Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 40
Both Hermione and Emilio were at a loss for words and both tried to reply at the same time. Scorp simply continued eating pancakes.
Emilio was first to speak. "I did kiss the little man, but…"
"No worries," replied Hermione cutting Emilio off. "We'll talk about this when we see you tonight at the house."
An embarrassed Emilio nodded before answering. "I imagine we will. I need to get going. I'll see you both tonight. Lock up when you leave." Walking over to give Hermione his kiss allotment, he whispered in her ear. "I promise you. Scorp and I did not discuss daddies."
Hermione grinned. "I know that. Your someday son is precocious all on his own. We' ll talk tonight."
"Alright then. Have a good day. Have a good day little man."
Earlier Scorp had made a statement and obviously intended to live by it. "You forgot my kiss Meelio. I need kisses to keep growing bigger."
Without a word, Emilio leaned down to kiss Scorp on the head before leaving the suite.
"Yup. Daddies have to give kisses." Scorp nonchalantly announced as he continued to gnaw on a sausage.
Hermione just stood there staring at her son thinking, she, Scorp and Emilio were definitely due for another talk. At the moment, she had no idea what the outcome would be. Perhaps she should let Dusty lead the talk.
After letting out a loud sigh, Hermione told Scorp to finish his breakfast so they could go home. Scorp didn't reply. There was no need. He'd gotten his kiss.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 41
Hermione and Scorp hadn't been in the house more than five minutes when Hermione's mobile rang showing Theo calling.
Good morning Mr. Nott. How can I help you this fine Monday morning?
Theo grinned at the phone. Hermione was in a happy mood. This might be easier than he thought.
Good morning Hermione. I dislike contacting my clients this early in the morning but I have need of your counsel and guidance.
Sounds serious Theo. Give me a minute to get Scorp settled then you'll have my full attention.
Theo was embarrassed. He had things to get sorted but may have been a bit over exuberant calling so early. My apologies Hermione. Let's do this. After you get Scorp settled, ring me back.
Alright Theo. I'll ring you back in thirty minutes. Is everything going right with the new homes?
Everything is right on schedule. We'll discuss that and other things when you call back. Say hi to Scorp for me. I'll speak to you soon.
Alright Theo. I'll speak to you soon.
/*/
Hermione turned to her little man. "Come on love. Let mum take you upstairs and get you started on your letters. If you're good, perhaps I'll take you to see your new cousin."
"Oh mum. I have a new cousin? Where did he come from? Is he a boy like me? Is it the cousin in Auntie Seana's stomach? I know my letters mum, but I'll study so I can go see my cousin."
"Wow Scorp. So many questions for mum. You have a new boy cousin. Auntie Seana and Uncle Gas have a new baby they've named Evan Gaspare Maida."
"Evan Spary Maida mum? That's a big name. It has E, A, R and M." Looking thoughtful for a moment, Scorp had another question. "Did Evan try to bite me?"
"Now now love. Don't you remember what Emilio and I told you? Evan didn't try to bite you Scorp. He was just stretching. Babies stretch when they're in their mummy's tummy."
Scorp looked perplexed for half a second. "I remember mum, but it felt like a bite to me. I hope Evan likes me."
"He's just a baby right now Scorp, but I'm sure he'll like you when he is bigger. Let's get you upstairs so I can call Theo back."
"I like Theo. He's making us a new house."
"Yes he is love, but that's mum's worry. All you need to do is study your letters, numbers and games. Let me worry about new houses. We'll have Crissy or Dusty sit with you."
/*/
After getting Scorp settled in with Crissy, Hermione rang Theo back.
Hello Hermione. Thanks for getting back to me.
No problem. What's going on with the homes?
All three homes are just about ready for occupancy. The problem…..
Hermione cut across Theo. Problem? Twice you've said that all was going well. I can't imagine any problem.
Hear me out Hermione. I don't mean to imply there is a problem with the estates. As I've said, they have come along splendidly. The problem is that neither Emilio nor Matt has gotten back to me. If neither is interested in purchasing one of the homes, we'll have to decide how it should be handled. You had thoughts of a family compound which will not be possible if the family isn't interested. Shall we make a tentative plan to offer two of the estates to others besides Matt and Emilio? What would you like to do?
