Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 46

"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."

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 47

While Emilio showered and went straight to bed, Matt had other ideas. The Romania fiasco had left him tense and stressed. He wanted to unwind a bit before even trying to sleep. After dropping his bag and a quick freshen up, he decided to see what The Luxe Lounge and Bar was about. A bit of music and a few drinks wouldn't hurt anything.

Matt was pleasantly surprised when he walked through the heavy oak doors. The music was lively but not loud. The bar was as massive as the oak doors he'd just come through, and there were actually witches and wizards occupying stools and tables. Matt glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch wondering if all the lads and lasses out at this hour had had a bad day like himself and were there to unwind.

Taking a seat at the bar, Matt raised a hand to get the Bar Wizard's attention.

"Good evening sir. Last call is a mere fifteen minutes away. What can I get for you?"

"I've had a dismal day mate. I'll have a double shot of Mortlach Rare."

The Bar Wizard commented on Matt's choice as he poured the drink. "Fine choice sir."

"Indeed it is. It's not often I get to have a taste of the rare. Cheers."

Matt watched the Bar Wizard walk the length of the bar to serve the few customers at that end. He had taken two sips of the Mortlach when a woman walked up on his left. Matt wasn't looking for company and was immediately annoyed that with a ton of unoccupied stools at the bar, the person chose to take the stool next to him. Matt stared straight ahead until the woman spoke.

"Good evening Mr. Lozio."

Matt was a bit startled. The witch knew his name. Turning in her direction, Matt nodded before speaking to the tall, fit looking, blue eyed blonde "Although it is closer to end of day than evening, I wish you good evening as well. You have me at a disadvantage. Have we met?"

Matt noticed the Bar Wizard watching. Perhaps this is a lady of the night trying to ply her trade, he thought. Of course it wasn't. She knew his name.

"We've met in passing Mr. Lozio. I am in town for MCC's investors seminar and meetings. I've actually decided to make a long weekend of it. I have a suite in the hotel, but being away from home has me a bit restless. I thought a few glasses of white wine would help soothe me to sleep." Extending her hand, she apologized. "Forgive my manners. I'm Chloe Knight, Marketing Manager at Whitehall Investments, Leith Edinburgh. As I said, we've met in passing."

Raising his hand to summon the Bar Wizard, Matt ordered another Mortlach for himself and a white wine for Chloe.

"Hello Miss Knight. My apologies for not recognizing you. My only excuse is I've been introduced to so many fantastic people recently it's hard to keep track of names. Very nice to meet you, again."

The Bar Wizard set the drinks down giving Chloe a somewhat skeptical look before walking away.

"I understand completely Mr. Lozio. Thank you for the wine."

"Please call me Matt. Mr. Lozio sounds so nine to five.

Chloe had a lovely, soft laugh. "Matt it is then, but only if you'll call me Chloe.

Raising his glass, Matt nodded. "Chloe it is."

There was a short, awkward silence while the two sipped their drinks, but the Bar Wizard fixed that by flashing a light behind the bar. "Last call please. Order now or not at all."

Matt stood. "Nothing like being chucked out of a hotel bar. It was nice seeing you again Miss…. Chloe. Thank you for your interest in MCC."

"It was nice seeing you again as well Matt. I have a meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon with Richard and Adam whom I understand are half of your Fantastic Four to go over a few things. Perhaps I'll see you again. Goodnight."

Without thought, Matt extended an invitation. "If you don't run into me, stop by my office to say hello. I'd like to hear how your meeting went. Goodnight Chloe.

/*/

Matt walked away thinking he really was slipping if he couldn't remember meeting a witch as fit as Chloe.

Chloe left the lounge thinking she must be slipping if a fit wizard such as Matt Lozio didn't remember her.

/**/

Emilio had gone to bed aggravated and woke in the same state. Grumbling to himself about Romanian bastards getting what they deserved, he performed his morning grooming before sending down for a waffle and sausage breakfast. While he waited for breakfast, Emilio decided to look over the items which had been confiscated from Romania thinking there might be something he could give Scorp. He had to give up after a quick sort proved everything was in Romanian. Scorp was bright, but not that bright. Emilio chuckled. Scorp might just fool him and be speaking Romanian by 8:00 pm.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, Emilio dressed, grabbed his case and wand then headed to the lift promising himself he'd make this a good day. When the words good day passed through his head, Emilio immediately thought of Hermione and Scorp. They could make his darkest day seem bright. Five minutes after that thought, he was walking into his office.

