Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 73

At 3:40, Draco advised Brian and Donald he had just remembered an important errand. "I'm going to step away to speak to Blaise. I've remembered an important matter that has to be tidied up today. I'll be leaving at 4:00."

Donald and Brian looked at each other without saying a word. It seemed their boss did have something on his mind and couldn't wait to get it resolved.

Five minutes later, Draco stuck his head into the workroom. "I've spoken to Blaise. I'm on my way out. If I can get back, I will. If not, I'll see you at Theo's house tomorrow. Don't forget to lock up."

"Don't forget to lock up. What does he take us for, novices?" Asked Donald sarcastically as soon as Draco's arse had cleared the doorway.

Luckily, Brian didn't bother to answer as Blaise stuck his head into the room. "Complaining again Mr. Macomber?"

A full blush appeared on Donald's face. "Not complaining Blaise. Just wondering out loud."

It was Friday nearing the end of the day. Blaise didn't want to go into the weekend cross so he replied in a lighthearted manner. "Well then, keep wondering but be sure everything is locked up before you leave. I'll be in my office if you need me."

Brian chuckled softly. Donald would never learn.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 74

/*/

Hermione was busy setting up her area when Draco appeared in the doorway. "Good afternoon love. Severus directed me to your new space."

"Hello Draco. Not here to pull or push me around then? I really don't have time to talk as you can see. Is there something you need?"

Draco hesitated with an answer because he didn't want to come out of his mouth the wrong way even though Hermione seemed to be in a churlish mood.

He didn't answer quickly enough for Hermione. "What is it Draco? I know you didn't come all the way from The Ministry to stand mute in front of me."

His witch was acting the shrew. All Draco's good intentions evaporated and he replied sharply. "I neither pulled nor pushed you around. You made several statements and I was trying to get clarification. Since you weren't in any mood last night to clarify, I'm here now to find out what it all means."

Hermione was getting exasperated. She was trying to set up her new space and Draco was running on about some statements she made. She replied in a raised voice. "I don't know what statements you mean Draco, but now is not the time to hash it out."

Draco started to reply but Severus came striding up to the door. "What is the meaning of this loud discussion? You're in my premises not some pub. I can hear you clear over to my office as I'm sure most of the building can as well. This is neither the time nor place to air out personal grievances. I advise you to lower your voice Hermione. If you can't manage that, I suggest you send Draco on his way and get back to work."

Severus strode away looking neither left nor right.

Draco had stood there embarrassed while Severus vented, but his embarrassment turned to anger when an unfamiliar wizard approached Hermione with hand outstretched. "Everything alright Hermione?"

Turning on a welcoming smile, Hermione replied to the wizard. "Everything is fine Nils. Thank you for asking. I've left all my slips on your desk."

"Yes. I saw the slips. Thank you. While I applaud your moving up in the company, we will miss you on our team. We've finished up for the day. Do you need any help here?"

Still a bit irritated, Hermione chose to overlook how Draco felt about any wizard getting too close. She neither moved away from Nils' hand nor asked him to step back. "It's Friday evening Nils. Thank you for volunteering but I wouldn't want you to interrupt your plans for the night."

Before Nils could respond, an absolutely livid Draco stepped into the conversation. "Do you mean for me to stand here all night without being introduced to your friend?"

Hermione turned toward Draco with a line of pink showing across her nose. Her first thought was to growl at Draco for being an arse but she remembered Severus' directive. This was neither the time nor place. Instead of responding with vitriol, she responded in a soft, clear voice. "My apologies. Nils Wilsson this is Draco Malfoy. Draco Nils."

A now infuriated Draco extended a hand. Hermione hadn't bothered to mention he was her wizard. With all sorts of thoughts running through his head, Draco quickly shook Nils hand then stepped back. "I guess I'm odd man out here so I'll leave you to your, work. Nice meeting you Nils. Have a great evening."

Without another word to Hermione, Draco left WCS. He had seen and met Nils. There was nothing more to do.

Nils and Hermione spoke a few more words before he excused himself to get things ready for Monday morning. Before walking away, Nils offered his help one more time adding he would be glad to take Hermione to dinner afterwards.

Hermione now saw what Draco might have seen. A wizard interested in being more than a teammate. "While that's a lovely offer Nils, I have a wizard who would frown on me accepting a dinner date, but thank you anyway."

Now Nils was embarrassed. "Sorry. I wasn't aware you are in a relationship. My apologies for overstepping. I'll leave you to it then. Have a goodnight."

"Goodnight Nils. Have a good weekend."

