Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 10

It had only been hours since Hermione and Scorpius returned to Britain, but Matt wanted to be sure they had settled in. He was especially concerned that the very quick Scorpius wouldn't be able to process the fact that his father was still missing. Both his attempts to contact Hermione had been unsuccessful as both calls had gone directly to voicemail. Making a mental note to try again later, Matt turned his attention to the work in front of him. However, it was a bit of slow going because he had other things on his mind.

The Head of Ministry Italia had announced a mandatory meeting for all his Ministers at 5:00 pm in his assembly room. Matt had discussed the probable content of the upcoming meeting with Emilio, and they were both in agreement that an announcement was imminent. There were rumors floating about the Ministry, but Matt knew better than lend credence to any of them until he got confirmation directly from the HOMI's mouth. After that, the sitting Ministers would act accordingly.

Let the backbiting begin, thought Matt

/*/

Back at his own desk, Emilio was thinking along the same lines as Matt. If the HOMI was turning in his papers, there was bound to be at least a few personnel shifts. Emilio thought it was beneficial that James had secured a position when he had, because after tonight, the dynamics of the Ministry might change. Although happy in his position as Minister of Acquisitions, if a choice position became available, Emilio planned to put himself in for consideration. Perhaps it was time for him to step away from Acquisitions. Italy didn't have a Wizengamot, per se, but Emilio had thoughts of getting back into some aspect of the court system. He'd been on the administrative side of things long enough.

The thought of possibly returning to a position in the court system became just another thing to remind Emilio of the days of wine and roses with Hermione. Those days just before Draco Malfoy had wandered into their lives. Those days before he'd acted an ass and run Hermione out of his life.

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 11

Harry headed straight for Scorpius even before greeting Hermione or his wife.

"Hello little man. Are you being a good boy for mum?"

"I'm a good boy Arry," answered Scorpius holding up Hermione's mobile. "A big, good boy."

Harry smiled at the brave, little boy in front of him before turning to Hannah and Hermione.

"How's everything going? I hope you're rested because I have something to show you. Hannah can watch Scorp for an hour or so. Just you and me love. What do you say?"

Hermione was puzzled but didn't mind getting away from the house for a bit. "I'm fine with going on a bit of adventure if my lovely best witch doesn't mind sitting with the little man for a few."

"Of course I don't mind. You two go do what you need to do. Scorp and I will be fine."

"Alright. I'll just throw a bit of water on my face and we can go Harry. I generally hate surprises, but for you, I'll make an exception."

"I do have a dim memory of your love/hate relationship with surprises. This one, I think you'll love. It won't take long. Have you spoken to any of the family since you arrived home?"

"I haven't," replied Hermione from the open bathroom door. "I missed a few calls which I plan to return this evening. I'm ready Harry. We can go."

Grabbing Scorp up in her arms, Hermione smothered his little face with kisses. "Mum is going out for a bit. You be a good boy for aunty Hannah. When I get back, I'll have Dusty fix us something nice."

"We'll be fine. Perhaps I'll be able to interest Scorp in something other than Hopping Pot. Maybe some telly."

"Alright then. We shouldn't be gone too long. I won't allow it," replied Hermione with a chuckle. "We're off."

Harry took Hermione by the elbow as soon as they stepped out onto the grounds. "Prepare yourself. We are about to take a short hop of Apparition."

Like most witches and wizards, Hermione hated the feeling which accompanied side along Apparition. However, after a small stumble and a bit of nausea, Hermione pulled herself upright and had a look around.

"Harry," she questioned with a tone of surprise. "Are we at the cemetery?"

"We are."

"Why?"

"Always with the questions. Just hang on for a second. I have something to show you."

"Aren't most cemetery plots the same until they are decorated with a headstone?"

Harry let out a loud sigh. "Yes Hermione. Most cemetery plots are sectioned patches of dirt."

"Well….."

Harry cut across whatever Hermione was about to say. "You do remember what a surprise entails, right? It is something a person, especially an inquisitive witch, is not expecting. That's why we're here, so I can show you something you weren't expecting."

Harry held up his hand when Hermione tried to speak. "Let me get right to it, or I'll be here all night answering your questions. Matt and I decided to do something special for Draco." With a quick swish and flick, Harry loudly called out Deshroud before asking Hermione to look over her left shoulder.

