Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 41
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.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 42
The three wizards caused a stir when they loudly entered St Mungo's, and received a distinct roll of the eyes from the witch at the information desk.
"Lower your voices please," she snapped in a cranky tone. "There are sick witches and wizards here."
"We don't have time for this," mumbled Draco moving closer to the desk. "Agent Malfoy, OTS. Just tell us where they've taken Agent Brian Ross and we'll be glad to leave you to yourself."
Rolling her eyes again, this time with a huff, the witch pointed to a line on the board beside her desk that read, Fourth Floor - Spell Damage before turning her chair completely away from Harry, Donald and Draco.
Draco was not in the mood for the foolishness of some uppity desk clerk and spit out a scathing reply before walking away. "I imagine there wouldn't be any sick witches and wizards sitting in the lobby if you got up off your arse and helped them get to where they need to be."
"Well I never," replied the desk witch.
"And you probably never will," Draco snapped striding to the lifts with Donald and Harry close on his heels.
The mood was serious, but Harry couldn't resist making a snide remark, "And you never will? She had on a wedding ring."
"Poor bastard," muttered Draco as the lift stopped at the Fourth Floor.
The three men hurried to the next desk where a pert, cheery, young Healer beckoned for them to follow her explaining Brian's status as they walked. Even though Brian had been brought to the Spell Damage Ward by the Medi-Wizards, the spell damage was minimal. A spell reversal had been cast and Brian was resting comfortably with nothing more than some slightly burned skin.
Harry and Donald breathed a sigh of relief while Draco stepped into a private area to send a Patronus to Blaise advising him that Brian's injuries were minimal and there was no need for him to cut his weekend short.
Before Draco could stow his wand, Blaise's return Patronus arrived advising Draco that he didn't have any intention of cutting his weekend short. If Brian's injury had been life threatening, he would have received an automatic Ministry notice. Blaise had a few more choice remarks to make by way of three separate Patronuses. He expected a full report on his desk by dawn on Monday.
Draco walked back to the outer area to find Donald and Harry missing. The cute, young Healer advised him that Harry and Donald were already in room 410 with Brian.
Hurrying down the hall, Draco entered the room expecting to find Brian looking like some scaly thing. However, all he found was Donald bombarding a very pink Brian with cheeky remarks.
"Finally," gasped Brian as he looked up to see Draco in the doorway. "If you can see your way clear to make Donald shut the fuck up, I'd be ever so grateful. The entire top half of my body feels like it is being pricked by pins. I can do without Donald's bull shite for the moment."
Donald nudged Harry with his elbow. "For someone who can't collect evidence without winding up in St Mungo's, you have a lot to say. I suggest…"
"Enough Donald," quipped Draco, cutting across his big mouth teammate. "Leave pink boy alone."
While the three wizards smirked over Draco's remark, Brian barked out an order. "Will one of you comedians find a Healer then conjure me a jumper? I'm ready to get out of here. It's time I give up this bed to some poor soul who has real spell damage.
/*/
Brian's arms were still a bit stiff, so he, Harry and Donald stood to the side while Draco paid the bill.
"You owe me Mr. Ross," chuckled a bemused Draco.
"Really? Going there are we? Donald would have paid my bill. Harry would have paid my bill. I would have paid my own bill had you not jumped to the front of the line. Perhaps you haven't noticed I'm moving slower than usual."
"I noticed. Why do you think I moved to the head of the line? It would have been Saturday before your slow arse reached the payment window. I insist that you go home. Donald and I will finish out the afternoon. Hermione and I plan a night out this evening. I think it would be fortuitous if she and I stop by to insure you haven't dried into a crisp."
"I'll take a pass on that visit," remarked Brian with a serious screw face. "Thank you, but I won't have your witch chuckling over my par-boiled countenance. I have the Healer's instructions and remedies. I'll be fine. Thank you for the thought."
