Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 55

Once Emilio entered the room, he was surprised to find a grumpy sounding Scorp lying on the big bed. Hermione saw the questioning look in Emilio's eyes and explained. "Scorp was up early this morning so no matter how grumpy he gets he's going to take a quick nap."

"Scorp not grumpy. Scorp is abitary." Scorp huffed.

"Neither one is very nice Scorp." Emilio remarked, turning away to hide his smile. "If mum thinks you need a nap, then lie down quietly and take a nap. When you wake, it will be time to visit Nonna Mela."

"Okay Meelio, okay. I won't be abitary when I wake up."

Two minutes later, Scorp was dead sleep. Pulling Hermione into his arms, Emilio began kissing and touching, but she whispered that he shouldn't get too far ahead of himself. "Ilaria probably needs help in the kitchen. Besides, it's the middle of the afternoon. It wouldn't look good for me to be caught with my knickers down."

Squeezing Hermione tighter, Emilio kissed her ear whispering he would like nothing better than catch her with her knickers down before removing his arms. "Alright. Go see if mother needs help. I'm going to stretch out beside Scorp. We will revisit my wants and needs later this evening. I love you Mrs. Hermione."

"Really?" Asked Hermione. "You're just saying that so I'll take off my knickers."

Laughing softly, Emilio admitted she was half right before throwing his arms over his eyes. He loved her and wanted those knickers off.

/

A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 56

The kitchen was empty when Hermione entered so she put the kettle on intending to have a relaxing cup of Chamomile while her men slept. She had poured her cup and had just leaned back to take her first sip when Ilaria popped her head into the kitchen.

"Sitting here all alone Hermione. That's just odd."

Hermione was puzzled until Ilaria explained. "I didn't think it possible that either Emilio or Scorp would let you out of their sight long enough for you to have a solitary cup of tea."

Reaching out, Hermione grinned at Ilaria taking her by the hand. "I am blessed to have two handsome wizards looking out for me."

Ilaria nodded as she poured a cup of Chamomile. "Ah! Just what I needed. I didn't want to mention this in front of Emiliano but I am a bit nervous about going to dinner at Carmela's."

Hermione started to say something but Ilaria held up a hand. "I know I'm being a bit foolish. Neither Carmela nor Faust has said one wrong word. However, it wasn't so long ago that Fausto and Xavier Cross wanted to put Em in prison. I'm fearful he's just waiting for my husband to put one foot wrong."

"Nonsense." Hermione replied firmly. "All that was cleared up years ago. Believe me, if Fausto thought badly of Emiliano, he'd be first to say something, and he definitely wouldn't be inviting him to the house. You're worrying over nothing."

"I'm pleased you think so because Em has put that sort of business behind him. He hasn't seen his old friends in years, and that's the way he likes it. Everything Em does now is legal and aboveboard."

Smiling and nodding, Hermione placed her hand on top of Ilaria's. "We've all changed in one way or another. I believe everyone is looking forward not back. Besides, Scorp and I are in the same position."

Ilaria appeared puzzled. "I don't know what you mean Hermione."

"What I mean is that you and Emiliano didn't have to accept the widow of Draco Malfoy and his son as warmly as you have. Scorp and I are thankful for that."

Ilaria too a sip of tea before responding. "There's nothing to thank us for Hermione. Life and the fates sometimes throw a curve into our lives, but we deal with it and move on. You might think it's just talk when I say I knew you and Emilio belonged together from the very first time I met you, but I knew. You had his heart. Until Emilio walked through our doors with you and Scorp in tow, I was frightened my brilliant son would never choose another witch. Anyway, enough looking back. As you say, we are all looking forward. There is a wedding and babies in my future and I couldn't be happier."

Hermione blushed. Ilaria was getting way ahead of herself. The wedding was a year away and she was already talking about babies. Hermione was certain of one thing. She wasn't going to discuss babies or making babies with her mother-in-law to be. A quick thought passed through her head. She hoped Ilaria never mentioned babies in front of Scorp or they would never hear the end of it. Hermione took another sip of tea.

In those few seconds, Ilaria must have realized she was making Hermione uncomfortable, so she changed the subject. "Tell me more about why Carmela wouldn't expect you to turn up carrying dessert."

Hermione giggled so forcefully the tea dribbled down her chin. After wiping her mouth and another few giggles, Hermione explained how she was shite at making any kind of dessert and about the ribbing she had to take from Carmela and Hannah.

