Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 75
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 76
Not taking any chances Draco would change his mind, Hermione returned to the living room in as little clothing as possible and plopped down beside him hoping her taut nipples and barley covered privates would entice him to do something sexual. Draco wasn't quite there yet which made Hermione nervous. Rubbing her hand up and down his arm, she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.
Draco turned to smile at Hermione. "Lost your clothes along the way have you?"
Hermione hesitated for a second. Her wizard was speaking but… She pushed ahead anyway throwing a leg across Draco so she was straddling him. "I lost them with a purpose."
Although there was still a tiny bit of animosity flowing through him, Hermione's lack of clothing and her closeness caused Draco to relent a bit. "You do smell nice and the grinding against my fellow makes me want to do sexual things to my witch."
"And your witch is ready to receive those things." Hermione replied with a distinct hoarseness in her voice. "I say we head to the bedroom so you can show me. It has been several days since I've felt your fellow. I miss him."
It was supposed to be verbal foreplay but as soon as Hermione mentioned the length of time they hadn't been together, Draco's mind immediately went to the why. They hadn't been together because she had been on some kind of tear. Nothing to do with him and his dick. With a soft sigh, Draco pushed the thoughts out of his head, wrapped his arms around Hermione and whispered in her ear. "Come on then Miss Granger. Let's go give my bed a workout."
Grabbing Draco's hand, Hermione followed his lead to the bedroom even as she recognized his use of the pronoun my. My bed. His bed hadn't been my bed in months. Not since she had started sleeping with him. After that, it had always been our bed, or at the very least, the bed. The fear came back. The fear she had pushed her wizard into a place that didn't bode well for their relationship.
Hermione didn't have time to dwell on her thoughts because Draco had whisked away her bit of clothing and was climbing on top of her.
/*/
Cassie and Conor had parted in front of her flat. She on her way to Diagon Alley. He was on his way home to get a bit of sleep.
"You've worn me out Miss Cassie." Conor had joked, holding both her hands in his while whispering in her ear. "However, I will be back at 8:30 pm to see you to Theo's party. I'm resilient like that."
Cassie looked into the eyes of the wizard who had come to mean so much to her. "Big baby. You've worn me out as well, but you don't hear me whining."
Conor let out a hearty laugh. "As long as we've come away even, I can live with that. I'll even be so bold as to tell you I look forward to more this evening."
"As do I," replied Cassie, holding Conor's gaze. "Well I should be getting on with my errands. 8:30 pm will be here before you know it."
Although reluctant to let go, Conor let go of her hands and stepped back. There was more he wanted to say but there would be a time and place for that. At that moment, it was best he had stepped back before the words came tumbling out on their own volition. "I'll see you at 8:30."
Cassie remained standing in the same spot for several seconds after Conor Apparated away thinking that wizard is surely stealing my heart. And I like it. Turning into Apparition, Cassie concentrated on the only beauty salon in Diagon Alley. She wanted to look stunning when she took the arm of Conor Byrne.
/*/
Conor had finished his sandwiches and was sitting on the side of the bed thinking and reflecting. He had found a fine home where he was welcome where he could watch over Declan as well. He had found an outstanding position in a top company. Best of all, he had found a witch who made his juices flow and kept them flowing even when they weren't together. Cassie Graham. Her name rolled off his tongue like, like a stream of silver mist. He didn't consider himself a wizard who was ruled by what went on in bed, but Cassie. She made him feel as though he was a king.
Conor let out a loud sigh as he stretched out on the bed. He needed to get a few hours sleep if he wanted to be in top shape for Theo's party and for his Cassie.
/*/
Theo and Ajay had come out of the study laughing over something or other. Declan was glad. Even though he was glad to help out his father, sitting on the couch for this extended period of time had caused his bum to go all tingly.
"There he is. The young Mr. Nott. I'm sure he has everything ship shape by now. What do you think Theo?"
"He's my son Jay. Of course everything is ship shape." Theo replied with a smile.
