Returning To His Roots

by Divess

Sent to Switzerland shortly after the end of the War. Draco Malfoy has been enjoying life. However, a nasty run in with Hermione Granger at a conference in France forces Draco to change his entire mindset. He will return to London to face his past and prove his worth as well. With all the mitigating factors, will Draco prevail? AU/T/OC/OOC Dramione/Blinny.

98. Chapter 98

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 97

After her last statement and with her nose in the air, Gloria walked to the doors of WCS for the last time.

Jean almost fell into the chair. "Did that little snot just give us a telling off without giving us a telling off?"

Severus actually smiled. "Yes she did and that's that. She's a prosecutor by profession. I believe we'll see her name on the doors of some big time solicitor in the future. Good luck to her."

Jean wanted to huff but she had work to do. "Since our problem has basically taken care of itself, I'll be getting back to the Ministry. I'm going to move some things around. We can discuss it all tonight."

Severus moved his head from side to side. "Nothing to discuss Jean. Do what you need to do. I'll see you this evening."

After giving Severus two minutes of a direct stare, Jean walked out of his office without another word. Her Messiah could sometimes be annoying. She rephrased in her head. Her Messiah could be annoying most of the time.

/*/

Hermione had tried her best to see and hear what was going on in Severus' office to no avail. Gloria had walked in remained standing then walked out. Walked out with her nose in the air and a smirk on her face. What was that about? She hadn't even heard any raised voices. Hermione huffed as she opened the text from Draco. Then all thoughts of Gloria Isles disappeared from her head. Her fiance agreed with the date.

Arrogant pureblood or not, he was a keeper and she had a Malfoy wedding to plan.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 98

The rest of May had moved swiftly along as had June and July.

Reg and Declan had visited Gringotts on 5/24 to open a Junior Wizard's Savings Account and let Declan be seen by the Goblins. Each Monday after that, Declan and Reg visited Gringotts to make a deposit. From time to time, Conor and Mick who had the account details also made small deposits for their nephew when visiting their own accounts.

After being thrown out of Nott Estate and losing Mick as well, Parvati tried to apologize to Anna. However, Anna told her in no uncertain terms the people she should apologize to were Theo and Declan. Parvati even tried to get Jay to speak to Theo who, after speaking his mind on her behavior, declined her request. Knowing that trying to speak to Theo was futile, Parvati permanently stepped away from the Nott family.

/***/

Hermione threw Draco a lavish party at The Dorchester for his twenty fourth birthday which was attended by all the usual suspects from Switzerland, all OTS Agents and their plus ones, various WCS and DMTS staff along with Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Whether Narcissa attended under threat from Lucius hasn't been determined. Everyone had a fabulous time.

One week after Draco's birthday party, Theo and Anna announced their own engagement. Theo didn't see the need to wait for anything. He would have had them married in another week but Anna convinced him to slow down. Theo had kissed her on the nose and said okay.

Anna started at WCS two weeks after giving notice at the shop. She and Hermione worked seamlessly together from the beginning. It didn't hurt that Anna had the same attention to detail and work ethic as Hermione. The two witches offered several suggestions which were well received by both Severus and Jean.

Three weeks after the party at Theo's, Ellis and Esther came back from a short holiday to announce they had gotten married. Theo and Anna held a party in the back garden of Nott Estate. Ellis and Esther were overwhelmed by all the gifts they received. Ellis' gift to Esther had been an entire home renovation done over in light and bright colors fit for a Casper child, if they were to be that lucky.

At his one month review, Stuart Johns came away with high marks from Blaise as well as all the other teams. He fit perfectly on Team4. Donald was happy for at least five minutes. Harry was happy all the time.

/***/

Early in July, Hermione happened to see an announcement regarding her former staff member. Gloria Isles had landed on her feet. She had secured a position in the former offices of Jack Dillard which was now Masters, Rowley and Associates. Eli Masters, who had taken over the business from Jack Dillard was intent on building a strong company. After hearing Gloria had worked for Granger & Associates, he had quickly offered her a position. Terry Boot had laughed when he read the same announcement but sobered quickly when three cases in a row were snapped up by Masters & Rowley over Finch-Fletchley & Boot. He and Justin came to the realization that Eli Masters was no Jack Dillard and they would have to step up their game.

By July, Severus Snape/Brendan Eilson was becoming renowned far and wide. His mobile device was being used far and wide as well. In numerous instances, Severus sometimes accompanied by Mick visited the countries that were problematic. There weren't many, but they had to be dealt with. Oftentimes, Mick handled problems on his own which didn't bother him at all. He was just thankful for all he had. In the wizarding world, mobile devices were becoming more of a necessity than a frivolous accessory.

