Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 45
/*/
After ending the call, Hermione turned to see Scorp gazing at her with a strange look.
"What's the matter love? Do you need the bathroom?"
"No mum. I don't need the bathroom. I think we should always tell Emeelio where we are going so he doesn't get worried we aren't coming back. We don't want Emilio to be sad like we were when Draco couldn't come home.
Ruffling Scorp's hair and pulling him into a hug, Hermione agreed. "You're right love. We should never make Emilio wonder where we are, or if we're coming back. We don't want him to be sad. I'll remember for next time. Okay?"
"Yes mum. It's okay now. I wonder if Aunty Seana has snacks. I'm hungry for a cookie."
Hermione summoned her purse and reached inside. "We won't have to bother Aunty Seana's snacks. Mum brought her own. Go sit down at the table. I'll serve you up a piece of orchard crumble."
Scorp scrambled over to the table. "Come on mum. My tummy is hungry for crumble."
Hermione shushed her loud son. "You'll have a piece of orchard crumble only if you use your soft voice. We don't want to wake Evan."
"Okay mum. I'll use my softest voice, but if Evan wakes up, I'll share with him." Scorp replied in a low whisper.
Hermione could only manage to smile at her son and sigh. Even though she thought it was cute now, him needing to get a last word in might not be so cute in the future.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 46
Evan remained sleeping for the entire hour and a half Seana and Gas were gone. Seana had returned gushing over the homes so she and Hermione spent the next hour discussing the compound while Gas and Scorp spent their time in the family room.
Over tea, Seana had revealed she and Gas would be taking the home to the left of the center home. Even though the greenery and gardens were fairly similar on all three homes, Seana was convinced the home she and Gas had picked had the better look. Hermione reminded Seana that she could have her greenery, gardens and yards redone in any manner she chose.
"We'll be in a family compound Seana, but the home you've chosen is your to do what you will, within reason." Hermione added with a smile. I hope you took photos to get some idea of color and design. Of course, with the deposit you've given Theo, you'll have access any time you like to make decisions. Scorp and I haven't seen our home yet, but Emilio has given it very high marks. We'll probably tour it next Monday or Tuesday after we return from Milan."
"Going to see mum then? She'll be thrilled. Gas and I want to wait until Evan is at least a month old before subjecting him to port keys or floos."
"Actually Seana, Emilio, Scorp and I will be visiting his parents to share our news. Mum already knows."
"Your news?" Seana inquired, clapping her hands together giving Hermione's stomach a quick glance. "What news would that be Hermione?"
Hermione had seen Seana glance at her stomach and tried not to laugh out loud. "If you're thinking my news is baby news, you have another think coming." Lifting her left hand into Seana's line of sight, Hermione shared her news. "Emilio has asked me to marry him and I've accepted."
Letting out a loud squeal, Seana gushed over the ring while pulling Hermione into a tight hug. "Congratulations Hermione. You and Emilio make a lovely couple. I bet Scorp is over the moon."
"Scorp is delighted as you can well imagine."
Seana hunched her shoulders and covered her mouth when Gas called out if she kept squealing she'd wake Evan. He also suggested that Hermione not lead his wife astray with randy comments because Seana's squeal sounded a bit naughty.
Both Seana and Hermione laughed, softly this time.
"Since I've shared with you, I guess I'd better share with Gas as well." Heading towards the family room, Hermione called out ahead. "Naughty witch coming through."
"You get punishment for being naughty. Right Uncle Gas? I get punishment for being naughty." Scorp exclaimed before Hermione could say a word to Gas.
"You are right in one little man. If someone is naughty, they get punishment."
Hermione let out a soft chuckle. "If you two wizards would let a witch get a word in, she'd be happy to redeem herself."
"Redeem away Mrs. Malfoy." Gas replied with a cheeky wink.
Holding up her hand for the second time that morning, Hermione showed off her amazing engagement ring. "Emilio asked me to marry him and I've accepted. I hope that is a redeemable answer."
