Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 86
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 87
Initially, Hermione was a bit intimidated, however, she was with her fiance in their home. Not even Lucius Malfoy would put her off her game.
Draco had already taken his father's cloak so all Hermione had to do was make a bit of small talk with a wizard who would rather she didn't marry his son. After the first few sentences, and Draco's hand holding tightly onto hers, conversation became easy, especially once Draco made their announcement.
"It's a pleasure to have you in our home father. I spoke to mother earlier so I'm sure the news Hermione and I would have shared at the Manor has already been shared, but I will share it again. I have asked Hermione to be my wife. As of 10:30 last evening, she and I are engaged."
Lucius didn't do the expected. He didn't draw his wand or jump up to leave. Instead, he smiled first at Hermione then Draco. "I've never been called a dense wizard Draco. When you mentioned an event important to your future and Hermione would be accompanying you, I figured it out. Congratulations to you both. May I have a look at the ring?"
Hermione didn't care who Lucius Malfoy purported himself to be. If it was his intention to denigrate Draco's choice of a ring, she was determined not to remain silent. With a nod from Draco, Hermione held up her hand. However, Lucius Malfoy surprised her yet again when he spoke.
Lucius held Hermione's left hand as he gazed at the ring. "Thank you Draco. The ring is magnificent. In case Draco hasn't mentioned it Hermione. The ring on your finger is a family heirloom which was put in the Malfoy vault on 5th June 1980 for his future wife and moved to his personal vault on 5th June 1997 when he came of age. Due to the perilous times, the move from vault to vault was done quickly and quietly, but it was there for his use. I'm quite pleased he chose this ring as a token of his love for you and not some over the counter bauble. Now that I've said my piece about the ring, I'd like to taste some of this delightful smelling food. I will say. If you both eat like this on a daily basis, I will have quite the rotund son and daughter-in-law. Shall I fix my own plate or will the lady of the house do the honors?"
Draco hid a smile. Lucius was in an expansive mood because never in his life had the wizard fixed a plate of his own. In fact, rarely had his wife fixed him a plate. That's what house elves were for.
After a glance in Draco's direction, Hermione picked up her wand and began moving food to Lucius' and Draco's plates. After a monologue such as the one Lucius Malfoy had just shared, she made sure to pile him up and she did it with a smile.
/*/
Once everyone was served, the nosing began. Hermione didn't know how she managed to eat listening to Lucius Malfoy skirt the subject of an unplanned pregnancy. He didn't come right out and ask as that would be disrespectful, but he tried his best to get an answer without asking the question.
"Have you set a wedding date?"
Draco gave Hermione a quick smile. His father was fishing. "No father. We haven't discussed dates."
"You haven't set a date, but will it be this year?"
Hermione wanted to giggle so badly. Instead, she stepped into the interrogation. "Even though Draco and I haven't discussed anything wedding related yet, we are looking at Bonding sometime in 2007. By then, everything should have fallen nicely into place and we will have a magnificent Malfoy wedding. How is your steak Lucius? Would you care for more gravy?"
Draco held his breath. He understood perfectly what Hermione had said without her coming right out and saying it. She hoped by 2007 Narcissa Malfoy would have come around and accepted a muggleborn as her daughter-in-law. Draco felt his father had understood as well.
Lucius didn't hold his tongue. "As the father of a strong willed, brilliant son, I'll be first to admit there have been and will be certain matters I have to come to terms with, and I'm fine with that. I will not give up on my blood. His mother is a different story. She was brought up and has lived within certain parameters all her life. The world has changed and she is being asked to give up all she's ever known. It might take ages for her to accept certain things, if she accepts them at all. I'm not making excuses. I'm a grown wizard who doesn't have to placate anyone. I'm simply explaining what I know to be true."
Hermione had gone from smiling to burning inside. Lucius was speaking about his wife as if she was being asked to cut off a finger when all she was being asked to do was accept her son's muggleborn fiancee.
