Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 95
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 96
To be a good sport Theo remained in the game room throughout the rest of the games. Reg and Conor were just about evenly matched and came away winning two games each. Before breaking, Theo suggested Declan have a game with Reg and one with Conor to get an idea how the game should be played. Declan was happy to comply. He wasn't very good but remained willing to learn. At one point, Declan faced his father comment that he thought Conor was cheating him.
Theo guffawed. "I know the feeling son."
Conor grinned at Declan then Theo. "A Byrne does not cheat, unless there is money to be won. I could tell you stories."
Reg and Theo grinned at Conor.
Theo was quick to respond. "No need for stories Conor. We have imaginations."
Conor shrugged as he made his next play watching as the ball jumped high in the air missing the pocket by a mile. "Hmph. All this talk has put me off my game."
Declan made his play landing his ball right in the pocket and turned to beam at his father. "You're not off your game uncle. It's just that I'm getting good."
"Hahaha. Hoisted on your own petard Mr. Byrne. I believe your nephew is catching up." Offered Reg.
"That he is Reg. I wish nothing less. You'll be able to hold your own with your father before long young wizard."
Before Declan could respond, Theo had remarks. "Wizards Pool is something to while away the time. It isn't something Declan needs to worry about. On the list of things to master, pool is not even in the top ten. I'm going to excuse myself to see what's going on in the kitchen. After you've finished your games Declan, I'd like to sit down with you and Reg to discuss a few things."
Reg got the message. It was time to bring pool time to a close. "Alright Theo. We'll make this the last game. Declan and I will see you in my study in thirty minutes."
"That's fine. I'll see you then. Guests will be arriving at 4:00-4:30. I want to be finished well before then."
/*/
Ginny had spent the night at her own flat after a small spat with Blaise the prior evening but was now happily ensconced in Blaise's arms snuggled up on the couch.
Blaise was happy Ginny was there but was a bit unhappy over their row. "I'm glad you here Gin but I think we need to discuss…."
Ginny cut him off. "There's nothing to discuss Blaise. I was wrong and I admit it. Going out with your mates should not have been a bone of contention between us. Sometimes I let my temper get away from me."
Blaise sighed softly as he leaned over to kiss Ginny on the temple. How many times had he heard these very same words? "I won't belabor the point. All I'll say is I love you, but I don't care for that temper, especially over nonsense."
Snuggling in closer, Ginny whispered to Blaise. "I'll do better love. I promise."
Not believing her words for one moment Blaise shrugged. "We'll see. Now, what time do you want to make our appearances at Theo's?"
Ginny was slow to answer which caused Blaise to pull back and look into her eyes.
"Having second thoughts about going to Nott Estate?"
"Not at al Mr. Zabini. Your question simply led my mind to the closet where I was mentally surveying the contents. What should a witch wear to Sunday dinner with friends?"
Blaise had a ready answer. "I don't know what a witch should wear to Sunday dinner, but I do know what I want my witch to wear in the here and now."
Moving her hand down into Blaise's lap, Ginny claimed to have the answer. "Knowing how my wizard thinks, especially when he gets that gleam in his eyes, I would venture to guess the answer would be nothing."
Squeezing Ginny to him, Blaise pulled her into a bruising kiss. "You my sweet thing have won the prize. I would like to see you wearing nothing and I like like to see it now."
"Okay. But if wearing nothing is good enough for you, it is good enough for your mates. I have my outfit." Ginny replied as Blaise lifted her from the couch.
"You're barking Miss Weasley. I believe I need to have a conversation with Arthur about what his daughter gets up to when she is away from him."
"You must be joking Zabini. In case you haven't noticed, I have a rather large family. There was probably very few times Molly kept her clothes on."
Laughing hysterically, Blaise led Ginny into their bedroom for some pre Sunday dinner loving.
/*/
Ellis and Esther were out back enjoying the scenery.
"You and Declan have green thumbs. It is so enjoyable to sit out here and look at all the flowers and greenery. You've done a superb job."
"Thank you Ellis. It was down to Declan getting me interested in gardening. He's a right smart young wizard."
"He is at that Esther. Speaking of young wizards and all they entail, I think we should begin making plans to have one of our own."
