Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 84

"Emilio. What's pegnant? Is mum sick? Are you sick. If you leave me I might have to come live with Nonno and Nonna."

Both Emilio and Emiliano were caught up short. Their boy had overheard what he wasn't supposed to hear. The father glanced at his son and the son glanced back. Emilio stepped right into father mode.

"Weren't you supposed to be watching telly? How is it you overheard a grown conversation?"

Scorp recognized the slight tone in Emilio's voice and answered accordingly. "I was watching telly Emilio but someone was talking loud. I heard my Nonnas crying and I heard a new word pegnant. I didn't do it on purpose." Then Scorp grabbed onto Emilio and started crying. "Please Emilio I don't want pegnant if it means you and mum are leaving me for good. Please."

Emiliano was at a loss but Emilio picked Scorp up and sat him down on the couch. Raising his wand, he summoned a wet cloth. "Let's wipe that face. We grown wizards don't want our witches to come home to find their little wizard with a wet, red face."

"Okay Emilio, okay. I don't want a red face. Wipe me up."

Even though the subject was serious, Emiliano smiled at the ingenuity of his someday grandson. However, once Scorp was settled on the couch between Emilio and Emiliano, the someday father offered an explanation. "Pregnant is not your worry Scorp. It's somewhat like marry. Remember when you thought marry was scary, but mum and I explained. Pregnant is like that. It is private business which will be shared with everyone in the near future. For right now, it isn't anyone's business. For now, I want you to forget about the word pregnant. Can you do that? What I will say is your mum and I will share whatever there is to be shared when we move into our new home."

"Okay Emilio, okay. You and mum don't want me to say pegnant. As long as it doesn't mean you and mum are going away, it's our business. I won't tell Crissy, Dusty, Embers or Louis. I promise."

Emilio let out a sigh of relief. His someday son understood the assignment. A quick change of subject was in order. "It's a bit late for lunch but how would my favorite two wizards like toasted cheese and cucumber for lunch?"

Emiliano spoke right up. "I'd like one. How about you Scorp?"

Reaching out to take Emiliano's hand, Scorp answered in the affirmative. For the moment, the word pregnant had been pushed to the back of the little wizard's mind. And that was good.

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 85

As usual, the toasted cheese sandwiches were delicious. The three wizards, two big and one small enjoyed their lunch with Emilio offering a bit of insight. Glancing first at Scorp then at his father, Emilio spoke.

"I know we wizards enjoy our toasted cheese sandwiches, however, I think it's time we expanded our tastes. I think we should continue to enjoy our toasted cheese but add something more to our wizard menu."

Still chewing his sandwich, Scorp wondered out loud. "I think so too Emilio. I think you, me and Nonno should try something else."

Emiliano grinned at his son and his someday grandson. "I agree as well. We should expand our menu."

Scorp glanced at Emilio waiting for him to elaborate. Emilio didn't fail his someday son. "Perhaps we can keep our standard fare but add a few additional ingredients."

Scorp was nodding along in agreement as if he understood the whole idea. "Okay Emilio, okay. We can add some ditional gredients."

"Ad-di-tion-al in-gre-di-ents such as bacon or ham which would make our new sandwich toasted cheese and bacon or toasted cheese and ham. That would be quite filling."

Scorp thought over Emilio's words for several seconds before giving his seal of approval. "Alright Emilio. Me and Nonno want ad-di-tion-al in-gre-di-ents. We'll have to tell mum and Nonna so they'll know what to make. I'm finished. Can I watch a bit of telly after I wash my hands?"

Emilio stood. "Yes you may watch some telly. Let's go wash those hands and face."

/*/

Emiliano watched as Emilio took Scorp by the hand and walked him to the bathroom thinking what a lucky day it had been when Hermione and Emilio got back together. In his head, he could hear Ilaria saying what she had said for the last six years, Emilio and Hermione belong together. If he can't have her, I don't think he'll ever marry. Emiliano shook off the thought. No need to worry over Emilio never marrying. He had his life witch as well as a coming child. The future was looking as bright as could be.

/*/

Idelle Scalia was a perfectly lovely although very tall witch who greeted Hermione, Carmela and Ilaria in a welcoming manner. Smiling at all three witches in turn, Idelle was ready to get straight to business. Reaching out for the dress, Idelle invited Carmela and Ilaria to have a seat while she and Hermione spoke separately.

