Rated M. The Potterverse characters belong to JKR.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: The Credentials The Blood and the Right
When they reached home, Hermione joked, "Seth, you should call Crissy to make supper because it would make her as happy as a…..house elf to wait on him.
Seth laughed as he retorted, "Matt cooks if Crissy doesn't answer. Everyone laughed.
Seth called out, "Crissy, please."
Crack! Crissy appeared, turned to Seth and asked "Mr. Master Malfoy needing something?" Then she gave Hermione a sidelong glance and repeated her question correctly, "Mr. Seth needing something?"
Seth smiled. "Please fix a roast chicken dinner with potatoes, sprouts and a dessert. Please make enough chicken so there will be enough for sandwiches later. Thank you."
"Yes, Mr. Master." Crack! Crissy was gone.
Laughing, Draco hugged Hermione and told her he would tell Crissy she is allowed to call Seth and Matt Masters Lozio if she wishes."
Seth was standing in the same spot with a disbelieving look on his face. "A house elf came when I called. This visit has been just so cool."
Everyone smiled as Matt stated, "If you don't mind, Seth and I are going to have a chat with Louis while we wait for supper. Elder Malfoy has grown on me."
Chapter 29: Good Karma All Around
While they all waited for supper, Seth and Matt had a chat with Louis thanking him for accepting them and for whatever gifts were to come. Louis had almost smiled.
Draco led Hermione into the bedroom to explain what Matt had told him about Ginny that morning.
After hearing the whole story, Hermione frowned. "Now I'm upset. Matt and Seth are our family. I will not have them walking on eggshells or feeling uncomfortable while they're here. I'm going to speak to Ginny. It won't be pretty."
"You won't have to do anything love," smirked Draco. "According to Matt, both he and Seth have witches they are seeing. Nothing serious. Neither wizard has declared his intentions. I believe Seth turned Ginny away right off for this reason. Ginny then went after Matt who tried being civil because he didn't want to offend one of our friends. I told him to set her straight because you are aware of what we laughingly call Ginny's little tricks. I've had an idea. I'll have to speak to Seth and Matt first. What I have in mind should put everything right. I'll let you know what I plan after speaking to the cousins."
Hermione hugged and kissed Draco chiding. "You are just so charming. Nice work by the way getting Ettore out of the country. Still thinking he's after me then?"
Draco grinned. "Well he's not after you now. Is he? After supper, would you leave the boys and I in the kitchen to talk a bit. I want to run something by them which they may not care to discuss with you in the kitchen."
Hermione nodded at Draco. They walked out of the bedroom just as Crissy popped up calling out. "Supper be here."
Before Crissy could leave, Draco called her to him to quietly explain. "You might be insulting Matt and Seth when you call them Masters Malfoy because their surname is Lozio not Malfoy. Until the time comes Matt and Seth accept the Malfoy name as their own. You may call them Master Seth, Master Matt or Mr. Seth and Mr. Matt. Pick one an stay with it. No more Masters Malfoy or Mr. Master. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Master Draco. Ise clear. Crissy sorry for being a bad elf. Crissy be remembering." She then Disapparated back to Malfoy Manor.
Draco nodded in Hermione's direction letting her know he'd set Crissy straight.
/*/
Supper was delicious. Dessert was even better. Everyone chatted about their day with Seth and Matt commenting on their tour of DLM. "I found it to be very interesting. I wouldn't be adverse to learning the business and taking over a satellite branch."
Matt was a little more hesitant. "It is a well run, well thought out business. It isn't something I'd like for the future. I'm more interested in the cerebral than the manual."
Draco nodded in Matt's direction. "I understand. The Malfoy portfolio has other companies. Our investments include hotels, research and development companies and financial companies. What are you interested in?"
"I am interested in research and development with an emphasis on those maladies or diseases which primarily strike witches. Initially, I'd want to concentrate on a specific disease. My mum suffered all her life. If I can save even one witch from going through what mum went through, I'd be ecstatic. There has been some research done in this area with little success. Because the disease doesn't strike wizards or even all witches. Not many researchers are interested. I am. I also understand researchers have to bring in the gold. To that end, I would spend the bulk of my time researching cures for the popular maladies. I was a top student in alchemy, potions and transfiguration. Catching up won't be a problem."