One of our own? Esther froze. She'd had one of her own that she couldn't claim. Why would she want another?
"You're talking mad Ellis. We're in our forties. What would it look like me turning up with a big stomach? People would laugh us out of London. Besides, there would never be a Nott child running around this house."
Ellis reached out to take Esther by the hand. "So negative Esther. I didn't plan for us to have a Nott child running around the house. Any child of ours would be a Casper."
Esther caught her breath. Ellis was speaking of things she didn't want to think about. A child? Another child? Esther didn't think she could ever push out another baby.
"Have I shocked you silent my love? That wasn't my intention. We are two adults who enjoy, more than enjoy each other's company. I think we should get married. We can keep it low key if it will embarrass you, but I want to marry you, and if the gods deem it so, I want a child with you. What do you think? Will you marry me?"
Esther Nott went as emotional as she'd ever been. A wonderful, upstanding, loyal wizard wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He wanted her. He wanted to marry the Death Eaters slut. Esther turned to see Ellis holding out a ring and began to sob hysterically.
Ellis was at a loss. Esther was acting as though he'd asked her to throw herself off the Brockdale Bridge.
"My apologies Esther. I didn't mean to upset you." He said, slipping the ring back into his inside pocket. "Perhaps I should give you time to compose yourself. It's probably best if I leave you to yourself. I'll ring tomorrow to see how you're getting along. I'll see myself out."
Ellis only got five steps away before Esther was on his heels. "Please don't leave Ellis. You have not upset me. I have upset myself. Never in my life did I think I would have the good fortune to find a wonderful wizard who loved me enough to want to marry me. Even though we have spoken of our love for one and other many times, I-I."
Drawing his wand, Ellis summoned a wet cloth to wipe Esther's face. "You what Esther? Did you think I was making foolish talk? I love you. You love me. Our next logical step is marriage, and, if we are fortunate, a child."
A more composed Esther snuggled against her wizard. "I didn't think you were making foolish talk. I just didn't think you would want a used up witch for your wife. If you are sure, I'm sure as well. I want to be Mrs. Ellis Casper. Please give me my ring."
All smiles now, Casper pulled out the ring and slipped it on Esther's finger. "With this ring, I'm asking you Esther Nott to be the only witch in my life for the rest of my life."
"Yes Mr. Casper. I'll be your wife."
After sealing their decision with a kiss, Ellis added one more thing. "I never want to hear you refer to yourself as used up because you are perfect for me."
Tears began to run down Esther's face once again. "Thank you Ellis. Thank you."
Once again, Ellis wiped the tears from Esther's face. "We have that settled. Shall we get married tomorrow?"
Esther's smile would have out done the sun as she replied. "I think we should at least have a short engagement. We can get married by Thursday."
Ellis laughed as he pulled Esther to him. "You have a deal. Since, as you say, we are in our forties we should probably get started on making baby Casper. We're not getting any younger you know."
Esther laughed. "I don't know if we'll make a baby Casper, but I'm willing to give it a try."
"Excellent! Casper Exclaimed as he led Esther to the baby making room.
/*/
The time had gotten away from Theo. He had intended to sit down with Reg and Declan, but he'd informed them he would have a discussion on Monday after they returned from Gringotts. It was now coming on 3:30 and he hadn't even showered. Nothing like being late to your own function. Anna, who had been in the kitchen directing Cely was now in the spare bedroom getting ready. As he undressed, Theo felt warmth flow through him. After today, there wouldn't be any question regarding his intentions with Anna. Actually, the only question was how long should he wait to take the next step.
By 4:00 pm, he and Anna were ready to greet their guests. Reg and Declan were ready as well but wouldn't appear until the first guests began to arrive. Sunday dinner was all set.
/*/
Draco was sitting on the side of the bed in his underwear thinking about his and Hermione's announcement. There wasn't anything to be nervous about, but he was nervous as hell to announce their intentions.
Hermione came out of the bathroom in her underwear as well. One look at her wizard and she knew. She knew he was fretting over perceptions. She took a seat beside Draco and pushed a piece of hair back off his head and completely out of the blue she remarked on his hair.
