Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 70

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.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 71

Hermione had written up and sent out twenty appointment requests. It was a lot but if she worked diligently, she could get through most of them. With time on her hands, and contrary to how she and Severus had left their conversation, Hermione felt she should prepare an outline for the Transitioning Department. It was always best to be prepared. Severus would thank her for it. If she looked at it a certain way, Severus would probably do more than thank her. He'd put her in charge, and in charge is where she wanted to be.

Hermione pushed her side project away as she got up to check the mailroom. Several Owls had made it back to the building which she took back to the conference room. It was coming up on 9:00 am and she was getting antsy. She had been charged with a job and wanted to get it done. However it was what it was. She couldn't make a move without client authorization. Glancing over the five responses, Hermione put them in order of distance thinking she might have to rearrange things if the last fifteen warranted something else.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione was on her way back to the mailroom but was met halfway by one the wizards from the wiring department.

"Good morning Hermione. I have quite a few envelopes for you. I picked up yours when I picked up mine. I hope you don't mind."

Hermione didn't mind. He had saved her a few steps. From the look of it, just about all fifteen responses had arrived. "Thanks a lot Grant. I appreciate it. I was on my way to check. How's everything in wiring?"

All is well Hermione. Things are moving fairly fast for us. This time next week, a few of us will be in the wilds of Scotland and Northern Ireland installing more cell towers while another group is set to finish up in Wales. No more fryers for a while."

Hermione smiled at Grant. "No worries. Scotland and Northern Ireland have plenty of delicious food. You'll come back much heavier if you aren't careful. It was nice talking to you. I've got to go get my appointments sorted. Thanks again. Have a great day."

"You have a great day as well Hermione." Heading back to his department, Grant thought the rumors that Hermione Granger was a mean bint were way off the mark. She seemed a delightful woman.

/*/

Back in the conference room, Hermione did have to rearrange her appointments as most were congregated around Camberley, Reading, Milton Keynes and Southampton. Sorting took Hermione less than twenty minutes. Since Southampton was the furthest from London, Hermione decided to start there and work herself in. At 9:40, she was on her way to the first appointment. Her day had begun.

/*/

Esther had sent an early Owl asking Theo to make time for a discussion as she had information to share. Theo didn't have any appointments that morning, and it was a lovely day. His first client was scheduled for 1:00 pm, so he didn't have a problem sitting down with Esther to discuss hired help for Declan. Theo wasn't a bit reluctant to admit how much he'd come to depend on his father's sister. They had come so far. Theo did have one not so happy thought. He wished the worm ridden, cunt of a father's body could somehow feel the good relationship he and Esther were building and that Declan was with his family where he belonged. The frown was still on Theo's face when he landed at Esther's.

Esther who had heard Theo and Declan land rushed into the house to meet them, but stopped in her tracks at the frown on Theo's face.

Declan who hadn't noticed anything greeted his aunt. "Good morning aunty. I've had breakfast, but I hope you won't mind if I have a piece of fruit."

"Good morning to you Declan. You may have one piece of fruit then you can have a bit of reading time."

"Okay aunty."

Turning her attention to Theo, Esther debated on asking about something she might not want to hear. However, she had learned Theo liked it best when she didn't beat around the bush. So she asked. "Is everything alright Theo. It isn't too early, is it?"

"Not too early at all Esther. We've already agreed on the time. Has something else come up? Would you like to reschedule for later in the day? I'm available until 1:00. If at all possible, I'd like us to keep to the agreed upon time."

"No problem Theo. It's just that your very deep frown caused me a bit of consternation. Come on through to the back garden. I have a tea service already set up."

Theo grinned as he followed Esther down the hall. Leave it to Theodore Nott, Sr. to ruin the nicest of days. "My deep frown has nothing to do with you, Declan or our discussion. I'm pleased you have taken next steps. I look forward to seeing the information you've gathered."

"Excellent Theo. I believe you'll be more than pleased with what I have to show you." Esther called over her shoulder. "At least I hope you will. Have a seat at the table."

Theo sat and immediately grabbed a scone. He hadn't had breakfast. Once they were face to face, Esther handed him the results of her research before grabbing herself a scone.