As usual, Donald had a reply all ready. "No worries mate. I don't have a date. I'll pick up some takeaway and come over. We can spend the evening discussing you know who."
With a wide grin, Draco softly uttered, "Fuck you both. Let's get out of here so those who are fit for work can get back to OTS."
They all filed out of St Mungo's with Draco, Harry and Donald Apparating away to the Ministry while the very pink Brian braced himself for a painful jump to his flat.
/*/
Severus had been working feverishly on his lovely, detached home all day Friday. There were several imminent repairs that needed to be made, but like any superior wizard, Severus had the repairs done in well under three hours. A few spells here and there and the home had been ready to receive his furnishings, sparse as they were.
Standing back looking at his handy work, Severus was pleased, with himself as well as the house. The repairs had been a walk in the park compared to what had to be done when he first purchased the property in Oregon. Although, much smaller than his Oregon property, his new home was spacious and private, perfectly suited to his needs. Earlier, he had taken a few minutes to order the necessaries, bedroom and living room furniture along with a few utensils and other essentials which were scheduled to be delivered before nightfall.
Along with repairing and furnishing his new home, Severus had set aside time to review the replies which had arrived in answer to his call for workers. He had charged Elder with bringing the mail to his new home, and the house elf had done just that. Several workers had sent their regrets, but most had kept their word and would be ready as soon as Severus set a firm date. He was disappointed with the few, but happy with the rest. He had set the Owls aside to finish up the repairs. However, by the time he had time to get back to the messages, delivery wizards were at his door with his purchases.
/*/
Part of the delivery contract was for the delivery wizards to set everything up to Severus' satisfaction which he allowed them to do. With a wary eye on the delivery wizards, Severus set about reviewing the messages. The quarters he had acquired for workers was standing ready for its occupants. All Severus had to do was give the go ahead. He could have them working on side projects while he got the main project going. With that in mind, Severus invited those who agreed to come to come.
The delivery wizards had completed their job and gone. Severus wasn't one to use the word perfectly too often, but in this case, that's how he felt. Everything had been done perfectly. Severus had one last thing to do before sitting down to dinner. He had to go back to Malfoy Manor to insure his borrowed wing was in order. Lucius and Narcissa had been good enough to offer him shelter. It would be unseemly of him to leave even the slightest thing out of order.
/*/
After a detailed walk through his temporary housing, Severus was sure he'd left everything as he found it. He had a quick conversation with Missy and Elder advising them he had finished moving house and would like any future Owls to be directed to his new home.
Elder spoke for both elves.
"Yes Mr. Severus sir. We be forwarding your Owls. Master Lucius say we to take care of you, so we been taking care of you. We's sad to see you go, but we knowing where you went."
Already in a fairly lighthearted mood, Severus smiled at the elf. "You and Missy have done your job well. I'll be sure to put in a good word with Lucius. You may tell Mr. Lucius I will see him after he gets settled."
"Yes sir Mr. Severus. I'll tell him."
/*/
Severus left the Manor stopping only to get a bit of takeaway for his dinner. The first steps in the project had been taken. On to the next. Over the next hour, Severus ate a leisurely dinner while reading past copies of the Daily Prophet he hadn't been able to get to. Browsing the pages, Severus came across a small notice regarding Kingsley's plans to set up additional departments in the coming days.
Severus was pleased that the legal notification had been made, the quarters in Devon were ready, and the group now had a private area to hold the project meetings. Severus had thought about holding the meetings in his new home, but decided he valued his privacy too much to have people trampling about. There was more than enough space at the contractors compound to set aside a designated meeting area.
Thinking about the witches and wizards who would be arriving in the coming days, turned Severus' thoughts to Hermione and the group spell she was supposed to be tweaking. His hand automatically reached out for paper and pen, but he hastily drew it back. Hermione wasn't a child who had to be nagged into submission. If she said she would have the spell ready in time for the first meeting, she would.
Severus bathed and went to bed a fairly happy wizard.