"I'm glad you don't wear your hair all slicked back anymore. You looked like a murderer."
Draco whipped his head around to look at Hermione. "What?"
She laughed. "Never mind. Just an errant thought. Are you sitting here worrying over what someone might think about our relationship? If you are, stop. You're thinking like a pureblood. There's nothing to worry about Malfoy. If someone says something stupid, I'll be glad to hex the shite out of them. Anyway, what can they say? The arrogant pureblood is marrying a filthy mudblood? We've heard it all before."
Draco reached out for Hermione's hand. "The handsome and arrogant pureblood intends to marry the filthy mudblood."
Hermione gave him a knock on the arm. "Watch yourself Malfoy or you'll be first to feel the sting of my wand."
Suddenly serious, Draco leaned over to kiss Hermione on the lips. "I love you Granger. Thank you for my life."
Pulling her fiance into a tight hug, she kissed him back. "I know that dolt. We're going to be late. Go put on some trousers before I part that slit in your boxers and suck the life out of you."
"Promises, promises." Draco remarked as he summoned a dark gray basic dress suit from the closet and a gray pin striped shirt and socks from the drawer. "I'll be ready before you change those knickers."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "My knickers are just fine git."
"Really? After your remark about sucking the life out of me, I'd think they'd be soaking wet. I have that effect on witches."
"Really? Would those be the witches waiting in Switzerland for you to chase after them? An inquiring fiancee would like to know, because if you fall down, I'm sure Wil would be more than willing to step in."
Hermione had hit a bit of a sore spot. "Alright, alright. Let's forget about other witches and wizards. Let's just get dressed and get to Theo's."
"Thought so," muttered Hermione as she summoned a dark green, mid calf sheath from the closet. "I'm ready."
Draco grinned to himself wondering how he had gotten lucky enough to land Hermione, I'm ready, Granger.
/*/
Even though this wasn't a formal event, Theo had Conor and Declan at the doors greeting guests. The second through the doors was Jay, Leanne and Gabriella. For whatever reason, when Gabriella entered the room, Theo glanced over at Anna who was having a conversation with Mick and Parvati. Anna happened to look at him at the same time and gave him a wink. Theo chuckled to himself. Unless Gabriella threw herself into his arms, Anna wasn't worried about a thing. She was confident about their relationship. To that end, Theo turned, greeted Jay, Leanne and Gabriella with enthusiasm inviting them to make themselves at home.
Blaise and Ginny landed at the doors simultaneously with Draco and Hermione followed by Wil, Chris and Thom seconds later. Last to arrive was Esther and Ellis.
The gang was all there. After Esther and Ellis arrived, Theo had Reg close the door and take Declan around to give everyone a proper greeting while he went to get Anna so they could do the same. Theo and Anna had been mingling with their guests for about fifteen minutes when the doorbell rang.
"I thought we were all here." Theo remarked as he headed to the door. Remembering Goyle, Theo had discreetly placed his hand on his wand. There would be no killing today. He was surprised to see Cassie at the door.
"Cassie! This is a surprise. I was told you were away for the weekend."
"Hello Theo. I was away but decided to cut the visit short."
"Please come in. I believe Conor is in the living room."
"Thank you."
"I guess we really are all here."
Gesturing Anna to his side, Theo called for attention stating there were two announcements he would like to make. It took a few seconds for everyone to quiet down, but when they did, Theo got right to it.
Turning to Anna, he began. "Most, if not all of you have met Miss Anna Grace. My announcement today is Anna and I are a couple who look forward to more down the road. I make this announcement to publicize just where our relationship stands so there isn't any confusion. From here on out, Anna is to be treated as respectfully as you would any witch in a relationship."
Anna gave a wave around the room then reached out to Declan as the staid and stoic Theo Nott kissed the back of her other hand.
Declan was beaming and smiling. Sooner or later, he was going to have a mum.
The air was full of congratulations, well wishes and hand shakes except from Parvati who had a pronounced frown on her face. Theo held up a hand. "I said there were two announcements. I'll let Draco and Hermione tell you about the second."
Grabbing Hermione by the hand, Draco stood and pulled her close.
The room went quiet.
