Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Not As Simple As It Seems

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 and 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, but Hermione deferred to Draco. "That was fine Louis and 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, so how we'll get this done, I can only imagine."

"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 and asked, "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 in front of 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."

Chapter 23: Dilemmas

Hermione sighed to Draco, "It's my best guess we should keep reviewing the information we obtained from the libraries. We wouldn't want to get Emiliano and Louis face to portrait only to find out there is some spell or charm which must be performed in addition to the apologies. Carmela and I will see to it."

Hermione was convinced it couldn't be that simple. Edmund Lozi had been too angry and too set on getting back at the Malfoys to leave it at something as simple as an apology. Hermione sniffed to Carmela. "We probably also have to give the blood of our firstborn or something along those lines."

Carmela smiled forlornly at her friend. "With all that has happened Hermione. You never know. I agree with you. We need to push on."

/*/

Gas was not in the best of spirits, but he was holding on. He wasn't allowed visitors except for his father. Even then, it was more like the Aurors giving Fausto five minutes to ensure his son was okay. In addition, the filthy Aurors were giving him a hard time, but Gas would not give in to them. In the back of his mind, Gas felt he deserved this for shagging his brother's witch. He couldn't believe he had let himself get into this predicament. He was adamant. If Celia Lozier thought she was the only one who could plot, she had another think coming.

Being in Auror custody had given him plenty of time to think….and plot. Somehow, someway he was going to retaliate against Celia Lozier. He didn't want to drag anyone else into his scheme, but Gas knew he'd need help. His thoughts had ranged from Sal to Draco all the way to Willem. Gas knew Willem would support him without hesitation.

As his thoughts turned to Willem, Gas became a little depressed. Because along with others, he had let Willem down as well. Willem had been there with him every step of the way treating him like a son. Now here he sat while Willem was probably working himself to the bone. If given the chance, Gas would bend over backwards to make it up to him. He wondered if Hermione and Draco would even allow him to come back to DLM. They were business people. It was their job to see to DLM. They really didn't need an arsehole such as himself in their employ. It was possible he wouldn't have a chance to make it up to Willem because he might not have a job after this was all over.

/*/

During his visit to London, Sal had met a witch who caught his interest. He had moved a little too fast and had to backtrack with her. When he had returned to London almost as soon as his feet touched Italian soil, Lila hadn't been that chuffed. She didn't like surprises which interfered with her work. She and Sal had sorted it out, but she was adamant they plan their visits. He couldn't just pop up whenever he liked. After being thoroughly chastised, Sal had grabbed the first portkey home to Milan.

Sal was actually glad his trip had turned out as it had because he was back home to support his parents when they needed him.

Sal, Blaise and Theo had become mates. Sal liked hanging out with them. The floo was a lot faster than hiring a portkey. Sal had asked for and received permission from Hermione and Draco to use their floo in future to get back and forth between Milan and London.

Even as Sal sat going through the papers. His head was spinning. He still couldn't make heads or tails of this whole thing. It seemed as though Celia had started a landslide which just kept falling. There was a knot buried in his stomach when he thought all of this was probably his fault. Had he not dated Celia, she couldn't have gotten her claws into Gas, Kim would still be with Gas, Hermione would not have gotten hurt and life would probably be much the same as it had always been. Sal had an idea swirling around in his head. He thought it would work if he could get Kim to help him.

/*/

Mid afternoon on Tuesday found James Wooley conducting business as usual even though most of the Ministry was buzzing about the arrest of the entire Lozier family. A few employees had stopped by the office either to find out what was going on or to gloat. James only knew what was contained in the many rumors going round. Had he known anything more. He wouldn't have repeated it.

James thought back to how happy the Minister had been as he left the building. He had thought at the time the Minister didn't smile that broadly except if it pertained to Hermione Granger. James felt badly he had been right. He really liked Hermione. According to rumors, the bleeding Minister had somehow spirited Hermione away and… James didn't want to put in words what he thought the Minister might have done to her.

