Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 81

Picking up one of the Real Estate Entrepreneur magazines, Theo began flipping through. He was reading an article about a newly finished project in Wales when he heard a ping. Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Clock, Theo mumbled about blighters without respect. However, he calmed right down remembering he didn't have to return the text if he didn't feel like it. After looking at the sender, Theo opened the text to see just what Andrew Devlin wanted with him

{Sender} Andrew Devlin

Greetings Mr. Nott. I'm sure this text comes as a surprise. Let me explain. I know of your sterling record and what you've recently done with the former Malfoy Manor. This missive is to suggest if we are chosen to work the SSE project, we work together as partners. Together we can achieve something that will be talked about for years to come. I realize this is out of the blue, but our chances at securing the Lozio/Maida contract might be stronger if we present ourselves as a collaboration. Let me know what you think.

Theo reread the text and huffed. "If this blighter…." Then he thought about it. Andrew Devlin had not written one lie. Perhaps positions would be stronger if they collaborated. Pulling out his copy of the application, Theo read the suggested requirements. There it was in black and white. It would be a plus if the selected contractor and selected developer could work as a team.

Theo sat there mulling it over in his head. "This could work. The Devlin Group has a reputation as sterling as mine. I could do worse. If anything goes wrong, Mr. Andrew Devlin and his Devlin Group should be prepared to make themselves scarce. He replied to Andrew's text.

{Reply}

Thank you for the high compliment. I accept your proposition. Theo Nott and The Devlin Group will present themselves as the collaborative to beat. I appreciate your suggestion. We'll speak in the morning.

Theo hit send and the reply was sent.

"Done and done." Theo mumbled before turning back the blanket and sliding into bed. "Tomorrow should be interesting."

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 82

As hard as he tried, Emilio couldn't get to sleep. There was so much running through his head. A baby. A child. He and his one true love were pregnant. Even though it was something he didn't care to think about, memories of his blood curse feud and the things he and Hermione had gone through began circling his mind causing him to sigh out loud. The uppermost thought in his mind was their good fortune was six years late. He and Hermione would probably have had their second child by now if Draco Malfoy hadn't stepped into his relationship. If Malfoy hadn't stolen Hermione away. That thought begot another and another. He had to admit his fault as well. Just as Hermione had fallen into the clutches of Draco Malfoy, he had gotten ensnared with the Ginevra Weasley bullshite and on the wrong side of all Hermione's friends as well. What a bloody fucking time in his life. He had lost the love of his life and a group of friends in the bargain.

Hermione reached over to pat Emilio on the arm. "Stop overthinking love. We will get it all sorted. I think you should close those eyes. You have to be up early."

Emilio leaned over to kiss his mother to be all the while thinking how could he be expected to sleep when Merlin had graced him with an amazing gift. "You're right love. I should be sleeping. However, the way I'm feeling you just might have to spell me to sleep. My head is overflowing with all sorts of thoughts."

"I suggest you hold those thoughts and go to sleep. We will discuss it all tomorrow after dinner. Actually, tonight after dinner. Go to sleep daddy."

Emilio grinned into the darkness. Daddy. What a sweet word. "Alright love, goodnight."

He didn't receive a response because his fiancee had dropped back off to sleep. Pulling Hermione in closer, Emilio left a last kiss on her shoulder before closing his eyes.

/*/

The two days Matt was in Belgium had been productive thanks to Adam and Richard. MCC had picked up four additional clients and everything was on point. In addition, Matt had gotten to spend time with Mila. The only downside had been his discussion with Mila after she had met with Davy. It seemed Davy was worried about his intentions. After having an in depth conversation with Mila, they had met with Davy. The meeting had initially been contentious but everything was worked out in the end. Matt still didn't understand why Davy was worried about a grown witch and had questioned Mila about her relationship with Davy. Matt had made her cry when he questioned if she'd ever been intimate with Davy. It had taken a rough forty minutes before Mila would let him touch her. In the end, they determined Davy had only been looking out for a friend.

