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.

62. Chapter 62

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 61

Theo thought he was picking up strange vibes from both Esther and Declan, but put it down to him bringing a strange witch home. Theo was about to take Declan aside to check if anything was wrong, but before he could, Jay and Mick came through from the Apparition area loudly greeting everyone. Conor who had gone directly to his rooms, stepped into the hall to greet both wizards. "A little loud boys. Has the party not ended for you yet?"

Esther took that moment to say goodnight and tell Theo she would see him sometime Monday before heading for the front doors to Apparate away.

Everyone wished Esther a good night.

Mick grabbed Declan up in his arms as he glared at Conor. "Ah! Still putting your nose in other people's business? Good thing our little wizard and a lovely witch are in the room or I would box your ears."

Declan laughed out loud. "Mind yourself uncle. There'll be no boxing of ears in my father's house."

Theo smiled at his son. There wouldn't be anymore rule breaking in the Nott household.

"You're quite right little wizard. My apologies."

Theo stepped up to formally introduce Gloria to Jay and Mick before calling Cely to put together a nice dinner. "I hope you all will stay for dinner."

Jay declined, stating that Leanne was waiting at the flat. Mick cheerfully accepted the invitation asking if he could have a wash up first.

"No problem Mick. Have at it. Conor, would you get Gloria a glass of wine. I'd like to speak with my son in private."

Declan, who was caught by surprise at Theo's request, followed behind his father hoping he wasn't in trouble again.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 62

After making sure Gloria was all set with wine, Conor excused himself. While Declan and Theo were in the study, he wanted to take a few minutes to explain his good fortune to Mick.

Facing a still damp, wrapped in a towel Mick, Conor began a conversation. "I've found a position. Rather, Theo has found me a position with Severus Snape's company. We still have to suss out whether I'll be at the company or at the Ministry, but I'm hired."

Mick was impressed. His little brother had come to London and secured himself a position. Rather, Theo had secured him a position. He was impressed, but jealous as well. How many years had he and Conor spent moving from one shite job to another for a pittance of pay. Now Conor had hit upon a streak of luck, and he was still working a shite job. "Congratulations brother. Am I to understand you plan to make a permanent home in London then?"

Conor was still chuffed over his interview with the great Severus Snape. "You understand correctly brother. As long as this position works out, I'm in London to stay. Theo has invited me to stay with him and Declan for as long as it takes for me to get on my feet."

Mick hid his disappointment. This was his only brother. He shouldn't be feeling as though he'd been sabotaged, but he was. As long as he and Conor had been chasing shite job after shite job, he had felt justified with their way of life no matter what their mum had said. Mick knew there wasn't much out there for wizards who lacked more than basic education, but he had plodded along as long as Conor was plodding along. Perhaps now was the time for him to come correct. Not only about jobs, but with witches as well. It was time for him to become a good wizard and productive citizen.

Clapping his brother on the shoulder, Mick started to wish him the best of luck when Conor cut across him. "This might sound as though I'm pulling shite out my arse, but why don't you talk to Severus and Jean about a position as well. Neither of us have the la-de-da schooling necessary for most jobs, but we have life skills and hands on skills. Put that big personality to work for you. I think you are the type of person WCS is looking for. Speak to Theo to see if he will set up an appointment with Severus. It can't hurt brother. Think of it, The family could be back in one place again. If you don't care for London, later on down the line you might be able to request your choice of places to work. What do you say Mick? Try something on the up and up for once."

Mick glanced thoughtfully at his brother. "Always with your nose in my business eh?"

"Your business is my business Mick, because we'll always be brothers," replied a grinning Conor. "And, no bull shite Mick. If you do this, do it right. Make mum and Declan proud."

"You little pissant. Why don't you go see to Gloria like Theo asked. I'll mull over your suggestion."

"Alright Mick. I've said my piece. I'll be in the living room."

Before Conor left the room, Mick grabbed him a hug. "Thanks for being a nosy sot. I love you brother."

Conor hugged Mick back. "Nosy sot is it? We'll see about that when I'm making the big galleons and you need a loan. Love you back brother. Now get dressed. You won't be making much of an impression on Theo with your dick hanging out."

/*/

Gloria was sitting alone in the living room, but Conor asked the obvious question anyway. "Theo not out yet?"

"Nope not out yet. I think Declan must have been a bad boy."

"May I get you another wine Gloria?"

"Yes. I'd like another. Thank you."

Without responding to Gloria's bad boy comment, Conor summoned the bottle to set in front of her while wondering what made this witch think a father speaking to his son meant the child had done something wrong.