As Theo's words sunk in, Hermione was reminded of her conversation with Hannah regarding the estates. She was supposed to have followed up with Emilio and Matt, but she hadn't.
This my fault Theo. I intended to have a discussion with Emilio and Matt, but with everything going on, it slipped my mind. I'll speak to them both today.
Theo wasn't convinced.
A conversation is all well and good Hermione, but these are two grown wizards we're discussing. I've left messages and even had a brief discussion with both Matt and Emilio. If they aren't interested, they aren't interested. However, this is business. They could have given me the courtesy of a conversation, or a firm answer.
You're absolutely correct Theo, but let me speak to them both. Perhaps it's as simple as them waiting for me to address the situation which I will do this evening. I promise I'll have a firm answer for you by tomorrow morning. I'm sorry it has come to this. If neither man is interested in purchasing an estate, perhaps we might offer one to Harry and the other to Gas. Thank you for your follow up and concern. We'll get it sorted. I'm going to leave a message for both Emilio and Matt to see me after work. Thanks again Theo.
No problem Hermione. I'm just trying to make the transition as easy as possible for you and Scorp. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Have a good day.
You too Theo. Bye.
/*/
As soon as she finished with Theo, Hermione immediately dialed Emilio to explain the situation. Emilio assured her he would be by the house after work dragging Matt with him.
Hermione was aggravated with herself more than with Emilio or Matt. They were both probably waiting for her to bring up the subject. What prats. It's a simple matter of yes or no. Then again, perhaps she had been to rash in allowing Theo to break apart Malfoy Manor. Perhaps she should have left everything as it was. Well it was done now. It might not turn into the family compound she and Theo had envisioned, but it would all get sorted even if she had to have strangers on the both sides of her new home.
After mulling it over for a few more minutes, Hermione went to the kitchen to fix Scorp's lunch and plan their afternoon. It would be soup and a sandwich for Scorp and a visit to St Mungo's to see Seana and Evan.
/*/
After Scorp finished his soup and sandwich, Hermione washed him up and got ready to go visit Seana.
As usual, Scorp was his normal inquisitive self asking question after question until Hermione told him to be still. "I've told you we are going to see Auntie Seana and baby Evan. If you're good, we might also stop in Diagon Alley to get you ice cream."
"I love ice cream mum. We can say hi to Evan then go get Scorp ice cream. I'm ready now mum. Let's get our jumpers."
Hermione smiled as she picked up her wand. Her little man certainly was tenacious. "Accio my blue jumper. Accio Scorp's blue jumper."
"We're both wearing blue mum. I like blue."
With jumpers on, Hermione grabbed Scorp up and turned them into Apparition. When they landed outside St Mungo's, a disoriented and wobbly Scorp quietly asked if they could walk home. Although Hermione chuckled at her son, she felt the same way about side along Apparition, but told him that they lived too far away to walk. Scorp had other ideas.
"Mum?"
"Yes love?"
"You can tell Theo to make our new house closer to Auntie Seana. Then we wouldn't have to walk so far."
Hermione sighed. Her son was like a Niffler when he got hold to something. To end the conversation, she simply told Scorp they wouldn't be walking anywhere except maybe up and down Diagon Alley to which Scorp replied that walking for ice cream was fun.
Hermione let out another sigh as they stepped into St Mungo's.
/*/
When Hermione and Scorp arrived in Seana's room, Evan was wide awake with arms and legs whipping around. Hermione hugged Seana while Scorp hung back until Seana invited him to come closer to have a look at his cousin.
Glancing at Hermione, Scorp moved hesitantly towards the baby. "He's little Auntie Seana. I like him."
Seana let out a soft chuckle before telling Scorp that Evan liked him too.
"I hope he likes me because I don't want anymore bites. Mum and Meelio said he didn't try to…."
"Hermione cut him off with a soft reprimand. "We've talked about this Scorp. Please forget about biting. Save it until Evan is bigger and you both can discuss it."