/*/
Terry easily won his case, and Gloria watched his pompous arse strut around the courtroom like some king rooster. My time is coming, Gloria thought as she laughed to herself. She and Terry would probably end up trying to out strut each other.
Terry approached Gloria and stood over her. "So, there you have it. You've seen the master at work. What do you think?"
"I think," replied Gloria. "That you might not want Hermione to hear you claiming the spot which clearly belongs to her."
A faint tinge of red appeared on Terry's cheeks as he hastily backtracked. "Leave it to the new witch to misconstrue my words. I meant the master at this place and time. Will you wait while I gather my things, or shall we meet back in my office to go over the case. I'd like to hear your thoughts."
"Sounds good. I need to make a stop in the Ladies then grab a tea. I'll meet you upstairs."
Terry saw an opportunity. "I'd like a tea as well. Why don't I meet you in the Food Service Area? We'll bring tea back for everyone. See you in a bit."
A puzzled Gloria was now sure Terry was flirting with her. She just didn't know why.
/*/
After leaving the Ladies, Gloria headed for the lunch area only to spot Terry conversing with a slightly thick, slightly pretty witch with extremely long hair. Hastily changing course, Gloria nearly ran up the heels of Anthony Goldstein who gazed upon her with a wide grin.
"Careful there Miss Isles or you'll knock me over."
An embarrassed Gloria apologized then tried to step around Anthony, but became even more embarrassed when they both moved in the same direction at the same time.
"It seems we are destined to dance," said Anthony moving his hand in a sweeping gesture. "Ladies first."
Gloria turned her head to smile at Anthony looking up in time to see Terry staring at her over Della's head.
Mind your manners Mr. Boot, she thought, moving to the tea service area where she made eight cups of tea to go. Conjuring a box to carry the tea, Gloria was about to head to the lifts when Anthony appeared at her side taking four of the cups from the box.
"Although it's a bit out of the way, it would be my pleasure to help you carry your order."
Nodding, Gloria allowed Anthony to assist her. What an afternoon, she thought. Wizards coming at me left, right and center. What a little change in title can do.
/*/
Anthony gave Hermione a little wave as he and Gloria stopped to hand her a tea.
"Free tea Miss Granger. Courtesy of Miss Isles."
Hermione thanked them and they moved on to the next person. When all the cups had been handed out, Gloria thanked Anthony for his time and help. Anthony accepted Gloria's thanks then walked away smiling.
The only one not smiling was Terry who felt he'd missed out on a very nice chance to flirt.
/*/
It was getting close to the end of the Friday workday and Hermione was mentally going over the contents of her closet. She was ready for a night out. Her mental search stopped at her cute, body hugging, black, mid-thigh shift. She was in the middle of pairing it with her black and red striped heels when she looked up to find Justin standing in her doorway.
"Got a minute Hermione?"
"Of course. Have a seat."
Justin cleared his throat before sharing what was on his mind. "I'm not one to be nosing about."
"Very true Justin. You're not. This sounds serious."
Justin smiled at his superior. "Not serious at all boss, just puzzling. Do you have any idea what's going on between Terry and Gloria?"
"Terry and Gloria," repeated Hermione in surprise giving Justin a side glance. "I really haven't noticed anything amiss."
"That's just it. There isn't anything amiss. They're chatting and laughing as though they've been lifelong friends when they were almost at each other's throats the beginning of the week. It's great that they're getting along, but…."
"But what, Justin?" Questioned Hermione.
Moving closer to Hermione, Justin looked furtively around as though there were eavesdroppers in the area. "But, I think there is something more going on, especially on Terry's part. I think he's trying to chat up Gloria."
Hermione held up her hand. "Stop right there Justin. You know how I feel about gossip. Whatever Gloria and Terry are doing has no bearing on either of us. However, I think you're off the mark there. Terry is dating Della."
Justin was embarrassed. He'd taken the chance to share his thoughts but had been told to mind his business.
