes after the last morsel."

Severus smirked to himself. "Indeed I will. Hurry along please. I'll be presenting the device to Kingsley and The Board tomorrow. I want everything in order."

Jean showered and dressed in record time.

/*/

The building was buzzing when Severus and Jean arrived. The excitement was palatable. No one could tell from Severus' severe countenance, but his insides were also burning with excitement. He, Severus Snape, would be presenting the next great thing in the magical world to Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt and the esteemed Board of Trustees the next day. As stoic as he normally was, along with being filled with excitement he was filled with trepidation as well. It all would hinge on the word of a group of old wizards who couldn't see the promise of new ideas, but then he had the backing of Kingsley Shacklebolt. If the presentation went well, the words of the old men would mean nothing because The Minister had plans for the Wizarding World which included telecommunications.

While he'd been pondering the future of his invention, Jean had disappeared from his side. Severus looked around. In those short, few minutes he had been pondering his fate, Jean had entrenched herself in the small group tasked with getting the physical part of the presentation ready. Until he made the presentation, Severus had ordered everything remain on a need to know basis, and very few people needed to know. Severus planned to share bits of information with the group that evening, but the full reveal would come after his meeting with Kingsley. After his device had been accepted.

Leaving Jean to get everything sorted correctly, Severus headed to his office to get his paperwork in order. He didn't want to leave any stone unturned.

/*/

Terry arrived at Finch-Fletchley & Boot to find Justin ensconced in Hermione's former office and his nameplate on the door.

"What's this then partner? Am I out before formally being in?"

Justin, who thought this would be a hard conversation found it wasn't hard at all. He simply spoke his mind. "Not at all Terry. I decided I'd like the bigger office."

Plopping down in a chair, Terry grinned at his partner. "Ah! Throwing your weight around already. Be careful or you'll turn into Hermione."

"Really Terry? Going there, are you? Hermione was a fair and impartial leader who didn't throw her weight around… unless it became necessary. Is an office going to be an issue between us? If so, you might want to get over it because the matter has been decided."

Rearing back in the chair, Terry shrugged. "Fine. The smaller office will be fine, but I thought we had made a decision. What brought all this about?"

"I thought it over and decided I wanted the owner's office. Nothing to it."

"Alright." Terry remarked, rising from the chair. "No need to get our knickers in a bunch. I suggest the next time, don't agree to a coin toss."

Justin stood. "You're right about that Terry. It was very subservient of me to even entertain making a decision by a coin toss. However, you don't have to worry about that. There won't be any more coin tosses. I am the owner and we are partners. From here on out, I'll make my statements then we can discuss it. You know, just like Hermione was fond of doing."

Terry stared at Justin for several seconds as though he was coming to terms with something. Finally, he broke out in a smile. "I can live with that. Just so you know. I will not be trying to date you. You're nowhere near as lovely as Hermione. I'll be getting to my office now. Nice chat."

With a wave, Terry walked out of the owner's office.

Justin let out a sigh of relief thankful the conversation hadn't gone all the way left. Whatever else came down the road, he was sure of one thing. Terry wouldn't ever catch him with his trousers down again.

/*/

Draco and Donald were having a busy day. Teams 1,2 and 4 had a plethora of grunt work they passed to Team3. As usual, Draco was griping while Donald bantered away. After several hours of listening to his teammate go on, Draco rolled his eyes, grabbed his work and headed to the empty Team4 offices, huffing as he went.

"I'm going to find some peace and quiet."

Donald stared at Draco. "Well off with you then. Just so you know Draco. You are reverting back to self. Come Monday, we'll be back in the field where I'm hoping your other personality will return."

Draco smiled at the comment. He was being a bit of an idiot, but with everything going on, he felt entitled to act like an arse. One of the main things on his mind was Hermione selling her law firm. Giving up everything you'd studied for and excelled at was a bold move. He was proud of her for taking the chance. Actually, it was a little like patting himself on the back. Hadn't he done basically the same thing? Hadn't he studied and worked his arse off to become a top solicitor? There was a difference though. He didn't deserve a pat on the back. He had given it all up as a means of fitting back into British, Magical society without even trying because….. he didn't want to fight. He wanted to fit in.

Draco swiped everything on the table in front of him onto the floor. Then he had hurriedly picked everything up before someone came in and caught him in the middle of a childish tantrum. Draco grabbed the topmost item and began to work. However, five minutes later, he was bitching to himself about being stuck in OTS while his witch was moving to an exciting, new career in telecommunications.

