Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 33
When Theo turned back to face Draco and Hermione, a small frown had replaced his previous smile. Shooting a sharp look at Draco, Theo answered. "It's Sunday Hermione. A day of relaxation. If you are here to question further aspects of my family history, I decline the conversation. As I mentioned at Viglio's, I am quite aware of my family history. Although, I am interested in knowing how you found out about one of the most closely held, private matters in Nott history."
"I…I," stammered Hermione.
"Give her a listen mate. She will explain everything."
Theo gave Draco another sharp look. "You were both there when I spoke out of turn to Esther at the Repast. I just didn't expect my unfortunate outburst to have repercussions. Are you involved in dredging up my private matters as well Draco? I realize Hermione has no filter at times, but you Draco. I thought better of you."
Hermione started to speak, but an irate Draco spoke first. "Yes Theo. I am entangled in this, but not in the way you think. Give a listen."
"Bloody, fucking hell," Theo spit out. "Every way I turn I'm being inundated. I'll listen after I tell Jay I have to step away for a moment. Wait for me in the den. I'll be right back."
As soon as Theo walked away, Draco snapped at Hermione. "My long time mate now believes, because I'm dating you, I have become you. How lovely. My Sunday is now complete," Draco added sarcastically.
Hermione remained silent in her own thoughts on the short walk to the den.
All this from one slip of the tongue. What was I thinking?
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 34
Draco and Hermione waited for Theo in the den in uneasy silence. Hermione had tried to start a conversation, but Draco shot her down with one look from those eyes.
Hermione began to feel more than terrible, she began to feel scared. Scared that no matter what she said, she and Draco had passed the point of no return.
Finally, Theo entered the room closing the door behind him. Looking from Hermione to Draco, Theo growled at them both. "Somebody needs to start talking, because I'm not about to spend the rest of my Sunday dealing with rubbish."
With a sigh, Hermione took a few steps away from Draco as though trying to separate him from what she was about to say.
"I'm here to apologize for speaking out of turn at dinner Friday."
"Really? That can't be all Hermione. I've gotten past that as I've gotten past every other time you've spoken out of turn, or stepped out of line. I understand that you have the uncanny ability to acquire more useless facts than most and want to let those around you know you know. That's fine, because I know when to speak up to cut you off."
Draco smiled down at his blindingly white trainers as he listened to Hermione get the telling off she deserved.
"I do have a tendency to go on and on at times. It's a poor habit which I am trying to rectify."
"Hermione stop," snapped Theo stretching his arms wide. "If you had any thoughts of rectifying the habit, we wouldn't be here. Now would we? Please state your purpose for being here, because I would like to get back to my conversation."
By the end of Theo's telling off, Hermione's face was bright red with embarrassment. Theo wasn't going to make this easy. Hermione didn't dare to look at Draco, frightened of what she would see in his eyes. So she began to speak.
"A week ago, I made an error in judgment. While I was researching a case, I came across information, which had nothing to do with the case, but caught my attention. It was all the information that had been collected by Dolores Umbridge and her Muggleborn Registration Commission. Along with information about Muggleborns, Dolores and her closest allies collected information on Purebloods and Halfbloods they thought might bear watching. There was a great deal of information in those files, including information, notes, entries and thoughts about your family, Draco's family, Severus and several others. The entries were often vile and revealing. It wasn't my place to collect the information, but I did. Among those files is where I found Declan's name. The information has since been destroyed. I offer you my most abject apologies for speaking about your private, family matters."
Theo then did something unexpected. He laughed. "Well. That must have been hard as hell for you to do Hermione. I accept your apology, but let me say this. Just because you have sources, connections and authorizations, does not mean you should use information you obtain for your own purposes. It was my understanding that Solicitors and Prosecutors had some kind of code. Do No Harm, or something like that. Or, is it your contention that the rules only apply to others? If I may ask, exactly where did you come across this information?"
Hermione straightened her shoulders. She'd done something wrong, but she wasn't going to continue standing there as a submissive while Theo pulled her apart.
