Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 74

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.

/

A/N: Quick chapter to try to get our girl back into my readers good graces.

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 75

/**/

Hermione was surprised to find it was after 10:00 when she woke on Saturday. She never slept that late. She was about to hurry to the bathroom to shower when she remembered her orders. She wasn't to appear at WCS before Sunday afternoon.

"What bullshite. I could have every mobile available ready to be handed out by this afternoon. Severus needs to….."

She sighed. Severus was the owner, boss, and person in charge. Whatever he wanted would be done.

Hermione showered but decided to wait breakfast and have it with Draco. Draco. She hoped he was over his moodiness, especially if he wanted to talk. Well. She would see. Apparating from her living room directly into Draco's Apparition area, she called out to him as she walked down the hall.

"Good morning. I hope you have breakfast ready. Your witch is starving."

Draco heard Hermione call out but he remained sitting in the study in the dark finally calling back that he was in the study.

Hermione came to the door. "Why are you sitting in the dark?"

"I am sitting here relaxing. It's dark because I didn't turn on the light. Did you receive my Owl?"

Hermione waved her wand to turn on a light then sat in a chair facing Draco. "I'm starved Draco. I did get your Owl but I was tired. I thought our talk could wait until today. Nothing will change if we have breakfast first."

Draco wasn't impressed that Hermione was all sunshine and light because when or if they talked would be on her terms. "I'd like to talk now Hermione because after you might not be inclined to want to sit at my table."

Hermione shrugged. "Okay Draco. Let's talk. I hope it's not about Nils because that would be ridiculous. Nils was my team leader and now he's not. What else is there to know? By the way, you caused Severus to give me a telling off. Maybe we should talk about that." She added forcefully.

Draco glanced over at Hermione. "Careful love. You seem to be going to that place you go when I'm not genuflecting."

"Genuflecting? If you have something to say, just say it because you seem to be going to the place you go when I'm not grinning at you like some arse."

This was not how Draco saw their discussion going so he backtracked a bit. "I'll make it simple love. I'd like for you to tell me what's going on between you and Nils."

"Me and Nils? You're barking Draco."

Draco waited for the words he needed to hear but they weren't forthcoming. "Alright, I'll start with something easier Hermione. Thursday night you spoke in your sleep about how glad you were to be with Nils and you welcomed the first step. I tried to discuss those statements but you seemed to think I was pushing you around. Yesterday you allowed Nils to be familiar with you without consequence and in front of me. In addition, you allowed me to stand there looking like some dolt by not introducing me until I asked for an introduction. When you finally introduced me, you neglected to mention we are dating. Even now, I asked you a direct question without receiving a direct answer. If I'm barking, so be it. Just tell me now. Tell me to my face. Are you or are you not involved with Nils Wilsson?"

Hermione was so surprised she couldn't even get angry. Draco thought she was slagging around with Nils. Of all people. She laughed out loud. "I'm involved with you. Of course I'm not involved with Nils. As I said before, he's my former team leader. Our only conversations were about work. He has knowledge I required to be a useful part of the team. Since Severus moved me up, I don't have any need of what a team leader knows. I'm my own team. As far as not introducing you and neglecting to mention you're my wizard, that was an oversight. I apologize. I was upset."

Draco believed Hermione wasn't involved with Nils. He believed she had tried to pick his brain for the knowledge he had. What didn't make sense was her shouting at him because he turned up at WCS and not introducing or acknowledging him, Being upset wasn't an excuse. "I understand the most of it, but what does you being upset have to do with disrespecting me in front of a colleague? If I had done that to you, I'd still be pulling wand splinters out of my arse. Tell me. Are we heading in the wrong direction? If we are, I'd rather step away than be some prat who stands by waiting for his witch to throw a tantrum because she's upset."

Her shite had come back on her and Hermione was beginning to panic. Draco sounded as though he would break up with her. "I'm sorry Draco. I was wrong. I'm human. I'll probably be wrong again. I make mistakes. You make mistakes. I don't think a mistake is any reason to talk about breaking up. We love each other."

Draco grunted. Even as Hermione explained herself, he remained a bit despondent. Did they love each other, or did Hermione just love him when it was convenient? If he had to ask himself this question, was he sure of their relationship? He loved Hermione but wasn't about to go back that place where he allowed her to walk all over him. Rightly or wrongly he decided to take the high road. "As long as we don't have to go through something like this every other day, we can put this behind us. The simple truth though. If you feel yourself getting upset, excuse yourself, take a potion, go use the toilet. Do anything except take your distress out on me."

For once, Hermione didn't go word for word. Instead, she spoke softly. "I didn't realize I had upset you this much. I'll do better. I will be better."

Draco had heard this all before. He'd just have to see.

/*/

After their discussion, Draco and Hermione sat down to breakfast but mostly ate in silence. The air had been cleared but there was still a slight bit of tension surrounding the both of them which became obvious when Hermione asked Draco if he wanted a lie down. He declined making the excuse he wanted to pick up a few things from Diagon Alley.

