Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 73

Although Celia had seemed quite genuine when she explained how Ron had changed and promised to act appropriately, she went to the den to see for herself. Expecting the worse, Hermione was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere in the room. There wasn't any eye rolling, any harsh words, any heavy breathing, nothing. She was pleased and became more pleased when Ron stood to greet her in a very non Weasley manner.

"Hello Hermione. Nice to see you."

Emilio glanced at her with raised eyebrows as if he couldn't believe what was happening.

"Hello Ron. It's nice to see you as well."

Scorp who was sitting quietly between Emilio and Emiliano had to get his word in. "Ron likes me now."

Every adult in the room blushed over Scorp's words, but the young wizard hadn't finished.

"Are you finished having lady talks? We're still having wizard talks but you can listen. Right Nonno? Right Emilio? Mum can listen if she wants."

Emilio answered for all the wizards. "Of course mum can have a listen, but she might have other things to do."

"Okay Emilio, okay. Mum might have to see about the dinner."

Hermione shook her head in wonder. Would her son ever run out of things to say? She thought not. However, dinner was almost ready. It was time for him to have a wash up and a pee. "Excuse yourself Scorp. It's almost time for dinner. We need to wash your face and hands."

"Okay mum. I need to have a pee too." Scorp explained as he got up off the couch. I need to do three things. It's almost time for dinner."

A slight sigh escaped Hermione. It was so obvious. Dumbledore junior was always going to try to have the last word.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 74

The dinner was fabulous. Fabulous in the sense that Ron was at his amazing best surprising everyone with his enthusiasm at being included in the Lozier wedding. Of course Scorp couldn't let Ron's comments pass without a reply.

"I'm invited to the wedding too. It's for family. Are you family Ron?"

Everyone around the table went silent for several seconds until Ron replied.

"Yes young wizard. I am family. Celia and I have been speaking about a wedding of our own. You'll have another uncle."

Turning first to Hermione then to Emilio, Scorp voiced his amazement. "Mum, Emilio. I'm going to have another uncle. I have a load of uncles. I have Uncle Matt, Uncle Seth, Uncle Sal, Uncle Gas, Uncle Harry, and now I'll have Uncle Ron. I'm so lucky."

While the others were smiling at the verbose young wizard, Hermione was letting out soft sigh, after soft sigh wondering if any of the family would be allowed to have private business.

/*/

After dinner, all the family sat around the study conversing. If a person was looking in, they would never have guessed that just weeks ago it had been an entirely different atmosphere. Scorp wiggled wildly when Emilio was discussing their new home, but remained quiet. He was getting a new home but it was family business. Ilaria was very interested in the three newly built homes. In fact, she asked so many questions Emiliano had to put a hand on her arm to get her to stop. After which, Ilaria realized what she was doing and used a napkin to cover the blush that had sprung up on her cheeks.

Celia spoke up to cover her mother's embarrassment. "That was such a good idea Hermione. Theo Nott sounds like a right brilliant wizard. I especially like how he sized the homes. Big for the Lozier family, medium for the Maida family and small for maybe someone's second home. It all sounds lovely."

While Celia was speaking, Ilaria had a thousand thoughts running through her mind.

Nodding in Celia's direction, Hermione concurred. "Theo is brilliant. I would never have thought of breaking up one huge mansion into three. We are thankful to have such a wonderful and forward thinking friend.

Emilio nodded but didn't add anything. His fiancee had said it all. The Lozier family would be in 4 Tudor Lane in less than a year.

/*/

About 6:00 pm, Hermione excused Scorp and herself to visit the bathroom and have a quick wash up. The rest of the family kept the conversation going covering several topics. By the time Hermione and Scorp returned, the group was talked out. It was time for Hermione to get her family home. She had guests coming.

Scorp went to sit back between Emilio and Emiliano but Hermione remained standing to share her thoughts. "Scorp, Emilio and I will need to get going. Thank you Ilaria and Emiliano for a lovely dinner and for sitting Scorp. I'm sure this won't be the last time."

