Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 60
Draco didn't go directly to sleep once he and Hermione reached the house. He first had to listen to Hermione complain about his father's attitude then about him cutting across her conversation with Blaise. When Hermione started going on about how a celebration meant for her and Justin had turned into a massive love fest for Severus and Jean, Draco had enough. Knowing if he said one wrong word, Hermione would turn it into a war, Draco took the chance and spoke his thoughts anyway.
"Hermione. I've been listening to you complain for over an hour. It's almost 1:30 am, and I'm tired. Please take a calming draught or something, but please calm down. Listening to you go back over a night that wasn't to your liking is annoying. Come to bed."
Hermione was taken aback by Draco's words as well as his tone. She was simply venting to her boyfriend. "Really? I should take a calming draught. I'm complaining? I'm annoying? I'm all that, but you want me to come to bed? Am I to understand you don't want to hear my voice, but you'll willingly fuck the shite out of me? I think not. I'll just go to my own flat where I can complain and be annoying in peace. I'll see you at the meeting Draco."
Draco threw back the covers and sat up. "I didn't say anything about fucking the shite out of you. I'm too tired to lift my dick You're upset. We can discuss all this later today. Right now, I want you to calm down and come to bed."
Hermione who didn't bother changing out of her pajamas glared at Draco from across the room. "There's no need to discuss anything. I'll see you at the meeting. Goodnight."
Pounding his pillow then summoning his wand, Draco swung the wand haphazardly around to extinguish the lights as he growled out his last thoughts. "Another fucking, lovely night in the Malfoy/Granger relationship. I'm fucking overjoyed."
At her flat, an angry Hermione sat rigidly on her couch in the dark thinking that Draco Malfoy and everyone else could just kiss her arse.
Hermione didn't fall asleep until 4:00 am.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 61
Severusand Jean had to eat their words. The event had not been filled with twelve year olds. In fact, the party had turned out to be a well rounded event. He and Jean had ended up staying until the end along with Lucius who surprised Severus by being overly solicitous to Jean. As much as he wouldn't speak on it, Severus was extremely proud of the warm, extremely loud greetings he and Jean had received from their staff. It was a new day for sure because never in his life had Severus Snape been greeted so warmly.
Although he would never let it show, Severus' heart was hammering as he accepted the well wishes of his contractors, electricians, builders and general workers while Jean stood by with a light hand on his arm and a bright smile on her face.
After a few last words to Lucius, Severus grabbed Jean by the elbow and steered her to the door. "Even though we are very much a hit, it's time for us to be on our way. 11:00 am will be here in the blink of an eye."
Jean who was extremely pleased at her and Severus' reception totally agreed. It was very late and they should be getting back to the house. There was an important meeting at 11:00 am, so they needed at least a modicum of sleep. In addition, she looked forward to another night in the Messiah's big bed and more.
/*/
Lucius wasn't long behind Severus and Jean. Although he had no set time to be back to the manor, he didn't want to upset Narcissa if he didn't have to. She'd be upset enough to learn he had met with Hermione Granger and recognized the seriousness of Draco's relationship with the Muggleborn. Not that either he or Narcissa would ever give up on their son marrying into a pureblood line. It just might be they would have to accept Hermione Granger into the family. Turning into Apparition, Lucius growled to himself.
"Unacceptable."
/*/
Mick was there for the weekend, so time didn't matter. He would stick around the party as long as it took to make sure Parvati either went home alone, or invited him to see her flat. Mick wasn't really enamored of Parvati, but he'd been around and she seemed like a witch ripe for the plucking. He could get a few shags then disappear into the night. It wasn't the best attitude, but it would get him some British…
Mick looked around at Conor who was asking if he was ready.
"Ready for what brother?"
"To get to Theo's. We might as well Apparate in together."
Parvati stood.
Reaching out, Mick grabbed Parvati by the hand. "Shall I see you home gorgeous?"
