Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 59
Matt accepted right away but Emilio hesitated for a fraction of a second before realizing he wouldn't be attending as a single man. If he attended, it would be with his fiancee.
"I accept as well. Send us the information. If it is manageable, I'd like for our CFO and the FF to attend as well."
"No problem Emilio," replied Trevor, rising from the chair extending his hand first to Emilio then to Matt. "We'll get the information to you straight away. Thank you for a productive meeting. Abel and I look forward to increasing our business."
"That we do," offered Abel also extending his hand. "We'll speak soon."
/*/
Matt and Emilio talked a bit more business before Emilio glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch. "Merlin! We've been in here for ages. It's coming up on 6:30. We can discuss this more tomorrow afternoon. Right now, my fiancee and fiance are probably waiting dinner for me." With a wink, Emilio cheeked. "We're having leftovers you know."
Matt smiled. "I'm usually not one to impose, but I'm hungry and leftovers sound very appetizing. Do you think Hermione would mind if I joined you for dinner?"
Emilio clapped Matt on the back. "You are one of her favorite gits. Of course she wouldn't mind. I'll just use the men's and we can go. By the way. Hermione, Scorp and I have an appointment tomorrow at 11:00 with Theo to view our new home. I'll be in early and be back sometime in the afternoon. Back in a minute."
With stomach growling, Matt quickly used his personal bathroom to freshen up willing Emilio to hurry. No matter what they were. Leftovers were sounding quite appetizing.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 60
Hermione greeted Matt with a wide smile. "Hello git. Have you been staying out of trouble?"
Matt laughed. "I will not answer on the grounds it may incriminate me. Otherwise, yes."
Hermione grinned as she and Scorp received their allotment from Emilio. With hands on her hips, Hermione ordered both wizards to go leave their regards with Louis. "You know how he gets. He's on his best behavior when he knows his family hasn't forgotten him. So go. Now. Take Scorp with you. Louis loves him as much as you all do."
"He can't love Scorp more than I do," offered Emilio.
Grabbing Emilio by the hand, Scorp gave his input. "Meelio loves me and mum."
"I think you're right Scorp. Emilio loves you both a lot."
The three entered the den with Scorp smiling like he'd won something.
/*/
The visit with Louis wasn't a long one. Matt and Emilio only wanted to leave their regards which they did. When they returned to the living room, Hermione had begun setting out the dinner. Scorp felt he needed to explain to Matt so he had gone into a diatribe about Sunday dinner, Nonna Mela, Uncle Sal and mum shouting at Emilio.
Matt turned red. There was no way he wanted to sit at Hermione's table, eating her food and listen to Scorp spout off her and Emilio's private business.
Both he and Emilio started to speak at the same time. Matt deferred to Emilio who had glanced at Hermione who was flushed from neck to hairline.
"Scorp, I'm sure Uncle Matt doesn't need to know mum shouted at me. He's quite touchy about things like that because mum has also shouted at him. Nothing we wizards can't handle."
Scorp glanced from Hermione to Emilio to Matt. "Nothing we wizards can't handle. Mum shouts at me too. I like noodles."
Matt kept his eyes on his plate thinking something he'd told Hermione on numerous occasions. Her little wizard couldn't hold water.
With a quick wink at Hermione, Emilio changed the subject. "Scorp doesn't keep much to himself so I imagine he'd want you to know he and I are the same."
Hermione grinned thinking about the faux pas she had almost made.
"Yes," replied Matt. "I can see you are both the same. You both hold your fork in the right hand."
Glancing at his right hand then at Matt, Scorp was quick to clear things up. "No Uncle Matt. It's not that. Me and Meelio are the same because we have the same thing."
All sorts of things ran through Matt's head as he looked to Hermione for guidance. He wasn't about to step into this one alone.
Both Hermione and Emilio chuckled imagining what Matt must be thinking.
