Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 48
Emilio found himself late to the party. Gas and Ezra were already in Matt's office. Noticing a copy of Gas' letter laying on Matt's desk, it was obvious they had been discussing the plan.
Matt looked up. "Good morning Emilio. Nice to see you. I worried you might make good on your threat to take a day away."
Emilio took a chair not bothering to answer Matt's rubbish.
Matt, who hadn't expected an answer continued speaking. "I assume you've read the plan. What are your thoughts?"
Emilio tempered his thoughts. This was a time for cooler heads to prevail. "I actually like it. You know I'm against giving Dalca anything else by letting him know his actions are the cause of it all. I especially like we will be putting forth a united, pliable appearing front. Personally, I can't wait for you to cut the legs from under the blighter." Turning to face Gas, Emilio spoke to him directly. "I haven't changed my stance on how this decision was made, but I admire your ability to turn things around."
Gas could have thanked Emilio but he didn't. It would have presumptuous. He was just glad Matt and Emilio had come onboard.
Matt took over from there. "Gentle wizards we have a plan. Gas will call us when he has Dalca settled in the conference room. Be ready. Emilio, don't speak."
Even Gas had to smile at Matt's last comment.
Coming out of character, Emilio told Matt to kiss his arse before striding out of the room.
Matt threw his hands in the air answering Emilio's comment with a smug grin on his face. "My cousin the thug. I'll see you at 11:00."
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 49
After the meeting with Dalca, Matt invited Emilio and Gas back to his office. When Ezra turned to walk away, Matt told him he was going the wrong way.
"Bang up job in there Ezra. Where are you going? My office is this way."
Ezra turned back and followed Gas and Emilio into the office. He wasn't an officer and didn't expect to be invited to attend this after meeting meeting, but was chuffed that he had been. His CEO, COO and CFO were the best.
"Well gentlemen. Did we kick Alexander Dalca in the arse or did we kick him in the arse? I'll bet at this moment Dalca is wondering what the hell happened. It was a thing of beauty the way Ezra opened the meeting. Soft and sweet. The smarmy git was sure he was going to walk away with everything he wanted. When Gas went all tactical on his arse, the smarmy smile began to slip. I'm not sure just when he realized that every infraction, every promise he and his cohorts had made were laid out in front of him. Even though I asked our COO not to speak, it was phenomenal the way he closed out the meeting expressing our appreciation of Dalca coming so far to pledge allegiance to MCC. The best part was when Emilio came to the however. I couldn't have been prouder of our COO as he explained Dalca's spot had immediately been taken as there was a long list of lower and mid level companies ready to sign a contract….However, we'd put him back on the list for the future. Dalca was speechless. He expected to come in roll over us and walk away with a contract he had no intention of following. Hahaha. Excellent work all the way around wizards. That's how we roll….. over insurgents."
All four men laughed.
The meeting had ended the way they wanted, but Matt still had a caution for Gas. Before he spoke his mind, he thanked Ezra again then excused him. When the door closed behind Ezra, Matt directed his remarks to Gas. "Never again Mr. Maida. We do things as a team or not at all. Have I made myself clear?"
"You've made yourself perfectly clear Matt. Never again."
"Good, because if you ever go around mine or Emilio's back again, I will bump you down to a fourth level, and that is a unilateral decision."
A highly embarrassed Gas replied in a strained voice. "Understood Matt. I thank you and Emilio for the support. I'll make sure everything has been documented correctly before I leave for the day. Thank you."
With a nod at Matt then Emilio, Gas left the office.
"That went as well as could be expected even though I spoke," remarked Emilio giving Matt a hard stare as he rose from the chair. "One sure thing that came out of all of this is Gaspare Maida will never do it again."
"That part about you not speaking was a joke Emilio. One I know you didn't take to heart. Truthfully, I'm more disappointed than angry. I don't think Gas would have tried anything like this if Draco was still CEO. I wasn't joking about demoting him to a fourth level if something like this happens again. He'll have to learn that Matt Lozio is just as tough as Draco Malfoy. We can't have shite like this."
