Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 22

"No problem Matt." Gas replied. "We are in this together. It's family helping family. I'll set up the meeting for Monday 18 May which will give us time to get you acclimated to being in charge. In the interim, I'll do what I normally do, soothe the beasts. I will also put together a posting to find four people who have offered unwavering support to me from the day I walked through the doors."

"Sounds like the start of a good plan Gas." Matt said, extending his hand.

Gas had a ready smile as he gave Matt's hand a firm shake. "You are in it now mate. For good or for bad."

"That I am," laughed Matt. "That I am."

Gas offered a suggestion. "Instead of taking a portkey, why don't you apparate to Malfoy Estate and walk through the floo?"

"Actually, it's a bit late, and I've bothered Hermione enough for one evening. A portkey will be fine. Goodnight."

/*/

As Matt waited for the next available portkey, he had time to think about Kim. She most certainly would have an earful for him, especially since he hadn't advised her of his plans to floo to London.

Matt sighed. He wasn't looking forward to another fun night in the Lozio household.

/*/

Gas accepted his deliveries then set about putting everything away with his wand. After a quick shower, he poured himself a drink and thought how well things seemed to be moving along.

/

/

A/N: On 6/26/18, (26/6/18), I received a profound review with a very relevant plot point. I couldn't converse with the reviewer because it came from a guest. I can't thank him or her personally, but it got me thinking. From here, I might have to twist things around a bit. Thanks again guest.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 23

/**/

Tuesday morning was creeping in when Matt arrived home. As he figured, Kim was in a bitch of a mood, and was at his throat as soon as he apparated in.

"Since when have you started staying out until all bloody hours? Shall I call Emilio to find out what you've been up to? I know he was a part of it. Nothing transpires unless Emilio knows about it, or is part of it."

Matt didn't want to argue or get back on the subject of The Line of Heirs, so he explained nothing which infuriated Kim more.

"Perhaps that little bitch on your staff has caught your eye. She's quick to shake her arse whenever you're in her view. Is she the one who will be taking my place?"

It had been a long, unproductive day, and Kim was pissing him off. Matt didn't want to hear this bull shite. He began shouting before he thought about it. "You're being ridiculous Kim. You're talking like a mad woman. Why don't you take your arse back in the bedroom where you won't have to see my face. To make you happy, I'll lie down out here."

But Kim had no intention of letting up. Her husband had spent a night away from home doing Merlin knows what. "I'm not going anywhere. Will you need to shower? I mean if you've been out shagging some cow, the smell is probably all over you."

It was enough. Matt jumped up. Taking Kim by the arm, he pushed her towards the bedroom. "As you've pointed out, I'm only good enough for the pig farmers daughter. Yet you're accusing me of being intimate with some other witch. You can't have it both ways unless you also think the pig farmer's daughter has made it to Milan. I love you Kim, but sometimes you go too far."

Kim twisted around and brought her fingernails across Matt's neck. Jumping back, Matt grabbed his neck.

"You're a piece of shite Matt Lozio. Take those scratches to your witch. Let her heal them." She shouted before striding into the bedroom and closing the door behind her with a snap.

/*/

Matt felt defeated. He was under so much pressure yet he couldn't count on the one person who should be standing with him. Had Kim given him a minute to catch his breath instead of jumping on him with both feet, they could have tried to have a decent conversation. Matt understood Kim might be frightened for their future, but he couldn't equate this vitriol spouting, violent woman with the witch he loved.

/*/

Even though it was after 1:00 am, Matt gathered a few things including his Malfoy paperwork, then apparated directly to Emilio's.

Emilio would be sleep, but Matt didn't want to talk anyway. He simply wanted some peace and quiet. He had just stretched out on the couch meaning to kip out until time to go to work when Emilio entered the living room with wand drawn.

"Matt! What the hell? What's going on?"

"What does it look like Emilio? Snapped Matt. "I'm kipping on your couch. It seems I've upset my lovely wife. I really don't want to talk about it now. I just want to lay my head down for a couple of hours."