Still chuckling, Emilio glanced at Hermione before speaking up. "If you could see the look on your face cousin. No worries though. It's very simple. Scorp knows we are the same because he and I have the same pajamas."
"Yup. Me and Meelio are the same."
Clearing his throat, Matt answered. "I knew that. You're right about another thing Scorp. These noodles are very good. I love Nonna Mela's leftovers."
The rest of the meal was mostly eaten in silence with sporadic bits of conversation thrown in. While Hermione cleared up, Emilio, Matt and Scorp settled themselves in the living room chatting among themselves. Serious conversation could wait until Scorp was in bed.
/*/
When the three adults were seated with drinks in their hands, Emilio mentioned that Sal and Seth were thinking of setting up a branch of SSE in London and they should make a notation on the MCC calendar.
"Indeed we should." Matt replied. "Although Sal and Seth are well set up, we should be first to offer our services. It could be a win-win situation for us all."
"That's what I was thinking Matt. Right now they are only in the fantasizing phase but are going to get in touch with Theo. They expect to start looking for properties straightaway."
Matt agreed with Emilio. "Theo won't steer them wrong. That's for sure. Why are you so quiet Hermione? All I've heard is a soft swishing of your wand clearing up and summoning drinks. Nothing to share then?"
Hermione grinned as she waved her wand in Matt's direction. "Careful Mr. Lozio or the soft swishing you hear will be across that arse."
"There you go. That's the Hermione I know and love. Just know your threats don't frighten me in the least. My cousin will never let you…."
Emilio interrupted Matt. "Do not, under any circumstance, get me involved in your battle. I'm winning when I'm on Hermione's good side."
Matt continued to spout nonsense. "There it is. You have made an admission. If your witch has a good side….."
"You must be drunk Matt, otherwise, I don't have any explanation as to why you're worried about Hermione's good or bad side. I suggest you kiss her cheek then get onto another subject."
"Hahaha Mr. chicken. I can do that."
Hermione gazed at Matt with one leg crossed over the other and a smug smile on her face as he approached to kiss her cheek.
"You were going on so long about nothing I was beginning to think you're taking lessons from Scorp."
Matt shrugged. "And would that be so bad? Scorp knows a lot about a lot and can't keep any of it to himself."
Both Emilio and Hermione laughed.
Emilio remembered about the Fieldcrest Event. "MCC has taken on The Fieldcrest Company as a new client. The Heads are two wizards whom I've known for a while. They are having a social gathering Saturday after next to which we are invited. I hope this is enough notice for you to get Scorp a sitter. If all else fails, I'm sure mother Lozier will be glad to step through the floo to watch over our boy."
Hermione quickly responded with tiny bit of cheek. "A social gathering? I haven't been to one of those in ages."
Emilio gave Hermione a soft version of the stink eye which didn't faze her one bit.
Emilio rephrased. "If you don't like the term social gathering, we can call it a soiree."
"Hahaha. A soiree it is then. Thank you love for offering up Mother Lozier, but I'll keep her in the reserves for a time when you sweep me off to some exotic location for an extended period of time. I think Aunty Seana or Aunty Hannah will be able to watch Scorp for a few hours."
"Alright love. I'll leave that part up to you. Matt has been invited as well. However, he can't seem to find a suitable witch to accompany him. Perhaps he'll see his way to sitting with Scorp if Hannah or Seana don't come through."
"That's funny cousin," said Matt rising to his feet. "I've been browbeaten enough this evening. I'm taking my happy arse to The Luxe. Thank you for the delicious meal and salty conversation. Goodnight Hermione. See you at work Emilio. Just so you both know. I do have a witch who is interested in me. And that's all you need to know. I'll see myself out."
"Goodnight Matt."
Goodnight cousin. See you in the morning."
/*/
Hermione and Emilio chuckled over Matt's cheeky reply knowing there wasn't any witch.
"I believe Cousin Matt was stretching the truth. He has to at least get out and about to find a witch." Hermione remarked, covering her mouth to suppress a loud yawn.
