Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 67
Draco was having a solitary drink in the living room when he heard the swoosh of an arriving owl. Getting up off the couch, Draco went to collect the message which was a return response from the ever irreverent Wil Baker.
Hello once again my mate:
If you seriously mean what you wrote, and you can tear yourself away from the lovely Hermione, I think you, me and Clarke should come to some agreement. Clarke and I can plan a holiday week the end of June, or the first of July, your choice. Let us know. As quiet as it's kept, I wouldn't mind coming back to London as long as all the killers and miscreants have been dealt with. However, knowing you, if you want to get out of London for a bit, that's what will be done. Anyway, give us a shout when you've firmed up your plans. I look forward to seeing you drunk off your ass at the local bar. Good times.
Regards
Wil
Draco chuckled over Wil's response mentally going over the state of OTS. Stuart Johns the new hire would be coming aboard within the next two weeks which would leave plenty of time to get him trained up if he decided to take a holiday in Switzerland. Then two thoughts crossed Draco's mind simultaneously. Stuart Johns would most likely be on Team2 or 4 which would have nothing to do with him or Team3. Additionally, there was Hermione. He'd probably have to stun and bind her in order to take a holiday away from England without her. Shrugging, Draco went petulant. Hermione probably wouldn't worry about him taking a solo holiday as long as she was partnered up with Conor Byrne.
Draco returned to the living room to finish his drink. As he sat there recalling the argument with Hermione, he had to admit he was being petty, and one petty arse in a relationship was enough.
Sending the glass to sink, Draco let out a loud huff. Here he was at 11:30 at night grousing over words that had been said when his tired arse should be in bed getting some sleep. Besides, he'd definitely have time enough on Wednesday to rehash the shite. Hermione would make sure of it.
Draco tossed and turned for a bit before he began to drift off. His last thought before succumbing to sleep was to wonder if Hermione would like to see Switzerland.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 68
Theo and Declan spent an enjoyable hour around the table. The dinner was delicious. Declan had a small worry about the meaning of the word decadent making a mental note to look up the definition first chance he got. In the mean time, he just thought it tasted good. He had let his mind wander a bit too far because Theo had given him sort of a hard look when he asked a question and didn't get a response.
"What's weighing so heavily on your mind you can't answer a question?"
Declan sat up a bit straighter in his chair. His father didn't sound angry, but he did sound perturbed. Now was as good a time as any to find out the meaning of decadent without having to look it up. Not wanting Theo to think he was slipping in his studies, Declan was a little reluctant to share. However, Theo held his gaze waiting for an answer.
Holding his chin up, Declan replied to Theo's question. "Honestly father, it's nothing. I'm just not sure why you called our meal decadent when I find it very delicious."
Theo frowned for a split second before throwing his head back in laughter which puzzled Declan until Theo explained. "You are worried for nothing son. The word decadent simply means rich or luxurious. In this house, creamed cod is not a meal we'll see very often being much too rich and calorie laden for two men who want to keep their fit shapes."
Declan grinned before placing a full forkful in his mouth. "That's right father. We Nott men want to remain fit. There won't be too many creamed cod dinners in this house. I just wonder if Aunty realizes this. She seems to like this particular meal. I'm sure she doesn't know creamed cod will make her and Mr. Ellis fat."
"Alright Declan. That's enough. What Esther cooks in her home is not our business. Keep your mind on your own home."
He had misspoke. Aunt Esther was a grown witch with her own thoughts where he was a young man who could meet with repercussions from his father if he wasn't careful. "Okay father. My business is here."
Theo nodded, but he did so with a smile. "What exciting things did you do today?"
Happy the conversation had shifted, Declan spent fifteen minutes regaling his father with the highlights of his day. His last statement caught Theo by surprise.
"Father. I wouldn't mind having a manny."
Theo laughed. "The word is nanny Declan, and why would you need one?"
Declan hesitated for the briefest of seconds before responding. "Aunty said you probably wouldn't want a nanny in the house, but might look favorably on a manny which is a wizard who has the same duties as a nanny."
Theo gave Declan a hard look. "And just why would Esther be discussing household help with you, nanny or manny? Have you been acting out?"
"No sir, no. I haven't been acting out. Aunty mentioned wanting to take a holiday with Mr. Ellis. She can't have a holiday if she's stuck with me all the time."
"A holiday is it?" Theo murmured almost to himself. Since their lives had settled in so well, Theo hadn't given Esther's private life too much thought, but here they were. Esther had found a suitor and didn't want to be tied down to a young wizard. It was understandable. "Alright young man. I'll have a discussion with Esther. I'm just not sure I want some strange wizard wandering around our home."
"He won't be wandering father. He'll be seeing to me."
