Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 34
Emilio was having a drink of his own as he thought about his day. When his mobile rang, he automatically checked the time. It was late. Emilio hoped it wasn't his mother with more news about Marissa. It wasn't. The Caller-Id showed Hermione Malfoy. All sorts of things went through Emilio's head in the few seconds it took to say hello.
Hermione. What's wrong? Is Scorp alright?
Scorp and I are fine, but the strangest thing has happened. Matt has come through my floo only to fall asleep on the couch.
Is he alright?
I believe he's fine except for the strong odor of whiskey emanating from his body and ripped trousers.
Ripped trousers? Matt at Hermione's house at 11:30 pm? All kind of things began to run through Emilio's head. He couldn't begin to fathom what was going on. He certainly wouldn't let his mind go back to what Kim had implied. Not that.
How can I help?
Before you think me mad for calling when I could simply have given Matt a blanket and a pillow, there's something else. I think you need to come see about the cousin.
Something else?
Yes. Something you need to see.
Emilio fervently hoped Matt hadn't done something foul to Kim. Something he'd regret in the morning.
I'll be there in fifteen minutes.
You have permissions. Apparate in.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 35
It hadn't even taken Emilio fifteen minutes to get there. When he landed in the middle of the living room, Hermione grabbed him in a tight hug.
"Besides being drunk off his arse, I think Matt is in distress."
Emilio ran a quick wand up and down his cousin discovering nothing until the wand passed over his leg. Lifting the torn trouser leg, Emilio gasped at the puffy, red looking scar on Matt's leg.
"What in the hell has happened here?" Emilio asked out loud.
"Oh Merlin," gasped Hermione. "He's managed to splinch himself. Accio wand."
As soon as her wand was in her hand, Hermione summoned a blue colored potion, informing Emilio it was nothing more than a calming draught, but before she could give it to Matt, she had to sober him up. Casting a quick sobering spell, Hermione then asked Emilio to hold Matt's head back as she dripped three drops of the potion down his throat before calling out Vulnera Sanentur three times, each time poking the wound with her wand.
"Accio Dittany."
After a few drops of Dittany, the difference in the wound was immediate. The red, raw scar was disappearing as they stood there.
Emilio looked on in amazement. "Incredible Hermione. The wound….."
"Not incredible," laughed Hermione. "The drunken sot used Dittany before properly preparing the wound. He'll be fine."
The sobering spell and Calming Draught had obviously worked on Matt who spoke with closed eyes. "Not a good look for the CEO of The Malfoy Conglomerate then? Many thanks Hermione. You are quite right. This drunken sot acted before he thought things through which is not saying much as I'm unfamiliar with that particular healing spell."
"Reparo trousers. Now sit up you git. Crissy made tea and sandwiches."
Matt sat up. "Hello cousin. What are you doing here?"
Hermione spoke before Emilio could answer. "I called him. I thought you needed a wizard's support."
Matt set the teacup back down on the saucer. With downcast eyes, he softly asked if Hermione had seen the letter.
"I have. It fell to the floor when you landed on the couch. My apologies."
"No apology necessary Hermione. I imagine the entire Wizarding World will know soon enough. If I may be so bold, may I ask that you give me and Emilio a few minutes alone."
"Of course. Lock the floo and the door when you leave. Thank you for coming Emilio. I couldn't think of anything to do other than call you. Goodnight."
"No thanks necessary Hermione. You may call me at any time for anything. Goodnight."
/*/
"It would seem I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on. How in the world did you manage to splinch yourself? You didn't do anything foul to Kim, did you?"
The two wizards had the room to themselves, so Matt handed the letter to Emilio.
"Me do something foul? Outside of nearly splinching myself to death, I've done nothing. Kim is a different matter. She's shown her true colors and there is no going back. The letter in your hand will be Owled to Blaise as soon as I get the chance."
Emilio tried to keep a blank face, but the information in Matt's letter was disgusting. Not disgusting between two people in a relationship, but disgusting when one is a married witch. Especially when the witch had been nothing but vicious to her husband.
