Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 72
Draco stood in the middle of the room for several seconds to see of Hermione would get up and talk to him, but to no avail. Before turning into apparition, he left a few choice words floating about in the air. "If you're trying to make me feel unwelcome, you've done it. Have a pleasant sleep."
Still half asleep and not realizing the words that had come out of her mouth, Hermione snuggled further into her pillow wondering when Draco had met Nils.
/*/
The current Draco had Apparated to Hermione's flat, but it was the old Draco that landed back at the house in full meltdown. Pushing chairs and cushions out of his way, he destroyed most of the living room before falling into the one chair left standing. Heart beating like he'd run a race, Draco tried to make sense of it all. Had he slipped into a bed just after Nils slipped out? That would be a resounding no. He and Hermione had plans for the future, sort of. Still, what was first steps all about? Then he thought about the next part. Feels good to be with you. Draco grabbed another cushion and threw it across the room. What the fuck did that mean? He would have had his arse hexed off if he'd spoken words like those in his sleep. Then again, he wouldn't ever have spoken those words because he didn't want to feel good with anyone other than Hermione.
After a few minutes with his head laid back against the chair, he got up, headed to the bedroom where he undressed and got into bed determined he would get to the bottom of this Nils thing when his witch was awake.
It took Draco more than thirty minutes to relax enough to be able to fall asleep. He dreamt of Hermione pushing up on some faceless bloke telling him how great it was to be taking their first steps together because it felt good to be with him.
Draco Malfoy cringed in his sleep.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 73
/*/
After eating two helpings of a tasty beef dinner, Mick retired to his room with his thoughts still on Conor's revelation. How was his dolt of a brother making more progress with the witches than himself? That was not the way it was supposed to be. Grumbling to himself, Mick searched through the dresser drawers for paper and pen. Finding none, he went to Theo's study knowing he would find what he was looking for there. Grabbing several sheets of paper and a handsome looking pen, he quietly returned to his room. Mick could hear Theo moving about in the den as he passed but didn't stop. They'd had their conversation. He needed to get back to his own rooms because he had a message to send. Closing the door behind him, Mick sussed out what he wanted to say to Miss Parvati Patil. Mick knew he'd been remiss about keeping in contact with Parvati but he'd been extremely busy with work. The excuse sounded flimsy even to him. Everyone worked. If a bloke was interested enough, he'd find a way to make time for the witch he had his eye on. All he could do was write the letter and see what came of it. As he picked up the paper, Mick realized he had the perfect excuse.
Hello Parvati,
I hope all is well. You have crossed my mind quite a bit since the last time we were together. Work has kept me extremely busy which is no reason to have ignored a witch as lovely as yourself, but it happened. My apologies.
In case you're thinking this is out of the blue, I have a reason for contacting you. Being Theo's sister-in-law, I know you'll be attending his party this Saturday. However, I'd like to rectify my faux pas by inviting you to attend on my arm. If you have made other arrangements or are going to be otherwise engaged, I'll understand. Perhaps we can have lunch before then. Let me know.
Mick
Mick looked over the message two or three times before he judged it ready to send. His next dilemma was should he send it immediately, or should he wait until the morning. He decided immediately was the way to go.
After sending the Owl, Mick took a long, hot shower then slid into bed where he laid for another forty five minutes wondering if it would have been better if had approached Parvati in person. Turning onto his sleep side, Mick whispered to himself. "Too late. The shite is done now."
Five minutes later, he was sleeping.
/**/
Hermione woke Friday morning irritable without know why. It came to her while she showered. Draco. He had come through the previous night acting like some barking mad arsehole pushing and pulling on her. Hermione thought he'd better have a good explanation for his nonsense or, or… Then she remembered Draco mentioning something about Nils.
"Nils? How does Draco even know Nils? The git was supposed to be getting information about DMTS not nosing around about my Team Leader. No bloody problem. I'll just ask his arse when I see him. Prat."
After a quick cup of tea and muffin, Hermione gathered her things and headed to work. She didn't want her team to start without her.
/*/
Draco woke irritable but didn't have to wonder why. Nils was why. His witch was mumbling some wizard's name in her sleep. Mentally going over what Team3 had on their plate for that day, Draco decided there were things that could be put aside until Monday. He and Hermione needed to talk. "It's times like these a mobile would come in handy. When the hell were the bloody things going to be available?"
