Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 21

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."

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 22

Hermione remained in the lower level bathroom until the sobs subsided and she was fully composed. Glancing in the mirror at her splotchy face, she wanted to cast a Refresh spell, but she'd left her wand upstairs on the dresser. She had to be satisfied with a warm wash cloth. Standing in front of the mirror with the warm cloth held against her cheeks, Hermione experienced a few weird thoughts. Was she giving off some vibe that made Harry think she was looking to Emilio for….. companionship, company, sex? The word sex set Hermione's nerves on edge. Un-bloody-likely. Harry was just being an obnoxious prat. Anyway, he had been warned away from her personal life on more than one occasion. She wouldn't listen to another word. At this point in her life, she didn't care what anyone thought. It was hard enough just putting one foot in front of the other every morning without worrying herself over rubbish. One more glance in the mirror told Hermione she looked perfectly fine. She could face her son without looking like some spotty creature.

/*/

Once upstairs, Hermione stepped quietly into Scorp's room to kiss him goodnight. When she leaned down to kiss her boy, he surprised her by turning from his side onto his back.

"Hi mum."

Hermione blew a raspberry on Scorp's stomach which made him giggle and try to push her face away. "Why are you still awake young man? Do you have to use the potty?"

"No potty mum. I was thinking."

Hermione smiled at the precocious little boy lying in the bed. "Really? You were thinking. And just what was my big boy thinking about?"

Scorp thought for a minute before responding. When he did respond, his statement caught Hermione off guard. "I was thinking, if daddy is gone, Meel can be my daddy. Meel likes me mum. I'm not silly. I'm a good, big boy."

"Scorpius Malfoy. You are always on about Emilio. He's a very nice wizard, but you can't just make someone your daddy."

"Why mum? Is he another boy's daddy?"

"No Scorp. Emilio doesn't have any children, but he might have his own witch who may not want him to be a daddy."

"No mum. I think Meel only has us. We have to ask him to be my daddy. I think Meel will say yes if you don't shout at him."

Hermione was flustered as well as upset because she didn't know where all this was coming from. "Listen young man, you seem to be doing way too much thinking. I think you should take your mind off Uncle Emilio and put it on your letters and numbers. Don't you want to grow up to be brilliant like daddy?"

"Yes mum. I want to be brilliant, but I want a daddy too." He answered trying to stifle a yawn. "Scorp tired mum." Pulling the photo of him, Draco and Hermione close to his chest, Scorp turned on his side and closed his eyes.

Hermione sat down on the edge of the bed and stared at her son. Where are you getting these ideas little man, she thought to herself? I hope losing your father hasn't made you grow up too fast. I want my little boy to stay a little boy. Worrying about daddies and shouting is not something that should even be in your head. With a heavy sigh, Hermione kissed Scorp on the side of his head before heading for her bedroom.

Sitting on the side of her own bed, Hermione thought perhaps she and Scorp should get away for a short holiday even if it was only for a weekend. It would seem they could both use a change of scenery. The only sticking point was she didn't want to be around strangers. Perhaps she and Scorp should spend time in Italy with Carmela and Fausto. In fact, that's exactly what they would do. She would call Carmela in the morning to let her know she and Scorp were coming.

/*/

Gas had made a short stop at his office to check his desk. The first item to catch his eye was an extremely large envelope with overly flourished writing. Carefully opening the envelope, Gas checked the signature line which read, Malfoy Line of Heirs.

This missive is to inform the necessary parties that as of 27 April a Malfoy transition has taken place. Matthias Lozio, indirect heir to the Malfoy Fortunes and Companies has been fully instated, and as such is the wizard who will take charge of any and all businesses related to the Malfoy name and fortune.

A meeting must be called within a calendar month to allow the heir to introduce himself to the important parties and lay out future plans.

Malfoy Line of Heirs

Gas was surprised, but not surprised. He knew the transition was coming. He just wasn't aware that the notice would come by something as mundane as Owl Services. He assumed that the transition was why Matt sounded so stressed and why he wanted to have a face to face meeting.

Folding the letter and placing it in his pocket, Gas returned Matt's call agreeing to meet with him at the house, explaining he had to be home to accept a few deliveries. After reminding Matt of his home address, Gas went back to St Mungo's to let Seana know he was stopping back to say goodnight because the discussion with Matt would probably be lengthy.