Emilio couldn't believe it. "You actually walked in on this?"
"I did. So much for good intentions. Additionally, I want you to know I mean every word in that letter. She came to me with almost nothing and that's the way she'll leave. Perhaps now it will be her who will have to marry the pig farmer's son."
Emilio was confused. "What does a pig farmer have to do with anything?"
"It was one of Kim's favorite taunts. According to her, had Hermione and Draco not rescued Seth and I from poverty, my only option would have been to marry the pig farmer's daughter. It would seem the shoe is now on the other foot mate."
Emilio was embarrassed. "I apologize for suggesting you go to Milan."
"Come on cousin. I know you're not trying to blame yourself for me finding my wife with her legs in the air. I'm sure I would have found out sooner or later. This has nothing to do with your suggestion. I don't think I've ever been that angry in my life. Not only did it humiliate me to see it. It hurt as well. If I hadn't heard your words of wisdom in my ear, I might have done something unthinkable. The slag tried to argue with me, but I set her straight. If I never see her face again, it will still be too soon."
Emilio sighed. As hard as it was to fathom, this was personal. He'd never been married or even had a permanent witch. There wasn't much advice he could give. Instead, he suggested they had been in Hermione's living room long enough and should get back to the hotel.
"You're right cousin. Sitting here won't change anything. Thank you for your counsel and support. I'm thinking after the divorce, I'll have you Obliviate portions of this nightmare out of my head. Thinking about it is just too hard."
"Stop talking foolish Matt. I'd never use an Obliviate on you. Let's get back to The Luxe. I won't Obliviate you, but I can give you a bit of Dreamless Sleep. Do you feel well enough to Apparate? I wouldn't want you to splinch something important."
Matt grinned as he clapped Emilio on the back. "That wouldn't be good. I need all my important parts. I'm a bit shaky, but I'll be alright. I won't be needing the Dreamless Sleep potion. Please lock the floo. We wouldn't want another drunken sot stepping into Hermione's living room."
Emilio strode over to lock the floo telling Matt he didn't want anyone stepping into Hermione's living room uninvited because then he'd have to do something unthinkable.
/*/
Matt and Emilio made sure the front door was locked before Apparating to the hotel. Matt landed in his suite and headed directly for the shower thinking to wash away the film of filth he felt covered his body. Matt held onto his composure as long as he could before breaking down. No matter how divisive things got between him and Kim, he never expected….. He never expected her to cheat on him. Now he knew. Then the thoughts began. How long had she been slagging about? Had he been a cuckold all this time? Had she been shagging other wizards even as she was shagging him? A weaker wizard might have broken down in tears. However, Matt had gone through a rough time growing up and beyond which taught him that tears solved nothing.
Matt felt better after the shower. Maybe not that much better, but he felt cleansed. Grabbing the letter to Blaise, Matt reviewed it. With every sentence he read, the lump in his chest grew bigger. A few paragraphs summed up the end of his marriage. Matt sat there holding the letter wishing he could get it to Blaise at that very moment. Not because he was having second thoughts, but because he wanted his solicitor to understand what he was dealing with. Most importantly, Matt wanted Blaise to get to work on taking every last thing from Kim he'd ever given her. As infantile as it sounded, Matt relished the fact Kim would be left with absolutely nothing.
Matt finally put the letter aside wishing he did have a bit of Dreamless Sleep potion.
/*/
Even though it was late, Emilio paced the floor trying to decide if he should check on Matt. His cousin had always been there for him listening to him whine about Hermione. Emilio decided he would check on Matt under the guise of bringing him a bit of Dreamless Sleep. However, it was at that moment Emilio realized the potion was at his home in Milan.
Emilio swore at himself. "Fuck! Dreamless Sleep or not, I have to make sure Matt is in decent shape."
With that thought in his mind, Emilio Apparated to the floor below.
Knock, knock.
Matt opened the door and made a sweeping gesture with his hand. "Come in cousin. I haven't done myself bodily harm. In fact, I've begun to put some things into perspective. I appreciate you checking on me, but it's time for you to get some rest. You have business tomorrow. Actually, you have business today. You want to be sharp, or Theo will give you a good telling off."
