Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 7

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."

A/N: *The song "O Children" (Harry & Hermione's dance song) belongs to Nick Cage. I own none of it. I have to say, this song is one of the things that made me despise Ron Weasley. Makes me tear up whenever I hear it all these years later.

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 8

While Hannah and Hermione giggled uncontrollably, Fausto acted as though he was very hurt, which confused Scorpius.

"Fawto sad Mela. Fawto sad." Then stepping out of his high chair, Scorpius climbed onto Fausto's lap and patted his cheeks. "It's okay Fawto. It's okay."

Hermione and Hannah grabbed hands. Their boy was becoming so knowledgeable so quickly.

Hermione knew Harry loved treacle tart and had put away a large portion for him. "No worries love. I have set aside a good amount of dessert for your uncle Harry."

"Okay," answered Scorpius. "Fawto being bad."

/*/

Immediately after dinner, Scorpius took his favorite toy and went to sit in the living room while the adults remained at the table.

Harry offered a bit of information. "We ran into Emilio and James Wooley at Luxia. They were just finishing up dinner as we were checking in."

"I saw James today myself," replied Hermione. "I had him over for a late lunch. We had a great conversation. Although he didn't come right out to say so, I believe he would like nothing more than to be back at The Ministry in Milan."

"That makes sense," offered Harry. "Perhaps the Minister is helping James attain his goals." Turning to face Hermione, Harry inquired how things would go after the memorial service. "I know Saverio has set aside a room for after the service, but what will we do after? Shall we all meet back here?"

Hannah spoke up. "As the widow, Hermione will remain to greet the guests who want to offer personal condolences. I think Harry and I will stay for a bit, but we'll need to get Scorp back to the house. If you'd like Hermione, I'll get everything packed up so we can get an early start back to London."

Hermione felt so loved. Her adopted sister wasn't leaving anything to chance. "Scorp and I are fine. I plan to leave some things here at Carmela's. Except for what we will wear, the rest has been all packed up. We'll be ready to go home at first light Thursday."

Harry who was still sucking down treacle tart and vanilla ice cream held up a hand. "Hold on. No one is suggesting anyone be ready at first light. Second light will be fine."

"Git," Hermione said, reaching out to Harry. "First light, second light. It's all the same. Scorp and I will be ready to get back home by 11:00 am."

"Perfect," Harry replied, getting up from the table. "11:00 am it is."

Harry excused himself to the loo, but before he could make it out of the room, Hermione advised him that she had an idea she wanted to discuss with the lot of them.

Harry shrugged. "Sounds like a plan. I'll be right back."

/*/

While Harry was gone, Hermione shared a bit of what she wanted to discuss. Fausto, Carmela and Hannah all thought it was an interesting idea. It was Carmela who suggested involving Matt as they would have to get his permission to speak with Louis.

Harry was back. "Why do we have to speak to Louis? What have I missed?"

"You haven't missed anything Potter," joked Hermione. "I've had an idea and I want your opinion."

"Alright, let's hear it then. I hope it's good, because I don't want Louis shrieking in my ear over things misconstrued. Have you checked with Matt? I'm sure we'll need his permission to go trooping through his living room."

Hannah frowned at her husband. "We haven't discussed anything yet Harry. Let's worry about Louis and Matt once we move forward."

Capitulating, Harry agreed. "Alright love. We'll talk it out. Have we learned how to make gold out of rocks?"

Carmela smiled at Fausto. Their adopted children needed a swift hiding.

Hermione told Harry to sit down and stop being a git, which he did. She had then gone on to explain her idea. When she finished, the others, including Fausto, were looking at her in awe.

"Amazing idea Hermione," Harry replied, offering an opinion. "I suggest we keep it among ourselves until you've done some further study. This could be the next great money maker."

"I agree with Harry," said Carmela. "Let's keep everything among ourselves until we see what's what. I'm not sure you need to speak to Louis. Your idea is sound. We just need to find out if there is a market for living portraits. People often say one thing, but do another. Does anyone really want a living portrait of a detested mother-in-law leaning against their mantle?"

Everyone laughed except Hermione.

"I'm serious about this. I'm now an unemployed mother with a child to support. I need to be thinking of a way to support us."

