Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: It All Comes Tumbling Down
Hermione smiled as she reached out to take Xavier's hand. Xavier held her hand for an extra second. "Don't worry about anything Hermione. We're onto this family. We didn't have any idea the mother and sister were as bad as the men. As with many things. We can learn something new every day."
"Thank you Xavier. I don't doubt you, but the Lozier's always seem to land on their feet."
"Not this time Hermione. Not this time." Xavier exclaimed. "Ministry Services is in charge of prosecuting this case as well as the elder's case. No one will buy our silence or our support."
/*/
Carmela chose this moment to ask about Gaspare.
Xavier volunteered to go see if there was any news and was back within ten minutes.
Xavier took a deep breath before relaying what he had found out. "Emilio has made a statement in Gaspare's case. He has accused Gaspare of going around the back end of his own witch to force Celia into an illicit affair. When she kept refusing him, he finally attacked her. She had been at the flat to talk to Sal not realizing what Gas was trying to do until he had her pinned to a bed pulling off her clothes. According to the statement, Celia was able to get a Patronus off to him and he had immediately called the Aurors."
Softly Carmela said. "That's not true."
Xavier glanced at Draco before replying. "The Aurors reported a sexual assault in progress when they arrived. I'm sorry. It's an Auror case. They are insisting Gaspare remain in custody until they find out what's what."
Hermione went over to put her arms around Carmela.
Xavier continued speaking. "Ministry Services has assigned two good men to get to the bottom of it all. Your husband has been called back to active duty with me as his partner. All I can say at the moment, is to the trained eye both Hermione's and Gaspare's cases seem related. At a minimum they both involve a Lozier. Don't worry. We'll get every bit of it sorted Mrs. Maida."
Chapter 22: Not As Simple As It Seems
Hermione wanted a shower in the worst way. She and Draco had accompanied Carmela back home because Fausto had to remain at Ministry Services to be briefed on his reentry to Service. They didn't want to leave her alone.
They were all beat by the time they reached Carmela's house, but there were still things to be done. None of the three would be going in to work that Tuesday so Willem had to be notified.
Draco owled Willem to let him know he would be in charge of all Tuesday business. He apologized for the short notice explaining that Velia would be covering the office.
The next owl had been to Velia Caprini telling her there had been an emergency and they needed her to cover the office for Tuesday business.
Both employees had been more than glad to step up.
/*/
Sal came walking out from the back. "Ciao. I wondered where you and papa had gotten to."
Carmela snapped at her youngest son. "Never mind where we've been. Where have you been? If you had been home all of this could probably have been prevented."
"All of what mama? I left a note for Gas. I took a portkey right back to London to see someone. I've been gone since yesterday morning. Things didn't work out so I came home early. What's going on?"
Carmela sat on the couch and began to cry which had made Sal very nervous. His mother seldom cried. Especially not in front of people.
Sal put his arm around Carmela's shoulder glancing at Hermione and Draco. "What went on while I was gone? Somebody please tell me something. Where's dad? Where's my papa?"
Draco spoke up. "Fausto is fine Sal. He's been invited back to active duty at Ministry Services. He is there being briefed. There are issues concerning Hermione and Gas. Hermione was attacked by Emilio Lozier. Gas has been accused of attacking Celia Lozier.
In Hermione's case, she was blindsided at your flat after she went there looking for Gas. We believe Celia hexed Hermione and helped Emilio kidnap her. However that part remains to be proven. Ministry Services has arrested Lozier and his mother and sister. Gas was arrested by Aurors who claim they caught Gas in the act of attacking Celia. They are holding him until they get it sorted out. It's one big mess.
On another hand. Emiliano Lozier thinks Ministry Services isn't aware he has been receiving messages from someone on his payroll. They're aware of it and will be dealing with it. Woe to those who get caught up in that net. As I said. It is really one big mess which will need quite a bit of sorting."
Carmela continued to sob while Sal held onto her for dear life.
