Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 48

Theo shook his head at the seven year old boy sitting across from him. If any part of what Mick and Conor had disclosed about Declan was true, formidable wouldn't cover it. At the same time, Theo hoped all these supposed powers were not something inherited from the blood of Theo Nott, Sr.

"Alright young man. Thank you for keeping me company during my dinner. Please go prepare for bed. I'll be in to say goodnight. There's no need to bathe in the evening. Once in the morning will be good enough for now. Don't forget to say goodnight to your Aunt Esther."

Declan waved happily at his father as he headed towards Aunt Esther's room to say goodnight.

/*/

It had really been a long, tiring day for Theo. After a stop in the main bathroom to relieve himself, he said goodnight to Declan and Esther before retiring to his quarters for the night.

Lying in his bed on the verge of sleep, Theo let out a soft chuckle over his dinner conversation with Declan. The boy was going to be a handful. And that was alright. Declan would grow up in a much different atmosphere than he had.

//

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 49

It was late, but Esther Nott was wide awake. She hadn't ever had a day like today. The son she thought would be some kind of monster was instead a gem. He was gregarious, engaging, intelligent and very spontaneous. He'd hugged her at least twice during their lovely sojourn to the park. The first hug had taken Esther quite by surprise. The second, not so much. She and Declan interacted as though they'd know each other for ages. She really liked the child. Beyond that, she was staying in Theo's home experiencing a good life. Esther's heart swelled. This new generation was offering her things she'd never had, and never expected to have. And Theo. She was so thankful her nephew was nothing like his father.

The feelings coursing through Esther's body were so new, she really couldn't contain herself. Nothing in her life so far had prepared her for a bout of happiness.

Esther was embarrassed, because the feelings were not only warming her heart, they were warming that despicable place between her legs as well. Thanks to Theo, Esther recognized she still had a place between her legs. She and Theo had had a discussion about fault, and hadn't minced words. He had advised her that rape, and that's what it had been, was not her fault, and she should start to work on herself if she ever wanted any kind of social life. It was at that point the conversation had become so personal that both she and Theo had walked away embarrassed.

So there she sat, in her feelings, remembering that conversation with Theo, the wonderful day she'd had with Declan, and the promise of a decent life. Esther was a little frightened she was living someone else's life.

One thing she had decided was to visit Gringotts to withdraw some funds then go on an excursion down Diagon Alley to purchase some witch essentials. With a clean bill of health from her healer, and her new, positive outlook, perhaps she really could have some semblance of a social life.

/**/

The first thing Tuesday morning, Severus sent a message to all group members rescheduling that evening's meeting until Thursday. He sent an additional Owl to his trusted foreman advising that he'd be away for most of Tuesday and Wednesday as well. With that done, Severus completed his morning toilet then prepared a breakfast for two. He might be off the mark by a few hours, but he was sure Jean would turn up fairly soon.

/*/

In Oregon, Jean was running hither, thither and yon trying to get everything ready for her trip to London. She had shrunken down just about her entire wardrobe not knowing how long she would be away.

"Okay! What am I overlooking?" Jean asked herself as she walked the flat. "Whatever. If I haven't packed it, I don't need it."

Glancing at her Wonder Witch Watch, Jean swore softly under her breath. Her International Portkey would be ready in thirty minutes. She hastily stuffed her bag and jumper pockets then hurried to the bathroom for a pee and a face wash. It was time. Time to go see if she could catch a wizard and hold him.

Jean reached the Portkey Office with ten minutes to spare. During those ten minutes, she had time to mull over her good fortune. It had been somewhat of a miracle to open the Owl from Severus to see the words, would you be willing to come to London to be my right hand? She had broken a speed record returning his Owl. Of course she would come to London, Of course she would be his right hand and his left hand and anything else he wanted. She loved him. Besides, working closely with him would cut down the chance of his fancy falling on another witch.

"Miss Bradford. Calling Miss Jean Bradford." Jean was in such deep thought the Portkey Agent had to call her twice.

"Sorry," apologized Jean as she hurried to the window. "My first trip to Britain. I guess the excitement is catching up with me."

