Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 12
Sal summoned a cloth from the nearest bathroom and handed it to Hermione. "Don't be foolish Hermione. You couldn't have changed anything. Even if you could have reached Draco within the allotted time, the Hour Reversal Charm is dangerous and unstable. It could have killed everyone around you. Are these the thoughts you've been living with? Please stop beating yourself up. I don't want to step out of turn, but you need to get those thoughts out of your head and keep them out. Draco, rest his soul, made a choice and it killed him."
Hermione continued to sob. As fast as she wiped away the tears, they returned. Finally, Sal reached out to take her hand. "If you don't stop, I'll put mum on your tail, and you know how she can get. I shouldn't have come. The last thing I wanted was to stir up bad memories. For the sake of Scorp and yourself, you need to stop blaming yourself. Scorp has lost his father. He doesn't need to lose his mother as well."
Hermione held on to Sal's hand for several seconds. "You were always there for us Sal, and I appreciate it. I suppose I'm just taking a walk down memory lane. Nothing but shoulda, woulda coulda. I know I couldn't have saved Draco. I guess I just needed to hear it. I'll be alright. As you said, I have to be, for my son. Thank you love. Let me get Scorp down here so he can greet his uncle Sal."
"Wonderful. I'd love to see the little guy. However, you might want to throw a refresher charm on that mottled looking face. Scorp will think I've made his mum cry."
Hermione smiled before lifting her wand to cast a Refresher Charm over her face. "I'm ready."
After taking a deep breath, Hermione called out to Dusty, Embers and Crissy to bring Scorpius down to see his uncle Sal.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 13
When Carmela arrived home from work, she found Fausto and Xavier engaged in a boisterous conversation.
"What's all this?" She asked, greeting Xavier before kissing Fausto on the cheek.
"We have received some very pleasant news," Fausto replied, turning to grin at Xavier. "The last bastion of corruption has been pried from his big, corner office. HOMI (Head of Ministry Italia) will be leaving office within the next thirty days. Although, Ministry Service has been trying to rid the Ministry of this corrupt vulture for the last several years, we cannot claim lone victory. The upstanding people now in place had a lot to do with this as well." While speaking, Fausto turned to clap Xavier on the back. "And this gentleman here has been recognized as a force to be reckoned with. He has been promoted to Head of Ministry Service."
"It's about time Xavier," Carmela added. "You deserve it."
Xavier smiled at the praise Fausto and Carmela were handing out, but was quick to offer his insight. "It's true Carmela. I have been promoted to top office. However, your husband has left out the fact that the job would most likely have gone to him had he come back on a permanent basis. As it is, I'm trying to entice him into becoming my permanent, second in command, but have met with little success."
Carmela gave a little shrug, but didn't offer a response. She and Fausto had discussed his return to service on a permanent basis. With everything at the Ministry now going so smoothly, Fausto didn't think his expertise was needed on a permanent basis. She hoped Xavier could persuade him otherwise, but ultimately, it would all be up to Fausto.
Fausto reached over to refill Xavier's glass, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Taking your case to my wife, are you now X? That will never work. Carmela and I have discussed returning to service on a permanent basis and agree the decision is mine to make."
Holding his glass up to Carmela, Xavier assured her he wasn't trying to circumvent Fausto.
"Fausto is just being a bugger Xavier. He is chomping at the bit to return on a permanent basis," replied Carmela while shooing the men out of the room. "Why don't you two move into the living room or den. I need to get in the kitchen. I hope you plan to stay for dinner Xavier."
Xavier accepted Carmela's invitation with a smile. "I thought you'd never ask. I look forward to sharing one of your delicious meals. If you'll excuse me, I need the men's."
Both men made a hasty retreat from the kitchen to relieve themselves of the liquid they had built up during their drinking binge. Fausto headed toward the loo attached to their bedroom while Xavier headed to the main loo.
/*/
Over dinner, Fausto suggested that Carmela floo through to Hermione's on Saturday morning as planned while he and Xavier floo through mid morning Sunday so as not to be in the way.
Carmela was a bit surprised by the suggestion, because up to now she hadn't been told Xavier was planning to attend the funeral. It wasn't that big of a deal. She didn't have any problem stepping through the floo alone. She'd done it many times. Fausto realized he and Xavier might be in the way if they arrived with Carmela on Saturday.
