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.

101. Chapter 101

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 100

"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…."

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 101

The brunch table was a bit lively as Mick was home and led all the nonsense until Theo gave him a Nott look. Mick knew right away he should tone it down. Without a bit of hesitation, he made a one hundred eighty degree turn onto another subject.

"Glad to see you at the table Reg. It was my understanding we wouldn't be seeing you until tomorrow morning."

Reg, who had planned to address his early return with Theo in private shifted in his chair before responding with a bit of humor. "Ah! And there was me thinking I was sneaking in so no one would notice."

Mick, who couldn't let a good piece of nonsense go by unchallenged had a ready reply. "I'm sure your little ploy would have worked if it wasn't for brunch."

Reg and Anna smiled. Declan understood the conversation but kept his thoughts to himself even though he too thought Reg wouldn't be back until Monday morning. Theo remained silent as well. Reg was a grown wizard who, with permission, could come and go as he pleased. However, as a wizard, especially a wizard who had an employer, he should either keep to terms or offer an explanation as to why his plans had changed not come sneaking into the house when everyone was asleep. He was very lucky Theo hadn't heard someone bumbling about the house in the wee hours of the night and proceeded as though it was an intruder. The outcome could have been disastrous.

Anna was tapping his arm giving him a strange look. "Declan is asking to be excused."

With a nod and a smile, Theo glanced at Declan. "If you're through son, you may be excused. I'll be coming to your room a bit later to see how your Gringotts account is coming along, so have your information ready."

Declan stood. "Thank you father. Reg and I have everything in order. My account is coming along nicely. I'll get everything ready as soon as I get back to my room."

Theo nodded at Declan, but stopped Reg when he stood up. "I'd like a word Reg. I'll see you in the den." Turning to Anna, Theo kissed her on the nose before asking that she glance through his catalog of men's formal wear. "I don't want to be standing around bare ass when you turn up in some amazing wedding dress on our big day. I love you Miss Grace. I won't be long."

Before Theo could stand, Anna put a light hand on his arm. "I've been around the family long enough to know when you are pleased and when you aren't. You aren't pleased. I have an idea what it's about, so I'll just ask that you take whatever answer you receive in stride. Reg is a fantastic Manny as well as a fantastic wizard. Don't put too fine of a point on anything. I'll see you after. Perhaps I'll find such a handsome outfit in your catalogs I'll want to marry you on Tuesday."

"Very funny Miss Grace. I have it on good authority you won't be marrying me until you find the perfect dress. However, if you find something for me in the catalogs, I'll definitely marry you on Tuesday even if you're in a house dress."

Anna smiled. "Well thank you for that bit of information Theo. I'll check my house dress supply. I love you Mr. Nott. Please remember what I said regarding Reg. If I'm not in the study, I'll be in the back garden."

Theo didn't move until Anna made it to the study then he headed to the den to not make too fine a point on anything.

/*/

In the short period of time Reg waited for Theo he mulled over the text he had received from Amelia. Actually, he had been thinking about it all morning. He had left Newport around midnight. The text was sent at 9:40. Amelia must have sent the text even before she reached her flat. Unfortunately, Reg had turned his mobile off and hadn't turned it on until this morning. It was a strange text. A very strange text. Amelia wrote the exact opposite of what she had said in his flat. She didn't have a wizard. She had just said what she said because she didn't want to be interfering in the good life he was living in London. She was in love with him. Reg let out a sigh. What was he supposed to do with that information? He had made up his mind to sell his flat. In fact, he had planned to speak with Theo about that very thing. Now he didn't know what to do. As hesitant as he had been in taking steps with Amelia, he cared for her. He cared more than he had admitted to himself. What the hell was he supposed to do?

His rambling thoughts were interrupted. Theo had entered the den.

"You're technically still off duty Reg. Have a drink with me?"

Reg felt he needed a drink. "Thanks Theo. A lager would be nice."

"Alright lad. We are able bodied wizards who can summon his preferred drink. Use your wand."

Reg smiled. He hadn't expected to be sitting in front of the pleasant Theo. "If I'm nothing else, I am able bodied. Accio Carling." With the bottle in hand, Reg raised it in Theo's direction. "Thank you Theo."

"You're welcome Reg. Now that we have drinks in hand, I'll get to the reason we are here. I was disappointed to find you had arrived back home in the early hours without informing me. It isn't a problem that you returned early. The problem is your presence could have been mistaken for someone who meant harm to the family. I'm certain you've heard the story of what happened to Padma and myself in this very house. Had I heard someone moving around the house my first thought would have been to summon my wand, and that would not have turned out well because I will always protect Anna and Declan to the best of my ability."

