All things related to the Harry Potter fandom were developed by and belong to JK Rowling. I haven't received any money or gratuities for this story. Thank you JKR for your characters. OC's were developed in my mind.
A/N: Warning: This story contains the death of a character. Please do not proceed if this type of storyline upsets you. Thanks.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 4
"What, no answer?" Matt asked scathingly. "Tell me you're not running away because you're too frightened to be one of those wizards at her door. Tell me," Matt shouted losing control. "It's just you and me here, so I'll lay it out. You are good enough. You have suffered through unrequited love for so long, I think you're the best man for her. Not today, tomorrow or the next day, but sometime in the future after a reasonable amount of time has passed, you should speak up for yourself. And here I was, thinking you'd make some inexcusable move. I was so wrong. You want to fucking run away."
Emilio took a few second to get his thoughts in order. His cousin had said the unthinkable out loud. Matt had said what he himself felt. He was good enough for Hermione. He could love her better than any wizard, but…..
"As much as I have burdened you with the comings and goings of Hermione Malfoy, I've never come out to say what I really feel."
Matt picked up another piece of sausage. This time popping it into his mouth. Taking the time to chew, Matt finally replied to Emilio.
"No you haven't cousin. You're much more polished than that. However, I'm neither dumb nor blind. I realize you have lived with the idea that without interference, you and Hermione could have made up and got on with your lives."
"You're too smart for your own good Mr. Lozio." Emilio replied with a laugh. "My only fear is that even if I waited ten years to approach Hermione, after Draco, she wouldn't be able to see me as a partner or lover. There you have it. You now know my wish and my fear."
Matt grabbed one more piece of sausage before heading for the door and leaving a last word. "Don't give up Emilio, and for fucks sake, don't take some bull shite position. Bide your time. I'll help."
A hopeful Emilio sat at the table picking over the remains of breakfast, wondering if he and Matt were formidable enough to counter real life.
A/N: *G.O.A.T. is an acronym for Greatest Of All Times
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 5
Matt arrived back home and slipped quietly into bed beside Kim. It was Sunday. He meant to sleep late. However, just as he laid his head on the pillow, Kim turned to face him.
"Did you and Emilio get everything resolved?"
Matt reached out with his left hand to smooth down Kim's hair. "There wasn't anything to resolve other than I owed Emilio an apology."
"For what?"
Matt sighed. He didn't lie to his wife, but this was out of her purview. This was between him and Emilio.
"I was out of line last night. I told him I thought he should be more involved with the family in our time of sadness. He made a remark. I made a remark. This morning I went to apologize. That's it."
Kim remained up on her elbow even as Matt closed his eyes.
After several seconds, Kim laid back down, but Matt could still feel her eyes on him. Finally, she plumped up her pillow and ran her hand down Matt's cheek. "I love you sweetheart, but this time, you were wrong. Emilio really wasn't all that close to Draco and Hermione. You shouldn't have tried to make him feel obligated. I'm glad you apologized."
Matt let out a slow breath. "I'm glad I apologized too. I'm going to sleep for an hour or so, then I'll get up to face the day."
"Well, I'm wide awake now," said Kim turning onto her back. "I'll shower then get a brunch started. What shall we serve for the meeting tonight?"
"Nothing fancy. I imagine most will want to get where they need to be for Monday. Blaise and Theo have made arrangements to stay in Italy, but Harry, Hannah, Gas and Seana will probably want to get back to London. Maybe Hermione will be going back as well. Before you start brunch, will you send out for the Sunday papers? I'd like to see the write ups for Draco's obituary and memorial service. "
"Alright love, go to sleep. I'm going to shower."
Matt simply grunted. He was tired of talking.
/*/
Over at the Maidas, Hermione and Scorpius had come through to the main rooms to find Carmela and Hannah buzzing around the kitchen while Harry and Fausto had their heads together in the living room.
Scorpius slid out of Hermione's arms to go sit on Harry's lap.
"Goomorning," Scorp said patting Harry's cheeks with his hands and leaving a sloppy kiss on his cheek.