Gas jumped up to hug Hermione. "Congratulations to you and Emilio Hermione. Now I know the reason for my wife's loud outburst, I concur. The news is worthy."
"Gratulations to me too Uncle Gas. Meelio is marrying me too," offered a not to be outdone Scorp.
"Of course Scorp. Congratulations to you as well. Emilio is a very lucky wizard."
"Emilio and I have shared the news with a few people but most of the family hasn't been informed. Please keep my secret for a bit longer. Emilio, Scorp and I will be going to Milan this weekend to share with his parents. After that, we'll inform everyone."
"No problem love. Seana and I don't see much of the family anyway. Besides, we'll be too busy making plans for our new home to be carrying tales. Your information is safe with us. When is the big day?"
Hermione flushed. She had shared as much as she wanted to share at the moment. "Nothing has been set in stone Gas. When Emilio and I get everything sorted, you'll be among the first to know. Now I think it's time for me and Scorp to get back to Malfoy Estate to have some lunch."
"Ah! You've driven Hermione away with all your questions Gas," remarked a delighted Seana from the doorway. "I hear Evan stirring. Thanks so much Hermione. Keep us informed."
Gas stood to hug Hermione. "Yes love. Thank you so much for sitting Evan. You may call on us to sit when you have your next baby."
Hermione smiled, but it was an uneasy smile. She hoped Scorp hadn't paid attention to Gas' comment. If he had, she and Emilio would be inundated with questions about a baby that didn't exist. Hermione excused herself and Scorp to take her son to the bathroom before the trip home.
"I have to poop too mum."
Hermione sat Scorp on the toilet and plopped down on the side of the bathtub waiting for him to finish. Her hopes of Scorp not having heard Gas' comment were dashed when her wily son asked when his baby was coming and if it would be a boy like him or a girl like her.
Hermione sighed. Her child didn't miss a thing. "There's no baby Scorp. Uncle Gas was making a joke. Hurry and finish. We'll discuss it at home."
Scorp thought for a minute before replying. "Alright mum. We'll scuss it when Meelio comes over because we have to tell him we're getting a baby."
"Enough about a baby Scorp. Let's get those hands washed so we can go home."
Scorp concentrated on his soapy hands with his lips locked tight. He'd said too much and his mum sounded a bit cross. As Hermione dried his hands, Scorp kissed her on the cheek and was rewarded with a smile. He felt better. The last thing he wanted was to be thought naughty. Naughty little wizards got punishment.
After saying goodbye to Seana and Gas, Hermione made an extra stop at the ice cream shop in Diagon Alley. Scorp had been very good. He deserved a nice dessert. Perhaps the strawberry ice cream would keep his mind off babies. She sighed. One could only hope.
/*/
Matt and Emilio had just finished a meeting where the FF had given their latest report on Mid and Lower tiered accounts. The meeting had run long because Ezra had points to make about the Malfoy Holdings in Romania. He had apologized in front for the negative news he was about to share then proceeded to share his thoughts.
Adam, Nicholas and Richard who had remained silent knowing what was coming, hoped this wouldn't turn into the shite show they visualized coming. Neither Matt nor Emilio took kindly to failure or, in this case, lost opportunity.
"I believe in raising levels at companies which are worthy of being in the Malfoy Conglomerate. However, after much work and training, I, feel the owners and managers of Romania Holdings aren't worth further time or effort on our part."
For several seconds, the room was so silent only the breathing of six wizards could be heard. With a quick glance in Emilio's direction, Matt began to speak.
"That was unexpected Ezra. Up until this moment, I was under the impression things were going well in Romania. I believe neither Emilio nor myself has received any negative updates regarding Romania. When did you come to this conclusion?"
Nicholas tried to interject but Matt held up a hand. "My question was directed to Ezra Nicholas."
