Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 68
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."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 69
Hermione and Conor went to service the last customer, but Hermione was so brusque the proprietor of the shop refused to listen citing more important things to do than be talked down to. Conor had stood by cringing at his overly aggressive partner. He didn't know what had gotten under Hermione's skin, but he'd be glad when she was over her snit. In fact, because of the way Hermione was acting, he'd be glad to get back to WCS and be rid of Miss Granger.
"It's 2:05 Hermione. I suggest we get back to WCS."
"I'll take your suggestion under consideration Conor. However, I got my instructions from Severus, so I suggest we keep going."
Conor didn't want their conversation to become contentious, but there they were. "Alright Hermione, I can respect that. However it was Jean and Severus who gave me instructions so I'll just go with that. I don't want to leave you in the lurch, but I'm going back to the building. You may do as you like. I'll see you later."
Hermione stood rooted in place as she watched Conor walk a few steps then turn into apparition. Glancing at the list in her hand, Hermione shrugged off Conor's attitude before heading to the next stop.
/*/
Conor landed at WCS at 2:15 apologizing all over the place as he turned in his paperwork, but Jean waved his apology away. "Fifteen minutes won't make or break our timetable. You're here now. I've already explained the plan to Cassie, Gloria and Philip who, for the moment, are your team members. What we will do now is gather up all necessary materials and head over to The Ministry. There's quite a bit to move. I believe you and Philip will have to make at least two more trips."
"I'm ready Jean. Lead the way."
By 2:50, Jean and her team had bundled up the first load of materials, bid Severus and the other workers, including Mick, goodbye and stepped into the floo. The setting up of DMTS had begun.
/*/
Cassie, Gloria, Philip and Conor were awed at the size of their new department which even boasted it's own kitchen area and reading/relaxation room. After unloading their materials, Jean called everyone into the largest conference room to explain how things would go.
"Welcome each of you to DMTS. I have chosen you because I see potential in you that will be utilized as we set up our new department. As it stands right now, I am Head and you four are on equal footing. I will assign titles and such after I see how my choices have worked out. For the next bit of time, we five are the only people allowed in the department outside of Severus. Those are Severus' orders. To insure we work within Severus' parameters, each of you will need a specialty badge which allows you to enter DMTS. Our department doors are spelled so any visitor without a badge cannot be seen or acknowledged. No badge, no entry. No one and I mean absolutely no one will be granted access to our department without a badge. The Minister is the exception who is aware of the rules and will probably not seek access without his personal badge. So we might serve the public, Ministry employees, buyers, and interested parties, there will be an outer office accessible to anyone from where everyday business is contracted. Keep this in mind because I will be asking you to submit name or names of a WCS employee you feel suitable for the position. From here, I'll expect you to use the skills which made me choose you to set up a fantastic department. There are parameters and there are parameters so I'll explain what you cannot do and we'll work from there.
After Jean explained it all, she handed out the badges then released her team to get on with their business. Their biggest surprise came when Jean pulled out four mobiles complete with a listing of existing mobile numbers and handed one to each.
"These are company mobiles. You may take them home with you, but what you will not do is use then for anything other than company business during company hours."
Miss extrovert Cassie had a question. "I understand our mobiles are for company business, but are we allowed to make personal calls after close of business?"
Jean smiled at the group at large. "Good question Cassie. As long as your mobiles are active during the business day, I see no reason why you can't receive or make personal calls after close of business. With that said, we are a company who would like to sell as many units as possible, so I suggest you purchase a personal mobile at your earliest convenience. Applications are on my desk. That's all I have for now. Go get busy and show me what you've got."
/*/
After speaking with Jean, the four members of staff held an impromptu meeting to discuss how to start. The general consensus was they would go office by office setting up as they went. Gloria suggested they start a list with the items they would need to purchase. Everyone concurred.
Working diligently, the group had the main area, Jean's office and two additional offices set up by 7:30 pm. The only reason they hadn't finished it all was because Jean insisted they call it done for the day. Even though their day had ended, all four were reluctant to leave their new department. It was after 9:00 when they closed down DMTS for the night.
