Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 92
Draco gave a quick nuzzle before sitting down and taking a sip of Hermione's tea. "Act my relationship status and not my shoe size? That's a rather convoluted piece of advice. Must be some damn muggle thing."
"You know exactly what I mean Malfoy. I have your mother's mobile package. Did you ring Lucius to let him know you'll be bringing it to the Manor tomorrow?"
"We'll. We'll be bringing it to the Manor tomorrow. And no, I haven't rung him. In fact, I'll text him right now."
Hermione waved her wand yet again to clear up the tea remains before following Draco into the bedroom. He was sitting on the side of the bed texting.
"I've invited Anna to have dinner with me tonight at my flat. A sort of girls night in. I'll come over in the morning."
Draco said the first thing that came to mind. "You're going to leave me to sleep alone? Why don't you and Anna have dinner here? There's plenty of food. I'd like my fiancee to sleep where I sleep. Text Anna and tell her dinner will be here."
"No Draco. Anna and I will be having dinner at my flat. Get dressed, go out and have a good time. I'll see you in the morning. I love you git."
Draco got up off the bed and wrapped his arms around Hermione. "I love you too Granger. Now give me a big kiss to tide me over."
They shared a long, sweet kiss.
"I'll see you in the morning love."
"You certainly will Malfoy. We have a mobile to deliver."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 93
/*/
Twenty minutes after Draco left for his night out, Hermione gathered up a few things and apparated to her own flat. She had to at least cast a few cleaning spells to clear away the dust which had begun to gather in her absence. It had been ages since she and Draco had spent any time there. A quick walk through the flat spoke volumes. Dust was everywhere. Pulling out her wand, Hermione began in the living room and went from there. Her flat was dust free in no time. All ready for company.
It was coming up on 7:00 pm so Hermione decided to have a quick shower. She didn't want Anna coming to a dust free flat only to be greeted by a host who smelled like a troll. After she showered and dressed, Hermione put out two bottles of white wine even though Anna promised to come bearing gifts as well as dinner. It was the hospitable thing to do.
Ten minutes later, Anna was at the door. She hadn't been kidding. She was loaded down with an Italian dinner for two and two bottles of white wine.
"Good evening Hermione. Thanks so much for inviting me to dinner. I imagine you already know, but Theo is joining the wizards on their night out."
"With all the lad getting together, I assumed Theo would be joining them. Come in and make yourself comfortable. I'll put the food and wine in the kitchen. Great minds think alike assistant. I put out two bottles of white wine as well. We'll be drunk off our arses before the night ends." Hermione replied with a chuckle.
Anna replied with a huge smile on her face. "I'll have you know this demure assistant to be has a hollow leg. I think we'll finish at least two bottles without a problem."
Both witches made themselves comfortable on either end of the couch and had one glass of wine before Hermione got up to serve the dinner.
"Ah Italian. I'll be stuffed and drunk all in one. Do you want to eat in the kitchen or living room? Either is fine with me."
"The living room is fine. I'm going to use the ladies. I'll be right back."
/*/
Hermione hummed as she loaded up the plates. One would think she and Anna hadn't eaten in ages. Soon, she and Anna were enjoying their meal discussing all manner of things, WCS, horny wizards, and of course, Hermione's wedding plans. Anna had a load of good suggestions which in turn made Hermione ask if she would assist her.
Anna didn't hesitate. Raising her glass, she gave a positive response. "Even though I don't know much about wedding planning, of course I'll help you plan. Isn't that what assistants are for?"
"That's exactly what assistants are for."
Because Hermione had shared with her, Anna felt completely fine sharing that she and Theo were a couple with more in mind. Hermione winked at Anna as she remarked that her revelation was a bit of a non-surprise. "After that incident with Clarke, I was pretty sure Theo had his mind made up."
Anna laughed as Hermione continued to speak about wedding plans. "Additionally, you can be my back up for times when the pureblood becomes overbearing." Hermione remarked, raising her own glass in the air.
Anna was puzzled. Which pureblood? Hermione was marrying Draco so it couldn't be him. Anna had heard a lot about Lucius Malfoy, but why would be involved in something as feminine as wedding planning.
Everything soon became clear when Hermione explained who she meant.
From there, Hermione shared her thoughts about Narcissa Malfoy and the fact she had volunteered to help with the wedding plans. By the time the two witches were on their fourth glass of wine, they were giggling like schoolgirls.
