Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 42
"Scorp is sleeping. I need to see Mr. Emilio about, about our future. Watch over our boy until I get back."
"We'll be keeping our eyes out," answered Dusty. "He's our boy."
"Thank you. Thank you." Hermione called over her shoulder as she pulled on a pair of jeans and a heavy jumper. Summoning her wand, Hermione apparated to The Luxe as soon as it touched her fingers. As he had done to her, Hermione landed directly in Emilio's rooms. As she stood from the crouch of apparition, Emilio came out of the bedroom with wand drawn which he lowered as soon as he saw who it was.
Crossing the room in three steps, Hermione came to stand directly in front of Emilio. "Hello again Mr. Lozier." She said, holding up her left hand "I've come for our future and my ring. Yes, I'll marry you."
Unbidden tears formed in the corner of Emilio's eyes as he grabbed Hermione in his arms smothering his face in her hair. "I was so afraid you still had doubts." Raising his wand, Emilio summoned the velvet box and placed the three carat diamond cushion platinum and sapphire ring on the finger of his beloved before crushing her lips with his.
Hastily wiping away the few tears that had snuck out of his eyes, Emilio spoke on his feelings. "Thank you for accepting my ring Mrs. Hermione. I will forever love you and our little man to the best of my ability. And since you are here, we should celebrate this momentous occasion with a first engagement bit of love making."
Glancing first at her amazing ring then into Emilio's eyes, Hermione replied in a very steady voice. "I'd like that very much Mr. fiancé."
/*/
Back at Malfoy Estate, Dusty and Crissy clasped hands and giggled as they stood by Scorp's bedside. "Our little man be having a fiancé."
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 43
/**/
Even though Tuesday morning started out in a less than pleasant atmosphere when Matt found Harry Potter had been correct, Gas assured him everything would be put right.
Client statements had not been sent out for the last few months. A weary Gas had fallen on his sword and admitted monthly statements had been overlooked. The long and short of it was Gas had not delegated that particular duty to the FF. He remained the only one handling statements. To the detriment of the clients, Gas, who had become overwhelmed by the approaching arrival of his son had simply forgotten.
Matt understood, however, he had some firm words for his COO. "I know you and Seana have been under pressure I can't even presume to understand, but we are a top investment firm that is expected to service our clients in a top notch manner. If we don't, MCC will not remain a top notch shop for very long, and that won't do. For the next several weeks, or, until you, Seana and Evan are settled in, I'd like you to turn any of your smaller duties over to the FF. Spin it any way you like, parcel them out any way you like, but turn them over. In fact, have a conversation with Adam, Richard, Ezra, Nicholas as soon as this afternoon. Then breathe. You are a new father who should be spending as much time as possible with your wife and newborn. After you get this little faux pas settled with our boys, I want you to leave for the day. After that, you might think about adjusting your schedule for the next several weeks. Work mornings and have afternoons free for the family, or work afternoons to have mornings with the family. Your choice. In no way is this a reprimand Gas, but it is an order. It's family looking out for family."
Gas sighed. While he was highly embarrassed at his oversight, he knew Matt was on the mark. The proof, so to speak, was in the pudding. True, he had been overwhelmed by all that had gone on, but he was a professional. Seana's pregnancy and a new baby shouldn't have knocked him off his game, but it had. So here he sat being ordered to have time away. All Gas could do was agree. "Alright Matt, as reluctant as I am to admit it, I could use some time away. No one ever told me that having a beautiful son would be my undoing. I'll meet with the FF then be on my way. I'll ring you as soon as Seana and I figure out what will be best for us. Thank you."
As Gas stood to leave his office, Matt stood as well and clapped Gas on the shoulder. "You look dejected. Don't think of this time off as some punishment. Think of it as a perk."
Gas shook his head. "I'm not dejected Matt. I'm just a bit humiliated. It will pass."
"You bet your arse it will pass." Matt replied, interjecting a bit of humor. "Otherwise, Emilio and I will be severing that dick at the base. Problem solved. No more babies for you."
Gas chuckled. "That would certainly solve one problem, but open a whole host of others. I'll let you know what transpires in my meeting with the boys. Thanks again for the counsel. I guess I needed it. See you later."
"Gas."
Gas glanced back at his CEO. "Yes Matt?"