/**/

Emilio was still walking on clouds Friday morning. As he showered, he wondered if he would be able to keep from sharing his news with someone, anyone. Chuckling as he toweled off, Emilio imagined what would happen when Ilaria Lozier found out.

"Father will have to bind her."

"Bind who? Not talking about me are you?" Hermione had come to use the toilet. "Be careful who you think to bind Mr. Lozier because you might be the first to find yourself in ropes."

Emilio laughed as he leaned down to leave a kiss on the top of Hermione's head. "That too might come to pass my love. If all goes well today, I'll be at the door before 7:00. At that time, I expect we will put our good fortune in perspective. I am not adverse to getting Bonded on Sunday."

Hermione flushed, washed her hands then gave Emilio a soft pinch on the arm. "Sunday is it? I'll have to say no. A soiree on Saturday and a Bonding on Sunday. That's not just a no. It's big no."

Grabbing Hermione up in a hug, Emilio rubbed his face through her hair. "Although a soiree would be fun, I will gladly forego the event to have an event of our own."

"Still no Lozier. We will discuss this all tonight, but we will be falling on our swords."

Emilio was puzzled. "Fall on our swords? I can't imagine what that means."

"It means we should alert mum, Ilaria and Hannah as soon as possible. I don't want any of them gazing at an expanding waist wondering what is going on. But, as I said, we'll discuss it tonight. Now pull on those trousers and get going. MCC is waiting."

Emilio gave Hermione one last kiss before putting on his suit coat. "I love you Mrs. Hermione. I'll see you and Scorp tonight."

"Alright love. We'll see you tonight."

It was a very happy wizard who apparated out of the private bedroom.

/*/

Even though he was early, as he passed the small conference room, Emilio heard the dulcet tones of Seth and Sal. From the tones and timbres, Emilio could tell the duo was excited. He opened the door and stuck his head in.

"Good morning mates. Are we on track?"

Seth nodded. "We are definitely on track Emilio. We can't say more at the moment, but we think you'll be pleased with our choices. We are now in the midst of putting together management and staff applications."

To this day, Emilio can't fathom what he said next. "If you don't mind, I'll take one of those Head/manager applications."

Remembering what happened when Sal had asked his mum and Hermione to take on management positions at SSE London Seth and Sal glanced at each other before looking back at Emilio.

Realizing what they must be thinking, Emilio immediately cleared things up. "Remove those quizzical looks from your faces. The application is neither for Carmela nor Hermione. My father has expressed interest in becoming part of SSE London. As I can't see him as a Traveler or a warehouse worker, I opt him for a top spot. Trust me. If I thought he didn't have the credentials or experience, I wouldn't inquire. I believe my father has the requirements. Since there will be two separate main departments, I could see father as Head or manager of one."

Both Sal and Seth let out a sigh of relief. Even if Emiliano didn't fit their needs, there wasn't a question Carmela or Hermione would be invited to apply.

Handing several different applications to Emilio, Sal cheeked how Emilio could be a great help if he had other applicants in mind.

Emilio grinned as he took the documents., "Hahaha. Still thinking to get my fiancee involved? Think again Mr. Maida? I look forward to Monday. Have a good day."

As soon as the door closed behind Emilio, Sal began looking through his phone.

"What are you doing Sal?"

"I've heard things about Emiliano Lozier. I want to check him out. I don't care whose father he is. If he isn't a fit, he isn't a fit."

Seth shrugged. "Fine. If he isn't a fit, we'll spend the next fifty years ducking Emilio."

Sal laughed. "Yes, there's that."

/*/

Hermione was in the kitchen sitting with Scorp while he had his breakfast when she heard a familiar voice.

"Good morning Malfoys. Hannah Potter coming through to have breakfast with her best witch and her handsome son."

Hermione jumped up. "Hannah love. Where have you been? I had it in mind to call you after I fed Scorp. Come on through. We have eggs, fried potatoes, bacon and toast. Would you care to indulge?"