/*/
Hermione arrived back at WCS around 3:00 pm looking to turn in her paperwork and was a little confused when she heard the buzzing about the new department and who had been chosen. Wanting to hear the information first hand, Hermione headed towards Severus' office which was empty. Laying the paperwork on his desk, she next checked the conference rooms which were also empty. The situation was beginning to aggravate Hermione. How could Jean be setting up a new department when there hadn't been a public meeting or vote? She was standing in the conference corridor when Severus seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
"Hello Hermione. How did your day go?"
"My day went fine right up until Conor Byrne tried to start lording it over me. I mean really Severus. He's been in the company for a hot minute and was sounding as though he was my superior. He actually left me standing on the sidewalk."
Severus wasn't in any mood to hear whining. "Conor was following orders. I'll assume he informed you of Jean's wishes."
Realizing that Severus was in one of his Snape moods, Hermione answered in a more soothing manner. "Yes. Conor did mention that Jean wanted us back in the building by 2:00. However, we had been assigned the task of signing up new customers. The list is on your desk. I didn't get to all of them."
Severus took a deep breath. "Are you being arbitrary Hermione? Although you had orders to sign up new customers, those orders were superseded by a superior. Jean needed Conor back in the building by 2:00 and by extension, you as well. What part didn't you understand?"
"I understood it all Severus. However, I felt a few extra minutes in the field signing up customers wouldn't hurt anything."
"You felt? That's the problem Hermione. What you feel and what is ordered are two different things. You do not have the standing to challenge, change or ignore orders from me or Jean. If you were supposed to be back here at 2:00, then you should have been back here at 2:00. Be that as it may, I will not stand in the middle of a corridor going back and forth with you over anything. If you'll accompany me to my office, we'll go over your list then I'll inform you what has gone on in your absence."
Following behind Severus, Hermione wondered why she had ever given up Granger & Associates.
/*/
Closing the door behind he and Hermione, Severus asked her to have a seat then got right down to it. "Impressive. You and Mr. Byrne got a lot accomplished. Thank you. There are still quite a few customers you didn't get to. Might I suggest you choose another partner then get right back out there tomorrow."
"Another partner? Although our time out there didn't end all that well, I'd like to stay with Conor."
Severus folded his hands in front of him on the desk. "You'll have to choose another partner. Conor is no longer available to do field work. He, Cassie, Gloria and Philip have been chosen to assist Jean in setting up DMTS. From here on out, he-they will be reporting directly to The Ministry."
For several seconds, Hermione was shocked speechless. Then she found her voice responding in a listless voice. "So what I overheard is true. Choices have been made."
"Yes. Jean has made her choices. Our department in The Ministry is being set up as we speak."
"But, but. I wasn't approached. Anthony intimated I would be on a short list. It….."
Severus cut across Hermione. "The Minister had Mr. Goldstein step away from our project. What Anthony intimated and what is true are two entirely different things. He has no say in the matter. In fact, I didn't have a say in the matter. Jean chose the staff she wanted."
"Jean doesn't care for me," muttered Hermione. "We clashed from the start."
As far as Severus was concerned, the conversation had gone far enough. "Watch yourself Hermione. Those are some spurious words to be bandying about. Jean is a professional who treats each employee in a respectful manner. She may have chosen others over you because they're a better fit for what she has in mind. In my mind, it seems it is you who might not care for Jean. My suggestion is that you get over it and tend to your business here. Before you turn this into some kind of battle, as you've been known to do, let's just wait to see how Jean's choices work out. You may get your chance at ministry greatness after all."
Hermione sat there glaring at Severus. Ministry greatness my arse. She turned all shades of red when she realized Severus was staring at her. "Thank you for your time and the information Severus. I'll check around to find another partner then continue to work on customer lists and numbers. I'll collect the updated list from you before I leave for the evening."
"You're welcome Hermione. With several members of your group now at The Ministry, I'm hoping the group will be able to keep up with the demand."
"I think the demand will be met. The rest of us will just have to work a bit harder."