"I was part of the committee who Kingsley had sort out information he considered important to Wizarding History. None of us reviewed the information for content, and it was placed in the DHG. I was working on the Etienne LeClair case when I realized there might be information contained in the files relating to him and what he got up to. It was there I found and copied the information relating to your family."
"Let me get this straight. There is information pertaining to the darkest part of Wizarding History just laying about for anyone to find?"
"In a manner of speaking. Only authorized personnel know about this information, or where to find it."
"Not to belabor the point, but just how many of these authorized personnel are there?"
Hermione was a tad bit tired of explaining herself. She'd come clean and apologized. When would Theo let up?
"If it matters, there were only six or seven people on the committee, and most of those don't care anything about history, new or old. They were simply doing a job because Kingsley asked for their assistance."
Theo's tight manner eased. "Thank you for clearing that up Hermione. As far as the information goes, I'll be glad to cast an Obliviate on you if that is your wish. I can't imagine anyone wanting to walk around knowing the foul shite that went on back then if they didn't have to."
Draco gave a soft chuckle when Theo mentioned Obliviate. He should have thought of that.
"I have promised Draco I will set things right tomorrow."
Theo finally smiled. "I appreciate you coming here to let me know. I'll share something with you and Draco which you will not have to look up. Declan will be arriving in five days. London and the surrounding areas will be his home for the time being. I'll expect you and Draco to take him to Fortescue's for an ice cream from time to time. I also expect you to respect his privacy. He will only know what we tell him, and that will be his truth."
Walking over to Draco, Theo held out his hand. "I jumped to conclusions mate. I apologize. Stay. Have a drink with Jay and me."
"I'm going to take a pass mate. I'll catch up to you and Jay another time. Have a good night."
"I'll hold you to that mate. See you later."
"Are you ready Hermione?" Draco asked glancing her way.
Hermione's body gave a little tingle. Theo had forgiven her. Perhaps Draco had as well.
"I'm ready. Thank you Theo. Goodnight."
/*/
Once outside Theo's house, Hermione asked Draco if he wanted to stop by her flat.
He declined. "Maybe another night. You'll send a message when things have been rectified?"
"Yes Draco, I will. Don't you want to talk?"
"I don't have anything to talk about."
"I mean about us."
Draco was being curt. "Are you referring to the us where one of the pair was happily salivating over things my father did and my mother endured while the other was obliviously trusting? That us? I am furious about the way you went about things, and I will tell you this. If I find out Boot got even the briefest glance at that garbage, there will be hell to pay."
Hermione responded just as curtly. "Terry doesn't know anything about this. I would never involve him."
"Really? You wouldn't? I don't believe you. Not even if he stopped by your flat with expectations of sex?" Questioned Draco before angrily turning into Apparition.
If Hermione wasn't aware of the level of Draco's anger, she was now.
Should I follow him home so we can have it out once and for all, she asked herself, or should I just go home? Draco has left me standing alone on a dark street. He is obviously in no mood to talk.
Hermione decided to go home.
/*/
Blaise saw Ginny back to the Wizarding Luxe Inn basking in the knowledge he was pissing off the front desk wizard. Blaise so wanted to say, the dark skinned, southern Italian is back, accompanied by his fair skinned witch. However, rather than start a row, Blaise held his tongue.
They called out for dinner and drinks, after which, they shared some intimate moments. When Blaise was ready to leave, he told Ginny he would be back Friday evening to take her out on the town.
"I'd like that Mr. Zabini. Thank you for coming to get me, and for a lovely weekend as well. Do me a favor."
"Anything my love," he said, rubbing his lips up and down Ginny's neck.
"Sit down and talk with Hermione. Whatever she said or has done can probably be resolved with a discussion. Will you do that? I don't want my wizard and best friend on bad terms."
"Ummm. I love holding you and smelling the scent of your hair."
"I've asked you a question prat. Will you do that?"
