Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 26
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.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 27
Emiliano and Ilaria were excited to see their son who really didn't make a habit of visiting even though he wasn't all that far away from the Lozier Estate.
"Ciao Emilio. It's lovely to see you," chirped Ilaria, pulling her son into a hug. "A mother misses her son when he doesn't think to come visit."
Kissing his mother on the cheek, Emilio laughed at her sad attempt at chastising him. "My apologies mother, but I've been very busy. A Minister's lot you know."
"I realize you are busy, but you have to eat. You could have stopped…."
"Leave Emilio alone Ilaria. Let him catch his breath. He'd probably stop by more often if you didn't interrogate him every time he stepped through the door. Come on through son and have a brandy with your old man. Your mother has smothered chicken on the menu for tonight. I hope you have time enough to have dinner with us."
"I do have time for dinner father," replied Emilio, reaching out to shake his father's hand. "I look forward to mother's delicious smothered chicken and share a bit of news.
"NEWS? What news?" Questioned an exuberant Ilaria. "Have you…..?"
"Ilaria, please. Give our son a chance to get settled. Let him at least get a sip of brandy before you bombard him."
"Stop giving me orders Em," huffed Ilaria. "I'm simply inquiring."
"Well, while you're inquiring, the chicken is waiting to be smothered. I won't allow Emilio to share any news until you're back."
Emilio who was getting a bit aggravated over his parent's sniping asked them to stop bickering. "If we can't have some peace, I'll come back another time to share my news. My day has been stressful enough."
"I'm sorry Emilio. You're quite correct. Your father and I should not be bickering. At least, not in front of you."
Emilio smiled at his mother. "Thank you mother."
Emiliano grumbled that he hadn't been bickering but quickly agreed with his wife. "We men will be having our brandy while you see to the dinner."
Emilio shook his head. He loved his parents, but they could be trying.
/*/
Over dinner, both Emiliano and Ilaria were quiet, waiting for Emilio to share his news. When Ilaria couldn't hold out any longer, she prodded her son.
"Please don't consider this interrogating you, but I'd like to hear your news before, before the sun rises."
Emilio used his napkin to cover his smile. If his mother was anything, she was tenacious. "Alright mother. My news is that I will shortly be leaving Milan."
"Oh no. Emiliano. Do you hear your son? He's leaving again."
Emiliano who was surprised and not surprised asked if Emilio was returning to London.
"Yes father. London it is. The Chief Warlock at the Ministry of Magic has contacted me regarding a prestigious position in the Wizengamot. If I am offered the position, I plan to accept."
The silence was deafening.
"Nothing to say mother? What do you think?"
Suddenly, the words came tumbling out of Ilaria. "You have a perfectly prestigious position here in Milan. Why go so far away? We hardly see you now. What will happen if you move back to England?"
Emilio sighed. This was the same argument he'd heard when he had taken the Wizengamot Clerk position all those years ago. "It is a long distance, however, you and father are welcome to visit London any time you like. That's up to you. There's another piece to my news."
"More news? How wonderful." Replied Ilaria snippily. "I imagine if the position falls though, you'll next look for a job in Australia or some other gods forsaken place."
For once, it was Emiliano instead of Ilaria trying to connect dots. No matter how Emilio spun it, this move probably had something to do with getting closer to Hermione Granger….Malfoy, but he wasn't going to bring up her name and get a telling off.
"Say something Em. Your son is taking a position in Eng…. Land."
Emiliano could see it in his wife's eyes. She had just put two and two together. He hoped she was smart enough not to mention Hermione's name. "I only want the best for our son. If his future is in London, that's where he should be. As he said, we are welcome to visit any time we like. He was happy in London before. He'll be happy there again. All we can do is support him."
"Thank you father. I'm sure mother will come to see it the same way. Because I don't want to worry either of you, I'll let you in on another bit of information which I ask you keep to yourself for now. I've had a subsequent offer, also in London, if the Ministry position doesn't come through. As the new Head of Malfoy affairs, Matt is putting together a team and has asked if I would consider taking a position beside him and Gaspare Maida."
Emiliano jumped up from his chair. "After what that blaggard Draco….."
Emilio cut across his father also holding up a hand to silence his mother before she could start. "Draco Malfoy is dead." He snapped. "This has nothing to do with him. Matt has extended an invitation which, in all likelihood, I'll accept if the Ministry position doesn't come through."
"Of course dear," offered Ilaria soothingly. "Your father didn't mean anything…."
