Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 57
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.
/
A/N: Several mentions of bodily functions in this chapter.
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 58
The sex between them was good, but both Severus and Jean didn't lie about. He had called a meeting for 7:30. They needed to get back to the shop.
"There's no sense in me sitting here waiting to take a shower. It will be more beneficial if I shower and dress at the cottage." Jean called out loudly to Severus as she headed for the back door. "There won't be any need for robes tonight. We are creators. We can do as we wish."
Severus smiled through the water pouring down his face. He wasn't just smiling over Jean's cheek. He was smiling at her words as well. They were the creators. They had discovered the next big thing for the Wizarding World. They could do as they wished, as long as they made a success of it all. While soaping himself, Severus let his mind wander to how he, Jean and the teams would pull this off, especially now that he had been given a department of his own in The Ministry. A list of who would do what, or be placed where ran through his head. What would he call his department? What would he name the business? Snape Communications or Telecommunications was too common. He wanted something stronger. It was then Severus made a mental note to charge the group with coming up with alternative names. He himself would have to do another set of job postings for staff for both the business and the Ministry. He sighed. Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself. He'd have to review the boundaries which had been set by Kingsley and The Board. Although, being Severus Snape/Brendan Eilson, Severus was sure he'd have his way in the end.
"Severus Snape! Are you really still under the shower? The water must be ice cold by now."
Severus drolly clapped back. "There's no need to raise your voice. I'm a wizard Jean. A fine one at that. I believe I know more than a few spells to warm water. However, I might have overextended my time in the shower. I shall be out directly."
"I didn't raise my voice. I called out vigorously. You know. Very similar to your description of the difference between staring and appreciating."
"Hmph. My words have come back to haunt me."
"They certainly have." Jean replied nonchalantly. "You've called a meeting for 7:30. It is now 6:15. Shall we be late for our own meeting, or will you get your arse out of the bathroom NOW? That was shouting."
Leaning over to kiss Jean on the forehead, Severus sniped at her. "As you can see, I am fully dressed. Let's get to our meeting before I have to rope and tie you. Accio case. Accio wand. If you'll be kind enough to make a note, I believe we should set up floo connections from the house to the business, from the house to The Ministry and from the business to The Ministry. Perhaps we can discuss this on Sunday along with mobile numbers and customer lists."
Jean used her wand to make notes of what Severus had mentioned as well as a few other things. Then they were off.
/*/
The building was buzzing when Severus and Jean arrived, including catcalls and whistles from every corner of every room. Severus raised a hand in acknowledgement and the catcalls and whistles became an uproar.
"I think you've made an impression Mr. Snape." Jean snarked quietly. "Let's bring this place to order so you can start your meeting."
"You're my Second. You bring the place to order and call the meeting. A short one in which we'll speak to the entire company then at 7:30 precisely we'll speak to our group. Of course you'll give me the obligatory five seconds to stand here and look brilliant."
Giving Severus a surreptitious nudge, Jean called out Sonorous and called the entire staff to the meeting leaving Severus his obligatory five seconds before she began to speak.
"Quietus. I will not hold the floor. Therefore, I give you our brilliant owner and inventor Severus Snape."
The clapping was immediate and loud.
Severus raised both hands in a gesture meant to silence the room. He then spoke into the absolute silence. "As you all know, we've done it. Now the hard work begins. You all have done excellent work, so, me and my magnanimous Second feel as though the lot of you all should spend the next forty eight hours doing what you like. Attend parties, have a drink, spend time with your significant other, if you have one, but enjoy yourselves because come Monday, none of you may get to go home for weeks."
The room went dead silent.
"What Severus means is that come Monday we will all be straight out and days off will be few and far between not non-existent. With that in mind, come in Monday ready to work on the most exciting discovery since fish and chips."
Severus took the moment to comment. "Now that my profound Second has cleared matters up, I'll release all permanent staff until Monday. Get everything done you need to get done in the next forty eight hours because on Monday, Snape Telecommunications (for now) will not accept any excuses. Goodnight. Will my group form in the room behind my office."
As Hermione listened to Severus and Jean speak, she had a brilliant thought. It was a bit late, but it might be possible. Stepping back from the crowd, Hermione slipped out the door and Apparated to Walter's flat.
Walter stepped back in surprise when he opened the door to find Hermione there. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."
Hermione laughed but began talking before Walter even got the door closed. "First of all, calm down. I'm short on time. I need a favor."
"Favor? Fine, if I can manage it. What do you need?"
"Banners."
"Banners?"
"Yes Walter, banners. I need you to order banners for tomorrow night."
