Returning To His Roots

by Divess

Sent to Switzerland shortly after the end of the War. Draco Malfoy has been enjoying life. However, a nasty run in with Hermione Granger at a conference in France forces Draco to change his entire mindset. He will return to London to face his past and prove his worth as well. With all the mitigating factors, will Draco prevail? AU/T/OC/OOC Dramione/Blinny.

79. Chapter 79

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 78

Declan was five minutes into his recitation when Theo entered the living room nodding his approval of the subject matter. However, before he could compliment his son, the doorbell rang. Wondering out loud who it could be, Theo rose from the chair to answer the door. Visitors were always welcome, but this Sunday he had planned to visit with Anna. If it wasn't anything important, he might just turn the visitor away. Theo was surprised when he opened the door to find a grinning Draco on his stoop.

"Draco?"

"Yup. That would be me. I've come to deliver your mobile and explain what my brilliant witch has done."

Theo stepped aside hoping Draco didn't want to have some long winded conversation. "Come on through mate. We are in the living room. I have a guest whom I don't want to leave sitting alone, so please keep your conversation short. After you greet her, we can speak in the study. We are having lamb for dinner if you'd like to stay."

Shite, thought a surprised Draco as he greeted Anna and Declan. I'm intruding. "Hello Declan. Nice to see you again Anna. I'll only keep Theo a few minutes."

"Hello again Draco. There's no need to rush your conversation. I'm in absolutely enchanting company."

Theo hoped Draco had caught the silent message when he had cleared his throat. Anna might not mind him holding a lengthy conversation, but he did. Dates before mates. Theo smiled to himself as he and Draco headed to the study wondering where that piece of muggle shite had come from. Dates before mates, as if. It wasn't a date. It was dinner.

/*/

Hermione was working so Draco was at loose ends anyway. Even if wasn't at loose ends, Theo was entertaining a witch. There was no way he would turn down the dinner invitation. There was a mystery afoot which he wanted to know more about.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 79

After giving Theo his mobile and explaining what he and Hermione had done, Draco was quick to accept Theo's invitation to dinner.

Turning the mobile over in his hand, Theo grinned at Draco. "Well done Mr. Malfoy. I appreciate that you've already set up my mobile with important numbers. You, Hermione, Severus, Jean, Conor, Mick, Jay, Esther will probably be the numbers I ring the most."

"You can thank Hermione. It was her idea."

Theo nodded. "Of course it was. Your witch will never leave a stone unturned. I do have a favor to ask."

"Ask away mate."

"If it's possible, I'd like to purchase a mobile for Declan and his Man Reg. Declan's would only be for emergency use, but Reg will need one as a support in his duties."

It seemed Theo had more to say so Draco remained silent waiting for his mate to finish. He wasn't wrong. After a bit of squirming in the chair, Theo revealed the last of it.

"Although I haven't discussed this with Miss Grace, I see her becoming a familiar part of the Nott household. With that in mind, I'd like to order her a mobile set with Reg and my numbers. Down the road she can add additional numbers as needed."

Draco was surprised but didn't let it show. Theo was sharing information which he wouldn't question. At least he wouldn't question it this moment. Miss Anna Grace meant something to Theo. "No problem Theo. I have several extra mobiles with me. Again, Hermione's idea. If sitting down to dinner isn't imminent, we can do it now." Draco replied, reaching into his inside pocket and bringing out three mobiles. "Three it is. One for Declan, Reg and Miss Grace. If you'll give me about ten minutes, I can input the required mobile numbers."

"Excellent. While you do that, I'll go make sure Anna and Declan are alright."

Draco nodded. It wasn't his intention to question Theo about anything. His mate would explain when he was ready.

/*/

Two of the phones were set up when Draco heard Theo greeting someone coming down the hall. He didn't have to wonder who it was when he heard Declan call out to his uncle Conor. Draco stood to greet Conor when he and Cassie appeared at the study door.

