Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 64

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."

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 65

Even though it was almost 10:00, once they finished their couples business, Hermione and Draco gravitated to the kitchen for a bit of food and conversation.

"What shall we have love? It's too late for anything heavy."

Draco gave a shrug. "How about toast and a coffee?"

Hermione couldn't help herself as she started a tirade about drinking coffee late at night. However, Draco cut her off. "You asked for a suggestion, and I answered. Let's not turn a bit to eat into a drama laden thing. I'll have buttered toast and juice."

Although she turned to Draco with a sour look on her face, Hermione concurred. "Buttered toast and juice it is. I've told you about my day. How was your day?"

As they ate, Draco had Hermione grinning as he shared what had gone on at OTS highlighting Brian's liberal use of a backbone. He had it on the tip of his tongue to mention Blaise's remarks about getting Ginny a ring when he realized he would be sharing private business and changed direction. "Who do you suppose will take Goldstein's place as liaison between WCS and the Ministry?"

"That's a good question love. I'm sure Severus has some thoughts on the matter. Perhaps he won't choose anyone at all. By the time Severus has WCS set up exactly as he wants, there may be several of us who could do the job."

Draco wasn't going to fall into the trap of asking if Hermione considered herself in the running. Not tonight. Not at 10:45 at night. Instead, he mentioned Theo might be having a small get together on Saturday.

Draco had avoided one trap only to walk into another as Hermione began to question if Gloria would be hosting alongside Theo. The thought really hadn't occurred to Draco. Why would it? Theo and Gloria had been out together twice. She wasn't a wife or even Theo's witch. Draco did the smart thing. He answered that he had no idea explaining Theo had only spoken in generalities. Before Hermione could question him any further on something he already admitted not knowing anything about, Draco let out a forced yawn.

"It's late love. I'm going to bed. Coming? By the way. I don't think I'll be able to make the meeting tomorrow with Brian just back and a backlog of cases. Make my excuses to Jean and my godfather. Don't be too long."

Hermione had had a short nap and wasn't ready to go to bed. "Severus and Jean probably won't even realize you aren't there, but I'll make excuses if necessary. I'll be to bed in a bit. I want to familiarize myself with the inner workings of the mobile. If I'm to be stuck at WCS, I might as well learn as much as I can about our product other than mobile and customer numbers any dunderhead could process."

Draco hurried through to the bedroom because it sounded like Hermione was about to go off on another poor me rant. "Alright love. If I may make a suggestion, don't bugger around and do something to that mobile you can't undo. Neither Severus nor Jean will be pleased. Goodnight."

Hermione sat there gazing at the mobile muttering about wizards who spoke out of turn. However, five seconds later, she admitted that Draco had a point. If she damaged the mobile, Jean would probably ride her out of WCS on a rail. Picking the mobile up from the table, Hermione headed for the bedroom.

/*/

When Mick and Conor arrived home from work around 11:00 pm, Conor headed straight for his bedroom while Mick headed for the kitchen to have a snack. With one foot in the kitchen, Mick remembered Cely. Instead of rooting around the kitchen this late at night, he decided to use the elf. From his bedroom, Mick called out to Cely, and pop. She was there.

"Yes Mr. Mick? What do you need?"

"I'd like a snack if you please. Maybe a few pieces of beef or chicken with a few slices of bread. And a coffee."

Cely was a bit puzzled. Pieces of meat and slices of bread? Mr. Mick be wanting a sandwich. "You wanting a sandwich?"

Mick laughed at himself. He was so used to eating in bits and pieces he was coming across as some arsehole. "Yes Cely. That's it. I'd like a roast beef sandwich and coffee with milk and sugar."

"Yes sir. Cely be making you a nice sandwich and a coffee."

Mick shook his head as he headed to the shower. He was such a ponce. Now that he lived among regular people, he'd have to conform. No more scraps of meat for him. From here on out, he'd ask for a sandwich. By the time he stepped out of the shower, Mick had thanked Merlin, Theo and Conor several times for the bounty he had received. His current status was so far removed from what it had been. Sitting on the side of his bed absolutely nude, Mick wolfed down his sandwich thinking perhaps he should have asked for two. After stepping into a pair of shamrock boxers, Mick laid down with good fortune and Parvati Patil on his mind.

