Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 85

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.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 86

Even though it was only coming on 8:30 pm, Emilio was surprised to see James' suitcase open on the bed in the area he and Hermione had turned into Scorp's bedroom away from home. He thought James would have been long gone back to Milan by now. After changing into Jeans and a tee, Emilio decided to check out the other suites to see who was still about. He thought about visiting Matt's room first but decided against it in case he and Mila were sharing the last of their private time. There was no response when Emilio knocked on Sal's door so he continued on. He did receive a hearty shout of enter when he knocked on Seth's door.

Both Sal and Davy greeted Emilio.

"Hello Mr. COO. Found yourself at loose ends much like Davy and myself? Come in and share a drink with us. We are two lone souls who weren't fortunate enough to…..well, never mind that. Come in. Seth, Pat and James are out and about."

Davy was vocal. "Yup. Just me and Sal here discussing a bit of business and using up all Seth's shite."

A surprised Emilio took a seat on the couch then Accio'd a bottle of the domestic beer found in every suite at The Luxe. He didn't doubt Seth and Pat being out and about, but James. James didn't shed his Ministerial demeanor very often. "Thanks for inviting me in. I thought I'd give my fiancee a bit of a break, so here I am. I actually thought I'd find all four of you here discussing whatever."

Sal grinned. "If by whatever you mean the Fieldcrest Event, think again mate. We had a great time but the party is now in our rear view mirrors. Right Davy?"

Davy held up a glass full of whiskey. "Too right Sal. We that were not lucky enough to secure ourselves a Sunday date are here whinging and drinking."

Emilio didn't know how to respond to Davy's statements so he chose to say nothing. After several minutes of silence, Sal began talking, and soon after the three men were having a conversation about generalities. They had been speaking for about fifteen minutes when Pat came through greeting everyone as he entered.

"Hello all."

Emilio, Davy and Sal greeted Pat who continued to talk.

"This handsome Belgian is back from his sojourn into the wilds of London. Nice place. James is back as well. I ran into him in the lobby. I left Sal to explore a bit more. He says he'll be back when he gets back. Cheeky little devil. I've had my fun, but it's time for me to pack up. Are you already packed Davy?"

Glancing at his Belgian Wizard Watch, Davy nodded. "Yup. I'm all packed up. Just having a last few drinks with the boys. I thought I would have to portkey home alone. You being the wizard about town and all."

Giving Sal a sly wink, Pat headed to the bedroom leaving a cheeky remark in his wake. "I know that's not true. You're too nosy. There's no way you would leave me without finding out how my date went. It went fine by the way, and that's all I'll say about that, especially in front of the other two blokes who are straining their ears hoping to hear some dirt."

Sal and Emilio both chuckled with Emilio returning the cheek. "I have my own dirt thank you. Belgian dirt is of no interest to me."

Sal made everyone laugh out loud when he replied. "Don't listen to Emilio. Feel free to share away. I haven't heard any good dirt in ages."

"Too bad Italian boy. You'll get nothing from me. And you Davy, get your lazy ass up. I want to get to the Portkey Office early. I imagine Matt is busy or has already seen Mila back to Belgium so just give him my regards. Davy and I will speak to him soon. It was a great time wizards. Thanks for inviting us."

Standing to shake hands, Emilio told Sal he was leaving as well. The three wizards left the suite with Pat and Davy headed to the lifts and Emilio headed to his suite.

/*/

Emilio went directly to his own suite without stopping by Matt's. Personal time was personal time. When he entered his suite, James was sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand which he held up as a greeting to Emilio.

"Hello Mr. COO. As you can see, I've made myself completely at home. I've never had a drink in my hand on a Sunday evening ever. Well maybe one other time. The London air has done something to me. I feel perfectly scandalous. With that bit of information out of the way, how was your day?"

Emilio sat down, Accio'd a Guinness from his personal stores and grinned at his good friend. "Hermione, Scorp and I had a very good day. From what I've heard, you've had a very good day as well."

The normally staid Minister broke out in a neck to hairline blush. "While I admit to having had an extremely pleasant Sunday, I must say some wizards have very loose lips."

Emilio let out an uncharacteristic chuckle. "Loose lips perhaps. However, it does me a world of good to know you enjoyed yourself. London does have a certain energy. Perhaps you might want to get used to it a bit at a time."

