Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 23
There was a lovely turnout. The space at Bellows & Howe was standing room only. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Anthony Goldstein, Percy Weasley and other minor Ministry Heads were the last to file through. Kingsley had spent a bit longer than most speaking to Theo. It was clear both wizards were using every bit of strength to remain in control. As the last of the visitors came through, Draco and Blaise took their seats while Parvati and Theo went to the podium.
Parvati spoke eloquently about her sister in a tear choked voice. By the end, Theo was holding her up, but handed her to Blaise who had stepped up to guide Parvati to a seat, so Theo could speak.
Theo was eloquent as well. He spoke about falling in love with Padma and dating quietly because the world wasn't ready for a Slytherin-Ravenclaw romance; he went on to explain how one day he and Padma had just thrown caution to the wind to come out as a couple making mention that except for a few hateful people. It had been fine. Choking up, he gestured in Kingsley's direction revealing how The Minister had been firmly in his and Padma's corner supporting them in every way. Taking a long, deep breath, Theo thanked Kingsley personally. Then he went on to say a lot more beautiful things about his wife before ending with a thanks to everyone who had come from near and far to support him on the worst day of his life.
Parvati grabbed Theo's hand when he sat down and they held each other for the remainder of the service.
Theo went to take a last look at Padma before they closed the casket for all time and was suddenly surrounded by a host of people wishing him well.
The portion of the service at the burial vault was short as Theo laid his wife to rest. When it was time to leave, Ginny and Hermione each had kissed Theo on the cheek before heading to the house to greet guests.
Draco, Parvati, and Blaise who had remained behind left shortly after Ginny and Hermione when Theo made a poignant statement. "I'll be to the house shortly. Right now, I'd like to be alone with Padma. There are still a few things I want to say to my wife in private."
The three silently acknowledged Theo's request by walking away….
…..leaving him to talk and grieve in peace.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 24
Theo levitated the bench he had specially made to sit outside the vault inside. Then he spent the next forty minutes agonizing over the things he and Padma wouldn't ever get to accomplish together.
He chastised himself for not taking their trip to Malaysia; for not agreeing to start a family until too late; for putting the plight of the Wizarding world before Padma. There were so many things he'd done wrong or not at all. And through it all, Padma had stood by his side holding his arm. Theo laughed, but it came out as more of a snort because as much as she stood by his side in public. She never hesitated to tell him when she thought he was off the mark or just dead wrong. He had made her cry two months ago when he had taken her in his arms and asked if she would refrain from casting her contraceptive charms. Padma had looked at him with such love and emotion. She had cried from happiness as they made love. It was too late now. She was gone, and with her their chance to do all the things they talked about.
Then the tears came. The heartfelt sobs emanating from deep inside him. Sobs for himself, for his lover and wife, for the irony of it all and worst of all, for the knowledge that he had invited her killer into their home. Theo sat in silence for some minutes before wiping his face with a handkerchief he had put in his pocket earlier. With one last gesture, he placed his damp handkerchief on top of the casket as if leaving Padma a gift and laid his head against the cool stone whispering his last words. "I should have protected you love. It was my job. Thank you for taking a chance on this Slytherin even though the odds seemed against us. Thank you for being so strong. I'll never stop loving you."
Theo ran his hand along the coffin one last time before levitating the bench to the exit. As he took one last look, he froze and walked back to the casket leaving the bench to drop to the ground. He had heard Padma say, death can't stop me loving you. Standing there, Theo waited, but there was nothing but silence. Letting out a sigh of disappointment and relief, he took one last look before heading to the exit where he would charm the vault shut.
Theo levitated the bench once again, intending to put it back in place when he nearly collided with someone coming around the corner. "Neville lad." Theo cried out in surprise. "What are you doing here? Why haven't you gone to the house?"
A flustered Neville explained his presence. "I'm here because Hermione and Draco asked to have any viable flora from the funeral planted around the vault for Padma. I came myself to ensure it was done right. I apologize if I startled you."
