Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 11
Emilio was confused. Sunday? London? Sunday was Draco's funeral. Why would he be needed there?
Carmela rightly interpreted Emilio's silence as confusion, and forged ahead.
"Hermione doesn't want Scorpius to attend the funeral. She thinks it's better if he remembers Draco as he was. The problem is that the family and friends will be attending the funeral. Since Scorpius is very comfortable with you, I thought you might not mind keeping a watch on him for a few hours.
Emilio was speechless.
Getting nothing but silence from Emilio's end, Carmela tried to backtrack.
"I-I'm sorry if I've offended you. It was just a thought. Please forgive this old witch for overstepping her bounds. We'll find another way."
Finally finding his voice, Emilio spoke up.
"You haven't offended me Carmela. In fact, I take your request as a compliment. As long as Hermione is onboard, I'll be glad to look after Scorpius."
Now the silence was on Carmela's end.
Emilio laughed into the silence.
"Does your silence mean you've asked me before checking with Hermione? Here's what we can do. I'll keep Sunday open. If Hermione agrees, let me know. If not, no harm done."
"I'm so embarrassed Emilio. I didn't think ahead. I'll check with Hermione and get back to you one way or another. I'm certain she'll be very appreciative. If not, I'll banish her to her room."
They both had a laugh over Carmela's response before ending their conversation.
/*/
Carmela hung up the phone thinking, all they had to do now was convince Hermione.
Emilio sat at his desk thinking, Hermione will never agree to it.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 12
Carmela felt she'd done the legwork, so it would be up to Hannah to convince Hermione. Picking up the phone, Carmela rang the number to the Leaky Cauldron to share the news of what she'd done.
Although Hannah didn't broadcast her shock when Carmela explained who she'd approached to be Scorp's sitter, she was shocked. Emilio was the last person she'd have chosen. Not because she didn't trust him around Scorp, but because…. because. All sorts of images were flashing through Hannah's mind, from a friendly kiss right up to Hermione and Emilio having a hot, sweaty shag.
Carmela had to call Hannah's name twice before she could get her to respond.
You're too quiet Hannah. What are you thinking?
You don't even want to know what I'm thinking.
Carmela laughed.
Get your filthy mind out of the gutter Hannah. We are only asking a favor. We're not trying to get those two into bed.
Of course you're right. Would you please try to tell that to my inner self who, at the moment, is freaking out? Alright, alright. We're two grown witches. Hermione can't take us both.
Hannah laughed so hard she dropped the mobile before hurriedly retrieving it and assuring Carmela she would check with Hermione. The two friends chuckled for a few more minutes before ending their conversation.
/*/
Hannah had spent a fair few minutes talking to Carmela, so instead of making a call which would probably be even more lengthy, and private, she sent Hermione an Owl.
In truth, as proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron, Hannah could stay on the mobile all day if she wished. The staff would cover for her. However, in this instance she'd rather not call and possibly have to hear Hermione shout the room down. An Owl would be just as effective.
/*/
Hermione had taken Scorpius out for a bit of play time and managed to get some shopping done as well, and returned to the house about 3:00.
After getting Scorp settled, Hermione headed to the master bedroom she and Draco used to share, letting an involuntary sigh escape her lips. No matter her state of mind, or how sunny her disposition, whenever Hermione entered the bedroom, she was reminded of how much she missed a loving embrace. Pushing thoughts of a warm embrace and a good shag out of her mind, Hermione laid her purchases on the bed while she hung her cloak.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Hermione used her wand to put away everything she'd purchased except the soft, silky underwear which she held against her cheek to enjoy the softness before sending them to the underwear drawer as well. Once everything was away, she felt a little better. For some inane or insane reason, Hermione felt she had to have on lovely, new knickers as she stood facing Draco for the last time. Why she felt this way was a mystery, but it was what she was going to do.
/*/
An Owl had arrived in her and Scorp's absence, and one of the house elves had placed it on top of the dresser. Hermione lazily summoned it with her wand before leaning back on the bed. Holding the message in front of her eyes, she began to read then hastily sat back up. Hannah and Carmela had found her a willing babysitter for Sunday, Emilio Lozier. Hermione reread the message. Her first tendency was to be outraged, but the more she thought about it, the more it seemed feasible. Scorpius liked Emilio and was very comfortable around him. Even more comforting, Hermione was sure Emilio would protect Scorp as if he was his own. She was still going to put the fear of Merlin into the two women. They couldn't just ask people to do her favors. It wasn't right. Emilio might have had plans. Then she chastised herself. Emilio was a grown wizard. If he'd had prior plans, he would have refused the request.