Blushing, Parvati smiled at Mick. "I don't want to take you out of your way. If Theo's house is your destination, perhaps that's where you should go. I'll be fine."
Glaring at Conor, Mick told Parvati he didn't have any specific destination. "I'll see you home love. Conor is a grown wizard who doesn't need me to help him Apparate. Correct brother?"
"Correct Mick. Just looking out for my favorite brother."
"No need. Your favorite brother learned a long time ago how to look out for himself. I'll see you in a bit. Ready then Miss Patil?"
/*/
Conor was standing there alone watching Mick and Parvati head for the door when he was approached by a very comely witch.
"You and I seem to be among the last of the guests."
"Just about. If Seamus and Dean will allow, would you care for one last drink?"
"I'd love a red wine spritzer."
Conor went into a faux cringe. "Red wine spritzer. That sounds dangerous. I hope the drink isn't something which will cause you to slide from your chair."
"You're funny. It shouldn't, but if it does, I'll trust you to pick me up. By the way, my name is Cassie Graham. What's yours?"
"Pleased to meet you Cassie Graham. I am Conor Byrne, a very recent addition to London."
Waving her hand in Dean's direction, Cassie acknowledged Conor's remarks. "Now that we have that sorted, let's see if the owners will put up with us for a few minutes more."
/*/
Dean wasn't exactly chuffed at the two hangers on, but he agreed to serve them one last drink. "One drink. Seamus and I have been at this all day. We'd like to get out of here. What will it be?"
"I'll have whiskey and Cassie will have a red wine spritzer."
Nodding in Conor's direction, Dean was gone and back in seconds. "As lovely as it is to have you here, please do not dawdle unless you want my partner to hex you both."
"Thanks Dean," responded Cassie.
"We'll be quick," promised Conor.
And they were.
Conor didn't want a lady traveling on her own at that time of morning, however short the distance. "If you don't mind, I would like to see you to your door. I won't have it said that Conor Byrne left a lovely witch to see herself home."
Cassie turned on her brightest smile. "I accept. Let us be off then before Seamus and Dean chuck us out altogether."
Waving goodnight to Seamus and Dean, the two made their way to the doors.
Seamus glanced over at Dean who was quick to get his partner sorted. "Don't even start Seamus. Let's just finish up and get out of here."
Seamus simply chuckled. Conor Byrne didn't know what he was in for.
/*/
It was after 1:00 in the morning, but Esther was still up sitting in front of her bedroom mirror contemplating the night. A wizard had kissed her and alluded to, a relationship. Her entire body was tingling.
She, Ellis and Declan had spent a lovely evening together. Esther had prepared a delicious roast lamb dinner which Ellis couldn't stop complimenting. After dinner, she had allowed Declan to read to her and Ellis. After Declan was in bed, Ellis continued to compliment Esther on her meal and on her beauty. He had softly inquired if it was too soon for him to ask for a kiss. Esther had answered just as softly that a kiss would be welcome. After the kiss, Ellis had continued to hold Esther's hand while sharing his thoughts.
"I don't want to make a nuisance of myself, but I hope you understand it is my intention that we keep seeing each other. You've explained certain things to me which while unfortunate have no bearing on us. I would like us to date, and if all goes well, I hope you'll agree to become exclusive, but we can work on that. I am forty five and you are forty two. This should be our time. We've waited long enough to meet our other half. I have shared my thoughts. I'll now leave you to think it over. Have a good evening. I'll Owl you tomorrow. Perhaps we can have a walk."
Esther had walked Ellis to the door where they had shared a last kiss. "I look forward to our walk Ellis. Thank you for sharing your night with Declan and I."
Ellis had responded with a short bow. "It was my pleasure Miss Nott. I look forward to tomorrow."
