Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 24

Initially, Harry was met with a grunt from Louis, however, the portrait became much more malleable when he found out Harry had come with photos. Louis' only trifling comment had been to ask if Hermione was too busy to bother.

Harry overlooked the comment and did as asked. There were plenty of photos, so Louis let go of his temper to concentrate on his deceased descendant. The entire viewing had taken less than twenty minutes during which Harry kept surreptitiously refilling his glass. It all turned out well with a happy Louis and a slightly tipsy Harry.

"Thank you Harry." Louis remarked as Harry gathered the photos before leaving the den. "Draco was a force to be reckoned with, as I hope Scorpius will be."

The comment made Harry a bit emotional, and he responded with an emotional comment. "You're welcome Louis. Draco was a force and I know Scorp will be as well. Goodnight."

/*/

Hermione noticed Harry's reluctance to meet her eyes, so she remained silent as he passed by to return the photos to the study. Emotional things between wizards.

Harry had composed himself by the time he returned to the living room. He and Hermione chatted for another thirty minutes before he left for home without him once referring to suitors which might or might not come into her life.

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 25

Before going upstairs for the night, Hermione stopped in the den. "Thank you for taking time with Scorp Louis. It's important not only for him to know the history of his father, but his ancestors as well. By that, I mean the good, decent parts."

Louis had the Malfoy smirk on his face when he replied. "Well that will be a short conversation, but as you say, things will become clearer to Scorpius when he is older."

"Very true. I also wanted to apologize for not bringing Draco's photos in myself. I needed to see to Scorp, but wanted to keep my promise. I wasn't too worried because I believe you and Harry get on well."

"There's no need to apologize. My interactions with Harry have always been quite reasonable, and tonight was no different. He was spot on. I was very pleased with his presentation. Thank you for allowing me to view your personal photos. While you lost a wonderful husband and father, you are left with an amazing son. Although it was long ago, I truly wish mine and Ida's lives could have turned out differently, or at least I had been able to set my son up with resources. Only now, in this future, do I realize that the Malfoys of the past lived shite lives. I appreciate all you and Draco have shown me."

Hermione hadn't ever seen this side of Louis and was overwhelmed. Perhaps she and Draco had taught Louis compassion. She replied softly. "It's long over Louis, and you have done what you could for Caleb's descendants. That's important and something that should make you proud. It's getting late, so I'll leave you to yourself. Goodnight Louis."

"Goodnight Hermione. Thank you for listening to an old fool."

/*/

Scorp was already asleep when Hermione stopped by his room, but it didn't matter, because she only wanted to gaze upon the handsome son who made her heart sing. For as much as she warned Louis about his dire projections, a tiny part of her was frightened that something might happen to Scorp. Then what would she do? They'd have to admit her to the fourth floor locked ward at St Mungo's.

Hermione's chat with Louis had made her emotional, and it was all she could do to keep the tears away. Leaning over to kiss Scorp, she whispered in his ear. "I will not let anything happen to you my love. I'd die first."

Hermione spent the bulk of that night going through the photo album she had put together. The reminiscing left her even more emotional, yet not one tear had fallen. She was resigned to the fact the wizard she loved wasn't coming back, and it was up to her to be strong for her son. Hermione went to sleep that night with the album laying on Draco's side of the bed wondering how long it would take for her to stop missing her husband and lover. For now, the album would have to be her company.

/*/

Matt and Kim held a discussion over dinner, but it wasn't very productive because Kim stiffened up the moment Matt mentioned moving to London.

"Why the face love?" Asked Matt. "I haven't even mentioned the best part."

Letting out a loud sigh, Kim placed her fork down on the plate and stared at her husband. "I'm sorry about the face Matt, but…"

"But what Kim? I'm trying to share some good news and you seem determined not to listen to what I have to say." Reaching over, Matt placed his hand on Kim's. "Just hear me out sweetheart."

