Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 53
Emilio found Celia still in the den where he'd left her. Holding up her glass, Celia offered to pour Emilio a drink which he declined.
"Are you back to remind me that Ron Weasley is an utter arsehole and I should be glad to be rid of him? If you are, you needn't bother. I know what he is."
Emilio spoke softly. "No Celia. I'm not here about Ron. I'm here to discuss a delicate matter regarding Scorp."
"Scorp? Is everything okay?"
"The little wizard is fine. It's just that you have him so confused he's asked Hermione about it."
"About what Em? I've been nothing but kind to Scorp."
"Yes you have Celia. Hermione and I appreciate the time you've taken with him. However, Hermione and I have set rules for him. The most important rule is he should continue to call me Meelio until after the wedding yet you keep referring to me as his dad. I'm asking you to call me Meelio or Emilio when you refer to his and my relationship. It may seem like a small thing but it's the rule we've set. Nothing more needs to be said about this. We proceed from here."
"I'm sorry Em. I didn't realize. I'll use the proper name from now on. I now know the rule, but I must say Scorp couldn't love you more if you were his biological dad."
Emilio grinned as he patted his sister on the arm. "That works both ways Celia, but for now, I'm his Meelio."
"Okay Em, okay." Celia replied with a wicked grin plastered across her face.
"Hahaha. Another comedian. I love it." Emilio replied with a chuckle. "Scorp rubs off on everybody. Dinner must be nearly ready. See you in a bit."
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A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 54
Seth came back to the living room to find Matt dead sleep. "Come look at this Sal. The CEO has his mouth open snoring like some drunken sot."
Coming through to the living room in only his boxers, Sal laughed out loud. "Shake the blighter Seth. He won't spoil our planned night out on the town if I can help it. Go on, shake him."
Seth gave his brother a nudge with his leg. "Wake up Matt. Time to get yourself together."
Am embarrassed Matt came to a sitting position wiping a bit of drool from the side of his mouth apologizing. "Sorry lads. I guess my bachelor lifestyle has caught up with me. Those twenty winks have done me a world of good. I'll just shower and dress. Merlin Sal. Go put on some clothes. I have enough bad luck without having to see some bloke's dick peeping out at me."
Sal howled in laughter but quickly made his way back to the bedroom to finish dressing. "I wouldn't have had to come out in underwear if your brother hadn't summoned me to see you snoring and drooling."
"Lovely. Why don't we just sit here and listen to Sal's garbage humor? I'm sure his jokes will make up for missing a night on the town. Speaking of night on the town, have we decided where we'll go?"
"Now there's the surprise brother. Sal and I have decided we'd like to have a night out in London. In fact, we've heard some good things about Club Crystal. You know. Lovely, loose women willing to give a handsome wizard a go. Sal and I are always willing to spend time with lovely, loose women."
"Yes. The looser the better," added Sal.
Matt sighed as he rose from the couch. "Fine with me. I've heard about Club Crystal but I've never been. Perhaps a loose witch is just what I need right about now. I'll be ready in no time."
"Take your time brother. Sal and I will use the time to indulge in the Mortlach Rare. After you're dressed, you'll have to share as to how you've come to be drinking this outrageously expensive whiskey."
"That's not hard," remarked Matt, turning in his tracks. After a very hard and trying Thursday, I stopped in the bar area of The Luxe to have a drink to settle my nerves. The Mortlach Rare simply jumped out at me. No worries. After this weekend, I'll be back to less expensive fare. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Both Sal and Seth went back to their respective rooms to finish dressing. At the end of forty five minutes, it was Matt who was waiting for them to make an appearance. "Hoi! What are you two doing? It will be Sunday morning before you get out here. Come on."
Sal and Seth came out grinning.
"Ah! Mr. Lozio is ready. Fancy that Seth. It's not like we had to wake him to get ready."
"Never mind the bullshite," muttered Matt. "I'm ready, but I will allow you both a bit more time as it seems neither of you has been able to make yourself handsome."
Clapping Matt on the back and giving him a cheeky wink, Seth had a few comments for his brother. "Handsome is in the eye of the beholder Matt. Contrary to popular beliefs, it won't be that shock of white blonde hair that wins the witches. It will be my pounds and galleons that rule this evening."
"Copy that," agreed Sal.
