Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 56

From there, the four witches made short work of a Sunday dinner which would consist of pork medallions with brandy cream sauce over linguine, warm fava bean and pea salad, roasted vegetables, dinner soup, antipasto salad, crusty bread and cream cake for dessert. There would be the usual coffee, tea, wines and liquor as well.

Out of the blue, Hermione hugged Carmela so tightly she squealed. "You've outdone yourself mum. Emilio and Scorp will be at the table for hours."

Patting Hermione's cheek, Carmela admitted she wanted to go big to celebrate the engagement. "Anything for my girl. Ilaria, would you please use your lovely wand to set up the table? We'll use blue and white dishes in the cabinet."

"Absolutely Carmela. I thought I would be the only witch without a duty."

"Not on your life Ilaria. I never let a good wand go to waste. I'll take care of putting the good wine out. Juice for Scorp. It wouldn't be an engagement celebration without a toast."

Ten minutes later, the table was set, food was in place and there was nothing left except call the wizards to dinner. That duty was given to Hermione who came back through followed by a herd of hungry wizards

Once everyone was seated, Carmela asked everyone to stand up and grab a glass. With glasses in hand, Carmela turned toward Hermione, Emilio and Scorp to offer a toast.

"To Hermione, Emilio and Scorp: May your life together be full of love and happiness. Happy Engagement."

Emilio hugged both Hermione and Scorp to him as everyone echoed Carmela.

"Happy Engagement."

Scorp glanced around the entire table before lifting his juice glass. "Happy Gagement."

It was a truly happy group that sat down to tuck into the fantastic looking meal.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 57

Fausto was smiling in the right places and responding with the right words, but he was tightly wound. Celia Lozier was in his house eating at his table. Greeting Celia in her parent's home had been entirely different from having her sit at his table. As far as he was concerned, Celia Lozier would always be shite in his eyes. She had come between his two sons causing almost irreparable harm to the relationship between two brothers as well as landing Gas in a holding cell. She was shite and always would be shite to him. He knew Carmela was watching him because he had been on the receiving end of her side eyes as well as her hard pinches. For her sake, he would not act out, but it would be more than alright if Celia Lozier never stepped through his doors again.

When he got up from the table, Carmela cornered him, gave him another hard pinch as she growled at him. "I will kill you with a curse if you spoil this evening. I know how you feel about certain things, but if Sal can get past it, so can you. Think of it this way. Celia is still living off mummy and daddy while our Sal has become a worldly, wealthy wizard about town who can snap his fingers to have the witch of his choice. So get over yourself and act right. If you'll excuse me, our son has something to discuss with me and Hermione. Now give me a kiss then go join the wizards in the den and act like the host you're supposed to be. I love you Nonno."

Fausto grinned at Carmela as he leaned in and left a kiss on her forehead. "I love you too Nonna. Do not fall for any more of your son's schemes. He's already got you working your arse off at SSE. If he asks you to start delivering product on your back, decline."

"You're being an arse Fausto. Sal probably wants to inform us he's found the witch of his dreams." She teased.

"As if." He replied, lowering his voice. "I believe our son will end up marrying Seth."

Carmela guffawed as she walked away but sobered immediately thinking Fausto might have stumbled upon something.

/*/

Hermione and Sal were already chatting by the time Carmela got to the study. "I'm here my lovelies. I'll preface this discussion by saying your papa thinks if you are going to ask me to deliver product on my back, I should decline."

Hermione laughed out loud. Sal, not so much.

Carmela stared at her son. "What's this about Sal? Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine mum. I just need a bit of help with something."

Hermione's ears perked up. She wondered what kind of help Sal could need from her.

Now that he had the floor, Sal didn't know where to begin. After he had cleared his throat for the third time, Carmela became concerned.

"Out with it Sal. You've said there's no problem so stop with all the throat clearing and get to it. You're making me nervous."

Hermione shifted in the chair. Sal was making her nervous as well.

Sal threw his arms open wide replying with an ear to ear grin. "Okay mum. The last thing I want to do is make you nervous. You either Hermione. I'd never do that to my two favorite witches."

Carmela rolled her eyes and make a facetious remark. "Alright Sal. I get it. It's a guessing game. Hermione and I have to guess what's on your mind."

Hermione gave a nervous chuckle and replied first. Sal was definitely beating around the bush. "Before I take a guess, I want to know what I'll win. I'm not inclined to participate if the reward isn't worth it."

Carmela let out her own chuckle and proceeded to harangue Sal. "Yes love. I'm with Hermione on this. What's the prize?"