James glanced up from his drink to see if Emilio was joking to see a wide smile covering the face of his former and soon to be again mentor. "Funny Mr. Lozier. It was my plan to get immersed in the culture before starting my position at MCC. I want to be ready…"

Laughing out loud, Emilio cut across James. "Ready? I've never known you not to be ready. I'm going to take a shower and get myself ready for what promises to be a very exciting Monday at MCC. Thanks again for coming James. I'll speak to you soon."

James stood as well. "The pleasure was all mine Emilio. I'm going to finish this drink, clean up behind myself then catch my portkey home. Give my regards to Hermione and your someday son. I'll be speaking with you, Matt or Gas soon. Goodnight."

"Goodnight James. Keep in mind you don't need an invitation to visit."

An overwhelming feeling of warmth shot through James. He simply nodded. Emilio would always be a Prince in his eyes.

/*/

Emiliano was sitting in his den poring over the application he intended to hand in tomorrow. A businessman at heart, he knew it wouldn't bode well if he overlooked even the tiniest detail. It wouldn't bode well and it would embarrass Emilio, and that wouldn't do. For the first time in their lives, his son had thought enough of him to support his wishes.

It was at that moment Emiliano realized the house was exceptionally quiet. Too quiet in fact. With what Hermione had shared with them, his wife should have still been bouncing off the walls. Laying the application down on the desk, Emiliano headed for the bedroom which he found to be empty. Their bathroom was empty as well. For a second, he panicked wondering where Ilaria had gotten to. Backtracking, he checked Celia's room knowing good and well Ilaria didn't muck about in her daughter's room. He found his wife asleep in the study. Gently shaking her, Emiliano told her to get up and go to bed. Leaning in to help her up he noticed the dried, tear tracks on her face. Suddenly, he knew why his wife had secluded herself away in a room she rarely frequented. She was still absorbing the news Hermione and Emilio had shared. The dried tears were tears of happiness. Summoning his wand, he freshened the tear stains away. Lifting his beloved from the chair, Emiliano carried her to the bedroom.

In the process of moving Ilaria from the study to the bedroom, she threw her arms around his neck. "Can you believe it Em? In the space of a year, the last six, miserable years of Emilio's life have come back right. He and Hermione are where they should have been years ago, and we will have a grandchild in seven months. Life is sometimes so amazing."

Leaving a soft kiss on Ilaria's temple, Emiliano spoke to her in a whisper. "We will forget about the last six years my love and concentrate on the now. Now is what counts. Hermione, Scorp and Emilio are a family. Nothing is ever going to change that. We have business in London tomorrow. We'll need to be up early. Why don't you get some rest?"

"Okay Em. I am tired. After we get the floo set up, can we please do a bit of shopping? I really want new for our London house."

"Forget about that for now love. We can discuss it all tomorrow after we get the floo in order. In fact, let me just put the application away and I'll be right back."

Emiliano took two steps away from the bed before turning back to look at Ilaria. "From here, we will experience the best years of our lives. I'm so thankful."

Ilaria smiled at her handsome husband as she leaned back against the pillow and closed her eyes.

/*/

Seth entered the suite to find Sal asleep on the couch. Giving his partner a hard thump on the arm, he made himself known.

"Hey! The master of the suite is home wondering why your lazy arse is splayed out on his couch instead of your own."

Removing his arm from across his eyes, Sal huffed. "Take it down a notch Lozio. A better wizard is trying to rest his eyes."

Seth gave Sal another thump. "Really? I'll ask again. Why is your trifling arse splayed out on my couch?"

Sal sat up. "If you must know, I was worried some London trollop witch had gotten you into a compromising position and Harry was forced to drag your, naked from the waist down, arse through the streets to a holding cell."

After laughing hysterically, Seth boasted that he had been naked all over not just from the waist down and Harry Potter hadn't been anywhere around. "See, no problem. I'm going to take a shower and hit the bed. I suggest you do the same. Tomorrow is going to be a busy and exciting day."

Rising from the couch, Sal glared at Seth as he headed for the door. "Arsehole."

"Takes one to know one nosy git. See you in the morning."

Sal didn't bother to respond.

