Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 36
Finishing his lunch, Severus headed back to his rooms to confirm the appointment with Kingsley as well as Owl the several witches and wizards who had expressed interest in his telecommunications ideas.
After sending his reply to Kingsley, Severus' next Owl was to Gloria Isles. For as much as he had cautioned Hermione against interfering in his life, he was very curious about this tall, brilliant, auburn haired witch.
After putting together a generic form letter which would be sent to the interested parties, Severus double checked it for accuracy.
Greetings, Gloria Isles
We have previously spoken about the possibility of you joining a telecommunications project I have in the works. Funding has come through and a team is being put together. However, before I accept you to the team, I would like to meet with you personally. I am scheduling appointments for this coming Thursday, 4/29/04.
The available times are, 10:30-11:00-11:30-1:00-1:30-2:00. This meeting should take no more than twenty minutes. I have scheduled you for 10:30. If this an acceptable time, please confirm with a return Owl. If not, please respond with the time you will be available.
If you are accepted to the team, please be ready to start within the next two weeks.
Regards,
Severus Snape
Telecommunications Specialist
Severus then addressed the letters to the appropriate candidates with the selected time. For this important project, he only wanted the best. Some people receiving his letter would probably be surprised to hear from him, but thrilled to be considered.
Getting up to stretch, Severus noted to himself, "I can work with thrilled."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 37
Mid afternoon Tuesday, Theo began clearing away a few things in his last unoccupied bedroom. It was a good sized room which would give a seven year old plenty of space. The last thing Theo wanted was for Declan to feel like a prisoner. In addition, the room was far enough away from Esther for the child to be safe in case she couldn't abide the sight of him.
Theo stood there looking at the clean, bare room knowing one firm thing. If Esther had problems being around Declan, he would set her straight, immediately. If he now had to live without Padma, Esther could face living with her child, or else. What the, or else, would be, Theo didn't know at the moment, but he'd think of something.
/*/
Jay appeared at the door of the room asking Theo for a quick word.
Taking one last look around, Theo stepped out of the room. "I've done what I can in there for now. What can I do for you mate?"
"I want you to know I've made arrangements to remain in London for a bit longer than I first thought. However, I've leased a flat. I hope you don't think I'm being ungrateful, because I'm not. I'd just like a bit more privacy. Your mind and health are in the right place. You don't need me underfoot. Don't think you've gotten rid of me though, because you haven't."
Jay had been good company and they'd had some raucous conversations, but Theo understood. "So," replied Theo with a smirk. "Leanne must be looking pretty interesting."
"You know I don't kiss and tell Theo, but if I did, the answer would be yes. Leanne is looking very interesting. I'll be moving what little I brought with me out Friday evening. Here's my address. Leanne and I will probably see you sometime during the weekend."
"Let's make that next weekend mate. I'm going to be tied up this coming weekend. Good luck with the flat and the witch. Don't try leaving London without seeing me," laughed Theo reaching out to give Jay a quick hug.
Jay stood there smiling before responding with a snappy reply. "Leave London? I'm leaning towards relocating here permanently."
"Hilarious," laughed Theo. "All this from doing nothing with your clothes on. Worked out well."
"There you go with that outrageous shite. Just so you know. Whatever I do now, I do with my clothes off."
Theo roared. "Good luck mate. You know where to find me. I'm going to lock myself in the study for a while. There are things I need to order through Owl Services. I'll see you later. Be sure to tell Cely you're setting up a flat. She'll probably beg to take care of you, and Leanne."
"And her care will be welcome Mr. Nott. See you later."
/*/
All of Padma's catalogues had continued to arrive by mail. Theo just hadn't gotten around to canceling any of them, which was good for him. He had removed all the old furnishings in Declan's room. He needed all new.
It had taken Theo almost two hours to figure out what a seven (almost eight) year old would need. Theo ordered what he thought was needed always keeping the thought in the back of his mind additional items could be ordered after Declan arrived.
After sending off his orders, Theo was headed for the bathroom when Cely rushed past heading for the door. Silly elf, Theo thought as he hurriedly summoned his wand. She'll get herself blown up.
