Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 13
"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!
A/N: Warning: References to death and a funeral are contained in this chapter. Please pass over this chapter if these things upset you. Thanks.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 14
The house was quiet except for the soft murmuring Hermione knew to be Carmela chatting with Fausto. Settling in for a long soak, Hermione browsed through some of the material on living portraits Hannah had brought with her. Since the subject of living portraits as a business hadn't ever been done, Hermione had to be content reading about known living portraits and how they'd come to be.
The material was interesting which gave Hermione a few ideas. She thought about living portraits for babies which could be taken all through childhood up until the child came of age. The idea sounded good to her, but she would discuss it with her partners in crime, Hannah and Carmela. For some reason, the thought of having a solid business idea relaxed Hermione to where she heated the water with her wand and settled back with a clear mind and no thoughts of Draco's funeral.
Long after Hermione thought Carmela was sleeping, there was a soft knock on the door which could only be her adoptive mum.
"Come on in love. What's going on? Has a conversation with Fausto stimulated you so much you can't get to sleep?" Joked Hermione with a big smile.
"You've hit the nail on the head," Carmela parried. "I think it's called mobile sex. I've heard some of the younger Travelers and clerks mention it in passing."
Hermione's hand flew up to her mouth. "Stop mum please. That is way too much information to share with your daughter."
Carmela wanted to roar with laughter at the look on Hermione's face, but kept it low key so she wouldn't wake Scorpius. "Calm down Hermione. Although it's true I've heard about mobile sex, Fausto would be mortified, as would I, if something more sexy than I miss you came up in a phone conversation. Next time, be careful of whom you accuse of having lurid conversations on the mobile."
Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Hermione let her head fall back against the headboard. "Can we get off this particular subject please? Tell me the reason for this late visit."
"I don't have any real reason. I'm just checking on you and your state of mind. I thought you might want to talk privately. I've watched you flit around with a smile on your face knowing full well you are being strong because you think that's what people expect." Reaching out for Hermione's hand, Carmela continued softly. "I don't give a shite what people expect. That's not what I expect. You are going through an unimaginable time. We are here for you. Be as weak as you need to be. There'll always be someone to catch you if you fall."
Carmela's emotional words brought tears to Hermione's eyes. Tightening her fingers around Carmela's Hand, Hermione answered in a half sob. "I know everyone is there for me. I've tried to keep up a strong front so no one feels obligated to tip toe around me. My husband literally killed himself. I'd rather people save their kind thoughts and actions for Scorp who only remembers his father is gone for good when I remind him. I swear, when Scorp sits in his little chair doing absolutely nothing. He's listening and waiting for Draco to come through the door." With tears running freely down her face, Hermione added one last thought. "I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about him."
Pulling Hermione into a hug, Carmela rested her chin on top of Hermione's head. "I know sweetheart. I know. It's my belief you and Scorp will be fine. You needed this cry. You may now go back to being the strong witch. Wipe your face, and have a nice sleep. I'll speak with you in the morning about things that still need to be done. Goodnight love."
"Goodnight Carmela. Thank you for the talk."
/**/
Saturday morning, Emilio woke up in a shitty mood. He'd had a great time with James, Matt, Kim and the two muggle women right up until the woman who had claimed him for the night fellated him in the doorway of her apartment. Right out in the open. He was even more mortified that he hadn't been able to extricate himself before coming all over his trousers and her shoulder. Their parting had been awkward, to say the least, as he hadn't intended for the night to end in any type of intimacy. He and his stained trousers had stood rigidly by until she unlocked her door and literally fell inside. Then he had bolted.
After landing in his own home, he had basically undressed as he crossed the room. Standing nude by his shower, Emilio decided he wouldn't be going back to Regalia anytime soon. During the shower, he couldn't help thinking about the woman's morals. If she did that to him the very night they met, he was glad it hadn't come down to kissing her on the mouth. He didn't want to think about how many dicks might have been in that mouth. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate a woman's lips on his penis. He enjoyed fellatio as much as the next wizard, but in the right circumstances. As prudish it might be, he considered it a highly intimate act which should be only done between two people in a relationship, not something done in the doorway of a muggle apartment. He was a sitting Minister in the Italian Ministry for Merlin's sake.
