Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 56
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.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 57
/**/
Friday caught Walter King running hither, thither and yon trying to get everything sorted for the big party on Saturday. Seamus and Dean had told Walter they were chuffed to have Justin and Hermione hold their goodbye/hello party at F&T, not only because they were former classmates, but because their pub could always use the business. Publicity like this was hard to come by. Walter didn't give a fat rat's arse about former classmates, or publicity or anything else. He just wanted to be sure Seamus and Dean would have everything in order for the party so his arse wouldn't be on the line. Hermione may have sold the business, but if he screwed anything up, she knew exactly where to find him, and that wouldn't be good.
Walter had ticked everything off on his list and was about to bring the finished product to Justin for his review when he realized he'd overlooked the banners. How fucking stupid was he. The entire party revolved around Hermione's departure and Justin's take over, and he had overlooked one of the most important things. Grabbing a pen and paper, Walter drew up facsimiles of how he wanted the banners to look then hastily wrote a message to Willows & Bourke, Sign makers regarding size, colors and quantity. In large letters, Walter stipulated the banners be in place by 6:00 pm on Saturday. With a sigh of relief, Walter headed to Justin's office for a final review.
/*/
Justin waved Walter in. "Come in and have a seat. I'll be with you in moment. Just have a few more notes on this particular case."
Walter sat looking at the list in his hand imagining if he'd come in front of his new boss and had to explain why there wouldn't be banners at the event. He was also wondering why blow hard Boot wasn't in the office throwing his weight around about this thing or another. As tough as Hermione had been, Walter would take her any day over Terry Boot.
Walter looked up. Speak of the devil. Terry was standing in the doorway grinning.
"What's this then? A secret meeting without me. Hello King."
Walter didn't bother answering the facetious statement or the greeting, only returning the greeting with a nod.
"No answer? Now I'm intrigued." He said, plopping himself down in the other chair. "We'll have to make it fast though. I have a case going before the Wizengamot at 1:00."
Walter let out a soft sigh. It was getting awkward. He shuffled his feet hoping Justin was going to say something soon.
Finally, Justin stopped writing and looked from Terry to Walter. "Well wizards, what can I do for you?"
"I'm simply here to be nosy." Terry replied with a wide grin. "I saw Walter sitting here twiddling his thumbs, so I thought I'd see if you needed any assistance disciplining the lad."
"Be serious. Will you Terry? How can I help you Walter?"
"I'd like you to review the finished party list for anything I may have overlooked."
Justin reached out for the list. "I highly doubt you missed anything. You are known for exemplary work and a fine eye for detail. Everything appears to be in order. Thank you. I-we have three applicants coming in tomorrow. I'd like you to sit in on the interviews. Just a thought. Don't think you have to choose one over another. You'll be the trainer after all. There will be others if none of the three works out."
"I'll be glad to sit in Justin. Thank you for asking and thank you for your time." Nodding in Terry's direction, Walter left the office and closed the door behind him.
"So. Saturday will be the end of it. Hermione will be gone for good. You know, at first, I thought this was some kind of elaborate scheme aimed at putting me in my place. However, as Saturday draws closer, it's beginning to hit me. Our fearless, but aggravating leader has really walked away. Oh well. It is now our time to shine, and shine we will."
Justin sighed. "We'll shine if we can find another brilliant prosecutor to join as our third."
"No worries Justin. There are loads of brilliant prosecutors out there who would be glad to join our firm. We just have to advertise."
"I am advertising Terry. Did you think I'd sit on my arse waiting for one to knock on our doors? I don't want just anyone. I want someone with the same ….."
"With the same ethics, stamina and brilliance of our former leader? That might not happen. You might just have to settle for someone simply brilliant then teach him or her the rest. We'll be extremely busy, but we'll be fine until we find the right person. Now. Will I be allowed to speak to Hermione at this party, or has she given orders for me to stay away from her?"
Justin hid his smile. His partner was feeling the heat. "Are you asking me to divulge a confidence? I suggest you approach Hermione if you want to have a conversation. She'll either have a conversation, or hex the shite out of you. If you don't want to take the chance, stay far away from her. Jeff Rogers, formerly of Jack Dillard's office has an appointment with us at 4:30. If you aren't out of court by then, I'll take the interview alone."