Feeling as though he'd made his mum cross, Scorp moved on to another subject. "Auntie Seana, If Evan makes you cross, will he have to go back in your tummy?"
Neither Hermione nor Seana could hold back their laughs. Scorp didn't see the humor, but laughed right along with his mum and aunt. He had then sent the two witches into another fit of giggles when he informed them he was a good boy that's why he didn't have to go back in his mum's tummy.
Hermione and Scorp spent an hour with Seana and Evan with Hermione promising to visit once the baby was home. They were just on their way out when Mrs. Finnigan came bustling through the door with a big grin on her face. "There's my grand baby." She gushed before hugging Seana and plucking Evan from the crib. "Hello Hermione. Hello Scorp. How have you been?"
Hermione watched as Seana cringed a bit as her mother seemed to be holding Evan in a haphazard manner. Hermione could relate. It had taken her six months to get used to people picking up Scorp. Seana seemed to relax a bit when Mother Finnigan planted herself in a chair.
"Hi Mrs. Figinin. I've been a good boy. Mum is going to get me ice cream. I have to wait until Evan gets bigger to know if he likes me."
Because both Seana and Mrs. Finnigan seemed puzzled by Scorp's remark, Hermione explained the whole biting thing once again. Seana and Mrs. Finnigan laughed out loud.
"No need to worry Scorp. I think Evan will like you just fine."
Hermione gave a little shrug as she adjusted Scorp's jumper. "We'll be sure to come visit after you've gotten settled at home. It's time for my little man to have a bit of ice cream. Give my love to Gas. Bye Mrs. Finnigan. Nice seeing you again."
"Same here Hermione, Scorp. I'll see you soon."
Scorp was quiet on the lift ride down. Hermione asked what he was thinking about. He answered his ice cream.
"Alright little man. Let's get to it then. Mum was thinking. Our visit ran long. Why don't we get some takeaway ice cream for after dinner?"
Scorp thought about it for a moment. "Alright mum. Then we can share with Meelio. He likes ice cream too. We like starwberry best."
"Strawberry love. It's pronounced straw-berry. And I do know that you and Emilio like it best."
They were hurrying down the alley when Scorp stopped short.
Hermione gave a little tug, but Scorp remained firmly in place. "What's wrong love? Do you have to use the potty?"
"No mum. I don't have to go potty. You walk too slow. You made me miss Meelio."
"Emilio?"
"Yes," answered Scorp, pointing to a lovely, chestnut haired witch walking up the street. "Meelio was walking with her but he Apparated away. We missed him."
Hermione wasn't going to dispute her son. If anyone could spot Emilio, it was Scorp. The witch crossed over to their side of the street so Hermione was able to get a good look and so had Scorp. Very lovely, Hermione thought, and very young.
"Is that Meelio's friend mum? Maybe Meelio already had ice cream."
Hermione didn't have an answer because she didn't know the witch. "I don't know who she is Scorp. She probably works with Emilio. Let's get our ice cream so we can get home. Uncle Matt is stopping by tonight. We'll have to get enough for him as well."
"Uncle Matt, yay. I don't know if he likes straw-berry though. Is Meelio coming too? He might bring his friend. We'll need loads of ice cream."
Hermione smiled at her son. "Yes love. We'll need loads."
/*/
Emilio had relayed Hermione's message to Matt who was totally agreeable to stopping by Hermione's to discuss the housing situation. "I know I should have gotten back to Theo but I'm waffling. I do need a permanent residence but I'm not sure I want to be in a compound."
"You make it sound like some Muggle internment camp Matt. If you're not interested, just say so."
Matt rolled his eyes at Emilio. "You're one to talk cousin. Obviously, you haven't given Theo an answer either."
"I have my reasons Matt."
"Such as?"
"Such as, they're my reasons, but I really should have been more forthright with Theo. He's been working his arse off."
"I'll agree with that Emilio. We both should have gotten back to him. Well, be prepared to be raked over the coals by Mrs. Hermione."
Emilio grinned at Matt. "Yes. There's that. I need to step out for a bit. Important lunch date, but I shouldn't be too long."