Laughing, Harry wiped the slobber off his cheek. "Thank you Scorp. Uncle Harry loves disgusting, sloppy kisses. Just ask aunty Hannah."
"Scustin," Scorpius mimicked laughing louder than Harry. "Scustin mum."
Although all three women laughed at Scorpius, Hermione gave her son a gentle reprimand. "That's not a nice word love. Uncle Harry is going to be in trouble if he continues to say naughty words around his nephew."
"Yes he is," seconded Hannah giving Harry a mean case of side eye.
Fausto was so tickled he made a quick excuse and left the room.
"Fawto," Scorpius called after his poppa. Turning to Hermione using his pointing finger, he emphatically declared that Fawto was scustin.
All three witches turned to look at Harry who made a hasty dash to the floo calling out he would check to see if Matt and Kim wanted to have brunch with them.
All Hermione could do was say no, no, no to Scorpius as he sat on the couch singing scustin, scustin, scustin.
/*/
Harry stepped out of the floo calling out ahead of himself so he wouldn't startle or interrupt. Kim came out of the kitchen to wish Harry good morning.
"Good morning Kim. I've been sent to invite you and Matt to brunch at the Maidas. It'll save you from cooking. Is Matt up?"
"I've been up for ages," Matt answered from the hall. "I did however try to catch a few additional winks, but couldn't get back to sleep. Brunch at the Maidas sounds great. What do you think sweetheart?" He asked turning to Kim.
"I've already started on pancakes. Why don't I just bring them through with me?"
"We'll be right over Harry. I just need to get a shirt. Draco's write ups are nice. We'll bring the papers when we come."
"I'll wait," Harry stammered reaching for the newspapers. "There are three witches after me. I'll need you to go through first."
Kim laughed out loud. "Running that mouth again Mr. Potter? I'd have thought Hannah cured you of that last night. Go on Matt. You go first. I'm fairly certain Carmela, Hermione and Hannah won't hurt you."
Shaking his head, Matt went over to the fireplace and stepped into the floo.
Giggling, Kim had a few words for the errant wizard. "I'll go next Harry. I'm pretty sure they won't hurt me either."
/*/
When Harry stepped out of the floo, everyone was just sitting down. With a sheepish grin covering his face, Harry offered a heartfelt apology for using a bad word in front of Scorpius.
With a glare in his direction, Hannah casually told Harry she would see to him later. Everyone else around the table began serving themselves trying very hard not to laugh while Scorpius thought it fun to squish his eggs with his hand singing out, scustin, scustin, scustin.
Hermione summoned a cloth to wipe Scorpius' hand while telling him not to say bad words. Scorpius smiled at his mum and performed his newest behavior, patting both her cheeks with his little hands.
In return, Hermione grabbed Scorpius' little cheeks with her hands and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Shaking his head, Scorpius smiled as he wiped away the kiss then turned to Harry to repeat his new word. "Scustin Arry. Scustin."
Harry who was beet red by this time knew he was going to get a telling off from more than Hannah figured it was best if he kept his eyes on his plate.
As they began to eat, Matt told the others he had ordered copies of the local newspapers so they could see the memorial and obituary write ups.
Hermione mouthed a silent thank you to Matt for not mentioning Draco's name in front of Scorp. "I can't believe how fast and efficiently Saverio works. If Zacharias works as efficiently, the family should get through it all with ease." remarked Hermione quietly. "I'm thinking of building a memory book. I'd like a few copies for that purpose."
"Of course," offered Kim. "It's a must that you have copies so Scorpius can read about his daddy."
As soon as Scorpius heard the word daddy, he began patting Hermione on the arm. "Daddy gone? Daddy gone mum?"
Before Scorpius could break out in tears, Hermione summoned the photo she had given him the previous night. Handing it to Scorpius, she reminded him that even though daddy was gone, he could see him in the photo any time he wanted.
Scorpius happily took the photo from Hermione's hand and turned to Carmela, who was on his right, to show her. "My Daco. Mine Mela, mine."
"Yes sweet, he'll always be yours. That's a lovely photo Scorp. Your mum is very smart to have given it to you."
