Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 90
"So what Hermione? If you're asking me to explain my parents behavior this evening, I can't. All I know is something dire must have transpired between them after I left because earlier I thought my father was going to hex my mother. They were both in the foulest moods I've even seen. Fast forward a few hours and it's suddenly nothing but honey up in there. I'm stumped."
"If you're stumped, I'm doubly stumped. If I have it right, Narcissa Malfoy is now down to help me with wedding planning." Hermione laughed. "First I'll have to get a plan."
Draco chuckled as he called Hermione. "Come eat. It's your favorite. Food to be eaten not at Malfoy Manor."
Leaving a quick kiss on Draco's shoulder, Hermione sat down to eat. "Food is so good when I don't have three Malfoys staring down my throat."
Draco continued chewing until his mouth was clear. "Keep it up Granger and one of those Malfoys is going to rip the clothes off you and spank that lovely butt."
Giggling, Hermione promptly replied. "Promises, promises. I'll clear away if you promise to carry me to the bedroom. I'm too tired to walk."
Draco burst out in laughter. "If you're too tired to walk, then you're obviously too tired to give me some of that Granger loving. Where's the benefit for me?"
Hermione stood and walked over to Draco and began rubbing his dick. Two rubs and he grabbed her in his arms whispering she shouldn't stop. Abruptly pulling away her hand, Hermione whispered back that he should rub his own dick because she was too tired.
Draco whined out his reply. "Alright, alright. I'll carry you."
Hermione wasn't having it. "Too late wanker. By the way. If you have plans with Wil and Thom tomorrow night, I'll just busy myself with wedding catalogs. I want to be ready when your mother calls me to chat. Shall I deliver the mobile to her, or will you?"
Draco sighed knowing this night would go down in the Malfoy-Granger relationship as the weirdest night ever. As he strode to the bedroom, Draco called out a truce. He didn't want to hear any more about Lucius, Narcissa or Malfoy Manor.
He was even too tired to rub his own dick.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 91
Mick came through Theo's front doors loudly proclaiming his presence. "Hello! Hello! Is anyone about. It is I the brilliant uncle come to visit family."
Theo, with Anna still on his arm, stopped in place calling out to Mick. "We are in the dining room Mick ready to sit down to dinner. Why don't you lower your voice and join us."
Mick smiled and lowered his voice. "Of course Theo. Give me a minute to clean up and I'll be to the table."
Declan looked from Theo to Reg wondering if either man was going to get Mick told when he joined the table. He loved his uncle, but the wizard could be very loud at times. It had always been that way at home. Nan didn't care how loud her boys were as long as they brought their sorry arses home for dinner. However, he wasn't in Ireland anymore. He was here in London with his father who had set rules. Rules that would be enforced, especially in front of Anna. Declan let out a soft sigh when a clean shaven, fresh looking Mick greeted everyone, in a normal tone before taking a seat.
The conversation around the table was friendly and a bit lively with Mick keeping a smile on all faces. Declan beamed as he glanced at his father's smiling face. He was so proud of his uncle. His Nan would have been even prouder. A circuitous thought suddenly darted through Declan's head. If Nan was still alive, there wouldn't be any reason for her to be proud. Uncle Conor and Uncle Mick would probably still be running hither, thither and yon chasing after crappy jobs and he wouldn't be living with his father. Declan shook his head to clear the thoughts just as his father began to speak.
Theo was cutting his meatloaf as he questioned Mick's availability on Sunday. "I left a message on your mobile about Sunday dinner. Although I haven't heard back, I'll assume you'll be here."
Mick stared at Theo for a second. "I didn't know you needed a response. It is my intention to show up early with the lovely Parvati on my arm and stay late. I've even cautioned Parvati to be on her best behavior. It should be a lovely time." He said before picking up his fork.
Declan shifted in his chair.
Theo realized how condescending he must have come across. However, instead of getting into a back and forth with Mick, he simply nodded before responding. "Of course Mick. This particular Sunday Dinner is important to me because Anna and I plan to share our news. However, you are here now so we'll share now." Taking one of Anna's hands in his, Theo advised Mick he and Anna had become a couple and were courting with the intention of more. Mick who wasn't daft didn't bat an eye. Instead, he replied quite eloquently even as he wondered what Parvati would think.
