Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 82
"Please don't make me have to pull it out of you. What makes you think Miss Isles is unhappy at DMTS?"
Jean began to explain herself. "Along with a prevailing sad demeanor which is why I suggested her for the position in the first place, she came to my office inquiring about the Assistant position at WCS then seemed quite despondent when I mentioned Hermione already had a candidate in mind. She may have heard part of our conversation."
Severus was amazed. An unhappy employee was making his witch lose her mind. "This isn't like you. Why are the unspoken thoughts of this particular member of staff wreaking such havoc? The witch will continue to perform satisfactorily or she'll be out on her arse free to pursue any position she likes. I suggest you ignore your feelings on this until Gloria tells you exactly what is on her mind. Until that time, I insist you keep a close eye on my mashed because I'm quite hungry."
Reaching out for Severus' hand, Jean gave him the direct stare and called him a git.
Ignoring the insult, Severus headed back to the study calling over his shoulder. "If it will ease your mind, let me assure you Hermione might think she has the last say, but if Miss Grace doesn't work out we will do what we needs to be done. If Hermione wants any assistant at all, she'll go along or work alone. Simple."
"I love you Severus Snape." Jean called back.
"Suddenly you love me. A few seconds ago I was a git. Make up your mind witch or I will take a page out of Hermione's book to find myself a new assistant."
Laughing to herself as she waved her wand to fix dinner, Jean replied in a very low voice. "If the git had an assistant, I might be worried. Since I'm his second in command, he has no power here."
As softly as Jean had spoken, Severus heard every word and smiled.
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 83
/**/
Draco, Donald and Brian had spent Tuesday morning and most of the afternoon in Devonshire collecting evidence from a duel in which a wizard had been cursed to death. They returned to OTS loaded down with minutia which they had dropped off in the work room.
"I'm going to check for mail then make a quick stop in the men's before going to the workroom. Be back in a minute."
"TMI Brian, TMI." Donald replied in his customary manner. "I too have to take a pee but you don't hear me shouting about it."
Draco glared at his assistant. "No Donald. I can't imagine you shouting about anything unseemly. Please go have your pee and get to the workroom."
"I…."
Donald had started to say something but was interrupted when Blaise appeared at the door. "Good day team. Everything alright?"
"Good afternoon Blaise. Everything is dandy. I need to excuse myself for a moment. I'll see you in the workroom Draco."
Draco Nodded in Donald's direction, but addressed Blaise. "Good day mate. How's things?"
"All is well Mr. Malfoy. All is well. I've heard rumblings that we will soon be able to ring Switzerland. Is that your doing?"
Draco hesitated before he replied. "I'm not sure what you heard Blaise, but there is a great possibility we will be able to ring Switzerland and a great many other places before too long. Severus is working extremely hard to make it so. In fact, Wil, Clarke and Desmond will be making appearances in the next couple of days to assist. I'm hoping we can keep them safe from murderers and thugs."
Blaise grinned. "That's my hope as well. Perhaps Ginny and I can get together with you and your mates while they are here."
Standing and grabbing a folder, Draco nodded. "Perhaps, but you know Severus. He's all about business. If he needs Wil, Clarke and Desmond to work around the clock, there won't be any time for socializing. However, I'll keep it in mind. Donald and Brian are waiting for me. I need to get to the workroom. I'll see you later."
Draco was on the way out, but Blaise had a few last remarks to convey. "A minute mate. Stuart Johns will be here in a matter of days. I'd like him to work with you, Brian and Donald before I give him a permanent place."
Draco sighed before voicing his concerns. "Wouldn't Johns be better placed with Team1? I mean Rick is top of the line and has been here from the beginning. He'll be able to suss out any shortcomings Johns might have."
Blaise stared at Draco. "I know what my teams are about. If I wanted Stuart with Rick, that's where I would be placing him. I prefer he work with Team3. I know you have to get to work, but should you have more to say, we can discuss it at the end of day."
Draco shook his head. "No need for a prolonged discussion Blaise. I was simply stating an opinion. Johns will be a welcome addition to Team3."
"Good man. However, don't make it sound as though Mr. Johns will be with you Donald and Brian forever. He'll be here then he'll be off to his permanent team with a decent understanding of OTS."
"Understood," replied Draco hurrying towards the workroom intent on finding out why Donald was shouting. "Cheers Blaise."
"Cheers mate."
Blaise didn't directly mention the shouting, even though it was annoying and distracting, knowing Draco would get it sorted. However, as he made the few steps to his office, an unbidden thought crossed his mind. Donald Macomber should settle down, or, he might find himself off Team3 and out of OTS permanently. Having an extra, sometimes gave a Head strange ideas.
