Story/Chapter Note
Well folks. We've come to the end. I want to thank everyone who has supported me from chapter one until now. I will miss Seth and Matt. I'm glad I could get Emilio back into everyone's good graces. I've enjoyed writing the story as I hope you've enjoyed reading it. So here you are; The final chapter of A Tale Of Two Wizards: 3 Years Later.
Dramione Rules.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Good Karma All Around
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 and informed Draco that Gas was taking them out to purchase a mobile phone and they would return straightaway.
"Have at it boys, replied Draco. Gas would you give me a minute with Matt and Seth and 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, had muggle money and had wizard money.
"Seth cheeked, "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."
Chapter 30: Three Years Later
Gas was coming back through to the living room as Hermione was coming out of the bedroom. Hermione hugged him whispering in a low voice that he looked good for a prison bird. Gas smiled.
Seth and Matt stood to greet Hermione who told them to sit because they were making her feel like a senior. They told her they were going out with Gas for a bit.
Seth was beaming as he bragged. "I've ordered a pasta supper with Crissy. It should be along shortly."
Hermione laughed as Draco shook his head commenting that they had created a monster.
After Gas and the boys left, Draco took Hermione in his arms and pushed her hair back from her face. "Now I know two ways to put you to sleep. The brandy put you to sleep for almost the entire day. If you like, I can take you into the bedroom to practice the other way of putting you to sleep."
"Keep that thing in your trousers Malfoy. Please call Crissy to find out how much longer it will be until supper. I am starving."
"I'll see you that Malfoy and raise you a Granger, Granger," smirked Draco. "Speaking of the last name Granger. It's less than a year to the event which will change that surname for all time. I think you should get busy planning. Even closer than that is the party your good friend Potter has called in celebration of me completing my undercover services. This Saturday the 30th will be the perfect night. Again my love. You probably should get busy planning."
"Since the curses, blood feuds and undercover service are done and over. I think we're due a party. Saturday sounds great." Hermione remarked thoughtfully. "How about we plan one thing at a time? Party now. Wedding a little bit down the road. I'll have Embers open up the big room off the living room which will allow us to spread the party through both rooms. If you don't mind, I'll have Crissy, Embers and Dusty tidy up and lay in fresh flowers. I'll start on the invitations straight after dinner. Be sure to let Matt and Seth know about the party. They should come to you with anyone from Belgium they'd like to invite. It might also be good to reserve several Belgium to Milan round trip port keys."
"Sounds fine," said Draco. "I'll reserve portkeys tomorrow morning."
/*/
Crissy came through with dinner about fifteen minutes later laying out the pasta while surreptitiously looking around presumably for Seth and Matt.
Hermione noticed, but did not make any comment except to tell the elf she would need her, Embers and Dusty to open, tidy and set up the big room for a party on Saturday."
"Yes Mistress. We be working."
/*/
After dinner, Draco laid with his head in Hermione's lap complimenting her for being so strong in court.
Hermione sighed as she played in Draco's hair. "I don't think I handled it all that well. I knew everything was in place. My solicitor assured me I'd be fine yet I still let myself crumble inside. It just wasn't a good morning for the normally strong, brilliant and lovely Hermione Granger. It's over and done. Let's look forward and put all the bad shite behind us."
Draco nodded in agreement.
They discussed the plans to open satellite branches and possibly having Seth run one after he was trained up a bit. Draco mentioned it would be even better if Seth and Gas could take over a satellite branch together. Hermione laughed at the thought of Seth and Gas running anything.
Draco sat up quickly when he heard Gas, Seth and Matt return.
The three wizards greeted Hermione and Draco. Matt hadn't been able to resist commenting on Draco's hair. "Nice hair cousin. Gas will be showing us how to use the mobiles. We'll be in the bedroom."
Draco smoothed down his hair as he snidely remarked. "What a turnabout. Gas is showing someone else how to use a mobile. It wasn't so long ago I wanted to hex him for being up your arse over that very same thing."