"Let me first congratulate you on your upcoming event Hermione. A wedding is always such a joyous time in a witch's life."

Hermione didn't bother explaining this would be her second wedding. It wasn't Idelle's business. However, Idelle had more to say.

"I remember the gown for your first wedding being the talk of the seamstress community. I'm sorry…."

Hermione cut across Idelle. "Thank you for the sentiment Miss Scalia, however, I'm here to address my immediate concern which is the dress you are holding in your hand."

Without hesitation, Idelle nodded before drawing her wand. "Of course Hermione. Let's have a look at the dress and suss out what needs to be done."

With a quick swish and flick, Idelle had the dress floating in the air between them. However, before Idelle could go any further, Hermione suggested they bring Carmela and Ilaria into the room because she wanted their input.

"By all means. The mother and mother-in-law should be part of the conversation. I just thought…."

Hermione stepped away to get Carmela and Ilaria thinking maybe Idelle Scalia was an amazing seamstress but she was shite at reading the room which she whispered as much to the two witches. Ilaria and Carmela glanced hastily at each other wondering if Hermione was experiencing a case of wedding jitters. However, once all three witches were back with Idelle, everything settled down nicely. Forty minutes later, Idelle had all of Hermione's wishes down on paper with the four witches discussing the alterations. After a further twenty minute discussion, all alterations and adjustments were set in stone. Hermione was on her way to having her perfect, second wedding dress.

/*/

An exhilarated Hermione invited Carmela and Ilaria to make a short stop at a charming, little restaurant to discuss the wedding dress away from the prying eyes of the men. Carmela and Ilaria couldn't help grinning at Hermione.

"Happy then Mrs Hermione?" Carmela cheeked.

With a deadpan look on her face, Hermione cheeked right back at her mum. "Does it show?"

Ilaria just sat there with a wide smile on her face thanking the gods for her son's good fortune because his good fortune was her and Emiliano's good fortune. Good thoughts would not leave her head. Her head was so full the thoughts tumbled out of her mouth.

"Not to be indelicate…."

Hermione reached over to pat Ilaria on the hand. "Indelicate? That's not a word in this witch's vocabulary."

Carmela smiled thinking back on how Hermione had mentioned the word horny was now a word in her vocabulary. She now knew at least one word that wasn't in Hermione's vocabulary.

Hermione continued. "Indelicate indeed. Wasn't I the witch who had to stand before my mum and in-laws and admit to having neglected my spells? You and Mela have a grandchild on the way before your daughter/daughter-in-law is even married. There's nothing left to be indelicate about."

Nodding, Ilaria had a quick reply. "Well since we aren't worried about being indelicate could we go over dates again. I know I was standing right there when you told us but I believe every second word went right over my head."

Hermione continued to pat Ilaria on the hand. "I'll be glad to go over it, but first I want to make a statement. From here on out, I would like to call you mummy Mela and call you mum Ilaria. How does that sound?"

Both Carmela and Ilaria grinned at each other.

Raising her hand in the air, Carmela made a short statement. "I Carmela Maida promise to answer to the name mummy from now until Fausto finds out and laughs his arse off."

Hermione turned to Carmela with a frown. However, before she could say anything more, Carmela continued.

"Calm down love. I was just having a little joke. I adore the name mummy. If Fausto laughs, I'll kill him with a curse. Okay? With that settled…."

Hermione cut across Carmela giving her side eyes. "Before we move on, I'd like to hear what Ilaria thinks. So mum. Is it alright if I call you outside your name?"

Ilaria was fanning herself with her hand. "Of course it's alright for you to call me mum. If I get any more good news, you and mummy will be picking me up off the floor."

Carmela couldn't hold back a laugh. "Please don't fall over mum. We have a lot more to discuss in a short period of time."

Hermione leaned back in the chair. Both Carmela and Ilaria quieted right down. They both could read the room. Hermione wasn't pleased with their bantering.

Looking directly at Hermione, Carmela apologized and suggested they get the information down on paper.

Hermione declined. "If there's time when we get back to Lozier Estate, we can discuss dates and such then. Right now, I'd like to know what my two favorite witches think about my dress."

Neither Carmela nor Ilaria were fooled. They had hit a sore spot with their comments.

