Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 27
Matt chuckled. "Now Louis. If I relay that type of message, I'm sure Seth would stay away longer. I'll let him know in my own way. I hope you're not being sullen and argumentative with Hermione because she won't suffer your temper very long."
Louis rolled his eyes but answered in a perfectly calm voice. "I treat Hermione and Scorpius with respect. I've even gone as far as to smile at Harry Potter. There you have it."
Matt left the den with a wide smile on his face. His ancestor had come so far.
/*/
Hermione hadn't come back downstairs yet so Matt called out that he had listened to her message and was going to floo through to Milan.
Hermione called back that he should feel free to use the floo.
Matt was there and back in twenty five minutes. Ten of those minutes he had used to search for the mysterious bundle which he found stuffed in a bottom drawer. As Louis had suggested, Matt examined the contents then had spent ten more minutes agonizing over what it contained. The clothing Draco had been wearing the day of the accident all bloody and ripped was there. In his mind, Matt corrected himself. The clothes weren't so much ripped as they were cut or sliced, more than likely from the life saving efforts at the ski resort. Matt couldn't help the emotions coursing through him as he vanished the bloody items into oblivion. Such a tragedy, such a waste, he thought. The one encouraging fact was Draco's wand, although stained with blood and other dried liquids, was also in the bundle. Drawing his wand, Matt summoned his own wand cleaning cloth. When he was through cleaning Draco's wand, it looked like it had just come from Ollivander's Wand Shop. The wand was the only thing he'd present to Hermione. The rest was gone, never to be mentioned again.
Solemnly, Matt stepped back through the floo with Draco's wand held tightly in his hand.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 28
Hermione had made it back downstairs.
Handing the wand to Hermione back end first, Matt shared the obvious. "I found the wand just where Louis thought it might be, in the bottom drawer in the den. Not much gets past Elder Malfoy."
Hermione took the wand from Matt expecting something. However, there was nothing, no slight shock, no flashing memory of Draco. Nothing. Laying the wand carefully on the living room table, she turned to Matt. "Thank you for finding it Matt. I'm such a fool. I expected something where there is nothing."
To Matt, it appeared as though Hermione was working herself into a state. "I'm not following Hermione. You expected something. Like what?"
"I don't know." Hermione mumbled, plopping down on the couch. "Some piece of Draco, or something. I'm being foolish. It's just.. Just…."
Matt finally realized that Hermione had been hoping for some message from Draco. Sitting down beside Hermione, Matt placed his hand on her arm and replied in a comforting tone. "Foolish is not the word I would use Hermione. I'd say it's more like you were hopeful of seeing a last message from Draco, but as much as you might want it, life doesn't work that way. Without him, Draco's wand is just that. A wand."
With a sad smile on her face, Hermione reached over to pat Matt on his hand. "I know that Matt. My emotions got away from me. It's just that this is the last vestige of my husband. It was like a third hand to Draco. Something so important to his life. Anyway, thank you so much for finding it. Scorp will be thrilled. After I show it to Scorp, I think I'll set it on the mantel in front of Louis' portrait."
"That's a fine idea Hermione. Louis will be pleased."
"Yes," she replied somewhat listlessly. "Louis will be pleased. As for me, I feel that with this wand the last piece of Draco has been found. He'd never be anywhere without that important bit of wood. My husband is truly gone."
Matt spoke her name softly and gently. "Hermione."
Hermione smiled as she looked at Matt. "No worries Matt. I haven't gone round the bend. Just extrapolating a bit. Make yourself at home while I go show Scorp his father's wand."
/*/
Matt had hesitated. He felt it was only common courtesy to mention inviting Emilio to join the Malfoy Conglomerate. "Before you go upstairs, I'd like your opinion on an important matter."
Hermione turned back wondering what important matter could have anything to do with her. "I'll help if I can."
Matt steadied himself by taking a deep breath. He was going to have to twist things a bit, but Hermione had the right to an opinion. "Perfect. As you know, Emilio has applied to the Ministry of Magic for a top position in The Wizengamot."
