Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 49
A floo? A floo? Emilio could have as many floo connections as he needed. Hermione wanted her assistance. Her help. Her opinion. This was the moment Ilaria had hoped for since April of 2001 when Emilio first mentioned having found his life witch. This was her chance. "A floo connection between here and Wiltshire sounds wonderful. Tell your father what you'll need him to do. As far as helping you with the wedding Hermione, it would be my pleasure. If you have time this weekend, we can discuss what you need."
"Thank you Ilaria. My outspoken fiance has asked something I planned to ask myself. I'm hoping we can have a chat later this evening after Scorp goes to bed."
"Perfect." Ilaria replied. "Absolutely perfect. Please excuse me. I'm so excited, I need a few drops of calming draught to settle myself down. Help yourself to dessert."
Emiliano sat there beaming and worrying. If they set up a floo between Pavia and Wiltshire, he be hard pressed to keep her from stepping through.
Emilio gave Hermione a cheeky wink and a grin. Ilaria Lozier wouldn't be this happy again until they had walked down the aisle and were presenting her with a grandchild.
/*/
Still grinning, Emilio reached into his inside pocket to answer his ringing mobile thinking Matt was calling to take the Mickey out of him. So it was a bit of a surprise to see the Caller-ID showing James Wooley.
Telling Hermione James was on the phone, Emilio stepped away from the table to take the call.
/
A/N: **For an explanation about 2003, please read the prequel to this story,
A Tale Of Two Wizards which was a Dramione while this story is not.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 50
Hello Minister Wooley. How are you?
I'm well Emilio. I heard through the lovely MIM grapevine you'd be in Pavia this weekend. Please give your parents my regards. I'm calling to see if you'd care to wander the wilds of Milan with me this evening or tomorrow evening.
I'm glad to hear from an old friend, but must say I'm disappointed in Wallace. I'd never have taken him for a wizard who carried tales or shared personal information.
Nothing to be disappointed about Emilio. Wallace wouldn't speak out of turn if he had a mouthful of information. Knowing our prior connection, my Assistant shared information he'd been told by one of his friends. No matter. You are now in my part of the world. The least I can do is spring for a night out.
Even as he listened to James, Emilio's mind was working hard to figure out who other than Wallace knew he'd be in Italy this weekend. It bothered him someone would share private information. He would have understood if he had been scheduled to work with Wallace and the Junior, but he wasn't, so who?
I'm intrigued James. I'm thousands of miles away yet someone knew my itinerary. I have a following.
James laughed.
Nothing as serious as that Emilio. I believe the friend is a witch you once dated. She knows your sister. Her name is Marisol or Marissa. Something with an M. Anyway, I've cautioned my Assistant about carrying tales even if he thinks it is something I'd want to know. So, is it yes? Will you allow me to squire you around?
Emilio's mind was working feverishly. Marissa was sharing information about him. Why? For what reason? Then he took a deep breath. Why was he even giving it a thought? Marissa didn't have any bearing on his life. Bringing himself back to the conversation, Emilio shared his own bit of information.
I appreciate your invitation Minister, but I'll have to decline. I'm in Pavia with Hermione and Scorp. I've asked Hermione to marry me and she accepted my proposal. I am now a happily engaged wizard. We came to share the news with my parents which we have already done. If you'd like to come share our happiness instead of out gawking at the fit witches, we'd all be glad to see you.
For several seconds, Minister James Wooley was speechless. Emilio had gotten his witch.
Amazing Emilio. Congratulations. This is a private family matter. Perhaps, I'll catch up with you another time.
Don't be absurd James. Come through. I know Hermione will be glad to see you as will my parents. You'll get a chance to meet young Scorpius Malfoy as well. Dinner is over, but mother will surely drag your arse to the dining room to feed you. You know where we are. I'll expect you in thirty minutes.
As long as I'm not intruding, I'll be glad to stop in. Gawking at fit witches is highly overrated. I'll see you in a bit."
Emilio laughed at James' cheek before responding.
I'll see you in a bit James.
/*/
James was almost as excited as Emilio. After the call ended, he had sat in place for a full five minutes trying to imagine how Former Minister of Acquisitions Emilio Lozier had done it. He had gotten his life witch.
Another thought crossed James mind. He hadn't shared quite everything about the Marisol/Marissa witch. No since in making Emilio step out of character during such a momentous occasion. From what he'd heard, the witch still imagined she had a chance with Emilio. He'd also heard she'd visited Ilaria and Emiliano twice and something about Emilio having back spasms. Spewing nonsense to make people think she was more important to Emilio than she was. Heaven help her if Emilio got wind of the additional rubbish. Then again, Emilio had Hermione. He probably didn't give two fucks about what some witch was spewing.
