Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 69

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.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 70

Theo grinned at the fresh smelling, pajama wearing young wizard who approached the dinner table with a smile on his face. "All cleaned up then son?"

"I am father. I'm looking forward to ….."

"Hello family. The handsomest Byrne brother has arrived home and is in a very pleasant mood. How are you both?"

Declan glanced at Theo to gauge his mood over the overly loud entrance his Uncle Mick had made. Seeing nothing but a wide smile, Declan chastised his uncle. "We are just sitting down to dinner uncle. If you go have a wash up, you may eat with us. It's not good to come to the table with dirty hands."

Winking at Theo, Mick grabbed Declan in a big hug. "Why you fresh mouthed little wizard. I'll teach you to talk down to your elders. I'll be sitting down to the table just the way I am. Right Theo?"

Declan chanced another glance at his father who seemed to be enjoying his exchange with Mick.

Running a hand through Declan's hair, Theo winked back at Mick. ""Although you are my favored son, I'll have to side with the uncle on this. I can see from here he's almost washed the skin off his knuckles. He's as clean as you or I."

Declan grinned. "I knew that father. I was just checking to see if you knew. Well then Uncle Mick. There's nothing for you to do other than hang your jacket and get to the table. Please don't take too long because we are hungry and longing for the taste of some nice corned beef."

Both Theo and Mick grinned at their favorite wizard.

"I'll be quick as a flash, but you may have to wait a few more minutes because the other uncle will probably be coming through the door shortly. Unless of course you'd rather start without him."

Declan looked down at his lap before realizing his father and uncle were having him on. Looking up into the two grinning faces, Declan broke out in a grin. "I'm just letting you both know I'll be reporting your mischief to Uncle Conor."

"Ah! Who is it you'll be reporting Declan. Has my brute of a brother been acting out? If so, I can fix that straightaway. Go to your room Mick. Dinner at the Nott household is only for well behaved wizards."

Declan turned a bright shade of red. There was no way he'd be reporting on his father. "I was having a little joke uncle. Go get washed up so we can eat."

Theo and Mick broke into loud laughter while Conor stood by looking a bit confused until Mick explained the situation. "It would seem your nephew has the very bad habit of ordering his elders around. However, when it comes down to reporting on his father it becomes another matter. I say, let's eat the fine dinner Cely has cooked and be done with it."

"I'll second that. There's been enough talk. It's time to eat." Theo answered with a grin and a wink in Declan's direction. "The uncles have passed inspection. Sit Conor. Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots coming up. You may serve now Cely."

Conor was still a bit confused but sat anyway. Declan simply smiled. It was time to eat.

/*/

After explaining to Conor what had transpired in his absence, the three adult wizards shared stories of their day while a tired and subdued Declan finished his meal. Mick noticed Declan's lack of interaction and went in on his nephew.

"For a lad who was giving off orders a short while ago, you've become very quiet Declan. Me, Conor and your father have had a banner day. Shouldn't you be complimenting us or something, or, are you sitting over there thinking up more orders to give?"

Never failing to have an answer for every question, Declan didn't fall short. "I'll offer you my compliments then uncle, but I'm quiet because dinner has run late and I'm tired."

Theo perked right up. He hadn't been paying attention. Dinner had started and run late. "Alright son. It is late. Excuse yourself from the table and go get ready for bed. A quick wash up is all you'll need. You can shower in the morning. Say goodnight and be off with you.'

Declan rose from the table and bid Theo and the uncles goodnight leaving them with a few last thoughts. "I'm hoping to have a mobile of my own soon. Mr. Snape and Miss Bradford sound like very smart people. I think they will be glad to hire me when I've trained up some, especially if my uncles are top employees. Goodnight."

Theo, Conor and Mick glanced at each other before turning their heads as one to watch Declan march off to bed.

"You'll need to keep a good eye on him Theo, or he'll be at the doors of WCS looking for a position." Mick remarked with a chuckle while Conor nodded in agreement.

A smiling Theo nodded as well. "Nott men don't mess around. My son will have one of your positions, if you're not careful."

"No doubt." Conor added as he got up from the table. "If you lads will excuse me, I think I will have a shower and bed. It's an early start for me tomorrow."

Mick rose from the table as well. "Same for me. Dinner was excellent Theo. Thank you."

"No need to thank me Mick. Thank Cely. She's the cook. By the way. I expect you to attend the small get together I'll be having at the house on Saturday. Dates or plus ones are welcome. However, since this is your house as much as it is mine and Declan's, I might need you to act as hosts for a bit."

"No problem Theo," answered both wizards at the same time.

