Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 25
At the same time an aggrieved Draco was stepping out of the floo at Malfoy Manor. A chuffed Tracey Davis was sitting at the bar in the Leaky Cauldron revealing to Hannah how she might have scored a position in OTS.
"That calls for a celebratory drink on the house Miss Davis. What will it be?"
"If the house is buying, I'll have a champagne sampler."
Hannah nodded at Tracey then winked at Harry who had just come through the door. After pouring white wine into a glass of champagne, Hannah held out the glass to Tracey. "Here you are Tracey. Congratulations."
"Thanks Hannah." Tracey said raising her glass. "I won't know for sure until Wednesday or Thursday, but thanks. Cheers. Nice to see you Harry."
Harry nodded at Tracey. "Davis. How are things in Magical Cooperation?"
"Things are fine Harry. But starting next week, you might have to ask someone else. Excuse me. I see Della and Terry."
"Well that was cryptic." Harry said following Tracey with his eyes.
Hannah continued wiping the bar top. It wasn't her place to reveal Tracey's business. Harry had recently been hired for OTS. He'd find out Tracey's news soon enough.
/*/
At Malfoy Manor, Draco had just finished clearing up his father's correspondence and was on his way home to wrap his arms around his witch. He needed to feel her warmth.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 26
Hermione had spent most of Tuesday in and out of court prosecuting the Brenda Rivers case. It had been a surprise to see a tall, good looking witch stand when her name was called. Hermione didn't know what she had expected, but it wasn't a witch who looked as though she had just stepped from the pages of a glamour magazine. This classy looking witch had cursed two children because her lover wouldn't leave his wife for her. It was unthinkable. Hermione turned away from the witch to glance through her case notes relegating the witch's overall appearance to the back of her mind. She was in court to ensure that Brenda Rivers paid for her crime, nothing else.
Thirty minutes into the proceedings, Hermione became aggravated as she watched the brazen witch using her wiles on the Chief Warlock and her own solicitor as well. Even the old wizards of the Wizengamot weren't off limits.
Simpering and smiling, Brenda Rivers was casting a wide net. Hermione watched the witch run her hand up her solicitors arm and continued to watch as the solicitor reached over to pat his client's hand. Brenda's behavior had continued even as the Chief Warlock read the charges against her and asked for a plea. Brenda's solicitor had to be asked twice. The second time, the Chief Warlock reprimanded the solicitor right there in open court for his lack of attention to the proceedings before him.
The solicitor turned a bright shade of red as he stood to apologize to the court. Even so, the Chief Warlock was not amused and issued a warning to the solicitor to advise his client she was on trial for a heinous act and not in some pub looking for a dance partner.
Hermione could barely contain herself as she watched the smug smile fade from the witch's face. After that, it was all business. The wife testified against the witch telling how she had been harassed and her children attacked. The disgraced lover/husband testified against the witch as well.
The only thing left was Hermione's summation in which she covered every vile thing Brenda Rivers had done.
When all was said and done, and the Chief Warlock was reading the sentence handed down by the Wizengamot. The once smug witch had lost all her smugness and stood before the court as just another piece of shite who was getting what she deserved. As Brenda was being led from the courtroom, Hermione looked her directly in her face…. and smiled.
Hermione sat at a small desk in the back of the courtroom writing her synopsis of the case feeling fulfilled. She had promised to see the vile witch get everything she deserved. And she had. Her work was done. Gathering her documents, Hermione spoke a few words to several court officers and the Chief Warlock before heading back to her office.
/*/
Back in the office, Hermione spent a few minutes talking to Gloria and ended up inviting Gloria to her flat for dinner. Hermione liked this witch and had high hopes that what Terry and Justin reported in the morning would warrant her right hand witch becoming an Assistant Prosecutor.
Hermione was chuffed when Gloria accepted the invitation and they decided to leave for Hermione's flat together. Hermione also had somewhat of an ulterior motive. She wanted to run a few things past Gloria she couldn't discuss with Draco.
/*/
After discussing a few things with Terry and Justin, Hermione closed up for the night then went to collect Gloria, so they could get on their way. The two witches made one stop at the liquor shop so Hermione could buy a bottle of wine.
"A witch after my own heart," joked Gloria. "I'm quite the wine lover, with a preference leaning towards white."
Hermione smiled as she commented on Gloria's statement. "Ah, yes. White wine. Friend to stressed out witches everywhere. We are going to be the best of friends. What shall we have for dinner?"