The agent who was probably used to all sorts coming through the office simply nodded.

Jean thanked him then stepped up to the Portkey Departure station, and was on her way.

/*/

Draco received Severus' notice about the cancelled meeting early Tuesday, and was a bit surprised. How many times had Severus mentioned how important these meetings were to the project? Draco hoped nothing had gone wrong. Putting the letter aside, Draco remembered to Owl Theo. Then he turned his attention to the never ending review of other agent's work.

"This is bull shite. My services would be better utilized leading my team not cleaning up after other agents."

"Still complaining then Draco?" Asked Blaise who had come up behind Draco unnoticed. "Stop acting as though you've been penalized unfairly. You are the leader of Team3. I'd expect shortcuts from Donald, and perhaps Brian, but not from you. If you can't wrap your head around that, I think you aren't the real Draco Malfoy."

Blaise was on his way out of the room when Draco called after him. "First off, I wasn't complaining. I was letting off steam. Secondly, I realize my behavior was less than stellar. Whether you believe it or not, I agree with the punishment. Lastly, having known me all these years, I'm insulted you would question my true intent. The decision I made last Friday was not to circumvent the rules. It was to get the job done more expeditiously. I have admitted to making a bad decision. Let's leave my character out of it. If you've finished trying to assassinate my character, I'll get back to this mundane work."

Blaise paused for several seconds before clapping Draco on his back. "That's the fierce

Malfoy I know and love. Welcome back. Just be sure to let off steam in a lower voice. Others may think you're whining, and that wouldn't do. I've decided you and Donald may take on new cases starting Monday, 5/10. Brian will remain in the offices to take care of, what did you call it, the mundane. I have meetings most of the day, so I'll go over this first thing in the morning, at which time I'll share with Donald what I've just shared with you. No need for Mr. Macomber to get the impression I'm favoring you. I'll see you both at 8:30. Have a good afternoon mate."

"You as well Blaise. 8:30 it is."

/*/

The response from Theo arrived in the mid-morning mail. Theo was fine with he and Hermione coming over to meet Declan, and have dinner, suggesting they come before 6:00 in order to spend time with Declan before dinner.

Draco sent Hermione an intra-Ministry Owl confirming their visit to Theo's. Then he had gone back to verifying reports with a much more even disposition.

/*/

Hermione also received her message from Severus regarding the meeting. Unlike Draco, Hermione wasn't worried. She knew this project was very important to Severus. He wouldn't cancel without a significant reason. Shrugging, Hermione set the message aside to pick up her second Owl of the day.

Miss Granger,

I am writing to inform you about the snake you have working in your premises. This despicable person has played a nice witch wrong while pursuing another witch he considers more his level. Much like you've done in the past. A nice girl has been hurt, and I intend to see Mr. Boot get his just rewards. If the valued prosecutor Miss Isles gets in the way, I intend to see her unmasked as well.

Don't worry. You have not been singled out. I have sent basically the same message, worded a bit differently, to Mr. Boot, Minister Shacklebolt and The Daily Prophet. Perhaps someone will understand that those who represent our legal system should be above reproach.

Sincerely,

A former admirer

Hermione read the message over three times before letting out a snort of anger. There hadn't been any reason for the writer to mention names. Hermione knew exactly what this was about, and probably who had sent the letter. In actuality, the letter was nothing. Anyone could make spurious claims. However, others might not see it the same way. While Kingsley had the greatest faith in her, Hermione knew he wouldn't want allegations of any sort popping up in The Daily Prophet that besmirched anyone or any part of his Ministry.

Although Terry and Gloria had disclosed their relationship to her, Hermione realized her rules weren't in sync with Ministry rules. She also didn't know if Terry and Gloria had disclosed all. The smartest thing she could do was get in front of this with Kingsley.

Tucking the letter inside her robes, Hermione notified Walter she would be away from her desk. She also left messages for Terry and Gloria to see her before leaving for the evening.

/*/

Neither Anthony nor Percy was at his desk so Hermione knocked softly on Kingsley's door.

"Enter," called out Kingsley who rose from his chair to greet Hermione.