"Gas wouldn't do anything like that," huffed Sal. "He's a good man who can get any witch he wants. He doesn't have to attack anyone."
Draco nodded his head in agreement.
Sal glanced over at Hermione. "Forgive me Hermione. I haven't even asked how you're doing. I hope you weren't hurt. I can't believe I thought Celia was after Draco when all the time it was the Minister who was after Hermione. What a bloody lousy family. Not to worry though. If dad's back to work, he'll get all the bastards."
Hermione stood and hugged Sal and Carmela then reached out to Draco. "Let's go home Draco. I'm very tired. I need a long, hot shower."
They said goodnight to Sal and Carmela before heading to the floo.
/*/
It was 4:30 Tuesday morning, but Hermione was taking off her clothes as she walked from the floo to the bedroom. By the time she reached the bathroom, she was ready to step into the shower. She ran the water as hot as she could stand and scrubbed herself raw.
In the back of her mind she kept thinking, I fancied myself falling in love with that monster. Thank Merlin it hadn't gone any farther or I could have wound up engaged to the great lump of shite.
Hermione was ashamed to see that Emilio had left marks on her body so she accio'd her pajamas and hurriedly pulled them on while she was still in the bathroom.
Draco was sitting on the side of the bed waiting for her. He raised his eyebrows at the sight of Hermione in pajamas and sat quietly as she walked across the room immediately getting under the covers.
Draco remained quiet for several more minutes before he pulled back the covers. "I don't want you to do this to yourself or to me. Please get up and take off those pajamas. I need to see what you want to hide from me. We love each other Hermione. Don't do this. Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing is your fault."
Hermione paused for a few seconds before she got out of bed and removed her pajamas. Then she had stood in front of the wizard she loved with her head bowed.
Draco made note of the marks running up and down Hermione's stomach and chest, and the swelling around her nipples. Draco froze up inside. He wanted to go straight to Emilio Lozier just to snuff the life out of him.
Draco stayed silent a bit too long which caused Hermione to make small, whimpering sounds of humiliation.
When Draco realized Hermione was thinking she repulsed him. He had jumped up off the bed grabbing her in a hug. Then he had laid her down on the bed and performed some small bits of magic to remove the marks and reduce the swelling on her nipples.
Draco redressed Hermione, got in bed beside her and placed his arm under her head. "I won't let him come between us. I want to show you how I feel, but it can wait until you feel better. I just want you to know I love you."
Draco kissed Hermione on the mouth and they had settled down to go to sleep.
/*/
Hermione was full of anxiety and couldn't fall asleep feeling as though she must be dim witted if she couldn't tell….… if something had happened. Hermione knew how she felt after sex with Draco. But she had nothing else to judge it by. She wondered if Emilio had penetrated her. If he had, how would it affect her relationship with Draco. Would the blasted blood feud prophecy cause Draco to wake up feeling differently about her? Or was it something that would gradually happen over time? Hermione finally fell asleep worried for the state of her relationship.
/*/
It was after 11:00 am when Hermione and Draco woke. Draco was first up. He had showered and made breakfast by the time Hermione sat up. He called her from the kitchen. "Get that lovely arse out of bed and come see what I've made for you."
Hermione smiled as she hurried to the bathroom then out to the kitchen. Draco had gone out of his way to prepare eggs, sausages and fried potatoes. Hermione ate two helpings complimenting Draco with every bite. Despite what had happened the previous day. They shared a lovely breakfast.
After breakfast Draco got dressed. "I'm going to check if everything is okay at DLM. Why don't you try to get some sleep while I'm gone? I won't be gone long. Maybe later we can go over to support Carmela. I love you. I'll be back shortly.