Eating the bit of breakfast he could force down, Emilio planned out his day. His first stop would be at the men's shop. Even though his closet contained some of the most elegant clothing in Milan, he wanted to look presentable without being ostentatious. Then a haircut and shave, after which, he would visit a grocer to pick up the ingredients for his sprouts and celery. He planned to surprise Harry, and Hermione with two different dishes, a regular sprouts and celery as well as a lemony creamed sprouts and celery. He told himself he wasn't showing off by making two offerings. He was simply enhancing whatever menu was already planned.
As the day progressed, and Emilio was coming to the end of his errands, he wondered if it would be too pretentious of him to bring Scorpius a gift. In the end, he decided against bringing a gift. He wasn't going to a party after all.
/*/
Hermione, Carmela and Scorp ran some errands on Saturday to tie up a few loose ends. When they finished shopping, Carmela left Hermione and Scorp at the ice cream shop while she Apparated to Gas and Seana's house to check on her pregnant daughter-in-law.
Although Seana welcomed her to her home, Carmela got the sense Seana would rather be resting up for the ordeal that faced them all on Sunday. The two women chatted for a bit, but Seana's discomfort was making Carmela uncomfortable.
"Can I do anything for you Seana?" Carmela asked. "I do know a few remedies which will reduce nausea and eliminate those pesky aches and pains."
Seana gave Carmela a skeptical look. "No thanks mum. The Obstetrician has offered a few remedies, but Gas and I decided our pregnancy will be kept as natural as possible."
Carmela wasn't impressed. "Really? You and Gas have decided, or has Gas decided? I'm not trying to step into my son's business, but wizards have no concept of what a witch goes through. I wouldn't even mention this, but with all the goings on you must be experiencing undue stress. If you are experiencing as much discomfort as it seems, have another chat with Gas. Let him know you'd like a little relief. Even if it's only for tonight and tomorrow. My son has been running from pillar to post helping with the funeral and Malfoy business. I suggest you both take a calming draught. Anyway, that's just my thought. If you don't feel better by tomorrow afternoon, stay home. The family will understand. Would you like another tea before I leave?"
"I would love another tea, but my bladder which seems to have shrunk doesn't agree. One more drink and I would have to leave this uncomfortable seat to go sit on the uncomfortable toilet. I'm fine."
Carmela laughed as he kissed Seana's cheek. "Alright my sweet. I'll be getting back to Hermione's. Remember what I said. Have a chat with Gas. If you don't feel up to attending the funeral, stay home. Perhaps you'd feel better if you weren't looking at the same surroundings twenty four hours a day. Have Gas or Seamus drop you off at Hermione's. We'll take care of our pregnant girl. She'd love to see you. If we don't see you tonight, we'll see you tomorrow."
"Alright mum. I'll speak to Gas. Maybe a little visit would do me good. Thank you for coming. Gas will be sorry he missed you."
/*/
When Hermione and Scorp arrived home, Harry was there waiting. He had spent the time waiting for Hermione to get home waffling between being indignant and repentant. He wanted to be firm with Hermione about what he felt Emilio was trying accomplish. However, he didn't want to start a row, especially now, and especially since he had no proof Emilio would try to maneuver Hermione into a compromising position. Then, like she was standing over him, Harry could hear Hannah clearly tell him to mind his bloody business. Harry looked around before breaking into a wide grin. He would take Hannah's advice, until he was proven right. At that time, he would force an apology from the lot of them.
/*/
Harry was sipping on his second whisky when he heard Hermione and Scorp land. Jumping up, he met them at the mouth of the hall.
"Hi Uncle 'Arry. I've got new clothes and new shoes. I'm going out with Meel."
Hermione could see Harry freeze in place, but stood silent waiting for him to start railing about whatever he felt like railing about.