Kim really didn't want to have another go round with her husband, so she gazed at him with a forced smile. The news could be the best news possible, but it wasn't going to deter her from fighting to keep their life in Milan. Milan was her home. Her parents were buried here. Matt would have to drag her kicking and screaming to dirty, old London.

"Alright Matt," she said, waving her wand to clear up the dinner clutter. "What's your good news? Have you decided to remain the Minister of Finance Italy and let Gas take over in London? I'm sure he'd be willing."

Matt did his best to remain calm. They'd been over this. He'd accepted his position in The Malfoy Line of Heirs. There would be no handing things over to Gas. Kim knew that, but was obviously wanting to show her arse. "That's not going to happen Kim." Matt replied softly. "We're long past that."

Surprising her husband, Kim turned on a bright but fake smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I know that Matt. I was just having a bit of fun. Everything has been so serious lately. So, what is this fantastic piece of news?"

Frowning, smiling. Smiling, frowning. Matt was getting tired of Kim's nonsense, but he pushed through. "Well, I spoke to Theo today."

"Theo Nott? What for?"

"I'm trying to explain Kim. Just listen to me for a minute. As you know, Theo is a top tier, well respected realtor for London and the surrounding areas which include, Wales and Scotland."

Kim shifted in her chair.

"I inquired if he would take you on if we relocated to London."

A frown appeared on Kim's face as she shifted again.

Matt continued speaking pretending not to notice. "Theo has assured me he would make a place for you in his company. He is aware you currently work with a high end client base, and plans to set you up as a realtor with special circumstances. He did mention that there is a great difference between the London and Milan housing markets, but is willing to have you trained up a bit. One problem solved. What do you think?"

Kim deflected. "Are you telling me this to confirm our move to London is imminent?"

Matt dug his fingernails into the palm of his hand to keep from saying something that would turn the discussion contentious. His action worked until Kim huffed she was already part of a top tier business, her own.

Then it was all Matt could do to respond in a positive manner when his wife seemed bound and determined to irritate him. "Listen love. I thought if you had a firm offer of a position in a top shop, it would be easier for you to leave Milan behind. I had an additional thought of keeping our Milan home to give you the option of doing business in both countries."

"You've thought it all out, have you? You've made decisions with Theo Nott about my life and livelihood. When were you going to ask my opinion about my life?"

Matt thought over what he should say next. He had circumvented Kim by approaching Theo for assistance before discussing it with her, but it seemed the most effective solution at the time. Now here they were.

Matt apologized which didn't placate Kim at all. She was tapping her fingers on the table working herself up. "How about this Matt?" She shouted furiously. "How about you move to London and pal around with Theo Nott and I'll remain here in Milan to run my top tier shop. You can set up a floo directly from here to wherever your Malfoy position lands you. You'll be able to step through when you're not busy. How about that? Sounds like the perfect solution to me."

As Kim was furious, Matt was exasperated. "Calm down Kim. There's no need to shout. I am doing my best to get us sorted. The one thing I do know is you are my wife and I want you to go where I go. However, you are also a grown woman, and obviously have your own thoughts on the matter. If you'd rather remain in Milan while I relocate to London, I can't stop you. Even in the best of times you can be petulant and aggressive. I imagine dragging you to London will only exacerbate your lovely attitude. Picture me going to work every other day with rip marks across my throat because my wife cannot come to terms with living in London. We fix it or we don't." Matt threw back over his shoulder as he strode into their bedroom.

/*/

Kim was appalled as well as shocked. Matt had just given her a telling off. Had he just informed her he was moving to London and she could remain in Milan? She had let this go too far. Yes, she'd like to remain in Milan. Yes, she was reluctant to give up her business, and yes, she wanted to hurt Matt for putting the bloody Malfoy interests before her, but she didn't have any intention of separating from the wizard she loved. They were husband and wife and belonged together. She had hoped Matt would give in to her wishes if she kept harping on staying in Milan. Obviously he hadn't, and wouldn't. It was now up to her to straighten things out. If she looked at it in a positive light, Matt's idea of keeping their home in Milan so she could retain her shop and at the same time work with Theo was actually brilliant. It wasn't an ideal situation, but it could work.

