Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 40

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.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 41

Severus and Theo were back in Theo's office discussing the properties they'd seen. Theo had actually come up with three and three. Three that could be considered for business purposes and three that could be considered as permanent lodgings.

"So what do you think Severus? Has anything caught your fancy?"

"I am quite pleased with all the properties you've shown me. The property in North London would be my first choice if there was room to expand, because I'll need room for the workers who will be relocating to London for the project."

Theo who had been caught off guard was a little irritated. This was the first he'd heard of workers needing a home.

"Had you mentioned your complete needs, I would have gone about this differently. There is a property in the hills of Ottery St Catchpole in Devon which could possibly suit your additional needs. It formerly housed a now defunct tools factory that housed its workers on the premises. There is also a lovely owners quarters. It could actually serve all your needs. In addition, there is tons of land if you need to add on."

Severus realized he hadn't been quite as forthcoming as he should have been. "My apologies Theo. My mind was so focused on getting acceptance and funding, I neglected to advise you of my additional needs. May I impose on you to show me this property?"

Theo was the ultimate realtor. This wasn't the first time a client had requested an adjustment. "Absolutely Severus. We can see the property right away. The owners want to rent it out, but if you like it, I suggest you buy it outright, less complications."

"That's fine. I defer to your good judgment. However, I would rather the owners quarters be used as an office instead of my personal housing. I do like my privacy."

Theo understood. "The better for me Severus. I'd rather sell two properties than one. Shall we go to Devon then come back here to sort things out?"

Severus smiled. "Spoken like a true real estate agent. Let's get to Devon."

/*/

Severus was pleased with the property in Devon. With a fresh coat of paint, a few repairs and additional necessaries such as men's, ladies and kitchens, the former factory would be exactly what he needed for the workers.

Even though he was dealing with Theo, Severus wanted the best deal possible. "I like this well enough Theo. Why don't we get back to your office to get it all settled."

Theo acquiesced. No matter who, Theo was astute enough to realize when he had a sale, or two, on his hands. "Sounds good. I believe we will have this worked out in no time."

/*/

Theo was right. By the time Severus left his office, there were plans in place for Severus to purchase instead of rent the Devon property as well as purchase a recommended small home for himself.

Theo worked furiously so the paperwork could be processed first thing in the morning.

Before leaving, Theo signed the last document then closed the folder and leaned back in his chair. Severus Snape had saved his life. He would get the best deals possible for his old professor.

With all loose ends tied up, Theo headed home. Tonight was a boys night out, and with what he had accomplished, Theo felt he was due a few laughs.

/*/

Draco was stepping out of the shower when Hermione Apparated in. She grinned at him as she kicked off her shoes. "Been in my hair care products then? That hair is so shiny the boys will see you coming from a mile away."

Draco walked over and planted a slobbery kiss on Hermione's lips. "If you must know, I have my own hair care products which I lovingly dragged from the Manor."

"Ah," chortled Hermione. "Malfoy hair care products, the joy of wealthy wizards everywhere."

Nuzzling his face into her neck, Draco mumbled that she was just jealous because his hair was shinier than hers. His comment did nothing more than elicit a hearty laugh from Hermione who pulled his face up to hers so she could return his slobbery kiss. They held each other for a minute or so before Hermione moved away to finish removing her outerwear.

"So, what do you and the boys have planned for tonight?" She asked through the half open bathroom door.

"It's a boys night out love," joked Draco. "If I told you our itinerary, I'd be breaking the wizards code of, I don't know, never reveal shite."

Still seated on the toilet, Hermione opened the door wide enough to throw a bath sponge at Draco. "Take that Mr. foul mouth. You're very lucky I'm exhausted and want nothing more than a soak and some wine. Otherwise, I'd tag along and spoil everything for everyone."

Dressed only in his boxers and a tee, Draco stepped into the bathroom and bent down beside Hermione to put his mouth next to her ear. "Would you repeat your comment. I couldn't really hear over your loud pee."

Laughing, Hermione shooed Draco out of the bathroom threatening to hex the bollocks off him.

"Really? I dare you to send a hex anywhere near these bollocks. You'd be lost if they weren't attached to the dick that gives you so much pleasure."

"Hmph. So you say. Just remember who that dick belongs to when the witches are standing about admiring that shiny hair."

"I'll try," parried Draco as he stepped into navy blue trousers and a blue gray, plaid, long sleeved jumper.