"Why is it we can't seem to hold a decent conversation that doesn't disparage Draco Malfoy? What happened is long over. I only stopped by to share my news. I'll be on my way. I'll be sure to let you know when I'm leaving. Thank you for dinner mother. It was delicious. Goodnight father."
Both Ilaria and Emiliano wanted to say more but realized they had angered their son, so neither rebuked Emilio in any way. Ilaria wished her son a goodnight while Emiliano stood by with a annoyed look on his face.
/*/
Emilio Apparated directly to his living room. He knew he should not have been so hard on his parents, but he meant what he said. Draco Malfoy had nothing to do with anything anymore. It was past time for his parents to stop bringing up the name.
With a sigh, Emilio stripped off, sent his clothing, underwear and socks to their respective dirty clothes bins. It was odd for any wizard to have more than one dirty clothes bin, but after the blood curse thing was brought to an end, he had been left with this particular idiosyncrasy. His body just felt better when his apparel was cleaned separately.
After a shower, Emilio wrapped a towel around his waist and sat down to check his messages. There was a short message from Wallace, an unexpected message from Marissa just saying hello and hoping he would call on her in the future. Nothing from the CW.
Emilio laid his mobile down on the table before picking up his wand to prepare something to eat. He ended up eating two toasted cheese sandwiches and a bowl of cabbage soup he had made the prior week and frozen. As he ate, random thoughts ran through his mind. One of those thoughts was about his cute conversation with Scorpius. Summoning his mobile, Emilio pressed play then speaker. As he listened to Scorp go on about Diagon Alley, new clothes and his need for a daddy, Emilio's emotions went into overdrive. He felt compassion for a son who had lost his father. He felt amusement Scorp was perturbed because he hadn't been in Diagon Alley. Most of all, he felt love for a little wizard who pulled at his heart just by saying Meel.
Emilio replayed the recording while he finished his meal. Later, when he was seated on the very couch he and Hermione used to cuddle on, finishing his fourth Ogden's, he allowed himself a self serving thought, the little wizard should have been my son. Definitely in his feels, Emilio pulled the towel from around his waist and headed to bed.
/*/
Once Scorp was settled down for the night, Hermione showered before settling herself in bed with the documents and information for her living portrait project spread out before her. Her idea looked good on paper, but would there be market for it? Shuffling the papers around, Hermione made a note to search for a photographer who would be willing to work with a novice. Then Hermione had a good laugh at herself. A novice in living portraits certainly, but she'd had more careers than the average witch. Besides, if it came down to it, she could throw enough of her and Draco's galleons around to entice any photographer.
/**/
On Thursday morning, Hermione was awakened by Scorpius climbing onto her bed disrupting all the papers and documents she had failed to put away the previous evening.
"Good morning mum." He chirped, shuffling some of the papers about. "Wake up. It's me Scorp. You've left a mess."
Hermione opened her eyes to find herself nose to nose with her precocious son. "Good morning sweet boy. You are absolutely correct. Mum has left a mess, but these are important papers which I will put away while you sit quietly on the bed."
"Yes mum."
"That's my sweet, little wizard," exclaimed Hermione, kissing Scorp on the top of his head. Grabbing her wand from the dresser, Hermione gave a quick, swish, swish, flick and the materials that lay scattered about her bed moved themselves into a neat pile.
Scorp smiled at Hermione. "May I have a wand mum? I want to make things move by themselves."
Pulling Scorp onto her lap, Hermione ran her fingers through his thick head of hair. As thick as hers, but as blonde as his father's. She and Draco had made a beautiful boy. "You have a while to go before you'll be ready for a wand. Eight years. At that time, your wand will choose you just like it did for me and daddy."
"My daddy is real sick and can't come back home to use his wand. I'll have his."
Hermione started to answer Scorpius but her mind suddenly went to Draco's wand. Where was it? As far as she could remember, it hadn't been returned to her. Scorp's statement had put light on something she hadn't thought about. She'd have to contact Seth or Sal. Hermione hoped one or the other had put the wand away and forgotten to return it to her. A shiver ran through Hermione as she wondered if the bloody wand was lying somewhere on some bloody ski slope. The thought of it all put Hermione in a lethargic mood. She didn't want to chase down either Sal or Seth. She'd ask Harry about it. He could chase it down.
Hugging Scorpius tightly to her, Hermione told him he would get a wand when he was old enough, but she would search for his daddy's wand so he could look at it."
"Yes mum. I want to see Draco's wand. Crissy washed me up and helped me dress. I'm a big boy mum. I want to dress myself."