Hermione was wandering around the flat trying to make a decision on what to do next when an unfamiliar owl turned up at the window. She retrieved the message and tried to offer the owl a bit of fried potato, but he turned his back as he waited for an answer. "Cheeky thing," remarked Hermione as she noted that the letter had come from Ministry Services. With a sigh, she had sat down to read the letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
We will be taking memory evidence from Minister Lozier, Celia Lozier and Ilaria Lozier on Thursday this week. At that time. It will be decided whether this case moves forward as a kidnapping/assault or kidnapping/assault/conspiracy. We are requesting your presence in our offices on Friday, 10/22 at 10:00 am to review our findings.
Normally, retrieving memory evidence from detainees is forbidden by law. However your case has been designated a kidnapping to which special rules apply.
You are allowed to bring a solicitor and a witness. While it is not mandatory your solicitor accompany you. We strongly suggest you bring someone with knowledge of our legal system.
Sincerely,
Xavier Cross
Ministry Services
Hermione read the letter twice before she located a quill to answer Xavier Cross.
Officer Cross,
I have received your notice. We shall see you at 10:00 am on Friday, 10/22.
Regards,
Hermione Granger
She attached her answer to the owl's leg watching as it flew away.
/*/
With a free day and free access to the libraries at Malfoy Manor, Hermione decided to do something productive with her time. It would be an excellent time to get some research done. She would try to get Carmela to come with her.
Hermione flooed through to Carmela's calling out as she entered the living room. "Carmela. Are you here?"
Sal came out of his old room putting a finger to his lips. "Mama is not feeling well. She hasn't been out of bed yet. This thing with Gas is killing her. Maybe you could talk to her or at least make her get out of bed."
Hermione headed to the kitchen and began to put together a breakfast. When Hermione finished, she brought the meal in to Carmela who thanked her but refused the food. "Thank you Hermione. I really don't feel like eating. Maybe later."
Hermione ignored the words and listened to Carmela's tone and timbre. Carmela had the sound of a depressed person who was desperately trying to hold her emotions in check.
"We're all here for Gas," stated Hermione. "Fausto and Xavier will get the job done. They'll have Gas out of there in no time. On Thursday, Ministry Services will be culling memories from the Lozier's. I believe we will get to the bottom of the Celia thing at that time. This whole elaborate mess had to have been planned in advance. If that is the case, they will all have memories of what went on. Just be strong until then love."
As Hermione had hoped. Carmela started crying hysterically. Hermione went over, sat beside Carmela and hugged her. "You needed a good, strong cry to get it all out. Merlin will see us through."
When Carmela finished crying, she looked over at her friend and smiled. "Know it all."
Hermione grinned as she placed the breakfast in front of Carmela who all but wolfed it down.
"Now," chided Hermione. "Go take a shower and get dressed. I want us to take a little trip to the Malfoy libraries. I want to have all the ammunition I need to end this thing with Emilio once and for all. If Emilio did….do something to me, I want to know how to combat it. Since this blood war appears to be real. The effects must be real as well. I will not sit still and let any Lozier ruin my relationship with Draco."
Carmela was showered and dressed in twenty minutes. When she opened the door and stepped into the hall. Sal had come at a dead run to hug her.
Grinning at her youngest son, Carmela kissed him on the cheek. "I'm fine sweetie. There's no need to worry about me."
/*/
Draco came striding into the living room frowning. "There you are. You had me worried. Until we get past this thing. Please leave me a note if you are going to leave the flat."
Hermione kissed Draco agreeing to leave a note next time. She also explained about the letter from Xavier.
Draco realized he had come into the Maida house and hadn't even greeted Carmela or Sal. He made up for it by kissing Carmela on the cheek and shaking Sal's hand. Then he took Sal by the arm leading him into the kitchen.
Hermione and Carmela looked at each other. They realized the wizards had gone into the kitchen to discuss Gas which Draco felt wasn't a subject fit for delicate ears.
Sal looked furious when he and Draco returned to the living room. It wasn't complicated to figure out he had been told what Celia had accused Gas of doing.
