Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 74
Ginny untangled herself from Harry and raised her wand. With a circle, flick and swish, she summoned a fairly thick folder. "This procedure has not been sanctioned by the Ministry but the Healer is an experienced wizard and discreet. Let's read through these documents together."
Harry was slightly torn. He was part of The Ministry but wanted a family. Words like unsanctioned and illegal were going back and forth in his head. After the fiasco with Michael, he hadn't ever stepped out of line. Everything was by the book. Now here he was being asked to flout the rules to have a baby. What was he supposed to do? It didn't take Harry more than two minutes to come to a decision. Whatever it took, he would do, inside or outside the rules.
"Alright Mrs. Potter. Let's go through these documents to learn what we'll have to do."
The documents fell off Ginny's lap as she jumped into Harry's lap. "I love you so much Harry. Thank you."
"Easy witch. If you don't get that knee off my baby maker, I might be done for all time."
Ginny laughed out loud.
The couple held each other for several minutes before Harry pulled away. "Let's have a look at these documents. I want to know how soon we'll be pregnant."
"If all goes well Harry, we might have a child in ten months. We'll be parents."
Harry was once again overwhelmed by the thought of fatherhood. His only remark was a short one.
"Let's get reading."
So they did.
/
Making The First Move: Chapter 75
As he listened to his wife and read through the materials, Harry realized Ginny was once again exaggerating. As far as he could see, the most he would have to do was hold her hand while the healer poked her in a few different places and maybe give up a bit of sperm to get the ball rolling.
"Not trying to be an arsehole about it Gin, but I don't see the danger."
Ginny rolled her eyes managing to not glare at Harry. "It's not the get hexed and die danger Harry, but it is an unauthorized procedure."
Although he still felt torn about the legality of what they planned to do, he felt better that the danger was probably only in Ginny's mind. At least that's how it seemed to him.
"First, this is something we both want and plan to do, but it will go more smoothly without the continued sarcasm. I love you Gin and want us to have a child, so let's do what we need to do. I'd also like to do a bit of research on Healer Albert Jenkins. It wouldn't do for us to go ahead with this only to find out he's some kind of charlatan."
Ginny huffed. "I'm not an idiot Harry. I've done the basic research. Healer Jenkins is brilliant."
Several thoughts ran through Harry's head before he replied to Ginny. If he's that wonderful, why hadn't his procedure been authorized by the Ministry? Before he put his wife in any danger, he wanted to know everything. "If he's brilliant Ginny, it shouldn't matter if I do some checking of my own. I will not play with your life."
Ginny softened her stance. Harry was only looking out for her. "Alright love. You're right. My husband should do his due diligence. In fact, Why don't I contact Healer Jenkins to set up an appointment for you to meet?"
"No love. I don't want you to go to any bother just yet. Let me find out my own way."
"Alright Harry. Just don't send your 'boys' to scare him to death. I need him alive."
Harry laughed as he grabbed Ginny in his arms. "My 'boys' are well trained. They only curse to kill when necessary."
Ginny let out a giggle. "Good to know Auror Potter. I'm eager to get our pregnancy on the way, so please don't take months to investigate. I want a child while we are young."
Harry turned Ginny and began tickling her sides. "Are you trying to imply your husband is slow?"
"Stop Harry!" Ginny called out trying to get away from his hands. "I don't think you're slow. Stop!"
Harry released her then sat back with a wide smile. "You are right in one. Auror Harry Potter is not slow. In fact, I'll know more about Healer Albert Jenkins than he knows about himself by 5:00 pm tomorrow so get yourself ready to be probed and poked by Wednesday. Happy now?"
Hugging Harry and laying her head on his shoulder, Ginny softly replied. "I'm more than happy Harry. Unless you Owl me with something disparaging about Healer Jenkins by 5:00, I'm going to Owl for an appointment at 5:10."
Harry laughed, grabbing Ginny and pulling her off the couch. "Okay Gin. I'll work doubly fast. I have meetings tomorrow morning, but right after, the team and I will start investigating. So, I've done your bidding now come do mine."