Grabbing her mobile, Hermione sent a dual text to Carmela and Hannah.
You do know you're both as mad as hatters, but we'll discuss that this weekend. Since any trustworthy person we could have called will be with us on Sunday, I accept Emilio as a babysitter. If, and only if he was not pressured. I don't want to owe anyone a life debt (that was a bit of humor). Once everything is sorted, you may have Emilio call me. I'll see you on Saturday morning Miss Carmela, and Miss Hannah, I'll speak with you later. Thank you for your assistance. I love you both.
/*/
Emilio still wondered why and how the call he'd received from Carmela had come about. If the call had come from anyone other than Mrs. Maida, he would have been quick to call bull shite and hang up. Evidently the request was real. Carmela had called back to tell him Hermione was fine with him babysitting Scorpius, and he should call her for details.
Of course he hadn't called Hermione yet. Instead, he had busied himself with reports, a review of their newest vendor, and more shitty, little jobs which could be done anytime. He was doing them to keep from ringing Hermione before he had the conversation sorted in his head. So many things happening at once. Not only had this invitation to sit Scorpius appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but so had a very interesting piece of information about a, so far unconfirmed, upcoming job position.
Emilio didn't want to get too enthused about any of it, but the magical feelings coursing through his body made him feel omnipotent. Whatever was about to come in the next phase of his in his life, would be welcomed with open arms.
Emilio hadn't realized he'd been lost in reverie until his assistant loudly cleared his throat. "Sorry to intrude Minister, but incoming Minister Wooley is on line two. He is having a problem getting through on your mobile."
"Thank you." said Emilio looking at the dark face of his phone. How silly. He'd forgotten to recharge his phone and his assistant hadn't bothered to check on it. Time had certainly flown by. Mobile charges were spelled to last thirty days. Reaching into his top drawer, Emilio recited the Recharge Charm before picking up the business line.
James! How are you? My apologies for the cock up with the mobile. It went off charge.
I'm well Emilio. A cock up with the mobile? Sounds like your assistant is slipping in his duties. James replied cheekily.
Too right James. Emilio replied with a chuckle. My best assistant disappeared when you took the position in Spain.
Thank you Minister. I've called because I'd like to bring a courtesy gift to your mother this evening. I was thinking a lovely bouquet of flowers, but have no idea what appeals to her.
A wonderful thought James. However, my suggestion is to bring nothing except yourself. My mother will be thrilled with your company. Besides, if you bring her a gift tonight, she'll expect one every week.
What a rude thing to say Emilio.
I was kidding James. Mother loves lilies. Instead of meeting at the hotel, why don't you come to the house? We'll have a drink before heading to my parents then leave from there.
Sounds good Emilio. I'll see you about 6:30.
After ending the call with James, Emilio gave his assistant a bit of a telling off about letting something as important as charging his mobile slip past him.
/*/
Back at his desk with his mobile on full charge, Emilio checked the number Carmela had given him then dialed Hermione's mobile.
In for a penny, in for a pound he thought just before Hermione answered.
The conversation between Hermione and Emilio wasn't an extended one, but it was fairly detailed. Hermione told Emilio she appreciated him putting his plans aside to come to London, and he told her it was his pleasure because he liked the little man. Hermione invited Emilio to come through in time for brunch which he declined explaining it seemed rude for a wizard to take a seat at Draco's table so soon after his death. He explained that his thought was to take Scorpius out on an adventure rather than sit in Malfoy Estate.
Hermione was quick to reply.
You're a friend Emilio. You're as welcome in my home as any other friend would be. Leave the past in the past. Don't read into things that aren't there. I understand about declining brunch, but I must insist you attend the dinner. As a matter of fact, I have a special request I'd like to see added to the tables. All the ingredients are here. I'll expect sprouts and celery on the table.
Will you now? Emilio sassed, feeling all 2003. I'll see what I can do. I'll get little man to help me prepare.
Hermione laughed. I have three very capable house elves who will be more than glad to help you. I'll see you Sunday at 12:30 my time. Be sure to speak to Matt about using his floo. Stepping through a floo is so much easier than hiring some shitty portkey.
I will do that Hermione.
They were ready to end the call when Hermione softly spoke Emilio's name.
Shivers went through Emilio. His name had rolled off Hermione's lips like a caress. Like she cared.