"You're right Hermione. I do know how you feel about gossip. I should have kept my thoughts to myself. Please forget I mentioned it. Gloria and Terry are grown. I'll be getting back to my desk. Have a good weekend."
Hermione wished Justin a good weekend as well. She was slipping. She hadn't noticed the interaction between Terry and Gloria after their staff meeting. Shuffling a few papers around on her desk, Hermione hoped Gloria had more sense than to fall for any bull shite coming out of Terry's mouth. Although Terry wasn't a bad guy, he was known for making some inappropriate moves. The lovely Della might be in for trouble.
Rather than go back to mentally raiding her closet, Hermione gathered up her things, said goodnight to the remaining staff and headed to the lifts. It was time for her to get home and get beautiful.
/*/
Draco and Donald finished out the day, but instead of heading for the lifts to start their weekends, they sat down to write up a report for Blaise. It had taken them quite a while to get everything in order because Donald couldn't stop joking about their pink teammate. Draco grinned right along with Donald for the first few jokes, but it was getting late and he wanted to get home. He had promised Hermione a date night.
"Alright Donald, that's enough. Let's get this report down right so we can get out of here."
Donald cast a side long glance at his superior. "No need to get annoyed Draco. The report is fine. You sign it. I'll sign it then we'll be out of here."
Draco reread the report before adding his signature, then handed it to Donald.
"That's done," said Donald after adding his signature. "You have a date. Go home. I'll see that it gets onto Blaise's desk."
Draco gathered his things. "Thanks mate. Enjoy your weekend. I'll see you bright and early on Monday."
"Good weekend mate. I'll give Brian your regards."
"You do that," Draco replied with a grin. "Remind him to stay home on Monday so Blaise doesn't beat his arse on sight."
Donald gave a nervous laugh as he carried the report to Blaise's office. Draco might not be too far off the mark. Brian might not be the only one scheduled to catch hell from the boss.
/*/
Between cleaning and cleaning again, Esther had spent the day wringing her hands and fretting. It was down to a matter of hours when the child who would not be her child would come walking through the front doors. Esther had washed all her clothes and cast a sweet smelling charm throughout her rooms and surrounding areas. Merlin knows she wanted everything in order for Declan's arrival, because the last thing she wanted was to upset an already anxious Theo.
/*/
Cely had been following Esther around until disappearing with a pop after a sharp word from Esther. Esther felt a bit ashamed for chastising the elf knowing she was only trying to help, but not ashamed enough to summon Cely back. It was time for her to stand on her own two feet. Time for her to become a great aunt.
After a relaxing soak, Esther climbed into bed praying for the strength to carry out Theo's plan.
/*/
Esther wasn't the only one worried. Even though Theo had everything in place, he was a nervous wreck. Declan would be arriving early in the morning to meet the father he never knew he had. Theo knew if he could get past those first few hours, he could make everything else fall into place. Still pacing up and down, Theo summoned a bottle of Ogden's and a glass and made himself a drink even as the items hovered in the air in front of him. Finally giving in, Theo grabbed the Ogden's out of the air and took a seat. The drinks served their purpose. After two drinks, Theo was feeling much more relaxed.
Declan's room was ready. His closet was ready, and his menus had been set. There wasn't anything else to be done. Tomorrow would be there before he knew it.
/*/
In Ireland, Declan Cobb was experiencing a mixed bag of emotions while getting the last of his things together for his first and permanent trip to London. According to his Uncle Conor, he was going to meet the father who never knew he existed. Declan was only seven years old, but he wasn't stupid. All his life he'd lived with the fact that he'd been sent to live with grandmum because no one in England wanted him. Suddenly, he wasn't an unwanted child. He was a lost child. Declan wished his Uncle Mick was there to relieve some of his confusion. Had his uncle been pulling his leg all these years? A young, inquiring mind wanted to know.
With his last few things added to the bags that had been sitting against the wall for the last week, Declan closed the bags and plopped down on the side of the bed. There was no getting out of it now. The die had been cast.