"Hermione's remarks aggravated me at the time. However, I'm over it. If Hermione wants to talk, I'll talk. Fair enough?"
"Fair enough," answered Ginny with a wide grin. "Come here and give me a kiss so you can be on your way. I still have work to finish before tomorrow morning."
Blaise kissed her and they parted until the next weekend.
/*/
Ginny went about finishing her reports and gathering her photos humming to herself. She was a very happy witch who realized her foolishness could have taken her and Blaise's relationship down a very different road. She was chuffed things hadn't gone in that direction.
/**/
On Monday, the Ministry was fairly buzzing over the mandatory meeting that the CW had called over the weekend. That, along with the absence of four or five people kept the topics hot for several hours until a memo appeared on every desk outlining what was and was not acceptable behavior for employees.
The two page memo never mentioned why a meeting had been called, why only certain people had been mandated, or why five people, including an MLE Officer and an Auror had been removed from their positions. It did state what would and would not be tolerated, ending with the admonition that any breach of the updated policies was cause for termination.
/*/
OTS had received the correct number of copies stuffed into the department mailbox which Donald picked up and dispersed among the teams. Blaise had immediately called a meeting to go over the memo item by item so there wouldn't be any question as to its meaning.
Draco sat in the back to be alone, but found Donald on the one side of him and Brian on the other. Draco was a professional, so even though his love life was in tatters and he was feeling like shite, he exchanged pleasantries with his team members then faced forward to hear what Blaise had to say. And there was a lot to be said.
By the time Blaise got to the end of the second page, everyone in the room realized something big must have gone on to warrant such tightening of Ministry regulations. To confirm their suspicions, the memo had been signed by the CW and countersigned by Kingsley himself.
Draco's thoughts drifted back to Friday when things between him and Hermione had been good. Boot had stumbled onto something any good, piece of shite eavesdropper could have stumbled upon. Too bad he wasn't a half decent piece of shite eavesdropper who could have found out the entire situation.
Draco let out a grunt which he had to hastily cover with a cough. The thought crossed Draco's mind that while he and Hermione were at odds, Boot might try to weasel his way back to her.
Draco let out a louder grunt which he again had to cover with a cough.
Without moving his head, Donald bumped against Draco's arm offering him a small sweet. "For your cough, or your grunt. Whichever it will soothe." Donald whispered with a big smile plastered on his face.
"Thank you Mr. Macomber. Perhaps the chat I plan to have with you about your rude friend will wipe that obnoxious smile from your face."
Donald began to choke. Probably from Draco's revelation, or possibly from the sweet he had slipped into his mouth. Draco gave Donald several thumps on the back as the entire room turned their eyes to the back.
"Alright there Macomber?" Asked Blaise.
Draco who thought the spotlight on Donald funny called out that Donald might need a moment.
Rolling his eyes at Draco, Donald assured Blaise he was fine.
Blaise ended the meeting by admonishing everyone to adhere to the rules. He also mentioned that anyone spotting something out of order, should report it to him.
As the teams filed out of the room, Blaise called out to them. "Since everyone in the department is accounted for, I applaud you for doing the right thing. Have an good day."
/*/
Donald started talking as soon as the three got to the team offices. "I tried to apologize, but you said…."
A flash of irritation ran through Draco. He knew what he'd said. Hermione got the point across just fine. That's what he had said. Draco really didn't want to be reminded.
"I'm just having you on Donald. You aren't responsible for a silly witch who speaks out of turn. Or are you? Is she your sister or something?"
"Funny Draco," Donald replied picking up several boxes with his wand. "With all that grunting you were doing in the meeting, I figured the rest of your weekend wasn't all that great either. But, I could be wrong," added Donald with a wink.
"Let's just get to work," Draco remarked lamely. "I don't want to have to report you to Blaise for dereliction of duty."
Brian who had stood silent through Draco and Donald's exchanges finally spoke. "I'm hoping you two won't be going on like this all day. Our quarters are too close for that shite."
Both Donald and Draco laughed at Brian's remark as the door to their conference room closed behind them.
