Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 43
Before Hermione could form a firm thought, her mobile rang yet again. This time it was Emilio calling to let her know he would be a bit late coming through but hoped she would keep dinner warm and Scorp up. Hermione agreed to both things. Emilio gave her a brief synopsis of what had gone on with Theo as well. He also spoke quietly of love and intimate things leaving Hermione a bit flustered and bothered by the time the call was over. Hermione considered herself lucky. She'd had a wonderful first husband and now would have a wonderful second husband. The gods were smiling at her and Scorp.
Dropping the mobile down on the couch, Hermione ran for the stairs taking them two at a time arriving at Scorp's bedroom door to find him stretched out sleep. She didn't normally allow him to sleep without having lunch, but she had been so busy with other things she hadn't even thought about it. After chastising herself, Hermione realized all she had to do was wake Scorp, give him a bit of lunch then maybe take him for a walk. It just might all work out.
Sitting down on the side of Scorp's bed, Hermione pushed the blonde hair back from his face. Then, for a few brief seconds, she allowed herself to silently curse at her dead husband before reaching over to gently nudge Scorp awake.
Scorp opened those gorgeous, gray eyes and gazed at Hermione. "Hi mum. Is Meelio here yet? I have to make a pee. I'm hungry."
Hermione answered in order before grabbing Scorp from the bed. "Hello love. Emilio is still at work. Let's get you to the bathroom, and you'll have toasted cheese and celery for lunch. How's that for answers?"
"I like your answers mum. I hope Meelio didn't marry while I was sleeping."
Hermione sighed knowing Scorp would worry about marry until she and Emilio explained it in full. "Good luck to us."
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 44
After lunch, Hermione kept to her plan to take Scorp out for a walk. It was a short walk because Hermione got the idea in her head to tour the new homes. With a quick whisper to Scorp, Hermione grabbed him up and apparated to the other side of Wiltshire where three homes now stood in place of the original.
When they landed, Scorp was beside himself. Glancing back at his mother, Scorp let out a large whoop. "Is this our new house mum? It's really big."
The homes took Hermione's breath away. They were beautiful. Mr. Theodore Nott and his teams of contractors, builders and decorators had outdone themselves. Taking Scorp by the hand, Hermione moved closer to the middle property. Pointing it out, she told Scorp it would be their new home.
"Can we go in mum? Can we? Please mum."
Smiling down at her excite little man, Hermione explained that there were wards up that didn't allow strangers poking around the property.
"But mum. We're not strangers. That's our house." Scorp emphatically replied.
"I'll speak to Theo about having a tour. Even though it will be our home down the line, it belongs to Theo right now, and he wouldn't want people tracking through the house without authorization."
"Authization?" Questioned Scorp. "We can tell Meelio. He'll make Theo give us authization."
Hermione stooped down to hug Scorp. "Listen love. This not your worry. Leave it to mum. If you want something to think about, think about what you want for dinner. You've been a very well behaved young wizard, so dinner is your choice."
"Okay mum. We'll scuss it over dinner, but Meelio is strong. He'll make Theo let us in. Can we have chops. Me and Meelio love chops."
Hermione giggled to herself. This little wizard would definitely keep her and Emilio on their toes. "I think we've seen enough for today. Time to go home. I have a nice dinner to make."
"Okay mum. Let's go home so you can make chops."
Picking Scorp up in her arms, Hermione gave a short wave of her wand and turned them into apparition.
/*/
Hannah was wiping down the bar, but her mind was miles away. In fact, her mind was on the two sheets of paper hidden in her dainties drawer. One from her Primary Healer and one from her newly acquired Obstetrics Healer. She and Auror Potter were going to be parents in less than five months. The news had her giddy. Hannah had been bursting to share her news with Hermione, but hesitated when her favorite sister shared her own good news.
The truth of it, she had been as surprised by the news as her Primary Healer, and had sat in a living room chair for an hour trying to wrap her head around it. She was never careless with her contraceptive charm because she and Harry hadn't discussed children. They had had the obligatory vague conversation about wanting children, but nothing firm.
Hannah made one last swipe across the bar, and with that swipe came the realization she knew exactly when she became impregnated. It was when Hermione was in the hospital after being poisoned. She had been so afraid for Hermione she could barely function, and during that small window of time, Harry had comforted her with words and deeds. During that small window in May, contraceptive charms had been the last thing on her mind.