Hermione turned on the tub faucets pretending she didn't hear Draco's smart arsed reply. Laying her clothing over the towel bar, Hermione summoned her wand which nearly took Draco's nose off as it whipped by before slipping into the lovely, soapy, hot water. Letting out a loud sigh of pleasure, Hermione settled into the bath.

"What? Nothing to say?" Taunted Draco continuing to bait his witch.

Hermione ignored this comment as well as she called out an order. "Accio glass. Accio wine."

When Draco stuck his head in the door to say goodbye, Hermione looked up in mock surprise. "Hello love. Are you still here? I thought you'd be gone on your boys night out by now."

Draco smiled as he lifted Hermione's chin to kiss her goodbye. "We'll be at F&T. I'll give Seamus and Dean your regards. I won't be late."

"Alright love. Have fun."

/*/

F&T was crowded, so Draco and Theo had to stand on the sidelines until two seats at the bar became available. As soon as Draco and Theo seated themselves, Dean came straight over to say hello and take their drink order while a busy Seamus threw up a hand in greeting.

Several acquaintances came by to say hello including a somewhat smug Anthony Goldstein who acted as though he knew some great secret. Draco tired of the arse after two minutes, and was glad to see the back of him.

After Anthony walked away, Theo explained in a low voice what he planned to do about Declan. Although surprised, Draco did nothing more than nod. Theo was a mate. If he wanted to rewrite his family history, that was his right.

Theo had known Draco for a long time and recognized the fleeting look which had crossed his mate's face. Staring Draco in the eye, Theo asked his opinion.

"Look mate, you're doing what you think is best for your family. I don't have an opinion. Just know that you and Declan have my support. Does this mean your aunt Esther gets off scot-free?"

"It isn't a matter of her getting off at all, Theo replied. "I made the decision to do this because I want Declan to have a good start. Esther and I have discussed this, and I've put the bull shite behind me. She and I will see to it that Declan has the best life possible."

Before reiterating his support, Draco gave Theo a gentle cuff to the arm joking that he must have been a very busy sixteen year old wizard to have produced a now seven year old son.

Theo grinned at Draco's comment. "Yes. That too, although I'm thinking you are one to talk."

Thinking back on his and Hermione's liaisons, Draco shrugged guiltily.

"Just having you on mate. Thanks for the support. I'll need all I can get. You have my permission to share this with Hermione, because Merlin knows I don't want her to think I'm trying to keep my family business away from her. No offense intended, but do me a favor. Ask Hermione to keep the circumstances to herself. The last thing I want is for Declan to hear rumors about his birth. Few know what went on back then. That's how I'd like to keep it."

Even though it annoyed Draco to be reminded of Hermione's past behavior, he assured Theo his business would remain his business.

The two wizards went on to discuss more pleasant matters, but the boys night out was actually turning out to be a bit boring. After one last drink, Theo suggested they call it a night, and Draco concurred.

Although he'd never mention it to Hermione, Draco was a bit bummed that not one witch had stared at his shiny hair.

/*/

Blaise arrived in Scotland just after 5:00 pm on Thursday. He knew Ginny would still be off at work, but he had access. She'd given him the entry key to her room which allowed him entry without a problem.

Once he'd made himself comfortable, Blaise pulled out the ingredients he'd brought with him and began to prepare dinner. By the time his witch arrived at the hotel, he planned to have a dinner fit for his queen.

Blaise took a quick shower and began his preparations. By the time Ginny walked in an hour later, the two room suite was smelling good throughout.

"Hello love," chirped Ginny, rushing over to kiss Blaise. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. Smells heavenly in here. I need to shower then I have a few things to get out of the way, but after we eat, I'm all yours."

Blaise grinned like a madman. "That's what I like to hear. While you're working, I'll place a takeaway liquor order, wine for you, brandy for me." Then Blaise had another thought. "You know what love. Instead of calling in a liquor order, I'm going out to the shops. I want to parade through the main lobby so that piece of shite desk attendant can see me. I'd like to remind him that I'm here….. Again."

Ginny let out a loud howl. "Send out love. Please leave that miserable sot alone. I don't want you in a bad mood if he makes some idiotic remark. We know what he is, let's not wallow in it."

Blaise hurried to the bathroom where he grabbed his naked witch in his arms and whispered hoarsely. "I will do as you say. However, that git only wins because you have me at a disadvantage. I cannot refuse you anything when you are naked in my arms."

