Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 25
Matt stood up. "Indeed I am Emilio. Indeed I am. By the way, I received a call from Carmela earlier this morning. She has invited Kim and I to Sunday dinner. If you're free, why don't you…"
Cutting across Matt, Emilio informed him he had been invited as well.
"Ah! You are aware Hermione and Scorpius will be there?"
"I am aware," replied Emilio keeping his face blank.
"So, have you become the favored son of Mrs. Maida? Is she working in your favor, or is this a crazy coincidence?"
"Wipe that smirk off your face Matt. I'm not the favored anything. It's an invitation to dinner, nothing more."
"Alright! Alright! I was having my little joke. No need to get cranky. I'll be in London all day tomorrow meeting with Gas and searching for a home. If I don't see you before, I'll see you Sunday. Have a good afternoon, and think about what I said."
"We'll see. Good luck with the house hunting."
/*/
After Matt left, Emilio pondered the surprise proposition weighing the pros and cons of each position. Both positions were high level, high visibility, well paying jobs each with its own unique qualities. Emilio was sure how he would fare at The Ministry. The question was, how would he fare within the Malfoy conglomerate, even standing at Matt's side?
"Ah. Thoughts to ponder over a nice glass of Vecchia Romagna."
Putting all his pondering aside, Emilio headed to the loo to freshen up and have a pee. He had an appointment to meet with an important vendor.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 26
Hermione sat there watching Scorp devour his lunch. Her boy was certainly growing up. Even having had an ice cream cone, he ate every bit on his plate.
"I'm very proud of you Scorpius Malfoy. You ate everything on your plate."
"Yes mum. I love toasted cheese with chips and juice."
A warm feeling settled in Hermione's chest as she realized Scorp had just correctly pronounced two words he had been having trouble with, chips and juice. No more tips and duce.
"Well done young man," Hermione said, leaning over to run her hand through Scorp's blonde hair. "Very well done."
"What mum? I did well done on what?"
Placing both elbows on the table with hands under her chin, Hermione explained how pleased she was with his pronunciation of words.
"Oh, okay," replied Scorp. "I did good with my nunciation."
"Pro-nun-ci-a-tion."
"Yes that. I did good with my letters too. I hear Auntie Hannah coming. Hi, Auntie Hannah." He called out before she even got to the kitchen. "I did well done today."
Hermione hadn't missed Scorp's correct pronunciation of Hannah's name. So much at one time. Hannah hadn't missed it either.
Throwing up a hand in greeting to Hermione, Hannah responded to Scorp's greeting. "Hello my handsome boy. How are you today, and just what have you done well?"
"Nunciation auntie. Nunciation."
"Okay," she replied, glancing over at Hermione.
Hermione explained what Scorp was on about. "Well Auntie Hannah, today Scorp pronounced chips, juice and your name correctly. We are working on the word pronunciation at the moment."
"Oh okay, that" Hannah answered with a laugh. "I'm on my way to the Leaky, but wanted to stop by to discuss the invitation. Shall I wear a gown?"
Hermione waved the comment away with her hand. "Behave Mrs. Potter or I'll set Carmela on your arse. You're just jealous she loves me and Scorp so much. Wear your normal Leaky attire. You'll be fine."
"Hahaha. How some people act when they are treated like a queen. I told Carmela I would bring dessert. Just so you'll be expecting us, Harry and I will be coming through early. Have you done any work on your living portraits idea? I really do like your idea of having living portraits of children. That would be new and different, and a money spinner as well. What parent wouldn't want living portraits of their little darlings? I was thinking you could involve some aspiring photographer as well to keep everything in house, so to speak."
"That's a wonderful idea Hannah. Now I'll have to give you a percentage of the profits or I'll never hear the end of it. Don't mention it to Harry, or he'll swear it was his idea."
"Never would I ever," remarked Hannah, holding up crossed fingers. Moving in closer to Hermione, Hannah whispered in her ear. "Have you been scolding my boy? Why is he so quiet?'
Hermione thought about it as she did a swish and flick to clear away the lunch clutter. "He's been quiet since we returned from shopping. I guess my big man is concentrating on his pronunciation. He'll be back to himself shortly."
