The song Breathe is sung by Faith Hill. All rights belong to and are owned by Faith Hill.

Note: I apologize readers. If you've read other of my stories you'll notice that I use the song Breathe …a lot. It's stuck in my head. I am trying my best to dislodge it.

Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Surprise. Surprise. Surprise

One second the room was lively and loud then it had suddenly became very quiet. Hermione and Draco turned to find out what had happened and spotted Ginny Weasley walking toward them.

Ginny stopped in front of the couple and gave them her well wishes. Draco, who didn't want Hermione to know he could have kissed Ginny on the cheek for breaking up her relationship with Emilio remained stoic.

Hermione smiled and said, "Thank you Ginny. It's nice to see you."

Ginny started to apologize but Hermione stopped her and stated, "This is my engagement party. It isn't the time or place for that discussion but I would like to invite you to come see me in Milan and we'll talk." The two witches hugged each other before Ginny walked away.

Draco put his arm around Hermione and asked, "Are you alright?"

Hermione wrapped both arms around him and cheeked, "I don't even remember why I was angry with Ginny. Now let's go eat."

Chapter 19: Louis Adrian Malfoy

The meal was delicious. After the meal, Harry saw fit to have Draco and Hermione's friends stand up to say a few words. Draco who had been a little apprehensive over what some dumbarse (Blaise) could say had yelled, "I'd rather be dancing."

Harry smirked, "I bet you would git." Hermione smiled at Draco and rubbed his shoulder.

Theo, Blaise, Sal, Carmela, Willem and Hannah took turns raking the couple over the coals. Even Dudley stood up to tell the room he was under strict orders not to act like a muggle so he was only going to say, "Cheers." Harry was the last to speak. He turned to Draco and Hermione and quipped, "Draco, you're a git and Hermione you're a gitette but I respect and admire you both. Merlin knows you two are made for each other. Best of luck. Dramione Forever."

Harry received a standing ovation for his short speech. It was all good fun.

Hermione and Draco were beaming as they looked around the room then back at each other. Hermione whispered, "I love you Draco Malfoy. You didn't have to do all this so I wouldn't keep my legs tightly closed until October. I was going to give you a peek."

Draco howled as he pulled his fiancée up to dance. According to plan, as soon as Draco brought Hermione out onto the floor, the music was to be changed to their song, Breathe. Before Hermione and Draco reached the dance floor, the first strains of the song started to play.

I can feel the magic floating in the air

Being with you gets me that way

I watch the sunlight dance across your face

And I've never been this swept away….

For Hermione and Draco, everybody else disappeared. She was wrapped up in his arms and he in hers. Draco whispered, "Forever love. It's you and I forever." Hermione pulled her fiance tighter as she laid her head on his shoulder and sang him a couple of lines,

And I can feel you breathe, it's washing over me.

And suddenly I'm melting into you

As Draco leaned over and kissed his wife to be, the floor filled with other dancing couples who wanted to share the couple's favorite song and their first official engagement dance.

The night progressed and everyone danced, introduced themselves around, ate more, and drank their fill. There were quite a few wizards and witches who exchanged information for use at a future date.

Hermione noticed that Gas had pulled Harry aside and was talking very earnestly about something. She turned away when Seamus came up to hug her and wish her good luck. When she turned back, both Harry and Gas had gone off in different directions.

At 12:30, Harry asked Draco and Hermione to stand one more time to acknowledge their guests. After Hermione and Draco waved to their guests, Harry thanked everyone for coming and asked them to get home safely. He reminded the guests from Milan their rooms at the hotel would be available until 2:00 pm Sunday and they should floo to the address he had given them so he and Draco could see them back to Milan. The night broke up with a great many hugs and handshakes.

Gas and Sal stopped by to say goodnight as they were staying with Blaise and Theo. Blaise made it more than clear they were welcome. He loved having some Italian cousins here in Britain with him. They had already planned to meet up in Milan the next weekend.