"Well, now that we've averted a baby meltdown," added Hannah with a slight tone. "We can move on to a different topic. Harry and I will be getting back to London tonight. I was wondering if you and Scorp wanted to come back with us until Tuesday."
Running her fingers through Scorp's, silky hair, Hermione shook her head. "If I'm not imposing on Carmela and Fausto, Scorp and I will remain here through Thursday. We'll floo back then. I'm not sure if I can face London just yet. I've had a message from James Wooley. He'll be coming from Spain and has asked to speak with me before the memorial service."
"James is a good man," offered Fausto remembering the wizard who was instrumental in bringing the Lozier case to an end. "It will be nice to see him again."
"It will be good to see James again," added Carmela turning to give Hermione a quick glance. "Are you alright with him coming?"
"I'm absolutely alright with him stopping by. I should be asking you and Fausto if it's alright with you. It's your home after all. Here I am inviting people to come through without asking."
"Don't be silly Hermione," Carmela replied patting her on the hand. "Feel free to invite whomever you wish."
Hermione nodded, without lifting her head. Carmela and Hannah both realized at the same time that some part of the conversation had overwhelmed their friend.
"Don't love. Mr. Scorpius is wondering what's going on," remarked Carmela as Hannah put her arm around Hermione's shoulder to help her from the chair.
"Hermione and I will go see about getting more juice."
"Yay, duce. Anna. Want duce."
Hannah brought Scorpius the juice giving Hermione time to collect herself in the kitchen.
At the same time, Harry left the table to go see about Hermione. "Be back in a minute."
They could all hear Hermione's sobs when Harry opened the door to the kitchen, but very quickly after that, all they could hear was the buzzing of a Muffliato.
/*/
Kim was puzzled. She couldn't figure out which part of the conversation had upset Hermione, and commented on it. "Hermione must be overtired if the mention of an old friend brings her to tears. She should get more sleep."
"Yes, she probably should," snapped Hannah taking Scorpius out of his chair. "But you won't appreciate how bad things can get until your husband dies."
Kim's eyes opened wide as she shrugged her shoulders. "A little snippy Hannah. Perhaps you need some extra sleep as well."
Matt sighed. Sometimes it seemed as though Kim said shite just to be saying it. Getting up from the table, he advised Fausto and Carmela he was leaving the newspapers for Hermione, assuring them he would order more.
Reaching out to Kim, Matt took her by the hand and over to the floo. "We'll see you all tonight. Breakfast was excellent. Thank you."
Trying to be the voice of reason, Carmela thanked Kim for bringing the pancakes before she stepped into the floo behind Matt.
/*/
Emiliano and Ilaria Lozier were happily surprised when Celia turned up at the estate with Ron Weasley in tow. They didn't care that much for Ron, but like Emilio, they had come to the realization he might be the wizard with whom their wayward daughter finally settled on.
"Mother, father," Celia cried out running to her parents. "Emilio told us what happened to Draco. Isn't it just awful?"
"It is awful," Ilaria replied giving her husband the slightest of nudges. As much as they wanted to commiserate among themselves about certain things, there was nothing they could say with Ron Weasley in attendance.
Ron was standing there shifting from foot to foot aggravated that Celia wanted to come all the way from Belgium to talk about Draco Malfoy. Yes, she had gone out with Malfoy. Yes, she had lived with Malfoy for a bit, but that was years ago. Why the fuck were they really here at fucking Lozier Estate? Celia's parents didn't like him, and he didn't really care for them, and wasn't looking forward to days of pretending they all got along. As far as Ron was concerned, he and Celia could be back in Belgium, or back in London enjoying each other's company.
"Sorry. What did you say?" Asked Ron.
Emiliano cleared his throat before repeating himself. "I asked if you were on holiday."
Nosey git, thought Ron. "Yes sir, I am. I go back on the 27th. I hope you and Ilaria have been doing well."
"We have Ron. Thank you. I hope you and Celia will be staying for dinner. Nice beef roast."
Celia was nervously playing with the buttons on her blouse. "We'll stay for dinner. Why don't you call Emilio so we can make it a family thing? Never mined. I'll call him," she said walking out of the room to make her call in private.
