Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 79
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 80
After being on top of his witch, Draco suggested they have a quick cup of tea before settling in for the night. He didn't want to upset such a lovely evening, but thinking back to how Hermione had interfered in Theo's life in the past, he had a question.
"How much do you know about Anna?"
"Anna?" Hermione replied with a question in her voice.
"Yes. Anna Grace."
"I know a bit. Why?"
"Well. I was wondering if it would really be productive to have a new friend as your assistant."
Hermione glared at Draco over the rim of her glass. "Productive? What does that even mean? I'll need an assistant and Anna could do better than shop clerk. She needs a better position."
"Did she ask you to find her a position?"
Hermione was getting annoyed because Draco was being annoying. Glaring even more fiercely, Hermione answered in a huff. "No Draco. Anna did not ask me to find her a position. Why are you going on about it? Is it your intention to ruin a lovely evening? It's damn simple. I'll need an assistant. Anna is available."
Draco reached out to take hold of one of Hermione's hands. "Slow down love. I'm not trying to ruin our evening. It's just that Theo seems interested in Anna and I'm remembering when you put a foot wrong with him regarding Declan. I know you mean well, but will you be able to refrain from interfering between Theo and Anna?"
Setting her teacup down with precision, Hermione thought about it for a moment. Draco was right. She had interfered in Theo's business with Declan. That piece of business almost put an end to her and Draco's relationship. Taking a deep breath, she replied in what she hoped was a positive tone. "I did interfere in Theo's life, but that's past love. I don't intend to do anything of the sort with Anna. Her relationship with Theo, whatever it might be, is none of my business. All I want to do is help out a sister witch and gain a new friend in the bargain."
Draco was chuffed to hear Hermione express these thoughts. However, he didn't believe for one minute Hermione would hesitate to offer advice wanted or not. For the moment, he'd have to believe his witch hoping she had learned a lesson. "Alright love. I'm in your corner with this. When do you propose Anna start?"
A deep blush appeared across Hermione's nose.
Draco knew exactly what the blush meant. Hermione was getting ahead of herself once again. "Does that lovely bit of red running across your face mean Severus hasn't yet assigned an Assistant position to The Transition Department?"
Hermione gave the hand Draco had extended across the table a pinch. Instead of answering the question, she deflected. "You were there to see how enthused Severus was with my idea to input mobile numbers before delivering the phones."
"So that would be a no."
"Alright Draco. I'm still working on that. Severus hasn't come right and said to hire an assistant, but he will."
Grabbing Hermione by the hand, Draco laughed out loud. "Tread carefully love. My godfather won't look kindly on you overstepping your bounds. For now, just make Anna a friend then see what happens down the road. It's late. Let's get some sleep."
Making a totally juvenile face at Draco's back, Hermione placidly followed him to the bedroom without giving any response.
/*/
Reg brought Declan in to say a quick goodnight to Theo and Anna allowing his charge a few minutes conversation before bed.
"Hello father. I've come to say goodnight. Thank you for coming to Sunday dinner Miss Grace."
"You're welcome Declan. I had a lovely time." Glancing at Theo, Anna told Declan she would like for him to call her Anna.
A smiling Declan turned to Theo who nodded his consent.
"That's lovely. From now on, I'll call you Anna. Father gave me a mobile which is to be used mostly for emergencies, but I don't think he'd mind if I rang you up sometimes. Perhaps…."
"Okay Declan. That's enough for now. If Anna has some free time, she can ring you. Right now, say goodnight and off to bed with you."
"Goodnight father. Goodnight Anna."
"Goodnight Declan. Look for my call."
/*/
Theo and Anna talked a bit more before Anna decided she should be getting home. Theo, who was thoroughly enjoying her company didn't want their time to end.
"It isn't that late Anna. Stay a bit and have a last drink with me. After that, I'll be glad to see you to your door."
Although Anna would love for Theo to see her home, she was a bit embarrassed. She didn't live in the best flat nor the best part of the city. She'd rather have Theo keep thinking good thoughts about her than have him see she was just keeping her head above poverty.
"I'll have the last drink with you Theo, but it isn't necessary for you to see me home."
