Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 83
Clarke didn't have a chance to respond because the study door opened and in stepped Theo Nott. "Good evening Hermione, Clarke. Hello Anna. Imagine my surprise when Draco told me you were in here with Hermione and Clarke. Had you remembered to turn on your mobile, I could have saved both of us some embarrassment. I planned to have a few drinks with mates, but it's probably better if I leave."
Hermione could see Draco standing outside the study door just about wringing his hands. Wil was standing beside Draco looking perplexed. He had no idea what was going on until Draco whispered, Anna and Theo are….talking.
Theo was raging, but hiding it well. He didn't have any right to stop Anna from talking to anyone she chose, but he didn't have to stay and watch. He had made three steps towards Draco's apparition point when Anna stepped out of the study.
"THEO NOTT! Stop right there." Anna shouted from the study doorway.
Theo turned back to look at Anna without saying a word.
"I apologize for shouting your house down Hermione, but the wizard who has expressed interest in me wants a fight, and I'm ready to give him one."
Hermione who had turned bright red by that point waved away Anna's apology before doing a bunk to the bedroom.
Turning back to a frozen in place Theo, Anna lit into him once again. "If you can put off leaving for two minutes Theo, I have something to say."
Theo might be scowling on the outside, but he was humming on the inside. Anna had made an interesting comment. She was ready to fight, hex, or wand whip the shite out of the wizard who had expressed interest in her. If that was what it took to keep their interactions on track, he'd take two beatings and three wand whippings in front of everyone in the house.
Theo glanced over to see three pairs of eyes looking in his direction, but he didn't give two shites. Just to be a facetious arse, he gave the nosy bastards a wave as he followed Anna into the study.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 84
When the door closed behind Theo, Anna stepped right up to him and spoke in a firm but much lower voice. "I hope I didn't embarrass you by shouting, but you deserved it walking in here making all kind of assumptions."
Theo remained mute.
"Nothing to say then? You seemed to have had a lot to say when you walked in on an entirely innocent conversation."
Theo was now mute but also contrite. Anna was right on all fronts. He had expressed interest in her. He had made assumptions when he walked into the study. He had taken exception to her being in close quarters with a known heathen, and he did deserve to be corrected.
"I apologize Anna. Thank you for reminding me that I have expressed interest in you and you in me. For a quick moment, I forgot. I forgot you are a beautiful, upstanding, forthright witch who, as you've told me, would not have given me a minute's notice if you had or wanted some other wizard. Please forgive me. It won't happen again."
Anna let out a large breath of air. "Good. I accept your apology. Now. Hermione invited me over for dinner and a conversation. I've had dinner. She and I will now have our conversation. Do you want to go have a visit with your mates, or…."
Theo didn't let Anna get out the or. "There's no or Anna. I came for a visit with Wil and Clarke so that's what I'll do. If you'll take that frown off your lovely face, I'll go visit with them while you have your chat with Hermione. I hope you aren't too angry to let me see you home."
"I'm not too angry for you to see me home Theo as long as you don't hex anyone for holding a conversation."
Theo ventured a grin. "I promise not to hex anyone for talking to you, touching is a different story."
Anna grinned back at Theo. "Thank you for that Mr. Nott. I'll leave you safe in the knowledge no one will have to hex you."
Spurred on by Anna's grin, Theo stepped closer. "Hex me? I think not. I may not be great at sussing out a situation, but I am very good with a wand. Now that the frown has left your face, may I please have a small kiss to remind me of your interest."
Grabbing Theo by both hands, Anna leaned up to receive his kiss. "You are my choice Theo. Don't forget that."
A chuffed Theo stepped back. "As you are mine. I'll be here when you're ready to leave."
/*/
When Theo left the study, Thom was first to stand and extend his hand. "Theo mate. I apologize if it looked like something other than what it was, a conversation. Believe me, Miss Grace straightened me out within the first five minutes of meeting me."
"Took you that long to make advances, did it? You are losing your edge." Joked Theo.
As soon as Wil realized there wouldn't be murder, he stepped up to greet Theo as well. "Hello mate. All calmed down, are you? You Brits. I'm going to have to try that talking thing. Am I right Draco?"