Severus watched Hermione walk over to one of the staff more than likely to invite him to be her partner. From the set of her shoulders, Severus surmised the answer had been no. His colleague might be acting in the proper manner, but Severus knew her well. Inside she was seething. Seethe away Miss Granger, he thought to himself. Things won't always fall your way.
/*/
Just before lunch, Blaise stopped by Draco's office to inform him that the miscreants had begun to act up. "I realize it's almost lunch time, however, I'd like you and Donald to get to Devonshire as quickly as possible. Some arsehole nearly blew himself and the next two homes to smithereens trying to concoct a potion which would render anyone who drank it helpless. I was informed it was his plan to try the concoction on the Gringotts Goblins."
Draco let out an uncharacteristically loud guffaw as did Donald who had come to the office door and heard the conversation. ""Have no fear," chuckled Draco. "Donald and I will check our kits and be on our way."
"Check your kits? Kits are your most important tool. Why would they not always be ready?"
Donald turned on his heels and headed to his own office not wanting to be tarred by the brush of Draco's loose mouth. His kit was always kept at the ready. That was the rule.
Draco threw up a hand. "Just a figure of speech Blaise. Our kits are always ready. We see to that first thing every morning. Give us a little credit. If there isn't anything else, I'll just excuse myself to get my already ready kit."
Blaise grinned at Draco. "I knew that. Just trying to get that OTS Agent blood flowing."
Draco shrugged as he passed by Blaise calling him an arse in a very low voice.
Blaise was having fun with the disgruntled Draco. "Alright lads, get on your way. Remember, one wounded arse in our department is enough. Keep yours covered."
While Donald was enjoying the little battle of words, he hurriedly fixed his face when Draco came through hurrying towards the lifts. Donald followed Draco out hoping his supervisor wasn't going to act like an arse all afternoon.
/*/
When they landed in Devonshire, Donald was pleased to see Draco had recovered from his back and forth with Blaise. In fact, they had a good chuckle over the dolts who thought to make a potion which would interfere with goblins. The goblins would have eaten the arseholes for lunch.
"Can you just imagine some pasty, white wizard walking into Gringotts with ulterior motives?" Asked Donald.
"Haha mate. Actually, I cant. Let's get started. There's enough shite strewn around to keep us here for days."
"Days is it? I'm good with that as long as this days ends before 8:00." Cheeked Donald. Receiving a hard stare from Draco, Donald quickly moved across the room mumbling. "OTS Agent working."
Draco smiled to himself. "8:00 pm my arse. We'll have this sorted by 7:55 at the latest."
"I heard that Draco. Am I supposed to answer?"
Draco remained silent. If he kept going back and forth with Donald, they wouldn't finish up before 8:00 am the next morning.
The two wizards worked quickly and silently and were very pleased to find they had every end tidied up by 5:30.
"Alright mate. It's done. I'll see you back at OTS."
Watching as Draco hurried outside to apparate away, Donald couldn't resist a bit of levity even though no one was around to stare him down. "That's right git, love 'em and leave 'em. Miss Granger will hear about this." Then he hurried outside to apparate back to OTS.
/*/
Hermione was still working on mobile numbers when Jean came back through WCS greeting everyone with a wide smile. After one hard glare in Jean's direction, Hermione put her head down and eyes on what was in front of her. No matter what Severus said, she had not been chosen for an important position in the new department because Jean had a problem with her.
As she sat there assigning bloody mobile numbers, it came to Hermione. She could keep up the way she was going or she could get with the program and maybe be assigned to DMTS. Hermione chose the latter. So, when Jean stopped by the group to thank Hermione for her work that morning, Hermione turned on a dazzling smile.
"Thank you Jean. It was a team effort. Conor and I work well together. However, since Conor has transferred to DMTS, I'll have to find another brilliant wizard."
Jean returned Hermione's smile. "Well that shouldn't be too hard. WCS is filled with brilliant wizards and witches. Just remember to inform Severus who you've chosen. I need to check by wiring. After that, I'll have a bit of free time. Would you like some assistance?"