Holding up both his hands, Sal shook his head. "You two witches have been known to beat a wizard down. Please relax."

"You've found a witch and you'll be getting bonded in the next few weeks."

Sal sighed. "No mum. What I have to say has nothing to do with any witch. It has to do with business."

Carmela glanced at Hermione as Hermione was glancing at her.

Hermione shifted in the chair once again wondering what business could possibly involve her.

Carmela leaned back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other wondering the same thing. "Business? What business Sal?"

Taking a deep breath, Sal proceeded to explain nervously glancing first at his mum then at Hermione. "Seth and I are looking to set up a branch of SSE in London. We, well I suggested that we ask our favorite two witches to set it up and run it for us. See. Nothing spurious at all. You and Hermione, along with hired staff will set it up and Hermione will run it."

Carmela and Hermione glanced at each other before turning to look at Sal.

"Here's my question Sal. If both you and Seth want to do this, why isn't he in here supporting you ready to share the beating you will be getting?" Asked Carmela.

Hermione smiled in spite of herself. Surely Sal was joking, however, Carmela wasn't.

Clearing his throat yet again, Sal explained. "The truth of it is Seth does want a branch of SSE in London. However, he has tried to deter me from asking my mum and my sister to do it. He wants me to look outside the family. In fact, he's quite vocal about me looking outside the family."

"Now there's a thoughtful and insightful wizard Sal." Carmela replied. "I admire the way you've taken DLM and SSE to levels that has made everyone proud. You and Seth have done amazing things, but I think you've gone mad if you think…."

Hermione cleared her throat. "Slow down a minute mum. I know you are straight out running SSE, but I'm a witch who has been idle for a while. Perhaps I might not be in a position to run a new enterprise, but I'm sure I can assist in the process."

Carmela was dumbfounded. "Help in the process? Hermione love. You have a child, a fiance and an upcoming wedding. When would you find time to assist? I know your heart. You want to help Sal and Seth succeed but please, take a moment to think this over. What will you do with Scorp? What will you do with Emilio?"

Sal was squirming. It seemed he had put his two best witches at odds. Holding up both his hands, Sal interrupted his mum. "You're right mum. What was I thinking? Seth is right. We should look outside the family. My apologies for being prat enough to even ask. I love you both. I'll now go take my beating from Seth. Thank you for entertaining a fool."

With a quick hug to both Hermione and Carmella, Sal excused himself.

/*/

For several seconds after Sal left, the only thing heard in the study was Hermione and Carmela's breathing. Carmela broke the silence.

Turning to Hermione, she voiced her thoughts. "That's my son, and I love him but in this matter, he has overstepped. Imagine him thinking you and I would drop everything to set up an office in London. I taught him better."

Hermione didn't respond. Grabbing her adopted daughter by the hands, Carmela gazed into her eyes. "Merlin Hermione. You can't be giving this any serious thought. I know you love Sal and would do anything for him, but…..."

"But what mum?" Asked Hermione.

"But, as I said before. You have a son, a fiance and a wedding coming up as well as a household to run. When would you find time to help Sal? He's out of line."

Hermione sighed. She loved Carmela with all her heart. Making a decision for herself was fine. Making a decision for her, not so much and she replied in kind. "I love how you are always thinking about mine and Scorp's welfare and I know that I have a wedding coming up. But what would be so wrong with me helping Sal and Seth? It would probably take a month or less for me to get a branch up and running. I could help with the hiring. I wouldn't have to stay on after. As far as me taking care of Scorp, I think I've done a good job so far. If I thought I would be putting him at a disadvantage, I wouldn't even entertain this. However, I believe I can manage my son and a bit of assistance at the same time. I think I'd like to give it a try. Of course I'll discuss this with Emilio but I don't want to discard Sal's request out of hand. Let me speak to Emilio, Sal and Seth to see what can be managed."

It was Carmela's turn to sigh. "I guess I'm just acting like an overstepping mum. I want you to do what you want to do. It's just that you love Sal and would turn over backwards for him without a thought for yourself. I just don't want you taking on more than you can handle to help your brother."

Hermione grinned at Carmela. "More than I can handle? I'm not sure that's a thing. I'm your super daughter. I can handle anything. Anyway, it's just a thought. Perhaps my fiance will not see things as I do and that will be the end of it. I won't know until I inquire. Until then, think it over. You have an amazing assistant at SSE who could run things in your absence and Willem is always ready to lend a hand. We were formidable as a team and we can be again if only for a month. Think about it mum. We can do this."

Carmela gave Hermione the stink eye but also a wide grin. "I think someone has been idle too long. I'll think about it, but will only have a serious discussion after you discuss it with Emilio."