/*/

Esther sat quietly enjoying her scone while Theo studied her notes. When he was through reviewing, he turned to Esther with a grin. "No stone left unturned Esther? Everything is here except birth weight. Thank you. Will you please share your thoughts?"

"Certainly Theo. Believe it or not. I put the most store in Reginald Briggs. He has the most relevant experience. I know you're not all that chuffed about hiring a wizard, but…."

Theo held up a hand as he cut across Esther. "I respect your opinion Esther. The cold fact is I don't really know what I want. However, I have to do what's best. It is my opinion that a witch might be overwhelmed in a home with four wizards so I'm leaning towards Mr. Briggs as well. You might have more insight than me. If you think we should interview them all, that's what we'll do. There is one bit I should tell you right upfront. Bertha Wallace is too inexperienced. I don't want Declan to have to teach her what to do, or worse, Mick."

Esther let out a soft chuckle, but didn't comment. Even though she was thinking along the same lines, it wasn't her place to say anything about Mick Byrne. "Great Theo. I concur about Miss Wallace. We should send our regrets to her then interview the rest. Shall I set up the interviews for Monday mid-morning?"

"That would be outstanding. From 10:00-2:00 would be right on the mark. We'll take them in the order you have listed. I'd like you and Declan to sit in on the interviews. That way we'll get a good sense of what's what."

"Alright Theo. I'll make myself available. Would you like another tea or scone?"

"No thanks Esther. I'll take a copy of your list and be on my way. I'd like to get some input from Conor and Mick. Thanks again Esther. You've outdone yourself. I'll just go say bye to my boy and get out of your way. No need to mention any of this to Declan. He and I will have a discussion after I speak to the uncles."

After a few quick words and several cautions, Theo left Declan immersed in The Warlock's Hairy Heart one of the stories in Tales of Beetle The Bard. The story hadn't ever been one of Theo's favorites but Declan seemed fascinated by it.

/*/

Donald, Brian and Draco had finished lunch and were headed to the lifts when Draco stepped back. "You two go on ahead. I'm going back to get our illustrious superior a lunch plate."

Donald gave Brian a glance, but Brian kept his face front. Even he knew Blaise was more likely to be having lunch with The Minister than sitting somewhere waiting for Draco to bring him a lunch plate. Something was up. As the lift doors closed behind them, Donald started to say something, but Brian shook his head.

"Not my business Donald. Not your business either. If our supervisor has an assignation that requires him to lie to us to cover himself, that's his business."

"So much for it not being any of our business," sniped Donald as he strode from the lift then turned to speak directly in Brian's face. "We're a team. What in bloody hell is so secret he can't tell us? I'm not going to let him forget this."

Brian let out a sigh. ""It's not that big a deal Donald so calm down. Draco steps away for a few minutes and suddenly you see a big conspiracy where there might not be one. If you're that upset, Owl Hermione…"

"Owl Hermione? For what?" Draco was back in the office.

Neither Donald nor Brian replied.

Now speaking in a low growl, Draco used his wand to close the door. "I walk in to hear my witch's name rolling off your lips, but no one has anything to say. What's going on? I want to know now."

Not one wanting to be on the receiving end of Draco's growl, Brian began to spill. "Donald thought it was very suspicious that you stayed behind to get lunch for Blaise when Blaise rarely eats lunch room meals. He felt as though you might be off on some assignation. I didn't think any such thing. It was all Donald."

A beet red Donald stood there astounded Brian would rat him out waiting for Draco to turn on him in a fury. What happened next was so unexpected that Donald let out a huge fart along with a bigger sigh.

Draco broke out in loud laughter.

"Hahaha. An assignation. Talking out of your arse both literally and figuratively eh Donald? Hahaha. Did you think I was skiving off to shag someone under the stairway? The both of you are barking. Being the curious sort, I simply went to the DMTS floor to see what I could find about the new department being set up which really wasn't any of your business. I may have stretched the truth a bit about getting Blaise lunch, but there you are. As I said, where I was going wasn't your business. We have a case to present to Blaise. You've been selected. Please pick up our next case while you're there. I'll be in my own office laughing hysterically picturing myself shagging someone under the stairs."