"Mama looks like she might have something on her mind as well. What's up love? Anything I can help you with?"
Initially, Hermione said she was fine, but then had gone into a five minute diatribe on Xavier Cross.
Hannah sat there with her mouth hanging open wondering how this had come about. Last she knew, Hermione was pleased with Xavier, but as she listened, Hannah could see this happening. Xavier was a certain kind of wizard who probably hadn't ever had to be around or work with children. He didn't understand the intricacies of pursuing a woman with a child. Hannah also thought it a foolish oversight if he was interested in Hermione knowing nothing or no one meant more to her than Scorpius.
Hannah didn't have an answer so she bluffed. "Xavier seems like a good sort to me. Perhaps it might be your nerves are still very close to the surface and you've misunderstood something. If you don't care for Xavier, don't interact with him. Take things as they come love. If he calls again, either don't speak with him, or don't return the call. Simple. It's probably a good thing you won't have to see him on a regular basis. I need to get going."
"You're right. It's all up to me. Problem solved."
Rising from her chair, Hannah called out to Scorp who had left the room. "Come here Scorp and give auntie a hug."
No response.
Hermione called Scorp who came running out of the den. "Yes mum?"
"Didn't you hear Auntie Hannah calling you to see her off?"
"I didn't mum. I was practicing. Bye auntie."
Hannah waved as she headed towards the door.
Hermione called Scorp to her side. "Just what were you practicing that didn't allow you to hear Hannah calling you?"
Slowly, Scorp brought Hermione's mobile from behind his back. "I wasn't playing with it. Honest mum. I was connecting."
Hermione was annoyed because she had previously spoken to Scorp about taking her mobile. "Dusty please."
Pop. Dusty was in front of Hermione. "Yes Mistress."
"Please take Scorp upstairs. Have him use the potty then have him study his letters and numbers. I'll be up in a bit. We are going to have another talk about my mobile."
Dusty took Scorp by the hand and they disappeared.
/*/
When Hermione looked at the phone she realized the line was open.
Hello. Hello
Hello Hermione. This is Emilio Lozier. Is everything alright? My mobile rang and suddenly I was listening to Scorp tell me about his day. I was concerned that something had happened to you, especially when Scorp suddenly stopped talking.
Emilio! This is a surprise. Everything is fine on this end. Scorp was being a bugger. He's been told several times not to touch my mobile. I apologize for the interruption. I actually don't know how he connected to you.
No need to apologize Hermione. Scorp really wasn't interrupting. I'm at my desk going over some boring paperwork, Besides, I think Scorpius and I are kindred spirits. He likes to talk and I like to listen.
Hermione laughed even as an involuntary streak of warmth coursed through her body.
Thank you Emilio. You are being too kind. How is everything? Have you heard back from the CW?
I haven't heard back yet, but if the position doesn't come through, I have been offered another fantastic opportunity.
Good for you Mr. Lozier. I expect great things from you. I hope Emiliano and Ilaria are well. Please give them my regards. Now, I have to get off the phone because there's a son who needs scolding. Be well Emilio.
Emilio chuckled a bit.
Please don't be too hard on Scorp. He only wanted to tell me he was in Diagon Alley today and I wasn't. I'll give my parents your regards. Have a good afternoon
Hermione disconnected the call thinking how she had underestimated her son. He now had a concept of how to enunciate and spell Emilio's name, and had dialed him up without help. Perhaps Louis was right. Scorpius Malfoy might have been born smart. Then she began to wonder if Scorp had rung other people as well.
"That little bugger is in for some sharp words." She softly commented to herself. "He was in Diagon Alley my arse. Little wanker. Draco would have been proud of Scorp's effort. Of course, he wouldn't have been all that chuffed with who Scorp rang up, but that was another matter."
Hermione called out as she walked up the stairs. "I'm on my way up there. You'd better have a good explanation for touching my mobile."
Before she got to the third stair, her mobile rang showing Matt. He was calling to inform Hermione that he and Kim were in London and about his meeting with Gas as well. Hoping it wouldn't be an imposition, Matt asked if his meeting ran long could Kim wait at her house.
Hermione assured Matt it would be fine.