Reaching out, Hermione pulled Carmela close. "Good enough love. While you explain what's what to Sal and Seth, I'll have a chat with Emilio."

Rising from the chair, Carmela commented that she hoped Hermione knew what she was getting into. "If you end up without a fiance after your discussion, you'll have no one to blame but yourself. Go have your conversation with Emilio. I'll see to my sons."

Leaving the study arm in arm, Hermione and Carmela separated to find their targets.

/*/

Emilio was curious about what Sal had to say to Hermione that couldn't be said in front of others but kept his curiosity to himself knowing Hermione would disclose what she wanted him to know. Even so, it seemed so stealthy.

Turning back to the conversation, he laughed as Fausto accused him of falling apart because his fiance had left his sight.

Emilio responded with a bit of cheek. "You are way off base Fausto. My fiance often leaves my sight. Most of the time on a run."

Seth laughed out loud. "And they say the former Minister doesn't have a sense of humor."

Laughter all around.

Emilio didn't know if Seth's remarks were a dig or a bit of humor but responded with a quick remark. "This they. Do I know them? Truthfully, I lost my sense of humor years ago. It's only in the last six or so months I've found it again."

Seth met Emilio's eyes and held his gaze. It sounded as though Emilio thought he was being an arse. Keeping it light, Seth offered his response. "No Emilio. I don't think you know this particular they. They are known to keep a very low profile because their beliefs are not very well received."

Emilio laughed. "To the contrary Seth. I believe I know them quite well. The world is full of them. However, I've never been one to put much store in what they say."

Seth didn't have the chance to respond because, at that moment, Hermione entered the living room. When she glanced at Emilio, Hermione wondered what they had been discussing because her normally laid back wizard was holding himself in a somewhat stiff posture. "Hello everyone. I wonder if I might extract my handsome fiance from the conversation for a moment."

"Extract away Hermione." Fausto remarked. "He's a bit of a talker. It's time for Scorp to take the floor."

Hermione grinned at Fausto as she linked her arm through Emilio's. "Thank you papa. I'll have him back before you can blink an eye."

Not to be outdone, Scorp called out that it was his turn to talk. "I'll talk mum, but I won't be telling our business."

Everyone in the living room broke out in laughter as Hermione's face colored up as red as a beet. "Yes love. It's your turn to talk and mum appreciates you keeping our business to yourself. All these nellies are too nosy."

Even though he probably didn't know the exact concept of what Hermione meant by nosy nellies, Scorp got the gist of it. "It's okay mum. Nelly isn't here."

Hermione sighed as Emilio squeezed her hand. Raising Dumbledore the second was challenging. Leading Emilio from the living room, Hermione headed for the kitchen closing the door behind them.

Pulling Hermione into his arms, Emilio commented that he was chuffed that she wanted to get him alone. However, he settled right down after his fiancee gave him a hard pinch on the side.

"You're a prat. I'm no trying to get you alone. Well I am trying to get you alone, but not for nefarious purposes."

Emilio grinned as he kissed Hermione on the neck. "You protest too much. The only one mentioning nefarious purposes is you love. Talk now. We'll discuss nefarious back at The Luxe preferably naked after Scorp is asleep."

Hermione scowled at Emilio. "Are you going to listen to what I have to say, or are you going to continue being a git."

Wrapping his arms around Hermione, Emilio continued his cheek. "First a prat now a git. This must be important. I'm listening love. Talk to me."

"I've had an offer."

Emilio was now paying attention. "An offer? What kind of offer? From whom? About what?"

"Oh. All interested now, are you?"

"You bet your lovely arse I'm interested. Someone has made an offer to the witch I love. In what direction should I point my wand? Sal will not be spared."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Be serious Emilio. I'm trying to discuss a proposition."

"Really? Now I'm definitely interested. It has gone from an offer to a proposition. I'm not sure I like the sound of any of this." Plopping down into a kitchen chair, he waited for Hermione to speak.

Clearly nervous, Hermione cleared her throat and grabbed one of Emilio's hands. "Sal….."

"Of course Sal. Who else would it be?" Emilio remarked without enthusiasm.

Hermione was getting irritated. "Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?"

Emilio stood. "Well. When you put it that way and speak in that tone, I don't think I do. You're a grown witch. You don't have to run your offers or propositions by me. I'm sure you'll do what you think best."

Jumping up from her chair, Hermione reached out to grab Emilio by the arm. "Please sit back down love. I want to run something by you. I need your input."

Emilio sat back down without offering any response.

