Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 29
Donald smiled in Brian's direction as he listened to the shite that would normally come out of his own mouth. Brian had obviously grown a pair.
"Thank you for speaking your mind Brian. I was so absorbed in the essentials. I didn't realize I was excluding you. It's my belief that both you and Donald are superior assistants. Most of the time, there is nothing I could add to make you any better. I've never been one for a lot of small talk, but going forward. I'll dazzle you with so much petty bull shite. You'll be wishing I kept my mouth shut. Enjoy your weekend gents. See you on Monday."
With Draco's mea culpa, Donald didn't feel cranky or tired any longer. All he felt was admiration for his colleague Brian.
"Alright then Draco," said Brian. "See you on Monday."
"Yes boss," said a beaming Donald. "We'll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend."
/*/
Draco had a few more things to tidy up. After which, he went to speak with Blaise who wasn't in his office. Draco locked up his desk then headed for home thinking he would speak to Blaise later.
He and Hermione were scheduled to meet with Blaise and Theo that evening. After that, they might go out to dinner. But before the night was over. He was going to get some of that Hermione love. Having Hermione show him so much passion he would pass out, was right up his alley. Best of all. She had already promised.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 30
Hermione went directly home after work. It was Friday, and she didn't want to start the weekend off in a bitchy mood, but she was in a bitchy mood. She was looking to have a relaxing cup of tea, a relaxing bath and maybe a short nap before seeing Draco. This would be her mandatory cool down period before meeting with Blaise and Theo later on.
Hermione was curious as to what transpired, if anything, when Blaise and Theo met with Springer and Kroeker, or if her message got to them before they did something dastardly. That she would find out later. Right then, all she wanted was a bit of relaxation.
As she laid soaking in the tub, Hermione's mind wandered back to her conversation with the CW. When she was sitting in front of him, he appeared to be angry, but looking back on it. He might have been embarrassed. Grimsby was the second most powerful person within the court system. Nothing was supposed to get by him. Then she thought about the look on Kingsley's face. Hermione knew that those two wizards were going to make life miserable for a fair few people. Which was the way it should be.
Four major incidents of mayhem in the city and one suspicious release over the last five weeks was nothing to shove to the side. There was a problem with something somewhere in the Ministry.
Hermione leaned her head back against the tub and closed her eyes. There was going to be repercussions. Maybe on a grand scale.
When Hermione opened her eyes again, the water was so cold she was shivering. Hurrying out of the tub and grabbing one of her large towels, she was surprised to see the time. It was 7:30. Hurrying to dress, throw on a bit of makeup and a dab of Sleekeazy on her hair, Hermione wondered if Draco was waiting for her to show up at his house.
"Shite, shite, shite." Hermione huffed as she stuffed her feet into her shoes. "Draco must think I've stood him up." Gathering a few other things, including a set of pajamas. Hermione Apparated directly to the house only to find it dark.
"Draco love." She called out. "Are you here?"
No answer. Hermione pulled her wand to turn on all the lights in one go as she wondered where Draco could be at that hour. They were scheduled to be at Theo's in an hour and Draco had also mentioned going out to dinner after. Then she began to worry. Perhaps something happened to him while he was in the field. Perhaps…..
Hermione didn't have to wonder, or worry any longer as a weary looking Draco came walking down the hall.
"Hello love." He said, kissing Hermione on the forehead then plopping himself down on the couch. "Donald, Brian and I were in Wales until after 7:00. It's annoying how the bleeders in Wales can't find anything to do other than have a go at each other. Aggravating really."
Hermione sat down next to Draco using one hand to rub the back of his neck. "We've both had a stressful day." Hermione replied continuing to massage Draco's neck.
"Ah," said Draco. The word coming out as a soft sigh. "You have magic fingertips. The knots in my neck have loosened considerably, and I can feel the tension leaving my body. My amazing witch. Is there nothing you can't do?"
"Well, now that you've asked. There's at least one thing I couldn't do. I couldn't prosecute Etienne LeClair."
