Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 6
Emilio was through with this conversation. This witch was pushing way too hard, first inviting him to his own cousin's house then to his parent's home.
As I've already mentioned twice, I need to check my calendar Marissa. Additionally, it's bad form to invite someone out then plan the evening at places where the company might not be welcome.
Marissa gave it one last push.
Not welcome. It's your family. Of course you'd be welcome.
I was speaking about you Marissa. My family doesn't care to have people insert themselves where they haven't been invited. There are a few matters I'd like to clear up before my start of day, so I'll say goodnight. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Goodnight.
/*/
Emilio was angry as he summoned his wand to clean the brandy from his shoes.
"Lovely," he grumbled. "Nothing like walking around the Ministry smelling like a brandy vat."
After cleaning his shoes, Emilio sat back down on the couch to enjoy a full glass of brandy. When he was finished, he made two mental notes. He had to call Matt first thing in the morning about the additional page being added to the memorial handout, and he needed to make a notation on his calendar for the appointment his assistant had obviously neglected to enter. There wouldn't be any Friday night dinner for him.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 7
Matt was in the study speaking to Louis as he went over Malfoy business documents he'd received from Gas. The two wizards were conversing about how much Gas had come to be like Draco, business wise.
"It's my opinion that you should elevate Gas to some higher position of authority," offered Louis. "From what I understand, the Malfoy Holdings and Investments are vast. You won't be able to handle everything on your own. Gas has learned the business from the bottom up. He'll be a great asset."
Matt respected Elder Malfoy, but sometimes he was a handful. "I don't plan to handle everything on my own Louis, but please give me some credit. I'm sure I won't fall apart if called upon to do the things Draco did. I'm quite capable myself you know."
Louis issued one of his familiar huffs before answering. "Has everyone made it his or her business to misinterpret my words? I didn't infer, nor will I ever infer that you cannot handle your business. My point is, there is a difference between you and Draco. As vast as the holdings are, Draco only needed to concentrate on the one thing where you will have to concentrate on the businesses as well your position as Minister of Finance. Additionally, these two things are based in two different countries."
Matt ran both hands through his hair. He was letting stress get to him. "Of course Louis. My apologies. I know that isn't what you meant. Your point is well taken. Thank you."
"Not a problem. You are my family, and I'll always offer my opinion."
"Of that I have no doubt," laughed Matt. "I appreciate your input and concern." Shuffling through the papers in front of him, Matt silently wondered if he would be up to the job.
Then, as if Louis was reading his mind, the vocal portrait offered another bit of advice. "The key to everything is to surround yourself with well trained, loyal and trustworthy people. The rest will come on its own."
"I'll see to it," replied Matt as he continued to sort through documents.
"Excellent!" Louis snorted. "Problem solved."
/*/
Matt decided he'd done enough of a review for one night. After locking the paperwork in one of the desk drawers, he wished Louis goodnight and left the study. Not quite ready to get in bed, Matt sat down on the couch, to think.
Louis was dead on. There was a great difference between him becoming heir apparent and Draco having been born into it. On top of which, he had a full time position in Italy while Draco's headquarters were in Britain. Neither the Ministry nor Kim would be very pleased with the amount of time he would have to spend in Britain. He wasn't that pleased either. His life was in Milan, and he didn't have any plans on changing that.
Matt sat there for a few more minutes trying to sort out an intricate problem in minutes until he finally realized he would take what came. There was always more than one solution to a problem. One just had to choose the right course. Pushing all thoughts of the position that had been thrust on him out of his mind, Matt grabbed a biscuit from the kitchen which he wolfed down before entering the bedroom.
Kim sat up to look at her husband. "Did you get anything sorted?"
Leaning over to kiss his wife, Matt gave a noncommittal answer. "I really didn't have a chance to look anything over. Louis was in quite the talkative mood. I still have a bit of time before I really have to think about things. I am going to sit down with Gas to put together a plan to meet with all the Directors of the Malfoy Companies. It's just a matter of when. I know I'll meet them briefly at the funeral. Perhaps Gas and I will have an itinerary by then."
"My poor baby," murmured Kim, reaching out to catch Matt by the hand. "If it's too much, why not just pass the job onto someone more experienced in Malfoy matters. I know you want to do your best for everyone, but you are the Minister of Finance. Your allegiance should be to the Ministry. Draco must have had more than one second in command. Let them have the worries."
Matt took a deep breath so he wouldn't snap at Kim when he really wanted to tell her to stop talking nonsense and go to sleep. Instead, he took the high road. "I gave Draco my word that I would step up if anything happened to him. Well something has happened, and I intend to step up."