Ilaria softly addressed the elephant in the room. "Hermione. I hope I haven't upset you. You and Scorp mean as much to me as Emilio, Emiliano and Celia. I would never knowingly upset you. I need for you to put a smile on that face before we get to the estate. If Emilio thought I'd put a foot wrong with you, I wouldn't have to fall over. He'd curse me over. As far as our dress goes, it is amazing. You'll look like a princess."

Carmela gave a vigorous nod. "I second that Ilaria. The dress is gorgeous on Hermione. Our girl will definitely look like a princess."

Hermione grinned at Carmela and Ilaria in turn. "Well, I guess that settles that. I have my dress. Now let's get back to my men before they have toasted cheese sandwiches coming out of their eyeballs."

"No worries on that front Hermione. I have a roast beef dinner under a warming spell and away from prying eyes. All I have to do is bring it out. I would love for you to stay for dinner Carmela. There's no problem setting an extra place."

Carmela reached out to hug Hermione and Ilaria. "Thank you for the invitation Ilaria, but I'll be apparating home from here. Your men might have fixed themselves sandwiches but Faust won't lift a finger. He's probably sitting there dying of hunger."

Hermione laughed as she gave Carmela a soft pinch. "I'll thank you not to talk about Nonno like that. If he's learned nothing else, he's learned how to make a sandwich from Scorp."

"Hahaha. Yes, there's that. It was a lovely fitting Hermione. I'll leave you ladies here. Give all your men my regards. I'll talk to you soon. See you soon Ilaria."

"Yes, we'll see you soon Carmela. My regards to Fausto."

Then she was gone.

"Well mum shall we get back to Lozier Estate where we will probably have to answer tons of questions from your grandson, your husband and your son."

Ilaria raised an eyebrow. "Fortuitously, I have answers. Let's go home."

/*/

Sal and Seth who were normally up at the crack of dawn including the morning after a party had put out a hearty brunch for themselves, Pat, and Davy. Sal had also managed to rope James into coming for a meal. The four wizards got on with James as though they'd known him all their lives. Brunch was a lively, raunchy affair with James explaining how good it felt to be able to let down his hair.

Seth cleared his mouth before responding. "I imagine it must feel good to be away from Milan Ministry as I sit here remembering how staid and stodgy Matt was when he was Minister. No offense intended of course Minister."

James laughed. "No offense taken Seth because what you said is every bit of the truth. I will be pulling on my staid and stodgy facade even before picking up my portkey. Even before that though, I will have to eat and run as I have an engagement in an hour or so. Although you four are lovely company, it is an engagement I mean to keep."

Pat's ears perked up. "Ah! I'm glad you brought up that subject James as Seth and I also have an engagement albeit a bit later than yours. It seems the Fieldcrest Event was successful for several of us."

James nodded but didn't elaborate any further. He liked these wizards, but his personal business was his personal business. In the small space of time before the next person spoke, the front door opened and in walked Matt and Mila.

"Good morning lads. Good morning Minister." Matt remarked, shaking hands all around. "Mila and I have come to share the brunch I heard Sal boasting about last night. Are we welcome?"

Luckily, all the wizards were decently dressed. Even though he was a guest, Davy jumped up, conjured two more chairs and offered Matt and Mila a seat at the table. Sal hadn't moved as he was still trying to wrap his head around the fact Seth had a date which wasn't him.

"Don't be daft Matt. Of course you're welcome even if it's only because you've brought the lovely Mila with you." Added Davy.

Matt leaned down and spoke in Mila's ear in a stage whisper. "One would think Jake and Davy are in charge of this suite. Alright my wizards, since you insist, Mila and I will join the table."

Once seated, Matt inquired if everyone had a good time at the event.

"Some more than others I imagine." Muttered Sal.

Seth laughed as he clapped his partner on the shoulder. "Pay no mind to Wizard Maida. He always manages to get into a foul mood if I have a date that doesn't include him."

Mila blushed, but everyone else at the table laughed out loud including Sal.

"Nice brother. I hope she knows how to read blueprints as I'm sure that's all you'll be talking about."

Giving Sal a wink, Seth leaned back on one elbow before setting his brother straight. "Ye of little faith. The fit and brilliant witch approached me inquiring about the development of SSE London and what positions we will be looking to fill. Being the gentlewizard that I am, I suggested we enjoy the party but do a catch up today…."

