Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 63

"We'll be leaving in a bit. I'd like us to have a quick chat about Gloria, and I want you to answer honestly. There will never be a time I'll get angry or upset over something you want to share with me. We are family Declan. No one is more important than you. Do you understand?"

I do understand father, but children shouldn't speak badly about, about….. Please promise you won't get upset with me. I don't like it when you're upset." Declan answered before breaking into soft sobs. "Your friend doesn't like me. Her eyes don't smile and she moves away when I go near her."

Theo jumped up and hugged Declan. He had let a stiff dick almost come between him and his son. Conor's words suddenly flashed through Theo's mind. Declan is tiptoeing around so as not to upset you. Not wanting to scare his son, Theo spoke softly even though he was burning up inside. "Stop crying Declan. You haven't done or said anything to cry over. You will never be made to feel uncomfortable in your own home. I'll get this sorted. Go wash your face so we can be on our way. Perhaps we'll stop in the ice cream shop to get a cone and leave our regards with Mr. Casper."

With bent shoulders, Declan walked slowly to the bathroom.

Theo was so livid inside. So, she doesn't care for my son. Well kiss my arse in the middle of the Leaky. Theo knew he would be hard pressed to contain himself until he could speak with Gloria face to face. His Padma was gone. No one came before Declan. No one.

Declan came back to stand beside Theo's chair. Searching his father's face as if checking for signs of anger, Declan touched Theo's arm. "I'm ready father."

"Well then, let's be off." Theo replied, in what he hoped was a jovial voice.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 64

Theo didn't have any clients scheduled until late afternoon so his and Declan's trip to Diagon Alley was a leisurely one. They had strolled the Alley from top to bottom stopping only for Declan's haircut, a few new items for Declan, as well as lunch in Diagon Place. Declan made mention that they should stop in the ice cream shop to leave their regards with Mr. Casper.

Theo agreed. "Since we've gotten all our errands done, I believe it would be mannerly to stop in to wish Mr. Casper a good day, and perhaps get you a small cone."

A wide grin spread across Declan's face. "I'd like that father. Mr. Casper is a fine man who is well liked by Aunty. I'm sure he'll have a minute for us after I get my ice cream cone."

Even though he knew what Declan said to be true, Theo couldn't allow his son to share opinions about adult matters. "Didn't we have a discussion about you commenting on your aunt's affairs?"

Declan was silent for a few seconds. He and his father had had a conversation in which he had revealed his comments about Mr. Casper. Yet here he was doing the same thing again. "We did father. I understand I have no business commenting on the state of Aunty's affairs. However, It wasn't my intention to speak in an adult manner. I simply meant Mr. Casper makes Aunty happy. I like when my Aunty is happy, but from now on, I will keep my thoughts to myself."

Theo was chuffed to hear the remarks coming out of Declan's mouth, but he was still the father who had to keep a son on the correct path. "I think keeping your thoughts to yourself regarding this matter is the way to go. We don't want to embarrass your aunt. If we have to discuss this again, I will not be as accommodating. Do you understand?"

Declan understood perfectly. He had spoken when he should have remained silent. "Yes father. I understand perfectly. No matter how happy Mr. Caster makes Aunty. I will not speak on it. I promise. Shall I remain silent when we enter the shop?"

Theo shook his head. This little wizard was sharp. "You may speak Declan, but only to offer greetings and converse about the small cone you will be ordering. Anything else I will consider bad manners. Let's get to Mr. Casper's shop then get home."

"Okay father." Declan replied with a smile. "I'll let Mr. Caster tell you how much he likes Aunty."

Theo sighed as they stepped inside the ice cream shop. His son would probably know every step Ellis and Esther made before they made it.

/*/

When he saw Theo and Declan enter the shop, Mr. Casper came around the counter to greet them. "Hello there Theo, and hello young mister Nott. Very nice to see you both."

"Very nice to see you too. Mr. Casper," replied Theo. "Declan has been on his best behavior so I decided he should have one of your delicious cones."

"Well done young sir," replied Ellis turning in Declan's direction. "Has this anything to do with the handsome hair cut you are sporting?"

Declan glanced at Theo. Receiving a nod, he answered Ellis' question. "I've been quite well behaved Mr. Caster. The barber didn't have to speak to me once which earned me a small cone. I'd like to have a small strawberry with a bit of chocolate."

