Rated M for language and situations
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Dilemmas
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 when 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.
Chapter 24: One Step Forward Two Steps Back
Xavier was already at headquarters ready to get down to business when Fausto arrived. Fausto laid out the letter on a table. They had both seen the letter before as there was a copy in the files. They just hadn't known what the outcome would be. Now they knew. James Wooley wasn't having any of it and seemed quite agreeable to working with them.
Xavier already had a plan. He thought they should allow Wooley to withdraw the money and let Emiliano know his scheme was ready to move forward.
Before Xavier could reveal any more of his plan, Fausto began to speak. "There's another aspect of this X. We need something from Emiliano Lozier which I'm hoping we can work into your plan.
Xavier gazed at his partner expectantly waiting to hear what Fausto had to say.
"It involves Hermione Granger. It seems that because the younger Lozier has fallen in love with her. She has become embroiled in the middle of an old blood curse. It has been uncovered that the only way to end this is to have Emiliano make amends. I am asking that we use whatever we have at our disposal to make Emiliano Lozier amenable to helping us end this."
"What will this entail Fausto? I hope it entails me smacking the blighter around a bit."
Fausto grinned. "I'm sure you would like that X, but I need the git standing. All he will have to do is apologize for the curse his ancestor cast on the Malfoys. I know it sounds simple, but it is mandatory as head of the family, Lozier stand up and stand in. I am not adverse to giving him a bit of leeway if he will consent to do this. However, I am also of the mind we should have other things to keep Emiliano under control before we even explore his participation in anything."
"Understood," replied Xavier. "Let's see what we can figure out? I say the first thing we do is get Wooley going. He needs to withdraw the money and get word to Lozier. I'm chuffed to see the names of the blokes who are down to help him."
Fausto nodded even as he thought about the crap that was about to come.
/*/
On Wednesday, Sal could hardly perform his duties at work. His mind was on all the shite swirling around his brother and Hermione. He was wracking his brain to figure out how to help out. He had sent an owl to Kim, but hadn't heard back yet. Sal couldn't figure out what he and Kim could do, but he was sure they could do something. Kim was a very smart witch. No matter what had gone on she might still be willing to help Gas. He was going to seek her out if she hadn't answered him by the next day.
Sal forgot all his worries when he received an owl back from Kim around midday. She was still a little bit miffed over things, but agreed to meet him at his flat after she got off work. Sal immediately sent off an owl thanking her telling her he would see her at 6:00.
Even though it had been settled that Kim was stopping by. What would he tell her? Sal was not sure Gas would want her to know all the details of his situation. Sal had to bring himself up short because he was over thinking the thing. He had to figure out how to get Kim to help him without telling her the whole story. One thing he knew for certain. It was going to be embarrassing for the both of them.
Sal didn't waste any time in getting home after work. He wanted to at least have some sandwiches made to offer Kim.
At 6:00 sharp Kim stepped out of the floo apologizing for taking the liberty of stepping through without letting him know in advance.
Sal assured her it wasn't a problem.
"I chanced using the floo not knowing if I still had the authorization to come through."
Sal smiled as he gave her a one armed hug. "You'll always be welcome here Kim. This is just a bump in the road. I expect to see you every day after all this is cleared up."
Kim walked over to the window and gazed out at the darkening sky before replying. "I don't know about that Sal, but thank you for the welcome. Now that I'm here. What would you like to talk about?"
"I'd like to talk about Gas," answered Sal. "He needs our support. Let me preface that by saying I know things got a bit sticky, but I think you gave up too soon. Gas cared about you and still does."
Kim remained composed although the scowl on her face spoke volumes. "I'm no longer interested in what Gas cares about. He made some very shoddy moves that I won't soon forget. I was hurt. When I dwell on it for too long. I realize I'm still hurt. However, I will listen to what you have to say."
Sal thought maybe he had gotten it all wrong. Maybe asking Kim for help wasn't such a smart idea. She had come so he might as well explain it all to see what advice she could offer. In for a penny. In for a pound he thought.
The sandwiches as well as a nice bottle of white wine were laid out on the living room table. Sal invited Kim to have some of either or both. Kim poured herself a glass of wine then sat back to hear what Sal had to say.
Taking a deep breath, Sal started off by telling Kim that Gas was being detained by Aurors and was set to go to trial on Monday.
The wine spilled over as Kim placed her glass down on the table too forcefully.
