Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 5
Matt picked up on the second ring.
Hello….
Hello Matt. Sorry to get back to you so late. I was at dinner with my mother, father and sister. Just got in. What can I do for you?
Hello E….
Then Matt told Emilio he'd been invited to officiate at Draco's Memorial Service on Wednesday at 2:00 pm, if he was available.
Emilio was silent for several seconds before asking if Hermione and Harry were alright with the invitation.
"For fucks sake E, I wouldn't have asked without checking with Hermione first. So, yes. Hermione is happy to have you oversee. As for Harry, he's happy when Hermione is happy."
"Well, I had to ask. Didn't I? I wouldn't want anyone to get insulted because it was me standing in front of them. I'll be glad to do it."
"You're daft. No one will be insulted. I've been away from my office for a day and a half, so my morning will be manic, but I think we should speak as early as possible. Stop by my office on your way in. I'll bring all the required information with me."
Emilio agreed to make Matt's office his first stop. The cousins said goodnight then ended the call.
That was a pleasant surprise, thought Emilio as he stripped the clothes from his 6'2" frame and slipped into bed totally in the buff. He was feeling good as he closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would be a very busy day.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 6
Harry and Hannah had returned to London and would return Wednesday morning. Carmela and Fausto who had work in the morning were already in bed, as was Scorpius. Hermione was sitting alone in the living room with a cup of tea going over things in her head. The first thing she thought about was her hair, then what she would wear on Wednesday. She knew she wouldn't be wearing robes. A simple dark or black dress would do. Maybe she would wear the pearl set Draco had given her when Scorpius was born. She would need a pair of shoes…
Suddenly, it dawned on Hermione that her black dress, pearls and shoes were back at their estate in Wiltshire. Everything was back at the house. Hermione knew exactly what she was going to do even before the thought was firmly settled in her mind.
Sending the cup and saucer to the sink, she stowed her wand away and picked up the mobile.
Matt answered.
Hello Matt.
Sorry to bother you this late. If it's not too much of an imposition, I'd like to step through to Wiltshire. I need to get some clothes for Scorp and myself for Wednesday. I'll be quick.
No problem Hermione. I'm wide awake. I just got through speaking to Emilio about officiating on Wednesday. Come on through. Will you need me to accompany you?
Thanks Matt. I'll be fine. I'll be coming through in a minute.
Alright. See you then.
Patting her wand pocket, Hermione grabbed her mobile and stepped through the floo to meet Matt who was waiting by the floo.
Turning the floo to International England/Wiltshire, Matt stepped aside. "I know everything is in top shape at Malfoy Estate, but pay attention. Have Dusty or Embers help you with what you need to find."
Matt's concern was appreciated, but, at that moment, it was annoying. Hermione patted Matt on the arm and told him that even though she might not be acting like it, she was still in her right mind and knew how to maneuver in her own home.
Matt realized he was being a bit overbearing and stepped away gesturing with an outstretched hand for Hermione to step through. "Sorry. I was being a bit of a prat. Wasn't I? I'll probably be in bed when you come back through. Just lock the floo behind you. Goodnight."
/*/
Hermione stepped out into the apparition area of the home she knew so well and looked around. A strange thought flooded her mind. Everything looked so normal. Nothing had changed. How could nothing have changed when the master of the house was dead?
The corners of Hermione's eyes burned as tears began falling. Not bothering to wipe them away, Hermione walked the house. Their house. Hers, Draco's and Scorp's. Now only hers and Scorp's. The tears were falling in earnest as she climbed the stairs to the bedrooms. Draco had left his pajamas on a chair when he hurried out that last morning, and she hadn't moved them because she was upset he insisted on going on the ski trip. Petty tit for tat. Picking them up, Hermione could smell Draco so clearly it seemed as though he had just stepped out of them.
"Bloody, stupid arsehole," she called out to nobody. "You've gone and left me and Scorp alone." Then, sobbing wildly, Hermione reversed herself. "I fought with you love, but I fought because it seemed I was losing you. The love we had was supposed to last forever. What happened to us?"