Evidently Matt hadn't taken as high a road as he thought because Kim sat straight up in bed and snapped at him. "There's no need to be an arse Matt. I was giving you my opinion. I'm simply looking out for my husband, which any good wife would do. If you don't want to hear what I have to say, don't bring up the subject."
After Kim snapped at him, Matt let his good intentions fall by the wayside and snapped right back. "Perfect Kim. With all that's going on, I'm going to have to contend with you acting the aggrieved wife. Stop making everything about you and the perceived slights to your person."
Matt hastily unbuttoned his shirt and threw it to the side before striding to the bathroom to have a long held pee. When he got back to the bedroom, Kim was still sitting with her back against the bed.
"I love you Matt. I don't want to fight with you. Asking about something that will affect us both should not upset you. I just think you're making everything more important than me."
Yet again, Matt took a deep breath to keep from ranting at his wife. During the several seconds that passed before he felt controlled enough to give a civil answer, Matt removed his trousers and threw them on top of his shirt then stood there facing Kim.
"I love you too Kim, so I'm not going to stand here in my boxers arguing a ridiculous point. I have never made anything more important than you. Never. Perhaps tomorrow when I'm properly dressed we can have a conversation where you enlighten me about the times I put everything before you. Right now, I'm tired, and all I want to do is sleep."
Roughly pulling back the blanket, Matt slipped into bed. "Goodnight."
Kim said goodnight, but was unwilling to let the conversation end. "I understand you have been put in an unfamiliar position and have to deal with it. I wasn't trying to upset you. I just don't want to look around and find myself sitting alone waiting for my husband who is off running the Malfoy world."
"Unfamiliar position? I have to deal with it? We're arguing over nothing Kim. You have made it abundantly clear that you'd rather I refuse to step up as agreed, which will not happen. Both Seth and I signed our names to the Malfoy Line of Heirs, and I will adhere to all terms. Please stop worrying about sitting alone while I run amuck. More than likely, I'll be only a figurehead, so there won't be any need for me to run anywhere."
Matt turned on his side slamming his head into the pillow. "You need to do something to keep yourself and your mind busy. Why don't you take on a few more clients? Give yourself something else to think about. For now, let's call a truce. I need to get some sleep."
"Fine," mumbled Kim sarcastically. "Taking on more clients should fix everything. I'll be so busy I won't even notice you're not home. Goodnight."
Matt sighed, but refused to say another word. Five minutes later, he was asleep while Kim remained awake stewing over the changes about to affect her and Matt's life.
/**/
The first thing Emilio had done when he entered his office on Tuesday was check his calendar. Although it was a blank page looking back at him, with the swipe of a pen, his Friday was blocked off and notated as business meeting. The next piece of business was to see Matt.
When Emilio entered the office, Matt was growling into his phone, which was a surprise. Matt was one of the most laid back wizards Emilio knew, but it was more than obvious that something had gotten under his skin. Emilio closed the door to the office then took a seat to wait for Matt to finish his call.
After slamming down the phone, Matt thanked Emilio for closing the door. "It's only 7:45 and already its been a beast of a morning. How hard is it to make sure monetary contributions are allocated correctly? Not hard, especially if that's your job," he said answering his own question. "I've let this go for two months. I'm now in search of a new Allocations Manager. My apologies cousin. What can I do for you?"
"I'll speak my piece quickly. Hermione and I went over the presentation. She is quite satisfied with the way it is, but had one suggestion. We have added a listing page which will specify who speaks and in what order. We'll also be leaving a few blank slots in case Mrs. Zabini and/or James wants to say a few words. I've said all that to ask if you will call Saverio to inform him there is another page being processed and will be to him before 2:00 pm today."
Matt nodded but brushed aside everything Emilio had said to ask how dinner went.
"It was a pleasant meal."
"That's all? A pleasant meal. I mean what? Did you show up at the door and Hermione rushed you to the table then hurried through the presentation without a word of conversation?"
"Don't be an arsehole Matt. Carmela and Scorpius were there as well. Of course we held a conversation." While Emilio didn't mention how he had scolded Scorpius, he did mention that Carmela had invited him to a Sunday dinner if he promised to prepare his famous sprouts and celery."
"Well done," remarked Matt with a wide smile. "How was it that sprouts and celery came up in the conversation?"
"Hermione brought it up. She asked if I still made the sprouts and celery Harry found so delicious. I told her I hadn't made it in a very long time. That was when Carmela stepped in saying the dish sounded delicious."