"Hello Conor, Cassie. Nice party last night." He commented, greeting them as he continued to work on the third mobile.

"Hello Draco. It was a nice party. Thanks for delivering our mobiles. Cassie and I expected to get them tomorrow. Nice surprise you turning up at her flat. We might have put ourselves on the shite list of several friends as we've been dialing them up since you dropped off the phones. I know Mick is not pleased. Whatever. If you'll excuse us, Cassie and I have to go take the Mickey out of a certain young wizard."

Draco grinned at Conor and nodded at Cassie. "Please ask Theo to come back here. I need him to have a look. The mobiles are ready."

"Will do mate. See you in a bit."

/*/

Draco sat quietly waiting for Theo wondering if he should go pull Hermione away from The Transition Department. Before he could make a firm decision, Theo was back.

"Conor says you have the next three mobiles ready. That was fast. Come on through to the living room where we, rather you will hand out the phones."

Draco stood and had just answered Theo when his own mobile rang showing Hermione Granger calling. Draco gestured for Theo to go on ahead. Theo returned a gesture that caused Draco to break out in a grin before pressing the talk button.

Hello love.

Hello love my arse. You've been gone for ages. Where are you? I have another batch ready to be delivered.

I'm at Theo's. He purchased three more mobiles which I'm in the process of setting up. He has invited us to dinner. I was just about to ring you. You've done a lot today. Please consider leaving the rest until tomorrow. I'd like us to have have dinner with Theo and Declan.

Several seconds of silence.

Okay love. I'd like to have dinner with Theo and Declan. Give me a few minutes to tidy up and speak to Severus. I'll see you in twenty minutes. Draco?

Yes love.

Thank you for thinking about me. I love you.

I love you too Hermione. Now tidy up and get that lovely arse over here.

On my way handsome.

/*/

When he finished the call with Hermione, Draco hurried to the living room to hand out the phones. Before he could disperse the mobiles, Theo gestured for him to hold on for a second explaining he needed to get Reg. Once Reg was in the living room, Draco handed the three mobiles to Theo who proceeded to explain what was going on.

"Hermione Granger and Draco here have given us the opportunity to have better. By that I mean I have purchased mobiles for you Reg, Declan, and if she will accept, one for Miss Grace."

Three sets of eyes were trained on Theo waiting for his next words. He didn't disappoint.

"My reasoning for getting these mobiles is simple. Reg will need one to communicate with me, Conor, Mick, Esther as well as vendors and the like. There isn't any special purpose for Declan to have one, but he is a young wizard who might need to communicate with his father or uncles from time to time. As for Miss Grace, I'd like her to have one so she might contact me or me her if the need arises." Turning to face Anna, Theo apologized if he had overstepped and would gladly rescind his offer if she didn't care to have a mobile.

Anna clasped her hands together in her lap while looking Theo directly in his eyes. "Although I don't know the first thing about using one, I've heard interesting things about mobiles for us Magicals. In no way have you overstepped. I'm thrilled you think enough of me to order one for my personal use. Thank you."

A faint blush appeared across Theo's nose as he stood there holding the three devices.

Draco had to glance down at his feet to keep his smile from showing. If the wide, bright smile that appeared on Anna's face was any gauge, he knew she and Theo would be making good use of their mobiles. It seemed as though Theo wasn't the only one smitten. To that end, Draco offered assistance.

Draco addressed his remarks to Theo. "I hope this isn't an imposition mate, but I've invited Hermione to have dinner with us. She should be here within the next twenty minutes. I say this because she works at WCS and knows mobiles like the back of her hand. I'm sure she'd be willing to show everyone how to use the devices."

With a faint blush still on his face, Theo grinned at Draco. "Thanks mate. Learning how to use the bloody thing would have been my next step. Knowing Hermione, I'm sure she'll have everyone up to speed in thirty minutes or less. Now that we have all this sorted, we'll be able to sit down to the table when Hermione arrives. Reg. You may take Declan until we are ready to eat. Draco and Anna, if you like, we can have a quick before dinner drink.