Just as Hermione posed the question about dinner. She and Gloria were passing Viglio's Italian Cuisine. "I think our question about dinner has just been answered. If you are a fan, we will go with Italian."
Gloria didn't hesitate to give her opinion. "Italian sounds good. As with wine, I have a favorite Italian dish. Which makes me totally predictable but well fed."
"Great." Hermione replied pulling open the restaurant door. "Not only will we be soused due to our intake of white wine, but well fed in the bargain. And to think it's only Tuesday. We can do this every night this week and be well fed alcoholics by the weekend."
Gloria giggled in delight. She really liked this side of her boss.
Hermione ordered three takeaway dinners. One each for her and Gloria, and an extra for Draco.
/*/
Once again, the house was empty when Draco arrived. He was disappointed that Hermione wasn't there, being sure that holding her in his arms would help relieve some of the tension that had built up over the last few hours. In addition, he wanted to share his thoughts on Betty Goyle and possibly Rebecca Farmer. Draco had also grown used to their intimacy. Sexual and otherwise.
He and Hermione hadn't been sexually intimate the previous night, so he was wanting some of her attention, but he was also exhausted. So, instead of Apparating over to Hermione's flat. Draco ate several pieces of roast beef, showered, then fell asleep without even turning back the covers.
/*/
Hermione was having a lovely time with Gloria. However, she had one ear open for Draco coming through. By the time they finished their Italian, Hermione had begun to wonder if Draco was tied up with his furniture deliveries. After another thirty minutes, Hermione was ready to say goodnight to Gloria so she could check on Draco. Whether they spent the night together or not, they usually had contact with each other. Besides, if the furniture had been delivered. As co-orderer, she expected to be consulted on the placement.
/*/
It was 9:00 when Gloria finished the last of her wine and asked to use the loo. "I've had a lovely time Hermione. We'll have to do this again. I'm just going to have a pee then head home."
"Feel free. The loo is down the hall on the left."
Sitting there while Gloria was using the facilities, Hermione got a bit anxious about the information she had shared with Gloria. The good thing was Gloria had sided with her and agreed to help however she could. Which was a good thing.
"Alright Hermione." Gloria remarked picking up her purse. "I'm going to be on my way. I'll see you in the morning."
"Yup. I'll see you in the morning. Thanks for coming."
/*/
Hermione did a bit of cleaning up before changing into her pajamas. She couldn't stand a dirty kitchen. Then she had sat on the side of the bed feeling more wide awake than she had getting out of bed that morning. Thoughts of Brenda Rivers and Esther Nott ran through her mind as she sat there. Filthy twats both. The men in both cases were the primary cause of the women's bad behavior, but still. How could any female do the things Esther and Brenda had done? And both cases involved a child or children suffering for it. Bloody, stupid bitches letting a wizard lead them astray.
Lying in bed staring up at the ceiling, Hermione thought about Draco. In a way, his behavior had caused her to act a certain way. Hermione raised up on her elbows. It had been a brief thought, but it was true. Seeing Tracey Davis on her knees between his legs had been crushing, and in a way had dictated the way she treated the wizards who had come through her life. In and out had been the way it worked. She had been volatile with them. She didn't trust them. And she had always been waiting for that one thing which would tear the relationship.
She hadn't injured any children or caused them to be injured, but in a slightly different way she had let a man's behavior dictate her behavior.
"Bull shite." She growled pummeling her pillow. "I've gone mad. No matter how bad things got in my life. I would never hurt a child. My situation is nothing like theirs."
Suddenly, from out of nowhere. Hermione was reminded of something she had seen. Grabbing her wand, she summoned her beaded bag and retrieved the information she had gathered from DHG. Hermione went through the pages so rapidly she completely missed what she was looking for and had to start over. The second time, she searched more thoroughly and found the piece of information. The words hadn't meant anything to Hermione when she first reviewed the files, but now she knew exactly what the faint letters meant.
Turning her wand tip to its brightest setting, Hermione squinted her eyes trying to make the letters come into focus. The first letter was illegible. The second and third letters were e and c. The next two letters were illegible, and the last letter was n.
Hermione was too excited to waste time solving a puzzle, but wasn't sure what spell would clear up the words.