/*/
Celia rang Emilio who picked up on the third ring.
"Hello Emilio. Ron and I are here at the estate. Mother and father were wondering if you wanted to have dinner with us."
Emilio sighed. Why not? He damn sure wasn't doing anything else. "Fine. I'll be there by 6:00. See you then."
Celia was happy to share her information. "Your son will be joining us for dinner. I'm going to wash up. Do you mind if Ron and I use the back cottage? We'll be at the table before 6:00."
"Help yourself to the cottage Celia," sniped Emiliano. "Better there than your bedroom."
Celia huffed at Emiliano. "Please don't start father. Ron really doesn't need to see us fight."
/*/
As soon as he hung up with Celia, Emilio called his go to. He had decided to have a witch on his arm, so he might as well see it through. Maybe after they left the estate, he would be in a mood to go under her skirt.
Dialing the numbers, Emilio put a little pep in his voice as he asked Marissa to accompany him to dinner at his parents estate.
Marissa was ecstatic. The Minister was calling her for the second night in a row. Perhaps she would be the one to share his bed. Even better, perhaps she would be lucky enough to capture the wizard many witches considered to be the *G.O.A.T.
"I'd love to go Emilio. Shall I meet you at your place, or will you come fetch me?"
"I'll stop by your flat, and we'll apparate from there. I'll see you for 5:30. Until then."
As soon as she hung up from speaking to Emilio, Marissa began to scour her closet. She had to wear something dazzling. She had been invited to meet Emilio's parents and they hadn't even had a shag.
/*/
Emilio wasn't even thinking along the lines of bringing a witch to meet his parents. That was the farthest thing from his mind. To him, it was dinner, nothing more. He had other things on his mind. He'd seen Draco's Memorial and Obituary Notices in the Sunday newspapers.
Draco's death must have been gruesome, because the papers only said he'd had a fatal accident while skiing. There were so many ways for him to have suffered a fatal accident. None of them any better than the first. Did he break his neck, or get caught in an avalanche, or hit a tree? Emilio cringed. Each way was as bad as the other. Laying the paper down on the table, Emilio sat back on the couch. His one and only nemesis in the area of love and romance was gone. Period. The end.
Emilio leaned back and closed his eyes. Then, what seemed like ten minutes later, he opened them to see that it was already 5:00. Hurrying into the shower, he dressed in a navy, blue suit under navy, blue robes. He looked immaculate.
Surprising himself, Emilio was at Marissa's door at exactly 5:30.
/*/
Hermione was still in the kitchen with Harry, so with a quick nod of her head, Hannah gestured for Carmela to accompany her down the hall.
The door hadn't closed good behind Carmela before Hannah was speaking in low, deadly tones.
Carmela shook her head. "Our little Scorpius is wondering what's going on. We shouldn't get him too excited," she said tickling Scorp under his chin.
"You're right Carmela. What was I thinking? Can I just say that some witches are a wands length away from being hexed. Right my little love? Does Scorpius want to read with aunty Hannah?"
Scorpius slid out of Hannah's arms and ran over to the dresser to get his book. "Read Anna. Read. Oppin Pot. Come on. Come on." He said trying to climb on the bed.
Carmela sat Scorpius on the bed as Hannah opened the book and began to read.
The Wizard And The Hopping Pot
There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbors…..
/*/
Scorpius was leaning against Hannah spellbound when Hermione entered the room. Hannah held a finger to her lips as Scorpius was very nearly asleep. After a few more sentences, Hannah lifted Scorpius and put him in his bed, then the three witches tiptoed out of the room.
Once they were situated in Sal's old room, Hermione apologized to her friends. "I seem to do nothing but cry. Thank you for seeing about Scorp. I'm trying to be strong, but, as you saw, even the smallest thing can bring me to tears. I really don't care about crying in front of friends. I care about crying in front of Scorp and upsetting him. I'd better get myself together, because Wednesday will be here before I know it."
Hannah and Carmela wanted to help Hermione. Unfortunately, they could only support her, they couldn't keep away the tears.
