Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 8
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."
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 9
Hermione spoke for less than five minutes, but she'd had everything she wanted to say locked in her head for the last three days. She spoke easily and earnestly. When she finished, she could hear more sniffles throughout the room.
After thanking the guests for taking the time out of their busy days, Hermione waited in place for Saverio to present her with The Guest Book. Stepping away from the podium, Hermione handed the guest book off to Emilio while taking Scorp from his arms.
"Thank you Minister."
"Tanks Meel. Bye," parroted Scorp happily giving Emilio a little wave.
Before closing the service, and with a bit of a blush still showing across his nose, Emilio reminded the guests they were invited to the adjoining room to visit with the family.
/*/
As the guests filed past Emilio heading to the family reception area, many stopped to shake his hand and compliment him on a job well done.
Except for his mother and father who were not going to greet the widow, Matt was last to leave the room. Emiliano and Ilaria, greeted Matt, gave their son a quick compliment then left the premises.
When they were finally alone, Matt also complimented Emilio on a job well done, among other things. "Let's spend a few minutes with Hermione and Scorp before we get back to the Ministry. Unless of course you plan to stay and baby sit." Matt added, jovially slapping Emilio on the back.
Looking quickly around to ensure they were alone, Emilio growled at Matt. "You're beginning to sound like my mother and father. Statements like those are uncalled for and inflammatory."
Matt grinned and shook his head. "You have to admit that Scorp was the cutest thing. I think he recognizes his next daddy."
"Enough Matt, please," replied a frustrated Emilio. "I'm going to give Hermione her book and that will be the end of it for now. Are you coming?"
"Of course I'm coming. I wouldn't miss the rest of this for the world."
Huffing, Emilio strode away from Matt, but Matt was right on his heels trying to get his chuckling under control.
/*/
The room was crowded as many of Hermione and Draco's Milan colleagues, employees and friends stood in a queue waiting to give her and the family their personal condolences. Emilio who thought people were looking at him strangely, went over to Harry to give him the guest book. However, before Harry could take it, Hermione turned away from the queue to personally thank him.
"Thank you so much Emilio. I apologize for the antics of my son, but you handled him so well."
Emilio looked directly into Hermione's eyes and couldn't turn away. He thought he saw the Hermione of old looking at him. The Hermione who had once thought a lot of him.
Realizing he was staring, Emilio handed Hermione the book, gave a slight bow, and with heart thumping, stepped away to speak to guests who were waiting to greet him.
Watching from the other side of the room, Matt didn't miss Emilio's interaction with Hermione, and couldn't help thinking how one twist of fate could change a person's future. He and Seth were living examples. How easily it would have been for life to have gone in an entirely different direction for the both of them.
/*/
The rest of the afternoon went well. By 5:30, Hermione was ready to call it done. She spent a few minutes thanking Saverio for his diligence and complimenting him on his attention to detail.
Saverio had nothing but good words to say. "Your husband was a very well like wizard Hermione. I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure serving you, but I hope you don't have to see me anytime soon. Thank you."
Feeling emotional, Hermione hugged Saverio before looking around for Harry. "I'm ready to go Harry. Scorp must be wondering where I am."
"I have the book and a few programs," replied Harry. "I'm ready."
With one last wave at Saverio, Hermione, Harry and the others left Stare Tranquilli to activate their return portkey.
/*/
Once back at the house, Hermione, Harry, Hannah and Carmela sat down to discuss how they thought things went with all agreeing that the service had gone off flawlessly.
"Scorp threw a bit of a wrench into the works," admitted Hermione. "Other than that, the service was well done. Emilio was great. I owe him a lot. I think Scorp surprised him more than he surprised me, but he handled it well."
Harry had misgivings. "Emilio agreed to officiate, and he did his job. I don't think you owe him anything."
Carmela gave a quick cough before clearing her throat. "While it's true that the Minister was only doing the job he had agreed to, I think a small thank you can't hurt. I've spoken to him about joining us for dinner some Sunday. Why don't I set it up and let you all know. I'm really looking forward to his sprouts and celery."
Harry's mind went directly to food. "Oh! Are we talking about Emilio's signature dish? In that case, I agree. We should reward the man with dinner, and he should reward us with a very large pan of sprouts and celery."
Hannah laughed at her husband, but quickly sorted him out. "If you keep talking, I will kill you with a curse."
