Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 78
Mother Jordan who had been awfully quiet pulled on her jacket. With a wave, she headed for the apparition area but stopped when Randy walked over and pulled her into a hug.
"Not staying for dinner Belle Jordan?"
"No son. As Millie said, we've been under Dani's feet all day. It's time I made myself scarce." Turning, Mother thanked Millie and Dani for the conversation adding it was to be continued.
Randy gave his mum a last kiss on the cheek then turned to give a stink eye to both Dani and Millie. "To be continued is it? I was unaware it had started. I'm going to shower before dinner."
Realizing Randy probably had more to say, Millie gathered up her family. "If you need me, Owl me Dani. Have a good night."
"Goodnight Auntie Dani."
/*/
After wishing everyone goodnight, Dani headed to the bathroom to soothe her husband's ruffled feathers. He could pout, grunt or be cranky but Belle Jordan was intent on living her life whether he liked it or not. If things went well, Randy might even find himself with a step wizard. Dani chuckled to herself but managed to put on a straight face before stepping into the bathroom.
/
Making The First Move: Chapter 79
Dani pulled back the shower curtain. "Mind if I join you?"
"I'd love for you to join me. Let me just rinse the soap clogging up my ears so I'll be able to clearly hear any and all advice you choose to give."
Dani, who had one foot over the side of the tub hesitated then stepped back. "On second thought Randy, I'll let you have your shower. If there are insinuations you'd like to make, you can make them to my face not to my back."
Randy swore softly. "Shite! I was making a joke love. Come on. Step in. I need you to wash the soap out of my eyes. Dani?"
Randy sighed. His witch was long gone. Rinsing off then grabbing a towel which he wrapped around his waist, Randy stepped out into the bedroom to find Dani sitting on the side of their bed glaring in his direction. Randy first tried some Jordan nonsense humor. However, his intended humor only garnered a more fierce glare from his tightly wound wife. Removing the towel, Randy stepped into pajama bottoms before sitting down beside Dani and taking her hand in his.
"Come on love. You know I don't like when you're angry with me. In addition, we've just had a health scare and you are pregnant. I need for you to remain calm and not pressure yourself over things you, mother and Millie are going to institute with or without my approval. I love you witch. If you and Millie want your mother-in-law around all these strange wizards, I'll remain quietly in the background. Just know this. I will hex, curse, and jinx any and all wizards who step to me calling me son. Pass it on."
Dani pulled her hand out of Randy's hand to throw her arms around Randy's neck. "So, I have your Auror word you will allow all those strange wizards around Mother while you remain quietly in the background?"
Leaning forward to nip Dani on the neck, Randy shrugged. "I did say that. However, you are suffering from a bit of selective hearing. I also said…"
"I know. I know. You'll hex, curse or jinx any suitor wizard who steps to you calling you son. Got it. I need to Owl Mother."
Randy drew back looking into Dani's eyes. "Wait! Why Owl Mother now? Tomorrow will be soon enough."
Getting up off the bed, Dani explained. "I must let her know our plans have been sanctioned, so to speak, and we will be going to the Friday Neighborly Visit then the Saturday Mix & Mingle at Witches of London Club. We are going to have a busy weekend."
Randy jumped up as well. "Hold on. Hold on. Friday Neighborly Visit, Saturday Mix & Mingle. This sounds well planned. I'll need details."
"I'll Owl mother first details after. Stay right there. I'll be right back."
Randy plopped back down on the bed. Now he'd gone and done it. He rephrased in his mind. He hadn't done anything. Mother had made up her mind and she had Dani and Millie as backup. No matter how much he fussed, pouted or pleaded, their will would be done. Still, he wanted details because the last thing The Witches of London Club would want was a team of Aurors visiting their establishment on a whim.
/*/
Dani was back in five minutes to find Randy sitting there patting his foot. Reaching her hand out, she led Randy to the kitchen. "I've made a lovely roast pork dinner. We can discuss things over our meal."
"I don't want to discuss Dani. I want to hear details. What does a Neighborly Visit entail? I believe I already know what Mix & Mingle entails. I would also like an explanation for why my wife thinks she will be accompanying my mother on all her explorations."
/*/
With dinner in front of them, Dani prefaced what she was about to say with a strong caution. "Because you are my loving husband and a loving son as well, I'll explain it all, after which, you'll eat your pork roast then change the subject to something you can control."
Randy became contrite or what some might define as whiny. "Dani love, I just want…"
Dani cut across him. "Uh, uh. Start again."
