Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 46
Severus was a bit aggravated, but in a state of anticipation as well. He had received a lengthy letter from Jean in which she had ticked off each and every reason why they should be together. The letter was so blunt, Severus couldn't keep from smiling. Jean had made salient points with which Severus couldn't disagree. In fact, now that his project had been presented and accepted, and that load of worry was off his mind, being with Jean didn't seem undesirable at all.
Severus leaned back in the chair visualizing the brilliant, sensual, sweat soaked witch lying beside him in his Oregon bed after an extremely intense round of sex. Jean was not only his equal when it came sex, but a formidable research partner as well.
/*/
A small smile played across Severus' mouth as he reached for a few sheets of paper and a pen. Jean would be so surprised. Not to hear from him as they had been corresponding, but at the content of this letter. He was inviting her to come to London for a brief stay as his primary researcher and sexual relief. If she found either or both positions acceptable, they could talk about making the change permanent.
Once the letter had been picked up by International Owl Services, Severus allowed himself five minutes to wonder if he'd done the right thing. After the fifth moment, all doubt was cast aside as the telecommunications master hurried to the shower to relieve the throbbing erection that had formed at the thought of Jean coming to climb back into his life and his bed.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 47
Blaise spent most of Monday with a shite eating grin plastered across his face. It wasn't as though he was happy with the chastising he'd given two of his top agents, but they'd left him no choice. The entire department was aware of what had gone on, and that wasn't good for his reputation or management style, so….. Perhaps, in the future, Draco, Donald and Brian would refrain from taking short cuts.
The upshot of this mess was his department had remained loyal to him. No one had mentioned the incident outside of OTS, and neither had he. Therefore it hadn't traveled any farther than the department doors. It hadn't really been necessary for him to face Kingsley or Kingsley's smarmy assistant. Be that as it may, if his best mate and his two cohorts pulled another rubbish trick such as this, all three would be looking for new positions.
Having rehashed the cock up until there wasn't anything left to think about, Blaise turned to his own work.
/*/
After a tumultuous evening of listening to Narcissa go on about his and Draco's negative interaction, Lucius was up and in in his private study almost at first light. He'd had his fill of listening to his wife. His study was a respite. Narcissa wouldn't dare bring her harping to his inner sanctum. Settling back in his most comfortable chair, Lucius began to review Severus' telecommunications plan.
There really wasn't any need for the review as Lucius knew the prospectus/plan backwards and forwards. It was just something to do until a more reasonable hour when he could send Severus an Owl. Lucius was back home. It was time for him to put his galleons where his mouth was and make a firm commitment to telecommunications. Lucius was aware that his word was good enough for Severus. However, this project had become very important to him and several of his closest friends. Like Lucius, none wanted to be left by the wayside when Severus' idea came to fruition as they thought it would.
Lucius waited until precisely 7:00 am to send the Owl, and wasn't a bit surprised to receive a return Owl from Severus at 7:20.
Lucius,
There is much going on, but feel free to stop by the office so we might discuss this matter. You do know your word is as good as a bond. It really isn't necessary for you to go out of your way. I have the list of investor names you provided, including yours. An influx of investor money is most welcome to the project, but as I said, not necessary at this point in time. However, having known you for more years than I care to remember. I realize you will not be swayed from your purpose. Why don't we meet at 1pm, and I will have the necessary forms and documents ready for your signature as well as those to be taken to the other investors.
Severus
With those ends tied up, Lucius felt relaxed enough to have a bit of breakfast. He called out for Elder who appeared with a pop.
"Yes Master Lucius," Elder offered with his customary small bow.
"I'd like a breakfast consisting of two eggs over soft, two sausages, white toast and a cup of Missy's excellent coffee. I'll have it here in my study."
"Right away Master Lucius," replied Elder before disappearing with another pop.
Breakfast wasn't long in coming. As he ate, Lucius pondered the future of telecommunications and what it would mean to the magical world. Being Lucius, he also reflected on the position he intended to take in the brave, new enterprise. Whatever Severus and his teams needed, he would gladly help provide.
After breakfast, Lucius leaned his head against the back of the chair intending to enjoy a few minutes of relaxation before taking a shower. Lucius relaxed a little too much, and drifted off to sleep. If not for a noise at the door of his study, Lucius might have slept on. However, as soon as his eyes opened, Lucius could tell by the slant of the light coming through the window that it was at least midmorning. Hastily rising from the chair, Lucius wasted no time before heading for his and Narcissa's wing of the manor which he found empty except for a short note from his wife. Narcissa was off on a shopping trip with Eloise Thayer wife of Edmund Thayer his close friend and a potential investor.
"Thank Merlin for small favors." Lucius grumbled to himself as he prepared for his shower. "The woman will be the death of me.
Once dressed, Lucius was eager to get to Severus' office to get his name down on file as a partial owner of the next, big magical thing.
/*/
As chuffed as Justin was for Terry and Gloria, he couldn't help wonder how Terry had divested himself from Della so easily. The last he knew, Della and Terry had been all lovey dovey cheery. Justin knew his work mate to be devious on occasion. He hoped this wasn't one of them.