Matt laughed as he set the international floo to London Main. "Enough talking. Let's get spending Seth's pounds and galleons. Just beware. Matt Lozio is not a cheap date. Never has been. Never will be. Come on then. Witches are waiting."
The three wizards stepped into the floo one after the other looking forward to a delightful night.
/*/
Dinner was over. Ilaria and Scorp had outdone themselves and were basking in the compliments they had received.
"We did well done Nonna." Scorp said, touching Ilaria on the arm before tucking into his dessert. "We don't have Crissy and Dusty to clean up. I think Celia will have to do it."
"Mind yourself young man." Hermione remarked, raising her eyebrows at Emilio. "You may not order Celia around. It's not your worry. Nonna, Celia and I will figure it out. What a little wizard can do is ask Emilio to help him get washed up then either sit out back for a bit or watch telly until time for bed."
Scorp glanced at Emilio before responding to Hermione. "Yes mum. I'd like to watch some cartoons. They're funny. Will you help wash me up Meelio? I can use the toilet but I can't reach the sink without my baby chair."
Emilio smiled at the table in general. "I'd be happy to help. Excuse yourself so we can get you sorted. Perhaps you'll allow me to read to you after cartoons."
"Okay Meelio, okay. I want you to read to me. I like reading better than cartoons. Come on Meelio. Let's get me washed up." Scorp said, grabbing Emilio by the hand adding in a lower voice. "Maybe Nonno wants to hear reading too."
Lifting Scorp in the air, Emilio grinned at his father. "If you are at loose ends father, please feel free to join Scorp and I. You might like it. I read very well."
Everyone at the table smiled at the interchange, especially Emiliano who accepted the invitation adding that he also read very well.
"Yay!" Shouted an excited Scorp holding up two fingers. "I get two readers. Come on please. I need a pee and wash my hands. There's no touching books with dirty hands. It's a rule. Right mum?"
Leaving a loud kiss on Scorp's cheek, Hermione nodded in the affirmative. That is our rule.
The three witches watched the three wizards leave the room each smiling for her own reason.
/*/
Initially, Ilaria told Hermione and Celia she would make short work of clean up then join them in her sitting room to talk weddings. Neither of the witches would hear of it. The three made quick work of clearing up together. They were on the their way to the sitting room when Celia's mobile rang. Looking quickly at the caller-id, Celia excused herself to take the call.
Ron was calling.
What do you want Ron?
What, no hello? I want to know if you've calmed down so we can talk.
I thought I made myself clear Ron. There's nothing to talk about, especially since you purposely told Marissa she should stop by to see Emilio when you knew Hermione was here. You don't really want to talk, you want to be an arsehole. I don't have anything more to say to you.
Ron growled into the mobile.
Don't you dare hang up on me. I'm not finished. You're pissed off at me over something you started. You're the one who was having the cozy chats with Marissa, so don't blame me if she thought it was proper to show up at your door. Perhaps you should tell your tosser of a brother to only take it out of his pants for one witch at a time.
Celia didn't even bother to respond. She simple disconnected the call. Ron could kiss her arse. After the call, Celia wasn't in any mood to chat about weddings so she stopped by the sitting room to let Ilaria and Hermione she was going to lie down because she wasn't feeling well.
Ilaria sighed. "If I was a betting witch, I'd bet a tidy sum it was Ron on the mobile and something he said upset her."
Hermione didn't want to comment because it wasn't her business, but Ilaria wouldn't let it go.
"I don't care for Ron Weasley at all, but Celia kept hanging on even when…." Ilaria colored up a bit. She had almost revealed some of Celia's personal business. "They're like oil and water. You'd think they'd have recognized it by now and moved on."
Hermione cleared her throat before changing topic. "How about we take a look at the fabric catalogs? I'd like to get some idea of what's available."
Ilaria gave Hermione a quick glance before agreeing. It wouldn't do for her to upset Hermione with mindless chatter. There had already been enough drama. Emilio would not be pleased. "That's a great idea Hermione. Let's start with The Great Gray Book. It is the epitome of Italian Haute Couture fabrics. Even if we don't find what you're looking for, we can have a few laughs over what is considered high, bridal fashion."
Hermione laughed at Ilaria's comment. "We can look Ilaria, but there is also a whole world of fabric in England which reminds me. I'd like to set a time for you to visit Malfoy Estate to meet Hannah. She is usually available on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. I'll check with her and let you know. There's no rush. I just want you to know you are welcome whenever you want to come through."
