Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 87
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."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 88
This witch, thought Theo, has me thinking things. Her day had been regular but because he was there with her, the evening was turning out to be amazing. There was nothing like a witch who could move a wizard with words. He liked that.
"Be careful with your words Miss Grace or I'll begin to think you are flattering me to get another kiss."
Laughing as she moved closer to Theo and snuggled into his side, Anna offered up a bit of advice. "To paraphrase a very handsome wizard. I'm your witch now. I don't have to flatter anyone to get a kiss."
Squeezing Anna to him, Theo kissed her forehead then her lips. "You have me there beautiful. I guess I'll just give you a kiss anyway."
The kiss turned sensual leaving both partners wanting more. Grabbing Anna by the hand, Theo pulled her up. "It's getting late and you have an early interview. I want to make love to my witch without worrying about keeping her awake late into the night."
Anna didn't agree or disagree. She remained silent as she let herself be led into the bedroom.
Theo turned back to grin at his witch. "If you haven't sussed it out by now, I plan to spend the night. I won't make it a habit, but there might be numerous other nights I spend the night as well. Just putting it out there."
Anna began chuckling louder. Of course he was spending the night. He'll be too tired to move after I'm finished with him.
Theo didn't know why Anna was still chuckling, but the chuckling didn't last long after he closed the bedroom door. The time for chuckling was over. It was time for the serious shite.
/*/
Theo slowly undressed his witch watching her face for clues. He didn't want to put a step wrong with this wonderful woman. Watching Anna's face wasn't necessary as she had her eyes closed and head thrown back waiting to experience love making with the wizard she was sure would be in her life for the rest of her life.
Theo's only thought was to get inside Anna and make her his own.
Which he did.
/*/
It was late when Severus arrived home to find the house dark and empty. He sighed. There was a conversation he and Jean needed to have, but he was tired and wanted a shower. The conversation could wait. However, whether it was the warm water or the growling of his stomach, he decided he didn't want to go to sleep without speaking to Jean. Throwing on a top and a pair of pajama bottoms, Severus made the short walk to the cottage at double time hoping to have a conversation and maybe a sandwich.
When he entered the cottage, Jean was sitting in her morose chair. Severus called it the morose chair because she sat there when there was something on her mind.
"Good evening Jean."
"Hello Severus."
"Your greeting leaves something to be desired. Why are you here in the cottage instead of at the house?"
"Nothing serious. I simply needed some time to decompress. Today was not one of my better days."
Severus sat down facing Jean. "I hope my second in command is not sitting here beating herself up over a mistake that has been rectified. A mistake, I might add, that was not of her doing."
Jean gazed at Severus responding with a sigh in her voice. "My Messiah. This is an entirely different conversation from what I expected. Whether or not the error was rectified doesn't absolve me. I screwed up which doesn't sit well."
"Well love. I've had a long day as well, so I'll keep this short. The culprit in this situation should get a strongly worded talking to which I imagine you've already done. If he makes another major mistake, replace him because another situation of this sort will result in a different conversation for you and him. Now. I'm starving. Shall I go start a late dinner while you step into your real personality or shall I make eggs and toast here while you step into your real personality?"
Jean smiled as she stood to run her hand down Severus' cheek. "Thank you for taking this tack Severus. Please feel free to fix some sausages with the eggs and toast while I have a shower."
"Consider it done. One more small point. Since you appreciate the tack I took, I think you owe me some serious loving."
"Hahaha." Jean began laughing and couldn't stop. "Did you just make a sexual reference out loud? How far we've come."
Severus stepped into the small kitchen with a snappy answer on his lips. "And I mean every word of it."
Jean couldn't keep the grin off her face. "I'll be quick. I hope you know I'll be expecting vocal sexual references from here on out."
"One slip of the tongue and I've set a precedent," grumbled Severus. "Please go have your shower. The food will be done in minutes. Was that vocal enough for you?"
Jean chuckled the entire shower.
