Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 16
"Don't get annoyed Hermione. I only thought it will be many years before Scorpius comes of age to take his rightful place, so the current Head of Malfoy family business should step in until that time."
Leave it to Louis to aggravate my arse, thought Hermione before responding. "As far as I know Louis, nothing along those lines has been discussed. In any case, it's not up to Matt Lozio to dictate what will or will not be done with Malfoy Manor. Matt will have enough going on as he steps into Draco's shoes. I suggest you refrain from trying to make him Master of Malfoy Manor as well. I have several other tasks I need to see about. If you'll excuse me."
Louis spoke up before Hermione could leave the den. "It wasn't my intention to upset you. I was only looking out for your well being."
"No Louis, you weren't. You were interfering, and I won't have it. Offer your advice when asked, not before. I don't want to be cross this early in the morning, so please refrain from testing me, or Matt."
After the door closed with a firm snap, Louis fixed his eyes on a point across the room mumbling, "I am a Malfoy. It is my duty to inquire after Malfoy matters. I was not interfering. They will need me. Of that I'm sure."
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 17
Tons of cards, notes and messages had piled up. Some dating back to the day after Draco's death. Hermione sighed as she gathered them into one big pile, noticing that many were duplicates.
That cuts the work down a bit, she thought before chiding herself for the offensive thought. No matter what, Draco had been her husband. It was her job to tie up the loose ends no matter how many there were. Hermione would respond to all the correspondence, just not that minute. When she was finished, there was a large, but neat pile sitting in the corner of the desk.
For her next task, Hermione started on something nearer to her heart, Scorp's memory book. She had the perfect book. It wasn't too large or too small.
Hermione pointed her wand at the book and cast a few self-made spells which would set Scorp's book exactly as she wanted. The photos and such would effectively set themselves into categories which she would designate, such as, Draco alone, her and Draco, Scorp alone, Scorp with Draco, Scorp with her, Scorp with her and Draco, and then extended family photos. With a tap of her wand, Hermione was quite pleased with her little spells as she watched the magical photos place themselves on the correct pages. The book would be an amazing bit of family history for Scorp, for everyone.
/*/
In Milan, Matt woke feeling vaguely uneasy. Why, he didn't know, or perhaps he did. It was probably the anticipation of knowing something was coming, but not knowing what. Would this Malfoy thing appear as some big, bad boggart looking to restrain him to a chair until he absorbed all there was to know about Malfoy business, or, would he be accosted at the Ministry by some shadowy figure that would drop off a plethora of documents for his review? Matt didn't like uncertainty. He'd grown up with enough of that. If this transition was to take place, Matt wanted it to be in a straightforward, face-to-face meeting with whomever was in charge of the transition.
The uneasy feeling remained with him throughout his shower, as he dressed and went to the kitchen for his breakfast.
"What's got you so out of sorts Matt?" Asked Kim, rubbing her husband across the back as she served the breakfast. "Not looking forward to the work that has piled up on your desk?"
"As if," huffed Matt in mock exasperation. "What must you think of me? I am first and foremost The Minister of Finance. My desk is always clear."
As she daintily picked up a sausage between two fingers, Kim joked back. "As if! How is it possible to have a clean desk when you are busy saving Emilio from himself?"
Matt's mood shifted. Although Kim liked and respected Emilio, she had the annoying habit of throwing out his name every chance she got.
"How did Emilio manage to get into this conversation, and what does he have to do with the work on my desk?"
Kim tensed up. "Gods Matt. Don't be such an ass. I was simply making a little joke."
"Good, because I'm not up for a discussion on how my cousin leads me astray this early in the morning."
Kim had a ready reply on the tip of her tongue, but decided to keep those words to herself. Matt was right. Lately, it seemed as though she was bringing up Emilio's name almost as much as he did. Instead, Kim made nice by leaning over Matt and plopping a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek.