Reaching over to pat Hermione on the hand, Ilaria thanked her for being so welcoming.
"Not a problem." Hermione replied. "Scorp will definitely be chuffed to show you the bugs in our yard."
The two witches were still giggling as they pulled The Great Gray Book in front of them.
/*/
Emiliano had excused himself after a few cartoons admitting that little pink and blue animals knocking each other about the head didn't really interest him. Emilio smiled at his father but didn't agree or disagree. Scorp never took his eyes off the screen.
"We'll give cartoons a few more minutes of viewing time then I'll read to you from one of your books." Emilio explained to Scorp.
"Okay Meelio, okay. Sometimes listening to someone reading makes me sleepy. If I fall asleep, please tell mum so she can put me in bed."
"Alright little wizard. If you fall asleep, I'll get mum." Looking forward to spending some time with his fiancee, Emilio decided he might as well start reading now.
It took exactly twenty minutes of reading before Scorp's eyes began to close. Carefully lying Scorp out on the couch, Emilio went to get Hermione. He could help out his someday son in most areas but he wasn't quite comfortable taking a half sleep young wizard to pee. He'd learn, but at the moment he'd leave that part to Hermione.
When Emilio appeared at the sitting room door, Hermione's immediate question was if Scorp was alright.
Emilio bristled the tiniest bit. Hermione knew he'd never let anything happen to Scorp, but he made a pleasant response. "Yes love. Everything is fine. Scorp has fallen asleep. I'll tuck him in, but I need you to take him to pee."
Hermione walked over to Emilio and whispered a comment. "Ah! Afraid to handle a small wienie. It's handled much the same as your big wienie, but you'll learn." Turning to Ilaria, Hermione told her she needed to see about Scorp and they could pick up where they left off on Sunday morning.
Ilaria wasn't stupid. Hermione and Emilio might want to get Scorp settled but they also wanted some time together. She was older but she remembered when Emiliano looked at her the way Emilio looked at Hermione. Emiliano called it making love with his eyes. Ilaria's random thoughts were making her needy. She began putting the books away thinking she'd go see if her husband wanted to get up to something. However, when she entered Emiliano's study, she found herself being drawn into a conversation on an entirely different topic.
/*/
Before Ilaria could even bring up the topic of retiring to their bedroom, Emiliano asked her to sit so he could explain what he'd overheard. Ilaria was puzzled wondering what could have happened to make Emiliano so tense.
"What's wrong Em?"
"I believe your daughter is in distress."
"Distress? Celia is in her room. She isn't feeling well."
Emiliano snapped at Ilaria before he could help himself. "She's probably not feeling well because the arse called her with more bullshite."
It suddenly became clear to Ilaria what Emiliano meant. Celia had received a call and then gone directly to her room. There hadn't been time to find out what the call had been about. The truth was Ilaria wanted to be cross with her husband. This was Celia's business and he had no right to be stepping in. Even though Celia had made statements about giving up on Ron, she and Ron went through something like this every other month. They would get it sorted or they wouldn't.
"Em. How is this different from any other time Celia and Ron were at odds? They fight. They make up. Our daughter is grown. Please don't upset yourself over something that is not our business."
"Not our business?" Growled Emiliano. "Of course it's our business. Our grown daughter is hiding out in Italy in her parents home because that arsehole doesn't know how to treat a witch."
Ilaria let out a sigh as she leaned back in the chair. Emiliano was right but…
Emiliano had calmed a bit and cut into Ilaria's thoughts with a softly spoken comment. "I only want what's best for our daughter. She'll never have that if she stays with the piece of shit Weasley."
Ilaria let out another loud sigh. Emiliano was right but nothing they said would change Celia's mind if she was set on being with Ron. "Calm yourself Em. As much as we want the one thing, Celia might want another. We'll never stand by and let him hurt Celia but we have to remain in the background."
Reaching out to Ilaria, Emiliano apologized for even bringing up the subject then questioned why she was looking for him. "My apologies love. I've gone off on a tangent. Is there something you needed?"
Ilaria grinned at her husband. They were back on track. "Well love. Hermione and Emilio are putting Scorp down for the night. I imagine they will be busy for a while. I'm just wondering if you would like to help me straighten out some things in our bedroom."