Hermione turned but didn't see anything except a gray, marble internment chamber.

"What am I looking for Harry?" Then her eyes trained on the name over the entrance of the marble chamber. "Malfoy," she said softly. "The name over the entrance is Malfoy. Oh Merlin Harry! Is this the surprise? You've had a special burial chamber made for Draco." Moving closer to the building, Hermione began to choke up as the total beauty of the structure overwhelmed her. "It, it, it's beautiful," she whispered turning to hug Harry. "How did you manage this?"

Harry grinned at his inquisitive sister. "It was all down to Zacharias Smith. He's a master of funeral services and the accoutrements. I told him what I wanted and he had it done. Magnificent, isn't it? Fit for the Malfoys."

Hermione stepped back to look Harry in the eyes. "Malfoys?"

"Yes love, Malfoys. Currently, there is room for three, Draco, you and Scorpius. If, or when Scorpius has a family, the vault can be expanded to include them as well. You do plan to be buried beside your husband and Scorpius beside his father, do you not?"

A grinning Hermione offered a cheeky response. "Although I don't plan on dying anytime soon, I think this was a stellar move on you and Zacharias' part, because I do plan to spend my eternal rest next to my husband. Thank you so much Harry. This is what I call a surprise. May I have a look inside?"

"Of course. That's why I brought you here."

/*/

Hermione marveled at the interior. The same gray marble had been used throughout the vault with dark gray vault drawers being the offsetting color.

"These colors remind me of Draco's eyes," whispered Hermione softly and solemnly. "It is absolutely amazing."

Harry stood by as Hermione spent a few more minutes walking the length of the vault running her hand over the beautiful marble.

"Now that you've seen my surprise, it's time we get back to the house. We don't want Scorp to think you've disappeared from his life as well."

With one last look around, Hermione stepped out of the vault ahead of Harry. "Please ask Zacharias to have some discreet, magical photos taken of the service and the vault. I'd like them for the book I'm putting together for when Scorp is older."

"Not a problem Hermione. I'm sure Zacharias will be glad to do anything you ask."

Hermione gave Harry a kiss on the cheek. "You do good work Potter. Now let's get home to my boy."

"Done," answered Harry before waving his wand to put the shroud charm back in place.

/*/

The Head of Ministry Italia made the announcement most of his Ministers had been expecting. He was giving up his position to take care of his failing health and would be leaving within the next sixty days. There wasn't any mention made of Fazil Accardi leaving the Minister of Marketing post. Accardi giving up his post had obviously been just a rumor.

Failing health, a euphemism for finally being pried out of an office he'd held for over thirty years. Even through the scandal of 2004, HOMI had clung to the position. However, a new governing body had been able to pry the last bastion of a corrupt bygone era from his place at the top.

The air in the room pulsed with excitement over the announcement, with each Minister visualizing just what the departure meant. For every shift along the top lines, there would be equal movements in the middle and quite possibly the lower rungs. A shakeup might be in order.

Emilio and Matt were two of the last to leave the room staying behind to offer their lame duck HOMI the obligatory sentiments which he accepted with a sense of humility not seen in years. The last connection to the old, corrupt guard had been broken.

Heading back to their offices, Matt and Emilio joked about the HOMI leaving claw marks on the furniture.

"Yes," laughed Matt, "Being chucked out of an office you don't want to leave can do that.

The two men were still grinning when Emilio started off the lift.

"By the way," said Matt as he held the lift door open. "James has been in touch. I relayed his message to Kim who is expecting his call. She asked me to thank you for sending business her way."

"No need to thank me. I know Kim will serve James well. I'll speak to you later."

/*/

Back in their offices, Matt and Emilio each reflected on the information that had been disseminated, and what it might mean for their careers. They both came to the same consensus. It would have to be a very special position to make either man give up what he currently had.

Matt cleared up a few things on his desk before heading home. Since he and Kim had hashed things out about getting pregnant, he was looking forward to a little baby making time. It felt so much better to be going home to an affable wife as opposed to an irritable one. Baby Lozier sounded good. It just rolled off his lips. Matt planned to get in their baby making practice before he mentioned anything about new positions that might be opening in the near future. Kim was having a hard enough time with him becoming executor of the Malfoy Holdings.