/*/

It was after 8:00 so Emilio went in search of Matt and Gas. As luck would have it, Gas was already in Matt's office. Before Emilio could say a word, Gas stood to congratulate him on his engagement then sat back down after shaking hands.

"Thank you Gas. I've been blessed. Good morning Matt. I see you have your heads together. Will we be port keying off to some other fabulous port to set another lot of dolts straight?"

Matt winked at Gas as he chuckled over Emilio's remarks. "Pay no attention to our COO Gas. He's upset because he didn't get to duel a mob."

Emilio laughed out loud. "Yes, there's that. Thank you cousin. I guess I deserved that. On to business."

Matt held up a hand. "Before we get to business I want you to hear this. I was just sharing my adventure with Gas."

Emilio was surprised thinking this had to be some hypothetical nonsense. "Adventure? Something from The Tales of Beetle The Bard I expect."

Matt grinned. "Not at all. My adventure began last evening about 11:40."

With raised eyebrows, Gas remarked he couldn't wait to hear the story. Emilio simply waited for Matt to start spewing some random bull shite.

"Come on then Matt. Out with it. There are materials on my desk I could be reviewing."

"Settle down cousin. You're going to like this. Last night, rather than go to bed irritated and annoyed, I went down to the bar lounge to have a drink. I indulged in some of the finest single malt whiskey, Mortlach Rare. The lounge was almost empty except for several other night owls. I say this to set the stage, so to speak. Anyway, I was slowly sipping my Mortlach….."

Emilio huffed at Matt. "Is there a point to your babble?"

Gas shifted in his chair. Matt was being a bit obnoxious.

"I'm getting there Emilio. Relax. As I said, I was sitting there sipping my Mortlach when this sweet voice greets me by name. Good evening Mr. Lozio."

"Bull shite!" Exclaimed Gas and Emilio at the same time.

Matt grinned at them both. "I kid you not. This lovely blue eyed blonde was speaking to me. Initially, I thought she might be a lady of the night trying to get me to pay for her favors."

Gas laughed out loud. Emilio slouched in his chair and sighed thinking, such bull shite.

"Turns out," continued Matt. "She is a Marketing Manager from Leith, Edinburgh who is in town for our seminars and meetings."

Emilio straightened up in his chair. "And"

"And, we had a drink and a discussion. Her name is Chloe Knight and as I said, she is here for the seminars and meetings. She has a meeting scheduled with Richard and Adam this very afternoon. She also called them one half of the Fantastic Four. The witch has done her homework. Did I mention she is tall, fit and gorgeously blonde? I asked her to stop by my office after she sees Adam and Richard to discuss the meeting."

Gas spoke first. "I was ready to call bull shite but I've met her. We've all met her. She was at our initial investors meeting. Her father is a wealthy banker in Scotland. There was a lot going on at the time but Chloe Knight is hard to miss."

Emilio rolled his eyes in Gas' direction. "Really Mr. CFO? Mr. married to Seana Finnigan Maida. She's hard to miss?"

Gas laughed. "Nothing spurious Emilio. Just stating facts as I remember them."

Matt couldn't stop chuckling. "Pay no attention to our COO. He obviously hasn't had breakfast. Unfortunately, I didn't remember her, but we got that cleared up. And yes, she is very hard to miss. How's that for an adventure?"

It was Gas' turn to chuckle. "Sounds like an adventure to me Matt. However, don't you think it would have been more of an adventure if she'd turned out to be a witch selling her wares?"

That did it. All three wizards laughed.

"I agree," added Emilio. "It was an adventure. If you start to work on her now, perhaps you won't be the only Best Man to attend a wedding ceremony unaccompanied."

Matt heard the words Best Man and all extraneous information disappeared. "Does this mean Hermione will allow me to stand with you? I knew it. I'm irresistible. She's like a sister to me."

After closing the door with a quick spell, Emilio howled.

"What's so funny cousin? This is a serious matter. Am I in or not?"