"Ring me after the meeting. I'll see you tomorrow. Give Seana my regards and kiss Evan for me. And please, no worries. It will all work out."
"Alright Matt. I'll speak to you in a bit, and I'll see you tomorrow."
/*/
As Gas was leaving Matt's office, he just about ran into Emilio who greeted him with a firm handshake and a hearty good morning. Emilio was puzzled by Gas' lack of enthusiasm but put it down to a new father who wasn't getting enough sleep. Watching Gas walk away, Emilio couldn't help but think how he would welcome the lack of sleep and everything that went with it if he and Hermione ever had a child.
As soon as Emilio was seated, Matt waved his wand to silence the room.
Emilio, who was in an amazing mood, hoped Matt hadn't silenced the room to pry. He had news to share, but it would be on his terms. He first wanted to know about the statements.
Emilio was quick to head Matt off. "Does your silencing the room have anything to do with client statements? Because if it has to do…"
Matt hesitated for several seconds. He'd be so glad when Emilio got that ring on Hermione's finger. Letting out a soft sigh, he curtly cut cutting across Emilio. "My silencing the door has everything to do with business. Gas and I had a conversation about the statements which led him to admit he'd been slightly overwhelmed by Evan's birth and forgotten all about them. I let him know I completely understood, but advised it would be wise for him to take some time away from the office. Gas wasn't impressed with my idea, so I made it an order.
Emilio straightened himself in the chair, but remained silent waiting for Matt to go on.
"Within that order, I suggested Gas either take time in the mornings, or afternoons, his choice, to be with Seana and Evan for the next several weeks. He'll be here, just not all day. I also suggested he turn over his most simple duties to Nicholas, Adam, Ezra and Richard. They can delegate from there. You know Gas. The suggestion didn't go over well. I think he can't imagine MCC being without him for his normal twelve hours a day."
A brief smile passed across Emilio's face who knew only too well how Gas thought. "Ah! So that explains his less than stellar greeting. Even if it is for the best, I'd be a bit distressed myself."
"Like I told Gas. This isn't a punishment, it's a perk. As CEO, it's up to me to recognize when an employee needs assistance."
Emilio offered a bit of cheek without cracking a smile. "Don't ever let Gas know you called him an employee. He'd be devastated."
Matt grinned at the slightly irreverent remark while nodding his head. "I agree. Our highly esteemed CFO would be devastated. Gas is going to call a meeting with the FF, ring me with the results then leave for the day. That's the long and short of it."
"What you're doing is a great thing Matt. Gas, Seana and the baby could use the time together."
"Come on cousin," replied Matt. "Gas and Seana are family. That's what I was supposed to do."
/*/
After a bit more conversation, Matt suddenly reverted back to nosey cousin form by blurting out. "What I did for Gas, I'll do for you and Hermione, if you have a child."
"It's too early for this Matt. Mind yourself."
Matt wasn't daunted in the least. "It is early. I thought you were going to stop by Hermione's before coming to work. Have you lost your nerve?"
It was Emilio's turn to sigh. Matt was finished with the Gas situation and was now onto nosing in his business. Emilio hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding. "First, I thank you in advance for the kind consideration you'll show when Hermione and I have a child."
Matt was so busy trying to take the Mickey out of Emilio he failed to recognize the word when as opposed to the word if for a good ten seconds. When Matt finally realized what Emilio had said, he jumped to his feet in excitement. "You've already spoken to Hermione. Haven't you?"
"I have," replied Emilio with his face completely composed.
"Oh Merlin. Don't keep me in suspense. Never mind. With your superior use of the word when, I imagine you asked and she accepted. How? When? We only spoke of this last night."
Emilio was laughing at Matt's exuberance while quaking on the inside. "Calm down Matt. One would think you are the prospective groom."
"Groom! Groom? Hermione said yes. She definitely said yes."
Emilio acknowledged Matt's comments with a nod of his head. "You are correct cousin. I took your words to heart and apparated back to Malfoy Estate to plead my case which initially didn't turn out as I hoped."
"But, but, you said," sputtered Matt.
"If you'll stop interrupting Matt, I'll explain."
Matt was beside himself. "Alright, alright. Tell me the rest."