Sal accio'd a cloth from the kitchen to mop up the spill while Kim sat with her mouth hanging open.
Kim apologized for spilling the wine before inquiring about Gas. "What the bloody hell is going on Sal?"
Sal sent the cloth flying back to the kitchen before he spoke. "I'll start at the beginning so you can get the gist of the thing. We believe that Celia Lozier and her brother entered into a plot to bring harm to Hermione Granger. In order for the plot to work they needed to involve Gas because he is great friends with Hermione. Initially, Celia and her brother thought they could turn the plot using me. However, I was not as close with Hermione so Celia turned to Gas. I'm not trying to make excuses for him, but he was taken completely by surprise. Gas and I have talked about this. He is ashamed of what happened. He wants to make it up to you. That's something he can discuss with you himself."
Kim moved uncomfortably in her seat. Gas had tried to apologize, but she had turned him away. She turned back to Sal who was still speaking.
"The long and short of it is after she used Gas for her own purpose. She had to get him out of the way so he could not warn Hermione. She and her brother set up a scenario where Gas would be caught by Aurors in the act of what appeared to be a sexual attack on Celia. When it was really all a put up job. Gas isn't totally innocent in all this. I know that. I'm sure of one thing. He isn't guilty of attacking Celia. Will you please stand with us when he goes to trial? No one knows what solicitors will say or what the outcome will be. If you are there, it will prove Gas didn't need to attack anyone because he had a beautiful witch of his own. Your presence at court will show you still support and believe in him. If asked, you could reveal that Celia hounded Gas to be with her. Will you think about it?"
Kim moved to where she could take hold of Sal's hands. "I'm glad you confided in me Sal. Gaspare isn't the only person who was surprised. I saw it happening and couldn't do anything about it because Gas was in denial. I turned a blind eye because I believed in Gas. Then came the day when I knew it was over between us. I want to think we broke up before she dragged him into her bed. But I don't know. Whether it was a scheme or not. I'm angry he wasn't man enough to push Celia away or at least tell me he wanted to see another witch. I'm sorry for his troubles. I will have to think about whether I want to show my support by attending the court proceedings. Thank you again for taking me into your confidence. It does make me feel a bit better to know he… he didn't seek her out."
Sal offered a wistful smile. "I have forgiven my brother. I hope you will be able to do the same. You two make a lovely couple. I hope you will stand with us. I don't want to see Gas go to prison."
"I should be getting home."
Sal kissed Kim on the cheek thanking her for seeing him.
Sal felt as though he had failed. He had done his best, but Kim didn't seem predisposed to help out. Gas' solicitor was set to argue Gas had been set up. With Kim there, his argument would have been that much more compelling.
/**/
Even though there was still so much up in the air. Carmela and Hermione were glad to get back to DLM on Wednesday morning.
Even though he had outside business. Draco was glad as well.
One of the first things Hermione had done was to call to thank Willem for handling the business while she and Draco were gone. Willem told her it had been his pleasure. He went through everything with Hermione just to be sure nothing had been overlooked.
Willem asked after Gas inquiring if there was anything he could do.
Hermione told him Gas was holding it together and would be going to trial on Monday. Willem asked if he could attend the trial to support Gas.
Hermione checked with Carmela who thought it was a wonderful idea for Willem to come to court in support of Gas.
Hermione passed the message on telling Willem he could meet them in front of the Ministry on Monday.
Before they hung up, Willem asked if Gas would be coming back to DLM.
Hermione hadn't even hesitated. "Of course he's coming back. What would we do without him?" She and Willem finished their conversation on a chuckle.
/*/
As the morning wore on, Hermione's nerves settled. She had been a tad bit nervous about rumors, but she hadn't heard a whisper. Several Travelers had stopped by to welcome her back, but asked nothing else. Draco and Fausto had assured her that outside of Ministry personnel not many other witches or wizards knew what had transpired between her and Emilio. They knew he was being detained. They just didn't know why. Another possible reason for the lack of rumors might be Willem. Hermione knew he wouldn't tolerate any nonsense about the Head of DLM. For that she was glad.
/*/
Carmela was busy from the time she sat down that morning, but after everything settled she began to review the pages of Malfoy parchments she had brought to work with her. She and Hermione had discussed the apology theory until there was nothing left to say. Neither witch was convinced an apology would change anything, but they pushed on trying to figure it out.
Carmela had gone down to the floo to meet one of their local suppliers. No sooner had she come back to her desk and turned a page when she shouted. "Hermione. Look at this."