"Ah! That's smart cousin. Take Hermione to a nice lunch so she won't hex your arse purple in front of me tonight."
Emilio was silent for several seconds before responding. "I'm not taking Hermione to lunch. We'll be getting our arses hexed together."
Matt was taken by surprise. If not Hermione, then who? "I didn't know we had a client luncheon. Will you need me to attend?"
"You know as well as I do. We don't have a client luncheon scheduled. Stop prying Matt. It's not that serious."
"Really? Not that serious? If it's not that serious, tell me what's going on. I know you aren't giving that witch from HR any ideas. She's a trollop looking for a …."
"Stop Matt. You know me better than that. It's insulting to me and Hermione you'd even say something like that. Suffice it to say, it's important. That's all your nosy arse needs to know."
Matt shrugged. "You're right. Your private business is your private business. Gas will be stopping in. I believe he thinks we can't get along without him."
"Or that we can," remarked Emilio.
"Yes, that too." Matt replied with a grin. "I'll see you when you get back, if you get back."
Emilio frowned at his cousin. "Enough Matt. I'll be back. While I'm gone, why don't you chat up the HR trollop. She seems to like you."
"Funny Lozier. I'm saving myself for when Hermione dumps your arse. Have a good lunch. I'll see you later."
"As if." Emilio mumbled to himself as he prepared to meet his luncheon date.
/*/
When Hermione and Scorp arrived home, Hannah was sitting on the couch watching telly which she immediately turned off. "Hello loves."
"Hi Auntie Hannah. Were you watching cartoons? Mum let's me watch cartoons."
Giving Hermione a saucy wink, Hannah replied to Scorp. "No Scorp. Auntie Hannah was watching a bit of lady telly. How are you today?"
"I'm a good boy. We went to see Auntie Seana and her little baby. He's red."
Hannah laughed at Scorp's expression. "That's okay. Little babies are often red, but the red goes away."
"I saw Emilio when me and mum were going to buy ice cream. He didn't see us. We saw his friend, but mum doesn't know her."
Hannah's ears perked up as she turned her gaze to Hermione. Hermione didn't respond to Hannah's look. Instead, she called out for Crissy to come get Scorp.
Pop. Crissy appeared. "Yes Mrs."
"I'd like you to take Scorp upstairs. Let him use the toilet and have a wash up. After that, you may read to him until dinner is ready."
"Yes Mrs. Come on little man. Me and Dusty been missing you."
"Okay. Bye Auntie Hannah."
Hannah gave Scorp a little wave, but was more interested in the news of the day. "You saw Emilio with a witch."
"It was nothing Hannah. Don't you have to get to work?"
Hannah huffed as she followed Hermione into the kitchen. "I'll get to work when I get there. Who was the witch? Not Ginny Weasley I hope."
Glaring at her best friend, Hermione answered with something between a huff and a giggle. "Funny Mrs. Potter. Nothing like a smart arse on this lovely afternoon. Of course it wasn't Ginny. I didn't know her."
Hannah grew a bit apprehensive. "Is it someone we'll have to hex? I will you know."
Between grinning and summoning the dinner ingredients, Hermione scolded Hannah. "Listen to yourself. You're getting as bad as Harry. She was just some witch. Pretty and young."
"Ah! Pretty and young. I don't like the sound of this. Mr. Lozier has some explaining to do."
Hermione stopped what she was doing and turned to Hannah. "If you don't want to go to work wearing mashed all over your face, you'll stop. Emilio doesn't have any explaining to do. It was probably one of his clients."
Sneaking a green bean from the dish on the stove, Hannah stared at Hermione. "Okay. I'll go with client, but…."
"But nothing Hannah," said Hermione, cutting across her friend. "As I might have mentioned, you are becoming your husband. So stop."
Alright, alright. I'll stop, but doesn't the illustrious MCC have conference rooms for just that purpose?"
"Merlin Hannah. My mind is already going every which way. Can we change the subject?"