"Brian's right." Added Draco. "Short of an emergency, we are scheduled to be in here for at least the next three days. Let's get to it."
/*/
Once the three got down to work, and the quiet set in, Draco's thoughts began to run amok. Every time Hermione crossed his mind, the thought of her was closely followed by an image of his mother being attacked by a Death Eater. It was ugly and it was painful. So ugly and painful it caused Draco to falter several times.
Coming up on the lunch hour, Brian who had noticed right off that Draco's mind was somewhere else, formed a plan. Being the self appointed, team diplomat, he nudged Donald then suggested they take a lunch break.
"Good idea." Donald answered immediately cottoning on. "One more wand inspection and I'll begin to pull my hair out. Care to come with us Draco?"
Draco who was lost in thought didn't realize Donald was speaking to him.
Quickly glancing at Brian, Donald tried again. "We're going to lunch DRACO. Would you care to join us, or would you like us to bring something back?"
Finally realizing Donald was speaking to him, Draco looked up giving his assistants a half hearted smile. "Lunch time already? I'm going to remain here. I have a few Owls to send." Reaching into his pocket, Draco pulled out several galleons. "How about you bring back a beef plate with a black tea?"
"Ha!" Replied Donald pushing Draco's money back at him. "I would rather my boss owe me. It's always good to have an upper hand."
Brian let out a sigh, but Draco only nodded.
"Thank Merlin," Brian groused. "I don't think I could stand another twenty minutes of male bantering. Let's go Donald."
This time, a small smile appeared on Draco's face. "Brian is right. Go Donald."
/*/
Draco didn't have Owls to send. He had one Owl. He had been remiss in checking on his mother. Even though he knew she was safe in the hands of his father, Draco just wanted her to know he was thinking of her.
Then, for the next forty five or so minutes, he sat wavering between getting back with Hermione or staying away and keeping his pride intact.
If only he could get that fucking image of his mother out of his head, he would be able to come to terms with Hermione about her behavior.
/*/
Up at Granger & Associates, Hermione was taking the same tact as Blaise. She had the reception desk closed down so everyone could attend a meeting to discuss the memo.
Like Blaise, Hermione had gone over the memo in detail reminding them that one of their former employees had gotten herself in trouble by thinking the rules didn't apply to her.
"Be mindful, certain behaviors on the part of any of you will result in immediate suspension or sacking.
"There is a Department Head in the Ministry whom I respect very much who has a set in stone mandate for his people. What happens in his department, remains in his department. Moving forward, that will be our mandate as well. What happens here, remains here unless it is business discussed at a lunch meeting. Carrying tales is infantile and unnecessary. Don't do it. Don't discuss our business with your significant other. Our business is not their business, unless you are dating someone within the firm. Which is something I discourage. However, life is life. Sometimes it happens. Just be mindful of the information you share outside of these offices.
"As you can see by this memo, Kingsley and the CW have had their fill. If you want us to remain in the Ministry, follow the rules. That's all. Gloria, please stay behind. I'd like a word."
/*/
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Gloria remained sitting as the others filed out of the office. She hoped being asked to remain behind wasn't about some perceived thing Hermione thought she'd done. Rebecca Farmer was still a sore subject with her boss. Gloria didn't want to be lumped into the same category.
"So, Miss Isles," Hermione said once the door was closed. "I have news."
Gloria was puzzled. She didn't miss much at Granger & Associates. What had gotten past her? "News, Hermione?"
Hermione saw the blush on Gloria's cheeks and threw up her hands. "Relax Gloria. It's good news. My good friend with the telecommunications ideas has arrived back in London and will soon be sitting down with Kingsley. I think there will be a committee forming soon. I have mentioned your name. You may be receiving an invitation to meet Severus Snape and Brendan Eilson in the near future. He wants face to face meetings with anyone requesting to join his committees. No one will be accepted unless they meet his personal criteria."
"The Brendan Eilson?" Asked Gloria actually clapping her hands. "I have read everything he's written about telecommunications and other things. He may not remember, but we've had a few Owl communications. I am thrilled."