Following closely behind Cely, Theo stood behind her as she opened the door and welcomed Severus into the house. Stepping back, Theo gave Cely a stern warning about rushing to the door then sent her off to the kitchen to make dinner.
/*/
"Hello Mr. Nott. I hope I'm not intruding," Severus remarked, extending his hand. "I'm not one to turn up without notice. However, you did invite me to dinner."
Theo shook Severus' hand, inviting him to come through to the den. "Your company is welcome, although I was a bit cross with Cely for rushing to the door. I wouldn't want to have to duel at my own front door if you had been an intruder."
"You're right Mr. Nott. We wouldn't want that. However, being an elderly and experienced house elf, Cely wouldn't have knowingly allowed anyone through who meant you harm. I'm sure you learned that in fifth year. Now. As long as you're sure I'm not intruding. I have some thoughts I'd like to share."
Theo smiled in embarrassment. He knew that. The duties and powers of house elves had been discussed in fifth year, he had simply pushed it out of his mind. "Not intruding at all. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps tonight will be the perfect night for me to share how your most favored witch almost killed me."
"I can't wait," answered Severus drolly.
Theo didn't like the sound of Severus' response, but smartly didn't offer any response.
/*/
In Ireland, a seven year old, soon to be eight year old wizard was worrying about what was happening in his life. His Morai (grandmum) had succumbed to some disgusting, muggle disease and he was about to be sent to live in England, and he was frightened. He was frightened because he didn't know anything about those people or London. He was an Irish lad who didn't give two hoots about the buggers in England.
Opening the book in front of him, the young wizard began to read about Britain, knowing he didn't want any of the Brits to catch him unprepared.
Dividing his vision between reading and glancing at the suitcases lined up against his bedroom wall, Declan Cobb, as he had been called all these years, was trying to digest the fact he was not a Cobb at all nor was he a Byrne. He was a Nott. He'd been given a hasty, blurred history of his real family, but nothing was making sense. He had often wondered why he was the only Cobb in the family, but it hadn't ever mattered. He was loved. Now he was going to strangers.
He had been brought up in love as part of a tough, Irish family who didn't care a wit for the English. He knew swear words and how to use them. What was he to do with all that knowledge if his real family were weak willed pussies like uncle Mick always said?
How many accolades had he received for the strength of his magic even at this young age? He was going to be a powerful wizard and he wouldn't have any problem proving it. Taking a deep breath, Declan promised that anyone who tried to hurt him would get a taste of what little magic he had.
/*/
Declan was on page fifty of his book when the wizard he had known as his uncle Conor came to the doorway. "What are you up to mate?"
"Have you gone blind then uncle? I'm reading."
"Lose the tone Declan, and don't be a smart arse." Conor snapped.
Rolling his eyes, Declan told Conor he was studying up on Britain. "If I'm going to live among them, I need to know about them."
Conor sighed as he reached out to run his hand through Declan's head of thick, black hair. He loved this little wizard, but life was life. He was in no position to take care of a seven year old boy. "I need to tell you something. Put the book down and listen. "
Declan marked his chapter then closed the book.
"You were sent here from England on the day you were born. The only person who knows the whole story is gone, but if I have it right, your mum was killed in the war with Voldemort and your father never knew you existed. I'm telling you this so you don't think nobody in England loved you. Somebody loved you enough to get you away from a madman. What was done was done because it had to be done."
Declan gazed at his uncle, a sullen look covering his face. "You're feeding me shiyte uncle Conor. Uncle Mick told me that the people in England couldn't wait to get rid of me."
Cuffing Declan lightly upside his head, Conor told him to watch his mouth. "I know mum and uncle Mick let you get away with a lot of things, but that stops now. You'll act like a gentleman when you get to England. That swearing bullshiyte is out."
Declan laughed as he hugged his uncle. "Okay uncle Conor. No swearing."
As for your uncle Mick, he was a right foul git to tell you something like that. He was just having you on. If me and Mick were set up right, we'd be keeping you, but with me in the states for work and him running all over Australia for the same, it's better you're with the Notts. With mum gone, I want nothing but the best for you. Maybe after you get settled, your family will invite me to visit."
"You and Mick are my family," Declan replied softly, fighting back tears. "I know I have to go and I think the people in England will like me, but you're my family. I don't want you to forget about me."