Emilio let out a sigh as he sat back down. "Gas is a mate, but in the case, I have to agree. If he doesn't know by now, he'll have to learn. Enough about something that is done and over. How was your date? Where did you take Miss Knight?"
Matt's normally laid back persona returned as he pondered Emilio's question. "Let me think. Shall I respond to my cousin's bit of nosiness or should I keep my business to my self?"
Emilio laughed. "Fine. Keep it to yourself. I will say one thing though. It is not nosing. It's a simple case of curiosity. With Chloe Knight still in the city, I imagine you won't be banging about Italy with Seth and Sal this weekend."
A line of red appeared across Matt's nose. "You might be onto something with that point. Our date went quite well. I have asked Chloe out for tonight and if I can manage, I'll ask her out for Saturday as well. I can bang about Italy with Seth and Sal anytime."
Emilio responded with a smirk and a cheeky remark. "You seem to be doing quite well for someone who is shite at dating."
Matt stood to signal Emilio should get on about his business. Emilio took the hint and stood as well. "I'll be leaving at 4:15. I told Hermione I'd see her and Scorp around 4:30. Good luck with your dates. I'll be in my office. See you later."
"Alright Emilio. I'll see you later."
/*/
The first thing Emilio did when he got back to his office was ring Hermione to apologize for one, falling asleep and two for acting like an idiot while trying to get dressed. While he waited for Hermione to connect, Emilio did have a chuckle over Hermione telling him to put on one article of clothing at a time. His witch was on point.
One ring.
Two rings.
Three rings.
Hello, hello.
Scorp? Is that you?
It's me. It's Scorp. Is this you Meelio?
Yes little man. It's me. Where's mum? Give mum the mobile.
Mum is…
"Scorpius Malfoy! Are you playing with my mobile again? We've talked about this." Hermione called out in the background.
"Mum, mum. I'm not playing. Meelio is on the mobile."
"Hand me the mobile then go back to watch telly. Thank you."
Hello Emilio. Sorry about all that. I stepped away to use the bathroom.
Hello love. For a moment, I thought there was something wrong until I remembered we have a very bright boy. Answering the mobile when mum is indisposed, amazing.
Hermione laughed.
In some circles they would call that overstepping.
Emilio let out a soft chuckle.
I called to hear your lovely voice, but I also want to apologize for this morning. You cannot give me all that amazing sex and think I'll abide by the rules. It won't happen again. Next time, I'll only take a little sex.
Hermione stifled a laugh remembering Emilio's comment about not having Scorp see his dick hanging out until he was four.
You're in a very humorous mood today. We'll discuss the misuse of that rule later. I won't be preparing dinner. I believe we will arrive at Lozier Estate early enough to have dinner with Ilaria and Emiliano. Scorp and I are already packed. Will we be stepping through the floo or taking a portkey?
Not so much a humorous mood love. I'd call it a happy mood. I appreciate you holding off on preparing dinner. My mother would like nothing better than pamper you and Scorp. In fact, she'd be disappointed if we arrived full. No long portkeys for us. We'll be flooing to Milan Main then a very short portkey trip to the estate. If you'd rather, I can hire a group portkey which would land us directly at the estate.
Good. The floo and short portkey ride will do. I don't want to subject Scorp to Apparition if it's not necessary.
Alright. The floo it is. I'll be there on or before 4:30. I hope my mother will be able to control herself after we share the news. We might end up having to send out for takeaway if she flat out faints and father has to put her to bed.
Hermione smiled at Emilio's remark about Ilaria.
Although your mum is quite excitable, I don't think it will come to that because she is now able to use the word wedding and be correct.
Yes. There's that. Well, I've heard your lovely voice so I'll let you off the mobile to see about our boy. I have work I'd like to get out of the way before I leave. Tell Scorp I'll see him in a bit. I love you Mrs. Hermione. See you in a bit.