"You and Xavier wouldn't be in the way. I'm sure Harry would be glad to entertain you. If not Harry, I'm sure Gas and Seana would welcome you to their home."
"I've thought it all out Carmela. Harry will probably be as busy as Hermione, and Gas has mentioned how sickly and irritable Seana has been recently. I'd rather do things the way I suggested. Xavier and I will floo through to the house on Sunday."
Carmela wasn't going to argue. In fact, she decided right then and there she would get her things together and floo through to Wiltshire after dinner. "Alright then! If you have it settled in your mind, I'll go on ahead this evening. It'll be nice to spend more than one evening with my girls and Scorp. Perhaps I'll make a quick visit to see Seana. Maybe I can cheer her up. I'll just clean up in here, take a quick shower then leave you two lads to yourselves. Tonight, I'll use our direct floo even though it never feels as comfortable as Matt's. If I get stuck somewhere, I'll shout." Carmela added with a laugh accompanied by a shudder.
Xavier was feeling a bit embarrassed to be the center of the discussion between Fausto and Carmela. "Thanks Carmela. I appreciate the use of your husband. I'll do my best to keep him in line while you're gone."
Giving Xavier a quick hug and a big smile, Carmela waved her wand twice before heading towards the bedroom. "No worries Xavier. I've trained Fausto well. He never steps out of line."
Carmela left the kitchen with loud laughter ringing in her ears.
/*/
Emilio and James had just finished their drinks and were on their way to Emilio's parents house. They held a quick conversation before stepping into Apparition.
"Mother will be pleased. That bouquet of lilies is one of the biggest I've ever seen. You've done well. I'll give you one small hint. Do not share anything personal with my mother, or she'll keep you talking until she knows every bit of your history." Emilio added with a wink.
"Fair enough Emilio. Fair enough. Does the same go for you and I? Something has made you very happy. Care to share?"
"You are totally on the mark. Something, which I do not care to share at the moment, has put me in a fantastic frame of mind. I'll see you at the house."
/*/
Emilio and James landed at the front door of Lozier Estate within seconds of each other, and were hastily welcomed in by an ebullient Ilaria Lozier who hugged each man in turn.
"Hello Emilio. Hello Mr. Wooley. I've heard many good things about you. Welcome to Lozier Estate. Please come in and meet my husband Emiliano."
James produced his massive bouquet of yellow lilies and presented them to Ilaria with a small flourish and a bow. "For you Mrs. Lozier. Thank you for your hospitality. Please call me James."
"And you may call me Ilaria." Ilaria took the bouquet of lilies from James letting out a sigh of happiness. "These are lovely James, and my favorite color. I imagine Emilio has been giving away my secret desires. Please come on through. Why don't you give James a proper introduction to your father while I prepare this lovely bouquet?" She added walking away.
"Certainly mother. Come this way James."
Emiliano stood when the two wizards entered the room, automatically extending his hand.
"Father, this is the illustrious James Wooley, soon to be Minister Wooley. James this is my father Emiliano Lozier."
"How do you like that James? I don't get an illustrious in front of my name. A pleasure to meet you sir. I've heard many good things about you. Have a seat. Ilaria was just about to set dinner on the table. Would you care for a drink before dinner?"
"Adjectives aren't all that impressive. Even so, your son is obviously slipping," replied James with a grin in Emilio's direction. "Thank you for the invitation Emiliano. A whisky would be nice."
The three men only had a short time to enjoy their drinks and a bit of conversation before Ilaria called them to the dining room where she had set an elaborate table.
"This is way too much mother. James and I won't be able to walk. We do have plans for later on this evening."
Ilaria laughed at her son. "Really Emilio? I've set the table, but I won't be forcing the food down your throat. Take only what you want."
Emiliano smiled at James as he replied to his son's comment. "I guess you have your answer Emilio."
The conversation around the table was sparse, but Ilaria managed to get in a few probing questions which James deflected with ease. When she continued to pry, Emilio and Emiliano commented on her relentless pursuit of James' personal business.
"Relentless?" Huffed Ilaria. "I'm simply making conversation. It doesn't hurt to stay up to date on things you know."