Matt didn't turn around when Kim followed him into the bedroom so she spoke softly to his back. "I'm being a bloody idiot. I'm fighting so hard to keep something I wouldn't want if you weren't with me. I can't say I'm delighted to have to move our home to London, but I know I don't want you to leave me. If you are still willing to discuss it, I think we can come to an agreement."

Matt turned around to face his wife. "I believe we can come to an agreement as well. Shall we start again?"

"Yes love. Let's start again. I'll begin by apologizing for my words and behavior over the past few days. I was fighting for our life here in Milan. I hope you'll forgive me."

Striding across the room, Matt grabbed Kim in his arms. "Apology accepted, but if it ever comes down to physicality again, I'll take you over my knee."

Grabbing Matt around the waist, Kim laid her head against his chest. "Be careful what you threaten husband, because a nice spanking sounds good right about now. In fact, I'll expect one after we have our discussion."

"Need some attention then Mrs. Lozio? I'll be glad to make good on my threat as long as you allow me to use my tongue."

Kim let out a soft giggle as she lifted her head to meet Matt's lips. "Your tongue is always welcome, but I look forward to having you inside me. We've been away from each other for too long. Heavens! This conversation is wreaking havoc on my self control. Let's get our future sorted so we can get our bodies sorted."

Their conversation wasn't lengthy, but it was very detailed. By the end, it was decided they would move to temporary quarters in London. They would keep their Milan home. Kim would work from both Milan and London unless or until it became too much, and they would have Theo find them a permanent home in London or close by. They sealed their discussion with a steamy kiss before making their way to the bedroom.

/*/

After an extremely rough day, Emilio had a dinner of eggs, sausage, fried potatoes and toast while he waited to hear from Matt. When he hadn't heard from his cousin by 10:30 pm, he showered, had a brandy then stretched out on the couch where he awoke Wednesday morning hoping the reason he hadn't heard from Matt was because he and Kim had gotten themselves sorted. Even though Emilio hoped for the best, he still couldn't come to terms with the gouges he'd seen on Matt. Kim really needed to recognize she was acting more like some mental muggle than a magical wife.

/**/

Carmela hadn't slept well and was up as early as Fausto Wednesday morning.

"Good morning love," said Fausto, greeting Carmela with a kiss. "What's on your mind? Something going on at SSE? You tossed and turned so much last night, I had thoughts of sacking out on the couch."

Carmela laughed at her husband giving him a quick kiss on the top of his head. "And I would have come out here and dragged your arse back to bed."

"Didn't say I would. I said I had thoughts. There's a difference you know. I think you are working too hard. Why don't you take a few days?"

"I'm fine sweetie. SSE is fine. I don't need any time off right now. I'm saving my time to be with Seana after she has the baby."

"That's months away love. I'm talking about having a bit of rest now. Hermione and Scorp are coming through this weekend. Why don't you at least take Friday?"

Carmela thought about it. Perhaps taking Friday wasn't such a bad idea. "Maybe I will take Friday. I'm planning a nice Sunday dinner for Hermione and Scorp. I could use the extra day. I'm going to invite Matt, Kim, Emilio, Harry and Hannah as well. I'll check to see if any of the boys will be available. I'll call them from work."

Fausto looked surprised. "Big doings then. What's the occasion?"

Carmela gave Fausto a cuff upside his arm. "When does there have to be an occasion for me to put out a nice Sunday dinner?"

Fausto laughed as he grabbed Carmela in a bear hug. "Don't cuff me again. You know what it does to me when you get feisty. We'll both be late for work."

"Talk, talk, talk. You better get going or you really will be late. I'll see you tonight love. Have a good day."

"You have a good day as well. Don't work too hard. Now give us a kiss so I can get going."