Emilio remained silent on this point knowing Matt was out there trying to find a witch with little to no luck which was his private business.
Moving closer to Hermione, Emilio wrapped her in his arms pulling her into a deep kiss before whispering in her ear. "As much as I'd like to spend time with you in the new bedroom, I can see you're quite tired. I'll spend the night at The Luxe and pick you and Scorp up by 10:45. I hope he likes the new home. Have you had a chance to explain we won't be moving in right away?"
Emilio stood.
"I am tired love. As far as putting off moving into the new house, I thought you and I could explain to Scorp together. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow." Hermione commented, stifling another yawn. "Give me my allotment now because I'm too tired to walk to the door."
"Alright then. I can't leave without giving my fiancee her allotment." He said, pulling Hermione to her feet.
They shared several kisses before Emilio pulled away. "Any more kisses love and I won't be able to leave. I'll see you and Scorp in the morning. I love you Mrs. Hermione. Goodnight."
"And I love you Mr. Lozier. Well see you in the morning."
Hermione didn't even take time to savor her kisses. Before the door had closed all the way behind Emilio, she was waving her wand to lock up and turn out the lights.
It was bedtime.
/*/
After their meeting, Sal and Seth had remained in Belize going over business with owners and Heads walking away with a very lucrative contract. While they were packing up, Sal once again brought up the subject of opening a satellite branch in London and once again Seth offered his input.
"Why has opening a branch of SSE suddenly become so important Sal? We'll do it or we won't. We'll get to it or we won't. London isn't going anywhere. For the moment, let's keep our minds on the branches and satellites we have in operation."
Sal sighed. "I made one misstep and you're not going to let me forget it. The point is, I believe a branch in London would be lucrative. We can continue to go back and forth about this but I intend to contact Theo Nott to set up a meeting. I'd like to get his input. We don't have anything on the calendar for the next two weeks. I might just bang around London for a bit."
Seth glared at Sal as he swung his wand to shrink down his belongings responding cryptically. "You can be a bloody tosser at times but we're partners. If you're going to be banging about London looking at properties and recruiting staff, I'm going to be right there beside you. You won't be fucking shit up then blame me because I wasn't there. Besides, it will be nice to remain in one place for more than two days at a time. Shall we plan to hunker down with Hermione and Scorp, or shall we hunker down with Gas and Seana?"
Sal laughed out loud. "Neither. We'll do what most visitors to the fine city of London do. We'll take extended stay suites at The Luxe. That way we can be sure who Matt is dating so I won't try to date her. In addition, The Luxe Bar has Mortlach Rare. We can work and be drunk off our arses all in one place."
Seth clapped Sal on his back. "Hahaha. Don't let Matt hear you speaking about his dateless state. He won't thank you. Let's get to the Portkey Office to see if we can change our destination from Italy to London."
"Ready when you are mate. We may have a bit of a wait which I won't mind as it will allows us time to contact The Magical Luxe to set reservations."
Seth glanced out the window thinking Belize was such an amazing country he'd have to get back some day. "Alright Sal. I'll meet you at the Portkey Office. See you there."
"See you there."
/*/
Matt was freshly showered sitting on the couch having a last brandy when his mobile rang startling him. Who would be ringing him at this time of night? It was almost midnight. In the quick second it took for Matt to wave his wand towards the bedroom, he hoped it wasn't bad news.
Grabbing the mobile, Matt saw Seth's name and began to tremble hoping Seth wasn't calling to be rescued from some no account Belizean hoodlums.
Hello Seth. What's going on? Everything alright?
Hey brother. Everything is fine.
Well then why are you scaring the shite out of me calling at midnight?
Oh shite. Sorry Matt. Sal and I are at the Belize Portkey Office. I forgot about the time difference. It's only 6:00 pm here. We're waiting for our portkey. I'm not calling to keep you. I just want you to know Sal and I will be taking suites at The Luxe while he scouts London for proper premises for an SSE Branch. We'll be there at least two weeks.