Before gathering the items she needed for herself and Scorpius, Hermione went to wash her face. All Draco's personal care products sat there like they expected him to come back to use them. "He's not coming back," she screamed, using the back of her arm to sweep all the products into the waste bin that sat beside the sink.
Hurrying into the bedroom, Hermione began gathering anything and everything. Then she accio'd her black shoes, her brown shoes, her beige shoes. With a pile of shoes and clothing around her ankles, she sank to the floor and just sat there.
Twenty minutes later, she summoned everything to her purse telling herself she would sort them back in Italy. After gathering things for Scorpius, Hermione was ready to go, but looked up to see Dusty and Embers at the door.
"Miss Hermione? We sorry Mr. Draco gone. We be wantin you to call us if you need us. We be here waitin' for you and our baby Scorpius."
Then one after the other they left the room with little pops.
"Thank you." Hermione called out to the still air.
Picking up her purse, Hermione headed downstairs. She'd been gone far too long. Once back downstairs, Hermione took one last look around before stepping into the floo. As she whirled her way back to Milan, Hermione had to fight the feeling that she didn't want to ever go back to Malfoy Estate.
/*/
Hermione stepped quietly out of the floo, adjusted the knob for local travel before stepping back in and softly calling out, Maida house.
The first thing Hermione did after locking the floo was go look in on Scorpius who was sleeping peacefully. She began unloading the purse and soon had everything put away. Thinking it was as good a time as any, Hermione decided to treat herself to some quality, me time. Remembering Kim's comment, she decided to give her hair some special care because she definitely wanted her hair to live up to Kim's expectations.
With a nice conditioner in her hair, Hermione slipped on a muggle, heat cap to make the conditioner penetrate deeply into her hair follicles before slipping into a tub of very warm water.
Lying back in the tub, Hermione began to experience feelings. The feelings Draco would have taken care of had he still been alive.
Hermione didn't know. Perhaps it was the nearly hot water, or that it was the first chance she had to really relax since getting the news about Draco. Whichever it was, it was causing havoc between her legs. A little voice in Hermione's head told her to take care of it herself because there wasn't anyone else to tend to her needs.
Since that day in 2003 when she got together with Draco, she never had to worry about sex or being satisfied. He was always willing to pull her on top of him, or him on top of her. Even though other things had been lacking in their marriage, they'd always had an amazing sex life.
The more Hermione dwelled on it, the more fierce her cravings became, and finally, even though Scorpius was sleeping in the next room and she was in Carmela's house, she grabbed her wand, locked the bathroom door and began the steps to bring herself to orgasm.
At first, it was hard. Hermione would bring herself to the point of orgasm only to move the wrong way and have the intense feeling slip away. Finally, she was positioned just right and it happened. The intense pleasure of a manual orgasm began spreading throughout her lower body. While the orgasm was amazing, she also received a shock as Emilio's face appeared before her whispering he would be a happy man if she let him do that for her.
Panting and throbbing at the same time, Hermione ripped the heat cap off her hair, turned on the shower and tried to forget what had just transpired. As she rinsed off, Hermione began to breathe normally again thinking how this was the exact opposite of what had happened way back when she was dating Emilio. At that time, it was Draco who appeared before her. Five years later, she wasn't sure she'd chosen correctly.
/*/
As disgusting as it should have been, Hermione wasn't repulsed by Emilio appearing before her in that inappropriate moment. As she had admitted to Hannah and Carmela, her life with Draco had been falling apart. Shortly after Draco's perceived dalliance with Pansy Parkinson, certain thoughts about her time with Emilio had started darting through her mind. Darting through her mind was all. She never would have acted on any illicit affair while Draco was alive, but now he wasn't, and she had latitude. She was allowed to cum looking into any face she wanted… in private.