Emilio smiled. "You might be right. I cant afford an irate Theo Nott. I'm glad you're feeling better. I'll talk to you this afternoon. Sleep well."
"You too cousin. Sleep well."
/**/
Saturday morning, Hermione sat watching Scorp eat his breakfast while going over in her mind what had happened Friday night. Matt had actually walked in on Kim and some unknown wizard. Hermione cringed just thinking about it. What would she have done if she had walked in on Draco, or Emilio for that matter, being serviced by some unnamed witch. She would have drawn her wand for sure. Someone or maybe two someones would have felt a hex across the arse. Hermione sighed. It hadn't happened to her and Matt's business was not her business. Still….
"I've finished all my breakfast mum. May I go out back to play. Crissy will be glad to look after me."
Hermione smiled at her precocious son who seemed to be channeling Dusty with his comments. "Yes love. You may play out back after we get you washed up. Please leave any bugs to themselves. Mela should be along shortly. When she arrives, I'll bring her out back to see her boy."
"Yay! Mela is coming. I want to pick Mela some flowers mum, and for you too. I think Mela loves flowers."
Hermione stood there amazed over the things that came out of his mouth. "Mela may not like flowers."
Giving his mum a bold look, Scorp gave a frank reply. "But mum, Mela does like flowers. You sent her some when she got her big motion."
For a second, Hermione didn't understand what Scorp meant. "Motion? Oh, you mean pro-mo-tion. You have a sharp memory little man, but having a sharp memory does not mean you should speak on everything you hear. As a matter of fact, come sit in the living room with me for a bit. I'd like to talk to you."
"Is it because I was abitary?"
"The word is ar-bi-trary Scorp, and the answer is yes. You acted badly towards Emilio because he didn't agree with your thoughts. You also spoke out of turn. We've already spoken about this very thing love. You just can't tell Emilio to be your daddy. It's up to him if he wants a little boy. For the future sweetie, you will not address the subject again. Has mum made herself clear?"
"Yes." Scorp replied in a tremulous voice. Meelio loves me, but doesn't want to be my dad because Draco is my dad. May I go out back now?'
Hermione who didn't want to belabor the subject realized she may have made matters worse. "Yes, you may. Crissy please."
Pop.
"Yes Mrs."
Scorp wants to play in the back. Please keep an eye on him. He isn't allowed to touch any bugs."
Scorp who had remained silent while Hermione spoke to Crissy took the elf's hand and let himself be led to the back gardens without another word to his mum.
Hermione let out a dispirited sigh. It seemed she had made matters worse.
/*/
Emilio was surprised when Matt turned up at his door with a sheepish grin on his face.
"Good morning Matt. For someone who was supposed to be trying to get some sleep, you're up early."
"That I am cousin. I had matters which needed attending. I've already been to see Blaise. I plan to accompany you and Theo on your house hunting excursion. Perhaps there is something out there worthy of a CEO."
Emilio stared at his cousin not wanting to relive the prior night's happenings, but curious as to how Matt had returned to himself so quickly. "All good then?"
Matt gave a clear answer. "I won't be all good for a long time cousin, but letting the world glimpse my misery serves no good purpose. I've had to be strong all my life, so being strong is the only face I will present to the world. With that bit of business out of the way, I'll request tea and a few biscuits. I'm starved."
"You know your way to the kitchen. Help yourself. Make it quick though. We are due at Theo's office in twenty minutes."
"Will do. Do you want tea?"
"I'm all set, thanks. I look forward to finding a home where I can entertain my witch and her whip smart son."
As soon as Emilio mentioned Hermione, Matt expressed his need to apologize for falling out of her floo. Matt then shared a laugh. "Five seconds more, and I believe your witch would have hexed me. If not that, she would have given me over to her band of elves who stood ready to curse me themselves."
Emilio chuckled at Matt's statement responding with a bit of cheek. "I may be having a laugh, but your words are more prophetic than comedic. Crissy, Dusty and Embers would die fighting before letting anyone harm their family. Are you ready? We have things to see."
