Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 58

"Thank you for the apology Severus, but it isn't all about your tone. It's whether you trust me to make hard decisions. If not, I stand by my words. I will step back and you'll take charge of personnel matters."

Severus came around the desk and lifted Jean from her chair. Staring directly into her eyes, he told her he trusted her more than he'd trusted anyone in his life. Then he pulled her close. "I do not want you to step back from anything. I value your input. I also realize that Hermione is a handful. If it can be managed, I would like her to remain part of our company. I can promise you Hermione will settle down once she has a permanent place. I'm asking for a bit of leeway with this."

"Well, now that you've asked nicely, I'll concur. I'm sure Miss Granger will become an integral part of Snape Communications. With that said, I'll also add I'm hoping she will become an integral part of our company who works out of The Ministry."

Severus grinned as he pulled Jean even closer. "I shall keep that in mind as we move forward. Now we have that settled. Is there anything you need me to help tidy up? If not, let us head for the house. I'm hungry and in need of a long, slow bit of love making."

"Well wave your wand to turn out the lights and we can be off. I look forward to a nice dinner and another romp in the Messiah's big bed."

Severus ignored the dig. With a wave of his wand, he turned off the lights across the entire building before grabbing Jean by the waist then turning them into Apparition. Destination: Home, the kitchen then the Messiah's big bed.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 59

/**/

Draco was up early on Saturday as he had plans to stop by the Manor to speak with his father about the party. Severus and Jean had committed to attending even before knowing it would also pay homage to Snape Telecommunications, Draco felt his father should make a showing as well. It might not be something Lucius Malfoy would normally do, but if it was his intention to be a top man in the telecommunications project, Draco thought he should show his face, even if only for five minutes. Of course Draco knew Lucius would make his own decision, but he was determined to extend an invitation. Draco also thought it would be the perfect time for his father to meet Hermione. A slight cringe ran through Draco's body as he thought about Hermione formally meeting Lucius Malfoy. It could go well or it could be a shite show.

Draco dressed in a smart looking, dark blue, basic casual jumper and trousers. Perhaps a little much for a Saturday morning, but enough to impress his father. He also planned to make a few stops in Diagon Alley for some male essentials. Perhaps he'd pick up a few female essentials for Hermione as well. Another reason to look his best, other than him being a Malfoy, was the general population. Even though he'd been accepted back into wizarding society by most, there were still some waiting for him to put the smallest step wrong. He didn't want to be caught out and about looking like some sot. Draco laughed to himself. Even on his worst day, he'd never looked like a sot.

Even though Draco planned to wake Hermione before he left, he was surprised by her tone of annoyance as she pulled the blanket over her head. "Why are you up so early banging about?"

"It's coming on 10:00 am and I'm not banging about."

"You are banging about Draco. It's annoying."

"I'm not banging about Hermione, but I'm not going to stand here arguing about it. I'm going to the Manor then making a stop in Diagon Alley. I'll see you later."

Draco thought he heard Hermione say something like give me a kiss, but he had already turned into Apparition. Anyway, with the foul mood she was in, he didn't want to give her a kiss.

/*/

When Draco landed in the main hall, Missy popped up to meet him. "Nice to see you Mr. Draco sir. Do you need something?"

"I'll have a quick tea in the kitchen. Is my father about?"

"Mr. Lucius is in his study."

"Bring my tea through to the study."

Lucius stood with his hand outstretched when Draco came through the door. "Good morning son. I believe your mother will be down shortly. What brings you to Malfoy Manor on a Saturday morning?"

Good morning father. I hope all is well. I'm actually here to discuss the event being held tonight at Finnegan & Thomas Pub."

Lucius gazed at his son with raised eyebrows. "Really? Just what does an event held at a pub, even a highly acclaimed pub, have to do with me?"

"I'm glad you know the reputation father. Tonight, starting at 8:30, there will be a celebration to commemorate Hermione selling her practice to Finch-Fletchley and Boot."

Lucius waited, still not seeing the point.

Accepting his tea from Crissy, Draco pushed on. "The event will be a celebration for Snape Telecommunications as well. I realize you do not attend celebrations of this type, but being a top investor, I imagined you would want to stop by. Just my personal thought."

Lucius continued to gaze at his son. "Thank you for the invitation. However, I don't think I'll attend. A pub is not the place I'll go to offer Severus my congratulations."

Draco understood. Lucius Malfoy wasn't a pub type of wizard. "Understood father. However, I asked because you mentioned being introduced to Hermione at a place other than the manor. I thought of this as an opportunity. Perhaps another time."

Draco didn't have a chance to say more as his mother came to the doorway. "Draco love. Come give your mother a kiss. Will you have a bit of breakfast with me?"

