Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 18

"No myth Hermione. It's just that Kingsley doesn't want to panic the public into thinking we have another set of monsters on our hands. He has ordered any instances of gray magic be dealt with quietly and swiftly, which Flora's case will, after I get the answers I want. I have my thoughts on how Gas got tied up with her, but I'll have to speak to him to find out why Flora wanted to be Seana's Medi-witch in the first place. Rest assured, Flora the crone will not be acting the Medi-Witch for anyone anymore."

Carmela hugged Harry. "Thank you so much for coming to our rescue. Gas and Seana will be so relieved. Will you have to speak with him today, or can it wait until tomorrow?"

"Sorry mum. This cannot wait. When I get back to the holding cells to question Flora, I want to have all my ducks in a row. In fact, when you go back in to sit with Seana, I'll need you to send Gas out. I want to speak with him in private, so I'll be taking him to my office. No worries though. I'll have him back in no time. Tell Seana the truth, that I have to speak to Gas in private, but he'll return shortly, so she won't add to her worries. I probably won't return with him, but I will be in touch as soon as I can."

Hermione hugged Harry before going back into the room and offered a candid reply. "Thank Merlin for your Potter magic. I'll see you soon."

Harry stood in a the hall waiting for Gas with a weary grin on his face. If what he believed was true, there might not be many more grins during the next twenty four hours.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 19

Harry wanted to get back to the holding cells, but he needed answers from Gas first. As a disheveled looking Gas stepped out of Seana's room, Harry gestured to a small alcove at the end of the hall. Even though they were off the beaten path and alone, Harry kept his voice low.

"What's going on here Gas? How did you come to hire some crone to take care of Seana? I know you've been stretched thin since Draco's death, but come on man. That witch was so sketchy I could smell the evil emanating from her. You'll need to tell me where she came from and who recommended her. I have an idea, but I'll need to hear it from you."

Gas sunk down into one of the chairs in the alcove and put his face in his hands. "I swear Harry. I don't know how all this madness came about and I certainly can't explain how, as you say, didn't smell the deception. I know I've been busy, but I didn't realize how shallowly I've been treating Seana or recognize the state she is in. I just can't explain it. I love my wife Harry. The last thing I would do is hurt her and our child."

Harry understood how Gas was feeling, but now was not the time for mea culpa. If he was to get to the bottom of this, he needed information before he questioned the crone.

"Snap to Gas. We all realize you wouldn't intentionally hurt your family. What I need to know is how you settled on this particular witch. Start at the beginning. Tell me all you remember."

"All I remember? What does that mean? I remember perfectly well. Seana had been feeling sickly, but I was so busy I couldn't stay home to take care of her. I knew Seana needed assistance, however, I had no idea where to start looking for a companion, especially one with medical training. Several days later, my assistant handed me a brochure that had been left on his desk. Short for time and as busy as a one armed bandit, I didn't even stop to think. I contacted Flora immediately for a face to face meeting which went so well I hired her on the spot. Flora appeared to be a sweet, rosy cheeked witch with the skill set I was seeking. It was a no brainer. Seana and I needed help and she fit the bill. She didn't smell odd to me. The rest you know."

Harry had been listening intently for skips in memory, or other odd bits, which he hadn't heard. From Gas's explanation, everything sounded aboveboard, but there had to be something. Contrary to what muggles thought, magic just didn't work that way. No witch or wizard could arbitrarily want something and that thing suddenly appeared before them. There was more to this.

"Alright Gas." Harry replied solicitously, putting a hand on Gas' shoulder. "I'll tell you what I believe, and I'll expect it to go no further until I can either prove or disprove my suspicions. I believe someone is trying to interfere with Malfoy business."

"What? Interfere with Malfoy business? Seana and the baby don't have a thing to do with Malfoy business. Isn't that kind of a reach Harry, even for the Head Auror?"

Harry smiled, acknowledging that he'd been known for overreaching in the past. "I haven't put it all together yet, but a few things that didn't make sense are coming together in my consciousness. Hopefully, my thoughts will become more concrete after I speak to the crone."

"Things like what Harry?" Gas asked, voice rising.

"Keep your voice down Gas. All I have for the moment is suspicions, and I don't want those suspicions bandied about."

"Really?" Gas replied sarcastically. "Be realistic Harry. I'd be hard pressed to bandy these suspicions about when I have no concept of what they are."