Carmela, Hermione and Hannah smiled among themselves as they headed for the door. The three witches flooed to Hermione's flat to wait for Fausto, Draco and Harry who had stayed behind to see to all their Italian guests. The wizards were only about fifteen minutes behind the witches.

Hermione took turns hugging everyone and thanking them for such a wonderful surprise. She stopped talking when she felt herself tearing up. Hannah and Carmela hugged her as the wizards stood by watching.

Harry asked Hermione, "So what did you think of Ginny showing up?"

Hermione replied, "I was surprised but pleased as well. I know we'll never be back to where we once were, but having a friend is better than having an enemy."

Harry nodded and replied, "I can't argue with that. I hope at some point you two get back to friends. I don't suggest you trust her completely but sitting down to have a talk is the first step. You have to start somewhere."

Harry and Hannah were the first to say goodnight. Harry shook hands with Fausto and Draco after giving Hermione and Carmela a kiss on the cheek. He made a few more wise arse remarks before he and Hannah left.

Draco and Hermione had stood to leave as well when Hermione had a thought. She asked Carmela if she thought they should take a bit of pepper up potion and begin the research right away. She referred to the time differences between England and Milan.

Carmela admitted, "I didn't even think about the time differences. Why don't you go change your clothes and we'll have Draco escort us over to the manor before he goes to sleep.

Hermione asked Draco, "Is that alright with you love?"

Draco nodded, "I'll just floo through and change my clothes as well. That research must be really interesting for you two to be going through this much trouble. What have you found? Lozier isn't related to demons is he?"

Hermione and Carmela looked at each other and smiled. Hermione took Draco by the arm as she led him to the floo. To Carmela she said, "We'll be back shortly."

When they landed, Draco grabbed Hermione about the waist and asked, "Why don't we lie down for a bit?"

Hermione smiled at her wizard before she replied, "If I lie down with you now, I'll never get up to do any research."

Draco cheeked, "That's the whole point love. Can't this research be put off until another time? I want to be with my fiancée."

"If you want us to be rid of Emilio for good, you'll let me do this research replied Hermione. Carmela and I think we may be onto something."

Draco groaned as he stepped back. "Okay love. I'm on the side of anything which will rid us of Lozier. Go take your pepper up potion."

Carmela was ready and waiting when Draco and Hermione returned and they had apparated right back out to Malfoy Manor.

Draco gave them the same instructions as before….call a house elf for everything. Draco kissed Hermione and hugged Carmela before apparating back home to get some sleep.

Hermione and Carmela pulled the information they had previously reviewed and began making notes. The notes had only taken them thirty to forty minutes to transcribe so they had gone looking for more information. Hermione went back to the Aberrations library and Carmela stayed in the main library.

Hermione tripped in her haste to scan the shelves and had somehow pressed against a hidden lever which had opened a door leading into another small room.

Hermione remembered Draco's directive so she called Crissy to her.

With a small pop Crissy appeared in front of her asking, "Yes. Miss Himie."

Hermione asked Crissy to see if it was safe for her to go into the smaller room. Crissy went in, looked around and came back out with a smile on her face. "It safe Miss Himie. Only Mr. Louis in there, but I don't know if Master Draco wants you to go in there."

Hermione assured Crissy, "Draco has given his permission for me to use the library. It's okay."

Crissy bowed and with a pop she was gone.

Haltingly Hermione stepped inside the room and came face to face with the portrait of Louis Malfoy, rapist and father of Caleb Lozi.

Hermione stood looking at the portrait. She had to admit that Louis had been a handsome wizard. He was as blonde as Draco and Lucius and appeared to have the signature gray Malfoy eyes. The portrait had closed its eyes and appeared to be sleeping, but as Hermione turned to view the rest of the room it spoke. "What are you doing here you filthy muggle?

Hermione gasped as she turned back to the portrait. She soon regained her composure and responded, "Who are you to talk, you filthy rapist?"

Louis sputtered, "How dare you. I'm no such thing?"