"Good." Ginny replied slipping away from Blaise. "I'll gladly get naked for you once I've finished my work. Go order the drinks and have a look at the telly. I won't be long."

Blaise couldn't complain. He was a day early after all.

/*/

Hermione was sitting on the living room couch when Draco arrived home.

"Hello love. You're back early."

"Yes, I am," answered Draco as he plopped down beside her. "I missed you."

"That's crap and you know it. I think boys nights out aren't as fun as they used to be."

Laying his head in Hermione's lap, Draco disputed her comments. "Boys nights out are great. However, I did miss you and wanted to get home in time to ravish you before you fell asleep."

Hermione leaned down to kiss Draco on the side of his face. "I'm glad you're home. Being ravished sounds extremely promising. How are Blaise and Theo?"

"Theo is fine. Blaise wasn't there. He took off early to be with Ginny in Scotland."

"Never thought I'd say this, but I think Ginny is smitten with Blaise. I see a wedding in their future."

Draco pulled himself up. "You might be right. Blaise is smitten as well. One other thing. Theo shared a bit of personal information with me that I'll share with you if you promise to keep it between us."

Hermione bristled. "Are we going to rehash my poor judgment yet again? I was wrong. I've apologized. Can we let it go?"

Draco bristled because Hermione had. "This is not an argument Hermione. I simply want you to know up front that we should keep this news between ourselves. Come here."

With arms folded across her chest, Hermione remained where she was.

"Please love. Let's not do this. Come here."

Unfolding her arms, Hermione shifted so she was leaning against Draco. "Please don't keep referring to my stupid faux pas. I'm quite capable of being discreet. What did Theo tell you?"

Draco also shifted so his arms were resting on Hermione's breasts. Slipping his hands beneath her nightie, Draco gave her a rub and a squeeze before revealing what Theo had shared.

"Really? How will he….?"

Extricating his hands, Draco replied drolly. "How will he what Hermione? Get this past the Ministry? Get this past his friends? Get this past the general public?"

"What I meant," said Hermione taking a deep breath. "What I meant was, Theo is far too young to have a seven going on eight year old son. He wasn't old enough to shag anyone eight years ago."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Says you Hermione. Some wizards start having sex at thirteen years old. Theo is plenty old enough to have a seven year old son."

Hermione wasn't going to let this go. "Okay, just bear with me. I imagine Declan was born in 95-96. Theo couldn't have been more than…."

Hermione was being annoying, so Draco cut across her. "Declan was born in 1996. Theo would have been sixteen which is more than old enough to father a child. The whole premise is he made a child he didn't know about until now. It's not up to us or anyone else to question what Theo was doing with his dick at that time."

Draco's somewhat harsh words caused Hermione to realize she was debating something that had nothing to do with her, but everything to do with life in general. She and Draco had had sex when she was sixteen. She was arguing a moot point.

Extending her hand so it rested in Draco's lap, Hermione smiled at him. "I guess I was just about to get overly verbose yet again."

Draco nodded. "Indeed you were, but we are going to let that go because your hand in my lap is giving me ideas."

Gently rubbing Draco's rapidly firming dick, Hermione whispered she would respect whatever Theo chose to do, but, at the moment, she wanted nothing more than to be ravished.

Draco didn't need to be told twice. Pulling Hermione up from the couch, he wrapped his arms around her and pushed her towards the bedroom. He was not going to procrastinate. He and Hermione arguing back and forth versus a steamy, shagging session. There was nothing to think over. He was in a win-win situation and intended to make the best of it.

/*/

After the ravishing, Hermione was lying with her head on Draco's chest. The errant thought which had popped into her head after the meeting returned, and she tried to discuss it with a drowsy Draco, but was met with a cranky sounding huff.

"You've picked this time of night to talk madness Hermione," groused Draco, throwing an arm across his eyes. "Prosecuting is what you love. You wouldn't be able to go a week without sending some lowlife to prison. What would you do? What would I do with a half mad witch? Perhaps I shouldn't complain. Leaving Granger & Associates would give you plenty of free time to have a houseful of little Malfoys."

Hermione reached over to give Draco a hard pinch on the side.

"Ow," shouted Draco, hastily turning on his side. "Now see what you've done. You've pinched the sleep out of me which means you now have to give me more sex."