Wonderful Seth. Just fantastic. I'm knackered. Can we talk about this later today?
Alright brother. Don't be surprised if Sal and I stop by MCC to hobnob with the elite.
Fine Seth. Please just stop talking and say goodnight brother.
Seth chuckled.
Alright then. Goodnight brother.
Matt pressed the end button, finished his brandy then sat there grumbling about his prat brother. Using a quick spell, he sent the glass to the sink to wash and put itself away before flicking the brandy back to the shelf, after which, he took his knackered arse to bed and was asleep three minutes after his head hit the pillow.
/**/
Tuesday morning an excited Scorp was up and in the bathroom long before Hermione opened her eyes chattering away to Crissy as she helped him get himself sorted.
"Shush little mister. You be talking so loud you going to wake Mrs. Hermione." With a snap of her fingers, the elf separated Scorp from his jumper. "You going so fast you got that jumper on wrong. Hold still."
Scorp patted Crissy on the cheek. "Mum needs to wake up. It's getting late. I was going fast Crissy. I have to be ready when Meelio comes to take us to our new house. It's big."
"There. All fixed. We going to your room to study your letters until Mrs. Hermione wakes up."
"No Crissy!" Scorp wailed, stubbornly standing in the same spot. "I have to wake up mum."
Pop. Dusty appeared asking Scorp why he was being a bad boy.
Glancing first at Crissy then at Dusty, Scorp broke out in tears which caused each elf to react. Crissy waved a hand to shut the bathroom door while Dusty grabbed Scorp up in a hug.
"You stop that crying. You a big boy. Big boys don't cry unless they hurt. Me and Crissy don't want your mum thinking we in here hurting you."
Dusty's words were wise but a bit too late as Hermione pushed open the bathroom door.
"What's going on in here? Why is Scorp crying? I'd like an answer please."
For once, it was Crissy who spoke up. "Little Mister crying because he don't want you and him being late to see your new house."
"Our new house." Hermione automatically replied before catching herself and turning to Scorp. "You are a young wizard who has a mum to do the worrying. We will not be late for anything. Crissy, please take Scorp to his room and lay out his letter packets. Dusty, please go fix a hot breakfast. Scorp and I will be down as soon as I've showered and dressed. Thank you both for taking care of our boy."
Crissy and Dusty each did as she was told while Hermione went back to her bedroom to shower and dress mumbling all the way. "Young Dumbledore strikes again."
/*/
Twenty minutes later, Hermione entered the kitchen to find a delicious smelling breakfast of eggs, fried potatoes, waffles, bacon and fresh fruit.
"You've outdone yourself Dusty. Thank you. Get in your chair Scorp while mum fixes your plate."
Seated at the table, Scorp looked over the big breakfast and turned to Hermione with a bright smile. "Wow mum. Dusty really did outdone herself."
Hermione started to correct Scorp but let it go. "Eat up. We'll put some aside for Emilio in case he hasn't had breakfast."
"Yes. Save some for Meelio. Celia makes waffles. I like waffles mum."
Hermione sighed. Matt is so right. My little man can't hold water.
/*/
Emilio made it to MCC by 8:00 am planning to get some morning work out of the way before leaving for their appointment with Theo. Ten minutes into his work, he looked up to see Matt in the doorway.
"Good morning cousin."
Emilio leaned back in the chair giving Matt his full attention. "Good morning cousin. What's up? You look as though you either have something on your mind or you need to use the toilet."
Matt waved his wand to close the door before dropping into a chair. "Funny cousin. Nothing better to do than worry about my toilet habits? I'm actually here to share some news. Last night Seth called me at midnight initially scaring the shite out of me."
Emilio straightened up in his chair. "Nothing troubling I hope."
"No, nothing troubling. It turns out he and Sal will be spending the next two weeks or so at The Luxe while they muck about London trying to find suitable premises for their London Branch. The Luxe will be a family affair. In addition..."