For the next several hours, the three witches chatted, discussed and chuckled over the happy things that had gone on in Hermione's life. Not once did Hannah bring up the subject of wanting to throttle Kim.
It was a good afternoon.
It was coming up on 3:30 when Harry knocked on the door with an invigorated Scorpius in his arms. "Scorp woke up looking for his mum, his nana and his aunt. I'll leave him with you while I go have a shower and a short lie down."
"Thanks Harry," Hermione replied, reaching out for her good boy.
Hannah stood up. "I'm going to tag along with my husband. Hopefully, I can keep him from opening his big mouth." The last part was mouthed to Hermione and Carmela. "We'll see you at the meeting."
/*/
It was quite a surprise for Emiliano, Ilaria and Celia when Emilio showed up at the estate with a very pretty witch. A blonde witch who sounded as though she might have made it through sixth year then given up to live off her looks.
Taking Marissa by the arm, Emilio introduced her around. Whether through nervousness or confidence, Marissa started talking and literally never stopped, except when she put a fork to her mouth.
Ilaria finally got a word in and asked Marissa a few easy, but probing questions, much to Emilio's dismay.
"You are a surprise my dear," Ilaria said crooking her neck as she gazed at the witch. "We had no idea Emilio was dating such a lovely witch. Actually, any witch. What do you do at the Ministry? Why is this the first time we're seeing you?"
Marissa turned to smile at Emilio as though she expected him to answer the questions. However, he simply said he thought it was impolite to inundate someone they'd just met with a flurry of questions.
"He's right Ilaria," added Emiliano, agreeing with his son. "Let the witch eat her meal."
Celia was tickled. Her parents didn't care for this witch one whit. "Yes mother. Please let Marissa eat her meal."
Marissa was so overjoyed to have been invited to the table of such a prominent family, she never even noticed the subtle barbs pointed at her.
Even though Celia had spoken up against her mother questioning Marissa, she had a question of her own. "Have you been able to help Emilio with his back spasms? The spasms often put my brother in a bear of a mood. I'll rest easier knowing he has you."
Emilio rolled his eyes at Celia who was obviously fishing for information. "As you can see Marissa, my family feels the need to be very inquisitive when they meet a new person. Let us have our dessert then head to my home so you can calm my spasms."
Marissa grinned like she'd won a prize. "Certainly Emilio, but I don't mind the questions. I just hope my fingers are strong enough to help with your spasms."
Emilio sighed. "The entire family (excluding Ron who was dense) now knew this witch hadn't ever been close enough to touch his back never mind his….."
Emilio sighed again. What was he playing at? He hadn't brought Marissa to the estate to be embarrassed. Although, she was the only one who didn't realize she should be embarrassed. Maybe tonight he would put some effort into making her happy.
The knowledge that the witch sitting at their table was not someone of great importance to Emilio seemed to lighten both Emiliano and Ilaria's moods. They immediately changed tact.
"Do you really have to leave so soon Emilio? Your father and I are hoping you'd stay to visit with us for a while. However, what they wanted and what was said were two entirely different things with Ilaria continuing to ask questions.
Addressing Marissa directly, Ilaria asked if she'd ever met Matt espousing that she and Emiliano loved Matt. They thought his friendship with their son was instrumental in keeping Emilio on the straight and narrow.
Not that Ilaria would say it out loud, but she and Emiliano also thought Matt knew.
"I have met Matt," Marissa giddily replied. "A bit solemn, but a lovely man. Emilio and I had dinner with his family and spent some time out with him and his wife last evening."
Celia jumped back into the conversation. "You and Emilio had dinner at Hermione and Draco's old home?"
Marissa wasn't sure. Looking to Emilio, she questioned if Matt's current home was formerly the home of Draco Malfoy.
"One and the same," Emilio replied curtly. "And yes Celia, we had dinner there with the family. I believe that's enough questions for tonight. Marissa and I will be going. Thank you for dinner mother, father. It was lovely."
Marissa who saw her chance at getting to know Emilio's family better slipping away, remained in her chair leaving Emilio standing awkwardly with an outstretched hand.
Oops, Celia thought, this witch has just gotten on the wrong side of the Minister. She won't be giving any calming rubs tonight.