Harry snickered. "I understand your need to remain busy, but please don't sit there crying poor mouth. Draco was a man of means which means you are a widow with means."

Hermione jumped up from her chair and faced Harry. "Do you think I'm doing this to disparage Draco? I'm not dense. He was my husband which means I know the state of our affairs. I'm not interested in this because Draco left us with nothing. I'm doing it so Scorp and I can be independent. If you can't see that…."

Cutting Hermione off, Fausto came to Harry's defense. "Please calm down Hermione. You'll scare Scorpius. I don't think that's what Harry meant. The assumption is, you'll never have to work again."

"I know the assumption Fausto," snapped Hermione. "I just want to make it clear that my son and I will not be solely dependent on Malfoy money."

Hermione stood there embarrassed and huffing like she'd just run a race not realizing her tone and volume really had upset Scorpius.

Sliding off the couch, a crying Scorpius ran to his mum. "I want potty mum. Scorp wants potty."

Picking up her son, Hermione left the kitchen, but called over her shoulder. "It was a stupid idea. Let's just forget about it."

The room went quiet for several minutes before Carmela followed by Hannah went to see about Hermione.

/*/

Hermione had put up a silencing charm, but as soon as Carmela opened the door, she and Hannah heard Hermione's heart wrenching sobs.

Scorpius was patting his mother on the head trying to comfort her, but he was sobbing as well. "Mela," he called out plaintively running to Carmela and pointing at Hermione. "Mum sad."

Carmela felt tears welling up in her own eyes.

Hannah plucked Scorpius from Carmela's arms. "Come with aunty Scorp. I'll get you washed up for bed." She and Scorp passed Harry as they left the room.

"I didn't mean any of it," he whispered to Hannah as she pushed past him.

"It doesn't matter what you meant. It matters what you've caused. Get in there."

Harry stepped inside closing the door behind him. "I hope you know I didn't mean anything foul. I would never treat my sister that way. I can fix this. Do you want to dance? I can put on *O Children if you like. That always cheered you up."

Getting to her feet, Hermione smiled at her brother as she pulled something from the bloody, beaded bag.

"I never could resist a good, when your lover leaves you and you're about to die, song." With a swish of her wand, the song of their teens began to play. Harry grabbed her hands, and they danced.

Hey little train! We are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station

Hey, little train! Wait for me!
I once was blind but now I see
Have you left a seat for me?
Is that such a stretch of the imagination?

Hey little train! Wait for me!
I was held in chains but now I'm free
I'm hanging in there, don't you see
In this process of elimination

Harry and Hermione actually danced as they had all those years ago. Finally, Hermione stepped back and whispered. "I'm alright now. I apologize for being such a twat. Thanks for the dance. I needed that."

"Anytime." Harry said as he headed out the door. "By the way, I think your idea about living portraits is brilliant. Let's follow it out to the end. The wife and I will be leaving now. We'll see you tomorrow. I might speak out of turn from time to time, but Merlin's truth, I love you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Harry. I'll see you tomorrow."

Hermione was washing her face when Carmela and Scorp appeared at her door. Scorp immediately held his arms out for his mum to pick him up. As soon as he was in her arms he laid his head on her shoulder and held up the family photo she had given him.

"Here mum." was all Scorpius said before laying his head back down on her shoulder.

"I'll leave you and Scorp to yourselves." said Carmela. "Fausto and I will meet you at Stare Tranquilli. Goodnight. Try to get some sleep."

/*/

It was quiet when Matt got in from work. "Kim! Are you here love?"

There was no answer. Removing his cloak, robes and shirt, Matt headed to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. After changing, Matt decided he would start dinner. He was in the middle of preparing a lovely broccoli, garlic chicken with fettuccine when he heard the whoosh of the floo.

Several seconds later, Kim came walking through. Matt walked over to greet her, but received a less than warm return greeting. Stepping back, Matt asked if there was something wrong.

Kim shook her head. "Everything is fine. I'm going to take a quick shower."

Kim's attitude had put a damper on Matt's good mood, but he understood. Everything revolving around Draco's death was stressing his wife out. Once he got the Malfoy business settled, he and Kim would hopefully get everything back in order.

