Rated M for language and situations
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Brothers
Draco smiled as he handed the message to Hermione. She read the message and jumped into Draco's arms. "Thank Merlin. It's almost settled. We are on our way to being a normal couple."
Draco stared at Hermione and she stammered, "I mean… well we are a normal couple. I just meant a couple who didn't have to worry about some git crossing their scent barrier."
Draco laughed as he took Hermione in his arms, "I know what you meant love. I've lived it."
They were still kissing when there came a knock on the door.
Louis cleared his throat, "Perhaps you two could save that for the proper time. There is someone at the door."
Draco strode to the door calling out, "I am aware that someone is knocking Louis. Perhaps you could keep your thoughts about what is proper to yourself or I will help you do it."
Draco opened the door to find two pairs of the so called devil eyes staring at him. Matt and Seth Lozio had come to Milan.
Draco smiled as he stepped back to let the brothers enter. "Come in please. This is a welcome surprise. Welcome to our home and welcome to Milan."
Matt and Seth followed Draco into the living room as he called for Hermione. "Hermione love. Come into the living room. I have a surprise for you. Actually, I have two surprises for you."
While they waited for Hermione, Draco introduced Matt and Seth to the portrait of Louis Adrian Malfoy.
For once, Louis was at a loss for words. He looked from Seth to Matt and back again before exclaiming, "My family. At last."
Chapter 27: Resolved
As much as Louis was studying Seth and Matt, Seth and Matt were studying Louis. Seth couldn't help himself. Turning to Draco, he asked if he could address the portrait directly.
Before Draco could inform Seth it would be better to address him as Louis. Louis himself spoke up. "I am your elder. If you are going to address me, address me as such. You may call me Louis or Elder Malfoy, but I will not be called the portrait."
Seth was thunderstruck. Not only was a portrait addressing him, but he was giving him a telling him off as well. "My apologies Louis. Draco mentioned you in the course of a conversation. However, this is the first time I've ever had the pleasure of addressing a living portrait. Forgive my lack of etiquette."
Louis was as pleased as a Malfoy could get. "Think nothing of it my boy."
Matt hadn't yet said a word. When he finally found his voice he asked Elder Malfoy when he had lived.
Louis almost smiled. Almost, but not quite. "I lived in the 1700's Matthias. Explain your lineage as far back as you can."
Draco stepped in to suggest Seth and Matt step into the kitchen while he went to see what was keeping Hermione. Draco looked in the bathroom. No Hermione. Then he looked in the bedroom. No Hermione. Draco had begun to think Hermione had Apparated out when she stuck her head out of the study door.
"Were you bellowing for me love? I thought I heard the love call of a hippogrif. What do you need?"
I need you to come into the living room. Louis is going on and on. I would like for you to come calm him down.
By this time, Hermione and Draco were in the hall. Seth and Matt could hear every word.
When Hermione walked into the living room, she asked Louis if there was something she could do for him.
Even the surly natured Louis played along. "I am very irritable today Hermione. Draco has seen fit…
At this point, Draco came through from the kitchen with Matt and Seth in tow. "Draco has seen fit to hide his descendants from him."
Hermione turned away from Louis and turned towards Draco catching her first glimpse of Matt and Seth. Her hands flew up to her mouth as she whispered. "You came. Thank Merlin. You came."
Hermione stepped forward allowing Draco to introduce her first to Matt then to Seth. She shook each of their hands before she pulled each into a hug. "You two are as handsome as Draco."
Draco cleared his throat, but Hermione ignored him. "Well they are. Maybe a bit more handsome."
Like so many of their relatives before them, neither Matt nor Seth could manage to bring much color into their pale faces even though they were very embarrassed by Hermione's hug and compliment.
Both Matt and Seth told Hermione it was a pleasure to meet such a brilliant witch.
Hermione grinned. "So you've been talking to my fiancé have you? I thought he only said that to wind me up."
Matt and Seth laughed.
"We have things to discuss. Before we do that, I'd like to invite you to stay with us while you're in Milan," offered Hermione. "We have plenty of room. We'd rather you stay with family than at some hotel."
"We don't need rooms because we haven't come to stay." Matt replied. "We've been summoned and we've come. We hadn't planned on staying more than one day. We're here to find out how we can help. Then we'll be getting right back home. Maybe you can start by explaining what we'll be expected to do so we can get on with it."