"That's true, but see how things turned out. I'm going to the study to get started on the invitations."
/*/
Thirty minutes later, Matt and Seth returned to the living room beaming. "That was quite easy. Gas has laid in all the numbers he had. We'll now be able to dial you up in case of intruders."
Draco grinned as he waved to Gas who was leaving to floo home.
While he had the brothers in front of him. Draco figured he'd advise them of a few things. "Matt, I know you are scheduled to go out with Blaise and Theo this Friday. I have a suggestion. Tomorrow morning, why don't you and Seth go clear up your business in Belgium then come back here Friday evening or Saturday morning. Harry and Hermione are hosting a party here on Saturday night which I would like for you two to attend. If this is agreeable to you, I will accompany you to the portkey office so I can reserve several additional port keys in the event you want to invite a few of your mates to Milan. The only thing I ask is for you to let me know how many will be coming back with you. For personal reasons and privacy concerns. You might want any guests to stay at my flat while they are here. Think about it. Even if you don't get everything accomplished. You will have made a start. Everything doesn't have to be done at once."
Matt looked over at Seth. "There's not much to think about. We've made our decision to move to Milan. We might as well get on with it. Seth and I and maybe a couple of our mates will get things together. We'll leave tomorrow morning and return on Friday night. You don't have to worry about getting port keys Draco. We'll take care of that."
"Fair enough," said Draco. "If you don't need me, I'll go straight in to DLM and see you on Friday night. Have you made any decision on the family home? Will you sell or lease?"
"Matt and I have decided to fix it up and lease it out to a good family. Or maybe we'll just keep it in case we get homesick and want to return home. We're not sure yet."
Draco stood up. "Alright lads. If I don't see you in the morning, I'll see you Friday. I need to call Gas then check to see if Hermione needs any help. Goodnight then."
Draco called Gas to tell him Willem expected him at work in the morning. It was a short conversation with Gas still thanking Draco as he ended the call.
Draco walked into the study to find Hermione all done with the invitations sitting quietly waiting for a delivery owl to make the pick-up. Draco sat down and pulled Hermione's feet into his lap as he explained what he, Matt and Seth had discussed. Hermione thought it sounded like a good discussion. She didn't have anything to add. It wasn't long before the delivery owl tapped on the window catching their attention. After the invitations were on their way, Draco and Hermione retired to their bedroom to see what mischief they could get up to.
/**/
Thursday morning, neither Draco nor Hermione had a chance to say goodbye to Matt and Seth who weren't up before they left for DLM. When they walked into the office, Carmela had shouted out a good morning greeting. Hermione and Draco smiled at their friend's exuberance. Draco continued on to his office.
The day fairly flew by with the weekly delivery to the Ministry being delivered in an expedient manner without any problems. Even with the upheaval. James was still sending orders. As long as he kept sending them, DLM would keep filling and delivering them.
Draco wanted to treat his favorite ladies, so he took Hermione and Carmela out to lunch. When he returned to his office, there was a letter addressed to him lying on the desk. The letter was imprinted with the Ministry In Milan seal. Curious to know what the Ministry wanted with him. Draco hurriedly opened the letter and began to read.
Draco,
Because of prior happenings I am addressing this message to you. It is however, meant for Hermione. I want to extend my deepest apologies for all that has gone on. Please thank her for intervening with the court on my behalf. It was very kind of her. That is the way I remember her. A champion for everyone and a lobbyist at heart. The Magistrate dropped all charges. I faced an inquiry at the Ministry this morning which turned in my favor. I remain in my position with sanctions and contingent on the findings of the healer on Friday. I can truly state. Whatever happens will be a lot better than what could have happened. I am deeply grateful to both you and Hermione. I wish you nothing but the best.
With great regard,
Emilio Lozier
Draco read the letter over three times before getting up from his desk to go show it to Hermione. Draco felt as though this was really the end of it. Everything was in it's rightful place. Even knowing this was the end. Draco realized had things turned a slightly different way. It could have been Emilio engaged to Hermione instead of him. He couldn't stomach the female Weasley. In this case, he had to thank her for falling and groping on Lozier.