Reaching out to grab Declan in a hug, Conor promised he'd never forget him. When they pulled apart, Conor who was feeling extremely emotional put the book back in Declan's hand. "Study up lad. Make mum proud. There are still some loose ends I need to tie up so I can close down the house before the new people move in. I left lunch on the table. Behave yourself until I get back and do not go beyond the gate. Understood?"
"Understood uncle Conor. Hurry back."
/*/
Conor Byrne hurried away from the house. He had received an Owl. The story he'd just told Declan was far from the truth his mum had told him. It was the story a Mr. Theodore Nott had insisted he tell Declan with the explanation he wanted Declan to feel as comfortable as possible during his transition. Conor wanted that as well. Nott had also enclosed a large sum of galleons to ensure his wishes were carried out, so that's what he'd done. By way of an Owl, the unwanted child had been turned into a precious son who had been sent to Ireland to protect him from the war.
/*/
Tuesday morning at OTS didn't go exactly as planned. Brian did present their case to Blaise and come away with high marks, but he also had a request from Blaise. Team4 needed assistance in the field. Blaise wanted someone on Team3 to go assist them.
Draco sent both Brian and Donald telling them he would finish up their second case then proceed to the third.
After Donald and Brian went out to meet Harry and Michael, Draco notified Blaise then got on with his work. When Draco looked up again, it was after 3:00. This late in the day he didn't see any reason to stop for lunch, so he kept plugging away.
With Donald and his bantering out of the way, Draco was able to sail through most of their second case. He was just down to reviewing the case and field notes when Blaise appeared in the doorway holding two takeaway lunch trays.
"Lunch for the hardworking boy," Blaise called out. "I knew you wouldn't get off your arse if Donald and Brian weren't here. Tuna on whole wheat or pastrami on rye. Your choice. They must have new staff in Food Services. These sandwiches are a bit more upscale than usual."
"I'll have the tuna. Thank you. I'm just tying up the last ends of our second case which will be presented to you in the morning."
"That was a good move having Brian present the case to me. He's pretty sharp. I tried my best to trip him up, but he wasn't having it."
"Donald will be presenting the next case."
Looking up from his sandwich, Blaise glared dramatically at Draco. "If Donald appears in front of me with his usual nonsense, I'm going to give him what for. I respect the man and his work, but shite. Give that back and forth rubbish a rest already."
"Come on Blaise. That's just his personality. He'll be fine. I'd much rather have Donald than be stuck with some arsehole. We have a good team."
"Yes you do." Pausing, Blaise asked how things were with Hermione.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Draco finished chewing before replying to Blaise's question. "Everything is fine. She and I are back on the same page, but it was touch and go for a little bit."
"Glad to hear that mate, because I thought I would have to call you in front of me to get you going. Ginny will be happy."
Draco sat back in the chair giving Blaise quite a hard look. "What does Weasley have to do with anything?"
An embarrassed Blaise told Draco how he Owled Ginny the same time he Owled Theo about Hermione crying.
"Dammit Blaise. Everyone didn't have to know."
"Everyone didn't know," snapped back Blaise. "I was feeling overwhelmed and Owled my witch. My apologies."
"Sorry," apologized Draco. "I guess I'm still a bit sensitive over the whole thing. It's all good. We still need to see Severus. She upset him a bit too."
Blaise started to comment, but decided it wasn't his business. However, he did take time to think that when Hermione put her foot in something, she really stepped in it. "Having Donald and Brian work with Team4 won't set you back any. Will it?"
"Maybe a bit. We planned to present you our last case tomorrow, but it will be more like Thursday afternoon or Friday morning."
"Don't rush," Blaise commented, draining the last of his tea. "I'll be leaving early on Friday. If the last case isn't ready by Thursday afternoon, we'll go over it on Monday. I have work waiting on my desk. I'll see you later."
Draco cleared away the lunch remains sending everything to the trash basket. "I'll see you later mate. Thanks for lunch. Hermione and I will have you and Ginny over when she gets back."
/*/
Draco finished up his case and field note review and put everything aside. It was nearing 5:00. Even if Donald returned within the next half hour, Draco wanted him to have time to look things over. They would present to Blaise in the morning.