"Got you Hermione. I've already ordered some lovely banners for the party."
Hermione smiled to herself. "You are the best Walter, so I have no doubt you have already ordered banners. I need additional banners. If you have pen and paper available, I'll tell you exactly what I want."
Walter hurried over to his desk. "Alright give me text, size and color, and I'll see what I can do."
Hermione made it short and sweet then had Walter read it back. Everything was on point, but Walter voiced his concerns about being able to fulfill her request. "I will try my very best to get this done. However, this is very short notice. I hope I don't disappoint you."
Hermione had a quick reply. "Except for that one thing with Terry, you've never disappointed me. I don't expect you to start now. Try your best. You may Owl me at home with the results. I'm due at a meeting. Thank you."
"You're welcome Hermione. I'll see you Saturday."
/*/
As he put together Hermione's order still marveling over his former boss showing up at his door, Walter grumbled about how owners who leave should stay gone. However, he felt better after the agent at Willows & Bourke told him he would be able to fill the additional request and have them hung with the rest. Walter immediately sent an Owl advising Hermione that the additional banners would be hung with the others.
/*/
By the time Hermione returned, the group had already gathered.
Draco sighed and frowned when Hermione entered the room wondering what she was playing at. They'd just had a conversation about her attitude.
Severus must have had the same idea. "Nice of you to join us Miss Granger. It would be even better if you made our priorities your priorities."
Hermione felt the blush run up her neck as she tried to defend herself. "My apologies Severus, Jean and team. I had an extremely urgent matter that couldn't be put off."
Severus turned away from Hermione and made a statement to the entire group. "When you agreed to become part of this group, there were stipulations. The first being, you would be available when needed. Therefore, I'll reiterate. If you can't make yourself available at this crucial point in time, perhaps you should rethink your commitment. With that said, let's get down to business. I'll let Jean inform you what comes next while I see to the paperwork which needs to be returned to The Ministry."
/*/
Seeing the look on Draco's face, Hermione had no other recourse than to take a seat and pretend not to be embarrassed. Internally she was burning. She had taken a few minutes to do something for the shop and received a telling off. The next time, she would keep her good will to herself.
Hermione had to chastise herself once again as she glanced up to find everyone staring.
"Sorry. I missed what you said."
No one missed Jean put a calming hand on Severus' arm.
"Severus asked if you would be willing to work with Elroy and Janna to set up a plan which would cover attracting customers, setting up the new accounts, and assigning the mobile numbers which will be generated by Draco's team."
"Of course." She said, giving Elroy and Janna a quick wave. "I have a few ideas I believe will work."
Elroy and Janna smiled in Hermione's direction.
"Perfect." Jean replied. "Are you able to make yourself available for Sunday? Originally, Sunday was to be made up of a selected few. However, Severus and I will need as many of the group as possible."
"I can absolutely make myself available for Sunday. Thank you Jean."
"No need to thank me Hermione. We are now down to hard work."
Hermione wanted to glare at Jean, but managed to keep her face blank. Who did this witch think she was? I'm now allowed to be part of the chosen few. I will have her job if she's not careful. Hermione rephrased the thought in her mind. Perhaps not her exact job.
/*/
Each of the group members ended up with an assignment. Since it was his idea, Draco, along with Theo and Gloria were assigned to generate mobile numbers, get them connected to the correct magical towers then make a generic form which Hermione would need for her team. Jean also suggested each team give some thought to what would be a more inclusive name for their company if Severus decided to update the company name. Snape Communications was in the game, but it was a game for the entire Wizarding World. The name should reflect the intent.
The group had commented excitedly to each other about another layer to be explored.
Once all assignments were in place, Severus and Jean released the group with the reminder they should arrive no later than 11:00 am on Sunday.
/*/
As soon as they were alone, Jean shared some wisdom with Severus. "Two."
"I know I'm quite the wizard. However, even with all my finely honed skills, I would be hard pressed to recognize two as anything more than the numeral after one. Please enlighten me so we might tidy up the loose ends here and get back to the house."
"I'll gladly enlighten you Severus since your mind seems to be on things other than this newly formed business. This is the second time there seems to be some sort of issue with Miss Granger. First, it was her belief you should make better choices when selecting people for your special projects. Today, she seemed unable to focus on the matters at hand. We need her to be better or be gone Severus."
Although Severus knew Jean was speaking the truth, her words irritated him. He knew Hermione was a handful. He'd experienced her bossy, manipulative irritating ways, but she was brilliant, tenacious and widely read. He wanted her on the project.