Nodding in his father's direction, Draco said goodbye before crossing the room to kiss his mother on the cheek. He declined breakfast knowing she probably wanted to question him about his love life which was something he had no intention of sharing with his mother.

"I just stopped in to say hello. I'm actually on my way to the shops. I have a few things to pick up. Severus has asked for assistance with the project on Sunday. If I'm able to get away early enough, I'll stop by to have dinner with you and father."

"Alright Draco. We'll look for you on Sunday. Have a good day."

"Good day to you and father."

/*/

By the time Hermione came fully awake, Draco had been gone for an hour. After a shower and some breakfast, Hermione decided to go to her own flat for a bit of a clean up. She'd been there so seldom the dust had surely taken over. Additionally, she wanted to look through her for accessories to match the outfit she had purchased for the party.

After a cleaning and airing out of the flat, Hermione grabbed her wand to sort through the closet. She had purchased a Basic Casual long sleeved onesie in light brown with an attached sweater in a darker brown for the party. Knowing she didn't have either shoes or purse to coordinate with the outfit, Hermione summoned a pair of mid-heeled, white, double strapped shoes and a small purse then cast a dark brown color spell. Her outfit was complete.

"Life is so easy with a wand."

Sitting back enjoying a cup of tea, Hermione thought about getting out for a walk or a trip to Diagon Alley with perhaps a glass of wine in the Leaky. Getting out a pen and piece of paper, Hermione wrote out a message to Ginny.

Hey Gin,

If you are available, meet me at the Leaky around 1:30. We can have a wine then check out what's going on in Diagon Alley. I'd like to find a signature gift for Justin which he deserves for having to put up with the arse. Anyway, meet me if you can.

Hermione

The time was already 12:50, so Hermione grabbed her wand, beaded bag and a jumper and Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub had a few Saturday afternoon drinkers, but, for the most part was empty. Hannah who was working the first shift probably to be available for the party later on came right over.

"Hello lovely. White wine is it?"

"You know me too well Hannah. A white wine it is. Ginny is supposed to meet me here."

With a slight roll of her eyes, Hannah muttered, wonderful.

Hermione laughed, but reached out to touch Hannah on the arm. "She's been much better lately."

"Only because she's been in Scotland." Hannah muttered back.

"Don't be a prat. Just give me my wine."

Hannah laughed as she put the glass in front of Hermione. "Just telling it like it is Miss Granger. How does it feel to be without premises? Knowing you, I can't imagine you'll be sitting around twiddling your thumbs. What's next for you?"

Before Hermione could respond, Ginny walked up. "Good afternoon ladies. I see you started without me Hermione. I'll have one of the same Hannah."

"Hi Gin. How is everything?"

"Everything is good. How's Draco?"

"I think my cranky arse ran him out of his own home this morning."

"Sooooo, nothing different. Still cranky."

Hannah put the wine in front of Ginny but quickly moved to the other side of the bar to do some busy work.

"What's wrong with Hannah? She barely said a word. Have I offended her delicate sensibilities yet again?"

"You will if you keep talking like that. Please drink your wine so we can go have a look at the new shop, Witch Will Be and perhaps stop in the beauty shop, Good Looks."

Ginny finished off her wine but offered a cheeky remark. "I'd like a look in Witch Will Be. However, I won't be caught dead or alive in Good Looks. I'm a very capable witch who can wave her wand and make a magnificent hairstyle of her own, as are you."

Hannah rolled her eyes again.

Grabbing Ginny by the arm, Hermione said goodbye to Hannah as she pulled Ginny towards the door. "I know what I am Ginevra. Sometimes I just enjoy spoiling myself."

"Pffft. Spoiling yourself my arse. Sometimes you just want to act like a muggle. What would Mr. Malfoy think? Him and his pureblood arse."

Hermione loved Ginny like a sister, but sometimes….. "Are you specifically trying to be annoying? Worry about your own arse. Better still, worry about Blaise's pureblood arse."

Ginny gave Hermione a look. "I see someone is still cranky. Let' just get Justin's gift then I'll leave you to whatever else you want to do."

"Now who's being cranky?"

Ginny was about to give a sharp retort when she glanced over Hermione's shoulder to see Draco chatting and laughing with some witch who obviously wasn't Hermione. Pulling Hermione by the arm, Ginny tried to drag her best friend back towards the Leaky. "Come on Hermione. I need another wine to keep up with you. Let's go have one more….."

Ginny stopped in mid sentence because Blaise had stepped out of a shop and was now laughing and chatting with the witch as well. All Ginny's good intentions of not letting Hermione see Draco with an unknown witch dissipated into thin air as she began moving towards the three.

Hermione still hadn't seen Draco and Blaise. "Ginny, slow down. What's going on?"

"I don't fucking know, but me and my wand are about to find out."