Donald turned on Brian as soon as Draco left the room. "You filthy turncoat. You've obviously forgotten who took care of your bloody, pink skin and red arse. You're lucky things turned out as they have or I'd be cursing you where you stand. Don't say anything to me for the rest of the day or I might hex you for the hell of it."

Brian realized he should have remained silent, but wasn't going to take a telling off without getting a word in edgewise. "Fine Donald. You're right. I should have remained mute so Draco could thrash the both of us. I've learned my lesson. This time, I was looking out for my own arse. No short cut. No hiding anything. I'm sorry you have a problem with that, but that's how it is. Don't you have a case to present?"

Brian hadn't taken more than two steps towards the door before Draco appeared. "All right mates. We've had our laugh and outburst. It's back to work. I'll reiterate what Brian just said. You have a case to present Donald. I suggest you do it now."

"Certainly," huffed Donald, gathering up the case materials. "When I'm back, perhaps you'll share with us what you learned sneaking around Jean Bradford's new department."

For Draco, the joke was over. "Review the damn case Donald then go present it to Blaise. I'll be in my office."

Donald left the room without another word.

/*/

Hermione's morning had gone very well. Except for one irritable witch of a shop owner, she had made the fourteen other placements and arrived back at WCS in an extremely upbeat mood. Upbeat right up until she went to place her paperwork on Severus' desk and happened to see paperwork from several other teams. A couple of teams had made at least fifty placements and then some. Leon's team had made forty two placements. Forty two fucking placements. What the hell was Leon doing out there, giving out galleons? Hermione dropped her paperwork on Severus' desk before huffing her way out of the office heading straight for Leon.

Even though Leon had, along with others, seen flashes of Hermione's temper, he was caught by surprise when she approached him with temper flaring.

"There you are Mr. Leon. Mr. King of the placements. Trying to make a good impression on Severus? I'd like to know the secret of your success."

Leon hadn't remained off guard for long. He was irritated that Hermione was addressing him as though she was his superior and replied in the same strong tone. "I'm not sure how what me and my team has accomplished has any bearing on you or your mood, but don't speak to me as though I report to you. We are level. You do your job as you see fit and I'll do mine as I see fit. I may be way off base here in mentioning this, but our high rate of placements is due to team effort. Try being a team player instead of an individual star. You'll get more accomplished."

Hermione stood there smarting. She'd gone at Leon full tilt and he had effectively put her in her place. She'd had a chance to join a team when Severus and Jean asked her to find a partner. However, instead of doing that, she'd run to Conor in hopes they could become the stars of WCS. Now here she was being dressed down by, by an employee the same level as herself. Leon was correct, and this was a battle she wouldn't win. Severus was looking for results not competitions. Attempting to turn the conversation around, Hermione stepped back and smiled at Leon.

"My apologies Leon for sounding like some shrew because I want what we all want. To forward our company. I believe I'll follow up on your suggestion and find a team. If that fails, I'll start a team. I wish you and your team continued success. Thanks for your input."

As Hermione's disposition changed, so did Leon's. "No problem Hermione. You're absolutely right about all of us wanting the same thing. How we choose to go about it is our own choice."

Hermione lightened the mood even further by inserting a bit of cheek. "Please don't let Severus hear you say that. He's under the impression I know what I'm doing."

Leon let out a loud chuckle. "Well yeah, there's that. I'm glad we got this chance to talk Hermione. To be honest, before this, I thought you were an entitled acting bint who put herself before everyone else. So glad I was wrong. If you can't manage to set up your own team, feel free to join ours. We could always use another hand. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pick up our next set of appointments. Thanks for the conversation. See you later."

/*/

Hermione stood in the middle of the room for a solid five minutes trying to wrap her head around the fact that there were teams accomplishing much more than she ever would or could without support. It was time for a plan. Heading to Severus' office, she met the Messiah heading there as well and entered his office two steps behind him.

Frown lines appeared on Severus' forehead as Hermione took a seat in front of his desk. "I've been over at DMTS most of the morning and have a multitude of notes to make. Whatever you have to say, please say it quickly."

