All things related to the Harry Potter fandom were developed by and belong to JK Rowling. I haven't received any money or gratuities for this story. Thank you JKR for your characters. OC's were developed in my mind.
A/N: Warning: This story contains the death of a character. Please do not proceed if this type of storyline upsets you. Thanks.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 2
"I don't think that will be a problem Seth. We'll all take some personal time with Draco. I know he's gone, and I knew he'd have to be moved at some point," she whispered tearfully. "But cutting us off from him almost feels as final as interring him. Lying there, Draco looks like he's sleeping. He looks like he did every night lying beside me. I appreciate the time the hospital took in preparing him for the sittings. I was told he was a bloody mess. That was how it was put to me, his wife. My husband was a bloody mess when they brought him in."
As she spoke, the tears began running down her face and dripping from her chin, but she didn't bother wiping them away. They were tears for Draco. They belonged on her face.
Hermione's last comments infuriated everyone around the table, but again, Matt spoke first.
"I know this is not the time," growled Matt savagely. "But I want a name. Who is the bloody fuck that would address a widow in that manner? Especially a widow who had come on her own. I want a bloody name. I don't have time for any member of any staff who is so insulated, he or she cannot act with a modicum of propriety. That person will lose the position and perhaps learn a lesson."
Kim reached over to take Matt's hand in hers.
With tears still dripping from her chin, Hermione gave Matt a small smile. "You sound just like Draco….. and Harry," she said, turning to look at her faux brother. "The words were unfortunate Matt, but please don't worry about that. I need assistance with bigger things."
Matt was incensed. "I'll put it aside until we have everything settled Hermione, but I intend to deal with it first chance I get. Just like Draco would do. May we start before I lose my shite altogether?"
Kim shook her head. Her normally gentle husband had been in a state since learning about Draco's untimely death. She feared it would only get worse from here.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 3
Once Matt settled down, the group was ready to get down to business. However, before the first word was spoken, the familiar woosh of someone coming through the floo made everyone turn. Turning right along with everyone else, for one second, Hermione expected Draco to step out telling her she should remember to leave a note if she planned to be away all day.
Of course, it wasn't.
Xavier Cross appeared in the doorway, apologizing for his intrusion. Moving straight towards Hermione whom he lifted from her chair, Xavier crushed her in his arms. Going around the table, Xavier shook hands with the wizards while giving the witches a polite nod.
"I was away from Ministry Services. I didn't get Fausto's note until a few minutes ago. I'm so sorry for your loss. Draco was a true friend. If there is anything I can do, please let me know."
When Hermione's feet hit the floor again, she briefly laid her head on Xavier's shoulder. Over the past five years, Xavier had become as much a part of the family as the Maidas. Hermione had nothing but respect and admiration for the wizard who had, at one time, come to her rescue.
"Join us Xavier. We were just sitting down to figure out how we should set services for Draco in both Milan and London. For the moment, I can't seem to get out of my own way. I'll take all the help I can get."
"I'm certain Fausto has already offered the help of Ministry Services if needed, but I will reiterate. If you need us, just tell Fausto," Xavier replied as he pulled out one of the extra chairs.
/*/
Taking a deep breath, Hermione plunged right in. "Carmela has gathered information relative to Memorial Services here in Milan. Hannah will be doing a bit more research seeing how Draco's funeral will be held in London. Please take a few minutes to look over the information. While the lot of you is examining the info, I'm going to excuse myself to see about Scorp. I'll be back straightaway."
With Hermione away from the table, the group spoke a bit more freely.
"Do we all agree we can discard any services which are outside of Milan?" Asked Matt. "I think it would be easier for Hermione as well as the rest of the Brits who haven't ever traveled more than a mile from DLM."
Fausto disagreed. "If the best memorial services are found outside Milan, I say those should be considered as well. Any decent Funeral Director in charge of a Memorial Service should offer group port keys for the attendees without a problem. Don't get me wrong, I think Matt has a point, but I just wanted to point out the obvious."
Heads were nodding, but to which plan was unknown at the moment.