This wasn't the reception she expected. Hannah was so happy everything was back to normal she began to cry.

Hermione rushed to her side and guided her to a seat in the living room. "Is this pregnancy hormones? Why are you crying and snotting?"

Hannah laughed as she laid her head on Hermione's shoulder. "I thought you had given up on me. I was afraid you didn't want my friendship anymore."

"You're barking Hannah. Sit right there. Let me get Scorp situated and I'll be right back."

Hannah sat there sobbing. Whether it was pregnancy hormones or the thought of not having lost her best witch, she didn't know but she couldn't stop.

/*/

Hermione sat down beside Hannah and pulled her into a hug. "Now what's all this about not wanting you as a friend? You are barking mad if you think that. I love my witch sister."

"But, but.."

Hermione was puzzled. "But what Hannah?"

Hannah gazed at her best witch still with red rimmed eyes. "I came over to see you but you were asleep on the couch. Me trying to wake you came to nothing. I even tried poking you, but you wouldn't open your eyes. I thought you just didn't want to be bothered. Harry came over but the door was locked and no one answered the bell. I was devastated that you were still angry over my lack of discretion when speaking in front of Scorp. I thought our friendship was broken."

Hermione grabbed Hannah's hand. "Do you know how mental you sound? I'm going through a bit of a health situation right now. Falling dead sleep in the middle of the afternoon is a symptom. I would never intentionally ignore you. I have veggies sitting there going rotten because you haven't come to sneak them out of the pots."

Hannah laughed before asking if Hermione's health problems had been resolved. In the moment, even though she and Emilio hadn't discussed anything, Hermione decided to share their news with Hannah. After a very loud sigh, Hermione leaned back against the couch and began her disclosure.

"I had to go to St Mungo's last night."

Hannah became frightened wondering if she wanted to hear what Hermione had to say. "St Mungo's? Why? Please don't tell me it's something that will kill me to hear."

Hermione smiled at her best witch. "No Love. It's not something that will kill you to hear but it is something embarrassing for me to tell."

The two witches stared at each other for several seconds.

"Emilio and I haven't discussed our next steps so I'll ask you to keep this to yourself for now. Promise?"

"I promise Hermione. Will I have to hex someone?"

Hermione smiled at Hannah. "This is serious Hannah."

"Okay. Tell me."

"I neglected my spells. Emilio and I are six weeks pregnant."

Hannah was speechless. For several seconds, she sat there with her mouth hanging open. Then she made a totally Hannah statement. "Are you sure you're pregnant? Did you save up enough? I seem to recall that Mr. Lozier thought you had to buy a baby."

Hermione fell over laughing. "Well, Mr. Lozier has since learned better. We just found out last night. From here, we'll make our adjustments and move forward. Just think, our babies will start Hogwarts together."

"Start Hogwarts together? I haven't thought as far ahead as the Potter birth. Does mum know? Does Emilio know?"

Hermione raised both hands. "Don't make me hex you and the Potter baby. Of course Emilio knows. I haven't told anyone except you. I know how hard it is for you to keep a secret, but please don't share until Emilio and I share. I will be telling Carmela and Ilaria as soon as this Sunday."

Hannah made a gesture of pulling a zipper across her lips. "My lips are sealed. Congratulations on your life event. Am I going to be a godmother?"

"That's a discussion for another time. I'm sure Emilio will want Matt and Mila in those positions, but we'll see."

"Matt and Mila? What have I missed? Last I heard Matt was staying away from witches to prevent himself from getting attached to another barking mad bitch."

"Matt went back to Belgium and found and old flame Mila Kohl. It seems serious."

"Lovely for Matt. However, it might all come down to a duel. I call dibs on godmother to little baby Lozier."

Hermione gave Hannah a stink eye before suggesting she go have a seat in the kitchen while she went to get Scorp. Hannah returned the stink eye excusing herself to the bathroom telling Hermione she wouldn't say no to a small bowl of cereal.

"Ah! I guess the husband who has noticed the expanding waistband has asked you to slow down on the burgers. A small bowl of cereal it will be."