Matt mixed the dinner ingredients together then set them aside. He and Kim needed to have a talk.

Kim who was sitting at her vanity when Matt walked into the room looked at her husband through the mirror. "Is that garlic chicken I smell?"

"It is. With fettuccine. Before we have dinner, I'd like to revisit our conversation from last night. I need you to define exactly what I'm doing wrong. You accused me of putting everything before you. Now is the time for you to tell me what everything entails, so I can right my wrongs."

"I was upset and may have said some things that aren't quite true." Kim answered as she pulled jeans and a jumper out of the closet. "You are a wonderful husband and I apologize for my remarks. You'll also be glad to know I've decided to act on your suggestion. Starting today, I've taken on three additional clients. In fact, I have two showings this evening, so I won't have dinner until later. I'll be meeting my clients in the square and we'll go from there."

Matt sat quietly watching as Kim brushed her hair then put on a dab of lipstick. Even though she had reversed herself about him putting everything before her, she was making a definite point about not sitting around the house waiting for him to come home. She was keeping herself busy.

After dressing, Kim gave Matt an quick peck on the cheek telling him she'd be back soon.

Matt absolutely couldn't fathom why his wife was so angry, and she was angry. Her words were saying one thing, but her demeanor was showing something entirely different. Kim wasn't normally antagonistic, but was obviously feeling some kind of way about what she thought the future held for them. He could only imagine how much worse it might get after he was instated as the Malfoy heir.

Matt went to the kitchen to fix himself a plate wondering what he could do to rectify things between himself and Kim. The one thing he did know. He wouldn't go back on his word. After three forkfuls of fettuccine, Matt discarded almost a full plate before going in search of the documents he and Gas had discussed.

/*/

Emiliano and Ilaria Lozier had been going back and forth for most of the day. Emiliano wasn't sure if they should attend Draco's memorial service whereas Ilaria did.

"We are only going to pay our respects. It's a courtesy. We are going."

"You didn't care for him at all," replied Emiliano. "He was a slick con artist who…"

Ilaria held up a hand. "Please don't start Emiliano. We've promised Emilio we wouldn't make those kinds of statements. Draco Malfoy is being mourned. This is not the time."

"Oh! The filthy blighter is dead, so now you love him."

Ilaria glared at her husband. "You know good and well I don't care one whit for the recently deceased Draco Malfoy. That isn't the question. I want to do this for our son. Years ago he found the witch he would love for life. He may now have a chance to have his heart's desire, and I'm determined to help in any way I can. If it means making a public showing for Draco Malfoy, that's what we'll do. You do not have to accompany me, but I'm going."

Emiliano sighed and reached out to his wife. "I understand my love. You will not have to attend alone. While I understand that Emilio and Hermione may never get together again, I'm his father and will support his efforts to the end."

"Thank you Emiliano. Our formal robes are ready. I have them hanging on the closet door."

Emiliano smiled at his wife. After all they had gone through, he knew she was what had kept him going all these years, and he planned to reward her. There was a lovely holiday excursion to Constance Le Prince Maurice Hotel in Mauritius with her name on it waiting to be used.

/*/

Minister of Acquisitions Emilio Lozier had a 7:30 meeting with vendors on Tuesday evening. He was there to answer questions about recent changes to how the Ministry would accept shipments. Although it had been a long time coming, Emilio had updated regulations. No longer would the Ministry accept deliveries that hadn't been reviewed on both ends. It was something Hermione had taught him a long time ago, but one he was now making mandatory.

It wasn't a long meeting, because Emilio made it quite clear where he stood on the matter. Vendors could accept the new rules and continue to supply the Ministry or they could move on. Although there were several very vocal vendors, no one wanted to give up their lucrative Ministry business relationship. In the end, it was unanimous that they would accept Emilio's mandate.

Willem from DLM attended the meeting even though it had been his practice for years to utilize the things Emilio was now advocating. Before leaving, he stopped to have a short conversation with Emilio and ended by telling the Minister he'd see him at the memorial service.

Emilio and his assistant remained behind after the vendors left to essentially ratify the changes. Wednesday morning the updated terms would be sent to all vendors. If they signed the document, they would continue to service the Ministry. If not, Emilio would be looking for new vendors.