Still thinking about the whereabouts of Draco's wand, Hermione halfheartedly advised Scorp that Crissy or Dusty would help him dress until she decided he could do it himself.
"Crissy please."
Pop. Crissy appeared. "Yes Mrs."
"Take Scorpius downstairs. Have Embers fix a cold breakfast with juice and fruit. I'll be down in a bit."
/*/
Even though it was early, Hermione knew Harry would already be at his desk, so she rang his mobile which he picked up on the third ring.
Good morning. I'm getting my bunch of misfits ready for the day. I'll have to call you back.
Okay Harry, Sorry for the interruption.
No problem Hermione. I'll get back to you in short order.
After slipping into jeans and a jumper, Hermione put her mobile in her pocket, grabbed her wand, picked up her research materials then headed downstairs.
/*/
Matt and Kim who had spent the last of Wednesday evening basking in the glow of their lovemaking and discussing what they had planned for the next day were up and ready very early Thursday. Their breakfast arrived at 8:00 am which gave them more than enough time to sync their itineraries.
"We meet with Theo at 9:00. From 9:00 until noon, we will view properties. If we need a break at that time, I'll take us to lunch. After which, I'll leave you and Theo to view additional properties while I meet with Gas. Our meeting shouldn't last more than two hours. However, I also intend to meet with our local employees to introduce myself and explain my visions, so I probably won't be free until after 6:00."
Kim nodded her head in agreement. "Excellent use of time love. I have one thing to add. I believe Hermione was sincere when she invited us to live at Malfoy Manor. I would like for Theo to arrange a walk through. I know it's a huge home, but we must remember that throughout Draco's life, the Manor was only occupied by three people. Him, his mother and his father. I'm sure the two of us would fare just as well. As Head of the Malfoy Conglomerate, you will be expected to live, as they say, the glamorous life."
Matt pulled her into his arms. "I'll agree to a walk through if Theo can manage it. However…"
"However nothing Matt. I'd like us to view it as a viable option. We could reopen the existing floo connection from our home in Milan to the Manor. It would only be a step through for me to maintain businesses in Milan and London. I'll have to discuss it with Theo, but I believe a staggered schedule will work out well."
"A staggered schedule? What kind of staggered schedule?" Asked Matt.
"I won't know if it feasible until I speak to Theo, but I was thinking something along the lines of either mornings in London and afternoons in Milan, or, three days a week in London and three days a week in Milan."
Cupping Kim's chin, Matt kissed her lips. "My brilliant wife certainly has given this some thought. Let's see what Theo thinks. It's almost 9:00. Let's get going. Theo is expecting us."
"I'm ready love. Let's get this done," replied Kim, giving Matt a last kiss. "Imagine my sweet husband. Your arbitrary wife is actually facing her first full day in London with a smile."
"Never thought it would happen," jeered Matt, giving Kim a nice pinch on the bum. "I'll hang onto hope that the smile remains on her face for the entire day. Here we go. Hold on."
/*/
After Scorp had breakfast, Hermione took him in to greet Louis, which he did with vigor. "Good morning Louis. Mum and I are going to the back gardens. I'm going to play while she works."
"Good morning young Malfoy. Sounds as though you will have a lovely morning. Perhaps one day, I'll be allowed to see the back garden."
Turning to Hermione, Scorp tried to parrot Louis' wish but Hermione stopped him.
"That's not like you Louis, hinting around. You've always been forthcoming to the point of being overbearing. Scorp and I will be out back for quite a while. I don't see any harm in moving your portrait out there as well."
"See Louis. All you had to do was ask. Right mum?"
"Right Scorp. Ask politely for what you want. I'll get something set up Louis and I'll be back to get you."
"Thank you Hermione."
/*/
Hermione didn't have to do much. She decided Louis' portrait would be fine. It would fit snugly in one of the larger garden chairs. Instructing Scorp to sit until she came back, Hermione stood in the living room and summoned the portrait from the den and her research materials from the study. She had everything set up in short order.
Louis's comment before going silent had been, how lovely. Of course, Scorp had mimicked his ancestor also remarking how lovely it was in the gardens. After giving clear instructions for Scorp not to get too far from her eyesight, Hermione began sorting through her materials. She had made one of her famous lists, and was to the point of fleshing out what needed to be done when her mobile rang. It was Harry returning her call.
Hello love. What did you need from your brother so early this morning?
Hi Harry. I'm puzzled about something.
Harry laughed into the mobile.
Really? Puzzled at sunrise. That's new. How can I help?
