Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 51

Scorp just bobbed his head from side to side. He didn't mind sharing with the wizard who was going to marry him. Scorp stopped bobbing his head when he looked up to see his Mela and his Fausto step into the kitchen. "Mela. Fausto. Meelio ate one of my sausages but it's okay. I have more."

With arms wrapped around each other, Hermione and Emilio greeted the Maidas.

Hurrying over to her boy, Carmela gave him a kiss and a wink. "I'll have Fausto straighten him right out. Good morning everyone."

Sauntering over to Scorp, Fausto took the last sausage on his plate. "I'm hungry. I think someone needs to cook more breakfast."

Scorp glanced at Hermione then Emilio with a wide grin. "Yup. So many people. Celia needs to cook more breakfast."

Full of joy and love, Emilio agreed with his almost son. "I think you're right young wizard. Celia should get to work. There are hungry mouths to feed."

Celia giggled as she twisted her wand to triple the remaining waffles, eggs, sausage and toast. "There you go. Breakfast for all. Eat slowly. I'm going to get mother and father. They are probably hungry as well."

Waving his fork, Scorp cautioned Fausto. "Yes. Save some for Nonna and Nonno."

Carmela leaned in against Fausto unable to resist commenting. "Well done Scorp. You have two Nonnas and Nonnos. As of today, you may call me Nonna Mela and Fausto Nonno Fausto."

Scorp didn't doubt Carmela but he glanced at Hermione and Emilio. When they both nodded, Scorp raised both hands in the air declaring he had two Nonnas and two Nonnos. "I get two because I'm a good boy and know my letters and numbers. Louis will be proud of me."

Emilio, Hermione, Fausto and Carmela broke into raucous laughter. Truer words had never been spoken.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 52

It wasn't long before Nonna Ilaria and Nonno Emiliano entered the kitchen greeting everyone as they came. Emiliano shook Fausto's hand and nodded at Carmela welcoming them to his home.

Carmela answered for them both. "It's nice to be here. Thank you for inviting us to share this wonderful life event. Fausto will be paying all the wedding bills."

Everyone laughed except Fausto who stood there mute knowing if he said one wrong word his wife would kill him with a curse.

Pulling Hermione tighter to him, Emilio whispered a soft told you so in her ear, but she was quick to come to Fausto's rescue.

"While I know my wonderful father has tons of money, he will not be paying for all of anything. Maybe a lira here or there but that's it. I wouldn't be able to stand it if I left my papa with nothing."

Fausto laughed. "Thank you Hermione. If I spent my last bit of money, I'm sure you're mum would leave me to live with you, Emilio and Scorp. We can't have that."

Carmela turned bright red before letting out a chuckle of her own. "Mind yourself papa because I already have a room ready and waiting in Wiltshire. I'll leave you flat."

"Okay, okay," said Hermione interrupting the banter. "Sit down. Have some breakfast but by all means stop talking or your grandson will think his Nonna Mela is being tossed out on her ear. I'm going to shower then get things ready in Ilaria's sitting room. Scorp may remain at the table if you like. Otherwise…."

"I'll be glad to look after Scorp while you shower and after. He and I have come to an understanding. Right Scorp?" Offered Celia.

Before he would commit, Scorp has a question. "Can I see if you have any books in your room?"

Celia glanced at Emilio and Hermione. "If your mum and dad allow, you may check my room for books. Then we can read from yours. Ask mum."

"Mum?"

"Yes love. You may visit with Celia because mum and the Nonnas will be busy today."

Fausto spoke up. "I was thinking Emiliano, Emilio, Scorp and I could go find some man things to do, but visiting with his aunt should come first. If we are excused, we'll be heading to Casa Maida for some man time."

Scorp glanced from Fausto to Hermione to Emilio. He didn't really want to be with Celia if he could be in the thick of it with Meelio and his two Nonnos. "I want to go with Meelio and my Nonnos so we can have man talk."

Everyone laughed.

Hermione had to take a stand with her excited son. "You can have man talk some other time. You've already promised Celia you would visit with her. Right Emilio?"

Emilio was caught off guard but handled it well. "Listen to mum. Young wizards keep their promises. Stay with Celia. The Nonnos and I will save some man talk until you can be with us. If mum allows, tomorrow you and I can go on an adventure."

"Okay Meelio, okay. I'll keep my promise to Celia, but don't talk too much. Save some for me."

Emilio and the two Nonnos agreed they would save some talk for Scorp.

Turning to Celia, Scorp told her he needed a wash up before he touched books. That was the rule. The two left the kitchen hand in hand.