Knowing Hermione would not remain silent for much longer, Draco wanted to smooth things over. However…..
…...Before Draco could speak, Hermione made a statement. "Thank you for being open and forthright Lucius. I should have been the same. I understand what you said about your wife. I also understand about being brought up a certain way. What I do not understand is why anyone would hold onto feelings against another person or groups of people if those people never did them any harm." By this time, Hermione was speaking in a choked voice, but continued to speak. "I just resent anyone who thinks I am less than they because of my birth. I'm clean. I don't smell. I don't harbor any diseases. I'm fairly brilliant in my own right, and I know how to act in company. I'm going to marry her son, so I guess my question is, what can I do to make things better? Should I check into St Mungo's and have them do a complete blood cleanse on me? Will that make a difference?"
"Hermione." Draco called out softly. "Father was…."
Rising from her seat, Hermione glanced at Draco. "Thank you love. I know what father was… I apologize Mr. Malfoy for conduct unbecoming, but, like you, I don't see the need to placate anyone. Before I excuse myself, I'll leave you with this thought. Perhaps I should worry over the fact Draco's mother may be able to change his mind about wanting me for his wife. If that happens, I'll just have to come to terms with it. Please finish your meal. It was a pleasure having you at our table. I need a bit of air. Be back in a bit."
Draco could only sigh. He'd grown up as an elitist pureblood. He'd grown up being taught all the pureblood mores. He understood what his mother was going through. At one time, he had agreed with it all. Then he'd been shipped off to Switzerland where his mates had shown him his pureblood arse wasn't any better than anyone else's arse. Unfortunately, his mother had remained in that pureblood cocoon still believing what she'd been taught. There might not be anything he could do to change things. It might all come down to his mother never accepting the witch who would become his wife.
Draco came out of his reverie to find Lucius standing over him.
"The meal was delicious Draco. Please pass my regards to Hermione if she'll accept them. It wasn't my intention to upset her. However, what was said needed to be said. Your mother may never accept your marriage. If that becomes the case, I'll say it here and now. I do not intend to miss out on the nuptials of my only son. You or Hermione may request my assistance on anything marriage related. I'll be on my way as I'm sure Hermione has seen enough of me for one evening."
Draco stood to shake his father's hand. "Although it was quite a surprise to see you at our door, as Hermione said, it was a pleasure to have you at our table. If you don't mind, when mother calms down, I'd like to have a conversation with her. I'm hoping when she realizes I'm serious about marrying Hermione, she'll come around."
Lucius smiled at Draco. "Stranger things have happened. I mean a wizard thought to be dead arrives back in London bringing an amazing device and becomes the darling of society. One can hope a singular witch will adjust her beliefs to welcome her son's witch into the family. We shall see. Personally, I think you've made a great match. Goodnight Draco."
"Goodnight father. Thank you for coming."
/*/
As soon as Lucius left, Draco apparated to Hermione's flat intent on calming her down as well as cheering her up. It was dark when he landed. Waving his wand in a quick circular motion. Draco turned on all the lights.
"Hello love. Why are you here in the dark? Your father-in-law to be said the meal was delicious. Come on out." He called out as he made his way to the bedroom.
The house was empty. Hermione wasn't there. Draco plopped down on the couch. Now what? When Hermione said she wanted a bit of air, he thought she meant she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. Draco sat there for fifteen minutes, then twenty. After thirty minutes, he had an epiphany. He could ring his witch on the mobile. Chuckling to himself, he went to dial her up and realized he'd left the phone at the house.
"Isn't that lovely. Not only have I come all the way to the other side of London without the mobile, I could have rung her up from the house with the mobile. I guess Hermione isn't the only one who needs a bit of air. Alright, home it is."
/*/
If Draco expected Hermione to be sitting quietly on the couch, bed, or toilet, he was mistaken. She wasn't in the house at all. Even after he walked the entire house, he still called out. "Where are you love? Your fiance is home to have a conversation."