Draco only had time to shower, shite, shave and have a piece of toast before it was time to floo to work. He would normally blame Hermione for making him late, but it was all him. He was the one making himself late. What a concept.
/*/
Draco was at his desk preparing for the day when he remembered he was supposed to have scouted out DMTS for Hermione. He had tried to no avail. The farthest he got was the outer office that hadn't even been staffed yet. Whatever was going on inside wasn't for public knowledge. Be that as it may. It was time to get to work. His timing was perfect because, at that moment, Blaise came at him from one side, Donald and Brian from the other. Draco grinned at everyone.
"Good morning gents and Blaise. How's your day going so far?"
Donald glanced over at Blaise which was the only reason he didn't respond in his usual manner. "Our day is going well. All ten minutes of it. Thank you for asking Draco."
Brian nodded at Draco and Blaise before making a hasty exit.
"Shouldn't you be getting to your own office as well Mr. Macomber as we are now twelve minutes into the day?"
Draco gave Donald a direct stare. "I'd think by now you'd know when not to speak. Please get set up in the workroom. I'll be there after I speak to our Head."
"Just trying to brighten up the day. I'll see you in the workroom. Have a good day Blaise."
Blaise followed Donald out with his eyes. "If he wasn't such an excellent agent, he'd be out on his arse. Twelve minutes into the day is way too early for bullshite."
Draco laughed. "Maybe in your little corner of the world it's too early, but on Team3 it's never too early. What can I do for you?"
"I have plans to check with Severus or Jean today to find out when the mobiles will be available. They were in a rush to sell the product yet the product is nowhere to be seen. I have witches to call. I thought since your witch works for the company you might have some inside knowledge we the people do not have."
Spreading his arms wide, Draco admitted he didn't know any more than anyone outside of WCS and DMTS but had an idea. "Rather than Owl Severus, why don't you take your Head of Department arse up a few floors and ask Jean yourself."
Giving Draco a roll of the eyes, Blaise voiced his suspicions. "The only times I've known you to pass something you want to know off on someone else has been when you couldn't get the information yourself. Did Jean turn you away?"
"No Blaise," Draco replied. "Jean did not turn me away. In fact, I didn't get past the outer office because it hasn't been staffed yet. In addition to that, there is a tight band of magic surrounding the inner offices. It's clear that only special people are allowed inside. Since I'm not and you are. Why not try your hand?"
Blaise, who had been sitting on the edge of Draco's desk stood. "I see you're just as humorous as your mate. I'll just go ahead and find out the Zabini way. I'll go directly to the source. I'm sure he'll be glad to give me an update."
"Only if you catch him on a good day, but go ahead and try your luck."
"Whatever Draco. To business. If Team3 has business in the field, I suggest you round up your band of comedians and get out there. Be careful out there. By the way. The end of June will be here before you know it. Have you given any more thought about what you are going to do?"
For a split second, Draco didn't know to what Blaise was referring. Then he realized he was talking about visiting Switzerland. "The situation might be resolved. Wil and Clarke are ninety percent sure they will be coming here and bringing their own security." Draco said, adding a bit of humor to the conversation. "I imagine it's because they want to leave London alive."
"I'd agree with them on that point if Goyle wasn't dead. When you finish up the day, put your findings on my desk as usual. I might have to nip out early. If I don't see you this afternoon, I'll see you tomorrow night. I mentioned Donald and Brian to Theo. He said, the more the merrier. So that's settled. I'll see you later."
Draco raised his hand in a wave as he got up from the desk. "I'll see you later Blaise."
After grabbing his case, wand and OTS jacket, Draco went to find his team.
/*/
Severus was busily going over the order forms when one of his employees handed him an Owl with the return information for Zabini, B.
"What does Mr. Zabini want with me?" Severus muttered, ripping the envelope open.
Good morning Severus,
I have a question regarding the mobile phones. When will they be available? I have filled out the correct application forms. I have remitted the correct amount of money. I had assurances the mobiles, business and personal, would be available as soon as possible. Therefore, I'm requesting the fourteen mobiles I ordered for the OTS Department and the two I ordered for personal use be sent to me with all speed.