"Conor and I are versatile. We can date and host at the same time. Two totally different parts of the body. Goodnight."

Theo let out a soft chuckle. "One more thing. Esther and I have had a discussion about her future plans. In the very near future she might be going on holidays with Ellis. The issue of who will watch over Declan while she's gone came up. She mentioned getting a nanny or a manny for Declan. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter as soon as tomorrow."

"I'm aware of young wizards having a nanny, but I've never heard of a manny. I'll assume that a manny is a male nanny."

"And you would be right in one Conor."

"I don't know much about much, but I'll be glad to give my input. Actually, we'll be glad to give our input."

"That we will," added Mick.

"Alright lads. Thank you. We'll speak after work tomorrow."

/*/

Theo remained sitting at the table mulling over what was to come next. His son would need looking after while he was working if Esther decided to holiday. That much was certain. The harder part would be hiring some stranger. Then there was the part about nanny or manny. Theo didn't know much about nannies or mannies, but wondered if he and the lads would be more comfortable with a wizard as opposed to a witch in the house. That was the discussion he would have with Conor and Mick, because he wanted Declan to have the best life. If that required hired help, that was what Declan would have.

Theo sighed as he got up from the table. There was so much he didn't know about raising a child. What he wouldn't give to have Padma back by his side giving him assurances.

Theo stopped by Declan's room for his nightly check before heading to his own rooms. His son was fast asleep probably dreaming of a mobile phone and securing a position at WCS.

Theo smiled all the way to his rooms where he would have a shower before falling into bed.

/**/

Thursday morning, Draco watched Hermione through one open eye as she made her normal mad dash around the house getting herself ready for work. Nothing different about that. Hermione was always like some small whirlwind in the morning. He was watching her through one eye because, she was humming. Humming wasn't Hermione. Grouching, bitching, sighing and many other things were Hermione in the morning. Humming wasn't one of them.

"Someone is happy this morning." Draco remarked, opening both of his eyes.

"If by someone, you mean me. Then yes I'm quite happy, but that's my natural state. Happy Hermione."

Draco reached out to hug and kiss Hermione before heading to the bathroom for his own, less frantic, morning preparations. "Funny how that works. Your sunny disposition doesn't normally appear before noon. You might want to be careful with that or you'll scare Severus, Jean and the WCS employees to death."

Hermione huffed at Draco telling him she couldn't hear what he was saying over his loud pee.

Draco laughed out loud as he stepped into the shower. He didn't know which was worse, an overbearing witch, or an overly happy witch. Either way, the day at WCS should be very interesting.

Draco was just stepping out of the shower when Hermione called out she had to be at work early and was leaving. Draco stuck his head out the bathroom door. "It's barely 6:30 in the morning Hermione. Severus probably isn't even out of bed yet. Stay and have a cup of tea with me. I'll even fix some toast and eggs."

The humming stopped. "I realize the time Draco. I also realize Severus might not be out of bed yet. However, neither of those things impact me. I simply want to get to WCS early to get myself sorted for the day. Anyway, keep your nose out of my business and on your own. I hear Blaise won't be putting up with any antics from his agents, even if they are from his lifelong mate. Nothing like a suspension to find out where you stand."

Draco chafed over Hermione ill chosen words, but didn't respond in kind. He simply advised her to get back to humming. Hermione walked over to open the now closed bathroom door. "So we feel good teasing our witch, but don't care for it when the witch teases back. Come on then. Get that lovely arse out here so we can have a cup of tea together. Hurry it up. I still want to get in early."

Draco came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Leaving a kiss on Hermione's forehead as he passed, Draco asked her to start the kettle and perhaps a few slices of toast while he dressed.

Hermione strode from the bedroom to the kitchen mumbling about aggravating wizards. She wanted to get to work, but her whiny wizard wanted to have tea. How did she end up doing the work? "Hurry up and get out here Malfoy, or you'll be sipping tea and munching toast by yourself."

A grinning Draco appeared at the kitchen door. "I liked it so much better when you were humming."

Hermione chuckled. "Don't make me spell your arse this early in the morning. You're bloody lucky I love you. Tea and toast is ready. Come sit down."

Draco gazed at his witch as he sat down and grabbed a piece of buttered toast. She was a handful no doubt However, when she mentioned the word love and him in the same sentence, he went all soft inside. Instead of showing how her words had affected him, Draco decided to fall back on humor. "What, no eggs?"

"I'll give you eggs you lazy lout. You're the one who roped me into this. Fix your own eggs. I've had a few sips of tea and a bite of toast with you. May I leave now Mr. Master?"