Hermione turned to see what had Ginny in an uproar. She could see Draco, Blaise and a witch who had her back to her. It didn't matter if the cow had her back to Hermione or not. She recognized the witch. Hermione came level with Ginny just as they reached Draco, Blaise and ….Cassie.

Both Blaise and Draco looked up in surprise when Ginny shouted Blaise's entire name. Both wizards steeped back from Cassie at the same time. Blaise spoke first.

"Hello love. I didn't know you were going to visit Diagon Alley today. Hello Hermione."

Ginny was red in the face and getting redder. "Obviously, you didn't know. Otherwise, you wouldn't be standing in the middle of the sidewalk chatting up some witch."

Blaise wasn't going to stand for any accusations thrown at him, especially in the middle of Diagon Alley. They were already getting a few looks from passersby. "You don't know what you're talking about, so stop now. We're in public. Speak to me in a civil tone. If you want to throw accusations, let's go home."

Before Ginny could go any farther, Hermione interceded. "Blaise is right Ginny. Calm down. The witch is Draco's friend Cassie. She is part of our telecommunications group. I believe I've had enough shopping for today. I'm going home. I'll see you tonight Gin."

When Hermione turned into Apparition, Draco was left standing there with his mouth hanging open.

Ginny had the same idea as Hermione. "I believe I've had enough bloody shopping as well. Enjoy your day gentlemen."

"My life just turned to shite," mumbled Blaise as he too turned into Apparition.

Draco took the time to say goodbye to Cassie before Apparating to the house.

/*/

Draco had gone straight to Blaise's house after leaving the manor hoping he wouldn't be disturbing Blaise and Ginny's private time. When he arrived, Blaise had welcomed him in.

"I hope I'm not intruding."

Blaise laughed as he clapped Draco on the shoulder. "And yet, here you are. Actually, you aren't disturbing anything. I believe Ginny has gone to the Burrow. Come on through. Would you like a drink and perhaps accompany me to Diagon Alley. I'll definitely need some fortification before mingling with the masses. I'd like to pick up some boxers and tees. Nothing like fresh for the red head."

"I really don't need to know what you put on your arse mate, but I planned to visit the men's shop as well. Perhaps I'll purchase a few things for my own arse." Draco replied with a chuckle.

Blaise and Draco had their drinks then headed to the men's shop where they spent thirty odd minutes picking and choosing items which would be shrunken down and placed in their inside pockets. The two wizards were standing in front of the shop when someone called Draco by name.

"Ah. Another female willing to be seen speaking to you. You've come a long way young Malfoy."

Draco grinned at Blaise before turning to see Cassie walking towards them. "Hello Cassie. Nice to see you. This is my mate and Department Head Blaise Zabini. Blaise, this is Cassie. I apologize. I don't know your last name."

"No problem Draco. It's Graham. Cassie Graham. Nice to meet you Blaise. So where are you gentlemen off to?"

"Just a bit of shopping. Blaise and I strive to be the sharpest wizards at the party tonight."

Grinning at one wizard then the other, Cassie agreed they would be.

Even though it was a completely innocent conversation, Draco felt uneasy about the hand Cassie had laid on his arm. He shifted a bit so Cassie had to move away. He and Blaise were ready to walk away when the Ginny's shrill tones drifted through the air.

"Blaise Zabini"

Even though neither man was guilty of anything more than holding a conversation, they both had immediately taken a step back from Cassie.

I'm in the shite now, thought Draco. This is not going to turn out well.

Surprisingly, Hermione had remained much calmer than Ginny who was huffing like a mad woman. After Blaise, Hermione and Ginny Apparated away, Draco said goodbye to Cassie then Apparated directly to the house not looking forward to the telling off that awaited him.

/*/

Theo was in a very chipper mood Saturday morning. He wasn't a wizard to speak on his personal matters, but his head was full of thoughts of the previous night. He and Gloria had made out. At least that's what Theo thought they still called touching, kissing and anything else short of shagging. The previous night had been a good night. In addition, he now had a date for the party.

Declan entered the room. "Good morning father. Aunty is here. May I sit with her to have breakfast?"

"Yes, you may. In fact, we'll all have breakfast together. After that, you, Conor and I will have a chat about rules."

"Cely please."

Pop. Yes Mr. Theo."

"Go ask Mr. Conor to come have breakfast."

"Yes Mr. I'm doing that."

Declan searched his father's face for anger. He had let Uncle Conor break the rules knowing it would upset his father. He was old enough to know better and big enough to accept what was coming. As much as he loved his Uncle Conor, he couldn't let it happen again. His first time stepping outside the rules was the last time. Uncle Conor would just have to go along.