A puzzled Randy stared at his witch. "Start again? Why? I've only said five words."
"Yes love, and three of those words were wrong. Let me simplify. You said, "I just want" and I'm telling you Mother has made a plan. A firm plan. What you just want doesn't have any bearing on anything. Mother is a smart, beautiful witch, who, after listening to you and Lee for all those years, knows exactly who she will not accept into her life. As far as me accompanying Mother to a few engagements, I want to do it. I want to be there for the first few. As friendly as Mother said the Witch Club members were, she and I think everything will go more smoothly if she has support. Nothing strenuous or stressful. You should be thanking me. I'm going out there to possibly find you a step-wizard."
Then she smiled.
As soon as Randy saw the smile, he realized Dani was taking the Mickey on some things. He let out a sigh. "Alright witch. Plans are in place and my witch plans to be part of the plans. I'm outnumbered. I would like full reports….where possible. Merlin forbid if anyone gets out of hand with my wife or mother. If that happens…."
Waving her fork, Dani made a quick reply. "If that happens, she and I will deal with it and move on. You must realize not everything works out the first time around. Trust Mother Randy. She's not a silly schoolgirl looking to snog some boy on the Astronomy Tower. Mother is an adult witch. Please treat her as one. Now, did you get a chance to speak to Doria? I really would like to invite her to dinner. Zeke helped. We should invite him as well."
Although he was still uncomfortable with his mother gadding about, Randy knew his case was lost. The witches in his family could run rings around him. Besides, he had done a quick study of The Witches of London Club and found it to be upstanding and aboveboard. No shenanigans there. At this point, he was sure of one thing. He didn't want or need a step-wizard. He put all that aside and only replied to Dani about what had transpired with Doria.
/*/
Mid-afternoon Thursday, Zeke and Doria who had handled a call which turned out to be nothing more than a nuisance visit were back in the office writing up case notes before heading out to Horley to check out a dispute in which an Impedimenta Jinx had allegedly been thrown. Doria looked up to see Zeke at her door.
"Hello Auror Masters. What can I do for you?"
Zeke grinned. What could she do for him? A wizard wouldn't speak out loud what he wanted her to do for him. Instead of embarrassing himself, Zeke replied with a bit of cheek. "What I want is for you to finish up those case notes, and put them on Harry's desk so we can get out of here."
"Keep your trousers on Zeke. I'm through. I'm just making copies for the files. Horley can wait a few minutes."
"Actually mates, Horley couldn't wait a few minutes." Randy had approached with a Junior on his heels. "The case in Horley was righteous. Stranger X who Haskell and I had to chase down did indeed throw an Impedimenta Jinx at Victim X whom he thought was making improper advances on his witch. Stranger X is in the holding cells charged with felonious hexing, Victim X is home with a sore arse and back and no witch."
Doria and Zeke glanced at each other with an ear on Randy who was still talking.
"Next time it would be incumbent on you lot to prioritize. Killing or trying to kill someone with magic will always come before someone stole my….whatever. Let MLE handle the stolen...whatevers. You two are Aurors who have been hired to keep down mayhem. Are you following what I'm saying?"
Doria and Zeke answered simultaneously. "Understood Auror Jordan."
Randy held up both hands. "If you don't want me to make it your life miserable, you'll call me Randy. That was just a bit of throwaway information. No need to respond. However, I am serious about recognizing priorities. If Harry has to tell you, you might find Haskell on our team and you back to hand holders. Alright, enough chastising. Zeke, please take Doria's notes and drop them in Harry's office then come back here. I'd like a word with you both. Haskell, off to lunch with you. I hope you learned something out in the field and here as well. Be ready just in case these two fall down."
Glancing from Doria to Zeke, Haskell smiled and nodded. "I'll be ready. Good day all."
/*/
When Zeke was back from Harry's office, Randy pointed his wand at the door. "Colloportus."
Doria and Zeke gave Randy a direct stare.
"What? First Year Charms Class, Standard Book of Spells, Grade One."
Doria chuckled. "We know that Randy. We, well I was wondering why you locked the door."
Randy definitely had on his Jordan persona. "Oh! Foolish me. Anyhow, what I have to say is not Ministry business it's personal. Dani and I want to thank you for your brilliant and quick resolution to what could have been a disaster."
Both Doria and Zeke tried to speak, but Randy held up a hand.