Theo smiled at the youngest Herbology Professor to ever grace the doors of Hogwarts and clapped him on the back. "Thank you professor. Padma would have loved what you've done."
Noticing the bit of redness remaining in Theo's eyes, Neville figured he wanted to be alone and remarked he would go get cleaned up before coming to the Repast, but Theo reached out to stop Neville from walking away.
"After all you've done here, if anyone mentions the bit of dirt on your hands, they'll have to duel me. Let's you and I go to Draco's together."
Neville grinned as he followed Theo a few steps away where they Apparated to the house.
/*/
Draco and Blaise were anxiously waiting for Theo. Instead of the thirty to forty minutes Theo had been gone, to his mates it seemed much longer. To their great relief, the two sets of footsteps they heard coming down the hall belonged to Theo and Neville.
A simple nod was all that passed among the three friends as Theo headed straight to the main loo while Neville gravitated towards the back loo to wash up.
/*/
Padma and Theo were a well respected and well liked couple. So it wasn't any surprise the living room, dining room and many other spots in the house were full of people waiting to give Theo their personal condolences. Walking through each of the rooms, Theo accepted the condolences of friends, acquaintances and clients offering his thanks for their support.
As soon as Theo entered the dining room, a montage of magical photos showing Padma in different poses and situations began flashing on the wall. Through the oohs and ahs of the guests, Theo looked around at Hermione sure it was she who had set up the lovely montage, but was surprised when Hermione pointed at Parvati.
Theo walked over to Parvati to kiss her cheek and pull her into a tight hug. "What you've done here is amazing. Thank you."
Parvati hugged Theo back telling him it was her pleasure to honor Padma.
Theo stood for as long as he could receiving condolences. Then he sat and spoke with the many people who wanted to chat. At a certain point, he moved to the dining room to sit with those who were eating keeping his own intake to nothing more than a spoonful of creamed soup. Theo sat there until Anthony came over to tell him Kingsley would like a private word.
/*/
One thing Hermione noticed was Blaise scrutinizing the male members of her staff who were in attendance. She wondered if he was being good to his word trying to figure out which wizard had been speaking out of school about his department. Because of the circumstances of the day, Hermione filed her thoughts away to be reviewed at another time.
/*/
Many people had looked on in surprise when Draco took Hermione's waist suggesting they divide and conquer. Those same people were probably more surprised when she smiled at him while running her hand down his cheek. Neither Draco nor Hermione gave a rats arse what people thought, and went about their business.
Blaise and Draco moved about the room greeting people in Theo and Padma's names on one side of the house while Hermione, Ginny and Parvati made people feel welcome on the other side of the house.
Draco was speaking quietly to Harry when he noticed the disabled witch from the funeral sitting alone by the living room window. Gesturing to Hermione to join him, Draco crossed the room to speak with the witch. Giving him a curious look, Hermione stood by Draco's side as he summoned two chairs so they could sit with the witch.
"Hello. I'm Hermione Granger. This is Draco Malfoy," volunteered Hermione uncertain if Draco had called her over to engage the woman in conversation. "Why are you sitting here in a corner? Shall I get you a plate of food?"
The witch put on a wistful smile as she answered. "Hello Miss Granger. Mr. Malfoy. I know who you are. I'm not sure if I should be here, but I wanted to be with Theo on this sad day."
Hermione glanced at Draco as they both wondered why the woman wanted to be with Theo. Draco knew Theo didn't have any relatives, or any he remembered. The witch couldn't be related. Unable to think of any reason she wanted to be with Theo. Draco hoped this wasn't some nutter fixated on a man who had just lost his wife.
Hermione took up the conversation recognizing that Draco was ready to interrogate the woman. "Have we met before? You know us, but we don't know you."
"I know you both by reputation. Although it would seem things have changed a bit. I'm Esther Nott. Theodore Nott, Sr. was my brother and Theo is my nephew."
Without even thinking, Draco stood up muttering the word rubbish. "I don't know what you are playing at, but Theo doesn't have any relatives. His father is dead and his mother is dead. That's it."