Emilio stood and excused himself. It should have been him taking Scorp to the bathroom. He was the wizard plus he had a fierce need to pee.

Ilaria stood to hug Hermione and Scorp. "Of course this won't be the last time. We love Scorp. Additionally, there is much discussion to be had for the wedding arrangements. You won't be able to get rid of me."

Hermione smiled as she kissed Ilaria on the cheek. "I'll never try to get rid of you mum. You mean too much to me."

Hermione's words caused Ilaria to tear up but she almost came to full out crying when Scorp grabbed her around the legs parroting the same thing. Emilio came back into the room and smiled widely in his father's direction thankful it had all come to this.

/*/

While Hermione packed up Scorp's bag, Emilio took the time to speak to Ron and Celia. "Thank you Ron for the changes you've made. It's wonderful. I'd like to extend an open invitation to you and Celia to visit me, Hermione and Scorp when you have a chance. It could be a good time. Maybe we could have a night out. I've always wanted to see how a Weasley gets around the dance floor."

Both Ron and Celia laughed with both accepting the invitation.

Emilio added a caveat. "This all goes without saying you should phone or text Hermione to let her know you're coming. I have little say on what goes on at Malfoy Estates. A year from now it will be different. I'll have all the say."

Hermione laughed out loud. "Says you."

Everyone laughed.

"I guess she told you Emilio." Ron remarked accompanied by a loud guffaw.

"Yes she did." Emilio replied, placing his arm around Hermione. "I think I'll never be the boss, but that's alright because she loves me."

"You are correct Mr. Lozier. Now say your goodbyes so we can get back to Wiltshire."

With a lovely blush showing all across his face, Emilio scooped up Scorp and said his proper goodbyes. It was time to get back to Malfoy Estate.

Ilaria followed Hermione, Emilio and Scorp to the floo. "Thank you so much."

"For what?" Asked Hermione.

"For everything." Ilaria replied. "For everything."

Hermione turned around to leave another kiss on Ilaria's cheek. "It's me who should be thanking you for birthing such an amazing son. I love you as I love him. We'll speak soon."

A trembling Ilaria backed away from the floo right into Emiliano's arms. Looking his son in the eyes, Emiliano nodded his head agreeing to what both witches had said.

/*/

Hermione, Emilio and Scorp stepped into Malfoy Estates in a jovial mood.

"Wasn't that fun?"

"It was fun mum. I really love Nonna and Nonno and they love me. Celia loves me too. I'm just glad Ron isn't mean anymore. May I have a glass of juice? I'm tired. I want my pajamas."

Emilio didn't wait for Hermione to ask him to summon one of the elves. He just did it. "Dusty please. Come see about Scorp."

Pop. "Yes Mr. Emilio. I here."

"Unpack Scorp's overnight bag, help him with his pajamas then he may read his book for a short bit."

"Yes sir Mr. Emilio sir. I'll be doing that. Come on Scorp. It's time for you to get ready for the night."

Scorp reached out a hand to the elf. "Yes Dusty. I'm tired but I want to say hi to Crissy and Embers I think they missed me."

Dusty grabbed Scorp up. "They missed their little man same as me. You be saying hi then getting in your pajamas."

"Okay Dusty. Please jump me up. I don't want to walk."

Dusty jumped him up.

Emilio tried to grab Hermione up in a hug, but she masterfully dodged his arms. "It's almost 7:30. We have company coming, so don't be trying to get all lovey dovey."

Emilio chuckled. "I'm not trying to get all lovey dovey. I simply wanted a hug. Nothing wrong with that."

Giving him a quick roll of the eyes, Hermione headed to their bedroom. "I'm changing into something a little less frilly."

"Frilly is it? Perhaps Matt and Mila like frilly. What will you do then?"

Sitting on the toilet, Hermione shook her head. Emilio Lozier might be in for a beat down if he wasn't careful. "Just get drinks ready Mr. git. I'm sure Matt will be parched from the long journey from Flanders to Wiltshire. You might also want to see to the floo. Wouldn't want our first meeting with Matt's plus one to be problematic."