/**/
Thursday morning found Hermione excited to get her day started. She showered early, had brewed a pot of tea and was sitting notating the duties to be assigned to her assistant when Draco entered the kitchen leaving a kiss on the top of her head.
"So, you'll have an assistant before the end of the work day."
Hermione raised her face so she could get a real kiss and Draco obliged. "I hope so love. Anna will be meeting with Severus at 8:30. All she has to do is remember the tips I gave her."
"Tips like what Hermione? Please don't tell me you suggested she use some pat answers. Severus will eat her for a mid morning snack and that will be the end of that"
Hermione rolled her eyes in Draco's direction but answered pleasantly enough. "Give me a little credit git. I did not give Anna any pat answers. I simply told her what to do when or if certain circumstances arise. Nothing monumental. Nothing for you to worry about."
Draco shrugged. "Alright sweet. You know best. If she doesn't get the assistant position, I'm sure Theo will be glad to sit her at Nott Estate and pay her way through life."
Hermione stood and wrapped her arms around Draco's neck. "I do have a pat response to that statement. Go run that by Theo."
Draco grinned as he squeezed Hermione to him. "That would be a big no. I don't want anyone stepping into our relationship so I wouldn't do it. I might laugh and joke with you about things that aren't my business but that's as far as it goes. What is my business is breakfast. This fine physique who will soon have a fiancee with an assistant of her own needs nourishment, or, shall I hang on until your assistant can wait on me?"
"Too early for all this nonsense Malfoy. I'm trying to suss out the duties I'll be assigning to Anna. Fix your own nourishment. I'd like cold cereal and juice along with the eggs, bacon and toast you'll be fixing." Hermione remarked with a wink and smug grin. "Some of us have important shite to do."
Stepping away from Hermione, Draco headed back to the bedroom shaking his head. "Well my smug, little beauty, keep notating. Both of us will go hungry. While you sit there notating, your handsome fiance will have his morning shower then leave early to get breakfast in the lovely food service department at the Ministry. However, because you are my favorite witch, I'll take us out tonight to the restaurant or pub of your choice unless of course you'll be busy schooling your assistant."
Hermione huffed but waved Draco away. "Fine Mr. Malfoy. Have it your way but know this. I plan to demand breakfast in bed after we're bonded."
Draco laughed as he left a quick kiss on Hermione's lips. "After we're bonded, you won't have time for breakfast in bed. I intend to keep you stuffed with things other than eggs and toast."
Hermione chuckled. "Go shower pig."
"On my way muggle born. By the way, I think we should announce our engagement this weekend. Short notice but I'll see if I can pin down our friends. Perhaps we can have a small gathering here Saturday evening. I believe Clarke and Wil will be here through the weekend. I'll invite them as well. What do you think?"
"Splendid. Let me know. My assistant and I will set everything up."
"Sounds ominous. Your assistant is beginning to sound more like a house elf than a member of staff."
Hermione started to speak then hesitated. It did sound as though she was expecting Anna to act as a house elf so she rephrased. "Let me know and I'll get everything set up….."
"That better." Draco taunted.
… "and ask Anna to help me. Feel better now Draco?"
"I don't know Hermione. I'll run it by Theo."
Hermione smiled down at the paper in front of her. The wizard she loved and was going to marry could be such a prat.
/*/
Wil and Thom were up early as well. They'd had a fruitful meeting with Severus Snape the prior day but were looking forward to meeting with the top technicians. They had heard a great deal about Mick Byrne being top man and wanted his opinion on everything.
Wil was wondering out loud. "If Mick is as astute as they say, I'm wondering if he'd be willing to relocate for a bit. Even with all the directions and instructions, this is a big deal. I'm sure the executives would feel more secure with an expert in house."
Thom made a sort of shrug. "Isn't the reason we're here is to learn the inside and out of mobiles and mobile set ups? If Mick Byrne is as good as they say, we'll go home knowing everything. As far as I can see, Mr. Snape has everything in order. I felt bad for the staff at DMTS when you noticed the muck up with the mobile code. Severus is a perfectionist who I'm sure was embarrassed as shite to have the visitor find an error."
