Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 96
Theo looked Anna directly in the eyes. "The only thing that worries Declan Nott is the thought a lady would see him in his briefs. I think we're all set. You may now feel secure in the knowledge that my son welcomes your presence in his home as long as you don't look at his briefs."
Anna laughed as she grabbed Theo's arm. "Well, I guess I'm all set."
"Yes you are." Theo replied nuzzling Anna's neck. "We will apply silencing and locking charms liberally."
"Alright Theo Nott, I'm sold. I'll stay some nights but not every night."
"Giving her breast a tweak, Theo simply replied. "We'll see."
Miss Anna Grace sat there content in the fact she had found her forever family.
/*/
With their engagement news public, Hermione and Draco should have been ecstatic. However, it was a somber couple who laid together discussing what went on at Theo's.
Running her fingers up and down Draco's arm, Hermione commented on Parvati. Draco who felt the same as Hermione refrained from commenting. The witch had been and was still bad news in his eyes but, unless she stepped into his and Hermione's relationship, he was determined to keep his vitriol to himself. The only thing he did say referenced Theo.
"I think Parvati Patil should stay clear of Theo."
"I concur." Hermione responded through a yawn. "I also think Mick will be reassessing his choice of a witch."
"Definitely. All in all, I think our reveal went well. Now everyone knows you're mine. Make a point to tell it to the wizards waiting around the corner."
Hermione let out a soft giggle and another yawn. "Go to sleep prat."
"I may be a prat, but I'm your prat."
Hermione countered. "Did I say prat? I meant to say go to sleep fiance."
Draco's eyes were closed but he smiled. "I love you Miss Granger."
Snuggling up to Draco's side, Hermione returned the sentiment. "I love you more Mr. Malfoy. Goodnight."
"Goodnight love."
/
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 97
/*/
Like Hermione and Draco, Blaise and Ginny were having a one sided discussion about Theo's telling off Parvati while getting ready for bed. Ginny was livid while Blaise was being Blaise trying to calm his witch down.
"Calm down Gin. It has nothing to do with us. Theo will handle his business as he sees fit."
"And he should." Ginny agreed. "My problem is with Parvati making it necessary for Theo to step out of character in front of guests. She has been a nightmare since Draco returned to England and she couldn't get her hooks in him."
Ginny's furrowed brows alerted Blaise that Ginny would go on all night if he didn't stop her. Shrugging, Blaise gave a simple reply trying to end the conversation.
"True, true."
Ginny wasn't having it. She wanted to vent and she wanted Blaise to vent with her. "Are you patronizing me Blaise?"
Blaise turned Ginny around and began massaging her neck and shoulders. "No love. I'm not patronizing you. I simply want you to calm down. Theo has handled Parvati. Mick has probably dropped her as his witch and she'll never be able to darken the doors at Nott Estate again. Period. The end. We both have work in a few hours. Let's get some sleep."
With eyes closed, Ginny was rolling with the massage movements. "Thank you love. Your magic fingers feel so good. And presto, I'm calm. As you say, Theo's business is Theo's business. Let that be the end of it."
Blaise rolled his eyes behind Ginny's back. Wasn't that what he's been trying to do, end it? Whatever. It was time for them both to get some sleep. However, as she laid her head on the pillow, Ginny had a few last words.
"I think I'll stop by Parvati's dress shop after work tomorrow just to gloat."
Blaise let a soft sigh slip out, but he didn't answer. An answer would only extend a conversation that had already finished.
/*/
Instead of going back to Parvati's flat after dessert, Mick had taken the spot in his old rooms. He was sitting on the side of the bed going over his more than likely last conversation with Parvati. She had tried to plead her case with an invitation to her bed. However, when that hadn't worked, she had turned on her tears. Mick let himself feel bad for about three seconds before giving her straight facts. He was not going to be tossed out of Nott Estate on his ear because she couldn't hold her tongue. Neither was he going to be estranged from Declan nor the only wizard in his life who had stepped up to help him asking nothing in return except proper behavior. His remarks hadn't set well with Parvati who had gone into a tirade about Theo's personal and private matters. It had been at that point Mick got upset suggesting they move on from each other because he wouldn't stand for her disrespecting Theo or his home. Then, the promises and pleading had begun, but he had remained stoic wishing her well before striding from the flat.