"I haven't spoken to Hermione about this matter yet, but keep working on getting a witch. You need one."

Matt scowled at Emilio without saying anything more about being a Best Man. "Alright boys. You've heard my story. Let's get to work. What do we have on our plates for today?"

"Nothing pressing so far, but the day is young." Gas replied, opening the door. "I'll be in my office."

Emilio stood as well. "I'm going to sort through the materials we brought back from Romania and store them. You never know. Those Romanian blokes might come to their senses."

Without lifting his head, Matt nodded. "That's fine. Waste not, want not."

Emilio felt foolish. Had he embarrassed his cousin? It was one thing to joke about certain matters when it was just him and Matt, but he'd spoken out of turn in front of Gas. He shouldn't have made the joke in the first place. "I apologize Matt. I know you are serious about being Best Man. I shouldn't have been so cavalier in front of Gas."

Matt looked up with a wide smile plastered across his face. "No harm done cousin. Just marking my spot. For your information, I might start working on Miss Chloe Knight, just in case. Anyway, Hermione loves me. She'll come around."

"Prat. You had me going for a minute. I'll speak to Hermione this evening. See you later."

"Later cousin."

Emilio planned to ring his mother to let her know he, Hermione and Scorp would be coming through Friday evening. After that, he was going to ring Hermione just to hear her voice and tell her how much he loved her and Scorp. They could discuss the Best Man situation that evening.

/*/

Hermione and Scorp had been up for an hour. They had eaten a nice breakfast of eggs and toast and were sitting in the Telly room watching Chuggington. Actually, Scorp was watching Chuggington. Hermione's mind was miles away. She came back to herself to find Scorp patting her arm.

"The mobile mum. Your phone is beeping."

Hermione had left the mobile in the living room. She had also changed the ringtone to a pulsing beep which is probably why she hadn't heard it. She answered on the fifth ring.

Good morning love. Your fiancé is calling to check in.

Good morning Mr. Lozier. How was your trip? Get everything settled?

The fact we had to travel to Romania at all was annoying, but we did get everything settled. How are you? Did you miss me? More importantly, did Scorp miss me?

Hermione let out a soft giggle

Yes I missed you and yes Scorp missed you. He sat on the couch until bedtime sure I was joking about you not coming to dinner.

I'll definitely be there this evening. Can we have chops mum? You know how much Scorp and I love chops.

Hermione giggled some more.

Wanker. We're having beef brisket.

Close enough love. Close enough. While I'm thinking about it. You may tell Scorp he'll get to see his new home Tuesday morning. We have an appointment with Theo for 11:00.

That's wonderful Emilio. Thank you. Scorp will be so pleased. Remind me to tell the baby story. Your someday son tried to outdo himself.

I can't wait. Actually, I can't wait for a number of things, but I will because they're worth it. I spoke to mother. She and father are expecting us Friday evening. I think she suspects. I could barely get her off the phone. I will now tell you how much I love you so I can get back to work. I love you my gorgeous witch. I'll see you this evening. Do you need anything? We can't have the pregnant Mrs. Potter running around Diagon Alley chasing sprouts anymore. You have a wizard for that.

I'll have you know that Mrs. Potter won't stop running until baby Potter is pushing his or her way out, but having a handsome wizard to do my running is even better. You're down to your last three Guinness and I'd like a nice bottle of white wine. Other than that, I'm all set. All I need is you.

Emilio lowered his voice.

Be careful Mrs. Hermione. That was sexy talk. You know what it does to me.

Hermione let out a big laugh.

My apologies. I'll save the talk until I can sit on your lap.

Emilio laughed out loud then lowered his voice once again.

And my lap can't wait to feel that lovely bum. We can plan on that and see what comes up. With that said, I need to get off this mobile and get to work. I'll see you and Scorp this evening. Love you both.

We love you. See you tonight.

/*/

After disconnecting from Emilio, Hermione turned to find Scorp standing in the doorway gazing at her.

"Hello young man. Do you need the bathroom?"

"No mum. I'm thinking that was Meelio on the mobile."

"That was Emilio. He said he missed us and will see us at dinner."

"He might not come to dinner."

Hermione immediately recognized the problem. "Emilio promised he'd be here for dinner tonight. He couldn't make it last night because he had business. Mum told you that."

