Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 98
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 99
After finishing the review of Reg's rules, Declan went to his room to enjoy some personal time. He had loads of books and other things to do, but at the moment, he was sitting there doing nothing but thinking.
Even though it wasn't his business, Declan couldn't get the bad thoughts out of his mind. Mother Padma had been killed and his father almost died because of a deranged wizard who thought he was owed something. Not only that but the deranged wizard was once friends with his father and Mr. Malfoy. Having been raised in love with Gram, Conor and Mick and now in a loving household with his father, he couldn't even reason how a wizard could go so bad. There was one thing he hoped for but would never speak it out loud so not to upset his father. He wanted to meet the powerful wizard Severus Snape. If not for him, he wouldn't have a father. He wouldn't have a home.
Declan would probably have spent the next hour with his thoughts had it not been for Reg who had appeared at the door. "Planning on being a layabout all day then?"
Declan jumped. Reg had startled him. "I'm not a layabout Reg. I'm sitting here thinking about things."
"Things? What things? As far as I know, there aren't many things to keep you from your books and games." He remarked, raising his wand to close the bedroom door.
What he was thinking about were adult things so Declan didn't really want to share. However, Reg knew him too well. "Whatever those things are they seem to be weighing heavily on your mind. Is it something you'd rather discuss with your father?"
Declan sat up straighter. He wasn't going to share the thoughts he was having. It would be an embarrassment to his father. "Nothing to discuss Reg. Just a few random thoughts." He replied, grabbing his copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard. "I feel like reading The Tale Of The Three Brothers."
Reg gave Declan a somewhat skeptical look but dropped the discussion knowing the smart, young wizard had just effectively changed the subject. "Alright then. I'll let you get to it. Broom practice before dinner."
"Alright Reg. I'll be ready."
As Declan trained his eyes on the first page, a random thought had flit through his head. He hoped he would get to have brothers someday.
/*/
After purchasing the lunches, Hermione sent Draco a text to establish his whereabouts and was informed by return text he was at Theo's if she wanted to stop by. She returned the text telling him they would be to the house in twenty minutes. With burgers, chips and pickles on the side in hand, Hermione and Anna headed to Theo's to see their wizards.
Cely would normally answer the door but Anna as wife to be didn't need to be invited in. Stepping into the receiving hall, she called out to Theo.
"Theo love. Your wife to be and Draco's wife to be are here bringing gifts."
Theo grinned at Draco. "Come on mate. Let's go greet the loves of our lives. They have gifts."
Both wizards got up from their chairs but were a bit slow. By the time they made it the hall, Anna and Hermione were already in the kitchen.
Giving Draco a wink, Theo loudly remarked he had lost his witch.
Ignoring Theo's nonsense, Anna poked her head out of the kitchen asking him to get Declan and Reg.
Theo shrugged as he walked the few steps down the hall to call Declan and Reg. As Declan followed by Reg came down the hall, Theo shrugged again. "Anna has brought gifts. Not sure what they are but she wants you both in the kitchen straightaway."
"Okay father."
"On our way Theo."
"Good men."
/*/
When Theo, Declan and Reg entered the kitchen, they were met with Draco sitting there with a smug smile on his face. Theo was puzzled, but not for long.
"Hello love." Anna said leaving a loud kiss on Theo's cheek. "Hermione and I have brought lunch."
"Lunch?" Asked a surprised Theo. "I expected…. Well I expected."
"What's the matter mate?" Asked Draco with a straight face. "Expecting something else?"
Theo stood there stammering as Anna gestured for Declan and Reg to have a seat.
Last to take a seat and receive his gift, Theo broke out in a wide smile as he shared a bit of humor. "A burger with chips and pickles on the side is great but I was expecting to see my fiancee's wedding dress."
Anna and Hermione laughed out loud with Draco laughing even louder. Declan and Reg just tucked in not being privy to the joke.
Patting Theo on the hand, Anna promised she would probably find a dress soon.