These were the thoughts going through her mind in the privacy of a locked bathroom as she combed her now soft, silky hair, but she was a recent widow who wouldn't speak on such things to anyone, except maybe Carmela or Hannah.
Looking closely at herself in the mirror, Hermione realized she looked pretty. Not drained, not drawn, not tired. She looked pretty.
Shaking her head from side to side, Hermione spoke in a wistful sigh. "The wonders of a self produced orgasm."
/**/
Fausto and Carmela were up having coffee when Hermione and Scorp came through to the kitchen.
"Good morning," said Hermione which was quickly echoed by Scorpius.
"Good morning Scorp. Good morning Hermione. Your hair looks lovely. Kim will be pleased."
Hermione smiled but didn't respond to Carmela's comment.
"Morning," said Fausto kissing Carmela goodbye and waving at Hermione and Scorp. "Off to work for me. I'll see you all later."
Carmela was next. "I've got to get going as well. Don't sit here all day by yourself enveloped by sadness. Get out into the air. Have a walk. Take Scorp to the park so he can ride the swings."
"Maybe we will," Hermione replied smiling at her son. "A nice ride on a swing might be just the thing to brighten Scorp's day. I'll think about it. First, we're going to have some breakfast. Right Scorp?"
"Sing mum. Sing."
"Maybe we'll swing later."
Carmela grabbed her things and hurried to the door. "I think I've created a monster. You have full run of the house Hermione. Invite in anyone you want. See you soon."
/*/
At the Italian Ministry, Emilio and Matt met at 7:30 am so Matt could explain everything. As most of it was self explanatory, the two wizards simply had to agree on the presentation. By 8:30, they had a perfect presentation in place and went about their daily duties.
Back in his office, Emilio looked over the finished presentation just to be sure he and Matt hadn't overlooked anything. It was polished and well put together. He believed Hermione would be pleased.
Emilio had promised Matt he wouldn't do anything inexcusable towards Hermione, and he wouldn't, but he was sensing an opportunity to be in her company. If he hoped to approach her at some time in the future, he might as well try to make himself as familiar as possible without making a nuisance of himself.
Putting a quick call in to Matt, Emilio got his answer. Matt agreed to call ahead to let Hermione know Emilio would be stopping by Carmela's later that evening to show her the presentation he'd put together, if she didn't mind.
/*/
Scorpius had cereal while Hermione had a cup of coffee. She and Scorp were in the midst of a lovely game of hide and seek when her mobile rang. Scorp got to it first and stood there saying hello to the ringing phone. Hermione finally got the mobile and answered to find Matt on the other end.
Good morning Hermione, Matt here.
Good morning Matt. I know it's you. Caller ID remember.
Right, sorry. I'm calling to find out if you'll be available this evening to meet with Emilio. He wants you to go over the presentation he put together in case there is something you want changed.
That's fine Matt. Can't hurt to go over the details. This is Carmela and Fausto's home, so please tell Emilio not to be too late. In fact, if he can make it by 6:30 he can have dinner with us. If he can't make it then, tell him no later than 8:00.
I'll tell him Hermione. I hope you like what he's put together. I'll speak to you soon.
Thanks Matt. See you soon.
As soon as Hermione ended the conversation, without warning, the previous night popped into her head. She nervously decided not to give herself any more orgasms if they were going to make Emilio keep popping up in her life.
/*/
Matt called back to let Emilio know Hermione didn't mind also giving him the specific instructions she had given him.
Dinner! Emilio decided he would definitely get there by 6:30. He knew it was a small step, but it was a first step down the long path to the past then back to the future even though a small part of him still held onto the fear. The fear, that in Hermione's eyes, he'd never be an acceptable partner. However, this time, there wasn't any Draco waiting for him to fuck up. No Draco to spirit Hermione away from him. No Draco period, which at this point in time, was a good thing.