"Ready cousin. I'll meet you there."
/*/
Theo had his catalogs ready. Before he, Emilio and Matt went to check properties, he wanted to go over a few things. One of those things being the renovation of Malfoy Manor. Theo still intended to speak to Hermione on Monday, but wanted input from the cousins. Theo believed his idea of breaking Malfoy Manor into three mini mansions was a solid idea, but a little support couldn't hurt his case. Theo could absolutely see Matt, Emilio and Gas owning a piece of the manor. If done right, the three homes could become a family compound of sorts.
Theo closed his catalogs when he heard the reception desk witch greet his clients.
"Greetings lads. I have several great listings to show. Would either of you like a tea?"
"No thanks Theo."
"I've just had some thanks."
"Alright. Then it's down to business. Let's step into my office. Before I get to my listings, I'd like your input on something I have in mind. I will preface the discussion by saying it is only a thought until I discuss it with Hermione."
Theo had said the magic word, Hermione. Matt glanced quickly at Emilio who was staring at Theo waiting for his next words.
"I'd like your opinions on me buying Malfoy Manor then dividing it into at least three properties, perhaps four. I had thoughts of redesigning things so it could feasibly become a family compound. Not too close to each other, but not that far away. Each property would be worthy of a top professional. I've made some sketches of how I see the properties turning out. Feel free to look through the book."
Emilio sat almost dumbfounded. Theo was going on and on about redesigning Malfoy Manor without so much as a conversation with Hermione. Emilio had his mouth fixed to make some arbitrary comment but thought better of it. As far as Theo knew, he didn't have a right to comment on anything Malfoy related. Emilio sat there stewing in silence.
While Emilio sat mute, Matt opened the book to review Theo's concept of a family compound. Having some idea of what Emilio was thinking, Matt reviewed in silence. However, he was impressed. Whether Hermione would be impressed was another matter.
"What do you think Matt?"
"I think your designs are excellent. I also think you are off base showing this project around without speaking to Hermione. It is Scorp's heritage after all. She may be unwilling to take any steps."
Theo bristled a bit and answered in a slightly curt tone. "I haven't been showing anything around. You and Emilio are the first to see it. I have a lunch date with Hermione on Monday where I expect to share my vision."
Emilio heard the word date and immediately pulled himself up straighter. Hermione hadn't mentioned meeting with Theo, especially not a lunch date. This could not go unchallenged. Before he could stop himself, the words were out there. "Do you think dating Hermione will help her make a decision?"
"You've misunderstood Emilio. I'm not trying to date Hermione. I inquired about having a discussion regarding Malfoy Manor, and she invited me to lunch. That's all. You must realize I'd be the last wizard Hermione would date. She was married to my mate."
Emilio gave a stiff nod and let Theo continue.
"Anyway, all she can say is yes or no. Although I'm aware of Scorp's heritage, wasn't it just recently Hermione offered the manor to you and your wife Matt? The opportunity or project, if you will, came to me after her offer was declined. If you think about it, Hermione was willing to turn the manor over without hesitation, so she might be willing to sell without hesitation."
Matt cleared his throat. "Hermione might have offered it to us, but she considers us family which is a lot different than selling Draco's family home to a real estate entrepreneur."
Theo reached out for the book. "Thank you wizards for your input. I had hoped for a more positive reaction. I do still intend to speak with Hermione since it is she who will have last say. Before we set out, please take a look through my listing books to see if anything catches your eye. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to see to my staff."
Emilio spoke very softly. "Suddenly, I'm not very impressed with Mr. Theodore Nott."
Matt let out an even softer chuckle. "That became clear as soon as mentioned having a lunch date with Hermione. Oh excuse me mate. It's not a date, it's a discussion."
Emilio didn't find any of it humorous. "What's even lovelier, I'll be in bloody, fucking Cyprus trying to teach bloody, fucking idiots shite they should already know."
"Calm down Emilio. Call or visit Hermione after we're through with Theo. You don't have to mention Theo's plans, but let Hermione tell you what's what. You can't be thinking….."