Emilio and his assistant were at the end of their discussion when his mobile rang. Excusing himself, Emilio stepped away from his assistant to take the call.

Caller ID showed Marissa.

Hello Marissa. How are you?

I'm fine Minister. How are you? I'm just following up on our previous conversation. How does your calendar look for Friday?

Ah yes. My calendar. Actually, my calendar was clear, but in the interim a good friend returned to Milan and I will be spending Friday with him. Perhaps we can get together another time.

Several seconds of silence.

Have I offended you Emilio?

Of course not. Why would you even ask?

Well. Things seemed to be going well between us, but now you are acting as if I've done something to annoy you.

I am tying up the ends of a meeting Marissa. This is not the time to discuss feelings or impressions. Perhaps we can meet Thursday evening for dinner and drinks. I'll pick you up at 8:00.

That sounds wonderful Emilio. I look forward to Thursday. Goodnight.

Goodnight Marissa.

/*/

Back at the table, Emilio's assistant had everything squared away. Handing his superior the list of vendors, the assistant remarked he would have the necessary documents out within the hour.

Emilio was pleased with the way the night had gone. "Thank you. Stay on top of it and inform me of the results. They'll go along or they'll be gone. Simple. Thank you for your time. I'll see you in the morning."

The assistant wished Emilio good night as he gathered up all the parchment laying in front of him.

Emilio went back to his office to tidy up a few loose ends, but spent an hour just mulling things over. He thought about what he was doing with Marissa. Then he thought about how Hermione would be going back to London in a days time where she would be subject to all the wizards who would want to take care of her and Scorpius. There had to be something he could do to be one of those wizards.

Finally giving up, Emilio decided he would take things as they came. He loved Hermione, but that didn't mean they would ever get back together. However, it also didn't mean he would give up trying to get back into her life. He also decided it wasn't such a great idea to keep dating Marissa when he had no plans of building a relationship with her. To Emilio's way of thinking, Thursday evening might be the right time to distance himself from the witch who was looking for more than he wanted to give.

/*/

Hannah was silent when they returned to the Luxia. Harry knew why, but didn't want to broach the subject if he didn't have to.

Even though Harry had cleared things up with Hermione, his faux pas had put Hannah in a mood that was not to be taken lightly. Hannah was a witch with the patience of McGonagall. However, if you crossed her the wrong way, there could be hell to pay, and he had crossed her this evening.

Hannah finally broke the silence. "I imagine you're proud of yourself."

Here it comes, thought Harry. "I'm not proud of anything right now Hannah. You can't believe I would intentionally do something to upset Hermione. I simply stated an opinion."

"And a well thought out one at that," Hannah replied sarcastically. "So, the heart wrenching sobs it brought out in Hermione was just an expected side effect?"

Harry knew he hadn't done anything on purpose, so all this negativity he was receiving from Hannah was not sitting well. "Stop Hannah. You're working yourself up for no reason. It's over and done."

"Over and done," shouted Hannah. "Don't tell me to stop. I'll stop when I'm finished Harry Potter, not before. Hermione had an amazing idea and you made it seem as though she was being stupid. Did you not hear what she said going down the hall? Forget about it. It was a stupid idea. You have her doubting herself."

Harry walked over to Hannah and enveloped her in his arms. "I apologized Hannah. Hermione is fine. She and I have argued with each other for years. The only difference was I chose an unfortunate time to be an arse. I apologized to her, and I'm apologizing to you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt my best friend."

Hannah capitulated and all the fight went out of her as she began to sob. "We have to be there for her and Scorp Harry. She gave up everything when she married Draco. Without him, she will wither away if she can't be productive."

Standing in the middle of their hotel room, Harry whispered to his wife. "We won't let that happen love. We just won't. Please stop crying, because you're getting me all emotional." He said, wiping away her tears. "I'll be more careful with the things I say. Okay?"

Hannah nodded. "Okay. I want you to know that I like Hermione's idea. It's something I'd like to see her do. I also think I'd like to be involved."

Harry pulled back to look in Hannah's face. "Would you really? What will you do with The Leaky?"