I understand WCS is very busy, however, you have sold me on the product and I would like to be able to use the devices. Not to be an arse about it, but I'd really like a physical item that corresponds with the phone numbers already assigned to me.
I have tried several times to connect with Miss Bradford about this very thing but, at the moment, DMTS is not set up to receive customers. Please advise.
Thank you for your time.
Regards
Blaise Zabini
OTS
Ministry of Magic
After reading the letter, Severus used his wand to close his office door then growled at the air around him. "Just who does Mr. Zabini think he is? He'll wait in line along with everyone else. He's paid the correct amount of Galleons my arse. So has everyone else waiting for…..."
Severus took a breath. Zabini hadn't written one incorrect thing. WCS had his applications, funds and good faith. And the part about anyone being available at DMTS. Unacceptable. It was obviously time to put up or shut up. If Mr. Zabini was feeling this way, there were probably dozens of customers feeling the same but just too intimidated to confront Severus Snape. The mobile units were bring sent to DMTS on a daily basis. Why they weren't being disseminated was another question. Perhaps he'd been remiss in agreeing to let Jean set up a separate department before the minutiae had been handled. It was time to set up the transition portion of WCS. With a sigh, Severus got pen and paper from his top drawer. It was time he got things moving.
Severus' first letter was to Blaise asking him to meet at DMTS in thirty minutes assuring him he would receive his mobile devices at that time.
His second piece of correspondence was a person-to-person Owl to Hermione with instructions to return to the building at noon. After the Owls were sent, Severus grabbed his jacket then flooed to the Ministry. He and Jean had business. In addition, he was in the mood to give Blaise a thump across the head if he so much as raised his voice.
/*/
Forty minutes into the work day, Blaise entered the Team3 workroom waving a piece of paper. Draco, Donald and Brian all turned to look at their Head at the same time. Draco spoke for all.
"Nice to see you again Mr. Zabini. The way you're waving that piece of paper leads me to assume something good has come your way."
"And your assumption would be correct. Earlier this morning I mentioned going directly to the source which I did. As a result, I have been assured the department will be fully outfitted with mobile phones by this afternoon. Because you three are still here I'll make the assumption you will not be going into the field today which is good. I'd only have to call you back in because we will be training on our brand new mobiles from 2-4 this afternoon. No need to thank me boys. Just doing a Head's duty. I'm off to inform the other teams. Please be in the main conference room by 1:55. On to the next. Have a good morning wizards."
"Well done Mr. Zabini. I now have high hopes the phones we ordered for personal use will be made available as well," remarked Draco, giving Blaise a thumbs up.
Blaise stopped in his tracks to offer a somewhat cheeky response before continuing out the door. "I cannot comment on those things I don't know. Perhaps it would be prudent to go directly to the source."
"Snotty blighter." Draco mumbled to himself.
Giving Brian a wink, Donald smarted off. "Sorry Draco. Were you speaking to us? I didn't hear what you said."
Draco didn't even bother turning around when he answered Donald. "Nothing major Donald. Just a random thought spoken out loud. How are those wands coming along? There's another full box over on the cabinet."
Brian gave Donald a cheeky smile as he gloved up to examine the next set of biologicals. His teammate would never learn.
/*/
Jean was surprised to look up and see the Messiah striding across the room greeting his employees as he came. He hadn't mentioned he would be stopping in.
"Good morning Severus. Have you come to check on your flock?"
"I have and I haven't. I've come to find out why the outer office hasn't been staffed and the public doesn't have any way of getting the mobiles they've paid for."
Jean was caught off guard. She thought it was understood between them that she was still in the process of getting the department up to speed. Not wanting to speak rudely in front of the others, Jean invited Severus to step into her office.
Jean closed the door and silenced the room before lighting into Severus. "You walk in here all fired up asking about a subject we've already discussed. I told you the outer office hadn't been staffed yet. If I remember correctly, you were fine with it. Suddenly, you come in here like a bull acting as though this was a subject we're discussing for the first time. What would you have me do Severus? Hire the first witch or wizard I can pull off the street? There is a hiring process."
"Calm down Jean."