Hermione wasn't to be outdone by a portrait spat back, "You dare call me names and yet it was your actions which started a blood feud that lasts to this day."

Louis stared at Hermione for several seconds before he replied, "How did you get in here? My father would never allow a person of such low birth into the manor. Be gone."

Hermione laughed, "Make me."

Carmela who had heard Hermione shouting stood at the door with Crissy. She was breathing as though she had run all the way from the other library. "Are you alright? What was all that shouting about?"

Hermione who kept her eyes on the portrait of Louis Malfoy answered, "This Pureblood rapist was pushing to see how much he could insult me."

Carmela looked at the portrait who gazed back and said, "Finally. A human being. As a Pureblood witch it is your duty to get this muggle out of Malfoy Manor. Do it now witch."

Carmela ignored Louis and asked Hermione, "You can't be serious. Are you in here shouting at a portrait?"

Hermione smiled and retorted, "Yes, but I'm winning."

Carmela grinned.

Louis asked, "Has the world come to this? Are Purebloods and muggles commingling? Has all reason gone out of the wizarding world?"

Carmela had heard enough. "Stop your whining Louis. Your own family disowned you. At the time of your death you were living off the kindness of strangers. Don't you dare sit there and pretend you are more than what you are. The witch you are insulting is betrothed to a member of the Malfoy family and you need to treat her as such."

Louis ignored Hermione and directed his question to Carmela. "What became of the child and its mother?"

Carmela waved her hand at the portrait and replied, "Why do you care. You thought to rape a child and then deny the deed. You are foul and loathsome. If you must know, Ida died giving birth to your child but she was avenged because you were killed even as your son was being born. Quite the fitting end. It was your blood, Ida's blood and Caleb's blood together which allowed the Lozi family to avenge their family by initiating a blood war between your family and theirs. Your son was never allowed to know his father's family. The Malfoy's wanted nothing to do with him and the Lozi's had lost their daughter, they didn't want a bastard in their midst. Caleb had a very hard life and died at a young age but not before siring three children who kept the blood war alive."

Louis closed his eyes and remained silent.

Hermione turned to Carmela. "There are notes and papers in here which I would like to review. That piece of shite on the wall is coming with us. I will ask Draco's permission but it is coming with us. There's a load I'd like to know about."

Hermione moved across the room to study a small casket sitting on a table. She had her hand stretched out before she remembered Draco's instruction. She again called Crissy who appeared with a pop. The house elf viewed the small box, waved her hand and stepped back. "It be fine Miss Himie."

Louis mumbled, "Filthy creature."

Hermione quipped, "I'd take ten of her over you any day. Rapist"

Crissy grinned and disappeared.

Louis sniffed, "If I would deign to answer a muggle, what I would tell her is that my actions did not constitute rape. The witch wanted me and I wanted her. I would have stayed with her but she got herself with child and our dalliance was uncovered. If it had not been for that child, I would have introduced her properly within the year and made her my wife but I could not bring a pregnant witch before my father. It was unthinkable. Pureblood witches marrying into the Malfoy family did not appear before the patriarch with a child on the way. That was for the sub humans not for well bred families. But the witch would not be still and I had to keep her from approaching my father. My father only banished me to appease the Lozi family. He was afraid of their black power. The Malfoy family was wealthy and powerful but the Lozi family had roots steeped deep in the black arts. Little good it did in the end."

Hermione turned back to look at the portrait of Louis. "Are you telling me this entire blood thing is one big misunderstanding? You died for nothing? Ida died for nothing and your son suffered his entire life for a misunderstanding? I will burn your portrait you bloody liar. You are trying to show yourself in a favorable light. I don't believe you. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU."

Carmela stepped in and softly called, "Hermione, calm down. This was all over and done a long time ago. We need to figure out what can be done now to fix this. Why don't you look around to see if there is anything we can use. I'll talk to the portrait."

Louis blustered, "Foolish witch. How dare you? I have a name. Use it when you speak to me or about me."