"Is that really a question Potter? I'll do what I've done from the day I took it over, run it. I have competent and trustworthy staff which is all I need. I'll be entrepreneur by day and bar owner by night. I'm versatile like that."

Harry laughed as he leaned down to kiss Hannah on the neck. "Well, I'd find it very exciting to be the husband of an entrepreneur. I'm thinking that this husband would like a bit of private time with his soon to be mogul wife."

Snickering as she grabbed Harry by the hand, Hannah gave him a very cheeky answer. "Well get those clothes off Potter, because this soon to be mogul wants to feel that stick."

"Clothes coming off as we speak," replied Harry, releasing the catch on his trousers and letting them fall to his ankles. "I'm ready wife. It's time to put up or put out."

Hannah giggled. "Just get in here to put out this fire Mr. funny arse. I'm waiting."

/*/

Hermione allowed Scorpius to sleep in her bed. Looking down at the miniature Draco and smoothing his hair, she felt so helpless. She had made some big statements earlier, but meant every word. If her living portrait idea didn't work out, she'd find something else. She was determined not to become one of those idle, wealthy witches like Narcissa Malfoy, only intent on the next party or event. She'd already had two careers, another wouldn't hurt.

Scorpius turned on his side and the family photo fell into Hermione's lap. Tracing her finger over Draco's smiling face, she muttered some scathing words. "Look what you've gone and done Draco. You've had your way and achieved nothing more than leaving your son fatherless. Good job."

Tucking the photo under Scorp's arm, Hermione laid down and wrapped herself around her son.

/**/

Hermione woke early on Wednesday, 4/22/09. It was as though her inner workings were reminding her that this was going to be a hard day and she should get up and get prepared.

It was early enough that Fausto and Carmela were still there. Hermione could hear them, but didn't make any attempt to engage either one. She would see them later.

Sitting back down on the side of the bed, Hermione began to plan her day. She was all the way to 5:00 pm before she realized anything after 2:00 pm was already planned out for her and Scorp. The enormity of it all washed over her, and instead of preparing for her day, Hermione climbed back into bed to lie beside her son.

Hermione was pulled from a very vivid dream of her and Draco arguing about his dangerous behavior by a knocking. Sitting up, she pushed the hair out of her face and looked at Scorp who was sitting at the bottom of the bed playing with the mobile.

"Good morning my love. Such a good boy to be quiet and let mummy sleep."

The soft knocking continued, and Hermione could hear Hannah calling her name. Jumping out of bed, Hermione opened the door.

Hannah was visibly trembling. "You had us so worried. We've been trying to call you since 9:00 am. What's wrong with your mobile?"

They both looked at Scorpius at the same time. As if he knew what the day held for him and his mother, a subdued Scorp was sitting quietly pressing buttons on the phone.

Handing the phone to Hermione, Hannah picked Scorpius up. "It's almost 12:30 Hermione. Why don't you have a shower and dress while I take care of this little one. Harry will be here in a few minutes. The big coward didn't want to come through until he knew there wasn't anything wrong. Our portkey will activate in an hour. Kim will be traveling with us. Emilio and Matt will be apparating from the Ministry. The boys will be picking up the portkey nearest to them, or apparating directly to the service.

"Oh Merlin! 12:30? How did that happen? I'll be quick. Thank you Hannah."

"No need to thank me, just get ready. You're the one person who should not be late."

/*/

Hermione hurried through her shower, and was dressed fifteen minutes after that. At 1:05, she came down the hall to find Hannah, Harry, Scorp, Kim, Matt and Emilio standing in the living room.

Looking around, Hermione walked over to kiss Scorpius before apologizing to everyone for holding them up.

Hugging Hermione, Harry spoke for everyone. "You haven't held us up. We still have a bit of time."

"Harry's right," offered Matt, holding up what looked like a square, flat paperweight. "We can activate this portkey anytime after 1:15. I suggest we go then. You and Emilio should be there by 1:30 at the latest."

"Alright. I'm ready as I ever will be." Hermione remarked as she walked over to take Emilio's arm as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Looking up at the Minister, Hermione told him she hoped he didn't mind escorting her.