/*/

Theo heard Conor and Mick come home. Unused to people moving around his household late at night, he was a bit put out when he heard someone moving towards the kitchen. Mumbling about tossers who bumped around the house at night instead of using Cely, Theo was about to go set another rule when he heard the footsteps recede toward the back of the house. Theo sat back down in his bedside chair where he went back to worrying about what he would say to Gloria.

Putting thoughts of Gloria aside, Theo reread the message he had received from Jean.

Group Team Member:

Severus and I would like to remind you that all group team members are invited to attend the luncheon for Minister Shacklebolt and The Board starting at 11:00 am Tuesday, 5/11. Severus would like to see a large show of support for this very important occasion.

If you can make yourself available, we look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Jean Bradford

Severus Snape

Theo had everything in order so he could attend the meeting. Esther would have Declan and his first client was scheduled for 1:30 pm. He was all set to see what Kingsley and The Board thought of the next great wizarding invention.

Theo pulled back the blankets and slid into bed with his last thought before drifting off being, there is another rule to be set.

/*/

Being too keyed up to sleep, Jean was moving about ruffling papers which was annoying Severus to no end as he laid in bed trying to sleep. "Please Jean enough. You are driving me to distraction. If we aren't ready now, we'll never be. Put whatever you are doing aside and come to bed."

Jean stopped what she was doing. She might be annoying Severus, but he could speak to her with a better tone. Placing the papers on the dresser, she turned with a curt answer on her lips. However, before she could respond, Severus lifted the blanket and softly spoke the word please.

"That's better." Jean remarked as she slid beneath the blankets with her front to Severus' back. "Goodnight Messiah."

Severus smiled into his pillow as he reached back for Jean's hand. "Although the feel of your body against mine is quite pleasurable, I would like to know you aren't going to sleep angry with me."

Jean kissed Severus on the shoulder before responding. "Not angry at all Severus. Just know your please went a long way towards me tempering my reply. Goodnight."

"That was the intent Temima. That was my intent. Sleep well."

/**/

Now that they each had to be to work approximately the same times, Hermione and Draco utilized separate bathrooms. This Tuesday morning wasn't any exception. Draco used the main and Hermione used the one off their bedroom. Still, they bumped into each other as they rushed around getting dressed. After the third bump, Draco pulled Hermione into his arms.

"You bump me one more time and I will…"

Hermione grinned as she kissed Draco on the mouth. "You'll do what Malfoy? I'm prettier and faster than you. Anything you try to do, you'll be doing alone. Now please unhand me so I can finish getting ready. Some of us work for a prominent, soon to be famous company and need to get to their job."

Draco gave Hermione a nip on the shoulder. "I'll let go of you for now, but just know that I too am employed in a prominent, already famous department in The Ministry. I'll see if I can get away for the meeting. If I can't, I'll expect you to give me a full report." Draco nipped Hermione again before letting her go. Good luck to Severus and Jean."

"Hah! Tell that good luck stuff to Blaise. It's his employees who don't know how to follow rules. Severus and Jean do not need good luck. They have amazing employees as well as an amazing product."

Draco reached out to give Hermione a little pinch on the bum, but before he could, she had a bit more to say. "Missed me handsome. I'll see you this evening. After we have dazzled Kingsley. I imagine your father will be attending the meeting. Shall I give him your regards? No, never mind. He'd probably turn away."

Draco frowned, but he was frowning at an empty room. Hermione had gotten in her little dig then apparated away. Muttering to himself, Draco admitted it wasn't easy to date a smart mouthed witch as he stepped into the floo calling out Ministry Of Magic.

/*/

Draco was halfway across the atrium when someone called his name. Turning, he nodded at Tracey Davis who was hurrying to catch up with him. "Good morning Draco."

Draco glanced down at his feet to give himself time to fix his face. Tracey was the last person he wanted to see. "What can I do for you Tracey? I'm running a bit late."

Tracey knew she wasn't top of Draco's list, but he didn't have to be so short with her. "I saw you and simply wanted to wish you a good morning, but I seemed to have caught you at a bad time."

This witch annoyed Draco who had turned towards the lift. "You didn't catch me at a bad time. I'm running late."

Tracey turned in the other direction, calling over her shoulder. "Have a good day Draco."

Draco didn't bother to reply. The lift was on the atrium floor. He stepped in and pushed the button for the OTS floor. By the time he passed Brian and Donald's offices, Draco was back in good spirits. "Good morning gentlemen. I have an appointment today. Does it look as though we'll be finished by 11:00?"