Carmela stepped closer to the portrait and softly replied, "Fuck your name and all the names of those who let this thing get out of hand. Your descendant is one of the finest wizards walking yet he may be carrying a dangerous burden because of you. His name is Draco Malfoy and he will be marrying that witch over there come next October. We don't care whether you like it or not. You are immaterial. We want to find out what you know about the curse or spell that started this whole thing. What threat did Edmund Lozi make against your family? Do you know what Edmund Lozi used to seal this feud, can it be undone and how does it affect the present day Loziers? For once in your life Louis, step up. If you know anything, tell us."

Louis looked down his nose to reply, "Everything that has to do with me and my problem is contained in this room. You will have to look for it. You have tired me out and I wish to rest."

Carmela turned away but was called back to the portrait. "If you take me out of this tomb, I may have additional information. I have been hanging around for almost three hundred years and I would like to be out among the living. I'll even speak kindly to the sub human if you get me out of here."

Carmela took a deep breath and dropped her voice even lower. "If you ever call her anything but Hermione, Miss Granger or the future Mrs. Malfoy, I'll burn you myself."

Carmela walked away from the portrait and stood beside Hermione. Hermione's eyes were wet as she remarked, "This isn't good Carmela. It's not good at all. Let's gather up everything we can. It will fit in my bag. We'll also take the portrait of Louis. I think we'll need him. I'll need to call Crissy to make sure we can get it all out safely."

Hermione called Crissy and the little elf appeared in front of her with a pop. "Yes Miss Himie."

"I just need to know if we can remove things from Malfoy Manor safely. There aren't any spells or curses which will hurt us are there?"

Crissy bowed and answered, "Master Draco removed all the bad things but nothing can hurt you Miss Himie. You are being the Mistress of Malfoy Manor."

Hermione replied, "Please don't go Crissy. Miss Carmela and myself just have to gather a few more things and we'll be ready to go. And just so you know Crissy, I'll never be the Mistress of Malfoy Manor, Master Draco and myself intend to build our own manor."

Crissy watched as Hermione and Carmela packed up every single bit of parchment and then took down the portrait. The house elf remained still and did not say a word.

When Hermione and Carmela were finished in the small room, Hermione took what she needed from the Aberration section. Then Hermione reached out her hand to Crissy and asked her to take them to the main library.

Hermione and Carmela gathered the parchments they had laid out. When Hermione had everything in the bag, they asked Crissy to take them to the front door.

Before they left, Hermione kneeled down, kissed Crissy on her cheek and thanked her for her help. Crissy put her hand up to her cheek and for the space of several seconds stood stock still. After Crissy recovered herself, she bowed to Hermione and said, "Thank you Mistress," and with a pop she was gone.

It was 5:00 am when they landed back at Hermione's flat. Fausto happily greeted the witches. He hugged his wife and told her, "I'm glad you're back. It was getting a tad bit lonely in here by myself. I couldn't sleep without you in the bed." Carmela hugged her husband.

Hermione excused herself and flooed to Draco's flat. Draco was spread out in the bed so she undressed and climbed in beside him. He woke up only long enough to wrap his arms around her then had dropped right back off to sleep.

Draco woke Hermione around noon by kissing her on the her back and neck. He whispered, "Wake up witch. We are officially engaged and I want my official engagement shag. Hermione had turned on her side and mumbled, "We've had tons of after engagement shags. I want to sleep."

Draco pulled the covers off her and began to run his mouth up and down Hermione's back. It wasn't long before Draco had her awake and in a sexy mood. With a smile, Hermione turned to wrap her arms around the his neck and said, "You sexy git. Now I'm awake so give me a reason to stay awake."