"Congratulations. I think you both have made an excellent choice. I wish you and Theo the best in your relationship. You are a lovely addition to the Nott family Anna."
"And the Byrne family," added Declan. "We are all the same family. Right father?"
"Yes Declan. We are all part of the same family." Theo remarked with a nod.
This time it was Mick beaming as he reached over to leave a soft knock on Declan's arm. "That's my nephew. Always looking out for his uncle. This meatloaf is delicious. I hope you won't think I'm rude, but I'll need to leave directly after dinner. I'm meeting Wil and Thom for a bit of a night out."
Theo shrugged. "No problem Mick. We appreciate you taking time to have dinner with us. Give Wil and Thom my regards. In fact, if they plan to be here through Sunday, bring them along to dinner."
"That's nice. I'll pass along the invitation, but they might have an early portkey. If not, I'm sure they'll take you up on the invitation, especially Clarke."
Theo smiled.
Anna smiled.
Reg and Declan continued eating not knowing what Clarke had to do with anything only knowing he had nothing to do with them.
/*/
Mick was true to his word. After dinner, he went directly to his room to get ready for his night out. When he appeared at the doorway to say his goodnight, Theo complimented him on his appearance.
"Looking quite sharp Mr. Byrne." Theo remarked with a hint of a smile playing across his lips.
Theo wouldn't come right out with it in front of Declan and Anna, but Mick knew what he was implying. He would be quite appealing to the witches.
"Thank you Mr. Nott. I try my best. I'll be on my way. Goodnight Reg. Congratulations once again Theo, Anna. Have a good evening. Declan, Conor and I will see you on Saturday. Get your thoughts in order. Night."
Theo and Anna wished Mick a good night thanking him again for his congratulations. Reg and Declan did the same with Declan agreeing he would see Mick on Saturday.
/*/
After Mick left the house, Theo led a family friendly conversation during which he allowed Declan his time to share his thoughts, which he did.
"I'm looking forward to my time out with the uncles on Saturday. I think I'd like to see Diagon Alley from top to bottom. Perhaps I'll be allowed to buy a few things. Uncle Mick and Uncle Conor have good positions so they shouldn't mind spending a bit of money on me."
If he had been on duty, Reg would have had something to say about what Declan had just shared. He wasn't so he remained silent making a mental note to speak to his charge later. However, speaking to his charge later became unnecessary when Theo spoke.
"Your uncles have generously agreed to take you out. They shouldn't be expected to pay for your purchases even though I'm sure they'd be glad to do it. You have a father who is responsible for your needs and a Man who has been given a purse for your incidentals. If you want to purchase items on your day out, speak to Reg."
Declan was silent for several seconds before responding to his father. "Yes father. Reg and I have discussed my incidentals account. He said it was for my needs."
Reg nodded. His charge hadn't failed him. He didn't want Theo to think he was derelict in his duties.
"And Reg is correct." offered Theo.
"Yes father. Reg is always correct, but, when I'm out with the uncles, I won't be looking for things I need. I'll be looking for things I want. There's a difference you know."
Theo couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. His son was setting a line of demarcation between needs and wants.
Anna had a smile as well thinking Declan was a very delightful and intelligent child. She was glad to be joining the Nott and Byrne family.
Reg was proud of the respectful way Declan got his point across, but kept his face blank. Right now, Theo was in charge. His approval wasn't necessary.
/*/
The house wizarding clock was showing 8:30. Reg knew it was time for him to step back into his duties, which he did. Rising from his chair, he advised Declan it was time to get himself ready for the night. Nodding at Theo and Anna, Reg put his hand on Declan's shoulder.
"Come on mate. It's time we gave your father and his guest a bit of privacy. There are books and such calling your name."
Declan grinned. Reg was being humorous. "Alright Reg. I'd like a bit of reading before my bath." Turning to Anna, he thanked her for coming to dinner also telling her he looked forward to Sunday Dinner, after which, he stood waiting for Reg.
Anna glanced quickly at Theo before beckoning Declan to her. "I've been invited into a warm and loving family. I'm happy to visit Declan. If it won't make you feel uncomfortable, I'd like a proper hug."
Declan looked to his father for direction and received a nod of encouragement.