In a lowly voice Seth rebuked his brother. "Matt, please. You've promised."
Draco started to respond to Matt, but Hermione jumped in. "Let me just say you haven't been summoned anywhere Matt. You responded to an ad. You sound pissed off. I can understand that. All this has come out of nowhere and put you on the spot. We apologize for that. It was only a couple of weeks ago we figured out what we needed to do to break this curse. And it was even more recently we figured out the relatives we were seeking could possibly be in Belgium. Neither Draco nor Louis knew they had living relatives in Belgium or anywhere else for that matter. If you think Draco has purposely ignored you and your family all these years through arrogance or anything else, you're mistaken. Draco is not that wizard. It was only through intense research we learned about you at all. You are the only living person who can do what we need done. However, I'd rather you not help if you feel you're being pressured or used. Draco and I have fought this thing and we'll continue to fight it because he loves me and I love him. No Lozier will separate us. I'm glad you came to see us. There won't be any hard feelings if you're not up to it. Perhaps you, Seth and Draco can get better acquainted some other time. It was nice meeting you."
Without waiting for anyone to speak, Hermione headed to the floo telling Draco she wanted to get away for a bit and would be at her old flat.
Draco ran his hands through his hair. After all this research and running around, it was going to come down to nothing. He shouldn't be feeling angry, but he was angry. He was angry he didn't know he had relatives who had probably lived hard lives for generations. He was angry that Matt thought he was trying to take advantage. He was angry that Emilio Lozier would probably be interfering between him and Hermione for as long as he lived. He was angry because so much work had gone into getting this far and it would all turn on the attitude of a sullen young man.
Louis called out to Draco. "Why don't you floo through to London to see about Hermione."
"I think I will do that. Thank you for coming gentlemen. I'll give Hermione your regards."
Matt stood up. "Wait Draco please. Let's talk. I may have come across as a bit of a prat, but I'm here to help. It's just that I watched my mother, my father and my grandfather work themselves to death because they started with nothing and had nothing all their lives. It was a struggle every day. There was never anyone there to do them a favor. There was never anyone there to lend a hand. Now someone has approached asking a favor of us. I'm not trying to sound hard done by. It did make me angry. Deep inside I'm still angry. That doesn't mean I won't help."
Without embarrassment or hesitation, Draco walked over to hug Matt and clap him on the back. "Thank you Matt. Once we get past this curse breaking, feud ending bull shite, you, me and Seth have matters to discuss. All things will be put to right. You have my word on that. I'm hoping we can convince you to stay for at least a few days as it might take that long to get everything set up."
"I'll send owls Matt. I'll let work know we need emergency time off. We should be back by the end of the week. It should all be okay."
"Fine Seth," answered Matt. "We'll be okay."
"Now," said Draco. "Let me show you to your rooms. Then we have to go get my fiancée. Seth. You can send your owls after we get Hermione."
Draco gave Seth and Matt rooms across from each other. Once they put away the things they brought with them. They headed to London.
Louis called out. "My family. I'm proud of you both."
/*/
Seth, Draco and Matt stepped out of the floo and into Hermione's old flat. Hermione was sitting on the couch and didn't look around when she heard the floo. "I'll be home soon love. I just need to ….."
Matt interrupted. "Maybe you can come home so we can talk about how to end this bloody feud curse thing. We're in kind of a time crunch so maybe you could come back with us now."
Hermione jumped up. All three wizards noticed her red rimmed eyes, but no one commented. "You've decided to do it then? You are a wonderful wizard. Thank you. Sorry if I was a bit short. That was my disappointment speaking. Let's get back home so we can talk over anything you don't understand. If we can get authorization from Fausto or Xavier for Emiliano, we might be able to get this done tomorrow. Oh let's hurry. I have to make sure Carmela and I have copied Emiliano's apology down word for word. It's very important. All Louis has to do is a Mea Culpa so we're fine on that end. I think Matt is allowed to speak from the heart, but I'll check on that as well."
Seth and Matt stood there amazed as they watched the small witch go into overdrive. Hermione was still talking as they went back through the floo.
Draco went through first. Then Matt, then Seth followed by Hermione. When they stepped out of the floo, Seth questioned if they had really stepped from Italy to Britain and back by walking through a floo.
Hermione and Draco answered yes at the same time.