"Fine." Emilio snapped back heading to his bedroom. "It is what it is. You'll be more comfortable in the other bedroom."

"Cousin!" Matt called to Emilio's back. "Thank you. I apologize for my tone. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Matt."

Pulling the blanket up over his shoulder, Emilio couldn't begin to fathom what was going on between Matt and Kim.

/*/

Scorp and Hermione slept in but were having their breakfast by 10:30 am. While they ate, Hermione explained to Scorp that she was going to call Mela to see if they could spend the weekend in Milan.

"I love Mela mum. I love Fausto too. Uncle Sal is mad on us. He frowns at me."

Hermione was so surprised she froze with a piece of toast between plate and mouth. What was Sal doing that made her son think he was angry? "I believe you are mistaken Scorp. Uncle Sal isn't angry. He loves us."

"Yes mum. Uncle Sal loves us, but he's mad on us too. When you're not looking, he seems so mad. Uncle Harry and Auntie Hannah are never mad to us. They really love us."

Hermione was getting annoyed because she didn't know how Scorp had come to this conclusion. She had noticed that Sal was a bit withdrawn since Draco died, but she hadn't seen any anger. "Enough of that Scorp." She ordered in a firm voice. "Uncle Sal loves us a lot and would never be mean to either of us."

"Please don't be cross mum. Uncle Sal isn't mean. He's just mad."

Without realizing it, Hermione raised her voice. "Scorpius Malfoy, you stop this right now. Mum has a lot on her mind and doesn't want to hear you go on about things that aren't true. Finish your breakfast so Crissy can help you with your letters and numbers."

Scorp realized he had made his mum cross, again, so he kept his eyes on his plate and finished his breakfast as asked.

Realizing she had been a bit harsh with her son, Hermione tried to bring some calm to the situation. "Scorp love. Before you go practice your letters, I'd like to introduce you to one of your ancestors."

"An-ce-tors mum?"

No Scorp. An-ces-tors. His name is Louis Adrian Malfoy. He loved your daddy as he will love you. Come with mum."

Scorp followed his mum to the den. After glancing around the room, he advised Hermione that Louis must have gone to the shops because the room was empty.

Hermione laughed as she took Scorp by the hand and led him to Louis' portrait. "Louis is not a real person…."

"Hermione please," groused Louis.

Hermione rephrased her comment. "Let me explain love. Louis is a real person who lived a very long time ago. His spirit is now encased in a portrait. Say hello."

Scorpius glanced at the portrait then back at his mum. "Louis looks like daddy and Seth and Matt. He's a Malfoy alright mum. Hello Louis. My name is Scorpius Malfoy. I'm happy to meet you."

A delighted Louis returned the greeting. "Hello. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance young Malfoy. I expect great things from you."

Hermione smiled, but gave Louis a caution. "Young Malfoy has all the time in the world to think about future things. He has too many thoughts in his head as it is. For now Louis, we will concentrate on him learning to read."

Louis replied with a dour expression. "Meaning taken Hermione. If you have things to see to, perhaps Scorpius and I could have a little chat, if you don't mind."

"I don't have any problem leaving Scorp with you Louis. However, I will reiterate. I'd like you to be cautious with what you say to my son.

Louis huffed that he would be careful with his words.

/*/

Hermione did have things to do. She wanted to call Carmela to let her know she and Scorp were coming through on Friday. She had to let Hannah know as well. Then she planned to have a word with Sal to find out why Scorp thought he was angry with them.

Carmela was ecstatic to have her adopted daughter and grandson come for a stay. SSE (Sal and Seth had changed DLM to Sal & Seth Enterprises several years ago) wasn't busy so Carmela had time to chat, telling Hermione that Gas and Seana might be coming through on the weekend as well. "Listen sweetie, why don't you bring your research on the living portraits with you? We can go over it. Actually, why don't you come through early Friday and spend some time with me at SSE. Willem will be so happy to see you and Scorp."

Hermione thought it was a good idea. She and Scorp would get away from Malfoy Estate and see good friends as well. "Alright mum. We'll come through around 10:00 am your time. We'll see you then."

