Returning To His Roots

by Divess

Sent to Switzerland shortly after the end of the War. Draco Malfoy has been enjoying life. However, a nasty run in with Hermione Granger at a conference in France forces Draco to change his entire mindset. He will return to London to face his past and prove his worth as well. With all the mitigating factors, will Draco prevail? AU/T/OC/OOC Dramione/Blinny.

106. Chapter 106

Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 105

Esther and Declan made short work of getting the invitations out. By the time Anna and Theo returned to pick up Declan, several of the RSVP's had been returned.

/*/

Anna didn't know what to expect from Hermione but it was all fine. They had a chance to chat where Anna explained it all. Theo wanted to get married as soon as she had her dress and she had her dress. Anna did apologize to Hermione for pretending she hadn't found the right dress but Hermione told her not to be silly. The two witches each made their appointment time with Leona. Anna purchased her dress while Hermione made excuses. She still wanted to look around.

Anna had her dress shrunken down and carried it back to WCS in her purse. She might be getting married Saturday, but Theodore Nott would not be laying eyes on it until she walked down the aisle to him. She and Hermione had a good laugh over knowing Theo would look in every crook to see the dress once he knew it was in the house.

/*/

Draco and Blaise had a rousing conversation about Theo's upcoming Bonding in a locked and silenced office. Theo was their mate. They could say what they liked, but only between them. Neither wizard wanted to be cursed and both had RSVP'd as soon as the invitation reached their hands. Blaise had thoughts of teasing Draco about moving his nuptials up, but changed his mind. His mate was engaged to Hermione Granger who wouldn't bend if her life depended on it.

After their conversation, Draco went to work and Blaise took a walk around the department.

/*/

Even though he hadn't received an invitation, Severus sent Theo a text wishing him and his wife to be good wishes suggesting they put off the Sunday meting until another time. Theo had concurred. After receiving the text from Severus, Theo immediately rang Esther to inform her she needed to send an invitation to Severus Snape and guest. He and Declan wouldn't be having dinner with Severus on Sunday, but his son would get to meet his hero on Saturday.

Theo hurried to his appointment with nothing but good thoughts on his mind not realizing how many witches and wizards were working in the background to make his and Anna's day magnificent.

/

Returning To His Roots: Chapter 106

Theo was on his way to a showing when his mobile began some non stop pinging. Taking a quick glance, Theo laughed like a bastard reading texts from Wil, Clarke and Desmond. In 240 words or less, Wil ran up one side of him and down the other. Theo laughed as he put his phone to silent. Business before boys.

Theo did make a mental note to text Goldstein to set an appointment with Kingsley to ask him to officiate the wedding.

/*/

Wil didn't stop at texting Theo. Noooo. He texted Draco ranting about how he was almost killed in London and should be given some consideration. He didn't expect to be Best Man, but he did expect a proper invitation. Draco nearly keeled over in laughter. His mate was feeling left out. Draco had returned Wil's text with a simple, we thought you were busy.

When Wil received Draco's smart arsed answer, he had a short conference with Clarke and Desmond the upshot of which was he was going to London to crash the wedding. Both Clarke and Desmond laughed at their mate giving him a very short answer, don't. The conversation had all come to nothing when Clarke checked his phone to find a group text Theo had sent to their work number.

Pushing his phone at Wil, Clarke glared. "Have a look at this nitwit. All this blustering for nothing. Theo sent us a text at 8:00 am this morning. He wants you to be a Groomsman and Desmond and I to be Ushers. I'm glad you didn't ruin it for us all."

Wil, whose whole attitude had turned around once he found out he hadn't been overlooked became expansive.

"Since everything has turned out all right, I'll tell you what I've done. I've reserved three suites at The lovely Dorchester Hotel starting Friday 8/21 at 7:30 pm through Monday 8/24 at 11:00 am. We are going to be front and center at this wedding. I suggest you arrange for time off, pack a case and bring it to work with you on Friday. Theo Nott won't be getting married without us."

Clarke laughed. "Arsehole."

"Yah! What Thom said." Desmond added. "I'm going to step away for a few minutes to order us up some white gloves."

"White gloves? Shouldn't you be worried more about Beth?" Queried Wil.

"Yes Wil. How will it look if the Swiss boys turned up with pasty white hands. If we are going to be part of Theo's wedding, we'll need gloves. As far as Beth goes, she and I have distanced ourselves from each other. I believe all this overtime work on mobiles has her thinking things.

Wil clapped Chris on the back. "Sorry to hear that about Beth. However, I knew about white gloves. I was just playing ignorant to see if you all knew."

Desmond let out a snort of laughter. "Playing ignorant? That's an understatement. Get to work you two loafers. I'll be back soon."

Wil and Thom got back to work looking forward to the weekend.