"Alright lads. Have you decided which properties we'll be visiting?"
Matt spoke for himself and Emilio. "We'll start with these four."
As they headed for the first property, Theo wondered about the change which had come over Emilio. The normally outgoing wizard now seemed so tense. Shrugging the thought away, Theo handed each man four sheets with the listings and Apparating instructions.
"Here we go lads. I'll meet you there."
/*/
At 11:30 am, Blaise was still at his desk softly cursing the air around him. Matt had called him early in the morning asking for an immediate meeting. Blaise had glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch through one eye. It was 8:00 o'clock on Saturday morning. What prat called anyone at 8:00 am on a Saturday?
Matt had begun talking as soon as Blaise said hello. Blaise had to tell him to slow down. As he got the gist of the conversation, and what Matt wanted, Blaise agreed to meet at 8:30.
Matt was in front of the offices when Blaise landed inside. Opening the door to let Matt in, Blaise had a piece of paper shoved into his hand. Matt thanked Blaise for seeing him so early before explaining he had every intention of sending the letter by Owl, but realized he should explain in person. Blaise summoned a tea service, but Matt was too keyed up to eat or drink anything.
After reading the letter, Blaise fought to keep his composure. Why the fuck would Kim do something so degrading? Blaise was a wizard like any other who had needs, but never would he make advances on a married witch. It just wasn't done. If a married witch made advances on him, stiff dick or not, he would send her packing. There were too many single witches who would be chuffed to take his arm. Blaise knew Kim had been headstrong even before dating and marrying Matt. He just never thought she would turn out to be a filthy slag.
Matt confirmed what he had written in the letter. He wanted every word, every description added to his divorce filing. Matt also advised Blaise he wanted every bit of anything he had given Kim returned to him. It was at that point, Blaise brought Matt back to reality by revealing recouping everything might not be possible. He just might have to let Kim walk away with certain things. Matt wasn't happy. He felt with all the evidence Blaise would present on his behalf should make him the winner. Blaise had reminded Matt in a case of a contentious divorce, no one came away a winner. He should just be chuffed he'd gotten rid of an unfaithful wife. After a few huffs of aggravation, Matt had concurred.
By 9:15, Blaise had his instructions and promised Matt everything would be added to the documents, and he would have it all in order for Wednesday afternoon.
/*/
Carmela stepped out of the creepy floo and immediately called out to her little family. "Hello! Anybody about? I'm here."
"I hear you mum. In fact, I think Seana may be able to hear you. Get yourself settled. Scorp is out back. I'll go get him."
By the time Hermione brought Scorp inside, Carmela had made it downstairs.
"Mela," squealed Scorp, running towards Carmela. "Me and mum missed you. There's bugs out back, but I'm not allowed to touch them because they might bite me. I learned words Mela. M-e-l-a spells you Mela. I know more words too."
Carmela leaned down to pick Scorp up and began kissing his face. "Oh my. You are getting so heavy."
A thrashing, giggling Scorp slid out of Carmela's arms. "Only daddies are strong enough to pick up their little man." Glancing in Hermione's direction, Scorp changed the subject to new furniture. "Mum bought lots of new stuff. It's in the bedroom. Want to see?"
"I'll see your new stuff a little later. By the look in your mum's eye, I believe she has something to tell Mela."
Hermione knew there wasn't much she could get past Carmela. "I have several things I'd like to discuss. We'll wait for Hannah before we look over our project. In the meantime, come through to the living room where I will share some news."
"Oow news. I can't wait."
"Dusty please."
Pop.
"I'm here Mrs."
"Take Scorp upstairs for a wash up and a pee. He is allowed a bit of cartoon TV. I'll call when it's time for lunch."
"Yes Mrs. Come on Scorp. You're going to watch TV."
Pop. They were gone.
"It's too early for a drink. Would you like tea, coffee, juice, muffins?"
"I've had breakfast. I'm more interested in what secret you have to disclose. Let's go discuss."
/*/
Although Hermione knew Carmela would support her in anything she chose to do, she was still a bit nervous to share the news about Emilio.