"I do," replied Hermione wondering where this was going.
"I had an idea. Since Emilio is willing to leave Milan, I thought I would invite him to join Gas and myself at Malfoy Conglomerate. Emilio is brilliant, experienced and personable. He would be a great as well as trustworthy addition. I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Hermione remained silent for several seconds in order to form an answer. "You are now the Head of all things Malfoy in Draco's place. Draco never sought my opinion on whom he hired or sacked. That was his decision alone. I appreciate you coming to me, but it wasn't necessary. Invite Emilio, although I think his heart is set on The Wizengamot. He'd be an excellent addition to the company."
"I just wanted to be sure you'd be alright with it."
Hermione gave Matt a pointed look before answering. "Yes. I'm alright with it Matt. Why wouldn't I be?"
Matt figured Hermione's question to be rhetorical and had simply nodded. "Thanks Hermione. I think I'll head over to the hotel. Kim should be there by now. Thank you for the hospitality and your candor. Kim and I will see you on Sunday. Hermione?"
"Yes Matt."
"About the wand. Don't over think things."
Hermione smiled at a seemingly flustered Matt. "I won't. This wand just makes everything so final. Thanks for the visit. Scorp and I will see you Sunday. Tell Kim I said hello."
"Will do."
/*/
Hermione walked slowly up the stairs revisiting her conversation with Matt and savoring the feel of Draco's wand in her hand. She really hadn't ever had many chances to handle it because Draco didn't like it being handled by anyone other than himself. He wasn't being mean or selfish. He just didn't want it handled. She understood that. There weren't many wizards who did like their wand in the hands of others. Hermione reached the top of the stairs and let out a soft sigh. All she and Scorp had left of Draco was his wand.
Instead of going to Scorp's room, Hermione headed to her room. Settling herself on the side of the bed, she called Scorp to her. Her little man came running.
"Here I am mum." He said, wrapping his arms around Hermione's thighs. "Are we going to have a talk? I've been a good boy."
Hermione grinned at him. "Yes, we're going to have a talk, but it's a good talk. Uncle Matt found daddy's wand and I wanted you to have a look."
"Oh," replied Scorp with a tone of wonderment. "Daddy's wand. May I keep it?"
"No sweetheart. You may not keep it, but you can have a look." Holding out the wand, Hermione let Scorp take it in his hands.
"Could daddy make things move and fix things with this wand?"
"Yes love. He could. Daddy was very good with a wand."
Scorp looked a little perplexed as he rolled the wand in his hands. "Well mum, if daddy could fix things with his wand, why didn't he fix him?"
The question was so unexpected it took Hermione several seconds to respond. "I think your daddy was taken by surprise, and didn't have a chance to use his wand."
"Oh," was all Scorp had replied.
Hermione allowed Scorp to point and wave the wand before telling him she would be placing it on the mantel by Louis' portrait.
"Giving the wand one last shake, Scorp handed it back to Hermione. "It didn't work for me mum. I guess I'll have to wait to get my own."
"Yes love. You'll just have to wait to get your own."
"My wand will choose me, because the wand always chooses the wizard. Right mum?"
Her child never stopped amazing her. She had mentioned the one time that the wand chose the wizard, yet Scorp remembered. It seemed with the death of the father, the son was absorbing life at a very rapid pace. Draco would have been so proud.
"You are absolutely right young man. You have an exceptional memory. Are you excited to be going to see Mela and Fausto tomorrow?"
"Yes mum. Mela and Fausto love me."
"Yes they do," replied Hermione, leaning down to kiss her boy. "Would you like to sit out back for a bit before bedtime?"
"Yay! I want to go out back, but I need a jumper."
Scorp watched closely as Hermione lifted her wand to summon a jumper and commented in a soft voice he would be glad when his wand chose him.
/*/
Hermione made a detour to the den on their way out to the back. As she laid Draco's wand on the mantel, Hermione thanked Louis for his exceptional observation skills.
"I wish I could have observed something happier Hermione. I'll watch over it as though it were my own."