/*/

Breakfast was a muted affair which had Esther wondering about the silence and what could have happened in her absence. Topmost on Esther's mind was how long Conor would be staying. She didn't want to seem ungrateful, but Ellis Casper had shown more than an interest in her. She wanted to spend more time in her own home to enjoy his company. Not that she couldn't have company at Theo's, but she wanted privacy as well. Esther was pulled out of her reverie by Theo asking Conor exactly what she wanted to know.

"I know we briefly touched on the topic Conor, but how long do you plan to stay in London?"

"I'm not sure Theo. I was hoping to infringe on your good nature for at least a month or more. I was even thinking if I could find employment I'd get my own flat and remain in London indefinitely."

Conor's answer was music to Esther's ears. She would always be willing to watch over Declan as long as she could go home when Conor or Theo got in from work.

Declan remained silent as he waited for his father to agree or disagree with Uncle Conor's plans.

Wiping his mouth before speaking, Theo made his statement. "We first have to get a few things sorted, but you are welcome in our home for as long as you like. In fact, I'm sure Declan would be very happy for you to stay. I think it's a wonderful idea for you to seek employment. That way, most of the family would be here in London. I might be able to help you along those lines. I have a few connections. What do you think of that Declan?" He asked his son as he ran his hand through the mop of black hair. "This hair needs cutting. I know just the spell."

"I think it will be lovely to have Uncle Conor here with the rest of the family. When he gets a flat, perhaps I'll be allowed to spend time there. Aunty has a home. Uncle Conor will have a flat. I'll have plenty of places to visit. Perhaps I'll be able to visit Miss Hermione as well. She's very pretty. I like her and Mr. Draco."

Theo gave Declan a look which made him quickly stop talking, but he was a tad late in closing his mouth.

"Hermione and Draco have nothing to do with you. I'll remind you again. Take care with that mouth. If you do not, there will be consequences."

"Yes father. Thank you for reminding me."

Theo would have said more, but they were in the middle of breakfast which was no place for further reprimands. There would be time enough for that when he, Conor and Declan had their talk.

/*/

Breakfast was finished. Theo, Conor and Declan were headed to the den to have their talk when an exuberant Jay came through the back. "Morning family. Just stopped in to have a word."

"Good morning Jay."

"Good morning Esther. You're looking lovely. Morning Declan my wizard. Good morning Conor. How's everyone?"

"We're fine Uncle Jay. Father is in the den. We are going to have a talk."

"That sounds ominous. Have you been acting out?"

Turning to look at Conor, Declan nodded his head.

"No worries my wizard. Your father is a fair man. He'll give you a running start before he hexes you."

Declan smiled at Ajay. "You'll get your mouth washed out with soap Uncle for saying such outrageous things. My father would never hex me."

"Of course he wouldn't. I was just having a little joke. I suggest if your father is waiting, you get yourself in there before he has to come out here. I'll just keep Esther company until you're through."

Esther watched as Conor and Declan headed to the den, still wondering what went on in her absence. She sat down in the living room to chat with Jay hoping what he had to discuss with Theo wouldn't take long because she had a bit of business to discuss as well. Now that she had the means, she wanted to speak to Theo about purchasing the house outright. She was on her feet and didn't need anything more from Lucius Malfoy.

/*/

Severus and Jean had spent most of the morning and early afternoon going over business. With Severus' input, Jean had put together the job postings for both Snape Telecommunications and the Ministry positions as well. They'd had a discussion and come to the conclusion their department at the Ministry which would share Level 5 with The Department of International Magical Cooperation would be called The Department of Magical Technical Services. Snape Telecommunications would be renamed Wizarding Communications Systems. At least for now. If the group had better names, there would be a discussion.

Satisfied they had had a productive day, Severus and Jean turned the conversation to the event taking place that night.

"I know how you feel about frivolity Severus. Have you made a final decision about attending the party tonight?"

"I thought we had this all sorted. We will be attending. It may be a brief stay, but we will be attending. Are you having reservations?"

"I think it will do us good to attend. You've been working very hard. You deserve it."

Pulling Jean to him, Severus looked into her eyes. "We've worked hard. We deserve it. I can only hope it won't be a room full of twelve year olds."

Jean laughed. "If it is a room full of twelve year olds, I'm sure we won't be the only ones to make a hasty exit. Let's have a quick lie down to relieve our stress, then we will dress in our finest outfits to spend at least thirty minutes among the masses."

With a wave of his wand, Severus engaged the self locking spell. There was no way he wanted the overly arrogant Lucius Malfoy to come through the doors while he and Jean were relieving their stress.

/*/

At Malfoy Manor, Lucius Malfoy had reconsidered. He would be attending the party for Hermione Granger. She was his son's current witch after all. Since it had been said many times he was an intimidating wizard, perhaps his intimidating presence at the event would scare Miss Granger away from his son. One could only hope.