Both Theo and Draco smiled at Wil as they remembered back to the first stages of the Malfoy-Granger relationship when only a spare few knew what was what.
Theo shrugged. "Well mates. Now you know. The lovely Anna and I are talking.
"Suits me," said Clarke, sporting cranberry red spots on his cheeks.
Good, was all Theo remarked before heading for the brandy. "Very good. I understand you blokes are here to see Severus. Since you've come all the way from Switzerland, I take it I'll be able to call Clarke to find out who he is talking to fairly soon."
The four wizards had a good laugh, especially Draco who was glad he wouldn't be facing an irate mate.
The four wizards visited, joked and chatted with each other for an hour and a half until Wil and Clarke took their leave citing their early business with Severus promising to be back in touch when possible.
/*/
While the four mates were conversing, Hermione who had reversed her bunk was in the study with Anna. The normally forthright Hermione tried tiptoeing around what had happened, but Anna spoke openly after apologizing again for shouting the house down.
"No apology necessary. Every couple has disagreements."
A look of surprise came over Anna's face as she replied to Hermione's comment. "That would be a very true statement Hermione if Theo and I were a couple. We've expressed interest in each other and held hands. That's it. We have a way to go to become a couple, if we become a couple."
Hermione blushed. She had spoken on something she knew nothing about. If Draco found out, he'd be shouting the house down at her. One thing everyone knew about Theo was he didn't take kindly to anyone muddling about in his business. Hermione decided it was time to turn away from any discussion of Theo and turn it to why she had invited Anna over in the first place. "For the moment, what's between you and Theo is between you and Theo. I asked you here because of the short chat we had a Theo's party. It is my understanding you are looking for a position different from the one you currently hold."
Anna trembled the slightest little bit. Perhaps she was there because Hermione knew of a position. "Yes. I remember our conversation. Perhaps I was too blunt sharing my troubles over party food."
Hermione glanced at Anna with eyebrows raised. "Too blunt. I'd say not. We were simply having a witch's chat. I'm chuffed you felt comfortable enough to share your thoughts. Now I'd like to share some information with you."
Feeling a bit disappointed Hermione only wanted to share some news, Anna still put a smile on her face. "I'd love to hear your thoughts Hermione."
"Excellent because I want to discuss a new position that has just opened at WCS. Severus Snape and Jean Bradford have seen fit to make me Head of a small, newly formed department at WCS. When I say small, right now it is only me. However, I've been allowed an assistant which is why you are here. I'd like to offer you the position of assistant to me."
"What an incredible offer Hermione, but I know very little about WCS, Severus Snape or Jean Bradford."
"That's the second reason you're here. I'll explain it all after you accept my offer. If you decline, I won't have to explain anything." Hermione explained, pulling out her notes and requirements she had set. Well, the requirements Severus and Jean expected. "If I didn't think you'd work out, I'd never have championed you to Severus and Jean. Just say yes then I'll explain it all. If you don't like what you hear, we can just put this down to another witch's chat. Will you give it a try?"
The excitement was back. Anna gave a resounding yes which garnered a tight hug from Hermione. "If you have the faith in me, I'm willing to give it a try."
Hermione gave her a cheeky wink. "Excellent! Clear your calendar Miss Assistant because you have an interview with Severus and Jean this Thursday 5/20/2004 at 8:30 sharp. Get that look of panic off your face. I plan to share every bit of information I know. When you leave here this evening, you'll know everything you need to know about WCS and interviewing with Severus Snape, guaranteed. I'll also be giving you my notes to take with you."
Which is exactly what Hermione did.
An hour and a half later, Anna felt comfortable enough with the information to joke. "I especially like the part where I must smile prettily if Mr. Snape rolls his eyes."
Hermione giggled and joked back. "Not too prettily. Severus doesn't like fawning and Jean doesn't like flirting."
Both witches laughed out loud.
Anna was a bit emotional as she thanked Hermione for the opportunity, but quick to hide it as she'd been cautioned about showing weakness.
"No worries Anna. I believe we will work well together."
Anna and Hermione hugged each other before heading back to the living room where Draco and her talking wizard were waiting. It was time for Theo Nott to see her home.