Donald left his office to follow Draco, calling over his shoulder to Brian. "Get off that pink arse and get in here. Our superior is in a decent mood. Perhaps this is the day we address him about pay raises."

Brian remained at his desk mumbling about the tosser Donald.

Draco grinned at Donald. "Lost your backup then Mr. Macomber?"

Donald was definitely going to make the most of Draco's good mood. "When you are in this fine of a mood, Donald Macomber doesn't need backup. I can handle you on my own. Did someone die and leave you a fortune?"

"Although I am in a decent mood, I don't think standing around having a cozy catch up with you will allow me to make my appointment."

Donald's mouth dropped open. "So you're not in a decent mood? You really have an 11:00 am appointment. Now I'll need backup."

Before Draco could reply, Blaise intervened. "I couldn't help overhearing your back and forth. It's my opinion you both should give up the humorous routine and get to work. Mr. Finch-Fletchley does expect a few cases to reach his desk before he sells the business. Draco, a word please."

Draco grimaced at Donald before following Blaise to his office while Donald made a hasty retreat back to his own office.

Blaise gazed at his mate for several seconds before speaking. "Had that good of a night then that you are sharing humor with your assistants?"

Draco shrugged. His night was none of Blaise's business.

"Alright. Prying into your business was not what I wanted to talk about."

"Good," grunted Draco. "Because I wasn't about to share."

Blaise pulled a smile onto his face. "There he is. There's the sarcastic mate I know and love."

"You're beginning to act like Donald. Can we just get on with it?"

Yes let's was Blaise's answer. "I shared some of my thoughts with you yesterday. Giving it further thought, I need to ask you to keep the information to yourself. If or when I present a ring to Ginny, I'd like it to be a surprise."

Draco felt himself getting rankled but quickly adjusted his mood knowing if he mentioned any of it to Hermione, Ginny would know within the hour. "Of course I'll keep your private information to myself. Presenting a ring is a huge step which should only be shared among family and those in the relationship. Have you come to a firm decision? Will the lucky Miss Weasley be getting a ring sooner than later?"

Blaise tried his best to blush. "The quick answer would be no. I just want to be sure Ginny doesn't get wind of anything."

"Hahaha." Draco laughed out loud. "You prat. All this cloak and dagger for nothing. I'm glad you didn't mention any of this to Theo. He'd never let you live down the fact you are soliciting information about engagement rings, but don't intend to get engaged."

Lowering his voice before closing the door with a wave of his wand, Blaise responded to Draco's taunt. "Prat am I? Remind me. Who was it that allowed another witch to service him orally in the same space he was being serviced orally by another witch?"

Draco turned as red as he could. "That's water under the dam mate. Water under the dam. I have no intention of repeating that behavior. Don't make me sorry I shared my story by bringing it up every three months. It's private and it's old. Leave it alone, or I will share with Hermione and the rest of our circle your propensity for exaggeration."

Waving his hands in surrender, Blaise apologized and moved on to OTS business. "Mr. Johns will be joining us in a matter of weeks. I've scheduled him for Team4. What are your thoughts?"

"You're the Head. I respect your decision. However, since you've asked. Team2 appears to be the weakest team. Why not put Johns there for a probationary period?"

Blaise thought about it. "That may not be such a bad idea Mr. Malfoy. With his background in DOM, he'll probably be running things before his probationary period is up. That's what we'll do. I'll advise Team2 straightaway. Thank you for your input. You haven't asked, but if you put Brian and Donald to work, you may attend the big meeting at WCS."

"Thank you mate. I would like to be there. Donald and Brian know what needs to be done. I'll get a few things sorted before leaving. I should return by 1:00, 1:30 at the latest. Thanks again. I'll speak to you later."

"No problem. I hope it all works out as I have every intention of purchasing one for Ginny and myself. In addition, I'll expect my OTS agents to purchase one as well. I look forward to eliminating Owls and Patronuses. Later mate."

By the time Draco finished completing the few things on his desk, it was 10:45. After taking a quick bathroom break, Draco quickly spoke to Brian and Donald before heading to the lifts knowing when he landed, he would be walking into the future. It also wouldn't hurt that he had prospective orders from Blaise for the entire OTS Department.