"If given the chance, did you plan on doing this in Belgium or are you open to work in other places?" Draco asked hopefully.
Before Matt answered, Hermione excused herself as Draco had asked.
Matt looked at Seth. "Given the chance to work with a Master Potions Researcher. I'd work just about anywhere as long as Seth was all set."
"So that brings me to two questions I've been wanting to ask. Will you and Seth be going back to Belgium to live? If you aren't, would you like to invite a witch here to visit with your family?"
Both Matt and Seth smiled at Draco with Seth answering for him and his brother. "Matt and I spoke with Louis. He suggested we get away from the bad memories in Belgium if there isn't anything holding us there. The answer is simple. Our family is buried there. Belgium is where we grew up. If we are being given the opportunity to have better, we should have it in Belgium. However, after further discussion, Matt and I decided we are willing to tidy up loose ends in Belgium to move wherever necessary."
Draco beamed at his cousins remaining silent as Matt started to speak.
"We have found a home away from home here in Milan. We have found an amazing group of witches and wizards willing to accept and help us even though they never heard of us before we walked through the door. We are willing to move here to Milan in the hope that the inheritance will be enough to cover costs for me to attend classes and help Seth support our household as well. As far as the witch I was seeing in Belgium, it really isn't serious. We had a few times at the pub. That's basically it. Inviting her here might give her hopes of something more. I don't want to lead her on. She is not the witch I see myself with for life. I'll take a pass on inviting her here. I'll see her before we leave Belgium for good to wish her well."
Too bad thought Draco. Because we were going to bring her here to put her in the face of one Ginny Weasley.
Seth cleared his throat getting a little pink in the face. "There is a witch who I have been more than seeing. If you take my meaning. I'm not ready to get married, but I was keeping her company. I would like to invite her to Milan unless we go back to Belgium in the next couple of days. I'll ask her at that time."
Draco was happy his cousins had decided to stay in Milan. "You two know I'm partial to you being here in Milan. I also know there are ends to be tied up in Belgium. After tomorrow, I think your way will be much more clear. Set a date to take care of your business in Belgium. We'll go from there. If you need help closing down house, we can arrange for some magical international movers to alleviate most of the worry in moving house. I hope I'm not overstepping with this idea. You may want to have the home in Belgium fixed up to sell or rent out. There are many magical companies who will do all the work. If you decide to rent out, you will have accrued your first investment made on your own. If you decide to sell, you will make your first bit of money. It's a win-win situation gentlemen.
Both Matt and Seth agreed the suggestions were something to mull over.
"I have one more thing," said Draco checking to make sure Hermione wasn't in the vicinity. "I purposely asked Hermione to give us a bit of privacy for this. Ginny Weasley. She doesn't have a very sterling reputation when it comes to keeping her hands off someone else's wizard. She will make cunning and clever moves whether the moves are welcome or not. If she approaches you in a certain manner and her attention is not welcome, get her sorted straightaway. If her attentions are welcome, feel free to act upon them. That's all I have to say except I am totally chuffed you both want to remain in Milan. The triplets will be a force to be reckoned with. If you'll excuse me, I've left my witch alone for too long. She's probably gotten up to all sorts of mischief."
Both Matt and Seth laughed out loud with Matt commenting that Draco better not let Hermione hear him say that.
"Too right Matt." Draco replied. "I'm going to check by work tomorrow. I'll meet you here at 9:30. We'll step through to London at that time. Good night then. I'll see you in the morning."
Matt and Seth remained in the kitchen talking as they chomped on chicken sandwiches wishing their mum and dad had lived to see this day.
/*/
Hermione had moved the disc player into the bedroom. A Muggle song was playing when Draco entered the room. He grabbed her up off the chair, pulled her into his arms and began moving slowly about.
Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's waist and laid her head on his shoulder. "Your talk must have gone extremely well if you want to dance around at 10:00 pm."
"Clever girl. Matt and Seth have decided to move from Belgium to Italy. After tomorrow, they will be able to make more informed decisions on what to do next. I was thinking of offering them my flat until they get on their feet. I'm never there so it just sits empty. What do you think love?"