Pulling Ilaria to him, Emiliano gazed into his wife's eyes recognizing her need. "Ah! My wife is making love to me with her eyes. How can I turn her down? Let's retire to our rooms. There will never be a time I'll turn down this kind of invitation."
Grabbing Ilaria by the hand, Emiliano's only comment was, let's go my love.
Ilaria was happy with his response because she was more than ready.
/*/
Hermione and Emilio joked back and forth about his being reluctant to take Scorp to the bathroom but the joking ended as soon as Scorp was put down for the night in the smaller bedroom.
"Our boy is down for the night. It would seem we are now at loose ends." Emilio whispered as they stood looking at a sleeping Scorp.
Wrapping her arms around Emilio's waist, Hermione acknowledged his comments by her actions.
Kissing Hermione on her neck, Emilio continued to whisper. "I know how you feel about intimate contact in my parents home, but….."
"No buts love." She replied. "We won't be outrageous. We'll be properly respectful because right now I want you to take me in your arms and satisfy me."
"That I can do." Emilio replied in a hoarse voice leaving more kisses on Hermione's neck. "That I will always do. Shall we retire to the bedroom?"
Hand in hand the engaged couple crossed the hall to the large bedroom to get satisfied.
/*/
Sal, Seth and Matt entered Club Crystal with expectations running high. They had joked with Matt about loose witches but the truth was this was a very discreet club. If a witch and wizard wanted to get up to something, no one other than the two would know. As two popular, well to do wizards, Seth and Sal liked the club for exactly that reason.
Club Crystal was fairly crowded. Matt was amazed at the number of witches and wizards who greeted Seth and Sal as they passed. When they had seated themselves at the bar, Matt took the moment to taunt Sal and Seth about being wizards about town.
Seth grinned at his brother. "You have to get out more Matt. Sal and I have probably visited more clubs in the last six months than you have in your life."
Matt nodded at his brother. "You're probably right. Perhaps if I get out more I'll be able to find myself a nice witch."
"That's right. You've been given the prized slot as Best Man to Emilio. You're going to need a witch by your side." Joked Sal.
Matt was surprised Sal knew this bit of news and inquired. "Emilio hasn't even confirmed my spot. How do you know any of it?"
Seth and Sal both laughed with Sal replying. "Don't act so surprised. You and Emilio are as thick as thieves, but the truth is he admitted as much earlier this afternoon during a conversation. You have been chosen."
"Well." Matt replied with a smirk looking pointedly at Sal. "It would seem I have won the day. As I've told Emilio, I'll be better at Best Manning than you any day."
"Only if you can find a witch to stand with you." Sal retorted. "I'm fairly certain Hermione wouldn't want your unaccompanied arse bollixing up her wedding."
Matt simply raised his glass. "You sound jealous Mr. Maida. I say the Best Man has won. Cheers."
Both Sal and Seth raised their glass. "Too right. To the Best Man."
/*/
The three wizards were talking among themselves while surveying their surroundings when Sal excused himself to greet someone he knew.
Setting his empty glass down on the bar, Seth clapped his brother on the back. "Come on brother. It's time for us to do a bit of networking of our own."
Matt was out but he wasn't ready to be chasing down witches. "Go do what you need to do Seth. I'm fine right here. It might be just me and my brandy all night."
"Alright Matt. I see Sal talking to a lovely blonde. Perhaps she has a friend." Lowering his voice, Seth told Matt he should put on a better face if he expected to meet anyone.
"Thanks for the advice brother but this face is the only one I have. Take it or leave it."
After cuffing his brother upside his arm, Seth melted away into the crowd.
Matt finished his drink and decided he too should do a bit of interacting. He couldn't see where Seth had gotten to, but saw Sal speaking with a blonde witch who had her back turned to him. Matt was almost upon them when he recognized the witch. Even with her back turned, he recognized Chloe Knight right off and turned away. His one off had obviously decided she'd have a night out with or without him.
Matt hadn't been quick enough. A grinning Sal waved him over. Matt hesitated for a split second. What he thought he had with Chloe was over and done. There wasn't any reason to scoot away like some beggar. Walking up to Sal and Chloe, Matt allowed himself to be introduced to his one off.
Sal who was grinning like a fool took Chloe by the hand as he made the introductions. "Chloe. I'd like you to meet…."
A surprised Chloe cut across Sal. "Matt Lozio. What a surprise. Nice to see you again. I didn't know you knew Sal."
Matt didn't respond.