"Okay mum. Okay. I want to get smart. Can I play my brain games?"

"Of course love. Call Crissy to come get you."

"Crissy. Please come get me."

Pop.

"What do you need little mister?"

"Mum says I can play my smart games. I'm getting big so I want to walk up the stairs."

Crissy glanced at Hermione who gave a silent nod. "Hold on to Crissy love. I don't want you to fall."

"Okay mum. Okay. I won't fall."

Hermione sighed. Scorp walking the stairs. Another thing to fret about.

/*/

Hermione was sitting on the couch sipping a cup of tea when Hannah came through the door.

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy. It's me your lovely, overly bloated, pregnant best friend come to visit."

Hermione smiled into her cup. Somebody had another good night. "Come on through Mrs. Potter. Take a seat and have some tea with me."

"I'm coming through and I'll definitely have a seat. I'll have to pass on the tea though. I now realize what Seana meant about her bladder getting smaller. One sip of water and it's a trip to the loo for me. I'm trying to refrain from drinking any liquid."

Giving her best friend a skeptical look, Hermione shared some words of wisdom. "I hope you're joking about not drinking water. You need to stay hydrated for your health and the baby's health as well. If you make yourself sick, other people will have to deal with your heathen of a husband. I don't want him crying on my shoulder everyday."

Hannah returned the skeptical look. "Really? You're going to disparage my heathen of a husband right to my face? How unkind. As far as staying hydrated goes, I'm doing my part. I take a sip here and there. You try being pregnant and drinking liquids then standing on your feet for eight hours a day. When you were pregnant with Scorp, Draco had you sit in one place with your feet up for nine months. If I remember correctly, he also carried you to the loo."

"Filthy liar." Hermione replied with a chuckle. "Draco did not carry me to the bathroom. He walked me."

Both witches laughed out loud.

"I'm not going to be one of those nagging best friends, but…."

"But what?" Asked Hannah as she shifted to get comfortable.

"Maybe it's time for you to give up the Leaky for a bit. Rest a bit. Let Harry carry you to the bathroom. It wouldn't be forever. Just until…."

Hannah sat shaking her head. "Even though my waist has disappeared and my stomach seems to be growing exponentially, that's not going to happen. I'd go stir crazy sitting in Casa Potter doing nothing all day."

Hermione placed her cup down on the table before responding. "As if you aren't stir crazy already. Seriously though. Think about it. Me and Scorp could pamper you every day. It would be like having human house elves."

As those last words left Hermione's mouth, she had an epiphany.

"What Hermione?" Questioned Hannah. "You look as though you've seen Merlin walk past. What's wrong?"

Hermione explained the look and her thoughts. "We could share Dusty and Crissy. They'd love taking care of you. The overly verbose Dusty might try to talk your ear off but she'd take good care of you and Harry. You'd be the witch with feet up and carried to the bathroom."

For several seconds, Hannah remained silent before looking Hermione directly in the eye. "You're going to make me cry offering up your house elves. However, I'll have to decline the services. Not for my sake mind you, but for Harry's. Can you imagine a spoiled Harry Potter? I'd have to hex him three times a day. Thanks but no thanks love. Pregnant witches before me have managed without a house elf. I'll be fine. Thank you for the offer though. I will take your advice about staying hydrated. See."

With a quick swish and flick, Hannah summoned a glass and a carafe of water. With her nose turned up, Hannah managed to drink half a glass. "Happy Mrs. Hermione?"

"The baby and I are very happy. Keep it up. After all, we wouldn't want Potter baby to come out all wrinkly looking like his father."

Hannah let out a soft giggle. "Please don't make me laugh. I can feel the water making its way to my bladder. I'll be leaving now. I want to get a few hours sleep before reporting to work. Love you Mrs. Hermione. Hug Scorp for me. See you later."

"Alright Hannah. See you later."

Hermione cleared away the tea service and the carafe of water then went to check if she really had a beef brisket on hand. If she didn't, they would be having chops.

/*/

Matt looked up to see Gas leaning against his door frame.

"Hello Mr. Maida. Something I can do for you?"

"I'm not sure Matt. Alexander Dalca from Romania has been in touch with Ezra. He has effectively placed blame on his managers for everything that went wrong and wants to talk."