"Strawberry is a favorite of mine as well. Would you and your father like to have a seat while I prepare your cone and a little something for you to take to your aunt Esther? She's partial to vanilla. I'll just be a minute."

Theo led Declan to one of the empty tables to wait for the cone and Esther's gift. Declan wanted very badly to comment on the fact Mr. Ellis was sending a gift to Aunty, but he and his father had discussed his predilection for commenting on Esther's life, twice. He knew things he would be keeping to himself from then on to keep from getting on the bad side of his father.

It only took Ellis a few minutes to prepare the cone and magically wrap the vanilla ice cream for Esther. Handing the cone to Declan and the package to Theo, Ellis asked Theo to give his regards to Esther. Theo promised he would before he and Declan headed to the exit.

As they walked slowly up Diagon Alley, Theo reminded Declan there wouldn't be any excuses at the dinner table. He would eat everything on his plate.

"I will father. Cely makes delicious meals. I wouldn't think to embarrass her, myself or you. I will eat every morsel on my plate. I promise."

Theo was pleased with Declan's response. Young Nott was showing himself to be a fine young wizard. "Because Mr. Casper has sent a gift for your aunt, I think we should stop in to give her the gift."

"Shall we Owl first father? We wouldn't want to catch Aunty unprepared."

This little wizard. It was all Theo could do to keep from laughing out loud, but he answered in a level voice. "Yes son. Perhaps sending an Owl is the way to go. Public Owl Services is two doors down."

After sending the Owl, they sat on a public bench to give Declan time to finish his cone. By the time they were ready to leave Diagon Alley, Esther had answered the Owl. She would be pleased to have them stop by.

Handing Declan napkins to wipe his hands and mouth, Theo informed him Esther welcomed their visit. Three steps later, Theo was turning them into Apparition.

/*/

For the first time in five years, Kingsley had to speak sharply to his right hand man. Anthony was so busy nosing into Severus' business, he wasn't staying on top of his own which put him directly in the Minister's sights.

Kingsley stood at the door to his office and called Anthony. "Come into my office Mr. Goldstein. We need to have a chat."

Anthony was immediately on alert as he headed to the office. Kingsley rarely addressed him by his surname and when he did it was because one thing or another wasn't to his liking. "How can I help Minister?"

"Close the door Anthony."

Anthony was now sure whatever was on Kingsley's mind wasn't good. Seating himself, he waited for the Minister to start, and start he did. "You are and have been my formidable right hand wizard. However, over the past week, you have made some unremarkable moves."

A shock ran through Anthony's body. He wasn't aware of any unremarkable moves, so he didn't have any ready answer. All he could do was inquire. "It sounds as though I've let you down in some way Minister. Let me assure you. Whatever it was wasn't done intentionally."

Kingsley nodded his head. "I realize that Anthony. If I thought these things were being done intentionally, we wouldn't be having this conversation. You'd be out on your arse."

Anthony began to perspire as thoughts raced through his mind.. This shite is serious. Kingsley hasn't ever spoken to me in this manner. Out on my arse? What the hell did I do? Anthony pulled himself up straighter in the chair as Kingsley continued to speak.

"You appear nervous. I imagine I have your full attention now, so let me explain my bit of temper. I was advised you pushed off updating my schedule to Mr. Weasley."

"I did sir. I had some business at WCS and felt Percy could handle a simple schedule update. Am I to understand he didn't get it right?"

"You understand correctly. My entire May calendar is off by two days. Perhaps Mr. Weasley doesn't account for weekends. Whatever the excuse, I don't like muck ups big or small. Trust me when I say his ears are still ringing,"

Anthony was angry and embarrassed all in one. Percy couldn't even do a simple job. "My apologies Minister. I'll correct it right away."

Kingsley seemed to have loosened up a bit. "I've corrected it myself Anthony which leads me to ask. What is keeping you so busy you can't do the job you were hired to do? Before you tell me that Percy seemed capable, let me tell you this. I want Percy to take on more of your lesser duties, true. However, I also want to be informed what those duties entail so I can be prepared. Your attention to detail is exemplary while his is not."