Donald and Brian were back when Draco returned from a trip to the bathroom and were on their way back from the Team4 offices.
"Miss us?" Asked Donald while Brian simply said good afternoon.
"Well, it was quiet. We have another case ready to present to Blaise," Draco told him with a smirk. "Would you like to see Blaise now or in the morning?"
Donald surprised both Brian and Draco with his reply. "I'll present now. We'll need to get busy right from the jump if we want to be caught up by Thursday morning."
"Alright then," Draco chuckled glancing at Brian. "Be sure everything is in order."
"How could it not be? You said you finished it up."
Donald picked up the folder on his way to Blaise's office.
"Stop! I've delegated responsibilities to you and Brian, but I won't let you step in front of Blaise unprepared. Check the bloody case."
Donald started to get huffy, but Brian cut him off. "Stop being an arse Donald. Check the fucking file and get on with it."
Brian had just sworn at him. Plopping heavily into a chair, Donald scanned the first page. Then the next. "These pages aren't signed."
"Of course they're not signed Donald. It doesn't matter who reviews the case last. What matters is who is taking it in front of Blaise. You know that. You assumed I had signed the file. Don't make that mistake again."
A subdued Donald summoned a quill and began to review each page signing as he went. "I nearly fucked up," he said lowly."
"Nearly, but didn't," replied Brian clapping his team mate on the shoulder. "If you've dated and initialed the front and end pages, you're good to go."
Donald grabbed the quill once again. When he was through, he stood up and headed to Blaise's office without a word.
Both Draco and Brian were silent. Neither wizard was trying to embarrass Donald, but he had to realize now that he was handling more important matters, he had to pay attention. Draco and Brian busied themselves waiting for Donald to get back.
Then he was in the doorway. "Thank you both. I would have made such a fool of myself. Blaise was very pleased with our work and the way I presented it. So again, thank you. Believe it or not, I might have learned a lesson. Last man in, checks everything out. He who is bringing it to Blaise, signs. Let's get the heck out of here. I think we must be the last in the building."
"Not hardly my wizard."
"Ha! I knew that. I felt I had to do a bit of bantering just so you both would know you can't keep a good banterer down."
The three laughed all the way to the lifts.
/*/
Just before 5:30, Hermione sat down with Gloria who was still excited over her message from Severus.
"I'll be meeting with Mr. Snape at 10:30 on Thursday. I'll have Walter cover for me if you don't mind. Mr. Snape never mentioned Mr. Eilson. I assume he'll be there as well. Isn't this fantastic? I wonder who else he has chosen?"
Hermione smiled at her overexcited, almost assistant prosecutor. "I'll share something with you Gloria. Mr. Snape would rather be called Severus. In addition, I'll also share something I'll ask you not to repeat until Severus chooses to mention it. Brendan Eilson is Severus' pen name, so to speak. The wizards are one and the same."
"No!" Gloria exclaimed with both hands covering her mouth. "No! I don't know if I'll be able to manage."
"Manage what?" Asked Hermione not understanding what there would be to manage.
"My breathing," Gloria replied with a beet red face.
Hermione laughed so hard she had to excuse herself to use the ladies. When she came back, she was chuckling. "Just be your wonderful, brilliant self. He'll love you."
"Oh Merlin!" Sighed Gloria. "I love his work. I wonder if he'll remember corresponding with me?"
"Gloria," Hermione called out softly. "Severus is just a wizard. Treat him as such. If you go in there fawning over him, you will not make the group. I can guarantee that."
After taking a few deep breaths, Gloria got herself under control. "Thank you for the advice Hermione. I do so want to be on the committee or in the group. I'm hoping things can be worked out time wise if I'm accepted. Being on the forefront of the newest invention in the Wizarding world is something I wouldn't miss for the world. I wonder how long it will take for a decision."
Hermione didn't want to say too much, but she did suggest there would probably be an immediate decision if Severus wanted her for the group.
"Alright Hermione. I'll say goodnight. Thanks again. See you in the morning."
"Have a good night Gloria."
Barring any simpering or fawning, Hermione was sure Gloria would be accepted. Brendan/Severus was partial to tall, intelligent, auburn haired witches. Gloria's lovely, blue eyes wouldn't hurt either.