"Although I haven't been invited to speak," interjected Xavier. "I'd like to offer an opinion. Both suggestions have merit. However, why not use people whose business it is to see that things of this nature go right. I mean Hermione is under enough stress. Hire the witch or wizard who will see that everything is done to the family's specifications. No piecemeal with the family having to run here and there. Tell them what you want, and presto, it's done, leaving Hermione free to concentrate on the more important London service. A brochure for just that thing is among those Carmela turned in."
Harry agreed with Xavier. "You make it sound so simple X, but if one shop can save Hermione an ounce of stress, I'm all for it."
There was agreement around the table. The discussion turned to the one particular brochure from Stare Tranquilli which offered all services, including their own location, obituaries in three major papers, photos and banners of the deceased, handouts to mark the service, port keys from up to three select locations direct to their door, transporting the body to its final destination, and music, if specially requested.
Everyone had a look at the brochure and there was a consensus that Stare Tranquilli was the place to start. By the time Hermione was back at the table, Matt was able to hand her information on a complete memorial service.
"We think this is the way to go Hermione. You have Xavier to thank for it. For once, your family is all in agreement. Look it over. If you like it, we'll make a call to set an appointment, hopefully, for tomorrow."
While Hermione studied the brochure, the others waited quietly for her to finish.
Pushing the bushy hair away from her face, Hermione nodded. "I hope this shop is what they proclaim to be. If they are, I agree with everyone else. We shall move forward with Stare Tranquilli. Just in case they aren't up to snuff, let's get a backup plan."
When Hermione mentioned not being up to snuff, Carmela, Fausto and Xavier all gave her enigmatic smiles.
"What?" Am I missing something?" Asked Hermione glancing warily at the three. "Has my mum already vetted this shop?"
"You might say that. Stare Tranquilli is run by Xavier's family and has an impeccable reputation throughout Italy."
Everyone turned as one to look at Xavier with Harry being first to speak this time. "Why not just tell us X, instead of letting us sort through the other brochures?"
Xavier held up both his hands in surrender. "Life is about choices, death isn't. You only get to bury a loved one once. Fausto, Carmela and I didn't want you to feel obligated to use my family's business. I wanted the family to come to a decision on their own. If you'd like, I'll make a call. I'm sure papa, I mean Mr. Cross, will see you in the morning. Will 10:00 am be acceptable?"
"10:00 am will be fine," replied Hermione quietly. "Draco would be so proud. His family has never let him down. I'm so thankful to have all of you supporting me and Scorpius. I don't think we'll need a backup plan. Thank you for putting this together Carmela, Xavier. I plan to go for Draco's last sitting tomorrow around 4:00. Those of you who are free are more than welcome to sit with me. I haven't decided whether or not to bring Scorp with me. Is it better for him to see his father dead, or never see him again? Just one more thing I'm torn over. He will, however, be with me at the Memorial Service. As soon as Scorp is down for the night, I intend to take a small dose of Dreamless Sleep. Perhaps some sleep will give me energy enough to do something with this hair."
"Sounds like a good idea love," agreed Kim. "You'll feel much better after doing your hair."
Hermione gave Kim a shrug before turning to Carmela and Fausto. "I need to impose on the Maidas yet again. If you don't mind, Scorp and I will kip out in Gas' old room for a few days."
Kim glanced at her husband, but didn't comment on Hermione's request.
"Fantastic, Hermione. You don't even have to ask," replied Carmela happily. "Come on through when you're ready. Goodnight everyone. Come on Fausto, I need to make sure the rooms are ready."
"Goodnight all," echoed Fausto. "When Xavier is through with his call, ask him to come through to the house before he leaves."
Turning to Hannah, Hermione asked if her friend would take Sal's old room to help her with Scorpius.
"If it's alright with Carmela and Fausto, it's alright with me. Right Harry?"
Harry hunched his shoulders as if to say, do you even need to ask. "That's fine, but I'll need assistance setting up the London arrangements which can only be done after we speak to Mr. Cross. I'll find somewhere to kip. As long as my two favorite witches are together, I'm happy. Let's all meet here by 9:30. I'm tired. Where am I laying my arse tonight?"
"Take the downstairs Harry, or stay with Seth at Draco's old flat. He has plenty of room."