A memo arrived by private owl which hadn't surprised James. It was an everyday occurrence for the Minister to receive private owls from well connected wizards looking for one favor or another. What had surprised him was the message didn't have a return address or any other form of identification.

James sat down as he opened the envelope, but had jumped right back up. Somehow Emiliano Lozier had gotten a message out to him. Not just any message, but a message requesting his help. It wasn't down in black and white, but reading between the lines James realized the Minister's father wanted him to start putting money in places where it would do the most good. He reread the message to insure he hadn't mistaken the purpose. There wasn't any mistaking the intent. James was supposed to withdraw a large amount of money from Emilio's personal account. Once the money was in his hands, James was to send Emiliano a note which read, For Whom The Bell Tolls. At that time, Emiliano would send two names. It would be up to James to divide the money between the accounts. The message didn't state either where the money was going or whom the money would help, but James felt pretty sure the only one who would benefit would be the elder Lozier. What a piece of shite.

James flopped back down in his chair putting his face in his hands. If he did this, he would be putting himself in the middle of an ongoing Ministry Services investigation. If he didn't do it, he would be kissing his career goodbye. One thing was as bad as the other. If he put the wrong toe out of line, he could find himself behind bars where there would be no one to come to his rescue.

/*/

Fausto had been at Ministry Services for over twelve straight hours and had come home to see his family and get a bit of rest, but the house was empty. He knew Carmela and Hermione had taken the day off work, so they were probably at Hermione's. Fausto heaved himself off the couch, threw in a bit of powder and stepped into the floo. When he walked into the living room. The first person he saw was Sal.

Fausto smiled at his son who had jumped up to clap him on the back. Fausto didn't waste any time in grabbing the sandwich off his son's plate.

Sal smiled at his dad. "I made that sandwich dad. It may not be up to snuff."

Fausto had grinned and kept chewing.

Fausto and Sal were sitting there talking when Hermione, Draco and Carmela came through from Malfoy Manor. Carmela rushed over to hug her husband leaving Hermione and Draco to greet him warmly.

Fausto had a bit of information to share with his family. He told them Gas would be going to court on Monday. Evidently the Aurors felt they had all the evidence they needed.

Carmela lifted her hand to her mouth and gasped. Fausto patted her hand telling her not to worry because the Monday trial put Gas in a good position to be exonerated. No one. Not even the Loziers themselves know we will be culling memories this Thursday. Xavier and I feel as though Celia's memories, Lozier Jr's and perhaps Mrs. Lozier's memories will clear Gas straightaway. There had been some kind of conspiracy. Their memories would lay the whole story out for everyone to see.

Draco noticed that Hermione had become uncomfortable. He figured she was thinking of the embarrassment which would go along with people viewing the things Lozier had done

to her. Carmela noticed as well and had asked Hermione to come help her in the kitchen.

Hermione didn't want to cry in front of the wizards, but she broke down in front of Carmela. Sobbing, she voiced her concerns about strangers viewing the nasty things that might have happened to her.

Carmela pulled Hermione into a hug telling her that Fausto would never let that happen. He would find a way to do his job without embarrassing her.

Hermione wiped her eyes answering that she was being silly. Whatever had to be done. Would be done.

With that settled. They got their wizards some supper.

/*/

In the living room, Draco asked Fausto basically the same thing. Draco wanted to know if there was any way Hermione could be kept out of Gas' trial. Draco said he realized there wouldn't be any way to keep Lozier's memories out of his own trial, but hoped they could keep the memories out of Gas' trial.

Fausto asked Sal to excuse himself for a few minutes so he could talk to Draco. Sal got up without a word and headed for the bathroom.

Fausto moved to the chair next to Draco. In a lowly voice he explained. "We will protect Hermione's privacy as best we can in both Gas' trial as well as the Lozier trials. Some things may come out, but they won't come out to the public at large. We will only use what is necessary to exonerate Gas and put the culprits away for a very long time. I want you to assure Hermione we are looking out for her best interests. She is like a daughter to me after all."