Scorpius remained silent while his mum and Louis were conversing, but on the way out back, he assured Hermione that his dad's wand would be very safe under the care of Elder Louis, and she had acknowledged Scorp's observation with a nod of her head.
/*/
The Ministry at Milan began buzzing early Thursday and continued until close of day. Two Ministers leaving at the same time was unheard of, especially since both were relocating to England. Emilio was irritated by the looks he received as he walked through the Ministry. He hadn't even given his notice, yet they had him already gone. Emilio was also perturbed to think that Minister Wooley had been party to gossip. That was so unlike him. Then Emilio thought it over. Wherever the rumors had originated, they probably hadn't come from James. Even in the darkest of times, James Wooley hadn't carried tales. Luckily, Emilio had already advised the HOMI he had been invited to apply for a position in The Ministry of Magic Britain, and would advise him of the outcome. Still, all the looks were annoying.
When he returned to his desk, Wallace handed Emilio several messages, one of which was from SSE. Several new products were in stock and SSE wanted to give the Ministry first refusal. Rather than put it off, Emilio dialed Willem's number to discuss the new products.
Willem's assistant picked up but quickly passed the phone to Willem when advised of who was on the phone.
Minister Lozier, a pleasure to hear from you. How can I help you?
Good afternoon Willem. I received a message that SSE has some new products that might interest the Ministry. Do you have a few moments to go over them, or would you rather send a list by messenger?
I'll always have time for The Ministry Minister. Let me just pull up the list.
While Emilio waited, he began to think about…..
Willem was back on the phone.
We have four items Minister.
Willem went on to explain that the items were all non-perishables and he would be glad to send samples to Wallace's attention.
Perfect Willem. I will have an answer for you as soon as Wallace and our Inventory Specialist review the products. Thank you for your kind service. Either myself or Wallace will speak to you soon. Would you please connect me to Mrs. Maida?
Thank you Minister. I'll connect you to Carmela right now. Have a pleasant day.
/*/
Carmela was surprised when Willem rang her line to say that Minister Lozier wanted a word. She wasn't busy, and she did have something to discuss. In fact, this call was quite fortuitous.
Good afternoon Minister. How are you?
I'm well Carmela. I had to speak to Willem about new products so I asked him to connect me to you so I could leave my regards.
How nice of you. I believe the Ministry will be interested in all four products. While I have you on the phone, may I beg a favor?
Even though it is a figure of speech, you'll never have to beg anything of me. What is it you need?
You have a great network of connections.
Emilio laughed.
I do have some connections. Which of them do you need?
I'm hoping you may know of a bright, enterprising young photographer who is interested in working with a start up company in London. Witch or wizard doesn't matter. We-I just need a hard working, eager to assist worker.
Emilio was at a loss. Carmela needed a photographer, for a start-up company in London. He did have connections, but couldn't think of anyone connected to the photography field.
Off the top of my head, I cannot think of anyone involved in photography. How soon do you need the information?
Carmela had made the inquiry, but thought she may have gone too far.
Well Minister, at the moment, the timing is not important. I'm simply hoping you might make some discreet inquiries.
Emilio was still a bit confused. Carmela wanted information, but not in a timely manner. Strange, but he knew Carmela to be aboveboard in any dealings.
I'll see what I can do. Shall I contact you if I find suitable applicants?
No Minister. Please hold onto the information for now. I hope I haven't been too mysterious. That was not my intent. In fact, at the moment, I'm wondering if I should have spoken about this at all.
No worries Carmela. I'll check around and keep it to myself.
Carmela let out a nervous laugh.
Thank you Emilio, and thank you for thinking of me. I'll see you Sunday.
Yes Carmela. I'll see you on Sunday. Have a good afternoon.
After hanging up the phone, Emilio sat thinking about the strange conversation. What could Carmela want with a photographer? And not just any photographer, a young, upcoming photographer. It all sounded intriguing. He had promised, so he'd do what he could, and he'd start by enlisting the aid of Wallace who had almost as many connections as himself.