And Emilio had gone on to explain all that transpired, leaving out the intimate portion.
Matt who was almost hyperventilating had to get himself under control when his phone rang. Gas was calling.
/*/
Holding up the proverbial on finger at Emilio, Matt spoke with Gas. When he was finished with the call, Matt quickly advised Emilio that everything was fine. The FF were now handling the issuing of statements and Harry Potter could rest easy. "In addition, I have Adam scouring our commitments from top to bottom. There won't ever be another fuck up such as this, if I can help it. Now. Back to the really important matters. How did Scorp take it?"
"Take what?"
"Don't be a dolt Emilio. How did Scorp take getting you as a father? Was he happy, overjoyed, or just downright speechless, if one can imagine a speechless Scorp?"
Emilio really didn't know. He and Hermione had parted earlier that morning with no mention of the little man. "I don't really know Matt. I'm not even sure Hermione will mention our engagement to Scorp until we can do it together."
"Ah! True family values. I'm so chuffed for you all. Is there a question you'd like to ask me?"
Emilio was perplexed before realizing the nature of Matt's question. Then he laughed. "If you are referring to the spot normally intended for what is called the Best Man, I suggest we discuss it with my wife to be. As much as I admire you, Hermione may want Salvatore in that spot. Anyway, she and I haven't even discussed a wedding date."
"Bollocks. I'd be better at Best Manning than Sal any day."
"Well," began Emilio before Matt cut across him.
"Well nothing cousin. I am the wizard for the job. I'll even bring a date."
Emilio answered with a chuckle. "If it was solely up to me, you'd be my choice. However, since you made my fiancée quite cross yesterday by denigrating the family compound idea, I suspect you have fallen to the back of the line in her eyes."
"I did no such thing," huffed Matt. "I was simply being cautious. A little less than truthful, but cautious nonetheless. I'll just ask that you put in a good word for me. I wouldn't miss being front and center at you and Hermione's wedding for all the gold in Gringotts."
Emilio rose from the chair. "We could go on and on about this Matt, but the answer would still remain the same. I will discuss it with Hermione, after we speak to Scorp and set a date. I've spent enough time in your office. It's time to get on with what I'm being paid to do. One last thought though. I suggest you start looking for a witch now. You know, just in case."
Matt grinned to himself as chuckled over Emilio's last remarks. Getting a witch was easier said than done, but the perception was he was shoo in for the spot. Matt had a cheeky thought. Perhaps the HR witch would give him a go.
/*/
Emilio didn't make it all the way to his office before remembering that he and Matt owed Theo either a call or a visit by 10:00 am. Because his Wonder Wizard Watch was showing 9:30, Emilio turned around and headed back to Matt's office. On the on hand, Emilio wasn't worried about an angry Theo Nott. Hermione had accepted his proposal. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. On the other hand, Matt might have some explaining to do.
/*/
Hermione slept in after her exciting night with Emilio. However, Scorp who didn't know anything about engagements or weddings was up and wanted breakfast. "Mum, mum." Scorp whispered into Hermione's ear. "Wake up mum. I'm all dressed, but I'm hungry."
Hermione opened her eyes, turned her head and was nose to nose with those gorgeous Malfoy gray eyes. Grabbing her little man, Hermione squeezed him to her. "Not only can mum see you very clearly, she can hear you as well."
"Yes mum. You were sleeping. I had to be loud. I used the big toilet by myself, but Crissy helped me dress. I'm getting so big."
Smiling at her son as she sat up, Hermione agreed that he was becoming a very big boy. Then she remembered her ring and a warm feeling encompassed her from head to toe. She, Emilio and Scorp were on the way to becoming a true family. For a second, Hermione wanted to explain it all to Scorp. He would have another father. Another wonderful wizard who would hopefully see him through to adulthood and beyond. But she wouldn't. At least not that very moment. Her and Emilio's news should be shared with Scorp in tandem. She'd wait. On the other hand, she had a very hungry boy who wanted breakfast.
"Alright love. Mum will get you breakfast as soon as she has a shower. Why don't you go back to your room until I call you. Mum won't be long."