Anna stood to hug Declan remarking he would soon be taller than her which pleased Declan to no end and Reg and Theo as well. Theo felt himself warming inside. This was the witch he was determined to pursue. It was fortuitous his son was so accepting of his choice. Then he thought about it. Anna really hadn't been his choice. She had been put in front of him by his late wife and his son. He was an extremely lucky wizard.
"Good night Declan. Have a wonderful time on your Saturday adventure. Good night Reg. I'll see you both on Sunday."
"Goodnight Anna." Declan said offering a quick wave.
"Goodnight Miss Grace. Have a good evening."
/*/
Theo asked Anna to excuse him for a minute as he followed Reg and Declan out of the room. When they entered Declan's room, Theo sent his son to wash his face and brush his teeth because he wanted a short conversation with Reg about the incidentals account and the maximum Declan should be allowed to take on his Saturday excursion. It was a quick discussion because Reg had everything in hand. He planned to give Declan two Galleons to do with as he wished. Theo nodded in agreement. Two Galleons (34 sickles) wasn't too much or too little, adding his wish that Declan start a personal savings jar with any remainder. Reg thought a savings jar was a good idea as it was never to soon to teach a young wizard about personal finances.
When Declan came out of the bathroom, Theo wished both wizards a good night before returning to Anna.
It was wizard and witch time.
/*/
When Hermione and Draco made it to the bedroom, some obvious magical burst of energy overcame them both, or, perhaps it was the extremely long kiss Draco left on the back of Hermione's neck. Whatever it was, it got their sexual juices flowing. Fiance and fiancee came together to stem those juices.
Twenty five minutes later, the couple who started out too tired to walk and too tired to rub his own dick were cuddling after an amazing bout of sex.
Awake now, Hermione wanted to talk. "I know we joke about it love, but I'm actually thrilled Narcissa wants to be part of our wedding plans. I hope she means what she said. In fact, I just might stop off in Diagon Alley after work to pick up a few catalogs from the specialty shop. Down the line I can see myself spending tons of Malfoy Galleons.
Giving Hermione a soft nudge and a quick kiss on the nose, Draco placed his arm under her neck. "You may spend as many Malfoy Galleons as you wish since we'll probably receive twice as much in wedding gifts. Besides, Narcissa will probably use all of mine and most of Lucius' Galleons on her daughter-in-law to be. Her only caveat will be that you remain in a locked room somewhere none of her pureblood friends can see you."
"As if," joked Hermione. "Once I'm Mrs. Malfoy, I'll have automatically acquired all the rights by way of pureblood injections."
Draco turned to gaze at Hermione with a curious look on his face. "Pureblood injections? I just love it when my witch barks at the moon."
"Barking am I?" Hermione questioned as she reached over to pat Draco's dick. "Pureblood injections."
Draco let out a loud chuckle. "Oh that. First time I've had my extremely worthy sex work referred to in that way. Must be some of that muggle shite."
"Laugh if you like, I plan to sit at the top of the table right next to Lucius."
Draco leaned over to nip Hermione on the neck. "Ah! Those are some big plans Miss Granger. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves because tomorrow might bring an entirely different Narcissa. By the way, I believe we should get a mobile package together for your mother-in-law to be as soon as possible before Narcissa conveniently forgets what was said tonight. Additionally, I also believe it should be delivered by the both of us, at which time, you'll show Narcissa how to use it."
Rising up on one elbow, Hermione gave Draco the side eyes. "Narcissa may have been cordial which I think is because Lucius hexed her cordial, but she's not so cordial she'll take instructions from me."
Draco took a few seconds to reply because he was lying there thinking the same thing. Not so much about his father hexing his mother cordial but her taking instructions from Hermione. However, he had to put on a brave front for his witch. "While it might not be her favorite thing to do, I believe she will willingly take instructions from my brilliant witch. In any case, if she shows any sign of her usual arrogance, we'll leave then recruit my godfather to do the honors."
Flopping her head back down on Draco's arm, Hermione threw her leg over his thigh telling him sometimes he had brilliant ideas which he countered with a bit of cheek.
"I always have brilliant ideas. It's just that you seldom listen when I'm being brilliant."
Hermione laughed as she snuggled closer. "Oh really? I guess you'll just have to speak louder when you're being brilliant, or, you can write your thoughts in a note where I'll be sure to notice." Ending her sentence with a yawn, Hermione assured Draco she would put together a top of the line mobile kit and bring it home with her on Friday. "You are having a night out with the lads, so we might have to deliver the package on Saturday if you don't have time tomorrow. Even though purebloods are much smarter than anyone else, it might take a bit of time to teach Narcissa to use the mobile properly."