Justin was so deep in his thoughts about his colleagues that he blushed purple when he looked up to find Gloria standing at his desk looking as though she was lost for words.
"Have I interrupted some kind of frivolous daydream Justin? You are positively magenta. I'll just leave you to your thoughts and come back later."
Justin called after Gloria inviting her back into his office. "No frivolous thoughts Gloria. Just some random musings. Please have a seat. What can I do for you?"
Unable to resist a small chuckle, Gloria had pushed on. "I'd like to get your thoughts on the case I'll be presenting Wednesday morning."
"You have everything down cold," replied Justin. "You've studied your opponent. You've gotten his tactics down cold. You know everything there is to know about the accused and his charges. All you have to do is present a strong case, which I know you will. Just don't over think. If you need any assistance, I'll be right there in second chair."
"Thanks for being so supportive Justin. I just don't want to muck up my first solo case."
Justin smiled. "Alright. Now I think you're just fishing for compliments. You'll be fine. By the way, congratulations to you and Terry. I wish you a long and happy relationship. If you ever get pissed off at him, please don't get me in the middle, because I will be the most neutral bloke you've ever run into."
Gloria gave an uncharacteristically loud laugh accompanied by sort of a snort. "Funny Mr. neutral. That will not happen simply because Hermione would kill me first. Seriously, I'd never put you in that position."
"Good. I guess I only have to worry about the other one, because he would definitely pull me into the middle."
They both laughed as Gloria stood to leave the office. "Thanks for your counsel Justin. I won't be back."
Rubbing his face hoping he was no longer magenta, Justin began a review of one of the upcoming cases he would be presenting. I'm an arse, he thought to himself.
/*/
Although he had awakened fairly early, Declan remained lying quietly in his bed reading one of his many books. His gram had given him a few books, but nothing akin to the stacks of books his father had purchased for him. With his eidetic memory, Declan had already memorized most of the contents of The History of Magic, and several others as well. He wanted to make Theo proud.
Theo, he whispered aloud before revising his sentence to reflect the nature of their relationship. Not Theo. My father. Declan gave a little stretch as he thought, I have a father. A real father, and an aunt who want to see me do good. A father and an aunt who love me. Gram would be so happy.
The thought of his gram brought to mind the uncles. He would truly miss them. Even though he now had a wonderful father, Declan hoped Mick and Conor wouldn't forget him. He adored his uncles. If they forgot about him, he would track them down when he came of age.
Declan's was cut off in mid thought when his bedroom door opened and Theo peeked in.
"Just waking up son?"
"No father. I've been awake for quite some time. I've just been reading through one of my books."
Theo was surprised. He had figured Declan would be up, bathed, dressed and ready for breakfast at this hour. "You have all the time in the world to read your books. Why aren't you bathed and dressed? Cely would have been very glad to assist you."
Putting the book aside, a solemn Declan replied with an unexpected answer. "You haven't told me the rule about mornings father. I didn't know you expected me to start on my own."
Theo didn't like the quivering he was hearing in Declan's voice and set about remedying the situation. Reaching out to touch his son on the shoulder, Theo apologized. "You're right Declan. I haven't set the rules for morning behavior, so I'll set things straight right now. You do not have to lie in bed until your aunt or myself shows up at your door. This is your home as much as it's mine. You have full run of your home except for my office. When you wake in the morning, get your bath, get dressed then call Cely to assist you with starting your day. Have I made myself clear?"
Staring at Theo with wide eyes, Declan responded quickly. "Yes, father. Everything is quite clear now. Thank you. I really wasn't sure how much longer I could lay here needing a pee and rubbing a growling stomach. If you'll excuse me, I'll have that pee now."
Theo watched Declan head to the loo at a run. He'd made a mistake thinking Declan would just assimilate. For the future, he'd have to be careful not to take things for granted.
By the time Declan finished his pee, his bath and got dressed, Cely had his breakfast on the table. Between bites, all Declan did was smile. The entire house except for his father's office was his to enjoy.
/*/
Draco and Donald were commiserating over box lunches when once again Blaise appeared with the noxious grin they'd had to endure all morning. They had fucked up, but Blaise was being ridiculous with his, what could only be called, stalking. At every turn, there he was, nodding and smiling.
"We're taking our Ministry authorized lunch break. Would you please take that smarmy arsed smile somewhere else. It's killing my appetite," snapped Draco.
"Ministry authorized is it?" Sniped Blaise. "Suddenly my mate is interested in Ministry rules. That's interesting. For the moment, I'll ignore that Malfoy tone in your voice Draco. What I won't do is let either of you off without a bit of harassment, so suck it up boys. I'll be watching you until I'm not. Enjoy your lunch."
Draco shoved his lunch across the table. "Blaise is being a fu…"
Donald cut across Draco's rant. "We deserve it. It could be worse. Blaise could have followed protocol and reported us to Kingsley. We would have suffered consequences far more dire than a taunting smile. Let's just keep our heads down and do what needs to be done. I may be way off base here, but I feel as though Blaise will give us the rough treatment for a couple of days then he'll relent."