Seth beamed at his brother. "As muggles would say. That was cool."
Matt smiled.
/*/
As soon as they were back in Milan, Hermione took Draco aside to ask if he would speak to Fausto about getting Emiliano there for Sunday afternoon. She also asked him to send Carmela over if she wasn't busy. Hermione whispered one more thing in Draco's ear which he didn't seem to like.
After Draco left for the Maida's house, Hermione stated she would call Crissy to have her put together dinner for twelve for the following day. After which, you, you and me will be in the study writing up each part of the apology process and what response Matt might want to make.
Hermione asked if Matt and Seth would like to take care of anything before being sequestered in the study with her.
Seth asked for parchment, quill and envelope. He wanted to send a few owls.
Matt wanted to chat with Elder Malfoy until Hermione was ready for them.
Hermione called out. "Crissy."
Crack! Crissy appeared in front of Hermione. "Yes mistress. What you be needing?"
Crissy listened as Hermione ordered a dinner for twelve for tomorrow at 3:00. "If you need help, please have Dusty and Embers assist you."
Crissy turned and caught sight of Matt and Seth. She looked from Hermione to Matt to Seth and back, finally making a profound comment. "Two more master Malfoys for dinner. Crissy so happy. She got three master Malfoys. Ise happy."
Hermione corrected Crissy. "This is Mr. Seth and Mr. Matt. They will be staying here for a short time. Please treat them as you would Draco or myself."
Crissy mumbled. "Ise must treat them good. Theys my other master Malfoys."
Hermione decided not to dispute Crissy. House elf magic was different from wizard magic. Crissy probably recognized Matt and Seth through a sense wizards didn't have, or she could simply see what everyone else saw. Draco with minor variations.
"We'll be working in the study. Please bring us lunch for six with dessert. Let me know when it's here. Thank you."
Normally Crissy would take her orders and Disapparate back to Malfoy Manor. This time she went by Matt and Seth to hug each of them. Then she Disapparated.
Hermione couldn't help but smile at the looks on Matt and Seth. "I'll be in the study. Come in when you've finished what you need to do. Just so you know. I turn into a monster once I go through that door. Beware."
/*/
Draco came back with Carmela in tow. After looking at the brothers, yet another person was amazed at the resemblance among Draco, Matt and Seth.
Draco told Hermione that Fausto was getting in touch with Xavier to see if they could arrange a time tomorrow for both the things she asked for. He would get back to them as soon as everything was set.
Carmela went to join Hermione. When Matt and Seth entered the study, Carmela kept sneaking glances at the boys until they got into it. Then she became all business.
Hermione had tasked Seth and Matt with going through a stack of parchments to look for any mention of the black magic curse Edmund had set. She reminded them that no mention was too small. She and Carmela did the same thing.
It wasn't long before Seth found a stack of parchments which mentioned the curse. Hermione and Carmela had previously set them aside. Somehow, the parchments had gotten mixed back into the piles.
Hermione jumped up and hugged Seth about the neck. Then stepped away embarrassed. "Sorry, I'm a little overwrought. I'm usually not this demonstrative with wizards other than Draco and Harry."
At the mention of Harry's name. Hermione had cried out, "Oh Merlin. We have to tell Harry. I'll ask Draco to call him. Maybe he can come through tonight."
Crissy was back with lunch. She knocked on the study door to let Hermione know. "Lunch is here Mistress and Master and Master." Hermione gave her a sharp look and Crissy rephrased. "Lunch is here Mr. Seth and Mr. Matt."
Hermione smiled at the elf as they followed her into the kitchen.
"Sit down and eat Seth, Matt. Whatever you need you should be able to find in the kitchen. Although I'm pretty sure with Crissy here you won't have to lift a finger. Just ask her."
Hermione and Carmela stayed in the study sorting the parchments. They finally had what they needed including what needed to be said before any interaction among Matt, Emiliano and Louis.
They were thinking Harry should act as the disinterested party and open the curse reversal/removal ceremony. Hermione separated the parchment into four separate sections and laid them on the desk.
"Now let's go see if we have to pry Crissy off Seth and Matt."
Carmela snickered.
/*/
All the wizards were in the kitchen. Sal and Harry had joined the crowd. Matt and Seth who had initially been overwhelmed were right there in the thick of things. It was amazing to see Draco sitting with Matt and Seth on either side of him. Hermione smiled because it was like a Malfoy family photo.