Draco was giving Hermione the side eyes because she hadn't mentioned anything about finding a wedding dress either. Hermione noticed and gave him a wink. Draco let it go because if he pushed a conversation about wedding dresses in Theo's kitchen, he'd definitely pay for it later.
Hermione and Anna grinned at each other across the table. Their wizards seemed more excited about wedding dresses than the brides to be.
/*/
After lunch, Hermione and Draco spent another half hour with Theo and Anna before leaving to take a walk through muggle London.
"Thanks for the hospitality Notts. Much appreciated. We'll have to do this at the house soon. I promise we won't serve any soft boiled eggs." Draco joked.
Theo bent over in laughter while Hermione gave Draco a severe eye roll. "Laugh it up Malfoy. Soft boiled eggs are delicious."
Through gales of laughter Theo mumbled. "Not to me."
Suddenly, Hermione was laughing almost as hard as Theo. "Funny now. Not so funny back then."
"True that love." Theo replied giving Hermione a quick hug. "Not much was funny back then. Anyway, thank you both for sharing lunch with us. Have a nice walk."
"Alright mate. Have a good afternoon. Bye Anna."
"See you Monday Anna. See you later Theo."
After Hermione and Draco left, Anna inquired about the soft boiled egg joke. Theo explained the whole of it. By the time he finished speaking, Anna wished she hadn't asked.
/*/
In the late afternoon, Conor stopped by Nott Estate for a visit. In reality, he was checking on Mick. There was no way he'd let his brother backslide because of a witch. Mick had come too far. After a quick greeting to Theo discreetly explaining his presence, he went to greet Declan and Reg before heading for Mick's rooms. On the way back, Theo intercepted him to have a quick word.
"I know you are looking to have some brother to brother time with Mick but if you allow, I'd like to sit in. You and Mick have become like brothers to me. If I can put help Mick's mind at ease, I'd like to take the opportunity."
Conor was caught between a rock and hard place. Mick hadn't ever been one to take advice, especially from his brother. It wasn't that he didn't want Theo to sit in. It was just that he didn't want Mick going off in all directions on him and Theo. Clearing his throat, Conor explained the situation.
"No offense intended and I thank you for your concern Theo, but I prefer to speak to Mick alone. I'm sure he'll come to you for a conversation after he and I have spoken."
Theo did understand. "No problem Conor. I just want to make sure Mick understands he is always welcome here his witch is not. The issue is between Parvati and I. It has nothing to do with him. As long as he doesn't bring Parvati to our door hoping to make amends, it's all good."
"Thank you Theo. In the past, Mick and I have been known to spiral when something went wrong. Lately, he's seemed a bit down. Even though it's been months since, since the relationship reveals, I don't want him to fall back to where he was in the past."
"Understood." Theo remarked, clapping Conor on the back. "Go do what you need to do. No hexing in the house." He added with a wink. "Before I forget, Reg will be giving Declan broom lessons a bit later. Your nephew would love the chance to show off for his uncles, if you catch my drift."
"And his uncles would like nothing more than to take the Mickey out of their brilliant nephew. I'll be there. Hopefully, Mick will be there as well." Conor gave Theo two thumbs up before heading down the hall to Mick's rooms.
/*/
Knock, knock.
Mick opened the door with a smile on his face. "Conor at my door on a lovely, Saturday afternoon. Now there's a surprise. If you're here to borrow galleons, I can lend you a few sickles." He said, pulling a short sleeved jumper over his head.
"Hello tosser. I stopped in to make sure all is well."
Mick turned to stare at his brother. "Make sure all is well? I don't know what you mean. Of course all is well. Why wouldn't it be?" Then Mick had an epiphany. "You're worried I'm pining over Parvati. Guess again brother. The witch has found herself a wizard. I say good for her. Her life has nothing to do with mine. In fact, I have had several dates with an enchanting witch whom I will introduce to the family after I'm sure she doesn't have any ties to the Nott family."