The two witches had a good laugh, after which, a sobered Ilaria told Hermione she had something to show her if she would go to the sitting room. Hermione did as asked and was just seating herself when Ilaria entered the room carrying what looked like a garment bag. It was a garment bag.

Ilaria seemed a bit nervous as she prefaced her reveal by apologizing.

"Ilaria. We are going to be witches-in-tandem. You're going to be my mother-in-law. You shouldn't let my fierce demeanor make you nervous."

Ilaria laughed. "Your fierce demeanor is it? As far as I'm concerned, I have the loveliest daughter-in-law to be in Milan. Now to business." She said as she opened the bag. "Even if you don't care for it, please look at this as a gesture of love. I'd be very proud if you would consider wearing my wedding dress." Struggling, Ilaria hastily explained that she would never had offered if Hermione's mum had still been alive.

Although Hermione was a tiny bit annoyed, she was also pleased Ilaria would even offer the dress. With a soft sigh, Hermione watched as Ilaria revealed the most gorgeous, white wedding gown she'd seen so far. "Oh Merlin Ilaria. This gown is amazing and so well kept. I love it. May I try it on?"

"Of course you may try it on. That's why I brought it to you. I'll just lock the door," She said, swinging her wand in a small circular motion. "We wouldn't want any prying eyes to see you in the dress."

"Too right Ilaria. Some eyes are more prying than others." Hermione remarked as she pushed the wrappings aside. "Beaded bodice that runs down to the hips. You're having me on. I think you must have secretly made this while I wasn't looking. It is beautiful."

Ilaria was beaming. She had taken a chance showing the gown to Hermione but the thought had been in the back of her mind ever since Hermione mentioned beaded bodice. Her father had spared no expense when she got married. He had been so proud that his daughter had caught one of the most eligible bachelors of the time, Emiliano Lozier. Her father hadn't cared that much for the brash Lozier, but he'd been very pleased for his daughter.

"I just wanted you to see it."

"See it? I love it," said Hermione making a three hundred sixty degree turn so Ilaria could get the full view. "My heart was set on a champagne color, but with a few alterations, this dress could be the one." Hermione realized what she had just said and apologized. "Here I am going on about alterations when I haven't even asked your permission about anything."

"Don't even fret about it Hermione. I wasn't even sure you'd like the dress. It would be my pleasure to see you wear it when you marry Emilio. As far as alterations go, you may alter it in any way you like. Perhaps we can put it away for now and at some designated time I can bring it through to London. That way you can get opinions and suggestions from Mrs. Potter."

"Fantastic idea Ilaria. I'm fairly certain Hannah will have loads of suggestions and opinions. Of course we won't mention any of this to Emilio or his little shadow. I want this to be a surprise."

"Well, it's settled. I'll just put it back in the wrapper and put it away for now. And I won't mention it to anyone. I'm just so happy you'd even consider it."

Hermione walked over to give Ilaria a quick hug. "Thank you for offering."

With two swishes of her wand, the gown was back in the garment bag and shrunken down to hand size. I'll just go put this away. I need to see what Em is up to. It's time for us to get ready for our dinner invitation."

"Yes." Hermione agreed. "It's time I went to check on my men as well. Ilaria?"

Ilaria turned back. "Yes Hermione."

"I'm embarrassed that I didn't ask this earlier. Will I be taking something away from Celia? Perhaps she'd like to wear your wedding gown."

Small patches of pink appeared on Ilaria's cheeks as she answered Hermione's question. "Don't worry yourself about that. You and Emilio have a firm wedding date while Celia doesn't even have a firm wizard. If and when Celia is ready to marry, I'm sure we'll be able to find her something suitable."

"Okay Ilaria. Mother knows best. Thank you. I'll just go see about Scorp and Emilio now. See you in a bit."

/*/

Hermione figured she would have to wake her men but was surprised to find Scorp all dressed leaned back against the headboard turning pages in his book.

"Mum. Hi mum. I'm clean and all dressed. Meelio is having his turn getting cleaned up. I'm reading my Chuggington book. I'm a good boy."

"Is that mum?"

"It's mum Meelio. She finally came."

Emilio let out a hearty laugh. "It's about time mum came to see about us. I think she's going to make us late."

Hermione grinned. "Thank you for your support Mr. Lozier. If you'll speed it up in there, I can have my turn to clean up."