Hermione watched as Scorp sauntered down the hall. He'd be so happy to find out he could finally call Emilio father or dad. Hermione hugged herself. Her life was coming full circle. She had started out with Emilio and would end with him. Pulling herself out of her reverie, Hermione hurried to take a quick shower so she could go feed her boy. Calling out from her bedroom, Hermione asked Dusty to take Scorp downstairs.
/*/
Halfway down the stairs, Hermione had to turn back to retrieve her mobile. She had big news to share with the two most important witches in her life. After setting up a breakfast of cold cereal, toast and juice, Hermione sat down on the living room couch and dialed the first of her calls.
Hello love. How are you?
I'm good mum. I'm calling to share some news.
Good news or bad news?
I'll let you be the judge.
Alright then, share away. Just please don't tell me something has gone wrong with the family compound project. I don't want to have to come through to give Theo a beating.
Hermione laughed out loud.
Listen to you threatening to beat a wizard down. I'm shocked. I guess being Head of a large company can do that to you.
Carmela let out a soft giggle before turning the conversation back to why Hermione had called.
If the compound isn't the reason for your call, please enlighten me as to what is.
Hermione came right out with it.
Emilio asked me to marry him last night. You are first to know.
Oh Merlin! Oh Merlin. What did you say? Where did he ask you? Did you accept his declaration? Does Louis know? Do Harry and Hannah know? When are you getting married? Fausto will want to walk you down the aisle.
Hermione let out a loud burst of laughter over Carmela's excitement. Hermione could hear other voices asking Carmela if everything was okay.
Slow down Mela or you'll accidentally set yourself or one of your staff on fire. Emilio asked me last night. True to form, I almost blew it, but that's a story for another day. I'll explain in detail when I see you. Which might be as soon as this weekend, because I'm sure Emilio will want to share our decision with his parents.
Oh my. I'm so excited I forgot to congratulate you. Congratulations my love. I wish you and Emilio a long and happy life together. Hannah is going to go out of her mind. Call her. She and I will have to start planning…..
Please slow down mum, really. Emilio and I haven't even spoken to Scorp yet let alone set a date. I'll let you get back to work. I just wanted you to be the first to know. We'll talk later.
Alright. May I tell Fausto? We won't share with anyone else until you give the word.
Of course. Share with Fausto. I need to get off this mobile to see about Scorp. He's finished with his breakfast. I'll speak to you before the weekend. Love you mum.
Love you too. Speak to you soon.
/*/
Scorp was sitting at the table waiting patiently.
"What a good boy. You finished all your breakfast." Summoning a wet towel from the bathroom, Hermione cleaned his face and hands before telling him he could watch a bit of telly.
Scorp remained at the table.
"Did you hear what I said Scorp? You may watch a bit of telly. Little boy programs only."
Scorp slid off his chair but remained standing firmly in place. Hermione knew her son had something on his mind, but didn't think much of it until she had to pick him up and sit him in front of the television.
"What's wrong? Would you rather play with your games or have a visit with Louis?"
"No mum. I just want to sit here and think."
Hermione smiled as she ran her hand through Scorp's hair. "Think about what love? Little wizards don't have to do much thinking. That's what mums are for."
"Oh." Scorp replied. "Mum?"
"Yes love?"
"What is marry? Does it mean Meelio is going away too?"
Hermione shouldn't have been surprised, but she was. Her precocious son didn't let much get past him. He must have heard every word she had said to Carmela. Pulling Scorp onto her lap, Hermione explained the word marry did not mean anything of the sort. She also explained that she and Emilio would be having a talk with him later.
A talk. Now Scorp was feeling scared. He hoped marry didn't mean Meelio was getting sick and would have to go away. The thought upset him so much he began to cry. Hermione squeezed Scorp to her softly telling him that marry meant only good things.
"Okay mum, but I don't want to have a talk. I just want Meelio to stay."
Determined to wait until she and Emilio could speak to Scorp together, Hermione assured her little man he didn't have to worry about anyone getting sick or leaving. Scorp seemed to brighten at Hermione's response and suddenly wanted to play brain games.
Calling out for Crissy, Hermione kissed Scorp on the top of his head then watched as Crissy wizard hopped him to the top of the stairs. She could hear him giggling. He loved it when Crissy or Dusty hopped him from downstairs to upstairs in one leap.
/*/
With Scorp set for a while, Hermione rang Hannah.