Theo pondered the request for several seconds. "As I said Declan, I'll have a discussion with your aunt. Go have your shower then study up on new words, so, in the future, you won't worry over words like decadent. I'll be in before you go to bed."
"Okay father. If it's alright with you, I'll be asking Cely for a small fruit bowl to tide me over."
Keeping his face blank, Theo smiled inside. His son was an eating machine. "It's alright with me son. A bit of fruit never hurt any young wizard."
Declan nodded at his father as he made his way from the kitchen.
/**/
Draco woke Wednesday morning surprised he didn't feel cranky because Hermione had left in a huff choosing to spend the night at her own flat rather than with him. He cared for Hermione, but sometimes time away was good for a relationship. Draco even found himself humming as he twisted his wand to put on the kettle, then another twist to lay out his clothes. Before stepping into the shower, Draco promised himself a worry free day. Hermione partnering up with Conor Byrne wasn't going to be an issue.
Standing in front of the full length mirror, Draco's narcissistic tendencies rose to the forefront. He was fit, no doubt, but when was the last time he'd spent quality time on himself? Using what could be called the Tarzan method, he slapped himself on the stomach and chest then took a bodybuilders stance before looking guiltily around. Yes, he should spend some time on his personal grooming, but he didn't have to be arse about it.
By the time he was out of the shower, the kettle was ready so Draco sat and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of tea, toast and magically scrambled eggs. As he chewed, Draco felt a bit unnerved by the silence. Normally, Hermione would be rushing about the house like a tiny whirlwind. Draco sighed. He missed his witch. His thoughts then turned to Severus and his product. Draco wanted to be among the first to own a magical mobile. He made a mental note to check with Blaise. It was true Blaise had mentioned supplying the teams with business mobiles, but Draco wanted his own personal phone. Actually, he wanted him and Hermione to have their own personal phones which would simplify everything.
/*/
Draco had been a bit too leisurely and hurriedly got himself together for work. There was a distinct possibility he and Donald would be traveling the wilds of England that very day. It had been quiet for the last several days so it was time for some tosser to act up. Grabbing his wand, case and robes, Draco stepped into his home floo and stepped out in the main atrium of The Ministry.
It felt good to be a Malfoy.
/*/
The previous evening, Severus and Jean had had their conversation during which Jean made it abundantly clear she would tidy up any loose ends then take her team to DTMS to get started setting up their new department. After his initial reservation, Severus hadn't disagreed. It had come down to him admitting he was only hesitant because he wanted to be right there on the frontlines of setting up their new department. Jean assured him she would keep him apprised of all the goings on as long as he kept Hermione away from DTMS. Severus had laughed before grabbing Jean up in a hug.
"I've never known you to feel this way about any other witch. It is my most fervent hope that two of the strongest, most brilliant witches with whom I surround myself will someday come to terms."
"That's my wish as well Severus. However, once I am ensconced at The Ministry, I have no doubt Miss Granger will put herself in charge of WCS. As lightly as you take it now, you may one day look around and your business will have become Granger & Associates, part two."
The normally somber wizard laughed out loud as he ran his fingers through Jean's hair. "Now you're barking Miss Bradford. Hermione will toe the line before it's done and over. She knows it and I know it. Before you and your team leave the building tomorrow, please give Philip and Conor a list of items you'll be taking with you. I want you to be well equipped. Conor will have to catch up with you later in the day because he is partnered with Hermione this morning. How many mobiles will you be taking with you?"
"Oh. Now you're completely onboard with this."
"Not in the least, but I've been overridden. I'll take the loss as the stand-up wizard I am, in stride. I'm not the wizard who finds humor in every little thing, but thinking of the face on Hermione when she finds out something has moved on without her does bring a smile to my face."
Taking Severus by the hand, Jean had pulled him towards the messiah's bedroom where she hastily began undressing him. "Enough about Hermione. We've had our discussion and I've gotten my way. There's nothing else to be said except, if Conor isn't back from his partnering by the time I am ready to leave for The Ministry, I'll Owl him to drop everything and get back to the plant. Now Mr. Snape. My only expectation is that you be on the bottom as I choose to be on top."
A suddenly serious Severus brushed Jean's hands away so he could undress her. When she stood naked before him, Severus groaned how much she inflamed him. Jean responded she was aware of his emotions, but the best thing he could do at the moment was show her.
And he had. The couple didn't get to sleep until very late.
/*/
Summoning clothes from nooks and crannies, Hermione was huffing and muttering. Just as Draco had found it odd to wake up alone, Hermione found it odd being in her own flat. It had been so long. Showering quickly, she dressed in an outfit she hadn't worn in weeks which was the result of having moved most of her things to Draco's house. With a couple of quick swish and flicks, Hermione set the tea, buttered the toast and had a hasty breakfast. She had to meet Conor at 7:30.