Seeing that Severus wasn't in the best of moods, Hermione took a deep breath before stating her purpose. "I'll get right to it Severus. I was speaking to Leon earlier about teams. I may have been too hasty in trying to work with just Conor. I'd like to start a team of my own."

Pointing his wand at the door, Severus used a bit too much power causing the door to close with a slam then proceeded to growl at Hermione. "You'd like to start a team of your own? Is that anything like a business of your own? I've had it up to my eyebrows with what you want. Here's what I want for the new business I'm trying to get off the ground. I don't want every day to be a battle of wits with you. You wanted a first rung position. You get it and suddenly it's not what you want. You make it perfectly clear you only want to work with Conor but treat him so shabbily he left you on a run. Now, you want to form a team of your own. To what end Hermione?"

Almost tongue tied, Hermione stammered out a reply. "You-you make it sound like I'm being purposely obtuse when I'm only trying to be the best I can."

"The best you can be or better than anyone else? There's a difference Hermione. I've always admired your work ethic but I was never fond of your… Never mind. This isn't that conversation. What I will say, there are seven existing teams. Join one. Practice being a team player. Your request to start a new team is denied."

For as straight as she was holding her back, Hermione was crumbling inside. It seemed as though people were coming at her right, left and center. She was as surprised as Severus when tears began to fall.

Severus, a wizard versed in many things wasn't versed in crying women. Never had been. Approaching Hermione from the side, he asked if she needed a few minutes, perhaps in the ladies.

The tears had come sliding down Hermione's face, but once the steely faced Severus Snape had showed concern, her mind had gone in all different directions. She wouldn't ever be able to speak it to another soul, including Draco, but she was going to make the great Messiah eat his words and perhaps get a team of her own as well. She was also going to whine for all she was worth.

Gasping, Hermione choked out a few words. "Hermione Granger messes up yet again when all she wants is to help. I should have…"

"Enough Hermione," snapped Severus before sitting back down behind his desk. It had taken the Messiah exactly five point three seconds to see through Hermione's poor me ploy. "Spare me. I should be insulted that you'd pull some fourth year theatrics on me trying to get your way, but I'm more insulted you'd think it would work….."

"Severus I…."

Holding up a hand, Severus rose, placed both hands on the desk and looked Hermione directly in the face. "Since you can't seem to manage it on your own, I'll share my plan. You'll get a list of existing teams then decide which one you'll be joining. I foolishly extended you the chance to do the right thing. You chose to try to be an island unto yourself. Well, an island unto yourself with Mr. Byrne. I imagine that was because Conor appeared to be someone easily manipulated. As we saw, that wasn't the case. Conor had a backbone and you are now running around trying to keep up. I respect you Hermione, but get with the program. The list of teams is available in the main conference room. Go from there."

There was nothing more for Hermione to say. Severus had turned back to the papers in front of him summarily dismissing her. She'd been outplayed. With a huge sigh, Hermione headed to the main conference room thanking Merlin it hadn't been Jean she'd tried it on.

/*/

Wil, Clarke and Desmond had finished lunch and were sitting around the table sharing war stories. It hadn't started out as war stories, but Wil had mentioned Draco coming to Switzerland for a visit and all the nonsense shite they'd done together came pouring out. One bad story after another kept the three wizards laughing. In deference to Desmond, they rehashed every story except the ones concerning Beth. Those stories were in no way funny to him. Everything else was hilarious.

Wil couldn't help himself. The staid, arrogant OTS Agent had been landed or landed on his arse many times over the years. Draco's most endearing quality had been his ability to forget embarrassing situations. Many Monday mornings Draco had stared blank faced as Wil or Clarke raked him over the coals for something he had done that previous weekend. The hilarious part was Draco would deny everything while his mates taunted him every chance they got.