/*/
Matt had stopped back by the house so he and Kim could floo to London together. Their first stop would be with Theo so he and Kim could discuss her employment and possibly visit a few properties while he met with Gas.
"I've called Hermione. If my meeting with Gas runs long, she is expecting you. I'll meet you there. I'll leave Hermione's address, however, when you're finished with Theo, perhaps he'll see you to Malfoy Estate."
"Okay love. Have a good meeting."
"No problem Matt. It would be my pleasure to escort Kim to Hermione's. Hopefully she and I will see properties which will interest you both. If not, we can look at others tomorrow. You'll be in London all day Thursday, correct?"
"That's correct. We will be taking a suite at Wizarding Luxe as our temporary home until things get sorted."
"I guess I'll have to work extremely fast then," joked Theo. "Nothing is better than your own home."
"Too right," said Kim and Matt together.
"I'll leave you too it then. See you in a bit Kim. Find us something amazing."
After Matt left, Theo and Kim made short work of her employment application. Then it was on to look at properties.
/*/
The rest of Wednesday went fine real estate wise. Theo and Kim saw several properties, none of which interested Kim. She gave a detailed description of what she and Matt liked. Theo assured her they could see more on Thursday. He also scheduled a time on Thursday to sit with Kim to go over the rules and regulations for Theo Nott, Realtors with everything contingent on Kim getting her licenses from the Ministry, but Theo didn't think there would be a problem on that end.
Kim wasn't in any hurry to get to Malfoy Estate, so Theo used the time to introduce her around to his small staff. The two witches and one wizard were somewhat friendly and welcoming, however Kim couldn't help but feel like some kind of interloper. After the staff went back to their business, Kim softly asked Theo if there would be a problem with her coming in as a top level, special circumstances realtor.
Theo patted her on the back of her hand. "I respect my staff and the work they do. However, they are well aware they are placed where they should be. I'm a fair man who recognizes talent. When any or all are ready to move to a higher level, I'll move them. Until then, they earn their keep, or they leave. I cannot foresee any problems."
"Sounds good. I guess I'll get going to Hermione's house. I could use a tea and some conversation."
"I'll escort you to Hermione's door."
"That's thoughtful, but really not necessary Theo. I have the address."
"Understood Kim. However, I promised Matt I would see you there, so that's what I intend to do. If you're ready, we can go."
/*/
Matt had his first meeting with Gas about staff. He had readily accepted the four trusted staff members Gas recommended for third level positions. Matt went through the normal spiel of what would be expected, how there would be an increase in the number of hours they'd be expected to work as well as travel requirements. He left it up to Gas to set the training. Matt also placed an order for two dozen mobiles and set a class to teach employees how to use them. Matt mentioned how he would like to make it a mandatory requirement for all companies involved with the Malfoy Conglomerate to get mobiles as well.
With a shrug and an enigmatic smile, Gus replied they could try.
"Okay sir, we can try." Matt replied with his own enigmatic smile. "However, if that doesn't work, we will insist."
Crossing one leg over the other, Gas threw his arms wide. "Yes Draco."
They both shared a hearty laugh.
With the preliminary staffing requirements out of the way, Matt got down to Malfoy business. Pointing his wand, Matt closed the door then locked and silenced the room.
"I'll preface this by saying it's going to sound as strange to you as it does to me. With that comment out of the way, let me explain. As soon as I handed in my resignation to the MOMI, extraneous information began to flow into my mind."
Gas sat up straight in his chair giving Matt a skeptical look.
Matt recognized Gas' look. "I'm serious. Just hear me out. As I said, these extra bits of information pertain to Malfoy business as it might be seen through the eyes of the current heir and Head. Even as I sit here speaking, there is information simply appearing among my memories. It is my belief that I am being taught by insemination. It might even have something to do with this Malfoy mark in my hair. Possibly, when the three things, the transition, the mark, and the resignation were completed, information began streaming directly to me. Perhaps that's why there weren't any instructions attached to the Malfoy manual."
"I'd believe almost anything to do with the type of magic practiced by the Malfoys, but this, this is simply…. I don't even know what it is. Streaming information directly to your mind. Sounds like some of that old, dark shite. I mean…."