"Up to date? This is the first time you've met James. What are you trying to get up to date on mother?" Questioned Emilio, pushing his plate away. "The dinner was lovely, but as I mentioned earlier, James and I have plans for the evening. I'll make a quick stop in the men's, and we'll be on our way."
James thanked both Loziers for the dinner then stood intending to make a stop in the men's as well. However, before he could walk away, Ilaria asked softly if he and Emilio had heard from Hermione.
The question caught James off guard, but he was smart enough to know this wasn't a question for him to answer knowing Ilaria would like nothing more than for Emilio and Hermione to get back together. Ilaria's earlier questions had been of a personal nature, but this was outright prying, so James deflected by offering a generic reply as he walked away.
"This is a sad time for Hermione. If you'll excuse me, I need to see if Emilio is through in the men's."
Emiliano gently placed his fork on the side of his plate before facing his wife with a few choice words followed by some pleasing news. "Sometimes you go too far Ilaria, especially now with Hermione's current situation. Do you realize that nosing around about what Hermione is and is not doing with our son will cause him to completely shut you out? If you ever expect him to discuss Hermione with you, you'll let him come to you. Please do not mention her again. I have a surprise that will take your mind off Emilio's love life, or lack thereof. I've made reservations for us to visit the Constance Le Prince Maurice Hotel in Mauritius. It will be glorious. Think of it. A luxurious resort known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. We'll have access to Black River Gorges National Park, rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife. In addition, Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. There will be so much to see and do you won't have time for anything except what is at hand. I won't take no for an answer Ilaria. We need to get away."
Ilaria stared at her husband in amazement as she reached for his hand. "How wonderful Emiliano. Some of it sounds, well, some of it sounds a bit harsh for my liking, but the rest sounds amazing. When did you do all this?"
Emiliano started to reply, but Emilio and James appeared in the doorway. "Did I hear father say he is taking you on a holiday. That's wonderful. James and I must go, but I'll check back for details. Thank you for a lovely dinner mother, father. We'll see ourselves out. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
"Yes. Thank you Ilaria, Emiliano. Dinner was amazing."
As the two men made their way to the door, Ilaria called out for James not to be a stranger. He responded with a bow and a smile.
Once the door closed behind Emilio and James, Ilaria grabbed Emiliano by the hand. "I don't show you enough how much I love you. Let me try to rectify that right now. The clean up can wait. Let's retire to our quarters."
Emiliano, who considered himself lucky for the extra bit of attention he was about to receive, hastily rose from his seat to follow closely on the heels of his wife.
/*/
In the middle of cooking dinner, Kim changed her mind once again. She did want to have a night out. After casting a stasis charm over the food, she and Matt got dressed. By 8:30, they had landed at the closest Apparition point and were walking towards Regalia.
"Sometimes I don't know why we bother with these muggle clubs. What's the good of being able to Apparate if we have to walk a mile to where we're going?"
Kim smiled to herself realizing Matt was only being churlish because he'd finally resigned himself to staying home when she'd changed her mind once again. "Shall we turn around, or shall we have a pleasant night out?"
Matt knew he was talking like an arse, so he leaned in to place a kiss on Kim's cheek to show he wanted a pleasant night.
"Thank you," replied Kim, squeezing Matt's arm tightly. "I think a few dances will loosen you up."
"A few dances along with a few glasses of whisky," Matt quipped in return. "Let's just go inside and muggle the night away."
"I can just feel it," mumbled Kim as she pulled the door open for herself. "You're going to be an arse all night."
/*/
For a muggle venue, Regalia was outstanding. It was colorfully lit with contemporary furnishings, live music and a huge wooden bar that stretched from one end of the room to the other. Looking around, Matt spotted an open table for two. Reaching out for Kim who was still leading the way, he began to guide her toward the empty table. However, before they had fully turned, someone called out Matt's name.
Matt and Kim looked around. Kim let out a soft sigh. It was Emilio. It wasn't that she didn't like the man. It was just that, for some reason, Matt felt he had to be involved in every aspect of Emilio's life. She really couldn't complain about Emilio, because he didn't constantly push himself into their life. It was all Matt, all the time.
"Over here," Emilio called out with one hand in the air. "Join us."
"How nice. It's Emilio," offered Matt as if Kim didn't recognize his cousin. "Shall we join his table, or would you rather get a table of our own?"