Hannah who had been teasing Hermione didn't like those last remarks. "Come on love." She said softly. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"I'm not upset. I just don't want to discuss it. If Emilio was out with a witch, he had a good reason. Now. If you can keep your hand out of my vegetable dishes, I'll set you a plate. Matt and Emilio will be by later. Scorp and I will wait to eat with them."
Reaching out to hug Hermione, Hannah declined a plate. "I'll take a pass on dinner. I think I may have eaten all the green beans. I'm full. I'll just pop in to say bye to Louis then I'll be on my way. If you need to talk, ring me. See you later."
Hermione sat down in a kitchen chair to think. After several minutes of quiet thought, she accio'd a glass and her wine. Hannah may have been teasing, but Hermione also wondered who the witch was and why was she out with Emilio.
/*/
The first thing Matt and Emilio did after entering the house was speak to Louis. The second was mention how good the house smelled.
"Hello Hermione. How are you? Louis seems to be in an expansive mood. What's gone right?"
Hermione grinned at Matt as he left a kiss on her cheek. "The door to the den is partially open. You'd better mind that mouth Mr. Lozio, or you'll be facing a different Louis."
"Very true Mrs. Hermione. Very true. We are here for our punishment. Right Emilio?"
"Speak for yourself Matthias," answered Emilio as he hugged and kissed his witch. "I'm here for dinner, a chat and my allotment. Right Hermione?" He said, mimicking Matt.
Giving both wizards a roll of the eyes, Hermione suggested they follow her to the study before she rang Theo to come give them a piece of his mind.
Crossing and holding up his arms as though to ward off a bad spirit, Matt told Hermione she was scaring him to death with her threats. Emilio smiled because it appeared Matt was certainly inviting a hexing. Rolling her eyes in Matt's direction, Hermione told him to have a seat before he couldn't which elicited a hearty laugh from Emilio.
Once they were seated, Hermione inquired why neither of them had gotten back to Theo regarding the homes being built. For several seconds, neither Matt nor Emilio spoke. Then Matt began. "Truthfully Hermione, I'm not sure I want to live in a compound. I wouldn't want you to be able to see the witches I'll be sneaking in through the back door."
A grinning Hermione gave Matt a cuff upside the arm. "Be serious Matt. Besides, you don't have any witches."
"Yes, but I'm going to get some." Matt responded quickly."
Even though he knew Hermione wanted a serious conversation, Emilio couldn't help laughing at the back and forth between the two. "Contrary to Matt acting like a fool, we are here to have a discussion of sorts."
Hermione turned to look at Emilio. "A discussion of sorts. What does that mean?"
Matt answered before Emilio had the chance. "What it means love is that Emilio and I will have a chat with Theo as soon as tomorrow. It wasn't our, or at least my intention to ignore Theo. Believe it or not, I'm still up in the air about it."
Hermione was getting a bit annoyed. How hard was it to say yes or no? "Fine Matt, but I need to insist you speak to Theo. If you don't want to live in a compound, just tell him then he and I can move forward to find others who will want to live in a compound. I'm not even going to ask your reasoning Mr. Lozier, but please speak to Theo. I do intend to ask Gas and Harry if they're interested if you two aren't. Now please go call Scorp down to dinner while I call Theo to assure him you'll both see him tomorrow. Go. Now."
Realizing they had irritated Hermione, both Matt and Emilio hurried out of the study. Matt went to use the bathroom while Emilio went to the stairs to call Crissy.
Pop. "You calling Crissy Mr. Meelio?"
"Yes. Mrs. Hermione would like for you to bring Scorp down to dinner. Wash him up first please."
Scorp appeared at the top of the stairs. "Meelio. I hear you. I'm ready for dinner. We have ice cream for dessert."
"Alright little man. Crissy is going to get you ready for dinner. I'll see you when you get down here."
"Okay Meelio. Okay," replied Scorp. "Hurry Crissy. I need to get downstairs. It's dinner time."
/*/
Matt, Emilio and Scorp were seated at the table by the time Hermione finished the call to Theo.
Hermione was still a bit huffy when she sat down. "Theo expects you both in his office by 10:00 am tomorrow. Why are you sitting there like two dolts? Why hasn't someone served Scorp up?"