Chuckling to herself, Hermione grabbed her purse and wand. It was time to get home and enjoy her new relationship.
/*/
Hermione stepped into the lift thinking about doing naughty things with Draco. In the midst of a particularly naughty thought, the lift doors opened and Anthony walked in.
"Hermione! Nice to see you again. Two days in a row. Perhaps it's fate. Have you given any thought to what I asked?"
Hermione played dumb. She was not going to get into it with her recent ally over some tea date that was never going to happen, but Anthony was insistent. Moving closer to Hermione, Anthony lowered his voice so she would have to lean into him. Which she didn't. However, just as she reached up to back Anthony off, the lift doors opened again. This time Hermione was looking into the faces of Draco and his two assistants.
Donald immediately backed out dragging Brian with him. "We'll walk down"
Draco held the lift doors for a good two seconds before stepping in.
Anthony nodded and greeted Draco by his surname. "Good evening Malfoy."
"Goldstein," Draco answered with a nod. "Not trying to chat up Hermione Granger are you?"
Anthony frowned, but before he could answer, Hermione interjected. "Draco is just having a bit of fun. He and I are dating, so he knows wizards don't chat me up."
Anthony took two side steps away from Hermione with an even more pronounced frown on his face. "That's an interesting bit of news." Nodding first at Draco then Hermione, a clearly frustrated Anthony extended his hand to Draco. "Well done Mr. Malfoy. Perhaps the next time your date gets in a bind, she'll come to you."
When the lift stopped, Anthony left the car without saying a word.
/*/
"What was all that?" Asked Draco letting the lift door shut.
"It was about nothing. Before you go off half cocked, it was you and Severus who suggested I approach Anthony instead of Kingsley, which I did. After helping me, he got the impression I wanted to have tea. Not wanting to irritate him, I didn't make it clear at the time that we are dating."
"The one time you should open that mouth, you don't," huffed Draco. "Well, now he knows. No more lift rendezvous for him."
Hermione gave Draco a dazzling smile as she cheeked out an answer. "No more advice giving for you."
Draco smiled back at Hermione as he pushed the button to open the door. "I've spent enough time here today. Let's go home and get comfortable, unless you want me to take you to tea."
Rubbing up against Draco, Hermione whispered that she had his tea and his cake as well.
"Good, because I'm thirsty and hungry all in one."
They left the lift arm in arm.
/*/
Brian and Donald went down the stairs two at a time. When they reached ground level, Donald told Brian they hadn't seen a thing and should never mention what they hadn't seen if they wanted to keep their heads.
Brian just shrugged. He'd seen worse in the stairwells and dark recesses of the Ministry. A witch with her hand on someone's chest was nothing.
"I'll see you in the morning Donald."
"See you."
/*/
Severus and Theo talked over brandy then talked over dinner with Severus making some important points. He was also amused by the soft boiled egg story Theo described.
"Hermione and those bloody soft boiled eggs. She'll try to foist them on anyone."
"Yes. Nothing more lovely than a grown arse wizard vomiting and shitting all over himself in front of company."
Smiling, Severus remarked quite softly. "Many of us have been there at one time or another."
Theo lifted his glass. "Here's hoping it will only happen to this wizard once in his life. Cheers."
"Quite right Mr. Nott. Quite right," Severus replied raising his glass. "What do you think of my suggestions?"
"I think we should talk more about them… after pudding.
/*/
When they were once again seated comfortably in the den, Theo responded to Severus' points.
"I appreciate you offering two entirely different scenarios Severus. Although I am very surprised you would want me for your telecommunications group. I know little to nothing about the subject."
"You aren't alone Mr. Nott. This is a brand new area of research for the Wizarding world. None except for Hermione and perhaps Miss Isles know anything as of yet, and they only know what they've read. This is brand new territory that needs several types of personalities to be successful. I see you more as a teacher in the manual/physical area."
Theo savored his brandy for moment. "In other words, you need someone who will handle insurrections, and please stop calling me Mr. Nott. We are so far past that."
Severus smiled, but shifted slightly in his chair. "Fine, Theo. In a manner of speaking, that's exactly how I see you. A handler of insurrections. However, in this case, you would be a knowledgeable handler. You would have to go through the same training as your cerebral counterparts. In addition, with your connections in the real estate world, you would be instrumental in finding just the right property for our headquarters."