Draco turned to look at Hermione. Without even knowing the facts, he could tell Hermione was beating herself up. "Stop beating yourself up. What happened?"
"I'm not beating myself up. I'm just frustrated that the entire case was more or less taken out of our hands. The bloody bastards took a plea so they wouldn't have to go before Grimsby and the Wizengamot. LeClair's two lackeys took the brunt of the charges while LeClair pled no contest to the much lesser charges. It was a farce to end all farces. All three had their British citizenships revoked and will do their time in France. Knowing how most things work in the favor of wealthy wizards, I'm just happy LeClair was charged at all. I expect his solicitor is working on some slimy sleight of hand bull shite to get him out of prison even before he goes in."
Draco put his arm around Hermione, kissed her forehead then pulled her close." "Please relax love. You're as red as a beet." Leaning in, he kissed her lips then her forehead again. "You and your team did your part, and were ready to do more. Case closed."
Snuggling against Draco, Hermione held one of her hands to her cheek. "I must really be red. My cheek feels hot."
Draco laughed as he moved forward to stand. "You are. If Theo doesn't have dinner on the table, we are going to talk very fast then head over to Viglio's. How does Veal Piccata sound? By the way. How did your meeting with CW Grimsby go? Any problems?"
"The meeting went better than expected, but I'll go over the entire thing when we get to Theo's. It's 8:10. Why don't you shower and dress so we can get on our way."
"Why? Do I smell?" He asked with a straight face, sniffing one underarm after the other. "I planned to go just as you see me. I'll sit across the room from everyone else so my smell won't embarrass you. Will that do?"
Hermione was laughing and shaking her head. "If you don't get your wanker arse into that shower, you won't have to worry about how you smell because I will jinx your arse to Sunday morning and back."
"I'm not worried about your threats." Draco remarked, moving rapidly towards the bathroom. "I'll be in and out before that blush fades from your face."
Hermione's hand involuntarily moved to her cheek before realizing she'd been had. "What a git." She remarked to herself as she leaned back against the couch spreading her arms in a stretch. "A handsome, brilliant, sexy git."
/*/
Draco was ready in twenty five minutes. Ten minutes after that, they were walking through Theo's front door being greeted by him and Blaise.
"About time. Eh Blaise? We've been waiting for hours."
Blaise gave an affirmative nod. "We most certainly have. I'm more than sure Draco is at fault. It's hard for him to maneuver without house elves."
While Hermione laughed, Draco growled that he was too hungry to join in the banter.
Theo and Blaise got worse and wouldn't let up until Draco went to the kitchen in a huff.
Theo and Blaise laughed even harder when they heard Draco call out for Cely who had popped up in front of Theo.
"Mr. Draco been calling me. I can't just be poppin up when peoples call. Miss Padma never been telling me to pop up when Mr. Draco callin."
By now, Blaise was hysterical.
"That's enough you two," snapped Hermione.
"You're right Hermione. Sorry." Turning to Cely, Theo told her she was allowed to take care of Mr. Draco when he visited.
Hermione rolled her eyes at Blaise and Theo. "Now that you've both had your little joke. I'd like to hear how your day went."
"Maybe you should start Hermione. You seemed to have made more progress than either Blaise or myself. Your message put the kibosh on anything extreme we planned to do."
"In that case, sit back gents. Have a drink. I want Draco to hear this as well."
"You may start love," remarked Draco handing Hermione a plate of Beef Wellington. "Cely already had this fine dinner prepared. All she needed was a small nudge. Thank you Theo."
"Hold your thoughts Hermione." Blaise remarked hurrying to the kitchen. "That Beef Wellie looks mighty good."
"Cely." Theo called out. "Please move the dinner to the dining room. We might as well be comfortable while we chat."
/*/
Hermione told her story between bites while the men listened with rapt attention. By the time their plates were clean, the wizards were complimenting Hermione on her strategy of going straight to CW Grimsby. Then Theo asked Hermione to repeat the part where Grimsby had all but promised to set things right.
So she did. After which, Theo and Blaise revealed what they had accomplished before receiving her message.