"Ah hum." Blaise cleared his throat. "I thought you agreed to bitch and moan in a lower voice. "I could hear you from all the way down the hall."

Draco didn't even turn around. "Fuck you Blaise. I haven't said a word."

Blaise stepped into the room closing the door behind him. "You didn't have to say a word Mr. Malfoy. The items flying across the room gave me my first clue. So tell me mate. Just what has your boxers in a twist this time?"

"Just blowing off some steam mate. Nothing profound."

"That's basically what you said last time. I've known you a long time Draco. Just get it off your chest. Tell daddy Blaise what you're thinking. Maybe he can help."

For the tiniest of seconds, Draco wanted to blurt out how he felt he was wasting his talents in the OTS Department of the Ministry. Instead, he made an unexpected reply. "I'm on my monthly Blaise, and I've left my tampons at home."

Blaise howled as he clapped Draco on the shoulder. "Bloody good response Malfoy. Sounds like the mate I've known and loved since childhood. I actually only stopped by to let you know that Gin and I will be attending the party at F&T. Glad I could cheer you up."

Before Draco could ask, what party? Blaise was gone.

/*/

Draco finished up before heading back to the Team3 offices.

"There he is," sniped Donald following Draco into his office. "How are we feeling after all that peace and quiet?"

Draco ignored the sarcasm. "Is there something you need Donald? I mean other than your normal ridiculous nonsense."

"I see we're in a much better mood." Donald clapped back with a huff. "While you were entrenched in your peace and quiet, I ridiculously picked you up some lunch because you haven't come out of that room in hours. It's in the break room if you can take your head out of your arse long enough to eat. One serious thing I will say, it's enough Draco. We all have issues, situations, etc., etc. How we deal with them is key. Brian and I and everyone else has put up with your up, down and sideways Malfoy persona for long enough. Pick a fucking personality and stick with it. Enjoy your lunch."

Draco sat there for five full minutes absorbing the telling off he'd received from Donald before going to track down his mate. He found Donald in Brian's office going over material.

Donald stiffened when he saw Draco in the doorway ready to accept the tongue lashing he knew was coming. He knew he'd overstepped, but as he'd told Draco, enough was enough. Turning to face Draco, he waited. However, what came next wasn't what he expected.

Draco stepped into the office and sat down. "That ridiculous nonsense comment was out of line. I apologize. However, let me remind you of your penchant for unilateral, never ending banter. Banter, I might add, which would drive any sane person spare. Perhaps it isn't me who needs to choose a better personality."

Donald remained silent for several seconds before replying to Draco's bit of smack down. "Never thought of it that way mate. I know I do go overboard from time to time never realizing I was stomping on the delicate psyche of Mr. Draco Malfoy. However, with that said, I think we are both culpable, so from now on, we both should adjust our personalities."

"As I've mentioned numerous times, this is me. I know sometimes I can be a bit much, which I will try to tone down in the future as long as you tone down the bloody bantering. Perhaps, down to three to five snappy retorts an hour."

Draco's comments made Donald chuckle. "If that's all it will take, I think I can manage. Anything to bring peace and harmony to Team3."

Reaching out to shake Donald's hand, Draco nodded in agreement. "Peace and harmony is what we shall have. Now, do you know anything about some party?"

Picking up a card from his desk, Donald handed Draco the invitation.

Justin Finch-Fletchley and Terry Boot invite you to share a night of dining and dancing at Finningan and Thomas to celebrate the sale of Granger & Associates to Finch-Fletchley & Boot Prosecutorial Services.

Saturday, 8 May, 2004 8:30 pm

Draco looked from the card in his hand to Donald then back at the card. "When did this arrive, and where is my invite?"

"Your invite is on your desk. It arrived along with mine, Brian's and Blaise's while you were basking in the perceived quiet of Team4 offices."

Draco handed the invitation back to Donald then headed to his office where he planned to Owl Hermione to find out exactly what was going on.

/*/

Theo sat looking at the letter he'd received from Conor. Last evening after Declan had gone to bed, Theo had Owled Conor back inviting him to visit. He reviewed the letter in his hand one more time. Conor had accepted the invitation with gusto. In fact, with so much gusto he would be arriving late Friday evening. The truth be told, Conor admitted being sacked for fighting with a superior, so there wasn't anything keeping him from leaving his temporary quarters in a low rate hotel.

