Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 80
Changing the subject, Draco handed Blaise the three cases that needed to go upstairs. "These cases are ready to go. Would you care to review them while you're here?"
"I'll review them in my office. By the way, what did you think of Theo and Anna Grace? He seems to like her."
"Hermione and I had Sunday dinner with Theo and Anna. He didn't share any personal information with me, but I concur with your notion. He likes her very much."
Blaise sat back down. "She was there for the party then back for Sunday dinner. That in itself is telling. With what Theo has been through, I don't care who she is or where she came from. I'm happy if he's happy. That's all I'll say about that."
Draco grinned at his Head. "I'm sure Theo will thank you for your acceptance."
"Don't be an arse Draco. This is a private conversation between you and I. I would never interfere in Theo's business." Blaise huffed, rising from the chair.
Draco stopped Blaise before he could walk away. "Come on Blaise. I was just having my little joke. I know neither one of us would step foot into Theo's business because neither one of us wants to die."
Blaise nodded. "Yes, there's that. Thanks for the files mate. I'll be in my office if you need me."
Before Draco could reply, his mobile rang. Severus Snape was calling. It was time to put up or shut up.
Hello Severus. Thank you for getting back to me. I have a question and an idea.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 81
My time is limited Draco. Please explain quickly.
Draco wanted to huff but he knew better. His godfather didn't accept huffing well.
Fine Severus. I'd like for WCS to explore setting up mobile lines in Switzerland. As you know, I spent several years there and had plenty of friends, colleagues and connections whom I would like to be able to contact by mobile. Would this be possible?
Severus pondered what Draco had just said. WCS hadn't gotten as far as Switzerland but it was on the agenda.
I applaud your forward thinking Draco. I have the Wiring and Installing wizards in all areas. We have France, Italy and parts of Austria wired. At this moment, there aren't any in Switzerland, but it is on my agenda. I have groups ready to be sent to the next area. Your request has made me want to adjust our agenda. We will finish off Austria then instead of going to Germany we'll do our installations in Switzerland if we can get the proper authorizations. Germany can wait a bit. If all goes well, I surmise we can have Switzerland up and running by the end of the week. You've put forth an excellent suggestion. From here, I suggest you start contacting Swiss prospects. In addition, get me the name of a contact who will be willing to push our products. Perhaps if Mr. Zabini can see his way clear, you'll be allowed to present yourself in person to explain details. If I'm going to work fast, you'll have to work faster.
Severus was interested but Draco realized he'd gotten himself in it. He had to make his position clear.
At this time Severus, I cannot visit Switzerland. I have discussed taking a vacation with Blaise. Not wanting to play favorites, he won't allow it until I've been with OTS for a year. I have plans in place to see my mates at the end of June.
Severus snapped at Draco.
We aren't talking vacation Draco. This is business. You bring me a suggestion but no solution. With that said, I'll have to defer to Mr. Zabini. He is your Head after all. Let me see what can be managed. Perhaps after you give me a few connections, I can go to Switzerland to explain details and set up a small branch there.
Draco let out a sigh of relief. He didn't want to get on his godfather's bad side thinking most days Severus didn't have a good side.
Sounds fine Severus. I haven't made contact with my connections. I wanted to wait until I spoke with you to be sure it could be done. I'll get with Wil and Clarke straightaway and have an answer for you this evening. Thank you for your time.
Severus was silent for several seconds.
It's me who should be thanking you Draco. Going into new areas is difficult. It is always better to have connections. I'll check on a few things on this end and wait for your call. I appreciate the initiative.
My pleasure Severus. I hope it all works out.
/*/
Draco lifted his wand to close the door to his office before sussing out exactly what he would write to Wil and Clarke. Twenty minutes later, he had his letters completed. He would write basically the same thing to Wil and Clarke. He needed their help.
Draco smiled at the finished letters. Given the opportunity to lord it over him, both Wil and Clarke would get back to him as quickly as possible. Draco decided not to wait until a mail witch or wizard came by to pick up. He'd take the letters down to the atrium where letters were sent out as soon as they were received.
