Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 52
"There's no need to speak in my office. You've turned in your resignation and are not authorized to be on this floor. You wanted me to fuck off. Well I have. I have nothing to say to you. Leave these offices or…."
"Or what Hermione? You'll get pretty boy Malfoy to tidy up for you?" Terry sighed. "Alright. I didn't mean that. I'm happy that you're happy. Just give me a chance to get back into your good books. I'll do anything you ask."
Hermione remained firm. "I thought I made myself clear. I'll never ask you to do anything for me ever again. I meant it. And you've done it yet again. The person who saw fit to let you through these doors has also lost his/her position. Is there anything else you would like to do on your way out? Leave now."
Turning her back on Terry, Hermione walked back to her office. She had an inter-departmental message to send. It seemed as though she might not have to make a decision. Fate had stepped in to make her decision for her.
To All:
I would like to see the person who gave Terry access to the floor this morning in my office now.
Thank you.
HJG
/*/
Ten minutes after the memo was sent, a red-faced Walter turned up at her door holding the memo in his hand.
"The person you are looking for is me."
Hermione sighed. "Come in and shut the door." Even though she should discuss her plans with Justin first, Hermione decided to get this sorted with Walter first.
For the next five minutes, Hermione explained to Walter the necessity of keeping a tight ship no matter where he worked. Walter pleaded innocent, but Hermione was more than sure Terry had cajoled him into letting him through, which was unacceptable.
Hermione didn't see the need to belabor the point. "Please get Justin and the researchers and return to my office."
"Hermione," pleaded Walter.
"Now Walter please."
Whether Severus had a position for her or not, Hermione was ready to give up Granger & Associates. It was time to let everyone in on their futures.
/
A/N *Daybus - My idea of the magical Nightbus which runs during the day..
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 53
When everyone made it to her office, Hermione began her speech explaining that certain happenings had been tantamount in her forthcoming decision. Then without further ado, she shared her plans.
"I will be closing Granger & Associates. I have begun a search for solicitors who would be willing to take over any cases which have yet gone to trial. I'd like everyone to take this disclosure as their thirty day notice. Now that you know my intentions, please feel free to apply for any position that catches your interest. No one needs to worry about references as I will be glad to answer all inquiries. Thank you all for the excellent work you done here. I'm proud to have worked with you all. That's all I have for now.
When Hermione finished speaking, no one moved.
Hermione glanced around the group. "If there aren't any questions, I suggest you all get back to work. I expect us all to do our jobs until there's no need to do our jobs."
As the others filed out, Walter asked for a private word to which Hermione agreed. When it was just down to him and Hermione, Walter spoke.
"So much has gone on in the last twenty four hours. Terry sacked, Gloria sacked, a huge row in your office, Terry getting back into the offices. Now you are closing the offices for good. I hope I'm not out of place saying this, but maybe a few days away will give you a better insight into what should be done."
Hermione smiled at Walter thinking he wasn't so much interested in her mindset as he was in losing a position. "You're worried about my state of mind now Walter, but you saw fit to give Terry entry to the offices where he is no longer allowed. Let me be clear on this. My state of mind is the last thing you should be thinking about. I'll survive. What you need to firm up is your next position, especially if it gets out that you cannot be trusted to follow orders. I'm seeing to my business. Go see to yours."
"Please Hermione. I didn't mean anything by that statement. I apologize for everything, including allowing Terry onto the floor. I hope my actions this morning didn't play any part in your decision."
Walter backed up when Hermione stood up. "There's no need to be afraid Walter. My wand is still safely stowed away. You're a very smart wizard or you wouldn't have been hired at Granger & Associates, so why don't you think before asking foolish questions. However, if you need to salvage your feelings, the answer is no. I've had the thought of moving on in the back of my mind for a while. The last twenty four hours just firmed it up for me. Sadly, the support system I thought I had was nothing more than smoke and mirrors when the going got a little tough. Wherever I land, I'll make sure the people who surround me are loyal. You'll have to excuse me Walter. Justin is pacing the hall. I think he wants a word."
"Alright Hermione," mumbled Walter heading for the door. "If you or Justin need me for anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Send Justin in please," was Hermione's only reply.
/*/
Justin closed the door behind him before taking a seat. "This is not what I foresaw as the future of Granger & Associates. Actually, none of what has happened in the last twenty four hours was something I thought I'd ever see. You and Terry have been at each other for the last few months, but that's nothing new. You two worked best when there was a bit of friction between you, but sacking him was unbelievable. Then sacking Gloria. Now closing down the offices. Is there something else going on?"