Alright love. We'll see you in a bit.
/*/
Scorp was sitting quietly when Hermione went back to the television room.
Pulling Scorp onto her lap, Hermione hugged him to her. "Mum is sorry she thought you were playing with her mobile. I know you know the rule."
After kissing his mum on the arm, Scorp reached up to pat her cheek. "I wasn't a bad boy. I was talking to Meelio. I was going to tell him you were in the loo but you took the phone. Is Meelio coming now? We have to go see his mum and dad. I don't want to be late."
Hermione's heart filled with love. Her little man was too precocious for his own good, but she imagined Draco had been the same way when he was a boy. She knew one thing. She wouldn't allow Scorp to grow up as aggressive as his father. Strong yes, aggressive no. "We are going to see Ilaria and Emiliano. We won't be late. Emilio has everything planned. Besides, it's not your worry. All you have to do is remember to be polite and mannerly to Emilio's parents. Emilio and I will do the thinking."
"Okay mum, okay. I'll remember. I'm thirsty. May I have a glass of juice then my nap?"
"Yes love. You may have a glass of juice and a nap. Come to the kitchen with me."
After finishing his juice, Scorp called out to Dusty without being told and the elf appeared with a pop.
"Yes little mister. What you need?"
"I need to have a pee then a nap." He replied.
"Alright Scorp. You want to walk or hop up?"
"Hop me Dusty. I'm a bit tired. Wake me up when Meelio gets here mum."
Hermione shook her head and smiled. "I'm sure you'll be awake before Emilio gets here but if not, I'll wake you. Have a good nap."
She smiled again as she watched Dusty elf hop her son upstairs then went to brew herself some tea.
/*/
When Gas arrived home, Seana was eager to hear the results of the meeting.
"The Beasts 1, Dalca 0." He said, picking up Evan from the crib. Ezra, myself and Emilio put the blighter on his arse. It was lovely. The one downside is I might have lost Matt's trust."
A now nervous Seana took the baby from Gas. "It's all been resolved Gas. Why would you think you've lost Matt's trust?"
For one, it was the way I went about things after calling Matt out earlier that morning about making unilateral decisions. Then because he basically came right out and told me if anything of this nature happens again, I'll be demoted to fourth level. That's how I know."
Seana laid Evan back in his crib to console her husband. "Matt wouldn't do that. I'm sure he was still a bit angry and talking nonsense. You've been with the company…."
Gas interrupted Seana before she went on a rant. "I was wrong to do what I did Seana. It might be acceptable at other companies, but there are firm rules at MCC. Matt would be well within his rights to knock me down to fourth level and I'd have no recourse."
"Of course you'd have a recourse. You can go back to SSE. Carmela always says how much Willem misses you. He'd take you back in a heartbeat."
Gas let out a loud huff replying with an angry retort that made Evan jump. "Don't talk foolish Seana. What would I look like going five steps back? MCC is where I signed onto. It's where I'll stay."
Jumping up, Seana grabbed hold to the portable crib and began pulling it towards the family room. "It was just a suggestion. You'll lower your voice so as not to frighten our child and you'll speak to me in a proper tone. Evan and I will be in the family room. Don't follow us. I wouldn't want to upset you with any more stupid remarks."
Gas put his head in his hands. He had just yelled at his wife and nearly scared Evan to death. It seemed he couldn't do anything right. Perhaps the way to go was ask Willem for his job back. With a heavy sigh, Gas laid his head back against the couch. He'd give Seana time to calm down before trying to apologize.
/*/
It was coming up on 4:00. Emilio's day was winding down. He was looking forward to picking up his family and getting to Milan. At 4:15 exactly, he gathered up his belongings before heading to Matt's office, but was surprised to see Matt at his door.
"I stopped by to wish you good luck with the big reveal. I hope all goes well."