Matt gestured for Gas to come in and have a seat. "It's done and over Gas. Why would we want to talk?"

"Good business. A chance to lift a lower level company. I don't know." Gas replied, shrugging.

"Sorry mate. That door has closed. Those bloody oafs were given more chances than any other lower tiered company. We don't need them, and I damn sure won't accept excuses at this point. My arse won't be returning to Romania anytime soon."

Gas ignored Matt's histrionics and pushed on. "Mr. Dalca is willing to come here to talk terms Matt. What can it hurt?"

Leaning back in the chair, Matt ran his fingers through his hair answering with a huff. "Talk terms? They had terms which they didn't adhere to. What's changed? Alexander Dalca and the rest of his cohorts can kiss my arse. What has happened is they've opened their eyes and realized they've lost the support of a lucrative partner. They want to run the business in the way they see fit. Let them do it. We aren't going to waste another knut on Romanian Holdings. Have I made myself clear?"

Gas rose from the chair. "You've made yourself perfectly clear Matt but let me paraphrase something you said to me. The Draco era is over. We are now in the Lozio era. You, me and Emilio are the beasts. I must have misunderstood because I thought those statements meant the days of unilateral decisions were over. Whether or not we take Romanian Holdings back, I imagined there would at least be a team discussion. My mistake. I'll speak to you later."

Matt stood up. He was acting like a despot. He, Emilio and Gas had signed on to be a team. "Hold on for a moment Gas. You are right. I apologize. Please find Emilio and meet me in the small conference room where we will hash this out like the beasts we are."

"There's no need for all that. A decision has been made."

"For fucks sake Gas. Please just get Emilio."

"Sure Matt. I'll get Emilio," replied a dispirited sounding Gas. "We'll see you in a few."

Matt sat back down taking deep breath after deep breath. After all the years as Minister of Finance and now Head of Malfoy Holdings, one would think he'd be a team player all the time not just when it suited him. Merlin forbid. He was turning into a Draco clone who didn't like to be challenged, and that just wasn't him.

/*/

Gas and Emilio were waiting patiently when Matt entered the room. "Hello wizards. I don't know if Gas explained why we are here Emilio so I will elaborate. Alexander Dalca from Romanian Holdings has been in touch with Ezra requesting a meeting. It seems the fuck ups are all down to his managers. Alexander now wants a do over. We are here to discuss the situation."

Shifting from one hip to the other, Emilio tried hard to hide his aggravation as he wondered why they were even having a discussion. "What is there to discuss Matt? We took Dalca and his group on as clients, but they refused to adhere to contract rules. What is this sudden epiphany about? Have they just now realized they're only some shite group of dolts without funding?"

Matt raised both hands. "We are here because Gas has some questions which we'll address as a team. You have the floor Mr. Maida."

"It is our goal to support low and middle tiered companies and help them move up. I don't see how we are helping if we won't listen to what an owner has to say. There may have been a few bumps but we, the Beasts and the FF, are supposed to get them to fall in line. How are we doing that if we simply give them the push off?"

Emilio didn't give Matt a chance to respond. Once again, the subject had him on fire. "That's all well and good Gaspare but there are rules. Our rules. MCC rules. Dalca is laying blame on his management when he himself left Matt, Ezra and I sitting in fucking room for over an hour before gracing us with his presence. When he did arrive, he gave all sorts of excuses while never once agreeing to abide by terms. I voided the contract and would gladly do it again. There are some companies that don't deserve our support. Romanian Holdings is one of them."

The room was quiet until Matt spoke. "You already know my opinion on this Gas. I believe this time around you've been outvoted. The owners as well as managers of Romanian Holdings have proven, not once, but twice they cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Either you or Ezra call Mr. Dalca back to wish him well in his endeavors, but MCC will take a pass on inviting his company back."

Gas nodded as he rose from the chair. "Alright wizards. I did not know the whole of it. I'm with the majority. I'll call Dalca myself. Thanks for the meeting. I'll let you know how loudly Alexander begs. Have a good afternoon."

/*/

When the door closed behind Gas, Matt chanced a look at Emilio. "Alright there cousin? I've never seen you so red. Except for…."

