Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 94

Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist. "Don't be rolling those eyes at me. I am speaking the truth. Just another thing to make this reformed pureblood wonder why they think they are above everyone else. Some are downright slow."

Hermione pulled herself free and growled at Draco. "I know you're joking but you sound like one of them. Some are downright slow. That would be something to come out of a pureblood's mouth not yours. Don't be one of them."

Draco sighed. Hermione was right. He did sound like some uppity pureblood. He changed the subject. "You seemed quite enthralled with the wedding books. I was very surprised when you mentioned mother offering you the use of the Malfoy wedding planner. We won't have to spend a knut."

"Surprised me too. I was wondering if there was a catch." Hermione admitted, plopping herself onto Draco's lap.

"I don't think there's a catch. I do however think she hasn't given up hope some pureblood witch will catch my fancy." He replied with a smirk.

"Hahaha. Funny Malfoy. Perhaps she's hoping that some muggleborn wizard will catch my fancy. It's possible you know."

Draco squeezed Hermione so tight she begged for air. "Keep talking like that Miss Granger and I'll have you married and pregnant within the week."

Hermione who was finally able to get some air laughed out loud. "As if Malfoy, as if. I believe my muggleborn prince might be just over the horizon."

Draco didn't find Hermione's words funny gave a sarcastic reply as he stood pushing her off his lap. "Do you mean the dead one?"

Following closely behind her fiance, Hermione giggled like some maniac. "Not the dead one. The other one."

Draco growled out some nonsense as he closed the bathroom door behind him with a loud snap.

Hermione continued to giggle.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 95

When he came out of the bathroom, Draco was still a bit petulant. "I'll need names."

Hermione looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Names? What are you on about Malfoy?"

"You spoke of muggleborn wizards who are just around the corner. I'll need names."

"You're barking love. The only wizard in my life and around any corner is you."

Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione. "I know that. I'm just being proactive."

"Proactive is it? I suggest you keep your mind off those unnamed wizards who are around the corner and keep your mind on your wife to be. Otherwise, …."

Draco replied giving his witch a nuzzle. "There's no otherwise love. There's only you and me. Speaking of you and me, how would you like to spend our evening with the Swiss lads?"

Hermione disentangled herself from Draco and sat down on the side of the bed. "As much as I'd like to spend the evening with the loud, unmannerly Swiss lads, I think they might be looking for another mates night out. Why don't you have a night out with them while I stay home looking through the wedding catalogs?"

Draco remained silent for several seconds before offering his opinion. "I was out with them last night. I don't foresee myself banging about with a bunch of single wizards every other night."

Hermione ran her hand down Draco's cheek. "Do you hear yourself? Banging about with single wizards is it? These are your mates whom you only get to see once in a while. Go out and enjoy yourself. Wil, Thom and Chris will be gone tomorrow night."

Draco wanted to act like a tosser. Running his hand up and down Hermione's thigh, he took a humble, if not whiny, stance. "I'd rather stay home with you. We'll see the boys at Theo's tomorrow. We can have some drinks and look at the catalogs together."

Hermione refrained from smiling even though her wizard was acting like a child. "It was only a suggestion Draco. If you'd rather stay home, then stay home. Although I love the feel of your hands on me, I was actually hoping to review the catalogs in peace without your hand running up and down my thighs."

Quickly removing his hand, Draco stood. "Alright Miss Granger. Your wish is my command. I will have another night out with the boys and then a Sunday Dinner with the boys and perhaps follow the boys back to Switzerland where I might get picked up by some lovely pureblood witch."

Hermione frowned at Draco. "Really Malfoy? You want to go there do you? Keep talking like that and I'll have you married and pregnant within the week."

They both laughed at the nonsense that had just come out of Hermione's mouth.

Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist pulling her close. "Alright. Since I don't fancy being pregnant by next week, I'll be a good wizard and leave you alone to get about your wedding business. At least the boys will be glad to see me."

"Our wedding business. It is my dress for our wedding. You do want me to be a lovely Malfoy bride, don't you?"

"Yes love. I do want you to be a lovely Malfoy bride. However, I think we should set a few boundaries."

"Such as?"

Draco shrugged and paused searching for the correct words. "I think you should talk about wedding planning and dresses with Narcissa and the Wedding Planner on a schedule so the husband to be doesn't get chucked out into the night to run with unencumbered wizards."

Lifting herself off the bed, Hermione threw the catalogs down on a chair. "Okay, fine with me."

Draco didn't like the tone of this. "Okay, fine with you what?"