James jumped up out of the chair. He had to shower and dress. He had someplace to be in thirty minutes. As he showered, James worried about turning up at the door empty handed. While drying himself, James thought of the perfect gifts for Ilaria and Hermione. He would bring Ilaria a bouquet of her favorite yellow lilies and Hermione a bouquet of rainbow roses. Lovely flowers for lovely women. James ordered the bouquets for pick up before he was all the way dry.
James dressed in a dark blue, muggle suit wondering if it was too ostentatious. On second look he thought a suit was fine. It was an important occasion after all. His former boss didn't get engaged every day.
Picking up the bouquets meant it would be more than thirty minutes before he made it to Lozier Estate, but the gorgeous flowers would make being a tad late well worth it. And the lilies and roses were gorgeous. James expected at least one peck on the cheek from Ilaria and Hermione. The thought struck him so funny he was chuckling as he turned into Apparition.
/*/
Emilio had to look for Hermione who had disappeared. The call with James had run a bit long. Now his fiancee and fiance were nowhere to be found. Emilio finally found them in his mother's little used sitting room. Emilio directed his comments to Scorp.
"There you are. I thought you left and went home without me."
Grinning and squirming like a little madman, Scorp gave an unexpected reply. "No Meelio. I'm helping mum and Nonna a lot because I'm smart. You can have another call."
Hermione looked down at her hands so the smile on her face didn't show.
Ilaria sat across from Scorp beaming all over the place. She just had her grandson to be call her Nonna.
Emilio just stood there grinning like a dolt. Scorp had obviously been invited to call Ilaria Nonna and felt he had been put in charge. Emilio's heart was trying to beat itself out of his chest as he thanked Merlin for things great and small. "Well young wizard. You seem to have everything well in hand. I was looking for my family to tell them James Wooley will be stopping by to offer his congratulations. I also want to tell mum that I've come across some information I'd like to share a bit later. I'll leave you all to it. Spend all of Fausto's money. I'm sure he won't mind."
"Careful there Mr. Lozier. Spending someone else's money doesn't bode well for the spender." Hermione replied.
"Hahaha. Surely you jest love. For his only daughter, Fausto Maida will empty his pockets."
"Fausto mum. Fausto loves us. Mela too."
"Yes he does," replied Hermione, reaching out to stroke Scorp's hair. "Which reminds me Ilaria. Mela would love to spend time with you and Emiliano. Perhaps we can put off some of our research until tomorrow and invite Mela to assist us."
Ilaria went into overdrive once again. "I'd love that, but we can't do it all because I'm sure Mrs. Potter will be very put out if we do. You, Carmela and I can work on some things here in Italy while you, Hannah and I can work on things in Wiltshire. I'm willing to floo through to Wiltshire if you like. Anyway, everything doesn't have to be done at once."
His mother had it all figured out. Emilio just shook his head as he mouthed to Hermione. "Don't let her roll over you."
Hermione gave her fiance a grin and a wink. With her own mum long gone, she appreciated Ilaria's thoughtfulness.
Scorp had gone quiet, but as soon as opened his mouth, Hermione and Emilio knew why.
"Is Mrs. Potter Aunty Hannah? I think she is. Uncle Harry is Harry Potter, right mum?" Scorp had asked and answered himself.
"Yes. Your Aunty Hannah is Mrs. Potter. Would you like to go sit with Celia while Nonna and I look through a few more catalogs?"
"No mum, no." Scorp emphatically remarked. "I'll sit with Meelio. He's not on a call now."
Hermione was surprised and not surprised. Celia didn't necessarily give off warm and fuzzy feelings. Strange how one thought begets another. Hermione suddenly remembered the night she had tried to introduce Scorp to Marissa at the family dinner. That had been a huge, emphatic no as well. Interesting.
"Alright love you may either stay in here with us or sit with Emilio. It's up to him."
Casting a soulful look in Emilio's direction, Scorp asked the question without opening his mouth.
Emilio felt good. He was catching on. Reaching out, he grabbed Scorp by the hand. "Come on young man. Let's leave the ladies to themselves. We will greet Minister Wooley together. What do you say?"
"I say yes. I want to greet Mintster Woolee."
Emilio shrugged at Hermione. "Close enough little man. Close enough."