Draco kissed Hermione as he moved his hand down between her legs and began to massage her. Hermione's breath caught in her throat when Draco replaced his hand with his mouth. He stuck his tongue inside her and then began to massage her little knot with his tongue. Throatily, Hermione asked for sex and Draco moved up to position himself. He rasped, "I'm here love." Draco pushed into her groaning, "I'll always be here for you." His words inflamed her and she threw everything she had at her wizard. Hermione worked her sexual magic so hard she had Draco calling for Merlin. When they climaxed, it felt so good they were both calling for Merlin.

As they lay there panting, Draco put his arm around Hermione and told her, "You get more amazing each time we make love. Everything about you makes me love you more every day. We belong together for now and forever and if I ever catch a wizard…. I don't want you around Lozier anymore."

Hermione rose up on her elbow and asked, "Where did that come from? The last wizard I would be interested in is Emilio Lozier so please don't get on that topic love."

Draco hugged her and replied, "You're right. I have you and Lozier doesn't." He got up to take a shower while reminding Hermione they needed to get to her flat in case Harry wanted help getting their Milan guests home.

Hermione chose the moment Draco came out of the shower to let him know she had taken some things from Malfoy Manor.

A frown came over Draco's face but Hermione quickly explained, "It's information we need to review relating to the scent barrier and maybe something else a little more dangerous. Carmela and I stumbled upon this secret room containing everything to do with a Louis Malfoy. Carmela and I have found information which names him as the Malfoy who was the catalyst for everything going on with the Loziers. You will see for yourself when we get back to Milan. Carmela and I have spoken to the portrait Draco and he is a vile wizard. I just wanted you to know this in case you had reservations about the information and the portrait leaving the manor."

Draco groused, "I'm not happy about anything being taken out of the manor but I know you wouldn't have done it if it wasn't necessary. Next time, can we discuss it before you do it? It's brilliant that you are able to speak with a portrait. Like Dumbledore and Severus then?"

Hermione nodded and kissed Draco on the shoulder before heading for the shower.

By the time they arrived at Hermione's flat, Harry had already made several trips to Milan. Draco stepped up and volunteered to take the next few who needed to get back to Milan.

Harry sat down on the couch and replied, "Good. There are only a few more to go. How was it so much easier to get them here? They started arriving from the hotel around noon. Fausto and Carmela took the first group when they went home. Carmela said she would see you at DLM Hermione. I've taken three groups through and I made sure everything was locked up before I flooed back. If I've counted correctly there are only seven more to go including Gas and Sal.

Harry had just gotten the words out of his mouth when Willem, his wife and the last three Travelers showed up. Willem shook hands with Harry and Draco and told them he and his wife got to see a bit of London.

"I'll be taking you back, remarked Draco. If you're ready we can go through now."

He waved to Harry and Hermione, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Harry and Hermione had a cup of tea while they waited for Draco to get back.

"Would you know why phone boy requested my mobile number at the party, asked Harry?"

Hermione was surprised. "His name is Gaspare Harry. I can't think of any reason. What did he say?"

"He simply said he would like to discuss something with me he couldn't discuss with anyone else, revealed Harry. If it's phone trouble, I can't help him."

Hermione slapped her friend on the arm as she called him a git.

Harry grinned, "I really won't know what he wants until he calls, but he did ask I keep it confidential. Therefore, I'm sharing it with you. Don't tell anyone else."

Hermione shook her head. "As if I'm going to keep anything from Draco."

Draco stepped out of the floo asking, "Keep what from me?"

Harry cheeked, "Phone boy."

Draco looked at Hermione and asked, "What about Gas?"

Draco was about to bristle up so Harry answered, "He asked for my mobile number because he has something to discuss with me he can't discuss with anyone else. It's confidential. He must be out of sorts if I'm the only one he can turn to. I'll listen to him but like I've told Hermione, if it's about showing him how to use his mobile, I can't help him."

Both Harry and Draco grinned. Hermione sat there and rolled her eyes at both of them.

Harry was surprised when Hermione asked him to take Gas' request seriously. She requested he help if he could because it might have something to do with the Loziers.

Harry perked up and asked, "Really? Well in that case, I'll see what I can do. This puts a different spin on things. Please keep this between yourselves until I find out what is going on."

