Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 55
Striding into his office, Severus replicated the invitation with a simple spell. With another simple spell, he posted a copy in several places throughout the building. His employees could make their own decisions. It was only one evening after all.
Back at his desk, Severus RSVP'd for himself and Jean. They deserved a bit of relaxation as well. Of course, attending or not attending would revolve around the answers he received from Kingsley. It was likely no one would want to see him in his beast mode.
/*/
Her little back and forth with Severus left Hermione in a less than stellar mood as she moved down Diagon Alley. Yes, she should have realized the push would be on after Friday, but they hadn't set specifics. She didn't want to antagonize Severus, but she wouldn't stand still for any of his foul bull shite either. She was going to be his employee not his house elf.
Hermione stopped in front of the dress shop. As she went to step in the door, a person-to-person Owl nearly knocked her over. It was from Draco inquiring about the party. Huffing as she pulled a pen from her bag, Hermione dashed off a few words to Draco then headed inside.
"Bloody wizards," she sniped to herself.
Once inside, Hermione put her angry thoughts on hold. She needed an outfit for Saturday, and that's where her concentration should be. Everything else would get sorted one way or another.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 56
Choosing a dress didn't take very long. Hermione ended up choosing a Basic Casual long sleeved onesie in light brown with an attached sweater in a darker brown. As she looked at herself in the full length mirror, Hermione was going through her closet in her mind. After one last twirl, Hermione remembered she was a witch with keen enough skills to spell anything in her closet to match the outfit.
"Silly girl." She mumbled softly to herself.
After closing the sale, Hermione picked up a small roast for later knowing Draco probably wouldn't have time to stop by the flat before the meeting. As she landed in the flat, it occurred to Hermione that this was the meeting. After this night, it was time for Severus to put up or shut up. If Severus didn't impress Kingsley and the Board of Governors tomorrow, the old codgers on the Board probably wouldn't want to hear anything else from him.
As if, thought Hermione as she ran a bath. "If Severus is nothing else, he is as precise as he is tenacious. There won't be any muck ups. Ah! This water feels incredible."
For the next hour, Hermione soaked her cares away thinking she would approach Severus about the party a bit differently after they spoke that evening, or perhaps she would address it with Jean.
"That's a stupid thought," said Hermione, chiding herself for even thinking about going around Severus' back. "That would not go over well with my sour, new boss."
Hermione wanted to appear professional at the meeting, so she chose a dark green suit pairing it with a pair of low heeled, comfortable black shoes. After choosing to wear her hair pulled back in a curly ponytail, she was ready with time to spare. Selecting a cup of tea over her first choice of white wine, Hermione sipped tea until it was time to Apparate to the Snape Telecommunications building.
/*/
Gloria was tired having spent most of the day in interviews. She thought she'd made a good impression during the interviews. However, one never knew if the wizard doing the interviewing was interested as much in her strong resume as he was in wondering if she would submit to his advances which would never happen again. Several times during the one interview, Gloria felt the wizard was looking straight through her clothing. Hoping for the best, but expecting nothing, she Apparated home.
As soon as she stepped foot in her flat, Gloria tossed her resume case, and her wand on a chair and headed for the wine where she poured herself a glass and drank it down in one.
"Don't be an arse Gloria. Wine is meant to be sipped not chugged down like a glass of pumpkin juice." Continuing with her tirade, she lambasted herself over how she'd thrown away an important and prestigious position over a piece of shite wizard and a few pokes. Had she really been that desperate to have fallen for a wizard who was already in a relationship? Yes, she had. Now she had nothing.
"Fuck!" She cried out as the wine she was pouring spilled onto the table. "I can't even pour wine anymore. Accio wand." When the wand reached her hand, Gloria summoned a wet cloth to clean up the mess. "Well I've sat here pitying myself long enough. Time to get ready for the meeting where I'm sure to be the recipient of a few side eye glances. Whatever."
Although she didn't feel up to any meeting, Gloria knew it would be irresponsible to stay home. Irresponsible was not a label she wanted added to her current labels, of relationship wrecker, friendship wrecker and slag. Hurrying to the bathroom, she turned on a warm shower hoping it would wash the pity away.