Mick sighed. Parvati had been a decent witch who gave him all her attention. This entire thing was strange. Usually, it was the witch who walked away from him citing a lack of motivation and resourcefulness because he settled for the worst of jobs. Now here he was almost a year later with the tables turned. He had a well paying position and the respect of those he worked with and in a position to give a witch the push off. His mum would never have believed it. If he could help it, he'd never let anyone denigrate or disparage Theo Nott or his home.
With another sigh, Mick called out to Cely. "Cely please."
Pop. Cely appeared before him. "You needing something Mr. Mick?"
"I missed out on the entire dinner Cely. I'm hungry. If you don't mind, please fix me a sandwich with some garlic potatoes on the side. I'd also like a cup of coffee."
A look of surprise appeared on Cely's face. If she did mind? She was the household help. It wasn't up to her to mind or not mind. Serving her family was her job. "It's no bother Mr. Mick. It's my job to help my family. I'll be bringing you a plate of dinner and a cup of coffee. Leave the empties on the desk. I'll pick them up later. I'll be quick."
Mick stretched out on the bed with this arms behind his head mumbling softly. "No witch was worth giving up family."
Before another remark could slip out, Cely was back with the dinner he hadn't been able to enjoy and it was smelling good. He sat up. "Thank you so much Cely. A working man can't go to sleep on an empty stomach."
After giving Mick a slight bow, Cely disapparated with the usual pop.
Thirty five minutes later, Mick was having a poop before settling in for the night. The food had been exceptional.
/**/
Monday morning, Hermione and Draco woke early enough to have a leisurely breakfast during which they shared a few things they expected from their day.
"This is delicious love. Thank you."
Hermione left a kiss on Draco's cheek. "Everything I cook is delicious but I appreciate the compliment."
Draco didn't bother answering. His witch was trying to wind him up. He did, however, comment on their relationship. "We have outed ourselves. Our friends know we are engaged. I suggest you start thinking about a wedding date. I love being engaged, but I'd rather be married. It's time to start thinking about the next generation of Malfoys."
Hermione grinned at her fiance. "The next generation of Malfoys is it? You might have a long wait. My contraceptive game is tight. However, I will study up on wedding dates. Shall we look at sometime in October or November of next year?"
"October or November? Why those months love? I was thinking of a warmer month. Maybe May, June or July."
Giving Draco a direct stare, Hermione explained it all. "We could set a wedding date for the warmer months but I do not want to interfere with your birthday celebration or my birthday celebration. I want those out of the way before we are bonded."
Draco thought about it for a moment. "Makes sense. With our birthdays out of the way, our wedding will be front and center. I am amenable to October or November. Choose your date love and let me know. You may also want to advise your mother and father-in-laws to be when you've chosen a date."
"Waving her wand to clear away the breakfast remains, Hermione cautioned her wizard. "Slow down Draco. We'll advise Lucius and Narcissa in time. Let's come to a firm decision first. If I can fit it in, I'll review dates and let you know."
Grabbing Hermione in a tight hug, Draco spoke his answer into Hermione's hair. "I love you Miss Granger. Any day you choose is fine with me."
"Good. Now let me go so I can get dressed. Tide and time wait for no witch."
Draco laughed. "Tide and time my arse. You just want to get to work to see Severus and Jean read Gloria the riot act."
Grabbing Draco's face between her two hands, with a smile on her face, Hermione gave a smart response. "I tell you far too much Malfoy. I'm going to get dressed."
"Love you Granger."
"I know that Malfoy. I'll be quick."
"Hurry it up. I have places to be." Taking the last piece of toast, Draco wolfed it down in two bites. The new wizard was coming aboard today. He wanted to be early and ready.
Draco was in and out of the shower. He and Hermione had a five second kiss before stepping into the floo to go their respective ways.
Monday had started.
/*/
The weekend was over for Severus and Jean. It was back to WCS and DMTS. Severus and Jean landed at WCS to have a short conversation about what they would be doing with Gloria. Severus was done with it, but Jean didn't want to toss a witch out without some support. However, she did capitulate to Severus' suggestion that Gloria's answers and attitude would determine how she would end up. Jean assured Severus she and Gloria would be in his office by 10:00 am.