The ever exuberant Wil didn't hesitate to discuss his own nonsense behavior. "This one night, me and Draco were at Haller's having a bite and some drinks. This lovely lass sits down at the next table where it appears she is giving me the eye. You know Draco and I are extremely competitive. He thought she was giving him the eye. Suffice it to say I'm winking, waving my napkin, grinning at her while Draco is sitting there with his smug Malfoy smile all knowing that she was interested in him. After about ten minutes of this nonsense, I decide to make a move. Just as I got up to approach, this bloke approaches and kisses the lass on her cheek. I fall back into the chair probably looking like some ruddy beet while Mr. Malfoy nearly strangled himself trying to keep from laughing out loud. Needless to say Draco and I finished our meal and got the hell out of there. Even more embarrassing, I got a cheeky wink from the witch as we were leaving. Draco nearly shite himself he was laughing so hard. Ah! Good times."

Clarke was chuckling and nodding. "I remember hearing about that night. Draco went on about it for two days."

"That he did," agreed Wil. "That he did. Those were the two days you knew about. The stinking tosspot was worse in private. I hope he does decide to visit. It'll be like old times."

Desmond added his two cents. "Not exactly like old times mate. Draco is now in a serious relationship with the lovely Miss Granger. He may not be interested in the lovely lasses who frequent the pubs."

"Yes, there's that. We shall see, won't we?" Wil gleefully remarked. "Anyway, it's all still up in the air. Our man Draco might decide to stay in London. If he doesn't come here, I'm not adverse to going there. Except for the part where I was nearly killed, I had a great time."

Still chuckling, the three men got up from the table.

"That makes two of us," added Clarke. "My one caveat would be that we stay away from the fiery Ginny Weasley if we like our balls intact."

Desmond and Wil laughed even louder knowing Clarke hadn't said one wrong word.

/*/

Donald returned to Draco's office with the next case and a well done from Blaise. "Of course I told our boss that it was a team effort."

Brian sighed. Donald Macomber didn't know when to leave well enough alone.

"Meaning what Donald?" Asked Draco. "Is that some kind of arsehole remark? All our work is a team effort. What and where is our next case?"

Handing the file to Draco, Donald mumbled he hadn't meant anything by the remark. "Our next case is brother on brother mayhem in Southampton of all places. Two brothers trying to court the same witch didn't turn out well for one of them. MLE has been in and out. Shall we try to get it sorted today, or shall we save it for the morning?"

Draco glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch. "It's coming on 2:30 mates. If we leave now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we can be back before 6:00. Grab your cases and let's go."

/*/

When Draco, Brian and Donald arrived at the Southampton location, the place looked like a bomb hit it.

None of them could believe this was a brother on brother duel. The place was in shambles with broken dishes, ripped up furniture and what appeared to be blood, skin and bits of hair scattered all about.

"Helena on a horse!" Exclaimed Donald, opening his case. "This wasn't a duel. It was a massacre."

"Agreed. Glove up. Let's get to work. I'll take biologicals. Donald, you take wands and hex residue. Brian, you take the rest. We'll be out of here in no time."

Brian and Donald glanced at each other but didn't say a word. They would be there half the night.

/*/

After studying the list of teams, Hermione had tracked down Nils whose team only had two members. After a short discussion of what was what, Hermione had found herself a team. Twenty minutes after joining Nils, the team was on the way out to their afternoon assignments. Each member was given ten appointments with instructions to return everything to Nils' desk at the end of the day. They would meet in his office in the morning for the next assignments. Hermione took her ten appointments, waved to her team and was out the door.

Hermione finished up around 5:40, dropped her ten completed customer orders on Nils desk, used the ladies then headed outside to apparate to her flat. As bright as the smile was on her face, she wasn't feeling it inside. She needed time to decompress. She had snarled at Leon, simpered at Severus and almost outsmarted herself. She needed a wine.

Sitting sipping the wine, Hermione laughed out loud at her self serving idea of putting one over on Severus. Then she began to sigh. She'd been so sure of herself. Hadn't she planned never to share getting over on Severus with Draco. That was laughable. In fact, it was downright delusional. She only hoped Severus wouldn't share her faux pas with Jean.

Stepping into the shower, Hermione reiterated. "Please don't share my idiocy with Jean. I don't want her on my arse too."

/*/

After a quick dinner, Hermione sent an Owl to Draco to let him know she was spending the night at her flat and would see him Friday evening. The wine and the hot shower had decompressed Hermione so much DMTS didn't even cross her mind. She was asleep two minutes after her head hit the pillow.