Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 108
Then it was Saturday 8/22.
The remodel was finished.
The back garden area at Nott Estate was immaculately set up.
Theo and Anna had been up since 5:30 am getting themselves ready for their big day.
Reg was back from Wales with Amelia in tow.
Declan was ready to be a Best Man.
Ellis was sitting placidly watching his wife run to and fro.
Wil, Desmond and Clarke were getting ready while recovering from a late night out.
Jay was hurrying Leanne along worrying about being late.
Cassie gave her wizard a talking to when nerves seemed to be getting the better of him.
Kingsley was in his home going over his notes.
Jean had set Severus straight several times to help him stay on point.
Draco and Hermione had one last bit of love making before taking a turn in the shower.
Then it was 11:30.
Everyone involved in the Nott-Grace wedding was where he or she should be. From there, everything moved along smoothly. The wedding planner/decorator/fixer had hired a magical photographer who took dozens of magical photos for posterity.
At 2:00 pm on the dot, Severus Snape savior and mentor walked Anna down the aisle and handed her over to Theo and Declan.
At 2:01 precisely, Kingsley began the wedding ceremony.
By 2:55, the ceremony was over and done. Theo, Anna, and Declan Nott were now Wizard, Wife and son.
By 4:00 pm, dinner and speeches were in full effect. Soon after, the newly wedded couple made the rounds greeting and thanking all their friends and acquaintances. Anna and Theo did step away for a few minutes to change into less formal attire but were back among their friends in short order. Those who were interested got an abbreviated tour of the newly remodeled Nott Estate.
More importantly, Declan got to spend a bit of quality time with his hero Severus Snape.
The day had been amazing with the celebration lasting late into the evening.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Nott Jr., and son.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 109
It was done. Theo, Anna and Declan were Mr. and Mrs and son. The back gardens had been magically turned into a reception area and it seemed the party would last all night.
Even after the bride and groom had excused themselves to get sorted, most of the guests remained behind to socialize. Loud shouts went up when Theo and Anna returned to join their guests. Declan ran up to his parents to give both a tight hug addressing them as mum and dad. Theo and Anna couldn't get the smiles off their faces as each took one of Declan's hands and led him to their table. Before sitting, Theo called for quiet as he raised his glass.
"Although we've had many excellent and not so excellent toasts, (here he gave Draco, Blaise and Jay a direct look) I would like to make another…..
"Here's too all my mates who have been running around like maniacs to ensure Anna, Declan and I had a perfect day. And we have. I'd shout you all out by name but that would take ages, so I'll just say thank you. Anna, Declan and I want to give special thanks to our Minister and too Severus as well. Without those two, this day might not have been possible. I promised Anna I would keep it short so I have. However, my lovely wife would like to say a few words as well."
Theo took a step aside putting a hand on Declan's shoulder.
"Theo has said quite a bit…"
A flush appeared across Theo's nose, but he smiled along with everyone else.
"….So I won't say much more except you've made our day so special. Thank you to my fantastic witches who kept me standing through this whole thing. I love you all, especially you Lucy and Hermione. I promise to do the same for you….
Catcalls filled the room as Draco pulled Hermione to him.
….My last bit of thanks goes to my wonderful son and husband for finding me and taking me into my forever family. With that all said, Theo, Declan and I will sit to have our dinner with all our friends."
The room was filled with applause as the three Notts took their places at the table followed by everyone else who were making their way to seats.
/
After dinner, the guests formed their small groups most of which surrounded Theo, Anna and Declan before heading off to other conversations.
Blaise, Ginny, Draco, Hermione, Jay and Leanne were discussing the nuptials when Wil, Clarke and Desmond joined them.
"It's really lovely to be back in London without having to worry about being murdered." Offered Wil.
Draco grinned at him. "If it's your intention to ruin a lovely wedding day, I'm sure Theo will be glad to murder you himself, especially you Clarke."
Hermione tried not to smile even as Clarke went into a full face blush while trying to exonerate himself. Draco allowed Clarke several seconds of blustering before patting him on the shoulder.
"Calm down mate. Luckily for you, Theo is too busy at the moment to murder anyone."
Everyone in the group had a laugh even though most didn't know the origins.
Hermione inquired how things were going with mobiles in Switzerland.
Wil was quick to answer. "You're a bit behind the times Miss Granger. Things are going so well Switzerland has been fully wired and we've had numerous deliveries from WCS. In fact, our suits are in talks with Severus to set up a branch in Switzerland. I believe Mick's name has been thrown around a bit."
Hermione was intrigued. This was something she didn't know. Looking around to see if Severus was still in attendance, she intended to have a word. However, Draco who had noticed Hermione's sudden interest reached out for her hand speaking in a low voice.
"I realize you've just learned something about WCS. Please do not make it an issue on Theo's wedding day. Neither he nor Theo will thank you."
Draco's words although annoying, were true and Hermione realized it. Squeezing Draco's hand, she nodded.
"Hahaha. Leave it to my fiance to recognize when I'm about to go on the wrong path. If there's an opening, I'd like to apply to go to Switzerland."