Hermione looked up as Draco handed her the letter he had in his hand. He stood quietly as she read it.
After reading the letter, Hermione's only comments had been. "Thank Merlin. It's really over." As a few stray tears fell from her eyes.
Draco closed Hermione's office door and kneeled down in front of her. "It's over love. There's no cause for tears."
Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck. "Emilio loved me when I was Hermione the crusader who didn't give a fig about her hair or clothes as long as she was getting justice for the downtrodden. He saw my rough exterior, but accepted me nonetheless. He's a good man and decent wizard who fell under a dark curse. I wish him well."
Draco looked into Hermione's eyes answering in a soft voice. "He may have been in love with you, but you weren't in love with him Hermione. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to see me. From the very first time you tried to electrocute me, there wasn't any question in my mind that we belonged together."
Hermione smiled at her fiancé. "You mean from the very first time you tried to electrocute me."
Draco moved his lips over Hermione's lips, across her cheek and up to her ear. "There are three words which instantly arouse me the moment they leave your lips. Do you know what those three words are?"
Hermione guessed. "I love you?"
Draco shook his head keeping his lips at Hermione's ear. "Just love me." Those words will be ingrained on some part of my brain for the rest of my life."
Hermione blushed. The night of Harry's party she had said those exact words while lying in Draco's bed. It hadn't been her finest hour. That one incident should have been enough to make her break it off with Emilio. If she had landed in Draco's bed, she wasn't in love with Emilio. Ginny Weasley had been right about that one thing. As the Muggles say. Hindsight is always 20/20.
Hermione kissed Draco before scolding him. "Get up you git. People will start talking."
"Let them talk Miss Granger. You are an amazing witch. I'm glad you're mine."
/*/
Carmela waved as she left for the night. Draco wasn't long coming to Hermione's office so they could leave for the night as well. Hermione picked up her wand and purse and they were off.
Just as they reached the lift. Draco's mobile rang. Gas was on the other end calling to inform Draco he had just completed his first full day back. He was thankful to have been given a second chance.
Draco thanked Gas for the call telling him there was never a doubt he'd be coming back to DLM.
Hermione was tickled over Gas' call and at the same time impressed. She had been impressed with several things that day. She was looking forward to their first full night of not looking over their shoulder or wondering what would happen next. Hermione planned to have a few glasses of wine, listen to some music and discuss party preparations.
/***/
That had been Thursday, October 28, 2003. Hermione had done exactly what she planned. She and Draco had spent a very relaxing evening discussing the upcoming party.
Hermione glanced at the calendar which was now showing August 15, 2006. Here she was lying in a bed in St Mungo's trying not to scream and trying not to rip Draco's hand from his arm. The contractions were kicking her arse. The pains were so bad Hermione was kicking herself for ever letting her husband have sex with her. And their son. The little person who was supposed to love her above all others was trying to rip her apart from the inside out. Hermione's next scream was so loud she thought she might have broken every glass in St Mungo's along with damaging Draco's hearing.
The Delivery Healer was making soothing noises telling Hermione now was the time to push. Draco was pushing her hair back telling her their son was cresting, adding whatever the fuck that meant. Hermione smiled at her harried wizard who had been there for almost every minute of the ten hour labor she was going through. She reached out to touch Draco's hair just as the worst pain she could imagine cut across her lower body.
The Delivery Healer was shouting for her to push. Several more pushes and the healer made the announcement. "You have a healthy baby boy with a head full of curly white hair. I'll clean him up and bring him right over."
/*/
Their baby was born. Hermione laid back exhausted. She could feel the tears running down her face as Draco placed his face firmly between her chin and shoulder. When she reached over to run her fingers through Draco's hair, he had lifted his head. This was the second and probably the last time she would see tears in her husband's eyes.