Sal let out a big sigh. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here mum. Gas must be going through hell. He's never had to deal with anything like this before. Not to make a joke out of such a serious situation, but Gas will probably take a five day soak when he gets through with this."
"It's not your fault Sal. None of us saw through this girl. Well none of us except for Hermione. That first night we went out for tea. Hermione tried to warn me about Celia, but I just brushed it off. I wanted my sons to have some fun."
"It's not your fault either," offered Draco. "The entire Lozier family is bad news. Although I must say. Ilaria Lozier has surprised me by coming down on the side of right instead of the side of family. That doesn't happen often."
Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and brought it up to his lips. "I will be grateful to her every day for the rest of my life."
Hermione leaned her head against Draco echoing his sentiment. "As will I."
/*/
They were sitting around discussing Hermione's interview when Fausto called in to check on Sal and Carmela. He let Carmela know that a close eye was being kept on Gas. Their son was holding up well.
Fausto spoke to Sal for a bit then asked Sal to hand the phone back to Carmela.
After she hung up the phone, Carmela was in a much better mood. Sal had become a little despondent. Carmela hugged Sal and rifled his hair. "We'll get through this. Gas will be okay."
To change the subject. Hermione told the men she and Carmela were going back to work in the morning to give Willem some relief. As good as Willem was at his job, they didn't want to leave everything on his shoulders for too long.
"Getting back to business then?" Asked Draco.
Both Hermione and Carmela had nodded in the affirmative.
"If you don't mind love, Carmela and I are going to take a little trip to the Malfoy Libraries. If there is more information available, I think we should have it in our hands before Thursday or Friday. Something we find may be important. We won't be gone long."
"Do you want Sal and I to tag along?" asked Draco. Maybe we can be of some assistance. Perhaps we can help find something that will help end this bloody Lozier/Malfoy blood war and be rid of them for good."
"You and Sal can sort through the documentation already at the flat. Carmela and I will go see if we can find any new material."
Sal wasn't all that enthused, but one stern look from his mother and he had immediately shifted his attitude.
The four flooed through to the flat where Hermione retrieved the documents she had brought through from London. There were quite a few pages to be reviewed so Draco and Sal sat down and went straight to work. Draco reminded the two witches to ask Crissy for anything they needed while at the manor.
Before Hermione left, she stopped at the portrait of Louis Adrian Malfoy to question him on several points, after which she and Carmela had waved goodbye and stepped into the floo.
/*/
Emiliano Lozier was pissed off because his outside contact hadn't been by to see him. He hadn't been able to get feelers out to James Wooley either. With his entire family in Ministry custody, he was at the mercy of those few people who were being paid to help him. Emiliano expected someone to see to his needs at least daily. More if possible. It was almost evening and no one had been there. Emiliano was mentally making a list of those who would feel his wrath when he got out. He didn't have any doubt he would get out. It was just a matter of when. After all, he was Emiliano Lozier. He had helped run Milan for the last twenty five years. Not even the fucking Ministry Services would be able to keep him for long.
Emiliano was still in the middle of his mental rant when he heard the scraping against his cell door which meant someone was there to either leave a message or pick up a message. Emiliano followed the routine. He held the message he wanted sent between two fingers and stuck it through the bars. The message was quickly taken and another put in its place.
Emiliano had laughed. "These bloody Ministry Services shits think they can stop me from doing what I want. Well they can think again. When it all comes down to it. I'm untouchable." Emiliano was still smiling as he opened the message.
/*/
Fausto Maida and Xavier Cross were watching Emiliano Lozier's cell.
Xavier snorted as he watched the officer move away from the cell. "They can't be that bloody stupid to think we don't know he is passing messages out. He is building our case for us. I have a copy of every note he has passed. I intend to present them in court on his trial date. Most of them are garbage asking people to come to his aid, but several have let slip pieces of incriminating evidence. This last note is an eye opener though Fausto. He is now appealing to Emilio's assistant, James Wooley for help. If Mr. Wooley lifts a finger to help Lozier, we'll have him as well."