"Do you have children Gloria?"

Gloria looked appalled. "Merlin no, and I'm not looking to have any anytime soon. Anyway, I'd have to find a life wizard before I could think along those lines."

"Of course." Conor replied.

"Did you know Theo's wife?"

"Unfortunately not. She was killed before I met Theo. Bloody shame. I understand she and Theo were a very popular couple. A young witch taken way too soon."

Gloria glanced at Conor over the top of her glass. "It is a shame. Too bad she wasn't more versed in using a wand. She could have saved herself."

Mick entered the room in time to hear Gloria's comment. Not one to mince words, he responded in a rough manner. "I'd think someone who was trying to get into Theo's good graces would refrain from implying his wife wasn't smart enough to save her own life. In fact, I'd think a witch wouldn't be discussing a wizard's deceased wife with anyone except the wizard."

Conor jumped up from the chair. "Mick! Kindly watch how you speak to a witch who was invited in by the owner of the house."

Mick glanced at Gloria before giving his brother a hard stare. "No offense intended. It's no business of mine, and I'd think it's no business of yours Conor."

Conor knew Mick was bang out of order, but figured if he continued the conversation it would just get worse, so he went silent.

Gloria, who was sitting dumbfounded tried to rescue the conversation. "My apologies Mick. I didn't mean to come across as unfeeling. I only meant…."

Theo and Declan were back.

"There's our little man. Having a father and son talk then? I hope you were sure to remind your father that your uncles won't be breaking any rules in this house."

Declan grinned at Mick before glancing at Conor. "There was no need to mention that uncle. The Nott men will not put up with such nonsense."

Theo grinned at Declan. "That's right son. We Nott men stick together. Dinner should be ready in short order. Call Cely. While you wash up and tend to your business, I'll be in here entertaining our company."

"Cely please." Declan called out softly.

Pop. "Yes, young mister."

"I'll be needing to use the facilities and have a wash up as well. It's almost time for dinner."

After Declan and Cely left, Theo surveyed the room. "So. Why so quiet? What did I miss?"

Gloria and Conor remained silent, but Mick spoke up. "Actually Theo, it wasn't much of a conversation at all. However, there is a conversation I'd like to have with you if you have a moment."

Theo wasn't dense. He knew something had gone on, and since it was Mick asking for a word, he imagined he was the cause. "If it's a short conversation, why don't you step into the dining room with me so I can check on the table. If it's a longer conversation to be had, I suggest we wait until after dinner."

"After dinner it will be then," replied Mick with a wide Byrne smile. "Now. Can I pour the master of the house a before dinner drink?"

"Haha." Laughed Theo, clapping Mick on the back. "As an uncle of the house, you may."

/*/

When he and Hermione reached the house, Draco couldn't settle down. Anthony Goldstein was on his mind as was Hermione's attitude of late and Brian returning to work on Monday. Draco excused himself to the study while Hermione put together the meal. He wanted to have a private think. However, once in the study, Draco pushed the errant thoughts to the back of his mind to send a few letters. Oh for the carefree days of life in Switzerland. Draco laughed at himself.

"Carefree my arse."

Pulling out several sheets of paper, Draco wrote out messages to Wil, Desmond and Clarke to check how they were getting along. The letters took longer than Draco anticipated because he had quite a bit of cheeky remarks to make. Just as Draco finished up the last letter, he looked up to see Hermione standing in the doorway.

"Hello love. I'm just finishing up. Dinner ready?"

"Yes Draco. The dinner is ready. It has been for ten minutes. Let's go eat, because I'm still starving."

"Alright. I'll just post these letters and wash my hands. Your roast chicken smells delightful."

"Leave the letters Draco. It's time to eat. You can mail them after dinner, or tomorrow."

Placing the letters back down on the desk, Draco answered Hermione with a few playful comments. "Okay mother. The mail can wait. Let's go eat."

It must have been the wrong thing to say, or must have struck Hermione the wrong way because she huffed her way back to the kitchen.

With half a smile still on his face, Draco followed Hermione back to the kitchen wondering what in bloody hell was wrong now.

/*/

Contrary to the huffing, Draco and Hermione enjoyed a pleasant meal. Halfway through, Draco reached over to stroke Hermione's hand for which he received a dazzling smile. Hermione's smile encouraged Draco this was the time to bring up shagging, or the lack thereof, which made Hermione smile even wider.

"Well Mr., too tired to lift his dick…."