/*/

Since it had all been decided, Severus called a 10:00 am meeting on Wednesday to inform the administrative staff they would be moving to DMTS by the First of September. The people who would be moved were surprised but not surprised. Severus Snape liked order. There were a few questions but Severus summed up quite nicely.

"Those who are being relocated will receive a schedule on or around August Twenty Sixth explaining everything. I suggest you get your personal belongings packed up. I plan to speak to Jean about anyone wanting to move personal items to DMTS. If she agrees, there is no time like the present. Business items will be moved on Tuesday the Thirty First. WCS and DMTS will need additional staff. If anyone has friends, family, acquaintances looking for employment, mention our needs. As I specified when we initially began recruiting, do not insult either Jean or myself supporting unemployable dolts. It won't bode well. I will now inform the DMTS staff what is coming. If Jean asks for help with the move in…."

A host of voices shouted. "We'll be ready."

Severus gave what passed for a smile. "Thank you. That's all. Get back to it."

/*/

An overly enthused Hermione grabbed Anna by the elbows as she watched Severus head to the floo. "Do you know what this means Anna?"

Anna was not at all sure what Hermione meant. "No Hermione. I don't know what it means. Enlighten me."

"It means I along with you will probably be put in charge of WCS. We will be running this place."

Anna grinned. "Not to be obtuse, but aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? Severus probably has a plan in mind and it might not be putting us in charge."

Hermione laughed. "As if. Who else is there? We are his first line of defense."

"Alright. You say yes. I say wait and see. Severus might have some enterprising young witch or wizard already on his docket."

"Really Anna. Do you doubt me? Severus has commented on how well we're doing. I'm sure he'll choose me...or us. Wait and see. The 8:30 packets have been picked up. Let's get started on the 12:30 and 3:30 packets."

Anna got right to work wondering if her best witch had lost her mind.

Hermione grinned at Anna. "I see those wheels working. I haven't lost my mind. Severus Snape will be calling me into his office very shortly to offer me the position of Head of WCS. No worries."

Anna continued working not commenting one way or the other. However, in the back of her mind she was shouting, the Head of Transition Department is barking.

/*/

Severus stepped out of the floo and walked the hall to Jean's office which was empty. However, Jean must have smelled her Messiah because she came walking towards him with a smile.

"Good morning Severus. We have been expecting you. We are in the conference room awaiting your news."

"Ah! Awaiting my news. Thank you Jean. Always one step ahead. Before I address the masses, may I have a quick word in your office?"

Jean nodded. "Of course Severus. Did we forget something?"

Closing the office door behind him, Severus assured her it was nothing of the sort. "We haven't overlooked anything, but I have had additional thoughts about who will oversee WCS while I'm at DMTS. What do you think about moving Conor back to WCS? I believe he would be an excellent stand in for me."

Jean laughed then laughed some more while Severus began to frown. "Was my suggestion that humorous?"

"Your suggestion wasn't humorous at all. In fact, I think you couldn't have chosen a better candidate. My laughter is due to the fact you might have to quash a mutiny once you share this news."

Severus sighed. "No problem there Jean. I've had to quash mutinies before. It didn't end well for the mutineers. Let's not keep our staff waiting any longer. Let's go inform them of what's coming. Before I leave, I'd like to walk the department to get some idea of what's what."

"Certainly Severus. You may explore as much as you wish because you have made my day."

/*/

Severus was greeted enthusiastically by the DMTS staff.

"Good morning all. I'm here to inform you of changes Jean and I have decided to make. Nothing monumental but they will impact your department. Beginning September First, the administrative divisions of WCS will be moving to The Ministry. The long and short of it is you all will be getting back with your WCS friends. My primary office will be here, but as any good owner, I'll have my eyes on the manufacturing part at all times. We intend to make a few upgrades before the move. Help where you can with the move. Informational pamphlets about the changes will be on your desks August Twenty Sixth. WCS as well as DMTS are looking for additional staff. If you know of any suitable candidates, hand them an application. The key word is suitable. Do not support any layabouts or dunderheads. It will not bode well for whomever suggested them. Impressive witches or wizards such as yourselves are who Jean and I are looking for. That's all I have for now. Mr. Byrne please remain behind.

Jean excused herself.

/*/

Conor hadn't been ready to be asked to stay behind. In the space of five seconds, every infraction he'd ever done raced through his mind. Fortunately, when Severus explained himself, what he might or might not have done wasn't relevant to Conor. He was being asked to take on a big job. A very big job. Then the doubting took over. He wanted to accept but could he do it? Would the manufacturing teams accept him and the orders he would be giving? So much to think about.

Severus cleared his throat. "What is the hesitation? Surprised you have I Mr. Byrne? Do you need time to think over the offer? As I have said several times, I'd take ten of you and Mick. This is a big step up but I believe you are the wizard for the job."