/**/
Draco woke at 8:30 Sunday morning. It had taken him several seconds to remember why Hermione wasn't in bed with him. The bloody witch had gone off on a tangent because he had asked her to calm down. Draco had a choice. He could Apparate over to Hermione's flat and coddle her, or he could have a bit of breakfast, a shower then get ready for the meeting. Draco chose to have breakfast and a shower. If Hermione needed time to calm down, he'd give it to her.
After breakfast and a shower, it was coming on 10:30. Draco dressed in casual wear, checked the mirror, grabbed his wand and Apparated to the Wizarding Communication Systems building.
/*/
Sunday morning, Theo declined Gloria's offer of breakfast. He and Gloria had a little back and forth when he also declined to have her stop by his home before the Sunday meeting.
"Are you embarrassed to have me arrive with you?"
Theo had bristled. "I'm not embarrassed. You have my answer. I'll see you at the meeting."
As Gloria readied herself for the meeting, she began to feel stupid, wondering if she had traded one arsehole for another.
As he showered and dressed, Theo's was a bit aggravated Gloria couldn't see his point without some long, drawn out conversation. How hard was it to understand? He didn't want to appear at the front doors holding Gloria's hand after a night away. He felt she should be presented to Declan and Esther in the proper way at a proper time. If she hadn't sussed it out by the time the meeting was over, Theo planned to explain it one sentence at a time.
/*/
Theo landed several seconds behind Draco. "Good morning mate. You look annoyed. Since your better half is not at your side, shall I guess your demeanor has something to do with Hermione? You'd better straighten up that face before we get inside. Severus can smell weakness from five kilometers away."
Draco laughed, but ignored Theo's comment about Hermione. "Annoyed is not the half of it. That apparent is it? In that case, I'd better straighten up. The last thing I want is for Severus to call me out over facial expressions."
Theo grinned at his mate. "Alright then. Let's get inside and show our brilliance."
/*/
Severus and Jean had managed to get about six hours sleep. At 8:00 am, they were finishing up eggs, bacon and toast.
"Shall we plan to be at the company by 10:00?"
Severus paused what he was doing. "That would be cutting it close. I had thoughts of us getting there by 9:00. We are set to have an early meeting with Mr. Goldstein.
Anthony Goldstein who had spoken to Jean and Severus the prior night was waiting patiently at the doors when they arrived.
"Good morning Jean, Severus. I'm excited that the Minister has appointed me to be part of your project. Let me assure you I'll only be underfoot until the company and your newly designated Ministry department are set up."
Severus wasn't chuffed that an outsider would be sticking his nose into company business, but that's what Kingsley had declared, so that's how it would be. "Punctual Mr. Goldstein. I like that. Shall we go inside so Jean and I can share our visions?"
Anthony followed Severus and Jean into the building where they spoke for the next hour. At the end of the hour, Anthony had become a true believer. He, Severus and Jean spoke not only about London, but how they would go about setting up working branches in other parts of the country as well as other parts of the world. Severus had to caution an enthusiastic Anthony about moving too quickly.
"We won't be moving too quickly Anthony. No matter how promising things look. Britain will be serviced first, then, and only then will we move on. One of our first moves should be to hire as many qualified workers as possible."
"Agreed. The Minister is counting on you to do it right. Perhaps I can help setting up The Department of Magical Technical Services at the Ministry and leave the rest to you. Do you have any suggestions as to whom will head the department? If not, may I suggest Hermione Granger. She is brilliant, has had her own firm and is a favorite of Kingsley's."
Jean offered her thoughts. "While I agree with your assessment of Miss Granger, I believe the Head should be someone who has the company's best interest at heart instead of her own."
Severus cleared his throat, but before he could speak, Anthony addressed Jean. "Yes, there's that. However, I'm sure if Severus made it clear, Hermione would toe the line."
Severus replied to Anthony. "We have a few candidates we are looking at Anthony. Hermione is in the running, but we won't make any decisions until I've interviewed the rest."