Draco's words didn't seem to have any effect on Esther, but Hermione was appalled. "Draco!" She exclaimed patting Esther on the arm. "Let's not be rude. Please go get Esther a plate."
Draco rolled his eyes at what he saw as an interloper in the saddest time of Theo's life then strode off leaving the word barking floating in the air in his wake.
/*/
Hermione didn't know a lot about Theo's family or lack of family. She only knew he was the son of a vicious, despicable, murderous Death Eater. She racked her brain trying to remember anything else. There was nothing. Then again, if Draco who had been acquainted with Theo and his father didn't know about Esther, there wasn't anything for her to remember.
Hermione and Esther were sitting side by side in silence when Draco returned with Theo in tow. Without preamble, Theo roughly asked Esther what she was doing there.
"You know her?" Draco asked incredulously.
"Is she really your aunt?" Hermione asked as a tremor coursed through her body.
"Yes and yes." Theo answered not looking at Hermione or Draco. "This witch saw to it my mother was beaten on a regular basis. She genuflected before my father prostrating herself at his feet. Theodore Nott Sr. could do not wrong in her eyes. The only time I've seen her happy was the day my piece of shit father dragged my mother's corpse from our house. The truth is, I have always felt this abomination was in love with her own brother. And I don't mean sisterly love."
Hermione gasped covering her mouth with both hands.
Theo paused to take a breath realizing he had given out information he'd never spoken about to anyone. Why would he? Being the son of Theodore Nott, Sr. was more than enough to be getting on with.
Theo was beyond furious. "You're here to pay respects to my wife? An Indian, half-blood woman you hated. I want you out of here. Now."
Theo turned to walk away, but Esther called out to him. "Wait Theodore please. You know my situation. I have no one. I can understand you not wanting me in your life, but all I'm asking is your forgiveness for things done in the past."
People were beginning to look their way, so Hermione used her wand to cast a Muffliato around them.
"You have no one? That's a lie. Don't you have Lucius?"
Draco grabbed Hermione's hand when Theo mentioned his father and indignantly asked Theo what he meant.
"I'm sorry Draco." Theo replied eyes still on Esther. "We will speak privately when this hag has left your home. Leave now Esther, or I will have someone escort you out."
Tapping her portable chair with her wand, Esther turned the chair towards the hall telling Theo he knew where she was if he ever changed his mind.
Theo slumped down in the nearest chair asking Hermione if she would mind excusing him and Draco for a few minutes.
"No problem Theo." She said letting go of Draco's hand. "I'll see to the guests."
As inquisitive as Hermione was, she was on information overload and did exactly as she said she would. She went to see to the guests.
/*/
When Draco and Theo were in the smallest bedroom with the room silenced, Theo began to speak. "First, let me apologize for speaking out of turn in front of Hermione. I have had a stressful day. That filthy witch is the sister of my father and because of that relationship she has played up to your father's emotions, what little he has, to help her in her time of need. You asked me about her house and I referred you back to Lucius. After much begging on Esther's part, Lucius secured the house so she would have a place to live and until this day pays the rent. A rent which actually goes into a special account held by your mother who is listed as owner. The funds are then withdrawn by Esther. It isn't shouted about and I don't care about the details."
Draco who was appalled, and insulted at the same time growled at Theo. "I don't care how stressful your day has been or what foul shite went on. Do not speak ill of my mother."
Theo held up a hand. "You wanted an explanation, and I am giving it. You may like it or not Draco. It is the truth."
With a wide swipe, Draco knocked a nearby lamp to the floor watching as it shattered into pieces.
Theo ignored Draco's histrionics and continued. "There is also a seven year old boy who, presumably because of Esther's disability, is being schooled in Ireland. Esther hasn't ever disclosed the name of his father, but I'm fairly certain the boy is Esther's child by my fucking pig of a father."