Hannah was a bit nervous about disclosing her condition to Harry, but what was done was done. He could be happy about it, or he could be happy about it because there wasn't any turning back.
Speak of the devil and up he jumps.
"Hello love. I stopped in for a few to grace my lovely witch with my presence. You look as though your mind is a million miles away. What's up?"
Hannah meant to tell Harry about her pregnancy, but she opened her mouth and something entirely different came out. "Hello Mr. Auror. Take a stool. I have some amazing news which I'm sure you'll take in stride."
Harry grinned at his wife. "I take everything in stride love except…."
Hannah reached over to give Harry a slap across the arm. "I stopped off at your sister's house before coming to work."
Harry's ears perked up.
Even though The Leaky was almost empty, Hannah lowered her voice and leaned closer to Harry. "Hermione is engaged. Emilio asked her last night and she accepted. Isn't that wonderful?"
Harry fixed his mouth so he wouldn't say anything stupid. After a couple of seconds, he gave a standard answer in a less than enthusiastic tone. "That's wonderful. Scorp will be pleased. I'll have to stop by to offer my congratulations. When is the wedding?"
Hannah gave Harry a hard stare. "Well you don't sound pleased. If you're going over to Hermione's to disparage or denigrate, don't go."
"Come on Hannah. Hermione and I have made our peace. If Emilio is the wizard she wants for life, so be it."
Still using a low voice, Hannah growled at her husband. "If? If Emilio is the wizard? Still thinking you know more about Hermione's life than she does? I'm telling you to knock it off right now. Hermione knows who she wants, and that's the end of it. Be happy for her, or don't. I need to get back to work. I'll see you at home."
Harry watched as Hannah went around the bar to check on the lone customer who still had a full glass in front of him. He loved his wife, but lately she seemed to be in a cranky mood most of the time. They would have to have a talk, because pulling an attitude over every little thing was becoming annoying. In addition, she was letting herself go. Harry didn't mind a slightly heavy wife, but Hannah…
Harry wasn't well versed in the area of women's health, but just like that, he'd had an epiphany. Calling Hannah to come back over to him, he took both her hands in his and looked her straight in the eyes.
Speaking in a very low voice, Harry made a request. "We need to have a discussion. I love you Hannah. You know that. Why you would keep things from me is beyond my comprehension. I'll be home directly after work and you will explain it all."
Harry didn't make it to the door before Hannah was on his heels. "I love you too Harry, and I'm not keeping secrets. I look forward to our discussion."
Harry gave Hannah a dismal smile. "I'll see you at home love."
Back behind the bar, Hannah called her two evening shift bar wizards to ask if they could come in early because she had to leave early. Both wizards promised to be there within the hour.
Hannah went back to wiping down the bar until her lone customer hailed her for his next drink.
/*/
Instead of going out into the field, Harry went back to his office. Not even making the pretense of doing work, He sat leaned back in his chair trying to suss it all out. Perhaps Hannah didn't know. But she had to know. He had figured it out and he had only been in close contact with one pregnant witch, Seana Maida. Harry stopped in mid-thought. Maybe he was wrong. He'd been wrong many times before. Perhaps Hannah just felt like being cranky and not watching her weight. Perhaps he was way off base and would end up owing his wife an apology. Harry would probably have sat there for the next hour if Randy hadn't turned up at his office door.
"Howdy boss. I hope I'm not disturbing you but you are needed down in holding. Mundungus Fletcher who we've had to detain yet again is screaming to see you. He says he has information you'll want to hear. Personally, I think he wants to play to your soft side, but there you are."
Sighing, Harry got up and followed Randy to the lifts. The very last thing he wanted to deal with at the moment was the lousy tosspot Mundungus Fletcher.
/*/
Hannah's two evening shift bar wizards turned up within thirty minutes of each other at which time, she gave a quick explanation of some vague but important errand. Each wizard was fine with it. They assured her she didn't need to fret because she was always fair with them.
After cashing out and turning the registers over to the two, Hannah grabbed her purse and jumper and was on her way. She had a stop to make even before she had her discussion with Harry.