"That takes care of one of my men." Hermione whispered seductively to Emilio as she excused herself from the kitchen.

Following on her heels, Emilio muttered a soft reply. "The other of your men had plans to bend you over the bed rail while no one was looking, but look how that turned out."

Hermione put a little distance between her and Emilio. "You're standing too close Mr. Lozier. If you don't leave this room now, I'll let you bend me over the bed rail and you know how that might turn out."

Emilio grabbed Hermione and began kissing her neck, her face then her lips. "I'll go, but Em doesn't want to. I don't think father and I will be at Fausto's too long. I have the feeling Fausto still wants to hex my father for things done in the past, but we'll see. I love you Mrs. Hermione. See you in a bit."

"I love you too Mr. Lozier."

/*/

The ladies got settled in the sitting room and immediately went to giggling over the wedding books Carmela had brought with her.

"I love you mum, and I'm glad you are thinking about me, but the sixties are long over." Hermione intoned in a very serious voice.

Ilaria covered Carmela's hand with hers even as Carmela huffed about cheeky daughters. "No worries Nonna Carmela. We'll show this young upstart what a real wedding dress looks like."

Still smiling, Hermione admitted she would allow them to show her whatever they wished as long as it didn't have pouffy sleeves. All three witches had a good laugh. Then they got serious. After a short discussion of what Hermione wanted, they began searching catalogs and magazines in earnest. Hermione made one thing perfectly clear. The color of her dress no matter the silhouette would be champagne beige.

Although both women were surprised by Hermione's choice of colors they agreed it would look beautiful with her skin tone.

Carmela offered her thoughts. "You are making this too easy love. If you are sure of your color, Ilaria, Hannah and I can get to work finding a wedding planner who can put together color pallets for your review while we work on finding a dress, or at least a silhouette."

Hermione wondered out loud if Emilio would like her in champagne beige instead of white.

Both Ilaria and Carmela gave Hermione a roll of the eyes, but Ilaria spoke first. "Emilio wants you for his wife so badly and loves you so much he'd accept you walking down the aisle to him wearing blood red."

Carmela snickered. "But we hope it won't come to that."

Hermione shushed them both adding that she was favoring a beaded bodice and shoulders.

Ilaria smiled. "Keep talking and we'll have you dressed by this evening."

"Therein lies the rub," quoted Hermione. "We may have the colors and a few particulars but I want the perfect dress which I will know when I see it. If not, we'll hire one of those fabulous seamstresses who will make a dress to my exact specifications. I want to dazzle my two men."

Carmela smirked at her adopted child. "If you dazzle Scorp or Emilio any more than what you have, their heads will explode so please tone it down a bit."

Wrapping both arms around herself, Hermione opined about just how lucky she was.

/*/

At 1:00 pm, Hermione suggested it was past time for Nonna Ilaria to make Scorp lunch if he hadn't fallen asleep on Celia. The three women left the catalogs and magazines as they were with Hermione heading for Celia's bedroom, Carmela to the bathroom and Ilaria to the kitchen.

To Ilaria's surprise, Celia and Scorp were sitting at the table where Scorp was finishing up a ham, cheese and lettuce sandwich with the residue of chips on his plate.

"Look Nonna. I finished all my lunch. Tell mum I did well done."

Kissing him on both cheeks, Ilaria told Scorp his mum would be right in and he could tell her himself.

When Scorp and Celia weren't in the bedroom, Hermione turned back towards the kitchen. "Hello love. I didn't see you. I walked right past the kitchen. What do you have to tell me?"

A grinning Scorp held up his empty plate. I did well done on lunch. I ate all my sandwich and all my chips." Giving Celia a quick glance, Scorp reported that she calls chips Italian fries. "They're still good though."

Each witch smiled at the verbose little wizard.

"Okay Scorp. Say thank you to Celia so you can get washed up before your nap."

"Thanks Celia. I have to have my nap now. Bye. Bye Nonnas."

Hermione sighed. Would her son ever just walk away? Speaking to Carmela and Ilaria, she informed them she didn't want to interfere any farther into their day. They could pick up the browsing through catalogs another day.

Carmela was agreeable telling Hermione she would send the Lozier men home. After kissing Scorp and giving a quick hug to Hermione, Carmela said goodbye to all.

Now that browsing was over for a while Ilaria decided to have some lunch and a nap. She and Celia chatted while she ate and parted when Ilaria was through.

Celia went back to her room waffling over whether she should floo to Belgium to see if Ron had come back.