"It has to be a basic swish and flick." She mumbled to herself. "Basic. Basic. Basic." Then she had it. Making a basic swish and flick, Hermione called out clearly. "Aparecium." The two words immediately became clear. Declan Cobb. Hermione went over each letter with a pen then stared at the two words which were obviously a name. If her thinking was correct, this was the name of Esther's son. She was chuffed. Another step forward in the research she'd promised herself she wasn't going to do.
Hermione returned all the files to her bag, used the loo, then got into bed. Now that she'd found another bit of information about the Nott family. She was more wide awake than ever.
"What will Theo think?" she wondered out loud. "Shite! What will Draco think?" Turning onto her left side, Hermione fluffed her pillow one more time telling herself there was no need for anyone to worry. She wasn't going to take the research any farther.
/*/
Theo Nott was chuffed. He was back to full health. No more chewing gum for a queasy stomach. No more porridge. No more all liquid meals, and above all. No more soft boiled eggs. He didn't think he'd ever eat one again. Hermione was sure it had been the way he had stuffed the food down his throat. He was sure it was the eggs. No more.
Theo planned to return to his office in the morning, but tonight he was out to have a few drinks and perhaps have a nice conversation with a mate. He wasn't going to overdo it. He planned to keep his intake to three drinks. If he hadn't found someone to talk to by then, he was going back to the house.
Theo had just lifted the glass to his mouth when someone clapped him on the back.
"Hello mate. How are you holding up?"
Theo turned to see Jay Patil standing there with a warm smile on his face.
"Ajay." Theo called out beaming and pulling the Hindi wizard into a one armed, man hug. "When did you get to London? How did you know my whereabouts? I'm sorry I didn't Owl you about Padma, but I could barely get out of my own way. I think somewhere in the back of my mind I thought Parvati would notify you.
"Stop with the Ajay. Call me Jay, or call me sir." Jay joked. "As for Parvati. She did notify me." Jay said throwing his hand in the air to call the witch behind the bar. "I received her Owl yesterday. It's likely she sent the message by way of India. I'm sorry I wasn't here to stand with you to see Padma off. It was so unexpected. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Theo gave Jay a wan smile. "There's nothing I need unless you have some unknown panacea in your bag that will turn back time. Other than that, I just have to learn how to manage without my witch. How long do you plan to be in London? I'd like for you to see our vault. I had it specially made for Padma and myself. It's beautiful."
"I'd love that." Jay remarked solemnly. "I've arranged to be away for as long as you need me. As far as time turners go. If I had one, I would happily give it to you. As for how I knew where you were. It's down to Cely. I believe the old girl thinks you might do yourself some harm."
Theo shook his head. "Cely is overwrought because I mentioned selling the house, and leaving London."
"No way!" Jay exclaimed in surprise. "I think I'd be overwrought too, if I was told the way of life I know was about to change. Even an elf would be wary at a statement like that. Especially, after just losing the mistress she loved above all else."
"She'll be fine." Theo replied lifting a second drink to his mouth. "I haven't made any final decisions yet. Let's just wait and see. While you are here. I invite you to take any family or sentimental items you wish. Parvati has already said she wanted a few things. Everything else will be donated."
"I'll have a look see Theo. There might be some things that should be kept for posterity."
Looking around, Ajay told Theo that the old place looked the same as when he'd been there the last time.
Theo nodded at Padma's favorite cousin. "I'm beginning to believe. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm through here. Have you left your bags at the house? Let's go make Cely happy."
"Yes. My bags are in the foyer. I didn't want to be presumptuous enough to take over a bedroom without authorization. I look forward to one of Cely's lovely meals."
Theo called the bar witch over to settle the bill. Then he and Jay stepped into the night to Apparate to the Nott home.
/*/
As expected, Cely was happy to see Theo and Jay. "Mr. Theo. Mr. Ajay. Welcome home. You been leaving your bags in the hall Mr. Ajay, but Ise put them in the bedroom so yous wouldn't have to be bothered. Ise made a stew in case yous hungry. Shall I….?"
"Cely." Theo called sharply. "Overstepping a bit. Aren't you? Please leave us be. I'll call if I need you."
"Yes Master Theo. Not meaning to be a bad elf." Cely replied before Disapparating with a pop.
Jay had watched as Cely's shoulders slumped, but remained silent. He also noticed how Cely had reverted to calling Theo master. It wasn't his affair, so he wouldn't comment. He did, however, think Theo was being a bit harsh with the elf, knowing she only wanted what was best for him.