/*/

Severus and Jean were up and out by 7:30. Even though everything was in place for Kingsley's visit, Severus and Jean wanted to hear the results of the overnight mobile testing before facing The Minister. It was a very happy wizard who received nothing but positive responses from the overnight mobile testing team. Severus was more than pleased with Cassie Graham who had the foresight to reach out to other testers by group calls as well as group messaging.

After the staff was back to their places, Severus asked Jean to put Cassie's name on the list of those who would be interviewing for DMTS.

"Like her that much do you Mr. Snape?" Asked Jean.

Severus replied with a quick wink and a bit of cheek. "I like her better than some on the list. Let's take a walk around our building. It's good to keep staff on their toes."

The level of excitement among the workers was palatable, especially those who would be part of the physical test. As they passed Mick Byrne, Jean mentioned to Severus how she really admired Mick's skill and work ethic. "He stayed until well after 10:00 last evening, and was in as early as ourselves this morning."

"So it's one brother over another?" Asked Severus.

Jean had quickly cleared up her statement. "I actually like both brothers. The difference being, I'd like to see Conor as part of DMTS. He's more administrative while Mick is manually inclined and his skills best utilized here."

"Oh!" Said Severus in a low voice. "I was beginning to think you had your eye on someone other than the Messiah."

She and Severus were in the middle of their company building so Jean couldn't answer as she wished. However she did tell Severus he would be hearing from her at a more opportune time. It was almost 10:45, so Severus and Jean headed back to the main office to tidy up any last little ends.

/*/

99% of the Group Team Members had made it to the meeting and were sitting in the enlarged conference room awaiting Kingsley and The Board. Jean thanked and welcomed everyone to the meeting, once again checking that those who would be demonstrating the mobiles were set and ready.

Then, there was no more time. Kingsley had arrived. With a wide smile and his arms thrown wide, Kingsley spoke in a booming voice. "We are prepared to be dazzled. Impress us."

Severus stepped to the front of the room to explain he would first like to dazzle them with a tour of the building, after which, his staff would dazzle them with demonstrations. Adding one last piece, Severus mentioned how he hoped they would put in orders for personal mobiles as well as business mobiles as well. With that said, Severus invited the guests to follow him and Jean for the tour.

/*/

As Hermione had surmised, Lucius Malfoy was part of The Minister's group. The surprising part was Lucius had nodded in her direction. His action had been well received until Hermione happened to turn and see Draco and Theo seated behind her. She realized Lucius had probably been nodding to Draco instead of her. She began to feel grumpy, but quickly realized this was neither the place nor the time. However, she would be speaking to Draco about the perceived rudeness of his disgusting father. Not long after her non-tantrum tantrum, the guests returned to the conference room where everyone was invited to partake of the luncheon.

After a few bites, Kingsley was ready to see the demonstrations. Following Kingsley's lead, Jean immediately cleared the tables with her wand. There was tons of food remaining. If anyone was still hungry after their guests left, the food would be there.

Placing a mobile in front of Kingsley, two Board members and Lucius Malfoy, the demonstration began. The first phone to ring was Kingsley's. Remembering the initial demonstration, Kingsley maneuvered like a professional mobile answerer.

This is Kingsley Shacklebolt. How can I help you?

Unlike the demonstration at the Ministry, the caller was not in the room.

Good afternoon Minister. This is Cassie Graham calling you from the Wiring Department at the other side of the building. Can you hear me clearly?

Kingsley answered with a wide grin on his face. Good afternoon Miss Graham. I can hear you very clearly. Nice to hear from the Wiring Department. If I may have your mobile number, I'd like to dial you back. The irony. The Minister of Magic was asking for a witch's number. Quick thinking Kingsley was having fun with it.

While Kingsley took down Cassie's mobile number, the other guests mobiles began ringing. The two Board members required a bit of assistance while Lucius answered his phone as though he'd been doing it all his life. Not to be outdone, even by Kingsley, Lucius asked his caller for his mobile number so he could dial back. Kingsley rang Cassie back while Lucius did the same. After getting the hang of it, the two Board members also called back their callers. The rest of the guests had their chance at receiving and making calls as well. After a bit of calling around the room, the guests were then shown the features and were dazzled when all their phones rang at the same time, or when the phones were turned off and the message button lit up advising they had a message even though the phone hadn't rung.

By the end of the demonstration, Minister Shacklebolt, the Board members and Lucius wanted to speak privately with Jean and Severus about ordering the product.