Draco thanked Fausto. He got up to go to the kitchen knowing Hermione was upset. He wanted to calm her down. Draco had been surprised when he walked into the kitchen to find Hermione and Carmela setting out the dinner. Walking over to Hermione, he had hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. And as much as Hermione had promised herself she wouldn't cry. She started to sob into Draco's shoulder.

Carmela left the kitchen to give them some privacy, but almost as soon as Hermione had started sobbing she had stopped. Draco stood there holding her for a several minutes before she composed herself telling him to get everyone so they could eat. Draco kissed her on the nose before he went to call everyone.

Hermione slipped out of the kitchen to go wash her face while Draco went to get the others. She was ashamed of having broken down in front of Carmela, but she hadn't been able to help herself. She knew the next several weeks would be hard ones not only for Gas, but for her as well. All the personal, ugly things that had transpired would be held out for everyone to see.

Hermione had a very sobering thought. Emilio's solicitor could possibly make the argument she had willingly gone on an assignation with Emilio as she had at one time been his witch. Tears sprung to her eyes, but she refused to give in to them again. Hermione washed her face, ran a comb through her hair and went back through to the kitchen.

Four sets of eyes were trained on Hermione as she came through the kitchen door. She gave a wan smile and sat in one of the remaining empty chairs.

Draco reached over and pushed the stray hairs out of Hermione's face. "You cooked. Now why don't you try to eat a bit. You'll feel better."

Hermione looked around the table smiling at Fausto, Carmela and Sal in turn. Nodding her head up and down Hermione replied. "I guess a bit of food won't hurt. Serve me up then."

Carmela put a plate of food in front of Hermione and they all had begun to eat. The conversation was desultory at best, but it was better than complete silence.

Before the end of the meal, Fausto looked at Hermione. Nodding his head in Draco's direction he remarked. "I have spoken to Draco. He will explain everything. Please don't worry. You must know we are watching out for you. You and Gas are not alone."

"I know we're not alone Fausto," said Hermione. "I just never thought it would come to this. Gas and I will just have to stop being so brilliant and charming. Maybe we won't attract so much unwanted attention."

The conversation had picked up a little after Hermione's attempt at a joke.

/*/

After the meal, Draco and Fausto told the witches to go through to the living room to relax while they cleaned the kitchen. As soon as the two witches left the kitchen, Fausto turned to Sal ordering him to clean the kitchen.

Draco laughed and clapped Sal on the back. "Sorry old man. Somebody has to do it."

Fausto and Draco were grinning when they entered the living room, but it hadn't taken a grumbling Sal long to finish up the kitchen.

When he came back through to the living room he glanced at his mum and dad informing them he was going back to the house.

Carmela and Fausto got up. "We're going as well," said Carmela. "I'll see you both at work tomorrow."

/*/

Alone in their living room, Hermione had turned to Draco asking him to explain what Fausto meant.

Draco divulged exactly what Fausto had told him ending his explanation by repeating Fausto's words. "Neither you or Gas should feel as though you're alone. We are all behind you."

Leaning her cheek against Draco's shoulder, Hermione kissed her wizard grabbing him about the waist.

They sat there quietly for several minutes before Draco inquired if Hermione was up for a bit of research. "Like you. I want to be prepared if we can pull off this meeting between Louis and Emiliano Lozier. We will leave no stone unturned."

Before standing up, Hermione asked in a very low voice. "If you begin to feel differently about me or stop wanting to be with me. You will tell me, won't you? I don't want you to stay with me if that's not where you want to be."

Draco was taken aback. "Where is this coming from? Is this part of what has you so upset? You expect me to walk away from you? How can you even think such a thing Hermione? I love you. We will be together until we take our last breaths."

"I know you love me Draco," Hermione replied. "But this is Old Magic. Old, powerful magic. Anything can happen. All I ask is that you tell me if you begin to feel differently about me or our relationship."

"That will never happen so put it out of your mind." Draco emphatically replied.

Hermione stood, grabbed Draco by the hand and pulled him up. "Let's get to work then. We have to end this."