An hour later, the shower had done the job. Gloria was feeling refreshed and ready to face people. Rather be early than late, she sheathed her wand, grabbed a jumper then Apparated to Snape Telecommunications. Initially, Gloria thought she would sit either in the back or farthest from the speakers, but as luck would have it, she was walking up just as Hermione came around the corner.
"Just what I need." Gloria mumbled to herself. "A run in with my self righteous ex-boss. Lovely."
/*/
Hermione waved at Gloria and waited for her to catch up. "Isn't this exciting?" Gushed Hermione.
Gloria tried to sound as enthused as Hermione, but failed miserably.
Hermione stared at Gloria for several seconds before speaking again. "Are you really still being hard on yourself? We had a bit of a bump in the road. It's done. We're two very intelligent and very strong witches. We'll get past it. Besides, all our focus should be on what Severus and Jean have to say. By the way, I've sold the firm to Justin and they are having a Goodbye Hermione/Welcome Finch-Fletchley party Saturday at F&T."
Gloria was flabbergasted. "You sold the firm to Justin?"
"I did. He is partnering with Mr. Boot."
"No way Hermione. I mean Justin is brilliant, but….. But."
Don't say it. No matter who Justin has chosen as a partner, my conviction remains the same. I do not care to discuss Mr. Boot. Other than that, I believe they make a great team which would be even better with you onboard. Before you get all annoyed, I was simply making a suggestion. However, I'll also remind you that Justin is now the owner and Head, and he was quite impressed with you. Think it over. It wouldn't do any harm to have a word with Justin. Perhaps at the party. If you feel a bit unsure of your welcome, you can meet Draco and I outside F&T. We can walk in together. Right now, I think we should be getting inside because we want good seats."
Taking Gloria by the arm, Hermione took one last look around to see if Draco had arrived before pulling open the door.
Perhaps he was already inside.
/*/
Hermione's thoughts about getting a prominent seat were dashed when she entered the room. She and Gloria had to take seats at the far end of the group table. Hermione was even more aggravated when she saw Draco and Theo seated so close to Severus and Jean they were almost in their laps.
Draco followed Hermione and Gloria with his eyes as they took the cheap seats. With a shrug and a smile, he turned in his chair as Severus began to speak.
"Welcome all. For those who have not met her yet, this is my second in command, Jean Bradford. In the group as well as at Snape Communications, Jean is in charge in my absence. We'll go around the table to do a quick introduction so we can get down to business.
After everyone introduced him or herself to Jean, she sat while Severus remained standing.
"We are here this evening to go over the presentation I'll be making to Kingsley and The Board tomorrow. Jean, if you'll bring out the prototypes, our group can see the fruits of our labor."
Jean did a quick swish and flick Reveal spell. Suddenly, the group was looking at several hand sized devices. For several seconds, the room was completely still. Then Theo and Draco started clapping and everyone else followed suit interjecting a lot of oohs and ahs. Jean passed one of the devices to her right so everyone could have a look while Severus passed one to his left.
"Take a good look. It will be your job to jot down your observations. If Jean and I have overlooked anything, we would rather hear it now than when we're standing in front of Kingsley. Jean and I will be taking four prototypes to the meeting. So, as I said, look them over carefully and give us your honest opinions. The most important question being, would you use one? Since there are only four devices available, I suggest at least three of you make your observations at the same time. While you are making your observations, I will touch upon a few more points. Depending on what transpires with Kingsley, Snape Telecommunications will be either straight out, or straight out starting Monday, 5/10.
Severus' last comment elicited a few chuckles from the group.
"I have selected several of the group to make themselves available for Sunday if possible. Draco, Miss Isles and Mr. Nott. Please see me after the meeting is over. Miss Granger, Jean and I will see you after I meet with Draco, Gloria and Theo."
Gloria looked embarrassed as Hermione made little huffing sounds under her breath. "It seems you've been chosen Gloria. Well done."
"Thank you Hermione. Perhaps my sacking was a good thing. I'll be able to help Severus and Jean as much as they need me."