Turning to gaze at Jean, Severus answered in a less than enthusiastic tone. "I'll speak to Hermione."
"You've spoken to her once. How many times will you need to set her straight?"
"However many times it takes Jean," snapped Severus.
"Really? You're snapping at me?" Jean snapped back. "I'm here doing what I've been charged to do in order to forward our company. Yet, here we stand at odds over a witch who doesn't want to fit in if she isn't in charge, or has the last word. You are the owner, inventor and Messiah, so it is your word which overrides all. So be it. I came here to be your Second not a babysitter. From here on out, personnel issues will be your purview. I'll stick to business matters. If you'll excuse me, I have things to set up for Sunday."
Severus let out a sigh as he watched Jean stride to her office and close the door behind her. Severus thought he even heard the lock click. Jean was right. He had asked her here to be his right hand, his Second, his lover, yet they'd had words over a witch who got on his last nerve almost every other time they encountered each other. He'd counseled his godson regarding Hermione. Now, here he was…. Where was he? In the middle of a contentious disagreement with Jean. That's where he was, and he didn't like it one bit. Striding across the room, Severus stopped outside of Jean's office and raised his hand to knock. He would not let an altercation over Hermione Granger change anything.
/*/
It was 9:00 pm which was still fairly early, so Theo invited the group to stop by his home for drinks. Not that he had to, but he wanted to get back to check on the house. He'd left Ellis Casper, a stranger, in the house with his son. Even though Mr. Casper came across as a well intentioned wizard, since Padma was killed, Theo wasn't comfortable with any stranger. In addition, Conor was there. No telling what nonsense he was putting in Declan's head.
Theo questioned himself after extending the invitation when he noticed a bit of tension among Draco, Hermione and Cassie. It hadn't gone over all that well when Draco introduced Hermione to Cassie as his witch. The problem was easily resolved when Cassie suddenly remembered another engagement. Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco, but didn't comment, for which Theo was grateful because he had an ulterior motive in inviting everyone to the house. The group ended up being just Draco, Hermione, Gloria and himself. Theo liked that it came down to only the four. He had taken a liking to the auburn haired witch and liked being around her.
/*/
The house was quiet when Theo and his guests entered. So quiet Theo became wary. Then he remembered the time. Esther was probably in her room and Declan fast asleep in his. Seconds later, Theo was proved wrong on both points when Conor followed by Declan came out to greet him.
"Hello father. I'm still up. Aunty decided to spend the night at her own house since Uncle Conor was here with me. She'll be back tomorrow."
"Hello son. I see you're still up. Hello Conor. You remember Draco Malfoy. This is his witch Hermione Granger and that is Gloria Isles."
"Theo mate. How was your meeting? Nice to meet you all," said Conor as he extended his hand to greet Theo then Draco. "I hope you don't mind that Declan was keeping me company."
Of course he minded. Not even here twelve hours and was already trying to twist the rules. However, they had company. Theo decided he would discuss it with Conor in the morning. "Declan has kept you company long enough. It's bed for him. Why don't you keep our guests entertained while I see that Declan gets settled. Draco, please see that the ladies have drinks. I'll be back shortly."
Draco, Hermione, Gloria and Conor made themselves comfortable, and within five minutes, Conor was regaling them with stories of his life in Ireland and elsewhere. Draco smiled along with the rest, but was hell bent on getting home to have a discussion with Hermione. Her actions during both meetings had been embarrassing. He didn't know if Hermione was deliberately trying to sabotage her standing with Severus and Jean, but she wasn't doing herself any favors. How did she stand there with a blank face and tell everyone she had an extremely urgent matter. She knew the meeting was scheduled for 7:30 sharp. This project was an extremely urgent matter for fucks sake.
Theo was back and jumped right into the conversation. "I see Uncle Conor is regaling you with tales of his exploits. I hope he's keeping it witch friendly."
"Of course I am Theo." Conor replied, smiling in Gloria's direction. "I don't get colorful until I've met a witch at least twice."
Theo didn't like the giggle Conor's remark elicited from Gloria. He didn't like it at all. He turned to Draco and Hermione and changed the subject. "I imagine it's alright to speak about the project now that Kingsley has given the go ahead. What did you think about the meeting?"
Draco hesitated. Even though the project had been ratified, he wasn't sure Severus would look kindly on it being discussed with outsiders, even if the outsiders were almost family. There was no need for Draco to worry because Hermione spoke right up.
"Any discussion about the project is protected by spells. The basics can be discussed, but nothing more."