Carmela saw Fausto off then sat back down to have tea and a piece of toast. Carmela let out a loud sigh as she dressed. She didn't like keeping things from Fausto, but this was a witch thing. She could always tell him if things didn't work out the way she hoped, or after both parties declared their interest. Carmela's last thought before flooing through to work was that their girl attracted wizards like sweets attracted bugs.

While there was a lull between Travelers coming and going, Carmela first called Hermione to discuss the change of plans. Her and Scorp could come directly to the house instead of SSE. Then she Owled, phoned and messaged the rest of the family about Sunday dinner. Satisfied she had notified everyone, Carmela got back down to business.

/*/

The first thing Hermione did after having breakfast with Scorp was message Seth and Matt to let them know Louis wanted them to stop by for a chat, adding the addendum that it wasn't anything pressing. Louis just wanted to see their faces. After that, Hermione chatted with Carmela before taking Scorp into the study where she planned to look over the information about living portraits she had gathered.

There were other things Hermione could have been doing, but she was putting them off. She didn't want to go to Gringotts to change their accounts over to her name only. Although Draco was dead, it would be so final if she took his name off the main and household accounts. It was something that had to be done, but Hermione could not bring herself to do it just yet. Bills could wait. Actually, she could have Gas or Matt take care of anything Gringotts related. They wouldn't mind. Then, as an afterthought, Hermione decided it was her place to see to her and Scorp's business. She would go to Gringotts herself. When she felt ready.

She also needed to dispose of Draco's clothes, and change his den and cancel those reservations he had already confirmed and…. Hermione stopped because a lump had begun to form in her chest.

"Dammit, Draco. Dammit." She cursed too loudly.

"Dammit mum? Dammit?" Scorp parroted.

"Oh no love. Don't say that. Those are bad words. Bad mum should be careful of what she says in your presence. Why don't we go for a walk? Would you like that?"

"Yes mum. I'd like a walk. We could go to the shops because I'd like a real mobile."

Hermione smiled at her precocious son. "Even though you're getting to be a very big boy, you're not responsible enough or old enough to have a real mobile."

"But, I want call Uncle Sal and Uncle Matt and Mela."

"Mum says no. You are not old enough for a real mobile."

"Okay mum. Okay." Scorp replied in a cranky tone.

"Watch your tone mister. A young wizard who sasses his mum won't get any gifts." Even though she was scolding Scorp, Hermione noticed he hadn't mentioned Emilio as a person he'd like to call. She silently thanked Merlin for small favors. Discussing mobiles reminded Hermione she should return Xavier's call to find out what he wanted.

"Before we go for our walk, I need to return Xavier's call."

"I know Zavier mum."

"What a good memory. You have met Xavier."

/*/

Hermione rang Xavier's phone which he picked up after the second ring.

Hello Hermione. How are you?

I'm well Xavier. Thank you for asking. I'm returning your call. What can I do for you?

Now that he had Hermione on the phone, Xavier didn't know what to say. He couldn't come right out and say, consider me. She'd probably hang up on him, so he did the next best thing. He lied.

My father was asking after your well being. I could have asked Fausto, but thought I would go directly to the source.

How delightful Xavier. Please tell your father that Scorp and I are doing as well as can be expected. It's lonely without Draco, but we'll make do. We have to. My goodness. You asked a simple question and I've started going on and on.

Xavier didn't care if Hermione went on for an hour. He'd heard what he wanted to hear. She was lonely. Perhaps there was a chance he could step in and help her with that.

No worries Hermione. That's what friends do. They listen. Anyway, I know you have to get on with your day, so I'll get back to keeping Italy safe. My father will be glad you are coming along. I'll speak to you again. Enjoy your day.

Alright Xavier. You enjoy your day as well. If it's possible for the Head of Ministry Services to do that. Take care and thanks for the call.

