Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 85

/*/

Draco, Donald and Brian arrived back at OTS by 3:30. While Draco and Donald got things settled in the workroom, Brian went to check the mail. He came back with two pieces of mail for Draco, one for Donald and a few for Blaise. Handing Draco and Donald their mail, Brian went to deliver Blaise's.

Draco glanced at the two pieces in his hand. One was from Hermione and the other from his father. He read Hermione's first.

Hello fiance;

Just a quick message to let you know I love you and am thinking about you. Jean was by earlier this morning. I think she saw the ring. Our secret might not be safe. How about some takeaway Chinese tonight? I would have rang you up, but my mobile is at the house. I know, silly me. You shouldn't blame me for being scatterbrained though as I've recently become engaged. I'm allowed. Ring me on 020 7946 0664 if you can.

Hermione.

Draco put Hermione's message aside to see what Lucius Malfoy had to say.

Hello Draco;

One would think his son would utilize the device he has interest in. However, that's not the subject of this missive. In the past, you've never felt the need to preface a visit to Malfoy Manor with a request. Neither your mother nor I understand what is different this time. Be that as it may. You are welcome in your own home any time you wish. Because you have mentioned bringing Miss Granger, I believe I have some idea what this is about. Your mother thinks otherwise.

Your mother and I are free tonight. Dinner is at 7:00. Please be prompt.

Lucius.

Draco sighed as he folded Lucius' reply. The letter did nothing to assure him the visit would be welcoming. Excusing himself, Draco headed to his office to ring Hermione to notify her they were expected at Malfoy Manor by 7:00 pm.

Lucius Malfoy had spoken.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 86

Draco rang the number Hermione had noted in her message. The phone was on the fourth ring when Hermione picked up.

Hermione Granger. How can I help you.

Hello love. You sound as though you didn't know it was me calling.

Hermione laughed as she explained things to her git fiance.

I didn't know it was you calling git. I messaged you that I left my personal mobile at home. You have rung a temporary number which doesn't have Caller-ID set up.

Draco sighed. He should have remembered that.

Oh right. I guess my mind is on other things. One of those things is that Lucius Malfoy returned my message about us visiting the Manor with an invitation to dinner this evening at 7:00 sharp.

Oh, 7:00 sharp is it? If that's the case, it sounds as though we'll walk through the door, be rushed to the table and shown the door directly after dessert.

Draco hesitated because knowing his mother and father, Hermione might have hit the nail directly on the head, but he was their son. He had to remain loyal.

Hahaha. I don't think it will be as bad as all that love. I'm certain you'll be allowed to use the loo if necessary.

Hermione snickered.

Cute Mr. Malfoy. You haven't mentioned the tone of Lucius' message. Was it welcoming? Do I have to keep my wand handy? Shall I leave immediately if Narcissa starts to go on about how pureblood wizards should only marry pureblood witches?

Draco wasn't feeling the joke because it might just come down to exactly what Hermione was saying.

I admit there is a chance mother will make remarks along those lines, but if she does, we will leave immediately. However, let's keep positive thoughts. Lucius and Narcissa might surprise us both. Just to be on the safe side, we can order the Chinese takeaway for home and leave it under a warming spell.

Hermione started chuckling and could barely get herself under control.

Alright you git. We'll order the takeaway just in case, but a word of warning. I'm going to dress like a pureblood. I'm going to be so impressive Lucius might ask for my hand.

Hermione's words tickled Draco even though she was talking like some nutter.

Well Miss impressive dresser, if that happens, I won't interfere. I'll just leave you there with your betrothed. Of course, mother might have a few ideas on the matter, but don't fret. She's not very good with a wand. With that nonsense out of the way, I'll let you get back to work. I love you fiancee. I'll see you at the house by 5:30.

Alright love. I'll see you around 5:30. Bye.

Bye.

Draco hung up the phone shaking his head hoping his mother and father did none of what he'd just discussed with Hermione.

Hermione put down the mobile wondering if she should shine up her wand.

/*/

Draco was on his way out of the office when his mobile rang showing Lucius Malfoy calling.