"All that sounds promising, so why the long face?" Prodded Matt.
"I've never mentioned this before because it is hurtful and embarrassing, but sprouts and celery played a big part." From there, Emilio explained about the night of Harry's party where he and Celia met Harry and the rest of Hermione's friends for the first time.
Matt was puzzled. "Sounds like a good time. What's so hurtful and embarrassing?"
Emilio went on to explain the rest, starting with his suspicion that Hermione had gone to Draco's flat and how he and Harry had trespassed trying to find her. He finished by telling Matt about the exchange of curses between him and Draco.
"Incredible! Was Hermione at Draco's flat?"
"No. But in my heart I felt he had spirited her away from the party."
"What did Hermione say?"
"We never talked about it. Shortly after, Hermione accepted the position at DLM and things went downhill for us."
"I would never have believed it of Draco. What a filthy trick. However, if it happened, Hermione is not blameless. She…."
Emilio stood. "I didn't come to rehash old bull shite. I'm going back to the office to get this last page in order. I'll speak to you later."
"Shite!" Matt mumbled after Emilio left the office. "What an imbecile. That was a stupid thing to say." Picking up his phone, Matt first called and left a message for Gas, after which, he called for his assistant. They had an Allocations Manager to hire.
/*/
Both Fausto and Carmela had left for work by the time Hermione woke on Tuesday. Scorp was still sleeping so she pulled together breakfast ingredients.
Looking at the eggs, sausage, potatoes and bread, Hermione thought how strange it was to be cooking breakfast with her own hands. She had to admit she'd become used to Dusty or Embers preparing the food, because that's the way Draco liked it. He often told her the way she had advocated for house elf rights might have once been popular, but in their home, house elves were there to help out. They had argued back and forth, but with a baby to look after, Dusty, Embers and Crissy had become welcome help.
What a difference a week could make, she thought as she pulled out a chair and accio'd a cup, saucer along with the pot of tea. Hermione sat there drinking tea, preparing nothing, until she heard Scorp call out for her. Sighing, Hermione got to her feet.
What a difference a week could make.
/*/
After bathing and dressing Scorpius, they went back to the front where Hermione placed her little man on the couch with his favorite toy, her mobile. After vanishing the breakfast ingredients, Hermione fixed both her and Scorpius a nice bowl of cereal.
Waving the mobile around, Scorpius shouted out orders. "Talk mum. Talk Mela. Talk to Anna."
Laughing, Hermione took the phone from Scorp's little hand and handed him his photo of her, Draco and him. "Here love. Here's your photo. Let mum have her phone. Finish your cereal."
Taking the photo from Hermione's hand, Scorpius held his spoon in one hand and the photo in the other happily pointing out his mum, his daddy and himself. Watching her son, Hermione's insides twisted into a knot. Scorpius was so happy to have a photo of the father he would only ever know through a moving picture.
Hermione sat there in some sort of daze thinking things that didn't make sense any more. It wasn't until Scorpius, angrily chattering some gibberish, hit her on the arm with his spoon that she came back to herself.
"I'm sorry love," she said as she lifted Scorp from the chair. "Mummy got lost in her thoughts. Let's give you a quick wash up and we'll take Mela's suggestion and have a walk to the park so you can ride the swings."
"Yes mum," Scorpius answered, patting Hermione on her cheeks. "Scorp sing."
/*/
James Wooley was in the process of unpacking the small case he'd brought with him. Everything else had been hung in the closet or put away in drawers. James thought he may have over packed, but wanted to be safe rather than sorry. He had revised his away schedule to reflect his being away until the following Monday. Besides the memorial service on Wednesday, he wanted to be ready for any other event that might arise while he was in Italy.
After a nice, steamy shower, James called Emilio to let his former boss know he was in town. He wanted to invite Emilio to lunch and possibly find out more about the Minister's plans to leave his position. As disrespectful as it sounded, James was more interested in possibly securing the Minister of Acquisitions position than the death of Draco Malfoy. However, Emilio didn't pick up the phone, so James left a message conveying his hotel and room number with the thought they could have lunch together if Emilio picked up his messages in time.
Next on James' list of things to do was contact Hermione Granger Malfoy. She had invited him to visit with her at Fausto Maida's home when he came to town, but he didn't want to turn up without giving advance notice.
Hermione picked up on the first ring.
Hello
Hello Hermione. James Wooley here.
Hello James. Have you made it to Milan?
I have. I'll be in Milan through Friday. If you are up to it, I was hoping we could sit down sometime today to catch up. I realize you're probably busy, but I hoped to see you before you had to get back to London.