Yes? He replied cautiously.
Thank you. I'll see you Sunday afternoon.
You're welcome Hermione. I'll see you then.
/*/
Matt had just returned to his office and was picking up his messages. There was the normal whining from clients who wanted special exemptions, or special pricing. Matt sent them all to saved messages. Then he came to Emilio's message. His cousin sounded as though he'd lost his mind. Matt listened to the message three times before realizing that Emilio wasn't in distress. He was happy.
Matt didn't bother calling Emilio back. Instead, he headed to the lifts intent on getting details face to face.
"You aren't going to believe this," offered an obviously excited Emilio when Matt came through the door.
"I probably won't," joked Matt.
Without any fanfare, Emilio shared his news. "Hermione has asked me to sit for Scorpius on Sunday."
Matt sat down. "What? Begin at the beginning Emilio. Don't leave anything out."
Emilio sat across from Matt and explained the entire thing. When he finished, Matt stayed silent not really knowing how to let his exuberant cousin down gently. Emilio might think Hermione was inviting him to her home in hopes of a liaison, but from the look of it, all she needed was a sitter.
"You seem to be overly elated at this request. What do you expect to come of it?"
Emilio tensed up. "I don't expect anything to come of it Matt. I'm just amazed Hermione chose me."
Matt stared at his cousin, and decided to hold his tongue about certain things. "Alright. If that's the case, I'll see you at dinner. Will it be held at Malfoy Estate?"
"No Matt. Zacharias Smith has a venue set up. I've been charged with getting Scorpius there by 3:45, which I plan to do. I've also been asked to prepare …"
"Don't tell me," Matt replied. "Your signature dish."
Emilio was annoyed by Matt's insinuations. "Stop with the tone Matt. I do not have any ulterior motives, nor do I have any expectations. If you think I do, you don't know me as well as you think you do. I won't deny it. I love Hermione. I'll probably always love her, but to think I'd do something foul when she's just buried her husband is disgusting. I have work to do. I'll see you on Sunday."
Matt rose from the chair. "You should know me better than that. I wasn't insinuating anything. I simply asked a question. However, if that's what you think. You don't know me as well as you think you do. I'll see you Sunday."
It was an irritable Emilio who went through the outstanding work on his desk. He and Matt had just bumped heads, and he didn't like it.
/*/
If Hannah had been shocked over Emilio as a choice of sitters, Harry had been livid, and the argument from the previous night carried over to Friday.
Harry had taken off early and stopped by the Leaky to see if Hannah could get away early as well. There was no problem. Hannah turned the pub over to the staff with orders to call if they needed her, and accompanied her husband home. The shite began after she shared the Sunday plan.
"Who's idea was that?" Harry growled. You were so sure you could find a proper babysitter, yet you end up with a wizard who…."
"What is the problem? A wizard who what Harry?" Snapped Hannah throwing her cloak down on a living room chair. "A wizard who what? If you're insinuating that Emilio is doing this because he has ulterior motives, think again. Emilio is a classy, well mannered wizard who wouldn't try anything so despicable."
"Really?" Harry shot back. Do you remember what went on…"
Hannah was infuriated that Harry would harp on that old shite. "Shut up Harry," she said poking him hard in the chest. "The way I remember it was Draco pushed into Hermione and Emilio's relationship and won the witch. Good for him. I've heard it all before. Not disrespecting the dead, but if Hermione wants to have a go with a handsome wizard and he with her, it's not your business nor is it anyone else's." Moving closer to Harry, Hannah softened her tone. "I know you love Hermione like a sister, but I think she is quite capable of backing off a wizard if she finds herself in a sticky place. If she needs or wants help, I'm sure you'll be the first person she calls."
Harry put his arms around Hannah and cupped her chin. Lowering his voice and softening his tone to match Hannah's, he kissed her gently on the lips. "I apologize for my tone. I agree that Hermione is able to take care of herself. I'm an arse for arguing with the witch I love about something that has nothing to do with me. If Hermione wants to have a go with a handsome wizard, I just hope it's not today or tomorrow."
Hannah threw her arms around Harry's neck and laughed out loud. "You are an arse Harry Potter, but I'll be sure to tell Hermione she is allowed to shag anyone she likes, as long as it isn't today or tomorrow."
Harry was embarrassed enough to give Hannah a sheepish look as he led her towards the stairs. "All this talk about having a go has got me all worked up. Get your lovely arse upstairs so we can have a go of our own."
