Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 53
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."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 54
The Business Plan and Review had gone very well. Hermione was more than pleased as she made her way down the lifts. A transaction which could have taken a month was finished and done in a single day, and as far as she was concerned, it was a win-win situation all around. Hermione felt Finch-Fletchley & Boot would not only survive but thrive as well, as Justin and Terry were fierce prosecutors who knew their way around the courtroom and criminals. As angry as Hermione was with Terry, she still wished both her former colleagues well. Her only reservation was Justin letting Terry run over him. She had done as much as she could by insisting Justin make himself top partner who had veto powers over any or all other partners. Down the line, he and Terry could work something else out if they chose, but for now, Justin should have last say.
Hermione was leaving Granger & Associates for the day, but she wasn't leaving the area. Earlier, she had received a message from Gloria who requested an opportunity to speak with her. Initially, Hermione had the mind to refuse, but decided Gloria had remained professional throughout the debacle and deserved to be heard. She had responded in the affirmative for Gloria to meet her at the tea shop down the street from the Ministry, so that was where Hermione was headed.
Gloria had a white tea waiting when Hermione came through the door.
"Hello Hermione," offered Gloria as a greeting. "I've taken the liberty of ordering you a white tea."
"Hello Gloria. Thank you for the tea. It is my favorite, next to white wine of course."
Both witches smiled.
"Before we begin our conversation, I would like to also thank you for the way you carried yourself in the face of yesterday's debacle. I'm most appreciative."
"Well, if I can't be correct, I can always be professional." Gloria replied with a grim smile.
Hermione nodded her head. "So, what can I do for you Gloria?"
A pink tinge appeared on Gloria's cheeks, but she looked Hermione in the eye. "Since we will be working together on Severus' Telecommunications Project, I want to try to clear the air between us."
Hermione made to wave her hand to let Gloria know there wasn't any need. However, Gloria pressed on. "I found a friend in you. I would like to try and regain that relationship. What I'm about to say will make me seem like some silly bint, but it is what it is. First and most importantly, I did take your advice with Terry…."
Hermione shook her head. "If this is a conversation about Terry, I don't want to hear any of it. It's over and done."
Gloria hesitated for a fraction of a second before countering Hermione's words. "I have to say this Hermione. If not for your sake, then for my peace of mind. As I said, I took your advice and asked Terry the right questions. His answers were obviously what I wanted to hear, so we began. However, after the sacking, the real story came out. It seems Terry had simply walked away from Della without disclosing he wanted to see someone else. In addition, he accused me of ruining everything by not refusing his advances. I am the cause of his lost friendship with you as well as his lost position at Granger & Associates. I now find myself in the unenviable position of being a relationship wrecker, a friendship wrecker, and a slag as well. I'm saying all this to offer my most abject apology for not being astute enough to recognize what was right before my eyes. Mr. Boot plays fast and loose with the truth as well as his morals. Even though things didn't work out at Granger & Associates, I'm hoping we will be able to work together on the project without animosity."
Hermione took a sip of tea before responding. "As I previously mentioned, I do not want to discuss Terry. I'm sorry things didn't turn out well for your relationship. I can assure you there'll be no animosity from me. The project is too important for nonsense. Thank you for the tea as well as the explanation. Perhaps we can get together some time for a glass of wine. I'll see you tomorrow at the meeting."
As Hermione rose from her chair, a somewhat dispirited Gloria stood as well. She had hoped for a more positive reaction from Hermione. "Thank you for listening Hermione. My words may not have changed anything, but I feel better. I'll walk out with you. I have a late appointment."
Hermione gave Gloria an impromptu hug. "Keep your head up. All this will pass. You have a good afternoon as well."
Both witches walked off in separate directions. Each with a sad smile on her face.
/*/
Hermione did feel a bit sad over the entire mess, but no matter how he had backed up, the dressing down she had taken from Kingsley had hurt her. She wasn't in the mood to offer absolution to anyone involved in making it come to that, but she and Gloria would be coming into close quarters with each other. These feelings would pass, especially since Severus had accepted her request.
/*/
Severus and Jean had made some headway when an Owl began banging against the window.
"I'm certain this will be another of Lucius' arbitrary wastes of time," huffed Severus. "The man will not be satisfied until it comes down to a duel."