"Sal has asked Carmela and I for help."

Emilio waited.

"He has asked us, Carmela and I, to help set up a branch of SSE in London which I will run."

Emilio's first thought was Sal had nerve asking Hermione to do something this complicated. Then he realized Hermione was entertaining the request. "And what will you do with Scorp?" He asked in a less than stellar tone. "Will he be relegated to what muggles call a turn key child mucking about on his own at his young age?"

Hermione hadn't expected Emilio to jump for joy, but she hadn't expected him to be so scornful. "I suggest you adjust your tone Emilio. We are a couple. I'm asking for your input on this not your scorn."

"Scorn? You think I'm being scornful because I'm concerned about what happens to my someday son while his mother is away fulfilling a request. I'm being realistic Hermione. Have you thought this out?"

"Your someday son is my son." Hermione replied, raising her voice. "You make it sound as though I'd be leaving Scorp in some cave to fend for himself. Are you really thinking about Scorp or that you might not get your long awaited wedding in a timely manner?"

The conversation as well as Hermione's tone had turned nasty. Emilio swung his wand to cast a Muffliato before standing up so fast the chair he had been sitting in fell over. "There's no need to be insulting. You asked for my input yet you've become confrontational and divisive over my answer. While I realize Scorp is your son, I love him as though he was my own and would be remiss if I didn't worry for his well being. With that being said, I do wonder what our wedding has to do with this conversation. Was I supposed to immediately acquiesce without sharing my thoughts? Let me say this. You are an intelligent witch who has shown her prowess in many areas. If you are inclined to set up a branch of SSE in London, I'm certain nothing I say will stop you. If you'll excuse me, I'll just get back to the living room to make sure your son hasn't heard us speaking in raised voices."

/*/

Before Hermione could reply, Emilio was gone.

That could have gone better, Hermione thought as she summoned a glass to get a drink of water chastising herself for being so arbitrary because Emilio hadn't immediately given his blessings. Although she liked the idea of being back in the thick of things, perhaps she hadn't given the whole idea enough thought. However, Emilio was out of line thinking she hadn't given any thought to Scorp's well being. In her head, Hermione had it all thought out. She would enlist Seana to babysit her boy while she was away being Head of SSE London.

She sighed. It was clear Emilio didn't think too much of the idea. "I have gotten so far ahead of myself I'm embarrassed. I can do it, but should I do it?"

Twisting her wand to clean and dry the glass, Hermione sent it back to the cabinet shelf before heading back to the living room to check on her men.

/*/

Everyone in the living room had heard Hermione and Emilio's raised voices before they were cut off by the Muffliato. Seth had to grab Scorp to keep him from running to the kitchen explaining everything was alright.

Scorp loved his Uncle Seth, but, in this instance didn't believe him. His mum and Emilio were having a go at each other. He was frightened. His mum and Emilio never shouted at each other.

"I want mum. I want Meelio. I want mum."

Seth was trying to console Scorp when Emilio appeared at the living room door.

Scorp ran to his someday father. "Up Meelio. Scorp wants up." He said with a sob.

Picking Scorp up, Emilio was rewarded with a pat on both cheeks. "You and mum were talking loud. I'm sad."

Kissing Scorp on his forehead, Emilio assured him that all was well. "Mum and I were only having a discussion. There's no need for my little man to be sad."

"Okay Meelio okay." Scorp replied, sliding out of Emilio's arms. "I want mum. I want to go home."

Emilio apologized to the room at large as Scorp ran towards the kitchen.

Not knowing what had gone on, as man of the house Fausto stood to assure Emilio that every couple has had a raised voice conversation at one time or another.

Emilio nodded before excusing himself to the men's.

All eyes turned towards Hermione as she entered the living room carrying Scorp but the only thing she said was it's getting late. "Thank you all. It's been a lovely evening, but we should be getting back to Lozier Estate to get ourselves packed up."

/*/

Carmela who had heard the raised voices was beside herself. Although she hadn't been privy to the conversation, she was sure Emilio wasn't pleased with Sal's idea. Rolling her eyes at her youngest son, she followed Hermione to the master bathroom where she had gone to let Scorp have a pee.

Hermione gazed at her mother figure. "What was I thinking? I made a mess of things Mela."

"Mum made a mess Nonna Mela. I'm on the big toilet, but I'm not making a mess."

"I think we should discuss this another time." Carmela replied in a sing song voice nodding in Scorp's direction. "Our little man looks tired and you still have to get back to Wiltshire. I'll pack you up a take home sack. Wash your face mum. We'll talk tomorrow."