Hannah swished her bum back and forth as she climbed the stairs. "So, suddenly my gruff, annoying husband realizes if he continued being short with his lovely, sexy wife he wouldn't be getting anywhere near her fabulous pussy." Making a grinding motion with her lower body, Hannah gave one last caution. "I'm glad you've finally come to your senses." Then turning her head to glance back at Harry, Hannah opened her mouth in a wide O and made a very cheeky remark. "I think you'll be quite pleased with what my mouth is going to do to you."
By this time, Harry's engorged cock was straining against his trousers, and he was practically pushing Hannah up the stairs.
True to her word, Hannah fellated Harry so well she had the Head Auror calling out for mercy.
With lips firmly around Harry's dick, Hannah looked up at him and winked. The wink was just the thing to push Harry into orgasm. With something that sounded like a wail, he went crashing into orgasm shooting his liquids all over Hannah. He laid there experiencing the intense pleasure of an oral orgasm while Hannah summoned her wand to clean herself.
In the short amount of time it took for Hannah to clean her mouth, face and neck, Harry was back rigid as a pole and ready to give Hannah a fierce shagging. Pulling Hannah on top of him, that's exactly what he gave her.
/*/
Matt was not in an entirely good mood when he arrived home Friday evening, so he really wasn't interested in the bit of news Kim had to share. He listened to Kim's chatter, but the argument he'd had with Emilio was weighing heavily on his mind. He and his best friend and cousin had had words. That was fucked up. It wasn't like he was trying to demean Emilio. It was just another case of him trying to reign Emilio in.
"What's going on with you Matt?" Kim asked, pulling his face around so they were eye to eye. "I'm trying to tell you something. At lease pretend you're listening."
"Ah sweetheart, I'm sorry. I had words with Emilio today. I may have overstepped."
"Emilio again," she answered sharply. "Why don't you just let that man live his life. He's grown. He'll survive or he won't. Anytime you get out of sorts, it's about Emilio. I don't know the secret, but it's getting pretty annoying to have to face an irritable husband because of something another grown wizard has done."
Matt closed his eyes. He wasn't going to get into this with Kim. His business with Emilio was his business. Rather than explain, he apologized.
"Sorry love. I'm being an arse. What is it you have to share?"
Kim rolled her eyes at her husband as she got up from the chair. "It isn't important. I simply wanted you to know I found a flat for James Wooley and, unlike you, he was pleased with my efforts."
Matt sighed. He liked James, but at the moment he didn't give two shits about how much he liked some flat. "Let's call a truce love. I don't show it enough, but you're more important to me than anything. Forget about Emilio. Forget about James. This is our time. How about we get on our best Muggle outfits and make a night of it at Regalia? Come on." He said, pressing himself up against his wife and nuzzling her neck. "Let's have some us time."
Turning so she was facing Matt, Kim gave him a reassuring kiss. "A night at Regalia sounds delightful. We haven't been out in ages."
"You're exaggerating love," Matt replied as he gave her a swat across the butt. "We went out every other weekend before all this about Draco came up. Of course, we could remain at home to practice our baby making skills."
"Not a chance. I'd like to get out of the house for a bit."
"Alright Mrs. Lozio. Have it your way. Just let me suggest that you do not shake that lovely arse in my face, because when you do, I get ideas."
Kim giggled as she pulled away from her husband, intent on having a shower and getting dressed before Matt could change his mind.
Matt followed closely behind Kim right into the bathroom.
"Leave me be Matt," Kim shrieked, pulling the shower curtain closed. "You aren't getting any sex until I have my night out. Now go."
Matt stood by silently until he heard the water cascading down on his wife before stepping into the shower clothes and all. Grabbing Kim around the waist, Matt held her tightly as he spread her legs and pushed two fingers into her pussy. For one second, he thought Kim would give into his foreplay, but he quickly found out different when she gave his rigid dick a hard pinch.
"You may go lick those two fingers, because that's as close as you're getting to this honey pot for now. Take that thing out of here. Go have a drink. I want my night out. There will be no compromise."
"I'm already soaking wet. You might as well let me shower with you. We can have a quick shag and be done with it."
Kim sighed. "Alright. Get out of those wet clothes. Those fingers did give me something to think about. Hurry up then. A quick shag it will be. I still want to go to Regalia."
Matt laughed as he removed the wet clothing and let them drop to the floor. "Prepare yourself witch. Your husband's stiff dick is coming in."