After their guests had left the conference room to speak with Severus and Jean, the mobile phones were returned to their proper places while the hungry staff tucked in.

/*/

Draco stopped to pack a sack of sandwiches to bring back to OTS and say a few words to Hermione who grinned at him while pointing at the sack. "Hungry Draco? It would seem your witch isn't taking very good care of you."

Draco winked at Hermione. "Never you mind about my witch. She feeds me just fine. In fact, I believe she is taking me out to dinner this very evening. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to OTS where I will offer a free lunch to my fellows. A well done demonstration. I believe Severus has done it. I'll speak to you later."

"I think you are quite right Mr. OTS Agent. Severus has done it. Thank you for turning up. Have a good afternoon."

Theo offered his goodbye as well only nodding in Gloria's direction as she headed toward him. Now was not the time or place to speak with her. Besides, it was almost 1:00 pm and he wanted to stop by Esther's to check on Declan before meeting his client. Theo walked away chuckling about Hermione and Draco. When things were good between them, they were very good.

A surprised Gloria who had stopped in her tracks after Theo walked away remained where she was wondering why he hadn't at least said hello.

/*/

They were a hit. After Kingsley, who was gifted with a mobile, and his group left, Severus and Jean spent the next thirty minutes setting up the next steps. The most important steps being, to make as many working mobiles as possible, wire up as many areas as possible, attract as many customers as possible and set up as many mobile numbers as possible. All at the same time. With that in mind, Jean set lists of employees and assigned them to one of the categories. The employees were notified and the tasks began.

Mick was assigned to the group which would be assembling the mobiles. Philip was assigned to the wiring group whose destination was the outer edges of London and beyond seeing how the rest of London was already wired. This particular group was given stipends to be used in case they had to remain overnight to get the job done. Hermione, Conor and Gloria were assigned to the group tasked with setting up mobile number and attaching them to specific mobiles while Cassie and several others plotted out the easiest way to reach the wizarding public.

The staff was working diligently when Cassie let out a shout as she dialed a number on the mobile closest to her. The phone was picked up on the second ring.

Good afternoon. This is Jean. To which of my industrious employees am I speaking?

At that moment, Hermione just happened to be passing Severus and Jean office on her way to the bathroom. Jean's comment had given Hermione an idea. Meanwhile, Cassie had identified herself.

Hello Jean. This is Cassie Graham and I've had a thought about how we can obtain tons of customers.

Wonderful. Let me put you on the speaker so Severus can hear this as well. Alright Cassie, proceed.

Minister Shacklebolt.

Minister Shacklebolt what Cassie?

Cassie explained herself. You and Severus should inquire if The Minister would allow us to send out flyers in his name vouching for our product and possibly suggesting that every family would do well to have at least one mobile in the home, or he could send out his own message.

Severus glanced at Jean then responded to Cassie's idea. This is Severus. I find your idea interesting. Well done Miss Graham. Jean and I will discuss the options, but we will be contacting Minister Shacklebolt. Thank you for being so observant. I will announce Kingsley's answer as soon as it is received. Don't stop thinking and observing.

Thank you Severus. I'll get back to work now.

Jean smiled at Severus. "Miss Graham continues to show the brilliance of someone destined for bigger things."

"By bigger things, I hope you mean within this company." Sniped Severus.

"Of course I mean within our company Severus. I'd be a fool to send Cassie off to some other company, and I'm not a fool." Jean sniped back.

Severus wasn't about to get into a spat with Jean over an employee or anything else for that matter. "My apologies Jean. Although those were foolish words, I'm not a fool. Consider me corrected. I'm going to phone Kingsley for an appointment or a conversation. Whichever he will allow."

Jean stood in the doorway. "Alright then. I'm going to check the floor. Good luck with Kingsley."

Severus smiled at his Second holding up mobile number 895. "We don't need luck. We have a brilliant product. If Kingsley invites me to The Ministry and you need to reach me, I'll be at the other end of my mobile."

Jean shook her head as she left the office. Her mentor, lover and Messiah was a total prat.

/*/

Jean was halfway across the room when Hermione approached asking for a word.

What now, thought Jean as she gestured towards the small conference room. Jean gestured for Hermione to have a seat anticipating a woe is me soliloquy, but was happily surprised when Hermione revealed she had an idea.

"Excellent Hermione. Severus and I love new ideas."

