Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 71

After studying the list of teams, Hermione had tracked down Nils whose team only had two members. After a short discussion of what was what, Hermione had found herself a team. Twenty minutes after joining Nils, the team was on the way out to their afternoon assignments. Each member was given ten appointments with instructions to return everything to Nils' desk at the end of the day. They would meet in his office in the morning for the next assignments. Hermione took her ten appointments, waved to her team and was out the door.

Hermione finished up around 5:40, dropped her ten completed customer orders on Nils desk, used the ladies then headed outside to apparate to her flat. As bright as the smile was on her face, she wasn't feeling it inside. She needed time to decompress. She had snarled at Leon, simpered at Severus and almost outsmarted herself. She needed a wine.

Sitting sipping the wine, Hermione laughed out loud at her self serving idea of putting one over on Severus. Then she began to sigh. She'd been so sure of herself. Hadn't she planned never to share getting over on Severus with Draco. That was laughable. In fact, it was downright delusional. She only hoped Severus wouldn't share her faux pas with Jean.

Stepping into the shower, Hermione reiterated. "Please don't share my idiocy with Jean. I don't want her on my arse too."

/*/

After a quick dinner, Hermione sent an Owl to Draco to let him know she was spending the night at her flat and would see him Friday evening. The wine and the hot shower had decompressed Hermione so much DMTS didn't even cross her mind. She was asleep two minutes after her head hit the pillow.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 72

Draco, Donald and Brian arrived back at OTS around 7:00 pm which didn't allow for much chit chat. Draco suggested they lock everything away and call it a night. Brian and Donald were all for it. Their time in the field had been long and tiring.

"Go on ahead men. I'll see to everything," remarked Draco.

"Thanks Draco. We'll just put everything in the work room and be done," answered Donald. "With this much evidence, Finch-Fletchley won't even have to open his mouth. The guilty blighter will be under the jail before he gets to plant his arse in a chair."

Draco shrugged. "Come now Mr. Macomber. We don't judge. We simply pass on evidence. Maybe the guilty brother as you call him isn't guilty. Perhaps he was provoked."

Donald let out a snort. "Perhaps. In my opinion, there are several different ways to get a point across and defuse a hostile situation other than killing your own brother."

"Too bad someone didn't share those ways with the dead brother," offered Brian. "I'm sure he'd be much better off."

"And the smart arse speaks. I only meant…."

Letting out a very loud sigh, Draco cut across Donald. "I think we each know what the other means. It's late. I'd like to have dinner and a wash before midnight. We can revisit this discussion in the morning. Get on your way. I have a few Owls to answer but I won't be long behind you. Have a good night."

"Alright boss, goodnight." Brian called over his shoulder.

"See you in the morning Draco. Have a good wash. Get in those crevices." Donald cheeked, hurrying into the corridor.

Draco's mouth turned up at the corners in what might be called a smile. "You're hysterical Mr. Macomber. I'm just too tired to laugh."

/*/

After locking up the evidence, Draco returned to his desk to look at the three messages. The first two were informational messages. The third was from Hermione, also informational, who had written to tell him she would be spending the night at her flat. Draco's first thought was to apparate to Hermione's flat. Then he had a second thought. I'll leave her to herself this one night. Much like myself, she must have had an extremely tiring day. He imagined the humming hadn't lasted.

As he reread the short note, Draco grumbled about witches who didn't have dinner ready after a long day, but had quickly chastised himself for being a self entitled prat. He knew how to make a dinner. At least he knew how to make a lovely chicken or beef sandwich which would have to suffice.

There wasn't any need to reply to Hermione so Draco stowed his wand and put on his coat. As he was adjusting his coat, Draco realized there was more than one way to get a meal. Hurrying to the lifts, Draco ran a litany of takeaway places through his mind. He had choices. Ten minutes later, he was standing in a fairly long queue at Total Cuisine when he felt someone touch his arm. He was about to turn to tell the person that unwelcome touching didn't sit well with him when the person came into his line of sight.