Ezra passed out copies of his findings. He could have folded in the face of his CEO's tone, but he was one of the FF and knew his business. For the next ten minutes, he quantified his decision to bring the matter forward. Ezra's explanation was clear and concise. The owners wanted the support from the Malfoy Conglomerate, but didn't want to abide by the MCC contract. They wanted to make investments in companies and projects which weren't authorized or sanctioned by MCC even after being advised it was against the contract they'd signed. Ezra also explained why he hadn't brought the matter forward until then. During his last visit and conversation with the owners, he had been assured they would cease all unsanctioned actions. However, after an unscheduled visit over the weekend, it had become clear to him nothing had changed. The company owners were still acting as though they were a separate entity rather than a part of MCC.
Nicholas, Adam and Richard straightened their backs, because in their eyes, their mate had handled the situation in the best manner possible. He'd done his due diligence and was now bringing it forward.
Matt stood, walked over to a window and stood there with hands clasped behind his back. Gazing out of the window, Matt shared his thoughts. "Thank you for the explanation and the report Ezra. Your thorough research and follow up is commendable. While myself, Emilio and Gas do not like failure. I consider this case a necessary exception. We, as a company are in this business is to assist those who want assistance while making money for MCC. We will not continue giving assistance and funding to those companies that condone insurrection. Insurrection might be a strong word, but it's exactly what's happening in Romania. As of five minutes ago, the contract with Romanian Holdings has been nullified for cause. Ezra, you, myself and Emilio will visit Romania in person to collect what is ours and sever the contract in person. Give me a minute to have my Assistant get round trip port keys for as soon as this evening."
Emilio sat there annoyed over the whole of it while they waited for Matt to return. Although business decisions came first, being away from Hermione and Scorp because of Romanian bull shite was the last thing he wanted. However…..
Matt was back.
"We have 2:00 pm port keys. Nicholas, you Richard and Adam will hold down the fort with Gaspare whom I will get up to speed when he arrives. If there are things you need to tidy up before our departure, go tidy them up Ezra. Emilio and I will do the same. Please be back in the building by 1:30. That's all for now."
/*/
Nicholas, Richard and Adam all took turns clapping their mate on his back when they returned to their floor. Ezra had held up well for the situation. Nicholas invited them all into his office. They were going to try to prepare Ezra for whatever might arise in Romania.
At the end of the discussion, Adam warned Ezra to keep his wand handy at all times to which Nicholas and Richard heartily agreed. The four men separated with Nicholas headed to the bathroom, Adam and Richard to their own offices and Ezra to the lifts. He needed to get to his flat in order to get his travel bag together. It was ironic because he hadn't yet unpacked it from his weekend trip to Romania.
/*/
In this instance, Emilio was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. Matt probably realized this as he remained silent waiting for Emilio to speak. However, all Emilio did was nod and head to his office. Matt followed.
"I know this an inconvenience Em, but it has to be done. We can't let some upstart excuse for a company defy us. It's business."
Turning to his cousin, Emilio told him he was preaching to the choir. "I understand what needs to be done Matt. There isn't any sense in belaboring the point. We'll go, get this matter settled and get back. I assume someone has called ahead to let them know we are coming."
"Of course. I had my Assistant take care of everything. I'm going to make a quick trip to The Luxe. I want to get there and back before Gas arrives. I'll see you later."
"Alright Matt. I need to stop by the hotel as well. See you back here."
/*/
Emilio rang Hermione as soon as the back of Matt cleared his office door.
One ring.
Two rings.
Three rings.
Hello love. This is a welcome surprise. Two calls in the space of, what, three or four hours. I like it. Give me just a second. Scorp and I just got in. We stopped off in Diagon Alley to pick up a few things. You'll be happily surprised to know strawberry ice cream was one of those things.
Hermione was moving about the house as she spoke. Finally, she plopped down on the couch.
Are you still there?