"I'm waiting Mrs. Malfoy. Are you going to tell me what's going on, or are just going to sit there with that pained expression on your face? Out with it. You know you can tell me anything."
"Harry and I had a huge argument. It's been resolved, but I had asked him never to come back to my home."
Carmela's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh Merlin Hermione. He's your best brother. What happened? What did Hannah have to say?"
"I'll make this simple. Harry was upset because I told him Emilio and I have agreed to see each other again."
Carmela didn't even blink. "How is that Harry's business? How is any relationship you wish to pursue his business? He needs a good slap across the head. Not to get too far ahead of myself, but I sort of guessed something was afoot with all that hemming and hawing you did on the mobile. I have something to discuss mum, but I'd rather do it in person. I knew you couldn't be pregnant, so my next best guess was love struck Emilio had stepped up. Congratulations love. You and he make a lovely couple. Have you made it public?"
Hermione went over to hug Carmela. "Thank you for understanding. Emilio and I didn't work out the first time, but I believe he is the wizard for me and Scorp. We've-I've only disclosed to Harry, which was a big mistake, and Hannah of course. I'm also fairly certain Matt knows. Oh yes. Emilio and I disclosed to Louis together. Now you know. Emilio and I decided he would get settled into his new position before we go public. Currently, we enjoy a bit of private time when we can manage."
"Just like it isn't any of Harry's business, it isn't mine either, but I'm your adopted mum so I'll ask. Just what does private time entail, and how did this whole thing come about?"
A red-faced Hermione laughed out loud before answering. "Private time entails a few kisses after Scorp has gone to bed. Nothing more. In fact, just yesterday after I embarrassed myself to no end, Emilio advised me we wouldn't be having any type of sex in Draco Malfoy's home. I agree with him even though I have replaced every last piece of furniture in the downstairs bedroom and attached bathroom in anticipation of…. Well, you know what I mean."
"You didn't!"
"I did mum. I have been quite horny these days."
"Ha, ha, ha. I cannot believe you just said that. Horny is not a word in a nice girl's vocabulary."
"It's a word in this witch's vocabulary, and I look forward to doing the deed."
Carmela laughed so loud Scorp came to the top of the stairs. "Mela, you laugh big like Aunty Hannah."
"I'm sorry Scorp. Your mum is telling funny stories. It's almost time for lunch. Have Dusty or Crissy take you to potty and wash you up. Mum will call you when lunch is ready."
"Quick thinking nana Mela. Scorp is very interested when someone laughs big. The nosy, little git thinks he's missing something."
Carmela laid her hand across Hermione's. "Scorp is smart. Has he noticed anything between you and Emilio?"
Hermione gave Carmela a fake look of horror. "Of course he has. I had to caution him yesterday about his loose tongue. He got upset with Emilio and told him he didn't want a new dad."
Carmela's hands flew to her mouth again. "Oh my. That doesn't sound like Scorp. Not as much as he likes Emilio."
"Long story mum. I'll explain it to you later over a nice glass of wine. It is time for Scorp's lunch. Would you like me to prepare anything special?"
"Nothing special for me. I'll have whatever you fix. While you do that, I'll call Fausto. He might be wondering if I made it through the floo."
Hermione grinned in Carmela's direction as she headed to the kitchen. "Burger, chips and apple juice coming right up."
/*/
Carmela spoke to Fausto for several minutes before heading to the kitchen. "Fausto sends his love. We are both ordered to stay out of trouble. His exact words were, don't do anything that will make me have to come to London to arrest your arses."
Hermione giggled at the audacity of her adopted father. "Lunch is ready. Would you call Dusty to bring Scorp down?"
Carmela turned towards the stairs, but not before sharing another bit of information. "Xavier also send his regards and hopes to accompany me to London the next time I come."
"As if," mumbled Hermione. "That's not going to happen."
"Is that mumbling I hear?"
"No mum. I was just clearing my throat."
Shaking her head in amusement, Carmela called for Dusty to bring Scorp down to lunch.