Sal greeted his mum and Hermione and went right back to talking.
Harry came round to hug Hermione and Carmela chuckling. "Two more gits to put up with."
Draco laughed out loud. "Watch it Potter. I have backup now. There'll be no more taking it out on Malfoy."
Everybody laughed.
Hermione gestured for Draco and Harry to follow her. When they were standing in the living room. Hermione told Draco she and Carmela thought Harry was the perfect wizard to officiate over tomorrow's session.
Draco clapped Harry on the back. "What say you Potter? It's only a matter of reading some material. Will you do us the favor?"
"I will be proud to participate. You can count me in."
"Thank you Harry," Hermione said as she hugged Harry. "This mean a lot to us."
"Now. May I go back into the kitchen to sit among the triplets?" smirked Harry.
They laughed as they went back through to the crowded kitchen.
/*/
Fausto and Xavier had worked feverishly to get everything set up. They had been granted permission to move two prisoners for the hours of 1:00 - 4:00 pm the next day as long as they had two additional agents for security and anti-apparition charms in place before leaving the building. All of which had been easily arranged. Their parchment work was in order and had been signed by a Magistrate. They were ready for Sunday.
Emiliano and Emilio Lozier had been advised they would be moved for several hours on Sunday for an event and would be returned to Ministry Services after the event. Emiliano was aware of what the event entailed. Emilio had been given a brief explanation. Both father and son looked forward to leaving detainment even for a brief few hours for whatever reason.
Fausto thanked Xavier for his help. Xavier had brushed off the thanks with a "That's what partners do. It also helps that the two people we are doing this for, Hermione and Draco are two of the most upright citizens who have come to call Italy their home. I am glad to be of service. I'll meet you here tomorrow afternoon at 12:45. Take care."
/*/
From Ministry Services, Fausto went straight to the Auror Department at the Ministry to check in on Gas. It was all coming down to the wire. Gas would see the Magistrate on Monday and hopefully be released with a ruling of not guilty…. of everything.
Even though his son was grown. Fausto missed Gas like he was still a ten year old child. The only time Fausto could let himself give in to these feelings was when he was alone. He had to remain strong in front of Sal and Carmela, but it was killing him that a decent young man had been caught up in the Lozier bull shite. If Hermione and Draco were right, and he had no reason to think they weren't. What happened to Gas would never happen to another wizard.
Fausto pulled a smile onto his face as the Aurors gestured for him to go right in. There had been a turn around in the way the Aurors treated Gas. He had books, a table, a chair, a small refrigeration unit which had snacks and sandwiches. Gas was allowed to walk outside his cell for ten minutes as long as Fausto was there as well.
Gas smiled at his papa. If all went well on Monday, he would be going home. Gas looked forward to being exonerated on Monday, but he would remain a little nervous until the Magistrate judged him free. He hadn't done what they accused him of doing and would be glad to state his case.
Fausto shook his son's hand asking that he walk with him. Fausto and Gas discussed many things. One being he never lost faith in him no matter what the evidence purported. They walked for the ten minutes. Then they had talked for another hour before Fausto told Gas he needed to get back home because he had news to deliver to Hermione and Draco.
The father and son exchanged hugs with Fausto telling Gas it was almost over. He would see him on Monday.
Gas tried to keep up a brave face in front of his father even as he was falling apart inside. The closer it got to Monday the worse his stomach burned. He imagined all the things that could go wrong being frightened for what might become of the rest of his life. He had even lost the bitterness he felt toward Celia Lozier. All he wanted was to get out of detainment to get on with his life. If he did get out, he had a lot to make up for. He would do it no matter what it took. He was a Maida and would stand up for his name.
/*/
After leaving Gas, Fausto went straight to Hermione's. He stepped out of the floo into what seemed like bedlam. Hermione and Draco had a houseful of people.
Carmela ran over to hug her husband with Sal right behind her. Faust told them that Gas was doing well and would be glad to get home on Monday.
Carmela and Sal smiled. They would be glad to have him home. Carmela told her husband to take Hermione and Draco into the study to talk while she fixed him a plate.
Fausto smiled as he noticed the two wizards Draco had mentioned. They did resemble Draco. He caught the eye of Hermione and Draco nodding towards the study. The couple immediately headed in that direction.