I'm still here love. I'm pressed for time but wanted to call to let you know an important matter has come up. Matt, Ezra and I will be taking 2:00 pm portkeys to Romania. Depending on what pops up, we may not be back until late Thursday. I'm going to miss my witch and someday son tonight, but will definitely try to see you Thursday evening. I'll ring you from Romania, if I have a chance.
For a split second, Hermione was disappointed but recovered quickly realizing she was being foolish. She and Emilio didn't have to see each other every single night of the week. They were engaged not joined at the hip.
Well, work calls. Scorp and I will miss your kisses but we'll ask for double on Thursday. Your bit of business sounds so spur of the moment. I hope it doesn't mean trouble. Stay safe for me and Scorp. I love you Mr. Lozier.
And I love you fiancée. Give Scorp hugs for me. I'll give him kisses when I get back. Before I go, I'll need you to whisper one naughty thing to get me through this.
Hermione laughed as she whispered some very naughty words.
There you are love. Will those words hold you?
They most certainly will. I have to go. I want to have a quick word with Theo. I'll see you Thursday. I love you.
/*/
After ending the call, Hermione went to sit beside her boy.
"Hi mum. I like cartoons. They're funny. I'm hungry for a chicken sandwich."
"Alright love. One chicken sandwich with celery coming right up. Emilio rang us up to say hello." Hermione revealed, running her fingers through Scorp's hair.
"I heard your phone ring mum, but I was busy. I'll see Meelio when he comes for dinner. May I have cucumbers too?"
"You may have cucumbers instead of celery. Meelio won't be coming through tonight. He has business."
"He has business all the time mum, but he still comes to see us. He was probably making a joke. He always wants to see us."
Hermione sighed. Her son would never be at a loss for words. It was like she was raising a young Dumbledore. "We'll see Scorp. Come to the table your sandwich is ready."
"Yes mum. We'll see."
/*/
Theo Nott was particularly chuffed. Two of his high end properties were under contract and the third should go under contract shortly. He had contractors coming to work on the upgrades he and Hermione had discussed. Life was good. As he strode towards his next appointment, his mobile rang. Theo checked the caller. Emilio was calling. Theo hesitated for a fraction of a second between talking the call or letting it go to voicemail. Talking won.
Hello Emilio. How are you?
All is well Theo. I don't mean to interrupt your day but Hermione and I have a request.
All sorts of things ran through Theo's head up to an including being asked to be in the wedding. Emilio quickly clarified.
I have a 2:00 pm portkey but wanted to request an appointment for Hermione, Scorp and I to tour our new home next week preferably Monday or Tuesday morning. They are excited to see where we'll live. As you can imagine, I will not turn down any request from my fiancée and fiancé. I'm hoping this is enough time for you to take the appointment.
I'm at my next showing Emilio. I have to go, but will pencil in the showing for Tuesday morning at 11:00. If that works for you, it works for me.
That's fine Theo. Thank you.
You're welcome Emilio. See you, Hermione and Scorp on Tuesday.
Theo ended the call and hurried toward his waiting client.
/*/
Hermione and Scorp were still at the table eating lunch when they heard the front door open and Hannah call out. "Good afternoon my lovelies. Hannah Potter is in the house."
Scorp let out a giggle. "It's Aunty Hannah mum. She's talking big."
"Yes love. I hear your aunty, and she is certainly talking big. She must be having a pleasant day."
"Ah! Talking big am I? I can talk bigger, if you like," cheeked Hannah, kissing Scorp on the head before winking at Hermione. "As for having a pleasant day, I am which nicely complements the lovely evening I had last night."
Hermione nodded at her best friend. "I'll take it that the conversation with your other half went well. Congratulations."
Giving Hermione a cheeky smile, Hannah picked up a piece of cucumber and popped it into her mouth. "My conversation with Auror Potter went extremely well. As far as being all knowing, in this case, he was. Harry recognized something I myself didn't recognize. Trust me. After the conversation and acknowledgement, he was patting himself on the back all night. Bloody git."