"I love doing your bidding husband. Lead on."
As Harry removed their clothes, he couldn't help thinking how much he hoped Albert Jenkins was what he purported to be.
/**/
Severus had to scurry around Tuesday morning as his natural, body clock had failed him. He had overslept a bit. Grumbling as he dressed, the Master Potioneer was shushed by his still sleep wife.
"Please stop Severus. If you keep it up, you'll wake Sebbie. S & L won't fall apart because you're not there at the crack of dawn. It will be there when you get there."
"Thank you for your sage comments. As a grown wizard who has been on this earth for a good number of years, I realize my shop will not fall apart without me. However, for some Merlin forsaken reason, I overslept and am now running late. I cannot abide a person who cannot manage his time."
"Alright Severus, alright. You don't have to give me a running synopsis of something, as a grown witch, can readily see. Just get ready a bit more quietly."
Severus bent over to kiss Hermione on the side of her face. "Of course love. You're right. My apologies. Do you have plans for the day?"
Hermione raised her head from the pillow. "No Sev no plans. Sebbie and I might get out for a bit, but nothing firm. I know you are straight out at the shop, but please remember Sebbie didn't get any reading time last night. Father son time is important to a growing wizard. You'll need to make time for your son tonight."
"Yes love. Sebastian and I will have our time tonight. I'll make sure. I've got to get going. I love you and Sebastian and our daughter. Lie back down and get a bit more sleep. I'll see you before 7:00."
"Have a good day." Hermione replied through a yawn. "You trust Neville, so trust Neville. See you tonight."
Hermione wasn't sure Severus had heard her last remarks as she had said them just as he turned into apparition. No matter, her husband would do what he thought best.
/*/
Severus landed in his office. Normally, he would use the back door just like any member of staff. However, since he was cutting it so close, his office was the perfect place to land. After hanging his outer jacket, he laid everything he and Neville would be discussing including moving up the remodel.
At the dot of 7:00, Neville appeared in the doorway. "Good morning Severus. Are we ready? I have an idea I'd like to put forth before we discuss anything else."
Severus gave his partner a direct stare. "If it doesn't have anything to do with the remodel, we can discuss it another time."
Neville stared right back. "It has everything to do with the remodel Severus. Do you need a moment? I can step out for a tea, if you like."
Severus ran a hand through his hair. "There's no reason for you to step out Neville. Let's begin. I've made a few notes, but I'd like to hear what you have first."
Neville handed Severus several sheets of paper. "I think we should get this remodel going as soon as possible preferably starting tomorrow. David and Allen have flyers already made up which advise our customers and clients that Reese & Wilson will be closed for two days. I suggest we have Isabel make flyers stating the same for us then, instead of closing the back then the front, we close the entire shop and remodel all at once. The flyers can be placed on the building and in customers parcels as well. We will lose two days of business, but we would lose the same two days doing the renovations separately."
It was a big statement. When he finished speaking, Neville sat back to hear why it couldn't or wouldn't be done. Much to Neville's surprise, Severus handed him the aforementioned notes. As he scanned the notes, a wide smile appeared on Neville's face.
"This…."
"Yes Neville. My notes are almost verbatim to your suggestions. It's hard for me to fathom that we've become like an old, married couple who are so entwined we think each other's thoughts."
"Merlin forbid. I don't think Susan would stand for it." Joked Neville.
What passed for a smile appeared on Severus' face. "I concur. We should start our renovations Thursday while I'm here to see the start. All staff will have those two days off. I have an outline of the changes which I will share with David, Allen Noah, Ethan and Austin during our 8:00 am meeting. Please have a look."
Taking the outline, Neville quickly went over it. "Fantastic Severus. We will have three times the room we have now. Weldon's Wands did an outstanding job for us setting up R & W. I think we should hire them for this as well. With this outline and an extra few wands, they could definitely get it done in two days. With all this additional room, I'm sure Noah, Ethan and Austin will not say no to additional, downstairs help. They can put their time off to good use by advertising for their additional support."