Hermione glanced at Gloria, not sure if she was being cheeky. It didn't seem so.
Both women handed their observational notes to Jean who'd been moving around the table collecting them only to hurry off when she had them all.
Severus began speaking again. "This week I've called on Mr. Malfoy, Miss Isles and Mr. Nott. The rest of you be prepared. I'll be calling on all of you as the weeks go by. That's all I have except, no one, and I mean no one should discuss our product until I give the go ahead. Thank you for your time. Draco, Gloria, Theo, I'll see you in my office. We shouldn't be too long Miss Granger. Whatever way it goes, I will send Owls after the meeting with Kingsley. We will proceed from there."
/*/
After Gloria left to speak to Severus, Hermione remained in her chair fuming. He'd chosen Draco and Gloria and Theo. Theo mind you, over her. She knew as much as any of them, probably more. What was Severus playing at?
Although she was busy sifting through the observational notes she had collected, Jean noticed Hermione sitting off to herself with a pronounced frown on her face. Having assured Severus she could handle the strong willed Hermione Granger, Jean decided now was as good a time as any to start. Setting the notes aside, Jean crossed the room to approach Hermione.
"Hello Hermione. You seemed troubled."
Instead of tempering her tongue, Hermione let her annoyance get the best of her. "What criteria did Severus use to select the people who will be assisting him this weekend? I have as much, if not more, experience as some."
"First," a startled Jean replied. "You'll be working for Severus not the other way around. Starting off by questioning his choices won't sit well with him. Besides, starting Monday, you'll be a full time employee, and the group will have to come second."
Hermione softened her tone. "I realize that Jean. However, I just like being in the thick of things. Whatever Draco, Gloria and Theo have been chosen to do will put them at the forefront of an amazing new discovery. I didn't sell my firm to be…."
Jean was tired of listening to Hermione whine and cut across her. "You approached Severus and he offered you a first rung position which you accepted. I can't imagine why you'd think you'd be stepping in here to start giving orders, or even making requests. You've known Severus for a long while, so you know he doesn't work that way. His choices are his choices. He has clearly stated he will be calling on others in the group as needed. Your turn will come. The one suggestion I do have, if you aren't satisfied with your treatment, or lack of authority, perhaps Snape Telecommunications isn't the place for you."
Hermione was surprised at the response she'd gotten from Jean. She might be Severus' second in command, but she had no right speaking as she had. Not the right place for me. As if. In a month or less, I'll be making circles around her.
No matter how much internal grousing Hermione was doing, she knew it would be to her benefit to remain on the right side of Jean, for now. "My apologies Jean. I meant no disrespect to either you or Severus. I was just a bit disappointed. From here, I'll take my direction from you and Severus without question. I saw a tea setup over the other side of the room. I think I'll have a cup while I wait."
Jean watched a firm backed Hermione walk across the room. Severus was right on the mark, she thought. Hermione Granger will fit in, or she won't.
Hurrying back to the notes on her desk, Jean quickly immersed herself in what she had been charged to do. There were several promising suggestions, including one from Hermione.
/There would have to be an easily used, specialized spell which would recharge the instrument when needed, unless the specialized spell could be activated on purchase and made to keep the mobile charged indefinitely. (Hermione)
/There should be a carrying case to protect the mobile from damage. (Theo)
/There should be a list of mobile numbers to be given out as a mobile is purchased as well as a listing of names, numbers of those who had mobiles. (Draco)
/There should be adjustments made to the mobile to include operations other than calling or receiving, such as, transferring a call to another person, the ability to leave a message if the person didn't answer. (Cassie)
Severus couldn't have been more on point with the witches and wizards he'd chosen for the group. Jean was impressed. Their ideas were excellent talking points to take in front of Kingsley. Some more than others. She even thought most could be implemented before the big meeting, especially Draco's. How foolish it would be to stand in front of future benefactors and not be able to utilize the mobile. They needed active mobile numbers to make their point. Jean didn't wait for Severus to be free, instead she went directly to the working team to share her thoughts.