Draco sighed thinking if his father was going to go into a tirade, he was glad it was before he turned up with Hermione.

Hello father. How can I help you?

This isn't your father. It's your mother.

Draco sighed even louder. From the tone of her voice, Narcissa Malfoy appeared to be on the warpath.

Mother? Is everything alright?

Narcissa wasn't in any mood to be coddled.

Your father told me you are coming to dinner tonight and bringing that Granger witch. What is this about? Why have I been instructed to put out a dinner for a stranger? If you want to bring a guest to dinner, be respectful. Do it on a Sunday like any respectable pureblood. All this has gotten me out of sorts.

Draco didn't like being at odds with his mother, but she was talking like a maniac and reaching for things to be angry about.

I'm not sure why you're so upset mother. I've already discussed this with father. Hermione and I are scheduled to have dinner at the Manor tonight at 7:00.

Well Draco, since you don't seem to understand my point, I'll make it clear. I'm not feeling well and will not be able to host dinner. Why don't you come have dinner with your father and I on Sunday?

Draco was now as arbitrary as his mother.

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well enough to sit at a dinner table and hold a conversation with the witch I plan to marry. Yes mother, I said marry. Hermione and I would have announced tonight, but no matter. She and I are engaged. A canceled dinner will not stop our engagement. You may share this information with father as I'm sure he is too ill to sit at the dinner table as well. You can be sure you won't have to refuse Hermione anything else after this. I hope you feel better or at least strong enough to sit at your own table. Goodbye mother.

Without giving his mother a chance to respond, Draco ended the call.

/*/

Needing a minute to himself, Draco raised his wand to close the office door, but was a tad bit slow. Blaise came through closing the door behind him plunking himself down in a chair.

Realizing Draco wasn't in a joking mood, Blaise proceeded cautiously. "Is everything alright? I couldn't help overhearing your conversation, which I must say caught me off guard. I've never heard you raise your voice to your mother in all the years I've known you. Do you need to talk?"

Draco sighed. Blaise was right. He hadn't ever raised his voice to Narcissa Malfoy until today. Mostly because his father would have hexed the white off his arse if he had. This was different. His mother was stepping into his business.

"Sorry mate. I didn't realize I was speaking that loud. Family stuff. Earlier, I messaged father about wanting to share some news with him and mother. To that end, he invited Hermione and I to dinner this evening. My mother didn't agree, so she rang me to share her displeasure."

Blaise was astonished. Draco Malfoy the son who doted on his mother had had words with said mother. "You argued with Narcissa over Hermione? You've always been able to roll and bounce around her whenever she wasn't pleased. What's different this time?"

"It wasn't an argument Blaise. Mother and I just couldn't get on the same page. She pulled out the old pureblood card against Hermione. I couldn't have that. The difference this time is that I've asked Hermione to marry me and she accepted. We would have announced at dinner. Now she knows and can do as she pleases."

Now Blaise was even more astonished. Draco Malfoy had not only had words with his mother, he had also asked for the hand of one of the most obstinate, outspoken, self-righteous witches in London. Blaise stopped himself. All those adjectives could easily apply to his witch as well. Still.

"Not to be crass about it mate, but now I can see the problem. Did you really think Narcissa Malfoy was going to accept a marriage between you and anyone other than a certified, pureblood witch? Rather than acknowledge it, she'll take to her bed and never get up. Anyway, that's her burden to bear. As for me, I congratulate you and wish you the best of everything. Is the news out there? May I share your event with Ginny?"

Draco smiled at Blaise. "Thank you for your congratulations. If I'm alive after Lucius finds out I spoke to mother disrespectfully, you, Ginny, Hermione and I will have to go out to celebrate. Right about now, I think it's a good thing that no one other than OTS staff can get through our doors."

"Hahaha. There is that. I'll just leave you with this thought. Lucius Malfoy is Lucius Malfoy. If he really wants to get through OTS doors, who will stop him? Just kidding mate. Even Lucius can't get through the doors without authorization. A word to the wise. Donald and Brian have been very quiet. You might want to check they haven't burned down the workroom. See you later mate."