Draco started to reply, but Theo held up a hand. "Let me finish Draco because I will not speak of this again. As I previously stated, Esther had her nose in every aspect of my father's business. She regularly reported to him any infraction, real or perceived, of myself and my mother. However, near the end of the war and my father's life, she evidently crossed a line. My father cursed her cripple. Now she depends on your father. Don't think for one minute though that your father cares about her. He does what he does out of some misguided sense of loyalty or something. There you have it mate. I'm sorry for the way I let it out."
Although Draco was still a bit peeved, Theo's statements had immediately cleared up two things. The first thing. The house he thought belonged to his father's mistress was actually occupied by the sister of some long dead Death Eater. The second thing. His parents weren't involved in anything dark. Believe it or not, the Malfoys were doing a kindness. Why the long, circuitous route of paying rent that is deposited in his mother's account but paid out to Esther Nott. He didn't know. But he did feel better after Theo's explanation.
Straightening himself up, Draco thanked Theo suggesting they get back to the guests.
Theo agreed.
Draco cleared the silencing charm. Then he and Theo walked down the hall to the living room.
/*/
When Theo and Draco got back to the living room, most mourners had gone. They found Harry, Neville, Blaise, Rick Walters and Michael Corner holding a five way conversation while Hermione, Ginny, Parvati and Gloria were clearing away.
"You don't have to do that ladies. Theo is on clean up duty." Draco quipped giving Theo a nudge.
We don't mind answered all four ladies at the same time.
"No. Really. Come have a seat. I'll have Elder and Missy clear away." By the look that appeared on Hermione's face, Draco knew he'd said the wrong thing. Hermione had asked for the elves to help in an emergency, but the emergency was over and she wasn't about to stand by and let him use the elves if he didn't have to.
"We don't need them Draco." Hermione replied a little sharply. "Witch power is all that is needed here."
Gloria and Parvati laughed out loud while Ginny made the expected comment.
"Give it up Draco. Remember you're talking to the queen of Spew. That's spelled S-P-E-W."
Harry smiled, but wiped the smile off his face as soon as a blushing Hermione glanced his way.
"Oh! Going there are you Weasley? Potter?" Joked Hermione. "Don't make me take a walk down memory lane and embarrass both your arses."
Harry threw his hands up in surrender. Ginny simply laughed at her friend.
"Alright ladies." Theo chuckled. "I see we have a bit of a stand off. Have at it." Winking at Draco, he also added. "We wizards will sit in here and do wizard things."
The men thought they heard growling coming from the dining room which prompted them to change the subject entirely.
/*/
It had been a long day. Finally, everything was cleaned up. Blaise and Ginny stayed to reminisce a little bit, but were gone within the hour. Parvati and Gloria had been last to leave.
Theo thanked Draco for the use of his home and Hermione for the use of her skills telling them he felt well enough to go home. "I have to go sometime. It might as well be now."
Before Hermione could voice her objections, Theo promised her he would follow Brendan's instructions to the letter. He just wanted to be in his own home before Padma's essence disappeared entirely.
After Theo packed up the few things he was taking with him, Draco walked him down the hall. "Thanks again for your frank explanation." He remarked reaching out to shake Theo's hand. "Blaise and I will stop by tomorrow after work."
/*/
Hermione came back from the loo to find Draco sitting staring off into space.
"What is it love?" She asked rubbing his back. "Theo will be fine."
Draco turned himself so he was facing Hermione. "I know Theo will be fine. We've all been through adversity and come out stronger. He'll get past this. Theo explained a bit of Nott history to me. I think Esther sounds a lot like Bellatrix. From what Theo revealed, I wouldn't touch someone like her with a ten foot pole. Although I was thinking about Esther Nott, my issue is with my parents. It is my opinion they should distance themselves from someone like Esther. But Lucius Malfoy is Lucius Malfoy. He does as he sees fit. You read the letter he sent to me. You must have seen his response to me inquiring about the house inferring I was interfering in his private business."
Nodding, Hermione ran her hand across the back of Draco's neck. "It wasn't my place to comment, but I did wonder what your father had to do with Theo's aunt."