"Of course Severus. I was only offering my opinion. The final decision will be up to you. I believe I have everything I need to present to The Minister, so I'll be on my way for now. Please let me know what you decide. In any case, I'll see you back here at 11:00. Good day for now."
Severus stood to shake Anthony's hand. "We appreciate your input Anthony. We'll have something in your hands by mid-morning Monday. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting."
Anthony nodded to Severus and Jean before heading to the door. He'd made his opinion known. It was an opinion he would also share with Kingsley. He'd like nothing more than to work with the brash Miss Granger. Right under the nose of Draco Malfoy.
Speaking of pretty boy Malfoy, Anthony ran into him and Theo Nott as he stepped outside. Throwing up his hand in greeting, Anthony admitted there was no need to be confrontational knowing he would more than likely get what he wanted.
/*/
It was 10:15. Draco and Theo were first to arrive. Severus or Jean had laid out informational pamphlets for all members. Draco and Theo grabbed a folder and began to study the contents.
Theo commented to Draco. "This is bloody exciting."
"I agree. We will change the Wizarding World. Are you ready?"
"I'm definitely ready mate. I've also had a thought. Declan's Uncle Conor is a bright, intelligent wizard who needs a position. I'm wondering if Severus would take a look at him."
Draco thought about it. "Conor seems a like a good chap. I believe at this point, Severus would be willing to interview any decent witch or wizard. Speak to him after the meeting. Since you have time now, Owl Conor to let him know what's what."
"Good idea Draco. I'll do that. Hold my place. I wouldn't want to end up at the back of the room."
"Will do mate."
/*/
Conor was just stepping out of the shower when an owl began banging against the window. Initially, Conor was reluctant to accept an Owl which was probably meant for Theo. However, he was a guest who was supposed to abide by the rules. After accepting the Owl, Conor was surprised to find it addressed to him without any return information. Thinking it might be from Cassie, Conor smiled. That witch was …. The Owl wasn't from Cassie. It was from Theo. Conor was chuffed. It seemed as though Theo wanted to present him to Severus Snape as a candidate for a position in either The Department of Magical Technical Services, or Wizarding Communications Systems. Conor re-read the message. This was an exceptional opportunity which Conor would willingly explore. Summoning a pen and sheet of paper, Conor happily replied to Theo. Twenty minutes later, Conor received an answer. He was to make himself presentable in case Severus requested a face to face meeting that day. With the messages in his hand, Conor headed directly for his rooms to make himself as presentable as possible.
/*/
Hermione had slept on her anger, but felt fairly cheerful when she got out of bed. Draco had been infuriating earlier that morning, but he had a point. For the most part, the party had been wonderful except for the part…. Hermione caught herself. The party had been wonderful. The end. As she finished her tea and toast, it dawned on her that Draco hadn't even bothered to come check on her. Hermione let out sigh after sigh as she cleared away the breakfast remains. As she turned on the shower, Hermione had hopes Sunday would be a better day.
Noticing the time, Hermione hurriedly selected a matching brown top and bottom, gave her hair a quick swish of her wand, and Apparated to WCS directly from her living room.
Most of the group that had already gathered in the conference room behind Severus' office was reviewing pamphlets and pages. Some, including Draco and Theo, were already immersed in the work set before them. Hermione gave a general good morning to the room at large before choosing one of the empty seats. Draco returned Hermione's good morning with an unenthusiastic greeting of his own.
Theo gave Draco a look, but said nothing. He definitely wouldn't be getting in the middle of a Hermione/Draco spat. It would blow over as their spats usually did. Just before Severus and Jean appeared to start the meeting, Anthony slid into the open seat next to Hermione and in a very hearty voice offered everyone good morning. Even though he was still aggravated with Hermione, Draco glared at the overly happy Anthony before turning back to the information in front of him. Then his attention had been drawn to Severus who had begun to speak.
/*/
Severus and Jean had made a few changes. Rather than Hermione working with Elroy and Janna, it had been decided she and Gloria would work together to build the mobile number base as well as a potential customer base.