Leaning back in his chair, Emilio admitted it was time to stop blaming everything on Draco. It wasn't Draco's fault he fell for Ginny Weasley's treacherous moves. Like Harry had told him at the time. As soon as Ginny had begun her crusade against Hermione, he should have kicked her arse to the curb and got the hell away from her, but he hadn't. He'd been so fearful of losing Hermione to Draco, he hadn't realized he was being manipulated. If he ever got another chance, Emilio promised himself he would do things much differently.
/*/
Harry called about noon to see how the day was going. They talked until Hermione asked if he should be getting back to work.
When Harry answered, she could picture his smile through the phone.
Who's more important than you? Anyway, I'm the boss. I'll work when I want. I actually called to tell you I've seen where Zacharias will be holding the funeral. It's magnificent Hermione. It's a lovely chapel not far from the cemetery. Draco will be going in style. I'm working on something, but I want it to be a surprise. I'd better get off the mobile. Some of my gits have come through the door looking puzzled. I need to get them sorted. Kiss Scorp for us, and we'll see you Wednesday morning.
Hermione loved her brother who was always there for her, no matter what, and she didn't know what she would do without Hannah. They were like the siblings she never had.
After hanging up with Harry, Hermione played with Scorp until his nap time.
/*/
Scorp was a bit cranky when he woke up around 2:30, but once he had a cup of juice and a few crackers in front of him, he quieted right down, which was good because Hermione wanted to get busy making a nice dinner for Carmela and possibly Emilio. Fausto was usually late, but would appreciate a ready and waiting meal as well.
Hermione felt industrious, so she cooked without using magic. While she cooked, Scorpius played with his favorite thing, her mobile. It was an hour before Hermione realized he had turned off her phone. Since Draco's death and the family's inability to get to her, Hermione had not turned off the phone. Down the road she'd probably get over the feeling that turning off the mobile was bad, but at the present moment, she'd rather keep it on.
The smell of baked chicken, mashed with garlic, green beans and carrots permeated the entire front of the house. Hermione didn't have time to make dessert nor was she very good at it, so she sent out for panna cotta with raspberries. Everything was ready when Carmela walked in at 5:35.
After greeting Hermione and giving Scorpius a resounding kiss on the forehead, Carmela commented on how good everything smelled. "Smells like I walked into a five star restaurant. Is that panna cotta? I know you didn't make it," she added chuckling. "I think making dessert is one of the only things you've never been good at. I'm going to freshen up. I'll be right back."
Hermione laughed in return. "You know me too well. There's no hurry though. Emilio Lozier asked to stop by to go over his presentation and I invited him to dinner. He'll be here by 6:30."
Carmela stopped in her tracks to turn back and glance at Hermione. "Hermione?" She said softly, calling Hermione's name as a question. "I don't mean to challenge your decision, but isn't it too soon to have a wizard calling on you?"
Hermione shook her head and grinned at Carmela. "You should see your face. Slow down mum. You're letting the ravings of an upset and disappointed wife cloud your vision. Emilio and I parted a long time ago, and not on the best of terms. He has a witch named Marissa who we met the other night, so he's not thinking along those lines at all. It's only business bringing him here. You must remember we agreed to have Emilio officiate Wednesday."
Carmela let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "I knew that. I was just checking to see if you knew that. That man though, is one handsome and charming wizard. If I wasn't married, I'd be chasing him down. Never mind freshening up. I think I need a complete wash. I'll be back." She said heading to the bathroom.
Hermione's laugh followed Carmela all the way down the hall.
Carmela mumbled that Hermione obviously couldn't see what was before her. Having known Emilio since he'd taken the position of Minister of Acquisitions in 2003, Carmela thought, even as hard as he tried to hide it, Minister Lozier was still enamored with Hermione. If the truth be told, along with Draco's unfortunate accident came the change in Hermione's marital status. A status which allowed Emilio to take steps, if he dared.
Pushing all the convoluted thoughts aside before stepping into the shower, Carmela scolded herself for worrying about things that hadn't happened and might never happen.