/*/
Draco, Gloria and Theo had been advised as to what was expected of them on Sunday and were making their way back to the meeting area talking among themselves. Hermione noticed them as Draco noticed Hermione. Hoping to wish Hermione good luck with her interview, he changed course heading in her direction. But before he could reach her, Hermione waved him away pointing to Severus' office.
While Draco stood there wondering why Hermione couldn't take a minute to speak with him, Cassie, Theo and Gloria appeared at his elbow asking if he'd like to join them for a drink after Severus released them. Draco readily accepted, thinking maybe a drink would loosen up his tightly wound looking witch. As they stood in the middle of the floor again talking among themselves, Jean called them to her office.
"Come in. I'd like to make a quick statement. I've gone through the notes you turned in. I want to compliment you on your thinking. Your comments are the forward thinking type Severus is looking for. Therefore, let me be first to commend you all. Severus will be pleased. He might have a few more things to add before releasing you. Thank you for your foresight."
The four group members were quite pleased with themselves. An unusually exuberant Theo told the little group that Jean's compliments warranted two drinks. The four were laughing when Hermione walked up.
"You all seem quite happy. What have I missed?"
Cassie spoke up first. "We've been complimented. Jean called us into her office to explain how much she appreciated our observations and opinions. Theo, Gloria, Draco and I are going for drinks later. Would you care to come?"
Hermione glared at Draco while Theo remained tight lipped knowing Cassie's comments hadn't gone over well with Hermione. Before Draco could intervene with an explanation, Hermione declined remarking that they appeared to be paired up well enough and she would feel like a fifth wheel.
Unfortunately, Cassie chose to add additional remarks. "I think it will be fun. Maybe some other time then Hermione."
When a beet red color began working itself up Hermione's neck, Theo excused himself to use the men's while Gloria had a sudden urge for tea.
Draco held his hand out to Hermione intending to introduce the two witches, but Hermione wasn't having it. Looking to those who didn't know her, like she was calm and composed, Hermione asked Draco and Cassie to excuse her.
This was the perfect time for Draco to follow behind Hermione to get things sorted, or at least disclose to Cassie he and Hermione were a couple. Draco did neither, because inside he was fuming over Hermione's remarks about being a fifth wheel. This was an exciting time for them both, why she had to spoil it with her ill chosen words and attitude, he didn't know.
Five minutes later, Severus dismissed the group thanking them for their time and input. As Theo, Gloria and Cassie made their way to the doors, Draco looked around for Hermione who was nowhere to be found. Thinking Hermione might have needed to use the facilities, Draco waited several minutes outside the ladies loo. Still no Hermione. Draco would have waited longer except Jean approached to ask if she could help him with something.
"No thanks Jean. I can't seem to find Hermione. I'm thinking she's in the loo."
"Actually, Hermione is already gone. I noticed her leaving as Severus was speaking. She was upset over Severus' choices for Sunday work. As Severus' second, I have been charged with keeping the drama down to a minimum, so I tried to explain. However, I don't think my words went over too well. Perhaps if you …"
Draco gently cut across Jean. "Thank you for your insight. If your words didn't go over well with Hermione, she won't look kindly on mine. Goodnight."
/*/
Draco was annoyed. Why did his witch think she always had to have the last word, or that her thoughts meant more than anyone else's? Striding to the doors, Draco caught up to Theo, Gloria and Cassie who had waited on him and Hermione.
When Theo asked if they were waiting for Hermione, Draco simply shook his head from side to side. Theo didn't question anything as he knew how volatile Hermione could be when she thought things weren't as they should be.
"Alright then, let's be off," said Theo, offering Gloria and Cassie his arm when it looked as though Cassie was about to link arms with Draco. Draco was a grown wizard, but Theo wasn't ready for any Hermione drama if she walked up to find Cassie hugged up to Draco.
Draco must have realized the same thing because he suddenly backed out of going for drinks. "Suddenly, I'm not in the mood for drinks. Maybe next time. Goodnight all."
Theo had assumed this was the way it was going to turn out. "Alright mate. Have a good night. I'll see you next week at the meeting, if not before. Come on ladies. There are drinks waiting somewhere with our names on them."