Matt gave Kim a long, loving kiss when he walked through the door, but learned his idea of baby practice was off the table when he tried to get a little handsy.

Kim had other ideas. "Hold on there Mr. Lozier." She giggled, pushing Matt's hands away. "I have three properties to visit this evening to check if they are something which would interest James Wooley."

Grabbing Kim around the waist and nuzzling the crook of her neck, Matt told her he was much more important than a mere client. "I want nothing more than to get you naked in our bed. This might just be the night we are destined to make our child. Look at properties tomorrow."

Kim gave Matt a quick kiss before backing away. "Ah! Baby making feels pretty good then? I can't believe the wizard who wasn't interested in having children for a few more years is standing in front of me begging to make one. Unfortunately for you, I've already made appointments to see the properties. Wait up for me and I'll show you something good."

With a loud sigh, Matt headed for the bedroom calling over his shoulder. "You may have been joking my love, but I plan to lay naked in our bed waiting for you to return. Then you won't have any excuse."

"In that case Mr. Lozier, I will finish my business as quickly as I can. I'll see you in a bit. Love you."

"Alright love, hurry back," Matt groaned as he rubbed himself. "My little soldier doesn't know anything about appointments."

/*/

Matt changed into pajamas before stopping in the den to have a few words with Louis. A few words turned into a forty five minute conversation, but Matt didn't mind. Even though he wanted to ring Hermione before it got too late, the discussion with Louis was worth it. He enjoyed speaking with the Elder Malfoy.

When Matt left the den, it was coming up on 8:00 pm. A quick, wave of his wand brought his mobile to his hand. He immediately rang Hermione, but once again, the phone went straight to voicemail. "Blast it," he swore, throwing the phone down on the couch as he jumped up. "What good is a bloody mobile if the woman keeps it turned off? I'm going to have a bite to eat. I'm starving."

Matt had taken a few steps toward the kitchen when the mobile rang with caller-ID showing Hermione's name and number.

"Great minds think alike," Matt mumbled as he rushed to get the phone.

Hello Hermione. I was just trying to call you.

Hello Matt. I saw that you called, but Harry had me out to see the vault, and I had to get Scorp settled for the night before I returned the call. Did you need something?

I called for several reasons. I wanted to find out how you and Scorp are doing on your first night back as well as double check about bringing Louis through on Sunday. And, of course I want to hear all about the vault.

Hermione laughed.

Don't want much, do you cousin?

Matt returned the laugh.

Scorp and I are making out fine. It was a bit touch and go when we first arrived. I think Scorp expected Draco to come running out to pick him up, but we got that sorted.

/*/

Hermione went on to describe the vault and how pleased she was with it. She committed to having Louis stay six months in Britain and six months in Italy as well as how she wanted to look into having a living portrait of Draco made.

As soon as those words left Hermione's mouth, Emilio popped into Matt's mind. How would that play out if Hermione gave him a second chance? A living portrait of Draco looking over everything being done didn't bode well for any relationship Hermione might pursue, especially one with Emilio. However, he remained tight lipped. It wasn't up to him to speak about things that might never come to pass.

Matt and Hermione spoke for several more minutes before ending the conversation.

"Kim and I will see you Sunday morning then. Give Scorpius our love."

"I will Matt. Goodnight."

/*/

Matt's stomach made a soft growling sound as he headed to the kitchen.

"Damn, I'm hungry." He mumbled, pressing pieces of ham and cheese together and stuffing it into his mouth.

"Put that down," called a soft voice from across the room. "Let me put my things away and I'll fix you a proper meal."

Matt stuffed the ham and cheese into his mouth anyway before turning to grin at Kim. "You've caught me at a disadvantage. I was so hungry I didn't have time to get naked."

"You're quite the comedian. Give me a minute and I'll set something out for you. Then you'll get naked, as will I."

/*/

Emilio sent Marissa a quick owl to remind her he would be at her flat by 8:30. He wasn't looking forward to saying what he planned to say, but it had to be done. It wasn't fair to Marissa that he keep stringing her along when his mind was on another witch.

After sending the Owl, Emilio also left for home working out in his head exactly what he would say to extricate himself from his implied relationship.