It was getting late. Hermione wondered out loud if Gas and Sal were going back today. It was only 3:00 pm in London but it was 9:00 pm in Milan. It was time to be getting back home.

At 3:30, Blaise, Theo, Sal and Gas apparated in. Sal asked if they were the last left going back to Milan? When Draco told them they were, Sal and Gas apologized for being late. Both of the Maida's shook hands with Theo and Blaise with the Brits commenting they would be coming through to Milan on Friday if Hermione didn't mind.

Hermione said she didn't have a problem with it as long as they didn't appear dragging the entire British witch population along with them. Send an owl or call Draco before you come.

Theo looked at Sal and replied, "We'll probably be accompanied by one witch. She'll be coming to see Sal. Hermione smiled as Sal went red. Theo and Blaise waved as they left.

Draco stood, thanked Harry and gestured Sal and Gas toward the floo. Hermione hugged Harry and went through the floo first. Draco followed and then Sal. Gas hung behind because he wanted to remind Harry he'd be calling.

Harry clapped him on the shoulder and suggested the best time for him to hold a lengthy conversation would be any night after 7:00 pm. Gas nodded and waved as he stepped into the floo.

Harry set Hermione's alarm and apparated home.

Gas and Sal only took time to thank Hermione and Draco for the great weekend before they flooed home.

Hermione and Draco were sitting side by side on the couch relaxing when she asked, "Would you care to meet your ancestor?"

"Bring the blighter out then, replied Draco."

Hermione pulled the portrait out of her bag and sat it on the mantle. Louis wouldn't open his eyes.

Draco leaned forward. He was amazed at the resemblance between himself and Louis. The difference in garments and hairstyle threw the comparison off a bit but the portrait looked like a mixture of him, Lucius and his grandfather Abraxas. He was definitely a Malfoy.

Hermione suggested, "You'll have to ask him to open his eyes because he thinks I'm a sub human.

Draco exploded, "You brought this kind of filth into our home Hermione. I won't have it. I'll destroy it before I allow any sort of derogatory remarks made in this house, We've come too far."

Louis opened his eyes." I do not want to be destroyed. I shall refrain from making untoward remarks. I am Louis Adrian Malfoy. Who are you?"

Draco snarled, "Not only will you refrain from making derogatory remarks to or about my fiancée, you will also watch your tone. If you cannot be civil, do not speak. Am I clear?"

"Quite," replied Louis. I can see we are related. Please advise me of your lineage?

Draco replied, "I am Draco Lucius Malfoy, son of Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, grandson of Abraxas Septimus Malfoy, great grandson of Septimus Brutus Malfoy, great, great grandson of Brutus Nicholas Malfoy and great, great, great grandson of Nicholas Armand Malfoy."

Louis replied, "A pleasure to meet you sir."

Draco ignored the greeting.

My fiancee has informed me she thinks you are vile. As Hermione doesn't use that word very often, I would like to hear your story and why she associates you with this word.

Draco turned to Hermione and asked if she would make tea.

When Hermione left the living room Louis sniped, "Your fiancee sir? I must register my protest that you plan to marry….."

Draco snarled, "I just fucking told you. Her name is Hermione, she is my fiancee and you will treat her as you would treat any Pureblood witch. I do not have to explain any more. If you cannot address her in the proper manner, do not address her at all. One more thing, the only reason I have not destroyed your portrait is that Hermione thinks you have certain knowledge she requires. If you don't have this information, you will be destroyed immediately. You were about to tell me your story. Commence."

Hermione brought Draco his tea and sat down beside him.

"Your fiancee already knows the story, Louis said. Perhaps she will relate it to you."

Draco snapped, "Fine. If Hermione knows the story, we don't need you and as I promised, your portrait will be destroyed."

As Draco stood to make his way toward the mantle with the intention of destroying the portrait, Louis Adrian Malfoy realized what was coming and suddenly began to speak.