"Yes." Wil replied. "The man sure can glare. He probably circled back around to rip the throat out of some poor soul."
"Hahaha. Probably. Remind you of anyone?"
Both wizards laughed.
"Draco wasn't that bad," offered Wil in defense of his mate.
"Draco Malfoy was that bad and worse when he first arrived in Switzerland. However, under our excellent tutelage he became human or human like. Too bad we worked so hard on him. Otherwise, it might be you dating the lovely Hermione Granger." Thom replied in a taunting voice.
Wil snapped at Thom. "Never you mind about Hermione Granger. You had better worry about your own arse if you go sniffing around Miss Grace again. Theo can get very cross as well. I believe the Hogwarts School must teach a class on how to be an arsehole because these British wizards excel at it. Or, perhaps the class featured the art of talking. All I know is they are very touchy.
Thom who suddenly found his fingernails very interesting turned a bright red but refrained from replying to Wil's taunt about Anna and Theo. All he said was don't let Draco hear you call him an arsehole. He's the proper British gent now.
"You have a point Thom. Are we ready? I'd like to get there early to study up on the mobiles. What's that muggle, nomaj saying, the more you know?"
"I concur. Let's go get our learning on. I hope they have breakfast laid out. I'm starving."
Wil responded with a wink. "If they don't have a breakfast spread, we can ask Hermione to…..."
Thom cut across Wil with a chuckle. "Still thinking she'll drop Draco and follow you back to Switzerland then? As they say in London, you're barking. Let's double check the apparating address and be off."
"I have the address. I'll meet you at WCS."
/*/
Theo was still sleeping when Anna got ready to start her day. Even though they were now officially a couple, Anna was a bit embarrassed to get out of bed naked. As quickly as she could, she picked up her wand to summon a pair of pajamas from the drawer before heading to the bathroom.
Two steps from the bed, Theo spoke. "Good morning Anna. You are remiss by not leaving a kiss on my lips before getting out of bed. I'll always want a kiss before you walk away."
"Good morning Theo. I was remiss." She said, leaning down to kiss him. "Now I'm not."
Theo grinned as he ran his hand down Anna's arm. "Thank you for last night Anna. It was perfect. If you allow me to make a personal comment, I'd like to share something I want you to remember throughout our relationship."
Anna sat down on the side of the bed. "If I allow? Is there a way to stop the fierce Theo Nott from commenting on anything?"
Theo nodded in agreement. "There have been times when I've held my tongue. A few, not many. I'll have to practice. At the moment Anna, that's neither here nor there. What I want to address is your comfort level around me in intimate quarters…."
Anna knew exactly what Theo meant. She had been uncomfortable being naked in front of him.
"… You are beautiful. Your body is beautiful. We have chosen to be with each other. There should never be a time when you are embarrassed in front of me. I'm saying this now to make you more comfortable but, in the future, it is my hope to never have to mention it again. It's very early. Please come back to bed so I can get enough of you to last me through the day."
It was true she had been embarrassed to be naked in front of Theo, but there was something she needed to say. Removing her pajamas and standing naked in front of Theo, she said it.
"You've said your piece Theo so let me say mine. I admit I was embarrassed to be naked in front of you. What I'd like you to remember is last night was our first time being together intimately. While I don't consider myself a prude, I haven't had tons of wizards gazing at my body so my natural response was…."
Theo reached over and pulled Anna down on the bed, wrapping her in his arms. "Please stop Anna. I didn't mean to upset you. We'll learn as we go."
"Alright Theo. Shall I start?"
A surprised Theo groaned as Anna ran her hand along his engorged dick.
"Yes love, please start."
And she had.
/*/
Thirty minutes later, Theo and Anna were dressed and ready to part for the day.
"If you don't mind love, I'd like you to have dinner with me and Declan tonight so you can regale us with thoughts on your new position, after which, I will see you home and perhaps stay for a bit."