"True. Let's just do this. I suggest the first thing you do is ask Hermione to send one of the house elves over to take care of Seana and the baby. If you don't want an elf underfoot when you are home, have her go back to Malfoy Estate until you are ready to go back to work."

"You're being ridiculous mate. Seana doesn't need a house elf. We just need to hire a obstetrics practitioner."

Harry was trying to be patient without giving away his thoughts, but his patience was coming to an end. "You mean hire another Flora?" Harry remarked sharply. "You may not be all that familiar with the traits of house elves. I am. Dusty, Embers or Crissy would have recognized Flora for the harbinger of ill will that she is." Softening his tone, Harry told Gas he just didn't want any other ill meaning witch or wizard getting close to Seana and the baby.

Gas had a small epiphany. Taking a deep breath, he told Harry he didn't understand but realized Harry would never steer him in the wrong direction.

"Good! I won't saddle you with any more information. Just think over what I said about speaking to Hermione, and keep strangers away from Seana and yourself until I give the all clear. Please do not share what I've told you with anyone. It will only upset them. Now go back and be with Seana. I'll be in touch."

They had made it halfway to Seana's room before Gas spoke.

"Alright Harry. I'll wait to hear. Seana is so upset she is thinking of going to stay with her parents for a bit. Maybe that would be a good idea."

Harry stopped in his tracks and turned to Gas. "I normally don't give personal advice. Well maybe I do, but the last thing Seana needs is for her husband to agree she should leave their marital home to go visit her parents. No matter what she says."

"But, it was Seana who suggested it."

"For fucks sake Gas. Come on. You just said yourself she's in a fragile state. Anything could come out of her mouth. The last, the very last thing she needs to hear is her husband wants to see her gone….."

Gas cut across Harry. "I don't want her gone. I want her happy and safe."

"Then keep her happy and safe in her own home. Explain to Seana what you'd like to see done then talk to Hermione. For the time being, I'd like you to be very selective with the people you are alone with. I need to get back to the Ministry. Tell the ladies I said goodbye. One last suggestion, I'd wait until you and Seana are alone to have any discussion. My sister and mum are lovely, but they are very nosy witches. Talk to you later."

With a heavy heart, Gas watched Harry walk away knowing the Head Auror was seldom wrong. Something was trying to come for his family. If it had anything to do with Malfoy money or property, some despicable person or persons would get more than they bargained for.

Adjusting his slightly askew jacket, Gas opened the door to Seana's room and stepped in.

/*/

As soon as Gas walked in, Carmela stood up. "Seana is feeling better. She even took a bit of soup. She just fell asleep. Hermione had to get home to check on Scorp. We'll talk more about this at a later time. I love you Gas, but I cannot stress enough how disappointed I am in the way things have gone. If you don't mind, while you're here with Seana, I'll go to the house to clear away any of that foul Doula Brew and anything else that smells of Flora. After everything is cleansed, I'm going to make a quick stop at Malfoy Estate then back to Milan. I do love you son, but do better."

Gas hugged his mother tightly. "I messed up mum, but I will not mess up again. Seana and the baby are my life. As sad as it sounds for me to say, I've been putting my Malfoy duties before my family. That will not happen again."

Carmela patted Gas' hand before leaving a kiss on Seana's forehead. "Call your father if you need to talk. Get Seana out of the house for a bit, Bring her through to Milan this weekend. I'll see you then, if not before. My love to you both."

Seana stirred as the door closed behind Carmela, but she didn't wake. The quiet of the room gave Gas time to mull things over. He knew what he needed to do as far as Seana and the baby were concerned, but he didn't know how. Until Matt was transitioned in as the Head of the Malfoy Companies, he was Acting Head and everything ran through him. He couldn't just drop everything, nor did he want to let anyone down.

Gas glanced over at the still sleeping Seana before stepping out of the room to call Harry. Perhaps the Head Auror had been able to solve the problem and there wouldn't be any need for him to turn his duties over to someone else.

/*/

Gas dialed Harry's number, but the mobile just rang and rang. Gas gave it two minutes then redialed. This time someone answered.

Harry's phone. Anthony here. How can I help you?

This is Gaspare Maida. May I speak to Harry?

Hello there mate. The boss isn't available right now. I only answered the bloody mobile because the ringing was annoying. Harry is down in the holding cells questioning a prisoner. I'll have him ring you back as soon as he can. Hang in there Gas. We'll know something soon.