"Okay. It's time for sleep. You are talking nonsense. However, I do agree Saturday would be the better day for instruction. Perhaps you can bring those wedding catalogs with you as well. You might as well kill two birds with one stone. I'll ring my father tomorrow to advise him what we plan just in case he needs to refresh his hex. Goodnight love."
A cackling Hermione snuggled up against Draco's back. "Hahaha. Refresh his hex. Good one Malfoy. If your father resists, we'll set the ever ornery Severus Snape on him. Know what Malfoy? I think I'll keep you. I love you handsome. Sleep well."
"I love you too Granger." Draco answered drowsily. "We make a great pair."
/*/
Five minutes later, Hermione lay staring at the ceiling listening to Draco's sleep noises. As tired as she'd been earlier, she couldn't shut off all the minutia running through her head. Minutia like Narcissa Malfoy treating her as an equal, accepting the suggestion she get a mobile, agreeing to work with her on the wedding, Lucius Malfoy speaking as though they had cozy chats every day of the week, and being a welcome guest at the Malfoy table. The last bit of information reminded Hermione of what Draco had said. Malfoy and Malfoy Law Offices. Her wizard was such a wanker. That thought brought forth thoughts of her work in telecommunications. With the ideas she had about telecommunications, she definitely wouldn't be going back to law. Her plan for the future was to dominate the mobile business.
Hermione let out a yawn as her eyelids slowly closed. As uncanny as it seemed, she was looking forward to Saturday when she would have the chance to school a pureblood. By the time the last of her thought dispersed, she was asleep.
/*/
Severus and Jean had had their beef with rice and gravy and were sitting in the living room having a few drinks and sharing parts of their day. Severus reiterated his expectations for their newest hire Miss Anna Grace explaining how she'd gone over and above for WCS even before coming properly on board. Hearing Severus speak about Anna Grace reminded Jean she wanted to discuss Gloria's request. However, her Messiah had a few more things on his mind regarding a few changes he wanted to make at WCS, but before he could share he was startled by the ringing coming from his inside pocket. Caller-Id showed Lucius Malfoy calling.
"As I live and breathe. Two calls from Lucius in the same day." He muttered, holding up one finger to Jean before pressing the accept button.
Good evening Lucius. I imagine you aren't calling me with more Narcissa nonsense.
Jean could almost hear Lucius' huff through the phone.
Good evening Severus. Nonsense to you aggravating to me. Although I am calling about our favorite person, for the moment, the prior situation has been resolved. If your irritable arse can give me a moment of your time, I'll explain.
Watching Severus' sudden furrowed brow, Jean thought this would be a good time to make herself scarce and do a bit of lady maintenance before slipping into bed beside her wizard. However, as she stood, Severus shook his head from side to side gesturing for her to sit back down. Sit back down she did.
Explain away Lucius but please make it fast. Jean and I were in the middle of a discussion.
Fine Severus. Have it your way. I believe Miss Granger will approach you with a mobile set up request. The mobile is for Narcissa.
Severus pulled himself up as straight as a board. He couldn't believe his ears. The fastidious and arrogant matriarch of Malfoy Manor wanted something as base as a mobile phone. Every dead member of the Black family must be turning over in their graves.
Really? Narcissa wants a mobile. How….
The long and short of it is at dinner tonight Miss Granger suggested Narcissa get a mobile so she and her mother-in-law to be could ring each other as they plan the wedding. My request is simple. Set Narcissa up with the best you have. Top of the line. Just charge it to my Gringotts account.
Caught completely off guard, Severus had to gather himself before responding to Lucius' surprise request. However, he was a professional and answered as such.
Of course Lucius. There really wasn't any need for you to ring. Hermione is quite trustworthy and will see to details. I suggest rather than charge it to your account you stop by WCS tomorrow to drop off the payment. Hermione doesn't allow any device to leave the premises without payment in full.
Lucius laughed.
Really? Not even for Lucius Malfoy.
Not even for Merlin.
Lucius laughed again.