Draco chuckled as he suggested to Hermione that humming wasn't all that bad.

Giving her wand a quick swish, Hermione sent a minor spell in Draco's direction. "I'm leaving now git. Have a good day. Owl me if you find out anything about DMTS. See you later."

"See you later love. I won't be long behind you. If the mobiles are available for sale, get one for each of us. I can't wait to call you every five minutes. Oh never mind. That's your job."

Hermione grinned while gathering her purse and jumper and calling out, bye git, before turning into apparition.

/*/

Draco had been dead wrong. Severus and Jean were up, had been up for an hour and were enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

"If I can get time away from WCS, I plan to stop by the Ministry. What are your plans for the day?"

Jean gave her lover a somewhat skeptical look. "A visit would be welcome. Although there really isn't much to see yet. We have several office set up, but there is still a lot to do. As for my plans for the day, my team and I will continue setting up DMTS. That reminds me Severus. I will need to set a position or positions for General Clerk(s)."

It was Severus' turn to give a skeptical look. "Thank you for the advance notice Jean, but that's your territory. Hire whom you need."

Jean gave Severus a squeeze. "I realize it's my area. However, as you are the Messiah, I am keeping you advised. I first had thoughts of stealing another of the WCS employees, but that would be a bit much. I've decided to advertise."

"Alright. Advertise it is. Will you need my assistance with anything?"

Jean shook her head. "You have enough to be going on with. The team and I will get it sorted. Would you have any qualms about us hiring a Squib? I'd like us to give a leg up where we can."

Severus thought about it for a moment. How did he feel about hiring a Squib? How was he supposed to feel? Yes, he still had old prejudices which, for the most part, he kept safely hidden. This was a new world. It wouldn't do for him to be prejudiced against one segment of the magical world when had it not been for Kingsley he might still be a small Oregon brewer/computer specialist in a big pond. Besides, Kingsley would probably give him an Order of Merlin, Third Class if his company made another step into the future. "Your idea warrants looking into. I'm agreeable to hiring a Squib if you can't find a suitable person. Just keep in mind that not everyone is as enlightened as us. We wouldn't want to hire someone only to find out he or she doesn't fit in. We have enough on our plates. We don't need to go looking for battles."

Jean wrapped her arms around Severus' neck. "Duly noted Messiah. I'll only interview acceptable Squibs."

Severus drew Jean closer and kissed her lips. "Now, now Miss Bradford. Let's not be petulant."

"Petulant, moi? No way. Have a little faith. Anyway, it might come down to not being able to find a suitable Squib. I'll do what needs to be done. I know you want to get to the shop early, but I'm going to lie down for another hour or so. I'll pass through WCS this evening. See you later love. Have a good day."

Severus kissed Jean on the forehead. "Alright Jean. I'm off. We are building up quite the inventory, so get ready. After next week, the only place to purchase a WCS mobile will be through your department."

Jean laid back down, but all kinds of thoughts were running through her head. WCS and DTMS were too important to half arse anything. Maybe hiring a Squib wasn't the way to go. With a soft sigh on her lips, Jean admitted she would do what was best for the company.

/*/

Severus had only been in the office for several minutes before Hermione was at his door. "Good morning Severus. I'm here to collect the updated list of potential customers."

Severus looked at Hermione trying to gauge her state. She was greeting him with a smile and without the usual blustering or whining. All seemed well. "Good morning Hermione. You're here early."

Hermione smiled at Severus. "Not early enough. I haven't been able to find another partner, but I'll be fine on my own, if that's acceptable to you."

Severus paused his hand over the list before him. Even though he would rather have Hermione go out accompanied by a partner, it wasn't mandatory. She was a capable witch who could hold her own. "I don't have any qualms about you going out alone. However, why don't you go have a tea. I have a few more entries to add to the list. If you'd like, you may bring your tea into my office and we can have one together. I'll take mine black."

In normal times, Hermione would have responded with a bit of cheek. However, these weren't normal times. She was trying her best to remain on the good side of both Severus and Jean, so she answered accordingly. "A tea sounds lovely. I'll be right back."

Severus adjusted the list then leaned back in the chair to wait for his tea.

/*/

Hermione returned to Severus' office with two teas and two Jaffa cakes floating behind her. "Some thoughtful person has made a variety of cakes and biscuits available so I brought us a Jaffa cake. I hope it's not too heavy for you this early in the morning."

Severus thanked Hermione for her thoughtfulness before taking a sip and a bite. Once his mouth was clear, Severus explained a bit about how the next several weeks would go impressing on Hermione how important it was to get as many customers onboard as possible.