Conor turned red from embarrassment. Here he was being offered a position and couldn't find the words to answer.

"Forgive me Severus for my seeming lack of manners. The invitation is so great it has tied my tongue. If you have the confidence in me to offer me the position, I have enough confidence in myself to accept. If I won't leave Jean short, I accept your offer. When will we train?"

Severus stood as he welcomed Jean back into the room. "Mr. Byrne has accepted our offer Jean. In fact, he's so eager he wants to begin training immediately."

Jean smiled as she offered Conor her congratulations. "Well done. Although I'm sorry to lose you Conor, I have a feeling somewhere down the line you'll be back to DMTS in an even bigger position."

Severus smiled as he extended his hand to Conor. "Let's not get carried away Miss Bradford. Let's see if Mr. Byrne lives up to his confidence. Regarding training, clear everything up here at DMTS today and report to WCS tomorrow morning. I suggest you bring a great deal of paper and a great many pens. A recorder will be allowed. I will be sending Kingsley an informational message as soon as I get back to WCS. Thank you for accepting the position Conor. I believe you'll do well. As of this minute, you are my junior. A piece of advice. Don't let anyone lead you astray or run over you. From the moment you sit your bottom in my chair, you are acting as me for me. Alright, that's that. Hold off mentioning our conversation to anyone until I can get the message out to everyone."

"Yes sir. Thank you both for the faith you have in me. I will do you proud."

Jean was grinning and beaming. The Byrne brothers were top lads. "After you see to your section, please come to my office so we can discuss your replacement."

"I'll be to your office in thirty minutes or less."

Conor knew he could get his section squared away in less than thirty minutes but had given himself a small cushion so he could reply to Theo's text. Of course he would stand with the wizard who had helped open doors he thought would never be opened to him. Once the text was sent, Conor made temporary arrangements being more than sure Jean had more permanent ideas of her own.

/*/

After Conor left the conference room, Jean gave Severus an ear to ear grin. "Do you really believe he can handle your Head of Transitions?"

Severus nodded. "I believe Conor can handle Hermione without lifting a finger. I'll be on my way. By the way, my office here could use a bit of sprucing. I won't say no to it being on a grand scale. I'll see you soon."

Jean hurried back to her office where she intended to map out her Messiah's office….on a grand scale. She also chuckled softly. Severus was enjoying this.

/*/

Draco was in the most pleasant mood Brian and Donald had ever seen. Not having received their invitations to Theo's wedding yet, neither wizard could fathom what was making Draco so happy. Donald started to do some bantering but Brian gave a forceful shake of the head. He liked the peace and quiet.

"Fine Brian. I'll just….."

Draco interrupted the sentence. "What's fine? You're never fine Donald."

Brian sighed. He had told the wrong OTS Agent to remain silent.

"There's a first time for everything Draco. Today I'm fine."

Draco gave Donald a stare, but answered very pleasantly. "Wonderful Donald. Mark this down Brian. Today Mr. Macomber is fine."

Brian kept working without acknowledging anything. In that short space of time between Donald's answer and Brian's silence, Draco had an epiphany.

"I need to step away for a few minutes. Don't get all happy Donald. I'm just going to my office. Try to stay fine."

Donald huffed and Brian smiled.

/*/

In his office, Draco picked up his mobile to text Reg. He had some thoughts.

{RECIPIENT}: Reg

{SENDER}: Draco

I would like to assist with the Bonding. If it hasn't been done, I would like to hire the musicians. In addition, if you could get me the required colors, I will hire a florist who can take care of decorating the gardens as well as the accouterments for the Bride, Groom and Wedding Party. It wouldn't be a wedding without a bouquet and buttonhole carnations. Since, I'm in charge of colors, perhaps I'll hire a florist and decorator in one who will handle it all. That's all I can think to offer at the moment, but give me time I'll think of something

else.

/*/

When Reg received the text, he laughed out loud at Draco's comment to give him time and he would think of something else. The wizard was a good mate to Theo.

As Draco sat waiting for Reg's confirmation or refusal, he began to think how simple Theo had made the entire thing. He found his life witch and was getting Bonded. If only… Nah! That would never work on Miss Granger.

A ping alerted him to a text coming through.

{SENDER}: Reg

{RECIPIENT}: Draco

Theo and Anna have agreed with your plans somewhat. They are both grateful and thankful you want to help but think you are saddling yourself with too much. Leave the musicians to someone else. Anna has chosen coffee brown and cream with gold accents as her colors. She said Theo and Declan will be wearing coffee brown, the Groomsmen must wear chocolate brown suits (no robes) and the Ushers must wear saddle brown suits. If Hermione wants to get herself and the Bridesmaids sorted, any shade of cream or ivory is welcome. Gold accents would be appreciated. Once given the pallets, the decorator should know how to plan. Are you sorry you asked? I'll assist in any way I can. Maybe I'll hire the musicians.