Hannah frowned but didn't dispute Hermione's statement. Shortly after, Hannah, Hermione and Scorpius Malfoy were sitting at the table enjoying cereal, eggs, bacon and toast.

/*/

After Hannah left, Hermione worried about having shared the baby news with Hannah feeling as though she had overstepped. Summoning her phone from the bedroom, Hermione sent a text to Emilio.

{Sender} Hermione

Hello love. Hope you are having good afternoon. I shared our business with Hannah. Love you.

Hermione thought that was enough.

/*/

Emilio was on a conference call with Matt and Gas when his phone alerted him to an incoming text. He surreptitiously shut off his phone as he listened to their CEO expound on next steps. One good thing was Matt would be coming back to London that evening so there wouldn't be any need for Emilio to go to Belgium. For that he was thankful. After a bit more conversation, Matt ended the conversation saying he would see them at the soiree.

Back in his office, Emilio turned on his phone to retrieve the text.

{Sender} Hermione

Hello love. Hope you are having good afternoon. I shared our business with Hannah. Love you.

Emilio's first thought was to laugh out loud. The witch who had taken forty minutes to share the pregnancy news with him the father had shared it with her best witch without hesitation. Then he replied to Hermione's text.

{Sender} Emilio's

Hello my love. I am having a good afternoon. Matt will be back in London in time for the soiree so I'm more than chuffed. Since you've shared our business with Mrs. Potter, I feel we should share that same business with Ilaria and Carmela. We can discuss what hasn't already been discussed after dinner. Give my love to Scorp. Love you.

After the text was sent, Emilio let out chuckle after chuckle. His pregnant witch was as bad as her son. She couldn't hold water. Then he decided to text his father to let him know he had secured an application for a position at SSE London.

When Hermione received Emilio's reply, she laughed her arse off. Mr. Emilio Lozier was looking for a wand whipping if he ever addressed his mum as Ilaria to her face.

/*/

Emiliano Lozier was in his glory. He had received a text from Emilio letting him know he would be receiving an application for a top position at SSE London. Even if he didn't get a position, it filled him with pride that his son thought enough of him to inquire. Emiliano had even taken time off from packing up house. He had sat so long ruminating on Emilio's text that Ilaria had come through in a tizzy.

"Why are you just sitting there Em? I want to get some things packed up by the time we get a Floo connection."

Holding out his phone, Emiliano told Ilaria to read it.

"Oh Em that's fantastic. If you were to get a position, we'd already be in Wiltshire."

Emiliano grinned as he grabbed Ilaria in a hug. "We will get a Floo connection set up as soon as Monday. If the offices were open on a Saturday, we could have gotten our permissions before we sat for Scorp. Monday will have to do. I'm chuffed on two fronts love. My son thought enough of me to get an application and wants us near him and his family as well. Life doesn't get any better than this. Have you given any thought of what we'll do with Lozier Estate?"

Ilaria sat down. She actually hadn't given much thought to what they would do with the estate. Her full attention had been on moving to Wiltshire. "I don't know Em. Perhaps we could offer it to Celia and Ron. They'll need something of their own after they're married."

Emiliano thought about it. As long as they kept the estate in good repair, he wasn't adverse to handing the estate over. "We can check Ilaria. Perhaps Celia and Ron don't care to take on that much responsibility. We'll check. At this moment, I think we should take a portkey to Elegante in Milan to have a decadent lunch."

Ilaria jumped up. "Fantastic. I'll be ready in fifteen minutes." Before leaving the room, she kissed Emiliano fully on the lips. "Thank you love. You are a phenomenal husband. Perhaps we can have a walk around and have a glance at Pirelli Tower."

"Alright love. We can do that. Go get ready."

Twenty minutes later, Emiliano and Ilaria were ready for their day trip.

/*/

Sal and Seth were back in The Luxe discussing their project.

"We are on our way mate. The applications literally flew out of the doors. We should get the Receptionist Witch a gift for all her help."