Nope, Kingsley hadn't loosened up at all and Anthony was feeling the heat. His over exuberance trying to get Hermione first position in the new department had led him to take his eye off his own duties. Then, as if Kingsley was reading his thoughts, the Minister made a startling statement.

"I notice you've had time to prepare a mountain of notes offering your opinion of who should head DMTS. While you have clearly laid out what you think should be done and who should be in charge, I find your visions untimely, overbearing and absolutely overstepping. It seems you think you know more about what Severus wants than the wizard himself. Here's my opinion. Leave Severus and Miss Bradford to take care their own business while you take care of mine. To that end, I am rescinding my offer to loan you out. Severus and Jean will have to find another liaison between themselves and The Ministry. This is where you say, I love my position Minister, and do not want to work for Severus Snape."

Kingsley had made himself as clear as day. Anthony didn't even have to think about it. "I love my position Minister. I do not want to work for Severus Snape."

Kingsley nodded and pulled a quick smile. "That's fine because I don't want to lose my excellent Assistant. If I may offer a suggestion, leave those notes with Severus. They are well thought out. Just be sure to make a quick exit if Severus appears to be going for his wand as we all know he is a wizard who doesn't do well with people stepping into his business. With that settled, please prepare to take some notes as I have business of my own."

"Yes Minister. Give me five minutes."

"No worries Anthony. I'll give you fifteen minutes if you'll get us some lunch. Sliced chicken and tea for me. Please do not send Percy. I want my lunch to be edible."

Anthony took a deep breath. The Minister was back to his normal self. Although the joke was a bit sarcastic, it was at least a joke. Anthony didn't have time to do it right at the moment, but he had some choice words for Percy the prat.

/*/

Severus who finally had a few minutes to himself was going over the notes on his desk when he came across a few notes from Anthony Goldstein, his uninvited group member. Severus finished reading then threw the paper down on his desk. "We'll see about this. No one except myself or Jean will make decisions for me." As he was going through his mini Snape rant, Severus noticed an envelope from The Ministry. Allowing himself a breath, Severus opened the envelope to find a missive from none other than Mr. Goldstein himself and let out a soft chuckle. The industrious wizard had obviously been caught up short. Kingsley had rescinded his offer to have him work with the WCS Group as he already had a full plate.

Severus,

There has been a change of plans on my part. The Minister has asked that I remove myself from the WCS Groups as I more than enough to be going on with at The Ministry. My apologies to you, Jean and the group. I wish you well in your endeavors, and will definitely stop in once you have DMTS set up.

My regards to all.

Anthony Goldstein

Assistant to The Minister of Magic.

Severus chuckled even louder as a few extra pages of Anthony's notes fluttered to the desk. What Mr. Goldstein thought or wanted for WCS and DMTS no longer mattered. He was out. Severus put the letter and the notes aside to be shared with Jean when they were alone. For the moment, his immediate purpose was to clear up some unfounded beliefs. His first thought was to shout for Jean. Then Severus caught himself. He had a mobile and he had Jean's number. Why not just dial her up. Which is exactly what he did.

/*/

Jean was startled to hear a ringing coming from the mobile laying on the table next to her arm as were most of the employees around her. Several employees gave her a verbal push asking her to answer the call.

Jean grinned at her employees as she pressed the talk button.

Hello.

Hello Jean. This is your Messiah. I need a continuation of our earlier conversation. There is news to share.

Understood. At the moment, I'm going over a few things in the wiring area. I'll be there in five minutes. See you in a bit Severus.

After Jean disconnected from Severus, there was a chorus of loud clapping and shouting. "We've done it. We've bloody done it. I volunteer to be next called. I volunteer as well. I volunteer to call someone."

Jean laughed as she thanked them for volunteering, but explained it would all have to wait until she spoke to Severus. She had then added. "Work faster, and many of you might get the chance to take one home with you. Excuse me. Severus needs to speak to me. Get to it ladies and lads."

An electric undercurrent was left in Jean's wake. Anyone who didn't believe in Severus Snape, Jean Bradford and WCS could go pound sand.

/*/

"With one mobile call, you have solidified your place in the hearts of your staff," cheeked Jean as she entered Severus' office. "What will you do for an encore?"