"My apologies Theo. I chose not waking you over waking you. I meant to inform you early but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out for the count. Declan, who must have me on tracking radar stopped by my rooms this morning. I planned to make myself known after I made myself presentable. It won't happen again."

"Relax Reg. You are a grown wizard. When you aren't on duty, you may come and go as you like, but I'd like a notice. I've said my piece, so that's that."

Reg had finished one bottle of lager and Accio'd a second. "May I have a few more minutes of your time? I have a situation and two requests."

Theo also summoned another drink after pulling himself straight up in the chair. "Of course. Haven't done anything illegal, have you?"

Reg chuckled at the thought. "No Theo. I haven't done anything illegal, but thanks for asking."

"Hahaha. Excellent. Then proceed."

/*/

From there, Reg explained about giving up his flat in Wales, made a request for Theo to be the Realtor for the sale and added the surprise last request.

Theo questioned Reg about his plan to sell his flat wondering if he needed money. Reg assured Theo the sale wasn't about money then went into a short explanation about Amelia which turned into a longer conversation when he explained about her text. Theo gave his input which led Reg to put his plans to sell on hold. The suggestion was made for him to have a long think about his and Amelia's relationship before moving forward on anything. Reg took it all to heart.

Theo met the last and most surprising request with some confusion. "Declan wants to meet Severus. Explain please."

For the next ten minutes, Reg explained how he'd seen a few pages at the back of Declan's notebook and relayed the content. "Mr. Snape saved my father. I wouldn't have a father if it wasn't for Mr. Snape. Mr. Snape is a great wizard. I want to meet Mr. Snape."

Theo was astounded. He knew Declan was aware of what happened to Padma and himself. What he hadn't known was how strongly his son felt about the wizard who had indeed saved his father's life. "The last bit is a little tricky Reg. I'll have a discussion with Declan then proceed from there. Rather than have Declan think you are sharing his private thoughts, I'll figure out a way to see that notebook myself. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. If that's all, I think I'll wander into Declan's room to have a look at that notebook now. I promised to have a look at his Gringotts account book. I'll do both things at once. Enjoy the rest of your day. I'll speak to you later.

"Of course Theo. I'll be in my rooms if you need me. I have some things to think over."

Theo had stood when Reg stood. "Good man. That's all I'll say about that. Come to me when you have it all sorted. We'll work something out."

Reg headed for his rooms feeling much better than when he started out.

/*/

Hermione was sitting with her feet in his lap when Draco remembered the conversation with his parents the prior day. "I'm not sure love, but our invitation to Sunday Dinner might have come about because of something I said to my parents."

Hermione gave him a stare waiting for him to elaborate.

"Why the look love?"

"The look is over your loose lips. What else did you tell them without me being present?"

Draco began rubbing Hermione's feet, but she was quicker than that.

"Don't be trying to soften me up. Just tell me what was said."

Draco sighed. What was going to be a bit of humorous nonsense seemed to be turning into a battle. "Never mind. It was just something I found humorous. I'll….."

"Too late." Hermione replied, turning so her feet were on the floor. "I love humor, especially if it pertains to me or our marriage."

Draco stood up. "Nothing monumental love. Excuse me. I need the toilet."

Hermione watched her fiance as he left the room wondering why she was being an arse about stupid shite. Jumping up, she headed to the bathroom. Pushing open the door, she used her sweetest voice to address Draco before plopping down on the side of the tub. "I want to hear your story."

"Merlin Hermione. You surprised the shite out of me, and I mean that literally. May I have a bit privacy? The conversation wasn't really important, but I will gladly share once I wipe off and wash my hands."

A laughing Hermione left the bathroom throwing a bit of cheek over shoulder. "Wipe off and wash? Don't start anything new on my account."

Draco replied in a loud voice so he could be heard over the flushing toilet. "Funny Hermione. Very funny. I'll make it a fast story because it's almost 4:00 and we have a dinner invitation for 6:00 sharp."

Hermione sat there chuckling until Draco was back beside her.

/*/

Knowing she had annoyed the shite out of Draco, Hermione laid her head on his shoulder. "Alright love. I love a fast story. Tell me what happened."

After all the back and forth, Draco felt the humor was gone. However, just to get it told he proceeded to share how he informed his mother and father they might get a granddaughter instead of a grandson.