That's fine James. Wednesday is rapidly approaching. I welcome the distraction. Right now, Scorp and I are just getting back from the park. He needs his lunch then a nap. It's 12:30 now. How is 2:00 for you? We can chat over a late lunch.
As long as it isn't an imposition, 2:00 will be fine. I'll see you then.
/*/
Hermione gave Scorp a quick wash up, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk, another quick wash up because he got more peanut butter and jelly on himself than in his mouth then laid him down for a nap.
After putting Scorp down, Hermione showered and washed her hair. It wouldn't do to meet with James smelling like, peanut butter, jelly and park.
By 1:45, Hermione had lunch set aside and ready. She also set out a decanter of brandy just in case James wanted an early drink.
By 2:30, she and James were just finishing the simple lunch she had prepared and were chuckling over the things that had gone on during her early days at DLM. James spoke about how sorry he was that her husband lost his life at such an early age and how much he'd be missed. The discussion reminded Hermione she should ask if James wanted to say a few words at the service. He declined speaking, but assured Hermione he would be among the attendees.
The conversation had moved through many different subjects without having mentioned Emilio once when James' mobile rang. It was impolite to take a call while in the middle of a conversation, but it was Emilio calling, so James excused himself to speak with the Minister.
Hermione was actually glad James had received a call, because she was running out of conversation. A catch up was nice, but it was time to bring it to an end. Besides, she thought she heard Scorp moving around.
When James finished his call, he told Hermione it was time for him to get going. He thanked her for the lunch and the conversation before walking to the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow. I wish you and your son the best. I know there's no need for me to tell you to remain strong, because I've never known you to be anything else."
"Thanks James. It would seem everyone knows how strong I am except me. All I can do is the best I can. I'll see you tomorrow."
As she closed the door behind James, a few scattered tears rolled down Hermione's cheeks. Why? She didn't know. Perhaps she was feeling as though a proverbial door had just closed along with the front door. Whatever it was, passed as quickly as it had come, and it was a smiling mother that proceeded down the hall calling out her son's name.
/*/
Just before Carmela got in from work, Hannah called to let Hermione know she and Harry would be flooing through that evening instead of Wednesday morning in case she needed help with something.
Hermione was a little embarrassed to admit she didn't need help with anything. It was the truth. Saverio had done such a masterful job there really wasn't anything to be done, but Hannah understood.
The thing Hermione had a problem with was Hannah telling her that she and Harry would be staying at The Luxia Wizarding Hotel. Even though she argued back and forth with Hannah, Hermione finally gave in. It was just for two days as they would all be going back to London on Thursday. Hannah told Hermione to expect them sometime around 8:00.
Hermione was happy. She missed her brother and sister if she didn't see them at least once a day.
/*/
Gas returned Matt's call and the two men made an appointment to meet Wednesday at 10:00. Gas agreed with Matt about meeting all the different Directors. He also informed Matt that the way the Line of Heirs was set up he should be receiving some kind of magical notice of his new position.
"If I'm correct, the notice will include details of your next steps," added Gas.
Suddenly Matt remembered. "Seth and I did read something along those lines when we agreed to join the line of Malfoy heirs. I have the paperwork safely stored away. It wasn't important at the time, but it is important now. Who would have imagined anything happening to Draco?"
"Excellent. If you can find it and read it over, you'll be prepared."
"Prepared? You sound as though something will fly through my window and tap me upside the head. What should I be prepared for?"
A normally somber Gas gave out a shout of laughter. "I meant nothing of the sort. Although, if something comes flying through your window, call the guys. They'd love to see that. Knowing a bit about the intricacies of Malfoy ways, I'd say some glowing envelope with a magic ticket inside will appear on your living room table to whisk you away to Malfoyland."
"You're an arse Gaspare Maida. I'm sure it's as simple as documents sitting somewhere marked only open upon the death of the current heir. Maybe a small changing of the guard ceremony, so to speak."
"Whatever it is," replied Gas. "You should receive it within a week after Draco's funeral. I have to go. I'll speak to you in the morning."
"Alright mate. I'll see you then. Give Seana my love."
"Will do."
/*/
James stopped by the Ministry to say hello to the friends and colleagues he'd made over the years and pick up any information he could about open postings. It was actually hard to get any information about job postings as everyone he spoke to wanted to discuss nothing other than the untimely death of Draco Malfoy.
After his fifth encounter, James gave it up as a bad job and headed to Emilio's office where he was welcomed like an old family friend.