/*/

Initially, Marissa was happy to be on the Minister's arm. He was a catch. A gorgeous, high powered Minister who could have his pick of just about any witch in Milan, and he'd chosen her. Well, he hadn't exactly chosen her. She had put herself in his path on so many occasions he'd finally noticed her. It had been mobile tag for quite a while, but she'd finally snagged a date, of sorts. Emilio had also taken her to meet his parents, which she considered a score.

Throughout dinner and dessert, Marissa sat there grinning, not only because she was out with Emilio, but because she was going to make this the night they consummated the relationship. It was stamped on her brain how she would do whatever necessary to get the Minister in her bed, even if it came down to placing his hand between her knickerless legs. As far as she was concerned, tonight was the night.

Suddenly, Emilio's words pulled her from her reverie.

"I'm sorry Emilio. What was it you said?"

Emilio swallowed the liquid gathering in his throat. This was a part of dating he didn't like. The end. The brush off. The ….

"I was saying that I've enjoyed your company, but…"

Marissa gazed at Emilio in surprise. But, but… But what?

"But," he continued. "work and other matters are making it impossible for me to give any relationship the attention it deserves. I think we should take a step back."

Marissa wanted to make a rebuttal, but Emilio knew it was best if he didn't giver her the chance. Overall, she was a nice person, but he needed to move away before it came down to sharing intimacy. "I believe this will be best for the both of us."

Marissa watched as the semifreddo in front of her melted into a pile of mush. Even her dessert knew how she felt. There wasn't going to be any moving forward. There wouldn't be any placing his hand on her bare pussy. There wouldn't be anything else. Emilio had made it clear he didn't want a girlfriend. At least, he didn't want her as a girlfriend. As tenacious as she'd been in pursuing him, Marissa recognized the truth. Emilio didn't have any plans to call on her again. She was upset, but not stupid. She wouldn't make a scene. That would be disastrous. No witch wanted to be the woman who became famous for making a scene because she'd been dumped. Discretion was the greater part of valor. Even as she saw the life she'd pictured with Emilio drift away, Marissa kept her composure, and deflected.

"I guess when I look at it in the cold light of day, we never really connected, or we'd be much farther along than this. Thank you for being so forthright. Family matters can be such a bugger. Dessert just doesn't appeal to me at the moment. Shall we leave?"

Emilio raised a hand for the server. After the bill was paid, he escorted Marissa to her door where, keeping her back to him, she remarked how she wished things had turned out differently. Emilio didn't respond, feeling anything he said would just make the parting more painful. He Apparated away as soon as the door closed behind Marissa.

/*/

After she finished speaking to Matt, Hermione dialed Carmela. Not only did she want to hear Carmela's voice, she also wanted to tell her about Harry's surprise.

Fausto answered the phone. He and Hermione spoke for a bit before he handed the phone to Carmela.

"Hello love. How are things? How is Scorpius?"

They spoke for an hour during which Hermione explained what Harry had done for Draco. Carmela was thrilled by the sound of it, telling Hermione she couldn't wait to see the result.

The two women discussed a few last things including how early Carmela and Fausto planned to be at Hermione's door Saturday morning. Hermione assured Carmela they couldn't get there too early for Scorp, because he'd be delighted to see them at any hour.

/*/

After the call, Hermione sat motionless in Draco's big, bedroom chair feeling overwhelmed. This wasn't a rehearsal. This was the real thing. On Sunday, she would be burying her husband for all time. Scorp wouldn't be at the funeral. She'd rather he remember his father as he had been not a cold figure in a coffin. However, that brought up another problem. With everyone at the funeral, who would look after her son while she saw to Draco.

Hermione sat there arguing with herself. She trusted Embers, Dusty and Crissy, but did she want to leave Scorp in their hands? Perhaps she should bring Scorp to the funeral. Her mind went back and forth. Finally, she called Hannah, the sister she could always depend on. Between them, they could work out a solution.

/*/

It was fairly late, so Hannah was surprised when the phone rang. A drowsy Harry first suggested she let it go to voicemail until Hannah told him it was Hermione.

"Fine," he replied gruffly. "Answer it, but don't be long."

Hannah rolled her eyes at Harry as she connected to her sister. "Hello Love. What's going on?"

By the time the call was finished, Hannah found herself in charge of getting a babysitter for Scorpius. As she explained her position to Harry, she watched the clouds form in his eyes.