Mick and Parvati came through the door just as Conor and Cassie appeared at the top of the hall.

"Hello everyone." Mick called out. "The handsome Byrne brother has arrived and will gladly have a before dinner drink. In addition to that, I might just box the ears off the less handsome Byrne brother for using his new mobile as a toy, but that can wait."

A voice from the other side of the house rang out. "I hear you Uncle Mick."

"Ah! The lilting voice of my overstepping nephew. Excuse me while I go greet Reg and the little…."

Theo cleared his throat.

Mick winked at Theo. "No need to fret Mr. Nott. I was simply going to say the little wizard. Back in a minute."

Conor shrugged. His brother would always be a prat.

Theo had just sat down when the doorbell rang. "That will probably be Hermione. We are all here. I don't want to rush our instructor from the door to the table so we'll all have a before dinner drink together.

/*/

Hermione hurriedly cleared her area before heading to Severus' office. She was hungry and a lamb dinner sounded good. Knocking on the door frame, she asked Severus for a word.

Severus gestured for her to come in and take a seat which she did. "I'll be leaving now Severus. Theo is waiting dinner for me. Everything is tidied up. Not only has Draco made quite a few deliveries, he has sold an additional three units to Theo. I have about a dozen more bundles that can either be picked up from here or sent over to DMTS to be picked up there. Additionally, since I won't have to input any mobile numbers, I'm more than sure I can have a mobile in the hands of every employee by days end tomorrow. We are moving right along."

Severus was pleased. "Well done Hermione. Thank you for the ten Ministry mobiles. I'll see they are delivered tomorrow morning. Thank Draco for me as well. Tomorrow morning, before you start work, I'll have two wizards from the wiring department come to your department. I think we should do a bit of enlarging and renovating."

Hermione clapped her hands together. "Oh Merlin. Thank you Severus. My Transition Department will really be a department. Shall I come in early? Will I be allowed an Assistant?"

Severus smiled at his exuberant employee. "One step at a time Hermione. Let's get The Transition Department updated before we think about adding additional staff. We'll get it worked out in the morning. I'd like to get the ten mobiles into Kingsley's hand as early as possible. I will leave notes and orders on the off chance I'm not here when you arrive in the morning. Thank you again for your attention to detail and your perseverance. Have a good evening."

"Thank you Severus. I'll see you in the morning."

Hermione was back at the Transition area picking up her wand and purse when Nils approached her. "Good afternoon Hermione. How are you? Nice party last night, eh?"

"Hello Nils. Yes, it was a great time. May I help you with something? I'm just on my way out to a dinner engagement."

"Sorry. I just need to beg a favor."

"Fine Nils. As long as it's a quick favor."

"I'll be quick. I know you have been setting up mobiles to be sold and delivered. I'm hoping you will see your way clear to releasing two mobiles to me. If you don't have time to write up a purchase order, I'll be glad to take them now and pay tomorrow."

Giving Nils a skeptical look, Hermione was poised to inquire why he needed two mobiles but thought better of it. It wasn't her business. "I can do that Nils. As far as not having time to write up a purchase order, I run a tidy ship. If you're taking two mobiles now, you'll be paying for them now. Get out your moneybag while I write you up."

"I'll be issuing a draft, if that's okay."

"That's fine." Hermione called from the back of the office where the mobiles were kept. "Here you are. Nice doing business with you." She quipped, handing the two mobiles to Nils.

Nils grinned. "Thank you. Nice doing business with you as well. Enjoy your dinner. I'll see you in the morning."

Three steps behind Nils, Hermione stepped out and turned into Apparition hoping they hadn't started dinner without her.

/*/

A still irritable Gloria had showered and thrown on a shorty house dress and was in the process of putting together a quick dinner for one when an owl began banging on the kitchen window.