"Enough Gas. I know what you mean. I've read the books. I also know what the Malfoys were before getting over to the right side. This is not that. As far as I'm concerned, it is a most expeditious way to teach a bloke what he needs to know without bandying the information about."
"My apologies Matt. I don't mean to appear as though I'm taking what you say as a joke. I'm not. I'm expressing an opinion. Anyway, it will be simple to prove your hypothesis. Let's go over what you now know."
And for the next hour, Matt dazzled Gas with the amount of information he had acquired about the workings of the entire Malfoy Conglomerate. Gas couldn't believe what he was hearing. Matt had knowledge of things he himself had only learned in the last two years. Things Draco had held close to his chest.
"That is amazing!" Gas exclaimed. "Who would have thought that some old codgers had this power. I have enough in my head. I hope they don't try the bloody nonsense on me."
Matt chuckled at Gas' remarks. "No need for you to worry. I believe this information is destined for the heir only. By this time Monday, I'll know all there is to know about running our company."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I believe that. So, now that you know everything, let's take a look at the companies. Then Friday, or Monday we'll offer assurances on what they can expect from the new Head, two weeks early."
"Sounds like a plan, but from here on out, please use the correct pronoun. As in, what they can expect from us."
"Got it. Thank you Matt."
"There is one more thing," added Matt.
An involuntary sigh slipped from Gas.
This time, Matt stood and clapped Gas on the shoulder. "This will be easy. I have offered Emilio a second level spot beside you. I'd like your thoughts."
Gas shrugged. "Alright, I'll play the devil's advocate. Emilio is experienced, intelligent, and personable, but is he tough enough?"
"Tough enough?" Asked Matt in surprise. "Were you tough enough when Draco selected you? Maybe, maybe not, but you learned to be tough. You learned to survive and excel under Draco. Emilio will learn to survive and excel with us. I see the hierarchy as myself at level one, you and Emilio at level two, and the four wizards we took on today as level three. We will sort the rest next week. Just so you won't think I'm not tough enough. I am only asking your opinion. If Emilio's first choice of positions doesn't come through, he's coming aboard."
Gas cleared his throat then let off a nervous chuckle. "I believe Emilio will fit in just fine Matt."
"That's it then. Thanks for your time Gas. If you could make yourself available tomorrow at 2:00 pm, I'd appreciate it. I'll get out of your way now. I'm meeting Kim at Hermione's. My love to Seana."
"I'll see you at 2:00. Give my regards to Kim."
"Will do."
/*/
Hermione had her chat with Scorp which definitely opened her eyes when he explained how he had rung up Emilio.
"I love you mum. Please don't be cross. I know the rules, but I had to practice the letters Dusty taught me. I specially know E and M and L. I saw Emeel's letters on the phone so I pushed the button and he came on the line.
Hermione was flabbergasted. She should be dead angry with her son, but she was more proud than anything even though she couldn't let Scorp see. She had set a rule and he had broken it.
"Alright Scorpius Malfoy. I know how you did it and I'm not impressed, because in doing it, you broke my rule. Do you know what happens to little wizards who break rules?"
"No mum, I don't." Scorp replied softly.
"I don't know about other little wizards, but for you, there won't be any Wizard and the Hoppin Pot or The Fountain of Fair Fortune, or dessert for two days. I want you to know that rules are set for a reason. It's rude to ring someone without a reason. Do not do it again, and do not play with my mobile. Do you understand?"
Scorp stood in front of Hermione with bottom lip trembling. "Yes. I understand. I'll be good."
"Dusty." Hermione called out.
Pop. "Yes Mrs."
Hermione explained Scorp's punishment then asked her to pass it to Embers and Crissy. "I expect you three to keep to these terms. I'll let you know when the punishment is over. He may use his potty then go sit in his chair until I call him for dinner. That's all. Thank you."
Dusty took Scorp by the hand and whisked him upstairs.
/*/
Hermione was still marveling over the ingenuity of her son when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, Hermione greeted Kim then stepped back to let her through. Kim wasn't Hermione's first choice of witch company, but family was family.
"Come on through Kim. Have a seat unless you want to sit in the kitchen while I make dinner. Would you like a tea or a drink?"
