Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 30
"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.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 31
Theo was already up having breakfast when Jay Apparated into the hall looking the worse for wear.
"Doing the old walk of shame then Jay?" Asked Theo with a knowing grin. "To be truthful, it appears you slept in those clothes instead of out of them. One of those things eh?"
The weary looking Jay simply smirked. "Get your mind out of the gutter Mr. Nott. My night consisted of time spent in the Leaky Cauldron as well as several hours in a lovely after hours wizarding club listening to live music, playing billiards and a few games of chess. I will admit to running into one of the lovely ladies of old who was so glad to see me, she spirited me away for an hour or so. Which did not entail the removal of clothing."
"Theo rolled his eyes. "Kudos to you for protecting the good name of that witch. However, from the looks of your clothing, everything that wasn't done, should have been done with your clothes off."
"Funny Theo. I'm not listening to your outrageous bull shite this early in the morning. Tell me about yesterday. How did things go?"
"Things went well mate. There were a few hiccups, but overall. Things went well." Then between bites, Theo explained all that had transpired."
"You've got a temper, but that's so not Blaise. Raising his hand to someone? Unbelievable."
"What's unbelievable about it Jay?" Theo asked dryly. "Anyone who had a hand in what happened to Padma should suffer the repercussions."
Theo obviously didn't mean it the way it came out, but Jay was offended. "As they should Theo," snapped Jay. "You'll do well to remember Padma was my cousin as well as your wife. You know full well what I meant, and it has nothing to do with anyone getting away with anything. I'll leave you to your breakfast as I seemed to have intruded on a bout of bad temper. See you later."
Theo threw the piece of toast he had in his hand down on the plate. "Blast it," he said as he followed Jay to the bedroom. Theo knocked twice before entering the room to find Jay pouring himself a drink.
"Drinking this early?"
Jay had a scowl on his face as he snapped off a reply. "You haven't followed me to my room to chastise me about another thing, have you? The last time I looked. I was grown."
Theo held up both his hand as though placating Jay. "I didn't come to chastise you about anything, and I wasn't chastising you earlier. This isn't us mate. If I came across a bit surly, it wasn't my intention. I apologize."
"No problem Theo." Jay replied, taking a sip from the drink and making a face. "I think you're right. It's way too early for whiskey. Thanks for the apology. I'm off to take a long, hot shower, and then a nap."
"Alright mate. I don't like being at odds with you. We'll talk later."
Jay grinned. "We are not at odds Theo. You've had your little snit. Let me have mine. If you'll excuse me, a hot shower is calling.
/*/
Theo had just finished telling Cely to leave a breakfast plate on the side table in Jay's room when he heard a loud thump. Summoning his wand, Theo strode to the back door. Someone or something at his door this early in the morning couldn't mean anything good.
With his wand at his side, Theo threw open the door to find Esther Nott lying on her arse on the porch.
"What the hell!" Theo exclaimed, automatically reaching out to help Esther as he would any witch. Fighting the revulsion he felt for his aunt, Theo ensured she was firmly on two feet before stepping back.
"I know you hate me Theo, but I don't have anywhere else to turn. I don't want the help for myself. I need it for your brother."
Theo who was appalled by Esther's reference to her bastard as his brother, took three more steps back.
"I'll say this once and once only Esther. I don't have a brother or a cousin. As far as I'm concerned, I am the last of the Nott line. You've said your piece, and I've given you my answer. You'll get no help from me. You may leave now."
Esther held firmly to the porch rail as she answered her nephew. "Hate is not for you alone. The same hate you feel for me, I feel for myself. Maybe that will never change. However, this isn't about me. It's about Declan. He needs your assistance. He is a seven year old going on eight who is being ripped from the only family he has known to come to a place he's never known to be with strangers. I have nothing to offer him Theo. I'm asking for Declan, not for myself. You don't have children of your own. Perhaps Declan….."
Theo flew into a rage. Just when he felt himself softening to her plight, Esther had to say something that pierced his heart. "YOU'RE RIGHT." He screamed. "I DON'T HAVE CHILDREN, AND PROBABLY NEVER WILL… Please just go Esther. You will have to find another avenue of support for your child. I don't want anything to do with him."
Theo slammed the door shut on Esther, but as he walked away, he heard another thud. Esther had obviously fallen again.
As he walked back to the door, Theo could hear Padma's voice as plain as day. "You are not your father love. Let go of the hate. Let go of the past. The hate has to stop somewhere. If I was there with you, we would have helped the child together. Help Declan….. for me. You are my hero. I will always love you."