Giving the Messiah a wink, Jean flooed through to DMTS. Her Monday had begun. Traversing through the department, Jean greeted her staff before going to her office. If she thought she would have a few minutes to get her thoughts in order, she was mistaken. Gloria Isles, who had been ensconced in a chair awaiting her arrival stood up.
"Good morning Jean. I hope you had a good weekend."
"Good morning Gloria. Thank you. I did have a good weekend. Even though I haven't had a chance to get myself situated, I'm glad you're here. Severus has asked to see the both of us at 10:00 am. Since we have a bit of time between now and then. I suggest you get some work done."
Gloria knew she was in it but wanted to advocate for herself before meeting with Severus. "Alright Jean, but may I have a few minutes of your time? I'd like to explain what happened on Friday."
Taking deep breath before responding so she wouldn't come off rude, Jean gestured for Gloria to take the seat she had just relinquished. "I'm not sure there is anything to explain Gloria. You requested a change from DMTS and I gave you that chance. It was a soft option to see how you would fare. Instead of trying to excel, you let both Severus and myself down."
Gloria knew she had messed up, but she still wanted to explain herself. "I apologize for that Jean. Something very important came up that needed to be dealt with. I did go back to WCS but the packages had already been picked up."
Jean was getting aggravated listening to a staff member make excuses. Lifting her wand to close the door and silence the room, she laid Gloria out. "Of course the packages had already been picked up. I had Conor do it. There was a schedule to keep. You're a grown witch who asked for a chance to come to DMTS. You were given the chance. Then, you weren't happy at DMTS so you wanted to get back to the main building. Again, we gave you that chance which you bollixed up. What's next?"
Gloria didn't want to seem vulnerable in front of her superior but she couldn't help it. Tears began falling from her eyes. "I'm sorry Jean. I know I've been a bother but I really do want to be part of this project."
Gloria's tears didn't faze Jean. This grown witch wasn't living up to expectations. It would be up to Severus to make a decision on whether she remained with the company. Additionally, Jean hadn't missed the fact Gloria hadn't given the reason or any reason for not doing her job.
Jean was done. "For now Gloria, please assist Conor and Cassie. I'll see you in Severus' office at 10:00 am."
A dispirited Gloria left Jean's office knowing she didn't want to explain she was late picking up orders because she was off applying for a position with a renowned solicitor. That wouldn't do, especially if the other position didn't come through. However, she had high hopes as the interview had gone very well. If she was hired as an Assistant Prosecutor, she would be able to get away from the negativity that seemed to surround her in her current position.
"Certainly Jean. I'll see you and Severus at 10:00 am."
With their conversation over, Jean had come to the conclusion Gloria didn't belong on this project, but Severus would make the final decision. Letting out a soft sigh, Jean began shuffling through the papers on her desk notating last weeks numbers. Things being what they were, she wanted something positive to present to Severus after their meeting.
/*/
Hermione got busy as soon as he put away her jumper and purse wondering where all the orders had come from. "Merlin! Somebody worked hard over the weekend. There are at least twenty orders here."
While she was mumbling to herself, she was working. Within thirty minutes, she had twelve orders ready to go and five more almost ready. While she worked, Hermione was thinking about her discussion with Draco. She was set on an October or November wedding. That was for sure. However, the date was another matter. Giving her wand a quick twist, a 2005 calendar appeared before her eyes. Reviewing the calendar caused her to almost pack the wrong items. With a snap of the wand, the calendar disappeared. Wedding dates would have to wait. She was there to do a job not fantasize. Ten minutes later, she had seventeen packages ready to be picked up. Hermione was onto something else when Conor appeared at her desk to pick up the packages.
"Good morning Hermione. A big congratulations to you and Draco."
Hermione pretended surprise knowing Gloria was somewhere getting her arse reamed. "Thank you Conor and good morning. Have you changed positions? I was expecting Gloria."
Conor wasn't about to get into a discussion about Gloria even with Hermione Granger. "Until further notice, it will be me or Carrie picking up packages That's all I know."