"Okay, I'll leave the searching until I can set up a schedule with Narcissa and the Wedding Planner. However, that will not change my mind about going out with a bunch of wizards. I'll just watch a bit of telly and listen to some music. I won't take one peek at the catalogs. Of course, you do realize I'm going to have last say on what dress will cover this arse on my wedding day. Excuse me please. I have to take a pee."

"Hermione?" Draco purred, following her to the bathroom ready to apologize. However when he stepped into the bathroom, his witch was all smiles.

"Gotcha, didn't I? Do you really think I'd sit here with loads of lovely, wedding magazines and not have a look? You're barking. I'm going to study those catalogs so hard they will have holes bored into the pages. While I appreciate all the help I'll be getting, the muggleborn wants to choose her own dress. Understand big boy?"

"Understood love. I'll just be taking my smarting arse into the bathroom where I will shower, after which I will dress then go banging about with the lads." Draco replied with a big smile on his face.

Draco pushed Hermione out of the bathroom with a hip check only to remember he hadn't firmed anything up with his mates. Summoning his phone, Draco took it into the bathroom with him.

Hermione stifled a laugh as she called out to her wizard. "Firming up your night out behind closed doors then? I hope you're not going to put my business in the streets. I mean do you really want them to know your fiancee chucked you out of the house so she could search wedding dresses?"

Draco let out a soft chuckle as he sent the text to Wil, but he called out a very cheeky response. "Keep on talking witch. Just keep on talking and I'll text Lucius Malfoy that you need a talking to. I'm sure he'd be glad to have a cozy chat with his favorite daughter-in-law to be. Perhaps while you two are having that cozy chat, I'll be searching the wedding catalogs. What's that, nothing to say?"

Hermione couldn't respond. She was too busy laughing at the rubbish coming out of Draco Malfoy's mouth.

/*/

Severus was at his most relaxed being back in Oregon. Waving his hand around the lush back yard, he became expansive as he and Jean sat out back admiring the scenery.

"Such an amazing Saturday. Although, in a manner of speaking, I've returned home to my roots, it is oversimplifying to say I miss all this."

Jean remained quiet in the face of her staid and stoic wizard waxing philosophical. She loved Oregon as well, but the truth of the matter was she couldn't have cared less about lovely scenery after Severus left without making some kind of statement about their relationship. When he had contacted her asking if she would consider coming to London on a permanent basis, trees, scenery, as well as her small, warm flat all fell by the wayside. She wanted to be with Severus.

Severus glanced at Jean as he continued his monologue. "I might sound foolish but I feel as though returning to England has somehow made me whole; somehow made me realize what was missing from my life." Severus suddenly became flushed as if he knew he was definitely speaking out of character. He changed the subject. "How crass of me going on and on while my witch sits here shivering. Accio, heavy, gray jumper. Accio, blue comforter." Handing Jean the jumper, Severus placed the comforter across her lap. "That should be a bit better. Shall we go inside for tea or a brandy?"

Jean slid herself closer to Severus determined not to speak of the feelings she had when he left her. They were together now. The feelings of being thrown aside were locked deep in the recesses of her mind, and that's where they would stay. Instead, she reminded her Messiah that Oregon weather hadn't ever bothered her. Just as she got the last words out of her mouth, the sky opened up and she and Severus made a dash for the house.

"Seems like someone has forgotten he's a wizard. Why are you dragging me into the house because of a little rain? Throw up a charm."

Severus laughed. "I'm so relaxed I forgot I was a wizard."

Jean laughed even harder as she wrapped her arms around Severus' waist. "Although it cannot be shown in public, I love this you. The sensitive, charming you."

Severus let out a soft huff as he lifted Jean's chin to leave a kiss on her lips. "And I love you. In addition Miss Bradford, I am always sensitive and charming, except when I'm not. Might this sensitive and charming wizard be excused to look over a few of the texts that have come through today while you magic us up some dinner?"

Jean couldn't even find the voice to respond. She simply pulled out her wand and began summoning dinner ingredients from left, right and center. Severus Snape had just said the three word she had never expected to hear, I love you. Her heart couldn't get any more full. Her mentor, Messiah and lover had said I love you. Jean's inattention to what she was doing caused her magic to fail and a pot dropped heavily onto the floor.

Severus called out from his study. "Do you need a strong wizard in there to help you work some quiet magic."

Jean didn't reply, instead she raised her wand. Lifting the pot from the floor and moving it to the sink where it washed itself, she spoke softly to herself.