/*/

It was almost 11:00 am. Matt was waiting patiently for the knock on the door which would signal Chloe's arrival. Taking a few deep breaths, he chastised himself for acting like some schoolboy salivating over his first crush, but that's what he felt like.

Sitting there, he was even comparing Chloe to Kim. He and Chloe together were like a blazing fire where he and Kim had started out slowly like a smoldering fire and basically remained that way. Matt had to chastise himself again. He had loved Kim, but he hadn't had a chance to meet anyone else. As soon as he had been given a vault in Gringotts filled to the brim, Kim hadn't let go and he had accepted that. At the time, it felt good to be wanted. It wasn't as though he'd had a lot of relationships. There hadn't been much time for that while trying to keep bills paid and food on the table. The few witches he dealt with were one offs or friends with benefits. But now….. But now he was feeling the heat of a blazing fire after one night.

Matt stood and began pacing telling himself he should slow down. He should just enjoy himself and let things fall as they may. He left the sitting area to use the bathroom and when he returned, there she was.

"Good morning lovely."

"Good morning Matt. Sleep well?"

"I slept very well. I would have slept better if you'd been in the bed."

"Well that ship has sailed." Chloe replied with a laugh. "I hope you have a big night planned because I need to leave tomorrow afternoon. I have 2:00 pm portkeys lined up."

Matt knew Chloe would be leaving to get back to Scotland, but her saying it out loud made it so final. "When will you be back in London? If it isn't obvious, I'd like to see you again."

Chloe sat down beckoning Matt to sit down beside her. "More than likely I won't get back to London anytime soon. There is so much going on at Whitehall Investments right now. However, if my father reacts as I think he will, I'm sure we will be inviting a team from MCC to Scotland. Perhaps you'll be able to lead that team."

This was not what Matt imagined. He imagined Chloe returning home to make a report then hurrying back to London, to him. Lost for words for a moment Matt simply gazed at the lovely witch beside him.

Chloe who became a little uncomfortable with Matt's silence softly asked what had he expected.

Turning and moving closer to Chloe, Matt shared his thoughts. "I actually don't know what I expected because I didn't expect to meet someone as lovely and compatible. Now that we've been together, I want more. I want to be able to see you as much as I can."

Chloe grabbed one of Matt's hands. "You're making this into more than it really is. We met and came together. I don't think we should read too much into a weekend liaison. I'm the first witch after your wife. Perhaps you are just missing a loving embrace."

Matt was mortified. Here he was thinking he'd met his dream witch and she was sitting there telling him he was just something she picked up for the weekend even going as far as to suggest he was missing Kim. If he looked at in the right light, Chloe Knight was nothing more than a lady of the night plying her trade. Matt mentally thrashed himself. Just because things weren't turning out the way he imagined, there was no need to think unkind thoughts. He had wanted what Chloe wanted. Did that make him a man of the night? Realizing he had just about made an arse of himself, Matt tried to recover himself.

Leaning in, he kissed Chloe on the cheek. "I'm not sure I can agree that I'm missing my wife, but that's another story. I do realize I might have put too much stock in what you call a weekend liaison. My only excuse is that I didn't realize it was a weekend liaison. I'll have to be more careful in the future."

Pulling back from Matt, Chloe gave a half smile not knowing if he was being humorous or patronizing. Either way, she was beginning to think it might be better if they canceled the proposed Saturday date. She wasn't looking for any permanent attachment. Her father had trained her up to do great things and that's what she planned to do. Having a needy wizard waiting for her to show up and throw her legs open wasn't on her calendar. At least not now. Presently, she could throw her legs open where and whenever she liked.

"Let's do this. I think we need a moment to breathe. I'll go do a bit of shopping and you can decide if you still want a night out. I'll be disappointed if you don't, but we're both grown. Our choices are our choices."

Already feeling like an arse, Matt didn't want to look like an arse so he just went with it. "Ah! Taking a few souvenirs home. Good idea. Good luck with shopping in Diagon Alley on a Saturday. The queues are usually longer than the Alley."

"No worries Mr. Lozio. I plan to make a quick stop in the wonderful Diagon Alley but spend the bulk of my time in Muggle London. It's almost noon. Would you like to have lunch before I leave?"

Matt tried to extricate himself gracefully. "Thank you for asking, but I'll pass on lunch. There are a few things I can clear up at MCC while you're gone."

Chloe realized Matt was backing away and gave him an out. "If I'm too late getting back, perhaps we can put off our night out until another time."