Theo spent several seconds glancing around the room actually looking for Padma before whispering softly. "You're right my love. If you were still here with me, you would have talked me into it. We would be helping the child together."
Taking a deep breath, Theo opened the door and lifted his aunt from where she had fallen. "My wife has spoken to me. The hate stops with me. Let me help you to a chair so we can talk."
/*/
As he led Esther to a chair, Theo felt someone over his shoulder. Honestly hoping it would be Padma, he turned quickly to find an astonished Jay standing in the doorway.
"I know I'm being stupid, but I thought I heard Padma."
Theo grinned at his mate. "Go back to sleep prat. You were dreaming."
"Prat, is it? I'll have you know I haven't laid down yet, but I'm on my way."
Contrary to what Jay had just said, he didn't make any move to leave the room. "I imagine if I stand here long enough, you'll introduce me to the lady sitting in the chair."
"She is my aunt Esther." Theo replied rather crisply. "I'll introduce you another time. Right now, she and I have matters to discuss."
"Well, that's a revelation," muttered Jay. "All these years, and this is the first I've heard of an aunt. Nice. Have a good talk."
Theo waited until the door to Jay's bedroom closed before heading to the study where he intended to have a conversation with the aunt he'd hated all his life…
/*/
Draco had gone to Malfoy Manor to see how Severus was faring. In his absence, Hermione decided to look over the information she'd retrieved from DHG. She was in the study deeply immersed in the information in front of her when…
Tap, tap, tap.
Facing the pages down, Hermione got out of the chair to get the Owl.
Tap, tap, tap.
"Hold your feathers owl. I'm coming." Hermione grabbed the envelope and offered the owl a few bits of cracker which he snapped up before taking flight. Hermione turned the envelope over in her hand. The message was from Terry.
Hermione,
Terry didn't Owl her on weekends any more. Hermione could feel the gossip oozing from the envelope.
Hermione,
Big doings at the Ministry this morning. I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but it's big. All Aurors and MLE Officers have been summoned to a meeting.
I'll Owl you if I find out more.
Terry
Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. When would Terry learn? Her thoughts then turned to Aurors and MLE being summoned as she wondered if it had anything to do with Rebecca Farmer and her slip through the hands of justice. Probably not, she thought. Neither Aurors nor MLE had a hand in helping Rebecca, as far as she knew.
As much as Hermione would have liked to know more, she was not about to trade messages with Terry about ongoing Ministry business. Back to the study she went. Most of the material was interesting, while some was just disgusting.
Hermione put the disgusting material aside to concentrate on the interesting. One very interesting point was about Severus. There had been a solitary entry about him taking up with a witch of questionable lineage. Questionable by Death Eater standards. The report evidently hadn't gone anywhere, because there was a heavy black line through the entry, and the name of the complainant, Rosier.
There wasn't any explanation for an entry two lines down. It simply read, Rosier attacked and seriously wounded. For Hermione, there was no explanation necessary. Severus had gotten his revenge.
Hermione smiled to herself thinking how the so-called purebloods pretended to be the pillars of society, yet all the while they were keeping records on each other.
She had just turned another page when she heard Draco call out. "Coming through love. Severus is with me."
Picking up all the research papers, Hermione stuffed them haphazardly into her bag before stepping out of the study.
"Hello love." She said, giving Draco a chaste kiss on the cheek.
Grinning at Severus, Hermione rushed to give him a hug. "Missed us, did you? You weren't in Oregon long enough to have a meal."
Severus let a fleeting smile cross his face as he replied with a completely Snape answer. "And in the short period of time I was gone, I see you've completely forgotten about decorum and manners. Although I must admit, your manhandling of my person is not unwelcome. It would seem the speed with which I returned to England has been fodder for the masses, as it was the first thing Draco mentioned after hello Severus."
A blushing Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "Not fodder, just an interesting turn of events. Isn't it always when someone rises from the dead?"
Both Severus and Draco smiled at Hermione's cheek.
"Let me hang your cloak." She said reaching out to Severus. "Would you like a bite to eat Severus? It's no bother."
"I've eaten thank you. The Malfoy elves are taking good care of me. However, I do have a particular reason for intruding on your Saturday." Gesturing in Draco's direction, Severus told Hermione he had been assured she wouldn't mind.