Hermione hurried to Carmela's office to see what had gotten her so excited. Carmela was waving a yellowed page around so enthusiastically Hermione had to tell her to calm down. When Carmela caught her breath she revealed the reason for her excitement. "Sweet Circe. I think we've found it. Read it. Then call Draco."
Hermione took the page back to her desk and had slowly read it over. She had to reread it because she didn't see what Carmela had seen. After reading it for a third time, Hermione called out. "What is it I'm supposed to see?"
Carmela came into the office. She gently took the page out of Hermione's hand pointing to some words. It will be accepted by all concerned parties.
"I don't want to seem dense Carmela. But don't we already know this?"
Carmela smiled. "The key word here is all. Earlier on we read that the apology must be between the Lozis and the Malfoys. If we think about it, haven't we left out one party?"
Hermione laughed as she realized what Carmela was trying to say. "Finally. It took me long enough. A descendant of Louis' son Caleb must be included in the apology."
Carmela smiled. "Helena on a Horse. She's got it."
Hermione's excitement began to show. "Caleb's descendant is probably the most important person. He or she is the person who suffered the most through the actions of others and would therefore have to accept the apology as well. So it's back to research. We'll have to find the current head of Caleb Lozi's family. If there is one. That will be a task especially if the name is no longer Lozi. If Caleb had girls, their surname would have changed once they married. If Caleb's line died out, we will have to search for any existing portrait of Caleb hoping it will talk to us. I see in our futures more exploring of the dark recesses of Malfoy Manor. One good thing Carmela. We know some long dead Malfoy kept secret documentation about Caleb. If the ancestors kept secret information, they may have spirited away a portrait of him as well. Our first task will be to search for Caleb's descendants."
"I agree," said Carmela as she went back to her office.
Hermione muttered loudly. "Oh the joy of holding a conversation with Louis Malfoy once again.
When Velia stopped by her office to drop off paperwork. Hermione thanked her for taking over the office on Tuesday.
Velia grinned as she told Hermione. "I was glad to do it Hermione. Before yesterday, I hadn't ever been in charge of anything except my Travels. Thank you for trusting me. I'll speak with you later. I have to check what orders are going where. I feel like a trip to the exotic East. Before I forget. Would you check with Draco about the satellite offices. We're wondering if he's made any decisions yet."
"I will check with him and have him get back to you. Thanks for following up."
"No problem Hermione. Ciao."
/*/
The Travelers came and went. As luck would have it, Ettore had a Travel scheduled for Belgium. On the spur of the moment Hermione decided to take the Travel with him. She had an idea. She figured she could assist Ettore and check on a few things at the same time.
Hermione explained to Carmela she had a hunch. She would be taking the Travel with Ettore, but would only do a Turn Around which meant she would be back in Milan the same day.
Carmela volunteered to speak to Louis' portrait to try and glean additional information. As an afterthought, Carmela told Hermione. "If Louis acts his usual snide self, I'll get Draco involved."
Hermione gasped. She had almost left without leaving Draco a note. Ettore was ready to leave so Hermione hurriedly left a note explaining where she was going and what she was doing. She also wrote he shouldn't worry because she would be careful.
Hermione waved to Carmela on the way out.
/*/
Ettore was going to Belgium to find a certain type of seed which had been requested by a Herbologist in America. They went to three different locations finding product in two before Hermione left Ettore to go check on some facts. Ettore told her to be careful. He would see her back in Milan in a few days.
Hermione didn't have any idea were to start so she did what she knew best. She found the Central Library. The Head Librarian Witch spoke perfect English.
Hermione was soon poring over genealogical documents relating to The Lozi family. It was quite easy to find records for Edmund Lozi and his family. There was even a listing for Edmund's daughter Ida. To Hermione's surprise, there was a line leading from Ida to Caleb Lozi. However the name of Caleb's father wasn't listed.
There had only been that one mention of Caleb…..until Hermione began to search regional records for the Walloon region. She found a very old listing for a Caleb Lozio. Caleb had married a witch called Mary Grant with whom he had three children. Matthias, Aya and Alice. With Matthias being the eldest, Hermione decided to follow his line. Two books later she found listings for Aya and Alice, but nothing for Matthias, Caleb or Mary. Even with continued effort. Hermione found nothing else pertaining to Matthias.