"Hermione," greeted Anthony drolly from a chair across from Kingsley's desk.

"Anthony," Hermione responded just as drolly before turning back to face the Minister.

"May I have a private word Minister?"

Kingsley gestured for Anthony to leave the room. As soon as the door closed behind Anthony, the Minister who shared all but the most private business with his Assistant took a different tone.

"You know me well Hermione, so you must know turning up at my door without an appointment and requesting Anthony leave the room does not sit well with me. I find it rude and arbitrary. Whatever you need, please make it quick."

Hermione hadn't thought ahead. These weren't the old days when she and Harry had full access to Kingsley. In fact, she was something of an interloper. Kingsley had allowed her to open offices in The Ministry, but she wasn't a Ministry employee. Now, she had interrupted his business day with bull shite.

Well, she thought. Here goes nothing.

"I apologize Minister. It wasn't my…."

Kingsley waved his hand. "Yes, yes Hermione. You have my attention. Please get on with it."

Pulling the letter from her pocket, Hermione explained a little bit about the situation before handing the letter to Kingsley.

Kingsley read the letter. His only remark was to ask Hermione why she had brought the letter to him.

"I wanted to get out ahead of this. It might be a small thing, but I didn't want you to be blindsided if the Daily Prophet decided to play it up."

An annoyed Kingsley put down the pen he'd been rolling through his fingers. "Are you telling me there is some truth to these allegations. Has Mr. Boot acted immorally? Is there a relationship between him and another of your Prosecutors?"

Hermione sighed. She'd made a mess of things. "To my knowledge, Terry has not acted immorally, and yes, he is in a relationship with Gloria Isles. They disclosed their relationship to me yesterday."

Kingsley remained silent for several seconds as though carefully choosing his next words. "I take issue with this entire situation. It should have been handled immediately. Had you abided by Ministry rules, this would be a non-issue, because either Mr. Boot or Miss Isles would have been let go. You are in charge of your offices. Correct? Why has the Ministry and The Daily Prophet been brought into this at all?"

"The letter wasn't signed, but I imagine it is from a witch in Magical Transportation named Della, or one of her close friends."

"You imagine?" Kingsley asked loudly. "This could be some kind of foul joke perpetrated to make you look bad. There are employees who have to follow the rules, but you make exceptions for your people. Please." He said, holding up both hands. "I've heard enough. Get your employees in line Hermione. If you cannot do that, I suggest you move your offices to a building where rules don't apply. That will be all. I have a full day. Please ask Anthony to step in on your way out. Have a good day."

"Thank you for your time Minister."

/*/

Hermione told Anthony he was wanted in Kingsley's office and received an eye roll for her troubles.

Ah, Anthony, she thought. Just one more thing in a line of things she'd done wrong in the past few months.

Hermione walked to the lifts feeling as though she was carrying a weight on her shoulders. Perhaps Kingsley was right. Perhaps the letter was a piece of shite joke meant to do nothing more than embarrass her and Terry. Kingsley hadn't received a letter. Maybe The Daily Prophet hadn't either. She had certainly embarrassed herself. Instead of warning Kingsley of a possible problem, she had made herself look like a novice who couldn't control her employees. All this from doing a favor for Terry and Gloria to the detriment of herself. She also worried about Kingsley suggesting she find another premises for Granger & Associates.

Back at her desk, Hermione had to decide how she would handle this. Once again she had overstepped her bounds. Let Gloria go? Let Terry go? Demand they break up after she had sanctioned their relationship? This was her shite or get off the pot moment. What a bloody mess. Hermione had thoughts of approaching Della to see if the letter writer was correct, but thought better of it.

Sighing, she picked up the message Walter had laid on her desk. Theo was fine with she and Draco stopping by the house. Hermione sighed again. She had promised to pick up a gift for Declan, but wasn't in any mood to be searching Diagon Alley for some asinine gift, nor was she in the mood for visiting anyone. All she felt like doing was going to her flat, pulling the blankets over her head and letting the world go fuck itself. Knowing the latter wasn't an option, Hermione gathered her wand and purse, advised Walter she had to step away again, and left the office for Diagon Alley.