Hermione almost bristled because it sounded as though Jean was insinuating their group couldn't keep up? But she didn't bristle because she was getting with the program. "Thank you for your consideration but we are ready to call it a night. Is Severus in his office? I need to pick up the updated list of customers for tomorrow. It's fairly late and I haven't been able to recruit a partner. If it is acceptable, I'd like to start on my own tomorrow. If someone decides they would like a bit of field work, they can catch up to me."
Jean could hardly believe the conversation she and Hermione were having. It was as though someone had turned the nice switch on in the normally arbitrary witch. If this is how it's going to be, you'll get no complaints from me. "That's fine with me Hermione, but Severus may have other ideas. Speak to him when you pick up your list. If he isn't in his office, find him so you can let him know your plans. If you'll excuse me, Mick appears to be summoning me. Have a good evening. See you tomorrow."
"Yes. I'll see you sometime tomorrow."
Jean listened as Mick went over a few issues but her mind was on the pleasant conversation she'd just had with Hermione Granger.
/*/
For having been in the field all afternoon, Draco landed at home in a pleasant mood looking for food and affection. Neither of which he found. The house was dark and there definitely wasn't any dinner cooking. Thinking perhaps Hermione was having a nap until he got home, Draco checked the bedroom which was empty. He had thought Hermione would be over their exchange of words by now, but evidently not. With a sigh, Draco changed into casual clothes then settled down on the couch to have a quick drink before going to settle things with his witch.
Draco hadn't finished his drink when he heard someone land in the apparition area. Unarmed, he was ready to Accio his wand when his visitor came into view. Hermione was home. Getting up off the couch, Draco strode over to hug his tired looking witch. "Hello love. You seem tired. I hope Severus isn't working you to death."
"Working me to death? As if. The only one who will work me to death is you and your soldier."
Draco laughed but deep inside was happy Hermione was making jokes instead of being at his throat. "If you can live with dying by sex, I'm all for it. It's late, but how about I Owl for some….."
Hermione stopped him with a kiss. "There's left over boiled dinner which can be heated in seconds. You do that and I'll take my lovely but tired arse into the bathroom to shower."
"I was actually looking forward to some…."
"Boiled dinner git. Heat it up. I'll be back before you can say okay."
"Okay," murmured Draco.
"My hearing is excellent Mr. joker. I heard that. My boiled dinner and a glass of wine better be waiting when I get out there."
Smirking as he waved his wand to heat up the food. His witch was in a feisty mood. In his mind, feisty meant a night of amazing sex. "Yes. I want that."
"Yes, you want what?"
"I want you witch. That's what I want." Draco casually remarked as he pulled Hermione to him then had to quickly jump away from Hermione's pinching fingers.
"I want to eat. What you'll get is a kiss and a snuggle. Please pass the bread."
Draco sighed making a big production of telling his soldier to calm down because their honey pot was being withheld from them.
Hermione burst out in laughter. "How can someone so handsome be such a git?"
"It's a gift." Draco cheekily replied.
Hermione laughed even harder.
When they finally settled down to eat their late dinner, Draco asked what had her in such a spectacular mood to which Hermione gave a simple reply. "I've turned over a new leaf."
Draco was intrigued. His witch probably hadn't turned over a new leaf since she was ten years old. "Explain please."
Hermione explained it all starting with her argument with Conor followed by getting a telling off from Severus then learning she hadn't been chosen for a DMTS position.
Draco was confused. After a day like Hermione just described, she would normally be a raving lunatic. "And?"
"And, Jean and I had a perfectly lovely conversation after I decided I could keep bumping heads or I could get with the program. I've decided to get with the program. Thus the lovely conversation. I figure if I have any chance of getting to DMTS, it will be through my new friend and superior Jean Bradford. For that, I can play nice."
"Ah!. My lovely witch is talking sense. I love it when you're brilliant. Donald and I were out in the field most of the day so I haven't heard about anything about DMTS, but I'll certainly pay a quick visit tomorrow to see what's going on. Jean likes me. She'll let me have a peek."
