Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 25
Hermione's first two errands hadn't taken any time. At 10:30. Hermione found herself being seated in the office of a Bridal Consultant to explain what type of wedding dress she preferred.
Hermione explained the type of dress she wanted. A fitted bodice with a full skirt. The clerk brought Hermione three huge books telling her to take her time browsing.
Hermione looked at the books with a resigned sigh as she opened the first book. She just wanted a white wedding dress. This process would take her all day.
Hermione was halfway through the second book when she saw it. She saw the dress. Simple yet magnificent. Best of all. It was white.
The clerk had disappeared so Hermione went to find her. Now that she had found the dress. Hermione was excited to try it on. Thirty minutes later, Hermione was staring at herself in a full length mirror in the fitting room. She looked so gorgeous her eyes began to burn with unshed tears.
Hermione was emotional. This was a time she should have been sharing with her mother and father and girlfriends. But life didn't always turn out as planned. A few tears rolled down Hermione's cheeks which she hastily wiped away. A war had changed the entire course of her life, but grieving for what had been lost had no place in her life now. What was gone was gone. She had a wizard who loved her and wanted to marry her. They would start a brand new life path. A brand new beginning. And it would start with her lovely, white wedding dress.
/
Making The First Move: Chapter 26
When Hermione arrived home at 2:30 that afternoon. The first thing she had done was grab her purse with the extension charm to summon her wedding dress. With a quick swish of her wand, Hermione restored the gown to full size. It was beautiful. Classic, elegant and white. Gazing at the gown, Hermione knew Severus would be pleased.
Hermione sat there gazing and thinking how her mum would have loved the dress. Suddenly her heart began to beat erratically. She really didn't know if her mum would have loved the dress. She had been a teenager when her parents were killed. A teenager who hadn't had the opportunity to have those kinds of chats with her mother. The last time she talked to her mum and dad. The conversation had been about the summer holiday trip to Australia they were planning for the three of them. They hadn't discussed anything girly. Nothing adult. Her mum was a Muggle. To her, Hermione wouldn't have reached adulthood for another year. There hadn't been any need to discuss wedding gowns, marriage or the perfect mate before then. Besides, her mum felt everything there was to know about anything could be learned from books.
Once again, Hermione's emotions got the better of her and she crumbled inside. As old as she was, Hermione sat on the side of her bed calling out in vain for her mum and dad. Then, as if she held the Resurrection Stone in her hand and was waiting for her parents to appear. Hermione began speaking as though her parents had materialized beside her.
"Mum, dad. I miss you both so much. I'd give anything to have you here to see my beautiful fiancé. Yes, your stubborn daughter has finally found the one. I know that dad would be giving me a hard time about my choice in wizards, but I love Severus and he loves me. We plan to be married in less than a year. Severus is looking forward to starting a family. As am I. The hard part is neither of us has any family left. Our child will grow up never knowing the love of grandparents." At this point, Hermione's voice broke as a sob slipped out. "How can I feel like this when I'm so happy with my life? I'm such a dope. I love you mum and dad. I'll be alright." Looking at her open palm, Hermione whispered. "Although I know the negatives associated with the Resurrection Stone. I really wish I had one right now."
Hermione sat there for ten more minutes staring at the palm of her hand. Realizing she was being silly, she waved her wand carefully shrinking her gown and placed it in the deepest recess of her closet where Severus was unlikely to see it.
/*/
By the time Harry arrived back in London it had been late Monday evening. After checking in at the Ministry and surveying the pile of messages on his desk, Harry sat down to deal with the most pressing prioritizing the rest. Knowing his Tuesday morning was going to be spent dealing with Michael Corner and the after effects of his sojourn in Scotland, Harry wanted every piece of parchment in order and ready for the team.
There was only one issue Harry felt should be looked into immediately. A tip had come in reporting strange lights and noises in the vicinity of the Lovegood home. Being a largely rural area, Harry wanted to be sure some miscreant hadn't set up shop for one foul deed or another.