Harry surprised her. He didn't rail at all. Instead, he lifted a giggling Scorp up in the air.
"Hello little wizard. Did you really go big boy shopping with mum?"
"Uh huh," replied Scorp. "Mum bought books. One is mine. For Meel to read at the park."
"That's wonderful Scorp." Harry replied, trying to keep his voice level. "Uncle Harry is going to leave so you and mum can put away your purchases. Maybe I'll see you a bit later." With barely a glance in Hermione's direction, Harry told her he'd see her later.
Annoying git thought Hermione as she called out sharply. "Harry Potter. Sit your arse back down in a chair. It will only take me a minute to have Dusty put things away and see to Scorp. Don't be so obstinate. Sit down and finish your drink."
Breathing hard, Harry sat back down. He knew he was acting like a wronged suitor. He also knew if he wasn't careful there wouldn't be any way to avoid a row with Hermione.
"Dusty," called out Hermione.
The house elf immediately appeared in front of Hermione.
"Please take Scorp to wash up then give him lunch. I'll also need Embers or Crissy to put away my purchases. Scorp has a new book. Please have it put on his bed. Thank you."
Then Hermione turned on Harry. "It's obvious you have something to say to me, so speak."
Now that he had the floor, Harry realized he was fretting over something that hadn't happened and was not his business, so he spoke evenly and softly. "I don't really have anything to say Hermione. I'm just concerned is all."
Hermione plopped down on the couch in a huff. "Nothing to say? Concerned, is it? I figure you'd want to school me good and proper on the way to conduct myself from here on out. Let me say this, and I want this to be the last time we mention my personal life. I love you Harry, but stop. I appreciate your concern as well, but this is not the time, and it really isn't your place."
Harry took a deep breath. "I love you too Hermione. I'll refrain from nosing in your life."
Hermione summoned a glass and the wine. "Smart move Potter, because I'll be handing you your arse on a platter if you don't. A change of subject is in order. Let's have a toast to Draco."
Holding their glasses aloft, they each said, "To Draco."
/*/
Hannah came through about an hour later. After greeting Hermione, she told Harry she thought she'd find him there. "Don't rush home. I'm going in to the Leaky tonight. One of the staff requested the night off. I'm also going to help close, so I'll be late. Your dinner is warming. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow Hermione. I'll see you later Harry."
Harry stood up. "I'll see you to the pub. If you're lucky, I might keep you company for a bit."
Hermione laughed at the look on Hannah's face as she called Harry a cheeky blighter before grabbing him by the arm.
"Goodnight Hermione."
"I'll be over by midmorning. Kiss Scorp for me."
After Harry and Hannah left, and the downstairs was quiet, Hermione suddenly realized that the countdown had begun. Tomorrow at this time, Draco would already be interred, and the next chapter of her life would be opening. Who would have thought their marriage would end up like this? Hermione couldn't deny that most of their short marriage had been amazing. It was only near the end of Draco's life that things had begun to change. It was not impossible to think she and Draco might have separated in the future. However, that was a moot issue. They hadn't separated. She was still his wife when he died. Pansy Parkinson could kiss her arse.
Hermione was so deep in thought, she actually jumped when Carmela tapped her on the shoulder.
"Doing some deep thinking, are you love? A penny for your thoughts."
Hermione smiled at Carmela immediately brushing off the taunt. "Not very deep Mela. I'm just sitting here thinking about what might have been. No big deal. What's going on? How is Seana?"
"Seana isn't feeling well. I tried to offer a bit of comfort, but she and Gas have decided that their pregnancy should be all natural. No spells or charms are allowed to make her more comfortable."
"That's strange," Hermione replied. "Are they afraid spells, charms or potions will hurt the baby? While I respect the wishes of any couple, it surprises me that Gas and Seana are so uninformed."
Carmela shrugged. "Seana and I discussed spells and charms. We did not discuss potions or draughts. I suggested, if she was so uncomfortable, it might be time to have another discussion with Gas. I felt sorry for her. It seems Gas is gone more than he is home, so she sits there alone and miserable. I was thinking I might take some well earned time away from the job to look after her while Gas is taking care of Malfoy business."