Problematic? Emilio checked the floo. It was all good for incoming visitors. He was getting the sense Hermione might not be all that chuffed to receive Matt and his plus one. He shrugged. She might not be chuffed but she was always the penultimate host. As these thoughts ran through Emilio's mind, the floo lit up. Their guests were coming through.

/*/

Matt was quick to stretch out his hand. "Hello mate. I'd like to introduce you to Mila Kohl. Mila, this one of best mates Emilio Lozier."

"Hello Matt. Good evening Mila. I'm pleased to meet you. Please come through and make yourself comfortable. Hermione will be right out."

Hermione entered the living room. "Hermione is here. Hello Matt. Hello."

Bringing Mila up beside him, Matt introduced her to Hermione. "Mrs. Hermione I'd like you to meet Mila Kohl. Mila, this is Hermione Malfoy."

Hermione smiled as she reached out to greet Mila. "Welcome to our home Mila. I'm very pleased to meet you. Make yourself comfortable and help yourself to drinks."

"Thank you for the welcome. I've heard a lot about you both. I think your mate has you both on pedestals." Taking the carrot cake out of her purse, Mila presented it to Hermione. "I've brought a small gift. I hope you and Emilio like carrot cake."

Hermione winked at Mila as she took the cake. "You must have had a bit of assistance with your gift. Matt is fully aware Emilio cannot resist sweets. I'll serve it in a little bit."

Matt grinned at Emilio as they both thought Emilio had the best sweet of all, Hermione.

/*/

As the two couples conversed, Hermione kept smiling and touching Emilio on the hand. Emilio believed he was thinking the same thoughts as himself. Matt had found himself a witch. A witch who kept a smile on his face and who could possibly be his plus one. Hermione liked this brunette witch with the amber eyes. She was beautiful.

Hermione laughed right along with the other three as Matt and Mila shred some of their earlier experiences. Matt didn't feel any shame as he explained how he and Mila had parted, but Hermione noticed he held on tightly to Mila as he described coming into the inheritance and being ought after by Kim Reina.

"Of course I was devastated, but that was then and this now. I'm not going to let Mr. Lozio slip away again."

Hermione nodded remembering the awkwardness of the last time Mila visited Milan. "I remember your visits. At the time, I wasn't privy to what was going on so it wasn't my place to comment. Knowing what I know now, I'm glad Matt found you again."

"Thank you Hermione. Matt mentioned you and Emilio are getting married next year. Congratulations."

"Yes we are. I chased Emilio until he caught me."

"Don't believe that for a second. "I've been chasing this witch since 2001 and before. She runs very fast."

Hermione laughed right along with the rest of them as she acknowledged the pursuit. "I'm thankful and blessed that he never gave up."

Emilio kissed Hermione on the back of her hand. "My life and my love. She and I also have a son who you will meet at another time as he was very tired."

"Matt nodded. "You will love Scorp. Just be prepared. He is worldly for his age and nothing escapes his notice."

Mila laughed. "I can't wait."

Matt squeezed her hand. If he had anything to say about it, they would have their own child someday. He didn't say it out loud because it was much too soon in their renewed relationship to mention babies.

/*/

When Hermione invited Mila to come through to the kitchen while she cut the cake, Emilio and Matt discussed business. Matt enthusiastically explained his hopes for Belgische Huizen with Adam and Richard at the helm and him supervising. Emilio knew what it meant for Matt to help out mates and was glad for it. They also discussed setting up a firm fourth level. It was a good idea but there were more important things to address first. Matt and Emilio agreed to put any decisions about fourth levels to the side for the moment.

Emilio brought up something that was on his mind. "James has accepted the position of CMO, but I believe he is a bit torn."

"How so Emilio? I thought everything was tidy."

"Everything is tidy Matt. It's just knowing how fastidious James is, he doesn't want to leave anything undone."