Good morning Mrs. Malfoy. I'm in the process of getting dressed. I plan to make a stop in Diagon Alley then stop in for a visit. Do you need anything from the shops? Auror Potter has blessed me with extra galleons. Of course he doesn't know he's blessed me just yet, but he'll realize it when he shakes his moneybag.
Hermione let Hannah ramble on deciding she would share her news when Hannah came through.
Auror Potter is going to hex you. If you could pick me up some sprouts, I'd be eternally grateful
Just eternally grateful? I guess that will have to do. Expect me within the next two hours with sprouts in hand. I apologize for rambling. You must have called for a reason. Did you have something to tell me?
Hermione laughed into the mobile.
I won't keep you on the phone. What I have to share can wait until you get here. Don't forget the sprouts. I'm entirely out. I'll see you in a bit.
Okay love. See you in a bit.
As Hermione placed her mobile down on the living room table, her amazing engagement ring began to reflect the light. Hermione sat there watching. The diamonds looked as though they were on fire. It was amazing, almost blinding. She loved it.
Gazing at her ring made her think of Emilio, which in turn made her think about the family compound. "While my ring is lovely, if my wanker fiancé doesn't speak to Theo today…"
Hermione cut off her own words. As though Emilio was standing in front of her speaking his thoughts, his reasons for not having a conversation with Theo suddenly became crystal clear. She could be wrong, but she doubted it. Emilio didn't want to make a commitment on a home because he planned to ask her to marry him and they would share a home. That had to be it. Suddenly, it felt to Hermione like a bright midday sun was shining directly down on her. Her wizard hadn't been procrastinating. He had been waiting for a commitment from her. He'd actually said as much, but his words hadn't sunk in. So much going on in once.
Hermione was mentally going over her assumption when she looked up to see Hannah standing at the mouth of the hallway staring at her.
"What's up? You're sitting there looking as though you're in need of a bathroom. Never mind," she said, holding up the sack of sprouts. "Your choice of dinner vegetables speaks volumes. I'll just put the sack on the counter.
Hermione rose from the couch so she could hug Hannah. "Let me be the first to mention you are still rambling. Are you hiding, or trying to hide something from me? I'll be glad to listen you know. Has Auror Potter been acting up, dating outside the marriage, chasing witches down Nocturn Alley? You can tell me. I won't tell a soul."
After hugging Hermione back, Hannah gave her a wicked side eye. "Are you mimicking me? Not doing a very good job. It takes a master to conquer the art of rambling. With that said, may I bother you for a tea or juice? I'm parched."
With all Hermione had on her mind, the possible meaning of Hannah's request sailed right over her head. But, like a good host, Hermione summoned tray, cups and a pot of tea which she set in front of Hannah before settling in for a conversation.
Hermione was in the process of lifting her cup to her mouth when Hannah let out a low scream. "Is that what I think it is? Is that….?" Moving from the chair to sit down beside Hermione, Hannah gabbed her hand. "This is a gorgeous ring. I want one. Harry Potter is certainly going to hear from me. When did this all come about?"
Hermione held up both hands as a gesture for Hannah to stop talking. Which she did.
"You're almost as bad as mum. I thought she would shout the walls down when I spoke to her this morning. Emilio proposed last night, and I accepted. We haven't even had a chance to discuss specifics, but I had to let my two best witches know."
Hannah was grinning like she'd won some unimaginable gift. "Congratulations Hermione. Really. I'm so happy for you and Emilio. This is so exciting. Tell me all the particulars. Did the handsome COO get down on one knee? Did he ask after an especially hot round of shagging?"
"I love you Hannah, but please stop talking and I will explain it all."
Hannah made a move across her mouth which resembled a zipper being closed. "I can do that," she mumbled.
Hermione just shook her head. Hannah could be as annoying as her prat of a husband. Hermione then went on to explain what had transpired the previous night and early that morning.
When she finished, Hannah's eyes were as wide as saucers. "You actually sat there mute while that handsome hunk of wizard asked for your hand?"
"Yes, I did," answered Hermione. "But as I said, it only took a few minutes for me to get my head on straight. As you can imagine, after I had the ring on my finger, I allowed him to shag me into unconsciousness."
Hannah stifled a laugh. "As if. If anyone shagged anyone into unconsciousness, it was you shagging him."