"Downstairs will be fine. Hope I'm not pushing anyone aside. I'll just go say goodnight to Hannah, Hermione and Scorp. See everyone in the morning."
/*/
With things settled for the night, Sal, Theo and Blaise called out to Seth, and the four huddled in a corner plotting their next moves, which more than likely consisted of drinks and witches. Ten minutes later, the four said they were heading for Seth's flat and would see everyone the next day.
Gas and Seana had flooed back to London right after the meeting. There were still things to be done, especially with Draco gone.
/*/
Matt noticed that Kim was extremely quiet as she moved her wand through the dining room and kitchen cleaning up.
"Everything alright sweetheart?" Asked Matt. "You're awfully quiet."
"I'm fine Matt. A bit tired is all. I'll be in in a minute if you want to go ahead."
Matt stared at his wife. They'd been married long enough for him to know when something was wrong. "Come sit with me for a minute," he said, patting the couch cushion.
Kim sat down, but maintained a stiff posture.
"There's obviously something that needs to be said Kim. You always take that stiff posture when there is something on your mind. I honestly don't have the strength to pull it out of you, so please just tell me"
"It's Hermione. She snapped at me this morning and tonight she embarrassed me by choosing to stay with Carmela. I think she's angry with me because you're still alive."
Matt snapped his head back against the couch so forcefully he almost broke his neck. "Hermione doesn't think anything of the sort," he sputtered. "How can you even think that? Hermione is trying to bury Draco, for Merlin's sake. Why would she be playing games with you?"
Kim stared straight ahead without offering any reply.
"Don't Kim," Matt snapped, jumping up from the couch. "Just don't. We went through this once, but I'll tell you again. I never had any romantic interest in Hermione and she never had any interest in me other than brotherly. So stop right now. I'll tell you what I told you when this came up before. I married you because I fell in love with you. I still love you. I'll always love you. Just because a witch under duress snaps at you, or chooses Carmela's home over ours, doesn't mean anything. You've never been an insecure witch over anyone except Hermione. My cousin's wife is no threat to you or us."
Grabbing Kim by the waist, Matt pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her firmly on the lips. "It's been a long day. Let's retire to the bedroom where I will show you how much I love you."
Kim wasn't convinced. From the beginning, she thought Matt would have taken Hermione in a heartbeat if she and Draco broke up. She still did. With Draco gone, deep down inside she felt it was only a matter of time before her husband began chasing the witch whose name always seemed to be on his lips. All under the guise of taking care of his cousin's family.
/*/
Kim put everything she had into their lovemaking, but it took so long for her to climax she was as sore as she imagined Matt must be. With a soft sigh, she turned to snuggle against her husband's back. Matt was hers, and no witch, including Hermione Malfoy, would take him from her without one hell of a fight.
/*/
Matt reached back to take Kim's hand in his. He didn't like it when Kim got this way. There was no reason. He loved her with all his heart and always would. Maybe he appeared guilty because of the private conversations he and Emilio had about Hermione. Conversations he couldn't and wouldn't repeat to anyone. Emilio never crossed the line when he referred to Hermione. He respected her and her marriage to Draco, but it didn't stop him from mentioning his every thought about Mrs. Malfoy.
"I saw Hermione at The White Ball."
"Hermione was at our Ministry picking up documents for Draco."
"She might be going back to work for Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"Her son is the image of Draco."
"Hermione seems to have lost weight."
"Draco spent a lot of time talking to Beth Giglio at the last function."
"Hermione is spending the week with Carmela Maida."
And on and on. How Emilio knew some of the things he knew, Matt didn't know, but he always listened, cautioning Emilio when it seemed he was doing himself a disservice.
They both knew there was no hope of Emilio ever being with Hermione again, but a bit of discreet talk never hurt anyone.
Lying there holding his wife's hand, Matt promised himself he would refrain from mentioning Hermione, although that might be impractical seeing how he was heir to the Malfoy Legacy and Dynasty. There would be situations he would have to handle, meetings he would have to attend, and businesses he had to oversee. It would be extremely hard to do all that and not have some interactions with Hermione.
Between his position as Minister of Finance, Italy and Head of the Malfoy family, he'd be stretched tight. Even with his skill at delegating, it would take an army.