/*/
Matt and Emilio ended up seeing five properties, of which three warranted a second look. Theo was relieved neither Emilio nor Matt had been firm on anything. He didn't like to lose a sale, but in this instance he had something more important in mind. If Hermione agreed to his offer, he would hire magical builders and renovators to divide then redesign the entire manor so it would be fit for the kings of Malfoy Conglomerate Companies.
"Alright lads, go home, think it over then get back to me. There's no rush. The homes we looked at today are very high end. Much more than the average Wizarding family can afford. I understand you both will be away Monday and Tuesday. How about we set Wednesday as our next meeting date?"
Matt informed Theo he had a prior commitment on Wednesday but Thursday would be fine.
"Thursday it is gents."
"Thanks for your time Theo. We appreciate it. If all goes well, we'll see you Thursday."
Emilio extended his hand and thanked Theo as well.
/*/
Once outside, Matt shared what he thought was a bit of humor. "Theo may not have come out and said it, but I think he doesn't want us to choose a home because he expects Hermione to accept his offer. Hahaha. She'll eat him for lunch."
While Matt was grinning, Emilio was scowling. He didn't care about bloody Malfoy Manor. He cared that some wizard would be alone with Hermione having a discussion. It was absurd to feel this way knowing Hermione could wield a wand as good as any wizard. It just didn't sit well that she would be around any wizard in her state of anxiety, and by that he meant sexual anxiety. He would stop by the hotel, shower, change then go visit his witch at Malfoy Estate.
"You alright cousin? Please remove that scowl from your face. I was making a joke. I know Hermione won't be eating anyone except you."
Emilio let a small smile cross his face. "Fuck you git. I'm going to the hotel to change then I'm going to Hermione's. Have a pleasant day. Don't splinch yourself."
"And I'm the git." Matt chuckled before turning into Apparition.
/*/
Emilio was good to his word. Fifty minutes after leaving Matt, he was ringing Hermione's doorbell. Hermione had authorized him to either floo in or Apparate in, but he just wasn't comfortable doing either just yet.
"You're closer mum. Would you get the door?
"No problem love."
Emilio was very surprised when the door opened and he was looking into Carmela's face.
"Carmela? I-I-Is Hermione available? Forgive my lack of manners. Nice to see you. How are you?"
"Nice to see you too Emilio. Is there something I can do for you," asked Carmela playing along.
"No thanks. I'll just ring Hermione later."
Before Emilio could turn away, Carmela grabbed him by the arm. "Come in Emilio. I was, as they say in England, giving you the mickey. Hermione and Hannah are in the study. How have you been?"
Emilio was trying his best to not give anything away, but was puzzled by Carmela's actions. Following Carmela to the study, Emilio hoped he hadn't put Hermione in an embarrassing position by turning up unannounced.
Once they reached the study, Carmela burst out laughing. "I believe I've just scared the shite out of my new son-in-law."
Hermione grinned as she crossed the room to give Emilio a kiss on the cheek. "No worries love. I have advised Mela we are in a relationship."
"I haven't been hexed, so that's a good thing." Emilio remarked with a grimace on his face.
Hannah, Carmela and Hermione laughed at Emilio's discomfort.
Even with Hermione's disclosure, Emilio was still a bit embarrassed. However, he still made a statement. "As embarrassed as I am at this moment, I will say, Mrs. Maida, I'm in love with your daughter."
Throwing her arms wide, Hannah let out a soft giggle. "Like we didn't already know that. How are you Emilio? We are looking over the project. Come on in and have a seat."
"That I can do."
/*/
Emilio hadn't even seated himself properly before everyone heard running footsteps. Then Scorp, with Crissy hot on his heels appeared at the door.
Rushing over to stand in front of Emilio, Scorp spoke his mind. "Meelio. You're here. I knew it was you. I'm not abitary now. You can pick me up."
Emilio smiled at Scorp while the three witches grabbed hands. Although they all knew Scorp's attachment to Emilio, the moment made them emotional.
Leaning over, Emilio pulled Scorp onto his lap. "Hello little man. Not angry with me anymore?"