"I'm not sure that will go over too well. As much as she loves you, Seana is a bit of an introvert who might not want the mother-in-law running her household."
Carmela gave Hermione a blank stare. "You must be joking. I'm perfect. How could anyone not want me running their household?"
Hermione gave Carmela a warm smile. "Yes love. You are that. You're perfect. However…"
Carmela cut across Hermione. "Never mind all that. I would never impose myself on Gas and Seana….. unless they asked. I did however, invite Seana to come visit if she felt up to it. I hope you don't mind. Just so you know, I also suggested to Seana she stay home tomorrow if she doesn't feel any better. I'm going to see my little man then change into something a little less tight. I'll be back down in a minute."
Alone once again, Hermione thanked Merlin for introducing her to Carmela Maida.
/*/
Matt flooed over to Carmela's to invite Fausto to step through the international floo with him and the others at noon London time. Fausto accepted the invitation, informing Matt that Xavier would be stepping through as well.
"No problem Fausto. It will probably be easier on Hermione if the bulk of us come through at the same time. Seth and Sal will meet us at the chapel. One more thing. Would you mind seeing to Louis? Hermione and I have agreed he should hang in Wiltshire six months of the year and six months here in Milan."
Fausto didn't think anything of it. Taking charge of the portrait was a small favor. "I'll see to him Matt. I hope Louis won't mind being shrunk down."
Matt gave a hearty laugh. "Therein might lie the problem. I'm sure the last thing Louis wants is to be shrunken down. Knowing him, he'd think we wouldn't ever return him to size, but do what needs to be done."
"I'll talk it over with him Matt. Elder Malfoy has never been one to hold his tongue. I'm sure we'll find a reasonable solution. Give my regards to Kim. Xavier and I will see you tomorrow."
"Thanks Fausto. See you then."
One more thing out of the way thought Matt. Tomorrow wouldn't be over soon enough for him.
/*/
Seana never did show up on Saturday, so Hermione and Carmela spent a quiet evening talking while Scorp played with his toys only chiming in when he heard an interesting word. After Scorp was in bed for the night, Hermione and Carmela shared a few glasses of wine ostensibly to take the edge off what would be coming the next day.
/**/
Sunday arrived all too soon.
Carmela let Hermione sleep in for a bit while she and Scorp enjoyed a nice breakfast prepared by Crissy. Scorp and his nana were chatting away when Hermione appeared in the doorway.
"Good morning you two," said Hermione greeting them. "It's past 10:00 Carmela. Why did you let me sleep so late?"
"Goomorning mum. Crissy made eggs," sang out Scorp.
"I see that Scorp," replied Hermione, kissing her son on the top of his head.
"Good morning to you too Hermione. We let you sleep because you obviously needed it. I know the importance of the day. I wouldn't have let you sleep too late. You're up now. Have a seat and a bit of breakfast. The hordes will be arriving before you know it. Scorp and I have already bathed. All we have to do is dress."
"I'm not sure my stomach will accept food." Hermione replied, turning up her nose at the eggs and sausage Carmela had placed in front of her. "I'll have a cup of tea before I shower."
Carmela stood up. "You might want to try to calm down love. The day isn't going to get any easier. I'm going to check in with Fausto, and do a little something with this hair. You worry about yourself. When Scorp is finished, I'll have Dusty see to him. It won't take long to get him dressed. If you need a pep talk, stop by the room. Believe it or not, this day will end. See you in a bit."
Hermione drank the tea slowly with her thoughts on the day before her. She hadn't seen Draco since Wednesday. It was the absolute longest time they'd ever been apart. An innocuous thought passed through Hermione's head. She hoped Zacharias had taken proper care of Draco's hair.
Hermione was jolted out of her reverie when Dusty popped in to fetch Scorp. Taking Scorp by the hand, Dusty relayed a message from Carmela.
