Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 99
"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."
/
A/N: A milestone. I give you chapter 100. Thank you for following along.
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 100
It had taken Reggie only five minutes to get himself together after leaving the table. Next stop, Newport, Wales. Theo had been generous enough to give him time away and he was going to use the time well. It wasn't as though he begrudged the time he had to spend away from Wales. He had a position which required him to be in London. A well paying position. He didn't begrudge anything. However, time away was welcome.
Reggie was thankful to Anna not only for her kindness and thoughtfulness but for her presence being the reason he would be having time away. She was amazing with Declan and the young wizard loved his mum to be. Theo had mentioned feeling very secure with Reggie leaving Declan in Anna's capable hands. It also didn't hurt that Mick was around the house most evenings to engage with Declan. It was win-win all around. It wasn't until Reggie landed in his small, empty Newport flat he wondered if his proposed times away would make him expendable to Theo. That thought scared him a bit. He wasn't willing to give up the perfect position for a bit of time away and some rubs. If it came down to that, he would rub himself.
By the time Reggie had the kettle on and put out a warm dish of bakestones, the negative thoughts had disappeared. Theo was pleased with his work. A few days away here and there wouldn't hurt anything. Reggie was contentedly munching the bakestone when he heard movement at the door. Brushing his hands together to remove the crumbs, he had just risen from the chair when…
Knock, knock.
Reggie broke out in a smile. His text had been received. Amelia was at the door. One of the best things he'd done was send her a mobile and instructions on how to use it. They weren't in a serious relationship, but the mobile kept them connected. Reggie opened the door to find a grinning Amelia standing there with arms wide and lips pursed.
"Hello love. I've brought dinner." She commented before gliding into Reggie's arms. "I brought us some rarebit, lamb cawl and a bit of Bara Brith for after dinner. It's been a while. I've missed you."
Reggie was grinning from ear to ear. He didn't consider himself a wanker or a prat, but he was happy to see the witch who would turn up whenever he called. When he lived and worked in Wales, they were two people who enjoyed a nice one off two or three times a month. They liked each other well enough but each knew it wasn't forever, especially now that he was permanently residing in London. Reggie had made it up in his mind to step back if Amelia asked, but until that time he would enjoy what they had.
"It has been a while. Come on through. I've missed you as well. You know you didn't have to bring dinner. I would have been glad to take you out."
"Tish tosh Reg. Bringing dinner is a small thing. I always enjoy sharing a meal with you." She replied, placing the sack down on a counter.
"And other things as well I hope." Reg replied suggestively raising his eyebrows.
Amelia's smile faltered just a bit and Reg who knew her well sensed something and inquired.
"Am I being presumptuous?"
Amelia gazed at him then turned her eyes away. "You aren't being presumptuous Reg. We've always done certain thing when we come together. It's a bit different this time."
Reg was becoming apprehensive, but thought he knew what was coming.
Amelia was still speaking. "I'm here tonight to have dinner with a good friend."
Good friend? Thought Reggie. He definitely knew what was coming.
"Tonight, dinner will be all of it Reg. There is a wizard who is interested in me and I in him. Intimate relations between us was always fun and exciting but we were both free to do as we liked. I'm not free anymore. I actually only accepted your invitation to explain the situation face to face because as long as we've been involved with each other, I think you deserve transparency. I believe I've found my wizard. After this dinner, I won't be accepting any more invitations. Sorry."
Reggie couldn't actually say he was blindsided, but he was blindsided. In the back of his mind, he knew things might change with him not being there in Wales, but… But what? He and Amelia weren't tied to each other. Still….it hurt to know Amelia was moving on. All he could do was take it like a wizard.
Reaching out to take Amelia by both hands, Reggie spoke from his heart. "Thank you for telling me in person Amelia. I feel like I'm losing a part of me, but I'm chuffed you have found the right wizard. I'm sorry I couldn't be the wizard you needed me to be. I wish you nothing but the best."