"I don't mind at all Severus. I was just having a bit of fun doing some research. Nothing important. What can we do for you?"
"Since you've asked," he replied, pulling a small bundle from his inside pocket. With a quick twist of his wand, the small bundle turned into a thick file.
"My, my, Mr. Snape. A stack that size will require our attention for more than just Saturday."
"Really?" drawled Severus. "Draco never mentioned a time frame. I will speak extremely fast, and I will need room to spread out."
Draco pointed his wand in the direction of the dining room, clearing and enlarging the table in one swish. "Come on through to the dining room. I believe there is more than enough room to hold even that stack of papers."
"I see Hermione isn't the only one who is no longer on a first name basis with decorum and manners." Severus snidely remarked. "Shall we begin before I have to show you how I deal with cheeky responses."
Hermione grinned at Draco behind Severus' back, but hurried to take a seat at the table.
/*/
CW Grimsby and Kingsley had just left the meeting with the Governors where they had been applauded for their quick resolution of a foul problem.
"We move forward from here CW," said Kingsley as he and the CW strode along the corridor. "Shite like this will not happen again. On top of the duties he has now, Anthony will be keeping an eye on bail clerks. Do we have any news on Springer or the Farmer witch?"
CW Grimsby knew he was addressing the Minister, but had to speak his mind. "I've been with you since yesterday Kingsley. If I had any news, I would most assuredly have shared the information. I will check with my people and relay to you what they've found. After that, I intend to go home to sleep."
Kingsley let out a minister sized sigh. "Forgive me Grimsby. I realize you have been working non-stop since Friday afternoon. I only want to see this thing finished. Let us both go get some rest. It is only a matter of time until Springer and Farmer are standing in front of us. I'll see you Monday morning."
Grimsby was chuffed the Minister had taken his somewhat surly retort in stride. "Thank you Minister. I'll see you on Monday."
The two wizards rode down the lifts in silence, going their separate ways on the ground level.
/*/
… For the first time ever, Theo sat down with his aunt. He wasn't chuffed about it, but he'd made a promise of sorts to Padma. His wife hadn't asked him to love his aunt unconditionally. In fact, she hadn't mentioned his aunt at all. Padma only asked that he put his hatred aside to help a child.
Theo sucked in a breath. He was actually going to ask this disgusting woman if she cared for a cup of tea.
Esther answered in the affirmative.
"Cely please," called out Theo.
Cely appeared in front of Theo with a pop, casting a quick look and what seemed like a sniff in Esther's direction. "Yes Mr. Theo?"
Theo knew Cely well, and hadn't missed her actions, as quick as they had been. "I would like a plate with a variety of sandwiches, a pot of tea and two pieces of the pie left over from last evening. Thank you."
With another quick look at Esther, Cely made a low bow to Theo before popping away.
"Is that our house elf? I mean the Nott house elf."
"Yes. That's Cely. She was the only thing left in that dismal, miserable excuse for a home after you walked away. When I got myself settled, I brought her to my home. Cely took to my wife, so I assigned her to Padma when we became serious."
"I didn't walk away."
"Really? That's not what I remember."
"Well Theodore, you remember wrong. I did not walk away. I ran. I ran as fast as this wretched body would allow."
/*/
Theo had it in his mind to growl at Esther. The bloody witch was trying to play the victim. He was not going to allow her to downplay the things she'd done to his mum, or to him. To Theo, Esther's treatment of him and his mum was still as raw as if it happened the prior day. However, he didn't growl. Instead, he asked what he felt was a perfectly reasonable question.
"Your child. Declan. Who is his father?"
"That's none of your affair Theodore. The boy needs your help not your disdain."
"You're here begging for my help." Theo replied forcefully. "It is my affair. I'm speaking to you in a reasonable manner, and you are a guest in my home. No matter what I promised Padma, if you cannot extend the same courtesy by answering a question, you can go seek help elsewhere."
Esther opened her mouth to reply, but Cely stepped into the room magically guiding two platters and a tea service. "I been making some toasted cheese sandwiches for the platter," she said, giving a barely perceptible nod in Esther's direction.
Cely's words aggravated Theo to no end. As badly as Esther and his father had treated her, she still remembered Esther's favorite sandwich.
"Leave it Cely." Theo snapped a bit sharply. "I'm sure we'll be able to suss out the types of sandwiches. That will be all."
"Yes sir Master Theo."
Pop. Cely was gone.