/*/
Conor knew Declan was in flux, but didn't want to play into the anxiety. Instead, he was trying to make the night seem as normal as possible.
"Declan lad, it's time for supper. I've fixed your favorite lamb and vegetables. Come to the table."
"Fixing me lamb are you? Joked Declan. "Seems like you're trying to butter me up for something."
"What did I tell you about that fresh mouth Declan? Remember your place. I'm your uncle. I don't have to butter you up. I figured we would have a nice meal for your last night in Ireland. Now get your ass to the table and sit down."
Declan walked meekly to the kitchen table and sat down. "Why are you so angry? It was a joke uncle. I should be allowed a joke seeing as this is my last night in this house."
Conor sighed. His words had come out more harshly than intended. "You're right Declan. You should be allowed a joke. I guess I'm just a little on edge. Mick said he'd try to get here for our last meal together, but probably got held up. No matter though, because Mr. Nott has assured me that Mick and I are welcome to visit you. You haven't seen the last of our asses."
Declan smiled at his irreverent uncle. "You're going to have to watch your mouth when you come to London. I think Mr. Nott wouldn't approve."
Conor winked at his nephew even though he knew there probably wouldn't be too many visits to London. The invitation had been offered, but it was one Conor knew Theo Nott hoped would never be used.
/*/
Uncle and nephew ate in silence until the front door banged open. "It would seem you dirty bastards have started without me."
Declan jumped up from the table and ran to the husky wizard standing in the doorway grabbing him tightly about the waist. "Uncle Mick. You made it. I knew you would. Go wash up then get to the table. By the way, you'll need to be watching that mouth. Uncle Conor may be a dirty bastard, but I'm a fine, young wizard."
Laughing at Declan, Conor jumped up to hug his brother. "Nice to see you brother. Pay no mind to the little pissant. He needs a slap across the butt, and I'm the uncle who will do it."
"I'm just following orders," replied Declan softly.
"No problem lad," Mick replied ruffling Declan's hair. "Sounds like some bullshit your Uncle Conor has been spewing. Now move over. I'm as hungry as a Hungarian Horntail."
/*/
Declan kept stealing glances at his Uncle Mick. There were things he wanted to know, but hesitant to ask.
Mick finally gave Declan a soft cuff about the ears asking what the hell was he staring at.
Not one to be cowed, Declan replied in a voice almost as loud as Mick's. "I want to know a few things."
"Do you now? Well, stop staring and start asking before I give you another cuff."
"Alright, I will. Is it true my father didn't know he had a son until now? You've always told me that no one wanted me and that's why I landed with grandmum. Mr. Nott, my father, says different. Have you lied to me all these years?"
Mick gave Conor a quick glance as he laid his fork down and turned in his chair to face Declan. "It was my belief that your father didn't want anything to do with you. I have since learned better. I'm sorry for telling you stories that had little truth to them. I now understand that your father is a decent man who is anxious to be united with the son he never knew he had."
Declan gave Mick's face a searching look before picking up his own fork to finish the piece of lamb still on his plate. "Thank you. I was beginning to think you were a big, fat liar."
Conor and Mick both smiled at their favorite, brash little lad and continued their meal even with the lie still hanging from Mick's lips.
/*/
After supper, Mick shared a bit of good news. "I asked Conor not to say anything in case I couldn't make it, but I'm here, so obviously I made it. I've rearranged my schedule and will be accompanying you and Conor to London tomorrow, if that's alright with you."
"Are you balmy uncle? Of course it's alright with me. Right, Uncle Conor?" Asked Declan glancing over at Conor.
"I'd expect nothing else," answered Conor. "We have to show Theo Nott we have his son's best interest at heart. Which of course we do."
"Good," replied Declan in a trembling voice. "It's been decided. Both my uncles will see me to my new home. I like that."