"Bloody git," parroted Scorp.
"No-no-no Scorp. Those are bad words. Aunty Hannah should watch her language. I'm sorry Hermione."
Summoning a cloth to wipe Scorp's face and hands, Hermione also cautioned Scorp about repeating grown up words. "Aunty Hannah talks big and without caution love. She might get a punishment if she's not careful. As for you little man, you're going upstairs for a nap. Crissy please."
Pop. "Yes Mrs.?"
"Please take Scorp to potty then he's to lie down for a nap."
"Yes Mrs. Come on little man. We be getting you settled upstairs."
Both Hermione and Hannah smiled over Scorp's loud giggle precipitated by Crissy elf- hopping him upstairs in one jump.
"I apologize for my mouth Hermione. What was I thinking?"
"No worries Hannah. I'd really put you on punishment if I wasn't as big a culprit as you. We'll both have to be more careful. So tell me. Is Harry walking around with his chest all puffed out?"
"Haha. A bit. I think he's still marveling over the fact he's going to be a father. He actually admitted that it had all become clear yesterday afternoon when he stopped by the bar and I snapped him up over some nonsense. The filthy wanker even went as far as to admit he noticed me gaining weight but dared not mention it in fear of getting hexed. We laughed last night, but I'm fairly certain I would have hexed him if he had commented on my weight before then." Opening her robes, Hannah showed off her slightly rounded belly. "How could I have missed something so obvious? I've had to adjust my muggle clothing to support a widening waist."
Hermione chuckled at her best friend before admitting she had gone through much of the same thing. "I didn't recognize my pregnancy until I had no other choice. Just so you know, Draco didn't have any reluctance in mentioning the widening of my waist and arse. We laughed about it after, but it wasn't pretty when he said it."
Hermione had then regaled Hannah with Scorp's revelation that Emilio would probably want a baby if his Uncle Gas and Uncle Harry had one, and how she had to stop Scorp from going on and on about it. The two witches laughed the entire conversation.
Hannah finally excused herself to use the bathroom. "My bladder has certainly shrunk. I'll use the bathroom now, but will need to use it five minutes after I'm at The Leaky. Such is the life of a pregnant witch."
After Hannah left, Hermione became embarrassed. She hadn't even offered the pregnant witch a biscuit to munch on.
/*/
Even another run in with Mundungus Fletcher couldn't remove the smile from Harry's face. Initially, his team had put it down to some kind of fluke because Harry was definitely not one of those all day smilers. However, as the day wore on, Michael, Randy and Anthony became concerned as well as intrigued. Had Harry gone too far and been hexed by Hannah? They didn't think so, but they didn't know. So, at midday the entire team huddled in Harry's office to find out.
"What's this, a mutiny?" Asked Harry as he put his lunch down on the desk and hung his cloak. "If you are all here because one of you has done something foul or illegal and the rest are here to support him, you may all leave. I haven't heard anything and I'd like to have my lunch."
Michael and Anthony stepped forward, but Randy spoke. "If one of us had done something foul or illegal, you wouldn't be able to find any of us. We'd all be drinking our sorrows away at the pub. You'd probably have to come looking for us."
The entire team laughed over Randy's remarks.
"Alright then. If none of you is guilty, why are you here? Asked Harry, ripping the wrapper off his lunch plate. "Somebody tell me something before I sack all your arses."
"Why have you had a smile n your face all morning? You aren't that pleasant," offered Michael. "Has Hannah hexed you happy?"
Harry choked on the piece of sandwich he's been chewing. Had he had a smile on his face all morning? That definitely wasn't his style. "Don't be an arse Michael. Of course Hannah hasn't hexed me. And I haven't been walking around with a constant smile. You're barking."
"Yes you have Harry," added Anthony.
"Even Mundungus Fletcher couldn't remove your smile," offered Justin. "We're worried is all. Besides, if anyone has to commit you to Fourth floor, Thickey Ward at St Mungo's, we'd rather it be us."