She had to settle for tracing the Aya (Janssen) and Alice (Simon) lines. Hermione had furtively copied what she needed by magic slipping the information into her purse when she was done.
Hermione thanked the Head Librarian Witch for her assistance as she prepared to leave the library. As she was heading towards the door, Hermione had a thought. Going back to the librarian, Hermione explained she was looking for specific entries but had been only able to follow the line out so far where they disappeared. Hermione asked if the librarian had any ideas.
The librarian did have a suggestion. "If the person wasn't marked deceased, he or she probably moved to another region. The information would be located in those records."
Hermione realized it would be a massive and possibly fruitless undertaking trying to locate information relative to Caleb Lozio in many different regions. Especially if she wasn't even sure she had the correct wizard. The information she had collected would have to suffice.
Hermione thanked the librarian again, wished her a good afternoon and Apparated to the nearest Portkey Office to engage her Travelkey back to Milan.
/*/
By the time Hermione landed back at DLM, Willem had gone for the evening. The evening supervisor mentioned that Draco was looking for her.
Hermione hurried to the lift. When she reached the office floor, she found Draco sitting in her office with a grim look on his face. Hermione recognized the look. They were about to have either a reasonable conversation or a shout down.
She walked over to hug and kiss Draco.
Draco kissed her back without enthusiasm.
Hermione pulled back to look at Draco thinking, shout down.
Draco had surprised her. In a reasonably calm voice he sniped. "You left here with Ettore. Lost him somewhere along the line have you?"
Hermione cut across Draco before he could work himself up. "I purposely accompanied Ettore to Belgium because I wanted to do a quick bit of research. I visited three stops with him then went to The Central Library. I left this information in my note. Why are you upset?"
"I am not upset. I was concerned. There's a difference you know. You went off to Belgium with some single wizard who is a known womanizer. I didn't like it. He could have gotten the wrong idea. Especially since he has previously tried to chat you up. Had he not? I was concerned for your safety. In future, if you want to take a Travel, let me know. We will go together. Otherwise, I'd rather you didn't Travel. Traveling is a job assigned to others."
Once Draco finished what he had to say. He put his arms around Hermione and kissed her forehead.
Hermione remained silent. Draco knew she was a capable witch. He was just showing a bit of the same jealousy she would have shown if he had suddenly Traveled out with Maria.
Lifting her mouth to Draco's, she gave him a searing kiss. Then she had led him to the floo so they could go home.
/*/
Draco hadn't let Hermione get both feet into the house before he grabbed her. "You kiss me in that manner and expect me to do nothing about it? Come a bit closer. Let me show you what I mean."
Louis Malfoy cleared his portrait throat to remark. "Show a little decorum. I do have eyes which give me the ability to see. Why not take that to your bedchamber?"
Draco drawled back at Louis. "Careful Louis or have you forgotten in whose home you hang?"
Louis snorted as he closed his eyes. " I also have the ability to hear. But what's a wizard to do?"
Hermione and Draco laughed as they walked hand in hand to the bedroom for a little early evening lack of decorum.
/*/
An hour later both Draco and Hermione were totally satisfied, freshly showered and desperately hungry. They decided to prepare dinner together.
Sitting together eating and stealing kisses from each other they began to discuss the information Carmela had discovered as well as Hermione's information gathering session in Belgium. They both agreed that just an apology had been way too simple.
"Now we have to find some bloke who may or may not exist. If he exists, he may or may not want to accept an apology for the state his life and the lives of his family had been left in. Truthfully. There isn't any apology I would accept. The Lozier's and the Malfoy's owe Caleb's descendants much more than an apology."
Hermione magically cleaned up, kissed Draco then had gone to look through yet more documentation. As an afterthought she asked. "Do you know if Carmela had a chance to speak to the portrait?"
Before Draco could answer, Louis huffed. "I have a name Hermione."
Draco and Hermione looked at each other. Louis had addressed Hermione by her given name.
Hermione quickly apologized. "You are quite right Louis. My apologies. Has Carmela been in to speak with you this evening?"
"She has, but I was a bit tired so we didn't get far. Is there some way I can help you?"
Hermione and Draco again glanced at each other as Hermione asked Louis a question. "Has anyone ever let slip any information about Caleb and his family in your presence? We seem to be going round and round trying to break this curse. Now it seems we need information about your son and his descendants. We would like to get to the end of it. If you have information, we would like for you to share it."