Hermione pulled him to her so she wouldn't be overheard. "I love you daddy. Please go wash your face before the gang shows up."
Draco went to the bathroom and came back looking as though he'd never shed a tear. He hurried back to the bed as the healer brought the baby over and laid him on Hermione's chest.
Hermione smiled at their wrinkly little person with hair so light it did appear white. Who was as red as a beet and whose arm that had slipped out of the wrapping was moving about as though he was conducting a band. Hermione kissed him on the head while Draco kissed him on the cheek.
"Scorpius Abraxas Malfoy meet your daddy Draco Lucius Malfoy. Welcome to the world little wizard.
The maternity healer closed the curtain so Hermione could prepare herself to feed Scorpius. Draco helped her sit up so the healer could put the baby in her arms. As the baby suckled, Hermione told Draco she wanted to take a quick shower before anyone came to visit and before they moved her to a private room.
Scorpius was a good baby. He ate, made his burp and fell right back to sleep. Draco carefully lifted him from Hermione's arms and put him in his crib. Kissing Hermione on the mouth and helping her out of the bed so she could shower, Draco whispered how much he loved her and their son.
It had taken Hermione a couple of minutes before she got her legs back, but she made it in and out of the shower in ten minutes.
Draco helped brush her hair into a ponytail before he opened the curtain.
As soon as Draco opened the curtain, two Assistant Healers appeared at Hermione's bedside preparing to move her and Scorpius to their private room. The move took no time at all. Soon Hermione was relaxing in a room worthy of a Malfoy mother and son.
Not more than ten minutes passed before there was an insistent knocking on the room door. They were all out there and had come through the door hugging Hermione and shaking Draco's hand. Hermione allowed them a peek at Scorpius, but told everyone to do it quietly. Looking around the room, Hermione had to smile. Even the hardest working gits had taken time away to come to see the newest Malfoy. Hermione was sure there were more gits on the way.
Harry, Seth, Sal, Matt, Blaise, Theo and Gas were all standing around a beaming Draco. The picture of all the friends and cousins standing around Draco pulled Hermione back to October 30, 2003 and the party she and Harry had hosted to celebrate Draco's end of service.
/***/
Seth and Matt had made it back from Belgium early that Saturday morning accompanied by two mates along with Seth's witch Ava. The brothers had been in a lively mood as they introduced their mates Jeremy and Dax and Ava to everyone. Within an hour and a half after their return to Milan, Jeremy, Seth and Ava had been settled into Draco's old flat while Matt and Dax decided to stay in the rooms at her house.
Hermione's house was very busy that afternoon with Embers, Dusty and Crissy putting the finishing touches on the big room and liquor and food deliveries coming in.
A saving grace had been Draco and Harry taking all the guys out on a mission to buy clothes. Ava stayed at the house discussing styles and hair with Hermione and Hannah.
With the guys gone, the girls turned up the music and danced around while they helped Hermione pick out an outfit. It became a little awkward when Ava mentioned she hadn't brought anything party worthy with her. Hermione suggested they go through to London and Apparate to Diagon Alley to remedy Ava's little problem. The witches had only to stop at Patil's to find Ava something party worthy. Forty minutes later they were on the way back to Hermione's.
As the girls came back through the floo, Ava asked why they hadn't just gone shopping in Milan. Hannah looked at Hermione and Hermione looked back at Hannah. The only answer they could come up with was habit. All three witches broke out in giggles at the answer.
With each witch satisfied with what she would wear, they settled down in Hermione's room to chat and get to know Ava. It was clear from the way Ava spoke that she cared deeply for Seth. However, as Ava continued to talk, she revealed how afraid she was of Seth slipping away from her once he moved to Milan.
Hermione remained silent because she didn't know what Seth would or would not do. He was now a rich, handsome wizard related to Draco Malfoy. Which made him an excellent catch in the eyes of many witches, including some at DLM.
Hannah patted Ava on the hand suggesting Seth wouldn't have invited her to Milan to meet Draco and Hermione if he wasn't interested.