Hermione smiled at her diehard friend. "You've always been there for me, and for Terry as well. I couldn't ask for better, so I'll assure you there is nothing else going on except if you want to count having Kingsley go up the front of me and down the back. He was so upset he suggested if I couldn't control my people I should take my offices elsewhere. Imagine, after all these years, a wizard who has been my champion since I was a teenager was telling me how little he thought of me. As you can well imagine. It was a traumatic few minutes for me. Truthfully Justin, I had thoughts of searching for a place for the offices. However, after a long think and some discussion I have made my mind. Prosecuting criminals has lost its glow for me. It's time for me to move on."
The room was silent as Hermione and Justin both mulled over what she had just shared.
"I do have an idea of who would be perfect to take over the business you, me and Terry built from the ground up."
"And who would that be Hermione?" Justin asked dispiritedly.
"You, of course. I was so busy thinking straight ahead. I didn't think laterally. You're well known. You're an absolute demon when it comes to prosecuting criminals, and you are respected throughout the court system."
Justin's heart was beating so fast he thought it would pop out of his chest. "Those are big compliments Hermione. Would you seriously turn your business over to me, the third man on the chain?" He asked eagerly.
"Those compliments are well deserved and very true, and to answer your question. Yes, I'm making a serious request. My name will not go with the change, but everything else would be yours. I've advised the staff I would be closing the business, but if you agree to terms, perhaps you can call them all together to inquire if they would be interested in staying on under your ownership. I have a suggestion."
"Suggest away Hermione," replied Justin expansively.
"You seem a bit more relaxed Mr. Finch-Fletchley," said Hermione with a wide grin.
Justin returned Hermione's wide grin. "That I am Miss Granger. That I am."
"We are at odds right now, but I believe your offices would be stronger if you asked Terry to join you in a partnership. You both are top in the field with excellent name recognition. It's something to think about. If you are interested, why don't you go explain yourself to the staff, Owl Terry and possibly Gloria, if you wish, then we'll get the rest sorted."
"I'm definitely interested Hermione. I believe I'll Owl Terry first to get him onboard. Then I'll speak with the staff. Not to be an arse, but will you allow Terry back on the floor if he wants to have a discussion?"
"You may give Terry authorization to be on the floor. However, do not include me in any discussion, or bring him to my door. He's told me to fuck off, so that's where I'll be, fucking off. We'll have our discussion after hours, if that's suitable to you. As luck would have it, our case scheduled to before the Wizengamot today has been postponed, so you'll have the time you need to see to business. My next suggestion is that you put together a quick business plan. Be sure to list yourself as the top partner if that's the way you want to go. No sense in owning a company if someone else can take it away from you if he gets in a snit."
"I'll call a staff meeting for 3:00 pm after I Owl Terry. Will you sit in on the staff meeting Hermione?"
"Yes. I will do that. I'm sure they'll want to see my lovely face," she joked. "Go get everything started."
/*/
The meeting with Blaise was over. The suspension Draco and Donald were under had been lifted. Even though Blaise had willingly lifted the suspensions, they would not be allowed to take on any new cases until the following Monday, 5/10. Until then, they had to remain as cleaners and gofers. In addition, the two wizards had to sit through thirty minutes of threats and warnings relating to them ever doing anything like this again.
Blaise seemed to relish the lambasting. "I know this doesn't sit well with you boys, but look at it this way. I'm the superior, so I call the shots as well as make the rules. Rules I might add you've broken, so be as pissed off as you like. Here's what I will allow. You may look through the case load, write up notes and whatever else needs to be done on Friday afternoon. That's everything except go into the field. As I've stated, field work will begin on Monday. The other teams have pitched in to assist Team3, so I suggest you throw a bit of help their way when you can. You'll be fairly busy playing catch up for the next few weeks, so remember, Brian will be there to assist you both if he is not well enough to be in the field. Utilize him as much as you need. If he is in full health come Monday, it will be every man in the field."
"Understood."
"Duly noted."
Blaise plowed on. "Just two more items before you get back to your mundane jobs. Mr. Stuart Johns will be joining OTS on 5/24, Monday. My first thought was to place him on Team3, however, I believe he will be a better fit for Team4, but we'll see. Last item. There is a seminar coming up on 6/4 which all teams will be required to attend. The sign up sheet will be circulated next week. Thank you gentlemen. I don't have anything else, so you may now get to work."