/*/
Hermione watched her two men as they left the room. Then, out of nowhere, she was sobbing and babbling.
Initially, Ilaria thought to run get Emilio before realizing her daughter-in-law to be was simply overwhelmed. Summoning her wand, she shut the door and silenced the room before hugging Hermione.
Hermione apologized for being so emotional, but Ilaria wouldn't hear it. Speaking softly, she reminded Hermione how strong she'd always been. How she'd heard all about the good work she'd done at DLM and how she'd turned the company around. "Emilio is out of his mind with happiness as are Emiliano and I. I have loved you from the day you came to dinner with Emilio. I couldn't help it. You are lovable."
"Thank you for your kindness Ilaria." Hermione said, wiping her face with the wet cloth Ilaria had conjured. "You are as strong if not stronger than me. I hope you won't mind if I lean on you from time to time."
Ilaria beamed. "I count on it. Let's take one more look at these wedding dress silhouettes. To my mind, I believe you might have to hire a seamstress to get what you want."
Hermione laughed not missing Ilaria's chance to use the word wedding in any context. "Great minds think alike. Perhaps it is seamstresses we should be researching instead of gowns."
Ilaria gave a shrug and a smile. "It won't hurt to have a silhouette in mind."
"Agreed," said Hermione, shifting closer to Ilaria so they could both see the wedding dress silhouettes more clearly.
/*/
The fish and chips were extremely good. Matt complimented the cook over and over. The cook simply smiled while taking the compliments in stride.
After dinner, Matt and Chloe had had a rousing discussion about the peculiarities of hotel living with Matt admitting it wasn't too bad while Chloe was at the other end of the spectrum.
"Up until Thursday evening I detested hotel living." Chloe admitted.
"And what made Thursday different from any other stay at a luxury hotel?" Asked Matt with a smirk thinking he already knew the answer. Chloe's answer surprised him.
"Well, it was the first time I wandered into a lounge hoping to pick up some lonely wizard."
Matt coughed and the Mortlach Rare came shooting out his nose. Chloe laughed hysterically but calmed right down when Matt fixed himself without word or wand.
"My, my, my. I was going for shock value, but it's you who has shocked me. Nice bit of magic Mr. Lozio."
"Thank you." Matt replied, wiping the front of himself with a wet cloth also summoned without word or wand. "If it was shock you were after, you've done it. You shocked me. In addition, I was thinking how little money I have in my money bag. I should have stopped off at Gringotts. Will you consider taking a draft?"
Chloe went into another bout of hysterics. "You should have seen your face. I can say for sure you've never had dealings with ladies of the night. I believe they ask for money up front."
Matt nodded. "Good to know. I haven't had any dealings with ladies of the night. My first real romance was with the witch I married." A little voice told Matt to keep going. "However, I'm more than willing to try a few things without Galleons changing hands."
Matt had got one in. Chloe had a line of pink running across her nose. Waving her wand, she summoned a clean glass and held Matt's gaze as she poured him a fresh glass of Mortlach. "Challenge accepted Mr. Lozio. If you're very good, I might find my own money bag a bit lighter."
It was out there now and both Matt and Chloe were feeling it. Setting his glass down on the table, Matt pulled Chloe to him and responded with a hoarse whisper. "I'm hoping you'll leave this suite a pauper."
Leaning in, Matt brought his lips down on Chloe's very willing lips. Moving herself closer, Chloe ran her hand up and down Matt's chest. "If you can't tell by now Matt, you intrigue me. I'm still convinced your shock of white hair has me enchanted, but we'll see. Perhaps the rest of you will enchant me even more."
Extending his hand, Matt invited Chloe to visit his bedroom. Stopping midway between the living room and the bedroom to kiss, Matt spoke into the sexually charged air. "I'll do my best to enchant you even further."
Chloe responded with a sexually charged statement of her own. "And I'll do my best to make you want to empty my purse."
Matt had it in the back of his mind that the first witch after Kim would be awkward. He hadn't been sure he'd even be able to get hard, but the block of wood he now carried between his legs said otherwise. He was ready. In fact, he was more than ready to have sex with the lovely witch in his arms.
As they walked hand in hand to the bedroom, Matt leaned over to whisper. "I promise not to kill you."
Chloe cheeked right back. "I promise not to die."
/*/
Emiliano, Emilio, Ron and Celia were sitting in the den talking while Scorp sat with his head laid on Emilio's arm. When the bell rang, Emilio got up to answer it with Scorp hot on his heels. Telling Scorp to wait for him on the sofa, Emilio was truly surprised when Scorp grabbed his hand glancing quickly at Celia and Ron.