It wasn't sunrise you wanker, and you can help by telling me the whereabouts of Draco's wand. It isn't here in the house, and I don't remember anyone mentioning it to me. Do you have any idea where it is?
Harry was taken aback. Like Hermione, he hadn't thought about Draco's wand. He hadn't thought about anything during that time other than Draco being dead.
That's odd. Have you checked Draco's study? Could there be a sack of Draco's belongings sitting somewhere? Perhaps at Carmela's or Matt's. I know we sent clothes for the services, but did anyone pick up his belongings from the hospital?
Hermione paused. She hadn't thought along those lines.
Perhaps it's as simple as me having overlooked something. I'll check the house and let you know. Matt and Kim are in London. I'll check with them to see if we overlooked something at their house. Thanks Harry. I'll look around. Don't let those criminals get you down.
Ha. I know that is just a hypothetical statement because you do realize no criminal will ever get me down again.
Yes baby Potter. It was a hypothetical statement. Talk to you soon.
Later Hermione. Hug Scorp for me.
/*/
After disconnecting from Harry, Hermione called Scorp to her, gathered her living portrait materials then pointed her wand at Louis' portrait calling out the Follow Me charm.
Once Louis' portrait was back on the mantel and Scorp was settled in his chair watching the small bit of muggle telly Hermione allowed, she began her search while chastising herself for not thinking of the wand sooner.
"That wand belongs to Scorp. I should have been paying attention. How could I have been so….."
Louis spoke. "If I may be so bold to interrupt your thoughts, I believe I can shed some light on the situation. While the wand may not be among the contents, the day after Draco's death, Seth put a bundle in the cabinet in Matt's den next to the mantel where I formerly sat. I don't think he was trying to hide anything. More than likely he was trying to keep those things out of your sight. Perhaps the bundle is still there."
Somewhat relieved, Hermione thanked Louis. "I'll check with Matt. I don't think Seth was trying to hide anything either. It was a sad time for all of us. He did what he thought best. Hopefully, Draco's wand will be in the sack."
Hermione headed to towards the door, but Louis called her back. "My apologies for not remembering until you brought it up. Everyone had so much on their minds at that time. Seth might not even remember stowing the sack. May I suggest you let Matt view the contents before handing it over?"
Hermione smiled at the portrait. "Draco and I taught you well Elder Malfoy. Thank you for looking out for me. I'll let you know what comes of it."
Louis watched as Hermione left the den, adding a last comment. "You are quite correct Mrs. Malfoy. You and Draco taught me well."
/*/
Hermione made a quick call to Matt, but the call went directly to voicemail so she left a message regarding the bundle. Even if Matt didn't get back to her, they would all be in Milan the coming weekend. It would be a simple matter to check then.
Not really in the mood to review any more documents, Hermione rang Seana to see if she would like company, which she welcomed. Calling Scorp to her, Hermione told him they were going to visit Auntie Seana and he could bring his mobile.
"We're going to see Auntie Seana. I like Auntie Seana mum. She has S and E and A in her name."
Hermione laughed. "Yes she does. You are so smart. Please do not get any ideas about dialing Seana up on my mobile."
Scorp looked hurt that his mum thought he would break the rules again. "I know the rules mum." He replied a bit petulantly. "I won't play with your mobile."
"Good boy. That's what mum likes to hear. I'll just summon our jumpers and my wand. Then we'll be off."
/*/
Theo, Matt and Kim viewed four properties that morning. Two appealed to Matt, but none appealed to Kim. Knowing his wife as he did, Matt was sure her mind was still on Malfoy Manor. Back at Theo's office, Matt took Kim aside to have a quick word.
"Kim. Two of those properties had just about everything we are looking for. Explain to me what didn't appeal to you, especially the large, detached in Buckinghamshire. It has everything we require including tons of land."
"Lower your voice." Kim answered, checking to see if Theo was in hearing distance. "Just because something appeals to you Matt doesn't necessarily mean it appeals to me. I think we should keep looking. Theo has several more properties…."
"Stop talking nonsense Kim. We saw the perfect house and you didn't care for it. What good will it do to look at others? Stop me if I'm wrong, but it seems your eyes only light up at the possibility of us moving into Malfoy Manor."
Pulling away from Matt, Kim replied in a sullen voice. "Hermione offered. What would be so wrong if we did? It is a beautiful home."
"It's a monstrosity Kim. There's enough room for three families. I want our own home."