Pat cut across Seth. "And as luck would have it, she was with an equally fit witch who wanted to hear all about Belgium. Like Seth, I wanted to enjoy the party but was amenable to meeting the ladies for a late Sunday lunch."

James had turned the reddest Matt had ever seen. "You look like your face is on fire James. Everything alright? I wouldn't want you to burn yourself to a crisp before you even get your foot in the doors of MCC."

Raising his wand to perform a cooling charm, James leaned back in his chair grinning. "Everything is alright in this corner Matt. I find the things being said humorous. It seems I've left all my decorum in Milan. Not that it's such a bad thing."

Not understanding what was going on, Matt shrugged. As long as his new CMO wasn't going to burn himself to a cinder, he was fine with the nonsense. By the time he'd turned his attention back to the table, Mila had fixed them both a plate.

"Thank you love." He said, leaving a kiss on her temple. "You and I will have to take a walk to work off this calorie laden meal. I'm hoping my brother left some food in the kitchens for other guests."

No one replied. They were all concentrating on clearing their plates because some of them had places to be.

/*/

James was the first to excuse himself from the table. "I'm going to get to Emilio's suite to prepare for my engagement while I still have this London personality. If I don't see you before I leave this evening Matt, I want to say this has been a memorable weekend. I'll see you on or before December 1st. Thank you all for the camaraderie."

They all bid James goodbye while Mila pulled out her wand to begin clearing away the brunch remains.

Seth stopped her. "That's not necessary Mila. We are four strong wizards well versed in the art of clearing a table. Go sit and relax."

Mila turned to Seth with hands on hips. "And I am a grown witch who hasn't taken orders from her old mates in years. You go sit down and relax unless it's time for you to go pretty up that ugly face."

Matt, Pat and Davy laughed out loud.

Sal added his two cents. "I guess she told you Mr. Lozio. Now run along and leave this to me. As Mila suggested, it might take a good bit of time for you to make yourself pretty."

"Arse." Seth mumbled as he headed for the door. "I'm going to the suite Pat. You might want to accompany me if only to get away from these jealous bastards."

Jumping up, Pat concurred as he reached out to shake Matt's hand. "I think I will. If I don't see you later on Matt, I'll speak to you soon. See you later Sal, Davy. Bye Mila."

Seth and Pat left the suite nudging each other and chuckling like fools.

Matt shook his head at the nonsense. "I believe I know two fit witches who will regret accepting a date with those two."

Mila, Sal and Davy nodded in agreement.

After a bit more conversation, Matt and Mila got ready to get back to Matt's suite. Before they could get out the door, Davy inquired if Mila wanted to take a portkey back to Belgium with him and Pat. Matt took offense.

"I'm going to give you a pass Davy because I know you're only looking out for a friend. However, I consider it insulting for you to ask such a question when Mila is here as my guest. Why would I send her off with you and Jake?"

Mila was touching Matt on his sleeve, but Davy had hit another nerve. First he wanted to get contentious because Matt was chatting up Mila. Now he was being disrespectful about how Mila got home.

"I just want to make this clear mate. Mila and I are dating. She is the witch with whom I'm trying to build a relationship. If that doesn't set well with you, I suggest we keep our interactions strictly business because I won't be second guessed over everything I do."

Davy stood so quickly the chair he had been sitting in fell over. "Now just a minute Matt…"

Sal jumped out of the way.

However, before Davy could go any further, Mila had her wand out pointing it first at Matt then Davy. "Do not speak about me as though I'm some, some… You are both out of line. If I need assistance getting back to Belgium Davy, I'm a grown witch who will find a way. As for you Matt, there's no need to be confrontational. This is all bullshite. Shake hands and act like you've been mates since just about birth." She said, holding her wand in a business position before dropping it to her side and heading for the door.

Matt went to follow Mila out, but before reaching the door, he turned around and came back to stand in front of Davy. "I apologize for my behavior Davy. It was uncalled for. However, if you have doubts about the relationship I'm trying to build with Mila, please keep them to yourself. My apologies for acting like in arse in your suite Sal. Have a good afternoon."