That thought brightened Hermione's thoughts exponentially. She and Conor were set up to be the team to beat. When she returned with a bundle of new accounts, Severus would have to see her worth, and Miss Jean Bradford would be hard put to deny her anything. Raising her tea cup in the air, Hermione gave a salute to things to come.
Finishing her toast then clearing the remains away, Hermione gathered her cloak, wand and purse before apparating to WCS. It was only 7:00, but she wanted to get things in order before Conor arrived. The first thing she needed to do was see Severus who had promised to make available a list of interested parties. The next thing to do was to Owl ahead to those very same people to set an appointment. That was only courtesy.
Hermione was in the middle of putting her thoughts in order when she looked up to see Conor coming out of Severus' office with papers in his hand. Before she could work herself up into a tantrum, Conor called out to her.
"Good morning Hermione. I've got us a good start to the day. Severus and I have gone over the list of potential buyers and he has sent out notices that a team will be by today to get their orders. Would you like a like a look at the list?"
Hermione who should have remained calm responded without thinking and with an implicit tone to her voice. "You've already spoken to Severus? I thought we were going to do this together. Yet, I'm here on time only to find you've gone ahead without me. Nice start to the day Conor."
Conor, who was taken aback had thought Hermione would be pleased with him getting a jump on their day. Obviously, this wasn't the case, so Conor apologized as he held out the papers in his hand. "Forgive me Hermione. I didn't mean to overstep. I only figured to get us a fast start to the day knowing there are ends to be tidied up before we can leave the building. Let's go over the list together."
Hermione finally realized she had no reason to be angry with Conor who had only done exactly what she would have done if she had arrived first. Taking the papers from Conor's hand, Hermione replied in a much better tone. "No need for apologies Conor. I'm pleased to have a proactive partner. It's still very early. We probably have a couple of hours before Severus receives acknowledgements to his Owls. Shall we line up our potential buyers by alphabetical order…..?"
Conor offered his opinion even though Hermione hadn't finished her thought. "Severus and I thought we might want to start with the most important people then go down the line with Kingsley and his group being top of the list. Then, the other Ministry Heads, after which, …"
This was annoying. Hermione had planned to be the brains of the team. Not that she didn't think Conor was brilliant, but it felt very much like he was trying to upstage her. Perhaps he wasn't the partner she needed after all. Right about now, Gloria wasn't looking that bad. After clearing her throat, Hermione agreed with Severus and Conor's assessment. "Of course. That is definitely the way to go. Kingsley first. We might have to adjust our list if Kingsley wants us to go in a specific direction. Although, we probably won't need one. Why don't we put together some sort of presentation to best utilize our time? That way, we'll be sure we are covering all necessary points."
Glad Hermione had let go of her earlier attitude, Conor who was quick to agree suggested they move to the smaller conference room and have breakfast before getting down to business.
"I only had tea and toast this morning. I could use a bit more sustenance."
"Excellent Hermione, because Jean had a breakfast service set up especially for us."
"Lovely," muttered Hermione in a low voice. To Conor she remarked. "Alright then. We don't want a good breakfast to go to waste."
/*/
Severus and Jean had arrived at WCS even earlier than usual with the thoughts he would get several things in order for Hermione and Conor and Jean would get things in order for herself and her DMTS team. They had both been surprised when Conor arrived literally on their heels. Severus decided he would get started with Conor who could update Hermione when she arrived. As he asked Conor to have a seat in his office, Severus couldn't help but notice the smug smile on Jean's face. Conor Byrne had one upped Hermione Granger without even realizing it.
Jean excused herself from Severus' office to get to her own. Once there, she sat down to write out a brief synopsis which would be passed to Conor, Gloria and Philip. She and Severus had discussed setting up the new department as though it would be some tremendous undertaking. In Jean's mind it would be a simple matter, but she would see. After outlining her thoughts, Jean left the office to begin her search for the necessary tools. Using the Follow Me spell, it didn't take her long to have the necessaries in a big pile in the conference room. All she had to do at that point was wait for her team members to arrive so she could explain what was going on. It would be up to Severus to advise the rest of the staff what had been decided regarding DMTS.
Sifting through the pile of tools, materials and miscellaneous things laid out in the conference room, Jean decided to take a turn around the different group areas to be sure she hadn't overlooked anything. As Jean made the once around, she ran into Conor who appeared to be headed back to the small conference room, and asked him for a quick word.
"Of course Jean. How can I help you?"