Hermione still chose to remain silent.
Ava brought up the subject of Hermione advertising for Seth's family and finding them. "Everybody in East Flanders is still talking about that."
Hermione smiled as she told Ava it had been a stroke of luck.
"I'm glad Seth and Matt found their relatives. It's even better that they had been in line to receive an inheritance," continued Ava. "Those boys work hard. They deserved to find some good luck."
The witches had talked until 6:30 when they heard the guys return. All the boys had purchased a suit and other incidentals. Dax and Matt went to the rooms to put their things away while Seth, Jeremy and Ava flooed to Draco's flat promising to be back by 9:30.
/*/
Hermione looked up to find Draco standing in the door of their bedroom. "That Dax lacks even basic manners. I don't care for him at all. He's a womanizer who shows little respect for witches. If he goes anywhere near you, I will hex his arse to Belgium and back. I've already spoken to Matt who told me Dax has always been a bit of a ladies man. He promised to give the arse a talking to."
"Remind you a little of Blaise then?" Joked Hermione.
"Not even close," growled Draco. "Blaise has manners and class. If a witch were to tell Blaise to push off, he'd be gone. There are too many witches out there for him to force himself on any one. Dax is different. He just keeps pushing and pushing trying to take liberties. We saw Susan today. I introduced her to everyone. In the blink of an eye, Dax had almost pinned her against a wall. I thought he was going to whip out his dick and shag her right there. I had to step in. In my mind, he's a male Ginny Weasley. No filters whatsoever."
Hermione's eyes had grown wider and wider the more Draco spoke. "Well somebody should speak to him before the party. These are our friends. I don't want any shenanigans. Besides. I'm pretty sure Theo would end it all by pulling out his wand and cursing him to death."
/*/
The party came off beautifully except for a little hiccup when Ginny latched onto Dax the moment she saw him and disappeared with him not an hour later. The hiccup being. By the time Ginny returned from the bathroom thirty minutes later, Dax was on to the next witch. It was a red faced Ginny who listened (along with several guests) to Dax tell her she'd already given up her knickers. There wasn't anything more to talk about.
Instead of walking quietly away, Ginny had run her mouth which only made the situation worse. Finally tired of the whole thing, Dax had declared. "You were a lot more interesting before….."
Dax didn't get to finish the sentence because Draco stepped in to take him aside. "If you can't act like a gentleman, I have a portkey with your name on it just waiting to take you back to Belgium. What will it be?"
Dax apologized for his behavior. From then on he had carried himself in the proper manner.
For once. Ginny kept a low profile, also conducting herself in a decent manner.
The rest of the night had gone well. Matt who was normally pretty stoic about everything met Kim and had immediately been smitten. Even though things could have been awkward. They weren't. Gas and Kim had already discussed their situation deciding the only relationship they would ever have was that of friends.
Hermione thought it a little sad, but realized life would always move on.
Kim had brought along the same two witches who had been to Hermione's housewarming party all those months ago. Blaise and Theo had kept the two witches very busy.
Neville, Michael, Justin, Randy, Anthony, Susan, Padma, Lisa, Luna and Parvarti came through at different times during the night. Dean, Seamus and Seamus' sister Seana came through to spend some time before going back to oversee the bar.
With most of their friends and acquaintances already in attendance, Draco called Matt and Seth beside him to introduce them to the room at large for the benefit of those who had yet to meet the cousins.
Blaise, Theo and Harry had started the chant. Triplets, Triplets, Triplets, as Draco, Seth and Matt stood there grinning surrounded by their mates.
Harry had dragged a wide eyed Dudley to the party then watched as he became the life of the party dancing with every witch, including Hermione, at least once.
Late in the party, Hermione who had gotten a little tipsy announced to the room at large they should keep October 5th 2004 available because it was going to be her wedding day. Draco had smiled at his tipsy witch kissing her on the mouth in front of the whole room.
