Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 39
Justin used a quick cough to cover the small laugh that threatened to escape his lips.
Hermione threw a frown in Justin's direction, but continued her conversation without addressing him.
"Thanks so much for your time. Don't forget to have a chat with Gloria about her cases."
With those last words, Hermione went back to her desk to get started on the next pile of pending cases. The thought did cross her mind that magical citizens were breaking the law so often, she was truly glad to have another prosecutor on board.
/*/
Hermione was several cases in when a chuffed Gloria returned to the office. Not only had she been invited to join the group, but Severus had acknowledged her correspondence as well. Glancing at her Wonder Witch Watch, Hermione realized it must have been a very successful meeting as Severus had run over his maximum time limit by at least twenty minutes.
With a bit of cherry red showing across her face, Gloria entered Hermione's office. "I'm ready for the review. Shall I close the door?"
"By all means Miss Isles. Close the door and have a seat."
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 40
Gloria seated herself and waited for Hermione to speak. She wanted to fidget, but didn't want Hermione to have to reprimand her again, so she waited while her boss moved papers around on her desk.
Hermione realized Gloria wanted to get right down to it, but she wanted her newest prosecutor to get used to being patient. It was clear Gloria would make a fine prosecutor, but the witch needed to slow down a bit.
"Except for the several things we spoke about earlier, your cases are ready to take before the Wizengamot. Once you've tied up those few loose ends, you'll need to sit down with Terry and Justin. I've asked each of them to assist and support you on one of the cases. Take any advice they give you in the spirit it is meant. We were all beginners at one time."
Gloria nodded in agreement. She didn't expect to prosecute her first cases without supervision. She was confident in her ability to present a brilliant case, but would welcome advice from her experienced colleagues. "I'll speak to Terry and Justin as soon as I can. I'm sure Justin will be more than willing to help out the new prosecutor."
Hermione didn't miss the fact Gloria hadn't mentioned Terry being agreeable to helping her, and questioned the omission. "Are there issues between you and Terry?"
Gloria paused for a few seconds deciding whether to speak her mind or keep her feelings to herself. Better to speak on it beforehand than down the road where it might appear to be sour grapes, she thought. "I don't have any issue with Terry, but it seems he might have issues with me. Terry has made condescending remarks to me in front of others which leads me to believe he has issues with me. I've spoken to him in private about respect in the workplace, especially in front of the staff. His best answer was I had landed a top position and should try to be a little less sensitive."
Gloria's remarks were causing Hermione's insides to churn. She knew Terry thought it was too soon to be grooming Gloria for a top spot. That was his opinion, and he had a right to his thoughts. However, he did not have the right to disrespect Gloria or anyone else in the office. That behavior would have to be addressed immediately.
Hermione didn't want Gloria to think she condoned such behavior and said as much. But until she spoke to Terry, Hermione's only additional comment was to assure Gloria she would address the issue straightaway.
/*/
After leaving Hermione's office, Gloria went to the ladies to decompress, wash her face and have a pee. She hadn't realized just how tense she'd been. Even though she hadn't done anything other than share a concern about a colleague, Gloria recognized there might be repercussions. Knowing Justin and Terry were as thick as thieves, she hoped her revelation wouldn't put her at odds with Justin as well. As she had said to Severus, many wizards in a professional capacity didn't care for witches who dared try getting on equal footing with them. Perhaps that was Terry's issue with her. Otherwise, she didn't have a clue why he had taken such an arbitrary position. Well it was out there now. She had shared with Hermione and couldn't take it back. For the sake of peace throughout the firm, she hoped it all could be sorted out.
No matter what she felt on the inside, Gloria considered herself a survivor. She had worked hard getting her education and experience so there was no way she would let one wizard knock her off her game. As she was giving herself the mental pep talk, Gloria was dashing off notes to Terry and Justin, who were away from their desks, requesting a bit of their time to discuss her cases.
After leaving the notes on the respective desks, Gloria realized the noise she was hearing was the rumbling of her stomach. She hadn't eaten breakfast and was starving.
Before leaving the floor, Gloria had a quick word with Walter to let him know she was going to lunch. Barely lifting his head from the documents in front of him, Walter gave Gloria a thumbs up to acknowledge he'd heard her.
Stopping quickly at Hermione's door, Gloria asked if she could bring her back something from Food Services.
Hermione thanked Gloria, but declined. Food could wait. She had more important things on her mind
/*/
Hermione made a trip to the ladies and to the kitchens. With a large cup of white tea at her elbow, Hermione was in the midst of documenting case histories and notes for several low profile cases which she felt could be plea bargained out when Terry passed her door on his way back from lunch.