Setting the full glass in front of Anna, Theo gave her a skeptical look. He hadn't really done any due diligence. Did Anna already have a wizard in her life who was waiting for her at the flat? "Is there a reason you don't want me to see you home? I realize it isn't mandatory. I want to see you home."
Anna told a small white lie. "There's no reason Theo. I just didn't want you to go out of your way for me."
Cupping Anna's chin, Theo looked into her eyes. "I'm sure you can tell by now I'm interested in you. If there is someone else in your life, tell me now. I don't want to, but I will reluctantly back away if there is. If I'm not anything else, I am an honorable wizard who won't encroach on another relationship."
Anna grabbed Theo by both hands. "There isn't any other wizard in my life Theo. I was trying to protect the image you have of me."
"Protect your image? I don't understand Anna." Theo replied. "Why would you think I'd change my image of you? Please explain."
Anna let out a huge sigh. She wasn't dense. Theo Nott was interested, but….. Then she shook off her hesitation, straightened her shoulders and explained. "We spoke a bit about my life Theo. However, I didn't go into full detail. The only reason I didn't want you to accompany me home is because after visiting your lovely home, I'm ashamed of my poor flat in a poor area. I'm sure you expect more."
Theo let out a sigh of relief and disappointment. Anna was stressing over the size and area of her flat. There wasn't any shadow wizard lying in her bed waiting for her to come home. "You can't think so little of me you'd worry about what I think of your flat or the area it is in. I'm not that wizard Anna. Anyway, it's better than the thoughts I had running through my head."
Anna was now feeling like an imbecile, but offered Theo a warm smile. "And what thoughts would that be Mr. Nott?"
Gazing at Anna with a crooked grin, Theo explained his thoughts, after which, Anna got him straightened out. "Just as you're not that wizard Theo. I'm not that witch. If I had a wizard waiting for me in my bed, he would have accompanied me to your party and I wouldn't have accepted your dinner invitation. Now that we have cleared up the minutia, I would be pleased to have you escort me home."
Theo kissed the back of her hand. "Alright lovely. Let's finish our drink so I can get you home. Just so you know, I will leave you at your door this evening, but the next time I escort you home I expect to be invited in."
"You may count on it Theo. I'm ready when you are."
/*/
Theo escorted Anna to her door without leaving even a kiss on her cheek. Anna appeared strong, but she also appeared fragile. He wouldn't push, but he wasn't going to let her get away. He'd just have to show rather than tell her how he felt. Down the road, if things went well, he'd find her a much better flat. He was happily on his way to shower when he heard a ringing.
"What the hell?" He mumbled before realizing his brand new mobile was ringing. Backtracking to the study, Theo pressed the button for talk noticing the caller-Id showed Anna Grace.
Hello Anna. Is everything alright?
Everything is more than alright Theo. I'm just calling to thank you once again not only for dinner but for being you.
Theo was beside himself sure this witch would keep him on his toes.
Thank you for the call Anna, but there's no need to thank me for anything. I enjoy your company. I don't want to be too forward, but I would consider it a great favor if you invited me to dinner some night soon. I want to keep reminding you my intentions are honorable.
Anna thought fast. Her budget didn't allow for a fancy supper, but she could manage a decent one. If all else failed, she would withdraw some of her paltry savings from Gringotts to buy ingredients.
I think I can manage that Theo. How about we plan for Wednesday evening at 6:00. If something comes up in the interim, you can ring me.
Wednesday will be fine. I will call you, but it won't be because something came up. It will be because I want to say hello. Additionally, I'm fairly certain Declan will be ringing you with nonsense. I believe he likes the sound of your voice as much as I. Chat when you can, but don't indulge him or he'll be on your line every day. Until Wednesday then.
Anna chuckled over Theo's comment about Declan.
It will be my pleasure to hear from either of the Nott men. Until Wednesday Theo. Goodnight.
Goodnight Anna. Sleep well.
Theo disconnected the call but remained sitting and thinking. Anna had to be the witch Padma promised to place in front of him. Maybe, maybe not. Whatever the case, the rest would be up to him.
Theo carried the mobile into his bedroom. He didn't want to have to run across the house if Anna decided to call back.
/*/
Ellis leaned over to kiss Esther on the cheek. "Theo had an excellent party and we've had a wonderful Sunday, but I believe it's time for me to take my leave. We wouldn't want any nosy Nellies…..."