As she moved a few items with the Follow Me Spell, Hermione was thinking Draco shouldn't be so judgmental about any wizard who approached her. They were in a relationship after all. He was always huffing and puffing about one thing or another. Besides, Nils was nothing more than her ex team leader.

/*/

While Hermione was at WCS laying blame on Draco, he was at home pacing the floor drinking brandy and blaming himself. "I should have gone about things in a different way. I should have waited to have a private conversation away from her workplace. I shouldn't have been at her workplace at all. I shouldn't have…

I should have hexed the fuck out of that bloody….."

Draco plopped down in a chair and refilled his glass. No matter what he should have done. It was what it was. He'd approached Hermione at the wrong time and place and been handed his head. The hurtful part was she denied him in front of Nils. She hadn't come right out and denied him, but she hadn't recognized him as her wizard which was the same as a denial.

Draco lashed out at a couch pillow pummeling it into submission. He wasn't ready to give up on Hermione, but she might be ready to give up on him.

"Bullshite. She's volatile, but she's my witch. No one is giving up on anyone. If she wants this Nils, she'll have to tell me to my face."

Draco raged for a few more minutes before making a decision. Summoning pen and paper, he wrote out a message to Hermione requesting she stop by the house so they could have a discussion. Too keyed up to eat, Draco showered, had another brandy then laid down to wait for his witch.

/*/

Hermione was tired. She had almost everything in place when one of the late night workers stopped by her new office to drop off an Owl message.

"This message was laying on a desk in the team area. I'm on my way out so I thought I'd drop it off. Have a good weekend."

"Thank you." Hermione replied. "You have a good weekend as well."

Pouring herself a reheated tea, Hermione checked her Wonder Witch Watch before sitting down to read the message. Draco wanted to have a conversation. It was after 10:00. They wouldn't be having one tonight. A discussion could wait until the next day. She was stressed out enough trying to get the Transition area in order. She didn't need any of Draco's Nils bullshite. Putting the message aside, Hermione stepped back to admire her work. The Transition Department was up and running.

Grabbing her jumper, Hermione decided she would get a few hours sleep then get right back at it in the morning. Heading over to Severus' office, she found him immersed in the pile of papers in front of him.

"Hello Severus. I'm finished for the night but I plan to be back here tomorrow morning to get the mobiles in order. I want everything nice and tidy for Monday."

It was late so Severus didn't bother to close the door. "Have a seat Hermione. Thank you for being so diligent. If you have plans for tomorrow….."

Hermione cut across him. "I don't have any plans..."

Severus held up a hand. "If you'd let me get a full sentence out, we will not have to belabor this conversation."

"Sorry."

"I understand Mr. Nott is hosting a meet and greet. If you have plans for tomorrow evening, you might want to come in Sunday afternoon or early Monday. You are on point. The rest doesn't have to be ready until our doors open on Monday."

Hermione started to reply but Severus held up his hand once again. "With all the compliments out of the way, I'll say this. This is my place of business. Our place of business. I will not tolerate loud, juvenile arguments in my premises."

"Draco was being an arse." Hermione replied in a low voice.

"Please don't try your deflection on me Hermione. It was you shouting. If it had been Draco, I'd be speaking to him. Keep your personal business out of WCS. If I have to revisit this particular subject, no matter how good your work, you'll be out so don't test me. If there's nothing else, I'd like to take a walk around the Transition area then get home. My dinner is waiting. Remember, Sunday afternoon or early Monday, not before. Goodnight."

Hermione wanted to say more but had been excused. All she could say to Severus was goodnight. However, she had a ton of thoughts circling her head. Most prominent of which was Draco would be hearing from her.

With a twist of her wand, Hermione turned into Apparition landing in her own flat. Walking across the room, she grumbled about getting a telling off because Draco had a hair across his arse. After an egg and cheese sandwich and a quick shower, she slipped under her covers and was asleep five minutes later.

/*/

Draco woke around 10:30 and immediately checked his Wonder Wizard Watch. Even though he knew if Hermione was in the house she'd be beside him in bed, Draco checked the house becoming more aggravated with each step. Was his witch purposely being obtuse? He'd sent an Owl asking for a discussion. Even if it was too late to talk that night, she could have come through so they could talk in the morning. Then his mind went to other places. Perhaps Hermione wasn't being obtuse at all. Perhaps she had chosen to spend her night with someone else. Perhaps she was taking her second step with Nils Wilsson. Draco sat on the side of the bed running his hand over Hermione's pillow thinking she wouldn't do something so….. He pulled his hand back. Nils name had been on her lips the previous night and she hadn't bothered to introduce him as her wizard this evening. Perhaps he didn't know what his witch would do.