Draco stopped by Blaise's office to let him know he was leaving the department, but, as usual, the office was empty. He headed for the doors.
Passing Brian and Donald's offices, Draco called out he would be leaving the department and would be back in a moment.
Brian gave a silent nod while Donald uttered a few softly spoken remarks.
/*/
After speaking with Draco, Severus was so pleased with the way things were going he had an actual smile for Hermione when she turned up at his office door.
"Good morning Hermione. Do you need assistance with something?"
Hermione smiled back elated that her miserable sot of a boss was in a decent mood. "There is a matter I'd like to discuss. We touched on it briefly but I believe it warrants an in depth discussion."
The smile vanished from Severus' face. There was too much going on for him to sit and listen to any of Hermione's bullshite yet he remained pleasant. "An in depth discussion? My Monday mornings are very busy. Can this wait?"
Hermione didn't even stop to think about it. Instead, she went directly into her spiel. "It was quick work to expand The Transition Department. Thank you for that. We-I mentioned getting an assistant to, among other things, be a conduit between Transition and DMTS. It would alleviate the need for any of Jean's people to leave the Ministry. In addition, an assistant would be able to deliver units directly from here…."
Severus held up a hand. "Slow down Hermione. You've been in charge of a department for five minutes. Just slow down."
The last thing Hermione wanted to do was aggravate so she slowed down. "Sorry Severus. I know you have loads on your plate. I was just trying to be proactive."
"Proactive is always good Hermione, however, I'm not one to accept things blindly. You have a plan. Put it in writing. We'll see where it goes from there. One caution. Do not proactively hire someone before I've given authorization. Have your plan on my desk as soon as possible."
Hermione felt deflated but enthusiastic as well. What had she expected? Severus Snape wasn't about to do anything without proper review. "Alright Severus. I'll have my plan in your hands before the end of the day. Why was Draco here?"
An immediate frown appeared on his face. "Mind yourself Hermione. Draco coming to see me has nothing to do with you. I'm sure if he wants you to know, he'll tell you. If there's nothing else, I'd like to get to my work."
Hermione felt herself flush. Severus could be such a beast. "Of course Severus. Thanks for your time."
Hermione straightened her shoulders as she walked away from Severus' office knowing he was scowling at her back. Scowl on Mr. Snape she thought. Draco will tell me everything anyway.
/*/
Back in the office, Draco stopped by Brian's office to ask that he keep an eye out as he was expecting several Speed Owls. Brian agreed and Draco headed to the big conference room to work on the open cases. He wasn't there for a good fifteen minutes before Donald appeared in the doorway.
"I've finished up Wands and Biologicals for the Weldon case. Do you need help in here?" He asked, laying his items and documents on the table in front of Draco.
"Thanks Donald. I'm just finishing up the notes on Weldon. Get Brian. We can go over what we have."
"That's fine Draco, but Brian stepped away for a few minutes. I think his pink arse might be giving him trouble again. Not sure though. I didn't want to get too far into it."
Draco smiled in spite of himself at Donald's bit of play on words. "Don't start Donald. Keep your mind off Brian's arse and show me what you have."
Donald may or may not have been about to respond to Draco, but Brian appeared in the doorway. "Hello men. I needed a quick word with Harry Potter. These three international, speed letters addressed to you were in our mailbox. I see you have the Weldon material out. It's past lunch time and you look like you need to take care of these letters. Shall we pick up here after lunch?" He asked, handing Draco the envelopes.
"Yes. Let's do that. Thanks for picking these up for me Brian. I'll see you both back here in an hour."
"Would you like us to bring you back anything?" Donald asked.
"Nothing for me thanks. I might have something a bit later. Thanks though."
"Alright then. We are off."
/*/
Draco hurried to his office anxious to read what Wil, Clarke and Desmond wrote. Knowing Wil would be the most obnoxious, Draco opened his letter first.
Hello Draco my lad;
What a surprise to have a bloody speed Owl nearly take my eye out. It was an even bigger surprise to find out the Owl was from my London mate. Any of your good mates act out lately? Never mind. I'm sure they have. All that aside. Your letter was intriguing. Clarke and Desmond thought so too. They are answering you separately.