Unfortunately for Harry, the tip had been correct. It had taken him another three hours to call in the Third Team Aurors, secure the premises, get the criminals to Ministry holding cells then write up the report. So it was a very tired Harry who landed at Grimmauld Place at 3:00 am to be met by Justin, Randy and Millicent. He had told them to get Michael to Grimmauld Place not baby sit the prat.
"Why are you all still here? My orders were…"
Cutting Harry off, Millicent mumbled that she knew what he had told them, but….
"But my arse." Harry shouted. "When I give an order. I expect it to be carried out. Disobeying orders is becoming a habit with you Bullstrode. The very next time you defy me, I will write you up. I have put my career on the line for one of you. That will not happen again. You are part of this team and work as such or you'll be out." Still shouting, Harry swung his arm purposely knocking over the three glasses sitting on the table in front of him. "I've fucking had it with having to defend my team and myself as well. Get with it or get the hell out."
The silence was deafening as each of the Aurors looked at each other in embarrassment. Not so much for themselves, but for their boss who seemed to have gone over the edge. Randy finally spoke up. "Boss. You're shouting at us, but you're pissed off at Michael. While we all care about Michael. We do not support any of the shite he's done and we are definitely pissed off at the way you were pulled into his bullshite. However, do not lump us all in with a mate who has gone barking mad. We are your team and plan to be your team until you die and I get top spot."
Harry couldn't help the smile that materialized on his face. Randy had always had the ability to calm the situation. "Top spot eh? I don't plan on dying. If you're not careful, I might pull a Voldemort move and work out how to stay alive forever. Back to my original question. Why are you all still here? You should be home sleeping. I am taking this morning off to see how I can help MC. Every last one of you will need to be on the job…..and awake. Justin, I'll need you to follow up on an arrest I made in conjunction with the Third Team a few hours ago. Make sure everything is order. The rest of the jobs are on my desk where I normally keep them. I don't know what time I'll get out in the field."
Millicent started to add something, but Harry stopped her with a stare. "Michael is not your problem. You are neither his wife nor his mother. From here, you will not step a foot into my business with him. Have I made myself clear?"
Randy and Justin suddenly found their feet very interesting knowing they didn't want any part of this conversation.
"Crystal clear." Millicent replied sullenly. "Will you at least let us know what's going on with him?"
Randy's head snapped upright. This time he wasn't charming at all. "Did you hear anything Harry said? Are you trying to work yourself off the team Millie? It's enough. Harry will get Michael sorted. Then he will tell us what he thinks we need to know. Let's get out of here. We need to be at the Ministry in a couple of hours. Invigorating spells will help get us through the day, but can only do so much. See you later today Harry."
"See you later boss." Justin called out heading for the door.
Millicent remained standing in the middle of the kitchen as though she was facing Harry down.
Cranky Harry told her she'd better get going before she made him say things he'd regret.
"I was only going to tell you that Michael is sound asleep in the back bedroom. As far as saying something you'd regret. Perhaps I have things to say as well. Goodnight."
Harry stared at the place Millicent had just vacated wondering if another of his team had gone mad.
Harry had planned to discuss options with Michael, but he was so tired he couldn't keep his eyes open another minute. He quickly checked to be sure Michael was sleeping before heading upstairs to catch a few winks himself.
The few winks were just that or so it seemed to Harry who had laid down around 4:30-5:00 am and been awakened by Michael shouting his name. "Harry! Harry! I know you're here because you're wand and cloak are here in the kitchen. Harry!"
Harry jumped out of bed reaching for his wand. He had been pulled from a deep sleep and was a bit disoriented. Swinging his legs so he was sitting upright on the side of the bed, he shouted back. "I hear you Michael. What in hell are you yelling about? Sit down somewhere. I'll be down after I shower."
Stumbling to the shower, Harry couldn't even cast a spell to wake himself up because his wand was downstairs.