"Wizards and witches I'll make this short because I know most of you are probably starving."
Laughter.
A week ago I asked Hermione Jean Granger to be my wife."
Hermione held up her left hand while Draco continued speaking.
"Of course she said yes. She cannot resist my charms."
Hermione gave Draco a nudge with her hip.
"You all saw that. The witch I plan to marry just thumped me with her hip."
More laughter.
"Seriously, as Theo so eloquently put it, I expect you all to treat my fiancee as respectfully as you would any engaged witch. There you have it. I have my life witch and the lucky girl has me. I hope that was short enough."
All the wizards converged on Draco shaking his hand while the witches converged on Hermione to give her a hug and wish her and Draco well. Again, it was Parvati who didn't offer congratulations of any kind. Theo noticed her stiff posture but ignored her.
Esther sat holding onto Ellis. They too had an announcement, but it would not be made until after the marriage. Still they were very excited for Theo, Anna, Draco and Hermione. Love was in the air everywhere.
As if on cue, Cely appeared beside Anna to announce dinner. As everyone headed to the dining room, Parvati called out to Theo.
"May I have a moment Theo?"
Theo, who hadn't missed Parvati's attitude was instantly aggravated. If she started with her bullshite, he was going to toss her arse out.
"What can I do for you Parvati?"
With everyone seated, Anna came back to the living room to see what was keeping Theo only to be met with the roll of the eyes from Parvati.
Parvati huffed right up. "I'd like to speak to you alone."
Parvati had done the wrong thing. She had disrespected Anna. The nice Theo disappeared. "Anything you have to say to me can be said in front of Anna. What do you want?"
"Fine." Snapped Parvati. "You're acting as though my sister never existed bringing another witch into her home, giving permission to use Padma's house elf and letting her endear herself to your son. I thought…"
Theo was now in a rage. "I don't give two fucks what you think Parvati. You will not…"
Both Draco and Jay were out of their seats like a shot. As soon as they entered the living room, Draco threw up a Muffliato and tried to calm Theo down. However, Parvati had pushed him and he was pushing back while Anna stood there with a beet red face.
With a shaky, tremulous voice, Anna said she should probably get back to the dining room. An enraged Theo wouldn't hear it.
"Stay where you are. Parvati speaking her piece has nothing to do with you. Step back Draco. You as well Jay. I've had enough of this so called witch. She didn't treat her sister well when she was alive. Now she's in my face. If you have more to say, say it then get out. This is my home and I don't need you upsetting the household. SPEAK YOUR PIECE THEN GET OUT!"
Parvati, who realized she had stepped way over the line and infuriated her former brother-in-law tried to backtrack but Theo wasn't having it. As he stood there breathing as though he'd run a race, Jay popped back into the dining room to get Mick quickly telling him there was a situation.
Mick sighed as he followed Jay to the living room. He liked Parvati but not to the extent he would go against Theo. He wasn't about to be banned from Nott Estate because the witch he was seeing overstepped boundaries. When he appeared in the living room, all Theo said was get her out of here and don't bring her back. Grabbing Parvati by the arm, Mick quickly walked her out.
Once she was gone, Theo apologized to everyone in the living room before grabbing Anna by the hand and leading her to the study.
"Please apologize to my guests. Anna and I will be there shortly. Send my son to me."
/*/
Draco did as Theo asked leading a very shaky Declan to the study.
Declan kept his eyes on the floor until Theo told him to hold his head up. "Look at me son."
Declan raised his eyes apologizing for the tears.
Still raging inside, Theo spoke a bit harshly to Declan. "Wipe away those tears. You are a Nott. Nott men do not cry.
Anna had stood still while Theo cursed out Parvati but she wasn't going to stand by and let him speak harshly to Declan."
Wrapping her arms around Declan, Anna spoke her own piece. "You forget yourself Theo. You are speaking harshly to your son who didn't have anything to do with anything. Declan and I are going back to the dining room to enjoy some chicken and mushroom pie with garlic potatoes, minty peas and a green salad. Join us when you've calmed down."
Before they could leave the room, Theo made a softly spoken comment. "My argument has nothing to do with you Declan or you Anna. You are my family. I apologize for my tone. I'll be to the table in a minute."
