Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 20
Emilio's lunch went well. They discussed the position with the CW questioning if Emilio really wanted to leave Italy.
Emilio explained how welcome the CW's call had been as he had been mulling over leaving administration behind to get back into the legal areas of the Ministry.
"Well thought out Mr. Lozier. It would seem luck is with you. If I was a betting wizard, I'd put galleons on you being the next Head of Case Control. Why not take this opportunity to look at a few flats? You don't want to come up short when your approval documents come through."
Emilio gave a wry smile as he shook the CW's hand.
It was coming up on 2:30 when Emilio stepped out of the Ministry. He appreciated the advice he received from the CW, but thought landing a flat might be a little premature. His only plan was to make a few stops in Diagon Alley. There was never a bad time to spruce up one's wardrobe.
/*/
As Emilio stepped into the menswear shop, Hermione and Scorp were passing on the other side of the street on their way back to the Leaky. Hermione was concentrating on other things so she hadn't noticed the shop door closing behind Emilio, but Scorp had.
"Meel mum. Meel." He said, pointing in the direction of the menswear shop.
"Come on silly. We need to get home to find out what's going on with aunty Seana."
Scorp tried to look back towards the shop, but Hermione had a tight hold on his arm. "Mum, mum. Ouch." Scorp whined.
He was a big boy. He had seen Meel, but he had also made his mum cross. Scorp decided to turn his thoughts to his new mobile so mum would stop being cross.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 21
A concerned aka nosing Harry had left the Ministry headed for Malfoy Estate to casually mention to Hermione he'd seen Emilio at the Ministry, but had quickly backtracked to call Hannah when he heard Hermione and Scorp talking. His news about seeing Emilio could wait. Hermione didn't need to hear anything from him. She needed some sisterly support.
After informing Hannah, Harry made his way back to the office to write out his findings about Flora. No matter what he'd thought, the crone appeared nothing more than an old woman who'd seen the chance to make some Galleons. She had made the Doula Brew from some old recipe she'd found. As far as Harry could discern, there hadn't been any ulterior motive other than an elderly, poverty stricken woman looking to make some money. Harry was still going to charge her with purposely misleading people about her credentials, practicing medicine without proper credentials and attempted murder of a pregnant witch. As far as Harry was concerned, there wasn't any conspiracy against Gas and his family.
Harry should have been embarrassed at having seen a conspiracy where there wasn't one, but he wasn't. As an Auror, it was his duty to be suspicious. Most of the time, his suspicions worked out. This time they hadn't. This time he'd been dead wrong.
Being dead wrong led Harry to another train of thought he'd had many years ago. A thought he had shared with Hermione. Back then, he'd been sure Emilio Lozier had been up to something with Ginny Weasley. He'd been so wrong. Emilio had been nothing but a love struck wizard trying to figure out how to hold onto his witch and stave off an aggressive wizard in the bargain. Harry thought of the now dead Draco Malfoy as a mate and dear friend, but knew how ruthless he could be when something or someone caught his fancy. Unfortunately for Emilio, Hermione had caught Draco's fancy.
Even though he had relegated certain thoughts to the deepest recesses of his mind, it was his strong suspicion Draco had spirited Hermione away the night of his long ago party. What had transpired between Draco and Hermione, Harry did not know, but something had. Being a good friend to Draco and Hermione, Harry would never have spoken about his suspicions, but anyone with half a brain could figure it out if they chose. Less than thirty days after Hermione and Emilio's big blowout, she and Draco became a couple. With Draco interred for all eternity, Harry could finally admit Draco had been wrong to pursue a witch who was already in a relationship. Harry even went as far as to admit there might have been a chance Hermione and Emilio could have gotten back together if Draco hadn't interfered. Hermione wasn't blameless. She should have made a choice when Draco started pursuing her. Emilio or Draco. However, it was all water under the dam now, so Harry wondered why he was still so distrusting of Emilio. He couldn't even blame it on the shite that went on in Milan. That blame laid squarely on that foul blood curse.
Harry sighed as he made a copy of his report for the Chief Warlock. If Emilio was returning to London in a top Wizengamot position, he might as well put the bad feelings aside. It seemed as though everyone else had. Emilio Lozier and Hermione Malfoy had every right to get back together if they chose. With a dismal smile on his face, Harry spoke out loud. "Hopefully, not today or tomorrow."