/*/
The two witches entered the living room smiling.
Both Draco and Theo stood.
Turning towards Theo, Hermione apologized. "Sorry I kept Anna so long. We had a lot to discuss."
Speaking to Hermione but gazing at Anna, Theo told her it wasn't a problem as long as Clarke wasn't in there with them. Hermione panicked. Was Theo thinking she had tried to fix Anna up with a wizard? Before she could rebut his words, he broke out in a wide grin.
"I'm kidding Hermione. Just kidding. The look on your face is priceless. Besides, I don't want that beautiful witch to shout at me again."
"Hahaha Mr. Nott, very cute. If you think my look is priceless, you should see Draco's face." Taunted Hermione.
Draco offered Theo and Anna a last drink which was declined, but he had a few words for Hermione. "Do not bring Draco into it. I haven't had to duel Theo Nott in all the years I've known him. I don't want to start now."
Theo guffawed. "Sometimes I forget myself. Now that Anna is free it's time for me to see her to her door. Thanks for the drinks Draco. Thanks for the laugh Hermione. Ready love?"
Nodding at Theo and waving at Hermione and Draco, Anna pinked up as Theo led her to the apparition area. He might be acting all proper at the moment, but he hadn't heard the last from her.
/*/
Company was gone and they were alone. Walking up behind Hermione and grabbing her around the waist, Draco murmured in her ear. "Disaster averted. Did you see Theo's face when Anna shouted at him? I thought the tough Theo Nott was going to fold right there."
Turning so she was facing her own wizard, Hermione crushed her lips against his before whispering back. "Hahaha. Theo Nott folding. That would be a first. If you want something to laugh about, laugh about how fast Thom made it from the study to the couch when Theo told Anna she should keep her mobile on so neither of them would have to be embarrassed. I think Thom's feet didn't touch the floor."
"Yes, there's that. Those boys will never learn. Clarke made a move towards Anna so fast I didn't have time to warn him off. Now he knows."
"Yes. Now he knows." Hermione sat down on the couch beckoning Draco. "Come here love and share the inside joke about talking."
Draco sighed. This conversation could go all the way left. "It's nothing really. Back when we were exploring our options, Wil asked you out. Without my knowledge, Theo and Blaise cornered Wil to inform him you and I were talking meaning he should step back. It is the reason Wil released you from that date and sent you those lovely sweets."
Hermione gave Draco the direct stare before laying her head on his shoulder. "It wasn't a date."
"It was to Wil. What Hermione? I was interested, but life kept getting in our way. Blaise and Theo are my mates. They did the right thing. In fact, that was the night Goyle went mad and Ginny went madder. Wil and Blaise were nearly killed."
"I remember that and what came after you wanker. Did you do a lot of talking in Switzerland?"
Here we go thought Draco. "Isn't that beside the point? For your information, I didn't do very much talking in Switzerland. I used to wile away my time thinking about a brown eyed brunette who wanted to kill me."
"I did not want to kill you. I wanted Harry to do it, but that's all water under the dam. Let's talk about something else."
"Sure. Change the subject when it's about you. Fine. Let's talk about how alluring you are without clothes." He remarked, tickling her sides.
"Stop Draco," giggled Hermione trying to get away from Draco's tickling hands. "Lock up and come to bed so I can show you my allure."
"Wonderful. I want a show. I'll lock up and be damned glad to do it. And since you have been such an amazing witch, after you allure me, I'd like to discuss our future."
The last part caught Hermione off guard and began going around in her head. Discuss their future? If you're ready to offer a ring Mr. Malfoy, you're witch is ready to accept it. Yes! Yes! Yes. With her heart beating ten miles a minute, Hermione shouted at Draco.
"Get in here Malfoy. I'm ready to allure all over you."
/*/
After the alluring was over and Hermione and Draco were lying side by side winding down from the sex, Draco spoke softly of how he felt and the love that wouldn't stop growing. Finally, he inquired. "Where do you see us going? Are you satisfied with what we have?"
"I do love you Draco. Where we are going is up to us. I think you should keep loving me because I'm not going anywhere, but neither of us is ready for marriage and babies. I'll accept any ring you choose to put on this finger with a promise to remain by your side until we both know we're ready."