After another twenty minutes of pacing back and forth waffling on whether to check WCS or go to Hermione's flat, Draco decided to do neither. After a cool drink and a pee, he slipped back under the covers. He and Hermione would get things sorted tomorrow.

It was only when he was lying there waiting for sleep he remembered Blaise was supposed to have had mobile training from 2-4. Evidently something had come up because Blaise hadn't called the training before he left. Small problem. He'd discuss it with Blaise at the party. Draco dozed off thinking now would be a great time to have a mobile.

/*/

Mick came home in an expansive mood greeting Theo and Declan in an almost sing song voice.

Theo grinned. Only one thing could put Mick in such a fine mood, a witch. Being young, Declan couldn't imagine why his uncle was in such a good mood, so he asked.

"Why are you so happy uncle. Did you get a rise in pay?"

Mick glanced at Theo before answering Declan. "Why are you asking nephew? Are you keeping a notebook?"

"No Uncle Mick. I'm not keeping a notebook. I was just wondering. Most nights you run to the kitchen for dinner then head to your rooms with only a hello. Tonight you're almost singing."

"Alright." Said Mick as he slid into a living room chair. "If you must know, I've….."

Theo cleared his throat.

Mick immediately got the message. He had been on the verge of telling Declan the truth. He'd spent his lunch hour(s) with a comely witch who had not only taken care of his needs but alleviated every bit of stress. Mick realized he wasn't back in Ireland where his mum allowed grown up talk. He was in Theo's home where such talk was frowned upon, so he changed tack.

"Since you're trying to pry out my secrets, I'll reveal you have hit the nail on the head. Mr. Snape and Miss Bradford are so pleased with my work a pay rise might be in my future."

Declan grinned at his uncle. "I knew it. I know you are a top lad. Keep up the good work."

Mick stood and headed to the kitchen. "If my fine nephew is finished quizzing me, I'll see if Cely has left dinner out for me."

Turning to Theo, Declan asked if might share their news with Mick.

"Yes, you may."

Mick stopped in his tracks. "And what news would that be young Mr. Nott? Will you be getting a pay rise as well?"

Declan laughed at his uncle. "Of course not Uncle Mick. I don't even have a position."

Both Mick and Theo laughed.

"Father and I have hired a Manny who you and Uncle Conor will be meeting tomorrow evening. His name is Reginald Briggs but you can call him Reg or Reggie. I hope you like him because I like him and think he'll assist me well."

Glancing over to see Theo nodding his head, Mick congratulated Declan on a job well done adding a few remarks. "I hope you're not thinking your Manny will be taking the place of your uncles because then Conor and I will have to box his ears."

Before realizing his uncle was joking, Declan had turned to Theo with a look of surprise on his face. Seeing the smile on his father's face, Declan turned back to Mick.

"You're such a jokester Uncle Mick. There'll be no boxing of ears in this house."

Mick ran his hand through Declan's hair as he passed. "Of course there won't, until there is."

Declan didn't bother to reply because this time he knew his uncle was joking.

/*/

Declan and Theo sat there chatting about father son things when Declan made an out of the blue comment about one of the candidates. "I'm wondering what you thought of Miss Anna Grace?"

A surprised Theo responded with a question of his own. "And why would you be wondering about Miss Grace? Have you changed your mind about Mr. Briggs?"

"No father I haven't changed my mind about Mr. Briggs. I was just thinking maybe you could invite Miss Grace to your party."

Theo was becoming a bit annoyed. Declan had made his choice. Now it appeared he was waffling. Theo replied in a somewhat rough voice. "You're talking in circles. You're happy with your choice or you're not. Speak up now because we won't be going back and forth about something we've already decided."

Realizing he'd made his father a bit cross, Declan was not sure he should reveal what was on his mind. Sitting up straighter, he decided to share his thoughts. "I'm very pleased with our choice. I'm not saying you should invite her as a candidate. You should invite her for yourself. She reminds me of mother."

Theo was caught completely off guard and repeated the lie he'd told the Byrnes. "Stop talking nonsense. Your mother died when you were born. There's no way you could know anything about her except what I've told you."

Declan began to tremble, but needed to see it through. Something inside was telling him Anna Grace could be important to his father. In a soft voice, Declan answered his father. "I wasn't speaking about my real mother. I was speaking about Mother Padma. When Miss Grace spoke, she reminded me of Mother Padma whispering in my ear."