Sal glanced from Matt to Chloe getting a sense there was more going on than met the eye. "You know Matt?" He asked, still holding onto Chloe's hand.
Chloe nudged Sal with her arm. "Yes Sal. I do know wizards other than you. I met Matt at MCC in the course of doing business. He and his Fantastic Four are helping daddy raise Whitehall Investments up a level."
Daddy? Sal knew daddy? Matt stood there feeling like an even bigger arse than when Chloe gave him the push off in his hotel suite. This witch was standing there holding onto the hand of another wizard acting as though they'd never had intimate knowledge of each other just hours ago. The normally laid back Matt Lozio left the building and was replaced by a disgruntled suitor who responded in an inappropriate and petulant manner before walking away.
"Nice to see you again Chloe. What has it been, seven hours?" Turning to Sal, he added. "Have her wash up good before she lands in your bed. Goodnight to you both."
Sal dropped Chloe's hand. "What was that all about? Wash her up good? Matt is going to explain himself. I'm going to see what this is all about. I'll be right back."
Chloe tried to grab Sal's hand but he shook her off. He wanted Matt to explain what he meant. At the same time, Seth who was talking with several wizards noticed Matt leaving with the worst scowl on his face and decided to find out why his brother seemed so annoyed. Excusing himself from the conversation, Seth fell in behind Sal who was several steps in front of him. They both caught up with Matt about the same time with Sal immediately confronting Matt.
"Wash her up good before she lands in my bed? What was that all about Matt? Your remarks were insulting and uncalled for. Explain yourself."
Seth who didn't know what was going on grabbed Sal by the arm trying to get him to calm down. "What's gotten into you Sal? Slow down. That's Matt you're shouting at."
"Stay out of this Seth. I know who I'm shouting at. Your brother made some uncalled for remarks which I'd like him to explain."
Matt took a deep breath and looked Sal straight in the eyes. "You're right Sal. The comments were uncalled for. I'll leave it at that. Goodnight."
Seth watched as his brother Apparated away before turning to Sal with a snarl. "What did Matt say to make you act like some arsehole? I don't know what the fuck is going on but I'm going to see about my brother. Enjoy yourself."
Sal remained standing on the sidewalk for several minutes running his hands through his hair before heading back inside. He had blown up at Matt over remarks. It was time to get an explanation from Chloe.
/*/
When he returned to where he'd left Chloe, Sal found her sitting at the bar. Taking the stool next to her, he apologized. "I don't know what's gotten into Matt, but please accept my apology for introducing you to an out of sorts wizard."
Chloe turned her head to look at Sal. "No worries Sal. I'm a big girl. Some wizards can be petulant."
These comments didn't sit well with Sal who knew Matt to be a polished, level headed wizard who rarely stepped out of character. Calm now, he probed Chloe for more information. "What did Matt mean when he said it's been seven hours and wash you up?"
Chloe bristled. She was a single witch with no ties. Even though Sal was a favorite, she wasn't going to sit still for an interrogation from him or anyone. "Stop Sal. We aren't bonded and I'm not someone to be questioned like I've stolen something."
Sal was taken aback. He and Chloe hadn't ever had a cross word between them, until now. An unsettling feeling came over him. Chloe was being deceptive. About what, he didn't know. "I know we aren't bonded Chloe and I'm not questioning you like you've stolen something. I'm simply asking if you know what Matt meant. If you don't care to explain, fine, but don't act as though I'm being unreasonable."
Chloe got up from the stool. "I'm a grown witch who doesn't have to explain herself to anyone except her father. However, since you won't let it alone, I'll tell you. I met Matt earlier this week. We spent Thursday and Friday together. We were supposed to spend tonight together but he got too clingy much like you're doing right now. Does that answer your question? I like you Sal but until you realize I'm going to do as I please it's probably best if you don't make any more visits to Scotland."
Sal watched her walk away. He felt let down but now recognized why she had held him at arms length. She was a witch who would do as she pleased whenever she pleased. To her, he was just one of a bunch. Sal had several more drinks before getting up. He'd made an error in judgment by calling Matt out. In fact, counting Chloe, he'd made two errors. However, only one could lose him a partner and a good mate at the same time. He needed to speak to Matt and Seth to clear things up.
Two minutes later, Sal was stepping out of the floo into Matt's house where two pairs of eyes turned to look at him.
Sal sighed. It was time for him to come correct.