Severus nodded. "Knowing our downstairs team as I do, I believe they'll wave a wand and have candidates in front of us Thursday evening."
"Haha. There is that." Added Neville. "Well, it's 7:45. Time to get to the conference room to dazzle our wizards. We'll meet with the front end at 9:00, if that's alright with you."
"That's fine. They have to be told what's going on and what to expect. Isabel will not be able to contain herself."
"I foresee her trying to snap up an entire side for her Brewers Masks." Neville remarked.
"I can hardly wait for her to approach us." Drawled Severus.
With folders in hand, Neville and Severus headed to the conference room to make their wizards very happy.
/*/
The meeting was fairly short and sweet. Noah, Ethan, Austin, David and Allen were practically salivating over what Severus and Neville had shared. Another remodel, excellent. Additional support, excellent. Additional specimens, fantastic.
Severus took the floor. "I'm glad you are pleased with the steps Neville and I intend to take. The remodel is the easiest of our tasks. Because Noah, Ethan Austin and I will be gone Friday through Monday, I believe today and tomorrow should be spent gathering information on prospective candidates. While we are gone, Neville can follow up. I know I don't have to remind you Snape & Longbottom is not interested in anyone but the best. Therefore, …."
Neville took it from there. "Therefore, don't submit applications for anyone except the best. Not your mates, your cousins, your grocer or anyone along those lines. Do not embarrass yourselves. We want credentials, experience and the ability to fit in. Do not disappoint us. Since the remodel is scheduled to begin on Thursday and the lot of you will be leaving Thursday evening, I suggest you get started now. I want names on my desk Thursday by noon. On a smaller scale, Severus and I expect the same from you David and Allen. That's it. Any questions? Anything to add?"
Noah grinned at Ethan before addressing his superiors and holding out a sheath of papers. "How can you doubt us. As soon as we heard the whispers of an enlarged premises, Austin, Ethan and I went to work. Please accept these recommendations for your review. They have credentials, experience and the will to fit in."
Severus smiled as Neville found himself speechless for several seconds.
"I expected no less." Neville replied as he tried to keep his composure. "Severus and I will look these over later. Thank you."
David was next to respond. "Unlike our downstairs masters, Allen and I have not had a chance to find candidates for Florarium. However, there are several wizards who would fit the bill. As soon as we leave here, we will address the situation. I think we'll have suitable candidates by tomorrow."
Severus nodded. "Excellent David. Just be sure that any candidate will fit well with you and David as well as S & L. You all now know what's what. Go do what needs to be done. Noah, Ethan and Austin. Do not let this interfere with our scheduled conferences. That's it."
The meeting broke up with a lot of chattering as everyone got about doing what they needed to do.
/*/
The 9:00 am meeting went exceedingly well with Isabel almost salivating over the thought of having what would be her own section.
Franklin was chuffed as well. He had a mate he felt would fit right in to S & L front end. Severus and Neville were very pleased and went back to their respective offices proud of their staff. Severus wasn't surprised when Isabel appeared at his door asking for a word.
"Miss Hastings. What can I do for you."
"Thank you for seeing me Severus. I have a question regarding additional front end support."
Severus stared at Isabel. "Alright. What is your question?"
"Isabel got right to the point. "Are we looking for a wizard for the front end or are we considering witches as well?"
Fair question. Severus hesitated for the barest of seconds before answering hearing Hermione speaking in his ear. Witches are just as capable as wizards. "If a witch has the credentials, experience and talent to fit in at S & L, she should be considered."
Isabel stood. "Thank you Severus. I do know a witch whom I believe should be taken into consideration. I'll make sure she gets an application.. Have a good day."
Severus began shuffling papers as a few errant thoughts passed through his head. No matter what others thought. He would never disparage a brilliant, intelligent, strong witch. After all, he was married to one.
/*/
Randy had just left the Ministry after the team meetings with Zeke and Doria. All had gone well. Zeke and Doria were on the top team but they were on probationary terms for ninety days. So, for the moment, all was well. Zeke and Doria were paired with Justin and Ernie because Randy had somewhere to be. Neither Justin nor Ernie had a problem with Randy excusing himself. They were a team.