Declan smiled at both the men. "It's been quite busy father, but I did as you asked. The deliveries have been managed. Everything is in fine shape for the party. If you don't need me for anything else, I'd like a small snack then have a bit of a lie in before we greet our guests."
Turning to Jay, Theo broke out in a wide grin as if to say, that's my son. "Call Cely. Tell her what you want. You may have it in either the kitchen or your room. I'll have Cely call you when it's time to shower."
"Alright father. Cely please."
Cely popped up asking Declan what did he need. After explaining himself, Declan excused himself to his room.
"That's a fine boy you have there Theo. I think he's destined for big things."
Theo was quick to agree. "Thanks Jay. Those are my exact feelings and I'll do all in my power to make it so. I'm going to take a quick check of the kitchen and dining rooms to make sure everything is in order. I'll see you and Leanne tonight."
The two friends shook hands.
"Absolutely Theo. We'll see you later. One last thing I forgot to mention. Leanne has a request. I know you don't mind, but I'll ask to be sure. Leanne made fast friends with a witch she met while we were in Spain closing up my house. The witch returned to London with us to see a bit of the city. Her name is Gabriella Abalo. Leanne and I hope you won't mind if Gabriella accompanies us to the party. It would be bad form if we left her sitting in the flat while we are out enjoying ourselves."
With a laugh, Theo grabbed his good friend around the neck. "So my wayward brother-in-law has made a decision to return to Britain for good. Good man. Nice how things worked out only doing nothing with your clothes on."
Jay cuffed Theo on the arm responding with a huge smile. "Never you mind what I do with my clothes on. Will Gabriella be welcome or not?"
A sober sounding Theo responded thoughtfully. "Jay. You are one of my closest mates and cousin to my late wife. I know you wouldn't bring anyone into my home who had bad intentions. Of course Gabriella is welcome. You don't even have to ask. Besides, she'll be only one of many who haven't ever crossed this threshold. Several of WCS staff will be coming through as well.
"Thanks Theo. I didn't think you would mind, but, unlike Blaise, I have manners. I had to ask. You'll like her. She's a love."
"Alright Jay. It's settled. I'll see you, Leanne and Gabriella tonight."
As Jay headed for the door, he called back over his shoulder. "Perhaps Gabriella will interest you as something more than a guest."
Theo who had been on his way to the kitchen stopped in his tracks. I know Jay didn't just say what I think he said. If he brought some witch all the way from Spain because he thinks she'll interest me, I'll have his arse. At the same time he was thinking how awkward it would be if he was put in the position of entertaining two witches when he was still floundering about how to entertain one.
Continuing on his way, Theo checked everything before heading to Declan's room to check on him. Peeking in on the sleeping wizard, Theo gazed on his mini me with pride knowing there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his son which, at the moment, included playing host to Miss Anna Grace and Miss Gabriella Abalo. Theo shrugged. He'd been saddled with harder things in his life.
Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, Theo was surprised it was only 2:00 pm. It felt as though he'd been up for days. Just as he had thoughts of nipping away for a brief lie down, the doorbell rang. Theo had forgotten all about his expected visitor.
"Shite." Theo mumbled softly. "What was I thinking inviting someone here in the midst of madness?"
Theo put a welcoming smile on his face as he opened the door to face Reginald Briggs. "Come in Mr. Briggs." Theo said, greeting Declan's new Manny. "Declan is sleeping at the moment but I'd be chuffed to have a chat and show you around. Would you care for something to eat or drink before we get started?" He asked, extending his hand.
"No thank you Mr. Nott. I'm set for now. Thank you for inviting me into your home."
Giving Reginald a direct stare, Theo responded with a no nonsense remark. "Declan and I have hired you. It would be exceptionally hard for you to see to your charge without being invited in. Please call me Theo."
Reginald made a sheepish smile. "Yes Theo, there's that. It was a foolish thing to say, but I'm trying to make a good second impression. Please call me Reg."