The others laughed along with Harry.
"Alright love. I've said my piece." He responded with a sheepish grin.
As usual, Carmela had everything managed. "Speaking of food, I've ordered takeaway which should be arriving shortly. All Italian all the time. Nothing against the food offered at Stare Tranquilli, but, to me, it wasn't the time nor place for food."
Scorp knew exactly what takeaway meant and voiced his opinion. "I hungy," he squeaked, turning Hermione's mobile over and over in his hand. "I hungy now."
"Have mercy," said Hermione shaking her head. "My child is becoming a monster. I hope the food arrives soon."
No sooner were the words out of Hermione's mouth than there was a knock on the door.
"I think we are saved," laughed Carmela. "The food is here."
/*/
Luckily, Carmela had ordered a ton of everything, because Sal, Seth, Blaise and Theo came through the front door just as Kim, followed by Gas and Seana stepped out of the floo.
"We thought we smelled food," Blaise remarked happily before giving Scorpius a hug.
Pushing Blaise away, an ornery sounding Scorpius answered in no uncertain terms. "Stop Baise. I hungy now."
Everyone laughed at the look that appeared on Blaise's face.
Hermione smiled, but cautioned her feisty son to be a good boy.
Scorpius took one second to reply before lifting another forkful to his lips. "I good boy mum. Scorp a good boy."
/*/
As everyone else was milling about, Seth stopped to tell Hermione that his mates in Belgium sent their condolences and were sorry they couldn't make it to the service. Hermione asked Seth to extend her thanks assuring him she hadn't expected his mates to change their day to mourn a wizard they'd only met three or four times.
Seth shrugged. "Three or four times was enough. I grew up with them Hermione. They respected Draco. Not only as an astute businessman, but as a fair-minded man who plucked their friends out of near poverty."
"Of course," Hermione replied, a little embarrassed she had brought up things which were better left unspoken. "Thank you for telling me Seth. Scorp and I appreciate it."
"My pleasure."
/*/
By 9:00 pm, the guys had all left so the Brits could get themselves sorted. Scorpius was in bed and Fausto, Harry, Gas and Xavier were at the kitchen table trading war stories while Kim and Seana sat in the living room with Hermione, Carmela and Hannah trading their own stories.
The wine had loosened Carmela's tongue a bit and she was in the middle of telling the story about how Draco had sent a Traveler to the States to pick up product with an end delivery destination of Gstaad because he thought the Traveler was trying to chat Hermione up.
"I think Hermione and I might have giggled the entire day. Right love?" She asked Hermione while getting a bit maudlin. "We miss you at DLM Hermione. I haven't had a laugh like that in ages."
Hermione sat there blushing. She wasn't about to get into the things that happened while she ran DLM, because some of the things weren't that memorable. Trying not to catch the eye of any of the witches, Hermione excused herself to go to the ladies, bumping against Seana's leg as she did. Seana was burning up. The ladies room forgotten, Hermione asked Carmela to come check her daughter-in-law because she was running a fever.
After feeling Seana's cheek, Carmela hurried to the kitchen door to get Gas. "We need you in here Gaspare. Seana is ill. She's burning up."
Gas came running with Harry and Xavier at his heels, pushing the witches gently aside.
Carmela didn't give Gas a chance to say anything before she began rushing around insisting that they get Seana to the hospital immediately. Ignoring his mother's pleas, Gas summoned a cool cloth from the bathroom and began wiping Seana's neck and forehead.
"Will you all please step back a little?" Gas asked crankily. "If Seana really was in distress, she wouldn't be able to breathe with the tight circle you've formed around her. She's alright. I promise you."
An embarrassed grin broke out on Seana's face as she reached for Gas' hand. "Gas is right. There's no need to worry. I'm fine." Clenching Gas' hand even more tightly, Seana addressed Carmela and Fausto. "Mum, dad. Gas and I have news for you."
Fausto was suddenly very glad he hadn't taken Carmela up on her wager.
Gas sighed. "We do have news. However, this isn't the way we wanted to inform you. Seana and I are pregnant. The OB Healer told us it is quite common for a witch to run a bit hot in the first three to four months of her pregnancy. We are nearing the end of our third month, so this fever thing should go away shortly."
There was about ten seconds of dead quiet before Carmela grabbed Fausto and kissed him directly on the mouth before pulling Gas and Seana into a tight hug. "We're having a grandbaby," she shouted. "We're having a grandbaby."