Carmela brought in a plate for Fausto who ate while he explained everything to Hermione and Draco. He advised them that he and Xavier would have two other agents with them for security purposes, but they shouldn't worry about problems because both Emiliano and Emilio would be under an anti-apparition charm. He asked about the setup suggesting that only the required wizards or witches be in the room during the ceremony. There wasn't a problem with extra people being in the house. He felt they shouldn't congregate around the detainees.
Hermione and Draco agreed with Fausto's assessment promising to have everything set up correctly when he brought in Emilio and Emiliano. They chatted a bit more before Hermione and Draco left the study so Carmela and Fausto could speak privately.
On the way out, Hermione told Fausto and Carmela that she and Draco would be right there Monday for Gas.
/*/
By the time Draco and Hermione got back into the thick of things, Theo, Blaise, Hannah and Ginny had shown up. They greeted Hermione and Draco and pointed at Harry.
"Your best friend has a big mouth." Hannah had laughingly told Hermione.
Hermione and Draco laughed.
Draco took Theo and Blaise over to meet Matt and Seth who now appeared as comfortable as if they'd known everyone all their lives. Theo and Blaise grinned at each other before pulling Matt and Seth into hugs.
Blaise called out. "Hey Granger. If you ever break up with Draco, you still have two to choose from."
Hermione grinned as Draco scowled. "Watch it Zabini or you'll be on a fast floo home."
/*/
At one point in the evening, Draco walked over to whisper in Hermione's ear. "Look at the weaselette going after Seth. No wizard is safe when she's around."
"Not a problem as long as she doesn't try falling on your dick," quipped Hermione. "Then we would have a problem."
"No worries about that love," Draco replied kissing Hermione on her nose. "I know a skunk when I see one. Just think though. If she hadn't been falling and groping, I wouldn't have you."
/*/
The impromptu party broke up at 11:30 with Hermione telling everyone they were welcome back tomorrow after 3:00 and only after 3:00.
With all goodbyes said and the floo locked, Hermione watched as Draco held a mini meeting with Matt and Seth. She didn't know what it was about, but it was among relatives. Draco would tell her if he wanted her to know.
Hermione called out goodnight as she headed to the bedroom for a quick shower and bed. Before she laid down, she asked Merlin to make tomorrow a successful day.
Draco came in shortly after Hermione climbed into bed explaining that Matt and Seth hadn't brought more than the clothes on their back. He had Harry stop off to buy several sets of clothing for them. Earlier when the three had their heads together. He was explaining what he had done so they wouldn't be embarrassed to find clothing on their beds.
"They're all set for the night. They know they're welcome to anything I have, except you. I made that part perfectly clear."
Hermione pinched Draco before turning on her side to go to sleep.
On his way to the bathroom Draco had cheekily asked. "No sex tonight then?"
Hermione grinned into her pillow not bothering to answer. If things went right tomorrow, order would be back in their lives. Then she would give him nonstop sex. She also had another idea germinating in the back of her mind which hinged on what transpired at their little ceremony tomorrow afternoon.
/**/
Sunday morning Hermione was surprised when Harry came walking upstairs. She had squealed. "You scared me Harry. I thought you went back to London. Is Hannah here as well?"
"Yes. She's here. I wasn't going to send her home alone. I hope you don't mind. I talked it over with Draco earlier. We decided there wasn't any reason for me to go home just to turn around and come right back. Besides. I want to study up on what I'm expected to say. I want to make sure I get it right."
Hermione walked over to Harry to kiss him on the cheek and hug him as well. "Thanks Harry."
Harry pulled an evil grin on his face checking to make sure there wasn't anyone else around. "Did you get a load of Ginny falling all over Seth last night? I hope he doesn't have a witch. I know it's wrong to discuss such things with you, but you know better than anyone what I mean. She was going in for the kill. When Emilio gets out of jail, she can get with him. Oh that's right. He never wanted her."
The two friends laughed so loudly Draco came out of the bedroom in his boxers to see what was going on.
"Would you please go put some pants on? We have company."
"It's only Potter. He wears boxers as well."
Just then Hannah came upstairs. "What is this I hear about wizards without pants. Let me see."
Draco scurried back to the bedroom calling out. "No fair. Now I have to see some knickers or I'm going to be very angry."