/*/

After telling Cely to prepare a dinner and dessert for two more, Theo informed Declan and Esther that Hermione and Draco would be joining them for dinner.

Esther started towards the back gardens, but stopped to ask a question. "Would you feel more comfortable if I took dinner in my rooms?"

"No Esther. I wouldn't feel more comfortable if you took dinner in your rooms." Theo answered a bit forcefully. "You're Declan's aunt. You belong at our table unless I've called a private dinner. We will eat at 6:30."

"Thank you Theo," Esther replied in a soft voice. "I'll be in the gardens if you need me."

Turning to Declan who was trying to sort out why Aunt Esther thought she wouldn't be welcome at the table, Theo put on a face that told Declan he wouldn't be entertaining any questions.

"Bring your wand to the den. I want to see what the uncles taught you."

"And gram."

"What's that?"

"Gram taught me things too."

"Of course Declan, and gram. Get the wand and bring it to the den."

"Yes father. Right away."

/*/

The first thing Theo had done was explain to Declan that the piece of stick his gram and uncles called a wand wasn't his life wand. His life wand would be chosen after he got his Hogwarts letter.

Declan didn't want to dispute his father, but gram and the uncles had told him that this was his personal wand. He didn't want some other wand. He wanted to keep the wand he had. It was good enough.

Realizing Declan was struggling with something, Theo asked him to share his thoughts.

"If I share my thoughts father, they might upset you."

"Don't you worry about that. I'm a grown wizard. I can take it."

Declan explained his thoughts on the subject.

Theo realized he had again made assumptions. He had assumed that every magical child was chuffed at the idea of a wand choosing him or her. He hadn't taken into consideration that Declan had spent his entire childhood in the presence of people who had no plans to send him to some English wandmaker or enroll him in Hogwarts.

Theo apologized to Declan then explained how a change in his circumstances also changed how his life would be set up. He could keep the makeshift wand, but as a potential Hogwarts student, he would have to visit Olivander's Wand Shop to see if a different wand chose to be his.

"I understand father. Things are done differently in England. However, I'm sure there won't be any better wand for me."

Theo kept a serious look on his face when what he wanted to do was smile. His little wizard was strangely well balanced for his age. When he took a position, he stayed with it. Theo didn't think there would be many who could lead Declan astray.

"Good man," replied Theo with pride. "In three years, we'll see if you're right. Until then, the only time you should use this wand is when I've authorized it. In England, young wizards are not allowed a wand until they are eleven years old, so we will tread carefully. Do I have your word?"

"Yes father," answered a subdued Declan. "You have my word."

From there, Theo watched Declan try to perform the most basic of spells. Declan's performance was hit or miss. Although he did manage one or two spells that were Hogwarts first year level, most of what he could do was considered garbage magic. His wand movements were mostly way off, but he did manage to make crackling noises, and slightly move a pen.

After they finished up, Theo shook Declan's hand giving him a well done for his efforts before sending him out to the gardens.

A relieved Theo put Declan's wand in a desk drawer. His son was more aware than most seven year olds, but it wasn't because of any extra power. His son was a normal, boy wizard. Theo gave a soft thanks to Merlin as he pulled out several folders to review the properties he had for sale.

/*/

Hermione had found what she felt was a delightful gift for a seven year old wizard. A bound, pristine copy of The Tales Of Beedle The Bard. It would give Declan years of enjoyment. Just once it passed through Hermione's mind that maybe a book wasn't the best present, but she shook off the thought. Of course the book was a lovely present.

With her duty done, Hermione Apparated back to her office where she was approached by Terry from one side and Gloria from the other before she could hang her cloak.

Terry was beside himself. "Walter gave Gloria and I your message. I imagine it's about this bloody letter," he groused, holding up a piece of paper. "It's bull shite Hermione. You know it as well as I do."

"Allow me a moment to catch my breath Terry, and please shut the door."

Terry shut the door then he and a pink faced Gloria took a seat.

Pulling out her own letter and laying in front of her on the desk, Hermione looked from Terry to Gloria before speaking.

"These letters have opened a hellhole, possibly of my own making. Let me tell you how my day has been."