Although Severus was annoyed, Jean allowed herself a small smile, because the last thing on his mind was a duel. A strong hex, maybe, but never a duel.
Severus had opened the message at the window and come back to the table with a look of astonishment on his face. "Well. It seems as though Miss Granger is looking for a permanent position. I believe you've met Hermione, outspoken, controlling."
Jean smiled. She did remember Hermione.
"It seems she has given up her vision of being a prosecutor. She has sold her company and has expressed interest in joining our project as an employee as well as a group member. So out of the blue. I admit she would be a welcome addition to any company we form. However, I cannot say I look forward to her sometimes contentious attitude. If I take Hermione on, you will have to stand firm with her." Leaning down so his mouth was at Jean's ear, Severus whispered softly. "Show her some of the fire you show in our bed, albeit in a different capacity."
Jean took a deep breath. Severus' breath at her ear was exhilarating. "As long as you realize I can be firm when the need arises. There won't be an issue with Miss Granger or anyone else."
With an uncharacteristic grin, Severus straightened up. "Good. That settles that. If Hermione wants to come aboard as a first step associate, I will make it happen. Until the company is formally listed, she will help where needed. I'll expect a weekly report on her performance. I will get behavior requirements sorted before signing her on. I'll just return her Owl and we'll get back to business."
/*/
Severus drafted an affirmative reply to Hermione then it was back to business. Before the Owl interruption, Severus had been extremely pleased with Jean. Her copious notes not only covered just about every aspect of the project. They had reminded him of a salient point which had somehow slipped his attention. Size. According to the notes, they had briefly touched on the need to end up with a reasonably sized instrument. Severus remembered the short discussion clearly, but as he was deep into the technical aspect of his new project, he had put the size aspect on the back burner. Way back on the burner. In fact, so far back, without Jean to remind him, he had forgotten about it.
Satisfied that Jean would only need the barest refresher of the project itself, Severus suggested she write up a clear, concise report on what would be a reasonable sized instrument. As they went over her finished report, Severus saw the issue. He had been working on a device about the size of a witch's purse, which in hindsight was silly. What wizard or even witch would carry such an abnormally large item around? What aggravated him most was he had a mobile unit ready to present to Kingsley and the Governors. He would have looked like a fool if he had stood before them with a product the size of a handbasket.
Ranting like a madman, Severus jumped up from the chair so quickly he startled Jean. "What was I thinking?" He ranted. "All the experts I have working for me and not one questioned size. What should I think about that?"
"Severus," Jean called out softly. "You've made your first ever oversight. You're human. However, you are also a powerful wizard. This can be rectified. Instead of ranting, notify your Head Manager that every necessary employee will be working around the clock. We'll go into the shop, explain what needs to be done then do it. With enough hands, we should have a reasonable sized device ready for presentation on Friday. I'll go to the cottage to get a warm jumper, and we can Apparate to the shop."
Severus gave her a sheepish grin. "My wonderful second." He replied, pulling Jean to him. "I needed you more than I knew."
After leaving a quick kiss on Severus' lips, Jean pulled herself away from his arms. "Am I to understand your rant is over and we will be going to see about business?"
Severus snapped back to himself. There was an issue which they would resolve. "You understand correctly my dear. However, I believe we both must snap to. You're a witch. Instead of going to the cottage, use your wand to summon a jumper."
"Ah," replied Jean with her own sheepish grin. "The sleeper has awakened." Raising her wand, Jean called out. "Accio blue jumper." Jean grabbed the jumper as it came sailing through the air. "Shall we be on our way?"
Taking Jean by the arm, Severus Apparated them to the shop. When they landed, Severus was quick to remark that the employees would be meeting the new Second sooner than anticipated.
/*/
Draco and Donald were extremely busy the entire day. It seemed as though every criminal in all of England had chosen that day to act up. Wands, evidence, and specimens just kept turning up. The two men only stopped for a quick sandwich and an even quicker pee. When things finally became manageable, Draco asked about the mail.
Donald sighed as he put down his sandwich. They'd been so busy he hadn't thought about mail. "Back in a minute."
There were several pieces for Blaise, one from Brian for Draco and Donald and one envelope for Draco from Hermione. Blaise's mail went to his desk, after which, Donald read Brian's message out loud. The healers had given him a full bill of health to return to work on Monday. He was chuffed as was Donald. Draco, who had barely been listening was reading Hermione's message.