Dozing off, Matt wondered how Draco had done it all.
/*/
After she, Hannah and Scorpius flooed through to Carmela's, the day caught up to Hermione. Her legs felt so weak she all but collapsed into one of the big, soft chairs in the Maida living room. When Hermione tried to get up, Carmela ordered her to remain in the chair while she fixed Scorp his snack.
Of course, Scorpius heard the word snack and couldn't think of anything else. "Nack. Tips, duce. Tips, duce."
"No chips Scorp," Hermione called from the living room. "You may have juice and a cracker."
"Duce. Tips," insisted Scorpius turning his words into a whine.
Hermione scolded Scorp from where she was sitting. "You're being bad. Be a good boy for nana Mela."
Scorpius tried a pout for the several seconds it took Carmela to put his juice and crackers on his tray. Then he forgot all about chips and held up his crackers for all to see.
"Duce. Cacka. Yay."
Hannah and Carmela smiled at their little angel. Hermione smiled with a heavy heart thinking how her little man was so happy not understanding that these days were some of the hardest his mum would ever live through.
"Mum, jamas mum. Potty," sang Scorpius.
"Okay love. Jamas and potty then bed," sang Hermione back to Scorp. It was amazing that even in the worst of times, her son made her heart sing.
"Then bed aunty Anna. Then bed Mela."
"Say goodnight love."
"Doodnight love," repeated Scorpius as the three witches laughed at his parroting.
Scorpius giggled all the way down the hall.
/*/
After Scorpius was put down for the night, the three witches sat talking quietly among themselves about life, love and loss.
Carmela offered to have Hermione and Scorpius come stay with them. "I know there are ends that need to be tied up Hermione, but it would do my heart good if you and Scorpius came to stay with us for a while. Just to get away. You love Italy and Italy loves you. Maybe you might even want to come back to DLM."
Hermione loved Carmela to death, but she was pushing too hard. "I can't even think as far ahead as tomorrow Carmela. Can this discussion wait for another day? I just don't feel up to thinking. Let me bury Draco, please."
The tears began to run down Hermione's face and Carmela was appalled at what she had caused. Moving over beside Hermione, she apologized for being so thoughtless.
"I think I need Matt here to conjure up a wet cloth for me," joked Hermione wiping her face with her fingertips and giving Carmela a heartfelt reply. "You weren't being thoughtless mum. You were just trying to look out for your daughter. I appreciate you more than you know, but I need to concentrate on what's going on now. My life can wait. I'm going to call it a night. I'll talk to you both in the morning."
/*/
Hannah remained behind to assure Carmela that she and Harry would keep an eye on Hermione and Scorpius.
"I know you will," Carmela replied, reaching out to pat Hannah on the hand. "I don't want her feeling guilty because she and Draco were going through a rough patch when he died. I just don't want my girl to fall into a depression while we aren't looking."
Hannah acknowledged what Carmela had shared with a nod. She and Carmela were the only two who knew that everything hadn't been all roses and sunshine between Draco and Hermione lately.
"During one of our talks, Hermione even mentioned divorce. She and I talked it out, but she didn't want to stay with Draco if he wanted another life."
Sighing, Carmela admitted that Hermione had told her basically the same thing. "However, we both know Draco wouldn't have ever let her take Scorpius from him, and she wouldn't have left without her child. That would never happen. A divorce was out of the question."
Looking around to be sure Hermione was safely ensconced in the bedroom, Hannah mentioned Kim.
"So, I'm not the only one who noticed, Carmela replied sagely. "I used to think I was being silly, but I began to pay closer attention and noticed that Kim has a way of working little put downs into her conversations with Hermione."
Hannah smirked at Carmela. "Exactly Carmela. I don't think I've ever heard Hermione respond in kind until today when Kim told her she'd taken an awfully long time to discuss matters with Louis. Then the overdone apology pretending that Hermione misunderstood. I certainly didn't misunderstand. Perhaps Kim is jealous of Hermione. Although I can't imagine why."
Shrugging, Carmela made a point. "Unless Kim does something outrageous, I think we can overlook her non-tantrums. I was just thinking. Maybe her moods have something to do with Matt not wanting children for a few more years."