Draco didn't bother to offer a reply. Instead, he jumped up, tossed his uneaten lunch into the rubbish bin and left the room in a huff.
Donald shrugged as he watched his volatile supervisor stride out the room. "Good talk there Draco." He retorted sarcastically to no one in particular.
As Head of OTS, Blaise knew his churlish behavior was pushing Draco to the end of his patience, so he made the decision to back off the pair a bit. He had made his point.
Back in the Team1 offices, an enraged Draco was off in a corner working furiously saying nothing. Harry who stopped in to speak to Rick had initially been amused by Blaise's little joke, but now thought things had been taken too far. He decided to give Draco his space as there was nothing nice that would come from tangling with a frustrated and angry Draco Malfoy. Both Harry and Rick hoped Blaise would take another tack to push his point home as this one definitely wasn't working. In fact, it seemed to be doing more harm than good. The joke had soured. Separate from each other, each man decided to have a chat with their Head.
As the fates would have it, Harry and Rick appeared at Blaise's door within minutes of the other. Deciding it would appear as though they were double teaming Blaise, Rick decided he should be the one to do the talking. Harry gladly acquiesced.
Rick's chat with Blaise went well with Blaise agreeing that enough was enough. "Believe it or not Rick I am of the same mind. I plan to speak to Draco and Donald at the end of the day. They will not get out of their punishment, but today is the first and last day they'll have me up their arses. Thanks for stopping in. I'm grateful for your candor."
True to his word, Blaise did a sort of mea culpa in his short, end of day meeting with Donald and Draco. Although Draco didn't add much to the conversation, the air was considerably clearer when the three wizards parted for the evening.
/*/
At 5:40, a surprised Hermione looked up from what she was doing to find a weary looking Draco standing in her doorway.
"Hello love," she said, getting up from the desk. "This is a surprise. Have you tracked me down to continue the talk we started last night?"
The talk was the farthest thing from Draco's mind at the moment. He just wanted the company of the witch he loved. "Nope," answered Draco a bit too brightly.
Hermione gave him one of her famous side eye looks. "Overcompensate much Malfoy?" She replied just as brightly. "Sit down. I'll get us a tea. Then you can tell me just why you have appeared at the doors of Granger & Associates. I'll be quick."
Draco sat down. How could he explain to Hermione why he was at her door when he didn't really know himself. Actually, he did know. His pride had taken a beating, and he had gone running to his witch. The witch he was supposedly going to set straight. The thought did pass through his mind that this was part of the problem. Since when had Blaise taking the mickey out of him laid him this low, or low at all? He was becoming a piss poor facsimile of himself, and not just in his romantic life. This was something he couldn't blame on Hermione. It was all him.
By the time Hermione returned with the tea, Draco had come around to himself. Before taking a sip, he answered Hermione's question with a half truth. "I am at your door because I want us to stop by Severus' office. My father Owled today to remind me of my duty to support my godfather's endeavor."
Hermione was a bit confused. "It's my belief we are already doing that. What have I missed?"
"You've missed nothing. It's true we are on the team project. However, the support my father is referring to is sign on as an early investor."
"Ah. Investing. Excellent idea. I think we should. I have a bit of money put aside I wouldn't mind investing with Severus. Perhaps I'll sign on as well."
Draco smiled into his cup of tea. He had successfully deflected Hermione away from any probing inquiries about his appearance at her office. His witch wasn't one to pass up an opportunity. Draco felt a bit guilty about his piece of misdirection, but felt satisfied he hadn't come undone in front of her.
While Hermione finished up, Draco had time to contemplate that while Hermione was a factor in his personality change, he himself was the most culpable as he was allowing his Malfoy edge to be whittled away. The buck had to stop somewhere. Right then, Draco made a decision. He would stop being that wizard who bent over backwards to be in everyone's good graces. The world, including Hermione, would have to take him as he was, or not take him at all. It was a powerful thought after all he'd had to endure to be accepted back into London circles, but Draco felt it was what he had to do.
"Lost in thought Mr. Malfoy," asked Hermione.
"Not at all Miss Granger," Draco replied suavely simultaneously taking Hermione by the arm. "Just waiting for my witch to conclude her business."
Hermione noticed the small spark of energy that accompanied Draco's response. She responded with some Granger cheek. "Well wizard, your witch has finished concluding, and is waiting on your arse."
Holding fast to Hermione's arm, Draco leaned in to kiss her on the nose. "And, it's an arse worth waiting for I've been told. Shall we be off?"
"Yes let's," Hermione answered in response. "We should have sent an Owl."
"No Owl necessary. It's not like we are intruding into Severus' home. We're going to the office. Severus will be fine with it. He'll be glad to see you. You always brighten up his day, except when you don't."
Hermione called Draco a right git as she twisted her two fingers into his skin in a hard pinch.
Draco gave a soft chuckle as he pulled Hermione tighter to him.
Then they were off.