Looking into Emilio's eyes while putting his hands on either side of Emilio's face, Scorp explained. "I wasn't angry. I was abitary, but I'm not now. I still want to be your little man. Right mum? Will you take me for a walk?"
Emilio looked up to see Carmela, Hermione and Hannah looking at him. "If mum agrees, I'll take you for a short walk because there's something I want to discuss with mum."
The three witches smiled at the interaction between the two wizards, one big , one small with Hermione agreeing to the short walk.
From the middle of the study, Scorp shouted for Crissy to bring him a jumper because he was going for a walk.
Pop. Crissy appeared with the jumper.
Emilio helped Scorp put it on. Then they headed to the door.
/*/
Carmela offered an observation. "My daughter must be the luckiest witch in the magical world. After having Draco who loved you and Scorp to the moon and back, you now have a wizard who will love you and Scorp until the end of time."
"I am lucky Mela." Hermione replied softly. "I realize this more and more every day."
Hannah let out a huge sigh. "Onto another topic. Your brother wants to stop by."
"He is welcome as long as he leaves his foul opinions outside the door."
"I'll pass on the message love. It's time for me to get this arse to the Leaky."
As they hugged goodbye, Carmela had a thought. "Hold off telling Harry today. I want to spend some time with my lovely daughter. Tell him tomorrow."
Hannah shrugged. "I can do that. Expect him sometime tomorrow. I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Bye love."
"See you tomorrow Hannah."
/*/
Once Hannah was gone, Hermione asked Carmela about her comment.
"I didn't mean anything by it sweetie. I just didn't want your time with Emilio interrupted. In fact, I was thinking you and he should go have a conversation somewhere other than Malfoy Estate. Wasn't it you who admitted that the word horny was now part of your vocabulary? I'm here. Crissy, Dusty and I can watch our boy. As I said, you and Emilio should go have a…. discussion."
Hermione felt the blush run up her neck. "You don't have to do that mum. Emilio and I will get to discuss things sooner or later."
"I know I don't have to do it. It's not a problem. I want to baby sit Scorp. Besides, you've already mentioned the H word. I don't want my daughter walking around …"
They heard Emilio and Scorp come through the door, so Carmela stopped speaking.
Scorp shouted out a greeting. "It's us. Me and Meelio are back. We had a good walk. I'm hungry now."
Hermione laughed as she got up to make dinner. "I hope you are staying for dinner Emilio. We're having chops.
"Chops? We love chops. Right Meelio? Shouted an excited Scorp as he climbed on the couch to sit next to Emilio.
"I would love to have some of your excellent chops."
"See mum. Me and Meelio love chops."
Carmela couldn't hold back a smile thinking Emilio would be getting more than excellent chops this evening.
"Great! There is Guinness in the cooler. Make yourself at home. Get Mela a wine while you're there. Dinner will be ready shortly."
/*/
While Hermione prepared dinner, Carmela prepared Emilio. In a soft voice, Carmela explained she had volunteered to baby sit Scorp so he and Hermione could get a bit of time away to discuss photographers and the project.
Initially, Emilio didn't catch on. "That's not necessary Carmela. You're here to visit. There's no need to baby sit. I'm fine just being in their company."
"Alright, but Hermione has already accepted my offer. I realize you haven't gone public. Take her somewhere where no one knows either of you. Make a night of it."
It suddenly dawned on Emilio the gift he and Hermione were being given. "If Hermione has already agreed, I believe we will take you up on your offer. Thank you."
"No need to thank me. I love babysitting your little man."
With a bit of a jaunt in his step, Emilio went to the cooler to get a Guinness for himself and a wine for one of his champions.
/*/
While Carmela and Emilio waited for dinner to be called, they chatted with Scorp who kept them entertained. By the time Hermione did call dinner, they knew everything there was to know about words and how to spell them.
Carmela was tickled to see Scorp grab Emilio by the hand as they headed to the dining room.
At dinner, Carmela covertly watched the looks pass between Hermione and Emilio. It was clear. Two of her favorite people should have a discussion as soon as possible.