Amelia smiled looking directly into Reggie's eye. "Don't you dare apologize for anything Reg. We were each other's support. We were good for each other during our time. If our relationship was meant to go anywhere, we would have realized it long ago. With you permanently in London in an amazing position, it really is our time to move on from each other. I wish you nothing but the best as well." Amelia stood up. "I thought I would be able to sit, talk and eat dinner after telling you, but I can't. You have the meal and always keep me in your good thoughts. Thank you for being you."
With that, Amelia headed to the door pulling the coat she'd never taken off around her. Then, without a look back, she was gone.
/*/
Reggie sat there whether it was the shock of it all or the truth of it all, he couldn't move. On the one hand, he knew Amelia hadn't said one word of a lie, but on the other hand, he hadn't expected things to end in this manner. Reggie made a fist and hit himself in the chest once or twice to dislodge the knot which had formed. His Amelia was gone from his life for good. Then he thought, not his Amelia. She was now some other wizard's Amelia. Reggie took deep breath after deep breath to keep from tearing up. This was all his fault. He hadn't put a value on his and Amelia's times together. Perhaps if he had….. Reggie chastised himself. If, if, if. It was too late for ifs. Too late to ask if they could try a proper relationship. She had a new wizard.
Reggie sat for several more minutes before heading to the bathroom to throw some cold water on his face. Then he spent thirty minutes walking around the small flat just thinking. At the end of the thirty minutes, he'd made a decision to sell the flat. He'd held onto the flat so he would always have a place to call his own and to visit with Amelia. However, for at least the next three and a half years, his home would be with the Notts. After that...after Declan entered Hogwarts, he would make adjustments as needed.
Reggie glanced at the dinner sack and felt sad once again. He didn't want dinner. He wanted to clean the flat to get it ready for sale. Shrinking down what he would take with him, he decided to sell it as a furnished flat. He'd have to come back to Wales to see a Realtor. As he was shrinking the last of his personals, it came to him. He wouldn't have to come back to Wales. Theo Nott was a Realtor. He could sell a furnished flat with his eyes closed. Reggie would inquire.
With everything tidy, Reggie had a last look around his long held flat. His eyes landed on the dinner sack once again. This time, he raised his wand and with a quick twist called out Evanesco. Poof! The sack was gone. Reggie didn't condone wasting food, but he wouldn't have been able to eat one bite of it.
It was back to London for Reggie. Theo would probably be surprised to see him back before time, but there wasn't anything keeping him in Wales. If an explanation became necessary, he'd explain.
Then Reggie engaged the portkey.
/*/
Amelia had walked as fast as her legs could carry her until she was well away from Reggie's door. Leaning against a building, she let the tears flow. Tonight she had cut her own heart out. There wasn't any wizard in her life. She had released the wizard who had her heart from any responsibilities. He had moved to London for a position and from the way he spoke about his charge Declan Nott and his father Theo, he was extremely happy with every intention of remaining in London for years. Reggie living in London wasn't a problem. The problem was him wanting to keep their relationship as one offs. She had given Reggie numerous chances to take things to the next level. Some things she'd done were so embarrassing she didn't want to think about them. However, nothing had worked. Reggie continued to expect one offs. It really wasn't his fault. Initially, she loved the one offs, but after it became clear he was moving to London without making a statement, the state of their relationship wasn't as appealing. Reggie was on a new path. One that didn't bode well for a night here and a night there. In London, there were probably tons of witches who would like to entertain a good looking, fit wizard with a well paying position in a top household. She didn't want to be left behind, so she had let him go.
Straightening herself up, Amelia apparated home never realizing she had lit a fire under her enamored albeit in a way that wouldn't allow him to approach her again.
/**/
After dinner, Hermione and Draco got busy with their own set of tasks. Contrary to what Hermione had said about leaving the next bit of wedding planning until the next day, she felt energized and pulled out her planner.
"It must have been that lovely leftover steak. I'm simply brimming over with energy." She snipped to Draco when he gave her the fish eye for pulling out her wedding outline notes.