Cassie started to reach out to Draco, but Theo turned them into Apparition before her hand reached Draco's arm.
/*/
Draco landed in his home calling out to Hermione as he removed his jumper. There was no answer so Draco checked the house. Hermione hadn't answered because she wasn't there. Draco's first thought was to hurry to Hermione's flat knowing the longer he left her alone, the worse it would be. Then he stopped in his tracks. He hadn't done anything wrong. Why was he chasing after the witch who loved him yet chose to believe he was trying to get up to something? Pulling out his wand to summon the Ogden's and a glass, Draco poured himself a drink which he slowly sipped. After finishing the drink, Draco pulled on a jumper, grabbed his wand and Apparated to Hermione's.
When Draco landed, Hermione came out of the study to greet him. "Back so soon? I expected you'd be out until all hours celebrating your compliments and first chosen status."
Draco let out a loud sigh. "First, a hello would be nice. Secondly, you received compliments as well. However, your bad mood precluded me from mentioning that, or introducing you to Cassie. What was that fifth wheel comment about Hermione? Need I remind you we are in a relationship, and I'm not out there looking for either a date or a quick fuck. Any dating or fucking I do will be done with you. Do you want to tell me what this is really about?"
"You…."
Draco stopped her right there. "I what? What is it you think I've done?"
"If you'll let me finish my sentence…."
"Please. By all means finish your sentence." Draco snapped, interrupting Hermione once again. "Just don't start off by pointing a finger at me because I've done nothing."
Hermione realized Draco was correct. He'd done nothing. Perhaps she was just feeling low because she'd sold her business and was now nothing more than a small cog in a big wheel. Hermione decided to approach the conversation in a different way. She explained how she was feeling and the conversation she'd had with Jean.
After Hermione finished speaking, Draco understood why she might be feeling low, but he still didn't condone her behavior. "I understand love, but from here on out, you need to resign yourself to the fact you own nothing and will not be having top say. I hope you didn't take that tone with Severus because he won't stand for any shenanigans. You'll feel better once you are back working. Until then, please keep your bad moods to a minimum. We are at the front of an amazing discovery. Let's enjoy it. Now come here and give me a kiss and some dinner. In that order."
Hermione smiled at Draco before taking his cheeks in her hands and planting a sloppy kiss on his lips.
Draco grabbed Hermione in his arms. "That was not a kiss. This is a kiss."
"Ah," said Hermione after Draco dropped his arms. "That most certainly was a kiss. Those lips are one of the things that makes me love you so much."
"Really now? I thought my charming Malfoy personality was the reason. I'll have to use my lips more often."
"That would be welcome." Hermione cheekily called out from the kitchen. "Come eat love so you can eat."
Draco laughed out loud as he grabbed Hermione from behind. "Don't try your sex talk on me witch, especially when I'm starving."
Hermione flipped around so she was facing Draco. "You haven't heard sex talk ….. yet."
After kissing Hermione on the nose, Draco leaned his forehead against hers then whispered in her ear. "I love you witch, even with your bad moods. However, I can't say the same for Theo. You should have seen the look on his face before he hurried away to use the men's. Priceless. I imagine he didn't want to be in the vicinity if you drew your wand."
"Funny Mr. Malfoy. Theo Nott doesn't give two shites about my bad moods, unless they are directed at him. Even then, he'd give as good as he got."
"You are speaking the truth. Now come sit down so we can enjoy this amazing smelling roast and discuss your party. Please make it a quick discussion though because I'd like those clothes off and you under me in very short order."
"I can do that," joked Hermione. "I most definitely can do that."
/*/
Esther had been humming off and on all morning. She was happy. She and Declan were spending a lovely morning in her small back garden cleaning up preparing to replant. Declan was an industrious child, a good worker and talkative as well. He shared his many thoughts. His gram had been partial to the Gorse Bush, so Esther had ordered several bushes to be planted along the back of the fence along with some roses, lilies, sunflowers and daisies. While she and Declan waited for the delivery, they had a nephew to aunt conversation in which Declan questioned her about life.