This was not what Gas wanted to hear, but what could he do.

Alright Anthony. I'll wait for his call.

Gas' next thought was to call Matt, but what would he say? Hello Matt. Have you been transitioned yet? Unacceptable. All he could do was go back to sit with Seana until Harry rang him back.

/*/

Carmela had gone through Gas and Seana's house with every cleaning, disinfecting and removal spell she knew. Once finished, Carmela realized how foul the house had smelled before her cleansing. How had Gas or Seana not smelled the foulness? Standing there looking around, Carmella took her words back. She'd been to the house twice in the past eight days and hadn't smelled anything. Well, she thought, it's all clean now. Since she had discarded every edible thing in the refrigerator and pantry, she left a note for Gas to order groceries. Then she washed her hands, cast a cleansing spell over herself and Apparated to Malfoy Estate with the thought running through her mind that the last thing she wanted to do was bring bits of gray magic around Scorp.

/*/

Dusty met Carmela at the door. "Come in mother Maida. Mrs. Hermione isn't here. She took our little man to the shops to get him his own mobile. May I get you something to eat or drink?"

"No thank you Dusty. I'm fine. Please get me a pen and some paper. I'll just leave a quick note for my girl then be on my way."

"Yes mother. Right away."

Carmela sat down at the kitchen table to wait. Several seconds later, Dusty was back. Carmela explained what she'd done at Gas and Seana's house, and that she was going back to Milan to tie up the loose ends of the day. Giving the finished note to Dusty, Carmela requested she be sure to give it to Hermione first thing to which Dusty replied she would.

With nothing more to do, Carmela climbed the stairs to her home away from home bedroom to floo back home.

/*/

Matt stepped out of the floo calling for Kim. "Hey love. Me and my happy sperm are home looking for… Matt was looking for his wife, but what he found was smoky darkness.

"Kim! Kim!" Matt called out. "Why is it so dark and smoky in here? What is going on?"

Apprehension began to set in. "Answer me love." Matt called out moving across the room. "Are you alright?"

Bam! Matt felt as though he'd been hit with some anonymous spell. Coughing, Matt went for his wand, but as he did, the room fell away and he suddenly found himself in a small room dominated by pictures of what could only be the ancient Malfoys.

The apprehension Matt had felt dissipated. In its place was annoyance. This was obviously the transition. Leave it to Draco's family to be so dramatic. Although he couldn't see anyone, Matt spoke to the room at large.

"There's really no need for the theatrics. I realize I have to go through this transition. Let's begin so we can be finished with this."

"SILENCE peasant!" A voice shouted as a response. "As an indirect heir, you will not speak until you are asked to speak. You are a nobody who has accidentally found himself heir to the vast Malfoy throne. Do not be presumptuous, or we will kill you and move on to the next."

Matt should have panicked, but he didn't. These were nothing more than idle threats from old ass Malfoy terrorists. Whoever these wizards were, they couldn't arbitrarily kill the next in line, or at least he didn't think they could. However, he did remain silent until he was called on to speak.

"Mr. Lozio, you are here because it is your destiny to lead the Malfoy family. Although you are not a fully blooded Malfoy, you have the credentials and blood to be designated as the next in line, otherwise you would not be here. There are things that need to be done and requirements to be met."

Matt drew in a long breath. It seemed as though these Malfoy mentors, although unseen, meant him no harm.

A four or five page document appeared in front of Matt on a table that hadn't been there seconds ago.

"Read this document then sign where specified. Begin now."

Matt read slowly to insure he comprehended exactly what he was being asked to sign. The document read as some archaic piece of dribble. If he had a wife, they could only procreate to insure continuation of the lineage. A female child meant no more than a house elf until claimed by some wizard of means. Matt huffed. The document was ridiculous. It got even more ridiculous farther on. As the heir, for the first five years, Matt would have to relinquish any duties which didn't pertain to Malfoy business to insure the success and wealth of the Malfoy bloodline down the line.

Five years? Preposterous. He'd have to give up his chosen career for five years. Even as Matt wanted to dispute the facts of the document, he couldn't. It became obvious he was now under some type of verbal restraint, either by spell or hex. The room was deathly quiet, but Matt knew the others were still there. Although, the document was a farce, there wasn't any way he could decline even if he could speak. He had made a legally binding vow in front of witnesses to take over until any direct line progeny came of age if something befell Draco. No matter how ill timed, he was a man of his word and would do what was required.