Severus could not contain a wide smile as he closed the door with a simple wand movement. "I'm not worried about an encore Miss Bradford. I have you. I wanted to discuss one thing, but this phone call mania has led me in another direction. I'd like to have a selected few of our staff take a mobile home tonight. Whichever comes first. We will bring one to the house with us as well. I'd like for us to practice calling across distances greater than within a room." Evidently thinking about Draco and Hermione, Severus added. "One to a couple

Jean was nodding and smiling as Severus was speaking. She knew exactly to whom he referred. "I agree. The fight will be over who gets to experience the privilege. I'll make a list for your review. What's next on your agenda?"

Handing Anthony's letter and notes to Jean, he simply replied, this.

Jean read the letter and reviewed the notes. "Well. That settles that. There's no longer any worry about bumping heads with Kingsley via Anthony Goldstein which, in my opinion, is fantastic. Only this morning I heard him tell the group that Conor Byrne and Hermione Granger would be setting up your new Ministry department alongside him."

"Really?" Replied Severus with a distinct inflection in his voice. "Why didn't you correct him?"

Jean had a ready answer. "I didn't correct him because I felt it was up to you to set him straight. Now, we only need to straighten out the misconceptions of our favorite witch, who I'm sure will be heartbroken."

Severus knew Jean hoped he would assign Hermione to DMTS just to keep her away from WCS. "We have a list. While it might come down to Hermione going to DMTS, we have other contenders who will be thoroughly vetted before any decisions are made. I'd like us to share this particular piece of information with our employees and staff at the close of our regulation day. We'll also need to check which employees will be working overtime. I'd like all this sorted as quickly as possible. In fact, why don't you call the mobile closest to Miss Graham and ask her to advise everyone there will be a meeting in the large conference room in twenty minutes. No need to wait until end of day. Besides, I'd like to see if Miss Graham will use her ingenuity as easily as she uses her mouth."

Jean laughed. "I'm sure you didn't mean it the way it sounded. I'll just have use my ingenuity. Anything else?"

With a sly wink, Severus responded. "Nothing for the moment Miss Bradford. Why don't you call Miss Graham from here?"

Jean nodded as she dialed the phone she believed to be closest to Cassie. The mobile was picked up on the second ring.

Hello. This is Cassie.

Hello Cassie. This is Jean. I'm here with Severus who has asked that you inform the entire staff he will be holding a meeting in twenty minutes in the large conference room.

Alright Jean. You can count on me. See you in twenty minutes.

Thank you Cassie.

Jean grinned at Severus. "And now we wait."

Several seconds later, Severus and Jean heard Cassie give a shout and shook their heads.

"No ingenuity at all." Severus said accompanied by a shrug of his shoulders.

Jean was just about to add a comment when multiple phones began ringing at the same time. "There you have it. A group message. Not only is Cassie a bright employee, she is resourceful as well. I'll see you in the conference room."

/*/

Hermione tried hard to keep a smile on her face, but she was feeling disrespected. Jean had seen fit to call Cassie and to charge her with disseminating a message to the employees. Hermione felt it was down to Jean working against her. She who had years of experience over most. Hermione let out a soft huff. She would be so glad when she was transferred to DMTS. She would show Miss Jean Bradford what a brilliant witch could do. However, all Hermione could do at the moment was watch employees from the different groups crowding around the ones who had received Cassie's call.

Twenty minutes later, Severus and Jean were standing in front of their excited employees explaining just what was what. The meeting had begun.

"My first bit of business is to thank Miss Graham for being such an industrious witch. Jean and I applaud her use of the group call aspect of our mobile unit. Well done Miss Graham."

Cassie blushed while Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Next up. I'd like to request bodies for some extra work this evening."

Almost every hand in the room went up including those of Conor and Mick Byrne.

Severus kept a blank face, but inside he was beaming at his group of people. He couldn't ask for better. Stepping to the side, Severus let Jean pick the people. She ended up doing it the easy way by choosing three from each of the five groups leaving the rest crestfallen over not being chosen. Jean was astute. She recognized disappointment when she saw it and addressed it straightaway. "A word to those not chosen to work tonight. There is always tomorrow night. Do not lose that enthusiasm. Severus has a few more items, so I'll turn the floor back to him."