"I wasn't trying to start an argument sweet. I want to keep you and your big boy dick in a good mood. Remember, we are on a baby making schedule. I wouldn't want our child to form the personality of a cranky, argumentative cretino before even leaving the comfort of your ball sack."
Matt broke into hysterical snorts of laughter. "Did my lovely witch just call me a jerk and utter the words, ball sack? You have now set the tone for my entire day. I'll be hard pressed to keep a straight face today even in the most serious conversations. We still have a bit of time before the start of our work day. Shall we share some intimacy while the sperm in my ball sack are swimming about in relative happiness?"
With one hand on Matt's hand, and the other covering the space between her legs, Kim responded with more cheek. "I'll take a pass on your kind invitation. Even for a sexual being such as yourself, seven free minutes is not enough time to satisfy these eggs. I don't have any evening appointments tonight though, so I'll expect you to put all that energy into a long, slow session of lovemaking after work."
Kim's words began to have an effect on Matt. Rising from his chair, Matt pulled Kim to him and huskily whispered in her ear. "I take my initial comments back. I won't spend the day trying to keep a straight face. I'll spend it trying to keep visions of my naked, writhing, sexy wife out of my mind. Now that you have me where you want me, I plan to cut my day short. Making love to you is much more important than anything the Ministry can offer. I love you. Be ready for me tonight."
After a searing kiss and tight hug, Matt and Kim separated to get ready for their day, with both looking forward to the evening.
/*/
In addition to all he had on his plate since Draco's death, Gas was miserable because Seana was miserable.
Seana was miserable because Gas still wouldn't hear of her using any potions, spells, or charms to relieve the stress of pregnancy. The most he would allow was a natural remedy called Doula Brew which had been invented by the Medi-witch they had chosen to help Seana through the pregnancy. In Seana's opinion, the Doula Brew wasn't doing anything but line the pockets of Medi-witch Flora.
There had been several times when Seana thought of confiding in someone about Gas' rigid posture on her pregnancy, but each time she had backed away from sharing such personal and provocative information about her husband. The closest Seana had come to sharing the information was a conversation with Carmela. Unlike other times, Seana had disclosed some of her dilemma, but backed away from explaining her deepest feelings. She thought Carmela might have cottoned onto just how miserable she was because of the invitation her mother-in-law had extended.
Seana hadn't followed up on the invitation, and was now thinking it had been a big mistake not to go. If she had gone to Malfoy Estate, Hermione, Hannah and Carmela would probably have her problem solved by now. Suddenly, a gnawing pain had Seana's back thumping. Per Flora's instructions, Seana grabbed her bottle of Doula Brew and had her dosage halfway to her mouth before throwing the spoon and its contents across the room. Hurrying to the phone, Seana dialed DLM-Milan. When Carmela picked up the line, Seana couldn't help herself. The tears began to fall at the sound of her mother-in-law's voice.
"Mum. I need your help."
Carmela didn't normally panic, but her pregnant daughter-in-law was crying about needing help. Two seconds later, Carmela's motherly instinct kicked in.
"Are you in danger? Why haven't you called Gas?"
"I'm not in danger mum," sobbed Seana. "The baby and I are in distress."
"What in bloody hell is going on? Call Gas, or Flora. Now."
"I can't mum. I mean I don't want to call Gas or Flora. I want to talk to you."
What in Merlin's name was going on, thought Carmela.
"Listen to me Seana. I'll get someone to cover the office and I'll floo through to Hermione's. I'll call her to let her know you're coming. Grab your wand and a jumper and get yourself to Malfoy Estate. I'll see you in about thirty minutes."
/*/
Hermione was on her way back upstairs when Dusty came running with the mobile extended out in front of her. "Nana Mela wants you quick."
A puzzled Hermione grabbed the mobile and listened as Carmela gave a short version of her conversation with Seana.
Hermione heard the doorbell ring. "I'll see you when you get here Carmela. I think Seana is coming through now. I'll see to her until you get here. Ciao love. See you in a bit."