Severus had barely finished his instructions when Anthony volunteered to work with Hermione and Gloria. "I won't have a great deal of time, but I'd like to work with these two brilliant ladies."
Severus was quick to respond. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm Mr. Goldstein, you may want to run that by Minister Shacklebolt. I'm sure he won't look too kindly on his best man being away from the Ministry for great stretches of time."
The entire group excluding Draco laughed at Severus' insight. He didn't want Anthony Goldstein on any committee with Hermione. Draco didn't want him near his witch, but business would out. Severus would put the overstepping lout anywhere he wished.
Anthony smiled. "It is my understanding that certain of the group will also be working on setting up the Department of Magical Technical Services. That's the part to which I referred."
It was Jean's turn to address the subject. "As Severus said, we appreciate your enthusiasm, but for now, that is a background project. Our company and our product are the most important aspects. If we aren't correctly set up, there won't be any need for a department in the Ministry."
Anthony, who thought he had gotten his intention of working with Hermione across, answered with a smile and an insightful retort. "Sounds like something right out of Minister Shacklebolt's mouth. My apologies for taking the meeting off course."
Jean returned Anthony's smile. "I'm not as brilliant as the Minister, but I do have my moments. Let's begin with the basics."
From there, Severus excused himself while Jean explained what was expected while a suddenly restless Draco shifted in his chair. As the groups separated to different areas to work on their assignments, Draco headed for Hermione, but stopped short when Anthony stepped in front of her basically blocking him. Not one to back down, especially where Hermione was involved, Draco stepped around Anthony.
"Hello love. Shall we have an early dinner after we leave here this evening?"
As if waiting to hear Hermione's response, Anthony did not move, but Hermione moved him with her own words. "Hello handsome. Out of your snit then? Dinner out after would be excellent unless you want a home cooked meal."
At that point, Anthony excused himself with a nod in Hermione's direction, but with a bit of inside information. Hermione and Draco had obviously argued sometime between the party and now. He could work with that. "Why don't Gloria and I get started? See you in a bit Hermione. Malfoy."
Watching Anthony walk away, a tightly wound Draco softly scolded Hermione about letting other wizards know when they had a disagreement, following up by asking if working with the obnoxious Mr. Nott was going to be a problem.
"It was just a statement Draco, and there won't be any problem," replied Hermione. "Anthony knows what's what, so put that jealousy back in your pocket and let's get to work."
Draco and Hermione headed to their respective stations to do what they had been charged with doing. Draco was hard pressed to keep his mind on the job in front of him as he listened to Gloria and Hermione giggling over whatever Anthony was saying.
"Bloody bastard," mumbled Draco.
"Right now, I'll second that description," added Theo, who was also listening to Gloria giggle at Anthony's remarks.
Jean must have been annoyed with the team as well, because she went over and softly addressed them. After which, all giggling subsided.
/*/
By 3.30, each of the separate groups had completed their portion of the whole. WCS now had everything needed to start mass production of the mobile device including a list of subscribers who might be willing to try the device which was down to Anthony's forward thinking. He had had the foresight to bring along a copy of the British Registry of Wizards which included the names and information of all Wizarding families in Britain.
Severus thanked everyone for their time, promising that Monday would be a busy day. He had then mentioned the need for additional workers. "It is my hope each of you in the group have connections to others who would be willing to come to work for us. By that I mean decent and upstanding witches and wizards. Leave the dolts and dullards to pass their time as they have." Turning, Severus addressed Theo. "This is where you come in Mr. Nott. I know you have many connections. I'll expect a host of names from you."
Theo grinned at the group at large as he replied to Severus. "Thank you for the confidence you have in me Severus, but I'm more apt to be acquainted with the dolts and dullards."