"See you later Blaise."

Even though he should be in the workroom sorting evidence with Brian and Donald, Draco spent several more minutes at his desk wondering how things had gone so wrong.

/*/

After a short visit to WCS, Lucius returned to Malfoy Manor to be accosted by a half hysterical wife shouting about Draco. Narcissa often went into her little snits, but this, this was a snit of vast proportions. Initially, Lucius thought something had happened to Draco.

"Stop that sniveling Narcissa and explain yourself. Has something happened to Draco?"

"Draco..."

Lucius was getting aggravated. If something had happened to their son, he should be with him. "Get a hold of yourself and explain what's going on. If my son is lying somewhere hurt and you're going on and on with your nonsense, I'll have your arse. NOW NARCISSA."

"Still sniveling, Narcissa went on an emotion filled rant. "What would make you think I'd want some muggleborn sitting at our table? Why would you invite her here anyway?"

Lucius flew into a rage. This entire childish show was because he had invited Draco and Miss Granger to dinner. He was ready to tear into Narcissa. "Are you challenging me in my own home? You bloody, foolish woman going on about Draco letting me believe my son was injured. Yes I invited Draco and Miss Granger to have dinner with us tonight. I may not care all that much for Hermione Granger, but Draco specifically asked she be included. If you have other thoughts, please keep them to yourself."

Huffing and blowing, Lucius started to walk away, but Narcissa wasn't finished.

"You may have invited them to dinner, but Draco and the muggleborn will not be coming. I used your mobile thing to call Draco, who, by the way, was very disrespectful to me to find out why he'd want that witch at our dinner table. He has the insane idea we would welcome the news he is engaged. I told him I was too ill to entertain."

Lucius turned on a dime and he was way past furious. "You had the audacity to tell my son he isn't welcome at his own table in his own home? How dare you? You better hope he has overlooked your hysteria and turns up, with or without Miss Granger. Don't you ever circumvent my orders again. Now get out of my face before I forget myself."

Partially shocked that Lucius hadn't immediately jumped on her side, Narcissa realized she might have pushed her husband too far. He wasn't a wizard that looked kindly on any witch, including herself, who circumvented him. Scurrying away, she hoped Lucius wasn't angry enough to banish her to Italy as he had done in the past. Italy was so boring without him. The pureblood witches there never gave her the proper respect.

Lucius retired to his study closing the door with a snap. He had to get away from his trifling wife before he did something he couldn't undo.

/*/

Theo had spent his morning with Declan going over the things he'd recently been taught. Initially, Theo had been upset to learn Reg was teaching Declan spells. However, after speaking with Reg, Theo was fine with it. The Manny wasn't teaching Declan anything advanced. He was simply correcting and reinforcing the spells to which Declan had been exposed. The better part of the father son interaction was Declan giving explanations for things a First Year Hogwarts student would know.

"I'm proud of you son. You have four years before Hogwarts yet you are becoming accomplished in areas that First and Second Years will learn. Good job to both you and Reg."

Declan was chuffed. One of the most important things in his life was making his father happy. "Thank you for the compliments father. I will always try my best. I wish my gram could see me now, but if she could see me, that would mean I'd still be in Ireland and wouldn't know my real father. I miss her, but I'm very glad to be here with you."

"Good to hear young wizard because I'm very glad you're here as well. What else is going on?"

"Well father. Reg suggested I ask you to purchase me a Junior broom. He wants me to get started on flying lessons. We'll be very careful."

Theo sat gazing at his son for several seconds before replying. "I'll address my answer to Reggie. "I am hesitant to give my blessings for something like this even though you've proven yourself to be an outstanding Man to my son in other areas. My worry is that Declan will get injured. I can't have that."

Declan seemed to deflate, but Reg stepped up.

"I understand how you feel Theo. However, if you check among my credentials, you'll find that I'm a certified flying instructor and have been for the last five years. True my certification was paid for by my prior employer, but I'm certified nonetheless. I taught my prior charge to fly safely, but he wasn't an enthusiast so our lessons only lasted ten months. If you authorize this purchase, I promise Declan and I will be very careful."