"She's done it. He said more to himself than to Donald.
"Who has done what Draco? You look absolutely pale."
"Hermione is selling Granger & Associates… to Justin Finch-Fletchley." Draco looked at the time code on the message. "Hermione wrote this this morning. I asked her to notify me if …. He has to be one of the reasons….."
"You're working yourself up mate. I can see it from here. Besides, you're not making sense. Take a bloody breath."
Draco glanced at Donald whom he hadn't remembered was in the room. "Sorry mate. I need to send a message. Depending on the answer, I might have to leave a bit early."
"Early? It's very nearly time to call it a day. Why don't you send your message while I tidy up our areas. We'll be ready to go by the time you get back."
"Don't wait for me Donald. When you're finished, you may leave. If Hermione is still in the building, I want to wait for her. There are matters which need to be explained. I'll see you in the morning."
"Alright Draco. Whatever it is cannot be as bad as it seems. See you in the morning."
/*/
Donald was gone by the time Draco returned from sending his message. Fifteen minutes later, Draco was on his way to the back elevators. He had the clearance but wouldn't normally disrupt Hermione's day by appearing at her office door. However, he wanted to know what issues had prompted her to make such a speedy decision. In his mind, Draco just knew it had something to do with arsehole Boot. Draco didn't know how Boot fit into it because the tricky blighter had been sacked and wasn't allowed in the offices, but he was most surely the reason or at least one of the reasons.
Because he had authorization, Draco walked through the doors directly to Hermione's office, which was empty. As he was coming out of the office, Justin walked out of his office.
"Malfoy! May I help you with something?"
"I'm looking for Hermione. She's not in her office."
"Hermione left early. She's been gone for ages. You seem upset. Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine. I must have gotten my signals crossed. Thanks."
As the last words left Draco's mouth, Terry walked into the hallway. Draco was of the mind to question why Boot was even in the offices when he realized he had no standing in the matter, but at the same time knowing if Boot had upset Hermione in any way, there would be consequences. Terry glared at Draco before turning in the other direction.
"Piece of shite." Draco muttered to himself heading towards the door. His issues with Boot could wait until he found out what was going on with his witch. If Hermione was in distress and Boot was the cause, there wasn't anything that could stop him from hexing the piece of shite into the middle of next month.
/*/
Draco willed the lift to go faster. When he reached the lobby, Draco strode towards the doors intending to try Hermione's flat first. He was just about to turn into Apparition when Hermione called his name.
"Hello love. I apologize. I know we were supposed to meet but I'd had it up to here so I left early, which was good, because Gloria wanted to have a conversation."
Draco took Hermione's arm in his. "I didn't get your message until late. I sent a return message thinking you were still in the building. When you didn't reply, I took the lift to your offices where I spoke to Finch-Fletchley. While we were talking, lo and behold, arsehole Boot came walking down the hall. I swear. It took all my strength to keep from grabbing the tosser by the neck. He infuriates me. Is he the reason you left early? You sacked two people who you claimed to be done with. Yet today Boot has the run of the offices and Gloria is inviting you to tea. What exactly is going on?"
Rather than go into a snit over Draco's use of the word claimed, Hermione grabbed his arm tighter. "Instead of having dinner out and have you spend the time glaring at me. Let's get some takeaway to have at the house where I will explain everything in detail, including the positive response I received from Severus. I haven't even formally sold my business and it would seem I have a next position, which again, I will explain over salad and sandwiches."
"Alright love. Since you don't seem any worse for wear, we can do that, but I want to hear every word. You are amazing. Only you could give up everything then secure another position before end of day." Draco remarked, as he pulled them into Apparition.
/*/
Theo Apparated directly into his bedroom wanting to catch his breath before meeting up with his overly exuberant son. His clients had been nerve wracking. Even though two out of three purchased property, they had worked on his last nerve. It's fine but there's no garden. The floors need work. I like it but there's no bedroom floo, etc., etc. By 4:00 pm, Theo had been ready to hex all of them.
It was lucky for Theo he had taken those few minutes to himself, because as soon as he stepped into the main hall, Declan was at his side gibbering about his Aunt Esther and a letter he'd received from Conor.