"Excuse me Mrs. I be takin' Master Scorpius to get dressed now. Miss Mela says you need to be gettin' a move on too."
"And Miss Mela is right." Hermione mumbled to herself. "Procrastinating will not change anything."
/*/
At 1:00 pm Milan time, Matt had the group lined up ready to floo through to Wiltshire. Even Louis was cooperating. It had been decided that Kim would step through first, followed by Xavier, Fausto, and Emilio with Matt bringing up the rear.
As they stepped out of the floo, Embers greeted them with a low bow. "This way please. Mrs. Hermione and Mrs. Mela will be down shortly. Would anyone care for refreshments?"
Matt stepped forward. "We're fine Embers. Thank you."
Matt hadn't gotten the words all the way out of his mouth before Hermione, Carmela and Scorp appeared at the living room door.
Carmela greeted the others before heading straight for Fausto.
Hermione and Scorp greeted everyone as well.
Hermione started to thank everyone for coming, but Matt cut her off. "There's no need to thank us Hermione. We're family. This is what we do."
Hermione noticed the portrait in Fausto's hands. "Hello Louis. Welcome to Malfoy Estate. We shall put you on the mantle over the fireplace in the den. It's a place of honor where you'll be able to hold private conversations with anyone you choose."
"Thank you Hermione. You heard her Mr. Maida. Please put me in my rightful place."
"I have my orders. Right away Louis."
Everyone grinned at the exchange between Louis and Fausto. Scorpius then took his turn greeting everyone, stopping in front of Emilio to remind him of the adventure they would be taking.
"I have a new book for our 'venture Meel. We go to the park and read my new book. Okay?"
"That's perfectly fine." Emilio replied as he shook Scorp's little hand. "As long as mum agrees and the weather allows."
Turning to Hermione, Scorp repeated his request. "Meel taking me to the park for a 'venture. Okay mum? Okay?"
Hermione glanced at Emilio before answering. She wasn't nervous at all about her son going on an adventure with him. "Yes Scorp. It's okay, but you must promise to obey Emilio."
"Okay mum. Okay. Scorp's a big boy. I'll obey."
Hermione hugged her son before calling Dusty to get him ready to go out.
/*/
Clearing his throat before speaking, Emilio asked to be shown to the kitchen so he could drop off the ingredients he'd brought with him.
Carmela was first to volunteer. "Follow me to the kitchen Emilio, but only if the ingredients will end up as sprouts and celery."
"Lead away then Mrs. Maida, because that's exactly how these ingredients will end up."
Carmela wriggled her eyebrows up and down before heading towards the kitchen with Emilio close behind.
Kim stood there wondering why Matt had such a wide grin on his face. It wasn't like sprouts and celery were his favorite dish. It wasn't even in his top ten. She couldn't put her finger on it, but the slight tension in the room seemed to be about something other than food.
/*/
As it was already 12:30, Hermione gave Emilio a few short instructions, kissed Scorp then informed Matt she was ready to go. The group left Emilio and Scorp standing in the middle of the room preparing for their adventure.
/*/
The park was straight down the street so there wasn't any need to Apparate. The two adventurers could walk to the park. However, when Emilio opened the door to step outside, he was met with a chilly wind and light raindrops.
"Oh, oh Scorp. Bad weather. I think we might have to put off our adventure until another day."
"Oh no Meel, rain." Mimicked Scorp looking dismayed. "Living room Meel. Living room. We can read in living room. Come on Meel." He ordered, pulling Emilio by the hand.
Emilio had another idea. "Listen little man. I've promised your mum and nana I would prepare a dish. Since we can't go out, I'll get that task out of the way. How about you come with me to the kitchen while I prepare the food then we'll go to the living room to read?"
Holding the new book tightly to his side, Scorp stood there with a quivering, bottom lip.
Emilio tried a different tack. "I thought you were a big boy. Big boys don't cry when they're asked by an elder to do something." He remarked gently.