"Cely remembered my favorite sandwich. That is the most pleasant thing that has happened to me in years. Before Cely brought the food, you asked me a question. The answer is Nott, Sr. Your father is Declan's father."
Theo couldn't contain himself. "That filthy bleeder. That fucking, filthy bleeder." Pointing at Esther, he snarled. "You aren't much better. Laying there letting your own brother have his way with you. You…you."
Bowing her head, Esther softly asked a question. "Even if I wasn't the slag who serviced the Death Eaters, how do you think I would have fared against your father? I fought the first time, and he nearly broke my neck. I learned not to put up a fuss. There you have it. Your father, my brother got me pregnant, and I had a son who I couldn't bear to look at. I was glad Theodore sent him away. Now, he's being sent back to a mother who will gag at the sight of him. Even if I had the means, I still wouldn't want anything to do with him."
Theo was ready for this particular statement and replied immediately. "What you want and what you need to do are two different things. A seven year old wizard will be arriving shortly not knowing what is in store for him. If I am to assist him, you will assist him as well. You are his mother after all. There is no written rule that mandates you reveal all. Some things should remain concealed. Accept Declan as you should, and I will accept him as well."
"I can do that, if you will help me." Esther replied solemnly.
They were quiet as they ate their meal. Perhaps both thinking of what it would entail to raise a seven year old child, or perhaps how it would be working with each other. Neither knew what the other was thinking. At the moment, it was probably for the best.
/*/
After Cely collected the trays, Theo had gotten down to business. He had agreed to meet Declan as a cousin, promising to go from there.
To Esther's surprise, Theo offered to pay to have her see a specialist healer in hopes someone could correct the issues she had with her body.
"Thank you Theo. Thank you," Esther gushed, reaching out to touch her nephew.
Pulling away, Theo answered tightly. "There's no need to thank me Esther. I'm not doing something out of the goodness of my heart. I am doing it so you can't use your infirmity as an excuse. I'll look into it on Monday and let you know. The rest I will take care of on Monday as well."
"Whatever the reason, it's more than I hoped."
Theo nodded, but didn't acknowledge her gratitude. He did have something else to add. "I will bring what news I have to your home on Monday. At that time, I will do a walkthrough of the house to see what needs to be done in preparation for the arrival of a child. What needs to be done, will be done."
Esther didn't offer any more thanks, knowing Theo wasn't looking for any.
After a last cup of tea, Esther gathered herself so she could go home. As she stood on shaky legs, Jay appeared in the doorway.
"I guess I'll have to introduce myself seeing how Mr. Nott is not inclined to do so. I am Ajay Patil, cousin to Theo's wife. And you are?"
Glancing quickly at Theo and receiving a perceptible nod, Esther introduced herself. "I am Esther Nott, Theo's aunt. Very nice to meet you Mr. Patil."
Reaching out to Esther, Jay replied softly. "The pleasure is mine. Please call me Jay."
"Jay it is then. I was about to take my leave. If you'll lend me your arm, I'll go."
Jay gave Theo a questioning look clearly asking, what the fuck, as he led Esther to the door. After a bit of fumbling, Jay helped Esther stand straight enough to Apparate away. Heading straight back to the study where Theo was waiting, Jay lit into his friend.
"Are you kidding me right now? You let an infirm relative Apparate away not knowing if she would arrive home safely. I know you have at least two small port keys in your desk. Why didn't you just give her one? Outrageous Theo!"
Theo sat down and crossed one leg over the other. "Do not comment on things you know nothing about mate. Esther and I have been estranged for many reasons and for a very long time. She came to ask a favor to which I have agreed. That's the long and short of it."
Jay who knew a bit of Nott history suddenly realized he might be stepping into something Theo didn't want to discuss. "Alright mate. We all have our reasons for the things we do. Are we still on for tonight, or would you rather cancel?"
Theo gazed at his mate as though looking through him. "No cancellation. In the past, Esther and her bull shite stopped me from doing many things. That is not the case now. I'll be ready at 7:00."
"Good. We'll be meeting Blaise, Hermione and Draco at Viglio's for dinner. After that, we'll see what the night brings. Um. Leanne might be joining us."
Theo couldn't help but grin. "Ah, Leanne. You never could hold the name of a witch. Would it be proper if I asked her how you all did nothing with your clothes on."
Jay shook his head. "You wouldn't dare. I saw Leanne earlier in the evening and invited her to come out with us. She has nothing…."