"Really? The steak was it? I think you just want me out of the way so you can push your choices on me."
"I'm doing no such thing Malfoy. I'm just doing a quick once over to make sure I-we haven't left anything out, but if you're going to make a big deal about it….."
"Stop right there Miss Granger because it feels like you're trying to lead me into arguing territory which is a place I will not go, especially when I want to stay on your good side at least until I marry you. After that…"
Hermione put down her planner, came around the couch then stood in front of Draco. "After that what? Tell me now because if it's some Malfoy shite, I'll remain single and you'll never get another bit of this tasty morsel." She cheeked, patting the honeypot he loved so much.
Reaching out with the dexterity of a professional seeker, Draco pulled Hermione down on his lap and pushed his hand under her nightshirt. Moving his fingers, he teased Hermione. "I told you. You will not be pulling me into any argument. As for your threat to keep this honeypot away from me, you're barking. Two things in my life are certain. One, you will be bonded to me on 15 October, 2005 at 1:00 pm. Two, I'll get every bit of this tasty morsel into perpetuity."
As Draco was talking, he had been moving his fingers in and out of the honeypot which caused Hermione to let her legs fall open. Draco smiled at the soft moans coming out of the mouth of his hard headed witch.
"Tell me Miss Granger. Shall I stop? Shall I take my fingers away from this lovely mound of pink flesh, or shall I go on?"
With eyes closed and without saying a word, Hermione, whose breath was coming out in short bursts grabbed Draco's hand to hold it in place.
"So I take it that would be a no." Draco cheeked as he turned Hermione around and replaced his fingers with his entire mouth. Then he too was in the moment as he listened to Hermione's moans. Immediately after bringing her to an oral climax, Draco pulled down his trousers and entered the honeypot that was his for all time right there on the couch.
For once, Hermione wasn't complaining about anything.
/*/
However, as soon as the orgasmic feelings left her body, she was up off the couch telling Draco he'd better clean the couch because he had messed it up. A smiling Draco didn't mind cleaning up the couch. He had gotten the honeypot his witch had threatened to withhold from him. He was the clear winner and would be into perpetuity. As he was cleaning and beaming, Hermione called out from the bedroom.
"Get in here Malfoy. I hope you didn't call yourself finished."
With a full out grin, Draco headed for the bedroom with his soldier standing ramrod straight. His witch wanted a third helping and he was just the wizard to give it to her.
"Coming love."
It was almost midnight by the time Draco finished with the pussy that would always be his.
/**/
Narcissa Malfoy climbed out of bed Sunday morning in a very positive mood. Lucius had come back to her bed in a very amorous mood. So amorous in fact, she was slightly sore. As she ran her bath, Narcissa smirked to herself. She might be sore from Lucius' ministrations, but her thought was, better her than one of her so-called friends.
As Narcissa relaxed in the tub, she had a brilliant idea. If she wanted Lucius to keep coming to her bed, she'd have to remain pleasant and accommodating. While that wasn't her normal behavior, time with Lucius trumped all. To that end, she planned to make Lucius very happy by inviting Draco and Hermione to Sunday Dinner. After her bath, she would use the bloody mobile to text Draco. She sighed. Purebloods were supposed to know everything, but she wasn't sure she would be able to text on her own. With her nose high in the air, Narcissa huffed. Of course she would be able to send a text. If muggleborns could do it, a pureblood witch most certainly could. Having made that decision, Narcissa leaned back against her fluffy, pureblood bath pillow and let the warm water soothe her soreness.
Being immersed in the warm water caused Narcissa to doze off. Suddenly, she woke to find a frowning Lucius standing over her.
"Lucius!"
"Yes Narcissa it's me your pureblood husband wondering why your arse has had my bathroom tied up for the last hour. You have a perfectly good lavatory ten steps from the bed."
"Sorry love. I had planned to be in and out before you woke."
"Well, that time has passed. Please get out of my tub so I can shower and complete my toilet. I want to get out of the house for a bit. I'll be stopping by the club today for a few games of wizards chess and some wizard conversation."