"Loaning them your flat is a great idea except if you want to leave me. You'll have nowhere to go." Hermione answered cheekily.
"If that's a hint Granger, I'm not hearing you. You'll have to hex me to death and roll me over to the flat to get me to leave you. Do you want to know why?"
"Why?"
Draco moved his mouth close to Hermione's ear. "Because you are carrying my pussy around. Me and it will never be separated."
Hermione reared back to look Draco in the eye. "Could you possibly mean the pussy you won't be getting any of tonight? Is that the one you big prat?"
"You know I was just kidding love," Draco whined. "I just like to wind you up. I apologize for having you on. So. Will I be getting shagged tonight?"
Hermione started to laugh. "Your pussy is a little tired tonight so you can take that as a no. If you'll excuse me, I want to get ready for bed.
Hermione undressed right in front of Draco, did a little suggestive dance before pulling her nightdress over her head.
Draco mumbled as he went into the bathroom. "You better not go to sleep first or I'll have my way with…."
Hermione called out. "I heard that."
Draco peeked his head out the bathroom door. "Kidding. I was kidding. Aren't you tired yet? Lie down and go to sleep."
Hermione laughed as she put one last sexy song in the disc player murmuring. "You wish."
/**/
Matt the non cook was the first one up on Tuesday morning. He had put together a lovely breakfast of eggs, sausages and toast. He fixed Hermione a plate then sat down to eat with her.
"Will you be going directly back to East Flanders after you conclude your business today?"
"Seth and I haven't decided just when we'll be going back to Belgium. Perhaps by Sunday."
Hermione laughed. "The wizards coming through from London Friday to drag you to Witch-Wizard would be very disappointed to find you and Seth gone."
Matt smiled at Hermione and replied with a sacrificial sigh. "Nothing is set in stone. Perhaps I'll allow myself to be dragged. Just this once."
Hermione laughed so hard her pumpkin juice came out her nose. Matt conjured a towel handing it to Hermione who was still laughing.
When Hermione finally sobered up, she thanked Matt who was standing by with a concerned look on his face.
"I'm okay Matt. Really I am. Thank you for the towel. You must be a very talented wizard. That was a very nice bit of wandless, nonverbal magic."
Draco entered the kitchen at that moment. "What bit of wandless, nonverbal magic? Has my cousin been holding out on us?"
Matt sat there in what would have been a blush on anyone other than a Malfoy. He sort of pinked up a bit.
"I was laughing. Unfortunately my juice decided to come out my nose. Matt conjured up a towel without a wand or a word."
Draco clapped his cousin on the back. "Well done sir. Very well done."
Draco and Hermione had finished by the time Seth came to the table. They wished him good morning on their way out to work.
"I'll see you boys at 9:30." Draco reminded them.
/*/
Carmela came in at 8:00 beaming. Gas was home.
Hermione hugged Carmela saying they hadn't come by the house in order to give the family private time with Gas.
Carmela laughed at Hermione. "A couple of hours after he was home, Gas was chomping at the bit to go through to your house to speak with you and Draco. Fausto had to make him sit down and relax. I'm sure he'll be flooing through tonight. Kim owled ahead and came over to see him. She and Gas talked for quite a while without getting anything settled. At least they are talking. I've come to like that witch."
Hermione made Carmela giggle when she told her how Draco had caught Ettore talking to her and sent him to the states with an ending destination of Sweden. The day was off to a good start.
/*/
It wasn't until after Draco left to meet the cousins for their appointment before Hermione remembered her case was coming up the next day. Once she acknowledged that fact. Her stomach began to burn uncontrollably. After Hermione's third trip to the ladies, Carmela suggested she have a lie down on the couch in Draco's office.
Hermione told Carmela what she thought was happening saying she would try to walk it off. Walking hadn't helped. If possible, her stomach burned even more. When she got back to her office, Fausto was there waiting to speak with her.