"Alright then. I have a few things to do as well. Shall I meet you back here so we can go to Theo's together?"

"Yes. Let's meet back here at 9:00. I'll pick up some Blishen's Firewhisky to take with us. I need to use the men's then I'll be on my way."

Giving Hermione a quick kiss on the forehead, Draco headed to the bathroom calling back over his shoulder that he'd see her at 9:00."

Hermione remained in the same spot for several seconds contemplating what had just happened. Draco had declined a shag and left a kiss on her forehead instead of her lips. He might have accepted her apology but he was still pissed off. She made a silent promise to make it up to him. She had acted the arse.

/*/

Draco was going to Diagon Alley but first he was going to make a stop at Malfoy Manor to pick up the diamond ring he had taken out of his vault at Gringotts. When he took the ring out of the vault, he had every intention of asking Hermione to marry him at some point during the summer. Now he wasn't.

Every person had a personality and opinions. However, Hermione seemed to believe her personality and opinions were more important than others. He could live with an opinionated witch. What he couldn't live with was a witch who became arbitrary and disrespectful when she got upset. They would learn to talk it out as a couple in a decent manner or they wouldn't. They were nowhere close to becoming an engaged couple.

After his stop at Gringotts, Draco stopped by Parvati's shop to pick up some ties. Parvati was pleasant and helpful but nowhere near the overbearing witch of a few months ago. Draco gave himself a wry smile in the mirror as he held up tie after tie. Even the overreaching witch didn't find him interesting anymore. Draco selected four ties thinking perhaps it was time he changed his cologne which brought a semi smile to his face.

Parvati smiled at him as she rang up the sale. "How are you Draco?"

"I'm doing well Parvati. Thank you for asking."

Holding each tie up to eye level, Parvati complimented Draco on his choices before starting general conversation. "Will we be seeing you and Hermione tonight?"

Draco didn't miss the pronoun we. Parvati's lack of fawning over him now made sense. Evidently she had found herself a wizard. "Yes. Hermione and I plan to attend Theo's party. His gatherings are always welcoming."

Draco paid for his purchases and headed out where he held the door for a brunette witch whom Parvati greeted as Anna.

The witch left Draco's mind as soon as she left his sight.

He walked the half block to the liquor shop in Diagon Place to purchase the Blishen's he would be bringing to Theo and an extra for the house. As he walked back up to the top of Diagon Alley, Draco felt so weary it was as if he hadn't slept in days. With a sigh of exasperation on his lips, he swung his wand and turned into Apparition. It was time he put things into perspective, starting with just how much shite he was willing to take.

/*/

As soon as Hermione landed in her flat, she divested herself of wand, jumper, and jeans, in that order, while wondering why she had told Draco she had errands when she didn't. Perhaps it was because he had refused a shag. Perhaps it was because he'd rather go to Diagon Alley than interact with her, or perhaps it had everything to do with the way she had treated him. Whatever the reason, she had lied to save face. It was embarrassing really. For the moment, her wizard didn't want to be in close contact with her.

Throwing on a house robe, Hermione sat down in a kitchen chair drinking tea and thinking about… things. She absolutely loved Draco and definitely missed their sex. She didn't want him entertaining any notion of breaking up. Pouring another cup of tea, Hermione decided she would be on her best behavior from there on out. Embarrassing or disrespecting her wizard was something she would not do again. Maybe she could start by going back to Draco's house to spend some time with him. An afternoon shag would not be unwelcome.

/*/

Parvati greeted Anna Grace like an old friend even though their careers ran on distinctly different paths knowing she and Anna might have had similar paths if her parents hadn't been killed. "Nice to see you Anna. How have you been?"

"Nice to see you as well Parvati. I was so sorry to hear about your sister."

"Thanks Anna. It was a hard time for all of us. Are you looking for anything special today? I received a shipment Thursday you should look over. I've just started to put it out. I'm sure you'll find something."

A slight blush suddenly appeared on Anna's cheeks. "Today I'd like to look at something a bit more upscale. Your brother-in-law invited me to his party. I'd like to look nice."

Parvati was surprised and she wasn't. Anna was a lovely witch who was in the caregiver/attendant field. Perhaps Theo was looking at her as a Nanny for Declan. "Excellent!" Exclaimed Parvati. "You'll have to have at least one drink with me and my date."

Anna gave a hesitant smile. She had been invited but didn't know why. A drink with Parvati and her date might not happen but she didn't share that thought with the witch she remembered being gossipy as hell. "That would be lovely Parvati. I'll have a look around."

"Help yourself," said Parvati. "I'll be here if you need me." As she watched Anna sort through the racks, Parvati wondered if Theo was up to something. If he was, she would certainly find out.

It wasn't long before Anna returned to the counter with three outfits.

"Lovely choices Anna. The blue will bring out the blue of your eyes or the chocolate brown will accentuate your beautiful hair."

Anna gave Parvati a real smile. "Exactly what I was thinking. I'll take them both."