By the time 10:00 rolled around, Anna and Hermione had polished off two and a half bottles of wine and discussed a myriad of topics. Anna used the ladies one more time before hugging Hermione telling her she'd had a wonderful time and they would have to do it again.
"We will be doing it again as soon as Sunday. Draco and I don't want to steal the spotlight from you and Theo, but we want to announce our engagement before dinner. Even though Draco has probably mentioned our plans, please put a word in Theo's ear so he won't be upset."
"I don't think Theo will get upset, but I will mention it. Thanks again for a lovely evening. Good luck with your mobile adventure tomorrow. I'll speak to you soon."
Hermione had an instant reply. "It's me who should be thanking you Anna for a lovely evening. I appreciate having a witch who is amenable to getting drunk off her arse with a mate."
They chuckled a bit more before Anna left.
/*/
After twisting her wand to clear everything up, Hermione sat with a last glass of wine thinking she'd made an impeccable choice with Anna. Fifteen minutes after that, she had a quick wash up before slipping into her little used bed.
/*/
The night out for the lads went well. In fact it was better than expected because Chris Desmond sans Beth had turned up to join the party. As wild as Draco had been in Switzerland, it was him who tried to keep the Swiss Three under control from the start. Draco was quick to remind Wil he shouldn't follow any witch anywhere. His remark got a huge laugh from each of the other wizards with both Blaise and Clarke chiming in they didn't feel like dying over a short skirt and nice pair of legs.
"Fuck all of you. I made a mistake which I won't make again, especially in a city that doesn't care all that much for Swiss citizens."
Draco replied before anyone else. "London is a fine place for visitors from everywhere. It's just Swiss boys, excluding Chris, come here and forget their manners. However, tonight you have no worries as you are with me, Blaise and Theo three of the most handsome, most brilliant British wizards who are least likely to pick up some unknown witch. We will protect you arses as long as you don't try chasing our witches."
Draco's little soliloquy garnered more laughs from everyone except Wil who muttered a smart retort.
"Laugh it up boys. No one is dying here tonight and since I'm not allowed to chase the witches, I'd like a last round so I can go back to my lonely hotel bed."
"Second that. Hermione is probably missing her handsome hunk of wizard." Added Draco.
Clarke spoke up. "Yeah. I imagine Miss Grace and Miss Weasley are also missing their handsome hunks. Unless, they've found someone else in your absences."
Draco laughed but Theo simply rolled his eyes while extending an invitation to Sunday dinner.
The men had their last drink and separated outside the doors of F & T promising Theo they would be to dinner if they didn't leave early.
/*/
Draco who didn't plan to spend the night sleeping alone apparated to Hermione's flat instead of his house. He didn't want his witch missing her handsome hunk of wizard even for one night.
Hermione who was half asleep welcomed her wizard to the bed but was sleeping before Draco could remove his clothes.
/**/
The early Saturday morning quiet in the Granger flat was being pierced by a constant beeping. Hermione and Draco obviously both heard it but neither moved until Draco couldn't stand it anymore.
"What in bloody, fucking hell is that bloody, fucking noise?" Grumbled Draco as he adjusted himself so he was sitting on the side of the bed holding his head in his hands. "It's too early for this shite."
Now that her handsome wizard had dragged himself out of bed, Hermione felt he could chase down the noise while she remained in bed.
"Stop grumbling Draco. The noise which has you so irritated is your mobile beeping to inform you there is a text message waiting for your review. You do remember there is a text feature on the device."
Draco sighed. He did remember the text feature. He just didn't expect to hear it at the crack of dawn. Still grumbling, he headed to the living room where he left the mobile last evening. "I'll go but why does it have to be my mobile? It could be yours."
"No Malfoy. It couldn't be mine because I, unlike you, know how to power off my phone. You'd better hurry. It could be the lovely Narcissa rescinding all that she has said."
"Shove it Granger." Draco mumbled in a very low voice. "I'm not in the mood for anyone's early morning shite."
Grabbing the mobile, Draco checked the phone to see Wil's number which caused him to grumble even louder. "Come on Wil. Nothing is so important you need to be texting me so early."
However, when Draco looked at the body of the text, it wasn't from Wil it was from Chris Desmond. The blighter wanted to make the most of his visit to London and was requesting Draco set up plans for that evening. Spending the previous night out with him, Wil, Thom, Theo and Blaise had whetted his appetite for more.
Draco lost no time replying to Desmond just about laying him out in lavender for the early morning message adding he had plans but would possibly see him sometime that evening. Desmond sent back a two word reply, okay sorry.
Powering off the mobile, Draco strode directly to the bathroom grumbling all the way.