Theo knew it too. Rubbing his forehead with his open palm, he muttered. "Before you comment, I know I was rough with Cely, but she has to stop being so…so."
"So what Theo? So loving? So caring? Padma allowed Cely that, so she won't be changing overnight. It's not as though she's acting strangely. But, that's your affair. I'll stay out of it. I will say. Your words and tone surprised her enough that she reverted back to calling you master."
"You'll get no argument from me Jay. I was rough with her. Cely must be sixty years old, but Padma treated that elf as though she was her child. No worries though. She and I will sort it all out."
"Good. As I previously mentioned. I am looking forward to one of Cely's meals. Stew sounds good right about now. If you don't mind, I would like to thank Cely for putting my things away. I'm asking in front because I don't want to overstep."
Theo wrapped his arm around Jay's neck as they headed towards the kitchen. "Overstep my arse. You've been overstepping from the first time I met you. Have at it."
"Good. I'll also remind her that she is to call me Jay not Ajay."
"Ah. More bull shite." Theo joked. "If you're not careful, Cely will be following you home."
"That might be a good thing since you plan to sell the house and leave her with strangers." Before Theo could form a reply, Jay gave up. "Whatever. Let's just go eat."
/**/
Wednesday was fairly busy for everyone.
Justin and Terry made their vetting presentation to Hermione about mid morning only pausing for a bathroom break and a cup of tea. Gloria had come through with flying colors.
/*/
When Hermione got back from having her tea, there was an envelope waiting for her. She recognized Draco's handwriting and right away her stomach got all fluttery. Because she was expecting Justin and Terry back momentarily, Hermione quickly read the message laughing at the smart arsed remarks then slipped it into her bag.
"He needs me does he?" She chuckled to herself as she closed the drawer that held her bag. "I guess I'll have to help the poor boy out."
/*/
Terry and Justin returned to the room at 1:00. This time to sort out what they would offer Gloria.
Hermione hadn't been too pleased by Terry's suggestion they offer Gloria less salary than what Rebecca had earned.
"Be reasonable Hermione." Terry cautiously remarked. "Rebecca was…"
"Rebecca was a stupid tart who didn't know right from wrong. Gloria is a whip smart, fully vetted witch who not only exceeds requirements, but can handle just about every job here including yours and mine. Set her up for the first six months with equal salary to what Rebecca was making. After six months, we'll review her performance. If she has performed as I expect, she will be given a pay raise."
"Fine. Fine. We are in agreement. Right Justin?
"Right," agreed Justin nodding his head.
Terry went on. "Since we have two new teams. I think we should move a few of our duties over to Gloria."
Hermione rolled her eyes and Justin sat there wondering if Terry paid attention to what came out of his own mouth. Hadn't he just wanted to pay Gloria less salary than they had paid Rebecca? Now he was trying to foist some of his duties onto her. What convoluted reasoning. Justin knew by the look on Hermione's face she thought the same thing. However, instead of challenging Terry yet again. Hermione slapped a sheet of paper down in front of him.
"Here are the requirements for the Assistant Prosecutor Position. Gloria is promoted. After you have some lunch, sit down with her to get everything sorted. We'll set her starting date for the first week of May. Justin, you'll be charged with checking Ministry HR to see what, if any, applications they have on file for witches or wizards looking for a position. Be selective in your choices. We need forward thinking, willing to learn candidates. We need another Gloria." Hermione added with a smile. "I will sit with Gloria later this afternoon to go over any odds and ends. As you both know. We are taking the LeClair case to court on Friday. I'd like Gloria to sit in. We three will meet tomorrow morning at 10:00 to go over the case. That's all for now."
/*/
Walking back to their offices, Terry remarked how Hermione was giving Gloria the world.
Before Justin stepped into his office he reminded Terry that Gloria was worth every bit.
Terry frowned as he stepped into his own office because he felt otherwise. Gloria was nice enough, but she was too pushy for his liking. She reminded him of Hermione. No one could hear his thoughts, but Terry sill looked around guiltily. He had chased after his pushy boss for a year. The last thing he should be doing is denigrating someone for being like her.
/*/
Hermione had a quick sandwich at her desk while finalizing the Rivers Case. Then she moved onto the cases which would be coming up on the docket the following week.
Terry stopped in to assure Hermione he had sat down with Gloria and everything was on point for her to start in May.
"Thank you Terry. Is there anything else going on I need to know?"
"Actually, I heard…."