/*/
James Wooley was at home gathering items he needed for his visit to Milan having advised his assistant he would be out of the office until Thursday morning. He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that mogul Draco Malfoy had basically killed himself. An accident on a ski slope. How ridiculous for a wizard. The man had a life people would kill for, yet he purposely put himself at risk. He felt bad for Hermione and her son for the loss of the husband and father. However, knowing Hermione, even with a child to care for, he felt she was more than capable of surviving without a husband.
Returning to Milan was a pleasurable thought. James actually missed the friends and colleagues he'd made during his years there. He'd still be there if the correct position had opened up, but it hadn't, so he did the next best thing. He took a higher position in Spain. While not exactly what he wanted, his position had worked out well. He was well respected and well paid, but he'd still rather be working in Milan.
With everything shrunken down and placed in a small case, James put it aside to have his dinner. Even though it was a sorrowful occasion, he looked forward to seeing Hermione again. She was one of the most amazing witches he'd ever met, and he'd always respect the way she'd gone into DLM and turned the company completely around.
Then James had a silly thought. With Draco out of the way, he wondered if Hermione would turn to the Minister, because James was more than sure Emilio hadn't given up on being with the love of his life. If the Minister was anything, he was consistent. James was sure Hermione Granger Malfoy was still on Emilio's radar. He actually couldn't wait to get back to Milan to see if he was on the mark.
/*/
With Scorpius on her lap, Hermione was sitting on the couch talking to Carmela when there was a knock on the door.
Since it was Carmela's house, Hermione remained where she was while Carmela answered the door. However, Scorpius slid off the couch to follow Carmela. It was Emilio. While Carmela greeted their guest, Scorp sidled up beside her and greeted Emilio with a wide grin.
"Meel mum. See."
Carmela invited Emilio to come through and hang his cloak as Scorpius very nearly ran up his leg.
"Up Meel. Pick me up."
Both Hermione and Carmela grinned at Scorpius' use of a whole sentence, congratulating him on his grown up form.
Although slightly overwhelmed by Scorpius' greeting, Emilio picked him up. Once in Emilio's arms, Scorpius performed his new habit of laying his hands on people's cheeks.
"Hello little man. I've picked you up, but you mustn't run to strangers. You must always get your mum's approval."
Hermione smiled. The Minister was right. Holding out her hands, Hermione beckoned Scorpius. "Listen to Emilio. You must not run to strangers."
Then, with arms spread wide as though he understood every word that had been said, Scorpius pointed to Emilio then to Carmela then to his mum and made an innocent retort. "Meel mum. Tat's Meel."
It was clear Scorpius knew he wasn't dealing with a stranger.
After a few minutes conversation, Hermione invited Emilio to the table. "Let's sit down. I want to be able to go over your presentation before it gets too late. I hope you like baked chicken. Do you still make the sprouts and celery Harry was so wild about?"
"Baked chicken is fine. Thank you. I haven't made sprouts and celery in a very long time Hermione. Not much call for it in Milan."
Neither he nor Hermione acknowledged it, but there was something unspoken left hanging in the air. The first and last time Emilio made sprouts and celery for her had been the night of Harry's party. That night. The night everything had truly begun with Draco.
"We'll rectify that," added Carmela. "Sounds delicious. Perhaps you'll make it and bring it round to dinner some Sunday."
"It would be my pleasure Carmela. Just say the word."
Carmela watched both Hermione and Emilio. Neither one was acting inappropriately, but she was sure both were remembering things from prior times.
/*/
The dinner was fabulous. The three adults talked among themselves while Scorpius happily fed himself mashed and chicken while pushing green beans and carrots to the side. When Hermione tried to feed him the vegetables, Scorp pushed the fork away.
"No, no, no."
Taking on the position of man of the table, Emilio gave Scorpius a soft scolding. "Young men never give their mother trouble. If mum asks you to eat your food, you eat your food."
Scorpius nodded as he pushed a few green beans on his fork and put them in his mouth. "Meel mean to Scorp mum."