Fausto had been shaking his head as they watched their officer slink away from Lozier's cell. The officer was a stand up Ministry Services officer who had been tapped at the beginning to be what Emiliano Lozier thought was his bloke on the inside. In effect, there wasn't any bloke on the inside. Ministry Services had set it up so they could get a look at every note Lozier passed out even though they never interfered with the delivery. Ministry Services figured the more rats they caught in their trap the better.
Fausto's mind had wandered to Gas for a second. The Aurors were playing hardball. They wouldn't even discuss the case against his son. The most they would say is that they had Gas dead to rights. They claimed Gas' dick had still been hanging out when they pulled him off the frightened Celia Lozier. Fausto couldn't get his son out of jail, but had made it known to them all. If anything happened to his son, he would bring the full force of Ministry Services down on them. They had laughed to Fausto's face, but were very careful to make sure Gas was treated decently.
Xavier noticed the look on Fausto's face. "Alright there old man?"
Fausto nodded. "I'm as alright as I can be until my son is away from those degenerate Aurors. I think in the entire department there may only be five decent wizards. It is a shame how those in charge have let it run down. It is my fondest hope to one day bring all their careers to a close."
"Now that you're back we just might be able to work that out."
Xavier changed the subject to the upcoming memory reviews on Thursday. "I'm not looking forward to what we might find when we pull memories from the Loziers. Especially the Minister. If even the little I've heard about what happened is true, the memories should be seen by as few people as possible. There's no way I want to subject either Hermione or Draco to that sort of shite. As a matter of fact, I'd like it just fine if we can work it so it's just you and I in the room. If we can't set it up that way, maybe we can arrange for two witches to pull the memories. I'm hoping for the best, but expecting the worst from Lozier.
"I think you're spot on with the idea to have two witches pull the memories. The witch officers can pull, verify and vouch for the memories. If all goes right, no one may ever have to see them."
"We may be way off," suggested Xavier. "Maybe the memories will only show a straightforward case of kidnapping."
Xavier and Fausto looked at each other. "I was there X. Hermione had been attacked. Expect the worst. This is Emilio Lozier we're talking about. There won't be anything straightforward about it."
/*/
Draco and Sal sifted through parchment after parchment before Sal found something interesting. "This might be something. Have a look at this Draco."
Draco scanned the pages. "This may be some of what we need Sal. I need to speak with Louis. I'll be right back. Help yourself to anything you want."
"I'll make sandwiches Draco. It's the best I can do. Mum's the cook in our family."
Draco smiled as he headed for the portrait of Louis Adrian Malfoy.
Louis had his eyes closed pretending sleep. Draco had to call out twice before the smug Malfoy deigned to open his eyes.
"I am resting my eyes," Louis snidely remarked. "What can I do for you Draco?"
"I need to ask you a question or two Louis. I would appreciate straight forward answers. I am holding a parchment taken from Malfoy Manor which states that you as the protagonist in this blood war between the Malfoy's and the Lozier's can finish it. My questions. Why didn't you tell us this and how can this be accomplished?"
Louis looked as puzzled as possible for a portrait. "I have no idea what you are talking about Draco. This curse was cast on the Malfoy's by that loathsome Edmund Lozi. How would I know how to end it? I think you are grasping at straws. Personally, I think you have let the Mud-"
Draco grabbed the portrait from the mantle and threw it across the room where it landed face up by the window.
Louis did not want to be destroyed or relegated back to some dim hole in the wall so he immediately offered his apology. "Draco forgive me. Some things are so ingrained into my psyche I have a hard time managing my mouth. Please sir. Put me back on the mantle. I'll tell you the little I know."
Draco strode over to the portrait to pick it up. Placing it back on the mantle, Draco gave Louis a telling off. "I have had enough of your lip. I want answers, but I will not stand for any more of your snide remarks. Tell me what you know and tell me quickly."