Theo didn't want to hear it. His son was telling him who should replace his beloved Padma. "You're talking nonsense Declan. I think it's time for you to get ready for bed. You may read for a bit if you like."

Declan stood. "I'm sorry I upset you father. I just want you to be happy."

Theo called Declan back. "You haven't upset me son. You surprised me. Perhaps you saw what you wanted to see. While Miss Grace is a lovely witch, she doesn't remind me of Padma at all. Have Cely bring you a warm milk. It will help you sleep."

Declan didn't want to dispute his father, but he'd gotten it wrong. Anna Grace didn't resemble Mother Padma. She reminded him of Mother Padma. There was a difference.

"Yes father. A warm milk will help me sleep. Goodnight."

/*/

Theo remained sitting in the living room going over in his head what Declan had shared. It was nonsense. The witch did not resemble Padma in the least. Where Padma was a dark haired, dark eyed beauty, Miss Grace was a blue eyed, brunette.

Sitting there, Theo marveled at how quickly he had been able to bring her to the forefront of his thoughts. Perhaps she had impressed him as much as she had impressed Declan. Theo also remembered how Declan hadn't had a good word to say about about Gloria. Perhaps his perceptive son had seen something he hadn't.

"Now it's me thinking nonsense. It's bedtime for me."

Theo undressed and sat on the side of his bed. His lonely bed. Slipping on pajama bottoms, he quietly headed for his study to have a drink. Rolling the glass between his hands, Theo watched the brandy slosh around as his thoughts ran amok. He called out softly to his wife.

"Padma my love. Suddenly my thoughts are going every which way. Is this you working through Declan? Have you set Anna Grace in front of me?"

Theo didn't expect an answer. Padma had given up on him. He was so startled when a soft voice at his ear whispered yes that he dropped his drink.

"Have I gone mad? Am I imagining my deceased wife just confirmed she has chosen a witch for me and Declan?" Glancing around the room, he entreated Padma to speak again. "Please love, please. Speak to me just one more time."

This time the soft voice whispered Declan. Theo sat there for another thirty minutes begging Padma to keep speaking. All to no avail.

Theo was wiping tears from the corners of his eyes as he went to check Declan thinking if Padma had spoken to him, she might have spoken to Declan as well. It really wasn't any surprise when Theo found Declan sitting up in bed.

"Is everything alright son? I thought you'd be sleeping by now."

"Mother Padma woke me. Please don't be cross father. It was Mother Padma speaking to me. She said yes then she called my name. I promise you it's the truth. I couldn't get back to sleep."

Theo sat in a chair beckoning Declan to him. "I believe you son. Some wizards are better at hearing than others, but it's late. Go use the bathroom then get back in bed. I'll sit with you for a bit.

As Declan used the toilet, he worried over the part he didn't tell his father. It was Mother Padma speaking but somehow she also sounded like Anna Grace. He'd said all he was going to say about that. He didn't like making his father cross.

Theo sat with Declan until the young wizard fell asleep. After that, he returned to his study to write a note to Anna Grace.

/*/

Anna Grace was finishing up a little snack when an owl she didn't recognize began banging against the window. It wasn't a general owl or a family owl. In the few short steps to the window, curiosity got the better of her. Who could be Owling her at this time of night? Opening her window, Anna retrieved the message then offered the owl a bit of leftover biscuit which it grabbed greedily from her hand.

"Well! Whomever sent the Owl obviously doesn't feed the greedy little beast." Leaning back in a chair, Anna opened the envelope and quickly scanned the message glancing at the signature.

"Theodore Nott?"

Anna read the message over carefully.

"Theodore Nott is inviting me to a party he is giving tomorrow evening. Strange. He didn't want me as a Nanny, but he wants me to attend his party."

Then Anna thought about it. Perhaps Mr. Nott has changed his mind. Maybe he wants another interview. That couldn't be right. If he wanted another interview, it would probably be done in a proper setting. Inviting her to a party sounded, personal. She thought back on her interview with the Notts. She had liked them both, and young Mr. Nott struck her an intelligent, personable young wizard.

After a bit more thought, Anna decided she would accept the invitation no matter the reason for it. It wasn't as though Theodore Nott was inviting her to meet him in Knockturn Alley. Just as she finished writing her reply, the same owl was back banging on her window.

"Bloody hell!" Anna remarked in surprise. "Mr. Nott's owl is not only greedy but psychic as well."

Opening the window, Anna attached her answer to the owl's leg. However, instead of flying away, the bird remained on the sill as if waiting for something else. Grabbing another bit of muffin, Anna held it out. This time, the owl gently plucked it from her fingers before taking off.