"What's that boss?" Asked Anthony who had appeared in Harry's doorway.
"Nothing mate. Just thinking out loud. Since you appear to have nothing better to do than hang in my doorway." Harry smirked, handing Anthony the file in his hand. "The crone is going to prison. Take this report to the CW so we can get her on the docket."
"Will do Harry, but always remember that looks are deceiving. In my mind, I was very busy with that cute brunette witch from the shop in Diagon Place. Anyway, after I drop this off, Michael and I plan to follow up on a mischief report. See you later."
Harry laughed as he watched his senior Auror walk away. His team was the best.
/*/
Gas had been in a near panic as he waited to hear from Harry. What in Merlin's name would he do if someone was after his family? It had been with great relief he listened to Harry explain just what was going on. An old witch with no means had forged credentials to secure a well paying position with the family of a well known entrepreneur. There hadn't been any malice intended. It was all down to Gas choosing the wrong old woman to oversee his wife. Harry had also shared that Flora was going before the Wizengamot regardless of her lack of intent. She had nearly killed Seana and the baby. She would have to pay for the crime.
After hanging up with Harry, Gas had tenderly apologized to Seana before gently explaining how he had made an egregious error in choosing Flora. Gas also changed his position on what Seana could do to be more comfortable during the pregnancy. He told Seana what Harry had suggested as well. While Seana was happy to know she and the baby weren't under some kind of attack, she declined any house elf help being sure everything would right itself now she wouldn't be taking the foul Doula Brew. After an in-depth discussion, Gas agreed with his wife. There wasn't any need to borrow a housel elf. Gas promised to be much more sensitive to Seana's needs.
/*/
After giving both Seana and Gas a stern warning about what a pregnant woman should and should not ingest, Healer Emory informed them if everything went well during the night, Seana would be released to Gas' care the following day. Healer Emory also left a short list of potions Seana was allowed, suggesting Gas see to them before his wife came home.
Gas was relieved. While Seana was off taking a shower, he called his mum to let her know Seana was doing well and they were back on the right track. Carmela was happy that things had been sorted and reminded her son he should place a food and beverage order as soon as possible. Gas ended the call by telling Carmela he and Seana would visit during the weekend.
/*/
As Gas was helping Seana back into bed, his mobile rang. Matt was calling. Gas answered the call to explain that Seana had been hospitalized. He asked if he could call him back later. Matt inquired about Seana's health and agreed they could speak later, impressing on Gas it was important they speak. Gas agreed to call Matt back as soon as he made sure Seana was settled for the night.
Gas fussed over Seana making sure she took her potions, after which, he went to find the meals witch to order Seana's dinner. Gas wanted to be sure his wife started off on the right foot.
The meals witch arrived thirty five minutes later also bringing a tray for Gas so he and Seana could eat together. As they ate, Seana asked if that had been Matt on the phone earlier.
"Yes love." Replied Gas. "He sounded quite stressed. He'd like me to call him back first chance I get."
"It could be important Gaspare. After you finish your dinner, go have your conversation. I think I want a bit of a nap anyway. I'll be fine."
Gas nodded in agreement. "Alright my love." He said, leaning in to place a kiss on Seana's forehead. "I'll just step outside to make the call. I'll make it quick."
/*/
Matt was stressed. It was important he and Gas speak in order to set up a meeting. After a quick stop at his assistant's desk, Matt had flooed home to freshen up and set a floo path to London. Not knowing the seriousness of the situation, he didn't want to intrude on Seana and Gas at St Mungo's. Instead, he planned to knock on a familiar door to wait for Gas' call.
/*/
Hermione was surprised to answer a knock on the door to find Matt standing there with a sheepish look on his face.
"Matt! This is a surprise. Where are my manners? Come on through. Why didn't you use the floo?"
"Hello Hermione," said Matt as he stepped across the threshold. "I didn't want to scare you to death by stepping out of your floo unannounced so I flooed to London then apparated here. I hope you don't mind. I have some business with Gas, but he is currently at St Mungo's with Seana. I've asked him to call me back as soon as he could. I'm hoping he and I can meet face to face when he leaves St Mungo's."