"Thanks Matt. There isn't any reason to think things won't go well. The worst that can happen is my mother falls out in a faint, or she tries to hug Hermione to death. Otherwise, it should all go well."
Matt smiled at his cousin. "That was my point. Anyway, have a great time. We'll see you Monday. Perhaps on Monday we can sit with Gas to alleviate any fear my threat has caused. I would demote him to fourth level, but it will have to be over something far worse than what he did."
"It's not my place, but I'll say it anyway. Let him sweat for a bit. If he wants to hash it out, he'll come to you. Now I have to go. I'll see you on Monday."
"Alright Emilio. You could wish me well on my date. That's what someone with good manners would do."
Emilio laughed as he picked up his bag. "Good luck on your date Matt. May all your wishes come true."
Emilio could hear Matt chuckling all the way down the hall. It was past time for him to be at Malfoy Estate. Hurrying outside, he waved his wand disappearing from the Luxe to land in Hermione's Apparition area.
/*/
Scorp had finished his nap and was sitting on the couch waiting patiently for Emilio to arrive.
"Is Meelio still coming? We should be going." He remarked to Hermione just as the swish of someone landing in the house reached his ears. Jumping up, met Emilio halfway down the hall.
"Hi Meelio. Give mum her lottment so we can go on our 'venture."
Emilio stopped in his tracks. For a brief second, Thursday morning passed across his mind with him thinking, this whip smart little wizard might already know I walk around with my dick hanging out. He reminded Scorp that even though he got his share of kisses, allotment talk should remain between adults.
"Okay sorry." Scorp solemnly replied, fidgeting from one foot to the other.
Hermione didn't say anything because she felt Emilio had gotten the point across quite nicely. After giving Hermione a chaste kiss on the cheek, Emilio made sure to give Scorp his kiss on the forehead. Emilio's kiss snapped Scorp back to his excitable self.
"Thank you for my lott-kiss. Can we go now?"
"Are we ready Mrs. Hermione? Cases all shrunken down?" Asked Emilio.
"Cases are shrunken down and we are ready." Hermione replied.
"Good. If you'll set the floo to Milan Main, we can go. I'll carry Scorp. In the future, if you will allow, I'll have a direct floo to my parent's estate set up."
"That's fine love. Scorp and I will then be able to step out in Milan or Pavia, Lombardy. I love magic."
"You'll do well to remember Ilaria Lozier will be able to travel directly to Wiltshire as well."
"No problem there, especially now that the word wedding will be out there."
Emilio simply nodded as he called out Milan Main. They were off.
/*/
Matt remained behind in the office a bit reflecting on the date he'd had with Chloe and expectations about their date that night. Dinner had been fabulous. Chloe was, as she had said, a straightforward witch which Matt appreciated. They ultimately ended up having late night drinks in the Luxe Lounge where the bartender greeted him and Chloe like long lost friends. After which, he had seen her to the door of suite 414. Yup. That had been it. No kiss, no touching. Just a goodnight at the door.
"I'm shite at dating. I should have…."
Matt caught himself. He was in the middle of his office with the door open talking to himself. Perhaps it was he who should be demoted to a fourth level. With a sigh, he got up from his chair, grabbed his case and coat and headed to the lifts where he would floo to The Luxe from the main floor.
/*/
When Matt stepped out of the floo, he walked slowly to his suite pontificating on what he would and would not do on his upcoming date. Would he or should he try for a kiss? Should he run his hand down Chloe's arm to show affection? Should he? Matt drew his wand. The door to his suite was partially open, and, and there were Sunday Dinner smells emanating from the suite.
"What the hell?" He mumbled. Pushing the door open with his wand tip, he soon found out.
"Hello Matt. I hope you don't mind me making myself at home. I'm on a holiday with nothing to do. I thought I'd surprise a hard working wizard with dinner. It's only fish and chips, but they're delicious fish and chips. I used to have them all the time. You may put that wand away. I won't bite."