Blaise explained what had transpired at the Kroeker home, adding he didn't think Andrew Kroeker was bright enough to pull off something as cunning as getting Rebecca's charges reduced then getting her out of jail. He also admitted to grabbing Andrew Kroeker by the collar.
Hermione's hand flew up to cover her mouth. "Blaise! You didn't. You…."
Draco cut across Hermione, knowing she was ready to give a lecture. "I'm surprised Blaise. A hex, or a jinx. Yes. Physical violence is not you mate. I spent the day in Wales chasing down shite like that. We are becoming Muggles." Draco added quietly.
Blaise only offered a nod of the head and a sigh.
So it's the bloody daughter then?" Hermione inquired, picking at her food.
"Right in one Hermione. However, much to my dismay. I received your message before I could confront the witch. I did apologize to Kroeker for barging into his home. As you have intimated Hermione. It was a mad, impulsive move. Kroeker could have reported me to MLE, and I would have found myself in deep shite. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. So there you are."
Blaise served himself another portion as they listened to Theo relate what happened at Marshall Springer's office.
When Theo finished his tale, Hermione congratulated him on his lack of violence, giving Blaise an eye roll in the process.
Blaise winked at Hermione, telling her to remember what they were dealing with.
Before Hermione could begin a Hermione lecture, Theo continued speaking. "Please Hermione. Not to be rude, but this is us talking. If you have issues with our behavior, save them for another time."
Looking directly at Theo, Hermione nodded. "You're right. We are here for a different purpose."
Rubbing Hermione across the back, Draco snapped at Theo. "We are all here for the same purpose. Let's not let tempers get in the way. You were saying Theo."
For perhaps five seconds, the room went silent while everyone, except Blaise who had continued to eat, made attitude adjustments.
Theo pressed on. "Frankly, all it would have taken for me to hex Springer was another stupid comment. I felt as though I'd put the fear of Merlin into him. There wasn't anymore to do. As I previously stated, I promised Springer repercussions for all involved, and I meant it." Turning to face Hermione, Theo gave her a heartfelt thanks for taking the issue to Grimsby and Kingsley. "I have hope that those who helped get Padma killed will get their just rewards. Now. Let's finish off this Beef Wellington and have some dessert."
/*/
Kingsley Shacklebolt was beside himself. He had spent a good deal of time Friday going up the front and down the back of the CW. Going as far as to threaten Grimsby with removal from position if he couldn't control his staff, or his duties.
Waiting for his turn to speak, Grimsby had let Kingsley rant. It hadn't been pretty being accused of not doing his duty. In the end, it all came down to him. Kingsley was a patient and fair Minister. However, the events of the past two months had him on edge. They were both on edge. A maniac on the loose, wizards cursed, a beautiful soul murdered, and someone circumventing the Ministry system. The Ministry seemed to be losing control. Kingsley wasn't having any more of it.
When Kingsley finally went silent, instead of offering excuses, the CW advanced a plan. He wanted to call every witch or wizard who could be any way involved with the situation in for a mandatory, Saturday meeting. They would use the Atrium level room which was normally used for functions. He would meet with each group separately to find the guilty party or parties.
Kingsley, who had always admired Grimsby felt the Chief Warlock was on the right track, and told him so. "Excellent idea Mr. Grimsby. I will attend as well. Let me inter-office Anthony to get meeting details out to those involved."
Kingsley sent off the message then returned to the conversation.
"There's just one thing Minister. I will need your permission for something I plan to do."
"Anything within reason CW. I'll assist in any way I can."
The CW got right to it. "I'll need permission to use Veritaserum1 Mist on the individuals I plan to question."
Kingsley thought for a moment. Veritaserum3 was a very powerful truth serum which would make a person spill his deepest, darkest secrets when questioned. However, Veritaserum1 Mist was a new tool invented by Professor Horace Slughorn a year after the end of the Second Wizarding War with only Senior Aurors and Senior MLE Officers authorized to use it. Even with authorization, Aurors and MLE were required to turn in a report after each use.