Fausto took Hermione into the smaller conference room and sat her down. He spoke softly. "Tomorrow will just be another day. The only difference will be you have to sit in a courtroom with someone who attacked you while not in his right mind. You and Emilio have made your peace. Your solicitor will be doing all the talking. Your worries are few. You're a strong witch Hermione. Concentrate on that inner strength for which you are known. Everything is as tight as possible. The court has all the information including what you wanted read into the record. There won't be any memories bandied about. Due to your intervention, the nature of the case has been changed. It is now a case of an illegal act done while the perpetrator wasn't in control of himself which is vastly different from kidnapping/assault/conspiracy. Not to make light of what was done to you, but with the nature of the act changed. Lozier will probably only have to be examined by a healer to insure he is now in his right mind and not a danger to anyone. If the healer doesn't find any problems, Lozier will be released to stand in front of a Ministry inquiry. He owes you a great deal Hermione. Without your intervention he could have spent quite a few years in prison. Tomorrow you'll have Draco on one side and Carmela on the other. Xavier, Danny and I will be there to support you as well. If everything goes as it should, you'll be out of there in a couple of hours."
A few stray tears trickled down Hermione's cheeks as she thanked Fausto for the pep talk. They had just stood up when Draco came through the door concern etched all over his face. He shook Fausto's hand as the other wizard left the conference room shutting the door behind him.
"Why didn't you talk to me if you were feeling this way? I wouldn't have left you alone today."
"It wasn't until after you left I even remembered. Suddenly my stomach began to burn as though it was on fire. I tried to walk it off, but to no avail. Carmela must have called Fausto while I was off walking because he was here when I returned. He took me into the conference room to talk me through my nerves. Please don't blame yourself for not being here. I feel so much better now Fausto has explained exactly what to expect tomorrow. I'll be alright love. I promise."
Draco left and came back with a wet cloth. Kissing Hermione on the forehead Draco told her Carmela called him, but he was in the middle of Matt and Seth's transactions and couldn't answer. "I'm sorry. I love you Hermione. Had I known you were in distress, I would have come running."
Hermione smiled. "Draco Malfoy running? That I would pay to see."
Draco grabbed Hermione in his arms and laid his chin on her head. "Please don't scare us like this ever again. I brought Seth and Matt back here with me so they could share their good news. I think they were as upset as I was when we found you were ill. I've sent them home to calm down. I suggest you owl them to let them know you're okay or they might faint dead away."
Hermione kissed Draco, called him a git and insisted she get back to her office. Once they were back in the office, she thanked Carmela for her assistance before sinking down into her chair. Draco managed to hover over her until she told him to go to his own office.
Once he was gone. Hermione took a deep breath before writing out a quick message to Matt and Seth. After the delivery witch picked up the message, Hermione resumed her work day.
/*/
Hermione had put the disc player back in the living room. Matt and Seth were listening to Muggle music when Draco arrived at 9:30. Draco again turned the floo to international and the three wizards stepped through. Draco had unfortunately forgotten about the alarm. Before he could turn it off, Harry and Michael landed with wands drawn nearly scaring the shite out of the cousins. Draco sheepishly apologized that he had forgotten about the alarm.
Harry greeted Matt and Seth, called Draco a forgetful git and reminded him he would be there to support Hermione at the trial.
Once outside of the flat, they Apparated directly to the solicitors office where he was waiting to complete their business. After his clients were seated, the solicitor got right down to it. He pulled out two packets of parchments. He explained the Gringott Goblins had divided everything in the old Malfoy vault between the new accounts. The solicitor handed Matt and Seth a packet each with all their information asking them to verify the information as he read it out to them. He began with the older brother.
"Matthias Lozio, new account number GRL100, Vault number Lozio100, starting balance 75,000 which consists of 70,000 galleons, 3500 sickles and 1500 knuts which equates to 351044.62 pounds or 518141.87 euros. Non currency balance consisting of jewelry, treasure and art were goblin appraised at approximately 50,000 galleons if liquidated. Please check the key number in your packet. It should read Lozio100."
A wide eyed Matt confirmed everything the solicitor had read including the key number.
The solicitor moved on to Seth.