Kingsley Shacklebolt had become somewhat of an icon for his foresight in bringing a fantastic discovery to Britain. Unlike in the past, Kingsley Shacklebolt as well as The Board of Governors welcomed Severus to their meetings to share his vision of future steps.

The Head of the Transition Department and her assistant often found themselves sharing dinner and a bottle of wine discussing weddings. They shared many laughs over Theo continually pushing Anna to take the next steps. Hermione also invited Anna to accompany her when she visited Narcissa to discuss wedding plans to get some pointers as she would be Bonding in the near future. During the second meeting, Narcissa offered the use of a well known wedding planner which Hermione accepted with the caveat she make her choices and the wedding planner work from there. Narcissa was agreeable probably because she still wasn't all that comfortable with her pureblood friends finding out she was assisting a muggleborn. Draco was super happy that things were moving along.

Jean had made her adjustments in June which necessitated a round of hiring. Conor and Carrie were promoted to Front End Supervisor and Front End Assistant respectively. Still being irritated over Philip's faux pas in front of Severus, Wil and Thom, Jean kept him as a general worker. However, the lot she hired was brilliant and had begun running circles around Philip. As the month of July moved along, Jean made an additional adjustment. She assigned Philip to Conor as his dedicated runner.

/**/

Draco's lovely ray of sunshine was up banging around the house.

"Hermione love. Please lower the volume. This tired wizard wants his last fifteen minutes of sleep. Why are you up so early? It's Saturday a day of rest."

Hermione walked over to the bed and stood over Draco. "Because you are a tired wizard, I won't belabor the point. I will however inform you that it isn't early. It is 8:00 am."

"That's damn early for a Saturday." Draco sniped.

Walking over to the full length mirror, Hermione continued speaking as she fought with her tangled hair. "You did a fine job tangling this hair Mr. Malfoy."

"And you did a fine job helping me Miss Granger. Is that why you're up so early because you want to remind me of something we both had a part in?"

"It's Saturday the Fifteenth of August Draco. Does that date ring any bells?"

"No Hermione it doesn't. Should it?"

Hermione gave up on fixing her hair by hand. Grabbing her wand she shouted Sleekeasy Bun. Presto, a lovely loose bun appeared at the back of her neck as she turned to huff at Draco. "Fine. This date doesn't mean anything to you. Why don't you just take your git arse back to sleep?"

Draco flipped himself over pulling the pillow over his head mumbling his displeasure. "Now you've done it. I can't get back to sleep. You've talked me awake."

Whether he suddenly came awake or his wedding memory calendar kicked in, Draco knew exactly what Saturday the Fifteenth of August meant. Jumping out of bed, he strode over to his fiancee and grabbed her by the waist.

"Today is the day you and the lovely Anna are going to look at wedding gowns. It's been on the calendar for ages. I wasn't trying to be a prat. My brain just wasn't awake yet. Shall I cook my bride to be some breakfast to fortify her through her arduous task?"

Hermione checked him with her hip. "If I wasn't going to marry you, I'd hex you good and proper. Now go lie back down and keep your cheeky remarks to yourself. This is a very important day for me. Today I will look upon and perhaps choose one of those gowns that will make your eyes bleed it's so lovely."

Draco smiled as he nuzzled Hermione's neck. "Too late Miss Granger. I'm now wide awake. Remind me. What are the wedding protocols for choosing a wedding gown? Shall I get dressed and accompany you and Anna on this momentous occasion? I'm willing you know."

Hermione gave him another nudge. "Get away from me Malfoy."

Draco wanted to act the dunce. "Now that's a conundrum. Get away from you? You're going to browse for a dress to wear on our wedding day yet you want me to get away from you. An I love you Draco would have sufficed. Excuse me. I need to use the toilet."

Hermione chuckled at her arse of a fiance as she stowed her wand and picked up her beaded bag. "I'm leaving now. I'll see you later."

No response.

"Draco! I'm leaving now. Wish me good luck."

Still no response.

Hermione pushed open the bathroom door to find a grinning Draco standing there with outstretched arms. "I love you Granger. Pick us a good one."

Gliding straight into Draco's arms, Hermione gave him a searing kiss. "I love you too Malfoy even if you're a big prat. See you later."

"I'm going to stop by the Manor today and Theo's as well since he'll be at loose ends with his witch off on a wedding related task. I'll see you later."