Anna laughed. "Thank you for the confidence you have in me sir, but I don't know for sure I'll have a new position. I've been told Severus Snape is very hard to please."
Nuzzling Anna's neck, Theo gave a smart reply. "That might be true love, but even Severus Snape can't turn down someone as bright and lovely as you."
"So full of compliments Mr. Nott. I hope you are right. Now I must get going. I have to stop at Owl Services to send an Owl to my shop proprietor to remind her of my appointment."
"You need your own Owl Service Anna. I'll have one set up today."
Anna turned to Theo with a frown. "Thank you Theo, but I've gotten along without a personal owl until now. If I want one, I'll get one."
Theo realized he was pushing. They had discussed things of this nature with Anna making it clear there were things she planned to do for herself. His pushing might only drive her away.
"My apologies Anna. As I mentioned earlier, we'll learn as we go along."
"That's better." Anna remarked as she grabbed Theo by the hand. "We'll learn as we go along. Now I really must get going. I'll see you and Declan about 5:30 or 6:00. Wish me luck. Have a good day."
"Good luck love. We'll see you tonight."
Anna apparated directly out of her flat while Theo left through the front door.
/*/
Hermione was putting together bundles while keeping one eye on the front doors. Except for the few minutes she'd spent in the back gathering the product Philip would be picking up, she'd been watching for Anna. It was now almost 8:20. She had specifically mentioned Severus expected punctuality for his interviews. Even though the interview was not her business, she was mumbling to herself about witches who didn't deserve a chance. At 8:40, Hermione put a back in five minutes sign on her door to go rant in the ladies. Fortunately for Hermione, no witch had to use the facilities while she was having her tantrum.
Back at her desk, Hermione glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch. It was now 8:55. She sighed. She had tried to do what she thought was a good thing, but an irresponsible witch had put her in an embarrassing position. Severus would never accept another suggestion. In that same thought, she wondered why Severus hadn't come out to rake her over the coals for wasting his time.
Just as Hermione was getting ready to go into full blown meltdown, Philip appeared looking to pick up the bundles of mobiles as well as a few top of the line packages. Hermione went to the back to fill the extra request.
When Hermione came back out front, Anna was standing there as big as you please having a conversation with Philip. Hermione didn't know what she wanted to do more, hex Anna or hex Anna. However, she was at work so she just grinned at the witch through gritted teeth.
"Hello Anna."
Anna felt the chill in Hermione's words and was puzzled. This witch had championed for her but was acting as though she'd been done wrong.
"Is there something wrong Hermione?" Anna asked.
Hermione gave a grim smile as she finished up with Philip. Once Philip was gone, she turned to ask Anna what she was playing at, but before she could do that, Anna spoke.
"It seems your day isn't going well so I'll make this quick. Thank you so much for referring me to Severus. It really was a lovely interview. I would have taken him as brusque if you hadn't explained a few things. I'm sure he'll be getting in touch with you, but he assured me I met the requirements. I think I'm in."
Hermione was confused. She hadn't seen Anna pass across her view.
"When? How? I watched for you from 8:10. You didn't pass by here."
Anna immediately realized Hermione thought she hadn't been on time. It was time to set the record straight. "Are you thinking I skived off something as important as a job interview set up by a friend? I would never do that. I had thought to say hello on my way in but your counter was empty so I went directly to the interview room. I was about ten minutes early for the interview which seemed to please Mr. Snape."
Hermione who was bright red by this time couldn't do anything except congratulate Anna and do a mea culpa.
"Oh Merlin Anna. I'm so sorry. When I didn't see you pass, I assumed you were either running late or decided not to show up at all, either didn't set well. My apologies. I should have known better. Forgive me for doubting you. With that out of the way, let me congratulate you on an interview well done. Draco and I are thinking about having a dinner party this weekend. I hope you and Theo will attend."