Blaise went back to his office allowing Draco and Donald time to bitch to each other.
"I've known that bloody bloke since we were toddlers, yet he speaks as though I'm a bloody idiot."
The irreverent Donald added his humorous statement. "Yeah. I've known him for a year, yet he speaks as though I'm an idiot. Who knew?"
Draco laughed as he threw a glove at Donald. "Funny Mr. Macomber. Very funny. If you can contain your humor for a bit, we can get back to work. I'm off to team4. Cheers."
"Cheers Draco. Don't let that Potter fellow get you down."
With a wave, Draco headed down the hall to do mundane work for Team4.
/*/
Theo had three clients scheduled for Wednesday morning so Declan was left in the care of Esther who had resolved to visit Gringotts and Diagon Alley that very day. Initially, Esther thought to put off her excursion until Thursday. However, after a bit of thought, she decided Declan was old enough to accompany her without causing a fuss. At 10:30, she and Declan caught the *Daybus to the Leaky Cauldron, and from there made their way to Gringotts.
Esther hadn't been to Gringotts in ages and was required to show her wand before the Goblins would even acknowledge she had a key. When everything was sorted, she and Declan were shown to the vault Theo had set up for her. Unbidden, tears came to Esther's eyes as she viewed the amount of gold, silver and bronze Theo had allotted her. Quickly wiping away the tears, Esther asked Declan to wait by the door while she filled a moneybag.
"Please Aunt Esther," pleaded Declan. "Get enough so we might visit the ice cream shop. I'll pay you back when father gives me money. I promise."
Esther smiled to herself. She was going to withdraw gold enough for him to get five ice cream cones. "You're my nephew. I'd be proud to buy you an ice cream and you won't have to pay me back."
After filling her bag to overflowing, Esther, with a tight hold on Declan, allowed the goblin to take them back to the main floor where she thanked him for his help.
Outside the bank, Esther informed Declan they would do a bit of shopping then stop at the ice cream shop.
Declan didn't miss a beat with his reply. "That's a lovely plan Aunt Esther. I only hope you find everything you need before the ice cream shop closes."
Pushing Declan's hair back from his face, Esther simply replied. "I'll be quick."
/*/
Esther visited several shops picking up several lovely Basic Wear outfits. She had also discreetly picked up many undergarments. With each choice, Esther felt a bit more happiness wash over her body. She might not be able to pass herself off as a lady, but she would bloody well be able to pass herself off as a woman. With her purchases paid for and packaged, Esther thought she would like to try a beauty shop. With this in mind, Esther shared her plans with Declan.
"Declan love. Aunt Esther would like to try the Witch's Beauty Shop. Therefore, we shall go to the ice cream shop where you will enjoy your ice cream while I have a go at getting beautiful. You must promise to be a good young man for the proprietor. If you aren't, there will be repercussions. Have I made myself clear?"
"Of course you've made yourself clear Aunt Esther. I'm not a baby. I'll be very good. Instead of a cone, may I have an ice cream sundae with a cherry?"
"Yes, you may. Here we are. Find a seat. I'll order your sundae and have a word with the proprietor."
After setting the sundae in front of Declan, Esther left the shop leaving Declan with a caution. "Do not leave that chair. I shall not be long."
/*/
The entire beautification process had only taken forty minutes. Esther hurried back to the ice cream shop to pick up Declan. When Esther stepped into the shop, Declan stood and offered a small bow to his aunt. "Aunt Esther." He gasped. "You look so different. You look beautiful. Father will be very surprised."
Esther was beaming at the compliment when the proprietor came around the counter to offer his compliments as well. "If I may be so bold. You have made an amazing change Miss Nott. I heartily agree with your nephew. You look beautiful."
Having never, ever received a compliment from a wizard in her entire life, Esther blushed magenta as she offered a low thank you before taking Declan by the hand.
"Please don't be a stranger miss. My shop could always use a bit of beauty."
"See Aunt Esther, even the shop clerk thinks you're beautiful. Thank you for the ice cream, but I think we should be getting home. It won't do to make father cross before he gets to see your beauty."
Esther smiled at her son/nephew. He was such a gem.
/*/
Severus woke Jean to let her know he was going to the house and she should join him after she dressed. Jean stretched, disappointed that Severus hadn't made any sexual overtures before leaving. She had tasted the good life, so to speak, and wanted more. Once on her feet, Jean cast a cleaning and refresh spell over the bed with the hope she and Severus would be using it that evening.