Twenty minutes later, Harry walked into the kitchen which smelled of sausage and eggs. As aggravated as he was at Michael, Harry couldn't stop the rumbling in his empty stomach. He didn't want to eat. He wanted to take Michael over the coals for all the bullshite he'd done in the past six weeks, but his stomach got the best of him. Hunger won out. Harry filled his plate and sat down at the table opposite Michael.
Michael and his former boss cleaned their plates in silence, finishing up almost simultaneously.
"This is pretty strange mate. I mean waking up in Grmmauld Place finding your wand and cloak just laying about. It's after 10:00. Why are you here? Why am I here?"
Harry held up his hand for silence. "I'm here Michael because the time has come for someone to help you get your ruddy arse sorted. I've volunteered so that someone will be me." Harry stated emphatically while grabbing his wand to clear the table. "You have a problem. Before it gets any worse. I'm going to tell you what we are going to do. First off. If at any time, you don't like what you hear or don't like my plan of action. You may get up and leave. But know this. If you refuse the help I'm offering, I am washing my hands of you. I have been drawn into your bullshite three times. You're a grown fucking wizard mate. That's three times too many. Will you listen or would you rather not hear what I have to say?"
Michael had no idea why Harry was still so angry. The last time they spoke. Harry had been all for helping him find a new position. Running his hands through his hair, Michael started to bristle, but the look on Harry's face stopped him in his tracks. "I'm at a loss here Harry. I've done some stupid things, but I thought we had all that sorted."
Harry was in no mood. Instead of listening to what Michael claimed not to know. Harry lit into the former Auror full tilt. It had taken thirty minutes for Harry to get the whole sordid story of what happened in Scotland out and offer a solution.
Michael sat there with his mouth dropping lower and lower. "I was in Scotland. I was bragging about my prowess at certain things. That's all I remember. I'm sorry I've let you down yet again and made myself look the fool. Initially, I blamed Hermione for causing my extreme behavior. But, I fully admit I was going off the rails before Hermione even entered the picture. No matter what I said or what Millie thinks. Hermione's rejection has nothing to do with what's going on now. I have a problem and I accept your solution. I will enter the facility in Wales for whatever amount of time it takes to get myself in order. I regret the shame and embarrassment I've brought down on the department and on you Harry. I'd like to owl the guys to tell them."
'Wake up Michael." Harry shouted rising from his chair. "You're not going off on holiday. You're going to a secure facility. The last thing you should be thinking about is contacting your former team. They care about you, but they are as fed up as I am. Gather your things. I'll send an owl to let the facility know we are on our way."
Michael went to find his cloak and wand. By the time he got back to the kitchen, Harry was waiting by the door.
"They are expecting us. Let's go. Grab hold of this portkey." Harry remarked holding out a battered looking goblet.
Michael obediently put a hand on the item and the two wizards were pulled into time and space.
When they landed in an out of the way clearing, Harry gestured for Michael to follow him between two old trees marked with red squares. As soon as they passed between the trees, Harry and Michael found themselves standing ten feet away from the front door of The Wales Clinic.
Turning to Michael, Harry explained what would happen next. "The rules only allow for me to drop you off. Once you are signed in, your connections to the outside will cease, so I'll tell you now. We are all in your corner mate. You just need to help yourself. Randy, Justin, Anthony, Millicent and I will be here to see you as soon as we are allowed."
Michael wasn't sure he wanted to do this, but as he reached out to shake Harry's hand he knew it was the right thing to do for himself, his career and his mates. "Thank you for your help Harry. Hopefully, I've embarrassed myself for the last time."
As the two men stood shaking hands, an Admissions Wizard came out to escort Michael into the clinic.
The steps to the door were easy for Michael, the knowledge he was relinquishing his freedom was hard.
It was just as hard for Harry even though he knew this was what had to happen.
Neither wizard looked back.
/*/
The day had gone well at S L & G. David and Luna had not only gotten everything set up, but had also decided on a formal name, Florae S L & G and set a date for an open house as well. The Open House for Florae would be held the next Monday giving Luna and David time to send out advance notice.
Severus had been very pleased at how well Luna and David worked together and had gone out of his way to compliment them both.