"One thing down," sighed Hermione. "On to the next." She wanted to contact Sal. As busy as he was, she didn't have any idea where he was. However, the mobile would reach him wherever he was. Hermione dialed Sal's number.

One-two-three rings.

Hello Hermione. Everything alright? How's Scorp? How are you?

Everything is going as expected Sal. Scorp is fine. However, something has come up. I'd like to speak with you the next time you're in London.

Sal hesitated. The first thought that came to mind was Hermione had found out what he and Seth had tried to hide from her. Sal really didn't want to disclose certain things, but his next thought was if Hermione knew something, perhaps he could clarify things to bring her some peace and closure. If that was the case, he would disclose. Draco was dead. It couldn't hurt him, but would help Hermione get on with her life.

Whatever you need Hermione. I can be in London tomorrow afternoon if that's good for you.

As long as I'm not taking you away from important business Sal, Wednesday afternoon will be fine.

Not many things are more important than you and Scorp. Wednesday afternoon it is then. Give Scorpius my love and say hello to Louis for me. I'll speak to you on Wednesday.

We'll see you then Sal. Thank you.

For a few minutes, Hermione sat with the mobile in her lap, wondering. Then she went to see just how much Louis had corrupted her son.

/*/

Sal had remained lost in thought after ending his call from Hermione. Slamming a fist down on his desk, he cursed Draco. "I don't want to get caught up in your bloody mess, but as I told you to your face. If Hermione ever got wind of anything, I would not lie to her." He'd finesse it, downplay it and possibly omit some things, but he would speak on it.

Sal remembered clearly the night he and Draco had their disagreement over Pansy Parkinson. Draco had admitted he'd gone to meet Parkinson, but strenuously denied he'd cheated on Hermione. Draco had explained Pansy wanted him to invest in a business venture without alerting Hermione to the fact she was trying to borrow from her husband. It had been a mistake because Pansy's venture turned out to be a shite idea. When he denied her request, Pansy had tried to remind Draco of their nights together at Hogwarts and after, but he hadn't fallen for it. He'd left her sitting in a hotel room chair looking forlorn.

It had taken a lot for Draco to own up to taking a meeting alone in a hotel with a witch, but he didn't want to lose the respect of one of his best mates. They ended the quarrel with Draco telling Sal he wasn't anyone's fuck boy and never would be, so he should stay out of his and Hermione's business. Sal had shot back he wouldn't be in Draco's business if he conducted himself as a married man should. After their disagreement, he and Draco were stiff with each other for a time, but Sal hadn't cared because Hermione was like a sister to him. He would protect her at all costs.

Whether Draco did or didn't do anything with Parkinson, he was a married wizard who had no business being in close quarters with any witch other than his wife, which is the way Sal looked at it. All Sal knew was he would be forthcoming, but wouldn't hurt Hermione.

/*/

Hermione went to the den to collect Scorp only to find him talking the ear off a portrait. Louis had met his match.

"Time to go see Crissy." Hermione said to her son. "You must study if you want to be brilliant."

"Like daddy, right mum?"

"Yes sweetie. Just like daddy. Did you show Louis how smart you are?"

"Louis said I'm already smart because I'm a Malfoy. I might not have to study anymore."

Hermione wanted to smile, but she sighed instead. "If you insist on filling his head with nonsense Louis, Scorp will not be allowed to visit with you. He is going through a painful period right now. He doesn't need you to inundate him with untrue statements."

Louis came back with a snide remark of his own. "Is it really me who is filling the child's head with nonsense? I mean, do you really intend to ask Minister Lozier to be his daddy?"

Hermione turned to look at Scorp who suddenly found an interesting string hanging from his jumper. "Scorpius Malfoy! What's this garbage? Have you been telling Louis bad things?"

"Mum. Mum. I didn't lie. Meel does like us. If we ask nicely, I'm sure he'll agree to be my daddy. It's not hard to be a daddy. All he'll have to do is read to me, give me some kisses and tuck me in. It's not hard."