Draco took a minute to kiss Hermione on the shoulder and run his fingers through her hair before he spoke again. "It seems my father is supporting that witch for no other reason than she is Nott's sister and has fallen on bad times. I can't imagine why my father, of all people, would feel charitable towards a relative of a wizard who treated him as shabbily as Voldemort had. Theo also mentioned a child. The way he explained it. Esther was in love with her own brother who might have had carnal knowledge of her because he could. There is a chance the child is the result of an incestuous relationship. Imagine how fucked up it would be if your father was also your uncle and your mother also your aunt. My father was a treacherous bleeder in Voldemort's name, so I can't throw stones, but the entire Nott family except for Theo was disgusting."
Hermione pulled Draco's face around so they were looking at each other. "There's been enough sadness today. Leave that foul shite for another day. Let's discuss something nice, like what Neville did for Theo. Taking it upon himself to ensure the floral arrangements were planted around the vault, was top notch."
Draco kissed Hermione agreeing it was a brilliant thing for Neville to have done. Then he went quiet.
Realizing Draco's thoughts were probably going off in all directions, Hermione tried again to start a conversation. "What did you think of my right hand witch Gloria? Nice, eh? Don't know what I'd do without her. I'm looking to make her an Assistant Prosecutor. Didn't you want to discuss the house and Brendan's project as well? Tell me how I can help."
Ah, thought Draco turning to smile at Hermione. My prosecutor witch is adept in the art of manipulation. It seems she wants my mind on anything other than the Notts.
"Gloria must be top of the line if she's your right hand." He answered. "The discussion about the house is a short one. I am hoping you will assist me in furnishing the rest of it. I made emergency purchases, but would like to get the house completely furnished in a reasonable timeframe."
"Oh!" said Hermione leaning in to rest her head against Draco. "You're going to let a witch furnish your home? I'd have thought you'd want a house elf to do it."
"Rubbish! I'd rather have a brilliant witch do it." Draco replied pulling Hermione onto his lap. "Especially my brilliant witch. What do you think about that?"
Hermione let out a soft giggle as she felt Draco's penis harden beneath her. "Your brilliant witch will be glad to help out. Shall I plan on starting this coming Tuesday?"
"This Tuesday is fine. Right now, I want to concentrate on the task before me. Will you walk to the bedroom or shall I carry you?"
Hermione had a very cheeky response ready, but had to abstain as she and Draco heard a soft thud then footsteps coming down the hall. Jumping up from Draco's lap, Hermione hurried to the loo to freshen up as Draco hurriedly adjusted his trousers.
From the loo, Hermione heard Blaise remark that Ginny couldn't find her purse and realized she must have left it here. "I'm glad I'm not intruding. I'll just have a look in the dining room. Why isn't Theo out here with you? He can't sleep his life away."
"Theo has gone home. He felt ready to be on his own. As far as intruding, Hermione and I were discussing decorating the rest of the house. I suggest you make short work of finding Ginny's purse."
"Sorry mate." Blaise remarked with a wink. "I'll just be a minute."
Hermione finished freshening up and returned to the living room just as Blaise came through holding Ginny's purse in the air. "Found it…." Giving the annoyed Draco a quick glance, Blaise greeted Hermione with a nod. "Bang up job today Miss Granger. Well done. I'll be by your office tomorrow. I believe I've found who I'm looking for. I wish you both a good night." Blaise took two steps forward then turned back. "Perhaps you should draw the wards Draco to avoid unannounced visitors. See you in the morning."
Draco stood muttering about nosy gits and huffed his way to the Apparition point where he locked down the entryway into his home.
Taking Hermione in his arms, Draco whispered he had made an assumption.
Pushing herself against Draco, Hermione put her arms around his neck inquiring about his assumption.
"I've adjusted the wards so no can get in or out. My assumption is that you will be staying the night with me."
Hermione stepped back from Draco to pull the lovely, gray sheath over her head. Standing there in her bra and knickers, Hermione gave him her brightest smile. "Is this answer enough?" She whispered stepping back into Draco's arms pulling him into a passionate kiss.