Theo laughed out loud. "I would never speak out of turn in that manner. You know that. I'm just having you on. Just stop talking, or I'll know everything. I'm going to step out for a few. I'll see you later."
"Tosser! I'm going back to finish my nap. I'll see you later."
/*/
Blaise missed Ginny. He wanted to talk with her to straighten out their misunderstanding. To that end, he had discreetly inquired as to just where in the field Ginny had been sent. It had cost him a very expensive dinner, but he'd found out exactly where she was. Three hours later, he had landed at the Wizarding Luxe Inn in Scotland where Ginny was staying.
The front desk wizard had been reluctant to give out any information, especially to a dark skinned stranger. The man didn't come right out and say anything, but his remark about seldom seeing Southern Italians at the hotel spoke volumes. Blaise finally got his information by showing his Ministry credentials.
"Thank you for providing your credentials Mr. Zabini." The uppity clerk had sniffed. "It is not our policy…"
/*/
Blaise had his information. He wasn't going to stand around listening to some Scottish tosspot talk down to him. He headed for the lifts while the pompous arse was in mid sentence. He wanted to see his witch.
It was bad form to be visiting this time of night, actually this time of morning, especially without an invitation, but Blaise was determined to see his witch.
Even as his knuckles brushed the door, Blaise knew Ginny had summoned her wand at the sound of his knock.
"State your reason for being at my door this time of morning, or I'll hex you where you stand." Ginny shouted through the door.
Blaise hesitated a second too long. Suddenly the door flew open and he had a wand pointed at his throat. "Gin…., he started to say. However, before he could form her entire name, she had jumped into his arms.
"You came to see about me. I thought you were so angry…."
"You thought I was so angry I'd give up on the best relationship I've ever had." He whispered softly against her ear. "Even though I'm chuffed you are pleased to see me, I'd rather we get out of the hallway before the surly front desk wizard sends a security team up here."
Ginny laughed as she pulled Blaise into the room. "Sorry for the disarray love. I'm out from dawn until dusk on weekdays. I would have tidied up a bit on Sunday, but you've caught me out."
"Disarray is the last thing on my mind when you are standing in front of me smiling. I want nothing more than to lay you down in this…. Disarray, and hold you so tightly you'd scream. I've missed you Ginny. I want to straighten out this mess."
"You're here," gushed Ginny, beaming as though she'd hit on the biggest story of her career. "That's all that matters. I know we should talk, but how about you lay me down and squeeze me until I scream first. After that, we'll talk. Just how fast can you come out of that lovely suit? 1-2-.…..I'm waiting Zabini."
As Blaise hurriedly shed his clothes, all the acrimony he had felt about Ginny walking away dissolved. They were together. That was enough."
/*/
There wasn't any quick thrashing and rolling that morning. The couple made long, slow love whispering sentiment after sentiment to each other. They rested, then made more searing, hot love. The sun was fully risen when they finally settled down to cuddle, and talk.
After sleeping for a few hours, Blaise and Ginny had a very quick breakfast. He had explained how everyone was having a night out and he wanted his witch on his arm.
Ginny readily accepted Blaise's invitation, startling him with a solemn response. "I'd rather it was me on your arm than some other witch."
At another time, Ginny's words might have caused an eruption between them. However, this time, Blaise gave a lovely response. "There isn't another witch I want on my arm. You are the one."
Ginny beamed at her lover. "Good Mr. Zabini, because I do have a wand."
"Could you just get dressed so we can get back to London? I'd like to spend a little time in our own bed before meeting with the group."
/*/
Hermione and Draco had listened as Severus explained his vision. Most of it Hermione had heard before, but it was all new to Draco who had shown immediate interest.
"Amazing," Draco had remarked at one point in the discussion. "Everything is so detailed. The way it stands, you could put this plan in place on Monday, if necessary. Muggles seem to be enthralled with them. Mobile phones in the wizarding world. What a concept! Hermione would be able to call me ten times a day."
Hermione rolled her eyes while Severus wisely decided to ignore the comment.
"I'm not even going to tell you there would be a ton of people I could call, relieving you of the need to answer nine unnecessary calls."
"Calm down love. I was simply making a joke. I would love for you to call me twenty times a day."
"Are you both finished?" drawled Severus "This is important to me, and at one time was important to Hermione. However, if you'd rather act in a manner better suited to children. I'll save my presentation for those who can see the value in it."