Davy sighed as he righted the chair and sat back down. "Matt is right. What was I thinking? Mila is going to have my ass for this. I think I'll apparate over to the Diagon Alley and visit some shops. The air will do me good."

Sal, who had remained silent spoke up. "If you don't mind, I'll tag along with you. Contrary to what Seth says, I'm a lovely date. Perhaps you'll explain why Matt went off the rails over a simple inquiry."

Davy laughed. "I'll have you as a date, but I've said enough regarding Matt and Mila. I won't be saying anything else. Still want to accompany me out now you know I won't be letting you into my business?"

Sal clapped Davy on the back. "That would be a yes. I don't want to be the only one here if Matt comes back with wand drawn."

"Hahaha. Get your jacket then and we'll be off."

/*/

Hermione and Ilaria stepped out of the floo at 3:35 to be met by Scorp who came at them at a run, Emilio who came at them with a wide grin on his face and Emiliano who headed directly for Ilaria.

"Hi mum. Hi Nonna. Emilio and Nonno made me…"

Emilio spoke up. "Hold on little man. Let mum and Nonna get into the house before inundating with facts that might get Nonno and I in trouble."

Scorp glanced from Emilio to Emiliano to see if Emilio was making a joke. Neither wizard was smiling so Scorp said he didn't want to get anyone in trouble because they would have to get a punishment.

Emilio chuckled. "It's not that serious Scorp. It's just that mum and Nonna don't have to hear how Nonno and I let you have a toasted cheese sandwich before dinner before they even take off their coats."

"Okay Emilio, okay."

Glancing over at Emilio, Hermione bent down to hug Scorp and whispered in his ear. "As long as you eat all your dinner, we'll let this small mishap pass for now. We can sort it all out at home."

Scorp gave Emilio a quick glance before throwing his arms around Hermione's neck. "Okay mum, okay."

Still holding onto Ilaria, Emiliano let out a soft chuckle. "One thing settled."

Hermione cheeked at her father-in-law to be. "Is there more?"

Although he laughed out loud, Emilio thought it was time to change the subject. "The more would be for you and mother to dazzle us with the results of your visit to Miss Scalia. We wizards want to know the facts."

At this point, Ilaria was astute enough to step right in. With her little used wand pointed in the direction of the kitchen, she made the rule. "Whatever facts that will be discussed will be discussed after dinner. Wizards, go wash yourselves while Hermione and I get dinner together."

All three wizards who were caught off guard stood there gazing at the witch who barely raised a wand and rarely issued orders.

Realizing Ilaria had surprised Emilio, Scorp and Emiliano, Hermione spoke up. "Well, what are you waiting for? Mum has asked you all to go wash up for dinner, so go."

Emiliano hurried off as Emilio grabbed Scorp by the hand. It was such a surprise that the fact Hermione called his mother mum didn't even sink in. He was just hurrying to get him and Scorp washed up before his mother decided to point her wand in their direction. Scorp who was confused by the whole conversation followed Emilio without a word.

Giving her a wink, Hermione caught Ilaria by the arm. "And that mum is the way to handle our wizards. I'll set up the table while you see to the food."

Ilaria smiled and gave her daughter-in-law to be a huge hug.

/*/

Scorp kept up a running commentary throughout the meal while Emilio and Emiliano remained a bit subdued. Finally, it was relaxation time. With everyone sitting around the living room, Hermione shared the bits of information about her wedding gown. Because she didn't want Emilio knowing too much about the dress, her entire explanation consisted of three sentences.

"Okay wizards here is a bit of information for you to mull over. My wedding dress is coming along nicely. Idelle has my specifications, measurements, height, weight and my dreams for the future. I'm quite satisfied."

Ilaria chuckled. Emilio sighed. Emiliano knew better than say anything so he kept his eyes on the drink in his hand. Scorp, who was sleepy had his head rested against Emilio's arm.

Hermione wasn't finished. "In addition, today I decided I will be calling Ilaria mum and Carmela mummy. There isn't really a distinction between my two favorite mums but I don't want to confuse anything by calling them both mum."

Ilaria was nodding and smiling as if this was the first time she was hearing the news.

Scorp perked up. "'Laria is still going to be Nonna to me, right mum?"

"Yes love. Ilaria is still going to be Nonna to you." She explained, pulling Scorp onto her lap leaving kisses all over his face."