"Don't tell me to calm down Severus. You've allowed me to set up a department and I'm doing it. I don't need you coming through casting aspersions on how well I'm doing."
Severus took a seat so it wouldn't appear he was trying to overpower Jean, but his paramour was incensed and remained standing. "I apologize if it seems I am casting aspersions. That is not my intent. I'm here to find out why one of your team hasn't taken the initiative to cover the front office until a suitable person can be found. Customers have paid for their mobiles. I think we should get them into their hands as quickly as possible. Wouldn't you agree?"
The anger left Jean as suddenly as it had come. Severus was right. Why hadn't she assigned one of her group to take care of the lifeblood of both companies, the customers? Jean felt foolish standing there all puffed up over something that should have been done without any nudging from Severus. She let out a sigh.
"You're right Severus." Jean said, finally sitting down. "Please don't think badly of my staff when I'm completely to blame. I'm embarrassed I didn't have the foresight to assign that particular duty. My only excuse is I was using too narrow a focus trying to get the department set up. I'll assign Cassie for now while Conor and Gloria continue setting up the inner offices. Has there been a complaint?"
Glad the conversation hadn't remained contentious, Severus explained what he planned to do in the next few minutes as well as further down the line. "My immediate need is sixteen mobiles for Blaise Zabini. Have Miss Graham examine his applications for the items he ordered then move them to the outer office where he will be picking them up in less than twenty minutes. I will also begin setting up the transition section of WCS we've spoken about. Hermione will Granger will head it up. For the moment, it will be a one person section. Her job will be to match purchases to customers then get them into your hands. I'm thinking we should place a large cabinet in the outer office to hold the mobiles until they are picked up. For those people who don't care to come to the Ministry, the mobiles can be picked up directly from Hermione. There will need to be daily communications between Hermione and whomever you choose as liaison. I plan to go over everything in detail with Hermione. Hermione will also need to be issued a DMTS badge.
Jean wasn't pleased when she heard Severus planned to put Hermione in charge of the transition section of WCS, but knew she had mucked the thing up. If she looked at the changes in a positive light, Jean could see the benefits of what Severus was proposing. In fact, with Hermione on one end, she could give more attention to her own end. The conversation ended on a positive note with Severus excusing himself to the lunch room for a tea.
Jean hurriedly explained to the group what needed to be done. Cassie was on it before the last words were out of Jean's mouth. Fifteen minutes later, Blaise's sixteen mobiles were ready for pick up.
Jean and Severus had another conversation, shorter this time before he headed to the outer office to wait for Blaise. He was quite pleased with the changes Cassie had made to the outer office in a very short period of time. The changes made the entire outer office look professional and welcoming.
"Well done Miss Graham."
Cassie blushed at the compliment. "Thank you Severus. I did my best."
There wasn't time for any additional conversation as Blaise had appeared at the door. "Good morning Severus. Good morning Cassie. I'm here to pick up my items."
"Hello Blaise. Miss Graham has your mobiles packed and ready. My apologies for your need to run me down. I assure you it won't happen again."
"No worries Severus. I have my mobiles. Everything is as it should be. Actually, I do have one more question. Will there be seminars or classes on how to fully utilize the mobiles? If so, I'd like to sign up my entire department."
Severus wanted to curse. Another thing overlooked. Seminars should have already been set up, but he had an answer. "Although the instructions that come with each mobile are very easy to understand, the Head of our Transition Section will be setting up seminars for those who need additional assistance. The information will be in your hands by end of day today. Thank you for your interest Blaise."
"You're welcome Severus. Thank you for expediting my request."
With a nod in Cassie's direction, Blaise left the room.
Severus was on his way out the door when he had a thought. "Please start putting together packages as you did for Mr. Zabini." He remarked, drawing his wand. "I am going to transfigure the cabinet in the corner into a large storage unit where you will store the items until the owners come to pick them up. You might also want to start a ledger to keep track of the comings and goings and get customer signatures as well. It's best to be prepared, especially since there are degenerates who, if left unchecked, will swear they never received their mobiles even as they are ringing in their pockets. I think that's it for now."
Cassie smiled as she watched Severus until he was out of sight. The big boss doesn't expect too much does he? I'll be here until Sunday morning doing all the shite he wants done. After several minutes sitting still gazing at nothing, Cassie came to the realization she had Severus' trust and that was worth the extra work.