A frightened Louis immediately began divulging what he knew. "In most Old Magic, blood feuds can be ended if both instigators take responsibility for doing the thing which started the feud in the first place. In this case, I was the instigator on the Malfoy side. Edmund was the instigator on the Lozi side. Since Edmund is long dead. It will be up to the current head of the Lozi family to admit Edmund's fault for him."
Draco sat down on the couch with his head in his hands. Fucking Emiliano Lozier was the current head of the Lozier family. There was no way he would help break this curse…unless….unless someone could make it worth his while. Draco wasn't worried about Louis because Louis would toe the line in order to stay plastered against the wall over the fireplace. Lozier Sr. was another matter.
/*/
I have it thought Draco as he jumped up. He stepped through the floo to Malfoy Manor. He was calling out for Hermione as he walked towards the main library. When he didn't get an answer he had shouted louder. "Hermione. Love. Where are you?"
Hermione heard Draco calling and went to the doorway of the small library with Carmela on her heels. "I'm here in the small library Draco. Is everything alright?"
"Yes sweet. Everything is alright. I just needed to see your lovely face."
Both Hermione and Carmela smiled.
Draco greeted the witches and started talking. "I've spoken to Louis. He has given information which I would like to share with my two favorite women."
Hermione and Carmela smiled more broadly. Draco must have good news. They each sat down in a chair to wait for Draco to share what he had found out.
"It seems that this blood feud or blood war can be dissolved if the head of the Lozier family and the Malfoy who caused the problem admits fault. As it stands, Emiliano is head of the Lozier family and Louis has to speak for the Malfoy line. We need Emiliano and Louis to step up to end this thing. We can handle Louis. However, I think we will need to proceed cautiously to get Emiliano to do what is needed."
"We are on the same page." Hermione replied. "Louis informed me of certain things. I have come to the same conclusion. I know about Louis' end. I did not realize we would need the elder Lozier as well. What shall we do?"
"We shall make it so the elder Lozier wants to help us. We'll need to give him something he wants. Let's go back home to discuss this."
Carmela and Hermione gathered up all their parchments so they could floo back home. Hermione was more than excited to be going home with an answer to their problem.
Before they left the manor, Hermione called Crissy to thank her for her help. She also told the elf she would be calling on her for help with things at their house.
Crissy bowed. "I be happy to serve mistress and master."
Draco smiled. "I'm outnumbered and I love it."
/*/
Draco, Hermione and Carmela stepped out of the floo and headed directly for Louis' portrait.
"Wake up Louis," Hermione called out. "We need to talk."
Louis opened one eye and replied. "If this is about Malfoy versus Lozi, I've already told Draco everything I know. I readily admit I was at fault. My witch and my child were wrested from me and my life cut short. I should have stood up to my father and claimed what was mine. However, I didn't. I have brought all this nonsense down upon the heads of my descendants. I am guilty. Will that suffice?"
Both Draco and Hermione started to speak at the same time with Hermione deferring to Draco. "That was fine Louis. We appreciate your mea culpa. However, from what we've discovered. You and Lozier both must admit fault in front of witnesses. I am not one of Emiliano Lozier's favorite wizards. I can only imagine how we will get this done."
"If I can be assured of a proper place in your home, I will be glad to repeat myself whenever you wish," admitted Louis."
Hermione turned to Draco. "Can it be this simple? Can we really be free from all of this by two apologies?"
"I believe we can love, but getting Lozier Sr. to admit fault will be anything other than simple. We may have to give him something to get something. I'm of the mind we run our situation by Fausto and Xavier. Seeing how Ilaria is the least dangerous of the lot. Maybe Ministry Service will be agreeable to offering her release for what we need from Lozier. It's a long shot, but it's all we have."
3/28/13 - R.I.P Richard Griffiths. You made a very despicable Uncle Vernon. You were the uncle Harry Potter fans everywhere loved to hate. Good job. Have a good rest.