/*/
Draco entered the workroom shutting the door behind him with a snap and heading straight for Donald. "What's the problem Donald? In the middle of a conversation with the Head of OTS, I couldn't hear what he was saying over your shouting. Do you know why Mr. Macomber?"
Donald stood there staring over Draco's left shoulder knowing full well why his shouting had become a problem this particular afternoon. Neither he nor Brian had closed the workroom door behind them. Therefore, any loud sounds could be heard in the halls, offices, and team rooms. More than likely in the loos as well.
Donald fell on his sword. "My apologies first for being so loud, second for…"
But, before Donald could go any further, Brian spoke up. "Before you do something to Donald you might regret, I'd like to inform you the door thing was as much my fault as it was Donald's. I'd also like to remind you we all speak loudly every now and again. We both neglected to make sure the workroom door was closed. We apologize. It won't happen again. Can we move on?"
Draco took a deep breath before allowing himself to smile at Brian's remarks. "Thank you for your insight Brian. Now that the workroom door is closed. The issue is moot, unless it happens again."
Brian grinned at Draco actually surprised his words had stopped a possible Malfoy rant. "It won't happen again."
Donald only had a few words to say before walking over to the table in the farthest corner. "No punishment for us because dad likes you best."
Both Draco and Brian smiled but didn't respond to the comment. It was late in the day. They still had a few ends to tie up before handing the case to Blaise for review.
/*/
Anna was pleased with herself. She had closed a number of sales as well as upsold a few items so she wasn't surprised when the manager approached.
"Hello Anna. I want to congratulate you. You are putting the other witches to shame. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you at end of shift."
"Of course. Is everything alright?"
"No worries Anna. Everything is alright. I'll see you after shift."
Anna would to be a fool to not recognize why her manager wanted words. She'd been doing a bangup job and was probably in line for a step up which meant more money. However, she also felt Hermione hadn't invited her to dinner for shites and giggles. Maybe she was wrong and Hermione only wanted a friend, but it didn't feel like that. It felt as though Hermione was looking out for her. Anyway, she wasn't sure about either. Perhaps her manager only wanted to say well done. There wasn't any reason to stress. It would be what it would be.
Another customer had come through the door and was headed in her direction. Anna pulled herself out of her reverie. If she was going to get a well done, it would be for things done.
/*/
Anna spent fifteen minutes with the witch who had come through the doors looking for a fancy blouse for a dinner party showing her blouse after blouse. One wasn't fancy enough. The next was printed but she wanted a solid color. Blouse after blouse. Anna finally took matters into her own hands and led the witch to one of the shop's newest arrivals, a beige, shirt dress with a Chantilly lace collar and a slim skirt.
"Have a look at our newest arrivals which come in a variety of colors. I think the beige would look lovely with your skin and eyes. They also come with the solid top and a patterned bottom. Very stylish and can be dressed up or dressed down. Why don't you take a few to the fitting room to see how they fit."
Grabbing up four dresses, the witch allowed herself to be led to the changing rooms telling Anna she was brilliant. As Anna closed the curtains, she thought to herself, I have my moments. It took the witch less than ten minutes to decide she would take all four outfits. Being the super sales witch that she was, Anna offered to show her their wide arrangement of accessories.
Anna had spent thirty minutes on this one customer, but it hadn't been a waste of time. The bill was one of Anna's best sales, over thirty galleons. Anna loved wealthy witches who could spend thirty galleons without blinking her well done eye lashes.
/*/
When the shop doors closed behind the last customer, Anna went directly to the manager's office to find out what was what. The conversation hadn't been a long one after the manager further congratulated Anna on her sales skills. The upshot of the conversation was to offer Anna the Assistant Manager position.
Anna couldn't believe her luck. The Assistant Manager position meant a good deal more in her pay packet. Even so, Anna hesitated. She was going to step out on faith. If Hermione could find her a more polished position, that was what she wanted, There wasn't anything wrong with being a shop clerk, but if she could have better, she would take it.
The manager noticed Anna's hesitation. "What's your hesitation Anna? We've discussed how well I think you're doing. You would fit perfectly as Assistant Manager. You know how to handle not only customers but the other shop witches as well and there's no need for me to rehash your ability to upsell. I know you've had a bit of hardship since you're parents were killed. This pay rise will help you to get back on your feet."
Anna could feel her face burning. The Manager was correct. They had discussed all those things, but… Anna realized if she turned down the position, and Hermione wanted nothing more than a cozy chat, the manager probably wouldn't offer again. Anna sucked in a deep breath letting it out slowly through her nose and explained herself.