Hermione had heard enough. Facing Louis, she told him not to put much store in Scorp's ramblings because he had a vivid imagination.

"Vivid imagination is it?" Sniped Louis closing his eyes. "You are a young widow alone Hermione. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to have a protector."

"Now who's talking nonsense." She snapped back. "I've been a widow for two weeks. The last thing on my mind is Emilio Lozier, or any other wizard, so I'll thank you to cease that kind of talk. I'd expect it from a child, but not a grown wizard such as yourself."

With eyes still closed, Louis muttered that it was her life, but he was only trying to look out for her."

The conversation had become contentious. Although Hermione didn't want to upset Scorp, she had to get her point across. "Stop looking out for me Louis. I can manage on my own."

Louis had more to say so Hermione called out to Crissy. When the elf appeared, Hermione gave orders to take Scorpius to potty then have him practice his letters and numbers.

With Scorp out of the room, Hermione started to lay into Louis, but he got there first. "You speak to me as though I'm some ne'er do well Hermione. I'm not. I'm a Malfoy who will always look out for Malfoys. I wasn't trying to be cunning. Do you think I haven't heard things here and in Milan? I have great respect for Draco and always will, but I know what transpired before you married him. You and Emilio were a couple. A happy couple if I'm not mistaken, so please don't pretend I don't know what I'm talking about. You married Draco, but he's gone. Please do not spend the rest of your life in mourning."

Hermione was so choked up it took her several minutes before she could respond. "Thank you for your insight Louis." She said choking back sobs. "Just know I was a witch on my own for many years before dating Draco or Emilio. I'm not afraid to be a witch on my own once again. Scorp will not be allowed back in this room. Good day to you."

Louis opened his eyes, and whispered some profound words. "You and Draco taught me modern mores and you are now irritated that I abide by them. Hermione Malfoy, you are still a very stubborn witch. It's my hope that Matthias will stop by to pay his respects. He and I will get this sorted."

/*/

Hermione called Hannah. All this talk about Emilio was driving her mad and she had to speak to the one witch in London who was the voice of reason. Hannah listened to all Hermione had to say then proceeded to offer her carefully worded opinion. One which did not contain the words Emilio Lozier. When they finished their chat, Hermione felt much better.

/*/

Seana was glad to be back in her own home. She was even happier because her mum had agreed to come to London to help out. Her father had even arranged to take a bit of time off so he could accompany his wife. Life was good. Gas had already left so Seana was alone arranging the closets and shelves. Thanks To Carmela, everything with any hint of taint had been removed. Their home smelled clean and sweet and was well stocked.

After finishing up, Seana got her mobile to call Hermione, Carmela and Hannah to thank them for their support. All three conversations were short with each witch happy Seana would have the assistance and support she needed. Although Carmela had hoped her son and daughter-in-law would be coming through on the weekend, she was glad Seana was safe.

/*/

Kim hadn't slept a wink. Although she was angry with Matt, she knew she had crossed lines. She had belittled and accused the wizard she loved knowing he would never put another witch over her. And the remarks about Emilio as well as the pig farmer remarks had been outrageous. She was so angry, but walking into the living room to find it empty made her realize she might be losing her husband. Kim had appointments scheduled for that morning, but decided she would get things straightened out even if she had to go to the Ministry to track Matt down.

/*/

Matt and Emilio barely spoke when they had breakfast together.

"Some things have happened that I don't care to discuss at the moment. I've already advised my office I would be late today. If you don't mind, I'll remain here for a bit."

"Of course I don't mind Matt. Stay as long as you like. Not to speak out of turn, but I suggest you allow me to heal those vile looking scratches. We wouldn't want the Minister of Finance appearing before his staff looking as though he's been in a physical altercation."

Matt smiled at his cousin. "We wouldn't want that, even though it's true. Heal away Emilio."

The two cousins spoke a bit more before Emilio apparated to work. Matt didn't explain much, but assured Emilio they would talk later that day.

"Deal," remarked Emilio. "I'll speak to you later.