The day was technically over. Noah, Ethan and Allen had closed up the front fifteen minutes earlier and were already gone. Severus was sitting at his desk going over a few last things before calling it a day. His last task of the day was to review the informational flyers scheduled to be owled out advertising the Open House. After a few minutes review, he pronounced the flyers ready to go. He also wrote a quick note to Neville about new signage to hang at the front of the building and over the entrance to Florae.
Figuring he would leave the flyer on David's desk, Severus started down the hall only to find Neville still in his office with Luna in one of his chairs.
"Ah Neville. Just the man I wanted to see. I've written a note which I planned to leave on your desk." Nodding in Luna's direction, Severus explained that signage was needed out front and for over the door of Florae.
"That can be arranged." Neville answered grabbing a quill from his top drawer. "Luna and I have already had a short discussion about signage. Because Florae is located out back of S L & G, I figure we should have a decent sized sign out front while the one over the shop should be a bit smaller. I can have it done by Thursday."
"That's fine. I have also reviewed the informational flyer. It was done well. An owling can be sent out as soon as tomorrow afternoon." Turning to Luna, Severus advised her to make copies then hand them to Allen to be sent out.
Luna didn't agree and proceeded to make her thoughts known. "I won't need Allen or Ethan or Noah. I'm quite capable of making duplicates and getting them sent out. The mailing will be my first duty for the shop."
Neville sighed. Why couldn't his witch learn to hold her tongue? Even if she didn't agree, she didn't have to confront Severus head on.
Severus glanced at Neville before answering Luna. "Alright Miss Lovegood. If you are refusing assistance, then see to it. However, I must remind you that Ethan and Allen are available should you need help. One last bit. You do realize even though we have given you control of Florae. It is not your personal shop. You will be running it for Snape, Longbottom and Granger."
"Of course I understand that Severus." Luna replied with a bright smile. "However, you, Neville and Hermione have given me complete control over what is done for and within the shop. That's what I plan to do. Exercise complete control. You were quite pleased with what David and I accomplished today. Were you not? You will be even more pleased with what I accomplish when the shop opens for business."
Neville interjected feeling the conversation between Severus and Luna had gone far enough. "We are a team at S L & G Luna. You know that. If one of the lads can help you out, use them."
Luna gave Neville an eye roll before lashing out. "I will do what needs to be done. You are one to talk about teams. You were ready to walk away from S L & G for good. So don't scold me."
Severus pulled himself up to full height. "What's this Neville?" He asked crisply. "So unhappy you've been complaining to Miss Lovegood then? I've heard enough bloody nonsense for one day. Hermione will be waiting dinner for me. If you have something to discuss with the partners Neville, call a meeting. Goodnight."
/*/
For the first time in their relationship, Neville was angry enough to shout at Luna. "CAN YOU NOT TEMPER THAT MOUTH? YOU JUST DIVULGED INFORMATION WE SHARED IN A PRIVATE CONVERSATION. WHAT MUST SEVERUS THINK?"
Luna's mouth had fallen open. Neville hadn't ever raised his voice in this manner. He scolded her from time to time, but this. "Neville. Love." She said walking over to rub his back. "It was the truth. You did say that."
A defeated Neville hung his head. "You're right Luna. I did say that. I just think a private conversation between you and I should remain private. What will it be next? If a staff member challenges you about sex, will you share tidbits of our intimate moments to prove a point? You go too far Luna. There I was, ready to walk away from a partnership in which I am highly respected as well as a position I love because I felt you weren't being treated fairly. That would have been a big mistake on my part because you have the ability to make even the person who loves you very angry. Your careless words stunned me as much as they probably stunned Severus. I will have to answer for them."
"Oh Neville." Luna remarked rubbing his back more forcefully. "Don't be so dramatic. Severus knows you wouldn't leave the partnership. He'll have forgotten what I said by tomorrow. Especially if Hermione is in a good mood. If you take my meaning."
Neville turned in his chair to stare at Luna. "There you go again, speaking without giving any thought to your words. It's enough Luna. Hasn't Xenophilius been after you to come stay with him for a while? Perhaps you should."