Letting out a loud chuckle, a somewhat relieved and very happy Conor tried to take the Mickey out of his brother. "Good to hear brother because here was me thinking you've been looking a bit down lately. Glad to know I've misread things. Perhaps you and the enchanting witch can double date with Cassie and me down the line."
Mick cuffed Conor upside the arm. "Double date my arse. That would be a big no. I've never had to bring a witch in front of you to get your opinion and I never will. You better mind yourself or I'll mind that arse."
"Fair enough." Conor remarked, rising from the chair. "However, before you leave for your date, Theo mentioned Reg would be giving Declan broom lessons. I was hoping we could both watch."
"That would also be a no brother. I live here. I've seen Declan on his broom more times than you can count. He's a good flyer. Now, if you care to pull that big nose out of my business, I'll be on my way."
"Alright Mick. Me and my big nose are going to the back gardens. Have a good date."
Before Conor could clear the door, Mick called his name. "Conor."
"Yeah Mick?"
"Thanks for looking out. I really am fine."
"Good to know brother. Family has to look out for family. See you later."
After one long, last look in the mirror, Mick sighed. All that big talk about having a date with an engaging witch was all talk. He'd only had two dates which hadn't been anything spectacular. His plan for the night was to have a few drinks with mates from the wiring department. Nothing that couldn't wait. Exchanging his dressy jumper for a Basic Casual plain, brown, short sleeved button down, Mick headed for the back gardens.
"Family before everything else."
/*/
And it was a family affair. Theo and Anna were there along with Conor all watching their boy go through his broom drill. With everyone cheering him on, Declan couldn't keep the smile off his face. When the drill was finished, Declan went through the proper care of a broom. Last, he showed everyone his gifts from Mr. Malfoy. It was a cheery group surrounding Declan complimenting him on his skills. Conor caught Mick's eye and nodded. Mick nodded right back mentally understanding that his brother was thanking Merlin for landing them in this place. Mick concurred.
After Declan's broom was put away, Anna called dinner for all those who were staying. Whether or not they had plans, everyone headed to the dining room to have a family meal. Reg shared the meal but excused himself as soon as his plate was clean. He was off the clock until Monday morning. Not a lot of time, but he would make do. In his rooms, there was a round trip portkey to Wales with his name on it.
/*/
It was almost 4:00 pm when Draco and Hermione returned to the house. Draco was all amorous but Hermione pushed him away. "We've taken our next step. Shouldn't you be all chuffed to go share our wedding news with Lucius and Narcissa?"
"Can I be chuffed another time? Right now, I'd like some Granger loving." Draco replied, grabbing Hermione around the waist.
Hermione ignored Draco's remarks. "Alright, let's do this. Text your mother and father with the date of our nuptials and advise them the search for a wedding dress has begun."
Still trying to nuzzle Hermione's neck, Draco gave a muffled reply. "My parents already know you've gone shopping for a dress. However, I will share our wedding date, after which….."
Pulling away from Draco, Hermione stared him directly in the face. "How would they know about me dress shopping?"
Draco sighed as he adjusted his trousers. When Hermione spoke in that tone, Granger loving wasn't in the cards. "I stopped by the Manor this morning to have breakfast with my parents. I shared the information then. My apologies love. I didn't know it was a secret."
Hermione scowled at him replying in a rough tone. "It isn't a secret Draco but it was my impression what there was to share we would share together. Whatever. What's done is done. Text them our wedding date and it will be done for now."
Draco chastised himself as he followed Hermione into the study. "I hope you aren't thinking I purposely divulged information. This is my first wedding Hermione. As I mentioned this morning, I'm not aware of the protocols."
Hermione turned to gaze at Draco. "Your only wedding."
"What?"
"You said, this is my first wedding. I'm simply reminding you this will be your only wedding. As far as protocols go, you are correct. We don't know shite, but we will learn as we go. Once we advise Narcissa and Lucius of our wedding date, I believe our next discussion should be about colors, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids. After that, we meet with the wedding planner to set a venue and find out what she has to offer. We will be using the wedding planner suggested by your mother. If she doesn't work out, we'll find another."