"Maybe her jealousy does too. Especially when she looks at Scorp. You don't have to keep me company Hannah. Fausto should be along shortly."
"Alright Carmela. Goodnight. Sweet dreams."
/*/
When Fausto finally made it home, Carmela hugged him tight.
"Ah! A tight hug. What's on your mind love?"
"I'm worried about our girl."
"I know," he said kissing Carmela on the mouth. "Stop worrying. Our girl is strong. She'll be alright."
/**/
While dawning clear and warm, Saturday, April 18, 2009 was another miserable day for Hermione. As hard as she was trying to be strong, her behavior was beginning to affect Scorpius who whined continually for either her or Hannah to pick him up. Even Carmela wouldn't do.
Scorpius did become somewhat manageable when Matt came through the floo to speak with Fausto.
"Up Matt up," Scorpius whined. "Want up."
Matt sat down putting Scorpius on his lap where he quietly remained throughout the entire conversation.
It was almost 9:15 when Hermione and Hannah entered the living room. As though a bug had bitten him, Scorpius jumped from Matt's lap and headed for Hermione at a run.
"Mum, mum, mum, Matt" the little blonde called out turning to point at Matt."
"Yes love," Hermione said as she picked Scorpius up mouthing a silent thank you to Matt. "That's cousin Matt."
Holding Scorpius' little jacket, Hannah called him over so she could put on his coat. "Come on love. We're going bye bye with mum."
Scorpius let out a delighted giggle. "Anna! Bye, bye mum."
"Yes you are little man. You are going with mum and Auntie Hannah."
/*/
Kim seemed to be waiting anxiously by the floo when Hermione, Hannah, Fausto, Scorp and Matt came through.
Matt seemed a bit surprised to see his wife standing there waiting. "Everything alright Kim?"
"Yes, of course. Your appointment is at 9:30. It was getting late."
"No worries love," Matt said kissing his wife. "We are here."
It was decided that Matt, Fausto, Carmela and Hannah would be the only people accompanying Hermione to Stare Tranquilli.
Harry wasn't pleased, but it wasn't his decision to make. He kissed Hannah before snidely remarking that he was starving, so leaving him at the house would give him more time for breakfast. Which earned him a right nice pinch on the side from Hannah.
Kim volunteered to watch Scorpius. "Why don't you leave Scorpius with me? A baby shouldn't have to sit through a business transaction. I'll be able to bring a bit of calm back to his life."
Hannah gave Carmela a quick glance. More passive aggressive remarks from Kim.
Hermione replied in a soft, level voice. "Thank you for your concern Kim. At another time, I might agree with you. However, this business transaction, as you call it, concerns Scorp. As far as bringing calm back to his life, I wasn't aware the calm had left his life. I'm doing my very best to see that life for Scorp remains the same as it was before Draco died. If I'm slipping in that area, I'm sure Hannah, or Carmela will step in. Thank you though. I appreciate your concern."
Picking up Scorpius, Hermione walked to the front door followed by Fausto, Hannah and Carmela. "If we are ready, I say we get going. Mr. Cross probably has appointments after ours."
After giving Kim another kiss, Matt followed the others feeling a little uncomfortable with the remarks his wife had made. It almost sounded as though she was criticizing Hermione's parenting skills. From her response, it seemed Hermione had taken the remarks as criticism as well.
"Save me Merlin from the witch who thinks I want Hermione." Matt mumbled softly.
He must have spoken more loudly than he thought, because Hermione, who had fallen to the back of the queue turned to look at him.
"Praying for me Matt?" She joked. "I'll take all the prayers I can get."
Matt simply smiled.
Across the room, Kim frowned at the exchange.
/*/
Stare Tranquilli was a well set up, immaculate establishment, as was Saverio Cross. Except for the gray hair, Xavier was the spitting image of his father. Saverio presented a commanding figure. Six feet, steel gray hair, the body of an athlete, and as handsome as Xavier.
The personable wizard didn't resemble any funeral director Hermione had ever seen. Then she remembered she hadn't ever met any funeral directors. Her vision of one turned out looking like Severus Snape.