Hermione turned to see a disheveled, emotional Seana stumble into the room. Rushing forward, Hermione grabbed Seana by the arm and led her to the couch.
"Crissy." Hermione called out. When Crissy appeared, Hermione told her to bring a tea service. "Quickly please."
"Yes Mrs. I be quick."
Removing Seana's shoes, Hermione lifted her feet onto the couch. "Tea is coming love. Just relax. Carmela will be here shortly."
/*/
Carmela arrived about thirty five minutes later. Even Seana managed a smile when she heard Scorpius squeal, "Mela. My Mela. Me and mum are going to the shops to buy a mobile, and maybe a book. Please tell mum I'm waiting."
"Mum, Auntie Seana and I need to have a talk. I'll tell mum you're waiting, but she might be tied up for awhile. Okay?"
Scorp mumbled something neither Hermione nor Seana could hear, but they did hear Carmela's response.
"Big boys don't pout Scorp. I'm sure mum will take you to the shops as soon as she can. I'll see you in a bit."
/*/
Carmela gave Seana a quick once over trying to determine what kind of distress her daughter-in-law might be in. Finding nothing obvious, after a quick hug, Carmela pulled Seana to her feet.
"You look a little tired. Other than that, you appear to be in good form. Let's sit down so you can explain why I'm here."
Now that Carmela and Hermione were staring at her, Seana began to feel foolish. How had she made such a mountain out of a molehill?
The longer Seana remained silent, the more annoyed Carmela became.
"Please say something Seana. I haven't dropped everything to come here to sit in silence."
Recognizing that Carmela was becoming more irritated as the seconds ticked by, Hermione patted her mother figure on the hand trying to lighten her mood.
Addressing Seana, Hermione asked if her situation had anything to do with the health of the baby.
"No Hermione. The baby is fine. Well…. The baby and I could be better. I-I."
Sighing heavily, Carmela intervened. "Has this anything to do with Gas demanding you not use any magical relief during your pregnancy?"
"Yes mum. As you know he has allowed me a Medi-witch who mixes a concoction called Doula Brew which I'm allowed to take to relieve pain and reduce stress, but it does nothing. In fact, I feel it exacerbates the pain and stress. I just need your opinion, and perhaps some assistance changing Gas' mind. I'd like to be able to take the tried and true pregnancy aids."
Carmela shot up out of her seat. "Am I here because my son is behaving like a bloody ass? You didn't want any help when we spoke last week. What has changed?"
Hermione reached out to Carmela. "Mum? Please don't upset yourself. Seana is asking for our help. For the moment, let's concentrate on that."
"I'm sorry. You're right Hermione. Let's concentrate on the problem at hand." Turning to face Seana, Carmela apologized. "I don't mean to be short with you love, but how have you let this situation get to this point. You have always been a strong witch. How is it you can't get your point across to Gas? My son is not some monster that won't listen to reason. What am I missing?"
"Ever since we found out we were pregnant, Gas has become more and more autocratic, and even more so since Draco's death. I know he is inundated with work, but I'm at the point where I've thought about going home to visit my parents for awhile to give Gas time to assess his behavior towards me and the baby. I love Gas, but I fear he's forgotten how to love me and the baby. I don't know what to do."
Carmela was speechless. This had gone so far that Seana was thinking about separating from her husband.
Although Hermione was as surprised as Carmela, it was she who replied. "Anything can be worked out Seana. I respect the fact that you are thinking about visiting your parents, however, as Carmela mentioned, you are a strong witch. You're too strong to run away from a problem which might still be there when you return. Let's work on a solution that doesn't call for a wife to desert her husband. Shall we?"
And they had. Seana explained her fears about the Doula Brew, Gas' lack of understanding, and the pains and cramps that were becoming more prevalent as the days went by.