"We've already set up views for four additional properties, so I won't let Theo down, but I think we should discuss Malfoy Manor tonight. I've seen what I want. There's no reason we shouldn't live there. There's no need to take me to lunch. I can use the time to go over what is expected of me here at Nott, Realtors. In fact, there might be enough time for Theo and I to floo through to Milan to see some of my properties. We'll talk later. Go have your meeting with Gas."
Matt had a stern reply ready, but Theo had popped back into the room. "Shall we have lunch, or get right on with it?"
Kim answered for her and Matt. "We're going to forego lunch for now. Matt has to get to his meeting. In addition, I have an idea I'd like to pass by you."
Theo glanced from Matt to Kim as Matt moved towards the door. He was perplexed. Five minutes ago they were scheduled to have lunch then see more properties. Now… Theo just went with it. "Alright then. See you later mate. Kim, let's hear your idea."
It had taken Kim exactly fifteen minutes to get Theo onboard. He was delighted with the concept of having a real estate presence in both Milan and London. By 2:00, he and Kim had secured a portkey and were on their way to the premises of K. Reina Real Estate Agent.
/*/
Matt was so irritated by his conversation with Kim, he had to slip into one of the very private, very elaborate Malfoy loos to calm down. He couldn't allow himself to be seen as emotional. Splashing a bit of water on his face, Matt straightened his jacket and headed out. He had a meeting to get to.
Having been used to dealing with Draco, Gas recognized right away something during Matt's morning hadn't gone right. As Matt's second, it was his duty to ensure his boss was in top form.
"As your second, might I suggest that you have a tea, have a coffee, or have a drink, but do something that will remove that frown. We wouldn't want to frighten the underlings quite this early in the process."
Matt smiled at Gas' candor. "That apparent, is it?" Replied Matt, summoning a tea service from the food table. "Perhaps I should have something sweet as well. Couldn't hurt."
"Nope. Couldn't hurt," parroted Gas. "House hunting that bad then?"
Matt shook his head. "Please don't get me started on that subject, or I'll have your ears ringing. I believe we have a queue outside the door. Let's get this meeting started."
"Done in one," replied Gas as he opened the door.
/*/
The meeting went well. Matt once again explained what would be expected of those fourth line and below while he, Gas and the third line questioned and listened to those who had expressed interest in remaining with the company under Matt's rule. Very few Malfoy Conglomerate employees had any intention of handing in their notices. This was a top notch company no matter who was at the top. Besides, they were used to interacting with Gas only seeing Draco in passing or at meetings. The several who had sent their resignations were the older wizards who had no intention of messing about with Matt's new fangled concepts. Their resignations hadn't fazed Matt in the least. To his way of thinking, new blood would absorb his ideas more quickly.
"I think that went well." Gas remarked as a compliment to Matt. "It seems most have taken a liking to their mobiles. You may have to instruct them to purchase a personal mobile to keep business separated from pleasure."
Matt nodded. "I noticed. If not, we'll insist. I'm hoping they'll be able to keep their minds on business until the novelty wears off."
Gas smirked at Matt. "So, is if not, we'll insist, to become your catchphrase? I must admit. The phrase is definitely along the lines of what Draco used to get what he wanted. Our ends here are all tidied up. I believe we are ready to set the meeting our division, regional and national Heads have been waiting for. Your second will give you the weekend to rest. I'll set it up for Monday, 5/4 at 1:00 pm. We'll use the main meeting room. After we finish here, you should have a look just to be sure there'll be enough room."
"Enough room!" Matt exclaimed.
"Yes Matt, enough room. You do realize every Head will be accompanied by anyone of importance in their companies. They all want to see and meet the new Draco Malfoy."
"Oh that. Well they'll just have to get used to the new Matt Lozio. You've been doing this longer than I have. I trust your judgment. If that's all, I'll be getting back to my wife and our house hunting journey. If you think of anything else, please ring me. Kim and I will see you and Seana at Sunday dinner."
"Alright. I'll leave you to your thoughts Matt. We'll see you Sunday."
Matt remained sitting in the large, now silent room. Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, he was amazed to see it was only 4:00 pm. He'd told Kim he wouldn't be available until after 6:00. Things being what they were, rather than trail behind Kim, Matt decided to head for the hotel to have a bit of a lie down.
/*/
Hermione and Scorp had a lovely time visiting Seana who was in a much better place since her home had been cleansed of the foul Doula witch. They had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Finnigan, Seana's mum who had a brogue so thick she made Hermione smile each time she opened her mouth. The women spent the afternoon discussing the aches and pains of pregnant women, gardens, and the upcoming Sunday dinner at Carmela's.