After leaving Harry's office, the top Aurors and their shadows went on their way while Randy headed to WWW.
/*/
When Randy entered WWW, Verity gave him a big smile. "Hello Randy. Lee is in the back. Shall I get him?"
Randy smiled back. "Hello Verity. Nice to see you. How is business?"
"Business is fine Randy. Although some of these customers should be more thoughtful. Excuse me while I get Lee."
Randy had a quick look at the patented daydream corner, but hastily turned away when Lee entered the front end.
"What's this? Is my very married cousin looking to have some daydreams with a witch of his choice?"
Randy laughed. "Lee Jordan always the arse. I need to speak to you for a moment." Glancing over at Verity who was staring down his mouth, Randy added. "Privately please."
Lee recognized his cousin his cousin was serious. "I'll be stepping away for a moment Verity. If the shop gets crowded, just call out."
Verity sighed. "Okay Lee but please don't take too long. I have new products to place."
Lee winked at Randy before answering Verity. "Alright love. I won't be long. Come on back Randy. This better be important because I dislike upsetting Verity."
Verity called across the room. I'm not upset Lee. I just have things to do."
Lee shrugged as he walked towards the back. Randy smiled thinking Verity was as bossy as Millie.
/*/
Once they were in the backroom, Randy threw up a Muffliato.
"Come on cousin, a Muffliato. Have you done something illegal?"
Randy rolled his eyes. "Be serious for just one minute Lee. I need advice."
Lee snapped to attention. His Auror cousin never needed advice. "Sorry Randy. This sounds serious."
"It is serious. Mother has decided she wants to traipse about town looking for companionship. She's joined The Witches of London club."
Lee shrugged. "Okay Randy. Where's the problem?"
"Where's the problem?" Randy snapped. "The problem is your aunt, my mother intends to start gallivanting around London in search of companionship."
Lee wanted to smile, but his cousin was upset so he responded in a sober manner. "First Randy, you need to calm down. Mother has made it quite clear she doesn't want to be alone. Do you not understand she is in an empty home now. You're married. I'm married. Most of your Auror mates have families. We all have our separate lives. In the past, Mother could count on us for Sunday dinner at least not so any more. Now that the bulk of us have our own families, we stay home on Saturday or Sunday. I know you worry about Mother, but think for a moment. Doesn't she deserve companionship. I'm not saying she'll be shagging wizards left, right and center…."
"Randy cut Lee off waving his arm like a madman. "Aaargh! Do fucking not mention shagging in the same sentence as Mother. She's not that witch."
Lee clapped Randy on the back. "You're talking shit Randy. When a witch finds a wizard who catches her interest, she might be amenable to a shag. You know that."
Randy almost teared up. "She's my mother. I don't want her to be lonely, but I don't want…."
Lee cut across Randy once again. "Things and times have changed. It's not about what you want cousin. Let Mother do what she wants. She has us. We will never let anything happen to her, but we need to let her live her life. There's not a wizard stand whom we'll let get close to Mother without going through us first. Merlin Randy! Where the hell are your Auror senses? In addition, we have wives that will hex the arse off anyone who even thinks to hurt Mother. As hard as it might seem, you need to give Mother some space."
Randy remained silent for five full minutes mulling it all over before giving a response. "Alright Lee. Perhaps I am being overprotective. I'll give Mother some space, but I expect you, Millie and Dani to keep an eye on her."
"No problem cousin. We can do that. Now why don't you take your Auror arse back to work before Harry Potter comes looking for you."
Randy stood up with a smile on his face. "Okay Lee I take your point. Don't forget that Mother wants us to help her spruce up the house. I'll just wait to see your face when she starts talking about wizards. Thanks for your counsel cousin. I don't feel any better about Mother gadding about, but I feel better. Give my love to Millie and the children. I'll talk to you later."
"Alright mate. I'll speak to you later... Randy?"
Randy turned back to face Lee.
"Let's not worry until it's time to worry."