"Who do you know that Hermione doesn't?" He asked raising up on his elbow. "We'll all be at the service. Who'll be available? Why didn't you just tell her to bring Scorpius?"

Hannah lashed out at her husband. "Don't you dare speak to me that way Harry Potter. I didn't tell her to bring Scorpius because she doesn't want him there. The issue is to find a babysitter. I agreed to help, and I will."

"Fine," snapped Harry turning on his side. "Find someone."

"I will," Hannah snapped right back.

They went to sleep back to back angry over words, because they definitely weren't angry with Hermione.

/**/

The next morning, the atmosphere between Harry and Hannah was still a bit chilly. He gave her a perfunctory kiss before leaving and she let him leave without saying a word. They'd had words before. They'd both be over it before dinner.

Hannah had a few hours before she needed to be at the bar, so she ran through her repertoire of friends looking for a proper candidate to baby-sit Scorpius. Then she had an idea, not a great idea, but a plausible one. Grabbing her mobile, Hannah put in a call to DLM.

Hannah explained the situation to Carmela then listened as the motherly witch shared her thoughts. When the conversation was over, Hannah was pleased, and the buck had been passed to Carmela who assured her friend she knew the perfect person to ask.

"I'll ask and get back to you. If the answer is yes, Hermione will still have the last word."

"Sounds good Carmela. Time for me to get ready for work. I'll speak to you later today."

/*/

Emilio had spent a good bit of Thursday evening thinking about the break-up with Marissa. On the one hand, he was glad to have distanced himself from the witch. On the other, he felt somewhat uneasy over the small lie he had told. However, in Friday's morning light, Emilio conceded that distancing himself from Marissa had been the right thing to do. He wasn't interested in any serious dating at the moment. Being single wasn't so bad.

Even though the low key buzzing about the previous night's announcement kept him on alert, Emilio finally straightened his back and began tending to his duties There were orders on his desk that needed to be signed. In addition, he had an appointment later on that day to visit a new vendor. The buzzing would have to go on without him.

Around 10:30, Emilio's assistant alerted him to a personal call on his line.

Emilio picked up the phone and was surprised to be greeted by the voice of Carmela Maida.

"Good morning Carmela. This is a surprise. Has something gone wrong? I'm more than sure our delivery arrived in good order."

"Good morning to you too Emilio. All is well with deliveries. I'm calling on another matter. I need a favor. Actually, Hermione needs a favor."

Emilio's mind started racing. What could either woman need from him? Whatever it was, if it was in his power, he would do it.

"I'll be glad to help out Carmela. What is it you need?"

Carmela took a deep breath. Once she asked the question, she wouldn't be able to take it back. She was in for a penny, in for a pound. "I'm wondering if you will be available on Sunday. If so, you are needed in London."

Emilio was confused. Sunday? London? Sunday was Draco's funeral. Why would he be needed there?

Carmela rightly interpreted Emilio's silence as confusion, and forged ahead. "Hermione doesn't want Scorpius to attend the funeral. She thinks it's better if he remembers Draco as he was. The problem is that the family and friends will be attending the funeral. Since Scorpius is very comfortable with you, I thought you might not mind keeping a watch on him for a few hours.

Emilio was speechless.

Getting nothing but silence from Emilio's end, Carmela tried to backtrack. "I-I'm sorry if I've offended you. It was just a thought. Please forgive this old witch for overstepping her bounds. We'll find another way."

Finally finding his voice, Emilio spoke up. "You haven't offended me Carmela. In fact, I take your request as a compliment. As long as Hermione is onboard, I'll be glad to look after Scorpius."

Now the silence was on Carmela's end.

Emilio laughed into the silence. "Does your silence mean you've asked me before checking with Hermione? Here's what we can do. I'll keep Sunday open. If Hermione agrees, let me know. If not, no harm done."

"I'm so embarrassed Emilio. I didn't think ahead. I'll check with Hermione and get back to you one way or another. I'm certain she'll be very appreciative. If not, I'll banish her to her room."

They both had a laugh over Carmela's response before ending their conversation.

/*/

Carmela hung up the phone thinking, all they had to do now was convince Hermione.

Emilio sat at his desk thinking, Hermione will never agree to it.