It was the mildest form of the original formula. Veritaserum1 Mist, unlike the original, did not force out the truth. It simply aided in sorting out unethical behavior. Currently, it was being used against witches or wizards who were suspected of illegal behavior. With Veritaserum1 Mist, no questions needed to be asked. Once the mist was sprayed on the tongue, the culprit would admit to behaviors he or she knew to be against the law. It was an excellent tool for solving crimes which had suspects, but no witnesses.
Kingsley sighed. He would do anything to get the Ministry back on track, but mass use of this controlled substance would have to go before the Board of Governors for their approval.
Kingsley made a decision.
"We've called the meeting for tomorrow morning. I'll authorize the use of Veritaserum1 Mist by my signature, and advise the Board of Governors this evening. I want everything you explained to me down on paper which I will then present to the Governors. Our reasoning is sound. I don't think there'll be any problems. In any case, I'd like to see the written explanation, in full. I will inform the Heads of the Auror Department and MLE of the plan as we'll need Mist from their stores. Anthony is in it for the long haul with me this evening. I'll have him message the Heads and the Governors. It will be a long night Mr. Grimsby. I hope by tomorrow afternoon we will have all culprits in hand and our court system back in order. I'll be in my office. I expect the written plan in my hand in an hour. Thank you."
Kingsley was striding down the hall when he turned back obviously having remembered something. "For your information, I intend to summon the Heads of MLE and the Aurors to my office tomorrow to discuss why none of the many Aurors and MLE Officers we have on staff were aware of Gregory Goyle. Are there more Goyles out there? Are employees being paid to sit on their arses? This meeting should have taken place weeks ago. It would seem you are not the only wizard who has let something get by you. If we intend to correct one thing, we'll correct it all. I realize this is a hard line, but I need devoted Ministry employees, not people who have slacked off because there is no war to fight. If time allows, you may attend. Your plan, in my office, in one hour."
/*/
The only word that crossed the CW's mind was bloodbath.
/*/
CW Grimsby didn't mind the long night ahead. What did bother him was where this meeting would go, and to whom it would lead. Hopefully, it was just one or two rotten apples with none of his handpicked, personal staff involved. If anyone on his staff was involved, they wouldn't get any leniency from him. In fact, he would be first in line to see them prosecuted.
After a stretch of his legs, the CW sat down to write. Kingsley was expecting his report.
/*/
After a bit more conversation, Draco and Hermione left Theo and Blaise to have a walk. They stopped in the Leaky Cauldron for a bit where an unfamiliar wizard greeted Draco as Agent Malfoy and Hermione as Miss Granger.
"So, Agent Malfoy," teased Hermione. "Would you like to have a drink before proceeding with our walk?"
Leaning down to reach Hermione's ear, Draco whispered. "Agent Malfoy can see his way to having one drink. However, before we order, I see one of my Assistant Agents sitting by the window. He's a good man. I'd like to introduce you. Do you mind?"
Following behind Draco, Hermione arrived at the table just as the wizard stood to shake Draco's hand.
Turning back, Draco introduced Hermione to Donald Macomber. In turn, Donald introduced the wizard and two witches who were with him.
As Hermione and Draco exchanged pleasantries with the group, the witch who somewhat resembled Leanne Moon told Draco how a great many witches were interested in getting on a first name basis with him.
Her comment which had come out of the blue startled Draco. Is there anyone left with manners, he thought. I'm standing here with my witch and this…. this stranger says some shite like that.
Draco needn't have worried because Hermione spoke up.
Smiling her brightest smile and looking directly into the face of the impolite witch, Hermione replied in an almost singsong voice. "Not to be rude, but you may tell all those interested witches, Draco is already on a first name basis, with me. Perhaps the next time you want to give some wizard an offhand bit of information, and there is a witch standing with him. You might want to take him off to the side. I'll be at the bar talking with Hannah. Nice meeting you all."
Draco's eyes followed Hermione as she took a seat at the bar before turning back to Donald with a small frown on his face. "I'll see you on Monday Donald. Have a good evening."
"I will. Thank you. My apologies for…."