Hermione sighed as she turned into apparition. The love of her life was such a prat.

/*/

It was 9:00 am sharp. She and Anna had decided they would be first at the door of Elegant Wedding Creations even though their scheduled appointment was for 9:30. If allowed, they wanted to get some idea of silhouettes. Anna was already there when Hermione landed cursing Draco for making her late.

"Good morning Anna. Are we ready for this?"

"Good morning Hermione. We are definitely ready for this. In fact, Theo whispered if I find a gown I like to buy it straightaway because once a wedding dress is purchased, I will have to marry him immediately. My wizard is a prat."

Hermione. "Join the club. I thought I would have to hex Draco to get away."

Smiling, the two witches entered the hallowed halls of weddingdom.

/*/

As Hermione and Anna walked through the intricate glass doors, a witch wearing the name tag Gilda approached them.

"Good morning ladies. My name is Gilda. If you're here to look through our lovely creations, we are fully booked at the moment, but I will gladly set an appointment."

Anna glanced over at Hermione who didn't fail to get Gilda sorted.

"Gilda, is it? I don't want to start off on the wrong foot, but any witch who is planning her wedding knows she just can't walk into a shop off the street and expect to be served. Both Miss Grace and myself are two of those witches. Had you asked our names, you could have checked your appointment calendar to find out Miss Granger and Miss Grace have an appointment for 9:30. We are early."

A line of red appeared across Gilda's nose. The last thing any good Bridal Stylist wants is to insult a customer. Being a professional, she quickly moved to rectify the situation.

"My apologies good witches. I'll start over? Good morning ladies. My name is Gilda. May I have your names?"

Hermione replied as though Gilda hadn't put her foot in her mouth. "Good morning Gilda. Miss Granger and Miss Grace are here for a 9:30 appointment."

A smartened up Gilda summoned the appointment book. "Lovely. You are a bit early, however, we have a waiting room filled with bridal literature to look over while you wait. Tea is available as well. Leona and I will be your Bridal Consultants. Please follow me."

Hermione gave Anna a quick smirk as they followed Gilda to the waiting room.

Hermione had some cheeky words of wisdom. "Well Anna. I guess that means we are not free to roam the wilds of Elegant Wedding Creations but we are allowed literature and a tea. Gilda is lucky I didn't pull out the Malfoy or Nott names. She would have shite herself." Hermione added the last in a very low voice.

Anna acknowledged Hermione's cheeky comment with a very soft chuckle knowing once Gilda and Leona realized who Hermione is they'd definitely be shitting themselves. Hermione might end up getting a fabulous wedding dress for free. Out loud, she spoke on it.

"Never mind Malfoy and Nott. When they find out Hermione Granger was insulted before she could get in the door, they'll be hell to pay."

Hermione simply grinned.

/*/

Once seated in the fussy, frilly, intricate waiting room, Hermione responded to Anna's remarks. "No Anna. We are here to see what they have to offer. I won't be playing the name game. However, if they have nothing to my liking, I'll definitely drop a name in the end. Now darling. Why don't we ring for a tea and a few scones? They'll have to work for our business."

Anna smiled at Hermione as she shook the little, silver bell obviously meant to summon someone.

Five minutes later, a young witch appeared with tea and, a plate of scones.

/*/

After texting Theo to see if he wanted company later on, Draco lounged around the house for another hour before getting dressed. Grabbing his wand, he apparated directly into his rooms at Malfoy Manor. Draco laughed at himself when he landed. "My rooms…. La-da-da. Not any more. My rooms are wherever Hermione Granger lays her lovely bum." Realizing what he was doing, Draco snapped himself upright. "I'm barking. If father heard me singing, he'd think I'd gone mad and I definitely haven't gone mad. Well I'm mad for Granger, but that's the extent of it."

With the nonsense out of the way, Draco headed down to the main floor to greet his parents.

/*/

It was quiet in the hall but Dora suddenly popped up. "Good morning Mr. Draco. Mr. Lucius and Mrs. Cissy are in the dining room just about to have breakfast. I'll set another plate."

Draco thanked Dora before making his way to the dining room where he was greeted by a big smile from Narcissa and an extended hand from his father.

"Good morning Draco. You're out and about early. Have some breakfast with your father and me."

Lucius appeared to be studying his son. "Yes. Good morning Draco. Is everything alright?"

Narcissa had her eyes on her plate but listened closely for Draco's response. Perhaps he had come to his senses and left the mu…. Narcissa caught herself on two fronts. She had almost thought the word mudblood and she knew it was fruitless to think Draco would leave Hermione.