Gloria's comments had riled Hermione, and she wanted to address them with Terry straightaway. He could be ridiculous at times, even a bit arrogant, but intentionally disrespectful, she thought not. She wanted to hear what he had to say about the matter.
After giving Terry a few moments to get himself settled, Hermione headed to his office.
"Good lunch Terry?" Asked Hermione as she closed his office door.
"It was Hermione. Thank you. You've shut the door. I feel as though I'm in for a scolding."
Ignoring Terry's last comments, Hermione took a seat. She didn't want to accuse Terry, but she needed to get to the heart of the matter.
"I've had a conversation with Gloria."
At the mention of Gloria's name, Terry put down what he had in his hand and looked directly at Hermione. "Is this about her contention that I've acted in a condescending or disrespectful manner? Come on Hermione. She's joining the big league. She has to learn not to take every comment to heart. She'll get worse from defense attorneys."
Hermione was growing annoyed with Terry, but managed to keep her composure. He was sitting in front of her nonchalantly admitting to harassing a colleague. The worst part was he didn't see anything wrong with his behavior. Handled the wrong way, the situation could throw the office into turmoil. However, not addressing it would set an unacceptable precedent.
"Let me see if I understand this," Hermione replied curtly. "You work with one of the top female prosecutors in London who has proven herself quite capable, yet you sit there again implying Gloria cannot measure up. I say again because we've just had a conversation about your thoughtless remarks when speaking about Gloria. What is your problem with her?"
Terry, who thought he'd made his position clear had stiffened at Hermione's tone and replied with an acid tone of his own. "Are you really chastising me like I'm some naughty little boy over my personal opinion?"
Hermione snapped back. "This isn't about any bloody personal opinion. Your remarks stopped being personal opinions when you chose to be disrespectful and condescending to a colleague in front of others. Who asked you to be chief critic? It certainly wasn't me. Would you be this disparaging if our newest prosecutor was a wizard?"
Terry was now as annoyed as Hermione. Perhaps he had been a bit too vocal when addressing Gloria in front of others, but he was frustrated over all the fuss. He couldn't believe Hermione would even think he was biased against women. He'd been there at the start of Granger & Associates supporting and encouraging her. Terry felt her accusation was unconscionable.
"I'm not now, and have never been prejudiced against witches who are qualified to take a rightful place in the professional world, and I resent your insinuation," Terry blustered. "Accuse me of anything else, but not that. Whether witch or wizard, I have an issue with a person who has been handed nothing but accolades and walks around with her nose in the air as though she's accomplished something. Respect is not given Hermione. It is earned. After Gloria has a few well executed cases under her belt, she'll get my respect, not before. I will apologize for being verbally abrasive. It was uncalled for. However, you might want to clarify that she's nothing more than one of the common folk until she becomes the superstar you make her out to be. Maybe you should tone down the praise a bit."
Terry's words sunk in instantly causing Hermione to recoil as though he'd slapped her. She had been overly generous with the praise because she liked Gloria and wanted to see her do well. But at what cost? Terry was at fault, but so was she. She had given Gloria the big build up. What she saw as self confidence, Terry and maybe others saw Gloria's behavior as unearned entitlement.
Now that she understood, Hermione felt like an arse. She had put the cart before the horse by singing the praises and extolling the virtues of an untried prosecutor which had unwittingly undermined the hard work of others. For the sake of truth and harmony, she obviously had to correct her mistake.
/*/
Terry apologized to Hermione on the spot and agreed to apologize to Gloria as well. It was now up to her to rectify the situation.
"Thank you for your apology Terry. I owe you and Justin an apology as well. I let myself become sidetracked by an overwhelming personal matter. I took my eyes off the big picture, but was comfortable knowing you and Justin were my eyes and ears. I'm disappointed neither of you came to me to voice your concerns. In the future, I expect to be your first stop if something of this nature arises again. I'm now aware of the issue, so I'll correct it. You, Justin, Gloria and I will sit down this afternoon to get it sorted. Please inform the others we are meeting at 5:15 in the conference room. I'll see you then."
Terry was relieved. He really had nothing against Gloria, but felt a meeting was needed to clear the air. As Hermione stood to leave, Terry apologized a second time for his behavior and assured her he would get the conference room set up for 5:15.
Hermione nodded and left the office.
/*/
Theo watched Cely leave Esther's room and decided it was as good a time as any to have a discussion with his aunt. He wanted to disclose what he'd paid Conor Byrne to do as well as what he planned for the future.
/*/
When Theo knocked on the door, Esther called out an invitation for him to enter.