After a shower and a fresh outfit, Jean headed to the house, and hopefully some breakfast. She was starved. Lovemaking had taken a lot out the witch who had been going through a sexual dry spell. She needn't have worried. Severus was waiting with breakfast on the table.
"Welcome to my humble abode," greeted Severus. "Sit down. We'll have breakfast before we get down to business."
"Business?" Questioned Jean before lifting a piece of egg to her mouth. "I thought there wouldn't be any business before tomorrow."
"Well my dear, you've gotten it wrong. There will be plenty of business today if you want to learn more about the project. You were there for the inception of my telecommunications idea. You worked side by side with me for months. I believe, except for the tail end of it, you know as much as most of my staff. Therefore, after breakfast, we will go over what you remember, and go from there."
"This should be interesting Severus. I'm not sure I remember all that much, but I'm a copious note taker and I have the notes to prove it."
Severus smiled as he patted Jean's hand. "I'm well aware of your copious note taking. I believe you might have notated something I've forgotten. We will see. I believe I've mentioned I will be presenting you tomorrow to the staff at the offices. You will also be joining the group project tomorrow evening. So, not only will today be interesting and busy, tomorrow will be as well."
Before Jean could reply, the soft swish of someone landing in the apparition area caught Severus' attention. Drawing his wand and hurrying towards the back hall, Severus met his visitor. Jean could hear him speaking in a low voice. Not sure of her standing, Jean hastily rose from her chair to get back to their little love nest. However, she was a bit too slow, and found herself standing face to face with Severus and a handsome, blonde wizard who could only be Lucius Malfoy. Severus had spoken of him many times, and not all of it good.
A frowning Severus made the introductions. "Lucius Malfoy, I'd like you to meet Miss Jean Bradford my new second in command. Jean, this is Lucius Malfoy who for some Merlin forsaken reason has seen fit to visit at this early hour."
"Now, now Severus." Lucius remarked, turning to Severus. "My apologies for interrupting. I simply stopped by to inquire why the Tuesday group meeting was cancelled after finding you missing from the project site."
Jean felt uncomfortable and tried to excuse herself, but Severus wouldn't hear of it. "You will remain here Jean. We have important matters to discuss. Lucius has his answer and will shortly be leaving, and now that he knows you are here in London with me, will find sending an Owl a much better choice."
Lucius wasn't the least bit embarrassed obviously having experienced Severus' turn of temper in the past. "Yes. I do believe an Owl will be the way to go, at least until we get this telecommunications project off the ground, then I'll ring you up. Have a pleasant day Severus, Miss Bradford. I'll see myself out."
Severus made an apology and an explanatory statement. "My apologies for the interruption Jean. Now perhaps you see why I would rather have our private time in the cottage. Lucius has no boundaries, and the last thing I'd want is for you to be caught in a compromising position. He has been advised, so I believe we will not have any worries on that end. Let's finish our breakfast then get down to business."
"Of course Severus." Jean remarked as she returned to her seat. "Lucius Malfoy is as intimidating as you've mentioned. I'll be sure to stay out of his way."
Severus laid his hand on top of Jean's giving her an uncharacteristic wink. "Perhaps he is, but you must know, there isn't anyone more intimidating than myself."
Jean shifted her hand so she could grab Severus' fingers. "Of that I'm sure Mr. Snape. Of that I'm sure."
/*/
Justin informed Hermione that Terry had Owled back. His answer had been a resounding yes. He would like to partner with his mate. Justin didn't go into much more for which Hermione was glad because she just didn't care what Terry hoped, wished, or wanted. She knew she would have to sit with both Terry and Justin at some point to get the sale and transfer sorted, but wasn't looking forward to it. Hermione had thoughts of having another solicitor handle her end.
/*/
Hermione sat in on Justin's 3:00 pm meeting with staff. The researchers were more than willing to work or Justin and Terry as was Walter who reminded Justin he was studying for a new position within the Ministry.
"I'm not sure my application will be accepted. Walter remarked. "However, if it is, you'll need to have another front desk person on hand."
Justin agreed. "I do know about your intent to post out Walter. It will be top on our agenda to hire your replacement. I hope there'll be time enough for you to train him or her up before you leave. We thank you for such advance notice as well." Giving a nod in Hermione's direction, Justin shared something that had been planned but had never come to fruition. "Hermione had plans in place to add two assistants and a extra clerk. Terry and I will be looking to follow through on that bit as well."