Hermione's jaw dropped as her hands flew up to cover her mouth before she burst out laughing. "Hahahaha. Draco you didn't."

Looking Hermione straight in the eye, Draco told her he most certainly had. "I thought Cissy was going to fall off her chair."

Grabbing Draco around the waist and squeezing him to her, Hermione continued cackling. "Hahaha Cissy. I can't with you right now Draco. I'm visualizing their faces. Do you realize how hard it's going to be for me to keep a straight face at the dinner table? One thing is certain. This muggleborn has put having a daughter on her calendar. I love the story Draco. Thank you for sharing."

Draco leaned over to kiss Hermione on the top of her head. "I love you more Miss Granger. Perhaps we can work on shocking the pureblood out of Narcissa and Lucius by having a set of twins."

Hermione laughed as she stood and pulled Draco up with her. "Get up lout. It's 4:40. We should start getting ready. We don't want to be late to dinner with the naysayers."

Nuzzling Hermione's neck, Draco offered a small bit of cheek. "Even if we are only the tiniest bit late, they'll think we are in bed trying to disrupt their pureblood world by making a daughter. I believe we should name her Mira."

"Really git? Mira? You do know Mira is the only normal star with a tail. How would that look if the first girl born to the Malfoys in ages arrived with a tail?"

"Ah! I see the mother to be is up on her constellation knowledge. No worries. If our daughter arrives with a tail but bearing strong Malfoy genes, the ever arrogant Lucius will overlook that small detail. I'll use the front bathroom."

Hermione stopped to place a searing kiss on Draco's lips before heading to their bathroom. "I don't know how you do it, but you make me love you more every day."

A grinning Draco who was feeling warm all over from Hermione's words smarted off. "It must be my strong Malfoy genes."

They were dressed and ready by 5:30 and turned up to Malfoy Manor twenty minutes early.

/*/

As she had mentioned to Draco, it was all Hermione could do to keep herself from laughing out loud when she looked at Lucius or Narcissa. It was so obvious both the Malfoys commented on Hermione's happy attitude. Hermione's only answer had been that she was enjoying her dinner. Draco kept his head down.

/*/

The visit to Malfoy Manor had gone very well. So well in fact Narcissa invited Hermione to her sitting room to discuss all sorts of things. Narcissa even surprised Hermione by asking about WCS. Hermione surprised herself even more when she found the words, you'll have to stop by for a tour coming out of her mouth. Luckily, Narcissa declined a visit citing overstepping Lucius and Severus. Hermione had simply shrugged it off because it had been foolish of her to invite a visitor to a place of business without authorization.

From there, the conversation had drifted onto weddings and the wedding planner which also went well. Narcissa also began nosing about the progress Hermione was making regarding purchasing a wedding dress. Hermione didn't share any of her progress except to say there were a ton of beautiful gowns but none had appealed to her so far. There was nothing more Narcissa could say. However, Hermione was beaming inside knowing any information she shared would have gone right back to Lucius and from Lucius to Draco. That wasn't going to happen. No one would know about her dress until she wanted them to know.

/*/

Back at the house Hermione and Draco went into fits of laughter when Draco made several humorous remarks. "Narcissa: You seem especially happy tonight Hermione. Lucius: Yes. Today must have been a very good day Hermione. You: I'm enjoying the company and the dinner. Expecting you to burst out in laughter at any moment, I wisely kept my eyes on my plate."

"And you are a very wise wizard Mr. Malfoy because I wouldn't have been able to control myself if I had looked into those handsome eyes."

The couple sat there having the kind of conversation couples do when Draco was reminded of a rumor he'd heard. "Is it true Severus is thinking about moving the WCS Administrative Offices to his department in the Ministry? I'd love that. I could have lunch with my fiancee every day."

Hermione became a bit perturbed. Not because she didn't know the answer, but because she hadn't heard the rumor. In addition, she liked the freedom of having a department at WCS which wasn't under Jean's daily scrutiny. Her apprehension of such a fate made her become snappish. "That simply cannot be true Draco. Severus would have mentioned it."

Draco shrugged. "No need to snap Hermione. It's just something I heard. Not to be a prick about it, but I don't think Severus has to run his ideas in front of you. Anyway, it was just something I heard. I'm going to get a slice of the carrot cake. Would you like me to cut you a slice?"

Hermione, who was still aggravated over missing something just grunted.