"Great. Look for his Owl within the next several days. See, that wasn't so bad."
"It wasn't at all." Gloria replied rising from the chair. "I'm thrilled. If I may get off topic a bit, is everything okay? You seem upset about something. I hope all is well within our offices."
Hermione smiled. "You have a keen sense of observation. However, all is as well as it can be. I have a few cases to look over, after which, I need to see Anthony Goldstein. Hopefully, I won't be gone long."
"I'll keep an eye on things. See you when you get back."
/*/
After a few cleansing breaths, Hermione went to work on the three cases in front of her. Then she was ready to face the music.
/*/
Even though he was swamped with work, Anthony had a wide smile ready when he saw Hermione coming down the hall. Luckily for Hermione, Anthony Goldstein had always had a soft spot for her.
Hermione asked Anthony for a bit of his time and he acquiesced. After a detailed explanation of what she'd done, he had an immediate solution. Beckoning Hermione to follow him, Anthony stopped by Percy's office to tell him he had business on the ground level and would return shortly if Kingsley asked.
Percy who could see Hermione standing behind Anthony looked as though he wanted to say something, but wisely remained silent on that point. Instead, he simply nodded.
Noticing Percy's demeanor, Anthony grumbled that one day he was going to hex a bloke.
Hermione smiled, because most people felt that way about Percy.
As they rode down the lift, Anthony moved closer and ran a hand across Hermione's shoulder. She didn't like it, but she didn't want to alienate an ally. She simply moved away from his hand.
When they reached the Department of Modern Wizarding History, Anthony stepped directly in front of Chester the department's one and only employee.
"I expect you know who I am."
"Yes sir. Hello Miss Granger. You are Anthony Goldstein, second only to the Minister. What can I do for you?"
"I have issues with The Room of Modern Wizarding Genealogy. I feel there is information there that should be under lock and key. It is my intention to secure the room until such a time the information can be reviewed."
"Yes sir. Yes Mr. Goldstein. No problem," said Chester while hastily stepping back from Anthony. "I'll be here at my desk if you need me."
"Thank you Chester. I won't need you. However, if you have any access codes, keys or spells to get into the RMWG, lay them on the desk. I'll pick them up on my way out. As of today, the only person allowed in that room will be me. Have I made myself clear?"
Chester was trembling as he answered. None of the higher ups had ever been down to his department, and he liked it that way. "You have made yourself perfectly clear Assistant Minister. The room does not exist to anyone except you."
Anthony sealed the room in five seconds. On the way out of DHG, Anthony picked up the few items Chester had laid on the counter.
"Thank you for your time Chester. I imagine this has considerably lessened your workload. One less room to oversee. I'll have Percy review your position requirements. With less to oversee, there may be adjustments that need to be made. Someone will be in touch. Have a pleasant day."
Going back to the lifts, Hermione entire insides were smiling. Cheeky Chester had received a comeuppance without her having to tell Anthony anything about his cantankerous attitude.
Hermione grinned as Anthony pushed the button for the fourth floor. "Would you care to stop back by my office to have a tea?"
Hermione felt wonderful. Anthony had fixed everything in seconds. "You have made my day so much better. I think I will have that tea."
Anthony did not allow himself to show how happy he was, but he was happy. With all the bull shite going on, tea with Hermione was an unexpected bonus. He'd done her a favor. Perhaps it would work out for the both of them.
/*/
Monday morning, Theo escorted Esther first to Gringotts where they got all financial matters straightened out. For the first time in her entire life, Esther was not beholden to anyone. All contents of the vault number GRN4792 named Theo Nott, Sr. had been transferred to her name. After all this time, Esther had means.
Theo requested the complimentary Gringotts bag which he gave Esther to fill to cover everyday needs.
"And by everyday needs," he explained crisply. "I mean items that will benefit not only yourself, but your household and Declan as well. After the renovations, you might want to think about hiring a daily, cleaning witch, because I will take harsh measures if I ever smell those foul odors again after Declan arrives."