Anna explained about a possible position elsewhere without mentioning where. She left it up to the manager to think it was another nanny position. To her surprise, the Manager offered to keep the Assistant Manager position open until Anna got back to her.
What luck. Anna had thanked the Manager profusely
/*/
When Anna arrived home, the first thing she'd done was ring Theo. Her call went directly to voice mail so she left a short message saying hello. Anna was so chuffed about things she practically danced her way to the shower. Merlin was looking out for her yet again. If Hermione wanted to speak to her about a potential position, great. If not, she would accept the Assistant Manager position. Either way, she couldn't lose. Best of all, these choices meant she could soon have the means to rent a better flat and put a little aside as well.
Hermione was expecting her for 7:00 and it was coming up on 6:30. Hurriedly slipping into a pair of tan trousers, a white blouse and a tan jumper, Anna was ready except for some light make up and a brush of the hair which only took another five minutes. At 6:45, Anna was ringing the bell at the address she'd been given without a thought for the mobile she had left laying on the living room table.
/*/
Hermione hadn't dawdled at the end of the day. In fact, she may have left a few minutes before the end of day. What could it hurt? Severus was closed up in his office and Jean was at the Ministry. A few minutes here or there wouldn't hurt anything. She had it in mind to work an extra hour on Wednesday if Severus mentioned anything.
Hermione was going over the menu in her head as she turned into apparition. Pork roast won.
It was only 5:30 so Hermione wasn't surprised to find Draco hadn't arrived home yet. He probably wouldn't be along until the roast was done and on the table. No problem. Reheating was always an option. It wasn't until Hermione was standing in front of the mirror brushing her hair that she remembered Draco's mates from Switzerland were due in London that evening. He probably wouldn't be home for ages. That was fine. His absence would give her a chance to speak frankly to Anna. She wasn't going to say anything she didn't want Draco to hear, but Anna didn't need people knowing all her business. Besides, if Anna was interested in working at WCS, she planned to school her good and proper on how to get into Severus and Jean's good graces. For that, she and Anna might need a bit of privacy.
By 6:30, the pork roast and vegetables were under a warming spell. Both red and white wine were chilling. Hermione was in jeans and a button front jumper with long sleeves. Everything was ready for her guest and her wizard.
/*/
Hermione had just glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch which was showing 6:39 when her mobile range showing Draco calling.
Hello handsome. On your way home then?
Hello love. I'm not en route yet, but will be shortly. I'm at The Dorchester with Wil and Clarke watching the wankers get settled in. I've invited them to have dinner with us. From the sound of things, tonight could possibly be the only bit of free time they'll have to themselves before meeting with Severus tomorrow and Mick on Thursday. I invited Blaise and Theo as well, but neither wizard gave me a firm answer. It will probably be just Wil and Clarke.
A few seconds silence.
You've gone quiet. Shall I tell Wil and Clarke you are under the weather or something?
Wil grabbed the mobile.
Hello Miss Granger. This is Wil Baker. How are you? We're not taking no for an answer. Mr. Malfoy has already invited us and we said yes. Besides, we're hungry, so set us up. We'll be right there. Here's Draco.
Sorry love. You know Wil has no manners. I hope it's not an imposition.
Both Wil and Clarke rolled their eyes at Draco. Draco shrugged and grinned at them.
Hermione let out a soft sigh.
Of course it's not an imposition love. There's enough pork roast for everyone. My only hesitation is I invited Anna to dinner so she and I could have a chat about WCS. I reminded you as late as this morning.
Yes, you did remind me. No worries love. After dinner, I'll take the boys to Malfoy Manor. Father would love to meet them. On second thought, I can't do that. If he finds out they are here to meet with Severus and Mick, father will squeeze every last bit of information from their bones. I can't subject them to that.
Hermione chuckled at the thought of Lucius Malfoy squeezing information from Wil and Clarke. Not because it was humorous, but because it was likely.
This is your home. Of course Wil and Clarke are welcome. Just bring your arse home please. Anna and I will have our talk in the study or the den. Ah! There's the doorbell. Anna is here. Bring your git arse and your git arsed mates here, now. See you in a bit.
Alright love. We are on our way.
Hermione ended the call as she hurried over to answer the door.
/*/
Both Wil and Clarke who were concerned they would be interrupting Hermione's night volunteered to have dinner either in the Dorchester Dining Room or out at Finnigan & Thomas Pub. Draco got them sorted straightaway.
"You won't be intruding or interrupting. Hermione does have a friend coming to dinner as well, but it's witch stuff. They'll go off on their own. No problem."