"Hello there Draco. Looking for a bit of Beef Wellie? Great minds think alike. Fancy seeing you here though. I'd have thought some comely house elf would be slaving over a hot wand making you some exotic dish fit for a Malfoy."

Even though he didn't care for the words or tone, Draco greeted Pansy Parkinson with a smile. "Hello Pansy," he replied, giving the witch a quick glance up and down. "Still with the big mouth and smart arsed remarks I see."

Pansy pulled on a pout before replying with a semi-sarcastic remark. "You never complained about my mouth while we were at Hogwarts. In fact, …"

Draco held up a hand to stop her from talking. "We aren't at Hogwarts anymore Parkinson. That was a long time ago. You must be at very loose ends to be running me down at the local takeaway shop."

Pansy had a quick answer. "As if I came here especially to run you down. I think not. I came because I want some takeaway. Seeing you is just an unfortunate side event."

Pansy was annoying him, so Draco went low. "Just like old times Pansy. You came, and just like back then, all it took was some words or a flick of the finger."

By this point, Pansy was red in the face and seething. "Same old Malfoy bull shite. Let me school you. You weren't that good. I had to have Goyle finish me off most of the time. Suddenly, I'm not hungry. Have a nice, fucking life Draco. Kiss your house elves for me and kiss my arse."

A slightly aggravated Draco turned to face forward in the queue only to find an older wizard giving him the stare down. Draco stared back. Suddenly, he too found the place and the atmosphere unappealing. Hurrying outside, Draco immediately turned into apparition. Ten seconds later, he was removing his coat thinking about making a large turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese and onion while wondering what Hermione was up to.

Thirty five minutes later, after a quick meal and a quicker shower, Draco threw on jeans, tee and a jumper before apparating to Hermione's flat. He wasn't going to sleep without his witch if he didn't have to.

/*/

Jean came through WCS at 6:30. Severus wasn't in his office, but she grabbed the notes from his earlier visit to DMTS then headed to her old office to check them over. The Messiah had a few opinions on what he'd like to see. Strong opinions. Looking over the notes, Jean agreed with most of what Severus had written. The few things she disputed would have to be discussed.

Speak of the Messiah and up he jumps. Severus was standing in the doorway smiling.

"You have been installed in your chosen department Miss Bradford. You should be more than chuffed. Remove that frown from your face."

Jean grinned at Severus. "I don't have a frown on my face. It's called deep thinking. I've come to get my department sorted. How was your afternoon?"

"My afternoon was busy. I see you've found my notes. When you say get your department sorted, are you referring to my suggestions?"

"I am." Jean replied, holding up the two pages of notes. "These pages warrant a discussion. The upshot of which will be you revising everything on these pages to my way of thinking."

Severus took a seat. "I had high hopes we would be going to the house to indulge in a hot meal, some cursory conversation, dessert then bed. Is it imperative we have a discussion this particular evening?"

Pointing to her brow, Jean spoke her thoughts. "This is a frown. I was under the impression I had final say on my department. These notes suggest…"

"Calm down Jean," said Severus, raising a hand up in the air. "You've hit the nail on the head love. They are not mandatory. They are suggestions. My visions. I'm sure we can come to a melding of the minds."

"Alright Mr. melding of the minds. We really aren't that far apart. I was practicing to be Hermione."

Severus gave her a severe roll of the eyes. "I'm not doing this Jean. Please keep Miss Granger out of our conversation. Put my notes aside, gather your things and either grab my arm or meet me at the house. I'm tired and hungry. This conversation can wait."

"Now you're just being antagonistic. You still have to get your coat and case. If I had grabbed your arm, what would you have done?"

Giving her a sheepish grin, Severus admitted knowing she wouldn't have grabbed his arm because she was a know-it-all.

Jean laughed long and loud as she grabbed her own things while giving Severus a cheeky wink. "That was funny Mr. Snape. Now grab your things so we can go. Like you, I could use some food, relaxation and dessert. I'm going to apparate to the cottage for a quick shower and change of clothes. I'll meet you at the house."