Draco was holding his head. "Help me Merlin. All I remember is this will be my only wedding. All the rest you'll have to feed me a bit at a time."
Hermione laughed. "Go text your parents then get back here so we can discuss colors. I'm thinking royal blue and gold as primary colors…"
"Stop Granger stop. Let me do one thing at a time. I'm going to send the text, get a double brandy then we'll talk."
"What a git." Hermione mumbled under her breath. "It'll be 2010 before we get ourselves in order."
/*/
Contrary to the nonsense he had spouted, once Draco had his brandy things had become somewhat clear. He and Hermione discussed colors ending up with the major shades being blue and minor colors being shades of gold. Draco wasn't totally sold commenting that blue and gold didn't exactly compliment each other. However, after having a magazine article showing a blue and gold wedding shoved in his face, he took a sip of brandy and suddenly loved the colors. Hermione gave him the fish eyes but continued talking.
"Our colors are set….for now."
"For now?" Draco asked. "You nearly put my eye out to prove the colors would work. Now you're saying it isn't set in stone. I'm trying to marry you Hermione not be driven to the brink."
"Oh hush Draco. We are just starting. Nothing is set in stone. Think of it as an outline to be filled in as we go."
Draco took another sip and sighed. "Okay. According to the outline, we should get our Bridal Party in order."
Hermione smiled at her fiance and leaned over to give him a kiss. "Bridal Party? Look at you acting all knowledgeable. In this case love, you are quite correct. We need to select our number and our party."
"Okay, I get that part. What will our number be? Shall we have ten including the Best Man and Maid of Honor?"
Hermione put down her notes and jumped into Draco's lap hugging him around the neck. "Have you been married before Malfoy? You are just too good at this."
Draco laughed as he kissed Hermione up and down her neck. "No, I haven't been married before. I just know things. So, what's the consensus? Shall we have ten or should we plan to have more?"
Getting off Draco's lap and returning to a chair, Hermione shared her thoughts. "I think six is a good number. To be clear, I mean five Groomsmen, five Bridesmaids and the Best Man and Maid of Honor."
"Six sounds small. This will be a Malfoy wedding. We have to keep up appearances."
"Hmph. We don't have to keep up anything Draco. We will set our own standard. The Bride has spoken. We will have six."
"Fine Bride. Six it will be. At what point will the Groom have a say?"
Hermione blew Draco a kiss. "Getting grumpy over there fiance? You may have complete say over who will be you Best Man and Groomsmen. Put your thinking cap on. I see Blaise as your Best Man; Theo as a Groomsman; Wil as a Groomsman…."
Draco was silent pinning Hermione with a direct stare.
"What Draco?"
"I thought I had complete say over which wizards will be walking for me."
A faint blush appeared across Hermione's nose. "You do wanker. I was just trying to help."
"Help yourself Granger. I'll tend to my part of the wedding party."
Hermione started chuckling and couldn't stop. "I think we should put our outline away for tonight. We are off to a good start. We have our colors and our number. We can work on it tomorrow…...when you're less grumpy. Right now, your Bride-to-be is taking herself into the kitchen to fix your grumpy arse a nice dinner."
Draco jumped up and followed Hermione. "I'm not grumpy. I just want to have a part. Before you go to all the trouble of fixing dinner, I'd like to know if you want a date night."
Hermione turned around and threw her arms around Draco. "You are such a thoughtful fiance. Thank you for the invitation Mr. Malfoy but I'd like a nice night in. Dinner won't take long because I plan to warm up the steak and onions, potatoes and gravy left over from Thursday. I'll even add a nice salad and buttered corn and peas. It will only take me a minute. Have another brandy…...grumpy."
"I'm not grumpy witch. Back in a minute. I need the bathroom."
Hermione hummed as she pointed and twirled her wand. My handsome fiance claims he's not grumpy but he hasn't been haranguing me about sex. If he's not grumpy, the brandy has made him forgetful.