Theo mentally smiled as he stepped into the sweet smelling room. "I see you've taken my advice about a sweet smelling area being more welcoming than a foul smelling one. Well done. I would like to share some news about Declan which I hope might offer a different perspective on your relationship with him."
A different perspective? Esther only had one perspective. The child of rape and incest was coming to London and she would have to adjust.
Esther didn't have any idea what Theo meant, so she remained silent.
"As you know," continued Theo. "Declan was sent to live with the Byrne family which included the matriarch and two sons, Mick and Conor. With the passing of their mother, Conor took responsibility for seeing to Declan. However, because he is currently employed in the US, Conor is unable to properly care for Declan."
Esther knew about the Byrne family. Just the other day she'd read through some of the paperwork that had been long gathering dust in her desk. They appeared to be a caring, loving family.
Theo hadn't stopped talking and his voice brought Esther out of her reverie.
"I've been in contact with Conor."
Esther began to fidget.
"I've sent him a great deal of galleons to, shall we say, correct Declan's history. The boy will not arrive in London thinking himself a pariah. The new history as told to him by Conor Byrne contains new facts. Declan will be received as the son of a witch who died during the Second Wizarding War, and a wizard who had gone off to war never knowing his witch was pregnant."
Reaching into his inside pocket, Theo pulled out a magical photo of a dark haired, dark eyed lad. Theo handed the photo to Esther who reluctantly reached out then immediately handed it back after one quick glance.
Although Declan was a handsome, normal looking child, Esther couldn't find the words to offer a compliment. Just because the boy took a nice photo didn't mean he wasn't as mad as his father/uncle. Nott, Sr. had been a handsome wizard, but as evil, cruel and mad as his master. Good looks were not enough to make Esther coo over the boy.
Theo gave Esther a sharp look as he returned the photo to his inside pocket. "You will remember what we discussed Esther," snapped an annoyed Theo. "Practice if you must, but you will be civil and cordial to Declan when he arrives, or I will revoke your privileges at Gringotts and leave you to survive on your own."
Esther knew Theo was a man of his word. If she couldn't bring herself to accept her son, she would be out on her arse, and that was unacceptable. "It's unsettling to see the result of rape…."
"Stop your whining," shouted Theo, still annoyed with the witch in front of him. "I've just told you. Declan has a new life story. He is not a child of rape and incest. He is a child of love who had the unfortunate luck to be born during a terrible time in Wizarding history. As far as Declan knows, he was sent away so he would be safe from the devils who were trying to take over our world. One more point I'd like to make, and I suggest you sear it into your memory. I have completed paperwork which clearly states I am the father who just recently learned of his son's existence, and you are his great aunt."
Esther froze. Her son would arrive in London as Theo's son. Theo was clever, cunning and deceitful, but even he might not be able to pull off such a switch. Because of the Granger witch, most of Theo's close friends knew about Declan, and the rest hadn't ever heard Theo speak of a child.
A feeling of inadequacy suddenly washed over Esther. Here she sat whining and wailing about her lot in life even as Theo was willing to accept her son as his own. She was a weak, despicable woman.
Esther found herself trying to hold back sobs. "You don't have to do that Theo. I have promised to accept my son, and I will. Don't upend your life and reputation on mine and Declan's account. With your assistance, he and I will manage."
"Padma is at rest. Who will be hurt? Besides, it's already done. We have a few loose ends to tie up on Saturday, but, after that, Declan will be down as my son and you as his great aunt. I will reveal my intentions to those who matter. Everyone else can spend their time wondering if I cheated on Padma. You may now look at your son through the eyes of a disinterested aunt who will have to do nothing more than assist Cely and myself as we try to raise an upstanding Nott."
"Thank you Theo," Esther whispered softly. "I'll do my best to help raise an upstanding Nott."
Theo had one last piece of information for Esther. "Declan and Conor will arrive early Saturday morning. I've invited Conor to stay the weekend to help Declan settle in. At the same time, I made it clear that Declan and I will have to step out to the Ministry Saturday afternoon to get Declan properly registered as my son. If Conor decides to take me up on my invitation, I expect you and Cely to see to him until Declan and I return. Please be up and properly dressed early. Work with Cely to put together menus for Saturday and Sunday. With regard to future menus, remind her Declan will require proper meals that meet the needs of a growing lad."
Esther who was glad to be of service in some way quickly agreed to Theo's request.
As soon as the door closed behind Theo, Esther's tears returned. However, the tears being shed at that moment were a different sort. They weren't tears of sadness, grief or regret. Now that a permanent solution had been reached, Esther was shedding tears of relief.