Esther returned Ellis' kiss scolding him after she did. "It's no one's business except our own how long you stay here. We are seeing each other which warrants spending as much time together as we like. For what its worth, now that Declan has a Manny we can spend every night together if we wish."
Running his hand across Esther's breasts, a hoarse sounding Casper whispered in her ear. "If that's the case, why don't you lock up then meet me in the bedroom?"
Esther blushed. Even though they'd been seeing each other for a while, she was still a bit shy when it came to discussing sexual matters. Casper teased her about it, but knowing a large part of her past history, he treated her gently. He had been chuffed this weekend when Esther rode his erection for the first time. It had been glorious even though it took Esther at least ten minutes to look him directly in his eyes after. It was alright though because he planned to stay around as long as Esther let him. They would work things out together.
With a quick wave of her wand, Esther locked the floo then hurriedly followed Ellis to the bedroom. He wasn't the only one who wanted a bit of sex. Esther's last thought before closing the bedroom door was how wonderful it was to have a wizard who wanted her for her.
As Casper removed her clothing, it was on the tip of her tongue to whisper I love you, but she didn't. Consorting was one thing. Regarding love, Ellis would have to tell her first.
Then Ellis was climbing on top of her and all errant thoughts evaporated from her head.
/*/
Jay was sitting quietly on the couch studying his fingernails in great detail. Leanne had just finished giving him a telling off and he was regretting their decision to try to foist Gabriella off on Theo. Even though Leanne had agreed they should try to get Gabriella paired up with Theo, it was him who had instigated the whole thing. Jay sighed. He'd only been trying to look out for a mate. Who knew Theo was interested in a witch named Anna Grace. He hadn't mentioned her at all. If that wasn't embarrassing enough, when Theo didn't come through for Gabriella, she had tried to latch onto Draco Malfoy. Jay wasn't sure Theo had noticed. What he did know was that Hermione Granger had noticed. What a cock up.
"Are you going to sit out there all night? Come to bed." Leanne called from the bedroom.
He hadn't planned to sit in the living room all night. He was just giving Leanne time to calm down. He didn't want to belabor the point of how wrong he'd been or how badly things could have gone. He wanted a peaceful night. "I'll be right there love. I'm just about finished licking my wounds." He added in a low voice.
"Hurry it up Mr. Matchmaker. I want to feel your arms around me."
Jay took a deep breath as a few errant thoughts crossed his mind. Ah! A dig and an enticement. My witch knows how to keep her wizard on his toes. "I'm hurrying love. Would you like anything from the kitchen?"
"No wanker. I just want you in here beside me."
Giving his rising erection a pat, Jay scrambled to get to the bedroom in double time letting everything else go. His witch was beckoning. From the sound of it, she was beckoning with a sense of urgency. He was more than ready to face a sense of urgency especially when it meant he'd be pulling his witch under him within minutes. Under him was good.
/**/
Hermione was out of bed, showered and spreading sunshine throughout the house very early. So early that Draco who was still in bed pulled the blankets over his head grousing.
"Bloody hell Hermione. If you're trying to be a Hippogrif and a fairy all in one, you've succeeded. It's not even daylight."
"Hmph. I'm not trying to be anything other than Head of The Transition Department who, unlike you, looks forward to getting to work. This just might be the day that Severus recognizes me for the ray of sunshine I am and bends to my will."
"You're barking Miss Granger. If you arrive at WCS dancing and singing, the most Severus will do is kick your arse back to customer service. I suggest you temper your happiness before engaging your superior."
A giddy Hermione jumped onto Draco's back kissing him through the blanket. "You cannot spoil my mood Malfoy. Get your arse up and have breakfast with me."
"I have a better idea," grumbled Draco. "Get your arse back in bed and I'll eat you."
Hermione let out a loud chuckle as she jumped off the bed before Draco could grab her. "I'll do no such thing wanker. I'm up and dressed. I don't want your Malfoy slobber all over me."
Throwing the blanket off him and rising in one swift move, Draco tried to grab Hermione who darted away.
"Missed me wanker. Now that you're up, you might as well shower and have breakfast with me."