Draco smiled first at his mother then his father. "Everything is absolutely fine father. I'm on my way to Theo's but wanted to stop by the Manor to have breakfast with my parents. I hope you both are well."

Lucius answered. "Your mother and I are fine. Have you left Hermione home on her own?"

Narcissa's was listening even more intently.

Draco laughed before offering his father a reply. "Left Hermione on her own? You forget. Hermione is a strong willed witch and would be right here beside me if she chose. She and Anna are off to Elegant Wedding Creations to view wedding dresses. I'll probably be on my own for most of the day. Is there something you need me to do?"

Lucius gave Narcissa a quick glance. "Ah! Choosing a wedding dress. A very important part of every wedding. Perhaps you should have offered Hermione your lovely wedding dress Narcissa. You won't be wearing it again."

Narcissa was caught off guard. She hadn't expected Lucius to be so so so damn accommodating. Whether she ever wore the dress again, it belonged to her and not on the back of of of Hermione Granger. "Oh Lucius. You know very well Hermione probably wants new for her wedding."

Draco, who could feel a bit of tension in the air quickly intervened. "I do believe Hermione wants new. She's mentioned saving the dress for any daughter we might have."

Narcissa blushed and Lucius had to hurriedly cover a grunt with an exaggerated cough. Neither parent wanted to hear about their son's sex life even though they knew he probably had a vigorous one. However, Lucius wasn't one to skirt a subject.

"Hermione may have to put her dress away for a very long time because Malfoy men always manage to make sons."

Draco smiled before standing. "Yes father. I do recall Malfoy history. However, that was when Malfoy men married purebloods. Perhaps Hermione and I will make an adjustment to Malfoy history. Thank you for breakfast. I'll be going now as I want to make a few stops in Diagon Alley before heading over to Theo's. Have a wonderful afternoon."

After kissing Narcissa's cheek and shaking Lucius' hand, Draco headed for the door smiling over the verbal smack down he had just given both his father and mother. Only sons, as if. Hermione Granger is so stubborn she'll probably have a daughter just to annoy his parents.

/*/

Narcissa started to say something but Lucius stopped her. "If you are going to disparage our son for speaking his mind, don't because there may be quite a bit of truth in what he says. Perhaps he and Hermione will be first to have a Malfoy daughter in hundreds of years."

"Lucius!" Narcissa snorted, throwing her napkin down.

Lucius grinned adding one last comment. "After they have a Malfoy son."

"Or, perhaps the mu… Hermione is barren and they won't have either."

Narcissa had just ruined Lucius' good mood. "Leave it to you to spoil the most simple of conversations. I too feel like getting out and about. I believe I'll pay Severus a visit. Have a good day whining to yourself."

Narcissa huffed but to no avail. Lucius was gone.

/*/

It was a chipper wizard who landed back at the house just to check if his witch had made it home. The house was empty. Time for him to get to Nott Estate to share some male bonding. Theo had mentioned that Reg was teaching Declan to ride a broom. Draco did make one quick stop at Coote & Peakes Quidditch Supplies to pick up a pair of gloves and a helmet for Declan. It was never too early to get prepared. As he was shrinking down the purchases, Draco remembered how he had discouraged Hermione from bringing Declan more than one gift. He hoped Theo didn't think he was overstepping.

A couple of steps and five minutes later, Draco was at the front doors of Theo's home ringing to be let in.

/*/

At precisely 9:30, Gilda appeared in the waiting room to escort Hermione and Anna to a bridal showing room where she introduced them to Leona. Leona being a bit older and experienced looking greeted Hermione and Anna properly.

"Good morning. My name is Leona. It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger. I've heard many good things about you. If I may be so bold as to say, it was quite a surprise to my husband when he heard you'd given up Granger and Associates to enter the telecommunications field. Good luck to you. And good morning Miss Grace. Lovely to see you as well. We have many exquisite gowns. I hope you both find something you love."

"Good morning to you Leona. Thank you for the kind sentiment. Your shop was given high marks. I hope Anna and I can find something exquisite."

Hermione had said it all. Anna just smiled and nodded.

Gesturing around the room, Leona advised Hermione and Anna that Gilda would pull any dress that caught their fancy and help them try it on as well. According to Leona, their choices were unlimited.

"Wonderful." Hermione exclaimed. "We are excited to see what you have. Let's get started."

After forty five minutes, Hermione and Anna had found three and four dresses respectively. At that point, Leona reappeared.