Watching Anna as she left the store, Parvati decided she would definitely be keeping an eye on her and Theo.

/*/

Even though Theo was off in his study visiting with Padma's cousin Ajay who had just returned from Spain, the Nott household was experiencing a very busy Saturday afternoon with all the comings and goings. Liquor, food, and dessert deliveries all trying to arrive at the same time. Declan was in his element showing the vendors where to go and where to place certain things.

Although he wouldn't be allowed to attend the party, Theo had promised he could stand with him to greet the guests as they arrived. Then it would be off to his room. That was good enough for Declan. Normally, he would have been sent to his Aunt Esther's house, but she and Mr, Casper would be attending the party. He was more than excited to stand with his father. It was also nice to see Mr. Ajay again. His father always seemed happier when his good friend was around.

In addition to all that was going on, Declan was excited about seeing Reginald again. If he was lucky, he and his new Manny would be able to spend a bit of time together.

/*/

Declan was sitting quietly in the living room waiting for the next vendor when Conor came through.

"Good afternoon young wizard. Why are you sitting all alone in the living room when you could be in your own room reading something from your massive library?"

"Uncle Conor! I'm glad you're here. I didn't want you to miss meeting my new Manny. Although I am sitting here alone, I'm waiting for my next job. Father asked me to see to the delivery wizards. I'm simply sitting here until I'm needed. I do have one of my books with me." Declan explained, holding up a small book. "I read when I'm not busy."

Conor smiled at his nephew. "I can see you're all set. I look forward to meeting Reginald. I'm going to take a shower and a short nap. Would you ask Cely to bring a couple of sandwiches and a few pieces of fruit to my room. I'll see you in a bit."

"Alright Uncle Conor." Declan replied, getting off the couch. "I'll call Cely. Don't oversleep."

"Fine Mr. wise arse. I won't oversleep. Just get my sandwiches." Conor called back over his shoulder. "I'm a hungry wizard."

Declan called out for Cely who appeared with a pop. "Yes, young mister. What do you need?"

Declan explained he didn't need anything but his uncle requested two sandwiches and a bit of fruit be brought to his room. Cely nodded and popped over to the kitchen to do as she'd been asked. Declan went to sit back down until he was needed.

/*/

Draco had been home about thirty minutes when heard the soft swish of Apparition. Because he wasn't expecting anyone, Draco advanced with wand drawn only relaxing when he saw Hermione coming down the hall. He greeted her but remained standing where he was.

"Hello Hermione. This is a surprise. I thought we were going to meet at 9:00. Did you get all your errands done?"

Hermione greeted him back. "Hello Draco. We were supposed to meet at 9:00 but I was hoping we could spend some time together before the party. I've brought everything with me."

"Let me just finish up what I was working on. I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable. Have a wine."

Hermione's heart was thumping because Draco was treating her as though she was first time company. Make yourself comfortable. Have a wine. He hadn't spoken in that manner since that first night she came through his doors. From thumping, Hermione's heart began trying to beat its way out of her chest. Draco wasn't being cold but he wasn't being…

He was back. "Why are you still standing in the same spot? Go put your things away and have a drink with me."

Hermione started for the bedroom but turned back. "I'm sorry I put us at odds Draco. I miss being with you. I miss being in your arms and in your bed."

Draco glanced at Hermione. "I'm not at odds with you. The truth is I'm a bit apprehensive about touching you. Two days in a row you've mentioned me pulling on you and pushing you around. It's humiliating. I've never done that and never will. I really don't want to hear it again."

Hermione came back to sit beside Draco. Cupping his chin, she spoke softly and earnestly. "I said and did some hurtful things of which I'm not proud. Please don't let those things color our relationship. I'm hard headed and obstinate, yes but I love you. I don't want us to break up. I don't want us at odds. What can I do to make you give me your best Malfoy smile? I'll suck your dick."

When Hermione uttered her last sentence, Draco exploded with laughter. "Thank you for the laugh. I needed that. While having my dick sucked is pleasurable, I don't think we should base the next phase of our relationship on fellatio alone. Perhaps if you throw in a shag or two, I can be persuaded."

Leaning in against Draco's shoulder, Hermione felt as though some slight jolt had tipped their world back right. "Okay."

"Okay, what?" Asked Draco.

"Okay I'll suck your dick and shag you right after."

Draco laughed out loud again. "Why don't you go put you things away then we can have a drink and discuss your offer. I will give you a caution. Your words have put me and my dick in a precarious position. We want to be with our witch."

"Good." Hermione threw back over shoulder. "Because your witch wants to be with you two too."

/*/

Draco remained sitting on the couch chuckling over his and Hermione's back and forth. He was more than ready to admit he missed her touches as much as she'd missed his. Perhaps from here, Hermione would keep to her word. The door that had been opened was still open just a crack. If she couldn't or wouldn't keep her word, he would leave the relationship. He'd just have to wait and see. Their future was Hermione's to throw away.