Severus had started towards his office but turned around and came back to stand in the doorway. "Why stop at the cottage? You have clothing at the house which, as you know, also has water."

Jean gave Severus a hard stare. "There are a few things I'd like to do for my feminine state of mind. I won't be long. I think creamed cod would be a nice dinner. I'll see you at the house."

With a pronounced frown now on his brow, Severus turned back towards his office grumbling how Jean's feminine state of mind hadn't needed pampering up until now.

Jean let out a soft chuckle before lowly responding. "You'll thank me for it in the end."

/*/

As promised, Jean took care of her business at the cottage and was at the house before the creamed cod was finished. "Is my dinner ready? I'm here as promised."

"Almost," replied Severus. "Five more minutes at most which gives my illustrious second more than enough time to prepare some mashed and asparagus."

"Just what makes you think I'm here to cook? I'm here to eat," joked Jean before grabbing Severus around the waist and laying her head on his back.

Severus twisted himself around to look Jean in the face placing both arms around her shoulders replying in a whisper. "Since you choose to be arbitrary, I'll take one or two of your delightful kisses in exchange for preparing the vegetables myself."

With those kisses, the atmosphere became sexually charged. When their lips parted, the last thing on Severus and Jean's minds were creamed cod and vegetables.

In a hoarse voice, Severus requested they eat a bit later because, at the moment, he was hungry for her.

Jean responded in an equally hoarse voice. "Request granted Mr. Snape. I believe you'll appreciate the few minutes I took to pamper my feminine state of mind. Let's get to the bedroom to appease our hunger."

It was well after 9:30 when the two lovers sat down to creamed cod, mashed and asparagus.

/*/

At the end of the work day, Cassie invited Conor to her flat for dinner and drinks. Conor asked for a rain check because he'd promised Theo he and Mick would sit down for a discussion about nannies. Although they wouldn't be seeing each other this evening, Cassie gave Conor something to think about when she pulled him into a tight hug giving his dick a hard rub as they rode down in the lifts.

Being a healthy, red-blooded wizard, Cassie's actions sent a bolt of warmth coursing through his body. In return, Conor ran his hand across Cassie's breasts as he whispered words she was happy to hear. "If the discussion doesn't last all that long, I'll be by your flat to, to finish up."

With a wide grin, a wink, and another quick dick pat, Cassie softly replied. "Finish up is good. Bring clothes so we won't have to worry about you getting back to Theo's."

"Why you cheeky little minx. Not trying to move me in, are you?"

Cassie laughed a bit loudly. "Not just yet. Maybe in a week or two."

A blush appeared on Conor's face, but Cassie's words weren't unwelcome.

The lift reached the atrium. Luckily, no one was waiting to step in because Conor gave Cassie's bum a lingering pat and put another quiet whisper in her ear. "I'll try to get there before 10:00."

They left the lift side by side in a very proper manner.

With his mind on Cassie and Cassie on his mind, Conor turned into apparition as soon as his feet hit the outside pavement. He wanted to get home, have a conversation then get to his invitation. He would forego dinner with the family. He'd eat when he got to Cassie's.

/*/

There was a conversation to be had, so Theo had Declan eat early then sent him to his room to read and study. Not hungry himself, Theo was sitting in the den sipping on the same glass of brandy he'd had for the last twenty minutes wondering what sort of input he could expect from Conor and Mick neither of which ever had the need of services. On the other hand, they had watched Declan grow up. That must count for something. Theo let a small smile play across his face as he thought of what Mick could contribute. The wizard was a heathen, not as bad as before, but a heathen nonetheless. Hopefully, my overbearing sister-in-law will bring a bit of reason to Mick's life. Theo shifted in his chair.

"His business is not my business. All I'm looking for is input."

Theo glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch. It was almost 7:00 pm. The uncles should be coming through soon. He was quite correct. By 7:20, both uncles were home and seated in front of him ready to share their thoughts on nannies.

/*/

Before the discussion started, Theo called Declan into the den. He wanted input from the most important part of the whole thing.