"Regarding Granger & Associates," snapped Hermione giving Terry a withering glance.
"Oh, right. Everything is fine. I'll just be getting back to my office."
Hermione shook her head. Falling in love seemed to have made Terry lose his mind. He was turning into a right gossip. He and Blaise would surely bump heads if Terry didn't snap back to order.
Justin stuck his head in the door around 5:00 to let Hermione know he'd found a few prospects and would let her know the outcome after a bit of follow up.
/*/
Hermione had tidied up her desk and was gathering her things when Gloria appeared at her door asking for a quick word.
"Of course. Come in. Have a seat. I had every intention of sitting down with you to discuss your promotion. It totally slipped my mind. So. What do you think about becoming an Assistant Prosecutor?"
With a wide grin, Gloria revealed how happy she was to be given a chance few witches could imagine.
Hermione listened as Gloria explained what she hoped to achieve in her new position. At one point, Gloria was so exuberant and talking so fast. Hermione asked her to slow down and take a breath.
"Sorry Hermione." She replied taking an actual deep breath. "This opportunity has me babbling like a fool. I promise you. I normally don't get this excited. Well. I don't mean to keep you. I just wanted to truly thank you for choosing me."
Hermione offered Gloria a bit of insight. "There's really nothing to thank me for. You deserve the promotion. It's all down to your brilliant work ethic, knowledge of the business and your willingness to step up. I should be thanking you. By the way. We will need to do a bit of shuffling around on Friday. Terry, Justin and I will be prosecuting the LeClair Case. I would like for you to sit in. No worries. Even though I know you could probably participate in the case and do well. You will only be an observer. Take notes. After the trial, we can discuss any questions you might have. In the coming weeks, before you are officially in your new position. I would like for you to get some practice writing up case notes. It's late. We can discuss this more Friday after court. Have a good night."
"You do the same Hermione. I took your advice and have been looking over information about telecommunications. It's very interesting. If it can be managed time wise, I'm hoping to be part of Kingsley's project. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Gloria."
That witch is impressive thought Hermione as she gathered her things. We couldn't have made a better choice. Next stop, liquor shop. I think I've gone through all the wine at Draco's. Then she was off.
/*/
Team 3's next case was already on Draco's desk when he arrived Wednesday morning, so he, Donald and Brian spent a few minutes going over the particulars before setting off for Wales where the incident happened.
Draco had explained to Donald and Brian he had a 1:00 pm appointment with Kingsley and might have to leave them at the scene, if they weren't finished by 12:45. Neither wizard had a problem with Draco leaving early.
Draco worked quickly, assessing the premises and making copious notes he would sort out later that afternoon. He finished recording at 12:15, stuck his notes in his case and told Donald and Brian he would see them back at OTS.
Draco could have stuck around for a few more minutes, but he had an important Inter-Ministry message to send. He hadn't had any communication with Hermione since Monday. "That won't do." Draco mumbled to himself. "We are dating. Which means we should see each other at least once a day." Laughing to himself, Draco stopped his mumbling, but his silent thoughts were running amuck. He wanted to feel Hermione in his arms. He wanted to kiss those lips and feel her hips against his. Most of all, he wanted her there to help him with the placement of all the bloody furniture they had ordered.
"Hello mate. Not going off the deep end are you? In here laughing to yourself."
"You're my Superior Blaise. You're not my mother. My thoughts are my own. Is there something I can do for you? I need to send a message then get to my meeting with Kingsley." Draco remarked with his pen hovering over a blank sheet of paper waiting for Blaise to either speak or leave.
"Such a disparaging tone Mr. Malfoy. I don't need anything. I simply stopped in to find out the joke. Obviously, there wasn't one. Just to let you know. Another worthy candidate has popped up. I still intend to interview Tracey, but believe it or not. A Junior Unspeakable has asked for an interview as well. Those blokes strike me as being a bit creepy, but this particular wizard has less than four years in. He's still quite normal."
Draco couldn't help but smile. "I wonder if that's what people think about OTS?"
"Never." Blaise replied straightening his tie. "We are the best of the best. If anything, those not part of our department envy us. Now, I'll let you get to your letter writing. Don't make any plans for tonight. Theo Owled me. Padma's cousin Jay is in town for a few days."
"Well mate. I have plans. I'll have to meet Jay another night."
"Suit yourself. If you change your mind, we'll probably be at mine or Theo's. See you later."