Both Matt and Emilio answered simultaneously. "We were waiting for you."
"Well I'm here now, so start serving. Don't put too much on Scorp's plate."
The ever outspoken Scorp took the moment to offer his insight. "You made mum cross. You better serve us up fast." Pointing first at Meelio then at Matt, Scorp intoned that neither man would be getting dessert.
Scorp's comments cleared the air which pleased Matt and Emilio tremendously, and the three adults shared a laugh. Hermione allowed Scorp to share his story about visiting Seana and Evan and informing them Mrs. Figinin was visiting.
Matt was sharing a bit of his day when Scorp spoke up.
"I saw you today Meelio when we went to get ice cream. I saw your friend too. Mum didn't know her. Did you already have ice cream?"
Matt turned to look at Emilio who had a line of red showing across his nose.
Hermione knew she should shush her son, but she was interested in hearing about the friend.
"You should have brought her to dinner. Mum would have given her ice cream, if she wanted some."
The room went silent.
Matt spoke into the silence. "It's a good day when our illustrious COO does the job of one of the Fantastic Four. I'll be having words with them."
Emilio was holding Hermione's gaze with his own. "Stop Matt. I did have business in Diagon Alley today. I'm sorry I missed you and mum."
Hermione was a bit disappointed Emilio hadn't said more, but she glossed over her disappointment. "That's alright. We're seeing you now. Would you all care for some strawberry ice cream?"
Matt who was at a loss for words declined. "Maybe some other time Hermione. I should be going. It's getting late. The little man can have my portion. The dinner was delicious. Thank you. I'll see you later Emilio."
Emilio nodded, never taking his eyes from Hermione.
The kitchen was quiet except for Scorp's chattering about how much he liked strawberry ice cream.
/*/
Matt was cursing himself as he landed in his suite. He had been dumbfounded over the bit of news Scorp had shared, and had done a dumb thing. He had tried to make excuses for Emilio without knowing the facts. What a bloody stupid thing to have done. The whole thing had been awkward.
Even as he cursed himself, Matt was wondering just what was going on with Emilio. He had some mysterious lunch date that wasn't with Hermione and had been caught at it. What the hell was going on? Matt kept telling himself no matter what it looked like, Emilio wouldn't cheat on Hermione. He just wouldn't, but… But what? Matt wouldn't even think along those lines. If something was going on, Emilio would certainly have discussed it with him. Throwing himself down on the couch, Matt summoned a glass and a bottle of whiskey while trying to assure himself Emilio wouldn't do anything to ruin the relationship he'd been seeking for years. Visualizing the look on Hermione's face, Matt repeated himself. Emilio wouldn't. He just wouldn't.
/*/
As much as Emilio wanted the after dinner atmosphere to be like any other evening, it wasn't. Scorp had done his normal after dinner chattering, but Hermione had been unusually quiet. Normally, Emilio wanted to sit with his someday son for as long as possible. However, tonight he wanted nothing more than to have Scorp upstairs in bed so he could have a discussion with his witch.
Emilio knew Hermione was due an explanation, but an explanation would force his hand, and he wasn't ready. How unfortunate Scorp had seen him. When Emilio pulled himself out of his reverie, Scorp was standing at his elbow wishing him goodnight.
"Goodnight little man. Have a good sleep."
Scorp hesitated, remaining at Emilio's elbow.
When he realized Scorp wasn't moving, Emilio looked to Hermione for guidance.
Still uncertain about who Emilio was sharing his afternoons with, Hermione didn't want to foist her uncertainties onto her son. Smiling, she answered Emilio's unspoken question. "I believe your little man has been spoiled. Much like his mother, Scorp expects his kiss allotment, even if it is only to the top of his head."
Emilio turned back to find a grinning Scorp with his head bent waiting for his kiss. As soon as Emilio left the kiss on his head, Scorp grabbed Hermione by the hand telling her he was ready for bed. Hermione excused herself to take Scorp up to bed.
While Hermione was upstairs, Emilio thought of ways to explain himself knowing if the situation got out of hand, he'd have to tell her the truth, and that would be a problem.