/*/
After stressing the need for discretion, Emilio found Wallace had a wealth of information. Wallace was acquainted with several wizards and witches who either had made photography their field of interest, or worked it as a hobby. Coincidentally, two were located in London. Not really understanding what Carmela required, Emilio took all the information requesting that Wallace follow up and get the information to him as quickly as possible.
Wallace was intrigued as well but knew better than to question the Minister, so he simply did as asked.
Emilio had to put thoughts of photographers out of his mind as he looked up to find Marissa at his door. Annoyed but composed, Emilio greeted the witch.
"Hello Marissa. What brings you to my office?"
"I apologize for turning up uninvited. You didn't return my call, so I decided to see you in person hoping we could have dinner or drinks."
Feeling his composure slipping, Emilio answered as calmly as possible. "No, I didn't return your call. I thought we agreed that a relationship between us wasn't going to happen. Therefore, you must have other reasons for your visit. May I save you some time and trouble. Yes. I have made application for a position in the British Ministry. Yes. I will be leaving Milan. Now that you have verification, is there anything else I can help you with?"
A bit of color appeared across Marissa's cheeks but didn't stop her from pushing forward. "You needn't be so cross Minister. My only intent was to invite you to dinner. Now that I see your attitude hasn't changed, I'll be on my way. I believed with a little bit of thought you would realize we made a lovely couple. I now know better. You won't be hearing from me again Mr. Lozier. Good luck in Britain."
Emilio sighed as he watched Marissa walk away. What would it take to make her stay away? He rang Wallace to remind him no one except other Ministers or Ministry employees were allowed direct access to his office unless they had been invited. Wallace apologized profusely revealing that Marissa had flashed a visitors badge. Emilio was even more annoyed as he told Wallace to find out how she had acquired the badge and report back to him.
Disconnecting the call, Emilio mumbled a few words about tenacious witches before getting back to the work before him.
/*/
It was after 6:00 pm when Matt arrived at the hotel, but Kim hadn't made it in yet. Feeling the need to unwind after the wand thing and the Emilio thing with Hermione, he stripped then headed to the shower.
Matt let his mind wander back to the contents of the bundle that had contained Draco's wand which in turn reminded him of a comment made to Hermione. He was a bloody mess. The clerk or medi-wizard who had made the remark wasn't swearing. He or she had been stating a fact. Draco's body really must have been a bloody mess. Matt sighed as a sudden bout of melancholy enveloped him while thoughts of where he and Seth might be had Draco and Hermione not found them. What a loss of a good wizard.
Matt was pulled from his thoughts as the bathroom door was pushed open.
"Hello love. I've had a full day. Let's order dinner. I have so much to share."
Matt turned off the water. Kim was home. Let the Malfoy Manor discussion begin.
/*/
"How full of a day?" Asked Matt crossing the room to kiss Kim. "Are we the proud owners of a London home?"
Kim frowned as she slipped out of her skirt and blouse. "Is that your idea of sarcasm? No, we aren't the owners of anything in London. Theo and I saw two properties, which didn't meet our criteria. Most of the day was spent in Milan."
"In Milan? I thought….."
"I know what you thought Matt. However, Theo was excited over the idea of having companies in Milan and London. We spent a good part of the day visiting my current properties. He was impressed. Why don't you order dinner while I have a quick shower?"
Matt was irritated, but resolved not to start an argument. They would have a reasonable and pleasant night. "Fine. What would you like?"
"I'd like a meatloaf with mashed, peas and a green salad. Some wine would be nice as well." Kim called over the running shower.
Matt called in the order then sat down on the couch to wait.
/*/
Their meal arrived before Kim finished showering. With a few well placed swish and flicks, Matt served up their plates.
"Smells lovely," said Kim, ruffling Matt's hair as she passed on her way to the table. "Ah! Nice wine. Come. Let's eat. I'm famished."
Matt joined Kim at the table then waited for her to regale him with her impressive day. As they ate and Matt listened to Kim go on and on, his mind wandered. From where had this ray of sunshine come? Two days in Theo's presence and everything was smiles and grins.