Terry straightened up in his chair. "Rogers? Jeff Dillard's office? Come on Justin. Jack Dillard has never been known for having the best solicitors. We'd have to teach this prat from the ground up. I'll do everything in my power to finish off my case before 4:00. I wouldn't miss this interview for the world. Jeff Rogers for fucks sake. I don't think he could prosecute himself out of a paper sack."
Justin sat back in his chair glaring at Terry. "Do you hear yourself? Everyone can't be as spectacular as you think you are. The man hasn't walked through the door yet, and you are vilifying him as though you know his personally. I'm going to interview him with an open mind. I suggest you do the same. Reputations are built. Rogers may be a magnificent solicitor who, unlike us, had the misfortune to work in a lesser known firm. I need to step out for an hour or so. I'll see you at 4:30."
An agitated Terry strode quickly from the office.
His partner could sometimes be such a prat. Justin made a quick stop in the men's before returning to his office to pick up his case.
/*/
Severus and Jean who had less than five hours sleep were up at 9:00. They had remained at Snape Telecommunications until the wee hours of the morning working on the updates suggested by the group. Severus was a bit aggravated that another thing had slipped by him. How would he have demonstrated his product without having mobile numbers to call? Thanks to his forward thinking godson, he would now be able to demonstrate an actual, physical call. All four of the prototype mobiles had been given unique phone numbers. If all went well, Draco, Gloria and Theo would be tasked with setting up a bank of mobile numbers.
The, need to know group, had worked late with Jean to devise a self charging spell as well as the messaging aspect. Severus decided the rest could be worked on Monday and after. There were nine other members of his telecommunications group who could work on the odds and ends.
/*/
Severus was sitting at the table glancing over at Jean.
"What is it Severus? You are making me wary with all that staring."
"I am not staring. I'm giving my wonderful second and lover appreciative glances. There is a difference."
Jean hunched her shoulders in a shrug. "I've learned something then. I would have sworn you were staring."
Severus smiled as he reached across the table to take Jean's hand. "There are things I will say and do in the privacy of our home which would be thought inconceivable to outsiders. I trust you'll never mention staring or appreciative glances outside this room."
"Ah! As important as today is, my lover still has the wherewithal to make jokes. I will be sure to carefully censor my words outside this house. Happy Mr. Snape? I need to make you aware of something before the day gets any older. I had to speak to Hermione Granger last evening and it didn't go over too well. She's a handful Severus, but I've got her number."
"As long as you keep her in hand, we'll be fine. Bottom line. I do want her on our team. She's brilliant, but if you decide otherwise, she's gone."
Jean nodded, but refrained from adding anything more. "Your black dress robes, as well as your black dress suit are cleaned, pressed and hanging in your closet. Boxers, tees and socks have been set aside as well."
Severus pulled Jean up from the table. "I don't tell you enough how much you are appreciated. I'm a bit troubled I cannot take time to show you how much you mean to me, but that will be rectified soon after we have our answer from Kingsley. Be prepared."
Jean knew Severus wasn't a wizard who was chuffed to be touched or manhandled (his word) at certain times. However, Jean didn't think this was one of those times. Bringing her hands to the front of Severus' trousers, Jean quickly unbuttoned the buttons before kneeling before him. "I'll prepare myself for you. Right now, I want to prepare you for Kingsley. Brace yourself." She whispered as she took almost the full length of his member in her mouth.
As Jean sucked, licked and caressed his now firmly erect member, Severus did his best to remain standing. Jean was raising feelings and emotions in him he hadn't felt with even the most skillful of Knockturn Alley witches. Then he was coming, spurting his liquids all down Jean's front. With his trousers and boxers twisted around his ankles, Severus crumpled to his knees. Eye level with Jean, out of breath and with his dick still pulsating, Severus pulled Jean to him.
"You are amazing. Thank you. Suffice it to say, the promise I made about after the meeting still stands, but the excuse about not having the time is now null and void. I want you this second. If you'll allow me to take you to the bedroom, I'll show you now what I will show you again this evening."
After removing his boxers and trousers entirely, Severus guided Jean to his bed. Their passion for each other was overwhelming them, but Jean still had the presence of mind to realize she had been invited into the master's bedroom which meant more to her than anything that had transpired up to that point.
With the thoughts of the oral sex Jean had performed on him, Severus was on fire. He took Jean as he'd never taken her before. They took each other as they'd never taken each other before. After three exquisite orgasms, Jean and Severus took a fifteen minute respite before heading off to the showers. Twenty minutes later, they were dressed and coiffed with their dress outfits shrunken down. Kissing each other one last time, they Apparated to Snape Telecommunications to go over their presentation one final time before the most important time.