As outspoken as it was, Scorp had made another complete sentence. After which, he ate all of his green beans and most of his carrots.
Dessert was served and finished by 7:50.
Hermione decided she and Emilio would hold their discussion in the dining room instead of the living room. Scorpius obviously agreed as he closely followed Hermione, Emilio and Carmela into the next room.
/*/
The presentation was well done. The only suggestion Hermione had was for Emilio or Matt to contact Saverio to let him know there would be an additional page added to the handouts with the names and order of the wizards and witches who would be speaking.
While Emilio was speaking, Scorpius would glance at him then glance away.
"That's fine," agreed Emilio. "I will speak to Matt as soon as I leave here. Seems trite, but I'll put the names in alphabetical order so there won't be any confusion. Including yourself, there are eleven speakers. I'm wondering if you want to add more."
"Why don't you leave a few slots open. Blaise's mother will be attending, and might want to say a few words. James will be by to see me tomorrow. I'm not sure he'll want to speak, but keep a space open for him. I'll speak last. Keep your eyes open Minister. You might have to grab me before I hit the floor."
Although it was a semi serious remark, Emilio smiled. "I don't think we have to worry about that. I've never seen you hit the floor even in the worst of times."
Hermione returned his smile. Truer words had never been spoken.
/*/
Carmela decided she and Scorp should head to the bedroom for a bit of reading. "I'll just get Scorp settled down. I'll read to him if there are any visible words left on the pages of The Wizard And The Hopping Pot. Fausto should be coming through shortly. I've left his plate on the counter under a warming spell. It was nice to see you Emilio. Don't forget about the sprouts and celery."
"It was nice to see you as well," Emilio replied rising from his chair. "I won't forget."
"Say goodnight to Emilio Scorp."
Laying his head on Carmela's shoulder, Scorpius turned his face into the crook of her neck without saying anything.
Carmela shrugged her shoulders and headed to the bedroom, but Hermione and Emilio could hear Scorpius tell Carmela that Meel was mean.
Hermione laughed, but Emilio was embarrassed. "Forgive me if I overstepped my bounds with Scorpius. It really wasn't my place to chastise him."
Hermione laughed a little louder. "There's no need to apologize. You didn't say one wrong word. I think Scorp was surprised that someone other than Draco, Harry, or Fausto made him eat his vegetables. He'll be fine. Thank you so much for doing all of this Emilio."
At the mention of Draco's name, Emilio straightened his back thinking he could want what he wanted, but it would probably always be about Draco. Pulling on his cloak, Emilio told Hermione he was glad to be of help and would see her Wednesday.
"I'll see myself out. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Hermione called after him.
Emilio was just about out the door when Fausto came down the hall. "Hello Minister. How are you?" After a quick glance at Hermione, Fausto extended his hand to Emilio. "Sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but there'll be other times. Have a good night."
Carmela wasn't the only one who knew things.
"Goodnight Fausto," Emilio respectfully replied before stepping out the door.
"That was a surprise to find the Minister here."
"Not such a surprise Fausto. Emilio was here to show me the presentation he put together for Wednesday. It's lovely and well put together."
/*/
One more thing out of the way, thought Hermione as she sat down at the table across from Fausto. "I made a lovely dessert."
"No you didn't." laughed Fausto. "You may have been the best Head of DLM ever, but dessert is not something you can do. Have you forgotten I'm married to your mum? She tells me lots of stuff."
"Well now. It seems I can't hide anything from you two. I'm going to check on Scorp. Enjoy the dessert I didn't make."
"I will." Fausto called out with another boisterous laugh.
Hermione peeked in on Scorpius and Carmela only to find them both sleeping. The reader had fallen victim to her own words. Hermione gently nudged Carmela.
"Fausto is home love. Why don't you go sit with him while he eats. I'll see to Scorp."
Carmela sat up apologizing for falling asleep.
"Don't be silly. I appreciate you looking after my little man. Go see about Fausto."