"Matt? Are you listening? Theo thinks… Theo promised…"
Matt blocked Kim's voice. She sounded like a witch gushing about the wizard who was courting her. Was she searching for a home, or….
"If you're going to sit there in a daze, we can postpone this discussion until you have your wits about you." She huffed.
Determined not to start an argument, Matt reached over to stroke Kim's arm. "I'm listening love. I've heard how impressed and happy Theo is. Just how happy are you? You've seen about six properties. I've seen four. Are we close to making a decision? I'd like to be out of this hotel sooner than later."
"Accio." Kim's wand came flying across the room. Vanishing the dinner remains, Kim snapped that Theo might not have what they wanted in inventory.
"Really? I've seen at least two that are on par with our home in Milan. Shall we discuss the real issue?"
"The real issue Matt?" Kim shouted. "The real issue is that Hermione has offered us a magnificent opportunity which you will not consider."
"There it is. We are at odds then Kim. I do not want to move into Malfoy Manor. We will be in London for at least five years. I want us to have our own home."
"So. You'd turn down assistance from the lovely Hermione, but didn't hesitate to accept Draco's assistance. I guess the distinction is if it's beneficial to you."
Matt went from level to enraged in a second frightening Kim who lifted her wand. Her words had brought out his worst and he continued to advance. Kim knew what her words had done and tried to backtrack, but Matt was past apologies.
"I will not listen to you throw insult after insult to get your way. I have an idea. Tell Hermione you'll accept her invitation. Tell her you've gotten your way, but also tell her your husband chooses to live elsewhere. I have too much on my plate to go through the same bull shite every second day. Isn't this where you throw the pig farmer's daughter in my face? I'll wait."
"Matt." Kim called softly, following him into the bedroom. "Please. Just think about it. Malfoy Manor is perfect for us….."
"ENOUGH! We will not be moving into Malfoy Manor. If you and Theo cannot find us a suitable home, we'll rent. You may now put away your wand. I'm going to bed. I have important business tomorrow. Here's a piece of advice. The next time you draw your wand against me, hex me. That way, you'll be rid of me for good. Goodnight."
Kim stood in the doorway gazing at Matt's back. She had done it again. Perhaps she should have remained in Milan.
/*/
Harry stopped by Malfoy Estate after work. It was fairly late, but he wanted to find out if Hermione had found Draco's wand. "Hello. Anybody home? Auror Potter coming through."
"Shush Harry." Hermione called from the study. "Scorp is already down for the night. Come into the study."
"Oops, sorry. I stopped by to see if you've found out anything about Draco's wand."
Hermione put her paperwork aside. "Back in a minute."
Harry shrugged. "Okay."
Hermione returned to the study carrying Draco's wand.
"Well done. Where did you find it?"
"Actually, it was Louis and Matt who found it. Louis remembered Seth stowing away a bundle the day after Draco died, and Matt flooed to Milan to recover the package. The wand was there."
Harry ran his hand over the wand, but had quickly handed it back to Hermione. "Draco was a beast about his wand. I hope you plan on keeping it in a safe place."
"I know how Draco felt about his wand. I plan to have it lay on the mantel in front of Louis' portrait."
Harry nodded. The mantel was as good a place as any. There wasn't anyone that came through Hermione's home who would dare bother her private items. "Louis must be happy. He gets to play king of the wand."
Hermione smiled at Harry as she passed by on her way to the den. "Jealous Potter?"
/*/
Harry and Hermione spent an hour chatting about mundane things. When he was ready to leave, Harry asked Hermione to give Scorp a hug and acknowledged he and Hannah would see her Sunday. "My better half has actually taken Saturday off, so don't be surprised if she turns up early at Carmela's."
"That would be nice. Then we can roll your arse over the coals in private."
Harry grinned at his sister. "My witch loves me. There'll be no talking against Potter this Saturday. See you later."
"Bye love. See you soon."
Hermione spelled all her papers into a perfect pile then shrunk them down so they would easily fit into a pocket. It was bedtime for her. She and Scorp planned to be in Milan by 10:00 am.