Draco held up one hand. No need for apologies. I think Hermione got the point across just fine. Goodnight."
Walking up to Hermione, Draco was ready to expect the unexpected. "Alright there Granger?"
"Right as rain Malfoy. Right as rain. Let's have our drink so we can get on with our walk."
"Sounds good." Draco replied, gesturing for Hannah who had walked away as he approached the bar.
"Hello Draco. What would you like?"
"Hello Hannah. I'll have a white wine for the lovely Hermione Granger and an Ogden's for myself. Thank you."
"Back in a minute," replied Hannah as she walked away to pour the drinks.
/*/
After drinks and saying goodbye to Hannah, Hermione and Draco started their walk down Diagon Alley her arm under his. The top of Diagon Alley didn't have that many interesting shops to distract them which allowed them to discuss what happened in the Leaky.
Draco began the conversation cautiously. "There was that point where I should have stepped up to address that witch's statement. Truthfully, it was the last thing I expected to hear. Especially, with you at my arm. I apologize. My lack of response to her lack of manners was not to disrespect you, or lend credence to her remarks. I was just caught off guard."
Hermione squeezed Draco's arm giving him one of her most winning smiles. "Not to worry love. I made the point for the both of us."
Draco smiled as he squeezed Hermione's arm right back. "Indeed you did love. Indeed you did. I'm certain there won't be many witches trying to get on a first name basis with me after that statement."
"Good." Hermione replied crisply. "I'm getting chilly. Shall we Apparate to my flat? We haven't been there together for a while."
Leaning in, Draco answered in a low voice. "Your flat, my house. The place doesn't matter as long as I'm with you."
Draco's soft, romantic words gave Hermione butterflies in her stomach. "What a lovely thing to say. I believe I'll stay on a first name basis with you for quite a while."
Then Draco replied with words that gave Hermione an inkling of his level of commitment. "You are spot on if quite a while means forever."
Draco's words caused an automatic burst of heat to shoot through Hermione. Had Draco Malfoy just admitted he wanted to be with her forever? She replied in a voice choked with emotion. "Forever is a very long time Mr. Malfoy."
"Well spotted Miss Granger. Then forever it is. Unless you are just using me for my fame and fortune and intend to leave me when the next Terry Boot shows his face."
Draco had spoiled the romantic mood. "Don't be an arse. How can you be so charming and romantic one second, and such a git the next?"
"I wasn't being a git. I was simply questioning your future intentions. Albeit in a roundabout way. Let's get to your flat. I'd like us to toast to the night I made my intentions clear, and you didn't hex the shite out of me."
His words. His words. Although they were said in a joking manner, Hermione could feel the truth in them. Draco hadn't actually declared himself to her, but he had revealed his expectations. Suddenly, Hermione was wet, giddy and emotional, wanting nothing more than to be in Draco's arms. "Yes." She emphatically agreed. "Let's get to the flat."
/*/
Hermione and Draco never really toasted to the future that night. As soon as they landed, they became entangled in each other's arms, kissing, whispering and rubbing until their need for each other overwhelmed them and they walked hand in hand to the bedroom.
Hermione always looked forward to their lovemaking. However, this time was different. Whether in her mind, or not. Hermione felt….. She didn't know what she felt. All she knew was her relationship with Draco had, in some way, progressed. Hermione could feel the magic crackling around her.
Draco took her in his arms when they reached the bedroom where a small burst of magic circled them for the briefest of seconds. Smiling down at Hermione, Draco acknowledged the small event.
"Impressive Miss Granger." Draco teased. "It would seem being in my arms this evening has caused you to let off a bit of accidental magic."
As Draco undressed them both, Hermione whispered against Draco's chest. "Has caused us to let off a bit of accidental magic."
Pulling the naked Hermione on top of his waiting erection, Draco whispered back. "I know that love. I had to be sure you knew."
They made love at this new level in their relationship. While it hadn't been formally declared, each knew where this relationship was headed.