"There's more?" Emilio asked, cutting across Matt.
"Yes Emilio there's more. Seth and Sal plan to stop by MCC probably as soon as today. If that's the case, I'd like me, you, Gas and the FF to take them out to dinner or bring dinner in."
Emilio thought Matt's suggestion over for all of ten seconds. "You won't need me for that. Wine them, dine them, bring them by Hermione's for dinner but don't include me for any night out without giving me time to discuss it with Hermione."
Matt sighed. He understood. He'd been married once even if it was to a deranged woman. They had had their good times when they treated each other with courtesy and respect. "Understood cousin. Gas will probably feel the same way. I don't know what I was thinking. The FF are all single. Perhaps we will make it a single wizards night out. We'll see. Even the FF may not want to spend a night out with their CEO. Suddenly a night out doesn't seem all that promising."
Emilio chuckled at his cousin. "Calm down Matt. Seth and Sal will be here for two weeks. I'm fairly certain they'll stop by to see Hermione and Scorp and have dinner. As far as Adam, Richard, Nicholas and Ezra are concerned, they're a competitive lot. If they find out Seth and Sal are here to set up a new enterprise, they'll fall all over themselves trying to be first to the table."
"Hahaha. You're right in one Emilio. With what Ezra and Gas have just pulled off, the rest will be chomping at the bit to do better. Anyway, now you know. I know you have an appointment this morning so I'll let you get back to work. One piece of advice."
"And what would that be?"Asked Emilio.
"Don't let the little wizard talk you into moving house by 9:00 pm tonight."
Emilio nodded. "I'll have to be careful then because there isn't much I will refuse Scorp. However, he has a very strong and opinionated mum who will put him on notice if he steps out of line."
"Yes. There's that. I'll speak to you later." Matt was two steps away when he turned back. "One last thing. If Seth and Sal are interested, do you think your Fieldcrest mates would mind if they attended the soiree?"
"Soiree is it? You're as bad a Hermione. Abel and Trevor are both friendly wizards. I think they won't mind in the least. The more the merrier. I'm going to leave at 10:00. I know it's a little earlier than planned, but I didn't have breakfast. Perhaps my family will feed me."
"Thanks Emilio. Yes, go have breakfast. Good luck with the house. Talk to you later."
Emilio got back to work finishing up two outstanding contracts before he had to leave.
/*/
Chuggington held no interest for Scorp this particular morning. If he asked Hermione once when Emilio was coming, he asked ten times. Hermione finally had to get a bit cross with him.
"Stop Scorp. It is very annoying to hear the same question ten times. Emilio will be here when he gets here. Please go watch Chuggington rescue his mates or I'll have Crissy come get you."
Scorp didn't want to make his mum cross, especially not on this important day so he quickly went back to watch telly still wishing Emilio would hurry up.
/*/
Fifteen minutes later, Scorp heard the soft swish of apparition. It had to be Meelio because Aunty Hannah or Uncle Harry always came by the front doors or the floo. He waited hardly daring to breathe. Then he heard what he had hoped to hear. Meelio had finally arrived.
Wanting to run into the living room, Scorp wiggled from one side of his bum to the other waiting for someone to call him. As the minutes passed, Scorp decided his mum was getting her allotment and would call him after. A few more minutes passed before Scorp heard Meelio call out for him.
"Where is my big boy? How come he hasn't come to get his allotment? I'm waiting."
Scorp was up off the couch in a flash. His Meelio was calling. Heading to the living room on a run, Scorp nearly bowled Emilio over. "I'm here Meelio. It's me. Here I am. Can we go now?"
Leaning down, Emilio picked Scorp up letting out a loud grunt. "You are getting so heavy. Very soon you'll be picking me up."
"Scorp giggled as though he was being tickled. "I'm really getting big but I probably won't be able to pick you up until my wand chooses me. The wand chooses the wizard you know."