Still a bit annoyed with the interaction between Gloria and Conor, Theo gave a snappy response. "I hadn't planned on drawing diagrams Hermione. I simply asked what others thought about the meeting."
Hermione took Theo's words as a challenge and responded with a bit of a huffy tone. "I'm aware you didn't plan to draw diagrams Theo. I was replying to your statement that it is alright to speak about the project because it has been ratified. As I said, the spells will only allow you to speak about just so much."
Draco didn't want to sit through a tiff between Theo and his witch, but still being a bit put out with Hermione, he remained silent.
While the others looked on wondering what was going on, Theo dismissed the entire conversation. "Of course Hermione. My mistake. How did you find everything Conor? I hope Declan wasn't too inquisitive. Although, I imagine he can now account for every moment of your time since you last left here."
Not sure what to make of the exchange between Hermione and Theo, Conor ignored it, and answered with a wide smile. "Everything is top notch Theo. Esther is fantastic with Declan, who, by the way, did question me extensively. Esther reminds me a little of my mum, strong on the outside, but soft on the inside. I do apologize for keeping Declan up beyond his bedtime."
"I'm glad everything is satisfactory. As for the rules, you, Declan and I will get it all sorted tomorrow. I hope you brought your dancing shoes. There is a party tomorrow night I hope you'll attend."
"It will be fun," offered Gloria. "It is a celebration of Hermione selling her offices to her former partners."
Conor gave the auburn haired witch a warm smile before turning his glass in Hermione's direction to accept the invitation. "I could use a bit of fun right about now. Thank you for the invitation."
/*/
Hermione sat there still holding the same half filled glass of wine she had when she and Theo had their exchange wondering what she had said to set Theo off. She had simply offered an explanation. Sometimes she thought Theo was too belligerent for his own good. It was at this point Hermione decided to share why she had been tardy and unfocused and what she had done.
"Speaking of the party, I'll let you all in on a surprise. I've arranged for Severus and Jean to be celebrated as well, which is the reason I was late to the meeting."
Even though he was annoyed with Hermione, Draco's ears perked up keen to hear the explanation. Theo and Gloria were also interested in the explanation.
Hermione continued. "As you all know, the party is basically to celebrate Granger & Associates being bought out by Finch-Fletchley & Boot, Prosecutorial Services. However, I felt it should also be a celebration for Snape Communications. To that end, I called my former Front End Supervisor to have congratulatory banners made and placed for the party. The conversation took longer than expected because I wanted to be sure Walter understood my specifications. There you have it. Tomorrow, we will surprise Severus and Jean with a nod to Snape Communications."
Even Theo gave a nod of approval when Hermione finished speaking. "That was thoughtful of you Hermione. I'm sure Severus, Jean and their staff will appreciate your gesture. I believe the group will as well. May I get you another wine?"
Hermione smiled at Theo as though they'd never bumped heads. "No thanks Theo. It's getting late. I think Draco and I should be leaving. Right love?"
Draco whose irritation had dissipated with Hermione's explanation looked forward to getting home to show his brilliant witch some love. "I agree. Thanks for the hospitality mate. Nice seeing you Conor. Goodnight Gloria. We'll see you all at the party."
Reaching out for Hermione's hand, Draco started for the door but stopped when Theo got up to follow.
Directing his words to Hermione, Theo apologized for his earlier words. "Forgive me for my infantile spate of anger. As Draco is known to remark, you are brilliant. I'm proud to be part of the group."
Hermione grinned even as Draco cleared his throat. He did think his witch was brilliant, but she didn't need to know he bragged about it.
Hermione grinned again at the subdued wizard standing before her. "No need to apologize Theo. I'm sure we'll bump heads again. Thanks again for the drinks. See you tomorrow."
Theo clapped Draco on the back as he opened the door to show them out.
/*/
Theo had only been gone for several minutes, but by the time he returned to the living room, Conor and Gloria were chatting like old friends. Shrugging, Theo sat down to rejoin the conversation. He didn't have any ties to Gloria or she to him. The three conversed for another thirty minutes before Gloria said it was time she headed home.
Rising from the couch, Gloria bid Conor good night. Theo had it on the tip of his tongue to offer his good night, but Gloria spoke before he could. "How will you ever see your team member home if you remain with your arse planted in that chair?"
Both Conor and Theo were surprised by Gloria's words. Theo because he thought she'd taken to Conor, and Conor because he thought he'd made a conquest.
Jumping up from the chair, Theo hastily placed Gloria's arm in his as he tried to dismiss his faux pas. "I was simply allowing you time to gather yourself. However, if you're ready, so am I. I'll see you in a bit Conor."