Heading for the kitchen for her last tea of the night, Anna wondered about Theodore Nott and his greedy, psychic, polite owl before turning her thoughts to what she would wear to the gathering.

As she sat there mentally going through her closet, Anna realized she had been invited to a Nott Meet and Greet. She'd heard good things about Theodore and Padma Nott's parties and how they brought people together. It was a shame how his wife had been killed. She hadn't ever been invited to one because she was the help not a friend or acquaintance. Now she had.

After a quick face wash, Anna slid under her blankets wondering if she would fit in.

/*/

Jean who was up waiting for Severus recognized right off someone or something had aggravated the easily aggravated wizard.

After a perfunctory kiss on the cheek, Severus had headed directly to the bathroom and turned on the shower with Jean was on his heels.

"You are home in your own domain. It's time to let go of whatever is bothering you."

"My face is covered in soap Jean. Could we hold this discussion until I'm through in here?"

Jean knew her Messiah well but still bristled up a bit. "No discussion necessary Severus. I simply made a statement. Your dinner is under a warming spell. I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed. Goodnight."

It was late and it had been a less than spectacular day. Jean just wasn't up to a back and forth with her irritable wizard. She decided to leave Severus to himself.

/*/

A reasonably calm Severus left the bathroom and headed to the kitchen. He was starved. As he removed the warming spell, Severus inhaled the delicious aroma emanating from the chicken dinner before him.

"I haven't even tasted my dinner and I know it is delicious. You've outdone yourself love. Thank you."

No response.

"Jean love. Come share a bit of dinner with me."

Still no response.

"Alright then. I'll have it all."

Severus finished up and cleared away before heading to the bedroom which was empty. As astute as he was, it had taken Severus a minute to realize Jean wasn't in the house. When he realized Jean had probably gone to the cottage he wanted to become a petulant git and let her stew in her own juices, but as he was her Messiah, she was his Muse. He had no intention of letting the witch he loved and admired sleep alone over words. Stepping into pajama bottoms and a long sleeved tee, Severus headed to the cottage only to find Jean sitting up in a bedroom chair.

Severus sat down on the side of the bed facing Jean. Reaching out, he took Jean's hands in his. "The dinner was delicious. Thank you."

Jean spoke softly. "You're welcome Severus. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Why are you just sitting here in a chair?"

Staring directly into Severus' eyes, Jean gave a short reply. "I couldn't sleep."

Severus was becoming unnerved. Jean hadn't spoken with this lack of spark since Oregon when he informed her he was moving to London. He finally had to admit his curt words that morning as well as this evening might have cut her.

"I don't like to see you like this love. We've had a hard day. Please accept my apology for all of it."

"I know you Severus. I practically live with you. I don't expect apologies. What I do expect is for you to interact with me in a respectful manner. I'm not your whipping post. I'd rather you say nothing than be condescending and abrasive with your words."

Then the tears began to fall and Severus became undone. Reaching over to pull Jean into his arms, whether wanted or not, Severus apologized again.

"I've never seen you cry. Please stop. I love you Jean. It is never my intention to disparage or denigrate you."

Severus' speaking softly caused Jean to sob out loud. She loved this wizard but he could try Merlin's patience. "I apologize for this nonsense Severus. You've had a hard day and I have as well. I came to the cottage because I thought a little time apart would do us both good."

Severus began shaking his head. "If you need some time apart, you may turn your back to me in bed, but I'll be sleeping where you sleep whether it's here or in the house." Summoning a wet cloth and a small bottle, Severus gently wiped Jean's face. "Enough of these tears love. Have a bit of this calming draught to help you relax."

Not usually one for draughts or potions, Jean willingly took a few drops. Leaning her head against Severus' shoulder, she brought a bit of humor to the situation by simply invoking a name. "Hermione Granger."

With a sigh and a nod, Severus replied. "Among other things. Yes. Hermione Granger."

Jean smiled as she wrapped her arms around Severus' waist. "I knew it."

Severus stood pulling Jean up with him. "It's a new day. Miss Granger may have helped spoil my Friday, but she will not interfere with our Saturday. Let's retire to our bed where I hope you won't feel the need to sleep with your back to me."

Felling much better, Jean offered a cheeky reply. "I won't sleep with my back turned only if you share what our star pupil did to send you home in a sour mood."

"I'll explain tomorrow. As I've said, Hermione Granger will not spoil our Saturday. Please remove that robe. I'd like to feel your skin against mine."

Removing the robe, Jean told Severus she looked forward to feeling his skin against hers.