"What now?" She asked herself as she opened the window to the general delivery owl who flew away as soon as Gloria retrieved the envelope. "I don't know who would be contacting me on a Sunday afternoon, but I hope it's bringing me good vibrations because I've had enough bad vibrations to last quite a while."

Unfolding the message, Gloria glanced at the signature. It was signed Nils Wilsson.

"Nils? The bloody sot couldn't get out of here fast enough. What could he want now?" Gloria read over the message and was very surprised by the content.

Good afternoon Gloria,

I apologize for leaving in such a rush. I don't know what you must think of me. My only excuse is I was a bit embarrassed. When you didn't invite me to stay, I got the impression you wanted me to go. Anyway, I'm writing this message in front so you won't be surprised when I turn back up at your door for a proper visit which I plan to do within the next thirty minutes.

If I've missed the mark and you just don't want to be bothered, don't answer the door. I'll understand. However, if you are willing to accept a proper visit at a proper time, I'd be chuffed. I will be bringing a nice roast pork takeaway dinner along with a small surprise.

I'm hoping you'll open the door when I knock. Look for me.

Nils.

Gloria jumped up from the couch, twisted her wand to return her dinner for one materials to the fridge and hurried to the bedroom to change into something a bit more respectable. She was about to receive a proper visit from an apologetic wizard.

Twenty five minutes later, a slightly nervous Nils was chuffed to be welcomed in by the lovely Gloria. Handing her the sack with their roast pork dinner, Nils closed the door behind him intending to have a proper visit.

For the first ten minutes, it seemed as though the visit might be proper but not very productive as they struggled to make conversation. However, Gloria wasn't a fool. This wizard was expressing interest in her. It was up to her to keep him interested, so she did.

With a wine in front of herself and a brandy in front of Nils, Gloria took the initiative. "You've apologized to me but it's probably me who should be apologizing to you. I didn't mean to make you feel unwelcome Nils. I enjoyed our time together. I think we both may have had our wires crossed. You thinking I wanted you to leave and me thinking you wanted to get away as quickly as possible. Since neither thing was true, we can now get on with our proper visit. Why don't I cast a couple of warming spells so we can sit down to dinner?"

Nils stopped her as she went to stand. "I have something I'd like to give you. Dinner can wait a few minutes." Reaching into his inside pocket, Nils pulled out the two mobiles. "I purchased these two mobiles earlier this afternoon. One for you and the other for me as I intend to communicate with you either by mobile or in person on a regular basis, if that's alright with you."

For a second, it was as though Gloria had been struck dumb. A decent wizard was professing his continued interest. She quickly found her voice when it appeared Nils was disappointed with the silence. "This is a surprise Nils. Thank you. If you intend to ring me on a regular basis, I intend to answer."

That did it. Any tension or disappointment evaporated into thin air.

Nils let out a chuckle. "Excellent! For the barest of seconds, I thought there might be another miscommunication between us. I think before we tuck into dinner, we should set up our mobiles. I have a listing of the mobile numbers of WCS and DMTS employees. We can enter them now or wait until the owners have their phones in hand. It's up to you."

A very enthusiastic Gloria thought they should enter all the numbers just to have it done. "For now, I'll be satisfied if your number is the only working one I have. Let's start there. After that, I'll read off names and numbers while you do the inputting."

"Sounds fair, after which, we'll have dinner." Nils replied with a wide smile. "Then, since I've now presented myself in a decent manner, I believe I'm in a position to request a few after dinner cuddles."

Blushing from her chin to her hairline, Gloria gave a smart reply. "I think I can manage a few cuddles for the wizard who went out of his way to clear things up. Let's get these mobiles sorted because I'm a hungry witch."

Gloria colored up even more realizing how her words might be taken out of context, but she needn't have worried because proper wizard Nils Wilsson was sitting there hoping she meant them out of context. There wouldn't be any running off for him this night.