"Severus Snape said he loves me. What am I supposed to do with that?" Finally snapping out of her trance like state, Jean had an answer. "He probably won't remember he said those words come Monday."

Suddenly Severus was behind her. "It's no wonder you have cutlery and cooking pots dropping everywhere. You're so busy talking to yourself you aren't paying attention."

Leaving a kiss on the back of Jean's neck, Severus accio'd his own heavy jumper. "I'm going to make a quick trip to the shops to get some of their most expensive brandy so we can celebrate in style the last free weekend we'll have in a long while. Back soon love."

Jean stood there taking deep breath after deep breath until some sense returned. "Yes Severus my dear. Let us celebrate the evening you told me you loved me. I may never hear it again."

Giving the pots a soft tap of her wand, Jean set about making a lovely celebratory dinner.

/*/

Severus wasn't gone for more than twenty minutes. Removing his damp jumper, he pulled a good sized sack from a pocket and brought it back to size revealing two bottles of Ogden's Exquisite Brandy.

Jean's eyes went big in surprise. Ogden's Exquisite was definitely the most expensive, top of the line liquor in the Ogden's line. "Sweet Merlin love. You weren't kidding about expense. I foresee none of the WCS staff getting paid for the next two weeks."

Severus smiled as he raised his wand to summon two glasses. "If you will pour the brandy that has left me a pauper, I'll serve the dinner. Accio plates, napkins, cutlery."

Gently tapping her wand against the top of the bottle of Exquisite, Jean opened the bottle then poured two glasses. This was heaven. She definitely could get used to this. "All poured love."

Placing a plate in front of Jean and one at his place, Severus seemed to be reading Jean's mind. "You shouldn't get used to this. Tomorrow evening we return to being regular folk."

Jean let out a soft cough to cover her embarrassment. Even knowing Severus was a Master Legilimens she was sure his comment was just an offhand remark. He wouldn't pry inside her head for fun. Of course he wouldn't. Giving Severus a little shrug, Jean spoke her opinion. "Yes Severus. Tomorrow we return to being regular folk, but regular folk with at least one unopened bottled of Ogden's Exquisite as I can't imagine us finishing both bottles, or, leaving what's left here in Oregon."

Severus finished chewing the piece of beef he had in his mouth before replying. "Sounds as though you are giving up on our weekend getaway."

"How so?"

"Well, I had visions of us sipping brandy all night long while cuddled up in our smallish but satisfactory bed."

Jean chuckled. The Messiah was losing his mind. "We'd be drunk off our arses if we finished both bottles. You wouldn't like me drunk because then I would probably speak about how hurt I was when you left me here in Oregon to pursue a future in London. That wouldn't be good."

Extending his hand to cover Jean's hand, Severus made a solemn reply. "We have discussed this Jean. I have made three mistakes in my life. Leaving you in Oregon was one. However, if the brandy loosens your tongue that much, we'll only have a little because I don't want to be reminded of my failures."

For the next several minutes, the pair ate in silence. Regretting bringing up a sore subject, Jean spoke into the silence. "I'll clear up. Why don't you turn down the covers on our smallish, satisfactory bed. I'd like brandy with a cuddle when I'm finished in here."

Severus nodded in agreement. He wasn't adverse to having brandy and a cuddle with the witch he almost left behind.

/*/

After his shower, Draco pulled out his dark gray basic dress suit. Hermione pulled her eyes away from a wedding catalog to comment on his attire.

"For someone who doesn't want to be out banging around London, you're being awfully fussy about what you're wearing. Why not a simple, basic casual jumper and jeans?"

Draco turned away so Hermione couldn't see his smile. "Not really being fussy love. I want to wear a suit because Wil and company want to visit a few muggle pubs. I can't be half arsed around your people."

"My people? How would you like a knock upside your head you pureblood tosser?"

"I'll pass on the knock upside the head if you don't mind. You're only raving because I look so good the muggle women will try to chat me up. No worries though. If they do try to chat me up, I'll tell them I'm a wizard with a bit of time on his hands because he was chucked out of his home. They'll think I'm a murderer or something and distance themselves. On the other hand, if they think I've been chucked out on my arse, they might want to console me and I know how you feel about females touching me."

Hermione waved away Draco's nonsense and returned her eyes to the catalog.

"What love? No more suggestions? In that case, I'll just have a kiss from those lovely lips then me and my overdressed arse will be on our way."

Hermione didn't even look up. "You're pushing it Malfoy. Go on about your business git."

A smiling Draco walked over and planted a kiss on the top of Hermione's head. "I'm going, but you're going to miss me. I love you. I won't be too late."