Draco snorted into his water glass. "I did say that. Keen memory for facts Miss Granger. However, that was this morning. This is now, and I want my fair share."

A giggling Hermione came around the table and wrapped her arms around Draco's neck. "Your fair share, is it? Help me clean up then I'll give you more than your fair share. In fact, I'll give you so much you won't be able to move. What do you say about that?"

Pulling Hermione forward so he could reach her lips, Draco whispered naughty words against her mouth as he ran his hand up her leg. "Come on then. Show me what you've got."

A quick swish of their wands cleared away the dinner remains. Then the couple walked to the bedroom arm in arm.

/*/

After enjoying each other several times, Hermione and Draco were lying cuddled up when Hermione began to tease Draco. "I guess you weren't too tired to lift that dick tonight."

Draco one upped Hermione with his response. "Yes, but ... I did fuck the shite out of you. Didn't I?"

Throwing a leg over Draco's thigh, Hermione murmured very softly in his ear. "You most certainly did. I'll never complain again." Raising up one her elbow, Hermione stared into Draco's eyes. "Strike that. Of course I'll complain again. Otherwise, what would I do for fun. Speaking of fun. I probably won't get off work until late. First day and all that. Why don't we have takeaway for 8:30 or so?"

"Takeaway sounds fine love, but it will probably be a late night for me as well. Donald and I will probably have to train Brian all over again."

"That's funny, but I wouldn't repeat it front of Blaise. It's my opinion that right now, he probably thinks you and Donald are the dolts."

Turning on his side, Draco nuzzled Hermione's neck only lifting his head to make a desultory remark about Anthony. "Speaking of dolts, prats and tossers, I would like for you to refrain from being overly friendly with Goldstein."

Even though Hermione tensed up, she remained in a good mood. "Come on Draco. Don't spoil our lovely evening with bull shite. Anthony is part of our team, nothing more. I'll work alongside him as I would any other wanker."

Draco smiled as he left kisses down Hermione's face. "Good, because the overbearing, overreaching son of a hag annoys the shite out of me."

"Well, for once it's you that's annoyed and not me." Hermione offered with a yawn. "We'll just leave it right there. If you've finished with me, I'm going to sleep. I want to be bright eyed and bushytailed tomorrow. Won't Jean be pleased?"

Draco was silent for several seconds before responding. "Bushytailed? What in Merlin's good name did I tell you about trying to confuse me with those strange Muggle sayings? You are a witch. Talk like it. As for Jean, it's probably best if you don't get on her bad side. Two insufferable witches in the same vicinity won't bode well for one of you."

Turning on her side, Hermione let out a soft giggle before closing her eyes.

Draco gave Hermione one last kiss on the cheek before snuggling up to her back and whispering one last bit of cheek in her ear. "Love you filthy Muggle."

Hermione didn't bother to answer because she really was tired. However, she relegated Draco's random bit of cheek to the back of her head to be dealt with at another time.

/*/

No matter what their intentions, Severus and Jean did not go directly to the Messiah's big bed. Instead, they changed into comfortable clothes and discussed not only the party, but also details of what they should expect during their first day as a legally listed company.

"Although I think Mr. Goldstein pushes a bit too hard for someone not directly connected to the company, I thought his idea to bring the British Registry of Wizards was very insightful. Too bad he's The Minister's second hand. We could use him."

"You'll get no argument from me regarding Mr. Goldstein Jean. However, we should focus our thoughts on those who have become part of WCS."

Jean went silent for several seconds.

Severus correctly interpreted her silence and correctly headed her off. "I know you have reservations about Hermione. Let's see how it works out. I believe once she finds her footing, she'll be an asset."

"Believe it or not, I concur Severus. It's just a matter of her finding her footing. It's my opinion and observation that she and Gloria should be the team to utilize The British Registry of Wizards. As overreaching as they both seem to be, they should make short work of signing up new customers."

Severus smiled one of his rare smiles. "I concur. On another employee related matter. What do you think of Conor Byrne? I have him pegged as someone who will do well in the building and constructing area of our instrument."

"I like Conor. He presented himself well. Even though he's only held mostly menial positions in the past, I believe he will be a good fit, if he works as good as he presents. Additionally, I don't believe Theo would recommend anyone unsuitable. We'll see tomorrow. How about a bit of dinner? We have leftover Beef Wellington and a ton of leftover pudding."

"Sounds good. I could do with a bit of food. A word to my spectacular right hand for future reference. I would not say no to a lovely, lemon soufflé cake. It is a favorite of mine."