"I will," said Carmela, stretching her arms above her head. "I'll see you in the morning."
Hermione changed Scorp into his pajamas and laid him in his big boy bed before undressing and climbing into bed herself. She was restless, but didn't know why. It was quite a while before she could relax enough to fall asleep.
/*/
Zacharias Smith was as efficient as Saverio. After a flurry of phone calls back and forth earlier in the day, Harry and Matt had gotten everything settled. Zacharias had agreed to enlarge the original space which had been purchased so it would comfortably fit a small vault in addition to the family burial plots, and offered assurances that the vault would be completed by Saturday.
During their last call of the day, Harry and Matt were supremely happy they could do this for Draco, Hermione and Scorpius. Although Matt tried his best to pay for the vault and the additional space, Harry wouldn't hear of it.
"This is Hermione we're talking about, and it was my idea. Why would you even think I'd want reimbursement. It's paid and done. Let's just leave it right there. I do like the idea of having a vault. Hannah and I have spoken a little bit about it and think we might purchase an area for the Potters before the best spots are taken."
The men had spoken a little bit about how well Hermione seemed to be holding up then ended their conversation on that brighter note.
/*/
Emilio went directly home from the Maida's house. At the moment, the only things he wanted were a drink, some solitude and to reflect on his meeting with Hermione. However, that wasn't to be the case. He had finished hanging his clothes and was pouring himself a brandy when his mobile rang. Emilio could see by the caller ID that Marissa was calling.
Hello Marissa. How are you?
Marissa let out a soft giggle. Caller ID?
So much for solitude.
Hello Emilio. I was thinking about the nice time we had at your parent's estate and thought I would return the favor. I'm calling to invite you out to dinner Friday evening.
Emilio took a sip of brandy while he considered the invitation. Why not? There weren't any upcoming Ministry functions this weekend, and as far as he knew, there wasn't anything on his calendar for Friday evening, but he'd have to check to be certain.
How nice Marissa. I'm not sure of what's on my calendar. I'll check in the morning. If there isn't anything I'm required to attend, I'd like very much to be taken out to dinner. What do you have planned?
I was thinking I would call Kim to see if is she is amenable to her and I putting out a cozy dinner for you and Matt at their home.
Emilio was so startled by Marissa's reply that half his brandy sloshed over the side of the glass and landed on his highly polished shoes. Taking a second to temper his reply, Emilio answered in a fairly level voice.
I don't think that's a great way to start a friendship. You've been in Kim's company once. In addition, this is a very stressful week for Matt and Kim. You do know they are memorializing his cousin on Wednesday and burying him on Sunday? If that's your plan, I'll have to decline. In any case, I'll still need to check my calendar to be certain I'm available.
Thank you for reminding me. I'd completely forgotten about the death in the family, but you have to eat sometime. If we can't have dinner with Kim and Matt, why don't we pass by your parent's house for dinner. I'd love to see them again.
Emilio was through with this conversation. This witch was pushing way too hard, first inviting him to his own cousin's house then to his parent's home.
As I've already mentioned twice, I need to check my calendar Marissa. Additionally, it's bad form to invite someone out then plan the evening at places where the company might not be welcome.
Marissa gave it one last push.
Not welcome. It's your family. Of course you'd be welcome.
I was speaking about you Marissa. My family doesn't care to have people insert themselves where they haven't been invited. There are a few matters I'd like to clear up before my start of day, so I'll say goodnight. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Goodnight.
/*/
Emilio was angry as he summoned his wand to clean the brandy from his shoes.
"Lovely," he grumbled. "Nothing like walking around the Ministry smelling like a brandy vat."
After cleaning his shoes, Emilio sat back down on the couch to enjoy a full glass of brandy. When he was finished, he made two mental notes. He had to call Matt first thing in the morning about the additional page being added to the memorial handout, and he needed to make a notation on his calendar for the appointment his assistant had obviously neglected to enter. There wouldn't be any Friday night dinner for him.