Draco started to panic before coming to his senses and dialing Hermione's mobile.
One ring.
Two rings.
Three rings.
It took three rings for Draco to realize he was hearing the mobile ring inside the house. To be exact, the ringing was coming from the study. Jumping up, he threw open the study door to find his witch, his fiancee laid out on the couch asleep. Taking notice of the dried, tear streaks on Hermione's face, he laid his head on her arm and conjured a stream of water from his wand to wet one of the napkins laying on the table. Gently wiping her face, Draco kissed her awake.
"Wake up love. We need to talk."
As soon as Hermione looked into the eyes of the wizard she loved and wanted to marry, the tears began to fall and she began talking through the tears. "I apologize for being so outspoken Draco, but I was humiliated to hear how the mother of the wizard I intend to marry won't see past my blood status spoken so nonchalantly. I'll only ever be that mudblood or that muggleborn."
Grabbing Hermione in his arms, Draco just held her as he felt himself tearing up. He loved his mother, but her and her inflexible beliefs were not going to stand in the way of his and Hermione's future. He'd try to talk to her, but should her feelings remain the same, it would be her loss.
Pulling Hermione to her feet, Draco walked her to the bedroom removed her shoes and laid her on the bed. "Be back in a minute love. You didn't have a chance to eat a thing. I'm going to fix you a small plate and pour a glass of wine. You'll notice I said a small plate. I don't want us to become rotund and add another reason for the pureblood bastards to think lowly of us."
Hermione smiled not only over the fact Draco was repeating Lucius' words, but because he called them pureblood bastards as well. "Yes. If they can't be angry about my blood, they can be angry about my fat arse. It's late Draco. I'll have a bit to eat but no wine. I'll have juice."
Draco stood at the door chuckling. "Another thing to piss off the in-laws. A muggleborn, fat arse, wino. I think we have everything covered."
Hermione giggled as she beckoned Draco to come closer. Placing the plate and juice down on the dresser, he walked into her outstretched arms. "I love you so much this moment I could kiss the skin off your face."
Draco squeezed Hermione's nipple between two fingers. "And what else? Since I love you, I'm willing to let you kiss the skin off any place on my body. Shall we start now, or would you like to eat first?"
Hermione burst out laughing. "You pig. Just for that. I'm not kissing anything."
"If you would get that lovely, brilliant mind out of the gutter for a moment, you'd realize I was speaking of your dinner when I asked if you want to eat first."
Hermione laughed even harder. "Come on then. I am a bit hungry. Let's share the plate."
As they sat there eating the steak and potatoes, Draco whispered an apology for what his father had shared. Looking into Draco's eyes, Hermione told him there was no need for him to apologize because him calling his parents pureblood bastards was all the apology she needed.
They finished the plate of food feeding each other and discussing how they would share their news. Hermione gave Draco a pointed glare when he commented they might not have to announce anything because he'd already told Blaise which meant Ginny knew. If Ginny knew, their engagement news had probably been shared around most of London.
Waving her fork, Hermione made a smart comment. "Mind yourself Mr. Malfoy. You don't want to get on the bad side of another pureblood."
Draco thought the comment was hilarious. Reaching over to give one of Hermione's nipples a quick flick, he replied with his own smart comment. "There's a thought. Maybe I should ask Ginny to marry me. That would settle everything."
Leaning into Draco, Hermione gave him a kiss on the lips. "That might work Malfoy. There wouldn't have to be a verbal announcement. Ginny could just add it into her column as an extra. Then again, what would you do with me? Before you offer me up to Blaise, forget it. He's not my type, too pureblood."
"Alright Miss greasy lipped comedian, you have me there."
Handing Draco the now empty plate, Hermione wiped the grease from her mouth before adding another pointed barb. "The hits just keep coming. This muggleborn, fat arsed, wino, greasy witch will never be acceptable. I'm tired. No sex for you tonight pureblood. Goodnight."