With a quick laugh, Theo nodded in agreement as he gave the quick witted wizard a second look up and down. "We'll start off with a quick look at your rooms then we'll look in on Declan." Theo took two steps before turning back to Reg. "I know you mentioned you are in a hired room. You are now part of the Nott household. After we are finished here, why don't you clear up things at your rental, bring your belongings here and get settled in. I realize most of your personal belongings still remain in Wales, but for now bring what you have to the house."
Reg was chuffed. He had expected to remain in his rented room for at least two more weeks. Theodore Nott Jr. had just made things so much easier. This time he responded to Theo with a much firmer resolve. "That would be splendid Theo. I accept your invitation. In fact, if we could put off our tour, I'll nip over to the room, get my things together then return here."
"Alright Reg. I can get behind that plan. Go do what needs to be done. When you return, I'll have Declan awake and ready to accompany us on our walk around. You haven't been keyed to our wards yest so you'll still have to ring the bell. I'll see to that down the road. For now, let's just get you settled into your rooms."
"Okay Theo. I'll go and get right back here. Thank you for your confidence."
Theo simply nodded. He was taking a chance not really knowing Reginald Briggs, but Reg was now a member of the Nott household. If he wasn't what he seemed, he'd regret messing around with the Notts.
/*/
After the sex, Hermione and Draco were lying side by side. There wasn't anything wrong, but everything was wrong. For the first time in the history of their relationship, the couple had struggled to achieve orgasm.
Hermione threw her arm over Draco's chest. "We must be out of practice. It took us ages to cum."
Never opening his eyes, Draco leaned over to kiss Hermione's arm. "Sorry love. Ten demerits to me."
Raising up on her elbow, Hermione gazed at her wizard. "I wasn't casting aspersions Draco. I made a simple statement. We both know we've never had a problem in that area. I'm as much at fault as you."
Draco opened his eyes but remained in the same position. "There's no fault to be had Hermione. I didn't think you were casting aspersions. I apologize if my thoughtless words upset you. It was a joke. An old, tired Hogwarts joke, but a joke nonetheless. We can try again, if you like."
Well he's back to being a jerk thought Hermione. "Try again? If I like? You're making sex between us sound like some kind of duty. I'll pass on trying again. We didn't get it right the first time. Another go won't help. It's almost 3:00 pm. If we're going to get a bit of rest, we should do it now. Perhaps the next time we make love, I will suck your dick beforehand." She remarked, moving heavily as she turned on her side.
Draco sighed as he kissed Hermione on the shoulder. "I've set the alarm for 6:30. That should leave us plenty of time to get ready. Stop overthinking things. There wasn't any fault."
Hermione didn't respond to Draco's statement about fault, but she did address the time factor before closing her eyes. "6:30 is fine Draco."
Draco remained on his back willing his eyes to close. However, with the many things going through his head, sleep or even rest alluded him. Even though he and Hermione had gotten back on track, that small crack in the door somehow seemed to be widening. Realizing he was holding onto something that had already been settled, Draco promised he would have to do better than a seven minute orgasm if he wanted to keep his witch happy. Then his eyes closed.
/*/
Gloria Isles had been busy from the time her feet hit the floor on Saturday. She had formed a plan and intended to see it through. Her big plan revolved around Theo. If she could convince him the entire Declan muck up had been a fluke, she might be able to steer him back to her. Although Gloria didn't want it to seem she was chasing Theo, which she was, she had put aside her sexiest dress. Initially, she thought the closely fitting, calf length, dragonskin dress was a little much. On second look Gloria decided it was just the right thing to catch Theo's interest again. Perhaps it would remind him of their short time together. She had already decided that knickers were out for the night. One never knew when an unexpected opportunity could arise. Besides, she didn't want knicker lines showing.
Summoning a bottle of white wine and a glass, Gloria tucked her legs under her and envisioned how the night would go. By the time she finished her third glass of wine, Gloria had it all sorted. Even if it cost her a bit of mingling time, she would try to spend some time with Declan to prove she wasn't some kind of ogre. She still didn't care for another witch's child but she would have to do what needed to be done to impress Theo.