Narcissa, who could see her Sunday plans going up in smoke spoke out of turn. "Will you be back before 6:00?"
Lucius turned and gave Narcissa a deadly stare. "Am I not still the head of this bloody mansion? Since when do I have to run my itinerary by you?"
Narcissa immediately recognized her mistake and back stepped. "Yes Lucius. Of course you are head of Malfoy Manor. It wasn't my intention to make it seem otherwise. I asked the question because I planned to text Draco to invite him and Hermione to Sunday Dinner. However, it wouldn't be a proper Sunday Dinner without you at the head of the table."
That statement caught Lucius by surprise but brought a smile to his face. "Fair enough Narcissa. Text Draco the invitation. Set dinner for 6:00 pm. I'll be at the head of my table."
As Narcissa passed him wrapped in a towel, Lucius grabbed her. "Your pleasant manner and thoughtful invitation have stirred my passions. I want to take you to bed."
Narcissa was thrilled. A simple invitation had turned her husband into the sexual beast she loved. Hurrying to the bedside, Narcissa dropped the towel before climbing into the bed. Beckoning Lucius, she held out her arms. "Come Lucius. I'm ready."
And she was. Soreness be damned.
/*/
Hermione woke on Sunday to the beep of a mobile signaling there was a tweet waiting. She poked Draco. "Wake up Malfoy. You have a text."
Pulling the pillow over his head, Draco sniped out a reply. "Please lower the volume a bit. I just got to sleep. Besides, I don't hear anything. You heard it so you can respond."
Hermione poked him again. "My mobile is off wanker. But, because I love you, I'll read the text on your mobile."
{Sender}: Narcissa
{Recipient}: Draco
Draco, your father and I would like for you and Hermione to share Sunday Dinner with us. I have set dinner for 6:00 pm. Please be prompt.
I sent this text without assistance. Just thought Hermione would like to know.
Hermione held in her giggles as she poked Draco once again before handing him the mobile.
"Merlin Hermione. You had me up until all hours using my body now you want me up at the crack of dawn." He said, grabbing the mobile.
Hermione grinned. "It's not the crack of dawn Dr-aaa-co. It's a perfectly reasonable 12:15 in the afternoon. Get up before I decide to use that body some more. I'm going to shower then fix brunch. Get up."
Draco sat up. However, after reading the message, he let his head fall back on the pillow. "Lucius and Narcissa cordially invite us to dinner. How wonderful. And just when do they think we'll be able to discuss our wedding?"
Hermione laughed so loudly Draco jumped up out of bed and sped to the kitchen. "What's so funny Granger? Wasn't it you who said we would be discussing wedding details today? Well, wasn't it?"
Hermione continued to guffaw as she waltzed over to encircle her arms around Draco's neck. "Calm down love. I did say we would discuss our wedding plans today. However, we have more than a year to get ourselves sorted. One dinner with your parents won't hurt anything. Besides, we can discuss a few things during and after brunch. Dinner isn't until 6:00 sharp. Hahaha. Narcissa Malfoy sent a text unassisted. Alert the Minister."
Kissing Hermione on the mouth, Draco removed her arms from around his neck. "Funny Granger. Very funny. I'm fairly certain the Minister already knows Narcissa can send a text. Father probably mentions that fact everywhere he goes. I'm going to shower then have a nice brunch with my lovely wife to be at which time she can inform me who will be in the Groom's party. I love you Miss Witch who holds my honey pot."
Hermione didn't bother to reply. She just went about her business. She also made a point of setting aside three eggs which would be soft boiled. Draco would have scrambled. Since she wanted to be fancy, Hermione also made bacon, grilled tomato, sausages, fried potatoes and toast. "A manly breakfast for a manly wizard. I wonder if he wants to try a soft boiled egg?"
"Talking to yourself love?"
Draco was back looking very handsome in his tee and boxers.
"Yes love. I was talking to myself. I was wondering how many soft boiled eggs you want on your plate."