Fausto quietly reminded Carmela that Scorpius was sleeping so she should bring her voice down to a shriek.
This was big news, Carmela couldn't help herself, but after giving her husband a hard glare, she stopped shouting.
Xavier offered his congratulations before telling everyone he was leaving so the family could enjoy their good news.
Kim appeared to be dumbfounded for a minute, but soon joined in the congratulations.
Fausto had to hold Carmela back so everyone else could have a turn hugging the pregnant couple. However, as soon as Fausto let go, Carmela plopped herself between Gas and Seana and simply sat there beaming and mumbling.
Taking a moment while Carmela was calm, Gas explained that he and Seana had planned to announce the pregnancy at the next Sunday dinner.
"I'm sorry everyone. I guess I'm just not able to hold my heat," joked Seana. "Thank you all for your congratulations, but I think it's time for me to get home to my bed. I'm glad we could be there for Hermione and Scorp, but now I'm tired."
The women stood when Seana stood to give her a last hug and kiss.
Thanking everyone, Seana directed her comments to Hermione and Hannah. "I'll probably see you ladies later in the week. If not, we'll see you at Draco's funeral on Sunday for sure."
"No worries love. Get some rest. Hannah and I will see you on Sunday."
Carmela who was still beside herself remarked that she and Fausto would be coming through to London on Saturday."
"Perfect mum," replied Seana. "I would appreciate the company."
/*/
After Gas and Seana left, Fausto was hard pressed to keep his ebullient wife calm. Taking her by the arm, he wished everyone a good night as he pulled Carmela towards their bedroom.
Hermione was happy for Carmela and hopped up from the couch to give Carmela one more hug.
"I'm so happy for Gas and Seana as well as for you and Fausto," Hermione whispered in Carmela's ear. "We will spoil this baby rotten."
Carmela grinned as Fausto grabbed her waist and took her to the bedroom.
/*/
Harry and Hannah told Hermione they would see her and Scorp at 11:00 before leaving for the Luxia.
Kim remained behind with Hermione for a few minutes more. The two witches chatted about the wonderful news while enjoying one last wine before parting.
"Matt and I will see you on Sunday. If you need help with anything at the estate, please call me. I'll be glad to help."
Hermione was surprised by Kim's remarks. Until now, the witch always seemed to have something undermining to say, but she decided to take a high road. "That's nice of you to offer Kim, but Scorp and I will be alright. I hope you and Matt will have time to stop by the house after the funeral service. I'm looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet before Sunday. It's hard to imagine my husband will be gone for good after Sunday."
Kim hugged Hermione before heading for the floo. "We'll all be there for you Hermione. It will all work out in the end. Goodnight."
Hermione tidied up all the empty glasses and plates before heading down the hall to get some sleep.
Scorpius was fast asleep in his big boy bed with his family photo tucked safely in his hand. Hermione gave him a kiss, used the bathroom then climbed into bed.
One down. One to go, she thought to herself. Hugging the pillow on the other side of the bed, she whispered how she wished Draco was there beside her.
/*/
Matt was already in bed when Kim entered their bedroom. "Hello love. Why didn't you come to Carmela's house when you got in from work?"
Matt explained that it had been a very long day.
"It's been a long day for everyone Matt. You could have stopped by to show your face."
Pulling himself up in the bed, Matt asked if they were going to argue over a simple choice he'd made.
Kim continued removing her clothes. "No Matt. We aren't going to argue. I'm going to undress and get into bed. However, before I do that, I'd like to share a bit of information I learned this evening. After a small health scare, Seana and Gas disclosed that they are pregnant. It was a joyous announcement. I thought Carmela was going to burst."
Matt remained quiet because he knew where this was going.
"I want us to get pregnant Matt. I want us to have a child."
Matt knew this and suddenly realized just what Kim's recent temper had been about. He had made it quite clear they should wait a few years before having a child, but it already had been a few years. He'd always be busy. He'd always be in demand. Perhaps it was time to expand their family.
Holding out his arms, Matt gestured for Kim to come to him. Once she was in his arms, Matt kissed her as he ran his hands down her body. "I love you Kim. If you think this is the right time for us to have a child, I won't disagree. No more contraceptive charms for us. From here on out, our purpose is not only to enjoy our sex, but to make a child as well. Shall we get started?" He asked, pulling Kim on top of him.