/*/
Friday evening for Severus Snape was fairly busy. He'd spent most of the evening double checking that all his plans were in place. He'd hired a wizarding firm to keep the outside of his home tidy. He'd forwarded his mailing address to an Owl Services rental box closest to Malfoy Manor. He'd sent his personal items on ahead with instructions they be left at the north door of Malfoy Manor.
Severus didn't have much in the way of clothing. A situation which could be rectified after he was settled in Wiltshire. The bulk of his personal items pertained to his current and previous occupations. Telecommunications Guru and Potions Master, two careers not even remotely related, but each with a place in Severus' life.
The last thing Severus had done was cast a stasis charm over those things which would remain in Silverton. He had done a last walkthrough lingering on the porch that overlooked his scenic property. He would miss this. This place and this view had given him the most peace he'd had in his entire life. He was loathe to leave it, but London was beckoning, and he could not ignore the call.
After a last look, Severus locked the door then summoned his small bag, jumper and cloak. A short time later, Severus entered the Portkey Office to pick up the international portkey which would ultimately land him back in London by 6:00 a.m. London time.
There was a queue at the Portkey Office, but it didn't bother Severus. If waiting was the only obstacle he encountered, he would be a happy man.
/*/
It was drizzling and chilly when Severus stepped out of the London Portkey Office. Casting a quick Impervious spell over himself, Severus took a look around. It was 5:49 a.m. There wasn't a soul around. Severus patted his inside pocket to ensure his shrunken, small bag was still in place then Apparated to Malfoy Manor.
Severus who went through the front wards as easily as you please just as Elder had promised, noticed that his belongings were not where they should be. His delivery was either late in arriving, or had already been taken to his wing. His temporary wing. Then, using the little utilized north entrance, Severus entered the Manor.
The first thing Severus noticed was his boxes had been placed right inside the doorway. He decided to leave them there until he got the lay of the land, so to speak. It was all new to him. As often as Severus had been to Malfoy Manor in the past, he'd never had the opportunity to visit a wing.
While not as expansive as his own home, the north wing had plenty of room. It wasn't as though he would be having loads of people coming through. Severus did a quick walkthrough. The wing included a huge bedroom, an overly large bathroom, a den/study, a sitting room and a small, fully stocked kitchenette which included liquor, packaged food items and bottled water. There was also a pair of glass doors leading to a good sized porch. Severus could feel the magic around the doors. The porch was obviously surrounded by magic for privacy reasons. The wing had everything a guest would need.
/*/
Severus was just levitating his boxes to the desk and table in the den when he heard a soft knock.
"Enter." He called setting the boxes down.
Elder walked slowly into the rooms. "Good morning Mr. Snape sir. Ise Elder. Ise hoping you finding your belongings in order. Ise been moving them from the north entrance."
"Yes. Thank you Elder. Everything seems to be in order."
"If yous be needing something, call for Elder or Missy. We be coming right away."
Severus nodded in Elder's direction. "Until I speak with Draco, I'll take my meals in my wing. For the moment, I'll take breakfast at 7:30. Lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 6:00. You will obviously know when I'm not in the Manor. I'd like to get a bit of sleep, so I'll forego breakfast. Lunch at 12:30 will be fine."
"Yes Mr. Snape sir," replied Elder going into a quick bow before Disapparating.
/*/
After hanging his cloak and jumper, Severus removed the small bag containing his emergency stores and returned it to size. Before unpacking the rest of his boxes, Severus sent out two messages to inform each of his hosts he had arrived at the Manor.
Once the messages to Lucius and Draco were sent, he unpacked, completed a short personal hygiene routine then made himself a pot of tea.
For the moment, Severus Snape was set.
/**/
There were two things going on at the Ministry on Saturday morning.
A very tired and irritable CW was checking a list of wizards and witches who had been summoned to meet with him in the atrium main room. There were a few who hadn't made it there yet, but CW wasn't alarmed as the meeting wasn't scheduled to start for another thirty minutes.
In Kingsley's largest conference room, a very tired and irritable Minister of Magic had first raked the Heads of MLE and the Auror Department over the coals for what he called dereliction of duty, and was currently doing then same to every Auror and MLE Officer in attendance. Kingsley kept both conversations short and sweet, ending with the threat to clean out both departments and start over if another wizard of Gregory Goyle's ilk was allowed to run rampant through London.