The sudden memory of Theo vomiting all over the place popped into Draco's head and his gag reflex kicked in. "Ugh, ugh, cough, choke. Please Hermione. We are about to eat. Soft boiled eggs may be a delicacy to you, but the thought of them makes me nauseous. Please allow me to eat without having to run to the toilet."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well Mr. Malfoy. If I might make a suggestion…"
"And just what would that suggestion be Hermione?" He asked.
"You don't have to sit in this kitchen to watch me eat. Take your arse to the dining room, living room or bathroom and eat your breakfast there. Do you want coffee?"
Draco took a breath. He didn't want to argue and he definitely wouldn't be leaving the table. "Alright Miss Granger, have your soft boiled eggs in peace. Will you be trying to feed them to me after we're married?"
Hermione rolled her eyes but was smiling inside. Draco was trying to get his arse hexed. "No, probably not. I won't have any interest in the wizard who is my husband whining about eggs. I'll probably just give them to you raw."
Draco reached across the table and laid his hand on Hermione's. She was coming out of her little snit. "I love you Miss Granger soft boiled eggs aside. Now. Regale me with the tale of wedding dress shopping and what you found."
/*/
Regardless of how the meal started, Hermione and Draco shared a peaceful time at the table discussing a few wedding things including the wedding dress Hermione didn't find. Hermione was taking a page out of Anna's book. She wouldn't be sharing anything dress related until she was sure of her choice.
Hermione and Draco cleaned up together before heading to the living room to resume their Bridal Party discussion.
/*/
Esther was nudging Ellis along. "Come on love get moving. It's almost 11:00 and we told Theo we'd be there by 11:30. I don't want us to be late, especially since we are going there to share our news."
Ellis came over and kissed Esther on the cheek. "Calm down Mrs. Casper. It takes five minutes if that to get to Theo's. You do want your husband to look presentable in front of your nephew and his fiance, don't you? All I have to do is step into my trousers. Pick me out a tie love."
"A tie? You don't need a tie."
"Listen Esther. We are going in front of your family to share our news. I won't be dressed like some prat. A tie is fine."
"Alright, alright." She said, choosing a dark blue tie. "Wear a tie but hurry it up. It's better to be a bit early than late. I'm feeling a bit nauseous. We won't stay long."
His wife was feeling nauseous. Ellis immediately became solicitous. Pulling Esther down on the couch beside him, he felt her forehead. You're not warm. Should we text Theo to reschedule? I really don't want you putting any strain on yourself."
Esther patted Ellis on the cheek. "Don't be a worrywart. Everything is fine. Come on now. Buckle that belt, put on your suit coat and let's go."
"Alright love, I'm ready. Take my arm. We'll be there in two shakes."
"When they landed outside Nott Estate, Esther stumbled a bit. "Please Ellis. The next time we travel let's use one of the portkeys Theo gave us. I don't know if it's the pregnancy or just me feeling under the weather, but suddenly, side along apparation is not very appealing."
Ellis smiled because side along apparation wasn't appealing in the best of times.
/*/
As soon as Ellis and Esther stepped up to the porch, Cely opened the door before they had a chance to ring.
"Good morning Mrs. Esther and Mr. Ellis. Mr. Theo and Miss Anna are in the living room. Breakfast be ready in a few minutes."
"Thank you Cely."
Theo stood as they entered the room extending his hand to Ellis and giving Esther a quick hug. Anna greeted them as well inviting them to have a seat.
"We held breakfast for you. Let me get Declan."
Ellis acted quickly. "A minute Theo. Esther and I need a private word with you and Anna."
Theo was puzzled but sat back down. "How can we help.? Need a few galleons, is it?"
Grabbing Esther by the hand, Ellis gave off a nervous laugh. "Nothing that serious Theo, but I'll take all the extra galleons you have laying around."
Theo let out a booming laugh and Anna tried to hide a smile.
"Alright Ellis I'm all ears."
"Well, since you and Anna are family, Esther and I want you to know that we are expecting. We'll be mum and dad in February of next year."