Another laugh went around the group.
"Enough with this rubbish. I'm trying to have my lunch before going into the field. You've had you're little joke. Now get out before I hex the lot of you."
Nobody moved.
Harry leaned back in his chair. It was his own fault. He and Hannah were pregnant. He was going to be a father in five months. A smile probably had been plastered across his face.
Everybody jumped back when Harry summoned his wand. "What's the matter boys? Realize your annoying arses really do deserve a hexing. Relax. I'm just going to close the door."
"You could have asked Anthony to close the door. He's right on top of it." Randy mumbled.
Rolling his eyes at Auror Jordan, Harry shared his secret, and the room went wild.
Michael waved his wand to cast a silencing charm. Harry Potter was going to be a father. They were all going to be uncles. Then the teasing began. Harry sat there accepting the congratulations, accolades and insults for exactly five minutes before reverting to boss.
"Alright, alright." He snapped. "You now know all my business. Keep it to yourselves until I tell you differently or you run into Hannah and her belly. That's all. Go catch a criminal or something and keep your minds off my smile."
The entire team headed out the door, but before they made it out, Harry thanked them all.
"Our pleasure daddy," quipped ring leader Michael in a low voice before hurrying out the door.
Harry finished his lunch but remained at his desk savoring the idea that there would soon be a little Potter coming into the world.
Life was good.
/*/
Gas who had been briefed when he arrived at work was concerned but proud of Ezra. He was also quick to remind the three wizards they should remain on their guard until the business was finished.
"Thanks for the reminder Gas. You can be sure we will keep our wits abut us. While it's usually not pleasant ending a relationship, Emilio and I have been down that road before. I'm also certain Ezra understands the intricacies as well. Hold down the fort. We'll see you sometime Thursday evening."
Shortly after the conversation, Matt, Emilio and Ezra flooed through to the Portkey Office on their way to end a contract.
/*/
The three wizards checked into the hotel suite to put their things away. It had been agreed beforehand they would all share the same suite. Gas didn't have to remind them how dangerous this visit could get. They hoped for the best but knew it could come down to the worst. The Romanians weren't chuffed to take orders or suggestions when they had a contract. Merlin only knew what they'd get up to if they didn't have one. Anyway, none of the men planned on sleeping. When their business was done, they'd be on the first portkey out.
Matt gave a little speech. "It's now 4:40 here. I'm hoping we can have this business finished before 7:00 pm. Our portkeys are open end. They will be ready for us whenever we are ready for them. Let's go get this done gentlemen."
/*/
If Matt, Emilio and Ezra thought it would be one and done, they were mistaken. Whether by choice or chance, the owners kept them waiting for over an hour before making an appearance. It was after 6:00 pm when they made a showing. Then, after hearing what Ezra had laid out, it was another hour and a half of denials and calls of misunderstanding. By 8:30, Emilio and Matt were fuming. Finally, at 9:00, Emilio who had been drumming his fingers for the last five minutes spoke.
"We didn't want this meeting to be contentious. However, for the last hour we've listened to you go on and on about what you didn't know, understand, or weren't aware of. That stops now. Ezra has kept us informed of what is being done and how he's been treated. To that end, the contract between Romanian Holdings and MCC is hereby severed. From this point, my colleagues and I will collect all MCC materials including all branded merchandise. Once the original contract which I have in my hand is destroyed all existing copies will be destroyed as well."
Emilio held up the contract up high in front of his face before vanishing it into nothingness. As the contract disappeared, all sorts of materials came flying across the room to land in a pile in front of Emilio which he shrunk down and placed in his case.
Emilio was on fire, but it was Matt who chose to close out the meeting with a few choice words. "Gentle wizards. You have effectively cut off your source of funding and support because you chose to thumb your collective noses at what could have been a very lucrative partnership. Good luck in the future."