/*/
As if to make up for the previous day, Hermione spent the first light hours of Friday loving Draco up. So, it was a thoroughly satiated wizard who sung his way through the shower.
Hermione watched Draco as he dressed. "You are so handsome."
Draco turned to give her a wink and make a cheeky reply. "I am that and more Miss Granger. Be careful how you treat this handsome wizard, or some witch will try to step into your place."
Draco had meant the comment as a joke, but…
"Do you mean a witch such as Cassie?" Asked Hermione seriously.
Draco turned to look at Hermione hoping this wasn't the beginning of another argument. "Cassie? What does she have to do with anything, and why would you bring her name up in what was a light hearted bit of banter? Cassie is a member of our group, nothing more."
Hermione really didn't want ruin this happy moment, but she had said it and now had to explain herself. "Perhaps now isn't the best time to mention our group member, but it's out there, so we might as well discuss the way she seemed to latch onto you."
"Latch onto me? Hermione you're barking. The witch….."
"The witch invited me to join Theo, Gloria, her and you for a drink. Sounded as though she had gotten all coupled up in her mind."
Draco frowned into the mirror as he continued tying his tie. "If Cassie was thinking about getting coupled up with me, it was definitely all in her mind."
Hermione lightened the mood up with a huge smile. "Good. I know where your mind and feelings lay. I just have to be mindful of these, don't know you're taken, witches."
Finished tying his tie, Draco crossed the room to sit beside Hermione on the bed. "Don't know you're taken, witches. Have you just made up that label? I like it. Does it apply to wizards as well? Because I'd be more than glad to use it on Boot or Goldstein."
There was a grin on Hermione's face as she whispered, "Touché Mr. Malfoy." Not wanting to rumple Draco's, ready for work, attire, instead of grabbing him up in a big hug, she brought his hand to her lips. "Next Thursday at our group meeting, we can try it out on Cassie."
Draco leaned over to kiss Hermione. "Consider it done. Time for me to be on my way. What do you have planned for today?"
"I'm not really sure. Perhaps some shopping and a bit of time at the book shop or library. It's been ages since I've had time to relax with a new book. If you hear from Severus, Owl me. I'm so excited for him, Jean and the Wizarding World as well."
Draco didn't want to prolong the conversation. Severus had made a statement about what he would do after his meeting with Kingsley, and that's what he would do. "Maybe you had already left the building by the time Severus mentioned it, but he promised to Owl us all after the meeting. We'll all know the results at the same time. I've got to get going. Love you witch. See you later."
"Alright love. See you after work."
/*/
Draco and Donald were technically off probation. Today was the day they would be back on their own team's cases, There were still a few loose ends that had to be tied up for Teams 2&4, but after that, it was back to their own.
"I'm feeling chuffed for Monday. Not only will Team3 be off suspension, but Brian will be back as well." Lowering his voice, Donald offered his first bit of banter for the morning. "I suggest we teach Brian not to get injured when we are breaking rules."
Draco smiled in spite of himself. "I have already decided there won't be any more breaking of rules since we can't trust Brian to act right."
Donald was in the middle of a loud laugh when Blaise stepped into the office. "Sounding pretty chipper boys. If I were you, I'd keep my head down and get about my work. As far as I know, it's still Friday. Will you have anything ready for me by this afternoon?"
Draco took a breath before replying. Blaise was being obnoxious. Of course they didn't have anything ready for him. Their team hadn't worked on anything of its own since the prior week. "I'll assume that to be a bit of humor Blaise since you were the one who put us on suspension."
"Don't be cheeky Draco. Of course Team3 doesn't have anything ready for me. I was speaking about files for other teams. Will you have anything ready?"
Both Donald and Draco realized the mistake. They had been thinking too narrowly. Trying to disperse the tension in the room, Donald told Blaise he and Draco had turned everything over to the correct team leaders.
"Thank you," replied Blaise with a snap in his voice. "Your team is back together Draco. Let's keep it that way. I've left cases on your desk."
After Blaise left the room, Draco continued to work in silence.
"I'll check mail before I go to lunch. Are you going out, or would you like me to bring back something?" Asked Donald.
Reaching for his money bag, Draco pulled out a few coins and handed them to Donald. "I'll have a roast beef sandwich, black tea and a muggle gun."
Donald clapped right back. "You shoot cowboy. I'll be your alibi."