"My apologies godfather. Hermione and I are very interested. Let's go over the initial set up and what it would entail. Your idea to have the first trials done by persons of the highest authorities is on point. I agree Kingsley, his assistant, the CW, Heads of Departments and a few other chosen people should have the first go."
Severus nodded without looking up. "Even that is a ways down the road Draco. I have invented a few spells which will help establish in the wizarding world what muggles call cell towers. I will need assistance while testing signals and signal strength. If we are going to do this, we are going to do it right. No sense in just setting this up for London when friends, relatives, lovers and such are oftentimes outside the city. Depending on what Kingsley has planned, we may be testing my ideas as soon as the First of May. Can I count on the both of you to make yourselves available?"
"Of course," replied Draco. "This is cutting edge for our world. Hermione and I want to be right there in the forefront. Just let us know when."
New ideas, inventions and spells had always intrigued Hermione This was no different. "Will there be anything you require of us leading up to the first trials?"
"The only thing I'll ask of you is to be discreet. Do not discuss our plans with anyone outside the small group we put together until I give you permission."
/*/
Hermione had a small dilemma. Chewing on her lower lip, she explained about Gloria wanting to be part of whatever group they formed. "She and I have read everything there is to read about telecommunications. She is as interested as Draco and I. On top of that, she is brilliant. Right Draco?"
Draco smiled remembering his and Hermione's discussion about what he'd do with two brilliant witches. "From what Hermione has told me about Gloria Isles, she is a witch on level with my witch. Hermione wouldn't mention Gloria if she wasn't sure she would fit in."
"Fine." Severus remarked firmly. "Only because it is you asking Hermione. I'll meet Miss Isles and make my own decision. A caution. Until she and I meet, I'd rather she know nothing more than a team is being formed to do a study."
"Wonderful," replied Hermione in a singsong voice. "I'll Owl Gloria to see if she is available tomorrow."
Leaning back in the chair, Severus gave Hermione a frown. "Please slow down. It's not necessary for me to meet this brilliant witch until after I meet with Kingsley."
It was then Severus noticed the gleam in Hermione's eyes and responded with a growl. "Don't you dare Hermione Granger. This is business, not some bloody dating arrangement. Don't you dare."
Draco who had been sitting passively listening to the conversation was caught up short by not only Severus' tone, but his words as well. "What's going on? I didn't hear Hermione say anything to warrant that tone."
Hermione first smiled at Severus, then at Draco. "It's nothing love. That tone is your godfather's way of implying I have ulterior motives for introducing him to Gloria."
"Ridiculous," replied Draco scathingly.
"Of course it's ridiculous love. When has anyone been able to sway Severus Snape, about anything?"
The frown on Severus' face grew even more pronounced. "Ridiculous or not. I'm onto you Hermione, and have been for a good while. If this witch puts one foot wrong, not only will she not be asked to the group, you will lose a brilliant prosecutor. I will eat her for lunch."
Hermione was tickled by the stand Severus was taking as she hadn't ever interfered….. Well there was that time… And the other time at that convention…. "Alright. I promise I am not trying to interfere. I think she'll be a great addition to any team that is formed."
Draco put his head in his hands. This witch knows how to step out of bounds, he thought to himself.
"Now that we have everything settled. I will excuse myself. I need to make a few stops in Diagon Alley."
/*/
Severus wasn't out of the door good before Hermione was striding towards her study.
"Hermione! Severus has asked you not to interfere. If you intend to Owl Gloria, may I suggest you don't. There's no faster way to get on the wrong side of my godfather than to go against his wishes. If you want Severus to make an unbiased judgment, let him tell you when he wants to meet Gloria."
Hermione walked back through to the living room and sat down beside Draco to disavow any intention of trying to fix Severus up with Gloria.
"Alright," he answered, running his hand up and down her arm. "We're due at Viglio's by 7:00. Let's have a soak and a maybe a tickle.
Hermione stood pulling Draco up with her. "A tickle is it? It's a good thing you're my favorite wizard, or I'd take exception to you calling a sexual encounter between us a tickle."
Standing up and wrapping his arms around Hermione, Draco whispered, "First and foremost. I'm your only wizard. If it's a sexual encounter you want, a sexual encounter it will be. Shall we just go do it and talk about it later? Perhaps we should forsake a soak. If you allow me access to your lovely, small, pink box of honey now, I promise to be in and out of the shower in ten minutes."
"Challenge accepted," Hermione cheeked as she walked rapidly towards the bedroom.