Draco laughed out loud at Reg's cheek, but got to work immediately after reading the text. Fifteen minutes later, he had his decorator/florist and had advised all the usual suspects on what they were required to wear. He also shared his and Reg's texts to Hermione to get her opinion. He waited several minutes but Hermione didn't respond.

/*/

When Draco walked back into the workroom, Donald was happy to mention if Draco's few minutes had lasted any longer, the day would have been over. Draco smiled as he told Donald to take an extra fifteen minutes for lunch.

Donald glanced at Brian. Their boss really was in a fine mood.

"That won't be necessary boss, but Brian and I will take a few minutes to get tea. Would you like one?"

"No tea Donald but a coffee with milk would do nicely."

"Alright then. Coffee it is. Come on Brian."

With a seemingly free few minutes, Draco decided to send one last text to Reg telling him to expect Cordelia of Designs by Cordelia at around 5:30 to have a look at the garden area. He suggested Reg have Cely listen in. Then, he began to wonder why Hermione hadn't bothered to answer his text. Shrugging it off, he hurriedly began work on the case before him.

/*/

After receiving the text from Draco, Hermione had gone into high gear getting everything sorted. The witches who returned her text acknowledged her information. The others she would text again later.

She had just finished reading the text from Lucy when Severus returned to his office. For several minutes, she sat there wondering if she should make a quick visit to his office. However, before she could make up her mind, he was striding across the floor heading in the direction of the Marketing Department. She would have to make her visit later. Hermione grumbled a bit about miserable wizards who couldn't take a minute to explain things. However, when Severus passed back by, she made sure to have a smile on her face. Throwing caution to the wind, Hermione entered Severus' office almost on his heels.

Severus could feel the annoyance growing. Hermione Granger would never give up.

"Hello Hermione. What can I do for you? As you might imagine I have a great deal on my plate so I will not entertain any long winded conversation. Please keep whatever you have to say short."

Hermione, who had been prepared for a welcoming Severus wasn't prepared for the stringent sounding wizard in front of her. She was there to accept a new position but two seconds in she realized that was not going to happen. As she had done the previous day, Hermione changed track.

Although aggravated herself, Hermione remained cordial. "I'll make it very short Severus. Anna and I want to offer any help necessary with the move."

Giving Hermione a direct stare, Severus nodded. "Excellent Hermione. Thank you and Anna for stepping up. Anything else?"

Hermione stood. "No Severus that's it. Call on us if you need us."

Severus watched Hermione head in the direction of Transitions wondering if she would be as acquiescing when she found out about Conor's promotion. "Her time will come. It's just not now."

Anna had taken one look at Hermione's face and retreated into the office. Her friend, mentor and boss obviously hadn't heard what she wanted to hear.

/*/

Severus spent the next twenty five minutes preparing the memo about offering Conor the position of Managing Head of WCS and his acceptance explaining training would begin Thursday with his actual start date set for September First. Rather than send the memo to Groups to be reproduced, Severus raised his own wand.

"Replicate seventy five."

A bundle of thirty five was sent to Jean's attention for dispersing. The remaining forty were sent to Heads and or supervisors at WCS to be dispersed immediately.

/*/

"What?"

Anna came out of the office when she heard Hermione shout. "Is everything alright Hermione. You scared me half to death."

Hermione handed Anna the flyer she had in her hand. Anna took a deep breath before addressing Hermione. "Conor got the promotion. Are you alright? How awful. Oh my. I don't mean how awful that it's Conor. I mean how awful it's not you. I'm sorry Hermione. Bigger things will come for you."

Hermione took the memo from Anna's hand letting out a huge sigh. "I should have taken a page out of your book Anna by not putting the cart before the horse. That's it then. I-we will be stuck in Transitions for Merlin knows how long."

Anna patted Hermione's arm. "Our chance will come if we continue to show our value."

"Hardly likely. With Conor in place, where is there to go? I need a moment. In fact, I'm going to the ladies for a pee and a face wash. Be right back."

While in the ladies, Hermione texted Draco to inform him of Conor's promotion with the sad face emoji which Draco obviously didn't comprehend as he replied to her text with, those Byrne brothers will not stop surprising us.

Hermione left the ladies grumbling about the prats in her life.

/*/

Anna watched Hermione walk away thinking one should never put the cart before the horse. Nothing she could do about that. Picking up her mobile, she sent a text to Theo advising him of Conor's promotion then one to Conor expressing her congratulations at his promotion. Conor replied with a big thank you and the grinning emoji. Theo didn't respond. She would have to talk to him at home.

Anna labeled and packed the mobile sets all the while hoping certain things wouldn't turn her wedding into a shite show.