Draco stopped in place. "No sex? We'll see about that. I'm a pureblood. I take what I want."
Hermione chuckled as she pulled the blanket over her. "I'm tired of hearing the word pureblood. Clean up and get your git arse in bed."
"Hmph," grunted Draco.
"I love you Malfoy."
"Really? Don't try to get on my good side now."
Hermione was still chuckling as she closed her eyes.
/*/
Jean had been fuming when she reached DMTS that morning but managed to work off her frustration assisting her group as they put together phone numbers and phone listings for Switzerland. Severus had asked her to gather as much information as possible then set up a bank of mobile numbers and a mobile directory. She had delegated some of the task to Philip because Conor and Cassie were designated to the front area and Gloria had asked for a few hours off.
Wil and Thom had been quite surprised by the progress when Severus brought them through the department. Jean had had a delightful conversation with the lads. They were personable, intelligent wizards who, while staying on track, kept her grinning and smiling.
Thom had caught a small error that could have turned everything on its head. Somehow the first person who began setting up the banks of numbers had used +43 as the mobile code when, in fact, Swisscom had mandated +41 would be the code. The error had been found and was in the process of being corrected, but Jean knew she and Severus would be having a conversation. A curt nod from Severus as he, Wil and Thom were leaving solidified the fact they would definitely be having an extended conversation. He had trusted her with a portion of their very important project and she had let something slip by.
Stress or the failure on her part was weighing on Jean. For whatever reason, the error had gotten to Jean and for the first time since she arrived in London she had to step away to compose herself. However, after the emotional meltdown, she came back stronger and more focused. There wouldn't be another error getting past her group.
/*/
Lucius Malfoy was in no mood to deal with trifling witches even if the trifling witch was his wife. When Narcissa approached him, she approached him the wrong way and he lashed out.
"You forget yourself Narcissa. Do not approach me as though I'm one of your silly, vapid acquaintances. Get away from me now."
Narcissa thought it best she give her husband some leeway and was about to scurry away when Lucius stopped her.
"Before you leave this room, I want to know the nature of the illness that made it impossible for you to sit at our table. Tell me now because if it's something catching, I'll have your arse put on the fourth floor of St Mungo's to keep it from spreading. Explain it to me as though I'm an imbecile muggleborn. EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"
Narcissa began to tremble. Lucius often got angry with her over this, that or the other thing, but at this moment he was dangerous.
"What are you waiting for? Describe to me in detail why MY son is not allowed at MY table."
"Lucius I….I."
"You-you. At this moment, I don't give two shites about you. I had to sit in front of Draco and Hermione to explain why YOU won't allow them in Malfoy Manor. As much as I respect the way we were raised and the way we used to live, I have to tell you the world has changed. I'm not asking you to make friends with every muggleborn in London. I am telling you an attitude adjustment is in order. If you won't adjust yourself, I'll do it for you. Draco has made his choice of a wife. Get used to it because I will not be shut out of my only son's life because of you. Now get away from me."
"Lucius please….."
"Please what Narcissa? Please don't accept Hermione Granger into our family? Please allow you to run over me? Please fucking what?"
"Lucius!"
"My apologies for the language. However, you will not get an apology from me for trying to fit into Draco's life. Right now, I suggest you get out of my sight and think about fitting into Draco's next phase of life as well. Fit in or be excluded."
Narcissa replied in a soft voice so she wouldn't upset her husband any more than what he was. "This isn't you Lucius. The real Lucius wouldn't accept anything less than Draco marrying a pureblood witch."
Lucius responded with a snort. "Until Draco changes his mind and finds a witch YOU find suitable, this is the real me. I'm a Malfoy. I can be any me I choose. I suggest you find the real you and get on with it."
"I don't think that's likely. Rather than go along, I'll just stay to my wing of the manor and you may do as you wish."