Before Draco could step away, Hermione reached up with both hands and pulled him into a fierce kiss. "I might not miss you, but I do love you."

"You'll miss me." A smirking Draco whispered softly as he headed out.

Hawk eared Hermione heard every word and smiled as she glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch. "Git! You'll be gone an hour, two at the most."

Draco returned home at 11:00 pm. Hermione had only been off by thirty minutes.

/**/

Theo and Anna were up bright and early on Sunday morning intending to get to Nott Estate in time to have breakfast with Declan and plan their menu. They landed at the house at 9:00 to find Declan, Conor and Reg already having breakfast.

"Good morning all. Nice to see most of the family around the table. I told Anna we should get an early start in order to have breakfast with Declan. I guess we are running a bit behind."

Anna greeted the wizards with a big smile which Declan, Reg and Conor returned with their greeting. Reg began to apologize but Conor cut across him.

"I believe I'm to blame for this early breakfast. I was starving so Reg and Declan had pity on a hungry wizard and called an early meal. Sorry."

Declan glanced at Reg then Conor not understanding why anyone had to explain having breakfast. Theo cleared it all up with his next remarks.

"No problem mate. There's no need to apologize. Anna and I will simply join the table. She and I are looking forward to some tasty morsels to fill our empty stomachs. Cely, two more plates if you please."

Ten seconds later, a plate appeared in front of Theo and a surprised Anna who had let out an involuntary gasp as the food settled in front of her. "Well I wasn't expecting such service. I thought magically appearing plates only happened in The Great Hall at Hogwarts."

All the grown wizards smiled, but Theo replied. "True, it does happen at Hogwarts, but any family with an experienced and dedicated elf, especially one who knows the head of the family and his witch are famished, will do whatever necessary to get them fed."

Conor raised his juice glass high in the air. "Here! Here! I agree. Cely is the best."

Declan and Reg raised their glasses in the air seconding Conor.

Theo gave Anna a bold wink which prompted her to remark. "I've got to get out more."

Theo covered his mouth with a napkin as he let out a fairly loud chuckle. Not only was his witch beautiful and intelligent, she was a comedian as well.

In the kitchen, Cely went about her work with a big smile. She had the best family.

/*/

Theo and Anna were the last two at the table when Anna excused herself explaining she wanted to speak with Cely about the menu and serving arrangements.

A slight frown appeared on Theo's face. There was no need for Anna to be chasing Cely down. A house servant always came when called. "You don't have to find Cely. She will be your elf as well as the house servant. Just call her. She'll find you. That's the way elf magic works. Try it. Just call her name."

Anna blushed over not knowing certain things but called out softly. "Cely."

Pop. Cely appeared facing Anna. Normally, she would always face Mr. Theo no matter who called, but Miss Anna had been declared Mr. Theo's witch. It was proper to face her as she spoke.

"Cely is here Miss Anna. Can I help you with something?"

Nodding his approval, Theo excused himself from the conversation intending to have a game of Wizards Pool with whomever was foolish enough to take the bait. He looked forward to beating the trousers off anyone who stepped up.

Anna watched Theo walk away before turning to Cely. "Cely, you and I are going to put together a magnificent meal for Theo and his guests. I have some suggestions."

Knowing it would be too bold of her to smile at Miss Anna, Cely smiled inside as she replied to her next mistress. "Yes Miss Anna. We going to fix a magnificent meal. You just tell me and I'll remember it all."

/*/

While the Mistress and the house elf planned dinner, contrary to what he had planned, Theo was getting the trousers beaten off him by Reg while Conor and Declan watched.

Theo didn't like losing in anything, but this was a game between wizards which he had initiated. He would have to keep his hand away from his wand.

Conor, who knew Theo's temperament enjoyed watching the wizard straining to remain civil while losing. With a wink and a nudge to his nephew, Conor called out loudly.

"I'll take winner."

Theo managed to get off a side eyed glance at Conor before making his next shot.

Declan, who didn't like to see his father lose at anything wanted to excuse himself, but when he stood, Theo spoke some prophetic words which wiped the smile off Conor's face.

"Remain here Declan. You're a growing wizard who needs to see that no one wizard wins all the time. We remain gentlemen even in the face of losing."

"Yes father." Declan mentally filed away the advice he had just been given.

Reg and Conor smiled when a smirking Theo added a few more words.

"Even when it kills you to lose."

At game's end, which Theo did lose, the three grown wizards shook hands before proceeding on to the next.

It was family respecting family.