"Hold on, hold on. Before you go into Auror rule number one about how it was your job, I know the rule. However, this was personal, so I'm extending a personal thanks. Dani would like to have you both over to dinner. You may bring a plus one as long as they're not arseholes because I will hex someone. Anyway, I'll let you know when. To be on the safe side, keep your calendar open for this coming Sunday. Thank you both. Don't forget what I said about prioritizing. Go have your lunch then back to the meeting room to study some manuals. Later."
Doria and Zeke raised their wands not to hex, curse or jinx but to touch tips.
They had arrived. They were part of the top team and already had kudos under their belts. They would just have to remember to prioritize.
/*/
With Severus gone for the weekend, Hermione found she had this burst of pregnancy energy. She was going so fast Sebbie cautioned her.
"Mum, mum. You're making the pages of my book turn over on their own. I can't sound out if the pages keep turning."
Hermione grinned at her pouty child. Taking a seat beside him, she offered an explanation stretching the truth, but an explanation nonetheless.
"Mum is sorry she made your pages turn. I'm very busy putting everything in order for when daddy gets back."
Sebbie was smarter than that. "But mum, the house is always clean. I always put my things away when I'm done. Daddy says my room is spotless. That means clean."
"You're right love. You keep a very clean room. Mum just likes doing stuff for her little wizard."
"Yes mum. I think I'll look at my books later. May I watch some telly before dinner?"
"Absolutely. However, dinner will be done shortly. Sometimes you get sleepy watching telly. I don't want you falling asleep before you eat. I'm fixing two of your favorite things, bangers and chips."
"I won't fall asleep. I like bangers and chips. Daddy will be sorry he missed out. We never have chips for dinner when daddy is home. Maybe daddy…."
"Never mind love. Daddy likes chips well enough. Put your books away and go to the telly room. I'll turn to your favorite channel."
/*/
Hermione watched Sebbie walk out of the room smiling over the fact he noticed they never had chips for dinner when Severus was home. Before finishing up the dinner, Hermione decided to Owl Papa David to see if he wanted extra time with his grandson. He had the next two days off in addition to Sunday. Perhaps he'd want to take Sebbie on an adventure.
As she wrote out the message, Hermione hoped if Sebbie and David went on an adventure there wouldn't be any talk about Papa's End even though it was just about a done deal. Hermione put down the pen. Perhaps David had plans for his time. With all the time off, he could get himself settled into Spinner's End. She crumpled up the message and tossed it in the bin. If David wanted extra time with Sebbie, he'd Owl.
With her mind now on Sebbie's dinner, Hermione headed to the kitchen. Four small spells and a few twists and turns later the bangers and chips were on plates ready to be served. Hermione hadn't heard anything from the telly room. Striding across the kitchen, she glanced in the room and two handsome brown eyes glanced back.
"Hi mum. Is dinner ready?"
Hugging Sebbie up, Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Yes love. Dinner is ready. Mum is proud of you for not falling asleep. Come on then. Let's go eat some bangers and chips."
"After that, I'll have a bath and pajamas because I'm tired. Mum?"
"Yes Sebbie."
"Did you check for Owls. I think daddy must want to say goodnight to me and you. I'll be glad when he gets back home."
Hermione smiled at her son. Severus hadn't been gone an entire day but because their family schedule was a bit changed around, Sebastian Snape wanted his daddy home on the run.
"I'll check our Owl room, but your daddy is very busy with work. He probably didn't have time to send a letter today. He'll probably send an Owl tomorrow. You eat your dinner. I'll be right back."
Hermione hadn't bothered to check the Owl room all day. Surprise, surprise. She had several catalogs, a note from Ginny and a letter from Severus Snape. She opened the letter from Severus. It was only a few sentences, but Sebbie would be thrilled. At that moment, her heart was so full of love for her grumpy husband she couldn't do anything but grin. Severus wasn't going to go one night without thinking about his son, his wife and their coming child. Hurrying back to the kitchen, Hermione laid the letter on the table.
"Daddy did send us a letter. We'll read it after your bath."
That answer didn't satisfy Sebbie. "Mum, please read it now. After my bath, I'll be too tired to listen."
Hermione reached over and patted Sebbie on the hand. "Alright love. I'll read it now."
Hello family.
I'm sending a quick note to tell my handsome son, my lovely wife and our coming child how much I miss them even though I haven't been away a full day.
It's been busy and will continue to be straight through to Monday evening. However, I will make time to send a note each day I'm away because I miss my family.
Be good Sebastian. Take care of mum.
Love you Hermione.