Emilio dropped his hand but spoke in a level though firm voice. "It's time we left Marissa. There are things I need to get done before returning to work in the morning."
Marissa realized from the firmness of Emilio's voice, she might be coming off as confrontational, so she stood.
"Thank you for the lovely dinner and lovely time as well. I hope to see you again."
Celia smiled at Marissa, knowing this was probably the first and last time the witch would be invited to Lozier Estate. "Nice to have met you. Take care."
Celia's sentiment was echoed from around the room, with no one extending any future invitation to return.
/*/
The family started arriving at Matt's house around 5:00. Hermione, Carmela, Scorp and Fausto came through about 5:30. Harry and Hannah came upstairs at about the same time.
Kim laid out a variety of hors d'oeuvres in lieu of making a big dinner.
Just before 6:00, Hermione asked everyone to take a seat so they could begin. She and Matt had used a simple spell to duplicate the information from Saverio and Zacharias. Matt handed out the information then sat down beside Hermione. Even though Hermione was the widow, it had been decided that Matt would act as head of the Malfoy family. Therefore, he was the one who went over the information. Because Saverio had taken care of everything, Matt had very little explaining to do. The only item to be decided was who would be speaking at the memorial and funeral service.
Hermione thought it would be better if more Italians spoke at the memorial and Brits spoke in London.
Blaise had been first to offer his opinion. "I've known Draco since we were children. I would like to speak at both services."
A ball began to form within Hermione. She didn't want to leave anyone out, but it wouldn't be feasible to meet all demands. "I understand how you feel Blaise, but we need to work this out as fairly and equitably as possible. I'd rather you speak at the funeral in London. However, depending on the number of people who want to say a word at the memorial service, perhaps it can be arranged."
Matt stepped in. "I know we all want to make this as easy on Scorp and Hermione as possible, so I'll ask that you put them before your own wants. What we're asking for at this moment is who will speak on Wednesday?"
Gas spoke up. "Willem and I have spoken. He, Gennaro, Marta, Maria and Ettore have asked to speak. There were more, but I took it on myself to keep the list reasonable.
Hermione smiled at her former PES. "Thank you Gas for being a voice of reason. I know your hands are full in London. However, we may have to pare it down more because you, your mum and papa will want to say a few words. What about you Sal? Will you speak?"
A faint blush appeared on Sal's cheeks as he declined. "I respected Draco and I'm sorry he is gone, but there isn't anything I can say that won't be said by others. Please forgive me."
Seth was feeling a bit uncomfortable. Call it guilt over Draco's death or whatever, but he'd decided not to speak either.
"Don't be silly Sal. There's nothing to forgive. I believe Xavier and James Wooley will say a few words as well. That's ten, not including Seth and Matt. I think that's enough to be getting on with. An important point is time. Every acknowledgement should be kept under five minutes. Five minutes might not seem like a long time, but it is. I will speak last. We now have the time allotment, and list of speakers which may increase or decrease by Wednesday. If anyone hasn't had a chance to see them, we have copies of the notices which were printed for the Italian papers, which we will share."
Summoning newspapers from the living room table, Gas laid additional papers from four different sources on the dining room table. "Seana and I brought copies of the local London papers. The two sets of notices shouldn't differ by much, but we wanted everyone to have a look."
While everyone was taking his or her turn at reading the notices, Matt meant to take a moment to share some reminders and additional news. However, before he could speak, Seth quickly mentioned he would not be speaking and asked Matt to not make a big deal of it.
Matt wasn't all that surprised that neither Sal nor Seth would be speaking. He believed the two wizards felt culpable in Draco's death, which was nonsense.
Nodding at his brother, Matt asked for everyone to listen to what he had to disclose.
"Just so there isn't any confusion, I want everyone to make sure he/she has the pass marked family from Saverio's packet. Otherwise, you'll have to find a seat wherever, and that won't do. Hermione wants family and close friends sitting together. I know most of you have to get back to work, so we'll see you Wednesday, 4/22 at 2:00 pm. Do not be late. The last thing, and I haven't discussed it with Hermione yet, is I intend to ask Emilio to officiate over the service. I'd officiate, but I'd rather sit with the family."