To business. I have had the opportunity to read in The Prophet what Mr. Snape is up to. Yes Draco. I still receive The Daily Prophet. I find the whole mobile device thing interesting. From the tone of your letter, it would seem as though you need a favor. Just like old times. However, this is a serious matter and I will treat it as such. I will gladly make inquiries here as will Clarke and Desmond, but that's their story to tell.
As soon as I read what you needed, I made an appointment to sit down with Dawley and Fletcher, your favorite executives. I'm sure they will be amenable to this new avenue of communication. It wouldn't surprise me if they have already heard about mobiles. If they aren't interested, I volunteer Clarke to be Severus' contact. If Dawley and Fletcher are interested, I volunteer to come to London to meet with Severus. A winning situation all around.
I'll try to get another International Speed Owl out to you by late this afternoon. This all sounds very promising. I'll do my best with the executives.
Regards,
Wil
PS: How is Hermione? I know your short attention span. If you two aren't still dating, put in a word for me in case I have to come to London.
PPS: Calm down Malfoy. The last was just a bit of cheek.
/*/
Draco smiled at the nonsense parts of Wil's letter but was enthused by the rest remembering Dawley and Fletcher to be far sighted wizards who delighted in being on the cutting edge, Draco was chuffed. This might be easier than he thought. In addition, if everything went right, Wil could be coming back to London. Knowing that, Draco grinned as he realized if Wil came, Clarke would wrangle a way for himself to come as well which was great.
Draco read Clarke and Desmond's letters which said essentially the same as Wil's with the same bits of nonsense thrown in. They were willing to help out, but agreed Wil should be the front man. They both ended their letters stating Draco owed them.
Draco remained at his desk trying to decide if he should contact Severus or wait until he had solid information. Caution won out. He wouldn't be calling Severus until he had something to tell. Draco slid the letters into his desk drawer before returning to the conference room.
/*/
Anna Grace was having an amazing day. Not only had the shop owner complimented her on her sales presence but her quantity of sales as well. It was as though a lucky star was shining down on her.
As silly as it sounded, Anna put it all down to Theo Nott. Well, not Theo Nott exactly, but his actions. He had invited her to a party, taken an interest, invited her back to Sunday dinner then purchased her a mobile. Best of all, he didn't care one whit about her circumstances. Then there was the brilliant Hermione Granger inviting her to dinner. It was almost too much to comprehend. All this from taking an interview for a nanny position.
As she assisted the next customer, Anna made the decision to withdraw a few sickles of her paltry savings in order to serve Theo a half decent dinner Wednesday evening. If she could manage, she'd purchase some brandy for after dinner. The customer purchased a dress, a scarf and two jumpers.
While ringing up the sale, Anna happened to catch the eye of the owner who was smiling and nodding in her direction. Anna smiled back. Yes indeed. A lucky star was definitely shining down on her.
/*/
As happy as Anna was, Theo was even happier. His first client of the day had signed an agreement. They were in his office finishing up the paperwork.
After the client left, Theo held up the draft drawn on Gringotts wondering if there was a way he could surreptitiously deposit a few galleons into Anna's account before cautioning himself. Making a witch feel poor was not the way to hold her interest. Throwing the draft aside, Theo rang Anna to see if she would go to lunch with him.
Anna felt the mobile vibrate in her pocket but could only glance quickly at the caller as she was with a customer. Suddenly, the customer seemed to be dawdling. Was she going to buy or wasn't she? The mobile vibrated again. This time, as much as she would like to speak with Theo, Anna got a bit annoyed. Theo knew where she worked and her lunch time. It wasn't as if she was a Realtor who could vary her lunch hour. Finally, the witch chose a striped jumper.
As soon as the sale was finished, Anna hurried to the ladies to return Theo's call. Strange as it seemed she glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch to find it was 12:10. She had worked ten minutes into her lunch hour.
When she rang Theo back, he answered on the second ring.