Not expecting an adverse response from Kim, Matt headed toward his cousin's table while Kim mumbled at his back.
"If we get our own table, he'll either be at ours, or you'll be at his. We might as well cut out the unnecessary walking. We'll join his table."
Matt pretended not to hear what Kim had mumbled. Any answer he would have given would only inflame either Kim or himself, and he wasn't about to get into a spat in the middle of a muggle club. She'd live.
Kim was surprised to see James Wooley at the table along with two unfamiliar women. A quick appraisal of the women told Kim they were muggles. Nice to have some warning, she thought irritably.
Both men remained standing until Kim was seated then James made the introductions. Kim smiled, but the names escaped her as soon they left James' lips. However, Kim did take the time to give each woman the once over. They were not the typical… Kim stopped herself. What did she know? She didn't know anything about what was typical for Emilio and certainly not for James. With that thought, Kim decided she would let all her errant thoughts go. She and Matt were there to enjoy themselves, and that was what she would do.
"A penny for your thoughts Kim," remarked Emilio.
Matt spoke up. "Emilio asked if you would like a wine."
"Sorry Emilio," she replied, putting on a dazzling smile. "I was lost in thought. I would love a red wine spritzer."
As soon as Kim mentioned red wine spritzer, one of the women immediately ordered the same while the other ordered a regular white wine. The men wanted whisky. With the drinks sorted, Emilio raised a hand for the server.
Contrary of the way it started, the rest of the night was full of laughter, drinking and dancing.
On the way home, Kim admitted she'd had a lovely time, and Matt was quick to concur.
/*/
While she was sorting the clothing she would need, Carmela called Hermione to let her know she would be stepping through that evening instead of Saturday morning. Hermione wasn't picking up, so Carmela left a message.
After a quick clean up in the kitchen, Carmela gathered her things, kissed Fausto, shouted out a goodbye to Xavier then stepped through the floo in the bedroom which directly connected to the bedroom she and Fausto shared while at Malfoy Estate. Five minutes later, Carmela was dropping her bag on the bed of the familiar bedroom. The upstairs was awfully quiet. Carmela hoped Hermione and Scorp hadn't gone to bed early. It would be a shame if she had come through early only to find them already in bed.
After using her wand to hastily hang her clothing, and put away her personal items, Carmela left the room in search of Hermione and Scorp, and was happy to find neither one in bed. Heading downstairs, Carmela called out as she went so as not to frighten her little family. By the time she reached the first floor, Hermione was coming out of the den with her arms open wide.
"Hello love. Although I'm surprised to see you tonight, I'm quite pleased you are here. Come on through. Sal is here visiting with Scorp."
"Ah, my son. Lucky for me. I barely get to see him anymore."
"Mum," greeted Sal, giving Carmela a big hug and kiss. "I'm glad to see you, but I think you've become as adept at stretching the truth as Gaspare. Come on through. Scorpius will be happy."
As if he'd smelled Carmela, Scorpius came charging into the hall at a run. "Mela. My Mela is here. Mum, Mela is here." He said grabbing Carmela by the legs. "I missed you Mela."
Lifting Scorpius up off the floor, Carmela planted a loud, sloppy kiss on his cheek. "And I missed you my little man. What are you up to?"
An excited Scorpius took Carmela by the hand, and led her into the den. Pointing a little finger at the toy Sal had given him, Scorp explained he was visiting with Uncle Sal and playing with his new toy.
The three adults took seats while Scorpius planted himself in the middle of the floor with his toy.
/*/
Sal left just before Hannah stepped out of the main floo armed with wine, muggle fast food for Scorp, and a few reference books on magical portraits.
"Hello loves," she shouted as she came around the corner stopping short when she saw Carmela. "We have a visitor. Let me rephrase. Hello all my loves."
Carmela gave Hannah a hug while Scorpius recognized the paper sack she had in her hand and made a beeline for what he knew was his. Once he was in close proximity to the sack, Scorpius simply stood there gazing at the sack which really wasn't his until Hannah said so.
When Hannah realized Scorp was waiting for his fast food meal, she handed it to him complimenting the little guy on his manners.
"Sweet boy. Mummy and daddy taught you well. It's up to mummy if you can have it now."