"No Meelio, no. I want to answer the door with you."
"I guess the little snot doesn't like us. He'll probably grow up to be as much of a git as his father." Ron sniped.
While Celia tried to shush her obnoxious boyfriend, Emiliano went up one side of him and down the other. "There's no one asking you to stay Ron. You have the uncanny knack of talking like an arsehole. If your only intent is to insult a young wizard, I believe your time here is at a close. In fact, why don't we let Hermione or Emilio decide. You have the mouth. Insult Scorp in front of either or both. I'm sure you won't like the results."
Celia was almost as angry as her father. Why couldn't Ron just sit there and shut the fuck up? "Ron didn't mean anything by his remarks father. It's getting late. We should be leaving anyway."
"You are always cleaning up his idiotic remarks. He's a grown wizard. He shouldn't need his witch coming behind him to clear up what he didn't mean."
Ron, who realized he'd stepped into it with Emiliano and Celia remained seated. "I thought we were going to spend the weekend. What was the sense of coming all the way to Milan for a few hours?"
"See what I mean? Not one ounce of common sense." Emiliano remarked in a low voice.
Celia sighed as she sat back down. Perhaps it might be time to move on from Ron, especially if Emilio and Hermione would be in and out of her parents house. She let out another loud sigh as Emilio and Scorp followed by James Wooley came back into the room.
Scorp grabbed Emilio by the pant leg. Emilio imagined his little man could feel the tension he felt. "What's going on?" He asked, turning to his father.
A still cross Emiliano muttered as he stood to greet James. "Nothing you couldn't handle if you'd been in the room son. How are you James? Nice to see you again. I'll just go get the ladies because I know those bouquets are not for me."
Emilio and Scorp weren't the only ones feeling the tension. James felt as though his intrusion might be the cause. "You know Emilio. Perhaps I've come at an inopportune time. I'll just hand these flowers to Hermione and your mother then be on my way."
Emilio didn't know what his father meant or what had gone on in his short absence but if another thing went wrong the entire family was going to see him step out of character. He told James to relax because after he showered the ladies with flowers, they wouldn't let him leave. "It's a good thing I'm already engaged to my witch."
Knowing how the former Minister had always felt about Hermione Granger… Malfoy, James let a tremulous smile play across his face. Hermione was the one thing Emilio didn't joke about. "Meaning what?" Asked James not sure he was ready for the answer.
"Emilio grinned. "If you had turned up with that amazing bunch of flowers, you might have turned her away from me."
James let himself relax. The staid and stoic Emilio Lozier was only making a joke. "You had me going there for a moment Emilio. I had a mind to drop the flowers and run."
Emilio laughed loudly which caused Scorp who didn't have a clue to laugh loudly as well. "Mintster Woolee. You made me and Meelio laugh so big."
Without correcting Scorp's mispronunciation, James let out a chuckle himself before replying. "It's a gift young mister. One I don't get to use too often."
"Okay Mintster, okay. I'll go get mum. She's taking too long."
Emilio and James smiled at each other silently agreeing that Scorp was not only very intelligent but feisty as well.
James laughed out loud when Emilio remarked that Scorp got it from his mum.
/*/
Hermione entered the room teasing James. "Hello Minister Wooley. How are you? Emiliano said a handsome fellow had come bearing gifts."
"These rainbow roses are for you Hermione. Congratulations on your exciting life event." Turning to Ilaria, he presented her the yellow lilies. "And these are for you Ilaria mother-in-law to be."
Both Hermione and Ilaria gushed over their gifts as they rushed from the room to find vases.
"Hello James. Nothing for me then? I feel so left out." Celia remarked waspishly.
As much as he tried to hide it, James' manner shouted how much he didn't care for Celia. **It would always be in the back of his mind that Celia trying to remove Hermione from Draco Malfoy's life had been the catalyst for most of the shite that went on in 2003.
"Hello Celia." James answered in a dull tone. "How are you?"
Emilio was aware that James didn't care all that much for his sister and stepped in. "What is it you were expecting Celia? You have a wizard sitting next to you. Tell him you're feeling left out. Come on through to the study James where we'll try to drink up all my father's expensive whiskey."
Hermione stopped the men before they could walk away. "Hold on a minute Mr. Lozier. Scorp is tired. He'd like us to tuck him in."