/*/

For several seconds after disconnecting from Xavier, Hermione wondered what he really wanted. As he himself had said, he could have found out how she was doing by asking Fausto. However, that really wasn't what was bothering Hermione. The long and short of it was Xavier never asked about or referred to Scorp or his well being. It was like, to him, her son didn't exist. Although it wasn't something Xavier was required to do, his lack of interest in Scorp rubbed her the wrong way. The more Hermione thought about it, the more unsettled she became. Xavier seemed to want something from her, but nothing to do with her and Draco's son. With that realization, also came the realization she really didn't care for Xavier all that much any more.

Her thoughts had then turned to Emilio, what they'd gone though and how things had turned out. Even after all that bull shite, she would take him over Xavier Cross any day. Not only because he was a kind, loving person, but because he made Scorp feel wanted as well.

Suddenly, Scorp was pulling on her arm. "Is it time to go yet? If we go to the shops, we might see someone."

"See someone? Do you mean Uncle Harry or Auntie Hannah? You see them almost every day."

"No mum." Scorpius replied with his mouth turned up in a grin. "Not Uncle Arry or Auntie Anna. I mean someone else."

"Okay love. If you say so. Let's get our jumpers and we'll be off. Leave your mobile here. I wouldn't want you to lose it in Diagon Alley."

It wasn't until she and Scorp were stepping through the entrance to Diagon Alley that Hermione realized the someone her cagey son referred to must be Emilio. She also understood why he hadn't mentioned Emilio as one of the people he would call if he got a real mobile. He didn't want to be thought of as silly, and he didn't want to make her cross. It was also why Scorp walked down Diagon Alley with his head on a near swivel.

Hermione sighed. Hadn't she just admitted she preferred Emilio over Xavier any day? Yes, she had.

"Ice Cream Shop mum. There it is." Scorp shouted excitedly. "I haven't been silly and I haven't made you cross. May I have ice cream? Please."

"I agree. You've been a very good boy. I don't want to spoil your lunch, so you may have a small cone. Then we need to see about getting you a few pairs of trousers and some new jumpers. Ice cream now, jumpers after."

"Yay! I'll have stawberry mum."

"Strawberry love. Straw-berry."

"Yes that. Stawrberry.

After ice cream, Hermione and Scorp spent a good bit of time going from shop to shop searching for trousers, shirts and jumpers for Scorp. While it was a lovely outing for Hermione, Scorp seemed a bit down at the end of the trip, but when Hermione tried to question him, he stayed silent.

/*/

Wednesday was a much better day for Matt and Kim. Decisions had been made and it was time to move forward. Matt's first stop was to be the HOMI's office to turn in his resignation, or, ask him to hold his spot for five years. Matt laughed at his rubbish joke. The HOMI would have the position filled before the door closed on Matt's arse. Be that as it may, it was something that had to be done.

All things considered, the meeting went well, with the HOMI offering to fill the position on a six month temporary basis in case things didn't work out in London. Matt told the HOMI he was very appreciative of his offer but would have to decline because no matter how it worked out in London, he was in for at least the five years.

"Perhaps in five years you'll look up to find me at your door sir, but as of now, my position in London is permanent. Thank you for your courtesy."

"Not really a courtesy Matt. You are well regarded throughout this Ministry. I am sorry to lose you. Thank you for giving us thirty days. We'll be hard put to find your replacement."

"If I may sir. I'd like to suggest that the wizard doing the hiring take a good look at my assistant. He knows the position almost as well as I do. He'd make a first rate Minister."

"We'll take you suggestion under consideration Matt. Best of luck to you and the wife."

Matt rose from the chair feeling a bit nostalgic. This was it. His papers were in and he couldn't turn back if he wanted, which he didn't. He was as excited for his new position as he had been when he was invited to join the Italian Ministry five years ago. He felt only good things lay ahead, especially after he gave each and every mid to high level Malfoy employee a bloody mobile.

/*/

Once back in his office, the now a certified lame duck called for his assistant. "Come in and have a seat. I have news to share."

For the next twenty minutes, Matt explained what was going on. The assistant was shocked by the news, as well as appreciative that his name had been put in the HOMI's ear. When Matt mentioned being away from the office more than he was there, the wizard didn't hesitate to step up. At the end of the discussion, Matt was more than sure the wizard who had served him so well would be excellent in the position.