Now it was Draco's turn to turn annoying. "What madness are you talking about? You hear Severus might be setting up a branch in Switzerland and suddenly you're ready to up and move to Switzerland. That's not happening Hermione. I suggest you adjust your thoughts."
Hermione dropped Draco's hand and moved a few steps away. Her natural inclination would be to argue the point, but this was not the place. Instead, Hermione moved away from Draco and started a conversation with Wil and Desmond while Draco remained in place fuming. Quick start Hermione was on his last nerve. What would it look like her pulling up stakes to head to Switzerland leaving him in England twiddling his thumbs. Wasn't going to happen if he could help it.
Wil wasn't stupid, He had noticed Draco's change of posture. He was not going to get between Draco and Hermione which he did by excusing himself from the conversation giving Desmond a nudge to do the same.
With both wizards walking away from the conversation, Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco and walked over to where Blaise and Ginny were standing. However, if she expected commiseration and sympathy from her oldest friend, she was in for a surprise. Outspoken Ginny got Hermione told in no uncertain terms.
"Hermione being Hermione. Does this have anything to do with Severus choosing Conor over you? If not, why would an engaged witch decide to leave fiance to go hundreds of miles away? What did Draco say?"
A huffed up Hermione angrily replied. "For fucks sake Ginny. It doesn't have anything to do with Conor being promoted over me. I'm not going to run out and go to Switzerland tomorrow. It was just a thought."
Looking around uneasily, Blaise grabbed Ginny by the hand. "Listen love. Hermione is grown. What she does is her business. Why don't you two discuss at some other time because I for one, do not want either Theo or Anna inviting us out of their home. Let's go see what Jay is on about."
Hermione found herself standing alone as she watched Blaise and Ginny walk over to where Jay, Leanne, Gabriella and Draco were conversing. Letting out a huge sigh, she made her way over to the group reaching out for Draco's hand as she joined. Draco gave her a small smile before returning to the conversation. Hermione knew she would have some explaining to do later, but for now, she would just pretend she hadn't been acting like an arsehole.
/
Esther and Ellis were among those who left early. They left their regards as Ellis explained he wanted to get Esther off her feet. Theo understood. Both he and Anna gave Esther a hug before thanking her for all her efforts.
Earlier, Reg had stepped away to see Amelia home to Wales. However, as soon as he was back, he took Declan over to say one last goodnight to his parents. After that, it was a shower, a snack and some quiet time for the young wizard.
Severus and Jean also offered their last congratulations as they got ready to leave. Theo had stood to firmly shake the hand of the wizard who had come through for him on several occasions.
"I don't want to go all maudlin Severus, but please believe you have my utmost admiration. Thank you for all you've done."
Not used to compliments, Severus reached out to shake Theo's hand. "It was a pleasure to assist you Mr. Nott. Jean and I wish you, Anna and Declan the best of everything. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
Theo remained standing as he watched Severus and his witch leave the premises. Who knew Severus Snape would ever save anyone. Anna finally gave a tug on Theo's arm and he sat back down.
"I'm sorry love." Theo said to Anna. "Some things make the unemotional Theo Nott emotional. We've been here long enough. Let's wave a last goodnight to our guests then retire to our amazing home."
After leaving a kiss on her husbands cheek, Anna took his hand. "Come on love. Let's see to the guests that are left, check on Declan then leave everyone to do as they wish. It's time this wife had some time with her husband."
Theo grinned. It was an inherent ability knowing how to read between the lines.
/
Hermione was quiet when she and Draco arrived home. Draco tried to start a conversation but Hermione removed her clothing and headed straight to the bathroom obviously not wanting to discuss anything. However, Draco wanted to get everything sorted.
"We need to talk Hermione."
"I'm tired love. I don't want to talk about anything." She replied.
Draco Summoned a glass and a bottle of Ogden's. "You made a big statement earlier Hermione. I need to know what's going on. Come out and talk to me because the last thing I want is my witch noping off to Switzerland."
Opening the bathroom door, Hermione strode directly over to Draco and broke down in his arms. "I was being an absolute arse Draco. I'm sorry. I think Conor's promotion has affected me more than I realized. I always want to be top girl but I realize that's not always possible. I should never have sold Granger and Associates."
Draco pulled Hermione into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "We've had this conversation before love. Everything won't always fall in your favor. It was you who made the decision to give up your law practice. It was also you who agreed to take a bottom rung position with Severus. Please love. Live in the here and now or think about leaving WCS and go back to law."
With her head on Draco's shoulder, Hermione began to sob. "I'm not sure I'm where I want to be."
Pulling her close, Draco whispered in Hermione's ear. "Well, we could always join up and open Malfoy & Malfoy Solicitors. Of course you would have to marry me first. That would solve all problems."
Hermione gave Draco a watery smile. "Blaise would kick your arse."
Draco started laughing and couldn't stop. "More than likely but he'd get over it. I don't like to see you this upset. If WCS is not where you want to be, change it. However, if you are upset because you think you're not being taken seriously, I suggest you change your mindset. Severus is not that wizard. You asked to be taken on and he took you on. I'm fairly certain he never promised you'd be President of the company within your first six months. Stop overthinking. Why don't you go have a soak while I fix a snack?"