It was Anna's turn to blush. "I'll hold off on accepting your invitation. Theo has asked me to host Sunday dinner. He will, if he hasn't already, be messaging everyone. Now that we have mobiles, he may be calling. Anyway, thanks for asking. I'll let you know. I have to get going. My manager was good enough to give me time off for the interview. I don't want to let her down. We'll talk later. Bye."
"Bye Anna."
/*/
Hermione was still thinking of how close she'd come to looking like a fool when Severus approached.
"Good morning Hermione. I have a full day so I'll make this quick. Miss Grace is an acceptable candidate. Before she comes aboard, I'd like to discuss her duties. See me in my office at 5:00. Thank you for the recommendation. Have the mobile packages been picked up yet? I have three more orders ready for assembly."
Severus liked Anna. Perhaps liked wasn't the correct word. He accepted Anna. Hermione felt good and responded with a big smile. "Philip has come and gone Severus. However, if you like, I'd be glad to take the orders over to DMTS during my lunch break."
Severus gave Hermione what passed as a smile. "That would be fine. I'll make a note my Head of Transition Department is much more pliable after I've accepted a recommendation." He remarked, holding out a piece of paper that contained the three orders. "Thank you Hermione."
"You're welcome Severus." Adding softly she was dying to see the foo foo department everyone thought was so great. Additionally, she might be able to have a short lunch with her fiance. Hermione went back to work humming.
/*/
Draco arrived at OTS in the best of moods. Donald and Brian smiled at each other. It seemed it would be a good day.
"Good morning boss. Are we in or out?" Asked Donald.
"There are only a few loose ends left on the Smythe case. We can tie those up quickly and be out in the field after lunch. What do we have?"
Brian answered the question. "Believe it or not Draco there was some trouble in Great Warley earlier this morning. Some drunken sot tried to enter a home that wasn't his and got hexed for his trouble. I think it's a case of self defense, but we'll see what the evidence says."
Draco was surprised. "Great Warley? Any other information? Was the husband or wife dallying around and got caught up?"
Donald chuckled. "Dallying around? You have such a way with words."
"Whatever Donald. Was the husband or wife shagging around?"
Brian let out a loud chuckle. "Happy now Donald?"
Draco's mobile rang. It was Theo. "Excuse me wizards. I need to take this."
Draco took the call in his office.
Hello Theo.
Good morning Draco. I'm calling to invite you and Hermione to another Sunday dinner. This dinner will be hosted by the lovely Anna Grace.
For a second Draco saw his and Hermione's announcement going out the window but quickly realized the announcement could be done Sunday at dinner.
You put on the best parties and dinners. Hermione and I will be glad to attend. Hermione and I have an announcement to make. Please keep that bit of information to yourself. I hope all the usual suspects will be there.
Theo laughed assuring Draco all the usual suspects and then some might be there.
I need to get on with my day. I just wanted to pin you down before it got too late in the day. By the way, I called Blaise but he didn't pick up. Didn't think to leave a message. Pass the invite on. I'll speak to you later.
Alright mate. I'll speak to you later.
Draco dialed Hermione as soon as he disconnected from Blaise.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Hermione answered on the fourth ring.
Hello love. Nothing to do but run me down?
Funny Granger. I called to say I love you.
Really prat. You took the time to ring me up to tell me something I already know? What's up?"
Draco grinned at the phone. His witch was having a good morning.
Theo has invited us to dinner on Sunday which Anna will be hosting. I smell romance in the air plus a shiteload of Sunday dinners. Anyway, I suggest we forego our thoughts of having a Saturday night soiree. We can make our announcement on Sunday. What do you think?
Sounds lovely. You'll get a chance to congratulate Anna on securing a position next to me. She did it love. She impressed Severus. I think it might have been her pat answers.
Draco sighed. He'd be hearing the words pat answers for the next week.
Alright then. Donald and Brian are waiting to discuss a case. I….