Hermione sighed but smiled at her overly verbose son as he received his kiss on the forehead.
Emilio was the one who replied. "You're right Scorp. The wand does choose the wizard. We will be leaving to tour our new home shortly, but before that, I'm hungry. I'd like to have a bit of breakfast with my two favorite people. Have you saved me any?"
"Mum, mum. Meelio is hungry. We saved him waffles and eggs and bacon. Right mum?"
Waving her wand, Hermione set out a plate before filling it with the breakfast foods. "Come on then. Emilio's breakfast is on the table."
"Is mine on the table too mum? I want to eat breakfast with Meelio."
Giving Hermione a wink, Emilio took Scorp by the hand. "Yes mum. Is Scorp's breakfast on the table? We men want to eat."
Little parrot Scorp regurgitated Emilio's words. "Yes mum. Is my breakfast on the table? We men want to eat."
Hermione reminded Scorp he had already eaten.
"I know mum but Meelio wants me to eat with him. I'll just have a smidge."
Both Hermione and Emilio laughed.
"Who taught you that word?"
Innocently glancing from Hermione to Emilio, Scorp told them he learned it from Aunty Hannah who had explained she only wanted a smidge of cake. "It's not a bad word mum or Aunty Hannah wouldn't have said it to me."
"Well reasoned," offered Emilio before lifting his fork to his mouth. "Very well reasoned."
/*/
Emilio was finished with breakfast and excused himself to the bathroom. "Back in a minute. You're hands and face need a quick wash. Ask mum to spell you clean."
"Okay Meelio, okay. Mum can spell me clean but I need to have a pee after."
"Grown wizards first. I'll call you when I'm finished."
"Okay Meelio, okay." Scorp replied, standing still while Hermione cast the quick wash spell over him.
After Scorp had his pee, Hermione Accio'd his heavy, green jumper and her heavy brown jumper and they were ready.
"10:50 on the nose." Emilio remarked. "We can go now just in case Theo is early. I'll take Scorp love. We'll meet you there."
Patting Emilio on the cheek, Scorp performed his favorite pastime, parroting Emilio. "Meelio is taking me. We'll meet you there mum."
"Alright. I'll meet you there." She replied, smiling at Emilio. His someday son wouldn't ever let a comment get past him.
/*/
Theo was just finishing up paperwork from the previous day. Two sales on a Monday was practically unheard of, but it had happened. The drafts had been sent to Gringotts along with the P&S contracts. By 3:00 pm, West London and Upper London would have two new homeowners. His work here was done.
Glancing quickly at his Wonder Wizard Watch, Theo realized he needed to get his arse in gear. Hermione, Emilio and Scorp would be waiting to view their new home. Theo was out the door before remembering the key cards and ward instructions to the house were in his top drawer. Two quick swish and flicks took care of everything.
Theo prided himself on being punctual but the Lozier Group was even more punctual. They were landing just as he landed.
Grabbing Hermione by the hand, Scorp piped up immediately. "It's Theo mum. It's Theo Meelio."
"It's me alright young Malfoy. Good morning group." Theo said, greeting Emilio, Hermione and Scorp as one while extending his hand. "Are we ready for the walk through?"
Before either Hermione or Emilio could speak, Scorp spoke up again. "I'm ready. I'm really ready Theo."
"I guess that means we are all ready," offered Hermione. "Let's go see our new home."
Pulling out the key cards and ward instructions, Theo handed them to Scorp. "You may carry these most important items. After all, the house belongs to you."
A wondrous look came over Scorp's face as he glanced from Hermione to Emilio, but his response cleared everything up. "I'll carry them Theo but it's not just my new house. It's mum and Emilio's too."
Theo smiled at Scorp. "You're right in one young wizard. It belongs to mum and Emilio as well. Let's go in."
Hermione brought up the rear shaking her head. Scorp was more like Draco than she could ever have imagined. He'd always have to have the last word.