Glancing at the sack, then at his mum, Scorpius put on his most innocent smile which drew laughs from the three ladies.
"You may have it now Scorp, but mind you, do not make a mess. I didn't hear you say thank you to Hannah."
"No mess mum. You didn't hear me say thank you to Anna, because I said it in my mind," answered Scorp, blissfully unaware of the humor in his answer.
Desperately trying to hold back laughter, Hannah told Scorp not to worry because she had heard his thank you.
Scorp grinned at his mum as he neatly spread a napkin before laying out the contents of the sack.
/*/
The ladies settled down with wine and a platter of cheeses and were soon deep in discussion. The first topic had been Hannah and Carmela's back door approach to finding a sitter for Scorp which ended in gales of laughter when Hannah repeated what Harry had said about Hermione having a go with some handsome wizard.
Even though she knew Scorpius was too young to understand the content of their conversation, it was a bright red Hermione who had cast a quick glance in her son's direction before jokingly telling Hannah and Carmela to close their filthy mouths.
"Filthy mouths mum? Scorp echoed inquisitively.
The three women were horrified until they realized Scorp was only mimicking his mum without understanding the statement.
"Okay," said Hermione jumping up from the couch. "Time for bath and bed. You'll see Mela and Hannah tomorrow. Say goodnight."
Scorp said goodnight to Hannah and Carmela before gathering up the neatly packaged remains of his fast food meal.
/*/
While Hermione was off putting Scorpius to bed, Hannah and Carmela had more wine and more laughs over Harry's hysterical comments. By the time Hermione returned, they were on to the subject of living portraits as a business venture.
After much discussion, the three women agreed the idea was worth exploring, but anything in depth could wait a few weeks.
It was fairly late, so Hannah called it a night promising to bring Harry by for a much needed beating which brought about more laughter.
After Hannah left, Hermione and Carmela had a cup of tea before heading to bed. Ascending the stairs, Carmela told Hermione she was going to check in with Fausto and would probably try to visit Gas and Seana on Saturday. They separated at the top of the stairs, Hermione going right and Carmela going left.
/*/
Harry was in the den working on some work related material when Hannah arrived home.
"Hello love. How was your day? I've just left Hermione's. Carmela came through earlier than planned, so we had a bit of a girls night. Just so you know, we laughed like bastards at your comments."
"What comments?" Harry asked in surprise. "Wasn't aware I'd made any comments witty enough to be passed on." Then he thought about it. "Please tell me you aren't talking about that bit of rubbish I uttered about Hermione shagging somebody."
Hannah laughed as she grabbed her husband around the neck. "Yes. That's the very bit of rubbish. Carmela laughed herself silly, but Hermione seemed a bit put off. I can't imagine why."
Harry leaned his head back so forcefully his head gave Hannah a nice bump on the chin which caused her teeth to cut into her tongue. With Hannah howling in pain, Harry jumped up with wand drawn to cast a healing as well as a blood removal spell.
"I'm sorry love," he murmured soothingly.
"You are not sorry. You did that on purpose you bloody git."
"I did not. It was an accident, although, it might have been my good fairy getting retribution for your thoughtless sharing of things said between husband and wife."
Hannah answered Harry with a very sly reply. "Retribution is it? We'll talk retribution after Hermione is done with you. I'm going upstairs. Have fun trying to think up the excuse you'll use for sticking your nose into your sister's business. Goodnight."
"Hermione will hex me into next week, and it will be your fault. You weren't supposed to tell her." Harry shouted at Hannah's receding back.
"You have no standing Potter. As soon as the words came out of your mouth, I told you I was going to tell Hermione what you thought she should and should not do. Next time, be mindful of your so-called orders." Hannah shouted back.
Harry clamped his mouth shut. There wasn't any use for him to keep shouting at Hannah. It wouldn't change the fact he had opened his overbearing mouth while in the middle of a self righteous fit. All he could hope was Hannah hadn't named names.
Harry slapped his hand down on the table so hard tingles went up his arm. No matter what his traitorous wife had shared, Harry still felt as though Emilio was crafty enough to slip back into Hermione's life. Under a spell or not, Emilio had put Hermione through enough shite to last a lifetime. He was not going to sit back and let that happen again. Period!