Kim giggled as Matt tweaked her breast. "We start from now husband. Do your best."
/*/
It was late, but Emilio was still sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand. Matt had done his level best to embarrass him earlier, but that aside, he believed he had done a good job officiating. He couldn't think about his officiating duties without thinking about his short interaction with Hermione. The look he thought he'd seen in her eyes was probably just wishful thinking on his part. It wasn't as though Hermione treated him in any sort of rough manner, it was just that he couldn't even consider himself within her friend zone. He'd been relegated back to acquaintance, and that hurt, especially since she was now single…. a widow.
Well, he had waited years for Hermione the first time around. If there was even an iota of a chance they'd get back together, he could wait a bit more.
For another thirty minutes, Emilio sat staring blankly at the wall. He was being an arse. He and Hermione had parted at a fork in the road years ago, and their lives had gone off in entirely different directions. She with Draco, and him with witch after unsatisfying witch. Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Emilio got up from the couch and headed to the bathroom. It had been a long day, and he was tired.
With all the thoughts he'd had about Hermione while awake, Emilio spent the night tossing and turning as Marissa passed through his dreams whispering about setting a date.
/**/
Carmela woke Hermione early on Thursday morning so she and Fausto could say their goodbyes. In a soft whisper she told Hermione they would see her on Saturday and would more than likely be staying with her and Scorp at Malfoy Estate.
Hermione stepped out into the hall closing the door behind her so they wouldn't wake Scorpius. "Alright mum. We'll see you on Saturday. Thanks for all you've done. I don't know what I'd do without you and Fausto. Give him a hug for me. I'm going to lie back down for a few. See you on Saturday."
"Bye love. Don't oversleep. Floo call Kim to let her know you all are coming through. We don't want to give her yet another thing to comment on."
Hermione nodded, and was about to explain about her and Kim's interaction the previous evening, but decided it could wait until she and Carmela saw each other on Saturday.
The two witches gave each other a quick hug. Then Carmela headed down the hall and Hermione returned to the bedroom to find a wide awake Scorpius grinning at her from his big boy bed.
"It's very early love. Lie back down."
"Potty mum. Need potty."
Hermione let out a soft sigh. Scorp was too wide awake to even think about having him lie back down. Lifting him out of the bed, Hermione led him to the bathroom then decided to bathe him while they were in there. "Okay. You'll go potty and have a bath. Then we'll have breakfast."
"Yes mum. Okay."
Hermione bent down to pick Scorp up and give him a tight hug. "Hmmm. I love you so much my handsome little man. You are so smart. Before long, you'll be ready for an early entry to Hogwarts," she laughed, giving him a raspberry under his chin.
"POTTY mum. Potty."
"Sorry love. Mum was just loving on her little man. You know how to get on the potty. You sit down and I'll take a quick shower."
"Okay," Scorpius replied with a grin. His mum was letting him be a really big boy.
Hermione showered then floo called Kim to let her know they would be coming through at 11:00 am. An exuberant Kim told Hermione to come on through.
/*/
Hermione had everything packed up and ready when Harry and Hannah arrived. With everything ready to go, they stepped through the floo and landed in Kim and Matt's floo area.
Kim and Matt's floo in Kim and Matt's house. She hadn't thought about it ages, but this house was where she and Draco had experienced many of their firsts. Their first sexual experience, their first fight. Ha, she thought. First, second and third fights all. Hermione would have gone on and on thinking about her and Draco's firsts, but Kim broke her train of thought.
"Good morning," said an obviously giddy Kim. "Have you had breakfast? I can put one together very quickly if you like"
Hannah glanced at Hermione wondering why this normally condescending witch was being so welcoming. Hannah didn't have long to wonder because Hermione requested a few minutes with Louis while agreeing to a few crackers for Scorp and a cup of tea for herself.
"Please, feel free Hermione. I'm sure Louis will be glad to see you. Anything for you Hannah, Harry?"
"We're fine," answered Hannah. "Harry and I are going to floo home. Please tell Hermione we'll see her later." After giving Scorp a hug, Harry set the International floo to their address in London and they stepped through.
/*/
Louis Adrian Malfoy opened his eyes when Hermione called his name.
"Hermione! My word, it's been a while. How are you coping? I hope this conversation will be better than our last. Do you have business to discuss?"