/*/

Theo opened the door and welcomed Hermione in. "Hello Hermione." He said, giving her a quick hug. "We were just about to have a before dinner drink. Come on through."

"Hi Theo. I'll gladly have a before dinner drink, but I have to tell you I am one starving witch. I've been thinking about a lovely lamb dinner since I spoke to Draco."

"Understood Miss Granger. The fault lies with me. I didn't want to drag you to the table the moment you stepped through the doors. However, if we drink quickly, we'll be at the table in no time."

Draco stood to greet Hermione when she entered the living room handing her a glass of wine. "Hello love. I'm glad you could drag yourself away from The Transition Department."

"Hello handsome. Hello everyone. Full house I see."

Everyone greeted Hermione before turning back to their own conversations.

Draco took Hermione by the arm leading her to a seat on the couch figuring he should mention he had volunteered her services as an instructor. At the moment, she was smiling. He wanted to keep it that way. In a quiet voice, Draco explained the whole of it and was surprised by Hermione's reply.

Gazing at Draco over the top of her glass, Hermione assured him she would be glad to explain the ins and outs of using the mobiles if Theo would feed her beforehand. Running his hand up and down Hermione's arm, Draco gave his witch a wide smile before sharing her thoughts with Theo.

"Theo mate. My lovely witch has set a stipulation."

Theo glanced at Draco with a puzzled look before looking at a now bright red Hermione. "Stipulation? About what, and just what would that stipulation be?"

Draco squeezed Hermione's hand. "Nothing monumental mate. It's just that Hermione is faint from hunger and wants to be fed before she falls out in front of everyone."

Theo roared with laughter while everyone else smiled politely in the direction of a now beet red Hermione "We can't have that. Cely." He called out.

Pop. Cely appeared nodding to everyone in turn. "I'm here Mr. Theo. What you be needing?"

"We are ready to eat. Please inform Reg that dinner is being served and he and Declan should come to the table."

"Yes Mr. I'll be doing that." Cely disappeared with a pop.

Reaching out to give Anna his arm, Theo looked directly at Hermione. "Dinner is served ladies and gentlemen. Please make your way to the dining room. Draco, you might want to hold Hermione up. We wouldn't want to have to to step over her on our way to dinner."

Draco didn't bother responding but received a hard pinch on the arm from Hermione anyway. He just grinned and tightened his hold on her arm.

/*/

Dinner was pleasant with Mick holding court sharing his adventures in wiring for most of the meal. As expansive as he was trying to be in Anna's presence, Theo finally called a halt to Mick's recitation by directing several questions to Reg who was very quick with his answers. Reg's answers pleased Theo who reached over to give Declan a quick squeeze on the shoulder.

"So far so good son? That's what I like to hear. There are still things which need to be sorted, but we'll get to those later on this evening. If everyone is finished Hermione, those with new mobiles can head to the den where we will get our instructions."

"Ah! I see what this is." Teased Hermione. "You are begrudging me a few morsels of your fine lamb dinner. Just know this Mr. Theo Nott. Even though I am well fed, I've been known to become arbitrary for reasons sometimes known only to myself. You've been warned. Now. Let's get to the den where I will teach my three pupils everything I know about mobiles."

"Four." Theo replied.

"Four? Who's the extra?"

"The fourth would be me Hermione. Although I know the basics, I would like to be as well informed as everyone else."

"Alright Theo sounds good. Let's go get started."

/*/

As Draco, Hermione and Theo headed to the study, Conor and Mick excused themselves promising to be back later for the family meeting.

Theo turned back to tell the uncles they could contact him by mobile about the family meeting because he didn't know how long it would take to get Reg and Anna up to speed. He didn't want to spoil their Sunday evening.

"Will do Theo." Conor replied. "It's not imperative we meet tonight. Reg seems to have everything under control."

"I'll second that. Parvati has asked me to help her set up a new display. I'll ring you up as well." Added Mick.