Hadn't Chloe said she probably wouldn't be back in London for some time? Matt recognized he was being given a gentle push off. He took the out. "There's no need to cut your shopping excursion short. We can definitely go out another time. Pick up an apple crumble to take home. They'll love you for it. Enjoy yourself."

Chloe kissed Matt on the lips then stood. "Thank you for showing me a good time Mr. Lozio. I'm sure you'll be hearing from my father or one of the Directors next week. I look forward to Whitehall being raised a level. Have a good afternoon."

Matt watched as the door closed behind Chloe. With a quick swish of his wand he locked it behind her wanting to be sure he could sit and sulk in private.

/*/

Matt sat there feeling like shite. The previous night now didn't seem so exciting since he would have to write it off as a one-off. Experiencing a one-off wasn't all that entertaining if he didn't know it was a one-off at the start.

The longer he sat, the more he chastised himself for being so eager to capture Chloe. What an arse he was. Perhaps he had frightened her away. Matt immediately discarded that thought. Chloe wasn't a witch who frightened easily. He just had to resign himself to the fact his lady of the night was exactly just that, a lady of the night. At least, a lady of one night.

With a sigh, Matt pulled out his mobile to dial Seth. It looked as though he'd be able to bang around Milan with him and Sal after all.

Seth answered on the first ring.

Hello brother. Sal and I just arrived in Milan to find neither Fausto or Carmela at home. We're going to wait around for a bit to see if they come back. Sal has a few things he wants to discuss with Carmela. However, if they haven't come home by 3:00, Sal says he'll see his mum another time. Plan on us coming through by 3:00 at the latest. Now that I've run on and not let you get a word in edgewise. Is there something you need?

Matt laughed.

No brother. There isn't anything I need. I was just checking in. However, if you run across some Mortlach Rare, pick it up. I'll reimburse you.

Mortlach Rare eh? Mr. CEO has definitely come up in the world. I'll see what I can do. You still sound a bit despondent. I'll hazard a guess that the witches are still running in the opposite direction.

Matt laughed but had to wipe away the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead. Seth was too close to the truth for comfort, but he'd never tell his brother the whole of it.

You've hit the nail on the head Seth. I have the feeling I'm no longer suitable relationship material.

It was Seth's turn to laugh.

Cheer up brother. Who said anything about relationships? Not to be a dog about it, but a lovely one or two night stand will do wonders for that dick.

Matt cringed. It was as though Seth was reading his mind so he replied a bit apprehensively.

I'm not sure my dick is cut out for a one or even two night stand. It would be awkward.

Okay awkward. Just don't come crying to me when your private parts shrivel up and disappear. You won't be borrowing mine.

Let me write that down. My brother will not be sharing his dick with me. Got it. Say hello to Carmela and Fausto for me. I'll see you and Sal by 3:00. Don't forget the Mortlach Rare. I think I'll need all the whiskey courage I can get.

Alright Matt. Sal and I will see you in a bit. Don't mention this to Sal, but if he seems a bit flustered, it's because some secret scheme he has going in Scotland isn't working out. I've asked him what's going on but he won't share. I think he's trying to set up another office as a surprise. We'll see. Anyway, I'll talk to you later.

Later Seth.

"Well, now I'm committed." Matt uttered out loud as he headed to the bathroom. "I'd best be getting my suave on. As a potential man of the night, I better have my ducks in order."

As Matt stood there gazing into the mirror, a brief thought flashed through his mind. Perhaps Sal had run upon Chloe in Scotland and hadn't been satisfied with a one night stand.

Matt laughed at himself. He was barking.

/*/

Fausto was surprised to come home and find Sal and Seth in the living room. "Hello lads. What brings you to Italy this fine Saturday. Emilio, Emiliano and I were about to spend some wizards only time together. Emiliano, this is my son Sal and his best mate Seth who is Matt's brother. We've just come from Lozier Estate celebrating Hermione and Emilio's engagement. Your mother might not be along for a while. She'll be sorry she missed you. Care to have a few drinks with us?"

Sal offered his hand to the three wizards. "Hello papa. I'm sorry to miss mum as well. I had a few things to discuss with her. Nice to see you Emilio, Emiliano. Congratulations Emilio."

"Hello all," said Seth, extending his hand and offering congratulations as well.

"Thank you both. I'll be sure to give Hermione your regards." Emilio replied, surprised by Seth's sentiment as well as what the arbitrary wizard held in his hand.