"I think that's lovely Matt. Emilio should be included," added Hermione. "Thank you for being so diligent. Just be sure to advise Saverio in case he already has someone to officiate."
"I'll contact Saverio first thing in the morning, and I'll speak to Emilio shortly. That's it then."
While the others spent a few minutes conversing with each other, Matt pulled Blaise aside. "Are you alright with the decision to speak only in London? I know Hermione will be glad to make an adjustment if you really feel strongly about speaking at both services. However, if you speak at both services, there are probably five more who will want to do the same."
Blaise shook his head from side to side as he clasped Matt at the elbow. "No problem Matt. I totally understand. I should have thought it through before opening my mouth. I can show my love and respect just by being there. Theo and I will remain in Italy until Wednesday evening, so if Hermione or Scorp needs anything, please ring my mobile. I also want you and Hermione to know my mother will be attending on Wednesday. She has known Draco since he was a toddler, and thought highly of him. Theo and I will be escorting her, so we will not be sitting with the family. Please explain the situation to Hermione as I wouldn't want her to think I'm being petulant over not being able to speak at both services. Actually, Hermione is free right now. I'll explain myself. Thanks mate. I'll see you on Wednesday."
Matt watched as Blaise explained to Hermione what he'd just explained to him. At the end, Hermione hugged Blaise tight and told him not to worry because she'd never known him to be petulant about anything.
Matt saw Blaise smile and heard his answer. "I've been a petulant arse on more than one occasion. Draco would've been the first to agree. I'll see you and Scorp on Wednesday. Goodnight."
Blaise, Seth, Sal and Theo moved around the room saying goodnight to everyone before heading to the floo.
Matt called Emilio as promised, but left a message for him to call back as soon as he could, because the phone just rang and rang.
/*/
Emilio was standing in front of his bathroom mirror running both hands through his thick, black hair. After dropping Marissa off, he had come home in a foul mood. Why had he brought a witch to the family estate? He wasn't being obtuse, or maybe he was. He'd really thought Marissa might help him move forward. However, watching her simper for his family had proven him wrong. Simpering witches just didn't do it for him.
Emilio understood that women wanted to make a good impression on the family of the wizard they were dating, but…. But, what? Closing his eyes and letting out a sigh of exasperation, Emilio admitted that bringing Marissa to dinner with him hadn't fooled anyone. Her presence had only served to prove a point to his family. He still wasn't serious about any witch.
It was time to get himself back into work mode. He turned on his mobile. The buzzing sound alerted Emilio to waiting messages.
The first was from Marissa thanking him for a lovely evening. She hoped they could do it again. Emilio saved the message. The next message was from James Wooley advising him he'd be in Milan for Draco's service and would be stopping by the Ministry to say hello. Emilio saved that message as well. The final message was from Matt who simply asked Emilio to call him. Glancing at the clock, Emilio realized it was a tad late, but he dialed Matt back.
Matt picked up on the second ring.
Hello….
Hello Matt. Sorry to get back to you so late. I was at dinner with my mother, father and sister. Just got in. What can I do for you?
Hello E….
Then Matt told Emilio he'd been invited to officiate at Draco's Memorial Service on Wednesday at 2:00 pm, if he was available.
Emilio was silent for several seconds before asking if Hermione and Harry were alright with the invitation.
"For fucks sake E, I wouldn't have asked without checking with Hermione first. So, yes. Hermione is happy to have you oversee. As for Harry, he's happy when Hermione is happy."
"Well, I had to ask. Didn't I? I wouldn't want anyone to get insulted because it was me standing in front of them. I'll be glad to do it."
"You're daft. No one will be insulted. I've been away from my office for a day and a half, so my morning will be manic, but I think we should speak as early as possible. Stop by my office on your way in. I'll bring all the required information with me."
Emilio agreed to make Matt's office his first stop. The cousins said goodnight then ended the call.
That was a pleasant surprise, thought Emilio as he stripped the clothes from his 6'2" frame and slipped into bed totally in the buff. He was feeling good as he closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would be a very busy day.