Patting the fine erection that had popped up when it appeared he would have Hermione in his clutches, Draco let out a sigh. There wouldn't be any before work shag this morning. Draco just went with it. "Alright love. You've won this round. I'll be right there. If you don't mind, I'd like coffee this morning. Something tells me I'll need the energy."
/*/
Fifteen minutes later, Draco entered the kitchen looking immaculate in a dark gray suit. Hermione paused before setting the plate in front of him and continued gazing at him as he ate his eggs and drank his coffee.
"What? You're staring Hermione."
"Perhaps I am, but it's only because I'm trying to figure out why my handsome wizard is dressed as though he's going to the ball."
Draco speared a piece of egg giving Hermione a cheeky wink. "I'll reiterate something I said earlier. You're barking. I dress this way every day. Perhaps this is the first time you've noticed my attire rather than my fit body."
Waving her fork in Draco's direction, Hermione issued a humorous threat. "Don't make me come to the Ministry to get some bold witch sorted."
Draco laughed out loud as he came around the table. "The bold witches are after Blaise. None approach me because they know how good you are with a wand. Now if you'll excuse me, I forgot to douse myself liberally with my hypnotic manly scent. You never know when a bold witch will pry open the doors to OTS specifically to run me down."
Hermione watched as Draco left the kitchen on a run. "Yah, as if Malfoy. I'll be checking by OTS when I have a break from my Head of Transition Department position. If anything is amiss, some bold witch might die."
Draco called out from the bedroom. "Did you say something love? I can't hear you."
"That's hilarious wanker." She replied, summoning her wand, purse and red jumper. "I hope you realize I'm wearing red today because I feel fiery so don't test me. I'll be apparating from here. Have a good day prat. I love you."
Draco hurried to the kitchen to get a start of day kiss, but Hermione was already gone. "I love you too." He mumbled before striding back to the bedroom to finish getting ready for his day.
/*/
Harry threw up a hand in greeting when Draco passed by the Team4 offices. Draco called out good morning Potter and kept going. It was a bit early but Draco was surprised neither Brian nor Donald was in their office. Then he thought about it. No Donald meant peace and quiet for a few minutes. However, his hopes were dashed when both Donald and Brian came bustling through the door as loud as ever each carrying an extra cup.
"Good morning Draco. Since you and Blaise were instrumental in getting us an invitation to Theo's party, we thought we'd gift you both with a lovely, hot cup of tea. Yours is Chamomile."
Here we go thought Draco. Can this prat ever just say good morning. "Thank you Donald. I appreciate your intent. However, if you plan to banter all morning, I can tell you Chamomile won't help. Good morning Brian. I know you would have said it if you could have gotten a word in edgewise."
Brian snorted out a response. "You won't be roping me into any battles. Good morning Draco. I'll just go set Blaise's tea on his desk. Back in a moment."
Donald took the opportunity to speak freely while Brian was gone. "All joking aside Draco. Theo's party was great. I enjoyed myself. I want to thank you as well for delivering my personal mobile. Now I'll be able to dial up all the witches to ask for a date."
Draco laughed so hard the cup of tea he had up to his mouth spilled over. "As if. Show me the witch who'll accept a date with you and I'll show you a blind and deaf woman."
Donald shrugged. "I thought bantering was off the schedule this morning. Just remember you played your part. To business. Will we be in or out today?"
"We'll be in. I believe there are two cases that need to be closed so they can be sent up to Justin. I'll leave that up to you and Brian as I have a few things to tidy up this morning. Let Brian know. Personally, I don't think he'll be much help as it has taken him ten minutes to leave a cup of tea on Blaise's desk."
A whiny sounding voice called out from down the hall. "I heard that. I'll have you know I'm in my own office hard at work. As I mentioned earlier, you won't be dragging me into your battles. Thank you very much."
Donald and Draco grinned at each other.
"I think he means it. Ta ta. It's off to work I go. See you later Draco."
Draco simply sighed. Both his teammates were tossers.
/*/
Draco went to work on an idea that had been tickling the back of his mind since Saturday. He planned to contact his Swiss friends thinking Wil, Desmond and Clarke would be interested in having the new, best thing. How easy it would have been to contact them if they all had mobiles. Draco hesitated for a moment. Switzerland was at the forefront of many things. Perhaps Wil, Desmond and Clarke already had mobiles. The easiest way to find out was to check the Swiss Registry. If they had mobiles, the numbers would be listed next to their names.