Matt's actions were off. They weren't the actions of an astute businessman. "Are you telling me you didn't think to call ahead so I could open the floo? Doesn't sound like the brilliant Matt Lozio I know."
Another sheepish grin appeared on Matt's face. "Truthfully, I didn't think it through Hermione."
"I completely understand Matt. That's been the story of my life for the past week. I spoke briefly to Gas when I called to inquire how Seana was doing. She is doing much better and will be released tomorrow. I wouldn't count on having a face to face with Gas much before then. It must be important for you to come to England all willy nilly without a plan."
Matt started to reply, but his mobile rang. "Ah! This must be Gas getting back to me." He remarked, reaching into his inner pocket. After looking at the Caller-ID, Matt spoke into the phone.
Hello cousin. I'm waiting for an important call. What can I do for you?
Hermione went upstairs to give Matt a bit of privacy.
Really? You're in London? Matt uttered in surprise. Yes. That was yours truly. I need to speak to Gas in person, so I flooed to London. Unfortunately, Gas is at St Mungo's with a sick wife. I might not be able to meet with him until tomorrow. What are you doing in London? Never mind. We'll talk about it when we get back to Milan. Alright! Alright Emilio! Calm down. I wasn't…. I didn't mean….. You're applying for a position in the Wizengamot? That's out of nowhere. I'm at Malfoy Estate visiting with Hermione while I wait to see Gas. Why don't you apparate here. We can both keep Hermione company. I'm sure she won't mind.
"I won't mind what Matt?"
Matt jumped. He hadn't heard Hermione come back downstairs. "Emilio is here in London. He was invited by the CW to apply for a post opening in the Wizengamot. Would you mind if he stopped by? He and I could floo back together."
Before Hermione could form a sentence, she first thought was about her little man. He'd been right. Emilio was in London. He probably had seen him in Diagon Alley.
"No problem Matt. You and he can keep me company. Most nights Harry stops by to keep me company for a bit as well. It should be fun. Tell Emilio to come ahead. If he doesn't know the address for Malfoy Estate, please share it with him. I'll make a snack plate."
Matt went back to the call to advise Emilio Hermione didn't mind him stopping by.
Alright then. We'll see you in about fifteen to twenty minutes.
/*/
Hermione set out a meat and cheese snack tray along with wine and a bottle of Ogden's Finest. "Make yourself at home Matt while I get Scorp. He'll want to say a quick hello to his uncles."
Before going upstairs, Hermione shared the story about Scorp seeing Emilio in Diagon Alley and she telling him he was being a silly boy. "I guess it was his mum who was being silly. Scorp certainly recognizes his Meel when he sees him. I'll be right back."
Matt sat there dumbfounded. Whether it meant anything or not, Hermione had said, his Meel. Not Meel or Emilio. His Meel. What a story he had to share with Emilio, if Hermione didn't mention it first.
/*/
Hermione came back downstairs holding Scorp by the hand.
"Hi uncle Matt." He chanted, jumping on the couch to sit beside Matt. "Mum got Scorp a mobile. I call you sometime. Okay?"
"You must be a very good boy for mum to buy you such a lovely gift."
"Scorp is a good boy, but mum was cross because I saw Meel. I was silly."
Since he already knew the story, Matt assured Scorp he might have seen Emilio because he was in London on business.
Looking down at his lap, Scorp replied in a very low voice. "I wasn't silly."
Hermione thought to call her boy out for his unbecoming reply. However, before she could, the doorbell rang.
Hermione came back through followed by Emilio who was quick to greet Scorp. "Hello big boy. Are you being good for mum?"
Scorp was up off the couch like a shot with all thoughts of being silly having left his mind. Stopping directly in front of the tall wizard, Scorp spoke directly to him. "Meel. It is you. I saw you. Mum said stop being silly. It is Meel." Running back to the couch to pick up his toy mobile, Scorp went right back to stand in front of Emilio. "Look. It's mine. I can't call daddy 'cause he's hurt bad and can't answer. I call you Meel to read me a story."
Emilio didn't have a clue how to respond so he glanced at Hermione who had turned red as a beet. She was just as shocked. Her big boy understood he couldn't call Draco, so he chose to call Emilio.