Hermione glared at Draco as she pulled herself up onto the pillow. "I'm trying to share my thoughts Malfoy. The truth is, I don't know if I'm serious or not. However, if Severus' plan works out as I think it will, I wouldn't be adverse to working full time in telecommunications."

Draco who had been amused at Hermione's ramblings was now listening intently. Hermione was having thoughts of giving up prosecuting to become a telecommunications specialist. "Really? I'd slow down a bit if I were you love. Why don't you wait until the group has been properly formed and we know what's what? I realize you'd probably be brilliant in any field, but don't do something you might regret."

Hermione sighed as she snuggled up to Draco. "It was just a thought. I'm perfectly happy where I am."

Draco kissed Hermione on the top of her head then pulled her closer offering a smug reply. "I knew that."

Hermione murmured some unintelligible words as she snuggled even closer to her wizard.

They were snuggled up, but lost in their thoughts, so neither fell asleep right away.

Draco was thinking, she really said that. She's barking.

Hermione was thinking, I really said that. I've gone mad.

/*/

When Severus arrived back at the Manor, he immediately called for Elder to fix dinner and bring it to his wing.

Now that he had premises and housing, his next step was to contact the engineers, electricians and contractors who had agreed to assist him when he got funding for his project. Severus hoped he could get them to London fairly quickly. He didn't want to spend another month waiting for the help.

Pulling out a single sheet of paper, Severus wrote a generic message leaving the addressee line blank to be filled in later.

Greetings,

My apologies for this short notice. The time we discussed has come. I have acquired funding for the project as well as secured housing for the workers who will be involved. My core group has been selected, so I look forward to getting this off the ground as quickly as possible. I'll need your response by return Owl whether it is in the affirmative or the negative as I need to know the number of workers that plan to appear.

I look forward to you Owl.

Regards,

Brendan Eilson

Severus Snape

Severus replicated the letter then entered names and addresses with the tip of his wand.

Feeling fairly satisfied, Severus sat down to eat the dinner Elder had quietly placed on the table in his kitchenette. As he chewed his food, Severus thought about Jean. Not usually one to waffle or waver, Severus found himself waffling and wavering. He'd left her behind. Why was she crossing his mind now? As quick as you please, his mind generated a cheeky response. Could it be your stiff dick sir?

Severus laughed out loud at the thought. Although he'd had some longings, a stiff dick was not enough for him to get back on the tiresome treadmill he'd been on with Jean. His dream of the prior three years was about to come to fruition. He didn't have time for anyone to soften his dick.

After finishing his meal, Severus tidied up leaving the dishes and utensils in a neat pile next to his mailings before taking an extremely looong shower.

/**/

Friday was a busy day.

Hermione had an appointment, so she didn't go straight to Granger & Associates. Jack Dillard had requested a meeting. Hermione could only assume it was to go over the cases she'd sent him. Although there wasn't much of anything pressing on her desk, Hermione was a bit annoyed Jack couldn't handle the simplest of cases without her holding his hand.

Seated over tea, Hermione felt ashamed when Jack explained why he wanted to meet with her. It wasn't about any bloody cases. Jack was ill. So ill in fact, he had to give up his practice.

"I could have just as easily told you all this in an Owl, but over the last year you've been kind and helpful to this old wizard, even going as far as to share your cases with my office. I thought this was something I needed to tell you face to face."

Hermione was saddened that Jack would be ending his career on such a low note.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you Jack. I hope you overcome your illness. If you have any loose ends that need tying up, don't hesitate to send the lot over to Granger & Associates. We'd be glad to finish them up."

Giving Jack a somewhat awkward hug, Hermione wished him well one more time before solemnly making her way out of the office. Her visit with Jack had been somewhat humbling as she and most witches and wizards never envisioned anything other than leading long, happy lives. A shiver ran through her body as she remembered how Padma's life had also been cut short. Different scenarios but the same ending.

Hermione was in a pensive mood by the time she got back to her desk. When she finally shook off the mood, Hermione sent an Intra-Ministry message to Draco suggesting they go out for a bit of dinner and dancing. When Draco hadn't responded by late afternoon, she took it upon herself to make reservations at the trendy, new pub in Diagon Alley that boasted of live music and the largest dance floor in London. Tonight, they would dance.

/*/

Gloria sat down with Justin and Terry to get pointers on how to go about presenting her cases. Having lost her self important attitude, Gloria confidently absorbed everything her colleagues shared. The atmosphere in the room was respectful with a small bit of playful rivalry thrown in. Unsure if Gloria was aware of the legal vernacular used when in front of the Wizengamot, Terry made some suggestions in that area as well which were well received. It was a productive meeting, and all three walked away smiling.