Matt shrugged. He wanted James to join MCC as much as Emilio, but he didn't want any hiccups. "I don't mean to be harsh Emilio but James has accepted the position. If he has reserves, I'd be disappointed but willing to accept his recantation."

"He has not recanted Matt. I'm just sharing an opinion."

"Matt sighed. Perhaps he'd come across to heavy handed. "I understand that mate. James has thirty days to clear up what needs to be cleared up in Milan. I wouldn't worry about leaving anything undone."

"You're right Matt. I'm stressing over nothing. The builders, contractors and developers should have something exciting for Sal and Seth. I can't wait to see what they present."

Before Matt could respond, Hermione and Mila returned to the living room with coffee, tea and cake in their wake.

/*/

Both Matt and Emilio stood reaching out for the coffee, tea and cake.

"Let us help you ladies with that. Be mindful. Matt and I intend to eat an overly large portion of the lovely smelling cake."

Hermione and Mila sat down and waited to be served by their wizards.

Once settled with cake in front of her, Hermione almost smacked her lips. "Is this shop bought Mila? It is fantastic."

"Nope. I made it from scratch. Well, magic helped a bit."

Hermione smiled at her guest. "I'm going to have to get your recipe. Perhaps Emilio and I will shock the good people of London by having an extra cake at our reception. Perhaps it will be a carrot cake."

Mila went full blush. "You flatter me too much."

"Perhaps a bit Mila, but Emilio and I plan to shock the guests anyway by having lamb and veal as dinner options."

Emilio kept his eyes on his plate. He wasn't going to get into another discussion about exotic dinner options in front of guests.

Mila looked a bit surprised. "Ah! Lamb is so good when it is cooked correctly. I love it. The same for veal. It is delicious when cooked well. I don't think that will be much of a shock. Wedding guests will choose the option they want. No worries there."

Hermione gave Emilio a big wink. In return he gave her a weak smile. It seemed lamb and veal could end up as proper dinner options.

/*/

Using her wand, Hermione cleared away the dessert remains carefully twisting her wand to wrap a section up for Scorp.

Finishing off the drink in his hand, Matt mentioned it was time for him to get Mila back to Belgium. "It's been fun, but it is also getting late. I hope we can do this again."

Hermione and Emilio stood as Matt and Mila stood.

"It has been a lovely time. I'm glad Matt brought you to meet us. Thanks for coming Mila. Thanks as well for your input on dinner options for our wedding reception. I hope to see you again soon."

Matt and Emilio shook hands but Hermione didn't hug Mila. She'd hug her if she became something special to Matt.

Matt and Mila said their goodbye, checked the settings on the floo then stepped in. Five seconds later, Emilio had Hermione wrapped in his arms whispering about lamb and veal. Hermione laughed hysterically as she gave her fiance a knock on the arm.

"In case you haven't realized it yet, your lovely fiancee always wins."

Emilio chuckled as he nuzzled Hermione's neck. "Everything is in order. Let us retire to our bedroom where I expect to win."

"Yes Mr Lozier. Let's retire to our bedroom where you are guaranteed to get the prize."

And they did.

/*/

Back in Pavia at Lozier Estate, Ron and Celia had said goodnight to Emiliano and Ilaria. The house that should have been quiet was filled with Ilaria chattering. Emiliano sighed as he pulled on pajama bottoms knowing his wife was leading up to something but was dancing all around whatever it was. He tried to tune her out as he slipped into bed.

"Ilaria! You've been going on about this that and the other. Either come to bed or tell me what is on your mind."

Ilaria gave her husband a direct stare. "Don't be curt Em. I'm not ready to come to bed. I have something very important on my mind."

"You could have fooled me Ilaria. You've been mumbling nonsense since Celia and Ron left. What is on your mind?"

"I want to speak to Theo Nott?"

Emiliano pulled himself straight up in the bed. "What? Who?"

"I'd like to have a conversation with Theodore Nott the Realtor. I want us to buy that third home next to Hermione and Emilio."