Just above the signature line, Matt read the threat to himself if he did not carry out his duties as intended. He, his wife, if he had one, and his child, if he had one, would be left with nothing except the clothes on their backs and banished from the line. Then, as though his hand was enchanted, the old fashioned quill moved on its own. Matt's signature glowed gold for the briefest of seconds before fading to black. With the signature set, Matt experienced a sharp piercing in his finger which drew blood. Again, as if moving on its own, Matt's hand traced his signature. This time in blood.

"It is done," declared a voice from somewhere in the room. "You have been installed as well as marked as the Malfoy heir. The document you signed will only ever be visible to a Malfoy. From here on out, you will never be able to work against the Malfoy line."

As he was dismissed, Matt thought he saw several skeletal figures glide from the room. Matt didn't have the time to be fearful before falling into a swoon of sorts.

/*/

When he came out of the swoon, Matt found himself seated on his own couch with a concerned looking Kim holding a wet cloth to his forehead.

"Are you ill love? I came through the door to find you thrashing about on the couch holding these blank pages in your hand. What's going on, and what have you done to your hair?"

A groggy Matt sat up straight pushing the cloth away. "I'm fine love." He answered quickly, although he had a distinct pounding at his temples. "I must have dozed off. What's wrong with my hair? Have I gone bald?" He asked jokingly, running his hand across his head.

"No Matt. You haven't gone bald, but you now have a shock of white, blond hair at the front of your head."

"You're joking," sputtered Matt.

"I'm not joking at all. Go see for yourself."

Matt hurried to the front bathroom. Gasping as he looked at himself in the mirror, Matt saw exactly what Kim had meant. A small lock of hair at the front of his head had suddenly become Malfoy blond. Then, as if he was looking into a kaleidoscope, all that had happened to him came flooding back. He had been installed as the Malfoy heir and gained a mark to prove it.

With a sigh, Matt returned to the living room. He was going to have to explain to Kim that his days at the Italian Ministry were numbered as were their days in Italy. His hands were tied for at least five years.

He beckoned Kim. "Come sit down love. I have news to share."

Once Kim settled in beside him. Matt took hold of both her hands. "This evening I was installed as the Malfoy heir. I believe this strange bit of blond hair is their mark."

Kim didn't know what to feel. Matt had been somewhat fearful of what his transition would entail. Happily, she replied to his statement. "Well. Except for the mark, it doesn't appear anything else has changed. All that worry for nothing. Since, you'll probably be exceedingly busy for the next few months, I think we should begin to practice our baby making skills right now."

Matt gave Kim a dismal smile as he let go of her hands. "I'd like nothing more than to feel you wrapped in my arms love. However, you might not feel as amorous after I explain the rest. There's more Kim."

Before Matt had a chance to make any additional disclosures, Kim snapped at him. "Don't you dare Matt. Don't you dare tell me this Malfoy heir thing is going to disrupt our lives. I won't stand for it."

"I'm sorry love. There's no turning back. The Malfoy heir thing will disrupt our lives, and in a very big way, but we'll have to make the best of it."

Raising her voice to a near shriek, Kim pounded on Matt's arm. "Make the best of it? Sounds like you have it all planned out. But why am I surprised? After all, all you've ever wanted was to be Draco and have Hermione."

Matt stopped himself before he could grab Kim by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. Instead, he replied in a low, calm voice. "Never have I wanted to be Draco or have Hermione. I am my own man with a wife I love. You're talking foolish because I've upset you. Why don't we have some dinner and discuss this?"

Striding from the room, Kim called back over her shoulder. "Have dinner with yourself. I've listened to all I'm going to listen to this night. In fact," she shouted still in a rage. "I don't want you in my bed. Conjure sheets, blankets and a pillow because you'll be sleeping on the couch."

Matt didn't move from the couch knowing there was nothing he could say to placate Kim when she got in this mood. He would save the rest of his news until the following day, or whenever Kim calmed down. Whichever came first.

/*/

Matt summoned his mobile to ring the one person he knew would understand, Emilio. However, Emilio didn't pick up. Rather than leave some long message, Matt simply asked Emilio to stop by his office first thing in the morning.

/*/

With nothing else to do, Matt leaned his head back against the couch to ponder the changes that were about to disrupt their lives. Leaning forward, Matt picked up what Kim had thought were blank pages. He began to reread how his life would have to go for at least the next five years.