"Maybe or maybe not." Gloria whispered very softly, but not so softly Theo couldn't hear.
Theo grinned internally. Gloria hadn't been letting Conor chat her up. She had been entertaining a mate of his. He made a mental note to invite Gloria to attend the party on his arm. Conor could find his own witch, or perhaps Jay, last of the big three, could help find him one.
/*/
Draco and Hermione had barely landed before Draco had his wand out swishing and flicking Hermione's outer garments off.
"Stop it you wanker." Hermione called out as she ran for the bathroom. "I have to pee."
"I'll allow you that since you are so brilliant." He joked, swishing and flicking the bed covers back then divesting himself of his own clothes. "Hurry please. I'm waiting. Don't forget to wash those hands. I don't want your pee all over me."
Hermione laughed out loud. "You trifling git. Lying there waiting for me to get naked so you can put your face between my legs complaining about a little pee. Just for that, I'm not washing anything. You'll take me with dirty hands and dirty pussy or not at all."
Lying there listening to Hermione's banter, Draco's dick had doubled in size and become rocklike. "Hurry up witch. I have this magnificent erection waiting for your dirty arse to climb on."
Hermione came dancing out of the bathroom. "I think I may still have bits of tissue stuck to me. Can you help me with that?"
Reaching out, Draco pulled Hermione onto the bed whispering hoarsely in her ear. "When you stand naked in front of me, I can help you with anything."
As she rode Draco erection down into the mattress, Hermione also joked about his earlier attitude. "Forgiven me for being late then?"
"I'm trying to make you cum Hermione. Please save the banter for….. Ahhh, I'm there baby. Cum with me. Tighten that pussy around me. Now love now."
With a loud groan, Hermione reached orgasm right behind Draco then slumped down onto his chest with her mouth close to his ear. "I'm glad that, doesn't know you're taken, witch got the message. She skittered away rather quickly after you made our relationship known. I love a witch who knows her place."
Draco nudged Hermione off him. "I had thoughts of trying for another fantastic orgasm, but I see you'd rather talk than shag. I'll just bask in the knowledge of how happy you are now that Cassie knows I'm taken. Tergeo. I despise lying in soiled linens. Back in a minute."
Hermione turned to watch Draco's lovely arse stride to the bathroom. "Don't forget to wash those hands. I'm not a witch who takes kindly to pee paws all over her."
Draco let out a loud guffaw, but made sure he let Hermione hear the faucet running. Back in bed, he drew Hermione close and began to run his hand across her breasts whispering in her ear. "I want to taste you."
Hermione's insides tingled, not only from Draco's words, but also the sensual feeling of his lips at her ear. "I want you to taste me as well." Hermione replied hoarsely, turning to face her lover.
Sliding his mouth down Hermione's stomach, Draco gazed into Hermione's eyes before lowering his head to give his witch what she wanted.
/*/
Severus heard Jean call out Alohomora. She is definitely pissed, he thought. Not only will I apologize, I will watch my step as well. There's nothing worse than a strong, angry witch, especially when the strength and anger are directed towards me.
"May I have a moment of your time?"
"You're the owner, inventor…."
"Stop Jean. I understand I'm the owner, inventor and Messiah. Right now, I'm here to speak to my better half. I want to apologize for my sharp tone."
"Thank you for the apology Severus, but it isn't all about your tone. It's whether you trust me to make hard decisions. If not, I stand by my words. I will step back and you'll take charge of personnel matters."
Severus came around the desk and lifted Jean from her chair. Staring directly into her eyes, he told her he trusted her more than he'd trusted anyone in his life. Then he pulled her close. "I do not want you to step back from anything. I value your input. I also realize that Hermione is a handful. If it can be managed, I would like her to remain part of our company. I can promise you Hermione will settle down once she has a permanent place. I'm asking for a bit of leeway with this."
"Well, now that you've asked nicely, I'll concur. I'm sure Miss Granger will become an integral part of Snape Communications. With that said, I'll also add I'm hoping she will become an integral part of our company who works out of The Ministry."
Severus grinned as he pulled Jean even closer. "I shall keep that in mind as we move forward. Now we have that settled. Is there anything you need me to help tidy up? If not, let us head for the house. I'm hungry and in need of a long, slow bit of love making."
"Well wave your wand to turn out the lights and we can be off. I look forward to a nice dinner and another romp in the Messiah's big bed."
Severus ignored the dig. With a wave of his wand, he turned off the lights across the entire building before grabbing Jean by the waist then turning them into Apparition. Destination: Home, the kitchen then the Messiah's big bed.