In an unprecedented move, Kingsley had called out Harry Potter in front of everyone even though Harry had moved on to another department. Harry was almost bright red after his lambasting.
Everyone had sat up much straighter after Kingsley spoke to Harry, knowing if Harry wasn't safe from a job action. No one was safe.
Kingsley didn't entertain any questions. As he had stated earlier, he didn't want to hear any excuses. He wanted action.
Kingsley's last words to everyone in his conference room were prophetic. "We move forward from here. Today marks the day you drop the laissez faire attitudes and pay attention to our city and surrounding areas. If we need to hire additional personnel, have the requests on my desk by Monday evening with detailed explanations. If there are employees not doing the job, or not up to the job. Get them out. The Ministry is not paying its staff to sit on their arses. This is the first and last meeting of this sort. If I have to speak on this again, I will cut a wide swath, and no one will like it. Heads! Now is the time to speak to your people. If any of your people didn't make this meeting, I want those names."
Waving his hand in an irritated manner, Kingsley declared the meeting closed.
After everyone left, Anthony entered Kingsley's office with a brandy and a cup of tea, in that order, closing the door behind him. A perplexed Percy stood in the doorway of his office wondering what had gone on in his absence.
Thirty minutes later, Kingsley followed by a grave looking Anthony, who beckoned Percy to follow, left the office and headed for the lifts.
Pulling Anthony back, Percy asked in a very low voice. "What is going on?"
"Keep you eyes and ears open Percy. I'll explain later." Anthony answered in the same low voice. "Now is the time for you to keep up."
They both hurried forward as a very aggravated looking Kingsley stood holding the lift doors open.
/*/
The second meeting was underway when Kingsley, Anthony and Percy slipped into the room. All heads turned in their direction, but this once, no shouted out greetings to the Minister. This shite was serious.
The first and second groups called by CW Grimsby had been in and out without losing a witch or wizard. The third group consisting of paper pushing witches and wizards were entering the room, uncertain of what they would be facing. The interviews went well until a witch called Christa Jenkins sat in the chair. One spray of the Veritaserum1Mist and Christa began to sing like a phoenix.
Her boyfriend, who was an acquaintance to Betty, Gina and Rebecca had been paid a great number of galleons to alter Rebecca's paperwork to read as a lower bondable offense. Which meant any solicitor, in this case Defense Solicitor Marshall Springer, could come in to the Bail Wizard, pay the bail and walk out with his client. Because it was after the trial, there hadn't been any need for the solicitor or his client to go back in front of the Wizengamot or the CW. It would have all gone to plan if Rebecca hadn't made a nuisance of herself trying to find a wealthy benefactor to pay the bribe to get Betty Goyle's charges altered.
CW Grimsby, Kingsley and Anthony all saw the loophole as soon as Christa spoke the sentence. Kingsley didn't even have to look in Anthony's direction because Anthony was on his feet dragging Percy with him. They had shite to fix. A hole to plug.
Kingsley remained where he was, listening to Christa Jenkins prattle on. She had been ordered by the boyfriend to keep her mouth shut if she knew what was good for her. Her boyfriend hadn't mentioned who paid him the bribe, but told her he didn't want anyone else involved. Whether it was so he wouldn't have to share the bribe, or he was smart enough to know the fewer people involved, the fewer chances of his trick being uncovered. Christa didn't know.
Christa was detained in a small anteroom while her boyfriend Jack Thomas who would have been in the fourth group was called in to see the CW. The rest of the third group was sent to yet another room to wait to be called back.
A perplexed looking Jack Thomas sat where he was directed. It was only when he realized what was about to happen that a look of fear crept into his eyes.
One spray was all it took and Jack Thomas began talking faster than his girlfriend. Gina Kroeker had given him money and sex to alter Rebecca's records. Christa didn't know about the sex. He had been advised when Marshall Singer would appear to bail his client and ensured he was the only clerk at the duty desk. No one else was involved, but he had trusted his girlfriend Christa Jenkins with details of the plot.