/*/
Hermione was in the middle of flouring the chops when she heard footsteps coming down the hall. Grabbing her wand, she pointed it in the direction of the hall. Family would ring the bell. Emilio would apparate in and Hannah or Harry would walk in but hail her in the process. Moving a few steps towards the hall, Hermione immediately lowered her wand before heading back to the kitchen when she saw who it was.
"Couldn't stay away then, or could you smell the lovely chops I haven't even started cooking?" Expecting a huge laugh or some cheeky retort, but receiving none, Hermione turned back to look at Hannah only to find her best friend on the verge of tears. Hugging Hannah before leading her over to the couch, Hermione grabbed her wand to summon the brandy. However, once it was in front of Hannah, she declined the drink.
"What's going on love? I've never seen you like this." Hermione became even more concerned when Hannah began sobbing softly.
"No! No! This cannot stand," sniped Hermione as she accio'd a wet cloth from the downstairs bathroom. "Please tell me what's going on before I start imagining things."
"I'm just being silly." Hannah replied, wiping her face with the cloth. "Silly and overwhelmed."
"Silly and overwhelmed is okay as long as you don't scare me to death or make yourself sick, so please tell me what's on your mind."
Hannah sighed as she continued running the wet cloth across her face. "When I was here earlier, I had something to share, but once I heard your news, I didn't want it to seem like a competition. I haven't even told Harry which didn't turn out well because I think he's figured it out. How, I don't know. Him being the most tone deaf wizard to walk the streets."
Hermione grinned as she grabbed Hannah by the hands. "Are you trying to tell your sister that you are pregnant and she has a niece or nephew on the way?"
"I am. I'm four months along. The sad truth is I didn't realize it until my visit with my Primary Healer. I now have a Obstetrics Healer along with a Primary Healer."
Hermione was low key squealing. "And you didn't want to share because it might take away from my announcement. You are not that dense. Your happiness is my happiness. Now that you know that, after you tell Harry, I'll expect an announcement whenever you're ready. Anyway, at four months along it won't take anytime for everyone to notice. Emilio and I haven't discussed any firm plans, but after we do, we will definitely announce to the world at large. Dry those eyes and get home. Auror Potter is probably wondering where you are."
Hannah let a quick smile flit across her face. "Thank you sister. That's why I love you so much. You have the ability to cheer me up no matter what."
"As you do for me love." Hermione replied, standing when Hannah stood. "I'm so excited for you and Harry. Go have your talk. If he tries to chuck you out, you're always welcome here."
"Sure I am. I'm sure Emilio would have something to say about that. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Give Scorp a hug for me. Goodnight."
Hermione sat back down to ponder Hannah's news. She was going to be an aunt, again. Glancing at the Wonder Wizard Clock, Hermione saw the time and rushed into the kitchen to finish up the chops and start the vegetables. Even though she had started dinner the muggle way, Hermione finished it with magic. When Emilio stepped through the door, dinner would be ready for her men.
/*/
Adam, Richard, Ezra and Nicholas were in the FF conference room going over company business. The hot topic was the bungling of the statements. While they spoke in respectful tones, each man was aware that one of their Officers had basically been chastised and sent home. Even though they knew, the information hadn't gone any farther down the line. They would always protect their top managers. The FF was essentially circling the wagons around Gas because it wasn't anyone else's business. Richard and Ezra were the most embarrassed by what had gone on because they had at one time been charged with seeing to the monthly statements. After Draco died, Gas had pulled them off that particular job for reasons only known to himself.
"Bloody hell Ezra. Stop fretting. The faux pas has nothing to do with you." Stated Adam. "Gas wanted a hand in everything after Draco died and that particular piece of business didn't work out. We'll all live. The statements are out. That's the end of it. On to other business. How are the lower tiers coming along?"
Nicholas spoke up. "Lower tiers are coming along nicely. Richard and I were scheduled to visit Scotland but we pushed it back until Gas is back on his regular schedule. Not to worry though. We've been in contact by mobile as well as Owl. Everything is on point."
The other three wizards nodded their heads. Everything was on point and that was how they would keep it.
"It's getting late lads. Let's finish up with those things Gas handed us today and get back to our regular duties." Suggested Nicholas. "My mum is doing up a couple of fryers. You can take the witch out of country, but you can't take country out of the witch," He joked. "Drop by if you can."