"Seth Lozio, new account number GRL101, Vault number Lozio101, starting balance of 75,000 which consists of 70,000 galleons, 3500 sickles and 1500 knuts which equates to 351044.62 pounds or 518141.87 euros. Non currency balance consisting of jewelry, treasure and art were goblin appraised at approximately 50,000 galleons if liquidated. Please check the key number in your packet. It should read Lozio101."
Seth was visibly shaking as he confirmed everything the solicitor had read including the key number.
The solicitor had then explained how their draft account worked, that they would need their key to get into their vaults and they could begin drawing from their account immediately after presenting themselves to the goblins at Gringotts to prove their identities which would include presenting their wands. The solicitor also explained the goblins might ask for further identification because the brothers were Belgians.
Draco interrupted the recitation. "I wouldn't worry about identification as I will be stand for my cousins and…."
As Draco was speaking, his mobile rang. He could see by the caller-ID Carmela was calling. He put the phone back in his pocket and continued speaking.
"They'll be listed as Malfoy relatives. Are we finished then? We need to get to Gringotts to get them started."
"We are finished Mr. Malfoy. Good luck Mr. Lozio and Mr. Lozio. If you ever need services, please feel free to call upon me. Good luck."
"We'll be on our way then." Draco told the solicitor extending his hand. "Thank you."
Matt and Seth thanked him as well.
It was a short Apparition from the solicitors office to Gringotts. Within five minutes Draco, Matt and Seth were in the office of the Head Goblin conducting their business.
While Seth and Matt were giving their thumbprints, the Head Goblin drew Draco aside to inform him there was an additional account number Malfoy 919 on record for the old Malfoys. Since the second account was a secret account known only to the highest goblins. Only the first account had been divided. The goblin also mentioned that certain items had been left in the first vault as requested. Draco asked to be shown Malfoy Vault 919 while the cousins were being shown their vaults.
The goblin assured Draco he would accompany Matt and Seth himself as he handed each wizard a bag in which to carry any withdrawal they made.
Draco smiled at his cousins as they rode the cart down to the lower vaults. Both wizards were wobbly when they stepped out of the cart. Neither wizard said a word. Probably fearful that everything they ate would come tumbling out.
When Matt's vault was opened, he had to catch his breath at the sight of the gold, silver and bronze. Draco had suggested to each cousin that he fill the bag to cover incidentals they might need for their trip to Belgium. Which is what they had done.
Matt filled his bag. They had moved on to Seth's vault where they did the same again.
The goblin ushered them back into the cart so they could visit Vault 919. Unfortunately for Matt and Seth, the vault was located in one of the deepest vaults. After another wild ride they chose to wait in the cart while Draco visited the vault.
Draco was in and out in ten minutes. They were soon back in the Gringott's lobby. Draco thanked the goblin for his service as he watched Seth and Matt shrink down their bags to pocket size. Soon they were back at Hermione's flat ready to step back through to Milan.
/*/
Draco suggested they all go to DLM in order to take Hermione and Carmela out to lunch. They arrived to find a harried Carmela who quickly explained Hermione had taken sick and why and was in talking to Fausto.
Not being sure what state Hermione was in. Draco asked Matt and Seth to floo home to wait for him and Hermione. Then he went to find his witch.
He and Hermione talked a bit after Fausto left with Hermione claiming she was feeling better and should get back to work.
Draco returned to his own office full of nervous energy remembering how Fausto had taken him aside Sunday evening explaining that Emilio's trial shouldn't be difficult so they shouldn't worry. He hadn't talked to Hermione about the trial because he didn't want to upset her. In hindsight, Draco realized he should have talked to her so they could have discussed any fears she had. He was mentally kicking himself all over his office for not being more attentive to Hermione's needs.
The day finally ended. Hermione and Draco flooed home to find Matt and Seth all but standing at the floo waiting to check on Hermione. She hugged them both for being so thoughtful assuring them she was alright.
/*/
All three wizards waited on Hermione hand and foot even to the extent of making her put her feet up. They served her supper on the couch hovering so much she finally had to threaten them. "If you three don't stop hovering, I'm going to vomit all over you. Now please. Turn on some music then sit down and tell me how everything went at the solicitor's office."
Hermione gave Draco a look when he sat down beside her.