They hadn't even begun to sort through the parchments and documents when Hermione's mobile rang. Hermione looked at the caller ID and had been surprised to see Italian Ministry on her mobile.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at Draco as she said hello and heard the voice of James Wooley. "Hello Hermione. I apologize for contacting you on something other than a business matter. I have a sensitive issue and I need your advice. May we meet?"

/*/

James Wooley couldn't pull himself out of his nervous state. It was as though his mind had stopped working. He had done certain things for the Minister of which he wasn't proud, but he hadn't ever been called upon to do something outright illegal. Brilliant though he thought himself. He couldn't figure out what to do next. James looked around and realized it was now late in the day. He was a professional so he hadn't completely panicked, but he was close. What should he do about Emiliano Lozier's request?

Then just as though the thought had been in the back of his head all this time. James knew what he should do. It might be a little forward and cause a bit of embarrassment as well. But he was going to call Hermione Granger. She was a brilliant witch who James might not be able to call a friend, but whom he considered a firm acquaintance who had insight about the Lozier family.

James called Hermione from his Ministry mobile to ask if they could meet to discuss a sensitive matter. He had caught Hermione unaware because it had taken her several seconds to reply.

"Can you give me some idea what this is about James. If it is about Emilio, I'm quite sure you know how I feel about that matter."

James had been quick to reply. "It doesn't have anything to do with the Minister. I have been put in a tight spot and need advice."

Hermione turned to Draco as she gave James their floo address.

"I'll be there shortly. Thank you Hermione."

Draco asked if there was a problem. Hermione had shrugged. "It would seem so. Thankfully. It doesn't involve Emilio."

"James seems a decent sort. He wouldn't be that much of an imbecile to bring you a problem about Lozier." Huffed Draco.

Regardless of the subject. A stranger was about to enter their home. Draco wanted to be prepared. He drew his wand and held it at his side.

/*/

Placing the message he had received from Emiliano in an inside pocket, James grabbed his outer robes, checked his wand pocket to ensure he had his wand then headed for the main floo of the Ministry. Throwing in a bit of floo powder James had called out the address Hermione had given him.

James had stepped out of the floo to be met by Draco Malfoy's wand point. For a short second James thought he was under attack and had taken several steps back. He had been relieved when Draco lowered his wand and invited him to have a seat.

James looked around and complimented Hermione on her home. Hermione asked if he'd like a refreshment.

James declined the refreshment and pulled the message out of his pocket. Handing it to Hermione, James stated he was in a bit of bind.

After reading the message twice, Hermione handed it to Draco. Draco was on his feet as soon as finished reading the message. The first thing that had come to his mind was we've got him. We've got the blighter. If he doesn't want to go to prison for twenty years, he'll help us break the blood curse.

Out loud Draco told James. "James, I'm going to show this to a mate who works for Ministry Services. He needs to know what's going on."

James questioned if he would be in any trouble. Draco said he didn't think so, but James could speak directly to Fausto Maida about it.

Striding to the fireplace Draco had thrown in a bit of floo powder and called out to Fausto. Sal answered, so Draco asked him to send Fausto over as quickly as he could. Sal asked if everything was okay to which Draco nodded repeating his request to see Fausto.

Fausto had come through ten minutes later. "What has happened? Is everything alright?"

Both Hermione and Draco assured him everything was fine. Draco introduced Fausto to James and handed Fausto the message.

Fausto nodded at James. Even though they had not previously conversed, Fausto remembered James from the Dorchester Hotel. He knew exactly who James was.

/*/

When Fausto finished reading the message he had turned to James. "Well done sir. Very well done. Bringing this to the attention of Ministry Services will keep you out of the spot you would have found yourself had you done what was asked. Ministry Services will help you take care of this and protect you from prosecution as well. May I take this letter? Either myself or my partner will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for being a stand up Italian citizen. There's not all that many left."

Fausto asked to have a private word with Draco. The two wizards went through to the kitchen while Hermione joked to James. "I guess it wasn't me you needed after all."

James smiled as he stood to leave. "My apologies again Hermione. I was certain you would be the person to help me. There isn't anyone in the Ministry I would dare have approached as it is quite anti-Lozier at the moment. If the Minister is convicted, or when the Minister is convicted. I expect my position will disappear."