/*/
The FF spent another forty minutes going over the small jobs that had been handed to them then spent another thirty deciding which jobs could be handed down to fourth levels. Unlike Gas, the FF was inclined to delegate.
/*/
Matt and Emilio had spent their afternoon tied up with a group of investors looking to set up a company that would be underwritten by MCC. The group had money but lacked the basic skills of how to set up a company. Matt and Emilio had gone in thinking they were facing an easy task. However, after listening the group's non-plan, the two wizards realized they would be there all day.
It had taken Emilio three hours to pull together some semblance of order. The bloody lot of them had tons of galleons but not one bit of business acumen among them. By 5:00 pm, Matt and Emilio had a well written out business plan which they handed to the group along with the friendly advice to study up. The so-called leader of the group promised MCC would be hearing from them as soon as all was sorted. Both Matt and Emilio doubted the man's word.
It was past 6:30 when Matt and Emilio got back to MCC.
"Can you believe that lot? If or when they are ready to discuss the business plan, I suggest we put Nicholas or Adam on their arses."
"Be kind Emilio. Not everyone is well versed in business." Matt replied with a grin.
"Hmph. That's an underwhelming statement. A group of tossers with money and not a grain of sense. However, if they want to hand out galleons, we'll take them. I have a few things to tidy up then I am going to visit my fiancée and my fiancé."
Matt laughed. "I'd give anything to be there when you and Hermione explain it all to Scorp. He'll need a calming draught."
Emilio looked at Matt with a wide grin on his face. "That's only if me and Hermione are able to get a word in edgewise. By the way. I haven't spoken to Hermione about it yet, but if she agrees, we'll be traveling to Milan to inform my parents of our engagement. I'll need to leave a bit early on Friday."
"I think that can be arranged cousin. That's another place I'd like to be when you share the news. I believe Ilaria will have you and Hermione married by the Sunday evening."
"Too true Matt. I'll definitely have to get mother sorted in front."
"Alright. I'll leave you to your ends to tend to my own ends. Give my regards to your fiancée and fiancé. See you in the morning."
"Alright lad. See you in the morning."
/*/
Hannah had bathed and was sitting nervously on the couch when Harry came through the door. "Hello love. Felling better?" Harry asked, leaning over to kiss Hannah on the cheek. I don't smell anything good. I'm a hungry auror home to fill his stomach."
Hannah was chuffed. It appeared as though her lovely husband had gotten over his little snit. Perhaps she had overreacted. He might not be onto her after all. Hannah told a small lie. "I was waiting to see what you wanted for dinner. I had thoughts of…."
Harry came back through to the living room and stared his wife down. "Really? You were waiting to see what I wanted for dinner. Why? Since when? If I remember correctly, the last time I asked for a certain dinner you politely or impolitely told me I'd eat what you cooked or not at all."
Hannah laughed. Perhaps this would be a good night after all. "I might have said that, and probably meant it. However, tonight I defer to you."
Harry headed upstairs once again casually throwing remarks over his shoulder. "I'll eat whatever you prepare." Then added. "And we will still have a discussion."
Hannah sighed. So much for thinking Head Auror Potter had softened his stance. "Alright love. It will be dinner in a few."
/*/
The beef casserole was ready and waiting by the time Harry got to the table. He and Hannah enjoyed their food even though Harry kept glancing over at Hannah.
Hannah finally had enough. "Okay Harry. I'd rather talk than remain under your withering stare much longer."
Harry laughed. "It bloody works. Michael swears by it."
"Michael swears by what?"
"The withering stare. It has brought many a criminal to his knees."
Hannah gave Harry a withering stare of her own before inviting him into the living room for a discussion stating she had news to share."
Now that Hannah had seen through his little game, all Harry could do was follow her meekly into the living room.
Even though he had followed meekly behind his wife, Harry was first to speak. "My apologies for this afternoon. I don't like being cross with my favorite wife. However, with that being said, I'd like you to enlighten me as to why you've been acting like a bear."
Even though this was a serious conversation, Harry was not about to mention weight gain. He liked his arse in one piece.
Hannah moved from the chair to sit beside Harry. Grabbing his hand, she gave him a hard pinch. "We'll talk, but don't you ever talk down to me again. Understand Potter? Or so help me…."