Hermione giggled right along with Hannah. Her best witch was right in one. She had been so emotional and full of passion it was a wonder she hadn't killed Emilio with her sex. However, since they were both still among the living, each must have given as good as he or she got.
The two witches remained on the couch for the next hour ohhing and aahing over the ring. Hannah suddenly jumped up. "I'm sitting here like a dolt when my arse should be at the Leaky. Congratulations again. I'll speak to you later. Oh! Am I allowed to share this information with your wanker of a brother?"
Hermione paused as though thinking it over, but relented when Hannah let out a loud huff.
"Of course you may share, but also tell him not to come over here trying to throw his weight around. Auror or not, Emilio won't stand for it."
Hannah shrugged. "If Potter comes over here throwing his weight around, you hex him. I'll talk to you later."
/*/
She and Hannah had been talking for over an hour and a half. It was time to go check on Scorp. Before she could make a move towards the stairs, Hermione's mobile rang. Theo was calling
Hello Theo. How is everything?
Everything is right as rain Hermione. May I be one of the first to offer my congratulations on your recent life event. Emilio has made an excellent choice.
Hermione could hear the grin. Obviously, whatever Emilio had discussed with him had tempered his anger.
Thank you Theo. It sounds like you are satisfied with whatever Emilio said. I'm glad. Have you hashed things out with Matt as well?
Matt is still waffling. I believe the time has come to put feelers out to other clients. I have some thoughts on this which is the actual reason I called. If we can't sell the other two homes as a family compound, I'd like to do a bit more construction so each home will have a decent amount of protection and privacy. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Although she'd rather have family around her, Hermione couldn't find fault with Theo's reasoning, and told him so.
You know my personal feelings on this Theo, but I like the way you're thinking. I know you have a great deal of galleons tied up in this project. I'd like to make a suggestion. I'll speak to Emilio about purchasing the one home straightaway and give you a substantial deposit on a second home until we get out of this muddle. That way you'll have working capital.
I appreciate your generosity Hermione. Currently, we only have two homes to worry about because Emilio has transacted to buy whichever home you two decide on. I imagine you'll want the bigger of the three. My capital is fine for now. If you agree to my additional construction, I can have workers there as soon as next week. I could actually have them there sooner, but I want to give the other arses time to make up their minds. Personally Hermione, I don't know why you'd want to live around any of them. Wankers one and all. That's all I have for now. I'll speak to you at the end of the week. Be well and congratulations once again.
Thank you for calling Theo. Emilio and I have tons of things to discuss, but I'll have a firm answer on which house we want by the next time we speak. Bye.
/*/
Before Hermione could form a firm thought, her mobile rang yet again. This time it was Emilio calling to let her know he would be a bit late coming through but hoped she would keep dinner warm and Scorp up. Hermione agreed to both things. Emilio gave her a brief synopsis of what had gone on with Theo as well. He also spoke quietly of love and intimate things leaving Hermione a bit flustered and bothered by the time the call was over. Hermione considered herself lucky. She'd had a wonderful first husband and now would have a wonderful second husband. The gods were smiling at her and Scorp.
Dropping the mobile down on the couch, Hermione ran for the stairs taking them two at a time arriving at Scorp's bedroom door to find him stretched out sleep. She didn't normally allow him to sleep without having lunch, but she had been so busy with other things she hadn't even thought about it. After chastising herself, Hermione realized all she had to do was wake Scorp, give him a bit of lunch then maybe take him for a walk. It just might all work out.
Sitting down on the side of Scorp's bed, Hermione pushed the blonde hair back from his face. Then, for a few brief seconds, she allowed herself to silently curse at her dead husband before reaching over to gently nudge Scorp awake.
Scorp opened those gorgeous, gray eyes and gazed at Hermione. "Hi mum. Is Meelio here yet? I have to make a pee. I'm hungry."
Hermione answered in order before grabbing Scorp from the bed. "Hello love. Emilio is still at work. Let's get you to the bathroom, and you'll have toasted cheese and celery for lunch. How's that for answers?"
"I like your answers mum. I hope Meelio didn't marry while I was sleeping."
Hermione sighed knowing Scorp would worry about marry until she and Emilio explained it in full. "Good luck to us."