Hermione offered her support. "Well. You can be sure Draco, myself and Ministry Services will put in a good word where needed, if needed."

"Thank you Hermione." Before stepping into the floo, James made a sort of apology. "I'm sorry for all the rubbish you have had to go through. You didn't deserve it."

"Hopefully James. All this will be coming to an end very soon. Thank you for your concern. Have a good evening."

Draco and Fausto came back through with broad smiles on both their faces. Fausto shook hands with Draco, wished Hermione a good night and kept going straight to the floo. "I have to owl Xavier then get to Ministry Services. With this bit of leverage, we all may get what we want."

"We can only hope," said Hermione. "Let's see if we can still get a bit of research done before bed."

Nibbling Hermione's neck, Draco had other ideas. "I'd like some bed first then we can research."

Hermione giggled. "Behave yourself. Maybe bed will come sooner than you think."

That really wasn't what Draco wanted to hear, but he sat down to search through the documents.

/*/

On his way to Ministry Services, Fausto stopped in to see Gas to deliver a dessert from Carmela. The Aurors didn't bother to give Fausto a hard time. They simply let him in to see his son without comment. It seemed to have been spread around that Fausto was not a wizard to be toyed with. Whatever the reason, Fausto was pleased to be able to get close to Gas for more than a couple of minutes.

Gas was overjoyed to see his father and get dessert as well. He told Fausto the Aurors had stopped being arses and were actually treating him a bit better.

Gas did disclose he was worried about the coming Monday, because the Loziers obviously had it in for him. He wasn't looking forward to going to prison.

Fausto waved him off. "The Auror Department might be playing hardball now, but on Monday the tables will have turned. I can't say more at the moment. Keep your spirits up. Xavier and I have things just about worked out."

Gas cautiously asked if Hermione or Draco had made any mention of him coming back to DLM. Fausto told his son that they hadn't.

"How stupid am I? Not only have I lost my perfect job. I've let everyone down as well. Is Sal alright? Is mum alright? I miss them."

Fausto assured Gas that everyone was on pins and needles, but otherwise alright. After a bit more chat, Fausto was surprised to find he had been with Gas for over an hour. When Fausto stood to leave, Gas stood as well so he could hug his dad.

"I'll try to get by to see you tomorrow Gaspare, but things are heating up. I may not have the time. Keep your head up."

After his dad left, Gas sighed. "What a fucking mess I've gotten myself into."

/*/

While Gas and Fausto were having their father son chat, Emilio Lozier was in his cell fit to be tied. He still hadn't settled to the fact they had dared arrest a sitting Minister and blustered that heads would roll when he got out of custody. One of his first steps would be to have Ministry Services shut down. They were too full of themselves for his liking.

Emilio admitted he may have gone a little too far with Hermione, but he didn't think it warranted arrest. He had just been trying to take what was his.

Emilio admitted he had messed up in London. He had been so worried about Hermione leaving him for Draco Malfoy he hadn't given Ginny Weasley's actions a second thought. She had taken advantage. Now he was in Milan chasing the witch he would surely still have if he had been paying attention. He knew it was his fault he had lost his witch. No matter what he told others.

Be that as it may. He had advised his solicitor to get him to court as quickly as possible. It would surely be easy to prove that as long as Hermione was away from the influence of Malfoy. She wanted to be with him. There were many witches who would be glad to testify he didn't need to force a witch to do anything. After exhausting his self serving thoughts, Emilio sat down in a chair willing his day in court to arrive.

Emilio also hoped his mother was faring well. She had just been caught up in it. She really had nothing to do with all this. When he got out, even before he dealt with Ministry Services, he would see to his mother. Fuck his great git of a father. He had started this entire bucket of rubbish.

Hermione crossed his mind to the extent he had become aroused. Emilio cursed the fact he didn't even have the privacy needed to relieve the erection which had formed. With another heavy sigh he stretched out on his bed, closed his eyes doing his best to ignore the rigid pole which had formed between his legs.