Harry kissed the back of Hannah's hands. "This doesn't have to be a argument love. Just explain what's going on."
Hannah began feeling emotional as she had at Hermione's. When Harry realized he'd upset Hannah, he pulled her into his arms. "Shall I start?"
Hannah nodded her head.
"I may be way off base, but I think Auror Potter and his lovely wife are in the family way."
Harry's words caused a flood of tears from Hannah who tried to speak between sobs. "I was, mumble, mumble, mumble because mumble, mumble, mumble."
"Okay love. Even though I love everything about that mouth, right now I don't understand a word coming out of it. Sit up. Wipe your face then tell me if I'm right or wrong. It's simple really."
"Simple is it? I'm married to the biggest git in London. How could I know how he'd take the news he was going to be a father when we've never even discussed it?"
Harry's heart was exploding inside his chest, yet he still managed to give a cheeky response. "So I'll take that as a yes. The illustrious Harry Potter is going to be a father. We'll show Hermione she's not the only one with news."
Hannah grabbed Harry in a bear hug. "I love you Harry. We are going to have a baby in five months."
For the next bit of time, Harry and Hannah discussed, promised and gloated about the situation. When all was said and done, they were both on the same page and ecstatic over the news. The last thing Harry had said before leading Hannah upstairs. "I'm a top auror. There's nothing you can keep from me."
Hannah's response had been. "I can live with that."
/*/
Earlier in the day, Hermione had mentioned that Emilio was coming for dinner. That was all Scorp needed to hear. From 5:30 on, Scorp hadn't wanted to do anything except sit on the couch and wait for his Emeelio. As the time ticked by, Scorp must have asked three times if he asked once, is Emeelio still coming. Can you call him? I think he forgot.
Laughing at her tenacious son, Hermione pulled him into a hug. "Emilio will be here. We just have to wait. If you're hungry, mum can fix you a plate."
Just as she finished her sentence, both she and Scorp heard the soft swish of someone landing in the Apparition Area.
"I think I hear him mum. Emeelio is that you?"
A grinning Emilio came through to the living room. "Right in one little man. It's me. Good evening fiancée. Before anything else, may I have kisses from my two favorite people?"
"Yes, yes. Give me kisses Meelio."
Emilio gave Scorp a small caution. "Mum is always first. Then my little man."
"Okay, okay. Mum first then me." Scorp replied, watching as Emilio left a sweet kiss on Hermione's cheek, after which, he came over to Scorp to kiss him on the forehead.
Scorp appeared stunned as he reached up to touch his forehead.
"Scorp and I have been waiting patiently for our wizard to get here. We'll have dinner then a talk."
A still stunned Scorp came quietly to the table when he was called. Throughout dinner, he kept his eyes on his plate only answering when spoken to with occasional glances at Hermione and Emilio every now and again. Hermione thought she knew what was going on, but Emilio had no clue. When Emilio gave her a questioning look, Hermione simply patted his knee as if to say, we'll get it sorted.
/*/
The table had been cleared, the kitchen cleaned and all leftovers put away. It was time for the talk. For as quiet as Scorp had been throughout dinner, he was extremely fidgety while waiting for someone to start talking.
Hermione started by pulling Scorp onto her lap and showing him her engagement ring. "With this ring, Emilio has asked us to marry him. That means he loves us and wants us to come live with him in the new house. He wants us to be his family."
Both Hermione and Emilio could hear the great sigh of relief that emanated from Scorp and reenergized the little wizard. They were also quite surprised by the first words out of his mouth. "Marry is good. Emeelio gave me forehead kisses? He's going to be my dad so that's okay."
Then Scorp was off mentioning every good thing he knew. Hermione and Emilio let Scorp ramble for a bit before telling him the best part. He would be allowed to call Emilio dad after the marriage.
Scorp let out a squeal that brought Crissy and Dusty to the top of the stairs. After realizing their boy was simply squealing from happiness, the house elves got back to their duties.
When Scorp calmed down, Hermione reminded him that Emilio was still their private, family business until she told him otherwise. The excited little wizard told Hermione he remembered the rule. Scorp wanted to talk more, but Hermione told him it was time for bed. Before calling Crissy, Hermione allowed Emilio to give his someday son another kiss on the forehead which elicited another squeal. This time at a much lower volume.