As any good staff member would do, Cassie went inside to explain to Jean what had been asked of her then got down to doing it. Within two hours, all the Messiah had asked to be done was up and running.
/*/
As soon as she had received Severus' Owl, Hermione notified Nils she would be coming off her route at noon to meet with Severus. She didn't know what Severus wanted but she wasn't in any mood for another telling off. What would his complaint be today?
It was 12:00 noon on the dot. She was here. Where was he?
Hermione was still going over in her head where she could have gone wrong when Severus appeared at the door to his office inviting her to join him in the conference room. Stepping into the room, Hermione had a change in mindset when she saw the tea and muffins. Perhaps she wasn't there for a telling off. Severus confirmed her assumption when he invited her to have seat and have a tea and muffin.
Hermione replied in the most pleasing manner she could. "Thank you very much Severus. I am a bit hungry. I can honestly say this was not what I expected when I received your Owl. These last few weeks have not been my best weeks."
Waving Hermione's words aside, Severus got right into it. "We've had a conversation about what I am calling The Transition Section."
Hermione cleared her throat and shifted in her chair hoping this wasn't going to be a, I've considered you, but given the job to, conversation. If something big was on the horizon, she most certainly wanted to be part of it. Then she heard exactly what she wanted to hear.
"So starting today you will be in charge of the section. Unfortunately…."
Oh shite, not an unfortunately. Just when things looked promising thought Hermione.
"You look perplexed Hermione. This is important. Please keep up. As I said, you will be tied up until late tonight because I need everything brought up to speed before Monday. Will that be a problem?"
Hermione looked at Severus like he's lost his mind. When had taking a step up ever been a problem.
"No Severus. It won't be a problem. I'll be glad to stay until everything that needs to be done is done."
"Good. Your first step will be to set up your section after I make a few changes to Jean's rarely utilized conference room. You'll need good sized storage area to hold mobiles waiting to be picked up as well as mobiles for sale, a counter to receive employees and customers, a desk with comfy chair and all necessaries and notions needed to run an unofficial department. I don't think I've missed anything. If you have questions, I'll be in my office. If you'd like to step out for lunch or order takeaway, please do it now then get right down to work."
"I'm fine Severus. The muffins will hold me. Thank you for this opportunity. I'll do my best."
"I'm counting on it Hermione. Even though you'll be in charge of the transition section, WCS is still a team effort. I thought I'd covered everything but evidently not. You will always lock the area if you have to be away for any short period of time. Find someone trustworthy to cover for you if you have to be away from the transition area for extended periods of time. Starting Monday, our delivery team will pick up mobiles from you to take to paid customers. Owls will go out and notices will be posted within the hour. Now I believe that's all."
Watching Severus walk away, Hermione couldn't help but think that the sly dog was looking out for me all this time. Let me show him what a brilliant witch can do.
Walking away from Hermione, Severus thought of course you'll do an outstanding job Miss Granger. You are now exactly where you wanted to be, in charge of something.
Just as Hermione finished the last of her muffin she looked up to see Parvati hail Severus. After a brief conversation Parvati headed towards the wiring department. Moving quickly toward her new section, Hermione wondered what that was all about.
/*/
Mick was pleasantly surprised to look up and find Parvati standing in the doorway of the wiring area. Wiping his hands on a cloth, he walked over to greet her.
"Hello lovely. What are you doing here?"
"I received your Owl and decided if you couldn't take time away to see me, I'd come see you. So here I am."
Mick was chuffed. "Although I appreciate your visit Parvati, you didn't have to take time out of your day to stop by. I planned to come by the shop later to ask you out to dinner."
A simpering, smiling Parvati was in her element. She'd found a wizard who was interested. "That's good to know Mick. However, I'm here now. Do you have time to take a lunch?"
Mick smiled back at the lovely witch in front of him. "I'll make the time. Let me wash up a bit. I'll be back in a moment. Think about where you want to go."
Parvati happily mumbled that she had plenty to eat at her flat.