Hello Miss Grace. I thought you might have turned off your mobile.
Hello Theo. My mobile was on silent ring but I did see who was calling. I was on the floor in the middle of a transaction.
Theo felt stupid but only for a second.
My apologies for interrupting, but I was sure you mentioned having lunch from 12:00-1:00. I rang you five minutes after the hour.
Now Anna felt stupid. Who knew Theo would be so fastidious? She had mentioned her lunch hour to him.
You're quite right Mr. Nott. My normal lunch hour is 12:00-1:00. My transaction ran over. Technically, I've been on lunch for fifteen minutes now.
I was calling to see if I could take you to lunch, but I don't want to rush you. How about if I meet you at the coffee shop in Diagon Place for a quick hello and a quicker lunch? If that won't work, we can meet for a cup of tea and a muffin.
Anna suddenly felt warm. This wizard was full of surprises or perhaps her lucky star was shining at its fullest.
That's fine Theo. Look for me in about ten minutes.
Wonderful. See you then Anna.
/*/
Quickly washing her face and hands, Anna cast a refreshing spell over her face and her clothing wanting to appear her best for Theo. Back on the floor, Anna apologized to the owner for inadvertently working into her lunch hour informing her she was leaving the shop for a short lunch.
The shop owner shook her head. "No need for apologies Anna. You've outdone yourself today. Go have your lunch. Take the full hour. I'm sure Doris and Justine can hold down the floor until you get back."
Another bit of sunshine thought Anna. "Thank you Miss Jackson but I don't want to throw off our schedule. I'll be back at 1:00. See you in a bit."
Miss Jackson watched as Anna hurried out the door thinking it might be time to elevate her best shop girl.
/*/
By 2:30, Hermione whose plan was laying on Severus' desk was mumbling and grumbling to herself as she set up mobile after mobile. "Blasted Severus sashaying around without a thought about getting back to me. He's given me a department but won't give me the tools I need. I'm going to march right into his….."
Hermione glanced up to see Severus striding towards her. The mumbling and grumbling ceased immediately. She met Severus' approach with a wide smile.
"Good afternoon Severus. May I help you with something?"
Severus refrained from smiling. He'd passed by earlier and heard Hermione mumbling and grumbling but it was nothing but smiles when it appeared he was about to share good news. "Glad to see you going happily about your duties. I have spoken to Jean. She and I have discussed your request for an assistant and come to a decision. Jean offered to have Gloria come work as your assistant. It would be like old times. You as boss and Gloria as assistant."
Hermione was horrified but hid it well. The last person she wanted in her department was Gloria Isles. Hermione had to think fast and think smart. "If I remember correctly, Jean chose her staff with care because she felt those were the people who would work best with her. It's my opinion that removing Gloria from DMTS would prove a hardship for Jean down the line. If you and she don't mind, I'd like to choose for myself."
Severus gave Hermione a direct stare. "We've been colleagues a very long time Hermione so I know what is at play here. You've had a specific witch or wizard in mind since the word assistant first came out of your mouth. Am I off the mark?"
Hermione let out a soft sigh. Severus, as usual, was way ahead of her and lying to him wouldn't help anything, so she told the truth. "I do have a specific person in mind Severus. She is a bright, engaging, personable witch I think would work well beside me. I admit she was the first person who came to mind when we discussed an additional person for The Transition Department. Please don't let that cloud your judgment. Meet her, speak to her then decide if she'll fit in at WCS. Please give Anna the same chance you gave Conor and Mick Byrne."
Severus shrugged and nodded. Hermione had pled her case nicely. He and Jean had taken the inexperienced Byrne brothers on with a leap of faith and it had turned out well. Both brothers were excelling. He'd take ten more like them. Even though he and Jean had discussed moving Miss Isles back to WCS, it wasn't anything set in stone so Severus made a decision. "Alright Hermione. I'll speak to Jean. Set up an appointment with…."
"Her name is Anna Grace."