"Hello Louis. Our last conversation was a bit contentious. Please forgive me. I was not myself. I'm here today because I have another matter to discuss. Would you be willing to listen to an idea I have?"
"Of course I would," answered Louis emphatically. "I haven't had a good conversation in ages. Just so you know, I requested to be moved to Malfoy Estate to be able to watch over you and Scorpius. My request was denied. I can't say I was happy with the outcome. It was you and the lovely Mrs. Maida who brought me to Italy, so I think it is you who should have the last say. As much as I care for Matthew and Seth, I do not believe it is up to them to decide where my portrait resides. I belong in England with my ancestors."
Hermione sighed. Louis was not wrong. It was her and Carmela who had spirited the portrait out of Malfoy Manor and brought it to Italy. "You do remember that Draco and I were in a problem. We needed you here Louis. I agree you should be returned to England. While I cannot promise you will be returned to Malfoy Manor, I can offer you a place at Malfoy Estate with Scorpius and myself."
"That will be fine Hermione. Shall I tell Matthew or will you?"
"Scorpius and I are on our way back to Wilshire, but I'll speak to Matt as soon as I have a chance. I had specific thoughts in mind when I entered the study, but somehow got off track. I'll hold off on what I want to discuss until you are home with me and Scorp. Thank you for speaking with me Louis. Perhaps if we time it right, Matt will bring you when he comes over for Draco's funeral. One last thing Louis. If you plan on being arbitrary and confrontational in front of my son, I'd rather you stay here, because I will not subject Scorpius to hissy fits. Shall we agree on that?"
"I would never," Louis huffed. "Five years with you and Draco taught me better. You won't have any worries on that account. I look forward to returning to home of my ancestors. Good day Hermione."
"Good day Louis."
Hermione apologized to Kim for leaving Scorp with her so long, but Kim wasn't bothered. In fact, she told Hermione that Scorpius was a lovely child and she didn't mind at all.
"Thank you anyway," Hermione replied as she picked Scorp up. "We'll see you on Sunday. Oh Kim. Would you ask Matt to give me a call when he has a chance. I need to speak to him about Louis. Say bye to cousin Kim Scorp."
Scorp simply gave Kim a brief wave before turning his face to the floo.
The floo was still set on International, so all Hermione had to do was direct it to Wiltshire instead of London. Once that was done, she and Scorp stepped through to their own home.
/*/
They hadn't stepped feet on the floor good before Scorpius was sliding out of Hermione's arms and running for the study. Without stopping, he had then run to Draco's den. Looking puzzled, Scorp quickly frog crawled up the stairs.
"Careful on those stairs love. Mum doesn't want her big boy to fall and hurt himself."
"I'm not fall," he replied moving even faster.
Hermione was halfway up the stairs when Scorpius let out a loud wail. Running up the last of the steps, Hermione arrived at her bedroom door to find Dusty and Embers standing off to the side while Crissy had her arms around the bawling Scorpius trying to comfort him.
When Hermione walked up, Crissy removed her arms from around Scorpius then she, Dusty and Embers Disapparated with three small pops.
Hermione was rocking Scorpius in place murmuring to him. "What is it love?" She asked looking him over. "Did you hurt yourself? Let mummy make it all better."
Scorpius continued to howl until Hermione got firm with him. "You're being a bad boy. You're not hurt, so stop crying this minute."
Laying his head on Hermione's shoulder, Scorpius stopped crying, but continued to gasp out little sobs. When he finally looked up at Hermione with his little, red rimmed eyes, what he whispered broke her heart.
"Daddy gone. I want my Daco mum."
It took several seconds for Hermione to realize she'd been so busy trying to get back to some semblance of normal she'd forgotten that their home was the last place Scorpius had seen his father. All the running from room to room and up the stairs was because he was trying to find Draco.
Hermione hugged Scorpius tightly as she fought to hold back her own tears. Carrying her son to the bedroom she used to share with Draco, Hermione sat Scorp down on the bed as she summoned the slightly worn family photo which would be one of the only things to keep him connected to his Daco.
Pulling Scorp onto her lap, Hermione began to explain that his daddy was gone and he would only be able to see him in his photo.
Scorp smiled at the photo as he ran his hand across the face of his smiling father, and like before, the fatherless child calmly remarked, "Daddy gone mum. My Daco gone."
Hermione smiled back at her son because, for the moment, he understood.