With her night all planned out, Gloria got up from the couch to run herself a nice warm bath. It wouldn't be too long of a bath because it was coming on 7:00 pm.
/*/
Reg made it to his rental room and back to Theo's in under an hour. When he arrived back at the house, he was greeted by Theo and a wide awake, smiling and excited Declan.
"Hi Reg. Father told me you were coming back. We're going to show to your rooms and the rest of the house. Come on. Put your things away. We need to go fast because you have to get ready for the party. You have to meet the uncles so they can see if they like you. I'm sure they'll like you because me and father like you."
Reg smiled at Declan but Theo spoke to him in a firm voice. "That's enough Declan. Let Reg get his foot inside the door before you inundate him with orders. We'll show you to your quarters first Reg. Get yourself settled then have Declan show you to my study. We can chat as I show you the rest of the house. For tonight, I will introduce you around then you may take on your first night with your charge.
Finally able to get a word in, Reg simply said it sounded great as he followed Theo and Declan to his rooms. The rooms consisted of a large bedroom suite with attached bathroom, a sitting area and a smaller room that could double as an eating and library. Theo explained it wasn't much but his wife had set it up in case of extended company. Theo went on to explain that there wasn't a kitchen space per se because Padma would rather guests ate at the family table. However, since you will be Declan's man, you and he will probably take your meals together. We'll just see how it all works out.
"Yes. Mother Padma had rules." Declan interjected but hastily closed his mouth with one stern glance from Theo.
"Please let Reg acclimate himself before you begin to regale him with stories son. If you don't mind, I'll leave Declan here while you get yourself sorted. After that, Declan will show you to my study."
"I don't mind at all. It will give me a chance to get better acquainted with my charge. We'll see you shortly Theo."
As Theo turned to walk away, Conor came walking down the hall. "What's all this? Might this be the fantastic Reginald Briggs I've heard so much about?"
Declan grinned at the audacity of Conor's words. "Yes uncle. This is Mr. Reginald Briggs my, my man. You may call him Reg or Reggie. Reg, this is my Uncle Conor Byrne. He's a fine wizard. You'll like him."
"How do you do Reg? Nice to meet you."
"Thank you for the kind introduction young mister. If there are more introductions to be made, they should be made by your father. That's one of my rules." Turning to Conor, Reg accepted the outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Uncle Conor Byrne. Declan and I are on our way to set up my rooms but I'm sure we'll see you in a bit.
Theo nodded his head in agreement at Reg's remarks. Firm and forthright. He could definitely see this Manny working out. "I'll be in the study."
Conor grinned at Declan before heading back to his rooms. Wait until him and Mick got Declan alone. They would scare the living shite out of him. Young mister my arse. "I'll see you both in a bit. You have my permission to show Reg my area. Knock first."
Declan glanced at Reg unsure if the uncle had embarrassed him, but there was nothing showing on his face as he stepped aside to let his charge enter first.
"Let's get this done quickly. Your father won't thank us if we keep him from his tasks."
Declan laughed. "My father has a business but he doesn't have tasks. Cely has tasks." Declan started to call Cely but stopped. His Manny might require him to ask first. "Reg?"
"Yes Declan?"
"May I call Cely our house elf? She'll need to know who you are."
Reg continued bringing his shrunken possessions back to size as he replied to Declan. "What was the only rule I've given you so far?"
Declan hesitated knowing he had messed up. Reg's first rule was to have Theo, as owner of the house, make first introductions. "The first rule is to let my father make the introductions."
"Exactly. So what are we going to do?"
"We are going to let father introduce you around."
Reg stopped in the middle of hanging a jumper and turned a smile on Declan. "See. That wasn't so hard. I'm through for the moment. Would you kindly show me to the study?"
The small bit of trepidation that had surfaced in Declan's chest over his faux pas disappeared. His Manny wasn't being unkind. He was being a Manny.
/*/
It was 6:55 and Hermione was already in the shower. Glad they were over their little misunderstanding, Draco was happily sorting through his Basic Dress wear and had just settled on the charcoal gray suit when Hermione passed by giving his bum a pinch.