"You're talking mad Ilaria. What would we do with a second home? What would we do with this home?"

"I'm not talking mad Em. I want to be close to our son, his wife and our grandson. If we buy it, we won't have to spend all our time there. We can have it as a getaway home. To be truthful, I might want it for our only home. Whichever way it goes, I want that house."

Emiliano was trying to make sense of it. His wife was actually considering leaving Italy to buy a home in England. "Come sit down love and take a breath. Have you taken into consideration what your son will think? Does he want his mother and father five steps away?"

"You're being obtuse Em. The house isn't five steps away. You heard Emilio. The homes are spaced far enough away for everyone to have their privacy."

Emiliano went quiet. Emilio had said that. The reformed Emiliano Lozier wouldn't refuse his wife anything, but this, this was another matter. He also knew that once Ilaria got hold to something she felt was important, she would see it through.

Emiliano extended both arms. "Come here. You want to buy a home next to Hermione and Emilio. What about Celia and Ron? Do you want to buy a third home to be near them?"

Ilaria sighed as she laid her head on Emiliano's chest and spoke in a very soft voice. "Our son has been in love with Hermione almost from the day he first set eyes on her. His love, their love has finally come to fruition. He is finally happy. I want to be part of his happiness. I want us to be part of his happiness. We don't have to move straightaway, but we can speak to Theo about buying it. We need to hurry before someone else shows interest."

In spite of himself, Emiliano smiled. "Got it all thought out have you? I'll go along with it all only if you speak to Hermione and Emilio before speaking to Mr. Nott. If Emilio and Hermione are against it, forget it."

"Okay Em, okay. We must hurry though before someone buys it right from under us. I need your mobile."

"No Ilaria, no. You aren't going to ring Emilio at this time of night with nonsense."

"It's not nonsense and I'm not going to ring him. I'm going to text him."

"Bloody hell!" Emiliano growled as he reached for his wand to summon the mobile. "Have at it, but don't cry to me if your son stops speaking to you."

"Emilio will never stop speaking to me. He loves me. I'll just go write the text in the living room so I won't be bothering you. I'll be back."

Throwing back the covers, Emiliano Lozier followed his wife into the living room. He wasn't about to let her send the text without reviewing it first. There was no way he'd allow anything to foul up the happiness his family now shared.

/*/

Hermione and Emilio were cuddling after a lovely bout of lovemaking. Emilio specially was in seventh heaven because his witch had instigated their lovemaking by putting her mouth on him. As he laid there running his fingers through Hermione's tangled hair, Emilio couldn't put into words how much he loved this witch.

Hermione's eyes had closed and his eyelids were drooping when he heard the unmistakable sound of a text coming through.

Sliding quietly out of bed, Emilio picked up the mobile muttering dastardly thing about the person sending the text. Then he saw his father's name and became frightened something had happened to his mother. However, when he read the extremely long text which turned out to be from his mother, he began muttering more dastardly things which caused Hermione to ask if something was wrong.

Gazing at his wife-to-be, Emilio simply stated. "Mother wants to purchase the house at 2 Tudor Lane. She thinks it's a wonderful idea and wants to know what we think. Here, read it."

Wide awake now Hermione read the lengthy text and burst out laughing. Handing the mobile back to Emilio before lying back down, she had a few cheeky words.

"I don't think it's a bad idea love. What amazes me is Ilaria wrote a lengthy text without once mentioning wedding or baby. For that, I'm grateful."

"Funny Mrs. Hermione. Very funny. Just think if mother and father purchase the house, she'll only have to lean out the window to inquire about weddings and babies."

Hermione laughed out loud. "Tell Ilaria we concur. We do concur, don't we?"

Emilio shrugged. "Somehow I think this topic warrants further discussion. However, if you accept living next to your in-laws, I accept as well. I imagine mother is bouncing off walls waiting for a reply. I'll text her back. Are you sure? I'm ready to type the first words."

Hermione laughed out loud once again. "Just send the text git then come back to bed."

"Alright love, consider it done."