Matt stepped forward to introduce everyone after introducing himself to Saverio, but Fausto and Carmela were already acquainted with Saverio who greeted them warmly. After the introductions, Saverio went into full funeral director mode. Hermione handed Scorpius to Hannah as Saverio lightly touched her elbow to guide her to his office inviting the others to follow.
Over the next hour and a half, Saverio explained in minute detail what his services included. At the end of his explanation, Hermione and Matt agreed they would like to hire his services.
Hermione inquired if he could have everything ready for Wednesday, because it was her intention to have Draco back in London by Saturday for services on Sunday the 26th.
Saverio promised to do his best.
/*/
After filling out all necessary paperwork, Saverio took the group through a side to door to show them the room where the memorial would be held.
"I assure you," he said, glancing around the group. "Your guests will not enter through this door. There is a very lovely front area where those apparating in and those using our port keys will land. As I explained, there will be wizards to receive your guests. Mr. Malfoy's guest book will be the first stop in the receiving line. From there, the Receiving Wizards will direct everyone to their seats. Because this is a memorial service, the seats will not be reserved except for the first two rows on either side which will be designated for family. Badges for the family are enclosed in the packet I handed to Mr. Lozio. Please take a look around. If there is something you would like to see changed, do not hesitate to bring it to my attention. If you'll excuse me, I want to get started on your request to see Mr. Malfoy to London."
"This is lovely Hermione," said Hannah quietly. "There is such a sense of peace. I think adding music to the service is a wonderful idea. Draco was mad for the old, Weird Sisters song, Magic Works. If you don't want to include the lyrics, there are instrumental copies around. I'll start looking as soon as we get back to Carmela's."
Hermione rubbed the arm of her best girlfriend. "I don't know what I'd do without you Hannah. The song is an amazing idea. We'll have the song playing softly in the background, so I don't mind having the lyrics. I absolutely want it playing when friends and family get up to speak. I don't want to reserve speaking time. I want it to be natural. Those who want to speak will be allowed to speak."
Both Matt and Fausto thought the song fit perfectly.
"Shall we go find Saverio?" Suggested Matt. "There are ends to be tied up."
"Verio. Tie up," repeated Scorpius from Fausto's shoulder where he'd been drowsing.
"Yes love," Hermione said raising up to kiss Scorpius on the cheek. "Ends to be tied up."
/*/
On the way back to the office, Hermione asked if Hannah or Carmela would take Scorpius back to the house. "Give him some lunch and put him down for a nap. Matt and Fausto will stay with me. We shouldn't be too much longer. I just need to be sure that everything is in order."
Carmela and Hannah both volunteered to take Scorpius back to Carmela's. "No problem Hermione. Hannah and I will see to our little man. Take your time."
Hermione kissed Scorpius one more time before she, Matt and Fausto went to the office while Carmela, Hannah and Scorp headed out the door.
When they walked through the door in the office, Saverio was just finishing up with two of his staff.
"Come in. Please have a seat. I have news for you about the Memorial Service here as well as the London funeral service. Everything can be ready for a Wednesday, 2 pm service here in Italy. In addition, not only will I be able to have Mr. Malfoy's body back in London by Thursday, the 23rd, I have also been in touch with a superb Funeral Director on that end who has expressed extreme pride in being asked to assist Hermione Granger Malfoy and family in their time of need.
Both Hermione and Matt were pleased with how well things were going and were silently running names through their head trying to figure out who this funeral director could be.
They didn't have to wonder long, because Saverio came right out with it.
"You might remember Mr. Zacharias Smith. While his premises are located in Scotland, he has connections and associations which allow him to work out of London.
Matt looked puzzled, but Hermione spoke right up. "I do remember Zacharias. I don't think I've had any news of him for years."
"Zacharias is proprietor of Smith Funeral Services. He sends his regards and asked me to assure you he will take excellent care of Mr. Malfoy. Shall we go over his proposal?"
With all things falling in place, a somewhat relieved Hermione reached out to take Matt's hand. "Yes Saverio. We would very much like to hear Zacharias' proposal."
"Well then," said Saverio handing copies to Hermione and Matt. "Let's begin."