A brief smile appeared on Severus' face as he responded to Theo. "I'll be the judge of that Mr. Nott. Round them up. If there's nothing else, I'll release you for now. I'll send Owls when I've set our next meeting. Miss Isles, may I have a word?"
Before Severus could walk away, Theo revealed he had a candidate.
With a look of surprise covering his face, Severus gave Theo a bit of cheek. "There you are. At least one of your connections is not a dolt or a dullard. Please come to my office after I've spoken to Miss Isles. Thank you Theo."
As Gloria followed Severus and Jean into his office, Theo stepped off to the side to Owl Conor with the address of WCS.
/*/
With the meeting over, Anthony said his goodbyes and left the building. He was a man on a mission who had notes to make. Notes he would present to Kingsley for his review. Malfoy might not like it, but, if he had his way, The Department of Magical Technical Services would fall under his purview. Before turning into Apparition, Anthony wondered how many of his mundane jobs he could foist off on Weasley.
/*/
Draco and Hermione chatted while they waited for Gloria and Theo to finish with Severus and Jean. They hashed out their early morning dispute each apologizing to the other. Hermione suggested they invite Theo and Gloria to have dinner with them.
"You volunteered to cook, so I'll take you up on your offer. Roasted chicken sounds good."
"Shall I plan to use small plates?"
Draco didn't know what Hermione meant. "Small plates? Use normal sized plates."
"You've suggested roasted chicken and nothing else, so I figure we can use small plates, perhaps even saucers."
"Oh!" Remarked Draco, finally catching on. "You're being facetious. Who knew? You've never asked me to select side dishes before. What's changed?"
Leaning in closer to Draco's ear, Hermione admitted she was having her little joke. She planned to serve mashed with gravy, sprouts and brown sugar carrots. "Happy now Malfoy? We'll be using regulation sized plates. Here comes Gloria. I wonder what Severus wanted."
Draco gave Hermione a glare before turning in Gloria's direction.
"You'll never guess. Severus knows I'm unemployed at the moment and has asked me to come aboard full time. Of course I said yes. I'm ecstatic. That's one less worry. I now have a position."
Hermione had feelings about this, but quickly offered her congratulations. Recalling the blow up he and Hermione had early Sunday morning, Draco thought he knew exactly what was going through Hermione's mind. She and Gloria would be level. Not boss to subordinate. Level.
As much as she tried to hide it, Hermione was upset. She had worked damned hard to be at the top of her game. Now, one of the offenders who had caused her to sell her company was vying for the same spot as herself. What a shite show. Hermione could feel Draco staring at her. While he was inviting Gloria home for dinner, Hermione excused herself to the ladies room.
Gloria hesitated not only because she could read her former boss, and what she saw wasn't all that inviting, but because she wanted to get Theo's input. Perhaps he had something else planned. "Let me check with Theo. He may want to stop home to check on things."
"Fine. Hermione and I will get going. Have Theo Owl me if he plans to come through."
"Oh wait. Here he comes now. We'll have an answer right away."
When Theo approached, he spoke before there could be any mention of Draco's invitation. "I have spoken to Severus about Conor. He is willing to see him if he can get here quickly. I've Owled Conor so he should be on his way. I won't ask you all to wait around because I want to make the introductions. After which, I'll be checking on Esther and Declan. She's had my son since yesterday. She might need a break."
Gloria, who looked forward to some social interaction among herself, Theo, Draco and Hermione was a bit disappointed until Theo reached out his hand. "I'm hoping that Gloria will accompany me home to spend some time with the family."
Gloria didn't hesitate. "Draco has invited us to have dinner with him and Hermione, but I'm sure we can visit with them another time."
Draco answered just as Hermione returned from the ladies. "Alright. Hermione and I will be on our way. Perhaps we can plan something for next weekend."
Theo shook Draco's hand before throwing up a hand to Conor who had just walked through the door. "Excuse us. We don't want to keep Mr. Snape waiting." Using a lower voice, Theo added a bit of humor. "I'll be embarrassed if Conor comes across as a dolt or dullard."