"I see you've been thinking pretty far ahead. Recently, I've found that I can barely think a week ahead. I'm probably not who you need."
Severus knew if he wanted to get Theo involved, he'd have to sell him on the idea, and for the next thirty minutes, Severus had done just that. By the time they were ready to move on to the next topic, Theo agreed to take the invitation under consideration.
/*/
After a short stretch of the legs and a bathroom break, the two wizards sat back down to discuss Severus' alternate suggestion. If he couldn't talk Theo into joining the telecommunications group, he had a suggestion regarding Theo's idea of leaving London permanently. One which revolved around his home in Oregon.
Theo had found that as more time passed from the day Padma died, the less important it seemed that he permanently get out of London. Initially, it seemed he wouldn't be able to live with the memories of his wife, but now he wouldn't live without them.
"It's very kind of you to offer your home in Oregon to me. It would be a viable solution if I was still interested in leaving London. Which I'm not. At the time I made certain statements, I was distraught. Although I still miss my wife tremendously, I no longer want to get away from those memories. I want to embrace them. Besides, as you know, Esther's son will be making his appearance as soon as Saturday. It wouldn't be feasible for me to walk away and leave him with a mother who doesn't want him."
Severus really hadn't seen Theo leaving London permanently, but thought it wise not to contradict a man who was under a great degree of stress. Since that had been settled, Severus knew he'd found his right hand man on the labor side of his vision. All he had to do was keep pushing.
Severus and Theo spoke for another few minutes with Severus bringing the conversation back around to his telecommunications group.
Theo nodded as Severus handed him a packet of information. He wouldn't be disrespectful enough to say it out loud, but he was getting a bit annoyed with the push Severus was doing. Taking the packet, Theo assured Severus he would read through it and give his final answer by Friday.
There wasn't more Severus could say. He just knew that joining the group would be as good for Theo as it would be for the group. The wizard needed a diversion.
/*/
After Severus left, Theo glanced through the packet. Mobile communications seemed like a very interesting concept, and it didn't hurt that a brilliant wizard thought enough of him to invite him to the table.
If only Padma was here, he thought. She had always made decisions easy.
As late as it was, Theo took a quick shower then set out to take a brisk walk hoping to release some of his tension, and to think.
/*/
Once Hermione and Draco reached his house, he resurrected the subject of Anthony Goldstein. "How long has Goldstein been chasing you?"
Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. She had so hoped the subject was closed, but obviously it wasn't. "Anthony was not chasing me. He was inquiring."
"Really? Snapped Draco. "Inquiring is it?"
Holding up a hand for Draco to stop talking, Hermione scolded him. "You want to know about Anthony. I'm telling you. About two months ago, he asked me to accompany him to the theater. An invitation which I declined. I didn't speak to him again until yesterday when I asked him to help me get DHG closed up. After getting that sorted, he invited me to have tea in his office. Which I did. He also inquired if I would like to go out for tea. It was then I should have mentioned that you and I are dating, but I didn't, because I wasn't sure we were still a couple. Fast forward to tonight and there you have it. When you stepped in the lift, I was helping him keep his distance. As fast as your assistants ran away, I realize it might have looked like something else entirely."
Draco didn't speak for several seconds, which annoyed Hermione.
"Well."
"Well what Hermione?"
"Well, there you have it."
Draco glanced at Hermione who was standing there with hands on her hips. "I don't know why you are standing there as though you are some aggrieved party. I simply asked a reasonable question about a wizard I found in close quarters with my witch. We will not turn this conversation into some kind of battle. I asked, you answered. I don't want it to seem as though I'm questioning you over every little thing. It's about us trusting each other."
Feeling a bit foolish, Hermione dropped her hands to her sides. She had been ready to get into a confrontation over something as simple as a question. A question she would have asked had the shoe been on the other foot.
Taking a seat beside Draco, Hermione laid her head on his shoulder. "How did we ever get on this subject?" She asked taking his hand in hers. "I thought you wanted some of my tea and cake."
"I do. I'll forgo the tea," he whispered, kissing her shoulder. "But I'll take all the cake you have to give."