Theo sighed. He could see the signs as clearly as he could sometimes hear Padma. With nowhere else to be and no visible means of support, it was certain Conor would be asking to take up residence in the Nott household. Theo had the room. It was just that he foresaw some kind of tug of war between himself and Conor over the raising of Declan. Theo threw the letter aside. He was being ridiculous. He was Declan's father and would be the one to see to Declan's upbringing. Period. The end. There wouldn't be any home schooling, half arsed, underage magic nor any swearing. The rules were set and would be adhered to. He would have a chat with both Declan and Conor. The uncle was welcome, but there wouldn't be any changes.

With that settled in his mind, Theo began to look over the few things he intended to get accomplished before the group meeting that evening. Declan and Esther were safely settled at Esther's house for the night so he was free from worrying whether Declan had eaten, brushed his teeth or had his dinner.

After a shower and a change of clothes, Theo headed out to meet his clients, after which he would head over to the telecommunications building to meet with the group.

/*/

By the time Hermione arrived at Snape Telecommunications, the invitation to the party had preceded her which hadn't pleased Severus the least little bit. Friday was his big day, but his fantastic invention was going to be upstaged by the sale of a business. Feeling as though his decision to offer Hermione a position hadn't been a sound one, Severus offered a brusque greeting.

"What brings you here at this time of day Miss Granger?"

"Well hello to you to Severus."

"This is a very busy time for us. I don't have time for niceties, so I'll ask you again. What brings you here?"

Hermione realized she had caught in a bit of a foul mood which quickly brought to mind Draco's caution. Severus probably thought she was snooping. Which she was. Rather than antagonize him any further, Hermione deflected away from what she thought was the problem and waded right into the problem. Trying to be positive, she responded in a chipper voice.

"I'm here to share information. There will be an invitation coming from Justin Finch-Fletchley for a party on Saturday at F&T. I asked him to invite you, Jean and your entire workforce. I didn't want anyone to feel left out."

Severus grew more peeved as Hermione spoke. "The invitation has already arrived. However, Jean and I haven't shared it with anyone else. As if my employees will have time for a party after my presentation to Kingsley. You do remember Friday is a crucial day. In addition, you've asked for and secured a position with my company. So I'll ask. Just when did you think the hard work would begin? My employees will be hard pressed to have any time off. They know this, as should you since it was one of the first topics of our discussion."

Hermione was flabbergasted. She had overlooked a very important piece of information, and had responded in one way because she had assumed she knew the situation. Severus had set her straight. Snooping was obviously the farthest thing from his mind. Taking a deep breath, Hermione cleaned up the best she could.

"It wasn't my intention to downplay the importance of the work you are doing here. It was an oversight. The party is being thrown as a chance to highlight the changing of the guard at Granger & Associates, and I've given my word I would make an appearance. After that, I'm at your service. In my defense, we did not discuss a specific position nor did we discuss a specific start date. I was hoping we could discuss those things tonight after the meeting. It seems I've upset your work day so I'll take my leave and see you this evening."

Watching Hermione walk away, Severus turned to find Jean at his elbow.

"Your newest hire seems to have a penchant for nosing around." Jean remarked.

"Nosing around? I must be losing my edge. I thought she was here to socialize. Either way, you'll have your hands full trying to keep that one in line. Nosing eh? She didn't get very far."

"Reinforce the boundaries when you speak with her tonight Severus, and be sure to set the specifics. Please don't take this next bit as a frivolous statement, but it would do our employees good to attend a party for a bit of relaxation before the hard work begins. I'll be getting back to the group. I only stepped away for a loo break."

Maybe Jean was right, thought Severus. His employees had been working straight out. They deserved a party even if it wasn't for their company.

Striding into his office, Severus replicated the invitation with a simple spell. With another simple spell, he posted a copy in several places throughout the building. His employees could make their own decisions. It was only one evening after all.

Back at his desk, Severus RSVP'd for himself and Jean. They deserved a bit of relaxation as well. Of course, attending or not attending would revolve around the answers he received from Kingsley. It was likely no one would want to see him in his beast mode.

/*/

Her little back and forth with Severus left Hermione in a less than stellar mood as she moved down Diagon Alley. Yes, she should have realized the push would be on after Friday, but they hadn't set specifics. She didn't want to antagonize Severus, but she wouldn't stand still for any of his foul bull shite either. She was going to be his employee not his house elf.

Hermione stopped in front of the dress shop. As she went to step in the door, a person-to-person Owl nearly knocked her over. It was from Draco inquiring about the party. Huffing as she pulled a pen from her bag, Hermione dashed off a few words to Draco then headed inside.

"Bloody wizards," she sniped to herself.

Once inside, Hermione put her angry thoughts on hold. She needed an outfit for Saturday, and that's where her concentration should be. Everything else would get sorted one way or another.