Actually old friend, I'm having second thoughts. It might not sit well with Miss Granger if she thinks I am trying to circumvent her. I'll leave things just as they are. That's that. Are you available for a few games of chess on Sunday?
I'm glad you've decided to leave the mobile situation up to Hermione because, as you said, she wouldn't like it very much if she thought you were trying to circumvent her. As much as I'd like to wipe the board with you, I'll have to decline your invitation. Jean and I plan to visit Oregon over the weekend. Perhaps we can have a few games next weekend.
Alright Severus. I look forward to next weekend. Perhaps it will be me wiping the board with you. There's no need for you to mention my call to Hermione. My regards to Jean. Enjoy your weekend.
Hahaha. You, beat me, at Wizard's Chess? That day will never come. I'll give Jean your regards. We'll definitely have to have a conversation so you can enlighten me how certain things came about. Thank you for the call and the order. Enjoy your evening.
You enjoy yours as well. Goodnight.
Goodnight Lucius. My regards to Narcissa.
/*/
"Well that was interesting." Severus remarked, turning to Jean. "I apologize for the extended call. Lucius had some surprising news to share. It would seem Hermione has done what once would be unthinkable. She has made the fiercely pureblood Narcissa Malfoy want a mobile. Whatever. I've spent enough time on that. You started to say something before Lucius called."
"I did, but it can wait."
"Why wait love?" Asked Severus as he uncharacteristically sat down close enough to Jean so their thighs were touching. "Tell your Messiah what's on your mind."
"Ah! My pompous wizard is being pompous. I'll make this short. Gloria has…"
"Not this again. I thought she had come to terms with whatever the hell was bothering her."
"Calm down love. Gloria has requested a transfer back to WCS. I told her I didn't think you had any openings but I'd discuss her request with you. No false hope was given, but you mentioned I should be on the look out for candidates who would fit in at WCS. Rather than keep her at DMTS why don't we bring her back to WCS?"
Severus started to grumble and growl but stopped himself. Jean was just trying to resolve a situation. After an extremely deep sigh, Severus told Jean he was fine with the transfer if it was what she wanted. Laying her head on Severus' shoulder, Jean thanked him for being so agreeable. Severus brushed his lips across Jean's hair advising she had lucked out because he was only agreeable on the third Thursday of a month. Jean laughed as she gave her Messiah a squeeze. The two lovers then sat quietly for the next few minutes enjoying each other's company.
"Sev?"
Severus glanced at Jean. "Sev is it? Shall I throw your words back at you?"
Jean was puzzled. "I'm at a loss. Which words would that be?"
Severus made an exaggerated stretch of the arms while holding Jean's gaze. "You called me Sev. Are you giving voice to a bit of sexual innuendo? If so, I like it."
Jean let out a burst of laughter. "Sev, Sev, Sev. Need I say more?"
Smiling and nodding as he grabbed Jean by the hand, Severus was quick to admit nothing more needed to be said but there was a few things he wanted to get done.
Jean let herself be led to the Messiah's big bed thinking her lady maintenance would have to wait until morning.
/**/
When Draco woke Friday morning, Hermione was already up and in the kitchen humming and moving around.
"Hey! Keep it down in there. On second thought, come in here. I have a very fine erection with your name on it."
"Really wanker? I'm up early because I have places to go, people to see and a mobile sale to transact. Why don't you take that fine erection into the bathroom, have a pee then take a shower to get yourself right." Hermione called back.
Draco was smiling as he walked to the bedroom door with his fine erection standing out straight. "That mobile sale wouldn't have anything to do with your mother-in-law to be would it? If so, I'm pretty sure she'd want you to soften this dick." Adding the last words in a very low voice.
Having excellent hearing, Hermione heard it all and acted on it. Pulling back the shower curtain, she flicked Draco's now flaccid dick with her finger and thumb.
"That thing doesn't look so fine right now. I'm leaving. I want to get to work early. I love you." She said as she walked away leaving the shower curtain open.
"I have soap in my eyes. I can't see shite. Come back here and close this curtain." Draco bellowed to no avail. Hermione was gone.
Draco rinsed the soap out of his eyes swearing as he went. "Bloody witch is a bloody barking menace."
After he was dry, dressed and staring at himself in the mirror, Draco was singing a different tune. "The bloody witch may be a bloody, barking menace, but she's mine and I love every barking inch of her.
Every barking inch."