"I'm officiating," replied Emilio. "It's my duty to see that the widow gets there safely." Although Hermione's actions had surprised him, Emilio simply crooked his arm. He wasn't about to fail this witch when she needed him. Not again. He could be there for her, but there was absolutely nothing he could do to calm her trembling.

/*/

Before walking out the door, everyone except Emilio hugged Hermione and Scorp. Ten minutes later, the portkey had dropped them off at Stare Tranquilli.

Saverio asked that Hermione, Scorp, and whomever else she considered immediate family stand by the memorial book to greet people as they came through the door. However, after a quick word with Emilio, Saverio led Hermione and Scorpius and those closest to her to the front pews whispering that the greetings could be done in the reception room after the service.

/*/

At 2:00, Saverio had the ushers close the front doors. At 2:01, Emilio began to speak. He spoke for a few minutes about the well respected wizard who had met an untimely death leaving behind his widow and their son pointing to Hermione and Scorpius as he did so. He then explained that he would be calling the speakers in alphabetical order, also reminding the speakers they should keep to the allotted five minutes.

Hermione had to hush Scorpius when he began asking about his daddy. "Daco gone mum? Daco gone?"

As strong as Hermione was trying to be, her son's words were pulling at her heart. "Yes love. Daddy is gone, but you have your photo. Summoning their photo out of her purse, Hermione put it into Scorp's hand, and he immediately went silent.

Witches and wizards took their turn, some speaking earnestly about the fair and honest owner of DLM while others related funny stories about Draco. Xavier Cross gave a rousing speech about the man he considered the epitome of class. Gas spoke eloquently, as did Carmela, Fausto, Velia, Gennaro, Marta, Ettore and Willem. Blaise's mother spoke of knowing Draco since he was a toddler, briefly touching on how his death would have crippled his mother and father had they not predeceased him.

Hermione remained stoic as everyone spoke his or her piece, but began to get butterflies as Matt got up to speak, because that meant she was next. She was the last.

Matt was full of nothing but praise for the wizard and his wife (fiancée at the time) who had tracked him and his brother down after finding out they were part of the Malfoy line. Matt unashamedly spoke about how Draco had changed the lives of two lads from Belgium, and how they would be forever grateful.

By this time, Hermione could hear sniffles from around the room, and had to steel herself not to break down again in front of Scorp. Preparing for her turn, Hermione passed Scorp to Harry who was sitting next to her. However, before Emilio could invite her up, Sal and Seth came forward.

Very nearly holding each other up, they both spoke briefly about how much they respected Draco. Then Seth who was rapidly losing his composure admitted that he and Sal were with Draco that last morning and hadn't planned to speak because the guilt of not being able to save him was overwhelming.

Sal finished by earnestly telling the guests how Draco wouldn't want them to feel guilt. He'd want them to stand in front of his friends, family and colleagues and remind them of what a super lad he was. So that's why we've chosen to speak. We want everyone to know that Draco Malfoy was a super lad, and like you all, Seth and I are sorry he's gone.

With the last word, Seth and Sal went back to their seats.

From the corner of her eye, Hermione saw Fausto reach over to touch Seth and Sal on the shoulder as she heard Emilio invite her to close the service.

Hermione wobbled a bit as though her knees would give out, but Emilio noticed and met her halfway to the podium escorting her the last few feet.

"Thank you Minister. It's those last few steps that throw a girl off." Hermione's comments drew a few smiles throughout the room.

At that point, Scorpius slid off Harry's lap and hurried towards his mother. Harry got up to get him, but Hermione held up a hand. "It's fine Harry. Scorp belongs up here with me."

It was then that Scorpius threw both Hermione and Emilio a curve. Hesitating for maybe two seconds, he changed the game. Instead of going to his mum, Scorpius went to stand in front of Emilio and lifted his arms.

"Up Meel. Want up."

A number of people softly remarked, how cute, so sweet.

A faint blush appeared on Emilio's face as he looked to Hermione for direction.

Not wanting to cause any further disturbance, Hermione gave Emilio a quick nod and a small smile to her precocious son before turning back to the podium to begin her recitation.

Hermione's first words to the assembly were simple. "I apologize for the distraction. My son is as feisty as his father."