Jean grinned at Severus as she headed to the kitchen. "How could I forget? Dinner in a minute. Lemon soufflé cake, down the line."

/*/

Part of their conversation over dinner consisted of Severus reminding Jean she would be on her own for the better part of the morning as he had a few stops at The Ministry. He also reminded her The Minister and The Board of Governors would be visiting Tuesday and he wanted everything in top shape."

Jean stared over at Severus. "Thanks for the reminders Mr. Snape. I'll just ask you this. What kind of Second would I be if I didn't remember the important aspects? Of course I remember you have errands and appointments. Of course I remember important dignitaries will be visiting on Tuesday. I'll tell you what I did forget, my ninny cap that's what. Would you like more pudding?

Severus had the decency to blush. "My apologies Jean. I stand corrected. Perhaps it is I who should remove my ninny cap. Let's finish up in here and move our conversation to the Messiah's big bed."

"If it's all the same to you, I'd like a shower. Perhaps the Messiah would like to take himself in hand to help regain his senses."

Severus Snape actually laughed out loud. "I admire a witch with a healthy sense of humor. I'll be joining you in the shower."

"Yes Mr. Snape. That would be one way to work your way back into my good graces. My back needs a wash anyway."

Catching up to Jean, Severus whispered in her ear. "You may be sure I'll be checking on your front as well."

Jean planted a kiss on Severus' cheek. "Come on then. Our taunts have left me wanting."

/*/

Severus and Jean had their time in the shower as well as some time in the bedroom. They were lying about enjoying each other's company when an Owl began banging on the window.

"Bloody Owl at this time of night." Severus snapped as he grabbed his robe to cover himself. "This is one of Theo's owls. I know the wizard is industrious, but even he couldn't have any more applicants in such a short period of time."

Jean looked on curiously.

Severus shook his head. "It would seem I am wrong. Mr. Nott has found WCS another candidate. Mr. Byrne has a brother who would like to be considered for a position. We'll have a look at Mick Byrne. Rather, you'll have first look at the next Mr. Byrne as I'll be away from the office. Have him interview first thing in the morning. Will 7:30 work for you?"

"Yes. The earlier the better. 7:30 am will work fine."

"Excellent. I'll be just a minute. I want to return Theo's Owl. If this keeps up, Mr. Nott will have filled all our staff requirements."

Jean smiled as she let out a soft yawn. It was time for sleep. She needed to be at her desk much earlier than usual. Her eyes were closed by the time Severus returned to bed.

/*/

Blaise had been back from Scotland for about an hour. He had been reminiscing about his weekend with Ginny. Now he was thinking business. For as much as he had taken the Mickey out of Draco and Donald, he was thinking how good it would be to have Team3 back to full strength. He didn't have any qualms about the three men ever stepping foot wrong again. None of the three was that daft. At least he didn't think they were. However…. Blaise didn't want to think about however. There wasn't any however. If any of the three stepped out of line again, they'd be gone, without question, without thought.

Blaise fixed himself a toasted cheese sandwich as he admitted to being almost as cranky as Draco. Dusting the last of the crumbs from his hand, Blaise answered himself. "Nah! Nobody is as cranky as Draco Malfoy."

After a shower, Blaise summoned his notes case to look over what would be coming up the upcoming week. Everything appeared to be up to snuff. Blaise then moved on to all the goings on with the new company WCS.

Severus' company had been ratified with all proper documents filed. All rights to the product/object/instrument were his. The need for discretion and secrecy was gone, so a bit of information had leaked out. Severus was onto a product which would turn the Wizarding World on its head. There was also a rumor that Severus had been granted a department of his own in The Ministry. And talk about landing on your feet, Hermione's name was mentioned as a possible Head. Blaise knew he had to wait and see because, as usual, a rumor was only a rumor until it was proven fact. As long as the rumor didn't have any bearing on OTS, he wouldn't comment on any of it, but he was still amazed how easily Hermione had transitioned from prosecutor to technical witch.

Blaise smiled to himself as he thought of how his mate must be taking the fact Hermione might be working around strange wizards. The man was probably having Malfoy tantrums of huge proportions. Draco was his best mate, but if he didn't loosen up, he'd surely have a mental breakdown.

Stretching his long body the length of the couch, Blaise turned his thoughts back to his lovely ginger and what she could do with her mouth.

/*/

Theo, Gloria, Conor, and Mick spent an enjoyable dinner hour while Declan remained unusually quiet speaking only when spoken to. Theo noticed, but wasn't the only one. Conor and Mick thought Declan had something on his mind as well. Mick spoke first.