Matt sat on the couch cringing. Emilio hadn't done or said anything wrong, but just by being there he'd stepped in it. Trying to eliminate the awkwardness his cousin must be feeling, Matt rose from the couch to shake Emilio's hand. "Hello cousin. Sit down and give Hermione and I some idea of how your interview turned out."
Emilio sat gingerly down on the edge of a chair glad for the distraction.
Hermione also thought to clear the air. "Now that he's said hello, I'm going to take Scorp upstairs. Help yourselves to the refreshments. I want to hear about the interview as well. Talk about something else until I get back. Say goodnight Scorp."
"But mum…"
"But nothing young man. Say goodnight."
"Goodnight Matt. Goodnight Meel."
/*/
When Hermione and Scorp were out of earshot, Matt turned to Emilio with a grin. "That was quite the entrance. I don't think it could have been any more awkward if you had planned it."
"Keep it down will you Matt. I didn't come here tonight with any ulterior motives."
"Not saying you did cousin, but I think you might just have a place in the line at the door. Leaving Milan might not be such a bad thing."
They heard Hermione coming back downstairs so Matt concluded his bit of banter offering one last smirk in his cousin's direction.
/*/
Hermione sat at the end of the couch from Matt. "So, enlighten us Mr. Lozier. How did all this come about?"
Emilio was in the middle of his explanation when Matt's mobile rang once again. This time showing Gas to be the caller.
"Would you mind if I spoke to Gas privately? I'll just step into the dining room. I won't be long."
Hermione nodded at Matt as she listened to Emilio who hadn't gotten more than three additional sentences out before they heard Harry call out from the hall.
"Your brother is here. I hope the whiskey is on the table."
Harry stopped short when he saw Emilio. Before his mouth could say something stupid of its own volition, Harry extended a hand. "Hello Emilio. Extended your stay in London then?"
Hermione looked puzzled so Harry explained how he'd run into Emilio at the Ministry.
"Oh. Emilio was just explaining how his being in London came about," remarked Hermione. "The CW felt as though the position was meant for him."
"Nice. I did hear the CW was sorry to lose such an excellent employee. Welcome back to London mate." Harry replied, hoisting his glass to Emilio. Not that it was his business, but Harry wondered if Emilio's visit to Malfoy Estate had anything to do with future lodgings. He hoped not. At least not today or tomorrow.
/*/
Emilio got the last of the story out as Matt came walking into the living room. "Hey Harry. Nice to see you. I need to greet you and run. Gas has agreed to meet with me. This is important or I wouldn't leave on a run. When you're ready Emilio, use Hermione's floo to step back into Milan. Use the path to Midtown. Kim would probably have a stroke if you stepped out of our floo at this time of night. Goodnight everyone. I'll speak to you tomorrow cousin."
Not wanting an awkward situation to get any more awkward, Emilio stood up to leave. "It's getting late. I should get back to Milan. If you'd set a path to midtown Hermione, I'd be grateful. Thank you for your hospitality."
Hermione got up to set the path.
Before stepping in, Emilio called out. "Goodnight Harry. Thanks Hermione. Give the little man my regards."
/*/
Even though he knew he probably shouldn't, Harry offered a comment. "You've been quite the busy little hostess."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry. "Don't start Harry. It's been a long day and I'm tired. The last thing I need is for you to hammer on about who I can and cannot shag or who can or cannot come through my door. If you'll kindly remember, I just buried my husband. One of your best mates. There isn't a wizard standing who will be climbing into my bed anytime soon. I've asked you to refrain from commenting on what's left of my personal life. I mean it. Just stop."
Harry who really hadn't meant to imply anything was sorry he had made the remark. Hannah would have his arse if she found out he'd upset Hermione, again. Setting his glass down on the table, he stood up. "I didn't mean anything Hermione, honestly. It was a bit of cheek. I'll be going home to the wife now. Get some rest. I'll speak to you tomorrow."
Hermione didn't bother to reply. Harry was getting on her last nerve with his insinuations and cautions. Tears began sliding down her face. Harry was accusing and Scorp was trying to replace his father with… It was just too much. Hurrying to the first floor bathroom, Hermione let out the loud sobs she had been holding in. It was all just too much.
"We miss you Draco," she mumbled between sobs. "We miss you so very much."