Randy nodded as he headed for the front. He would give it a chance. However, the first wizard who stepped out of line was destined to get his arse hexed.
/*/
Hermione wasn't feeling all that great Tuesday morning so she had several cups of chamomile to settle her stomach. She was on her second cup when Sebbie entered the kitchen.
"Hi mum."
Hello love. Tired of reading your books?"
"No mum. I was thinking we could go visit daddy's other house."
Hermione set the cup down on the saucer and gazed at her son wondering what he knew about Spinner's End. "Why do you want to go there?"
"Well, Papa David said it is a very nice house that could do with a bit of upkeep. Papa David said he would like to live there because it would be so much more comfortable than his basic flat."
Now Hermione was listening. While she felt David had overstepped bounds by discussing adult business with his grandson, she admitted that it wasn't a bad idea to have the grandfather in a home he could call his own. "We'll speak to your father about this tonight. He may not think it such a good idea for Papa David to be discussing personal business with his grandson."
An astute Sebbie saw where his mum's mind had gone. He had spoken a bit out of turn. He didn't want his Papa to get in trouble so he explained it all. "Papa David didn't discuss personal business with me. Papa was explaining it all when we had a visit with Miss Minerva. Miss Minerva thought it was a good idea and suggested Papa speak with daddy. Papa said he didn't think that was such a good idea. Then dinner was ready and we talked about suet dumplings stew which was very good. Maybe you can make it for me and daddy."
Hermione relaxed a bit. Papa David didn't need a talking to. The only thing he was guilty of was speaking in front of his absolutely nosy grandson. "Well Sebbie. We don't have any other plans so I think we can visit Spinner's End to clean up a bit. Papa David deserves a home of his own. I think he would be glad to have a home where he can invite his mates to visit."
"Mates mum? I think you mean Miss Minerva. She's a witch not a mate. Daddy doesn't summon with a wand sometimes but you summon all the time. Please summon my blue jumper so we can go to daddy's other house."
Hermione smiled at the things her son noticed, but gave him a simple answer. "Slow down little wizard. You have a good idea but mum hasn't finished her tea. Go back to your room. I'll call you when I'm ready."
"And summon my blue jumper?"
"Yes love. You may wear your blue jumper."
Sebbie was happy. "Yay. We're going to daddy's other house. He'll be so happy that we cleaned up."
Hermione finished the last of her chamomile then used her wand to set the cup and saucer to clean and put themselves away. She was now ready to visit Spinner's End.
/*/
Thirty minutes later, Hermione and Sebbie were at the doorstep of Spinner's End ready to enter the premises. Laughing as she turned the knob, Hermione remembered how back in the day she had set off a Caterwauling Charm when she turned this very knob. Those were the days.
"What mum. Does daddy's house make you happy?"
"It makes me very happy Sebbie. Let's go inside to see if the cleaners have been doing their jobs."
"Yes mum. Let's go inside."
/*/
Severus was studying the applications Noah and Ethan had turned in when Peter appeared at the door.
"Peter. How are you? Do you need something?"
"Hello Severus. Productive meeting this morning. I don't need anything. I'm here to drop off an Owl message." He said, holding out an envelope."
Severus thanked Peter as he reached out to take the envelope.
"No problem Severus. I'll get back to the front. Oh yes. Franklin, Isabel and I want to thank you for considering us to be part of the remodel. We are chuffed."
Severus nodded. "S & L is being remodeled. You are part of Snape & Longbottom. You must know the rest."
Peter smiled as he left the office. Yes! He, Isabel and Franklin were definitely part of the best shop in London.
/*/
Severus opened the message convinced it was an invitation from Lucius inviting him to a wizard's night out. He was surprised to see a short note from Hermione explaining that Sebbie wanted a visit to Spinner's End and she had agreed. She would explain it all that evening. Severus couldn't fathom why his son wanted to go to Spinner's End but it was something to do. A smile appeared on his face as he read the part where Hermione mentioned the Caterwauling Charm. He was so glad things had turned out right. What would he have done without the love of his life?
Putting Hermione's note aside, Severus got back to work.