/*/

Matt and Mila had gone back to Belgium shortly after brunch. It wasn't the way they had planned the day, but Mila was extremely annoyed with Matt's penchant for striking out at Davy. Things had been a bit contentious between them so Mila decided she was going back to Belgium early. Matt wasn't about to hear all that. If she was going back to Belgium early, he was going to accompany her. Initially, Mila had remained stuck on stubborn, but after a long discussion, she and Matt had come to terms. She was still going home earlier than planned, but Matt would be escorting her.

In the privacy of Mila's bathroom, Matt had chided himself over and over for being such an arse to Davy. Deep down he still felt there was something more to Davy's interference. Like Jake, Davy had grown up right alongside him and Seth. He knew as much about the two Lozio brothers as they knew about themselves. Up until now, there hadn't ever been a time when Davy stepped in between him and a witch, especially not Mila. Matt smiled as he gazed in the mirror. Mila would have ripped the tongue out of Davy's mouth if he had tried to get between she and I. I can't imagine how she can't see things from my point of view. Instead of her, it's now me who wants to rip the tongue out of Davy's mouth for getting in between us. Matt let out a loud sigh. It was his good fortune he and Mila had found each other again. He wanted to make it work. He wanted to make it permanent. To that end, he returned to the living room with a smile on his face and sweet words on his lips.

Even before he reached the couch, Mila extended her hand. "Due to my small flare of temper, we didn't even have a chance to have lunch. How about an early dinner?"

Matt smiled as he reached over and brought her hand to his lips. "A small flare of temper was it? Any smaller and I would have expected to be hexed. However, that is neither here nor there. It's all been sorted. We are a couple on our way to coupledom."

Mila replied with eyebrows touching her hairline. "Coupledom? There goes Matt Lozio making up nonsense words."

"It's not a nonsense word love. In fact, from today forward we can consider ourselves already in coupledom and no other witch or wizard is allowed. Shall we go out for dinner or shall we order in?"

Wrapping her arms around her partner in coupledom, Mila whispered a few naughty words into Matt's ear. "Then we can have dinner."

Standing up pulling Mila with him, Matt tried to stop the hammering in his chest. "Yes to your suggestion. Then we can have dinner."

/*/

An excited Seana had been gushing about the party throughout Sunday Lunch with Mrs. Finnigan which was annoying Gas. "If you speak any louder Seana you'll wake Evan with the shouting."

Even though Gas had spoken in a perfectly level voice, his words stung Seana and surprised Mrs. Finnigan who had turned red in embarrassment for her daughter.

"I suggest you watch your words Gaspare. There's no need to be petty in front of my mother. Actually, there's no need to be petty at all. Perhaps if you took me out more, I wouldn't be so excited over getting out of the house and mingling with other witches. I'll refrain from commenting altogether."

Gas who realized he'd stepped in it apologized immediately to both Seana and his mother-in-law. Nodding at each witch in turn, he reached over and took Seana's hand. "Forgive me love. I should think before I speak. I'm very happy you enjoyed yourself. In addition, I think you have a point. I should get you out of the house more. In fact, while Mother Finnigan is still here, I'd like for us to transport some things to our new home. There is a magical transport company which is available seven days a week. After lunch, I'll call while you magically mark the items you'd like to see moved."

"Oh Gas! I'd love that." Actually clapping her hands together, Seana turned to her mum. "Would you mind staying a bit late with Evan? Gas will be glad to see you home after."

Gas nodded his agreement.

Mother Finnigan actually clapped her hands together as well. "Go. Go get started. It will be my pleasure to look after my little grandbaby. I'll clear up in here. Go."

Seana and Gas practically jumped from their chairs. Seana to go mark the things she wanted moved and Gas to call Accio Moving and Transport. Seana was so deliriously happy they were going forward with moving house she had to remind herself not to gush.

Gas who had made a suggestion about moving things to take the heat off his faux pas suddenly wondered if he had lost his mind. This would take half the night.

/*/

Theo had spent several hours out and about with Blaise Sunday afternoon. They discussed the Fieldcrest Event at length sometimes chuckling like two fools over things that had happened, the witches who were there and the witches who seemed to be inclined to accept future dates.