Draco laughed. Hermione smiled as she made a cheeky reply. "No worries Theo. At this point, I believe Severus will accept anyone with a pulse."
Theo took Hermione's remark as a joke. Draco and Gloria not so much.
Draco turned to Hermione as Gloria and Theo walked away to meet up with Conor. "Anyone with a pulse? You do know your remarks to Theo could have been misinterpreted."
Hermione wanted to be arbitrary. "Misinterpreted? How? I was simply making a joke. Am I not allowed to make a joke?"
"Stop Hermione. You know what I mean. Gloria has just been hired. It might sound to her as though you were being disparaging."
"To her, or, to you Draco? It was a bit of fun and I didn't mean anything by it, but please feel free to dwell on it if you like. I'm starving. Let's get to the house where I can show off my cooking skills and you can use a proper plate."
Draco sighed as Hermione took his arm. Perhaps he was over thinking things.
/*/
Esther was a bit restless. She had promised Ellis a walk, but Conor was waiting for an Owl from Theo which might call him away from the house. Therefore, Esther and Ellis postponed their walk, had a nice Sunday dinner with Declan then spent time chatting while Declan watched a bit of TV.
Declan was a bit anxious as well. He hadn't seen his father since early Saturday, and it was wearing on him. "Do you think father has forgotten about me?" He had earnestly asked Esther. "I hope he hasn't given up on me because I broke a rule. Uncle Conor has promised never to step outside the rules ever again."
Esther's hands flew to her mouth. She had no idea Declan had such dark thoughts running through his young mind. Calling Declan to sit in the chair closest to her, Esther, who had no experience with a child, explained as best she could. When she was finished, Declan told her he felt much better, but still wished his father would come home. Esther, who couldn't think of anything else to do, asked Declan to read to her and Ellis from one of his books.
At 4:30, Esther breathed a sigh of relief when Theo sent an Owl advising her that he and Conor were back home and she should bring Declan to the house. When Esther explained it was time to go home, Declan scurried around gathering his belongings. His father hadn't forgotten about him at all. He'd just been busy.
It was a jubilant young wizard who arrived home to find his father waiting with a friend. Esther had left Ellis at her flat assuring him she would be back shortly, but was surprised by the presence of Theo's guest as well. She and Declan had greeted Gloria warmly when Theo introduced her, but without knowing what the other was thinking, decided right off, they didn't like her. She was pretty enough, but pretty wasn't always what it seemed.
Theo thought he was picking up strange vibes from both Esther and Declan, but put it down to him bringing a strange witch home. Theo was about to take Declan aside to check if anything was wrong, but before he could, Jay and Mick came through from the Apparition area loudly greeting everyone. Conor who had gone directly to his rooms, stepped into the hall to greet both wizards. "A little loud boys. Has the party not ended for you yet?"
Esther took that moment to say goodnight and tell Theo she would see him sometime Monday before heading for the front doors to Apparate away.
Everyone wished Esther a good night.
Mick grabbed Declan up in his arms as he glared at Conor. "Ah! Still putting your nose in other people's business? Good thing our little wizard and a lovely witch are in the room or I would box your ears."
Declan laughed out loud. "Mind yourself uncle. There'll be no boxing of ears in my father's house."
Theo smiled at his son. There wouldn't be anymore rule breaking in the Nott household.
"You're quite right little wizard. My apologies."
Theo stepped up to formally introduce Gloria to Jay and Mick before calling Cely to put together a nice dinner. "I hope you all will stay for dinner."
Jay declined, stating that Leanne was waiting at the flat. Mick cheerfully accepted the invitation asking if he could have a wash up first.
"No problem Mick. Have at it. Conor, would you get Gloria a glass of wine. I'd like to speak with my son in private."
Declan, who was caught by surprise at Theo's request, followed behind his father hoping he wasn't in trouble again.