Sal nodded. "I concur. Seems as though she has a pipeline to every witch and wizard who is looking for a position. We also need to thank Ezra, Nicholas and Caitlin for taking applications promising to hand them out to worthy candidates. If all goes to plan, we should have the best staff in London. Speaking of staff, I received a text from Gennaro. He'd like to have a look at our newest project and get to give out a shout out to Hermione as well."

Seth looked up from the documents in front of him. "Look at our newest project and see Hermione as well. That would be a no from me. Gennaro may think because Draco is dead he has a chance to chat Hermione up. Emilio will kill him with a curse. Let Gennaro stay where he is for the moment. Perhaps we can invite him to have a look after SSE London is up and running."

"Hahaha. And after Hermione is married."

"Yes, that too." Chuckled Seth. "After the marriage would be a very good time for Gennaro to visit. I'm looking forward to the Fieldcrest Event. It would have been nice if we had dates. People are going to start talking if we keep appearing as a couple."

Sal started laughing and couldn't stop. "You're an arse. Anyone with a grain of sense knows I wouldn't date someone as unappealing as you."

"Fuck you Sal. I'm taking my unappealing arse to my suite where I will refrain from looking into the mirror. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Seth. Sleep well."

"Kiss my arse Sal."

/*/

Harry arrived home to find Hannah humming as she put the finishing touches on dinner. He stood at the kitchen door smiling at his big bellied wife. "Hello love. Your favorite wizard is home feeling extremely happy you are humming. What went right?"

Hannah waltzed over to Harry and threw her arms around his neck. "Everything went right my handsome Auror. You were quite right when you said I was barking mad. I paid an impromptu visit to Casa Malfoy and had a long talk with the very awake Hermione Malfoy. There was absolutely nothing wrong with our friendship. She has been under the weather for the last week. I didn't get a chance to snipe her veggies but I did have an enjoyable breakfast with her and Scorp. I am unbelievably happy. Come have your dinner, after which, I would like one of your lovely massages."

Harry was happy because his wife was happy. "Alright love. Bring on the dinner then I'll bring on the massage.

Harry and Hannah spent a perfectly wonderful meal smiling at each other.

/*/

By 6:30, Emilio had his ends all tied up and was ready to get home to his family. The building was quiet so he put his notes in his case, put on his suit coat then Apparated out.

Sharp eared Scorp was first to hear the swish of someone coming through. "Mum. I think I hear Emilio. He's come to have dinner and give us kisses. It is you right Emilio?"

Heading directly for his fiancee, Emilio replied to Scorp. "Yes little wizard. Emilio Lozier is home for kisses, dinner and a discussion. In that exact order."

Scorp was a giggling, wriggling mass as he softly repeated Emilio Lo-z-air. His big wizard was home.

Hermione who was in the kitchen smiled a very wide smile over Emilio's remarks as she met him in the doorway to receive her allotment. "Good evening Mr. Lozier. You are in an awfully happy mood."

Emilio left a kiss on Hermione's cheek as he backtracked to give Scorp his kiss as well. After leaving his kiss on Scorp's forehead, Emilio turned back to Hermione. "Well spotted Mrs. Hermione. Due to certain circumstances, I am in an exceedingly happy mood and will be even happier after a certain discussion. Even before our discussion, I would like an explanation of how a certain witch caught a case of loose lips."

Hermione grinned as she ordered Emilio to help Scorp wash up. "Mind yourself Mr. Lozier or the only thing you'll be getting is a w-a-n-d across that a-r-s-e."

Emilio stopped in mid-chuckle when Scorp tried to sound out the words Hermione had spelled out. "Never mind about words right now Scorp. Mum wants you to get washed up. We have to hurry because there is a meatloaf on the table with our names on it."

Scorp gave Emilio a look of wonder as he replied to the comment. "The meatloaf has our names on it? I hope it still tastes good."

Emilio didn't answer because like Hermione he had learned a conversation with Scorp could go on all night if you let it.