/*/
Checking his Wonder Wizard Watch, Draco saw he only had fifteen minutes until time to meet with Kingsley. His pen fairly flew over the paper as he wrote out the message to Hermione.
Hermione;
You've obviously forgotten you have a wizard. I thought when two people date. They are obligated to see each other at least once a day. Even during the work week. I am in need of your touch. Sorry. That came out wrong. Although, I am in need of those touches as well. What I'm referring to is help sorting out the furniture and accessories which will be delivered later this evening.
Let's have dinner together at the house while we wait for the delivery. Shall we call it for 7:00? I'll see you then, if not before.
Draco.
Draco reached for an Inter-Ministry envelope, and once outside the department, he let the envelope speed away. Then he headed to the lifts.
The lift was empty which gave Draco time to adjust his jacket and straighten his tie. He wanted to look his best when stepping in front of the Minister of Magic.
/*/
Anthony stepped out of his office to shake Draco's hand asking him to wait a second while he notified the Minister he was there.
While waiting, Draco casually looked around thankful he didn't have to deal with Percy Weasley. However, just as Draco finished his thought. Percy Weasley came down the hall walking as though he had a stick up his arse.
"Can I help you with something Malfoy. People don't normally stand around outside the Minister's office. You wouldn't want others to think you mean to do him some harm."
Draco bristled, but before he could utter any kind of response. Anthony stepped out of Kingsley's office and beckoned him in.
Draco couldn't resist getting off a pointed barb directed at Percy. "I am expected Weasley. Perhaps it's you who should refrain from standing around idle in front of the Minister's door. We wouldn't want anyone to think you have a position in this office."
Anthony realized there must have been an exchange of words between Percy and Draco, but wasn't about to get into it in front of Kingsley.
"Come in Draco. Kingsley will see you now."
Draco thanked Anthony as he approached Kingsley with his hand extended. "Good afternoon Minister."
"Good afternoon Mr. Malfoy. Have a seat."
Kingsley gestured for Anthony to leave, but told him not to stray too far away from his desk as he might be needed in the next forty minutes or so.
"Fine Minister," replied Anthony. "I do need to see Barkley on the third floor, but will be straight back."
Instead of sitting back down at his desk, Kingsley took a seat leaving a chair between himself and Draco.
Informal it is then, thought Draco as he waited for Kingsley to begin.
"I've asked you to meet with me because I have a favor to ask."
Remembering how Kingsley had helped with his assimilation back into London society, Draco was quick to answer. "Anything Minister. Just ask."
"Thank you. I actually have a two, maybe three pronged request." He said handing Draco the same letter he had handed Hermione on Monday. "It would seem we have another citizen who will be finding his way home."
Although he was aware Brendan/Severus was still alive and had mentioned he might want to come back to Britain someday. Draco was still surprised that Severus had given up his secret and made up his mind so quickly.
"I gather from your silence you are aware Severus is still alive."
"Yes sir. I am aware Severus is alive and living under the name Brendan Eilson. How can I help you?"
"It seems I was the only person out of the loop. I'll tell you what I told Hermione. There are repercussions for those witches and wizards who withhold information of this magnitude from me."
Draco snapped his head up at Kingsley's comment. Hermione? What does Hermione have to do with this? Draco wondered. She never mentioned speaking to Kingsley about Severus. "I-I," stammered Draco. "I-we... As you may or may not know. Severus came to Theo's aid after he was attacked by Goyle. His only caveat was we, Blaise, Hermione, Theo and I not reveal that he was alive and living under an assumed name. You've treated me fairly. I apologize for not coming to you with the news about Severus. Although, I'm not sure I would come to you if I had it to do again. A wizard is only as good as his word. Sir."
Waving his hand in the air, Kingsley assured Draco he understood. "It was just something I felt I should say to keep the fear of Merlin in my next generation."
Draco laughed. "That's good to know sir."
"Alright. Back to business. I spoke to Hermione about this on Monday, but asked her to keep it between she and I until I could form a plan. This is where you come in. I have formed said plan. I am hoping you will assist Severus with housing arrangements until he can find something suitable. I was thinking along the lines of Malfoy Manor. It is presumptuous of me to ask, but, I seem to remember the Manor having more than enough room to host a guest. So, your first task is to inform your father of Severus' miraculous return to life as well as his impending return to London. Your second task is to address my request to house Severus with Lucius as well. There you have it. I think that's enough for one meeting. I have one more issue to address, but it can wait until Severus is here and situated."