"I'll come through. I'll take a milk tea and a biscuit, if you don't mind. I haven't eaten since this morning. I'm starved."
"I'll get your tea, but if you can hold out for ten minutes, I'll have dinner ready. I hope you are in the mood for baked chicken."
Kim let out a soft chuckle. "I'm in the mood for anything that doesn't move across the plate. Thanks for the tea." Kim said, lifting the cup Hermione had set in front of her.
The dinner was done in ten minutes. Hermione called for Dusty to bring Scorp downstairs then the three tucked in.
"I have a pudding for dessert if you're interested Kim. Nothing special."
"What's a meal without pudding." Joked Kim. "Right Scorp?"
Hermione interjected before Scorp could answer. "No dessert for Scorpius tonight. He forgot to observe his mum's rule. It will be dinner, a wash up, potty then bed this evening."
Kim wisely chose to remain silent. She wasn't going to step into Hermione's business with her son.
They were just finishing dinner when the bell rang for the second time, and Harry landed in the Apparition area at the same time.
"That must be Matt."
"Your brother is coming through. Hope you're decent." Sang Harry in his usual loud voice before grabbing Scorp up in a hug.
Hermione came back through followed by Matt who greeted Harry, kissed Kim, ran his hand through Scorp's hair before asking what smelled so good.
Harry was in agreement. "I'll have whatever is on the stove. Just double it."
Matt laughed as he agreed with Harry. "I'll have what Harry's having. Although, if it is too much trouble, I can wait until we get to the hotel."
"Hotel?" Both Hermione and Harry asked at the same time.
"I have plenty of room if you'd like to stay here while you're in London," offered Hermione. "It won't be any trouble to open rooms down here."
Matt hesitated. He didn't want to seem ungrateful, but he'd rather have the privacy of a hotel suite. Glancing at Kim, he thought she would as well.
"Thanks for the offer Hermione, but we'll stay at the hotel. It's only for tonight, tomorrow and maybe Friday morning. We'll be viewing properties with Theo tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll find something. If not, we may take you up on your offer."
"That's fine. There's room if you change your mind. The dinner is under a warming spell. Help yourselves." Hermione couldn't explain why she did it, but she added an afterthought. "Why don't you and Kim think about taking over Malfoy Manor."
The remark stopped Matt in his tracks. Even Harry was shocked.
"I don't think that would be such a good idea. I'm a Malfoy heir not a Malfoy. There's a big difference. Anyway, that's Scorp's heritage."
Matt's comment irritated Hermione, but her answer was pleasant enough. "Thank you for thinking of my son, but his heritage is what I make it. Besides, Scorp still has a bit of growing up to do before he takes over anything. As the current Malfoy heir, it really is your heritage until Scorp comes of age. Incidentally, there is a separate Gringotts account which covers anything you would want changed, but I'm sure you know that. No big deal though. It is something to think about."
Matt gave a noncommittal sort of nod as his stomach gave off a loud rumble. "Apologies for my stomach." Matt said as he and Harry nearly fell over each other getting to the kitchen.
Kim and Matt stayed for an hour after dinner having drinks and chatting with Hermione and Harry. About 9:00, Matt suggested they get to the hotel because they had a long day ahead on Thursday. After thanking Hermione for her hospitality, Matt and Kim headed for the door promising to think over her propositions regarding Malfoy Manor and staying at Malfoy Estate.
/*/
Harry was quiet for a short bit of time after Matt and Kim left. Then he spoke. "You can tell me to mind my business if you like, but whatever possessed you to offer up Malfoy Manor? Draco would…"
Hermione cut across him. "Mind your business Harry. In case you don't remember, Draco is dead, Scorp is going on three, and Matt is the current heir. What would it hurt if they decided to reside at the manor? Who would it hurt? Draco had it completely renovated as well as made completely safe. I don't see the bloody problem. Matt is now head of all things Malfoy, except me and Scorp. He'll need to put on a pompous front."
Harry laughed at her last comment. "Alright Hermione. It was a simple question. You are in charge of Malfoy Manor. You may do as you wish."
"Why thank you Mr. Potter for recognizing that fact. Let's have one last drink to me being right, then you can take your interfering arse home."