The CW who had everything he needed had his Security Wizards dismiss the remainder of the third group and all of the waiting fourth and fifth groups.
Glancing over at Kingsley, CW Grimsby stated the obvious. "We have a hole Kingsley."
The Minister nodded and replied. "Which is being plugged as we speak."
"We will detain Mr. Thomas. We will send out a detail to pick up Miss Kroeker who will be detained when she is found. We will also send out a detail to pick up the slimy Marshall Springer who will also be detained. I'll tell you now Minister. Marshall Springer will be lucky if his license is the only thing he loses. And let's not forget the crux of this entire thing, Miss Farmer, who got out of custody by foul means. Back she'll go to serve her sentence. In the case of Miss Jenkins, she is only guilty of being stupid. I'd like to charge her with concealing a crime, but I would be wasting the court's time. I can, however, separate her from the position she now holds. Trust and loyalty above all else Minister."
Kingsley smiled for the first time in twenty four hours as he reached over to shake Grimsby's hand. "I'll leave you to it then. You and I will need to meet with The Board of Governors later this afternoon. One last meeting and hopefully, it will all be tight and tidy. 1:30 in The Board of Governors Offices. I'll go see how far Anthony and Percy have gotten with closing that hole."
/*/
Hermione and Draco were having breakfast when an unfamiliar owl began throwing itself against the window.
"Who are you boy? Aren't you the handsome one?" Hermione asked softly.
Draco who had followed behind Hermione recognized the Malfoy owl. Stepping around Hermione, Draco held out a hand and the owl immediately relinquished his envelope. "If you're good, Hermione will give you a bit of …."
The owl appeared to shake its head before taking off. Draco shrugged. "I guess he wasn't that hungry."
"Hmph," snorted Hermione winking at Draco. "Not hungry my arse. You bloody purebloods can't handle muggleborn greatness."
"Is that it?" Joked Draco giving Hermione a quick kiss on the neck. "Funny how this pureblood is hung up on this muggleborn."
"Well, that's because I'm special. Who is sending you a message this early in the morning?"
"If you'll step back a bit so I can concentrate on the message and not your scent, I'll let you know."
"As if," sniffed Hermione craning her neck pressing even closer. "It might be from someone trying to get on a first name basis with my wizard."
Draco pinched her bum before unfolding the message. "It's from Brendan/Severus. He arrived at the Manor 6:00 this morning. He is just giving me a heads up. I'll give him some time to sleep. Then I'll go see if he is comfortable."
"Comfortable!" Hermione exclaimed. "Severus has been given the entire north wing. Hasn't he? How could he not be comfortable?"
"It's a courtesy love. Let's finish breakfast, have a lovely shag, a nice shower and another shag. After that, I'll go see about my godfather."
Even though many years had passed, Draco's words reminded Hermione that he still got to have a godfather while Harry did not. It was still a bit painful when she thought about Sirius."
Draco noticed immediately. "What is it love? Have I asked for one shag too many?"
Hermione pushed him away giving a cheeky reply. "Not likely. One shag too many is not a statement to which I can relate. Let's finish breakfast."
"A witch with a limited vocabulary." Draco retorted with a crafty smirk. "Be still my heart."
Hermione just shook her head as she tucked into her soft boiled egg.
/*/
Across town, Esther Nott, with a bit of help from the hired witch was getting dressed. Her time to tie up loose ends was running out. Declan would be arriving at her door in less than a week, and she was not prepared. She had to make Theo see reason. After all, it was his father who had caused this problem. If Theo would see her, the pain of Apparating would be worth the trip. With a sigh, Esther rearranged her thoughts. It's not if Theo will see me. It's if Theo will help me.
The hired witch who was only paid to help in the mornings was long gone, but it was time for Esther to act. Even though standing for extended periods of time and walking any great distance was painful, Esther prepared herself.
Standing as steady as she could on her small side porch, Esther concentrated on Theo's house turning quickly into Apparition before she could lose her nerve.