Emilio laughed. "Having a newborn is definitely messing with Gas' head. Why would he even entertain… Never mind. It's done. Time to move on to the next thing. Has your lady of the night been in touch?"

With a wink, Matt told Emilio he was taking a page out of his book. "You are not inquiring. You are nosing. When there's something to tell, I'll tell you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have contracts to review."

"If you say so, reviewing contracts it is. I'm leaning more towards you wanting to be at your desk in case Chloe stops by."

"Clever boy. You're right in one, but for now, that's my business. Stop by the suite later. We can have a drink while you instruct me in the fine art of dating. It's been years. I don't want to run my lady of the night away before even finding out what she's about."

"Haha. You're asking me about dating? I don't know shite. See you later."

Matt sighed. Emilio didn't know shite about dating and neither did he.

/*/

After lunch, Hermione and Scorp had dressed warmly and made their way to The Leaky. They were going into Muggle London to find magazines about wedding gowns. Waving and blowing Hannah a kiss, she and Scorp hurried through the pub.

Hermione had a vague idea of what she wanted but nothing solid. She hoped looking through the magazines would at least help her settle on a silhouette. Hermione, who hadn't looked at wedding catalogs or magazines in years was surprised to find there were dozens. Quickly skimming through one, she gasped at the prices. Hermione definitely wasn't poor, but the prices were outrageous. Regardless of price, Hermione wanted a look at what passed for muggle, bridal fashion. If all else failed, she could hire a magical seamstress to make her vision but she first had to get a vision. Grabbing three catalogs and three magazines, she was done. Shortly after, she and Scorp made a quick stop at the grocer before heading back to The Leaky.

Waving again at Hannah, Hermione mouthed the words drink water. Hannah mouthed back no. Scorp asked his mum why she was smiling. Hermione told him because Aunty Hannah was funny. He simply responded with oh adding he wanted a nap.

"Alright love. We'll be home in five minutes. You may have a light snack and a nap. Okay?"

"Okay mum. Okay."

/*/

It was coming on 2:00 pm when Hermione and Scorp arrived home. A little late for a nap but Hermione just went with it. As soon as Scorp had his snack, a banana, she had walked him up the stairs.

"You are doing so well walking up the stairs. You just have to always remember to be careful. Mum will be very upset if you fall."

"Yes mum. I'm careful. Crissy and Dusty make me careful."

Back downstairs, Hermione washed her face before curling up on the couch with the bridal information and promptly dozed off. The beeping of her mobile pulled her from a dream of wedding dresses dancing in a line. Reaching for the phone, Hermione was amazed to find she had slept for an hour. Caller-id showed mum. Carmela was calling.

Hi mum. How is everything?

All is well love. I'm calling to get the info.

The info?

Yes dear. The info on when you'll be coming through. I want to freshen everything up before you and my boy get here. Sal mentioned you would be coming through this weekend but I hadn't heard from you.

Sal? Hermione hesitated. She should have called Carmela before this.

I'm sorry mum. I was going to call you this evening. Emilio, Scorp and I are coming to Milan on Friday evening but we'll be staying at Lozier Estate with a planned visit to you and Fausto either Saturday or Sunday.

Carmela was surprised. She hadn't thought it through. Her girl was now engaged. Of course Emilio would be accompanying her.

I must be getting old love. I hadn't thought about Emilio. It wouldn't do for a horny couple to be apart for even one night.

Hermione laughed but Carmela's words made her feel a bit weird. Once she and Draco moved back to England, she hadn't ever gone back to Milan without seeing or staying with Carmela. Now she had a wizard and things were different.

How about Saturday afternoon? Scorp, Emilio and I will visit our Mela.

Sounds fine. I also want you to know that somewhere down the line I expect to be invited to break bread with the in-laws.

Break bread mum? You need to stay away from those muggle programs. I'll put a word in Ilaria's ear. Look who's up. Our big man knows how to use the stairs by himself. I'll let him say hello.

Hermione handed the phone to Scorp telling him Mela wanted to talk to him. Scorp took the phone but he was still in that just woke up state.

Hi Mela. I just woke up from my nap. Bye.

Handing the phone back to Hermione, Scorp climbed on the couch and laid his head against her arm.