/*/
In November, Matt and Seth spoke with Draco to tell him they meant no disrespect to the Malfoy name, but they would be keeping the Lozio surname in respect to their father and grandfather. Draco told them he understood.
The rest of that year had fairly flown by with Matt taking classes in finance and law while Seth joined DLM. Seth and Sal while friendly with all the boys became closer than brothers.
Matt, who was quietly falling in love with Kim still ventured out with the group. Just not that often.
/*/
In the new year, at one of the many Ministry functions. Hermione and Draco had been surprised when Ilaria Lozier accompanied by her son Minister Lozier stopped by their table to greet and wish them well. They had held a perfectly normal conversation which included Emilio thanking them for the outstanding job they were doing with his account.
Hermione asked after James and the Minister had shared a surprising bit of information. "James is fine. He has recently been tapped by the Minister of Magic Spain to head up a department there. Italy will be losing a good wizard. I'm sure James will be in touch before he leaves."
/*/
February turned into March. While Hermione and Carmela were running crazy getting everything ready for the wedding in October. Draco was busy in planning meetings developing the new satellite offices. Draco had asked Willem if he would be interested in taking one of the satellites, Willem declared he was happy in Milan. It came down to Gas, Lorenzo, Velia and Gennaro being the four who would move to a satellite operation.
Draco trained Sal and Seth in everything he knew sending them to management classes as well.
Draco had plans. He and Hermione had discussed moving back to Britain if or when she got pregnant. As much as they loved Italy, Hermione and Draco wanted their children to be born in Britain.
Unknown to Sal and Seth, Draco planned on turning DLM over to them when he returned to Britain. Draco planned to keep his hand in, but for all intents and purposes, Sal and Seth would run and own DLM.
Gas, who was Willem's right hand man turned down Draco's offer of moving to a satellite operation wanting to remain at DLM for the present time.
After speaking with Gas, Draco became a little concerned that he had withdrawn into himself a bit. It worried Draco enough that he brought it up to Hermione who had simply explained it away as Gas looking at Kim and Matt's relationship and realizing what he had lost.
/*/
It wouldn't be known for a year or more that Gas was fighting an internal battle of leaving Italy behind to seek his fortune and start a life elsewhere.
When Hermione and Draco finally revealed their decision to move back to Britain, Gas also revealed he had been keeping company. It was his intention to leave Italy to be closer to Seana Finnigan who had relocated from Ireland to Britain near the end of 2004. Draco assured Gas he was welcome to come to Britain and work with him. Which is what Gas ended up doing.
/*/
Suddenly. It was September 19th and seven witches were dragging Hermione out for what was supposed to be her birthday celebration when in fact it turned out to be the best hen/stag party the Dorchester Hotel had ever hosted. Hannah and Harry had decided to do a double party and they had planned very well. Neither Hermione nor Draco had any inkling beforehand of what the night was really about.
From the night of the hen/stag party, it was only a hop and skip to October 4th, the night before their wedding. The bride and groom had spent the evening of October 3rd alone. They had made love, held each other, and discussed their future. In the morning, they had separated until time to see each other at the wedding.
Even though she and Draco had lived together since the night they got back together in London. Hermione was anxious. This was it. This was permanent. She had spent fifteen minutes crying on Hannah's shoulder for no apparent reason.
Draco held up well. This was the day he had anticipated ever since Hermione accepted his Declaration of Intent. He was a little nervous, but very happy.
The wedding, held at their favorite place in Italy, the Hotel Epitome had been amazing and very well attended. Hermione's colors were a perfect mix of Alice blue, Maya blue and Persian blue. Carmela, Hannah, Ava and Kim had outdone themselves as had the vendors they hired. Both the wedding venue and the reception area were breathtaking. Most guests caught their breath over the beauty of it all as they waited to be seated.
Fausto walked Hermione down the aisle as proud as if he was her real father. Xavier had proudly stood as one of Draco's groomsmen.