Lucius walked right up to Narcissa and roared in her face before storming away. "I always do as I wish. If you do not adjust your attitude, you won't have a place in any wing in this manor. I hope I've made myself clear."
Narcissa ran blindly away from Lucius frightened at what he'd just said but adamant she wouldn't accept some low blood witch into the manor or her family.
/*/
It was only much later as she ordered a very frightened house elf around that Narcissa remembered her last thoughts after her discussion with Lucius. She wouldn't accept some low blood witch into the manor or her family. If she didn't accept Hermione Granger, she might not have a manor or a family which was a sobering fact.
/*/
Theo had finished with his last client of the day and was in his office finishing up paperwork when his mobile rang showing Declan Nott as the caller. In the few seconds it took for Theo to bring the phone to his ear, a thousand things passed through his head. Had there been an accident? Where was Reg? Was Reg hurt?
Declan. What's going on? Is everything alright? Where's Reg?
Hello father. Everything is fine. Right now Reg is sitting next to me shining up my broom. It's a wonderful broom.
Your broom?
Yes. Reg and I went to Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley. We purchased a junior broom.
Theo let out the breath he'd been holding.
Merlin son. I thought it was some kind of emergency. I'll see the broom when I get home. I should be there within the hour.
Okay father. Sorry for frightening you. Reg and I know you have plans for tonight, but the rule is you have to see me take my first ride. I just want to ask you to come to the backyard so you can watch me.
Theo smiled. His son had found something he considered important.
Thank you for letting me know about the broom. I'll see you and Reg in a bit.
Okay father. We'll see you in a bit.
Theo finished up the paperwork with a smile on his face. Young Declan had found his second thing of interest. Brooms were right up there with his books.
Thirty minutes later, Theo was home. After a quick face wash and a pee, he headed to the back gardens to watch his son mount his first broom.
/*/
"I'm here wizards. Show me what you've got. By that I mean show me what preparations you've made before putting one leg over that broom."
Glancing at Reg, Declan cleared things right up. "My dad is joking Reg. He knows you've pummeled me with rules, but I will show him."
From there Declan explained what he'd been taught. I first check the handle for any blemishes or irregularities. If any are found, I do not ride until the defects have been fixed. I also check the bristles to ensure they are in good shape. If they aren't, I do not ride until the defects have been fixed. Last, I check the balance by floating it at chest height. If the balance is off, I do not ride until its been adjusted. Most importantly, as a first time rider, I will not allow myself to fly higher than five feet off the ground."
Reg nodded at his charge.
Theo had a wide smile. He'd asked for preparations and received a soliloquy. Plus, his son had called him dad. He was chuffed even before the exhibition got started.
/*/
Theo watch Declan mount, fly and dismount three times before grabbing him up in a hug. "You've done extremely well. Be sure you follow those rules even when I'm not watching. Thank you Mr. Briggs for a skill well taught. I'll leave you both as I have an engagement. I'll be having dinner out. Enjoy your evening. Oh yes. Declan's Uncle Conor has asked to spend some time with Declan this weekend. I don't know what he has planned, but allow him some time with his nephew Saturday afternoon. Sunday is out because we'll be having guests for dinner and I'd like for Declan to be here."
"Alright Theo. We'll see to it. Have a good evening."
"Goodnight dad."
/*/
Theo hurried to his rooms to shower and dress. He was due at Anna's flat at 7:00 pm sharp. She'd made that quite clear. Theo smiled at himself in the mirror. His witch was feisty.
Theo took great care picking out his outfit choosing a handsome dark blue, Basic Casual set with a gray and blue pinstripe shirt. Giving himself a once over in the full mirror, he couldn't help hoping he would be out of the handsome outfit before the night was over.
"From my lips to Merlin's ears." He had then given himself a talking to. "Straighten up old man. You are quivering and everyone knows Theo Nott does not quiver, but he will hex a wizard for getting too close to his witch."