/*/
Severus had been surprised and annoyed when Lucius apparated into the house. Luckily, he and Jean had been looking over sales figures instead of making use of the Messiah's big bed. His first thought was he should adjust the wards against Lucius when he and Jean were home alone. Severus corrected himself. He should adjust the wards. He and Jean were almost always alone.
Lucius greeted Severus and Jean before apologizing for the unannounced visit. Jean was quick to tell Lucius it wasn't a problem. Severus had rolled his eyes but Jean didn't see as she was busy gathering up a few things to take with her to the cottage.
"I'm going to Diagon Alley Severus. I need a few things from the shops. I'll see you later. Have a good afternoon Lucius."
As soon as Jean was gone, Severus lit into Lucius. "Although Jean has a cottage in the back, she spends most of her time here with me which means I like our privacy. I won't have Jean embarrassed nor do I want to be caught with my trousers around my ankles. In the future, send a text from the expensive mobile you have in your pocket."
Lucius held both hands up in the air palms out trying to placate his friend. "I apologize for my breach of manners Severus. I'll remember to send a text."
"Fine Lucius. I feel we will be repeating this conversation down the road. You have no decorum."
"Relax Severus. It won't happen again. How is everything going at WCS?"
Severus wanted to snarl at Lucius but remained calm. "Have a seat and stop talking nonsense Lucius. You are an investor which means you receive a monthly statement. Look at it and you'll clearly see how WCS is doing. Would you care for a game of Wizards Chess and a glass of brandy?
"Yes to both Severus. Your home is a respite. The silence is wonderful. You can't imagine what it's like to listen to Narcissa go on and on about nothing."
"That's your cross to bear Lucius. Please keep your displeasure at Malfoy Manor. As you said, my home is a respite. I'd like to keep it that way."
Lucius frowned but didn't bother to reply until he noticed the bottle of brandy Severus had set on the table. "Ogden's Exquisite Brandy! Very nice my friend."
Severus smiled at the facetiousness of his oldest friend. Nobody except Lucius Malfoy was supposed to have expensive things. "I picked it up in Oregon the last time Jean and I were there. The chess board is set up in the den. Come through."
Raising his wand, Severus did a quick swish, swish and the bottle of Ogden's Exquisite Brandy floated through the air and settled on the long table in the den.
/*/
Severus and Lucius were on their second game with one game to each when Lucius shared the story of how Draco had set him and Narcissa straight about Malfoy history.
Severus had laughed out loud. "I believe my godson has it all figured out. If one thinks about it, he could have a valid point. All these decades the Malfoys were thinking it was their pureblood sperm when, in fact, it was bio-engineering at a molecular level. I'd be happy to be godfather to their daughter."
Lucius frowned. "Keep your mind on the game Severus. If they have a child, it will be a son. Draco is a Malfoy. He'll see to it."
"Hahaha. Listen to yourself Lucius. He'll see to it. Whatever happens will happen. My money is on Hermione giving you a granddaughter. Checkmate. Another game?"
Lucius poured himself another brandy. "Yes Severus, one more game. This brandy is excellent. I foresee a trip to Oregon in my future."
"I know you don't frequent muggle shops very often, but there's no need to go all the way to Oregon Lucius. I'm sure the bigger liquor shops in muggle London carry Ogden's Exquisite Brandy. In fact, if I can catch Jean before she leaves Diagon Alley, I'll have her pick up a few bottles. Accio mobile."
Jean returned the text five minutes later assuring Severus she would check the muggle shops.
"Thank you Severus."
"No problem. Get your moneybag out. Jean doesn't accept credit."
/*/
Severus and Lucius were just finishing their third game when Jean came through the back. "Good evening wizards." Pulling out a small packet, Jean returned it to size. "Your Ogden's Exquisite Brandy Lucius. That will be thirty galleons."
Severus leaned back in the chair and turned to Lucius with a wide smile. "Miss Bradford doesn't accept credit. However, if you've left your moneybag at home, I'll pay her. You may reimburse me another time."