Blaise made some complimentary comments about Matt's new witch Mila that brought a frown to Theo's face. The Officers at MCC along with Sal and Seth had offered him an amazing opportunity. There was no way he was going to say anything out of pocket about Matt's witch the same way he would never comment about Hermione or Seana Maida. Blaise was his longtime mate, but sometimes he went a bit far.

Blaise noticed the frown and spoke on it. "Relax mate. It's just you and me here. I'd never be so gauche to comment around anyone else. Sometimes, the good fortune of others makes me want to find a permanent witch of my own."

Theo laughed as he clapped Blaise on the shoulder. "And I'll bet that thought passes rather quickly."

Blaise shrugged his shoulders. "You never know mate. My permanent witch may be one of those lovelies from last night who is expecting a call."

Reaching for his money belt, Theo laid payment on the table. "I'll pay for lunch mate seeing how you're sitting there talking out of your arse. Thanks for the company. I'm going home to put my feet up. If all goes right tomorrow, I'll be straight out for the next year."

Blaise stood as well. "Best of luck to you. I look forward to seeing SSE London rise up out of the ground. I'll speak to you soon."

The two wizards parted at the doors of the club. Theo turning right and Blaise turning left.

/*/

Richard, Ezra, Nicholas and Caitlin met up at Adam's flat on Sunday afternoon to discuss the party, brainstorm the upcoming week and prep Caitlin and Nicholas for an upcoming, important meeting at Whitehall on Tuesday.

Chloe Knight had somehow disrespected Matt and MCC. How they weren't sure. It wasn't their business to know the how or the why. It was their business to do. The rest of the FF knew Caitlin and Nicholas would need to put on a presentation which would dazzle even the most seasoned owners and managers. None doubted that was what would happen.

Ezra who had finally gotten over the scolding they had received from Gas was at his brilliant best as he laid out the plan. Caitlin absorbed every word out of his mouth from what she should wear for the presentation, how to fix her hair, her posture and above all the need to exude confidence.

When Ezra finished speaking, Caitlin glanced around the room before landing her gaze back on Ezra. "You left out wand whip Chloe the hag Ezra."

The entire team laughed. "I didn't leave it out Caitlin. I expected it. Of course I mean that in the most metaphorical of ways."

"Of course you do my prince."

Adam, Richard and Nicholas laughed hysterically.

"I think Caitlin has your number mate." Added Nicholas. "We'll be fine. Caitlin and I have everything in order, but we appreciate the guidance. Let's move on to the upcoming other business."

For the next hour, the FF discussed what they felt would be expected of them this week and possibly the next few weeks. By the time Adam had dinner in front of them, they were ready to change subjects. They were ready to take the Mickey out of each other for things done and not done at the Fieldcrest Event.

/**/

Hermione slept in Monday morning, but unlike the prior week she had set permanent terms with Crissy, Dusty and Elder about what to do if she overslept. By the time she was up and showered at 9:30, Scorp had bathed, eaten and was at his little desk working on his letters and numbers. Hermione was thankful as she pointed her wand around the downstairs bedroom bringing it back to order. Just as she finished fluffing the pillows, her mobile beeped. A text was waiting.

"Ah! My fiance and the father to be must have a tracking spell on me if he can pinpoint the exact time I get out of bed." Glancing at the mobile, Hermione corrected herself. "Not the fiance." She also noticed a text from Emilio had come through while she was sleeping.

The text was from Emiliano reminding her he and Ilaria would be coming through at 10:00 am. Hermione replied come on through while thanking her lucky stars she had wakened when she did.

Before heading to the kitchen, she sent a quick text to Emilio explaining she was just getting back to him because her lazy arse had just gotten out of bed. She hoped he was having a good morning and she loved him. She sent a text to Grace asking to set an appointment possibly for sometime that week as well.

On the way to the kitchen, Hermione made sure to unlock the floo. Mum and Nonno would be coming through.

/*/

Emiliano was glaring in the direction of their bedroom. Ilaria was being obtuse. She knew Hermione expected them to come through at 10:00 and here it was 9:55 and she was still mucking about in the bathroom.

"ILARIA! It's time to go. Hermione and Scorp expect us."

Ilaria came charging out of the bedroom spitting fire. "I suggest you lower your voice. Shouting at me isn't going to change anything."