Draco let out a sigh ignoring the mini tantrum. "Alright love. I'll take that as a no. After the cake, I'm going to shower then go to bed."

Hermione headed to the bedroom. "I want to shower as well. I'll be in and out before you suck down that cake."

Draco sat down at the table to have his cake wondering when his witch would give up thinking she ran everything.

/*/

Theo called for Cely.

"Yes Mr. Theo."

"Please fix a small bowl of fresh, cut up fruit and send or bring it to Declan's room."

"Alright Mr. Theo. That bowl of fruit will be there quick."

Theo then stopped by the back garden to give Anna a quick kiss and let her know he was going to speak to Declan.

"Alright love. I'm through out here. Mick has challenged me to a game of Wizards Chess. The wizard does not know I've been studying up."

Theo laughed out loud before leaning down to kiss Anna on the nose.

"Laugh away Mr. Nott. I'll wipe the floor with Mr. Mick. See you in a bit."

"Alright love. See you in a bit."

/*/

As usual, Declan's head was in a book. However, he looked up with a wide smile covering his face when Theo entered the room.

"Hello father. I have all my account information laid to make it easy for you to review."

"Excellent son. I'll look at the information in a minute. Cely will be bringing a bowl of fruit. I need you to wash your face and hands."

"Okay father. I'll be right back."

Theo took a quick look around, but he didn't have to look far for the notebook which was laying on the table beside The History of Magic. Picking it up, Theo turned to the back of the book. Reg hadn't exaggerated. There was at least three pages of material referencing Severus Snape. Theo felt his heart swell as he read some of the entries.

I miss my Nan. I miss my Nan. She loved me so much, but now I have a real father.

I'm so glad to have a father and two uncles. I am a very lucky wizard.

My father loves me.

I love my father, my Uncle Mick and my Uncle Conor.

Anna is going to be my mum. I love her. I think she loves me too.

Next page.

I would like to meet Mr. Snape to thank him.

Mr. Snape is a powerful wizard. I am thankful for him.

Mr. Snape saved my father's life.

Mr. Draco, Mr. Blaise, Miss Hermione helped Mr. Snape save my father. I like them all.

I wish they could have saved Mother Padma.

I can't get into adult business but I want my father to introduce me to Mr. Snape.

The pages were filled with the same and similar notations. Theo wasn't an emotional wizard in that sense, however, he was choking back tears when Declan returned.

When Declan saw Theo with his notebook, he became alarmed. There was no way he wanted his father to think he was nosing in adult affairs. "Father?"

"Yes Declan."

"I hope you aren't angry over what I've written."

Theo held out his arms. "Come here son. You have written some beautiful thoughts. How could I be angry?"

Declan felt himself tearing up. Theo noticed as well. "There's no need for tears Declan. These are you personal thoughts which I think are lovely. You are correct in thinking Severus Snape is a powerful wizard. Not only is he powerful. He is brilliant as well. What he isn't is a wizard who looks for thanks or payment. I am so impressed you are interested in meeting him because he saved me. I can't make any promises, but I will inquire if Severus would care to be introduced to one of his biggest fans."

Cely interrupted. "Your fruit is here Mr. Theo."

"Thank you Cely. You are excused."

With a slight bow, Cely popped away.

"Why don't we have some fruit while I look over your account?"

"Yes father. I really like fresh fruit. Reg is impressed with my account. I think you will be too. I am building for the future."

Theo smiled inwardly. Not only did he have an empathetic son, but a brilliant one as well. So much for him getting any of Theodore Nott Sr.'s genes. "All right Declan. Let me have a look at the information."

Theo was very impressed. In the short span of time, and with Reg's support, Declan had deposited a tidy sum. He had a balance of nineteen galleons, fifteen sickles and twenty six knuts. He and Reg had faithfully made a deposit every week. There were also small deposits from Mick and Conor. Family looking out for family. Theo was pleased.

"Excellent son. You are well on your way to building a strong foundation. Let's finish up this fruit."

And they had. When the bowl was empty, Theo told Declan to go say goodnight to Reg, Mick and Anna. "Be sure to knock before entering the room."

Declan smiled. "Yes father. Reg insists I knock before entering a room. He says it's just common courtesy. I think I'll have a shower in the morning. I'm tired."

"Alright son. Off with you. Have a good sleep."

/*/

Theo raised his wand and pointed to send the empty bowl to the kitchen where Cely would make sure it was cleaned and put away before he headed to the study to track Anna down. It was time for his focus to be solely on her.