Matt cleared up the outstanding matters on his desk, advised his assistant he would not be in on Thursday then headed to the lifts intending to stop by Emilio's office. He owed his cousin a conversation.

/*/

Wallace greeted Matt as he came down the hall. "Greetings Minister. Minister Lozier has stepped away, but will return in a few minutes. You may have a seat in his office if you like."

"Thanks Wallace. I'll wait for a few minutes. If I miss Emilio, I'll leave a note on his desk."

Matt didn't have to wait too long as Emilio returned to the office five minutes later.

"Minister," greeted Emilio with a grin and an extended hand. "How are things?"

"Good morning Minister." Matt returned with just as wide a grin. "I thought I would stop by to explain myself."

Emilio raised his wand to close the door. "No need for that cousin. Your business is your business."

"It would seem I made it your business as well. However, I want you to know the fireworks are over. Kim and I have made peace and have come to an agreement as well. We will be moving to London in the very near future, she will be taking a position with Theo Nott and I will become Draco Malfoy the second."

Emilio frowned. "That's not good. I'd rather you remain Matthias Lozio the first."

"No worries. I'll always be him. Now that I have cleared up any questions about my private life, I'd like to discuss more public matters. Just a bit ago, I handed in my thirty day notice. I am now what is referred to in muggle circles as a lame duck. That's part one. On to part two. I have something I'd like you to think about. In a brief spate of madness, I saw you as part of my Malfoy Investment team."

"Come on Matt," huffed Emilio.

Matt raised a hand to silence Emilio. "Hold on. Hold on. Please let me finish. Who would be better than you to work with Gas and I? I need trustworthy people around me, and no one is more trustworthy than you. I believe you, Gas and I would make a fantastic team."

"Where is this coming from Matt? You know I've applied to the Ministry of Magic. Besides….."

"Besides what? Of course I know you applied to The Ministry. Let's just put that aside for a moment. I know you're not going to regale me with some old bull shite about how you and Draco bumped heads, or how you fucked up and let that Weasley witch get in your head. This is six years later and we are talking about business not some Milan Weekly bull shite. I'd like you by my side. How about this? You give my request some thought, and if the Case Management position doesn't come through, you'll give my offer serious consideration."

Emilio sighed. "I'll consider the matter. However, my first loyalty is to the Chief Warlock who has worked tirelessly to get me in first position."

Matt screwed up his face. "Are you fucking sitting there patronizing me cousin?"

A wide grin appeared on Emilio's face. "Never cousin. I'll think about it if the position at The Ministry falls through. Happy now?"

Matt stood up. "Indeed I am Emilio. Indeed I am. By the way, I received a call from Carmela earlier this morning. She has invited Kim and I to Sunday dinner. If you're free, why don't you…"

Cutting across Matt, Emilio informed him he had been invited as well.

"Ah! You are aware Hermione and Scorpius will be there?"

"I am aware," replied Emilio keeping his face blank.

"So, have you become the favored son of Mrs. Maida? Is she working in your favor, or is this a crazy coincidence?"

"Wipe that smirk off your face Matt. I'm not the favored anything. It's an invitation to dinner, nothing more."

"Alright! Alright! I was having my little joke. No need to get cranky. I'll be in London all day tomorrow meeting with Gas and searching for a home. If I don't see you before, I'll see you Sunday. Have a good afternoon, and think about what I said."

"We'll see. Good luck with the house hunting."

/*/

After Matt left, Emilio pondered the surprise proposition weighing the pros and cons of each position. Both positions were high level, high visibility, well paying jobs each with unique qualities. Emilio was sure how he would fare at The Ministry. The question was, how would he fare within the Malfoy conglomerate, even standing at Matt's side?

"Ah. Thoughts to ponder over a nice glass of Vecchia Romagna."

Putting all his pondering aside, Emilio headed to the loo to freshen up and have a pee. He had an appointment to meet with an important vendor.