/*/

"Hello love," he said greeting Seana with a kiss. "Matt has asked to meet with me this evening. I've asked him to come to the house because I need to be there to receive our food and beverage deliveries. Mum made me promise to replace the stores she had to toss, which I will do as soon as I leave here. In the meantime, please get some rest. If our discussion runs long, I'll see you in the morning rather than return and wake you."

Seana couldn't help the small frown that appeared on her face. It was back to business for her husband. The short time they had spent together in St Mungo's was the most time they'd spent together in weeks. She didn't want him to leave, but knew better than interfere. This was her husband's job as it had been since he stepped foot in London. She held onto the hope he would slow down after the baby was born. Seana was sorry she had pushed him to return Matt's call.

Gas sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for Seana's hand. "Your hospitalization has opened my eyes love. I have been away from you too much. I promise to change that. The Malfoy Companies will not fall apart if Gaspare Maida isn't there twenty four seven. You mentioned going to visit your parents"

Seana's breath caught in her throat. Was her husband sending her away?

Squeezing her hand a little more firmly, Gas continued. "To that end, I think we should go spend time in Ireland. I'll get to spend time with the in-laws I admire, and you'll get to have some quality time with mum and dad. How does that sound?"

Seana was excited. Gas was willing to leave business behind to spend time away. "That would be fantastic Gas." Seana exclaimed, bringing Gas' hand up to her lips. "Some time away would do both of us good."

Gas smiled, but was a bit disappointed. Although his position was stressful, he enjoyed being at the forefront of one of the largest international companies in the wizarding world. He had expected Seana to defer to his job; to his need to do what Draco had hired him to do. He expected her to say….

But she hadn't. Instead, she was now gushing about their proposed holiday away. He was in it for good or for bad.

"I'll Owl my mum after I leave St Mungo's. Shall we plan on leaving by Saturday or Sunday?"

No matter what he had hoped Seana would say didn't matter. She hadn't said what he expected. He had committed to stepping away from The Malfoy Companies to accompany Seana to bloody Ireland. What had he been thinking?

"Gas! Are you listening love? Shall we plan to leave by Saturday or Sunday?"

He had asked and gotten his answer. "Of course I'm listening love. I don't think I'll be able to tie up my loose ends that quickly. How about we plan for the second week in May? Hopefully by that time, Matt will have transitioned. In fact, that's probably what he wants to discuss. I'll know more after we meet."

Gas didn't mention the letter he'd received from The Malfoy Line of Heirs, because it was Malfoy business between himself and Matt.

It was Seana's turn to be disappointed. She had been ecstatic when Gas offered to take some time away, but her hope had been it would be sooner than the second week in May. She had completely forgotten Gas would probably be the person to train Matt up. "Yes, of course love. With Matt coming aboard, you'll need to be front and center."

Then Seana had an epiphany. Something she should have thought about right from the off. Even before she and Gas had hired that abominable Flora. If it was acceptable to Gas, she would ask her mum to come stay with them for a bit. Her dad had a shop to look after, but her mum only had to look after her dad. As long as her dad didn't mind, Seana felt she had hit upon the perfect solution, if Gas agreed.

Gas was sitting quietly lost in his own thoughts when Seana shared her idea. "Gas. Instead of us going to Ireland, why don't we invite my mum to come stay with us for a bit? I'm sure she wouldn't mind. What do you think?"

The word salvation flashed across Gas' eyes as he leaned in to give Seana a kiss on the lips. "If your mum is willing, I think you've hit on a brilliant idea. We have more than enough room, and she is more than welcome. You would have company as well as someone to look after you when I'm not here. We completely overlooked the most obvious answer. But how will Sean feel about having his wife gone from the house?"

This was the stumbling block. If her father didn't want her mum gone for an extended period of time, the issue would be moot. "We won't know unless we ask love. Find me parchment, a quill and an envelope. I'll write to ask. You can send it out on your way home."

Gas found what was needed in the bedside table.

Seana prefaced the request to her mum and dad with an entire page of explanation which she and Gas read over together judging it to be acceptable. Gas then pulled Seana into a tight hug whispering in her ear that he appreciated her not making him seem like a neglectful husband.