"Why so quiet Declan? You spent a day and a half with your aunty. Surely you must have some stories to share."

"Thank you uncle, but I don't have anything I'd like to share at the table except Aunty's flowers are coming along nicely. She even planted a bit of Gorse Bush in grandmum's memory."

Mick who wanted to shout bull shite remembered his manners. There was something Declan needed to say, but declined to say it at the table. Mick knew Declan wasn't ashamed to speak in front of Theo, or Conor, so it could only be down to Gloria's presence. For once, instead of charging ahead on into a subject, Mick simply nodded and responded, that was nice of your aunt.

/*/

Gloria added her thoughts to the conversation. Glancing at Declan, she inquired if he was feeling badly over whatever he'd done to get a talking to.

Declan really didn't know how to reply. He hadn't gotten a talking to, but he didn't want to dispute his father's guest. Especially a guest who smiled at him with her mouth but not her eyes. His boy wizard sense was telling him Gloria didn't like him, but that was something he'd never say out loud. He didn't want to upset or disappoint his father yet again.

When Declan didn't respond, Theo, who didn't want to upset the dinner table, simply asked Declan to excuse himself.

"Yes father." Without looking anyone in the face, Declan excused himself and headed for his room.

The uncles went silent.

Declan's behavior gave Theo pause. His son had specifically replied that nothing was wrong when he'd asked during their conversation in the study. Obviously, something was wrong.

Once Declan was excused, the uncles were through with dinner and dinner conversation. They both excused themselves from the table almost simultaneously wishing Gloria a good night. Conor headed to his room while Mick reminded Theo he'd be waiting in the study to have that word.

/*/

Theo was at a loss. Something was going on with Declan, but he had a guest. He'd deal with it in the morning, or after he escorted Gloria home. Leading Gloria back to the living room, Theo made her comfortable giving assurances he'd only gone a short time.

"Take your time Theo. This lovely wine will keep me company until you get back."

"Ah wine. The friend of witches all over. Enjoy, but it will never take the place of a strong wizard. Back in a moment."

/*/

Expecting Mick to make some mea culpa, Theo was surprised to hear Mick had spoken to Conor and was interested in applying for a position with WCS. Knowing Mick's predilection for a quick temper and even quicker words, Theo had hesitated. Instead of beating about the bush with an excuse why he wouldn't stand for him, Theo chose to take a frank, but indirect line.

"Let me just say this Mick. Severus Snape, founder and owner of WCS is a no nonsense wizard. Fits of temper and pique don't sit well with him."

Mick understood where Theo was coming from, but decided to state his case anyway. For once, Mick Byrne spoke poignantly and eloquently of life with a mum who didn't believe in formal schooling which had left him and Conor with less than desirable credentials. Mick wasn't whining or complaining, He was explaining.

Theo knew about family issues even though Nott issues were far removed from the Byrnes. Feeling a sort of kinship to the wizard before him, Theo explained he would speak to Severus only if Mick was serious about being a productive and willing worker. "I'll stand for you Mick which will be putting my name and reputation on the line. If you act the arse even once, I won't hesitate to take back my recommendation even if it makes me look like the arse."

"I've given you my word Theo. If Mr. Snape will consider me, I'll give it my best effort."

"That's fine because WCS is a huge undertaking, and Severus is looking for immediate staff. I'll stand for my son's next uncle. Let me reach out to Severus to set an appointment. If he agrees, the rest will be up to you. Put your best foot forward, and mean it."

Mick was overjoyed. "Thanks Theo. Whether you believe it or not, I can be a very personable wizard. I had planned to leave this evening, but rather than leave and return, I'll Owl my current employer then wait to hear from you. If this works out, you'll have given both Byrne boys a chance for a decent life. I normally don't speak for my brother, but I know he and I will be forever grateful."

Theo was still cautious, but decided any decent wizard deserved a chance. "I'll Owl Severus straightaway. He may be able to interview you as early as Monday. You have a very impressionable nephew. Please don't let either of us down. A word of warning. When you are introduced to Severus, please don't call him Mr. Snape. He'll be quick to tell you that Mr. Snape was his father. Good luck to you. No hard feelings if Severus doesn't take you on.

"Absolutely not. We will have given it a go. There won't be any hard feelings."

The two wizards shook hands, but before Mick could leave the room, Theo inquired if Mick knew what was going on with Declan.