Hermione opened one eye and watched her irritated wizard cross the room. "Pipe down Malfoy. I take it the news wasn't worthy."
"It was my imbecile mate Desmond requesting we have another night out tonight. I think the blighter is still drunk. He probably hasn't been to sleep yet and is just looking for someone to harass. I got him told. Anyway, I am now awake and ravenous. Why don't you get that lovely arse out of bed and fix me a hearty breakfast. A hearty breakfast for a hearty wizard. By the way, the esteemed Lucius Malfoy did text back. Mother is expecting us at 1:00. I imagine she wants to dazzle your muggleborn arse with a luncheon fit for a pureblood." Draco added with a laugh knowing what the response would be.
Hermione who didn't find Draco's banter remotely funny replied with a snap. "Stuff it Malfoy. The only breakfast you'll be getting is the one you make yourself. As far as a pureblood lunch, I understand they don't differ that much from a muggleborn lunch. Now leave me alone. I've got another hour of sleep in me."
A damp Draco came to the bedside and whispered in Hermione's ear. "Did I hear you say you want something in you? If so, I have just the thing."
Hermione sat up so quickly Draco took a step back. He might have just earned himself a hexing.
"Why are you jumping Draco? Did you think I was going for my wand?"
Leaning down, Draco let droplets of water left in his damp hair drip on Hermione. "No love. I know you won't hex me. You love me too much. Besides, how would it look to your mother-in-law to be if her baby boy ended up in St Mungo's? She wouldn't be happy."
"Get away from me you wanker. You're getting me all wet." She shouted, jumping off the bed and making a run for the bathroom.
Draco couldn't resist offering another cheeky response. "Did my witch just say I'm getting her all wet? I've out done myself. Lie back down love. Let me show you wetter."
Peering around the bathroom door, Hermione called a truce. "Put that thing away. You woke me up out of a good sleep I'm not giving you anything. Now that I'm up, I'm ravenous. Why don't you take that lovely arse into the kitchen and fix this hearty witch a hearty breakfast. I'll have eggs and sausage with toast. Now Malfoy now." She ordered before closing the bathroom door with a snap.
Pulling on his boxers and a tee, Draco walked over to the bathroom door. "The only breakfast you'll be getting is the one you make yourself."
Hermione let out a loud snort but Draco didn't hear it. He was already in the kitchen fixing eggs, sausage and toast.
/*/
Severus and Jean were standing together gazing out over the back of Severus' property.
"I've always found this to be an amazing view. I missed it almost as much as I missed you."
Severus leaned down to leave a kiss on the top of her head. "Forgive me for taking so long to recognize what was right in front of me. I am extremely lucky you didn't find another wizard in my absence."
Jean leaned her head back against Severus' chest. "There could never be another wizard for me. It's still a bit early, but would you like a nice sausage, egg and toast breakfast?"
"I would as long as you can find it in your heart to add a few fried potatoes to the menu."
Jean smiled as she broke away from Severus' embrace. "I think I can manage that for my Messiah."
Severus reached out and gently pulled Jean back. "We are on a holiday. There is no Messiah. I'm just Severus and you're just Jean."
"Alright just Sev-er-us. Breakfast in ten minutes.
/*/
Jean and Severus had taken early evening port keys landing in Silverton Oregon at 9:00 pm. Jean had been so pleased thinking her wizard would never leave WCS in hands other than his own. He had proven her wrong. They had spent the balance of Friday in each others arms before settling into a lovely Oregon sleep.
/*/
"Breakfast is ready Severus."
"Coming love."
Severus and Jean ate in companionable silence until she brought up Gloria.
"Miss Isles is in London. Please leave her there. Right now all I want to do is eat breakfast in peace." Huffed Severus.
Jean reached out and laid a hand on Severus' arm. "Calm down Severus. I just want to inform you I may have been wrong in suggesting you take Gloria back to WCS."
Putting down his coffee cup, Severus glanced at Jean with raised eyebrows. "And what brought about this change of heart?"
Jean hesitated for several seconds. This was definitely the place her Messiah would say I told you so. So be it. "I gave Gloria the simple task of picking up the finished mobile sets from Hermione. As you know, there are pick-ups in the morning and afternoon."
"I am aware." Severus replied with a sour look now covering his face.
Realizing Severus was losing patience, Jean rapidly began to explain the situation. "Gloria picked up the morning sets as scheduled."
Severus was now rolling his eyes. "I am also aware of that fact."