Three minutes later, Mick was back holding out his arm. "So where will be going"
Food was the last thing on Parvati's mind. They were going to her flat. Depending how fast she could get Mr. Byrne out of those clothes, she planned to spend that amount of time in his arms.
"It's a surprise," she simpered, grabbing onto Mick's arm.
/*/
Esther Nott was sitting in her garden making notes with one ear out listening for Theo and Declan. She was a bit nervous hoping that all would go well with the application process. Esther felt badly about denying an interview to the young and inexperienced Bertha Wallace. She personally thought a young, inexperienced witch would be just the thing for Declan, but with no woman in the home to teach her the correct ways she had to be crossed off the list. Taking a sip of her tea, Esther strained to hear the soft rush of someone Apparating in. She sighed as she checked her Wonder Witch Watch. Nothing yet. She had just finished hoping Theo had the time right when she heard it. That familiar soft swish of magic. Then she heard Declan call out.
"Good morning Aunty. Father and I are here for the interviews."
Esther heard Theo tell Declan to lower his voice as they approached the garden.
"Good morning Declan. Good morning Theo. Would you like breakfast?"
"No thank you Esther. We've already eaten. How have you set things up? Will all the candidates arrive at once or have you staggered their arrivals?" Asked Theo.
"I thought it might be a bit awkward if they all turned up at once so I've staggered the arrivals for every thirty five minutes. Thirty for the interview and five to give each candidate time to Apparate from the house."
"Good thinking."
"The first candidate is 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.
The second candidate is 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.
The third candidate is 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.
The last candidate and only wizard is 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.
"I've made two copies in case you'd like Declan to review the candidates."
Theo waved several documents in the air. "No need Esther. Declan and I have discussed the four candidates. These interviews are only for Declan to get a sense of them personally. My son is quite perceptive. I believe he is able to choose the person who best suits him."
Declan glanced at his father before telling Esther he looked forward to meeting them all.
"Wonderful…."
The doorbell rang before Esther could finish her sentence. "That must be Miss Sackett. Right on time. Make yourselves comfortable. We'll be interviewing here in the garden. It's a lovely spot. I'll just clear the tea service away and be right back."
Theo reached over to pat down a few of Declan's thick, unruly locks of hair. "Feeling alright son? Pay attention not only to what each candidate says but how she or he says it."
"Thank you father. I remember our conversation. Communication is key to a good relationship."
"Good man." Theo replied, nudging Declan to stand as he stood to greet Rowena Sackett.
/*/
The interviews were over. Declan and Theo were waiting for Esther to return from the kitchen with lunch so they could discuss the matter together. All four candidates had left a good impression on Theo. However, he wanted input from Esther and more importantly, Declan. Esther came back through carrying a large tray with sandwiches, veggies and fruit with another tray gliding along behind her carrying juices.
"Hope I didn't take too long. There are roast beef as well as chicken and bacon sandwiches. Please help yourselves."
Theo chose roast beef while Declan grabbed a chicken with bacon. Esther sipped her tea as she waited for Theo to begin the conversation. However, after receiving a quick nod from Theo, Declan opened the conversation.
"I liked them all, especially Anna Grace. She seemed right smart. I just worry about certain things which I've already discussed with father and the uncles."
Esther hadn't been privy to the conversation among Declan, Theo and the uncles so she could only imagine what had been said. She listened as Declan continued.
"I liked Miss Sackett and Miss Graham as well, but Mr. Briggs impressed me the most. I would feel very comfortable having a gentleman such as him seeing to me."
Chewing and nodding as Declan spoke, Theo realized he was in total agreement with his son. A growing young wizard could learn a lot from a manny.
Theo's only concern was Declan had spoken very highly of Miss Grace as well. He wanted to be sure Declan chose the right person for the right reasons. "You've spoken very highly of Miss Grace and Mr. Briggs. Do you want a second interview with both?"
Declan thought about it for several seconds. "No father. There's no need for a second interview with both. I believe Mr. Briggs is the one who fits my needs. Could we invite him to the house to meet with the uncles?"
Theo pushed the remains of his sandwich away. This was an important decision. He wanted to be sure Declan had chosen well. "I think that can be arranged. I'll Owl Mr. Briggs to meet us at the house where we can have another chat. In addition, I'm having a small social gathering tomorrow evening. Perhaps we should invite Mr. Briggs and introduce him to the uncles at that time."