Returning Hermione's kiss, Draco whispered into the sexually charged air. "More than enough love. More than enough. Do you know what being close to you does to me? It makes me happy. It excites me. It makes me proud you are mine. Above all, every single time, it makes me want you. Like I asked before Blaise interrupted our conversation. Will you walk or shall I carry you?"
Hermione grabbed Draco arm pulling him towards the bedroom. "We'll go together."
/**/
Monday morning showed promises of sun. Although there was a bit of dampness in the air.
Draco rose early to raise the wards he had so tightly drawn the previous night in order for Hermione to be able to go home to get ready for work. As he saw her to the Apparition point, Draco told her she should plan on keeping a few things at the house so she wouldn't need to travel from his house to hers so early in the morning.
"I will think about it Mr. Malfoy. I don't want to smother you so early in our relationship."
"That's not funny Hermione." He chided gently pulling her into his arms. "The last thing you could do is smother me. The worst thing you can do is leave our warm bed this early in the morning to go across town to get dressed. I had great plans for a morning shag."
Hermione laughed at the pained look on Draco's face. "You are a bloody beast about sex."
"Only for your sex love. Besides, you are talking as though you aren't my match."
After several kisses, they parted with each wanting nothing more than to remain in the company of the other.
/*/
When Hermione arrived at work, she made Gloria's desk her first stop to thank her for all her help. The two witches spoke about the funeral and the service until Hermione excused herself to see Kingsley. However, she was waylaid for several more minutes as she was greeted first by a tan, beaming Justin then a harried looking Terry with each wanting to discuss the fine job she, Ginny and Parvati had done. Telling them she had an appointment with Kingsley, she slipped away before either could ask any more questions.
Of course, Percy was being a dictator asking Hermione why she found it necessary to turn up without an appointment on the Minister's busiest day of the week. He was well into a scolding about common courtesy when Kingsley himself opened his office door.
"Where is Anthony? I have a busy day ahead Percy. I need to see Hermione. Why do you have her standing there like a hostage?" Gesturing to Hermione over Percy's head, Kingsley beckoned her into his office.
Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, the Minister did appear to be pressed for time, but made it clear he hoped she could supply him with the information he was seeking. With each sentence, Hermione became more and more curious about the information he wanted. Her first thought was Blaise had made a report about Terry, so she was more than surprised by the reason Kingsley wanted to see her.
Getting right into it, he asked her to reveal everything she knew about a wizard named Brendan Eilson.
Everything I know, thought Hermione. How does he even know I am acquainted with Brendan? The answer, of course, was Kingsley knew everything he needed to know. He had plenty of sources.
Hermione paused. She was going to be very cautious with the information she disclosed not wanting to reveal Brendan's secret a second time. On the other hand, she didn't want to antagonize Kingsley who seemed to know something.
Hermione sat there literally caught between a rock and a hard place until the Minister handed her several sheets of parchment. From the first glance, Hermione recognized Brendan's handwriting. By the last page, Hermione was ready to share all she knew about Brendan Eilson, the former Severus Snape. Which was probably a good thing because Kingsley's furrowed brow spoke volumes.
Hermione spoke for thirty minutes verifying everything in the letter. When she finished, Kingsley said something that made her laugh out loud. "So Severus owes you a life debt. Before I welcome him back to London. I want to be sure he doesn't expect you to marry him so he can watch over you for the rest of your life. Does he?"
Shaking her head no, Hermione continued to laugh over Kingsley's outrageous statement.
"Good," quipped the embarrassed Minister. "I think Draco wouldn't like that one bit."
Kingsley's last remark stopped Hermione's laughter cold. "Excuse me sir." Was all Hermione could think to say.
Now Kingsley was shuffling papers to beat the band. "I think it prudent to say Draco would not care to see Severus come back then find out you are betrothed to the man."
"Minister!"
Suddenly a big smile appeared on Kingsley's face. "Calm down Hermione. Just a little bit of levity on my part to teach you not to keep secrets from your Minister. We will welcome Severus back as we would any other citizen. I'll send my reply out today. I think Merlin has provided us with a wizard who is versed in the very thing I have slated as my next big project. We will continue to keep Severus' secret until he and I get everything sorted. That will be all Hermione. Thank you."