He had immediately thrown up his hands in the air denying everything. "I'm not hovering love. Honestly. I'm snuggling."
Hermione smiled while the cousins looked on amused. Then Hermione settled back to listen to how amazed, happy and thankful Matt and Seth were for what they had received. How they wished their parents and grandparents could have lived to share in their good fortune. They both agreed it was an amazing feeling to be well set up having something to build on for the future.
Hermione told them she was glad the way things worked out.
Matt responded he was sorry for making her cry when they first met by acting the arse. He assured Hermione it wouldn't ever happen again.
Draco remarked he knew it wouldn't happen again. Further explaining it was only because Matt was a newly found cousin he hadn't been landed on his arse as soon as Draco had seen Hermione's red eyes.
Draco got up to fix everyone a drink. They toasted to good fortune, good health, good friends chatting until 9:30 when Hermione excused herself because she was tired. Draco followed shortly after leaving his cousins in the living room discussing their future plans.
/**/
The butterflies were back in Hermione's stomach as soon as her feet hit the floor on Wednesday. The trial would be the final barrier to cross on her way to a perfect life with Draco. She was nervous, but she was also excited to know it was almost over. After showering, Hermione laid out fresh navy blue robes taking extra care with her hair because she wanted to look presentable and professional at the trial. After she finished her toilette, she went to sit in the living room to try to relax.
Draco kissed her good morning checking on how she was feeling. Hermione told him she'd feel a lot better after the trial.
Draco drank a cup of tea, gave Hermione a hug for good luck and they were ready to go. They reached the court chambers, took deep breaths and headed inside to take a seat.
Panic set in again when the court officer told her she would have to sit at the front of the room. No one told Hermione she would be separated from Draco.
Hermione's solicitor who felt her trembling patted her hand as she sat down beside him whispering that most everything had been sorted. The rest was formality. The Magistrate had the court officer call the room to order. After that, the Magistrate had Hermione's solicitor speak to the charges as they now stood.
Hermione thought her solicitor did a very good job. He was clear and concise without revealing much of what happened to her. He stipulated to most everything Emilio's solicitor requested except the fact Mr. Lozier be allowed to put off his evaluation by an authorized healer until the first of the year.
Unacceptable on that count Your Honor. It was previously agreed Minister Lozier would be evaluated within three days of this trial. If Minister Lozier's solicitor is now trying to change what has already been stipulated, we will call to end this trial and reschedule at a later date reinstating the original charges. He then sat back down beside Hermione.
Hermione's insides fell. Was Emilio trying to pull a fast one even after she had intervened on his behalf? She knew Draco must be steaming.
Emilio's solicitor stood before the court to clear up the misunderstanding. He assured the Magistrate that Mr. Lozier hadn't asked for any change of terms. He himself was to blame as he hadn't been able to secure an authorized healer until January.
Hermione's solicitor stood to advise the court that an appointment had already been set for Mr. Lozier to be evaluated on Friday, 10/29. It wasn't up to a defending solicitor to set evaluation dates.
The Magistrate concurred remarking on the sloppy work of solicitors who were passing through his court.
Thoroughly chastised, Emilio's solicitor stipulated that Emilio Lozier had completed illegal acts while under the influence of a dark curse. Upon the reversal of the curse recognized what he had done and admitted fault. The victim in this case intervened on my client's behalf submitting information which backs up my client's story. The solicitor sat down.
The Magistrate called Hermione who stood on trembling legs. He asked Hermione's name inquiring if she had agreed to the change in the nature of charges. Hermione gave her name and answered she had agreed to the changes. The Magistrate told her she could sit back down.
It took less than ten minutes for the Magistrate to rule, but twenty five minutes to go over what was expected of Emilio Lozier and what would happen if he didn't adhere to every item that had been worked out between solicitors.
The Magistrate then asked Emilio to stand. Whereupon he asked Emilio if he understood everything that had transpired. Emilio answered yes and sat back down.
The Magistrate sentenced Emilio to time served reminding him his freedom was contingent on his appearing at the court ordered evaluation.