Matt stepped in, closed the door behind him then sheathed his wand. Chloe had come to visit and made herself at home.
"Hello Chloe. This is a surprise. A welcome surprise, but one just the same."
"Yes. I'm full of them, especially when a handsome wizard leaves me at my door without so much as a goodnight kiss. I'll feed you. You'll feed me. We'll feed each other. Then when the night is over, we'll give each other a goodnight. See, no problem. I have our night all planned out."
All Matt could do was grin. He had been stressing for nothing. This lovely witch had their night all planned out. "I don't have any problem with it. Let me put away my things, have a quick shower then I'll be all yours." Heading to the bedroom, Matt called back over his shoulder. "And I mean that literally."
Chloe grinned, speaking softly to herself. "I think he means it."
/*/
Fifteen minutes later, a somewhat damp but fully dressed Matt returned to the living room to find Chloe holding out a bottle of Mortlach Rare and a glass. Whether it was the whiskey or the atmosphere, Matt didn't know, but it was pushing him to kiss Chloe's perfect lips. Which he did.
Chloe didn't give Matt a chance to get nervous or form regret because she pulled him closer to leave a lingering kiss on his lips. They pulled apart grinning at each other.
"I'm straightforward but usually not this aggressive. I think that shock of white hair has me enchanted." Chloe replied without batting an eye.
Matt's next response set the tone for the whole evening.
"Thank goodness for Malfoy enhancements. Those are going to have to be some damn good fish and chips to beat the start of this evening."
Nodding her head, Chloe concurred. "I'll second that Mr. Lozio."
Their night had begun and Matt thought he knew exactly how it would end. Perhaps he wasn't shite at dating after all.
/*/
The trip to Milan Main was a short one. However, there was a bit of a tangle when Emilio asked to have a floo turned to Pavia, Lozier Estate.
After several tries, the clerk came back with an announcement. "Sorry sir. It seems the floo at Lozier Estate is not accepting visitors."
Pulling out his mobile and setting Scorp down, Emilio appeared embarrassed. He had specifically mentioned that he, Hermione and Scorp would probably be coming through around this time. His mother couldn't have forgotten something this important. Emiliano answered when Emilio rang their phone.
Hello
Hello father. Would you or mother please unlock the floo. Hermione, Scorp and I are trying to get through.
I don't know what could be wrong. Your mother unlocked the floo before daybreak in anticipation of your visit. Give me a minute before trying again. We'll see you when you get here. My apologies for this…
No apology necessary father. Just unlock the floo. Thank you. We'll see you in a bit.
Emilio turned to find both Hermione and Scorp with puzzled looks on their faces. Scorp spoke before Hermione could open her mouth.
"It's locked mum. Don't they want us to visit?" He remarked with a catch in his voice.
Emilio was furious but managed to remain composed as he bent down to pick up Scorp. Someone was going to answer for upsetting his someday son. Scorp leaned his head on Emilio's shoulder but didn't say anything else.
"No worries Scorp. Even though it doesn't seem so at the moment, we are welcome visitors. The floo which should have already been open will be open in just a moment."
Scorp replied with a simple okay. Realizing Hermione might be as upset as Scorp, Emilio placed his other arm around Hermione's shoulder just as the Floo Clerk called out that the floo to Lozier Estate was now accepting visitors.
Emilio thanked the clerk before sending Hermione through and stepping in behind her. He wanted this to be a pleasant visit. How could anyone muck up something as simple as unlocking a floo? He wouldn't upset Hermione and Scorp by speaking on it this weekend, but down the line someone was going to hear from him.
/*/
Ilaria and Emiliano started apologizing all over the place when Hermione, Scorp and Emilio stepped out of the floo. Not wanting to express the way he really felt, Emilio simply nodded in his father's direction before asking that Hermione and Scorp be allowed to get settled in.