/*/

Worried over the state of his wife and his marriage, Matt sent Kim an Owl.

Kim,

I love you, but right now I need space to do what needs to be done. This whole Malfoy Heir thing is stressful. I need you by my side not at my throat.

Matt

After thinking things over, Matt called to tell his assistant he would be absent the entire day. Then he pulled out the Malfoy Manifesto and began to review the details.

/*/

Sal remained unsettled. By 5:00 pm, he was walking into his mother and father's home looking to speak with his father. The matter was delicate so he chose to speak with Fausto instead of Carmela. Sal had only been there for ten minutes when Fausto came through the floo and grabbed him up in a hug.

"My son has decided to visit his father. That's news. You're mother thinks you've deserted her. How are you son? I hope all is going well."

"Sorry I haven't come sooner. However, everything has been in an uproar since Draco died. I apologize. I'll try to stop by more often."

This was his son. Fausto knew right off something was wrong. "Since you are here at a time you knew your mother would not be here, I assume whatever is bothering you can only be discussed between men."

Sal smiled at his papa. "You know me too well papa. I have reservations about something I need to do, and I'd welcome your advice."

"Alright," said Fausto, gesturing for Sal to begin.

Sal started with Hermione's request to see him then explained in minute detail what he thought it might be about.

Fausto hadn't hesitated. "Right now, you don't know exactly what Hermione wants, so be cautious. However, I suggest you not lie to her whatever the matter. Draco explained certain things to your satisfaction. Enlighten our girl, but do not cast aspersions. From a few things I've picked up from your mother, I know Hermione had some doubts about Draco's faithfulness. Dispel those doubts so she can get on with her life. I don't want her feeling as though she failed as a wife and a woman."

Sal exhaled. "I can do that papa. I will do it for Hermione and Scorp. Your daughter hasn't failed anyone for as long as I've known her. I told her I'd be by Wednesday afternoon. However, I think I'll call ahead to see if she'll see me tonight. Thank you for your counsel papa. Tell mum I'll see her soon. I'll give Hermione and Scorp your regards."

Fausto laughed. "Sounds good son, but you've left out one person. Give Louis my regards as well."

Sal grinned. "That I will do. We wouldn't want to upset Louis Adrian Malfoy. Love you papa. I'll speak to you soon."

/*/

Although she was surprised to hear from Sal before Wednesday, Hermione gladly invited him to come through. Thirty minutes later, Sal stepped out of the Malfoy Estate floo looking to clear up a few discrepancies.

Hermione greeted Sal as she always had with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. She gave him an appraising look but found nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly she felt silly. She had dragged Sal there on the word of her imaginative son. What would he think of her?

"I hope you'll stay for dinner Sal. You're no stranger. Help yourself to drinks if you want. Scorp will be delighted to see you."

"Thanks Hermione. Before I see Scorp, I'd like to pay my respects to Louis. Papa's orders."

"Perfect," quipped Hermione. "Louis could always use some respects."

/*/

By the time Sal was finished with Louis, Crissy had brought Scorp down to visit with his uncle.

"Scorp," Sal said lifting the boy up in the air. "You are getting so big. Have you been taking good care of mum?"

"Uncle Sal. It's you. I'm mum's big boy."

Watching Sal and her son together, Hermione was feeling like a complete idiot until Scorp asked Sal if was happy with them.

Sal seemed to freeze at the question but quickly regained his composure.

"Of course I'm happy with you." He replied, glancing over at Hermione.

"Okay Uncle Sal. You not mad to us. Mum got me a new mobile at the shops. I saw Meel. Mum said I was silly."

Sal hadn't ever heard Scorp talk this much. "Scorp is an amazing child Hermione. His vocabulary has increased tenfold from even the last time I saw him."

Hermione nodded in silent agreement as she called them to the table.

/*/

After dinner, Hermione allowed Scorp a bit more time with his uncle before calling Crissy to come get him.

"Say goodnight to Uncle Sal."

"Goodnight Uncle Sal. Be happy to mum."