Scorp straightened up his face, but had some words for Emilio. "I'm a good, big boy. I'm not crying. You cook then we read. Okay?"
"Okay. Let's get this done so we can read your new book. Come on."
Scorp followed Emilio to the kitchen, mumbling words that sounded something like, Emilio not mean.
/*/
Emilio didn't feel as uncomfortable in Draco's house as he thought he would. With a bit of assistance from Embers, Emilio finished in under forty minutes. After covering the two dishes with a warming spell, he picked Scorp up and carried him into the living room.
"Alright young man. Let's read." Emilio spent the next hour reading The Fountain of Fair Fortune while Scorp sat nestled by his side listening intently.
At 3:00, Emilio put the book down on the table, called Embers to take Scorp to the bathroom then headed to the main floor bathroom to relieve himself and freshen up.
With a bit of fancy wand work, Emilio packed the food in a sack then summoned it all from the kitchen. Placing a giggling Scorp on his back with legs with legs wrapped around his neck, Emilio told him to hold on tightly before Apparating to the address Hermione had given him.
/*/
Hermione's knees buckled as soon as her feet touched ground in front of the chapel. It was only due to Harry's swift reflexes that her knees hadn't touched the ground.
Hermione offered a quick apology after assuring everyone she was alright.
"We know you're alright," answered Harry firmly. "However, I plan to keep you on my arm just in case your knees don't know you're alright. Take a deep breath Hermione, and let's do this."
Hermione smiled at Harry and answered in little more than a whisper. "This is a solemn occasion Potter, so I'll wait until later to hex your arse."
Both Hannah and Harry smiled. Their girl was going to be fine.
/*/
Harry moved away to allow Matt and Seth to escort Hermione first to the family book then to the casket so she could gaze at her husband. Reaching out, Hermione touched Draco's hair and immediately drew her hand back. The undertaker had done a phenomenal job, but looks were deceiving. Although Draco's hair looked as soft as it had been in life, it was hard and brittle to the touch. Realizing the entire room was watching, Hermione took a deep breath and ran her hand across Draco's hair and face. This time without pulling her hand back.
Matt and Seth remained beside her while Gas and Sal stood close behind as she spoke soft words to the wizard she'd been with for the last six years. When she finished, Hermione bent over to leave a kiss on Draco's lips. Then she allowed herself to be guided to her seat while the rest of the guests paid their respects to Draco then stopped by the family to offer their condolences.
Hermione remained stoic even when Pansy Parkinson approached and was surreptitiously blocked by Hannah and Carmela. Knowing about the little tryst Draco had had with Pansy, but unsure what Hermione knew, Blaise and Theo who were acting as ushers hurried her along in line.
After the final person had paid their respects to Hermione and the family, Zacharias spoke a few words before opening the floor to speakers.
Blaise, Theo, Marcus, Tracey, Seamus and Dean spoke eloquently as did many others including Gas who had the entire room in tears as he spoke reverently about his mentor. In order to keep to the arranged timeline, Zacharias had to conclude the speaking portion so Hermione could close the service.
Hermione spoke for several minutes about how Draco would be missed by his son, friends, business associates and family. She ended by thanking everyone for coming out to support her and Scorpius.
After Hermione sat down, Zacharias took the floor one last time to invite everyone to the cemetery and the repast after. Then he, Blaise and Theo cleared a path so Hermione and the family could leave first to the cemetery.
The new cemetery was a lovely and serene place. As everyone gathered around, Zacharias called out the spell that uncloaked the amazing Malfoy vault. As the vault came into view, gasps of awe were heard from the guests who then followed Hermione inside to see Draco laid to rest. After the very short service, Hermione, Harry, Hannah, Carmela and Fausto remained behind to offer their own silent prayers. Feeling more emotional than she had since Draco died, Hermione laid her head against the marble drawer to say her and Scorp's goodbye.
With Hannah holding one hand and Carmela holding the other, Hermione walked back out into the chilly, rainy day where an unbidden thought crossed her mind. She hoped Emilio hadn't taken Scorp out in this weather.