Lucius reached into his inside pocket and pulled out a moneybag of gold coins. Laying thirty coins on the table, he shrunk down the bottles of brandy and put them in an outer pocket. "Thank you Jean. I appreciate the effort. Thank you for the games Severus. We'll have to do it again."
"Anytime Lucius. My regards to Narcissa."
Standing to face Jean, Severus pulled her into a hug. "You were gone a long time. I see by the shine and curl of your hair you stopped in the beauty shop. You look lovely."
"Thank you Messiah. You'll like me even more when you see what I purchased for dinner." Jean remarked, pulling out three sacks which she returned to size. "Baked chicken legs, lemon, tomato and basil pasta and a slice of lemon drizzle cake for dessert. By the time you clear up in the den, I'll have the table set."
"Fantastic. However, there is one thing I want to do before anything else." With several well placed spells, the wards around the house were pulled tight. "When you and I are in any state of undress, I'd like the wards pulled tight. No more unannounced visitors."
Jean laughed. "Lucius will find a way. The table is set. Let's have our meal."
/*/
Lucius had just landed in the main hall of Malfoy Manor when a beep from his mobile alerted him to an incoming text. Lucius paused to read it.
{Hello father. Just a quick text to let you know Hermione and I have set the date for our wedding. We will be Bonding on October fifteenth 2005 at 1:00 pm. I am also texting mother the news. Have a pleasant evening.}
Lucius stared at the words on the small screen. "There's no backing out now son. If your mother starts her shite, I'll have her packed up and on a portkey to….somewhere before she can say muggleborn." The thought hadn't settled in his mind good before he heard Narcissa calling out.
"Is that you Lucius? I'm in my sitting room. Your son…"
Lucius appeared at the sitting room door in two steps. "Yes Narcissa it's me. Were you expecting some other pureblood? Please let me get both feet in the door before you inundate me with something you think our son has done."
Narcissa held her breath and her tongue. She was so tired of Lucius' shite.
"Well Narcissa, what do you want to share?" Lucius asked before taking a seat in Narcissa's personal room. "I don't care much for this room."
"It would seem you don't care for much these days Lucius. Since you've become so accommodating these last months, you'll be extremely happy with the news I want to share."
Lucius remained silent thinking his wife must have gone barmy if the news she had to share was about Draco and Hermione's Bonding. Did she really think Draco wouldn't share such important news with his father? "Share away love. I am all ears."
Lucius' term of endearment brought a smile to Narcissa's face. He hadn't called her love in a while. "I received a text from Draco. He and Hermione have set the Bonding date. I would have preferred he share the news in person, but what's done is done. It will be…"
"The fifteenth of October next year at 1:00 pm venue is yet to be determined." Lucius interjected. "Did you think our son would not inform his father? As far as appearing in person, the advent of mobile phones with text capabilities has changed certain things. I'm pleased he thought to inform us at all."
Narcissa had no rebuttal. Lucius was Head of Malfoy Manor. Of course Draco would have notified him. She had acquiesced to certain things in order to keep peace with Lucius so it would be in her best interest to keep to the plan. Draco was going to marry Hermione Granger and that was that. "I have offered Hermione the use of a top pureblood wedding planner….."
Lucius rose from the chair huffing at Narcissa as he went. "Although we would like to have kept to tradition, our son is marrying a muggleborn witch. Please don't let every other word out of your mouth be pureblood. We know what we are."
"Of course love. I have offered Hermione the use of a top wedding planner. I hope she will accept. Why don't you put your feet up for a few minutes? Dinner will be on the table within the hour."
"Thank you my dear. I believe I will put my feet up and perhaps have a small glass of my newest acquisition, Ogden's Exquisite Brandy. In fact, after you set dinner, why don't you join me in my study to have a small brandy?"