S
"Thank you mum. Daddy misses me and you. I'm through with dinner but I'm really tired. Can you just give a wash with your wand?"
Picking up her tired son, Hermione made a concession. "For tonight only, you may use the toilet, get into your pajamas then go straight to bed. You can have a bath in the morning."
"Thank you mum."
/*/
Sebbie hadn't been kidding. His eyes were closing before he laid his head on the pillow. Hermione left a kiss on his forehead then went to re-read Severus' note and reheat her dinner. She loved her men.
/*/
Severus had set a meeting with his team but had taken ten minutes to send a message to Hermione and Sebastian. Although he had been away from home overnight on several occasions, Severus hadn't ever been away for multiple nights. If this conference wasn't so important to the business, he would have remained home with his family and let Noah, Ethan and Austin handle it all. As he was writing the short note, Severus also had to admit he was there to prevent things from going sideways for Austin. Austin was brilliant but he was still a Squib and that didn't sit well with some. However, who would be as foolish as Mr. Mason to mention Austin's blood status while he was under the protection of S&L and Severus Snape? Not many, but even one was too many in Severus' eyes.
Severus sent off his message then headed to the Business Center where his team waited to discuss the upcoming presentations. Severus had an additional piece of information to share. Presentations would begin that evening at 7:00 pm instead of Friday morning meaning the entire conference could be finished by Sunday morning with the rest of the day geared towards networking. The S&L Team could feasibly be on their way home Monday morning. Knowing Noah, Ethan and Austin would be chomping at the bit to get back to their newly enlarged area, he was sure his message would be well received.
When Severus entered the meeting room, three sets of eyes turned in his direction.
"Are we ready to show our colleagues what S&L is all about?"
Always the most vocal, Noah replied, looking from Ethan to Austin. "We are Severus. In fact, we've been ready for days."
Severus wanted to smile, but he didn't. This was business. They could save humor for another time. "Careful Mr. Gables. As brilliant as you are, there might be those who are as brilliant as or even more brilliant than yourself."
Noah nodded without making a reply.
"On to other things. I have been advised of a slight adjustment to the agenda. Each shop has been given the opportunity to begin presentations this evening. If we choose to present a portion of our presentation tonight, we will be able to leave here either Sunday evening or midday Monday. Do we have a consensus about starting our presentation this evening?"
Three voices answered in unison. "We have a consensus."
Glancing down at the folder in his hands, Severus made a somewhat cheeky remark. "I planned to have Mr. White be our first speaker, however, Mr. Gables seems well prepared. We'll let him dazzle the audience first."
"I'm ready." Noah replied, holding folders up in the air.
"Wonderful." Severus replied, glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch with a deadpan expression on his face. "You are on in twenty minutes. Central auditorium. I suggest you tidy up a bit while Austin, Ethan and I find decent seats. See you out there."
Austin and Ethan smiled at their brilliant Head of Development before following Severus out of the room.
"Tidy up my arse. I'm always tidy." Noah grumbled. "Noah Gables is ready for whatever comes at him. Me and my brilliant arse."
To be on the safe side Noah threw a quick Refresh spell over himself. There would be hell to pay if rumors of a foul smelling S & L presenter reached Severus' ears. With the recent James Mason faux pas, Noah knew he couldn't afford any more muck ups.
/*/
Michael, Anthony, Terry and Andreas had just arrived back at their home away from the barracks and were in lively moods.
Andreas almost couldn't contain himself. "Well lads, we had a very good day if I say so myself."
Anthony shook his head. "Calm down Andreas. We've been on site exactly three days. We haven't had time to have a very good day."
Another voice spoke from the doorway. Senior Cursebreaker Albert Willis was checking in. "Good evening BR5.I couldn't help overhearing what sounded like a bit of bragging and a bit of wisdom as well. As Cursebreaker AG2 has so wisely remarked, you've only been on site for three days. Even though you've done well these last three days, I suggest you keep the enthusiasm to a minimum until you have a full week under your belts."
The three novice Cursebreakers listened intently. They were receiving a telling off and a compliment all in one.
SC Willis was still speaking. "Tomorrow we will be working on a different part of the dig. Pack your kits carefully. Extra socks, underwear and towels are a must. Remember, dirty clothing is picked up for cleaning at 8:00 pm sharp. Have your showers then report to the dining area. I'll see you all at the table."
After ensuring SC Willis was gone, Michael put paid to the conversation. "I guess that was us being told not to get to big for our trousers. We'll hold off bragging until Sunday evening."