Draco didn't feel the need to disclose the fact his father was aware Severus was alive. Kingsley might start thinking it was a conspiracy. "I will contact my father straightaway." Draco replied. "There shouldn't be a problem with either request, but the answer will be up to my father. I'll Owl him from my office. Is there anything else Minister?"
"That will be all for now Draco." Kingsley said rising from the chair. "Please get back to me as soon as you have an answer. If Lucius declines, I will have to look elsewhere. Also, I'm quite pleased. Mr. Zabini speaks highly of Team 3. Good work."
Draco said good afternoon to Kingsley, nodded at Anthony and ignored Percy as he made his way back to the lifts.
/*/
The first thing Draco did on his return to OTS was write out a letter to his father explaining what was going on and the requests Kingsley had made. It wasn't a long letter, but it was concise. Draco closed the letter after asking about his mother and wishing her well.
Not wanting to wait for a pick up. Draco took the lift down to Owl Services to post the letter immediately. He was back to OTS working on his current case within ten minutes.
For the next three hours, Draco, Brian and Donald worked their case. At the end of their review, the three men came to the agreement that the incident was one of self defense. It would still have to be run by Blaise, but their consensus was the wizard in question had been protecting himself and had only struck out in fear for his life.
Team 3 handed the completed case to Blaise around 4:45. With a wide grin and a litany of compliments, Blaise praised the men. "You're going to have to slow down mates. You're making the other teams, including Rick's, look like slackers. Thank you for your recommendations. I suggest you three tie up any loose ends then leave for the night. I believe I'll have another case for you in the morning. If not, you may give the other teams a hand. I'll see you in the morning."
Brian and Donald thanked Blaise before leaving his office while Draco remained behind. Using his wand to close the door, Draco revealed to Blaise what his meeting with Kingsley had been about. When Draco finished speaking, Blaise laughed so loud Draco had to cast a silencing charm on the door.
"It's not that funny Blaise. Here we are running around trying to keep Brendan's…..Snape's secret and three minutes after he's back in Oregon he's writing Kingsley. What the fuck? This is not the wizard we knew and loved at Hogwarts."
Blaise howled even more. "Now you're just being facetious. No one at Hogwarts ever knew or loved the man. What do you think Lucius will say?"
Draco paused. What would his father say? Severus had been an acquaintance, but the war years had ended badly for the both of them. Draco really didn't know. "I'm not sure what father will say or do. I'll just have to wait and see. If, my father declines Kingsley's request, I feel as though we should step up to help. Severus did bring Theo back from the brink of death. We owe him."
Blaise nodded at Draco. "You're right mate, but before we go off in all directions. Let's wait for Lucius' reply. If there isn't anything else, I'd like to get this case up to the CW. Perhaps he and I can get an innocent wizard out of Ministry Holding before the night is over. I'll see you in the morning."
"Right mate." Draco replied as he removed the charm on the door. "See you in the morning."
/*/
There was mail on Draco's desk which he sorted through. There wasn't anything from Hermione, so he tossed it aside. It would still be there in the morning. At that moment, his plan was to stop at the liquor shop to get some wine then get his arse home to wait for Hermione. He was looking forward to some of that Hermione love.
/*/
Hermione love would have to wait. When Draco landed at home, Hermione was in the middle of directing the delivery service on where to put the furniture and other accessories.
Draco gave her a wink and a kiss on the nose. "Beat me to it then. Have you? I thought we would do this together."
Hermione gave him a cheeky wink back. "Well. When my wizard tells me he needs me, I make myself available. They are almost done. I hope you approve of my decisions."
Looking around, Draco nodded. "I approve of almost everything you do…. except stay away from me. You started, so you finish. I'll have a shower then we can have a relaxing dinner before…" Draco lowered his voice. "Before I ravage you. I'll teach you to stay away from me for days at a time."
"Days at a time? I saw you on Monday. You tale telling git. A girl needs a bit of time on her own you know. Go have your shower. We'll talk after. Excuse me! Excuse me" Hermione called out to a delivery wizard. "That goes in the room at the far end of the hall."
Draco walked away smiling. No need for him to worry. His no nonsense witch would get it sorted. All he had to do was shower and come away smelling so good she would be eager to sort him.
A/N: Declan: Name meaning absolutely nothing. There is a blank where meaning of the name should be.
Cobb: surname English, medieval byname meaning lump