"Have a seat son. Your uncles and I are about to have a discussion about who will care for you in Esther's absence. I'd like to hear your thoughts. Would you rather a witch or wizard, young or old, part time or full time?"

Glancing into one face after the other, Declan took a deep breath before answering. "Wow! So much to think about father. Is Aunt Esther going away for good? Who will look after the garden? Does this mean no more trips to the shops? Will the person be taking care of the uncles as well?"

The uncles grinned at Declan's inquisitive nature while Theo shook his head and held up a hand to silence Declan.

"Those questions will be answered in time. Right now, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what I asked."

Declan grimaced. "Of course father. My apologies for going in the wrong direction. I'm a growing wizard who, except for gram, has only ever been taken care of by wizards. I wouldn't want a witch fumbling about among my undies or seeing me naked after a bath. At least not until I'm of age. We have to think about Uncle Conor and Uncle Mick as well. She might really be embarrassed by the state of them in the morning."

Neither Conor nor Mick could hold back their chuckles. Their boy was too sharp. However, after a glare from Theo, they managed to pull themselves together to listen to what else Declan had to share.

"On the other hand, would a wizard be willing to work in the garden or accompany me to the shops?"

Wily child, thought Theo. He'll get his questions answered without revisiting the subject. "What is your choice Declan, witch or wizard?"

Again taking a moment to look into the faces of the three wizards in front if him, Declan gave an answer more suited to a savvy businessman. "Do I have choices? I think I'd like to meet them before I choose because some might not be suited to me or me them."

Theo, Conor and Mick were astounded. Their young wizard was showing the maturity of someone twice his age.

For Theo, the answer was clear. He'd have Esther set the appointments. He, Declan and Esther would interview the candidates together. Hopefully, one of the four would come up to expectations.

"Well reasoned answer son. We'll find out what the candidates are about together. You are excused. Goodnight."

"Goodnight father, uncles."

/*/

The three wizards waited until Declan was out of earshot to comment with Mick the first to reply.

"Excellent conversation Theo. Let me know when you want to have another where I'll be allowed to speak."

Theo shook his head while Conor laughed out loud adding his own comments.

"So there you have it Theo. I firmly agree with everything Declan said. He'll take a witch as long as she doesn't trouble his undies drawer or look at him naked. The choice has been made and I didn't have to say a word."

Theo nodded in agreement, but added a very truthful statement. "You two may think it's settled, but I still don't know the same shite I didn't know before Declan started speaking. The long and short of it is my son has spoken the truth. He should meet the applicants before any decisions are made. It will be him, after all, who will be in close contact on a daily basis. Thanks for your time wizards even if you didn't get the chance to offer a bloody word."

"You're welcome Theo. Call on me any time." Mick replied with a smirk.

"That goes for me as well Theo. I like conversations where I'm not called upon to speak. If you'll excuse me, I have a late dinner date which will keep me overnight. I'll see you tomorrow evening."

Mick was thunderstruck. His brother was beating his time. Usually, it was him who had the overnight assignations. "Overnight hey? Who's the lucky witch? I'm making the assumption it is a witch."

Conor grinned at Mick's nonsense. "Wouldn't you like to know Mr. Byrne? Just to ease your curiosity. It's a witch, and a very fit witch at that. Now you know my business. I'm off to get ready. Goodnight."

Nodding to Theo, Mick got out of the chair leaving a semi-sarcastic remark in the air. "The little shite is learning. I'm going to have to step up my game. I think I'll have a bit of dinner before I turn in. See you later Theo."

"Goodnight Mick."

Theo sat there savoring his second glass of brandy of the night and the answers he'd received from his astute son.

/*/

Gloria was sitting in her living room pondering life. If it wasn't for the new department, she'd be one frustrated witch. Theo hadn't stopped by to see her or even sent an Owl. Philip had resisted her thinly veiled advances, and to top it off she'd seen Terry and The Della in Diagon Alley looking extremely happy while her life was shite. Hopefully, Theo's party would get him and her back together. She sighed. They might get back together as long as that little shite of a wizard stayed out of her face. Self consciously she glanced around as though someone could hear her thoughts which was silly because she was in her own flat sitting on her own couch. She couldn't help it if she didn't care for another witch's child.