That was short and sweet. I have to see about my boy. I'll probably talk to you tomorrow and see you on Saturday. We love you Mela.

And I love you both. See you Saturday.

After ending the call, Hermione picked up Scorp to take him to the bathroom. "My sweet boy. Mum didn't mean for you to sleep so long. Let's see if you have to poop. Then I have to get dinner started. How about a bit of Chuggington?"

"I need juice mum. Please."

"Alright. A bit of juice and some Chuggington when you finish your poop."

"Yay! This poop is hard to come out mum. I did pee. I'm done."

Hermione made a mental note to give Scorp a spoonful of potion after dinner to help regulate his bowels. "Come on then sweets. Let's get that juice."

With Scorp settled, Hermione pulled out the chops. If that's what her loves wanted, that's what they would have.

/*/

Matt had just finished putting his signature on four contracts which would be picked up by his Assistant and passed on to either Emilio and Gas or the FF. Top tiers to Gas or Emilio and low and mid tiers to Nicholas, Ezra, Richard and Adam. He had just reached out to pick up his mobile when Chloe Knight appeared at the door.

"Hello Matt. I hope I'm not intruding."

Placing the mobile back down on the desk, Matt stood to greet his lady of the night. "Hello Chloe. How could you be intruding if it was me who extended the invitation? Have a seat and tell me about the meeting."

Matt was delighted. Not only was Chloe a beautiful witch, she was easy to talk to. She and Matt laughed over the way they had bumped into each other. Chloe wasn't flustered one bit when Matt shared how he thought she might be a lady of the night trying to find a client.

"Lady of the night, is it? I'll have you know I only become a lady of the night when all else fails."

Matt laughed at Chloe's remark mentally admitting the lovely witch had just gone up in his eyes. "I made that assumption only because you chose to sit next to me when the bar area was almost empty. I found out better after we spoke. Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive Matt. My approach could have been better. You wanted my thoughts on the meeting. Richard and Adam are top shelf. In fact, I got to meet all four of the FF. They are all top shelf. I was of the mind to try to spirit one or two away to Whitehall."

Matt shifted.

"If I understood correctly, Whitehall is classified as a mid tier company which with their assistance can become a top tier. I like the sound of it. I was given an informational packet which I will review in my hotel suite. I'll make my notes and recommendations then pass it by my superiors. MCC will hear from us sometime next week."

Matt breathed a soft sigh of relief. Chloe wasn't some head hunter looking to steal away his best wizards. She was interested in moving Whitehall forward.

"If Whitehall decides to come under contract, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs."

"Wonderful. I've taken up enough of your time Matt. I'll be on my way."

As Chloe stood, so did Matt who had a request. "If you are at loose ends this evening, I'd like to take you to dinner and show you some of our fine sights."

With an enigmatic smile, Chloe informed Matt she might be able to show him some sights.

Matt was a bit surprised by the content of Chloe's response but chuffed he might….

Chloe broke into his thoughts. "That didn't come out quite right. What I meant was I went to Uni in England. I pretty much know the interesting spots whereas you being Belgian-Italian might not."

Matt was satisfied with the answer and pleased with the fact Chloe had taken the time to look him up. However, before he got too pleased with himself, Chloe explained she had read his bio a few weeks back in a magazine article.

Matt flushed. Here he was thinking Chloe might be interested in him when….

Chloe cut across Matt's thoughts once again. "I accept your invitation Matt. Dinner would be nice. I'm in Suite 414."

"Wonderful. I'll pick you up at 8:00. Since you know London so well, I'll let you choose the restaurant. Should be fun."

"I look forward to our night out. Thanks for your time Matt. I'll see you tonight."

You're welcome Chloe, and I look forward to our night out as well. I'll see you at 8:00. In case you change your mind, I'm in Suite 212. Just ring me."

"I won't change my mind Matt. See you later."

Matt sat quietly revisiting his and Chloe's conversation. Now that he had his first date in six years scheduled, his nerves were on edge. All he could hope was he didn't misread any signals and make an arse of himself.

"Excuse me Mr. Lozio. I'm here to pick up the contracts. I was here earlier but you were having a conversation."

"Thank you Paul. No harm done."

Matt went back to the work on his desk, but his mind was now wandering to Suite 414 at The Luxe.