"Your turn handsome. Ah! The charcoal gray. You look amazing in that suit."
Draco grabbed Hermione from behind leaving a kiss on her neck. "Thank you love. I have to look good to keep up with you."
Hermione reached back grabbing him around the waist feeling his burgeoning erection. "Although I'm clean Mr. Malfoy, I'd like to give that fine erection a whirl."
Feeling like everything was right, Draco turned Hermione around so she was facing him and quickly removed the towel. Running his hands up and down Hermione's body, he all but dragged her to the bed. "I'd like for you to give it two whirls. Come love. Our bed awaits."
Hermione was feeling the sexual heat but still noticed Draco's use of the pronoun our. Ah! Back to our bed then. My guess is it won't take seven minutes to get me to orgasm this time. But who's counting? Throwing her arms around Draco's neck, and her legs around his waist, Hermione threw her honey pot at him like she hadn't had sex in months.
Draco groaned how he loved it when she went crazy on him thrusting into her as though a Boggart was after him. And then they were over. The orgasm was on them. They continued to move until Draco's once fine erection was nothing more than a limp piece of meat.
Rolling onto his back, Draco reached over to run the back of his hand up and down Hermione's cheek. "You are amazing love. See what happens when we're motivated."
Rolling over onto her stomach, Hermione let out a soft giggle.
"What?"
"All we needed was a nap."
Draco chuckled. "Alright Miss Nap. I'll shower while you lie there and giggle. Be out in fifteen."
"Make it ten. We are now running behind."
"Ten it is love. Please don't be lying there naked when I come out. I won't be able to control myself and we'll have to shower all over again."
"Just get in the shower. Save the smooth talk for later."
/*/
The first guests began arriving at 9:00 and Theo and Declan Nott were at the door to greet them. Even though it wasn't part of his position, Theo had asked Reg to introduce himself and make sure the guests were comfortable which he did without hesitation.
Jay, Leanne and Gabriella were among the first to arrive and spent a few extra seconds at the door while Jay made introductions. Gabriella was a lovely witch and Jay stood by smirking as she turned her charm on the host and his son. Jay gave Theo a saucy wink as he moved into the main hallway.
While Jay was winking and his father was smiling, Declan was moving from one foot to the other wishing Miss Anna Grace would hurry and turn up. He didn't like the way Gabriella, just call me Gabri, had looked at his father. He didn't want to seem rude, but Gabri seemed like the same sort of witch as Gloria. Thinking of Gloria gave Declan a quick bout of stomach quivers which in turn caused him to choke.
Reaching over to pat Declan on the back, Theo asked if he was alright.
"I'm fine father. I think someone's perfume was just a bit too sweet smelling for my stomach."
Theo laughed as he softly replied. "I know exactly what you mean. You may have to pat me on the back if many more witches come through bathed in scent."
Declan smiled before turning to greet the next group of guests which included Mr. Blaise and his date Miss Ginny along with two wizard who introduced themselves as Brian Ross and Donald Macomber. Donald and Brian thanked Theo for the invitation mentioning they worked with Draco and Blaise. Both wizards took a turn shaking his hand.
Declan stood with his father until 9:30 when Theo called for Reg to come get his charge. After a few whispered instructions from Theo, Reg took Declan to his room explaining he was going to the kitchen to get plates and he should get washed up and into his pajamas.
Declan did as he was told and had himself all sorted by the time Reg returned with large plates of food for them both.
"Thank you Reg. It all looks delicious. I am feeling a bit hungry."
Reg used his wand to hover the plates in the air while he enlarged the small reading table. As the plates floated softly down on the table, Reg pulled fruits, juices and waters from his inside pockets. "This is a special circumstance. Starting tomorrow, we will abide by Mother Padma's rule. We will take our meals in the kitchen or dining room. Of course I'll confirm it all with your father before we take a step."
Declan glanced over at Reg as he lifted his fork to his mouth. He really did like his new Manny.