"...with Miss Anna Grace. Jean and I can make time on Thursday morning at 8:30 am. Please see that Miss Grace is punctual. I am waiting for information on an important matter which could feasibly mean a visit to another country. If that happens, Jean will take the interview alone. Either way, Miss Grace will have her interview. Thank you again for being proactive. Jean also wants me to extend her regards for fast and efficient work you are doing with the mobiles."
Hermione was stoked. "Thank you for giving Anna this opportunity. She will see you and Jean Thursday promptly at 8:30 on Thursday. If I don't see Jean, please thank her for the kind compliment. I'm going to the lunch area for a quick tea. Would you like something?"
Severus furrowed his eyebrows. Hermione was now fawning which was something he couldn't stand. "Thank you for the offer Miss Granger, but I'll pass on the tea. Important matters are sitting on my desk waiting for my review. If you''ll excuse me."
Hermione took notice of Severus' use of her surname. "You bet I'll excuse you you snappish git." Hermione muttered softly and sourly before admitting she had gotten her way and should be thankful. "Anna and I will run circles around most of your other employees. Just watch."
As Hermione continued on to the lunch area, she clapped her hands together. She had gotten her way. All she had to do now was convince Anna. Even though she wanted to explain herself right that moment, Hermione knew Anna couldn't just step away from the shop floor to take a call so she made a mental note to ring her after work.
Satisfied, Hermione plopped down into a chair, twirled her wand a few times to summon a freshly made cup of white tea and a biscuit.
With the assistant thing almost sorted, Hermione began mentally nosing over Draco's surprise visit to WCS. She sat there drinking tea, chewing her biscuit and puzzling over what he wanted with Severus. She didn't puzzle for very long knowing she could wring the reason out of Draco one way or another.
/*/
By 4:45, Donald, Brian and Draco had gone back to their respective offices to write up their portion of paperwork. Five minutes later, Brian was at Draco's door with an International Owl offering a bit of cheek.
"You're very popular today boss. Four International Owls in one day. Should we be worried you have your eyes set on some lucrative position in Switzerland?"
Draco responded with his own bit of cheek. "Looking to take over my position then Brian? You might have to wrestle Donald for the privilege. However, the correct answer would be no. This is business. Besides, I'm quite happy being able to run you and Donald over the coals on a daily basis. If there isn't anything else, I would like to attend to this letter. Please let Donald know if we can't get everything together today, we'll get it done first thing in the morning."
"Thanks Draco. I was hoping to leave a bit early today. I have an appointment."
Remembering Donald's comment about Brian's pink arse, Draco inquired. "Is everything alright with everything?"
Brian grinned having been informed by Donald the quip he'd made. "Don't let Donald mislead you. My arse is fine."
An embarrassed Draco simply nodded before turning over the envelope he was holding. Wil had come through.
/*/
Draco,
Good news. Dawley and Fletcher are very interested in bringing mobiles to Switzerland. Dawley was so interested it was all I could do to talk him out of going to London to meet with Severus. You obviously know, all things being what they are, I was advocating for myself going to London. Needless to say, I won. Fletcher has given me all kinds of authorizations.
I'll be coming to London as soon as we firm it up with Severus, so make room for me in that lovely home of yours. Actually, you may need to make room for both me and Clarke. You know what a jealous tosser he is. If I go to London, he'll try to tag along. The Clarke part isn't firmed up yet, but I'm definitely coming. You have Dawley and Fletcher's information. Please pass it along to Severus in case he'd rather deal with executives. I'm sure we'll hear from Mr. Snape fairly soon.
Regards,
Wil
Draco was chuffed. Throwing the letter aside, he immediately rang Severus who answered almost on the first ring. A wide smile appeared on Draco's face. His godfather just might be a bit anxious.
Hello Draco.
Hello Severus. I have news.
Of course you do Mr. Malfoy. Otherwise this would be an unnecessary call.
Draco pinched his thumbnail against his forefinger to keep from responding in an unseemly manner. Ignoring Severus' tone, Draco pushed along.