"Thank you Jean and thank you to our volunteers. Jean and I will also be selecting several of you to test our mobiles overnight. If you are chosen, please collect the mobile numbers of others who are in the test. Utilize every aspect of the mobile, messaging, putting on hold, group calls, etc. Those employees will be chosen at the end of the meeting. Now on to the next. Mr. Goldstein is no longer a part of us. The Minister needs him for important Ministry business. I share this because Anthony has made several unauthorized decisions which I will now correct. No one has been chosen for DTMS. In fact, I do not plan to set up or staff DTMS until we are up and running here."

Hermione glanced over at Conor who appeared to be as disappointed as herself.

Severus continued speaking. "If there are those who want to be a part of a new Ministry department, I suggest you find ways to speed up production of our main product. Down the line a bit, as a marketing tool, I'll be asking for another set of volunteers to utilize the mobiles over a weekend. Take them out. Show them to your mates. Show them to your families. Market our product. Be sure to mention the mobiles have been sanctioned by Minister Shacklebolt and the Board of Governors as well. Although I normally abhor name dropping, in this instance, it can't hurt. That's all we have for now. Those who will be working overtime this evening will not be given a mobile. However, as Jean has mentioned, don't despair. We will get one into your hands sooner than later. Those of you who would like to take a mobile tonight, see Jean. Have a good evening."

/*/

Although she was distressed over the news about Anthony and DTMS, Hermione was front and foremost when the line formed to receive a mobile. As she issued the mobiles, Jean also reminded everyone of Kingsley and the Board's visit the following day.

Hermione was a bit more relaxed after being one of those chosen to take home a mobile. She even smiled as she went around collecting mobile numbers promising to ring every phone every thirty minutes. When she landed at Draco's house, Hermione came through shouting for her wizard.

"Draco love. Are you here. Look what I have."

No answer. Hermione checked the bathroom, but the door was open and the light was off. Draco hadn't made it home yet. Rather than sit in place waiting for him, Hermione put away her things then sat on the side of the bed and began dialing. She was in the middle of a call to Philip one of the electricians when Draco came through. He was surprised to see the mobile in Hermione's hand.

"Nice. Are we the proud owners of a Snape mobile?"

Hermione held up one finger to finish her call.

This is my third call. How many have you made?

Draco didn't know who was on the other end of Hermione's call nor could he hear the response, so he removed his cloak, changed into pajama bottoms and a tee then sat down next to Hermione who gave him a frown and a nudge before returning to the call.

Wow. You've already made five calls. Do you actually speak to someone, or do you call and hang up?

Again, Draco couldn't hear the response, but it must have been humorous because Hermione went into a fit of giggles. Rather than sit there staring down Hermione's mouth, Draco decided to go find something to eat. He was sitting in the kitchen happily chewing on some leftover sausage when he heard Hermione end the call.

Alright Philip. It was good talking to you. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight.

A soon as he heard the name Philip, Draco put down the sausage and listened intently. The conversation was over, but he was now wondering who in the hell was Philip. Standing at the bedroom door, Draco questioned Hermione about the call, but once again she held up a finger as she spoke to the next caller. Draco stood there listening to the conversation getting more and more annoyed. Finally, when Hermione didn't show any sign of ending the call, he stepped into jeans, put on a jumper and Apparated to Theo's house.

/*/

Cely opened the door at Draco's first knock. "Hello Mr. Draco. Mr. Theo is with little mister right now. Please have a seat and I'll let him know you are here."

"Thanks Cely. I'll have seat in the living room."

Five minutes later, Theo stepped into the living room with hand extended and Declan on his heels. "Hello Draco. I thought it might be Jay coming through. Declan, say hello to Mr. Malfoy then get back to your room."

"Hell Mr. Malfoy. It's nice to see you again. I'll say goodnight now father, but I'm going to ask Cely to bring a bit of fruit to my room."

"Fine son. A bit of fruit won't hurt. However, make it just a bit," replied Theo to Declan's request. "Don't forget to wash your hands after." Turning to Draco, Theo asked if he'd like a drink.

"Draco shook his head. "If you don't mind Theo, I'd like a tea, or coffee if you have it."

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. You wound me. This is the Nott household. We have a bit of everything thanks to Esther, Conor and Mick. Coffee it is. It will just take a moment."

Now that he was at Theo's, Draco didn't know why he was there. His witch was talking to a wizard on a mobile. So what. Draco was in the middle of shaking his head when Theo returned with the coffee.