Terry also sat down with Walter who was overwhelmed by the work being thrown his way since Gloria had been so busy elsewhere. Terry apologized for not recognizing the problem and assured Walter he would speak to Hermione about hiring additional staff. Walking away from the ginger, another smile appeared on Terry's face as was reminded that Hermione called Walter freckle boy. Terry couldn't argue. The boy's face seemed as though it had never met a freckle it didn't like.

By the time Terry was back seated behind his own desk, he was in such a chipper mood he decided to Owl Della to let her know he'd be picking her up at 7:30 for a date night. Della answered within the hour. She would be delighted to go on a date night.

Terry had a late case and intended to invite Gloria to sit in. He hummed as he gathered the paperwork he'd be taking with him to the courtroom. Their newest prosecutor was going to see a master at work. Without giving her a chance to decline, Terry told Gloria he'd like her to sit in on his case.

"Gather up your notepad Miss Prosecutor and come watch me work."

A surprised Gloria didn't hesitate. She jumped up from her desk, grabbed a pen and notepad and was only two steps behind Terry as he reached the lift doors.

Grinning at her colleague, Gloria pressed the lift button for Wizengamot level before offering a snappy reply. "Alright then Mr. Boot. Show me what you've got."

As the lift descended, Terry stared discreetly at Gloria from the corner of his eye. Now that she'd come down to earth, he was seeing her in a very different light. A light that was warming not only the pit of his stomach, but areas below that as well.

Without turning her head, Gloria told Terry he would go blind if he stared any harder.

"Was I staring?" Asked Terry smugly. "Perhaps just this once you're wrong. You can be wrong you know. Perhaps I was just getting my thoughts in order."

"Yes, perhaps," Gloria answered as she preceded Terry off the lift.

When they entered the courtroom, Terry took his place at the prosecutor's table while Gloria sat in the gallery wondering if she was imagining the signals Terry seemed to be sending. Finding her fingernails extremely interesting, Gloria reminded herself that Terry was spoken for and only looked up when he began addressing the members of the Wizengamot.

/*/

Deciding to spread the resources, Draco, Donald and Brian had separated at the front doors of the Ministry on Friday morning each heading off to a different destination. Draco was off to Devonshire. Brian headed to outer London with Donald off to Great Warley. All three cases had been written down as third level which meant danger was minimal. Even so, the three OTS Agents remained on alert in case some previously undetected force remained at the scene.

Donald and Draco were back in the office by 4:30 commenting on what an uneventful day it had been. They shared a laugh over the fact that none of them had a case in Wales.

Donald migrated over to the Team4 offices to speak to Harry while Draco remained behind smiling over Hermione's Owl. Suddenly, Donald came rushing back shouting that something had happened to Brian.

Dropping Hermione's message down on the desk, Draco jumped up questioning Donald.

"Details Donald. Calm down and give me details. What happened? Where is Brian?"

Taking a deep breath, Donald handed Draco a red alert message from MLE.

OTS Agent Brian Ross was attacked at 15:40 while gathering evidence and clearing a criminal scene. MLE has apprehended the perpetrators, but Mr. Ross was injured and has been taken to St Mungo's. Reports regarding this matter have been turned in as required.

A handwritten notation from MLE wished Brian a speedy recovery.

Neither Donald nor Draco stopped to think about anything. Their colleague had been injured. How badly they did not know. Their only thought was to get to St Mungo's. As Draco and Donald hurried towards the lifts, Harry fell in line insisting that he be allowed to accompany them. Draco didn't care who accompanied them. All he knew was Brian had been injured.

"Tag along if you like Potter, but don't get in our way," spat Draco as he and Donald rushed to the lifts.

Harry wasn't offended. Years ago, he'd gone through the same thing. It wasn't about ego. It was about rescuing a friend. He told Draco and Donald he was simply along for support.

"Fine," muttered Draco as they landed at St Mungo's. "We'll need all the bloody support we can get when Blaise finds out the team separated and went out on their own without backup. We disregarded rule number one."

Harry hesitated for a brief second before revealing what had already been done. "Team4 followed protocol. Blaise has already been notified."

Draco rolled his eyes at Harry, but knew he'd done what was required. He only hoped they had made it there before Blaise.