Hermione smiled at Jean before sharing. "I believe it is in our best interest to install a screen or something along those lines on our mobiles to reveal the caller. It might seem like window dressing, but it will give the recipient the option of answering or letting the call go to message when he or she is busy. In addition, we might want to address how the mobile rings. I know muggle phones can be set at different rings for different callers. Additionally, we should design a way to give owners a choice of rings."

Jean gazed at Hermione for a second. Was this the same aggravating, aggressive witch who expected to own part of the company by the end of her first week? Evidently not. "Thank you for your ideas Hermione. This company will always do well if our employees think about ways to forward the company. In fact, I don't want it to seem as though I'm dashing away, but actually I am. I'd like to get your ideas into production straightaway. If Severus is still in the building, I want to advise him of what you have shared and how we'll proceed. Thanks again Hermione. Keep thinking."

Hermione left the conference room in the best mood she'd been in since she and Jean had originally bumped heads. As she strode jauntily back to her group, Hermione was extra chuffed. It seemed as though the surly boss witch had come to recognize her worth.

/*/

Severus wasn't in the office, so Jean jotted down a quick note sharing Hermione's ideas and advising she would be implementing them straightaway. Which is what she did.

Speaking directly to the group charged with assembling the mobiles, she shared what she wanted to see done. All work stopped while the group brainstormed to figure out a way to add the accessories. Jean wasn't surprised when Mick was first with a solution. She studied Mick's solution then authorized the group to implement the changes right away. Even though they had to break down the work they'd already completed, no one in the group complained. They wanted their product to be the best it could be.

Jean thanked everyone before walking away. It was lovely working with winners.

/*/

Back at OTS, the free windfall Draco spread across the table in the kitchen area disappeared rapidly as agents from every team descended on the food. Draco chuckled as he grabbed sandwiches for himself, Brian and Blaise which he dropped off on the way to his office. Donald had been one of the first to grab a sandwich. Normally, agents didn't have food at their desks, but free food was free food. Just this once, Blaise let it slide.

After finishing his toasted ham and cheese, Draco stopped in Blaise's office to inform him of the results of the meeting and that he hadn't been able to speak to either Severus or Jean about Blaise's request for mobiles. "My inability to speak with either Severus or Jean is probably fortuitous."

"How so? Asked Blaise. "The meeting went well. Kingsley has accepted the product. I want my department to have them. What have I missed?"

"You haven't missed anything. I imagine Severus will want authorization from a Head rather than a lowly OTS Agent."

Blaise chuckled. "Lowly OTS Agent is it? In that case, I'll send an owl. Donald laid two cases on my desk. I'd like you to look them over and sign off before I send them upstairs."

"I trust Donald. There shouldn't be any problems with the cases."

Blaise stared at Draco. "Trust but verify mate. Trust but verify."

Draco knew Blaise was on the mark. No matter what. He should trust but verify. "Alright then. Give them here. I'll look them over right now."

Blaise handed the cases to Draco along with a cheeky reply. "Don't let Donald know you are second guessing him, or he won't stop grousing for a week."

"Funny Blaise. I plan to let Donald know first thing that I'll be reviewing the cases. If he has an issue with that, he can…. grouse all week. The cases will be back on your desk within the hour."

Draco's reply caused Blaise to chuckle. "I need to speak with Kingsley if he is available. You may leave the folders on my desk if I'm not here."

"Will do," replied Draco before heading to his office.

/*/

Theo's day had gone well. He'd stopped by Esther's to make a quick check on Declan only to find they were out and about. Theo couldn't stop himself from thanking Merlin that things had turned out as they had. The once reviled aunt had turned out to be a decent witch and a life saver as well. Theo had left a short note to let Esther and Declan know he had stopped by and would see them later. Then it had been on to his appointment which had gone well. Even though he and the client parted without a confirmed sale, Theo was sure he would be hearing from the wizard again. It usually took some clients a day or two to realize they wanted the property.

When he arrived home, Theo showered, ate two cheesy biscuits then checked the mail Cely had left on his desk. There were several real estate magazines, an owl from Jean asking him to stop back by WCS that afternoon and another owl from Gloria asking why he hadn't spoken to her after the meeting. Exchanging the towel around his waist for jeans and a long sleeved jumper, Theo apparated directly to WCS to see what Jean needed and possibly speak to Gloria as well.