Without taking his eyes away from his book, Scorp seconded his mum. "Speed it up Meelio. Mum has to have her turn."

Emilio came out of the bathroom grinning. "Come on Scorp. Why don't we go wait in the living room while mum gets ready?"

"Okay Meelio, okay." He said, sliding off the bed. "I hope mum won't make us late."

Emilio hesitated for a second before responding to Scorp. "Let's forget about anyone making anyone else late. Carmela will be glad to see us whenever we get there."

"Yup. Nonna Mela loves us."

"Come on then. Let's give mum some privacy."

Scorp took Emilio's hand but had to get in a last few words. "Hurry mum."

Hermione sighed as she stepped into the shower. If she'd said it once, she said it ten times. She was raising another Dumbledore.

/*/

Hurrying through her preparations, Hermione was ready in thirty minutes. She entered the living room to find everyone dressed and ready.

"There she is," remarked Ilaria, getting up from the chair. "It's almost 5:00 pm so Hermione and I will get the salad and cake and we can get on our way to Carmela's."

Hermione apologized for keeping everyone waiting before following Ilaria into the kitchen to pick up her offering. She could hear Scorp tell Emilio that mum was there so they could go. Emilio responded in a low voice so she couldn't hear his response, but imagined he was reminding Scorp they would go when everything was in order.

"Okay Meelio, but I think Nonna Mela is waiting for us. Maybe Nonno Fausto is waiting too."

Hermione let out two sighs in quick succession as she picked up the already wrapped salad. Turning to Ilaria, she shared a quick retort. "Your talkative grandson will always have the last word. I guess we should be going because Mela and Fausto are waiting."

Ilaria let out a soft chuckle as she too grabbed her well wrapped cream cake and followed Hermione back into the living room.

Hermione glanced around. "Isn't Celia coming?"

Emiliano answered. "Celia is still putting on her finishing touches. She should be right along."

Hermione glanced over at Emilio when Scorp let out a small huff only to find him grinning back at her. Their little man was stressing.

Emilio shared the travel plan. "Even though we aren't that far from the Maida house, Hermione and I are going to use the Public Floo System rather than Apparate Scorp if we don't have to. I suggest we all floo together to arrive as one. However, you all have Apparating directions if you'd rather travel separately. When we decide what's what, Hermione will call Carmela to let her know."

"I'll tag along with you, Hermione and Scorp if you don't mind." Said Celia standing at the mouth of the hallway. "I'd like us to arrive as a family."

"Then it's settled. Ilaria and I will also be flooing through with our family as well. Hermione, why don't you call Carmela to let her know she should unlock her floo because the Loziers will be coming through."

Pulling out her mobile, Hermione smiled at Emiliano. "Yes. Papa Lozier. The Loziers will be coming through." Hermione agreed before turning away to inform Carmela they would be coming through in the next few minutes so she should unlock the floo.

Emilio rose from the couch. "If everyone is ready, I'll set the floo to Milan West where we will pick up our direct connection to Carmela's."

The group formed a line with Emilio and Scorp at the head and Emiliano bringing up the rear. They were off to Sunday dinner.

/*/

Seth came out of the room already showered and dressed to find Sal sitting on the couch holding a piece of paper in his hand. "Morning mate. How long have you been up?" Seth went on without giving Sal a chance to answer. Taking a good look at his best mate, Seth asked if he was still down about last night. "Snap to old man. You can't still be thinking about that, that Scottish piece of business after what Matt told you?"

Sal shook his head as he handed the note to Seth. "That's over and done Seth. Chloe is the farthest thing from my mind. All I can say is I'll pay closer attention to the females I'm chasing, or at the very least I'll wash them up good before letting them into my bed. Your brother has gone home. He has also asked that we never invite him out ever again."

Seth laughed at the wash them up remarks as well as Matt's comment. "Hahaha. All I'll say about that is do better."

Sal laughed at himself. "I'm going to get dressed. Why don't you send for breakfast? I'll settle for some french toast, eggs, Lyonnaise potatoes and coffee."

"Really? Do you want me to order a ham as well? Anyway, we are only a floo away from one of the best breakfast makers in Italy, your mum. Even though it's coming on 2:30, I'm sure Carmela would be willing to feed us."

"2:30?" Sal called out from the bedroom. "That Mortlach Rare must have had a sleep potion in it. It's way too late to ask mum for breakfast, but I won't say no to whatever she's putting out for Sunday dinner. Anyway, I do want to speak to her about the things we discussed. Even if mum agrees, we'll still have to convince Hermione."