Not unnecessary at all Severus. I've heard back from my mate Wil Baker. You might remember Wil from previous times. He has been given permissions to come to London to meet with you and investigate mobiles. In addition, I'm to pass along not only Wil's information, but the information of the two top Heads as well which I will do at the end of this call. That's all I have.
Excellent work Draco. If you do any better, I'll have to cut you in on a percentage of our profits. After I get responses from Mr. Baker, Mr. Dawley and Mr. Fletcher, I will make arrangements with the WCS team closest to Switzerland to be on the alert for subsequent orders.
Draco gave Severus the information and ended the conversation feeling pleased he had helped push the innovative device.
/*/
By 6:00 pm, Draco who was the last of Team3 left in the office had tied up all loose ends and was ready to get to the house. Mentally preparing himself for the onslaught of questions Hermione would hit him with, he waved at Blaise before heading to the lifts.
Before stepping into the floo, Draco rang Hermione to see if she wanted takeaway. However, the mobile just rang and rang. Being the lovely boyfriend he was, Draco stopped to pick up chicken dinner hoping the food would stop Hermione's mouth while he explained all that had gone on with Severus.
Draco laughed to himself before turning into apparition. There wasn't enough food in London to stop Hermione's mouth if she wanted to talk, but he would see. He had been completely on the mark because as soon as he came through the door, Hermione was happily dancing around the room talking non stop before he could even set the food down.
"Still dancing then? A minute love. Give me a minute." He said, twirling his wand to send the food to the kitchen. "I've brought us a takeaway dinner. Let me take a pee then we can eat."
Hermione wanted to pull a face, but she was too happy to even do that. "A minute it will be Mr. Malfoy. I have important news to share"
Draco sighed as he shook off then washed his hands. "It appears I might not get a word in edgewise this night."
Hermione had so much energy she had the dinner dished out and was tapping her fingers on the table waiting for Draco. "Come on love. Speed it up. I want to tell you about my day." She said, putting a forkful of veggies in her mouth. "Severus and Jean have agreed to me hiring an assistant. They wanted to stick me with Gloria, but I told Severus in no uncertain terms that I'd rather choose my own. I explained myself so well he agreed. You know my choice is Anna so I called her when I got here. She was surprised to say the least but agreed to take an interview with Severus Thursday morning at 8:30. Being my assistant will be such a step up from shop girl.
Draco rolled his eyes and began eating. There was no way in hell Severus had stood still and let Hermione tell him off in no uncertain terms. He would have throttled her first, especially if she came at him singing and dancing. "Sounds like you had a fruitful day."
Hermione didn't stop talking long enough to acknowledge Draco's comment.
"Believe it or not, my most salient point to Severus was he should give Anna the same chance he has given Conor and Mick. I thought I might have gone too far with that one, but surprise, surprise he agreed with me. If all goes well during the interview, I expect Anna will have to give notice at the shop. It's only proper. She can be at WCS by June 3rd."
"Sounds fantastic," mumbled Draco between bites. "Let's just hope Severus and Jean like Anna as much as you do."
Hermione gave him the fish eye. "Don't be negative Draco. Why wouldn't they like her? She's a perfectly lovely, intelligent witch who just needs a hand up."
Draco thought about holding his tongue, but he didn't. "I'm not being negative love. I'm being realistic. You see a waif you want to help while Severus and Jean want someone who will fit in and work well at WCS." Before the conversation went left, Draco elaborated. "Anna strikes me as a soft spoken witch. You'll be having dinner with her tomorrow night. All I'm saying is be sure she is prepared for a Severus and Jean interview."
Hermione thought about it for a moment. Draco was right. Anna was soft spoken. It wouldn't hurt to share a few pointers. After all, many witches who interviewed with Severus didn't live to tell the tale. "Excellent point love. I will give her a few pointers. Thank you. I've talked so long the food has gotten cold." She remarked while waving her wand to heat up their food. "This chicken is delicious."
Then, looking Draco directly in the eye while waving her fork around, Hermione asked why he had been in to see Severus when they both had mobiles.
Draco held Hermione's gaze as he took another forkful. She had run out of things to say. It was his turn to talk, so he did.