With one last look around, Theo summoned the wine, brandy (for him) and Banoffee pie he had picked up and was ready to go.
/*/
Anna greeted her wizard with a smile and a kiss. From the moment their lips met, Theo's quivers turned into full blown trembles. He had to take three deep breaths in rapid succession to calm himself.
Anna gave him an appraising look. "Everything okay Mr. Nott or are you expecting some unnamed wizard to jump out of the closet?"
Theo grinned as he pulled his witch in for a second kiss. "I'm trembling because I'm in the presence of my beautiful witch, but, should a wizard, any wizard, jump out of the closet my wand hand will be steady."
Anna laughed as Theo handed her the wine, brandy and Banoffee pie. "Thank Merlin for a steady wand hand. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how dashing you look. I'll have to keep my own wand handy in case some witch jumps out of the closet. Thank you for the wine and pie. I assume the brandy is for your consumption. Come on through and tell me about your day and what's going on with young Declan Nott."
Watching as Anna put the gifts in the kitchen, Theo took a seat on the couch thinking, along with the more private areas of his body, Miss Anna Grace warmed his heart.
/*/
Anna called out from the kitchen. "We are having chicken and mushroom pie with garlic potatoes and a green salad. I'm going to have a glass of this lovely wine. Shall I pour you a brandy?"
"Yes love. I'll have a brandy. Chicken and mushroom pie sounds delicious. Come sit with me for a few minutes before you rush me to the table then boot me out the door."
"Funny Mr. Nott. They'll be no going back on a promise."
"I'd never go back on a promise to you. What did I promise?"
Anna grinned giving Theo a slight nudge in the side. "Ah! I have the measure of you now. You'll say anything to get a kiss."
Theo howled in laughter. "You're my witch now. I don't have to exaggerate to get a kiss."
"Well then. If you put on your wizard thinking cap you'll remember saying you'd be spending an extended period of time at your witch's flat and she should get used to having you around. Ring a bell?"
Strangely basic words, but they made Theo's blood run hot. Leaning over, he whispered in Anna's ear. "I do remember saying that, but I wasn't quite specific enough. What I should have said is I hope an extended first visit isn't too soon to be invited to your bed."
Wrapping her arms around Theo's neck and pulling him to her, Anna whispered right back. "We are witch and wizard Mr. Nott. There isn't any wrong time for me to invite you to my bed. From here, you have a standing invitation."
Crushing their lips together, settled the matter. There wasn't a wrong time for a serious couple.
When they broke apart, Anna grabbed Theo's hand and led him to the kitchen. "You've tried my dancing. Now it's time to taste my cooking."
Theo's only answer was a smile.
/*/
The new couple chatted over dinner with Theo giving it a big thumbs up.
"I'm thinking of having a few people in this Sunday. I'd like for you to host Sunday Dinner. If at all possible, I'd also like for you to make chicken and mushroom pie, or, describe it to Cely and let her make it. Either way, I'd like it on our table this Sunday. Come early to get the lay of the land."
Silently thanking Merlin once again, not only for Theo asking her to host a meal at Nott Estate but also for calling the table our table. It was like a fantasy. Anna reached out and placed her hand over Theo's. "I will be proud to host the Sunday Dinner, and I will most definitely come early to make chicken and mushroom pie. Thank you for asking."
"There's no need to thank me for anything Anna. Besides, your presence will make young Declan Nott very happy. Speaking of Declan, he had his first ride on a broom this evening and did extremely well. We couldn't ask for a better instructor than Reg. I believe Declan will learn a lot from him. Anyway, I've monopolized the conversation long enough. Tell me about your day while we enjoy some Banoffee pie."
Anna spoke softly as she twisted her wand to clear away the dinner remains and summon the Banoffee pie. "My day was just a regular day, but my evening is turning out to be simply amazing."