Clarke clapped Draco on the back. "Careful Draco. You said the word witch. Since Wil won't be able to flirt with Hermione, her friend will do. You do remember how easy it is for a beautiful witch to turn Wil's head."
Draco laughed at the rubbish coming out Clarke's mouth even as he hurried his mates to the Apparition Point. "Come on. Let's not have Hermione invite you to dinner then have to turn around and hex the white off those arses. You have the address. See you there."
"Right behind you mate." Said Wil.
"Me too." Added Clarke.
/*/
Blaise had every intention of going over to Draco's to meet up with Wil and Clarke right up until Ginny plopped herself on his lap and began running her fingers through his hair. He was now putty in her hands.
"I picked us up a nice chicken leg dinner which we will eat after you show me how much you missed me today."
Blaise grinned. "Although you haven't addressed my suggestion directly, I suspect your firm bottom wiggling against my firm dick means we will have to see the Swiss blokes some other time."
"And….?"
"And nothing my dear. I'd like nothing better than to see the Swiss blokes some other time, especially if it means I'm going to have intimate time with my witch. Shall I get naked first, or will you?"
Grabbing Blaise by the hand, Ginny began pulling him towards the bedroom taunting as she went. "Depending on how good you are to me, I might let you up to have a bit of chicken leg dinner to preserve your strength."
Blaise reached around and pulled Ginny to him pinching her nipple as he went. Leaning down, he whispered softly in her ear. "One of us always talks big until the other one of us has her shouting his name. Perhaps it will be me serving you up a bit of chicken leg dinner."
As they stood in the middle of the hall whispering sexual nonsense to each other, their needs began to overwhelm them. Blaise magicked Ginny's clothes away and tried to have her up against the wall, but they were in a frenzy and it was too awkward. They half walked, half dragged each other to the bed. In three movements, they were giving each other the best that they had.
After the sex, Blaise was more than content to have a few bites of chicken before pushing Ginny against the wall to shag her once more. This time there wasn't anything awkward about it at all. The deed was tried and completed. The wall had been very accommodating.
/*/
Theo wasn't exactly waffling about going to Draco's house, but he hadn't exactly convinced himself either. At least not until he was at the dinner table explaining to Reg and Declan he would be away from the house for a bit that evening. Glancing at Reg, Theo reminded him he was only a mobile call away if something went wrong.
A thin red line appeared across Reg's nose. "Thank you for the reminder Theo. However, you hired me for my experience as well as my abilities. Your son is a good lad who is respectful, obedient and clever, so it would have to be something quite dastardly for me to ring you on a night out. I'm certain I can suss out most things without assistance. In fact, I have set plans for Declan and myself to explore some of Diagon Alley and Diagon Place with specific intentions to visit Mr. Casper's shop."
Theo chuckled out loud glancing between Reg and Declan. "Sorry Mr. Briggs. It was not my intention to undermine your care. I hired you. I do know what you're about. In fact, let me rephrase my thoughts. Please don't ring my mobile unless the uncles come home and try to kidnap their nephew. As far as visiting Diagon Alley tomorrow, sounds like a good plan. A visit to a most favored friend does wonders, especially if the friend runs the ice cream shop."
Both Reg and Declan smiled at Theo's words, but neither commented. After a few more words between them, Reg excused himself and Declan from the table.
Theo had a few more remarks. "Come over here to me Declan."
Declan hesitated for a split second trying to figure out if he had done something. Then he had snapped to. He hadn't done anything wrong. Reg had given him high marks. "Yes father."
When Declan was in front of him, Theo did something unexpected. He extended his hand explaining to both wizards that from that night forward, Declan would shake his hand when entering or leaving the room. "Even though Reggie is here, this is the first night I will not be at the other end of the house. You are a growing wizard who can begin to learn the niceties starting tonight. For now, this interaction is just between you and I. If any other adult wizard extends his hand, you may shake the hand then step back. You will greet witches the same as always. This is a new Nott rule Reg. Mark it down. Good night men."
"Goodnight father. Thank you for our new Nott rule."
Reg nodded. "Goodnight Theo."
/*/
Theo had a quick shower and was listening to the messages on his mobile. There were two from prospective clients inquiring about appointments. He saved those. There was one from Draco reminding him Wil and Clarke were in London on business and would be at the house that evening. He should stop by and have dinner with them. Theo deleted the message. He had already decided to stop by Draco's to give the Swiss boys a shout. The last message was from Anna who had called to say hello. She would see him tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm sharp. Theo smiled as he saved Anna's message. Yes she surely would see him tomorrow at 7:00 pm sharp.