Still wondering who could have told Kingsley about her and Draco. A flummoxed Hermione headed to the door. She had her hand on the door handle when Kingsley spoke out in a low voice.
"Just so you won't let my words fester all day. I'll tell you this. No one is telling tales out of school about you and Draco. I happened to notice his hand around your waist at the Repast. Quite a change from the previous month. Please ask Anthony to step in here on your way out. Have a good day."
"Yes Minister." Was all Hermione could manage to say.
/*/
Draco hadn't even got his arse in his chair before Blaise was at his door with some welcome news.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. I have news. You are no longer on T4. As of this morning, you are back to your regulation team. All information has been reviewed and it has been determined your mother and father are friends of Sir Etienne LeClair, but have nothing to do with his underhanded dealings. So, get to work. The LeClair case is going to be big. I have meetings. I'll catch up with you later."
As Blaise was leaving, Donald and Brian entered proceeded by boxes of documents and evidence floating in the air.
"We are back together," gloated Donald. "Here's your mail and all the LeClair evidence. Let's get this show on the road."
The three men grinned at each other before grabbing a box and heading for the conference room. There was work to be done.
/*/
Draco, Donald and Brian were a bit behind schedule on the case, but worked diligently throughout the day. Draco really didn't want to put Hermione too far behind in presenting the case to the Wizengamot. By 3:00 pm, everything was in order thanks largely to the work Donald, Brian and Rick had already done. All that was left was to do a page by page run through. Then the case would be handed over.
Blaise had stepped in earlier to check on their progress and let them know he had to see Hermione. He would be taking the finished product to her.
Draco told Blaise they would be finished by 4:00 at the latest. He could pick up everything then.
"Well done team. Glad you're back Draco. I'll see you about 4:00."
Brian, who wasn't one to ever carry tales said something that caught Draco's attention and was immediately called out. Draco didn't like anything pertaining to OTS or Hermione getting past him.
"Have we been reduced to gossiping while I was gone? What someone at Granger & Associates has done has little to do with us. It sounds as though Mr. Dunn made his own bed. Let's just get this finished up."
Brian looked embarrassed and Donald looked embarrassed for him. After apologizing to Draco, Brian went quiet concentrating on the documents before him.
The three men were just finishing up when Blaise stopped back by. "I'm on my way to see Hermione. Am I too early to pick up the LeClair case?"
"Hello boss. The fact is you are right on time." Donald volunteered as he shrunk down the evidence and documents and handed the packets to Blaise. Sure you don't have a bit of the seer in you?"
Taking the packets and slipping them into his inside pocket, Blaise replied with a laugh. "If I do Donald, I caught it from my witch. Thanks so much for your diligence. Team 3's next case awaits you. I placed it on your desk Draco. It's not as time consuming or as big as this case." He said patting his breast pocket. "But all cases are important to OTS. Isn't that right boys?"
It was a rhetorical question, but Brian was quick to answer. "Yes. They are."
"Yes well. I'll be getting upstairs now."
After Blaise's departure, Draco left the conference room leaving Brian to grab Donald by the arm. "Why didn't you say something? Was I out of line to answer what might have been a rhetorical question?"
Donald chided Brian for being silly. "Of course you weren't out of line. Although, I expect Blaise did mean it to be a rhetorical question. It's a given that all cases are important."
"Thanks loads," replied Brian sourly. "Just what I wanted to hear."
Clapping Brian on the back, Donald nodded in the direction of Draco's office. "Let's get to Draco's office before he starts without us. It's too late to go in the field tonight. I expect we'll leave out first thing in the morning."
"Shite!" Brian exclaimed softly. "Draco's been away for a few days. I hope he's not all chuffed to get out in the field tonight."
Donald replied just as softly. "Why not tell him that. Then you'll set a record of two telling offs in one day. Make that two hours."
"Tosser," muttered Brian as he followed Donald to Draco's office.