There hadn't been too many dry eyes after Hermione and Draco read their vows and were pronounced bonded for life. It had been a magical, magical wedding.
The guest line had been long and seemingly never ending as she and Draco stood greeting guests. The British had shown up in full force. Not many had turned down the invitation even though the wedding was being held in Milan. The exceptions had been the Weasley's. Only George, Angelina and Lee Jordan had shown up to represent the family. Charlie had sent his regrets. The absence of the rest of the Weasley family hadn't mattered to Hermione one way of the other. Their absence hadn't dampened her mood at all.
Hermione met Draco's mates from California. She had laughed when one beaming wizard complimented her for being the witch who could tame the beast. Draco had proudly admitted that Hermione was indeed the one. Each of the Americans had taken a turn to give the bride a quick hug.
The reception afterward rivaled the parties of the most prestigious people in Milan.
/*/
After the honeymoon, everything had gone back to normal with the exception of Harry and Matt announcing their engagements. It was now set down in stone. Hannah Abbott would marry Harry Potter and Kim Reina would marry Matt Lozio. Harry and Matt had both walked around with wide grins for at least two weeks after the announcements.
While things had gone well for Harry and Matt. They hadn't gone so well for Seth and Ava. They had tried to remain a couple, but with Seth living in Milan and Ava not wanting to leave Belgium. Things slowly fell apart.
During what turned out to be Ava's last visit to Milan, she and Seth had sat down to talk. At the end of the conversation they were no longer a couple, but they were still friends. The last anyone heard. Ava had fallen in love with a Belgian wizard who made her very happy. Seth had quickly gotten over the breakup. He was happy being consoled by witches who were very eager to be on his arm. As the year 2005 dawned, Seth had became officially known as the Lozio playboy.
In April of 2005, Matt had been recruited to work for the Ministry In Milan which had been swept clean of vice by Xavier, Fausto and Ministry Services in the winter of 2004. Matt put aside his dreams of R&D. He accepted the MIM's offer, and was instated as Minister of Financial Services to quickly become a very important wizard in Ministry circles.
Not so surprisingly. The distant cousins Matt Lozio and Emilio Lozier became quite close as they traveled in the same social circles. Neither was it unheard of to find Hermione and Draco at the same events as Emilio and Matt with Emilio ever the perfect gentleman. Emilio always had a beautiful witch on his arm, but no matter how beautiful the witch. None ever held Emilio's attention for very long.
Sal and Seth had almost become carbon copies of Draco. They were becoming confident, knowledgeable businessmen. The satellite offices of DLM were flourishing under their guidance with Draco's oversight. Carmela, Hermione, Willem and Gas continued to hold down the day to day at DLM.
In July of 2005, after thoroughly discussing it between themselves. Seth and Matt informed Louis and Draco they had put the Lozio home in Belgium up for sale. They had made a life in Milan and wouldn't be returning to Belgium. Matt made sure he updated family records to show he and Seth had permanently moved to Milan in 2003. He had smartly quipped to Draco and Louis. "You just never know when lineage and location will come in handy."
Draco smiled. Louis had almost smiled.
/*/
By their first anniversary, Hermione and Draco and their extended family had settled into life. Careers had been chosen, paths were being traveled with most comfortable with where they were in life.
Hermione and Draco celebrated their first anniversary in Hawaii. Carmela and Hannah had wanted to give them a big party. In the end, they decided to go away to enjoy some alone time. A month after the honeymoon, Draco and Hermione found out they were pregnant.
Hermione and Draco kept the news to themselves while they planned their move back to Britain. They had both agreed any children would be born in Britain. That point wasn't negotiable.
Draco and Hermione had a discussion with Carmela and Fausto to let them know they were moving back to Britain and planned to be there by March 2006 at the latest.
While Fausto held her in his arms, Carmela cried about not being near when the baby was born. She sobbed about Hermione and Draco being like her children and how much they would be missed. Hermione had been crying by the time the conversation was over.