Draco grinned. "Now the truth is out. We both may be much too familiar with muggle movies."
Donald was chuckling to himself as he pulled the morning and afternoon mail realizing he had been remiss in his duties. Luckily for him, Blaise chose today to be an arse. Otherwise, it might have been him needing a muggle gun to fend off Draco.
/*/
Draco was pissed that Blaise had spoken as he had, but that was small shite. Much more important things were happening a few floors below. Draco didn't know how long Severus' meeting would last, but he was getting antsy wondering if his godfather had proven the worth of his project to the powers that be. Draco had to remind himself it had been he who had chastised Hermione that morning. They would know when they knew.
Donald returned at 2:40 with Draco's lunch and an Owl message that had been left in the box while he was gone. Draco put his lunch to the side. He was much more interested in the Owl message.
"Expecting something important?" Donald asked with a wink. "A few of the witches who know I work with you did seem to want to say something."
Hurriedly opening the message, Draco returned Donald's cheek. "That's because I'm so charming."
"If they only knew," answered Donald, picking up several folders before heading for his office.
"Actually, the correct answer is that I'm taken," said Draco with his eyes on the message in front of him. "We've done it. We've bloody done it. Kingsley and The Governors have given Severus' project their stamp of approval. He wants to see everyone tonight at 7:30."
Draco was ecstatic. In the near future, witches and wizards would be walking around with an invention he, Hermione, Theo and Gloria had seen from the beginning. Putting the message aside, Draco got down to work. There was no way he would still be in OTS one minute after end of day. He had an appointment.
/*/
Theo had been up since 8:00 am. He had several clients to see to. At 9:30, just as he was leaving, Esther and Declan landed in the Apparition area.
"Good morning father. Aunty and I had a wonderful day yesterday. We…."
Theo nodded at Esther.
"Good to hear son." Theo replied, cutting across his son. "However, we'll have to talk later as I have appointments this morning."
"Alright father. We'll talk later. I have an important matter to discuss with you."
Theo smiled at the audacity of his son. An important matter. "Fine Declan. I look forward to our conversation." Turning to Esther, Theo asked a favor. "I have left a list of groceries on the kitchen table I'd like to have in the house. Would it be possible for you to order them from Diagon Alley? Order them, but have them delivered. I'd do it myself but I believe I'll be tied up until late afternoon. In addition, Conor will be here sometime today. Please make him feel welcome. Jay may stop by as well. If I'm too late, have Cely start dinner unless you'd like to try your hand at it."
"No problem Theo. Declan and I will see to everything. He and I were going to Diagon Alley anyway. Get on your way then. We have everything under control. If it isn't a problem, there might be one more for dinner."
Declan smiled. He knew the one more was Mr. Casper the Ice Cream Shop proprietor. It was grown people's business so he couldn't speak on it, but he'd seen the Owl Aunty had received from Mr. Casper asking for permission to visit. Aunty hadn't answered the Owl, but made a sudden decision to visit Diagon Alley.
One more for dinner, thought Theo. Nott's did have their ways. "Okay. As long as it's someone reputable, I'm fine with it Esther. I'll see you both later."
/*/
"Uncle Conor is coming today. Should we get to Diagon Alley and back? We should be here to greet him."
"Yes, we should Declan." Summoning Theo's list from the kitchen, Esther grabbed Declan by the hand and led him outside so they could be on their way.
/*/
Esther made the Ice Cream Shop their first stop. "I have to speak with Mr. Caster, but I'll be leaving you here while I do my errands."
"May I have a large sundae Aunty?"
"You may have a small sundae, and you may not address Mr. Caster about anything other than ice cream. Am I making myself clear?"
"Perfectly clear. Grown people's business is not for me to speak about. I'll be well behaved."
Esther spoke to Ellis Caster for at least fifteen minutes. The conversation ended with Mr. Caster nodding his head in agreement.
Esther spoke a few more word to Declan before leaving the shop.
It wasn't long before Mr. Caster put a small ice cream Sundae and a book in front of Declan with instructions to use the facilities if he needed then get back to his seat.
Declan liked this proprietor. He reminded him of his father.
/*/
It took Esther two hours to return to the ice cream shop, but it was well worth it. She had gotten herself even more beautiful than last time.
Declan who had been warned about his comments remained silent, but Ellis was nothing but smiles. After holding a short conversation with Ellis, Esther was ready to get back to Theo's. Both she and Declan gave the beaming wizard a wave as they left his shop.