"Are you going to stay beautiful Aunt Esther?"
"I'm going to try."
"That's good aunty. You don't mind if I call you aunty instead of Aunt Esther. It sounds better."
Esther smiled as she ran her hand through Declan's hair. "That's fine Declan. Aunty sounds better to me too."
"If you remain beautiful, I think the ice cream shop proprietor will be sending a note. He is interested. I know interested because Uncle Mick explained it to me."
Esther was as horrified as she was surprised. Her son/nephew didn't miss anything. "Interested or not, those aren't comments that should be coming out of your mouth. I'm not pleased you are sitting here discussing my personal life, and neither would your father. Young wizards don't comment on matters best left to grown people."
Declan looked crestfallen. "I'm sorry aunty. Uncle Mick never said it was wrong. From now on, I'll be keeping your personal business out of my mouth. You needn't mention my slip of the tongue to father. I'll tell him on my own, man to man."
In spite of herself, Esther smiled. "That's fine Declan. Nothing better than a man to man discussion with a father. Stay here. I think I heard our delivery."
Declan sat quietly waiting for Esther to return pondering just how he would explain himself to his father. Then Esther was back.
"Everything is here, but let's have a bit of lunch before we start."
"Lunch will be most welcome aunty. I hope we're having fresh fruit. Father says it's very good for a growing wizard. I agree."
"I agree as well. We'll be having chicken sandwiches, chips, juice, and fresh fruit." Pointing her wand towards the kitchen, Esther soon had a floating line of food which landed gently on the garden table. Declan tucked in immediately.
"Thank you aunty. This food is delicious. I'll have the strength of two after this."
Esther smiled at Declan as she too tucked in.
/*/
Theo arrived home in an exceptional mood. Not only had he received commendations on his suggestions, he had had a lovely time entertaining Gloria and Cassie, especially Gloria. What was not to like in a beautiful, brilliant witch who smells like a garden of lilies.
Theo began to feel guilty. Here he was sitting in Padma's living room with a semi hard dick thinking about another witch. "Time to come to your senses Nott." He mumbled out loud. "I love my wife."
"And your wife loves you," said the voice he knew as Padma's. "However, if you're going to be stubborn, I'll come right out with it. Hold me in your heart if you wish, but move forward Theo. If the witch appeals to you, see where it leads. You have my blessings."
"We'll see my love. We'll see."
"Do more than see Theo. Do it for me and Declan."
Theo was getting aggravated. His one and only love was pushing him towards another witch. "I said, we'll see, and that's what I mean. Declan and I will be fine."
The voice known as Padma's took on a sob like tremor. "I only want what's best, but I've upset you. I wish you well, but from here, I won't bother you again."
Theo jumped up. "Padma my love. You haven't upset me. Padma please. Please answer me."
Theo kept calling his wife's name, but the room remained silent. Realizing he might have broken the last connection between himself and his beloved wife, Theo Nott headed for the shower where he allowed himself a cry. With the catharsis of a good cry, came the realization he didn't need his deceased wife holding his hand any longer. He had loved Padma in life and would always love her, but perhaps it was time for him to let go. Time for him to look forward. He and Declan would be fine.
/*/
Hermione and Draco were lying naked on top of the blankets arms around each other discussing the party, their futures and their relationship. Draco was explaining how disheartening it was when she went off on a tangent because people in love just didn't do that.
Running her fingers up and down Draco's chest, Hermione explained to him that people in love often had disagreements and it was up to them to get it sorted.
"Well, I want to get it all sorted before I ask you to marry me. The mother of my children will not be having a tantrum every other day without consequences."
Draco's words made Hermione's heart beat so fast, she had to take a deep breath to calm herself. Her wizard had admitted that he was going to ask her to marry him. She would be the mother of his kids. The warmth that was flowing through Hermione made her feel like she was on fire. I love this wizard and he loves me. I have to do better.
To Draco, she softly replied. "I will do better love. I promise."
"That's what I want to hear," whispered Draco as he pulled Hermione onto his fully erect member. "You may start now."
So she did.