Theo thought about it. He did have faith in Reg and he most certainly had faith in his son. He'd let them have a try.

"Alright my fine fellows. You've convinced me. Here are my caveats. I want to be there the first time Declan gets on a broom. I want to be notified immediately if he gets injured. The lessons will only take place in our back gardens. Last, Declan will never fly unsupervised. You may use our Gringotts household account for the purchase."

Reg smiled at his charge before replying to Theo. "Thank you Theo. Declan and I appreciate your confidence."

Declan was elated. Rising out of his chair, he extended his hand to Theo. "Thank you father. I intend to be a champion flyer by the time I enter Hogwarts."

"That's all well and good." Theo replied. "I'd much rather you take it slowly. Wizards become champion flyers through careful practice. If you'll excuse me, I've had a nice chat with my two favorite wizards, but it's time I got ready for work. By the way Reg, I'll be away tonight, but I'll check with you and Declan before I leave. In any case, I'm always at the end of my mobile."

As Theo headed to his rooms, Declan called out to him. "Father. If you have another minute, may I have a word?"

Theo felt himself getting agitated. Not because his son wanted a word, but because it was obviously something he didn't want to say in front of Reg which didn't bode well for Reg. After taking a deep breath, Theo assured Declan another word would not be a problem and invited him to come through to his rooms.

Declan sat facing his father. "I don't want you to think I'm keeping things from Reg, but what I want to say is private business."

Theo was puzzled. "Okay son. What's on your mind?"

"Mother Padma."

Theo leaned back in the chair. "What about Mother Padma Declan?"

Declan sighed. He didn't want to make his father angry, but he wanted to know….

"You wanted to speak so speak son. What about Padma?"

There wasn't any way to get around it. If he wanted to know certain things, he'd have to speak on them. "Mother Padma spoke to me last night. She said she loved you and me but she had to leave for good because you've found another mother for me. It was real father."

Theo didn't doubt his son for one moment because Padma had spoken to him as well. Before Theo could respond, Declan asked if Miss Anna was his new mother.

Theo knew he and Anna were on the right path, but was hesitant to discuss it at that particular moment. "While I'm glad you had the chance to hear Padma one last time, the rest of it isn't up for discussion. I will be seeing Anna as will you. For now, that's as much as a seven year old needs to know." Walking over to his son, Theo clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't overthink things Declan."

"Alright father. I won't overthink things. I'll miss Mother Padma speaking to me, but I'll be happy to have Anna as my mother. I'm going to have some lunch and a bit of fruit. Reg and I will see you after work."

Theo ran his hand through Declan's thick head of hair. "Have a good lunch. See you after my showings."

As he stepped into the shower, Theo smiled over all the good things in his life.

/*/

Draco was still upset over the verbal duel he'd had with his mother, but he worked his way through it with the help of Donald and Brian who had him laughing so hard he couldn't remain upset. Even though they were both dolts, they were his dolts. He appreciated every crappy remark they'd made trying to bring him out of whatever snit they thought he was in.

At 5:15, Donald and Brian wished him a good evening and started for the door. Before he got all the way out of the workroom, Donald offered a bit of advice.

"Is it possible for you to come in tomorrow in a decent mood? Brian and I used up every last joke in our repertoire this afternoon. Goodnight boss. See you tomorrow."

Draco gave a wave before flicking his wand to clear up his area of the workroom. It was time to go break the news to his fiancee.

/*/

Hermione was hurriedly tying up the loose ends of her day. She promised Draco she would get to the house by 5:30 and it was now 5:35. She was just about ready to lock up when one of the Sorter witches approached.

"Hi Hermione. I was hoping to catch you before you left. My mum had a chance to practice on my mobile and now insists she can't live without one. Go figure. If you don't mind, I'd like to purchase a basic model set up."

Although she wanted to growl, Hermione was now in charge of a department. Customers and late arsed Sorters were always right. After the sale, Hermione swung her wand in a haphazard manner closing down the department with one wild swing.