Theo sighed as he dropped into a living room chair. "Slow down Declan. Your father has had a long, tiring day. I'm going to have a brandy. After that, we'll talk."
Declan sat quietly waiting for Theo to finish his brandy. When the last drop was gone, he inquired if now was a good time to talk.
"It is a good time son. Tell me about your day."
"We visited Gringotts then Aunt Esther took me to Diagon Alley where we visited four shops. I had an ice cream sundae. I was very well behaved."
Theo smiled at his son. "It's almost time for dinner. I hope you've worked off that sundae because you will be eating everything on your plate."
"Yes sir."
"You mentioned receiving a letter from Conor. What did he have to say?"
"I did receive a letter from Conor, but before we talk about that I'd like to share a surprise about Aunt Esther."
Raising his eyebrows, Theo started to comment about idle gossip. However, before he could get all the words out, Declan set him straight. "Aunt Esther is my family. I wouldn't make gossip about her. This is a good surprise, honestly. Today, Aunt Esther got beautiful. I'm not making this up father. She got beautiful. I'll show you."
Declan ran to Esther's room and came back leading his aunt. "See father. It's not gossip. Aunt Esther got beautiful."
Esther, who by this time was beet red, explained how she and Declan had gone shopping and she decided to take Theo's advice and work on herself.
Theo was speechless. He'd forgotten how lovely his aunt had once been. She wasn't a fabulous beauty, but high cheekbones, Nott, blue eyes and full lips spoke to her Pureblood heritage. "You've done yourself proud Esther. You look lovely."
Declan let out an excited utterance. "Yes lovely father, but she looks beautiful too."
"Yes, she does Declan. Your aunt looks beautiful." Turning back to Esther, Theo congratulated her on taking her first step back to having a proper life.
Esther turned a different shade of red as she nodded her head in agreement. She wanted to mention all the gold, silver and bronze Theo had allocated to her Gringotts account but held back. Her thanks could wait until she and Theo could have a private conversation.
"It is almost time for dinner, and Declan and I have something else to discuss. We'll see you at the table Esther."
Pulling out Conor's letter, Declan handed it to Theo. "Uncle Conor might be coming to visit. Isn't that wonderful? He has something to discuss with you, but he didn't say what. I've missed him and Uncle Mick. Shall we write back to tell him he is welcome?"
"Of course we'll write back. Your uncles are always welcome here. Go get washed up for dinner."
/*/
While Declan washed up, various feelings began to run through Theo. He loved this young wizard. It wasn't as though he didn't want Conor or Mick to visit. That was fine. What he didn't want was the uncles to come through then leave a devastated young man in their wake when they left. Conor was Declan's uncle. There wasn't any turning him away. Theo hoped he was a good enough father to keep his son happy with his life in England.
Cely called dinner, and the thoughts evaporated from Theo's head. The dinner was lovely with Declan in a lively mood. At one point, Theo felt embarrassed for Esther as Declan recited every last thing that had gone on in Diagon Alley, including the ice cream shop proprietor who also thought Esther was beautiful.
"The proprietor invited Aunt Esther back because his shop could use some beauty."
"Alright son. That's enough. Your aunt should be allowed some secrets."
"It wasn't a secret father. He said it out loud."
"I said enough Declan. We've discussed your necessity to get in the last word. Finish your food. After dinner, I'd like to hear you read from The Tales of Beetle The Bard. Those were some of my favorite stories when I was a young wizard."
"My goodness!" Exclaimed an amazed Declan. "Beetle The Bard must be a very old book if you read it when you were young."
"What an unkind thing to say to your father. Excuse yourself from the table then take your book into my den. We'll read in there."
"Yes sir. I didn't mean to be unkind. I was just making an observation. May I be excused?"
"What did I just say about last words Declan? You are excused."
Theo and Esther smothered the laughs they were desperately trying to hold in.
"If Declan only knew Beetle was old when Dumbledore was a child," said Esther with a grin. "I'll be excusing myself from the table now. There's a very loud laugh trying to escape my lips. I'll be out back for a bit."
Theo nodded in Esther's direction thinking how Padma would have loved having Declan and Esther at the house. Sighing, he headed to his bathroom to relieve himself. It wouldn't do to sit with his comedian of a son with a full bladder.