"A satellite branch in London is a great idea. We should never stop expanding. However, I do not agree with you asking Carmela and Hermione to head it up. You'd have to duel both Fausto and Emilio. Your mum has her hands full here and Hermione is a newly engaged witch with a young son. I've said it many times. Look outside the family."

"We'll just have to see." Sal shouted over running water. "Either or both might surprise you."

"As if," muttered Seth as he picked up his mobile to ring Matt which was picked up on the fourth ring.

Good afternoon brother. Just a quick call to make sure you're not brooding.

Hahaha. Good afternoon Seth. Have you called to be an arse or called to be an arse?

Well, I definitely called to be an arse, but beside that I've called to run something by you. I'll tell you in front that I have my own opinion on the matter but I'd like your input. It's business.

Okay. Let's hear it. I'm much better at business than I am at choosing a witch.

Hahaha. There is that. My partner wants to set up a satellite branch in London.

Sounds good so far Seth. Where's the problem?

There's no problem Matt. I just don't think the rest is a good idea. Sal wants to ask Carmela and Hermione to set it up then have Hermione run it.

That's a problem. What is Sal thinking? Carmela has her hands full at SSE Milan and Hermione….. Well Hermione just got engaged to Emilio not to mention she has Scorp to care for. Sal can run an ad or something. There are probably tons of experienced wizards and witches who are well suited for what Sal wants. I don't think much of his idea mainly because Hermione might accept to help him out. She loves her Sal. Try to talk him out of it Seth. Let Sal find another way.

I agree brother but so far he's not inclined to listen. In fact, he's going to speak to Carmela about it today. Anyway, the shower has stopped. Sal will be coming out in a minute. I just called to give you a shout and run that by you. I'll let you know how it all turns out. For now Matt, this is just between you and me.

No worries Seth. I don't think I'd have to mention a thing. I'll be able to hear Emilio shouting across town.

Yes, there's that. I'll speak to you soon Matt.

Alright brother. I'll speak to you soon.

Placing his mobile beside him on the couch, Matt shook his head wondering what the hell Sal was thinking, and how bad Emilio would hex him.

Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch, Matt was surprised to see that the afternoon had slipped away. "It's after 3:00. I've turned into one of those lazy louts Hermione is so fond of mentioning. I think I'll get dressed and head into MCC for a few hours.

/*/

Sal came out of the bedroom glancing around. "Lost your mind then? Out here holding a conversation with yourself?"

"I've lost nothing mate. I was speaking to Matt. Although, I could have lost my mind and found it again as long as it took you to shower and dress. If you're going to speak to your mum, we need to get a move on. We have a 9:00 am meeting in Belmopan, Belize. I'd like to get there and get settled in so I can review our plans."

"Alright mate." Sal replied, grabbing his wand. "Let me just freshen up the house before we leave. We wouldn't want Matt to find a real witch and bring her here to an untidy house."

"Haha. That's cute Sal. I dare you to say it to Matt."

"No thanks." Sal called out from the back bedroom. "I like my arse in one piece. Finished. I'm ready. Let's go see mum. Lock the floo behind you."

Seth stepped forward but bumped into Sal who had stepped back looking puzzled. "That's odd. Mum's floo is either locked or busy."

"Maybe Carmela and Fausto are out. You can call her from Belize."

"Mum and dad out on a Sunday afternoon, not likely. I want to check. I'll go to Belize after I make sure everything is okay with my parents."

"Okay Sal, calm down. I think you're getting worked up over nothing. Fausto is a very efficient officer in Ministry Service. I'm sure he can take care of your mum and defend the house against any comers."

Sal rolled his eyes at Seth. "Stop talking bullshite. I know what my father is. I still want to check. If you like, you may go on ahead to Belmopan. I'll see you there."

Seth rolled his eyes right back at Sal. "For fucks sake mate just try the bloody floo again. If it doesn't work, we'll take the long way around."

"Of course." Sal replied, running one hand through his hair. "The long way around."

/*/

Taking the long way round hadn't been necessary. The floo connection was clear when Sal tried a second time.

"See." Seth remarked, clapping Sal on the back. "Nothing to worry about."

Sal grinned as he put one foot in the floo. "Worried? I wasn't worried. Papa is perfectly capable of hexing the arse off anyone who drops in with ill intentions."