/**/
Hermione and Scorp were up by 8:00 am Friday morning and stepping out of Carmela's floo by 10:30.
It was a happy witch who grabbed Scorp in a tight hug leaving kisses all over his face.
Scorp was giggling all over the place as he told Carmela to stop because she was giving sloppy kisses. Carmela finally released him so she could greet Hermione.
"Hello love." She said, pulling Hermione into a hug. "Come to relax for a bit? Well you've come to the right place."
"I've come to see my Mela and Fausto as well as work on my idea. You and I together should make short work of setting up a company."
"Really love? I'm a fantastic manager, but hardly worthy of setting up a company. That's your area of expertise. Speaking of companies, Willem sends his regards to you and Scorp. Now, have you two had breakfast? If not, if you'll accompany me to the kitchen, I'll feed my family."
"Do you hear that Scorp? Mela has volunteered to feed us. Obviously she doesn't know what a large appetite you have."
"I finish all my food Mela," offered Scorp. "Even after having a small ice cream cone. And, I did a well done with my nunciation."
Both Hermione and Carmela laughed at their little wizard.
"Alright then. It appears you have a lot of news to share. Come on through to the kitchen so I can fix you breakfast."
"Alright Mela. I'll have eggs, a bit of bacon, potatoes and toast. Oh yes, and juice."
Hermione rolled her eyes in Carmela's direction as though to say, told you.
"Come on then Mr. Scorpius. Let's get you fed.
/*/
Matt was also up, showered and dressed early Friday morning as well. He had slept on his attitude and decided he wanted to leave the hotel on a positive note. Leaning over a still sleeping Kim, he kissed her on her forehead. However, when he tried to kiss her lips, she turned her head. Matt gazed at the witch he had promised to love for the rest of his life for a brief second then headed for the door. They weren't moving into Malfoy Manor, so Kim could just get over herself.
Kim, who hadn't really been asleep jumped out of bed as soon as the door closed behind Matt. She intended to spend half the day learning about the real estate culture in Britain and the last half of the day and evening in Milan. She had a perfectly good home in Milan where she could spend the night if it got too late. Screw Matt and his ultimatums. She'd work with Theo in Milan and in London. If she ran into her husband along the way, all well and good. For now, he could consider himself the winner. After she dressed, Kim headed out to Nott Realtors hoping Theo might take her to breakfast.
/*/
It was a busy Friday for Emilio. The two newest vendors had invited him to come survey their warehouses. Actually, it wasn't an invitation. It was now part of Emilio's standard rules and regulations that he tour all new vendor warehouses. His reasoning was any vendor servicing The Ministry must meet certain standards. Emilio spent two and a half hours touring the first vendor then enjoyed a lavish lunch after the tour. It was almost 1:30 pm when Emilio arrived at the second vendor. Both vendors met with Emilio's approval and were given clean bills of service.
After using the bathroom and doing a quick wash up, Emilio was headed for his desk when Wallace popped up with his messages.
"Thank you Wallace. How are things?"
"All is well Minister. I'm working on your request. A minute of your time, if I may."
"Step into my office," answered Emilio in an almost furtive manner. "No need to bandy my request about the floor."
Wallace followed behind Emilio without commenting.
"You may have five minutes of my time." Joked Emilio as he removed his outer robes.
"Very good Minister." Wallace replied, allowing himself a quick smile. "I have been in contact with a fellow who has given me three names that meet your criteria. I'll have something more for you by the end of the day."
"Sounds as though you've made a great start. I appreciate your diligence. I may step away from my desk for a few minutes, but I plan to be here after hours. You may leave your findings on my desk. Thank you."
"No problem Minister. If the results don't come through today, I'll have them on your desk by mid-morning Monday."
"That's fine Wallace. I'll leave it up to you."
/*/
Emilio went through his messages and was delighted to find The CW at Ministry of Magic wanted a call back.
As laid back as he normally was, Emilio began to perspire. This was it. He was in or he wasn't. Matt's face appeared before him with a reminder Emilio would do well to consider his offer.
"Not this time cousin," Emilio murmured before picking up the phone to dial.