/*/
Draco, Donald and Brian had worked furiously throughout the day with the intention of getting the last two Wales cases ready to present to Blaise. However, it turned out they hadn't worked fast enough because Blaise stopped in around lunch time to advise them he was leaving shortly for an extended weekend and would see them on Monday.
Blaise's early departure didn't deter Team3. They wanted to have everything up to snuff by the end of the day so Friday would be a guaranteed day in the field. Before leaving, Blaise had left three new cases on the desk which the team planned to review a little later.
The Wales cases were finished by 2:30. In lieu of Blaise, Draco went over the cases with Donald and Brian to insure they hadn't missed anything. They hadn't.
At 2:45, Donald volunteered to go down to Food Services to pick up lunch for the three of them. The men spent a leisurely thirty minutes over lunch discussing their work week inside, vowing not to spend an entire week inside anytime in the near future.
After lunch, they reviewed the three new cases mostly for destination, and were chuffed to find out none of the crimes had taken place in Wales.
"Things are looking up," joked Donald. "Crime must be on the decline in lovely Wales."
"Thank Merlin," muttered Brian. "I've had enough bara brith to last me a lifetime."
"As delicious as bara brith is, I'll have to second that," Draco replied with a smug grin. "This time next week we'll probably be complaining about bangers and mash and our substantial weight gain."
Brian and Donald laughed out loud knowing full well they'd always have something to complain about when it came to food.
As the workday came to a close, Draco, Donald and Brian spent their time replenishing their OTS kits. They didn't want to spend any more time than necessary in the office Friday morning.
They all rode down the lift together separating at the floo in the Atrium where Draco would floo to Malfoy Manor.
/*/
As soon as Draco stepped out of the floo, Missy and Elder appeared in front of him.
"Mr. Draco sir. Will you be needin' something?" Asked Elder as Missy stood by beaming. She didn't get to see the young master all that much anymore.
"I don't need anything at the moment. I'll be in father's study tending to his mail. Is Severus available?"
It was Missy's turn to answer. "No Mr. Draco sir. Mr. Severus not in. He be out with Mr. Theo. They has business."
"Right. Theo has properties to show Severus. Well then, I'll be on my way to the study. Mother and father will be home on Sunday. Please air out their wings and change all linens before then."
"Yes Mr. Draco sir," replied both elves. "Everything be clean and sparkling' bright for Miss Cissy and Mr. Lucius."
/*/
Lucius' desk was covered in mailers, brochures and catalogs while there was only three pieces of business mail that called for either a signature or a response. Since the business mail had taken less than an hour to clear away, Draco decided to browse through the mailers and brochures laying his mother's glitzy catalogues off to the side.
Having been told by Severus of his father's interest in his project, Draco was specifically looking for information regarding telecommunications. However, he found nothing and was ready to make a neat pile of it all when he remembered Severus mentioning electricians, wiring specialists and contractors.
Going back through the pile, Draco found several brochures offering the specialty services. Draco studied each brochure in turn before realizing they were addressed to Brendan Eilson instead of his father. Bundling all Severus' mail together, Draco called Elder to take the bundle up to Severus' wing and place it on his table.
/*/
Draco made a quick stop in his bathroom to pick up a few of his personal care products. It would have been just as easy to stop by Diagon Alley, but since he was at the Manor, Draco decided to make use of what was readily available.
While going through the top drawer of his dresser, Draco found several of the cheeky cards he had received from Wil, Clarke and Desmond on his last night in Switzerland. As he sorted through them, Draco laughed out loud as he wondered what his irreverent friends were getting up to. On the spot, he made a mental note to send them cards. The cheekier the better. Returning the cards to the drawer, Draco shrunk what he was taking with him then Apparated to the house.
There was a tentative lads night out scheduled for that evening. However, Draco wanted to check with Hermione to make sure she hadn't made plans for something else.
Draco was surprised to find the house empty. He'd beaten Hermione home. Heading directly to the master bathroom to put away his personal care products, Draco chanced to glance in the mirror. As self important as it might seem, to him, his hair appeared unruly and dry. Grabbing the hair care products he'd only just put away, Draco stripped down and stepped into the shower intending to lavish a bit of self love on himself.
Grinning to himself, Draco quickly slathered his hair with a conditioning treatment content in the knowledge that Hermione would never have to know.
/*/
Hermione stopped in the ladies before heading to the conference room. Still a bit embarrassed over the novice mistake she'd made with her staff, she'd spent a good bit of time thinking about the most efficient way to bring harmony back to the group without alienating anyone.