After a short explanation to Donald and Brian that he'd be away from the department, Draco headed to the lifts. Although he hadn't found a reason to use the Research Department, he remembered Hermione's misuse of the information she had found there. When Draco arrived, Chester was on his best behavior almost falling all over himself to help.
"Good morning Agent Malfoy. May I help you with something?"
Draco smiled to himself remembering how Anthony Goldstein had set him straight which had obviously worked. "Good morning. I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for, or if it even exists."
"Well. We have a bit of everything here. What is it you need?"
"I am looking for a registry for Switzerland."
Chester thought for a moment. There wasn't many calls for anything regarding Switzerland. "Let me check. Even if it is away in some dusty corner, it will be current as registries automatically update. One second."
While Chester rummaged through whatever he was rummaging through, Draco took a look around. The place was massive.
Chester was back.
"I found this." He said, holding out a book the size of a ledger. "I don't know how much help it will be. It appears to be made up of businesses only."
"Thanks. I'll take a look. I'd like to make use of your reading room, if you don't mind."
"I don't mind at all. Make yourself comfortable. If you'd like a tea and biscuits, I can order them up. Food or beverages aren't allowed in the stacks, but are allowed in the reading room."
Draco shook his head. He'd just had a tea and had breakfast at home. Besides, this fellow was quickly becoming annoying with his fawning. Draco took the book and headed for the reading room.
/*/
The book/ledger was exactly as Chester had said. It was a listing of all magical businesses in Switzerland with addresses, apparating directions, business floo connections but no mobile numbers.
"Bingo." Draco mumbled softly. "Severus might give me my own department after this."
After returning the book and thanking Chester, Draco hurried to the front doors giving small thanks that he was already on the Atrium floor. Although he had speed Owls to send, he needed to speak to his Godfather first.
/*/
Hermione broke out in a wide smile when she saw Draco come striding into the building thinking her prat of a boyfriend was there to check up on her. To her surprise, Draco threw up a hand in greeting but kept going towards Severus' office.
Finishing up her tenth bundle of the morning, Hermione shrugged knowing Draco Malfoy would be spilling all his beans after she rode him into the mattress a couple of times. It wasn't until five minutes later she wondered why Draco had made the trip to WCS at all when he had a perfectly good mobile.
After finding Severus' office empty, Draco was wondering the same thing. Why had he left the Ministry when all he had to do was dial a mobile? He'd probably hear all about it over dinner because he certainly wasn't about to stop by the Transition Department to hear about it now.
He gave Hermione a sheepish wave on the way out.
/*/
Theo was happy. His party had been a success. Sunday dinner had been a success as well. In fact his entire Sunday had been excellent.
While he showered, random thoughts ran through his head. He was experiencing a conundrum which was how he could find an acceptable flat for Anna without looking like an idiot. He'd never say it out loud, but she deserved better than some rat trap flat in a depressed area. Then another random thought. Anna was working as a shop clerk, lived in almost a hovel and he had pressed her to invite him to dinner. He who had tons of money, a flourishing business and an estate had pushed. Now he did feel like an idiot. The feeling didn't last long because Theo knew exactly how to rectify things. All he had to do was make a call on his new mobile.
After having breakfast with Declan and Reg, Theo said goodbye and got on with his day. He had showings at 10:00 and 1:00 so noon would be the perfect time to ring Anna to inform her that one of his clients had given him a chicken dinner basket which he could pick up any time he liked.
As he landed at the appointed property, Theo chastised himself. Anna might be poor but she wasn't a fool. She'd see right through his flimsy idea. With a sigh, Theo raised a hand to greet the client. He'd have to figure out something else. Straightening his shoulders, Theo extended his hand to properly greet his client.
/*/
Hermione was bundling mobiles and wondering about Draco's visit when her mobile rang. Caller-id showed Anna Grace was calling.
Anna. Good morning. How are you?
Good morning Hermione. I'm doing well. How about you? I'm on a short break. You asked me to give you a call this morning, so here I am.
Hermione laughed.
All is well on my front Anna. I asked you to call because I would like for you to come visit with me. We could have a chat, some dinner, drink some wine and generally antagonize Draco. What do you say?