Jean was now getting irritated as well. "Never mind Severus. Since it aggravates you so, I'll save the last bit until we get back. Suffice it say, you might not want Gloria back at WCS. Your food must have gotten cold. Let me reheat it for you."
"My food is fine Jean. I would appreciate it if you'd stop judging my moods. You started to tell me something, please finish."
"It's not only your mood that stops me from talking. It's also your mannerisms and facial expressions. If you contain those things, I won't judge your mood."
Jean was surprised to see a smile creep across Severus' face. "I'll have to remember that. Proceed."
"The simplest explanation is Gloria did not pick up the afternoon sets. Hermione called me about 4:00 pm to ask if anyone was coming. I was caught off guard as I hadn't been notified of any problems. I had to send Conor to WCS. I did speak to Gloria for a brief second when I returned to WCS. She was there after 5:00 to pick up something that should have picked up by 2:00 at the latest. Gloria tried to give me some nonsense but I declined to hear the excuse. I set a meeting with her for 9:00 am Monday. If she cannot do a simple task, I thought you wouldn't want her back at WCS. There you have it."
Severus finished chewing before replying. "I will be sitting in. These bloody witches who walk around as if they know everything yet know nothing. We'll get this settled once and for all. If Miss Isles isn't right for WCS or DMTS, she'll be gone. She can take her haughty attitude somewhere else. Now, enough about the flighty witch. I would like a bit more breakfast, after which, we shall have a nice walk about the property."
Jean simply nodded. Her Messiah had spoken.
/*/
Reg had requested a word on Friday, but Theo had plans so he put it off suggesting it wait until Saturday morning. After showering, Theo went to find Reg. He found Reg and Declan in the back fussing over the bushes against the fence.
"Good morning men. How goes the day."
"Good morning father. The day is going well. I'm ready for my day out with the uncles."
"I'm here to have a word with Reg. Why don't you go wash your hands and brush that hair?"
"Alright father. I want to look presentable for the uncles."
Both Reg and Theo sat down. "What can I do for you Reg?"
"Declan and I have a request."
Theo nodded so Reg continued speaking. "After our conversation the other night about Declan starting a savings plan, I got him an application for a Junior Wizards Savings Account. We wanted your approval before setting it up." He said, handing the completed application to Theo.
After a quick review of the application, Theo broke out in a very wide smile. "Excellent thinking Reg. I see where the account can be started with as little as one sickle. I suggest one sickle a month be deposited into Declan's account. Deduct the money from his incidentals account. This is a very good idea Reg. Thank you. It will be more beneficial if you allow Declan to make the deposits once the account is opened. Additionally, it won't hurt for the Goblins to have a look at Declan. They never forget a wizard."
/*/
Just as Theo finished speaking, Mick and Conor appeared at the door with Declan in tow.
"Hello Theo, Reg." Conor said giving a brief wave.
"Good morning mates." Mick greeted. "We have our victim. I mean our nephew. The little upstart has shown us his pocket money. He has more than Conor and I combined."
Declan grinned realizing his Uncle Mick was clowning around. "We're ready to leave father. The uncles and I just want to say goodbye to you and Reg."
"Alright son. Reg and I will see you later. No bad reports. Mind your uncles."
"Yes father. The uncles will keep me in line."
"We certainly will." Offered Conor.
"We'll have young Mr. Nott back by 3:00. See you soon."
/*/
Reg and Theo remained out back discussing the Junior Savings Account. When they were finished, it had been decided Reg and Declan would visit Gringotts on Monday to open the account and be seen by the Goblins. It was a good plan.
/*/
Hermione and Draco had gone back to Draco's house to get everything ready for their trip to Malfoy Manor. At 12:45, Hermione shrunk down the mobile set, gave herself one last look in the mirror judging herself ready. Hugging her from behind, Draco whispered a few soft words.
"If Narcissa is in a pissy mood, you and I will hex her into compliance."
Hermione returned his cheek with some of her own. "And what will we do with Lucius Malfoy while we are hexing his darling wife into compliance?"
Draco shrugged. "Don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead."
Giving Draco a hard pinch, Hermione grabbed him by the hand. "Come on git. Let's get this over with. Apparate me."
Pretending to shiver, Draco offered a smart arsed retort. "Ooh. Only you can make a mundane statement sound sexy. After we finish with my mother, I'll gladly apparate you. All day long."
Hermione giggled. "You'd better keep those sex thoughts to yourself. Remember where we're going. Now apparate me please."
"Consider it done witch." Declared Draco as he turned them into apparition.