Before getting dressed, Theo rang Anna's mobile twice. Both times, the call went directly to voicemail.
"That's strange. How will I get my Anna fix if she keeps her mobile off?" Theo mumbled as he pulled on a tee and stepped into his boxers. "Perhaps she turned it off at the shop and forgot to turn it back on. I'll try her again later."
/*/
Hermione had just invited Anna to have a seat and pour herself a wine when the apparition wards trembled twice in a row. Five seconds later, Draco followed by Wil and Clarke came into view. Anna tried not to show her surprise as she had assumed it would only be herself, Hermione and Draco. Well it wasn't. After giving Hermione a quick peck on the cheek, Draco disappeared into the back of the house asking Hermione to make the introductions.
"Hello Wil. Hello Thom. Let me introduce you to a friend of mine, Anna Grace. Anna, this is Wil Baker. Wil, this is Anna Grace." Reaching out to Thom, Hermione winked. "And this fine specimen of a wizard is Thom Clarke. Thom, this is Anna. Wow! Good thing Desmond didn't come, or I'd be here introducing people all night."
Anna smiled as Wil nodded in her direction, but frowned a bit when Clarke grabbed her hand to shake and held on a few seconds too long. Pointing a finger in Clarke's direction, Anna told him to mind himself or return to Switzerland with only one hand.
Wil howled. "And once again witches and wizards, Thomas Clarke has dazzled a lovely witch."
"Oh shut it Wil. I'm adorable. I'm sure Anna didn't mean to threaten me."
Hermione stepped in. "Alright you two. I have dinner under a warming spell. Let's go eat. You may insult each other later. Come on Draco. We're about to sit down."
Draco came walking down the hall adjusting the neck of his jumper. "Although the big introduction wasn't necessary, it was nice. Thank you love. The dinner smells delicious."
/*/
And the dinner was delicious if the compliments from Wil and Clarke were any gauge. Hermione didn't want to insult the guests by clearing dinner remains away while they were still seated at the table, so she beckoned to Anna to follow her as she summoned wine and glasses before heading to the study.
"Make yourself at home Anna. Let's have a wine to start us off."
Closing the door behind them, Hermione was ready to get into her WCS, Assistant to the Head spiel, but before she could, Clarke stepped into the study ready to make a nuisance of himself.
"May I help you with something Thom?"
"No Hermione. I followed you in here to apologize to Anna. I hope I didn't come across as some arsehole. That's not me. I'm really a very friendly bloke who will be more than glad to discuss my lack of manners over a wine."
Hermione was stuck and a bit uneasy. She couldn't tell Thom to step back because first, it wasn't her business and second, as far as she knew, Theo and Anna hadn't committed to anything. Hermione didn't have to worry though. Anna spoke up for herself.
"There's no apology necessary Mr. Clarke. I find you friendly with manners which aren't all that lacking. However, without revealing my own personal reasons, I'll tell you I'm not the witch who is interested in discussing anything with a stranger."
Clarke didn't have a chance to respond because the study door opened and in stepped Theo Nott. "Good evening Hermione, Clarke. Hello Anna. Imagine my surprise when Draco told me you were in here with Hermione and Clarke. Had you remembered to turn on your mobile, I could have saved both of us some embarrassment. I planned to have a few drinks with mates, but it's probably better if I leave."
Hermione could see Draco standing outside the study door just about wringing his hands. Wil was standing beside Draco looking perplexed. He had no idea what was going on until Draco whispered, Anna and Theo are ….talking.
Theo was raging, but hiding it well. He didn't have any right to stop Anna from talking to anyone she chose, but he didn't have to stay and watch. He had made three steps towards Draco's apparition point when Anna stepped out of the study.
"THEO NOTT! Stop right there." Anna shouted from the study doorway.
Theo turned back to look at Anna without saying a word.
"I apologize for shouting your house down Hermione, but the wizard who has expressed interest in me wants a fight, and I'm ready to give him one."
Hermione who had turned bright red by that point waved away Anna's apology before doing a bunk to the bedroom.
Turning back to a frozen in place Theo, Anna lit into him once again. "If you can put off leaving for two minutes Theo, I have something to say."
Theo might be scowling on the outside, but he was humming on the inside. Anna had made an interesting comment. She was ready to fight, hex, or wand whip the shite out of the wizard who had expressed interest in her. If that was what it took to keep their interactions on track, he'd take two beatings and three wand whippings in front of everyone in the house.
Theo glanced over to see three pairs of eyes looking in his direction, but he didn't give two shites. Just to be a facetious arse, he gave the nosy bastards a wave as he followed Anna into the study.