Hermione smiled. Conor knew more but was smart enough not to discuss ongoing matters. "Okay. I have seventeen now and will probably have almost that many for the noon pick up. Say hello to Carrie or me. It was nice to see her yesterday."
Conor nodded as he shrunk down the orders. "I'll give Carrie your regards. See you later."
"Bye."
/*/
Although there were still orders to be put together, there wouldn't be another pick up until that afternoon. Hermione had a few minutes to check wedding dates. At her desk, she once again raised her wand to pull up a 2005 calendar. She spent a few minutes going back and forth between October and November finally settling on Saturday October fifteenth. The middle of the month. Hopefully, it would be decent weather.
"Done and done. We have a date. My fiance will be so proud." She mumbled, reaching for her mobile to advise Draco. He hadn't picked up her call so she left a message with all the pertinent information. Just as she leaned back in her chair feeling satisfied, Hermione heard the Severus greet Jean. She smiled. If she was a betting witch, she'd bet that Gloria wasn't too far behind.
Scrambling, Hermione pulled on an innocent face as she headed to the kitchen area. She wouldn't miss Gloria's walk of shame for all the galleons in Gringotts.
/*/
Blaise had called an early meeting for all teams to introduce Stuart Johns. It was a short meeting as every agent knew Stuart would be joining OTS on this day. Although it was atypical, Blaise gave Stuart the floor for a few minutes. Donald who was sitting to the left of Brian was listening to Stuart speak but was also speaking out the side of his mouth to Brian.
"Blowhard. I don't like him. I hope he goes to Team4 or Team1."
"Shut it Donald." Brian replied, speaking from the side of his mouth.
Draco shifted in his seat. He was going to ream the arse off Donald when they got back to their offices. Then he thought about it. Maybe not. Johns did sound like a blowhard. However, their team would do whatever was necessary. If Stuart Johns was assigned to Team3, they'd deal with it.
Donald was still mumbling. On the pretense of tying his shoe lace, Draco growled at Donald to knock it off. Donald went silent as Blaise remarked Stuart would be placed with Team1 for that day and Team3 for the rest of the week.
"Fuck!" Draco uttered softly. Before Donald could voice an opinion, Draco threatened to sack his arse if he said another word. Donald remained silent. Brian faced straight ahead without saying a word hoping Johns would be put on mail duty.
After the meeting, Agents stepped forward to introduce themselves and welcome Stuart to the department. At the end, Rick Walters and his team took Stuart to the Team1 offices to get him started. Draco, Brian and Donald headed to their offices.
/*/
Draco was still annoyed. Not only because they'd be saddled with a dolt but because Donald didn't know when to hold his tongue. "Not so fast Mr. Macomber. I'd like to see you in my office."
Since his name hadn't been mentioned, Brian kept going remarking he would pick up the morning mail. Donald rolled his eyes at his mate but followed Draco into the office.
"Yes Draco. How can I help you?" Asked Donald.
"How can you help me? How can you help me? You can help me by keeping that pie hole shut during meetings unless you're asked to speak."
Donald knew he had overstepped. "My apologies boss. I should have kept my thoughts to myself but I was calling it like I saw it."
Draco pounded the desk. "Shut up Donald please. For one second just shut up. You are a very important part of our team, however, if you keep stepping out of line, I'll release you to find another team. Have I made myself clear?"
A very subdued Donald replied in a soft voice. "You've made yourself clear Draco."
"Thank you. I know we were supposed to start work on the Gallagher case today. However, with Mr. Johns joining us tomorrow, I think we should gather our information then go over it with Stuart tomorrow."
"Alright Draco. Sounds like a plan. I'll let Brian know."
Donald stood ready to open the door when Draco softly remarked that he wholeheartedly agreed with his perceptions of Stuart Johns. It was just unfortunate he had voiced his opinion at an inopportune time.
Donald nodded at Draco. "Thank you boss. I'll be much more careful in the future."
Draco leaned back in the chair. Donald was a fantastic agent, but he had to learn when to hold his tongue. Grabbing his mobile, Draco sent a text to Blaise.
To: Blaise:
From: Draco:
If possible, please put Johns with Team4 so I won't have to curse Donald to death. Thanks.