Scorp tried to wriggle out of Hermione's arms. "Okay mum, okay. I'm getting tired and I have to use the bathroom." He commented, turning to Emilio.

Emilio immediately stood with an outstretched hand. This was his job.

Hermione, Emiliano and Ilaria could hear Scorp tell Emilio he wanted his pajamas and bed. Their boy was tired and very vocal. When he and Emilio returned to the living room, Emilio suggested they get going. Hermione concurred.

After a round of goodbyes and I'll speak to you soon, the little family headed to the floo. Before they stepped through, Emiliano reminded them he and Ilaria would probably be coming through by 10:00 am but would text first. He also mentioned bringing the application for a position at SSE London through with him as well. Emilio gave a nod as he picked up his someday son and guided Hermione through the floo. It was time to get his tired, little wizard home.

/*/

As soon as Hermione got situated, she called for Crissy to come get Scorp. "Crissy please."

Crissy greeted Hermione before turning to give Emilio a slight bow. "I'm here Mrs Hermione."

"Please give Scorp a quick bath then pajamas and bed. I'll be up to check on him in a few minutes."

"Yes Mrs. Crissy be doing it quick."

Scorp hurriedly collected his allotment before being whisked away.

Patting the seat beside him, Emilio asked Hermione to sit.

Knowing exactly what her fiance wanted to say, Hermione sat with a big grin on her face. Obviously, her wizard wasn't content with the amount of information she had shared about her wedding dress.

Wrapping his arms around Hermione and leaving a series of kisses down her neck, Emilio questioned why she was grinning. Hermione countered by asking why he was patting the couch. They both laughed.

"If it isn't obvious, I was patting the couch because I want you close to me. I haven't had a proper kiss all day. I would also like to know why your wedding dress explanation was so short. An inquiring wizard would like to know what his fiancee will be wearing when she walks down the aisle to him."

Hermione snuggled up against Emilio's side. "Although I've had a long day and I feel as though I'm asleep on my feet, I will explain once again. I want my dress to be a surprise. I want you to gasp at the sight of me. I…"

Emilio grasped Hermione's chin turning her so she was facing him and left a searing kiss on her lips. "Alright. I have to accept you want the dress to be a surprise. I have been schooled and will patiently wait to see it on the 10th of January at 2:00 pm. However, it's the last bit I have a problem with…"

"What bit?"

"The bit about you wanting me to gasp at the sight of you. Whether you know it or not, I gasp at the sight of you on a daily basis."

Hermione's heart fluttered over Emilio's words of love. Clasping her hands around Emilio's neck, it was her turn to leave a searing kiss on his lips. "I know there is a lot going on at The Luxe. For this night, I won't ask you to stay, but I do look forward to sharing the bed with you tomorrow. Before you leave, please come upstairs with me to wish Scorp a good night. It's never too early to practice being a dad."

Emilio jumped up grabbing Hermione by the hand. "I agree Mrs. Hermione. It's never too early to practice being a dad. I can do this."

They climbed the stairs hand in hand to find Scorp just climbing into bed. "Hi mum. Hi Emilio."

"Hello little wizard. Because you were so good today mum and I decided to give you an additional allotment."

Scorp gushed as first Hermione then Emilio gave him his kiss. "I really like my allotments. I'm too tired to listen mum. Can Crissy or Dusty read to me tomorrow?"

Hermione nodded. "Of course love. Have a good sleep."

"Have a good sleep Scorp. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay Emilio. I'll see you tomorrow."

/*/

Back downstairs, Hermione lifted her wand to turn off the kitchen and living room lights. "I am really, really tired Mr. Lozier. We can say our goodnight from our bedroom."

"Alright love come. Let me get you washed up and into your pajamas."

They entered their bedroom laughing at Emilio's nonsense.

Hermione was obviously very tired as her eyes were closing even before Emilio could help her into her pajamas. Knowing her exhaustion was coming from her early pregnancy, Emilio kissed her on the forehead, stopped in to greet Louis then stepped back into the hall to turn on his mobile which had been turned off all day. He had several messages and a text from a frazzled sounding Matt, two texts from James and a lovely text from his mother thanking him for bringing Hermione into their lives. Emilio didn't bother responding. He would be at The Luxe in two minutes. He would deal with whatever when he got there.