At the end of the conversation, a plan had been formed. The first step of which was to contact Flora to find out about the Doula Brew. Carmela contacted Flora by mobile, but was not satisfied with the answers she received, so she left Hermione and Seana to sort out the rest while she went to see the Medi-witch in person.
Hermione became a bit nervous as Seana explained the cramps in her stomach and the pains in her back. The explanation sounded as though Seana was in early labor which wasn't possible because she was only four months along. To be safe, Hermione wanted Seana checked out by a reputable healer.
Calling out to Crissy, Hermione left orders for all three elves. "I am taking Auntie Seana to St Mungo's. Nana Mela has stepped out for a moment, but should return shortly. I am leaving Scorp in the care of you three. Dusty, fix Scorp some lunch. He can have it in his room. Watch over our boy until either Mela or myself returns. Thank you."
"Yes Mrs. Hermione," they all replied in unison. "We keep our little man safe."
/*/
As Hermione and Seana were leaving, a highly upset Carmela appeared at the front door. "I want Seana seen by someone at St Mungo's."
"I've come to the same conclusion. We are on our way there now," answered Hermione.
Seana, who didn't understand the enormity of the situation, simply went along with Hermione and Carmela's decision.
As they left the house, Carmela insisted they contact Gas after the visit to St Mungo's.
"This shite will not stand." Carmela growled angrily.
Neither Seana nor Hermione knew exactly why Carmela was so upset, but Hermione thought she had some idea.
They would get their answers at Mungo's.
/*/
Even though the Ministry Milan wasn't any more busy this Monday than other Mondays, to Emilio it seemed manic. It was one bloody thing or another needing his attention. In addition, he had called DLM to thank Carmela for referring him to Hermione, but she'd had an emergency and wasn't in the building. Another opportunity lost. How the fuck was he supposed to keep a connection to Hermione if …
Emilio snatched one of the folders from the pile of folders on his desk then threw it aside. Flopping back in his chair, Emilio realized he was being a prat. How was he aggravated because Carmela had an emergency? Snapping to, Emilio began reviewing the several vendors who had decided they didn't need to abide by his rules. All three of the vendors who just happened to be run by the same family of thugs would have been cut off a week ago, but things had just stopped when Draco died. Emilio wasn't part of the immediate family, but circumstances surrounding the death had consumed him as much as it had the immediate family. Now it was time to perform his duties.
Ringing for Wallace his Assistant, Emilio gave him the short list of vendors who, after today, would no longer be on the Authorized Vendor list. The next task would be to replace the three vendor companies, and/or, reassign product responsibility among the remaining vendors.
Buzzing for Wallace once again, Emilio explained what was to come next. Wallace remained silent while Emilio spoke. When Emilio finished, Wallace handed him two folders.
Emilio made his first smile of the morning. Between the two folders, Wallace had all the ends tidied up. The three vendors had been notified of their new status, and deleted from Department of Acquisitions records. Wallace had also put together a list of vetted vendors willing to add more products to their inventory for Emilio's review.
"Good work Wallace. You've outdone yourself."
"Just doing my job Minister, and trying to fill the shoes of my predecessor."
"Ah yes, that. I believe James would be among the first to compliment you."
"If you say so Minister. Minister Wooley gave me quite the side eye the first time we interacted after my faux pas with your phone charger."
Wallace's last remarks drew an out of character guffaw from Emilio. "Of that I have no doubt. James is a stickler for protocol, as am I. However, if that is your only error going forward, you, James and I will be fine. If there are any issues with our three deleted vendors….."
"I'll handle it Minister."
"Of course. Thank you Wallace."
Emilio smiled a bit as he thought of the fastidious James Wooley giving Wallace the side eye. He was still smiling when a low, but familiar voice inquired about the smile.
"Are we still up from yesterday?"
Emilio glanced up at Matt. "No cousin. We're not. Today, we have come back down to earth. The smile is entirely down to Wallace. How can I help you?"