"Sounds like a fine plan father. If you Owl Mr. Briggs now, we can meet with him before you go to work."
Utilizing a pen and piece of paper laying on the table, Theo wrote a quick message to Reginald Briggs. Before heading to Esther's Owl area, Theo told Declan not to worry about his work because this was an important step. His work could be put off for a bit.
With the Owl sent, Theo thanked Esther for her time, the lunch and the use of her garden. Declan thanked his aunt as well. Before leaving, Theo informed Esther she and Ellis would have their mobile phones delivered very soon.
"You're welcome Theo. I'm glad the interviews went well. Ellis and I look forward to receiving the mobiles. We'll see you tomorrow evening. Have a good afternoon Declan. Good luck with Mr. Briggs."
"Goodbye Aunty and thank you."
With that, Theo and Declan headed for the Apparition area.
/*/
Not an hour after his interview, Reginald Briggs was chuffed to receive an Owl from Theodore Nott requesting a second interview at his home. Reggie hurriedly sent an affirmative response. After the Owl was sent, Reggie sat in his hired room hoping this second interview meant he had the position. He believed he would be very comfortable working in the Nott household. Besides, he didn't like being without a position. Galleons came in so handy when one wanted to buy things. In addition, with his position gone, there wasn't anything holding him in Wales.
Gazing at himself in the small bathroom mirror while freshening up, Reggie hoped it all worked out in his favor.
/*/
Draco returned from lunch to find a note from Hermione in the afternoon mail. She had been asked to work late and didn't know what time she would get home. After reading the note twice, Draco became arbitrary for no reason. His witch had to work late. What of it? Why had his mind suddenly gone back to the previous night when she had called out to some bloke named Nils? Draco decided he wouldn't even answer the message. In this case, he would go directly to the source. Miss Hermione Jean Granger could expect a visit from Draco Malfoy at her work place when his work day ended. If she wasn't there, that would be an entirely different conversation when she got home.
"Bloody blokes always in her face." Draco mumbled just as Brian entered his office.
Unlike Donald, Brian knew when not to comment so he asked what he needed to ask then made himself scarce. Draco ran hot and cold. He was used to it. In a few more hours he would be off for the weekend and not have to think about his ill mannered boss for two whole days.
Donald glanced at Brian when he entered the workroom noticing the line of red across his nose. "Let me guess. Draco has his usual case of the Fridays."
Brian grinned. "Nothing like that at all Donald. I simply walked in on him holding a conversation with himself. It was fine though. I think he liked his answers."
Donald let out a soft guffaw but turned his attention back to the work in front of him without another comment.
/*/
Draco worked industriously for the next hour joining in the conversation with his teammates. All seemed normal to Brian and Donald, but Draco's mind had been working overtime. He was going to WCS now to check what his witch was up to. If Nils got in the way… Draco left that thought right there. He wasn't some thug. If Nils was hovering around Hermione, he'd make his displeasure known then leave. Draco shrugged. That wasn't going to happen. He'd leave the bastard flat on his arse.
At 3:40, Draco advised Brian and Donald he had just remembered an important errand. "I'm going to step away to speak to Blaise. I've remembered an important matter that has to be tidied up today. I'll be leaving at 4:00."
Donald and Brian looked at each other without saying a word. It seemed their boss did have something on his mind and couldn't wait to get it resolved.
Five minutes later, Draco stuck his head into the workroom. "I've spoken to Blaise. I'm on my way out. If I can get back, I will. If not, I'll see you at Theo's house tomorrow. Don't forget to lock up."
"Don't forget to lock up. What does he take us for, novices?" Asked Donald sarcastically as soon as Draco's arse had cleared the doorway.
Luckily, Brian didn't bother to answer as Blaise stuck his head into the room. "Complaining again Mr. Macomber?"
A full blush appeared on Donald's face. "Not complaining Blaise. Just wondering out loud."
It was Friday nearing the end of the day. Blaise didn't want to go into the weekend cross so he replied in a lighthearted manner. "Well then, keep wondering but be sure everything is locked up before you leave. I'll be in my office if you need me."
Brian chuckled softly. Donald would never learn.