Theo thought about it. "Let's do this lads. We'll put off the meeting until Monday or Tuesday evening when everyone is home. As you said, Reg seems to have everything under control. Go enjoy your Sunday evening."

"Thanks Theo. See you later."

"Yes. Thanks Theo. I'll see you tomorrow after work."

After a quick wave in Conor and Mick's direction, Theo headed to the den where the training was already underway.

/*/

For the next forty minutes, Anna, Reg and Theo listened intently as Hermione explained. Declan sat quietly absorbing the information. They called it done when the three adults knew all the tips and tricks of using a mobile.

Theo excused Reg and Declan after which he and Anna had one last drink with Hermione and Draco.

"Thank you for your time Hermione. I appreciate it. I'll have to serve lamb more often."

Hermione chuckled at Theo's nonsense. "No need to thank me Theo. The more people familiar with the mobiles, the more devices we'll sell. It's the old muggle adage, reach one, teach one." Turning to Anna, Hermione told her she expected a call to set up a time for a witch's night out.

After a quick glance in Theo's direction, Anna accepted the invitation. "I'd like that Hermione. Now I have two people to call."

Anna's remarks gave Hermione an idea. She was aware Anna was working in a Diagon Alley shop which was an alright position, but if she could give a sister witch a hand up, she would. However, she didn't want to embarrass her in front of Theo and Draco so she suggested Anna call her on Monday. Although surprised, Anna agreed she would.

The request surprised both Theo and Draco but neither man commented. Theo was happy Hermione had taken to Anna who he knew would become an important person in his life. Draco was chuffed Hermione seemed to have made a new friend.

/*/

After a bit more conversation, Draco and Hermione decided it was time to leave Theo and Anna to themselves.

Draco stood extending his hand to Theo. "Thanks for the dinner and conversation mate. Hermione and I are going to get on our way."

Extremely happy at the way the afternoon and evening had turned out, Theo was expansive. "No need to thank me mate. It was nice to have you and Hermione. I'm sure we'll be speaking by mobile."

Draco laughed. "Yes. I'm sure we will. Ready love?" He asked Hermione who was off in the corner speaking softly to Anna.

Giving Anna a quick hug, Hermione walked over to take Draco by the hand. "I'm ready love. Goodnight Theo. Goodnight Anna."

Leaving Anna in the den, Theo walked Hermione and Draco to the door thanking Hermione once again for sharing her expertise. Hermione waved off his thanks commenting it had been her pleasure.

As soon as Hermione and Draco landed, he took her in his arms. "You were magnificent tonight. I hope I didn't embarrass you with my remarks about being an overly hungry witch. It was all in fun."

Wrapping her arms around Draco's waist, Hermione laid her head on his shoulder. "It was a lovely time. Thank you for inviting me."

Still curious about one thing, Draco inquired about her request for Anna to ring her and the private conversation.

Hermione shrugged. "Nothing serious love. Anna is a charming witch. After hearing about the things that have gone wrong in her life, I intend to help her out by extending a job offer. Severus has authorized an enlargement and renovation of my department so I'll be needing an assistant. I believe she and I could work well together. I also believe she is becoming someone important in Theo's life which means she'll be part of our group anyway."

A burst of warmth shot through Draco. He was so proud of of his witch. Nuzzling Hermione's neck and whispering in her ear, Draco pushed her towards the bedroom. For some reason, the conversation had given him a very serious hard on which only his witch could relieve. "I love it when you're amazing. Get this lovely arse to the bedroom so I can show you how much I appreciate you."

Letting out a soft giggle, Hermione dashed toward the bedroom leaving a bit of sexual banter in her wake. "Well get those trousers off Malfoy because this horny, well fed witch is ready to show you what's what."

Draco grinned as he followed Hermione to the bedroom acknowledging this had been an exceptionally fulfilling Sunday which would only get better when he was on top of his witch.