To Emilio's solicitor he offered scathing comments. "If your client, for whatever reason, does not show up on Friday October 29 at 10:00 am to be evaluated, I will send out Ministry Services to find him. When they find him. I will throw him under the prison for a long time. Have I made myself clear?
Both Emilio and his solicitor answered. "Yes Your Honor."
The Magistrate released Emilio to his solicitor, banged his gavel and the session was officially closed.
Hermione hurried over to Draco who immediately whisked her out of the courtroom followed by Harry, Matt, Seth, Carmela, Fausto and Xavier. It had been a fairly easy trial, but Hermione was shaking like a leaf.
Draco growled at anyone listening. "I'm taking her home. I'll see you there."
/*/
When they landed. Draco sat Hermione on the couch while he fixed her a brandy which she readily drank. The brandy warmed and calmed her. By the time everyone who had been at the court arrived, Hermione was almost back to herself. Harry, Seth and Matt hugged her. After her second brandy Hermione shouted. "Okay boys. It's time for you to get back to what you were doing. I've had two glasses of brandy. I'm going to lie down. Thank you for being there with me. I love you all."
Draco followed Hermione into the bedroom. He helped her undress and put her in bed. "I'm going to DLM to check on Carmela and Willem. I'll be back in a bit. Matt and Seth are here so you'll be fine. I love you. I'll see you later."
He asked the cousins to keep an eye on Hermione. If they needed to get out, they should feel free to do what they needed to do.
Seth and Matt assured him they would be right there until he got back.
/*/
Carmela had called Gas to tell him that Hermione went home after court. He should go check on her. When Gas was only two steps out of the floo, he found two wands turned on him. Gas backed up shouting. "I'm Carmela's other son. Lower your wands. Call Draco. He'll tell you."
"I'm not familiar with those mobile things. You call Draco and let me talk to him."
Gas dialed Draco to explain what was happening. When Draco stopped chuckling he asked Gas to give the phone to Matt.
Gas held the phone out. "Draco wants Matt."
Matt took the mobile. "This is Matt."
Still chuckling, Draco confirmed what Gas had said. "Gas is Carmela's other son. He is like a brother to Hermione. He's fine. Please put Gas back on the phone."
Gas took the phone and listened without speaking. After a bit Gas spoke. "Yes sir. I'll see you tomorrow. If not sooner."
When Gas got off the phone, the wands were away and the brothers had their hands extended in friendship. Gas shook their hands laughing at the misunderstanding.
Gas, Matt and Seth were soon chatting like old friends. Seth mentioning he liked the idea of having a mobile. Gas agreed that having a mobile was a great convenience. It was so much easier than sending an owl. He explained the only downside being there were only so many people to call. Most magical people hadn't picked up on the new technology. Then he suggested Seth and Matt get a mobile offering to take them to buy one after Draco came home.
The brothers thought having a mobile a good idea. Since they now had the gold to buy one. They would.
Gas suggested getting pizza while they were out looking for mobiles. Both Matt and Seth readily agreed. They had heard of pizza, but never had any.
/*/
By the time Draco flooed in from work at 5:30, Gas had divulged the whole story of meeting Hermione and Draco through his mum, getting hired at DLM, meeting Willem and being taken under his wing. He didn't bother to tell the story of his problem with Celia Lozier because he was still very embarrassed by it. He did continue to extol the virtues of Willem.
Seth told Gas he had met Willem as well and thought him a good man. He also shared information that Willem thought he would be a good fit at DLM if he could work with his assistant who was away on leave. The assistant must obviously be you Gas.
Gas beamed. Willem hadn't given up on him.
/*/
Draco greeted the wizards on his way to check on Hermione asking Seth to have Crissy make a pasta supper for everyone.
Seth did as asked also informing Draco that Gas was taking them out to purchase a mobile phone but they would return straightaway.
"Have at it boys," replied Draco. "Gas. Would you give me a minute with Matt and Seth. I would like to speak to you later about job related matters."
Gas went to the bathroom while Draco double checked that his cousins had made themselves familiar with how to use their drafts and had Muggle money and wizard money.
"We know what to do. We just never had anything to do it with."
Draco laughed as he clapped Seth on the back. "Well now you have the means. Go do it."