/*/
After Scorp was down for the night, Hermione teased Emilio about how he'd made Scorp squeal. "I believe you gave him the happiest surprise of his life. You kissed him like a dad would. I-We appreciate it, and we appreciate you." Leaning up, Hermione crushed her lips against Emilio's.
Squeezing Hermione to him, Emilio advised her they wouldn't get anything settled if she kept kissing him like that. Placing a hand on Emilio's chest and her head on his shoulder, Hermione whispered, she would stop.
Grabbing Hermione, Emilio crushed his lips to hers while whispering. "I didn't mean right this moment."
Pulling away, Hermione laughed at Emilio calling him a git. "I'd like for us to have a conversation. There are a few things we need to get sorted."
A sobered Emilio concurred.
/*/
For over an hour, the engaged couple sat holding hands and discussing their future. At the end, they: decided to move into the new home as soon as it was finished exactly as Hermione wanted; get bonded a year from the day they became engaged which would be 10/19/10; announce their plans to Emiliano and Ilaria Lozier the coming weekend and the rest of their family the following week.
Emilio promised to call his mother and father to let them know they were coming.
With everything settled, Hermione and Emilio spent time savoring their lives and where they were going until it was time for Emilio to say goodnight. "I will see you and Scorp tomorrow. I will try my best to be here early enough to take the little wizard who will soon be calling me dad, for a walk. I love you Mrs. Hermione and look forward to our future."
Hermione put her hand on Emilio's arm as she stood whispering one word. "Louis."
Grabbing Hermione by the hand, Emilio headed for the den. Even though he was a Malfoy, Louis Adrian Malfoy was the patriarch, of sorts. He should be one of the first to know.
/*/
Louis was in a pleasant mood which Hermione put down to him having overheard everything. "Good evening Hermione, Emilio. What brings you in here among the long dead?"
Hermione played along. "Have we come at a bad time Louis? If so, we can come back when…"
Louis cut across Hermione. "My apologies if it appears I am in a bad mood. Appearances can sometimes be deceiving. How can I help you?"
Emilio stepped forward. "Good evening Louis. Because Hermione and I remember your positive comments about our relationship, we want you to be one of the first to know our plans."
Louis had his Malfoy façade pulled way up but he was pleased as any living portrait could be. "Your plans? I'd be pleased to hear them."
Pulling Hermione up beside him and kissing her hand, Emilio revealed the status of his and Hermione's relationship. "I have asked Mrs., Hermione to marry me and she has accepted. We plan to be married on the anniversary of the day I asked her to be my wife which will be 10/19/10."
Although pleased as could be, Louis only managed a something that passed as a smile before offering his congratulations. "Thank you for letting me be one of the first to know. I appreciate the respect you have shown me and continue to show me. I wish you both the best."
"Over the next several months, Emilio and I will be moving house to the newly built Lozier House. Before you ask, you will be moving with us as Matt does not have a permanent home as of yet."
Closing his eyes for a brief second, Louis thanked Hermione once again. "I may be overstepping a bit, but I wouldn't say no to a place overlooking the bonding….. If it can be arranged."
Both Hermione and Emilio smiled at the audacity of a portrait.
"I believe we can manage that Elder. It would be out pleasure. Now that we have shared our news, we'll bid you goodnight."
"Goodnight. I look forward to 10/19/10."
/*/
Closing the door to the den, Hermione softly commented. "I'd bet you galleons that the old dog knew everything before we set foot in the den."
Emilio laughed as he pulled his fiancée to him. "I'll have to refuse that bet love. Louis is sharper than some living wizards. Now. Please give me my kisses so I can be on my way."
"I can do that," admitted Hermione, turning her lips to meet Emilio's. Pushing back a lock of Emilio's thick, dark hair, Hermione reminded him she was due a visit to The Luxe.
"Nuzzling his mouth against Hermione's neck, Emilio whispered that he and her soldier looked forward to the visit.
No sooner were the words out of Emilio's mouth than Hermione grabbed him by the hand leading him to the newly renovated main floor bedroom. "Your honey pot had heard your words and needs attention. I will not take no for an answer."
Emilio grinned as he let himself be led to the bedroom that hadn't ever been used by the now dead Draco Malfoy. "At this moment, no is not in my vocabulary."
And that was the truth.