/*/
Before they entered the dining room, Anna pulled out her wand to cast a refresh spell on Declan's face. "Now we're ready. Heads up. That's the Nott way."
Declan nodded. "Yes Anna. That's the Nott way.
/*/
It was very quiet when Theo entered the dining room. However, after his apology, those around the table brightened considerably happy that no one had been cursed.
Taking Anna's hand in his, Theo invited everyone to try the chicken mushroom pie and garlic potatoes because his witch had made it.
Draco piped right up. "You're a bit late mate. Every last one of us has had a taste of the very delicious item. In fact, I'll be surprised if there's any left for you."
Theo let out a loud chuckle as he turned to wink at Anna. "I'm not worried. My witch prepared it so I know she put some aside for me. It's you Mr. Malfoy who only gets one helping."
Glad that Theo was back to himself, everyone around the table laughed at his response. From there, the evening proceeded as Sunday dinner should.
Mick was back at the table before dessert.
/*/
After dinner, Theo and Anna mingled with the guests for another hour before people began leaving. No one left without congratulating the two couples. There might have been a small hiccup but it wasn't mentioned once.
Hermione, Draco, Blaise and Ginny remained behind to chat with Theo and Anna. They even laughed over how fast Mick had maneuvered Parvati out of the house. It was funny then but not when it was happening.
There was a bit of discussion between Hermione, Anna and Ginny about wedding dates, but there wasn't much for Hermione to tell. She and Draco hadn't set a date. After one last hug among the witches, Hermione, Draco, Blaise and Ginny said goodnight.
Then Anna and Theo were alone.
/*/
"It's time for me to get going as well Theo. Monday will b here before you know it."
Theo rubbed his chin against Anna's hair. "We are officially a couple Anna. There's no need to hide the fact we sleep together. At least not to me. If you think we should have a discussion with Declan, we can, but I'd like you to make Nott Estate your home. In fact, let's have a conversation right now. Excuse me."
Anna sat there fidgeting. She didn't want a curious, young wizard wondering why she was sleeping in his father's bed, but she didn't want to explain it either. For a bit of fortification, she poured herself a glass of brandy then waited and waited. Finally, Theo was back.
"Sorry to have been gone so long love, but I took it upon myself to explain it all to Declan. Contrary to what you might think, he is absolutely chuffed. The only thing he was worried about was you seeing him in his underwear."
Anna laughed. "What?"
Theo looked Anna directly in the eyes. "The only thing that worries Declan Nott is the thought a lady would see him in his briefs. I think we're all set. You may now feel secure in the knowledge that my son welcomes your presence in his home as long as you don't look at his briefs."
Anna laughed as she grabbed Theo's arm. "Well, I guess I'm all set."
"Yes you are." Theo replied nuzzling Anna's neck. "We will apply silencing and locking charms liberally."
"Alright Theo Nott, I'm sold. I'll stay some nights but not every night."
"Giving her breast a tweak, Theo simply replied. "We'll see."
Miss Anna Grace sat there content in the fact she had found her forever family.
/*/
With their engagement news public, Hermione and Draco should have been ecstatic. However, it was a somber couple who laid together discussing what went on at Theo's.
Running her fingers up and down Draco's arm, Hermione commented on Parvati. Draco who felt the same as Hermione refrained from commenting. The witch had been and was still bad news in his eyes but, unless she stepped into his and Hermione's relationship, he was determined to keep his vitriol to himself. The only thing he did say referenced Theo.
"I think Parvati Patil should stay clear of Theo."
"I concur." Hermione responded through a yawn. "I also think Mick will be reassessing his choice of a witch."
"Definitely. All in all, I think our reveal went well. Now everyone knows you're mine. Make a point to tell it to the wizards waiting around the corner."
Hermione let out a soft giggle and another yawn. "Go to sleep prat."
"I may be a prat, but I'm your prat."
Hermione countered. "Did I say prat? I meant to say go to sleep fiance."
Draco's eyes were closed but he smiled. "I love you Miss Granger."
Snuggling up to Draco's side, Hermione returned the sentiment. "I love you more Mr. Malfoy. Goodnight."
"Goodnight love."