"Alright Miss Lovely Attitude. One last drink."
Hermione grinned at Harry as she watched him pour their drinks. "There is another thought that has been flitting through my head these past few days."
Knowing whatever he said would probably come out wrong, Harry sat silently waiting for Hermione to continue.
"With Draco gone, I'm wondering if Malfoy Estate is too big for just Scorp and myself. Perhaps we need a smaller home. Something like an all on one floor house. What do you think?"
Harry hesitated. He wasn't going to step a foot in it if he could help it. "My only thought is for you to think it through before leaving this house behind. It's large true. However, you have Crissy, Embers and Dusty to help. You and Draco made memories here. Savor them for a bit before making any decisions, and that's all I'll say about that. Run it by Hannah and Carmela. Maybe they have some thoughts on the matter. Now that your prodding to make me spout some type of rubbish didn't work, I'll be on my way. Love you Mrs. Malfoy. Goodnight."
"Love you back Mr. Potter. Goodnight."
/*/
Emilio had been staring at the same paragraph for the last ten minutes when James Wooley appeared in the doorway.
"Hello Minister. Not that it's any of my business, but I heard two things today and decided to come directly to the source."
"Really now? I've gone up in the Ministry. I'm now the source. Come in and have a seat James. I just might know something about those two things. Ask away."
"First, are you thinking about leaving the Italian Ministry to go back to the British Ministry, and second, has Minister Lozio really handed in his resignation? If either inquiry is too personal or private, tell me to bugger off."
Emilio had a good chuckle before answering James. "The long and short of it is, yes and yes. I have put in an application with the British Ministry. If all pans out, it will be back to the Wizengamot for me. I've been thinking about getting back to the court system for quite a while. There aren't any open positions here, so the Ministry of Magic is my best choice. However, I'll tell you something you haven't heard, which I'll ask you to keep to yourself for now. If the Ministry position doesn't work out, I'll still be going back to Britain in a Malfoy Conglomerate position. For the second piece, Matt has tendered his resignation because he is now first in the Malfoy Line of Heirs and has taken over for Draco. How's that for news James?"
"Amazing! First, let me wish you well wherever you land. I know you'll be incredible in either position. I hope I'm not being presumptuous when I say we've become close friends, but that's my feeling. Saying that to say, I'll miss your company as well as your counsel. I wouldn't be where I am without your assistance. How are your parents taking it?"
"Thank you for your kind sentiments James, but I'm not gone yet. I won't be handing in my resignation until I hear back from the CW. I plan to be here for at least thirty odd days. As far as helping you along, I would gladly do it over again. The truth of it is, I owe you so much more. So there you have it, two answers and an extra. As far as me telling my parents, I haven't yet. They'll be disappointed that I'm leaving Italy yet again, but my life has to be my life. They'll make do. Perhaps this go round I'll be able to talk them into visiting London."
James gave Emilio a cryptic smile as well as a cryptic reply. "I wouldn't bet the estate on your parents coming to London even to visit their beloved son."
"Neither would I," quipped Emilio with a wide grin. "We'll see. Now that you know all, I'm hoping we can get together for dinner and drinks before I leave. We can schedule a night at Lozier Estate. My parents would be glad to see you. I'll let you know when."
"Alright," remarked James, rising from the chair. "I look forward to it. I'll leave you to it then Minister. I'll speak to you soon."
/*/
James couldn't believe it. Then again, maybe he could. The rumors were true. Two Ministers leaving the Ministry at the same time. Emilio was going back to London. Although the Minister hadn't mentioned anything about Hermione Malfoy, Britain was where she resided, and if his feelings hadn't changed, that's where he'd want to be. James looked around guiltily as though those nearest him could read his thoughts. One last thought crossed his mind, I hope the Minister finally gets the witch. He certainly loves her.
/*/
After James left the office, Emilio tried to get back to the paperwork in front of him and again found himself stuck on the one paragraph with his mind on a mobile call from Wiltshire, England, a little wizard and a widow.
Thirty minutes later, Emilio gave it up for the day. After having discussed his parents with James, he decided now was as good a time as any to disclose his plans for the future, and perhaps give them Hermione's regards.