Hermione nodded. "Yes mum. We'll speak tomorrow."

Scorp who was now completely relaxed chimed in. "Me and Meelio might get hungry. We want a take home sack too Nonna."

Giving Hermione a quick glance, Carmela replied. "No worries Scorp. Your Nonna Mela will take care of everything. She is going to make a big take home sack."

Grinning at Carmela, Scorp slid off the toilet telling Hermione he was done. "I'm done mum but I need a wipe."

Giving her wand a slight turn, Hermione cleaned Scorp's bum. "There you go. All fresh and clean."

"Yup. Fresh and clean mum. Now we have to get Meelio, Nonna, Nonno and Celia so we can get ready to go home. I miss Crissy, Dusty and Embers. I think they miss me too."

Hermione smiled as she watched her little parrot wash his hands agreeing that the house elves probably were missing him. "All done. Let's go get ready to leave."

"Yes. Let's get ready to leave, but we have to get Meelio. He must be looking for us by now."

Hermione didn't bother to reply knowing Scorp could go back and forth all night. The truth was, she didn't know if Emilio was looking for them.

/*/

Scorp and Hermione left the bedroom on their way back to the living room but were intercepted by Sal.

"May I have a word Hermione?"

Hermione hesitated. If Sal was looking for a commitment, now was not the time. Although it was a challenge she would like to try, this was not the time to make any commitment. Before anything, she had a fiance to soothe. However, she would never refuse Sal a word.

"Of course Sal. Let me set Scorp with Emilio. I'll be right back."

/*/

Because Carmela had explained that Hermione and Emilio had raised their voices while discussing his proposition, Sal felt he had to try to rectify the situation. He'd made an error. He had put his wants in front of everything and everyone. What had he been thinking? Actually, he had been thinking about the way Hermione had come into DLM and turned the whole thing around. He had wanted that for SSE London. The problem was, he hadn't thought it through. Seth had warned him, but he hadn't wanted to hear it. He wanted SSE London to be a success, and to be a success he needed his mum and Hermione.

Sal sighed.

Suddenly Hermione was back. "Hey brother."

"Hey sister." Sal replied with a grin before diving right in. "Earlier I asked for your help because you are the witch I knew could do what needs to be done. However, upon retrospect, I realize you would go out of your way to help me even to the detriment of yourself. I am rescinding my request. I would love for you and mum to be the driving forces behind SSE London, but I have realized that you have a busy life, a young son and a fiance none of which would do well with your attention on things other than them. I appreciate that you even entertained my request. You are and always will be a hero to me."

Reaching out to hug Sal, Hermione replied in a soft voice. "You've always been there for me Sal. Always. And I want to be there for you. In this case, I'm going to decline the opportunity. However, I will also say that down the road I might be interested in a bit of part time work."

"I'll keep that in mind love. Although, down the road might make your choices even harder. I'd offer my apologies to Emilio but I think he's in the mood to hex the arse off me, so I'll take a pass on that. Seth and I will be nipping out of here very quickly. We have documents to review before our meeting in Belize tomorrow morning. I love you sister Hermione and apologize for upsetting Emilio. I will be in touch to let you know how things are going. Be well."

Giving each other a quick hug, Hermione headed to the living room to gather up her family for the return trip to Lozier Estate while Sal turned in the opposite direction and headed to the den where Seth was waiting.

Sal wasn't looking forward to dealing with his partner who probably had the words, I told you so, on his lips.

/*/

Ilaria, Emiliano and Celia who had already said their goodbye were standing by the floo waiting for Hermione, Scorp and Emilio. Scorp was chattering away when Hermione approached them.

"Mum. Me and Meelio are waiting for you. Nonna said it's time to go. Meelio has the take home sack. It's big."

"I know love. I just had to speak to Uncle Sal for a moment. I'm ready. That is a big sack." Turning to Emilio, Hermione asked if he was ready.

"We are ready. Scorp and I will go through first with you behind us. The rest will follow with father bringing up the rear. I have thanked Carmela and Fausto for our engagement dinner. She will call you tomorrow. Off we go."

Following Emilio to the floo, Hermione knew her wizard wasn't happy, but for the moment, he would have to remain that way until she could give a full explanation. As she stepped into the floo behind Emilio and Scorp, Hermione wondered why she had thought taking on a project as big as what Sal suggested was a good idea. It didn't matter now as Sal had rescinded the request. The hard part would be explaining herself to Emilio, if he felt compelled to listen. Sunday evening at The Luxe might not be all that romantic.

Hermione let out a long but soft sigh as she stepped out at the Milan West floo office.