Hermione stood letting out a soft sigh. "No soak but I think I'll have a nice, hot shower. I love you Malfoy. I think I'll marry you."
"I love you as well Miss Granger. I'm hoping you'll marry me before we both turn eighty."
"You never know. I might want to take a page out of Anna's book and have a quick ceremony in the back garden of Malfoy Manor."
Hermione's response caused Draco to choke on his drink. "In Malfoy Manor back gardens? Really? You'd probably have to duel Cissy. It's a Malfoy wedding or nothing for us."
Closing the bathroom door behind her, Hermione called out that he'd better talk to his mother because she just might want a quickie wedding. Draco, who was running his wand across his lap removing the whiskey stains didn't reply. His and Hermione's wedding was too serious a topic for him to joke about. Just in case, he intended to follow up.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione returned to the living room with open arms and a big smile wanting to bring a close to her nonsense. Thirty minutes after that, she and Draco had come to terms. She would stop stressing over things she wasn't granted and he would continue to shag her brains out. They retired to bed to see if Hermione would lose any of her brain.
/
Theo and Anna had just left Declan's room after saying goodnight. They were chuckling softly to themselves over how excited their son had been.
"Declan is so excited to be able to call you mum. I believe our son will not stop smiling for a month."
"I'm happy as well love. I have the love and admiration of two Nott men. My life cannot get any better."
Leaning in to kiss Anna on the side of her head, Theo whispered loving words in her ear. "You will always have the love and admiration of the two Nott men. We are a family. In the near future, I suggest you get Declan, Cely and Reg together to explain what you expect."
Anna stopped in her tracks giving Theo a direct stare. "I don't think I'll be doing that Theo. What we have now is fine. All three are respectful and caring. I don't want to change anything. If something needs to be addressed, I or we will address it at that time. Until then, let's just let it be."
Theo gave Anna another kiss before replying. "Alright love. This is your home. We will proceed accordingly. However, at the first sign of…."
"At the first sign of rebellion, I will immediately seek out my husband. Happy now Mr. Nott?"
Theo gave Anna a pinch and a grin. "I'm very happy Mrs. Nott. I'll be happier when we can get back to our wing of the house and I can divest you of that lovely dress."
For the moment, all was done and Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Nott, Jr. could look forward to a bright future.
/
Blaise was trying to stop Ginny's mouth with little result. She was still on about Hermione talking about applying for a position in Switzerland.
"Hermione is my best witch witch but I think she's barking. What will she do with Draco? How likely is Draco to stand by and let her go to another country. I love her like a sister but she's being obtuse."
Blaise sighed. Hermione had made an absolutely foolish statement but it wasn't for him and Ginny to discuss especially knowing how Draco felt about anyone getting into his business. Draco and Hermione would do what they wanted to do. Whether he said it out loud or not, he knew Draco wouldn't ever stand still for Hermione taking a position in Switzerland. Period.
/
The day had gone very well. Severus had walked Anna Grace down the aisle to become Mrs. Theodore Nott and had a very pleasant exchange with a young admirer.
"You were magnificent Mr Snape. I think brown suits you. In addition, I believe young Mr. Nott was over the moon to be able to meet with you. That Snape charm was definitely at work. At least it's what charmed me."
Nodding in agreement, it was an amicable, pleasant Severus who smiled at his witch. "I won't go as far as to say it was my Snape charm. What I will say is I've experienced one of the best days of my life excluding the brown clothing. That I will not do again."
Jean laughed as she ran her hand up and down Severus' arm. "You looked regal in brown love. You might not go as far as to wear an entire brown suit in the future, but a brown vest wouldn't hurt anything. All I know is you were an all around hit. In the back of my mind, I have an idea that Declan will be knocking on our door simply to have a chat with the wizard he admires."
Grabbing Jean and leaving a smoldering kiss on her lips, Severus agreed with every word she had said. "We did have a really good day, didn't we? How about a quick trip to Silverton to make a good day even better?"
"I'm all for it Severus. It will be nice to see home for a little bit. I can be ready in thirty."
"Alright love. Thirty minutes it is. However, I need to correct you on one point."
Jean was puzzled. "What point would that be Severus?"
"You said it would be nice to visit home for a bit, but Silverton Oregon is no longer our home. Our home is in London for the time being."
Jean moved her head from side to side as though assimilating his words. "Alright Messiah. London is our home for the time being, but I still think of Silverton as a refuge. Better?"
"Better." Severus replied with a wink.
/
The Swiss lads didn't have any qualms about being out and about on their own in London. They were quite familiar with the city. It didn't hurt that Jay and Leanne had invited them to spend some time with them. The three, especially Clarke were chuffed because it seemed Gabriella had taken a liking to him. After a quick trip to the hotel for a refresh, Wil, Clarke and Desmond met up with Jay, Leanne and Gabriella for a night of fun.
/
The Nott wedding had been a huge success and pleasurable event. By 9:00 pm, all guests and participants had made it to their next destinations to either rest up or have a night out.