Draco didn't want to be petulant, but he was disappointed. He had again gone to his Gringotts vault to retrieve the ring he intended to give Hermione. The ring he had taken to carrying around in his inside pocket. Now what? She'd take the ring, but not the rest of it. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps they had places to go, people to meet and destinies to be uncovered. Perhaps she was waiting for a wizard with more to offer and without the parents. Perhaps, once again, it wasn't the right time for a ring.
Giving his witch a quick kiss on the shoulder, Draco turned on his side.
For five minutes the only sound that could be heard was their breathing. Finally, Hermione offered what seemed like a consolation prize. "Draco love. Please don't be offended. We'll get there."
Although he was still awake, Draco kept his eyes closed pretending to be asleep. For now, he had his answer.
/*/
Theo tried to leave Anna at her door, but she grabbed him by the arm. "Get inside Mr. if you kept your mobile turned on. I had to remain calm in front of company, but I have you now."
Theo grinned. "Was that your idea of calm? I'll bet the Healers from St Mungo's were ready to send out the Medi-Wizards because someone was in great pain."
"You won't be joking your way out of this."
Theo ignored the comment. "I'd like another kiss. A bigger one this time." He remarked before kissing her palms.
Anna let out a snort, but snuggled into Theo. "I thought you wanted to fight."
"With you? Never. I just want a kiss. I was wrong. We've rectified it and I want you for my witch."
Theo had surprised himself. He was the one who promised to go slowly.
Anna sat up straight refusing to look Theo in the eyes. Did she hear what she thought she had?
For several seconds, Theo went mute. Had he just said that? So fast. He was moving too quickly. Afraid Anna would bolt even though they were sitting in her flat, he reached out, turned her so she was facing him then spoke.
"Anna?" He said softly. "I asked what I asked and mean it. I'm not trying to run you away nor am I trying to rush things because I saw another wizard's interest in you. I'm asking because you've become very important to Declan and myself. I'm asking because I want to be able to kiss those lips any time I think about it. I'm asking because I mean it. Will you be my witch?"
Even with all the good things happening to her that she put down as Merlin's good works, this was too much. The loneliness since her parents were killed, the menial jobs, the applying for position after position and the lack of ready money all just faded away as Merlin smiled down on her yet again. Taking Theo's face between her two hands, Anna kissed each eye, his forehead, his nose then finally his lips. Looking Theo directly in the eyes, she responded earnestly.
"Be sure Theo because I'm not a witch who wants a fling of any length. I'm a one wizard witch. If that is who or what you are looking for, that's wonderful because that's what I'm looking for in a wizard."
Gently pulling Anna toward him, Theo Nott spoke in the softest tone and voice he'd ever used. "I realize this is quick, but when you know, you know. I think I've known since the evening we shared our life stories. You are exactly who I'm looking for. You are who I want Anna. Say yes and let us move forward from here."
Laying her head on Theo's chest, Anna sobbed softly into his shirt. "Yes Theo Nott. I'll be your witch."
That was enough. Theo had his answer and his witch. Tilting Anna's face upward, he kissed away her tears. "We have a date for dinner tomorrow. Tonight I'll leave you as I have in the past. However, tomorrow night I plan to spend a lengthy period of time in my witch's flat. Get used to having Theo Nott around. Down the road, we'll discuss you moving into a flat closer to the Nott house."
Putting a finger to Theo's lips, Anna sat him down to tell him about Hermione's offer and what she planned to do with the extra galleons. Theo was even more impressed with his witch as he sat listening to her plans even as he knew he would never let her spend her money for things he was more than willing to give her.
Rocking Anna gently, Theo didn't interrupt her thoughts. He would simply show her as they moved down the road together.
"It's very late love. You need your sleep as do I. Walk me to the door and share a few more of those kisses. Tomorrow we begin."
"Alright Theo. Tomorrow we begin."
He had one more remark to make. "Keep your mobile on."
"Wanker." She called out softly to his back.
He turned to give her a saucy wink. Then he was out the door.
/*/
When the door closed behind her new wizard, Anna rested her back against the wall once again thanking Merlin for all the favors he had bestowed.