As Matt stood, so did Emilio and Ezra. The three left the room and the building looking neither left nor right. Once back in the hotel, Matt called attention to the time. "It's after midnight gentlemen. Shall we spend the night in this lovely hotel or…?"
"Or, shall we get our arses to the portkey office and get said arses back home," replied Emilio finishing Matt's thoughts.
"Ezra spoke up. "If my vote counts, I vote to get the hell out of here. We don't want to give anyone time to form a lynch mob."
Both Matt and Emilio smiled, but it was Emilio who answered. "As bull shite as I am over this entire thing, I wish a mob would."
Cackling like a brood of hens, Ezra and Matt grabbed the irate Emilio and dragged him to the lobby. There were portkeys calling their names.
/*/
It was almost 11:30 pm London time when Emilio landed in suite 315 at The Luxe. Irritable and tired, he had a quick shower before falling into bed.
/*/
Scorp had spent the hours after dinner waiting patiently for Emilio to appear even after his mum had told him he wouldn't be coming. Scorp had made a run for the front door around 6:30 when he heard someone come through only to act disappointed to find it was Uncle Harry coming down the hall.
The resigned little wizard went back to take his seat in the Telly room advising Hermione on the way. "It's not Meelio mum. It's only Uncle Harry."
Harry caught up to Scorp to give him a hug and a tickle. "Only Uncle Harry, but you love me."
Scorp struggled to get away from Harry's fingers. "I love you Uncle Harry, but I wanted it to be Meelio."
"In that case, I'll let you go. I want to speak to your mum anyway."
Scorp didn't answer. He his eyes were back on Chuggington.
Harry hugged Hermione before puffing out his chest. "I heard you thought I'd be walking around with my chest all puffed out. I'm here to tell you I'll only puff out my chest in front of family and close friends. All others will have to wait until after the baby is born."
Hermione giggled at Harry's nonsense. "Come sit down daddy. Let this almost aunty fix you a cup of tea. I'm so happy for you and Hannah. I can't wait to meet your little green eyed bundle. You'll have to be more careful now that you're about to become a father."
"How so?" Asked Harry.
"Well. You should probably start looking for a less dangerous position. You know something nine to five behind a desk."
Harry paused before answering Hermione sure he knew what she was really thinking. "Except for that one spot of bother back in 1998, I've always been careful. Nothing has to change. I'll always be careful. Don't compare me with Draco love. I'm not him."
"You're right Harry. You're not Draco. What was I thinking? Not all wizards forget they have a wife and child dependent on them once they step out of the house." Hermione replied on the verge of tears.
Harry pulled Hermione into a hug. "What's this then? Are we standing here with you expecting me to remind you of your bright future. You have a loving wizard and an amazing son. Let go of your fears and enjoy what's coming. Now that I've had to speak kindly of the wizard who doesn't like me, I'll be leaving."
For a brief second, Hermione laid her head on Harry's shoulder before straightening up and returning his cheek. "If you hadn't been nosing and running that mouth, the wizard who doesn't like you, would probably like you. Thanks for the insight. Love you."
"Love you back Mrs. Malfoy. I'll just pop in to say a quick word to Louis then be on my way. Give the wizard who doesn't like me my regards."
"I certainly will. Goodnight Harry."
/*/
After a quick clean up, Hermione went to sit beside Scorp. "I think that's enough Chuggington for one day. We are going to make it an early night."
"Okay mum. Early night." Scorp replied with a yawn. "Scorp is sad."
Surmising the reason for Scorp's last comment, Hermione whispered to him as she plucked him up off the couch. "If you're sad because Emilio didn't come to dinner, don't be. Remember my ring." She said, holding up her left hand. It means we're his fiancée and fiancé. He can't forget about us."
With his head on Hermione's shoulder, Scorp responded sleepily. "Yes. Meelio is going to marry us. He won't forget about us. I'm sleepy mum."
"Okay little wizard. Let's have a pee then bed."