"The only bit of information mentioned in my presence was done so in the seclusion of my secret, little prison by one of the Malfoy wives. She had ordered a house elf to find all she could about the missing Caleb Lozi Malfoy. In the course of the elf reporting back to the Malfoy wife, I overheard the information. It seems Caleb lived a hardscrabble life. He and his wife had three children. They lived in the Walloon region of Belgium for a period of time, but moved house to East Flanders where he remained until his death. I might be mistaken, although I don't think I am, when I say his son is purported to be the only one of Caleb's children who moved to East Flanders with his father. I would imagine the daughters who were married by this time chose to remain in the Walloon region. That's truly all I know on the subject of my son Caleb Lozi Malfoy."
"You called Caleb a Lozi-Malfoy twice. Have you come to the conclusion he should be a part of the Malfoy bloodline?"
Louis closed his eyes and answered. "I did. I have. He is."
"According to our research and Louis' information. Caleb Lozi was a Malfoy which means his descendants are therefore Malfoys as well. However, it is not up to you Louis to make declarations as to who is part of the Malfoy bloodline. As the last living male Malfoy. That is up to me."
Louis opened his eyes to stare in Draco's direction. "I am only stating a fact. Caleb was my son. As I am a Malfoy. He is a Malfoy as well. You are arguing semantics Draco. But have it your way. I'm certain if you find Caleb's descendants. You will advise them of their heritage."
Hermione glanced between Louis and Draco before shouting out. "Enough gentlemen. When the time comes. I'm sure Draco will figure it out Louis. Thank you for your input."
Louis closed his eyes.
Draco turned on his heel striding from the living room to the study.
Without opening his eyes Louis commented. "You are very welcome Hermione."
Hermione followed Draco into the study where he sat rigid and frowning. He reached out for Hermione. "Accepting those facts then speaking them out loud will make it true that I am related to the Loziers. I feel ill."
Hermione kissed him while running her fingers through his hair. "You will deal with this when the time comes. Right now we must gather the information we intend to run by Xavier and Fausto. Let's work to get some agreement with Emiliano in place. Then we can put everything else together. What say you my love?"
With a playful growl Draco responded to Hermione. "I'll agree if you let me lick you all over. What say you my love?"
"You are such a git. A handsome, sexy git, but a git nonetheless. You'll have to lick me later. Right now I need you to Apparate to Ministry Services to fill Fausto and Xavier in on everything we know or think we know. Fausto knows most of it. He should be made aware of the rest."
Draco kissed her before going on his way.
/*/
Finding herself at loose ends, Hermione sat on the couch thinking. Out of nowhere a way to contact Caleb's descendants had come to her. It was a very simple way to get her message out. She would place ads in the major magical papers in Belgium hoping her request would be answered.
Hermione looked up the two largest newspapers in Belgium and the smaller newspapers of the Walloon and East Flanders regions. When she had the information. She had quickly drafted the ad:
Seeking Family Members
Descendants of Caleb Lozi also known as Caleb Lozio inquiring after a line of family members long thought to be lost.
We are seeking information relative to:
Caleb Lozi/Lozio, grandson of Edmund Lozi, son of Ida Lozi and Louis Malfoy, husband of Mary (Grant) Lozi and father of Matthias Lozi, Aya (Lozi) Janssen and Alice (Lozi) Simon.
Last known family location believed to have been in the Walloon and East Flanders regions of Belgium. Edmund Lozi/Lozio also spent some time in England before settling in Belgium.
If you are a descendant, know of a descendant or remember these surnames or given names, please send the information by International Owl to Miss Hermione Granger at DLM Imports, Milan, Italy. We look forward to meeting our relatives who settled in Belgium.
All answers will be held in the strictest confidence.
Hermione made five magical copies. Four to be sent out to the newspapers and a copy for Draco. She set the ads to run for a full week, inserted a cover letter with each ad enclosing a draft for the cost specified by each newspaper. The only hesitation she had was mentioning Louis Malfoy in the ad, but she would deal with that when Draco found out.
Hermione ordered four owls from International Owl Services. Her ads were done and sent long before Draco returned home.
With her job done, Hermione sat on the couch with a glass of wine totally pleased with herself for thinking along muggle lines, but aggravated that the blasted blood curse seemed to be growing exponentially.
Hermione hoped the ads would turn up some results. Although she refused to think about the outcome when Draco finally had to admit he was related to Emilio.
With a huge sigh, Hermione took a big sip of wine and closed her eyes.