"I'm tired Meelio. You have to help because Crissy isn't here," offered a grumpy sounding Scorp.
Emilio strode across the room to pick up his little man. "Come on then. Potty, jamas and bed. Have a seat James. I'll be back shortly."
"No Meelio. I'm a big boy. It's toilet, jamas and bed."
All the adults except Ron smiled, but it was Emilio who replied. "Of course. My little man is growing up."
Laying his head on Emilio's shoulder and giving his cheek a one hand pat, Scorp replied he was indeed growing up because he used the big toilet and knew his letters and numbers.
Hermione followed them out of the room chuckling as she went.
/*/
Scorp was sleepy. After the toilet and jamas, he was asleep five minutes after his head hit the pillow. Because Scorp was in an unfamiliar bed, Hermione placed the somewhat worn picture of him, her and Draco under his hand.
Emilio squeezed Hermione to him whispering how he hoped one day his photo would give Scorp comfort. Pulling her fiance into a torrid kiss, Hermione assured him the day was coming. After several more kisses, Emilio suggested they get back out to the living room before he threw caution to the wind and shagged her bent over the bed rail.
Pretending surprise, Hermione taunted her fiance. "Really? Bent over the bed? Still trying for that baby then Lozier?"
Emilio tried unsuccessfully to stifle a loud laugh before pulling an innocent face. "Does that work? I'm making a mental note. I want to remember that."
One more kiss and they headed back to the living room.
/*/
They look so happy together, thought James as he watched Hermione and Emilio walk toward him. I'm really going to visit London so Mr. Lozier can teach me how to get the witch.
"You're still sitting here James. By now I imagined mother would have you in the dining room in front of a heaping plate of food."
"Now Em. Don't embarrass me. I tried to get James to eat but he refused. I think he's shy." Ilaria remarked with a wide smile on her face.
Emilio replied to his mother gently correcting her. "As if. Minister Wooley hasn't been shy from the first day he came to work with me. In fact, with some of the things we've been through, a lesser man would have folded."
James flushed up a bit but was delighted over the fact Emilio had said came to work with me instead of for me. The former Minister was a class act in more ways then one. "Now that Scorp is down for the night and you two are free to eat and drink with me, I'll have a large plate of everything."
Ilaria laughed in delight. "Come on through. Food and drinks await my favorite gift giver."
Both Emilio and James laughed when Emiliano called out from his study that he was her favorite gift giver and she shouldn't forget it. "In fact, I believe I'll have a bit more dinner just so I can keep an eye on the good Minister. I'm bringing my wand."
Emilio couldn't believe how cheerful both his parents were acting. Not a cross word between them. It would seem an engagement had changed their mindsets. He could live with that. Emilio was so expansive he invited Celia and Ron to join him and the others in the dining room.
Celia got up to follow Emilio but Ron pulled her back. "I thought you wanted to leave."
"And I thought you wanted to stay the weekend. Make up your mind Ron or I'll make it up for you. This is my family. Try to get along."
"Oh good. Let's go to the dining room. Will we be discussing top lad Draco Malfoy?"
"Enough Ron." Celia half shouted. "That mouth is why everyone is always angry with you. Now get up and come to the dining room."
Ron got up to follow Celia but Emilio had stepped back into the living room.
"What's going on Celia? Why are you shouting the house down? Scorp is sleeping. Come to the dining room. A bit of dessert will stop that mouth."
Celia grinned at Emilio as she passed him on the way to the dining room. "You have such a way with words brother. Hermione certainly has softened up old grumpy pants."
"Funny you are just realizing that after all these years. You're right about Hermione as well. She certainly has softened up this pair of grumpy pants. You too Ron. Come on."
Ron brought up the rear mumbling all the way down the hall.
/*/
Even though it was coming up on 9:00, Hermione stepped away from the dining room to call Carmela. She wanted to give her mum advance notice that she was invited to Lozier Estate for drinks, conversation and some bridal research.
Ring
Ring
Ring
Hermione glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch wondering if Carmela had gone to bed this early. She decided to give it one more ring.
Ring.
Fausto picked up.
Hermione love. How are you? Congratulations to you and Emilio. I'm fairly certain I'm the one, but I'll ask anyway. Will I be giving my lovely daughter over to Mr. COO on her wedding day? No pressure.
Hi dad. Thank you. I'm deliriously happy. You are my first choice to walk me down the aisle, but let me check with Scorp. He might want to do it. Everything alright over there? Is mum out running the streets?
He laughed so loudly Hermione had to hold the phone away from her ear.