After her third glass of wine, Gloria thought if Theo wouldn't Owl her, she would Owl him. Grabbing a pen and piece of paper, she wrote a congenial note asking:

How are you doing?

Could we sit down to talk?

Do you need help with the party?

Should I bring anything to the party?

By the fourth question, she realized all her questions could be answered with a yes or no. She needed to ask open ended questions where Theo would at least have to make a statement, or offer an opinion or explanation. Discarding the first try, Gloria began again. This time she discarded the entire thing after two sentences. What was the sense? If Theo wanted to get in touch with her, he knew how and where to find her. She gave it all up as a bad job before heading to the bathroom to wash her face.

Lying in bed mulling things over, Gloria came to the realization that Theo wasn't the be all end all. If she played her cards right, she might meet a handsome wizard at Theo's party. Wouldn't that be ironic? She extrapolated further. She was now working out of the main Ministry. Perhaps a few trips to the Ministry lunch area would bear fruit. There had to be tons of single wizards on the lookout for a fit witch. Turning onto her side, she let out another deep sigh. It would all have been so simple if Theo's son had liked her.

/*/

Draco was a tad disappointed when he landed in Hermione's flat and found her dead sleep, but being the dutiful boyfriend he undressed and slid in beside his witch. He had just wrapped his arms around her and was pulling her close when she mumbled off a few words in her sleep.

"First steps Nils. Feels good to be with you."

Draco jumped back as though he'd been bitten by some fanged creature and shook Hermione's arm. "Nils? Who is Nils and what has he to do with you?"

Hermione pulled her arm away. "Stop Draco. I'm trying to sleep."

Draco went full Malfoy. Who was Nils and why would she be addressing him from her bed? He shook her again. This time more forcefully. "Wake up Hermione. Wake up and talk to me."

"What the hell Draco? Stop pushing on me. I came to my flat to get a good night's sleep. Why are you here?"

"I'm here because my witch is here. You thought you were addressing Nils. Who is he and what does he have to do with you?" He answered and questioned in a low growl.

An aggravated Hermione opened her eyes but didn't turn to face Draco. "You come in here huffing and puffing about Merlin knows what waking me up. Go to sleep or go home Draco. I'm tired."

Hermione was being a beast. Draco who was now in a full blown Malfoy snit rolled onto his back and laid quietly for all of ten seconds before jumping up and pulling on his clothes thinking not another arsehole creeping around his witch. From the sound of it, this time with probable expectations of sex.

Draco stood in the middle of the room for several seconds to see of Hermione would get up and talk to him, but to no avail. Before turning into apparition, he left a few choice words floating about in the air. "If you're trying to make me feel unwelcome, you've done it. Have a pleasant sleep."

Still half asleep and not realizing the words that had come out of her mouth, Hermione snuggled further into her pillow wondering when Draco had met Nils.

/*/

The current Draco had apparated to Hermione's flat, but it was the old Draco that landed back at the house in full meltdown. Pushing chairs and cushions out of his way, he destroyed most of the living room before falling into the one chair left standing. Heart beating like he'd run a race, Draco tried to make sense of it all. Had he slipped into a bed just after Nils slipped out? That would be a resounding no. He and Hermione had plans for the future, sort of. Still, what was first steps all about? Then he thought about the next part. Feels good to be with you. Draco grabbed another cushion and threw it across the room. What the fuck did that mean? He would have had his arse hexed off if he'd spoken words like those in his sleep. Then again, he wouldn't ever have spoken those words because he didn't want to feel good with anyone other than Hermione.

After a few minutes with his head laid back against the chair, he got up, headed to the bedroom where he undressed and got into bed determined he would get to the bottom of this Nils thing when his witch was awake.

It took Draco more than thirty minutes to relax enough to be able to fall asleep. He dreamt of Hermione pushing up on some faceless bloke telling him how great it was to be taking their first steps together because it felt good to be with him.

Draco Malfoy cringed in his sleep.