Turning her head so her lips met his, she whispered back. "You are a wonderful husband who has been inundated with work. If mum agrees to come, she will be taking a load off the both of us. Now you must get going. Matt must be standing outside the house wondering where you are. I love you Gaspare. I'll see you in the morning."

Giving Seana a last kiss, Gas told her she was amazing before leaving for the night.

/*/

Between leaving Seana and dropping the letter off at the Owl Services kiosk at St Mungo's, Gas had decided Matt would have to wait a bit longer because he needed to make a few stops to place orders for the house.

/*/

When Emilio finally reached home, he put away his purchases first thing, changed into a tee and pajama bottoms, poured a drink then sat back with his feet up. What a day it had been. With the first sip of brandy, the turmoil which had been roiling around his stomach dissipated. His appointment had gone extremely well. The position seemed to be his for the taking. He sighed, nothing was a given until he received a notice stamped approved. However, things looked good overall.

Then Emilio thought about his visit to Malfoy Estate. He couldn't think of a better word to describe it than amazing. He was amazed how he and Hermione had been in the same room chatting like it was still 2003. Being there was so…. Emilio sought the correct word. The visit felt so, right. It was like the fates were telling him he would have a second chance. Emilio knew he was being daft, but remained hopeful Hermione…..

"Pfffft," he said quietly. "Hermione what? One friendly visit and I'm acting like Hermione and I are on the verge of getting engaged. As if."

Emilio also had it in mind to speak to Matt. Even though he'd been joking, that small joke could have gone very wrong if Hermione had overheard. If there was a chance to get back to a certain place with the witch he'd never stop loving, he would take baby steps to get there. Not being involved in some abysmal whispering was a start.

A shiver ran through Emilio's body as he savored those times he and Hermione sat on this very couch immersed in each other. Emilio felt himself getting aroused and hastily took a sip of his drink hoping to relieve the pressure. Emilio turned his mind to other things.

He thought about the little snippet of gossip he'd overheard about Draco the previous year while attending a celebration at Matt's house. Seth and Sal had been having what seemed to be a contentious conversation away from the rest of the guests and he had stopped to listen when he heard Hermione's name. Sal had been on about Draco and the witch Pansy Parkinson, with Seth taking up for Draco. Draco had spent time with the Parkinson witch at some hotel and Sal had called him out about it. Draco being Draco had simply told Sal to step out of his business because Pansy meant nothing to him. Emilio also thought the Pansy Parkinson thing was the reason Sal and Draco had been chilly towards each other for several weeks.

The ever arrogant Draco Malfoy had cheated on Hermione. Emilio had filed the piece of information away in the recesses of his mind never to be looked at again. He hadn't even told Matt what he'd overheard that night. As deep as his feelings were for Hermione, he wouldn't ever speak about something that would hurt her and her child. But now, he wondered if someone such as himself who could show Hermione real love and loyalty stood a chance. Remembering how Hermione had immediately cottoned on to the prior interactions between himself and Leanne Moon, Emilio knew she was very perceptive, so he also wondered if Hermione knew about Draco's transgression.

"It's all bull shite," Emilio growled, landing a punch on the couch cushion. "I'll never stop hoping, but it all seems so futile."

Turning away from the brandy, Emilio accio'd his wand to summon a bottle of Guinness from the cooler. Another reminder of the times he and Hermione had joked about his preference for muggle beer.

As Emilio savored the brew, his mind went to what had transpired with Scorp. The big boy had seen him in Diagon Alley. As well traveled as Diagon Alley was, it was a wonder Scorp had been able to pick him out of a crowd. And the mobile incident. That had really been awkward even though he felt good that Hermione's child had taken such a liking to him. It sounded devious, but Emilio wondered if the way to Hermione's heart was through her son. Devious or not, he wanted Hermione Malfoy and would happily be a second father to her son. If he secured the Case Management position, perhaps he'd be in the perfect position to make it happen. The CW said he would know in a week. What a long seven days it would be.