"Excellent ladies. Gilda will take you to the changing rooms. I'll take measurements once you get situated."

Hermione and Anna tried on the dresses they had chosen and true to her word, Leona appeared to take measurements. In the end, both witches placed an order for the dress that had caught their attention.

/*/

Leona was chuffed there would be two sales. "As all our work is done by magic, your dresses will be ready by Wednesday. At that time, we'll text you to come in for a fitting."

Anna was totally amused. "This means Theo and I will be married by next weekend. I think I'll stretch the truth a bit and tell Theo I didn't find anything."

Hermione laughed. "This is only the beginning for me. There are several more shops I intend to visit. I want to be sure I've seen everything. I want to be the perfect muggleborn, Malfoy bride."

"Anna gave a soft giggle. "You filthy muggleborn."

Hermione grinned as she gave Anna a quick hug. "And you are a filthy muggleborn's assistant. We are done here. Let's go have a late lunch down Diagon Place."

"Sounds good. Today I want a juicy burger with bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion and three extra to bring home to each of my men."

"Sounds delicious. I'd buy one for Draco but his majesty doesn't do greasy burgers."

"Get him one. If Theo, Declan and Reg are eating one, he will to."

Hermione shrugged. "Point taken. Let's walk down. I need the exercise."

/*/

Cely opened the door for Draco. "Hello Mr. Draco. Mr. Theo is in the den. Please come in."

Draco thanked Cely as he headed to the den chuffed to know he hadn't turned up too early. Theo stood to greet him when he entered the room.

"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. I assume from your earlier text you're at loose ends much like myself."

"True. True. Not to put too fine a point on it, but we'd probably just be eating breakfast if my witch didn't have an important appointment."

Theo grinned as he lifted his wand to summon several men's magazines. "Since both our witches are off finding wedding attire, this is the perfect time for us to review our options."

Draco was a bit puzzled. "Review our options? I thought…"

"What you thought and what Hermione and Anna will accept are two different things. No Basic Casual for these grooms."

Draco left out a loud chuckle. "Well thank you Mr. Nott. I have been schooled. Hermione would hex me blue if I turned up in unacceptable attire. Before we get to the that." Draco remarked, pulling out the helmet and gloves. "I have a couple of things for Declan. With your permission, I'll give them to the young wizard."

Theo was pleased. Although he didn't condone superfluous gifts for Declan, he liked that Draco was looking out for his son. "A helmet and gloves. Good looking out old man. Declan will love these. He and Reg are in the back garden. Let's go surprise young Nott."

"Really Theo, you want to forego looking at groom attire? What will Anna think?"

Tapping the side of his nose with a forefinger, Theo simply replied. "The lovely Anna has no idea I'm even looking but I'll share a secret. If she finds a wedding dress today, I'll be marrying her tomorrow. Let's go find Declan."

Draco followed behind Theo wondering who was this wizard and what has he done with the real Theo Nott, but halfway to the back garden Draco realized if Hermione found her dress today, he would definitely try to marry her tomorrow as well He discarded that thought straightaway. This was Hermione Granger he was talking about. His irritable witch had chosen her wedding day and that was that.

/*/

Declan and Reg greeted Draco and Theo when they entered the gardens.

"Hello Theo. Good morning Draco."

"Hello father. Nice to see you again Mr. Malfoy. Reg and I are revisiting the rules of broom riding."

"Excellent son. Draco has something for you I think will help with your broom lessons."

Draco handed Declan the helmet and gloves receiving a wide smile in return.

"A helmet and gloves. Thank you so much Mr. Malfoy. Look Reg. I'll be super safe during my broom lessons. May we try these later Reg?"

Reg nodded in the affirmative. "Of course Declan. We are going to have broom lessons later on. Right now, we'll finish going over the rules."

Before leaving the back gardens, Theo had a last word. "Reg, if I'm still home when you and Declan have broom lessons, come get me. I'd like to see my son in action."

Declan grinned as though he'd won a prize.

"Will do Theo." Reg replied.

Declan gave Draco one last thank you before turning back to Reg and his rules.

"Mr. Malfoy is a fine gentleman. He helped save my father's life."

Reg didn't comment. He had heard about what had happened to Theo and his wife and the friends who had saved him, but it wasn't a subject he wanted to discuss with a young wizard. He simply told Declan to keep his mind on what was in front of him.

Declan realized he might be speaking on something that was adult business and put his eyes back on Reg's written rules glad that Mr. Malfoy had saved his father's life.