The four mates chuckled softly knowing none would make Andreas' mistake again.
/*/
During their meal, Anthony mentioned he would be sending Harry a note Sunday evening.
SC Willis cleared his mouth before speaking.
"Good plan AG2. As previously mentioned, I suggest you all do the same. Give it a whole week before regaling friends and family about your exploits. Perhaps by then, one or all of you will have had your fill of dirt, sand, rocks and creatures trying to get at your bits. If that happens, you won't need to send a note. You'll be able to speak face to face. Another point I haven't mentioned yet. I've read all your files so I know just about all of your business. I like what I read. I believe we will be a formidable team. Now Anthony, what was it like working with Harry Potter?"
Terry, Andreas and Michael were caught off guard when SC Willis called Anthony by name and not his team number, but played it off well. Not well enough though.
SC Willis shrugged. "Team numbers are mandatory for SC's. However, from now on, I'll be addressing you all by your given names when we are at leisure. In the field, you'll be addressed in proper Cursebreaker manner. Now Anthony. There's a question on the table. What was it like working with Mr. Potter?"
Laying his paper napkin down on the table, Anthony gave the SC a direct look. "Working with Harry was amazing. He is a forthright, steel backed, brilliant wizard with exceptional leadership skills who would defend a friend or colleague even at a cost to himself. I was exceedingly lucky to have been chosen to work alongside him. If your next question is why did I leave, I'll direct you to my application. The information is all there."
SC Willis gave a nod and a shrug.
Michael and Terry shifted in their chair. They weren't sure how far Anthony would go answering what they thought was a question better asked in private.
Anthony stood up. "If you all would excuse me, I'll be getting to the room. There are a few things I'd like to look over. See you back in the room mates. Goodnight Mr. Willis."
SC Willis stood as well and clapped Anthony on the back. "I'll walk with you Anthony. I'd like a short word."
"Of course sir."
Andreas glanced from Terry to Michael. "Whatever the hell that was, it went right over my head."
"Don't worry about it Andreas. Anthony is a private bloke who doesn't care for any of his business to be bandied about over dinner. He'll be alright."
Andreas thought for a second. "Even though we are a team, I feel the same as Anthony. Don't bring up shite at the dinner table, especially in front of mates I have to work with. Everybody gets to know what I want them to know."
"Ditto!" Replied Michael.
"Yeah! Get to know me before you try to shag me." Added Terry.
BR5 left the table chuckling.
/*/
Hermione was lying in bed wide awake. Sleep was eluding her. Tossing from one side to the other, she had to admit she was as bad as Sebbie when it came to missing Severus. Truthfully, he would probably be grumbling over one thing or another if he was there. She should embrace the solace. After tossing from side to side, Hermione threw the blanket aside and headed to the bathroom.
After the bathroom, Hermione decided to watch a bit of telly only stopping in the kitchen to heat up the leftover bangers and chips calling herself out even while doing it.
"Why am I hungry at this time of night? In fact, why am I heating up something as calorie laden as bangers and chips. Severus would have a Snape fit if caught me eating this nonsense at 10:00 pm. He'd have a Snape fit if he knew I fed his son bangers and chips for dinner."
Sitting at the kitchen table, Hermione laughed at the thoughts going through her head.
"Hahaha. What Severus Snape doesn't know won't hurt him, but I will be angry with myself if I wake up tomorrow with a bout of indigestion."
Hermione cleared the kitchen then headed to the telly room where she turned on the Decorator Channel thinking to get some muggle pointers on updating the spare room. Summoning her wand from the kitchen table, she then Summoned pen and paper.
Hermione made three or four notations before falling asleep with the pen and paper laying across her chest remaining that way until something or some noise woke her around 3:00 am. Her first thought was Sebbie had called out, but a glance into his room showed him sleeping soundly. After picking up the pen and notepad and turning off the telly, Hermione headed to the bedroom hoping she could fall asleep and stay asleep.
/*/
In Manchester, the Thursday evening presentations were over and the S & L team had separated to their rooms happy in the knowledge Noah had given a brilliant presentation but looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Noah, Ethan and Austin shared a three bedroom suite while Severus had a private room. Noah, Ethan and Austin, who were knackered fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. However, across the hall a freshly showered Severus was lying on his back thinking about his wife, their unborn child and his son. Turning on his side, Severus began drifting off to sleep mumbling about his family.
"The loves of my life."
The statement had barely left his mouth before Severus was deep in the land of slumber.