"I have an idea Theo. However, I cannot say for sure. I will offer an observation. For some reason, Declan is reluctant to speak to, or in front of Gloria. If you've warned him to be on his best behavior, I understand. Otherwise, I don't have any idea."

Theo was perplexed. "I'm not sure you're on the mark with that Mick. I haven't warned Declan about anything regarding Gloria. No worries. I'll get to the bottom of it. Thanks."

Theo sent the letter off to Severus then sat for a few minutes pondering Mick's statement. Twenty five minutes later, the Owl returned with Severus' answer. Mick Byrne would be interviewing with Jean at 7:30 am the next morning.

Theo was chuffed for Mick, and he wasn't. If the wanker caused any problems, Theo knew the blame would fall solely on his shoulders. However, he had already presented the possibility to Severus. There was no turning back now. Holding Severus' reply in his hand, Theo went to find Mick. He had his answer.

/*/

Back in the living room, Theo gazed thoughtfully at Gloria with Mick's words resounding through his head. Declan was reluctant to speak in front of the witch Theo had his eye on. That just couldn't be right. Gloria smiled at Theo and the matter disappeared from his head. She had such a lovely smile.

"I'm sorry I was away for so long. Mick was a bit more long winded than expected. Would you like another wine, or more dessert?"

"I'm fine Theo. It is actually time for me to be getting to my flat. Work in the morning."

"I was away for most of your visit. I'll do better next time." The next words left Theo's mouth without conscious thought. "Was there a problem with Declan?"

Gloria was caught off guard. She preferred dating a single wizard without a child, but it was what it was. In order to get Theo she'd have to deal with Declan, and that would have to be alright. The important point was not to let her feeling about children show. Gloria answered Theo's question with a question. "Where did that come from? A problem with Declan? I don't think so. Perhaps Declan isn't welcoming because he doesn't want to see you with a witch other than his mother."

Now it was Theo caught off guard. Not welcoming? Declan would talk the ear of anyone who came through the front doors. He started to correct Gloria's impression that Declan was his and Padma's child, but something grabbed his tongue and held on. That information was Byrne and Nott business only. Theo began to wonder what was really going on. He had planned to spend extra time with Gloria when he accompanied her home, but with all this running through his head. His mood was becoming arbitrary. Theo wanted to speak to Declan. A comely witch was nice to have, but it would always be family above all else. He'd see Gloria home then come right back to sort things out with Declan.

"It is getting late. Let me have a quick word with Declan then I'll see you home."

Gloria felt the change in Theo's demeanor and sighed. She hoped he wouldn't turn out to be another wizard with issues.

/**/

Draco was already in the shower before Hermione woke Monday morning. Draco was humming some tune he'd heard somewhere. His team would be back to full strength. Well, 99% strength. Brian would be on desk duty until at least the end of the week. Desk duty or not. As of 9:00 am, crackerjack Team3 would be the team to beat once again. Draco looked forward to the day.

He woke Hermione on his way to the kitchen to prepare tea and toast. Two swishes of his wand, and he had breakfast done.

"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. Tea and toast will hit the spot right about now." Said Hermione as she gave Draco a quick kiss on the top of his head. "I'm full of nervous energy. Today I will know my place."

Draco eyed his witch. She was full of nervous energy. "This is only the beginning love. What you do in the coming weeks may not be where you ultimately end up. Customer support might be fine for now, but you'll go mad being a subordinate. It's a top of the line position for you, or the mental ward, either one."

Hermione danced away from Draco's grasping fingers, answering his drivel with drivel of her own. "Subordinate? Go mad, will I? Top position, or mental ward. You have me pegged Mr. Malfoy. I'll always strive for top position, or haven't you noticed."

Draco grabbed a giggling Hermione and pulled her onto his lap. "Now that you've mentioned it. I have noticed your proclivity for being on top."

"Let go of me you prat. I have to go get ready. I want to be camera ready when the Daily Prophet reporters turn up to take my photo."

"You know you're barking, right?" Draco called to Hermione's back. "You'll be lucky if Jean allows you to work an entire day before chucking you out."

Hermione turned on the shower, but called back loudly. "Really git? First, she'll have to put me on suspension."

"Hahaha Granger. Is that supposed to be funny? I'm going to get an early start. I'll see you after work. Takeaway for 8:30. Have a good day."

"Good day to you too Draco. I'll see you tonight."

/*/

Even though it was early, Draco planned to stop by the manor. He had mentioned stopping by for Sunday dinner, but other things had popped up. A small smile appeared on Draco's face as he turned into Apparition. A very big Malfoy thing had popped up.