Emilio got up from his desk to clasp James' hand. "Welcome, my old friend. Come in and have a seat. Things just aren't the same without you. When did you arrive?"
"Nice to see you too Emilio. I arrived in Milan this morning. I'm staying at The Luxia. I was hoping you and I could have dinner. For once, I'll buy."
Emilio smiled. "You bet your arse you'll buy. You have the means. I'll be happy to have dinner with you. I'm also hoping you'll accompany me to Lozier Estate before you leave. My parents would love to see you. I think my father cares for you more than he does me."
"Ha, ha. I doubt Emiliano cares more for an assistant than he does his own son. It would be my pleasure. I'll be here through at least Friday. Make it happen. So, besides all the furor over Draco's death. What else is going on?"
"Right now, that's all anyone can talk about. The wealthy entrepreneur who literally killed himself. Sad story really. The wizard thought so little of his wife and son he participated in dangerous muggle games."
"Well, yes," said James clearing his throat. He was not there to disparage Draco Malfoy or listen to the Minister disparage him, so he deftly changed the subject. "I was over to see Hermione earlier. We had a nice lunch and a lovely conversation."
As much as James' revelation intrigued him, it was time for Emilio to keep his mouth closed. In the past he had let James see how much he cared for Hermione, but not now. Not when her husband had just died. So Emilio did what James had done. He changed the subject.
"Sounds lovely. I was wondering if you are still interested in coming back to Milan? Although I have changed my mind about the Minister of Marketing position, Matt and I have been networking for an additional position. We are looking at a Minister of Policy and Procedure position. It is all but confirmed. I'm hoping you will allow me to put forth your name. You have the credentials and the experience. Best of all, it will bring you back to Milan. What do you think?"
James was overwhelmed. Of course he was interested.
"I am most assuredly interested in coming back to Milan in a position of authority. Thank you for considering me."
"Wonderful. Before we head out to dinner, I'd like to introduce you to Mario Spergotti, Head of Hiring and Installations. You'll file your application, I'll put in my good word and we'll go from there."
"Wonderful."
James and Emilio took the lifts down two floors to speak to Mario. When they were done, James had been assured that his name would be on top of the list. It was a happy duo that headed out of the Ministry to have dinner.
Over dinner, James and Emilio discussed a number of things. James watched the Minister closely and came to the conclusion that he hadn't given up on certain things. It was all in the eyes. The Minister never said one thing out of order, but James knew his former superior hadn't given up on anything. This time around, he was just being careful.
James and Emilio were just leaving the dining hall at the Luxia when they ran into Harry Potter and his wife just signing in. Harry and Hannah exchanged pleasantries with Emilio and James before heading to their suite of rooms.
Emilio thanked James for dinner before apparating to his own home. For him, it had been a very pleasant night.
/*/
Carmela and Hermione, with Scorp on her lap were chatting about Hermione's day when Fausto came down the hall.
"Greetings lovely ladies and Scorpius."
"Fawto mum. Fawto. Hi Fawto," sang out Scorpius.
Grinning from ear, Fausto plucked Scorpius from his mother's lap. "Come have some dinner with me young man. I'll tell you all about my day."
Scorpius began giggling like a maniac while slapping his hands against Fausto's cheeks.
While the two boys ate dinner, Hermione and Carmela had tea.
"Harry and Hannah should be coming through shortly. They have reserved a suite at the Luxia."
Carmela started to argue but Hermione held up a hand. "I've already had this argument with Hannah. They don't want to impose on anyone so they are staying at the hotel." Lowering her voice, Hermione admitted that she thought Harry and Hannah would rather stay at a hotel than deal with Kim.
"I understand. They might have a hotel room, but if they are here too late, I think they should make use of Sal's old room."
"I agree," replied Hermione soundly. "However, it will all be up to them."
Scorp was giggling over whatever Fausto was telling him, so Hermione asked if he was laughing because they had eaten all the treacle tart before uncle Harry got there.
Scorpius laughed his hardest. "Fawto ate it mum. Fawto ate it all."
The two witches grinned as they clasped hands over Scorpius' full sentences. "Your boy is growing up. He'll be speaking like an adult before long."
"I know," replied Hermione. "It a shame that Draco isn't here to see this. He would have been so proud."
As Carmela sat there commiserating with Hermione, Harry and Hannah stepped through the front door.
"We're here," shouted Hannah.
At the same time, Harry shouted even louder. "Do I smell treacle Tart? Scorpius Malfoy better have saved me some."
Scorpius stood up in his chair to immediately rat out his papa. "Fawto ate it Arry. Fawto ate it all."