Emiliano stood up and pulled Ilaria into his arms. "I'm sorry love. I think my nerves are a bit on edge. We have business at The Ministry and I want to get this application to Emilio as quickly as possible."

"Calm down Em. We'll be there in plenty of time. As far as the application goes, Emilio told you it probably wouldn't be reviewed for months. The building hasn't even been built yet."

Squeezing Ilaria even more tightly, Emiliano kissed her on the forehead. "As always love, you're correct. I need to calm myself down. Perhaps Hermione won't mind brewing up a nice cup of tea."

"Don't be silly. Even if she was tired off her feet, Hermione wouldn't deny you a cup of tea."

Emiliano sighed. "I know that love. I'm just being mindful of her delicate state. It was just something to say. I've already adjusted the floo. Let's go visit our family."

/*/

Sal and Seth arrived at MCC so early they had to wait until the Receptionist Witch unlocked the building. That wasn't actually true but Sal was in a humorous mood.

"Ah! The calm before the storm." Retorted Seth. "Joke now because there won't be time to even take a shite after we share our decision."

"True that partner."

There wasn't time to say anything else because two thirds of top management was at the conference room door.

Matt greeted Seth and Sal with an outstretched hand. "Good morning wizards. Just checking in."

"Are we ready?" Asked Emilio.

Sal answered for both. "Good morning wizards. Nice to see you both. To answer the question on everyone's mind. Seth and I have made our decision. If all goes well, we will have our first steps in place by the end of the day. We'll need a meeting with The Beasts to get the proverbial show on the road. Perhaps something around 4:00 or 4:30."

Seth had additional thoughts. "My partner might be a bit conservative. I estimate we'll want a meeting around 3:00 perhaps even earlier. We would like MCC to welcome the team we've chosen for the SSE London project. We'll let you know before noon."

Emilio was glad Seth and Sal weren't calling for some 6:00 pm meeting. He would have had to attend, but wouldn't have been happy. "Excellent. Sounds like a plan. I'll have one of the Fourth Levels set up light refreshments at 2:15. We look forward to meeting the winners. See you all later."

Matt just smiled. "What Emilio said. Later wizards."

/*/

As soon as Matt and Emilio cleared the door, Gas appeared, offered his greetings then disappeared down the hall. Sal pointed his wand to close the door.

"Alright partner. It's time to contact the winners. Let's set the meeting for 12:30. That will give everyone time to get himself sorted."

Seth concurred. "You contact Theo and I'll contact Andrew. Theo Nott working with The Devlin Group as a team. Fantastic. We are on our way."

/*/

By the time Emiliano and Ilaria were stepping out of the floo at Malfoy Estate, Grace Leyton had returned Hermione's text. She had an opening on Wednesday, 11/11 at 10:00 am. Hermione took ten seconds to accept the appointment before greeting the mum and the Nonno.

/*/

Emiliano and Ilaria hadn't stepped foot all the way into the house before the lilting voice of young Scorpius Malfoy rang out. "Mum, mum. I think I hear Nonna and Nonno. Hi Nonno and Nonna. I'm studying my letters and numbers. Can I come downstairs?"

They also heard Crissy fussing at Scorp. "Stop that shouting. You know Mrs Hermione and Mr. Emilio don't like it."

"Sorry Crissy, but Nonna and Nonno are here. I want to go downstairs."

Hermione stepped into the crisis. "Thank you Crissy. Scorp may come downstairs. He's overly excited. Please hop him down."

"Yes Mrs. I'll be hopping him down."

Hermione sighed as she greeted Ilaria and Emiliano knowing a good many things would get on her fragile nerves before the pregnancy was over. Nonna Ilaria immediately knew what needed to be done. After greeting Scorp, she went to the kitchen.

Remembering that Emiliano wanted a tea to calm his nerves, Ilaria decided to kill two birds with one stone. "Have a seat Hermione. I'll have a cup of tea in your hands before you can say seven more months."

A confused Scorp laughed because his mum and Nonno were laughing but was unsure why.

"You'll spoil me mum, but I happily accept. There are raspberry muffins in the tin as well. Might as well make it a party."

Scorp glanced at his mum. He was now doubly confused because his mum had called his Nonna mum and because he didn't see a party. However, with a raspberry muffin halfway to his mouth, Scorp just sat back to wait for the next confusing thing.