Her last thought before stepping into the conference room was to chide herself about how she'd let personal issues cause her to take her eyes off what was once the most important thing in her life, Granger and Associates. Perhaps, she thought as she plunked her butt down in a chair, it was time for a change.
/*/
With all eyes on her, Hermione began to address their issues. Even though it should have been clear, she explained what was expected of her two team leaders and her newest prosecutor. Hermione was clear and concise and had boiled it all down to one thing, respect in the workplace.
Hermione glanced around before continuing. Now that it had been brought to her attention, she realized that Gloria did have somewhat of a smug attitude. How had she missed that little air of superiority? To add insult to injury, a small smile had appeared on Gloria's face as she listened to her boss reinforce the idea of respect for each other. The smile irritated Hermione. It seemed as though Gloria thought the meeting was meant to chastise Terry.
It was time to set her straight.
"I'd like to hear what you think about what I've just shared. You seem amused Gloria. How do you feel about what I've just said?"
A very surprised Justin pulled himself up straight when Hermione asked Gloria for her opinion. He wasn't one to upset the applecart, so he'd kept his opinions about Gloria's attitude to himself. He found it quite interesting that Hermione had called on Gloria instead of Terry. Perhaps Hermione had cottoned on after all.
Gloria was caught off guard as well. She hadn't expected Hermione to address her when the meeting was supposed to be about Terry's behavior. At least, that's what she thought.
"I apologize if it seems like I'm amused. I'm not. I think respect in the workplace is an extremely important topic. What you've just shared is very informative. Granger and Associates is a well oiled machine that can only function with precision if we work together. No one person is more important than the whole."
"I think you've hit the nail on the head Gloria," Hermione replied. "No one person is more important than the whole. However, attitude plays a great part as well. Do you have anything to add Terry, Justin?"
Terry had a ready answer. "I've been here from the start of this firm and we've always functioned as, what was it, a well oiled machine. However, there's been a bit of dissension lately due to a presumption of superiority. I don't mean to be an arse about it, but you asked. I believe we should all take a step back to consider our attitudes towards others. I would like to extend an apology to Gloria for the way I've addressed some of my concerns."
Gloria smiled at Terry like she'd won a prize, but Terry wasn't finished, and he was far from amused.
Speaking directly to Gloria, Terry continued. "This meeting was called to clear the air, so I will. With that apology comes an addendum. I believe you should drop the false airs of superiority. You carry yourself in the manner of someone who has already proven herself, but you haven't. Reaching the position of prosecutor is only the beginning. The air of having accomplished something should be saved until you've proven your skills in court. I've mentioned this very thing to you on several occasions, but you chose to take it as a rebuke rather than constructive criticism. So here we are."
Terry hadn't held back, but to Gloria's credit, after the blush of embarrassment left her cheeks, she replied in a professional manner.
"Have I been that obnoxious? I suppose I have," she replied, answering her own question. "You are quite correct in assuming I took your attempts at constructive criticism as rebukes. It seemed as though you meant to undermine me. I stand corrected. I've let my confidence get ahead of my proven skills. Thank you for your frank assessment Terry. As I want to be a productive, integral part of this firm, I will work on myself. However, I believe in myself, and intend to revisit this conversation after I've kicked some criminal arses in court."
The tension disappeared from the air as everyone smiled at Gloria's somewhat cheeky remarks.
Hermione was pleased. Each aggrieved person had used the time to speak frankly which she appreciated. After this come to Merlin meeting, all parties should feel comfortable enough to address problems among themselves without involving her.
Justin who hadn't offered any opinion congratulated Gloria and Terry for putting their issues out on the table adding how he thought the meeting had definitely been necessary.
Hermione nodded in agreement. "I absolutely concur Justin. The remark of the evening goes to Gloria. No one person is bigger than the whole. I suggest we all remember those words when we find ourselves going off center. Is there anything else?"
Gloria spoke up. "I'd like to request assistance with the cases I'll be taking to court next week."
"I thought you'd never ask," joked Terry. "Justin and I will be glad to sit down with you tomorrow afternoon."
For Hermione, it had been a win-win situation, especially since the meeting had ended on a very pleasant note.
/*/
It was late, but Hermione took a few more minutes to place an order for three, dinner plus one certificates she would present to Gloria, Terry and Justin. She felt they deserved a bit of a pat on the back.
Although productive, the meeting had taken a lot out of Hermione. She was exhausted. It was after 7:00 pm when she gathered her belongings and made her way to the lifts. Since Draco planned to attend a boy's night with his mates, Hermione looked forward to a quiet night that centered around just herself, a hot tub soak and her wine.