When Esther and Declan landed in the house, there was an Owl banging against the window. Esther retrieved the message then had Declan lay it on Theo's desk. While they waited for the deliveries, Esther cautioned Declan to be on his best behavior at dinner.
"I'm always on my best behavior Aunty, but tonight, I'll be on my very best behavior. I hear something. The delivery wizards must be here."
Esther heard it as well. Someone was fiddling with the front doors. "I don't think so." Esther replied hesitantly, drawing her wand. "Go to your room. Do not come out until I call you. Deliveries are not allowed through the front doors."
Declan ran to his room, but grabbed a Quidditch bat Theo had allowed him to keep in his room. No one was going to hurt his aunt. However, the bat wasn't necessary because Esther came back followed by Uncle Conor.
"Uncle Conor," shouted Declan as he let the bat drop to the floor. "Father said you were coming today. Welcome back to our home."
Conor lifted Declan off the floor and swung him around. "Your gram would be so proud. You are becoming a fine, young man. Is Theo about?"
Esther hadn't missed the bat Declan had let fall to the ground. He had thoughts of protecting her whether she liked it or not. She was growing to love this child more everyday. "Theo isn't here Conor, but he wants you to make yourself at home. Please take the room you used the last time you were here. Theo should be home shortly. Declan, you may help your uncle unpack if you wish. I need to Apparate home for a short bit. I'll be back shortly. If the deliveries arrive before I get back, perhaps your uncle will help you put them away. Remember your manners. I'll see you shortly."
"Alright Aunty. Uncle Conor and I will take care of everything."
/*/
Hermione had been out and back. She had four new books to show for her journey. The one book about a house elf revolt was very interesting. She had just started chapter five when an owl appeared at the window.
Hermione jumped up. Was this what she had been waiting for? The envelope didn't show any return information. She ripped the envelope apart, and there it was. The answer. The confirmation. Severus had impressed The Governors. Mobiles for the wizarding population had been approved. Hermione's first thought was to Owl Draco, but she remembered Severus had promised to notify the entire group after the meeting. It was 3:00 pm. Severus requested the entire group meet him at Snape Communications by 7:30. They had the go ahead. This time, Hermione planned to be the one seated at Severus and Jean's elbows. Laying the message on her dresser top, Hermione stepped into her closet to find an appropriate outfit for the night.
Two hours later, Draco stepped out of the floo shouting. "Severus has done it. We are going to change the face of wizarding Britain forever."
Hermione hugged her excited wizard. "Not just Britain love. Severus has the entire wizarding world to change, and we will be there to help him. Go shower. I want to be there early."
After a long kiss, Draco headed to the shower.
/*/
The deliveries had arrived without a problem. Cely had put everything away except for the dinner fixings.
Theo returned home accompanied by Gloria Isles whom he had met up with after his appointments. After greeting Conor, Theo introduced Gloria to everyone, explaining she was a member of Severus' telecommunications group.
Theo asked about messages.
"Sounds as though you're waiting for an Owl," offered Esther. "One arrived a short while ago. It's on your desk."
Theo, with Gloria at his heels, rushed to the study. Within seconds, Esther, Conor and Declan heard shouts of joy emerge from the study. Obviously, the Owl was a welcome one.
Gloria came back through telling everyone it had been a pleasure to meet them before leaving. She had to get home to make herself presentable enough for tonight's meeting. She might be unemployed, but she was at the forefront of huge things.
/*/
Severus and Jean had done it. Kingsley and The Board of Governors had been amazed at Severus' technology. The Governors had not been all that impressed until Severus had rung Jean on the mobile. After that, each Governor had wanted a turn while Kingsley sat back beaming. Kingsley and The Governors had spent the better part of an hour calling each other, leaving messages and simply answering the mobiles. After a few minutes deliberation, the decision had been unanimous. Severus Snape and Jean Bradford had their full support. There had been more discussion during which Severus invited Kingsley and all members to visit Snape Communications. An invitation that was quickly scheduled for Tuesday, 5/11. There were more provisions allocating funds for Severus to set up a telecommunications department in The Ministry.
Severus and Jean thanked their Ministry benefactors before taking their leave. As soon as they landed at the company building, Severus sent out the Owls. They had prevailed.
After that, Severus had taken his amazing second and welcome lover home to make good on his promise. The world was their's. Severus could afford to take an hour or so away from the celebration to fulfill a promise.