Hermione listened intently as she chewed her cake. What she was hearing sounded amazing. The only bit of hesitation she had was when Severus explained how after next week all sales and customer service would be done through DMTS. Where would that leave her? Hermione asked the question. "If all business will be conducted through DMTS, where does that leave WCS workers? What will we be doing?"

Severus gave Hermione a stern look before answering. "You're smarter than that Hermione. WCS employees will be doing what they are doing now, constructing the devices, setting up banks of mobile numbers, and building and installing cell towers. We've only just begun. To be successful, we'll need to expand exponentially."

Hermione blushed. She was so focused on getting into DMTS she was acting like an idiot. Of course there would be plenty to do in the shop. She just didn't want to be part of it.

Severus was still speaking. "In the very near future, I plan to rearrange the shop to include a Transitioning Department within WCS. At this point, I'm not certain what it will entail, but most of our business here will run through it. I might need your assistance somewhere down the line."

Hermione perked up. This Transitioning Department sounded like a big job. She could live with being Head of a big department whether or not it was in the Ministry. "That sounds exciting Severus and I will gladly lend assistance. Perhaps you'll consider me to run it."

Severus smiled at his colleague who never missed a beat trying to get what she wanted. "Perhaps. However, I don't want to get ahead of myself. Right now it is only a thought at the back of my mind."

Finishing up the last of her tea, Hermione reached out for the list being handed to her. "Thank you Severus. I'm going to use the small conference room to send out the Appointment Owls. I know you said the Transitioning Department was just a thought in the back of your mind, but I'm going to make some notations while I wait for confirmations. Can't hurt to get a jump start on our new department."

Severus sighed. Had he just done another thing Jean would chastise him about? "Notate all you like Hermione. As I've said. A new department is only a thought in the back of my mind. Our mist important business right now is to get a customer base that will support future endeavors."

"Of course Severus. I was only hoping to get a jump on things."

Severus didn't respond to Hermione's statement knowing if he did, they'd be going back and forth for the next hour.

Not getting a response from Severus, Hermione grabbed the tray with the empty cups and headed to the break area to drop it off. Even so, as she walked across the building there was a slight spring to her step. She might be in line for a top job.

/*/

Draco, Donald and Brian were in top form from the moment they walked into the office. They would be sorting through all the materials Draco and Donald had picked up the previous day. It would be tedious, but they were a complete team and that meant something. Once each man was settled in his area of the work room, Brian inquired about Stuart Johns.

"Has Blaise decide which team will get the new hire?'

Draco shrugged. He was certain Stuart Johns wouldn't be joining Team3 but it wasn't his story to tell. "I haven't heard anything solid Brian. Check with Blaise. Are you looking to add someone to our team in case…."

"Please don't go there Draco if what you are about to say has anything to do with our faux pas," answered Brian, cutting Draco off. "Me, my red arse and pink skin are over that."

Donald and Draco let out soft chuckles. Brian's comments were funny, but nothing they'd want Blaise to overhear. Donald changed the subject.

"Although I wasn't directly invited, a little birdie told me Theo Nott was having one of his meet and greets this coming Saturday. Would it be too gauche of me to show up at his door uninvited? I'm a wizard who enjoys a bit of company along with free food and drinks."

"I don't think it's a meet and greet per se. I believe it's meant to be a small gathering of friends which don't include you, but go to Theo's door. I'm sure you'll find out very quickly if he'll let you in," answered Draco with a grin.

Brian was grinning as well. "Well Donald. I would take that as a no."

"We'll see. Perhaps Mr. Nott is a bit more flexible than Mr. Malfoy. Can't hex a bloke for trying."

"Good morning Team3. Can't hex a bloke for trying what? Not thinking of taking anymore short cuts are you Brian?" Blaise had entered the room.

Brian spoke right up. "No sir. No more short cuts for me. We were discussing the upcoming Nott party. Donald is trying to wrangle an invitation from Draco. Just so you know. It didn't work."

Blaise clapped Donald on the back. "No worries Mr. Macomber. Unlike Draco, Theo is the welcoming sort as long as you don't come with bad intentions. I'd invite you as my plus one but I already have a date. On to business. How is everything looking? If you get everything here sorted before lunch, I have another assignment."

"We're up to our arses here Blaise. I don't think we'll be finished before this afternoon," offered Draco.

"Alright then. I'll pass the case to Team4. Just a reminder. We will be welcoming our newest agent Stuart Johns Monday after next. At the moment, I have him scheduled to join Team4 unless you three would like him for Team3."