Sal poured himself a whiskey before asking Hermione why she needed to see him.

Pouring herself a wine, Hermione tried to figure out the best way to start. Deciding there wasn't a wrong or right way, she just started. "For some reason, Scorp thinks you are angry with us. He's convinced you look at him and I with an angry face. So my question is, do you have something on your mind we need to discuss?"

Sal was embarrassed. A perceptive child had picked up on something he thought he was hiding very well. "My apologies to you and Scorp if it seemed as though I was angry with the two of you. You are like a sister to me. I could never be angry with you or Scorpius. I think it comes down to me being angry with myself for not being wizard enough to set the record straight. Rightly or wrongly there is something I need to share."

Hermione took a small sip of wine, asking astutely. "Does this something have anything to do with Pansy Parkinson? If so, I'm aware Draco…."

Sal cut across her. "You are correct in thinking what I want to share is about Pansy Parkinson. However, I think you might have it all wrong as did I before I confronted Draco. He did meet with her and the meeting was in a hotel."

Hermione jumped up so fast she spilled wine all over the table. "Draco is dead Sal. Do we really have to relive my failure to keep my husband to myself? Always shouting and fussing. I drove him to another witch."

Sal had conjured a wet cloth to wipe up the wine, but dropped it to put his arms around Hermione. "Stop it. Do you see the state you've gotten yourself in? You are crying and blaming yourself for something that never happened. Please sit back down so I can explain."

Hermione summoned a napkin to wipe her face before looking over at Sal.

"As I previously stated, I thought Draco had played you false so I confronted him. Initially, Draco raged at me for daring to get in his business. He felt he didn't owe me any explanation. However, after I made certain statements about not wanting him around me, he decided an explanation was in order. He did see the witch, but it was a discreet meeting because Miss Parkinson didn't want it known she was broke and begging money from friends. She had put forth some rubbish business scheme which Draco had rejected immediately. She had then tried using her wiles on him which he also rejected. From his own mouth, Draco told me he walked out leaving her sitting in a chair looking forlorn. There you have it. You were a wonderful wife to him. Stop looking backward at what you perceive as failure, and start looking forward to a wonderful future. You didn't fail him, so stop blaming yourself. You didn't kill him nor did you drive him to any other witch. It has pained me to see you beating yourself up over things imagined. Otherwise, I would have kept all this to myself."

Hermione managed a small smile. "Thank you for telling me this Sal. You've always been a champion for me. I think it's been your lot in life to stand up for me. I believe it will be easier for me to move forward knowing I wasn't a failure at marriage. At least I hope it will."

"You'll be fine. You are a strong, beautiful woman who won't have any trouble making a fresh start for you and Scorp. There's probably some wizard just around the corner waiting to snatch you up."

"Now you're talking foolish Sal." Hermione answered while smothering a laugh.

Sal watched as the bloom returned to Hermione's face and the worry lines seemed to disappear. It was good to see her laugh. "I'm not talking foolish. Draco often joked about how we were jealous because he saw you first. I'm fairly certain there's another wizard out there who thinks the very same way."

/*/

Sal and Hermione spoke for another thirty minutes before he told her it was getting late.

"It is late. If you'd like to stay, there is plenty of room."

Sal pulled a face. "Why you little minx." He joked. "Inviting me to stay over then? Am I to think our talk has led you to believe I'm your next wizard?"

Hermione guffawed. "You dirty minded prat. I was only thinking of your comfort."

"I know," answered Sal as he stood to hug Hermione. "I was just making a little joke. Thank you for the invite but I have to be back in Portugal by morning. Thank you for listening to my speech. Kiss Scorp for me. Now I have you on the right track, I don't think he'll see any more scowls from Uncle Sal. Be well Hermione."

/*/

Hermione poured herself one last wine. No matter what she and Scorp thought, shouting hadn't driven her husband away. She felt happier and lighter, but a bit restless. Perhaps tonight she would have a bath and manually release that bit of restlessness.

Using her wand to clear things away and turn off the lights, Hermione took the stairs two at a time.