"We're going to pass on the drinks. We'll be meeting Matt this afternoon. My CEO brother asked me to pick this up for him. I think we're all set on drinks." He remarked, holding up a big bottle of Mortlach Rare.

Emilio was more than surprised. He was dumbfounded. How did dating Chloe Knight the entire weekend turn into drinking with Seth and Sal in Milan? The last he knew Matt was salivating over being with Chloe. Whatever it was, it wasn't his business, but Emilio was still curious. Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, Emilio followed his father and Fausto into the den.

/*/

Contrary to what Seth had said, he and Sal did come to sit down in the den with Fausto, Emilio and Emiliano. The conversation was general but lively.

Sal and Emilio sparred back and forth after Fausto commented he thought Hermione wanted him to walk her down the aisle. Sal jovially commented he expected to be Best Man. Emilio spoke up.

"Hermione might choose who walks her down the aisle, but I believe the groom chooses the Best Man."

"Alright Emilio that sounds fair. You choose me, right?"

Before Emilio could speak, Seth stepped in. "You're barking Sal. If you haven't been paying attention, the former Ministers are as thick as thieves. If I was a betting wizard, I'd put my money on brother Matt in that spot."

Emilio smiled while Sal managed to look disappointed. "Matt? I'd be a much better Best Man than Matt any day. He might be taller, but I'm much more handsome."

The other four wizards had a good laugh at Sal.

Emilio had a quick answer. "Good one Sal. Interestingly enough, Matt has said almost the same about you. I believe his words were, "I'd be better at Best Manning than Sal any day." I haven't confirmed anything with Matt, but he is my choice for the spot."

Another chorus of laughs.

Sal shrugged. "I guess I've been set straight, but Mr. CEO, ex-Minister Lozio better watch his step or he'll be the one on the sidelines while I stand at the side of the groom."

Seth clapped Sal on the back. "No worries partner. You'll definitely be Best Man at my wedding."

Sal broke out in a full grin. "I'll be as old as papa before that happens. You do know you'll have to find a witch in order to get married."

Fausto let out a loud guffaw. "That goes for the both of you. Find a witch and get on with it."

"If only it was that simple papa." Sal replied with a dispirited sigh. "This generation of witches won't slow down long enough for a wizard to catch one."

Seth glanced at Emilio quickly looking away as if to say that might be the something going on in Scotland.

For some reason, Emilio felt he had to reply. "I imagine it works both ways. You and Seth will need to slow down to allow a witch time to catch you."

"Truer words have never been spoken," added Fausto.

Thinking the subject was getting too serious, Seth brought an end to it. "Well gentlemen. It's time for Sal and I to get over to Matt's. We plan to have a wizard's afternoon and a night out on the town. Feel free to join us Emilio."

"Thanks for the invite but I've been away from my fiancee and fiance long enough. Family time before boys time."

"Understood." Sal replied as he too rose from the chair to give his father a quick hug and shake hands with Emiliano and Emilio.

"We'll be on our way. See you later. Give Hermione and Scorp my regards."

"Yes. My regards as well," added Seth.

"Will do wizards.

/*/

Seth and Sal hadn't been gone more than five minutes when Carmela landed in the house.

"Good afternoon wizards. The lady of the house is home."

All three wizards stood to greet Carmela.

Turning to Emilio and Emiliano, Carmela told them they were expected back at Lozier Estate because their ladies were lonely.

After giving Carmela a skeptical eye, Emiliano had his say. "You must be speaking about Emilio because with Hermione, Scorp and Celia to fuss over, Ilaria probably doesn't realize I'm gone."

Rising from his chair, Emilio responded to his father's statement. "You'll have to forgive my father. Even at this age, he hasn't learned to accept a compliment."

Fausto couldn't resist. "Perhaps now you are in a better circle of friends the compliments will be forthcoming Emiliano. I know I think better of you."

Emilio held his breath thinking Fausto's remarks had been a bit telling. However, his father surprised him with his answer.

"I imagine as long as second in command at Ministry Service thinks better of me, I'm in good company. Thank you for your hospitality. It was enjoyable. Good afternoon to you both."

As they headed to the front door, Emilio pondered on how that bit of conversation between his father and Fausto could have gone so wrong. It hadn't so he pushed the thoughts from his mind. It was time for him to get back to Hermione and Scorp.

Even though it probably wouldn't happen, Emilio had high hopes Hermione would allow him to bend her over the bed rail. Smiling to himself, Emilio could almost hear Hermione telling him, probably not tonight. It was a randy but happy wizard who landed in Lozier Estate seconds behind his father.