"It's not how you help me Mr. Byrne. It's what I have planned for you." From there, Jean explained the decision she and Severus had made the previous evening and how it would affect him.
Conor was not only pleased, but surprised as well. He had been chosen to partner Hermione Granger which he thought fortuitous. Now he was being chosen as part of the brilliant, new Ministry department. Conor silently thanked Theo Nott for sending the initial letter that had been instrumental in opening all these doors.
"Fantastic Jean. That's absolutely fantastic. I'm ready to do whatever you need. I don't want to leave Hermione short. Shall I have her find another partner?"
Jean hesitated for a split second. "No. You agreed to partner Hermione. What I suggest is you use the time with Hermione taking orders to leave a good impression on those who matter. Severus and I would rather you didn't mention your new position until he has a chance to inform Kingsley. After that, sell yourself to others as you and your brother have sold yourselves to Severus and I. I know you'll do well. The rest of our team and myself will be flooing to The Ministry later in the day. I'd like you to be back in the building by at least 2:00 pm. If you and Hermione haven't finished up by that time, I suggest she come back with you and choose a new partner for Thursday. One last thing. If you find being in a Ministry department doesn't suit you, we will make adjustments."
Conor cleared up right away. "I'm absolutely chuffed to go where you need me Jean. I'll do you proud."
"Severus and I have no doubt about how you'll work out. The adjustment part was simply giving you a way out, if needed. Personally, I see you as becoming some sort of DMTS star."
Conor grinned as he reached out to shake Jean's hand. "Star, is it? We'll have to see. Thank you for your faith in me. I'll see you at 2:00."
/*/
The first thing Draco did after greeting his team and hanging his cloak was head to Blaise's office to discuss, among other things, time off. Blaise welcomed his mate with a wide smile.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. Come in. Have a seat. How is everything? How is Hermione?"
"Good morning Blaise. All is well. I have a few things to discuss. Is this a good time?"
"It's a very good time as I'm in an expansive mood. Outside of you telling me one of your team members has been hurt. I'll listen to whatever you care to say."
"Fantastic. No one else has been hurt, and Brian's arse is coming along quite nicely."
Blaise offered a soft chuckle. "Except for discussing Brian's arse."
"Just a throwaway comment mate. My real intent is to inquire about time off in late June, or early July. I've been invited to spend a week in Switzerland."
Blaise waited for Draco to elaborate. He'd just said I've been invited. What would he do about Hermione. Unless things had drastically changed, Draco wouldn't be leaving London without Hermione in tow. When Draco said nothing more, Blaise tossed aside his thoughts and replied.
"You haven't been in OTS long enough to have accrued holiday time. What I can and will do is offer you two personal days. Take a Friday and a Monday. You'll end up with four days off. If that's not enough, call me, we should have mobiles by then. I'll understand, because that Wil bloke could make anyone sick. That's the best I can do until you've been here more than six months."
Draco pondered Blaise's answer for several seconds. "I'll send an owl to Wil. He wants to come back here. That might be the better plan. I'll let you know. On to other things. I believe it is time for Donald and I to get back into the field. Team3 would like to be considered for the next field case."
Moving a few papers around on his desk, Blaise glanced at Draco. "No problem Draco. Your team has been cleared for field work. We'll just have to wait until some miscreant acts up."
"My thoughts exactly. See you later. By the way. Will we see you and Ginny at Theo's on Saturday? Should be a good time."
"You will. Ginny has been busy, but we'll see you and Hermione Saturday night."
With a quick wave, Draco headed to his own office.
Back at his own desk, Draco spent several minutes wondering how the partnership was going.
/*/
By the time Draco was at his desk wondering about Hermione, she and Conor had already written up a good number of orders. Kingsley had ordered for all departments so there hadn't been any need to make separate visits. Although it had taken several hours to get Kingsley and the Ministry departments straightened out, it was worth it, because they would have more time to concentrate on shop keepers and regular citizens.
At 1:30, Conor mentioned that Jean wanted them back in the building by 2:00."
Hermione stopped in place. "Why?"
Not sure Severus had made his announcement to Kingsley, Conor was unsure how to answer. Instead of disclosing anything, Conor took the easy way out. He deflected. "Jean is our superior. If she says be back in the building by 2:00, that's what needs to be done."
Giving Conor a sharp look, Hermione simply grunted before asking sarcastically if they had time to visit one more prospect.
Conor shrugged. He would be glad when this part of the day was over. "We'll have time if you make it fast."
"We're partners Conor. You're not my boss. If we are going to do this, we're going to do it right. So what if we are a bit late getting back to WCS."
Conor had enough of Hermione's tones and answered in kind. "Fine Hermione, but expect an Owl. Let's go. We've wasted enough time debating an order from the boss."