Conor and Mick heard the tremor in Declan's voice, but said nothing. If life had turned a different way, their nephew would never have heard of Theo Nott and definitely wouldn't be getting uprooted to go live in London. But life had turned another way, so it was what it was.
/*/
Hermione was listening to Draco explain about Brian as she dressed. For once, she didn't interrupt, but as soon as he finished she began to question the team's behavior.
"You were in charge Draco. What were you thinking? That's why there are rules. I would have thought you knew better. Luckily, Brian wasn't badly injured. It could have been so much worse. Has anyone contacted Blaise? What does he think of all this?"
What started off as a light conversation had turned into something else. Something Draco didn't care for, so he walked into the bathroom closing the door with a snap. He had been trying to share news of his day, but suddenly found himself bombarded with negative criticism which annoyed him to no end. Hermione meant well, but sometime she could be a bit much. Figuring he had procrastinated in the bathroom long enough, Draco walked back into the bedroom to find Hermione sitting on the edge of the bed eager to finish her assault.
"You could be written up for that you know," she continued as though he hadn't walked away. "Blaise will probably…."
"Alright Hermione. I get the gist. I made a mistake. It won't happen again. Can we just drop it?"
"We can drop it, but it wasn't just any mistake. It was a bloody, stupid mistake. The rule is…."
Draco bristled. He despised the word stupid which he felt was insulting as well as demeaning. "I know the rule Hermione," he replied sharply, cutting her off in mid sentence. "Rest assured, I'll try to be less stupid next time."
Folding her arms across her chest, Hermione glared at Draco. "There's no need to get huffy. I was simply trying to impress on you that actions have consequences."
"Well, you've impressed me. You've been going on about it for the last fifteen minutes, so this stupid wizard thinks he finally understands. Our reservations are for 8:00. We should be going."
Hermione balked as she shot back an answer. "I'm not going anywhere if you plan to remain in your current pissy mood. I can easily stay home and read a book."
"Fine. You and your supercilious tone may do as you wish," remarked Draco coolly as he ripped the tie from around his neck. "Even as stupid as I am, I believe I can find my way to dinner on my own."
/*/
Hermione could feel the anger building as she watched Draco change into a more casual jacket before storming from the house without a word. What the hell just happened? He had obviously walked out because of her constructive criticism. But why? They were having a simple conversation, then they weren't. She thought Draco was being a complete arse over something he'd done wrong. Perhaps he'd think twice before putting himself and his team in danger in the future.
Angrily, she Accio'd a glass of wine which ended up spilling all over her lovely, black dress because she had applied too much power for a simple summoning charm. Jumping up, Hermione countered the spill with a Tergeo. The wine spill disappeared, but the smell lingered. Mumbling to herself, Hermione stepped out of the dress and threw it aside.
During the mumbling rant, it suddenly occurred to Hermione where it had all gone wrong. She had used the dreaded S word. Draco had explained many times how much he detested the word stupid, in any context, because he and his parents had heard it so much from Voldemort.
Hermione sat there half angry and half remorseful letting out sigh after sigh. She'd been so eager to give Draco her opinion of his mistake, she'd overdone it. She shouldn't have used the word. On the other hand, Draco really didn't have to storm out of the house like some child who had been chastised over bad behavior.
/*/
Hermione was in the middle of her twentieth sigh when she looked around to see Draco standing in the doorway with a sheepish grin on his face.
For several seconds, they just looked at each other. Finally, Draco spoke.
"Where are your clothes? We have a date night planned. I apologize for walking out. It was stupid."
Hermione strode across the room and threw herself into Draco's arms. "I accept your apology and counter with one of my own. As for my lovely outfit, I spilled wine on it. It will take me a minute to find another." Pulling away, Hermione headed for their bedroom, but turned back halfway across to blow Draco a kiss and offer a bit of cheek. "You, Mr. Malfoy, are sexy as hell when you're contrite."
Smiling appreciatively at Hermione's backside as she walked away, Draco mumbled that he'd have to be contrite more often.