Wait Draco. I have to drop off some mobiles at DMTS later. I'd like to invite you to lunch. You're paying. It can be quick but it will be nice to see your face during the day. Additionally, there is a sory that goes along with Anna getting the position. I'll tell you at lunch.
Tapping his fingers on the desk, Draco knew his witch was winding him up, but he liked it.
Of course. Shall I meet you in Food Services or shall we dine in Diagon Alley?
Diagon Alley will be fine. I'll meet you in the lobby at 1:00.
It's a plan. Love you Granger.
Love you more Malfoy. See you soon.
Draco put the mobile in his pocket and hurried to the workroom
/*/
Esther Nott was the happiest she'd ever been in her entire life. Ellis had already left to open his shop and she had just finished showering and dressing. As she sat there enjoying a cup of tea, Esther thought about Declan. She hadn't seen her nephew in days. It was her own fault. When she was with Ellis, she didn't want to think about anyone or anything else and that was just wrong, especially with all Theo had done to rectify her life.
Turning her wand, she sent the cup to the sink to wash, dry and put itself away. Esther waved her wand once again and infused the air with sweet smelling scent just in case Theo turned up. With a smile, she summoned a jumper before turning into apparition with Nott Estate foremost in her mind.
/*/
Esther stepped through the doors at Theo's calling out as she went. "Declan, Reg. Is anyone about?"
Declan came running at once. "Aunty. I thought you forgot about me. Is Mr. Ellis with you?"
Esther grinned at the energetic young wizard. "Ellis has a shop. He's at work. As far as forgetting about you, I could never do that. You are my favorite young wizard."
Declan turned to Reg who had entered the room. "It's Aunty Reg. She's come for a visit."
Reg nodded at Esther. "Good morning Aunt Esther. I hope all is well. Will you be staying for lunch?"
Esther thought about it. "Yes Reg. I believe I will stay for lunch. Thank you. There is a request I'd like to make. I would normally address certain things with Theo, but you are Declan's man so I'll address it with you. If necessary, you should run it by Theo. Anyway, it's a simple request. I'd like Declan to have my mobile number so he can call to chat."
Reg responded in the affirmative. "That's an easy request Aunt Esther as long as we set ground rules. We'll input your number and you'll input ours. I'd like you to have mine as well. We'll need to set some ground rules. Declan please go get your mobile."
"Okay Reg. I'll be quick."
Esther complimented Reg. "You're doing a fine job with Declan Reg. Theo couldn't have chosen better."
"Thank you Esther. I try my best."
Declan returned holding out his mobile. "You put in the number Reg."
Reg shook his head. "It's your mobile Declan. It's you who should handle it. If you have trouble, I'll guide you."
"Okay. I press this button to add right Reg?"
"Correct."
"Now I add the numbers."
"Correct."
"Tell me your numbers Aunty."
Esther read off her mobile number then reminded Declan to press save.
"All done Aunty. Thank you. I'll call…."
Reg interrupted. "Just a minute Declan. You have Aunty's number. Now for the rules. Stop me if I'm wrong Esther. You may only call after speaking with me or your father; you may only call during the day which means until 6:00 pm; of course you may call if we have an emergency, but only if me or your father is unavailable. Have I left out anything Esther?"
"You haven't missed anything Reg. I may call to chat but it will be within the rules. I have your number and you have mine Reg. Feel free to reach out to me if necessary. I know from time to time you may want a day off. In that case, ring me. I'll be glad to have Declan over for a visit. That's all settled. Will you sit out back with your aunty. I'd like to see how you are keeping up the garden."
"Shall we Reg?"
"That's fine Declan. I have a few things to do. Mind yourself. I'll see you in a bit Esther."
/*/
Declan took Esther's arm as they walked to the back garden. Esther smiled down at the boy she once thought she could never love and pushed a lock of his thick hair out of his face.
"You are learning to be a right gentleman."
"Yes I am Aunty. My dad and Reg are seeing to it. I have to live up to the Nott name."
"Yes you do." Esther replied. "The Nott name is a very fine name."