/*/

After her visit with Hermione and Scorp, Hannah had immediately called Carmela to let her know what was going on. The two witches spoke for a few minutes with the upshot of the conversation being Hermione and Scorp should get away from Malfoy Estate for a short bit, or a long bit if she chose. Carmela agreed, promising to call Hermione first thing in the morning to invite her to Milan. The two witches also discussed Seana, with both hoping their daughter-in-law and friend would be okay. Carmela shared details of her conversation with Gas. Both witches hung up feeling as though things were back on the right track for Seana and Gas, and would be for Hermione and Scorp as well.

/*/

Matt hoped he wouldn't be late to meet Gas, but he had to send an Owl to Kim about being very late and to his assistant informing him he would probably be late to the office in the morning. Matt landed and looked around. The house was dark. It was obvious he had arrived before Gas. If his mission hadn't been as important as it was, Matt would have reconsidered bothering Gas, especially when Seana was in St Mungo's. However, it was important, so he waited.

Suddenly the door opened and Gas invited Matt in. "Sorry for keeping you waiting Matt. There were ends which needed to be tied up. Come on through. Rest your cloak and have a seat. I'd offer you refreshments, but mum came through like a hurricane and cleaned everything out she thought might be tainted, including the liquor. I have deliveries coming."

"No problem Gas." Matt replied. "It is I who should be apologizing for interrupting your day."

Gas waved off Matt's apology. "I'm aware of the importance of your visit. I stopped by my desk this evening to find a letter from The Malfoy Line of Heirs. We have a new leader. Congratulations."

Matt grinned at Gas. "Save those congratulations until I've proven myself mate. I know this will not be a cake walk. I'm hoping you and I will work side by side. No one should be asked to run these companies alone. I am impressed that you have not been taken away to the mental ward with all you have on your shoulders. In addition, right from the start, I think we should plan on adding a second level of loyal staff below us to keep weight off our shoulders, but I digress. My first question should be, how fast can you get me up to speed? I have ends in Milan that must be tied up, but it I my hope those won't take long."

Gas smiled at this novice because it had taken him years to get up to speed. Oh, Draco had made sure he was well trained up, but it had been a process. "Let me address getting up to speed first. There isn't a set amount of time. What I will suggest is that you read over the Malfoy manifesto that I'm sure came along with the transition. Perhaps there is some clever spell that will help you along."

Shaking his head, Matt glanced over to see if Gas was joking. He wasn't. Matt realized he should take the suggestion seriously as well. At least until he thoroughly scoured the pages of his Malfoy Manifesto to see if there was such a spell or charm. "Alright Gas. I'll follow your lead."

"I know Milan is your home, however, I believe it will be more expedient for us to work together here in London, unless you've been shown or told otherwise."

Matt thought about it for a moment. He had run off, as Hermione had said, all willy-nilly. If he had taken the time to go through the entire Malfoy Book, he would have the answers. "I'll need to take a step back Gas. Even though I know every investor is clamoring for a meeting with the new Head, I ask that you put them off for at least a fortnight. I'll need to make arrangements on my end, and I'll also need to read my instructions in full. I apologize for taking you away from your wife. I'll catch the first open portkey back to Milan, and I'll contact you tomorrow mid-morning. Thanks again for seeing me Gas. Goodnight."

"No problem Matt." Gas replied. "We are in this together. It's family helping family. I'll set up the meeting for Monday 18 May which will give us time to get you acclimated to being in charge. In the interim, I'll do what I normally do, soothe the beasts. I will also put together a posting to find four people who have offered unwavering support to me from the day I walked through the doors."

"Sounds like the start of a good plan Gas." Matt said, extending his hand.

Gas had a ready smile as he gave Matt's hand a firm shake. "You are in it now mate. For good or for bad."

"That I am," laughed Matt. "That I am."

Gas offered a suggestion. "Instead of taking a portkey, why don't you apparate to Malfoy Estate and walk through the floo?"

"Actually, it's a bit late, and I've bothered Hermione enough for one evening. A portkey will be fine. Goodnight."

/*/

As Matt waited for the next available portkey, he had time to think about Kim. She most certainly would have an earful for him, especially since he hadn't advised her of his plans to floo to London.

Matt sighed. He wasn't looking forward to another fun night in the Lozio household.

/*/

Gas accepted his deliveries then set about putting everything away with his wand. After a quick shower, he poured himself a drink and thought how well things seemed to be moving along.