Narcissa didn't hesitate. Over the past several months, it seemed as though Lucius would hold onto his anger forever. If he was inviting her into his study to share a brandy, perhaps he was also ready to climb back into her bed. As fierce and angry as her husband could sometimes be, she missed his intimate embrace and all that went with it. "I'd love a brandy Lucius. Thank you for inviting me. I'll give Dora orders then be right there."
Lucius didn't reply. Narcissa was being respectful and accommodating. He could live with the peace.
/*/
Esther Casper was pacing. It was getting dark outside. Ellis was never this late even on a Saturday. For no rhyme or reason, she summoned her wand and lifted the lid of the pots. Dinner was ready. Her husband should be home washing up getting ready to eat. Wandering into the bedroom, Esther picked up the mobile to see if Ellis had rung her and she hadn't heard the ring. Ellis hadn't rung her but he had sent a text.
"Shite." Esther mumbled as she opened the text.
{Hello love. I'll be a bit late tonight. There are several shops I want to visit. See you when I get home.}
Esther let out a sigh of relief chastising herself for going mental over nothing. Casper was at the shops and would be home soon. With the pacing over, Esther turned on the telly to watch the silly things muggles got up to. Her attention was drawn to a program called The Cat Collector in which a muggle with a net chased down unwanted and/or feral felines. To Esther, it was disgusting that some poor soul thought it was a good idea to have thirty cats. Esther did smile when the thought ran through her head that cats looked like a sickly relative of Kneazles. She was still smiling when she heard Ellis apparate in.
"Good evening love. Your wonderful husband is home. Come here and give us a kiss."
Her husband was home. Esther met Ellis with arms wide and a kiss for his lips. "Hello dearest. Did you find what you needed at the shops?"
Squeezing Esther to him, Ellis admitted he had found what he was looking for and more. Pulling packet after packet from his pockets, he laid them out on the floor. "I have started shopping for our child. Some of the items are quite large. I know I could have had them delivered but my lovely wife insists we keep our pregnancy a secret for now."
The word pregnancy which would have once brought shame and humiliation now caused a streak of warmth to shoot through her body. Our pregnancy was so much more soothing than you pregnant whore. "I don't want our pregnancy to be some closely held secret. I only want to be sure nothing will go wrong before we share our news."
Ellis held out his hand. "Come sit down with me."
Esther sat down beside her husband.
Running his hand through Esther's thick, black hair, Ellis made his point. "Maybe what you've said is partly true. However, I believe you are embarrassed because people will have something to say. Fuck people and what they say Esther. We are happily married and expecting a child. I am thrilled. If someone, anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss both of our arses…..in the middle of Diagon Alley on a Saturday afternoon."
Ellis was right. She didn't want to hear any crude remarks. Leaning against Ellis, she remarked. "You're right love. Whoever doesn't like it can kiss our arses. Maybe not in Diagon Alley on a Saturday afternoon, but they can kiss it. Perhaps I'll ring Theo to see if he and Anna will be available tomorrow morning for a brief visit."
"That's my witch." Ellis declared. "Our family wishes us nothing but the best. I believe they will be as chuffed as I am. Now, let's open the packages. I want you to see how your brilliant husband maneuvers."
They opened package after package each revealing a piece of a child's nursery. Esther couldn't stop squeezing Ellis. When everything was open and in place, Esther began to sob softly.
"Hey! What are those tears about? I think I've done a splendid job."
"You have done a splendid job Ellis. These are tears of happiness. Thank you so much."
Grabbing Esther's face between his hands, Ellis assure her she needn't thank him for anything because the baby belonged to them both. Esther explained she wasn't thanking him for the nursery items. She was thanking him for taking a chance on her.
Wrapping her in his arms, an emotional Ellis told her to stop before she had him sobbing like some drunken sot. They both laughed as they grabbed hands to examine every last piece of nursery furniture.
Before they sat down to dinner, Esther sent Theo a text which he quickly returned.
{Tomorrow morning is fine. Plan to come through around 11:30. We'll see you and Ellis then.}
"Tomorrow we share our news Ellis."
"Yes lovey. Tomorrow we share our news."