"I understand Theo," she replied filling the bag with gold, silver and bronze. "I will do better now that I have means."
"You'd better," threatened Theo. "We're finished here. Let's get to St Mungo's."
/*/
After signing in with the Reception Wizard, Theo and Esther were met by a witch pushing a mobile chair, much like the one Esther had at home.
The witch got Esther settled before heading to the lifts. The appointment was on the fourth floor which was normally associated with spell damage. However, the healer specialist who agreed to take Esther's case, wanted to be sure of what he was dealing with. He planned to put Esther through a battery of tests before setting a course of healing.
Theo and Esther sat in the waiting area until her name was called. Before Esther was rolled away, Theo spoke to her in low tones. "Do not offer up a lot of information. Let the healer examine you and make his findings. That's his job. Good luck"
Esther nodded.
As the witch rolled Esther away, Theo settled down to read the most recent copies of Quidditch Weekly and Wizarding Entrepreneurs he had brought with him. He was prepared for a long wait.
/*/
As disappointed as he was to have to leave Hermione sitting in his office, Anthony had to excuse himself when Percy gave notice that a special session had been called to deal with Marshall Springer.
"I apologize Hermione, but business calls. Perhaps we can finish this another time."
Hermione stood as well, careful not to promise Anthony any further interaction between them. "No problem Anthony. I should be getting back to my offices anyway. Thank you for the tea."
Hermione dawdled at Percy's door asking something mundane in order to give Anthony time to catch a lift. She didn't want to stand at the lift doors making idle conversation about when would be a good time for him to take her out to tea. She was happy he'd helped her, but there wouldn't be any tea dates.
/*/
CW Grimsby was chuffed. MLE had been dispatched to Thailand to pick up Marshall Springer. Law enforcement on that end had received a bulletin from Ministry of Magic Britain that they should be on the lookout for Springer. Not knowing that the Ministry was on to him, Springer had landed in Thailand acting the big man throwing money all about. Within five hours of his arrival, he was in custody. Six hours after that, he was being wrapped for transport back to London.
The minute MLE landed at the Ministry with their prisoner, a session had been convened. Testimony from Christa Jenkins and her boyfriend Jack Thomas had already been read into the record which left little to be discussed.
It was a broken wizard who stood before the abbreviated session apologizing for his misdeeds. The few members of the Wizengamot in attendance weren't having any of it.
One of the elders spoke for everyone. "Your words have no meaning to this court Mr. Springer. You were an officer not only of the Ministry, but of this very court as well. Yet, for a few galleons you chose to use your authority to circumvent our very system. This is how we find. Guilty on all charges.
After being stripped of every license, certificate and authorization that had been granted him, Springer was convicted of conspiracy against the Ministry, fraud, and several other crimes in record time.
The CW took great pleasure in reading Springer's charges. He took even greater pleasure reading Springer his sentence of five years in prison.
/*/
After leaving Percy's office, Hermione decided to visit the food services area to order a lunch for herself and Gloria. She quickly picked out two salads, two bacon sandwiches and two bottles of water, but paying for them was another matter. The queues were long. Looking around, Hermione wondered if she should put everything back and wait to eat when she got home. The queue she was in began to move and she was finally at the register.
Walking away with her sack, Hermione passed Donald and Brian's table. As she passed, Donald gave a wave and a smile. Hermione smiled back trying to put a name with the face. It wasn't until the lift was speeding to her floor that Hermione remembered Donald as Draco's assistant with the rude friend.
Stepping off the lift, Hermione tried hard not to think about the witches who wanted to get on a first name basis with Draco. She didn't want to be reminded. Not while their relationship was floundering and Draco's mindset was to leave her standing alone on a dark street.
Hurrying down the hall, Hermione realized that standing still hoping her and Draco's relationship repaired itself wouldn't accomplish anything. She had to act. How to get through to Draco was something she'd have to figure out.
Quickly.