/*/
The shag was quick, but the second and third took a bit more time. By the time they were finished, their wobbly knees had forced them to the bottom of the tub. As they sat there with Kim's back to Matt's front, a night on the town seemed more and more unlikely.
"Thank you for that my love," Matt whispered kissing Kim's shoulder. "I needed it more than you know. "Shall we wash off and get dressed? You deserve a night out."
Kim was feeling the effects of their lovemaking, and politely declined the offer to go out. "I think my knees will be weak all night. I think we should have a nice dinner and watch some romantic fare on the telly."
Matt left a row of kisses along Kim's back and neck, lifting her as he stood. "If that's your wish, let's do it. I think a nice lamb stew sounds good. We'll cook together. Romantic telly isn't quite up my alley, but there are other things we can do."
Kim grinned at her husband as she dressed. "Food then more sex. Sounds good to me."
"Sounds good to me as well. Let's get cooking."
/*/
Hermione was sitting alone in the den sipping a glass of wine. Dusty, Embers and Crissy had come to get Scorp for some play time, and she was grateful. It wasn't that she didn't want to be with her son. Not at all. She just wanted a tiny bit of time alone. She had just put her feet up on the small table in front of her when her mobile rang. With a sigh, she looked at the caller-ID then pressed the talk button.
Sal! How are you?
Other than feeling a bit out of sorts, I'm well. I just wanted to check on you and Scorp.
Hermione set her wine down on the table and put her feet back on the floor.
We're fine. You sound down. I hope you're not still feeling culpable in Draco's death. It was an accident. Are you in London? Come by the house so we can talk. I could use a bit of adult company right about now.
No problem. I'm here in London. I want to talk too. Would you mind if I Apparated directly in?
I wouldn't mind at all. Have you eaten?
I'm good. I just want to talk.
Alright Sal. I'll see you in a bit.
/*/
Sal landed in the back hall twenty minutes later bearing a small toy for Scorp. Handing the toy to Hermione, he turned to hang his cloak.
"Seems like forever since I was here joking with Draco about where we would go next. I apologize for that Hermione. I'm a single wizard who forgot his place. I shouldn't have encouraged Draco."
Hermione didn't want to hear this. As much as she wanted to place blame, Hermione knew it wasn't Sal's fault. She had cautioned Draco time after time about his dangerous habits, but he was a grown man who didn't want to listen to what he called her bull shite.
"You know Draco. He didn't need your encouragement to do what he wanted. While you're here, there is something I'd like to discuss. It's been weighing heavily on my mind. I believe had I gotten there sooner I would have been able to save Draco. He taught me spells Sal. I know the Hour Reversal Charm which I could have used to turn time back five hours. I could have saved him," she sobbed. "Instead, I was at home pouting, letting my two year old son play with my mobile not allowing any calls to get through. The window was there. I could have saved him."
Sal summoned a cloth from the nearest bathroom and handed it to Hermione. "Don't be foolish Hermione. You couldn't have changed anything. Even if you could have reached Draco within the allotted time, the Hour Reversal Charm is dangerous and unstable. It could have killed everyone around you. Are these the thoughts you've been living with? Please stop beating yourself up. I don't want to step out of turn, but you need to get those thoughts out of your head and keep them out. Draco, rest his soul, made a choice and it killed him."
Hermione continued to sob. As fast as she wiped away the tears, they returned. Finally, Sal reached out to take her hand. "If you don't stop, I'll put mum on your tail, and you know how she can get. I shouldn't have come. The last thing I wanted was to stir up bad memories. For the sake of Scorp and yourself, you need to stop blaming yourself. Scorp has lost his father. He doesn't need to lose his mother as well."
Hermione held on to Sal's hand for several seconds. "You were always there for us Sal, and I appreciate it. I suppose I'm just taking a walk down memory lane. Nothing but shoulda, woulda coulda. I know I couldn't have saved Draco. I guess I just needed to hear it. I'll be alright. As you said, I have to be, for my son. Thank you love. Let me get Scorp down here so he can greet his uncle Sal."
"Wonderful. I'd love to see the little guy. However, you might want to throw a refresher charm on that mottled looking face. Scorp will think I've made his mum cry."
Hermione smiled before lifting her wand to cast a Refresher Charm over her face. "I'm ready."
After taking a deep breath, Hermione called out to Dusty, Embers and Crissy to bring Scorpius down to see his uncle Sal.