For a second, Anna didn't know what to say. Even though Hermione had mentioned getting together, she thought it was just a throwaway comment made during a conversation with a stranger. Who knew she meant it?
I'd love to visit. I'm impressively strong so I'll be a great help antagonizing Draco.
Hermione tried to control herself but a loud chuckle escaped her anyway.
Okay. How about Tuesday or Wednesday after work. We both have to work the next day so we won't make it too late of a night.
Tuesday will be fine. Shall I bring anything?
You don't need to bring anything except yourself. Let's set the time for 6:45. I'll bake a chicken. I know you need to get back to the floor. I'll see you Tuesday. Have a good day.
Alright Hermione. See you then. You have a good day as well.
/*/
Laying her mobile down on the counter and pondering her conversation with Anna, Hermione knew Draco was going to think she was nosing, but she wasn't. She wanted a new friend who just might become her assistant down the road.
/*/
Draco checked in with Donald and Brian when he returned to the OTS offices and was told Blaise had asked for him. Of course Donald couldn't just pass the message. He had to ad lib.
/*/
"Just my opinion but Blaise didn't look too happy that you'd left without informing him. In fact, I believe he asked why wasn't he informed. Of course I didn't say anything. Beside not having been advised where you were going, I know how you get when someone rats you out."
Draco shook his head. He'd been gone thirty minutes or less and Donald had gone full on prat. "Tend to the cases in front of you and shut it Donald."
Brian chimed in. "You do know our teammate is being an arse. Blaise came through, said good morning then left to do his rounds. I don't remember your name coming up."
Donald glared at Brian only making the comment that he might have overstated.
"Of course you overstated. Isn't that your other job? If you two will excuse me, I have calls to make and Owls to send."
/*/
Back in his office, Draco dialed Severus first. He needed to make sure of his facts before going off all willy nilly asking his mates to apply for a mobile if there wasn't a chance they could get them.
Severus connected on the third ring.
Hello Mr. Malfoy. I don't know the reason for your call but at this moment I am with Minister Shacklebolt who will undoubtedly ask why I didn't turn off my mobile before entering his office. I will get back to you within the hour.
Alright Severus. I'll expect your call. It's business. Please give Kingsley my regards. I'll speak to you later.
Draco stared at the mobile for several seconds after ending the call. His godfather could be so abrupt at times.
He couldn't send any Owls yet so it was time to track down the boss to make himself known. However, it was easier said than done. Blaise wasn't in his office so Draco left a short note.
I'm in my office if you need me.
Back at his desk, Draco immediately began reviewing and signing off on the finished cases so they could be sent to Finch-Fletchley. Ten minutes in, Blaise entered the office and took a chair.
"Out and about early this morning then?"
"I had some early morning business that didn't turn out as I hoped but that is neither here nor there. I expect to follow up a bit later this morning without leaving the office."
"Did it involve Hermione?"
Draco sent a glare in Blaise's direction. "No Blaise. It didn't involve Hermione. You were away from your desk when I arrived this morning. Did that involve Ginny?"
"Calm down Mr. Malfoy. I was simply inquiring."
Changing the subject, Draco handed Blaise the three cases that needed to go upstairs. "These cases are ready to go. Would you care to review them while you're here?"
"I'll review them in my office. By the way, what did you think of Theo and Anna Grace? He seems to like her."
"Hermione and I had Sunday dinner with Theo and Anna. He didn't share any personal information with me, but I concur with your notion. He likes her very much."
Blaise sat back down. "She was there for the party then back for Sunday dinner. That in itself is telling. With what Theo has been through, I don't care who she is or where she came from. I'm happy if he's happy. That's all I'll say about that."
Draco grinned at his Head. "I'm sure Theo will thank you for your acceptance."
"Don't be an arse Draco. This is a private conversation between you and I. I would never interfere in Theo's business." Blaise huffed, rising from the chair.
Draco stopped Blaise before he could walk away. "Come on Blaise. I was just having my little joke. I know neither one of us would step foot into Theo's business because neither one of us wants to die."
Blaise nodded. "Yes, there's that. Thanks for the files mate. I'll be in my office if you need me."
Before Draco could reply, his mobile rang. Severus Snape was calling. It was time to put up or shut up.
Hello Severus. Thank you for getting back to me. I have a question and an idea.