/*/
When Hermione and Draco arrived home, they both headed to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Draco tried to get in some foreplay, but Hermione pushed him away with her hip. "Stay away Malfoy. I'm starving. Besides, wasn't it you who wanted to hear everything that transpired today? We eat. We talk. Then we sex. In that order."
Pulling Hermione into his arms, Draco made a cheeky statement. "For someone who has just given up her livelihood, you are in a rare mood. Will that rare mood allow me one or two little kisses before we eat? I need sustenance of the Hermione Granger kind."
Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, Hermione crushed her lips against his. "I might act blasé, but I will need a lot of your sex to set this day in perspective."
"And I'm the wizard who can give it to you love." Draco replied, running his hands up and down Hermione's bum. "We'll talk fast and eat fast because my dick desperately wants to put your day in perspective.
Laughing, they opened the takeaway and began their conversation.
/*/
Although the gist of what Hermione told him infuriated Draco, he remained calm because she was fine. Selling her company seemed to have freed her. Draco thought perhaps it was because she would be rid of the tosser Boot. Even though he was calm in the face of what had gone on, Draco promised himself he would have it out with Boot at an opportune time, preferably in the dark confines of Knockturn Alley.
Hermione also wanted to go on and on about her opportunity to work with Severus, casually mentioning she had stopped by the project building and met Severus' new second in command. Then, swearing Draco to secrecy, she informed him that the entire plant was working overnight to make adjustments to the device. Exactly what those adjustments were, Hermione didn't know and hadn't been told. However, she had come away with an appointment to meet with Severus after the meeting.
Draco was thrilled for his witch. He hadn't seen her this happy in ages. It was all down to whatever made Hermione happy, made him happy as well.
By the time they'd had their fill of food and talk, they were ready to strip each other naked in the middle of the kitchen. After several searing kisses, Hermione took her wizard by the hand and led him to the bedroom where they each put the day into perspective.
/**/
Severus and Jean arrived back at the house Thursday in the early morning hours. The huge prototype had been scaled down to one sixteenth of the original size. Even though it had been a very long day and night, they were chuffed over the end result. In fact, the entire workforce had been jubilant over the new model, and had left the building tired but certain they would be part of the next great wizarding thing.
"Shall we have some breakfast before we retire for some well earned rest?"
Jean hesitated. It was true she and Severus had worked right through from the time they left the house Wednesday afternoon until thirty minutes ago, but rest was not top on her mind. She'd take a bit of breakfast then she'd take a large portion of dick. "Certainly Severus. I could do with some breakfast."
Severus turned to look at Jean. "We've had a very successful twenty four hours. Why is it I hear a bit of resignation in your voice? Was it too much for you?"
Jean flashed Severus a smile. "Too much for me? I think not. I believe you've misidentified the inflection in my tone. You asked if I wanted breakfast before settling down for some well earned rest."
"I did."
"I'm fine with breakfast. It's the settling in for a rest I have an issue with."
"How so?" Asked Severus, trying to suss out what he had missed. "Have I overlooked yet another point of importance?"
Jean sighed. She was trying not to push, but her lover was being dense. "I see being delicate won't get me anywhere, so I'll come right out with it. The thing I want most after our spot of breakfast is you. I have needs."
Severus grinned down at the plates he had in his hands. This witch and her sexual appetite would be the death of an aging wizard. With a smile still on his face, Severus placed Jean's plate in front of her along with a cheeky statement.
"Actually, it was me who thought he was being delicate by not mentioning what would transpire between our breakfast and our sleep. I thought it was a given."
His cheeky answer, while enlightening, were only words. Jean wanted assurances. "Eat quickly then Mr. Snape." Jean replied, with a wink. "My appetite for your sex has not waned since we parted."
Although Severus remained aloof, Jean's words were inflaming him. Placing his fork down on the plate, Severus made a telling reply. "Suddenly, toast and eggs are doing little to quell my own growing appetite. If you are finished, I suggest we retire to the cottage."
Flashing the smile of a winner, Jean made last comments. "My thoughts exactly Severus. However, to show I am charitable even in the face of overwhelming sexual desire, I will allow you time to clear away the remains of breakfast."
Severus drew his wand and cleared away without another word. His new second had needs. The cottage was calling him.