Both she and Draco reminded Carmela they would still be back and forth to Milan, reminding them they had an open invitation to visit Wiltshire whenever they chose.
After their conversation with Carmela and Fausto, Draco had asked Hermione if she would consider living in Malfoy Manor until they could have a house built. Hermione wouldn't even consider it. She told Draco he should contact magical builders and have a home built from the ground up. It hadn't come to that.
When super realtor Theo Nott heard they were moving back to Britain. He had advised them of a new construction in the vicinity of Wiltshire which would be perfect for them if they took it over from the current builder. Which they had. With several modifications and additions, it became Hermione's dream home. Better yet. All work including additions and modifications could be finished by the end of March. It had taken Draco many trips back and forth to Britain, but the house had been ready for them at the end of March.
Draco addressed the issue of housing with Matt and Seth. He wanted to know if they were interested in buying Hermione's house and his old flat. Matt loved Hermione's house and had been willing to sign on the dotted line as soon as Draco asked. Seth didn't want to buy, asking instead if Draco would consider letting him lease for a couple of years. Draco agreed to both transactions which were completed within the month.
Draco also had papers drawn up turning DLM over to Seth and Sal with himself as managing partner. Draco had surprised them on a Friday afternoon with the contracts. Sal and Seth who had been dumbfounded promised they would care for DLM better than Draco could. They decided to keep the DLM name until they could build up enough goodwill under their own names. Draco agreed telling them there wasn't anything better in business than a good name. With the stroke of three pens, DLM had changed hands.
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On April 2nd 2006, Draco and Hermione finished the move they had started two weeks earlier. They were back to being British citizens. Hermione loved the house and wanted everything perfectly set up. However, she was going into her fifth month of pregnancy, so Draco wouldn't let her lift anything heavier than a plate of food.
For the first month after the move, there had been a lot of coming and going between Milan and Wiltshire because everybody wanted to help. Nobody wanted Hermione doing anything on her own. They needn't have worried because Draco was watching her like a hawk. By June, the visits from Milan had trickled off. Hermione missed the visitors, but there wasn't much else she needed help with. Her home was exactly as she wanted it.
Hermione spent most of her time ordering baby items. The crib had been in place for a month. The baby's room was perfectly set up. Draco spared no expense and Hermione had to stop him from buying everything in every store. Draco was also very sensitive when it came to Hermione's cravings. She loved it when he laid his head on her stomach to talk to their son. Hermione knew Draco was going to be a wonderful father.
As her delivery date got closer, Draco almost became obnoxious with his trying to drag Hermione to St Mungo's for every little grunt she made. He barely left Hermione's side as they progressed into her delivery month of August. By this time, Hermione had become so uncomfortable she didn't have the energy to tell him to go away.
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On August 14, 2006, the pains started hitting Hermione with an intensity that even a first time mum recognized. She was in labor. She woke Draco out of a deep sleep with her screams and moans. If she hadn't been in so much pain, she would have laughed her arse off at the way Draco had jumped out of bed and run in a complete circle before realizing what was going on. They had previously worked out a list of things Draco had to do when she went into labor. However, he was so nervous he hadn't even thought about the list.
"Call Harry and or Gas. That's first on the list. They will be prepared. After that, help me get dressed then get my arse to St Mungo's before I have our son right here on the floor."
That statement was all it had taken for Draco to get himself straightened out. He called Harry as he helped Hermione out of her wet nightdress and into an over the head smock. Harry was there before Hermione slid her feet into the slippers she was wearing to St Mungo's. Between the two gits, they got her to St Mungo's in record time. Harry had owled ahead so the healers were waiting to take Hermione to maternity. Hermione's private healer was already there waiting to talk her through the pain.
It had taken ten hours for Scorpius Abraxas to be born. Now, her job was done. She had delivered their son and was lying in St Mungo's watching a live replay of October 30th 2003.
Hermione closed her eyes. They had a son. There were good friends and family all around them and she and Draco loved each other more than life itself.
Life didn't get any better than this.
The End