"Why don't you go on through to the living room Harry. Hannah and I will fix breakfast for all the gits."
Harry kissed Hannah on the mouth before leaving the two witches to get breakfast ready.
Hannah started laughing, but Hermione was on to her. "Don't even start about Ginny. As long as it's not my problem. I don't care."
Still laughing, Hannah asked Hermione how she knew what she was about to say. Hermione tapped the side of her nose with her finger. The two witches cracked up laughing.
/*/
Breakfast was served with almost everyone teasing Seth about his new witch.
Hermione and Hannah stayed out of the conversation. It was fine to speak ill of a witch between themselves. Never in front of a group of wizards. It just wasn't done.
Seth handled it all very well. Hermione and Hannah were proud of him.
By 11:00 am, Harry was studying his parchment while Hermione, Seth and Matt were in the study. After looking over his parchment, Matt decided to speak from his heart.
Hermione was busy searching for any piece of parchment which would reveal what they should expect if the curse was broken. Everything else was under control except for that one little piece.
Hermione also realized she would have to ask Fausto and Xavier to stand as witnesses if she was going to pull off the second part of her plan in which she submitted evidence to the court on behalf of Emilio Lozier. Hermione knew it sounded strange her standing up for Emilio after all that had gone on. It was just that she remembered the gentle, loving wizard Emilio had been when they first started going out. If all the things he had done were because of a curse, he shouldn't be held accountable. If there was a change in Emilio after the curse was broken, she was going to move forward with her plan. Draco didn't like it, but had told her he wouldn't stop her.
Hermione hoped she was right. The way she saw it. Emilio's behavior only became bizarre after Draco Malfoy had shown interest in her.
/*/
By 12:45, Louis' portrait had been moved into the large study where the ceremony would take place. Chairs were set up around the wall for witnesses and family. There were three chairs facing the portrait of Louis. Two together for Emiliano Lozier and Matt Lozio. The one additional chair for Emilio was situated directly behind the other two chairs.
Harry, Hannah, Hermione, Draco, Seth, Carmela, Fausto and Xavier would sit in the chairs situated around the wall.
At 1:05, everyone was seated with Harry standing in front of Louis' portrait ready to begin.
"We are here on the 24th day of October 2003 to set the records straight and thereby release the blood feud that has existed among the Lozier, Lozio, Lozi and Malfoy families for centuries. This may seem like a simple solution to a black magic curse, but the caster never imagined that any Malfoy would be willing to apologize to a Lozi or vice versa. The instigator of the curse Louis Adrian Malfoy stands for the Malfoy Family. The perpetrator of the curse Edmund Lozi will be represented by his oldest living relative, Emiliano Lozier. The victim of the curse Caleb Lozio will be represented by his oldest living relative Matthias Lozio. All that will be needed is for Mr. Lozier and Mr. Malfoy to admit their part, after which, they will freely and willingly apologize to Mr. Lozio. It will then be up to Mr. Lozio to either accept or reject the apologies."
Harry then stepped aside so the living portrait of Louis Adrian Malfoy could speak.
"I am Louis Adrian Malfoy. I was the catalyst for the blood feud which exists to this day. I deserted my witch Ida Lozi who was pregnant with my child. My father refused to acknowledge the child as mine ordering me to do the same. Ida died having Caleb which drove her father Edmund Lozi mad with fury causing him to set a blood feud curse on me and every male Malfoy. Edmund blamed my son Caleb for Ida's death and could not bear to look at him. Caleb was given a roof over his head, but that was all. When Caleb came of age, he was thrown into the streets with nothing. I died under mysterious circumstances the day my son was born. I never had the chance to set Caleb up with gold that would ensure he had a decent life even though I couldn't acknowledge his blood. I should have stood up to my father. I should have claimed what was mine. I was a weak fool. I want to set things right. I freely and willingly apologize to my son's descendants who are the blood of my blood for my cowardly actions. I ask their forgiveness."
Xavier prompted Emiliano to stand to say his piece.
I am Emiliano Lozier. My ancestor Edmund Lozi was the perpetrator of a blood feud curse set on Louis Adrian Malfoy and all Malfoy heirs. It has been proven that Edmund set the curse as punishment for the wrong done to his only daughter Ida. I admit my ancestor's part in this scheme and the harm it brought down on Caleb Lozi an innocent son. I am here today of my own free will. I would like to knowingly and honestly beg the forgiveness of Matthias Lozio, the wizard who is standing in place of his ancestor, Caleb Lozi.