Justin explained that pay rises, job changes and things of that nature would remain as is until he and Terry got their footing. After that, they would make whatever adjustments necessary. He also made them aware they would be working under the company name, Finch-Fletchley & Boot, Prosecutorial Services unless or until a third partner was hired. The company name would then be adjusted. He also explained that during the transition, it would be necessary for staff to give at least two weeks notice when requesting holiday time off. Then he disclosed the sticky part. "I've explained all the ordinary matters, now I'll get into the fuzzy area. All I've explained is contingent upon Minister Shacklebolt accepting our lease."
There was a bit a buzzing when Justin said this, but he had a ready explanation. "If the Minister, for whatever reason, doesn't care to extend the lease, we will find other available premises. Just to be clear. Whether Finch-Fletchley & Boot operates out of the Ministry or not, we will be operating somewhere. Either Terry or myself will keep you informed."
One of the researchers raised his hand to be heard. "If we need to find new premises, will they be within London or a close by? I have an old mum who wouldn't want to uproot house."
"Excellent question sir. If we have to move the company, it will be in and around London, so no worries there. We should have a firm answer from Kingsley by tomorrow. That all I have for now."
Turning again to Hermione, Justin asked if she would like to add anything.
Hermione smiled at her soon to be former staff. "I just want to wish the best of luck to you all. You have been a fantastic staff for me, which I'm sure will continue under the new partners. Thank you all for your loyal support. Give the criminals hell."
When Hermione finished speaking, the staff took turns shaking her hand and wishing her well. After the last man left the room, Hermione let out a deep sigh before addressing Justin. "Well Justin Finch-Fletchley of Finch-Fletchley & Boot, let's get everything squared away. We can start by sending an Owl to Kingsley outlining your plan and a request for a lease renewal. After that, we hash out details."
"Consider it done Hermione. We hope for the best from now. I'll have Walter bring a tea setup to the conference room. Be there in a bit."
Halfway to the door, Justin turned back to Hermione. "You had plenty of options and could have done things much differently. Thank you for your faith in me."
"You're very welcome Finch-Fletchley." She replied in a very soft voice.
/*/
While Justin was off sending the Owl and attending to other matters, Hermione decided to share her news with Draco.
Hello love,
I'm sending a quick message to let you know I've done my worst. Several things, which I'll explain later, transpired this morning that served to solidify my intentions. Depending on which way Kingsley turns, Justin Finch-Fletchley has agreed to buy Granger & Associates out. I know it was a speedy decision, but we'll discuss that tonight as well.
Hermione
/*/
As Hermione and Justin sat sorting out details, an Intra-Ministry Message landed in front of her. The Minister had sent a speedy reply.
Hermione,
I'd like you to get to my office with all speed. Finch-Fletchley's message was disturbing. Anthony is off, so please come directly through.
Kingsley.
Handing the message over for Justin to read, Hermione jokingly quipped, "We may have just frightened the shite out of our Minister. Keep laying out the details Justin. I'm sure I'll have news when I get back."
"No problem Hermione. If the Minister wants to see the back of us, we'll find other premises."
"Don't despair just yet." Hermione answered in a low voice. "Kingsley respects you. He might want to salvage his conscience over the fact he all but threw us out of the Ministry. Hopefully, this will be a short conversation. I'll be back in a bit."
/*/
Justin kept checking his Wonder Wizard Watch as ten minutes ticked by, then twenty. Thirty minutes later, he was about to start pacing when Hermione appeared at the door.
"Good news Mr. Partner. Your names carries some weight with Kingsley. His exact words after checking that it wasn't his cross words driving me away were, I'd be proud to lease out to Mr. Finch-Fletchley as long as he understands it will be up to him to keep Mr. Boot on his toes. Kingsley is giving Finch-Fletchley & Boot one year firm then go from there. As soon as we get everything settled between us, you and Terry will bring the documentation to Kingsley who will then issue the lease."
Justin was chuffed. He and Terry were ready to make their mark on the legal establishment. "I'll get Terry here this afternoon. I still can't thank you enough for splitting what's due you into three payments. Terry and I may be able to open for business as soon as Monday."
"You're welcome Justin. You deserve that and much more. Let's finish up. If Mr. Boot will be coming in, I'll be leaving, but I'll be here in the morning. If you have additional questions or requests after I've left for the day, leave them on my desk. We'll discuss it all in the morning. Now. How far did you get in my absence?"
"It's all but finished Hermione. All we need is to review."