"I don't want to go stay with father. Don't be cross with me. I'll apologize to Severus in the morning. He'll….."
Neville jumped up from his chair at these words. "You won't say another thing to Severus about this subject. Please. For the time being. Go see Xenophilius. I need some time to think things over. Would you like me to see you to his house?"
"No thank you." Luna replied with a distinct chill in her voice. "I can find my way to the house where I grew up. Think very carefully about what you are doing Neville. Owl me later if you want me to come back to the flat. I didn't mean to upset either you or Severus. Goodnight."
Neville spent twenty minutes sitting in his office staring at the wall wondering if he had been too hard on Luna. Then he remembered the look on Severus' face. He hadn't been hard enough. Picking up a quill laying on his desk, Neville threw it at the wall. He and Luna would have to have a talk. Another talk in a long line of talks. If she wouldn't agree to temper her tongue, he would have to….. to take measures. What those measures would be. He didn't know.
Sighing heavily, Neville grabbed his wand from the drawer and his cloak from the cloak rack. After walking the shop to make sure everything was locked up, he stepped into the floo calling out in a dispirited voice. "Neville's flat."
/*/
Hermione could tell as soon as she saw Severus' face. Something had gone wrong. "I hope you're hungry. I've made a roast chicken, gravy with mashed and carrots. I've made a pudding as well. I want to tell you about my day."
"Sounds good love." Severus replied kissing Hermione on the nose. "Give me a few minutes. I'd like a shower before dinner."
Hermione grabbed Severus' arm before he could walk away. "Did you think you could walk in here with that look on your face and I wouldn't question it? What's wrong love? Did something go horribly wrong with one of your brews and froze your face like that?"
Severus smiled and wrapped his arms around Hermione. "Something along those lines. Now may I be excused so I can shower. I will tell you over dinner."
It couldn't be that bad, Hermione thought as she set their places. Otherwise, he'd have come through growling. "Let's just wait and see." She said to the air around her.
"Wait and see what?" Asked a still damp Severus as he moved across the kitchen to kiss her.
"Eww," squealed Hermione as she wrapped her arms around Severus. "Please go back and finish drying off. Put on a shirt while you're there. Otherwise, I won't be able to keep my mind on my meal."
"Cheeky witch." Severus called back.
/*/
During the meal, Severus discussed how well the day had gone right up until Luna revealed how Neville has thoughts of leaving S L & G. Hermione's eyes widened over this bit of information, but she remained silent while Severus told the entire story.
"Miss Lovegood was being her normal obstinate self. I suggested she use Ethan or Allen when she needed assistance. Whereupon she told me she had been put in charge of Florae and would do everything herself. You would have been so proud of me Hermione. I stood there like a blithering arsehole explaining she could shoulder all the responsibilities, but should remember she did not own any of it. Of course she wouldn't let the conversation go until Neville stepped in to remind her we are a team. I imagine she surprised Neville as much as she surprised me by revealing he had discussed leaving us. Neville would have fallen over if he hadn't been sitting down. By that time, I'd had enough of her and him and said as much. It was at that point I left. Can you imagine?"
With her fork halfway between her plate and her mouth, Hermione questioned if Severus thought Neville had said anything of the kind.
Nodding his head in the affirmative, Severus told Hermione normally he wouldn't think so, but the look on Neville's face had spoken volumes. "He said it, but never imagined it would be repeated."
The information upset Hermione. She, Severus and Neville were a team. A very good team. The last thing they wanted or needed was for Neville to leave the partnership. "We'll talk to Neville to see what this is all about."
"No. We won't. He's been discussing his plans with Miss Lovegood. When he's ready to discuss it with us, let him come to us. I told him. If he had something to say, he should call a meeting."
"You didn't."
"I did. And I meant it. I don't want Neville to leave, but neither will I run behind him to find out his mindset. That was my day. I fear we have created a monster by putting Miss Lovegood in charge of anything. I've talked long enough love. Tell me. How was your day?"