Donald and Brian glanced over at Draco waiting for him to answer. Draco didn't disappoint. "We don't even have to think about that Blaise. Team3 is efficient as we are. The extra isn't needed. Harry could probably use the extra hand. Although, if you think about it, a former Unspeakable on Team3 might add a bit of mystery. How long do we have to make up our minds?"

Blaise stood silently waiting for Draco to finish his bit of verbal nonsense. He knew Draco didn't want any change. It was the Malfoy way. If it's not broken, don't bugger around with it. Draco thought he, Brian and Donald were the team to beat. Blaise might have remained silent, but Donald did not.

"As a member of crackerjack Team3, I'd like to make a statement."

Blaise made a quick nod in Donald's direction.

"Former Unspeakable or not, our team is one of your best as we stand now. Adding a new agent at this time really isn't necessary. Of course this is simply my opinion. Don't let my loose words get me transferred to one of the other trams and Stuart Johns put here in my place."

Draco let out a soft chuckle and responded before their Head could speak. "No worries Donald. It seems you've taken my bit of banter for a serious answer. As we've discussed several times, Team3 is the team to beat. So, to clarify. We wish Mr. John loads of luck, but we pass on having him join our team. Is that better Donald?"

"Much better boss. I didn't realize your sense of humor kicked in before lunch."

"Alright! Alright! Enough of the Team3 banter. Thank you for clarifying things Mr. Malfoy because I was right there with Donald wondering what you were going on about. Anyway, on your team or not. I'll expect you three to step up if asked. I'll be holding a general meeting Friday, 5/21 to inform all teams of Johns arrival. Information will be forthcoming. Have a good day gentlemen."

The room remained silent after Blaise left until Draco walked over to clap Donald on the shoulder. "Had you going for a minute mate. Didn't I?"

Donald broke out into a wide grin as he gestured towards Brian. "Nothing of the sort Draco, but Brian nearly wet his pants."

Draco laughed all the way back to his corner of the room while Brian simply rolled his eyes.

/*/

As he stood looking over the material in front of him, Draco remembered he wanted to check out DMTS. Not wanting to get nosy arsed Donald worked up any more than he already had. Draco held off mentioning it until after he'd stopped by DMTS.

/*/

Esther Nott was up early and sitting at the table in her garden. Never having the chance to enjoy anything beautiful in her formative years, Esther now tried to surround herself with beauty. Sniffing deeply, Esther closed her eyes savoring the smells of her growing flowers. After one more deep breath, Esther focused on her reason for being up so early. She wanted to make some notes for Theo, and perhaps help him find a suitable sitter for Declan. Sitter might not be the correct term because Theo wouldn't let some stranger have the run of his home. He would probably be looking for a full-time, live-in person who would be available for Declan at all times.. With that in mind, Esther pulled a few sheets of paper in front of her.

From the time she and Ellis decided to explore a relationship, Esther had been mindful what it would mean to her young son/nephew. Thus, she had searched around for information on live-in help. No disrespect to Cely, but a human should always be in charge where possible. Esther didn't know how Theo would take it, but she had five names of people who seemed to have the needed experience and credentials. Whether their personalities would sync with Theo's was another matter entirely, but that was between them and Theo. Esther reviewed the list:

Bertha (Bertie) Wallace: Age 19. Looking for first position as a nanny. No experience, but willing to learn. Needs position to help with family finances.

Rowena (Row) Sackett: Age 39. 12 years experience attending a young witch from birth to Hogwarts. Excellent marks from family. Left because the mum felt her daughter no longer needed a nanny. Currently in a short term position.

Josephine (Josie) Graham: Age 27. 7 years experience attending to a young miss and mister with an ailing mum. Good marks from the mum and the charges. Left because the father tried becoming too familiar. Currently unemployed.

Anna Grace: Age 28. 5 years experience attending to a sickly witch who had recently passed. High marks from previous family. Left because charge passed. Currently working a shop in Diagon Alley.

Reginald (Reg or Reggie) Briggs: Age 33. 8 years experience attending to a young mister from age nine to seventeen. High marks from previous family. Left because his charge became of age. Currently living in Wales, but willing to relocate.

Esther reviewed the list once more. From her perspective, Bertha Wallace was not a high choice being inexperienced and without references, but a witch had to start somewhere. Esther left her on the list. She wasn't sure about Reginald Briggs either, but left him on the list as well.

Esther had done as much as she could do and would present the list to Theo when he dropped Declan off later that morning. She could only hope Theo would take her interference in the spirit it was meant which would be beneficial because her new relationship needed nurturing.