/*/
Hermione arrived back in her office still in a state of befuddlement. Brendan was coming back to London. The Minister knew about her relationship with Draco, and the most serious minded politician in London had made a joke. What the fuck was the world coming to?
/*/
Rebecca's replacement was another ginger right up there with the Weasleys except he had a face covered with freckles to go with the red hair. His name was Walter King. He was twenty nine years old, tall, well built with the obligatory blue eyes. He had come with exemplary references. Walter was a friendly sort, but every time Hermione looked at him she asked herself if she had really hired freckle boy.
She and Walter had gone over every aspect of what he was supposed to do and when he was supposed to do it. After that, she had turned him over to her right hand witch thinking age wise they might have something in common.
Walking away, Hermione realized the only two times she'd seen Gloria with a date. She'd been with an older wizard. Perhaps Gloria wouldn't have all that much in common with Walter after all. No matter. Staff wasn't there to socialize. They were there to prosecute criminals.
/*/
Hermione met with Justin to discuss the case he'd taken before the Wizengamot on Friday. As always, everything was on point and they had finished their discussion quickly. Hermione found herself discussing the funeral and Repast.
"Thanks for cutting your weekend short to support Theo. It is appreciated. I'm so proud of my staff. Everyone made a showing. How was the bit of weekend you got to enjoy? Where did you go?"
Hermione had asked the question Justin was waiting for. "No problem about coming back for Padma's service. She was always nice to me. Supporting her husband, was the least I could do. About my weekend. Merlin Hermione!" He exclaimed. "It was fantastic. A friend took me to Malta on a prearranged portkey. We were there by 5:30 Friday. Nothing but sun sand and….well you get the drift. It was delightful. I'm going back the first chance I get."
"Glad you had fun." Hermione said smiling at Justin's enthusiasm. "If you're finished gushing, I'd like to get back to work. Oh! Before you go. I'd like to know your feelings on Walter. A simple yay or nay will do."
"Yay. I'll talk to you later."
/*/
Hermione didn't have a chance to pick up a piece of paper before Terry came through the door plunking himself down like it was the good old days.
We've finally gotten back to some semblance of normalcy thought Hermione. "What can I do for you Terry?"
"I'm checking to see if you want to go over the case I'll be presenting tomorrow."
Hermione stared at him.
"Well that, and to wish you well with Malfoy. I saw him with you. He cares. I was wrong."
Terry's words caught Hermione off guard. He was wishing her well. Perhaps things were better than normal. She answered with a smile. "Thank you Terry. I saw you with Della. I think the same about your feelings for her. You care." After clearing her throat, Hermione reminded Terry he was now a team leader, and as such, would be left to his own devices unless something big required her attention.
Terry chuckled. "I knew that. We've always talked on Monday. I didn't see any reason for that to stop."
"Neither do I," replied Hermione. "Communication is key." Then she asked him what he thought about Walter. His response was much the same as Justin's.
Hermione spent the rest of the day going over cases which would be presented that week. She chuckled to herself when she met Blaise coming down the hall.
"Mr. Zabini. Shall I guess what brings you to my neck of the woods?"
"You may guess if you wish. However, I think you already know. I'm a man of my word, so I'm here to tell you I've found my man."
Hermione gestured Blaise to a seat. "Have you now?" She asked. "I saw you scrutinizing my staff yesterday. Even if you have selected the correct wizard, I will not acknowledge whether it is right or wrong."
"No matter." Blaise answered nonchalantly as he handed over the information relating to the LeClair case. "I believe the culprit is the ever arrogant Terry Boot, but no need to worry. I have no intention of taking this any farther. I just wanted you to know I keep my word. I will add one small caveat. If he fucks up again, I'll be ready for him and he won't like it. Thank you for your time. I need to get back."
Hermione sat there idle for several minutes fingering the case packets and thinking about the conversation with Blaise. Terry was grown. She wasn't going to go running to ask him to behave himself. All she could do was hope he wasn't foolish enough to cross Blaise again. Because Blaise was very serious about what would happen if there was a next time.