Au contraire daughter. Your mum is making liberal use of her newly discovered Bubble Bath Spell. There are bubbles coming from under the bathroom door as we speak.
Hermione let out a soft chuckle.
Okay. Let her enjoy her bubbles spell. If she has gets out of the bath before midnight, please ask her to give me a ring. I have things I need to discuss with her.
Wait a second. I think she caught your scent. My lovely wife is standing starkers right in front of me. Good thing we live alone now. Don't keep her too long because her nudity has me intrigued.
Hermione heard Carmela tell Fausto to stop being an asino and hand her the bloody phone.
Hello love. One of these days you'll come looking for Fausto and I'll have disappeared his culo. I have plenty of clothes on. They may not cover my entire body but they are presentable. How is everything at Lozier Estate? I imagine everyone is walking around with wide smiles on their faces.
If you disappear him, please wait until next year. He wants to walk me down the aisle which he won't be able to do if you vanish him into nothingness. I told him I'd have to check with Scorp in case he had plans to walk me down the aisle. And yes, everyone who matters is very happy for us which is why I called. Ilaria has invited you to come share time with us tomorrow if you're not busy. We'll have some food, drinks and do a bit of wedding research.
Carmela snickered over Hermione's remark about Scorp, but got serious about the invitation.
Who's there that doesn't matter? Never mind. I'll wheedle it out of you tomorrow. I'd love to visit with you and Ilaria. What time is good? I can be there by dawn if I go to bed now.
Mum? Have you been hitting the wine? Bubble Bath Spells, crazy talk. I'll come over there and cast a sobering spell on your arse, after which, Fausto might not find you so intriguing.
Hahaha. Too right. You calling me crazy is like the pot calling the kettle black. Two days and nights without being able to shag the skin off your fiance must have you pulling your hair out. When I come over, I'll keep everyone busy so you can sneak off for another discussion.
Mum stop. I need you here. I value your advice. I've asked Ilaria to assist with the wedding preparations and plans so it will be the three of us unless my pregnant sister pops up. Can you make yourself available for 11:00 and plan to spend the day?
Carmela went silent for a moment.
Back up. Back up. Your pregnant sister? Since when? Hannah is pregnant and no one thought to call me, floo me or Owl? I'll be having words with her.
Hermione cringed. She had spoken out of turn.
Mum, mum. Hannah only found out the other day. Please don't say anything until she shares her news.
This time Carmela let out a very loud snicker.
Calm down love. You know your sister can't keep a secret. Of course she called to tell me, but I'm ashamed of you trying to keep things from me. I also know about Scorp's baby story. See. Hannah can't keep a thing to herself.
Thank Merlin. Try not to be too happy around Harry. His head is big enough.
Too late. I spoke to Harry right after I spoke to Hannah. Anyway, back to my invitation. I'll be there about 11:00. People need time to get up and out of bed. Fausto is calling. Love you. I'll see you tomorrow.
Love you too mum. We'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.
/*/
After the call, Hermione slumped back in the chair. Sometimes her mum could be tiring. Lovely but tiring. Hermione jumped when Emilio leaned over the back of the chair and left a kiss on her neck. Emilio backed up a step.
"That was a guilty person jump if I've ever seen one. Who did you think would be kissing you on your neck?"
Hermione was quick with an answer. "Ron. I thought he might be drunk enough to think we were back in Hogwarts."
"Really? Ron? I can't even get jealous over a prat like that. Besides, if he tried to come within twenty feet of your body, you'd hex him to Belgium and back."
"That I would. You know me too well." Hermione replied with a wink and a giggle. "Did you need me for something?"
"James is getting ready to leave. I thought you might want to say goodnight."
"Okay dad, okay. I'll come say goodnight to the Minister."
Running his hand through Hermione's hair, Emilio whispered that he was onto her.
"How so Mr. Lozier?"
"You were mimicking Scorp. Okay dad, okay."
Hermione raised her face up for a kiss. "Oh that. I didn't think you'd notice."
Emilio left a bruising kiss on her lips before walking away calling over his shoulder. "Coming?"
Speaking in a low voice only Emilio could hear, Hermione made a cheeky reply. "Probably not tonight."
Chuckling, Emilio turned around and walked back to stand very close to Hermione. "Up fiancee up. Em wants up."
Giving him a nudge in the ribs, Hermione gave the same answer. "Probably not tonight."
Grabbing Hermione's hand in his, Emilio chuckled all the way to the dining room.