"Cream and sugar on the tray." Theo informed Draco as he took a seat on the couch. "Although you appear calm, I've known you a long time mate. Something has you tightly wound. I won't even venture a guess, but if you need to talk, we're quite alone except for Declan. Conor and Mick have been chosen to work late. I'm listening." He said, as he cuffed Draco on the arm.

Draco smiled at his mate. "For once, I'm simply here to enjoy the company of a mate. The walls at home were closing in on me."

Theo gave Draco a skeptical look, but changed the subject. "Conor Owled me earlier with a few bits and pieces coming out of WCS. Anthony Goldstein has been called back to his duties at The Ministry and will have no further involvement, mobile phones were given to specific employees to test overnight, and Kingsley and the Governors will be visiting tomorrow."

Now Draco knew two more things than he had before walking in. The overreaching Goldstein was out of the picture and Hermione wasn't arbitrarily calling wizards. She was testing the mobile for Severus and Jean. "That's interesting. Good riddance to Goldstein. For a quick minute, I thought he had positioned himself to take over the entire project. As far as the mobiles go, I know certain of them are being tested because Hermione has one, and she is definitely using it."

Draco ended his sentence with a laugh, but Theo was already onto him. Hermione was testing a mobile and not paying attention to her wizard. Theo wanted to laugh, but refrained. If his mate didn't want to admit he was a whiny git, he'd leave it alone. Instead, Theo shared his thoughts on how many clients he had picked up since Severus opened his business. He and Draco went on to discuss a few other things before ending the visit.

"Keep your calendar free for Saturday. I'm looking at having a small get together. I'd like you and Hermione to attend."

Draco grinned as he shook Theo's hand. "I'll keep my dance card open Mr. Nott. Enjoy the rest of your evening mate."

/*/

Theo made sure everything was locked up before heading to his bedroom. Sitting on the side of his bed, Theo wondered why he hadn't revealed his misgivings about Gloria to Draco. Maybe because he wasn't sure about, well about anything. Before he shared with mates, he needed to have a conversation with Gloria. He liked the witch, but Theo loved his son. With a loud sigh, he headed to the bathroom to wash up and use the facilities.

/*/

When Draco landed in the living room, it was quiet. He guessed Hermione had finished her mobile testing. He was quite right. Hermione was dead sleep lying spread eagled on her stomach with the mobile laying next to her hand. Draco chuckled to himself. His witch had probably fallen asleep in the middle of a conversation. Before undressing, Draco shifted Hermione to her side of the bed, but the movement woke her. The first thing she did was grab for the mobile.

Draco spoke before thinking. "Relax witch. I'm no burglar here to steal your goods. Well, I might be here to steal some goods, but not your mobile. Did you get all your testing done?"

Hermione was a bit cranky at being woken out of a good sleep, and for some reason was also cranky that Draco had come within touching vicinity of the mobile. "Ah! The prodigal Mr. Malfoy has returned. What time is it?"

Draco took a breath before responding knowing his witch was sometimes cranky when he woke her. "Good evening to you too Miss Granger." Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, Draco mentioned the time then went about preparing for bed. "Good day at work then?"

Those words were enough to drive Hermione's crankiness away. Draco had given her a platform which she intended to use. "It was somewhat lovely and somewhat not. I no longer have Anthony championing for me to be Head of DTMS. Kingsley has removed him from both projects. Then, Severus and Jean explained how we wouldn't be moving forward with hiring or staffing at DTMS until WCS is fully up and running…."

Draco sighed. He just had to ask. Hermione was on a poor me roll which could feasibly extend until the morning, so he intervened. "You said somewhat lovely and somewhat not. I've heard the somewhat not. Tell me about the somewhat lovely."

Grinning, Hermione held up the mobile. "I was chosen to test our mobile which I will tell you about once you give me my kiss."

Draco was chuffed. He had finessed his witch and she didn't even realize it. Leaning into Hermione, he whispered in her ear. "Willing wizard coming in with a kiss."

Hermione giggled as she threw the mobile to the side then placed her arms around Draco's neck. "Well come on then. Give us a kiss. I'm ready."

As he moved in for the kiss, Draco spoke hoarsely. "Ready, eh? That's an attitude I can work with."