"Of course Em. I've put you and Hermione in the largest bedroom on the south end and Scorpius directly across from you."
Hermione immediately turned red, responding firmly. "Scorp and I will take the smaller bedroom."
Emilio frowned at his mother who had assumed. Another bloody faux pas. "Thank you mother, but sometime assuming doesn't work out too well. We'll get settled in and…."
"Hi Em. Hello Hermione and little one. I want to apologize up front. I know how intense you get when things go wrong. I'm the culprit who locked the floo. Mother rarely leaves it unlocked, so I locked it. I thought I was doing the right thing."
Celia Lozier was in the house with Ron Weasley at her heels.
Hermione sighed. Doing the right thing my arse. First Draco now Emilio. The interfering bitch would never stop interfering. "Hello Celia. Hello Ron. Nice to see you."
Emilio knew things hadn't ever gotten back right between his sister and Hermione. If she was trying to embarrass Hermione, he'd have her arse. For the moment, he would keep it light. He greeted his sister while reaching out to shake Ron's hand.
"Celia, Ron. This is a surprise. How are things in Belgium?"
Ron, who was still as ignorant as a half-dead gnome revealed things in Belgium were fine before remarking how Scorpius looked exactly like Draco.
All Hermione's good intentions evaporated with Ron's comment and she answered in kind. "That's an understatement even for you Ron. Scorp looks like Draco because Draco is his father. What's your point?"
"Same old Hermione. I didn't have a point." Answered a red faced Ron.
Emilio recognized how badly any further conversation could go and started to respond the same time as Celia.
"Ron didn't mean anything….."
"If it is your intention to upset Hermione Ron, you'll be upsetting me as well. Keep your no point remarks to yourself. If you can't, I'll help you."
Scorp brought a halt to the entire conversation when he grabbed Emilio by the leg telling him in a shaky voice he needed to pee. The tension in the room had upset the little man. Emilio recognized that Hermione was two seconds away from going mad on Ron, Celia and possibly him.
Turning away, Emilio picked up Scorp before leading Hermione out of the room calling over his shoulder. "If you had advised me you'd be having company, Hermione, Scorp and I would have put off our visit until another day. We will be back when Scorp has calmed down."
Ilaria, who had remained silent through the entire conversation turned on her daughter and Ron with a ferocity she hadn't shown in a long while. "You show up at the door uninvited, lock a floo you had no right touching then your Brutto figlio di puttana bastardo of a boyfriend makes an unnecessary remark. How fucking lovely. You rarely visit. Why show up today?"
Emiliano knew he had to step in before there was mayhem. "You've upset yourself so much you're swearing. Calm down. Emilio and Hermione will be fine. Celia is probably here because I mentioned in passing her brother would be here this weekend. She is his sister, after all."
Ilaria had a ready answer replying in a shaky voice. "I apologize for swearing Em, but this was to be our weekend with Emilio, Hermione and Scorp. Now look. I won't be surprised if Em turns around and goes right back to Wiltshire."
"We don't have any intention of turning around and going back to Wiltshire mother. We came for the weekend and will remain for the weekend."
Emilio, Hermione and Scorp had returned to the room.
"We've taken a collective deep breath and we're fine. Hermione, Scorp and I have news to share with you mother and father." He said, lifting Hermione's left hand. "I've asked Hermione and Scorp to marry me, and they've accepted."
Once again, Ron spoke out of turn before anyone could say a word. "That's bloody funny. You've asked a little wizard to marry you. Barking or what?"
Ilaria's hand flew to her mouth. She was ecstatic and furious all at the same time. Through clenched teeth she told Celia to leave and take Ron with her. When neither Celia nor Ron moved, Ilaria shouted NOW, but a reasonably calm Hermione interjected.
"Please don't make them leave on my account Ilaria. I've known Ron since I was eleven. He's never been able to think before he speaks. Just to keep it even. The time has passed for you to push a witch on my fiance Celia. I'm going to marry your brother. Ilaria, Emiliano, Emilio, Scorp and I just want you to be happy for us."