It was now 5:45. She was two steps from the door when someone called out her name. Turning, she saw Thom and Wil. Determined not to stop she threw up a hand in greeting and kept going. It wasn't nice to duck and run on Draco's mates, but tonight was important. She and Draco would be announcing their engagement to his parents. She had to get to the house to get impressive.

/*/

Hermione came down the hall full of excitement calling out to Draco as she went.

"Draco love. Your fiancee is home. Are you here?" She called out heading for the bedroom. "My git must already be in the shower. Hurry it up in there. Your wife to be wants her turn."

No answer. Lights off.

Glancing at her Wonder Witch Watch, Hermione saw it was 5:55. Time was ticking away. Where the hell was Draco? Plopping down on the bed, she began to get a case of nerves. More accurately, perhaps Draco had gotten a case of the nerves and decided not to turn up at all. At 6:20, she heard the soft swish of someone apparating in. Getting up from the side of the bed, she went to meet her wizard to rake him over the coals for being late. However, when she saw his face and the takeaway bag in his hand, Hermione knew something was wrong.

"You look like something a Kneazle would drag in. What's wrong?"

Wrapping his arms around Hermione, Draco whispered. "Let me take a quick shower and I'll tell you all about it. I'll be quick."

Summoning the wine and a glass, Hermione sighed. It appeared there wasn't going to be any dinner at Malfoy Manor.

Hermione was through half a glass when Draco came and sat down next to her. "I'm sorry love. I got into a bit of a shout down with my mother this afternoon. I won't go into the particulars, but we've been uninvited to dinner. No big deal though because I stopped off and got us tons of takeaway."

Hermione placed her glass on the table and began running her hand up and down Draco's neck. "Dare I ask what happened? It must have been something very big if it caused you to be short with Narcissa."

Draco smiled at Hermione before nuzzling her between her breasts. "It was something big love, but nothing important enough to be regurgitated. A change of subject is in order. I know you asked for Chinese but I was closer to Le Flame Steak House so I ordered a nice steak dinner. We may not be dining in a manor, but we will be dining in style. We have steak, of course, Lyonnaise potatoes, roasted Brussels Sprouts, garlic butter mushrooms, and roasted baby carrots with cheesy butter rolls. To keep us healthy I ordered fruit salad as dessert."

"Hahaha. Of course, fruit salad. Have mercy Malfoy. You'll have to roll me away from the table. Why so much food?"

Taking Hermione's hand in his, Draco looked her straight in the eyes. "Because you consented to be my wife and I think you deserve a feast. I love you Miss Granger."

The time was 6:49.

Crushing her lips against Draco's, Hermione offered a slight bit of insight. "Thank you love. I can imagine the reason we-I was uninvited to the Manor, but none of that matters because I'm with you and somewhere down the line we'll have our own manor. Now. Before we eat, I'm going to freshen up because I want to look and smell like a fiancee."

Draco laughed. You look and smell fine to me. Any finer and I'd eat you right here in the living room.

The time was 6:52.

"My fiance the git." Hermione called back over her shoulder. "This will only take a minute. Set us up in the dining room."

Hermione had just finished running the comb through her hair when she glanced at her watch and let out a sigh.

The time was 7:00 pm.

Hermione was three steps away from the dining room when the doorbell rang. Are we expecting anyone Draco?"

"Maybe it's Blaise and Ginny. He mentioned we should get together."

"Oh okayyy….." Stepping back from the door, Hermione called out to Draco. "It's not Blaise. Please come to the door love."

Draco came to the door with a why on his lips, but hastily extended his hand. "Father! What a surprise. Please come in."

Lucius Malfoy was at the door.

"Thank you for inviting me in son. Good evening Miss Granger. I believe we are scheduled to have dinner together with a minor adjustment to the place. I took the liberty of bringing champagne. Any special event family affair deserves the best."

Hermione accepted the bottle Lucius held out. "Thank you. Mr. Malfoy. I'll put this to chill."

"Fine Hermione, and please, call me Lucius."

Hermione wanted to hyperventilate but Lucius Malfoy would probably think that was gauche, so she simply took a deep breath and headed back to the living room to join her intended and his father.