Theo glanced from Esther to Ellis then back to Esther before jumping to his feet. "Fantastic. Congratulations to you both. I never thought I'd see the day." He said sitting beside Esther and pulling her into a tight hug. "Absolutely fantastic Esther and I mean that from the bottom of my cold, Nott heart. And you Ellis. I couldn't wish anyone better for my aunt.
Ellis and Esther chuckled at Theo's comment. Anna came over to hug both Esther and Ellis wishing them the best of everything.
Theo was as animated as Esther had ever seen him. "Shall we bring Declan in to tell him. He'll go out of his mind with joy. I imagine as soon as he hears, he begin putting a lesson plan together for the baby."
Everyone had a laugh.
Esther glanced at Ellis before speaking. "I'll leave telling Declan up to you and Anna Theo. If you think it proper, Ellis and I will gladly share our news with my favorite nephew."
Theo turned to Anna. "What do you think love? Shall we tell Declan? I for one am sure he will notice when Esther's stomach begins to expand. Even though it's an adult topic, it's something Declan will be allowed to know. We don't have to tell him right now. Anna and I will speak to him a bit later in case he has questions."
Anna and Esther spoke at the same time. "He'll have questions."
Theo and Ellis laughed like bastards.
Theo stood once again. "While we won't be sharing your news right now, let me call your biggest fan so he can say hello before we sit down to breakfast."
"About that Theo. Esther and I wanted to share our news, but Esther is feeling a bit queasy so we didn't plan to stay long. I want to get her home for a lie down."
For a second, Esther thought Theo was going to get cross over them turning down his invitation. However, this was the new and improved Theo Nott. All he did was grin and bow.
"I'll be right back."
Thirty seconds later, he was back with an excited Declan on his heels who shook hands with Ellis and hugged his aunt. "Hello Aunty. Hello Mr. Ellis. It's nice to see you both. I've missed seeing you Aunty. Perhaps father and Anna will allow me a visit this coming week."
"You know you may have Reggie text me anytime for a visit." Esther chirped. "I love to have you over and the garden certainly misses you."
Declan smiled as he turned to Theo. "May I father?"
"We'll discuss visitations later. Onto another subject. I know Reg is off so I expect you to be on your best behavior for your Uncle Mick. Go back to your room now. We'll call you for breakfast in a few minutes."
"Okay father, but Reg is here. He came back last night or early this morning. He already has my day planned out. I love you aunty and uncle. I hope to see you soon."
Esther and Ellis waved at their nephew.
/*/
Theo had been caught off guard. He thought Reggie planned to spend Saturday and Sunday in Newport. Odd that he had slipped in without saying anything. That wasn't the way a member of the household should act. Too stealthy. He'd be having a word with the Manny. Anyway, that was a thought for another time. Right then, he had to say goodbye to Esther and Ellis who had risen from the couch and were standing in the middle of the room.
"We'll see you when Esther is feeling better. Thank you both for being so receptive to our news. We look forward to having Declan over." Ellis offered, extending his hand to Theo once again.
Anna stood to hug Esther and Ellis thanking them for trusting her and Theo with their news. "We'll see you soon and you'll probably be seeing Declan sooner than that. Hope you feel better Esther. Although I know nothing about nothing, if you need a friendly, female ear, please call or text. Enjoy the rest of your day."
Ellis and Esther waved and were soon on their way out the door.
/*/
Theo and Anna spent several minutes discussing Esther and Ellis' news before calling the household to the table for breakfast. Before heading to the dining room, Theo whispered in Anna's ear.
"You need to hurry up and marry me so we can have our own news to share."
Anna chuckled as she grabbed onto Theo's arm. "We might not have any news to share at this time, but I'll allow you to practice until such a time as we do. I'm sure everyone is starving. Let's get them to the table."
Theo said nothing but gave Anna one of his widest and brightest smiles. He might have to wait a bit, but his witch just suggested they would be having children.
"Be still my heart…."