Then he opened the text from Wil thanking him, Theo, and Jay for showing them a good time. Wil had written a few asinine remarks but Draco just shook his head. His mate would always be a degenerate. Lastly, he listened to the message from Hermione.
/*/
Draco grinned when he heard what Hermione said. Their wedding date was Saturday the fifteenth of October. She thought it should be 1:00 pm but would listen to his thoughts. However, it was all set in her mind. If he disagreed, he should keep his thoughts to himself and just suck it up. It was her wedding after all.
Draco laughed out loud. He had a wedding date. He would be Mr. Draco Granger in less than a year and a half. Rather than leave a message, he sent a simple text saying okay. It was a very happy wizard who turned his attention to the Gallagher documents on his desk.
/*/
Severus was looking over some reports when Mick appeared at his door.
"Good morning Mr. Byrne. Do we have a problem?"
Mick grinned. Severus always thought the worst. "Good morning Severus. We do not have a problem that I'm aware of. I'm just here to inform you that certain circumstances have changed and if you need me in Switzerland, I'll be glad to go."
Severus was surprised. The wizard who nearly had a shite fit when the idea of him going to Switzerland originally came up had changed his mind. That need had passed. "Thank you for your change of heart Mick, but things in Switzerland are on point. Clarke, Wil and Desmond have done a fine job. The only thing left is to sell the units."
Mick shrugged. "Alright Severus. If you have needs in places other than London, please keep me in mind. Have a good day."
Severus didn't have a chance to wonder what had changed with Mick before Jean was at his door.
With a quick flick and swish, Jean closed the door behind her. "Good morning again Severus. I'm here early to share some thoughts."
"Share away Miss Bradford. We have fifteen minutes before Miss Isles is due."
For the next several minutes, Jean shared her thoughts. Severus was scowling when she finished.
"Is this another Hermione Granger? Can she be saved or shall we chuck her out?"
Jean exhaled a long breath. "This is your company Severus. I've explained myself. It's up to you to decide whether she stays or goes. It's important for any start up company to have dedicated staff. I just don't see that in Gloria, but if you want to give her another chance, I'll abide by your wishes. Will you still want her back here at WCS?"
Severus stared at Jean. He definitely didn't want a half arse back at WCS. Actually, he didn't want a half arse at all. If there wasn't any place for Gloria at DMTS or WCS, she'd be given the boot. "I'm leaning towards letting her go. We have too much on our plates to be hand holding a witch who won't fit in."
Jean nodded her agreement just as there was a knock on the door. Gloria was on time.
/*/
Jean stood and opened the door.
"Good morning Severus. Hello again Jean."
Severus offered his good morning then asked Gloria to have a seat. Her response surprised both him and Jean.
"No Severus. I won't need to take a seat. I know I'm supposed to be here to receive a reprimand for an oversight on my part. I apologize for that. However, a reprimand won't be necessary as I'm here to turn in my resignation. This is a lovely company but there is another place I should be. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this fantastic venture. I'll definitely be using a mobile in the future. I wish you both well."
After her last statement and with her nose in the air, Gloria walked to the doors of WCS for the last time.
Jean almost fell into the chair. "Did that little snot just give us a telling off without giving us a telling off?"
Severus actually smiled. "Yes she did and that's that. She's a prosecutor by profession. I believe we'll see her name on the doors of some big time solicitor in the future. Good luck to her."
Jean wanted to huff but she had work to do. "Since our problem has basically taken care of itself, I'll be getting back to the Ministry. I'm going to move some things around. We can discuss it all tonight."
Severus moved his head from side to side. "Nothing to discuss Jean. Do what you need to do. I'll see you this evening."
After giving Severus two minutes of a direct stare, Jean walked out of his office without another word. Her Messiah could sometimes be annoying. She rephrased in her head. Her Messiah could be annoying most of the time.
/*/
Hermione had tried her best to see and hear what was going on in Severus' office to no avail. Gloria had walked in remained standing then walked out. Walked out with her nose in the air and a smirk on her face. What was that about? She hadn't even heard any raised voices. Hermione huffed as she opened the text from Draco. Then all thoughts of Gloria Isles disappeared from her head. Her fiance agreed with the date.
Arrogant pureblood or not, he was a keeper and she had a Malfoy wedding to plan.