"Okay Sal. If you say you weren't worried, you weren't worried. I'm right behind you if you need to duel."

Both wizards walked into the living room still smiling over their conversation and came face to face with the Loziers.

Seth greeted everyone in one go. "Wow, full house. Hello everyone."

When Sal noticed Celia, his smile faded but he remained personable and outgoing first going to hug Carmela and Fausto before greeting Hermione, Emilio, Scorp. After lifting Scorp high in the air, he greeted Emiliano and Ilaria leaving Celia for last.

Celia was a bit off guard. No one had mentioned that Sal would be at dinner. In the past, she had caused him quite a bit of heartache. She hoped he had gotten over it. Extending her hand, she greeted Sal.

"Hello Salvatore. Nice to see you."

"Hello Celia."

Every adult in the room was cognizant of what had happened between Celia and Sal and had recognized Sal's less than stellar greeting. However, it took Sal only a few seconds to recover himself. He was now a wealthy, astute businessman with ties all over the world. Meeting a cheating, former girlfriend wasn't even a blip on his radar. The Celia shite was old news.

"It's nice to see you. Hope all is well."

The room at large seemed to let out a collective breath. No murder at the Maidas this Sunday. Then everyone was talking at once. Finally, the wizards headed to Fausto's den where Scorp who had been holding onto Sal's hand made a mad dash to the couch so he could sit beside Emilio.

Both Sal and Seth smiled as Scorp glanced around telling the men he was ready for wizard talk. Emilio clarified Scorp's statement by explaining what had gone on the prior day while Scorp nodded his head.

"Alright wizards. Let's not disappoint our young wizard. Let's have have some wizard talk. Who'll start?"

/*/

Celia and Ilaria took a seat on the couch while Hermione followed Carmela to the kitchen.

"That was awkward." Carmela whispered with a grimace. "For a brief second, I thought my son was going to step out of character."

Hermione laughed softly. "That Celia will do it every time. I think we should call Ilaria in here to help. It's only polite. Celia can sit there and think up her next scheme."

Both witches laughed softly before Carmela headed to the living room to get Ilaria.

If they thought Celia was going to stay in the living room with only the telly for company, they were mistaken as she followed closely behind Ilaria.

"I'd like to help as well. I can do waffles, pancakes and sausages. Ask Scorp."

Celia's remarks cleared away any remaining tension as Carmela put her to work. "Unfortunately, we won't be having waffles, or pancakes, but you can start the bean and pea salad. No one can mess up bean and pea salad. Before you start Celia. Would you take the antipasto platter into the den so our wizards will have something to nosh on."

Celia grinned, but large splotches of red appeared on her cheeks as she cheekily replied that Carmela hadn't ever seen her cook. Celia brought the platter to the den. All the women could hear the men oohing and aahing over the platter with Scorp's voice the loudest.

/*/

From there, the four witches made short work of a Sunday dinner which would consist of pork medallions with brandy cream sauce over linguine, warm fava bean and pea salad, roasted vegetables, dinner soup, antipasto salad, crusty bread and cream cake for dessert. There would be the usual coffee, tea, wines and liquor as well.

Out of the blue, Hermione hugged Carmela so tightly she squealed. "You've outdone yourself mum. Emilio and Scorp will be at the table for hours."

Patting Hermione's cheek, Carmela admitted she wanted to go big to celebrate the engagement. "Anything for my girl. Ilaria, would you please use your lovely wand to set up the table? We'll use blue and white dishes in the cabinet."

"Absolutely Carmela. I thought I would be the only witch without a duty."

"Not on your life Ilaria. I never let a good wand go to waste. I'll take care of putting the good wine out. Juice for Scorp. It wouldn't be an engagement celebration without a toast."

Ten minutes later, the table was set, food was in place and there was nothing left except call the wizards to dinner. That duty was given to Hermione who came back through followed by a herd of hungry wizards

Once everyone was seated, Carmela asked everyone to stand up and grab a glass. With glasses in hand, Carmela turned toward Hermione, Emilio and Scorp to offer a toast.

"To Hermione, Emilio and Scorp: May your life together be full of love and happiness. Happy Engagement."

Emilio hugged both Hermione and Scorp to him as everyone echoed Carmela.

"Happy Engagement."

Scorp glanced around the entire table before lifting his juice glass. "Happy Gagement."

It was a truly happy group that sat down to tuck into the fantastic looking meal.