Emilio didn't refute Hermione in any way because he felt the same way. He loved his sister but the last thing he would let her do was interfere.
Grabbing Emiliano by the hand, Ilaria rushed over to hug Hermione and Scorp while Emiliano clapped his son on the back before shaking his hand. A beaming Ilaria then tried to bring all three of them into a three way hug.
"Congratulations to the three of you. I'm so happy. Em has waited… Never mind. We won't think about that now. You two are finally at the place you were meant to be."
Overwhelmed by all the talk, Scorp held his hands up for Emilio. "Up Meelio. Scorp wants up."
Picking up his almost son, Emilio received the standard pat on the cheek. Hermione walked over and wrapped her arms around them both.
Ilaria, who had begun sobbing as she watched her son with the loves of his life walked over to join the hug. She was the happiest she'd ever been.
/*/
Pulling herself away, Ilaria announced everyone should make themselves comfortable while she put the finishing touches on dinner.
"Finishing touches? You've been cooking since dawn. Shouldn't dinner be done by now?" Emiliano said with a wink in Hermione's direction.
Scorp heard the word dinner and had to lend his voice to the conversation. "I'm hungry for dinner mum. I hungry."
Hermione tried to shush Scorp, but he tried the same with Emilio. "I hungry now Meelio."
Just when there appeared there would be a mutiny Ilaria called everyone to the table. Scorp took Emilio and Hermione by a hand practically dragging them to the table.
Emilio made a statement which broke any remaining tension in the room. "I guess our boy really is hungry. Let's get him to the table."
After that, everyone tucked in. It was nothing but honey up in that dining room, especially at Ilaria's seat. Emilio squeezed Hermione's hand under the table knowing his mother was three words away from mentioning the words wedding and when. Contrary to what Emilio and Hermione expected, it was Celia who brought up the word.
"So, brother. When are you and Hermione getting married?"
"And me. Meelio is marrying me too," added Scorp.
Celia spoke before Ron could out his foot in it once again. "My apologies Scorp. When are you, Hermione and Scorp getting married?"
Ilaria was almost buzzing with anticipation as she waited to hear her son's answer. In her mind, this Sunday weekend wasn't too soon. She cleared her mind. Emilio was speaking.
"Hermione and I are still discussing dates Celia. She wants to chat with mum about helping, venues, dresses. That sort of thing. Which reminds me. Mother, father. Would it be too much of an imposition if I had your floo connected to ours in Wiltshire?"
A floo? A floo? Emilio could have as many floo connections as he needed. Hermione wanted her assistance. Her help. Her opinion. This was the moment Ilaria had hoped for since April of 2001 when Emilio first mentioned having found his life witch. This was her chance. "A floo connection between here and Wiltshire sounds wonderful. Tell your father what you'll need him to do. As far as helping you with the wedding Hermione, it would be my pleasure. If you have time this weekend, we can discuss what you need."
"Thank you Ilaria. My outspoken fiance has asked something I planned to ask myself. I'm hoping we can have a chat later this evening after Scorp goes to bed."
"Perfect." Ilaria replied. "Absolutely perfect. Please excuse me. I'm so excited, I need a few drops of calming draught to settle myself down. Help yourself to dessert."
Emiliano sat there beaming and worrying. If they set up a floo between Pavia and Wiltshire, he be hard pressed to keep her from stepping through.
Emilio gave Hermione a cheeky wink and a grin. Ilaria Lozier wouldn't be this happy again until they had walked down the aisle and were presenting her with a grandchild.
/*/
Still grinning, Emilio reached into his inside pocket to answer his ringing mobile thinking Matt was calling to take the Mickey out of him. So it was a bit of a surprise to see the Caller-ID showing James Wooley.
Telling Hermione James was on the phone, Emilio stepped away from the table to take the call.