Seana had originally declined the invitation to stay with her mother, but her mum had insisted she go because her father was coming to spend the weekend. Both Seana and Hermione caught Mrs. Finnigan's meaning and quickly moved on to other topics.
Hermione made her and Scorp's excuses at 4:30. She had to get her son home for dinner. Hermione left promising to visit again soon. She also extended an invitation for Seana and her mum to visit Malfoy Estate anytime they wished.
/*/
Dusty had made a nice dinner of beef stew, crusty bread with a few chips for Scorpius. While Scorp was eating, Hermione put together a travel bag of things they would need for their weekend at Carmela's. Scorp's punishment would be over on Friday so she included his books as well.
Hermione had taken a few spoonfuls of stew when the doorbell rang. Getting up from the table, Hermione ran her hands through Scorp's hair.
"I wonder who that could be love? Auntie Hannah and Uncle Harry never use the bell."
Although she knew Kim and Matt were in London, she was surprised to see Matt at her door.
"Why hello Matt. Come on through. Did you get lost in the wilds of London? Would you like some dinner? Only beef stew but pretty tasty."
"Hello Hermione. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you. I was on my way to the hotel for a quick nap, but decided to stop here first. Thank you for the dinner invitation but I'll have something later with Kim. Go finish your dinner. We'll talk after."
"Dinner can wait. I'll get Scorp settled then you may have my full attention. I'm glad you're here. I have something to discuss with you as well. I left a message on your mobile. I'll be back shortly. Make yourself at home."
Matt poured himself a drink before listening to the messages on his phone. Swearing softly, he listened to Hermione's message. Draco's wand? Some bundle left in his den? He had to listen twice before getting the complete picture. If there was a bundle of Draco's things in his den, he knew nothing about it. However, it would only take a few minutes to check. Before stepping through to Milan, Matt remembered that Louis wanted to see his face. Matt smiled to himself. Sometimes Elder Malfoy acted more like a father than an ancestor.
Walking into the den, Matt greeted Louis. "Elder Malfoy. It's been awhile. How are you?"
"Matthias, at last. I thought my family had forgotten about me."
"Not likely Louis. I've been stretched out straight. Kim and I are moving to London so I'll definitely make time to stop by."
"Good. Are you aware that Draco's wand has disappeared? The situation has upset Hermione. I believe Seth might have put a bundle of Draco's things in the cabinet in your den. Perhaps you can check. I'll suggest to you what I suggested to her. If the package is there, it would be best if you review it before handing it to Hermione because we wouldn't want you handing over any disturbing items."
Matt now had the full picture. "Hermione left a message on my mobile. She planned to discuss this very thing after she got Scorp settled. I intend to step through to Milan after speaking with you. So now that you know I'm still standing, I'll advise Hermione of my plans. Speak to you soon Louis."
"Thank you for stopping in. Please inform Seth that I would like to see him sometime before the next century."
Matt chuckled. "Now Louis. If I relay that type of message, I'm sure Seth would stay away longer. I'll let him know in my own way. I hope you're not being sullen and argumentative with Hermione because she won't suffer your temper very long."
Louis rolled his eyes but answered in a perfectly calm voice. "I treat Hermione and Scorpius with respect. I've even gone as far as to smile at Harry Potter. There you have it."
Matt left the den with a wide smile on his face. His ancestor had come so far.
/*/
Hermione hadn't come back downstairs yet so Matt called out that he had listened to her message and was going to floo through to Milan.
Hermione called back that he should feel free to use the floo.
Matt was there and back in twenty five minutes. Ten of those minutes he had used to search for the mysterious bundle which he found stuffed in a bottom drawer. As Louis had suggested, Matt examined the contents then had spent ten more minutes agonizing over what it contained. The clothing Draco had been wearing the day of the accident all bloody and ripped was there. In his mind, Matt corrected himself. The clothes weren't so much ripped as they were cut or sliced, more than likely from the life saving efforts at the ski resort. Matt couldn't help the emotions coursing through him as he vanished the bloody items into oblivion. Such a tragedy, such a waste, he thought. The one encouraging fact was Draco's wand, although stained with blood and other dried liquids, was also in the bundle. Drawing his wand, Matt summoned his own wand cleaning cloth. When he was through cleaning Draco's wand, it looked like it had just come from Ollivander's Wand Shop. The wand was the only thing he'd present to Hermione. The rest was gone, never to be mentioned again.
Solemnly, Matt stepped back through the floo with Draco's wand held tightly in his hand.