With a huge smile on her face, Hermione went around the table and threw her arms around Draco's neck. "For being such a wonderful boyfriend, I'm going to give you sex. Not a lot, but enough to get you through the day tomorrow."
Draco grinned as he squeezed Hermione to him. "You little minx. If I promise to get a lot of information, will you give me a lot of sex?"
Waving her wand to clear up the dinner remains, Hermione gave a snippy reply. "That would be a no. I'm tired and have to be up at 0 dark thirty. A lot of sex will have to wait for another day. In fact, if you don't have me naked in the next five minutes, I'll take a pass on even the tiniest bit of sex."
Draco accio'd his wand and had Hermione naked as she stood there in the kitchen trying to stifle a giggle.
Still chuckling, Hermione grabbed Draco by the hand. "Come on then. You've met my criteria."
After the second tiny bit of sex, Hermione kissed Draco on the lips before turning on her side and saying goodnight. Draco couldn't complain. He'd gotten his tiny bit of sex twice. Pulling Hermione close, he kissed her ear and whispered good night.
/*/
Wednesday afternoon, Theo stopped by Esther's house to have a conversation. After sending Declan out back to play, Theo asked Esther what she meant by discussing adult matters with his son. Initially, Esther had no clue to what Theo was referring, but Theo was definitely willing to explain.
"Declan told me you suggested I get him a nanny."
Seeing that Theo was working himself up, Esther held up a hand. "Have a seat Theo. I'll make us tea. After that, I'll explain exactly what was said. I would never overstep my authority, especially about Declan. I don't want you angry with me, so please take a breath."
"I apologize Esther. May I have a touch of brandy in that tea?"
"Of course Theo. That can be arranged."
/*/
Settled at the table, Esther explained how the topic had come about. "As part of a lunch conversation which included Mr. Casper, it was mentioned he would like to visit the Seychelles. I told Ellis I would like to visit as well because I've heard they are beautiful. Declan asked if he would be going as well. I told him it would be just Ellis and I. He seemed confused as to who would be looking after him while you and the uncles were at work. I explained how some families hired nannies or mannies when they had to leave their children or charges. He asked about mannies so I explained it was a wizard who took on the duties of a nanny if parents or guardians didn't care to have a witch in the home. Your son had more questions which I declined to answer because I thought I had already said too much. I would never step into your business Theo. I was simply answering a question."
Theo took a sip of his brandy tea before replying. "Have you and Ellis discussed going on a vacation?"
"We have Theo, but I planned to discuss it with you before committing."
Theo sighed. "You are a grown witch who has made an amazing turn with her life. You have the means. You deserve a vacation. I've never been a father before so I'm a bit uninitiated when it comes to certain things. I apologize for that. Commit to Ellis then you will have to explain exactly how I go about getting a manny. Thank you for the conversation as well as the information."
Finishing his tea, Theo stood and called out to Declan who came on a run. "Are we ready to go home father? I was watering Auntie's garden and got a bit dirty. I'd like a bath."
Placing his hand on Declan's shoulder, Theo wished Esther a good night. As an afterthought, he added. "I'd like us to have our discussion tomorrow evening if you aren't busy. Say goodnight Declan."
"Goodnight Auntie. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good afternoon."
Before turning into apparition, Theo grinned at the son who knew more about child care than he did.
Declan returned Theo's smile. He didn't know why his father was smiling, but it made him feel warm inside. He had a father and two uncles who loved him. Declan wished his gram could see him now. She'd be so proud. He was turning into a right fine British lad….
Before Declan could finish his thoughts, he and Theo landed at home. "I'm going to ask Cely to run my bath. I'm a young man. I can do the rest myself. I have a taste for corned beef, cabbage and potatoes father. Could we ask Cely to prepare it for dinner?"
Theo leaned over to kiss Declan on the top of his head before assuring him corned beef, cabbage and potatoes sounded mighty fine.
Declan headed to his room with that warm feeling coursing through his body. It was so good to have a father. Calling out to Cely on the way to his room, Declan thought he would ask for a nice piece of fruit for after his bath. One piece of fruit wouldn't spoil his dinner.