As Emiliano returned to his seat, the room grew brighter even though no additional lighting had been added. Hermione and Draco glanced at each other remaining hopeful that the brightening of the light was a sign the whole thing was working. Matthias Lozio stood so he was facing both the portrait of Louis Malfoy and Emiliano Lozier who had also risen from his chair.
"I am Matthias Lozio descendant and oldest living relative of Caleb Lozi. I am here today in hopes I will be the one to end a longstanding blood feud between the Lozis and Malfoys. I want you Elder Malfoy and you Emiliano Lozier to know what it cost Caleb and a succession of his descendants to be innocent of any wrongdoing but forced to live under a curse. It seems that Edmund Lozi not only cursed the Malfoys, but Caleb as well. From what I understand, Caleb worked very hard. All to no avail. No matter how hard or long he worked. He couldn't accrue anything. So it went down through the centuries up until today. My brother and I are hard, honest workers as well. However, no matter how hard we work. We only seem to survive. When I was asked to come here, I was angry with everyone over what my grandfather, father and mother went through just to survive. In fact, I've been angry since I was old enough to wonder why nothing worked out for our family. I want to end that today. I want to step out into the sun and leave the sadness and anger behind. Therefore, as Caleb's oldest living relative. I willingly, honestly and devoid of anger accept the apologies of Emiliano Lozier and Elder Louis Malfoy. Thank you both for extending them."
As soon as the last words left Matt's mouth, a very visible and very white bolt of energy hit Matt, Emilio, Draco and Seth at the same time. They all crumpled to the floor in a heap.
Hermione let out a soft scream as she bent over to see about Draco. Fausto immediately grabbed Hermione asking her and everyone else to leave the room while he sorted things out.
Xavier and one security agent had immediately taken Emiliano back to Ministry Services.
It was a tense group standing outside the study door not knowing exactly what had just happened. Hermione was sobbing softly calling out for Fausto to let her in so she could help.
Carmela and Harry had their arms around Hermione, but she wasn't aware of anything except Draco might be ….hurt.
Finally, after ten minutes which seemed to everyone in the hall like an hour, Fausto opened the door ordering someone to bring in water enough for four.
Hermione and Carmela accio'd four bottles of water which they were allowed to bring in.
/*/
All four wizards were holding their heads. Otherwise, they didn't look any worse for wear. They drank the water down as soon as it was put in their hands. After several more minutes, all four wizards managed a smile.
Some of the tension left the room when Draco quipped to the room at large. "Next time. Would you give a wizard some warning?"
From the hall, Harry shakily remarked. "It scared us as much as it scared you."
Draco drawled right back. "That might be a bit of an exaggeration. Wouldn't you say Potter?"
Hermione, Hannah and Carmela smiled.
Draco, Matt, Seth and Emilio remained a little weak for another thirty minutes.
The wizards remained where they were seated as Draco asked everyone except for Hermione to step out for a bit. Fausto and the Security Agent remained as well.
Draco wasn't sure what would happen so he kept Hermione in back of him away from Emilio. This was where they would find out if anything had changed.
Draco asked each of the wizards how he felt. They all described a feeling of cotton mouth, a stuffed head and a bit of a headache. Otherwise alright.
Draco formally introduced Matt and Seth to Emilio. Emilio smiled as he stood up to greet both wizards in his best politician manner.
Emilio then reached out to Draco with hand extended. "It seems as though a film has been cleared from my eyes. Things seem…..different."
Then he reached out to Hermione causing Draco to stiffen. Emilio spoke directly to her. "I owe you my most abject apology. I can only fall on your mercy for the things I've done. My only excuse is that I wasn't myself. I also admit that my actions caused me to miss out on what could have been the best thing in my life. But what is done is done. I want to wish you and Draco the best of everything. With time, I'm hoping you'll both forgive me."
Draco stepped aside to let Hermione shake Emilio's hand.
As Hermione stepped back she made a thoughtful remark. "That's the Emilio Lozier I remember. Welcome back."
Emilio smiled as he walked over to Fausto and the Security Agent so they could take him back to Ministry Services. After a wave and a slight bow, Emilio Lozier was on his way back to detainment… a different man.