Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 70
"Fine Seth. I'm in. Just explain why now. No one has invited you to Belgium in years, so, why now?"
"No big thing. Pat Jacobs invited me to Belgium because Matt is in Belgium and he wants to see the both of us together. It's supposed to be a bit of a surprise."
Sal shrugged. "Hahaha. In this case, the surprise might be me because you're not leaving me in London to gad about in Belgium. What time are we leaving?"
Seth smiled at his mate. "Go pack your overnight. We have a 4:00 pm portkey to Belgium."
There was plenty of time, but Sal stood up and headed to the door. "Won't Matt be surprised. I hope the COO isn't up to no good. Then again, I hope he is. That way, I'll have something to hold over his head."
Seth grinned at his partner. "You're barking. No matter what Matt is getting up to, I'd never allow you to hold anything over his head just like I'd never allow anyone to hold something over your head."
Sal laughed as the door closed behind him. "I know that. See you in a bit."
Seth remained at the table for several more minutes contemplating why his brother was in Belgium in the first place. As he was standing over the toilet having a pee it came to him. With all the goings on between MCC and Pat and Davy's company, there were probably things to get sorted. Shrugging it off, Seth stepped into the shower thinking Matt didn't need his blessings to visit Belgium.
"Not my business why he's there, but he'll be as surprised as shite when I turn up. Just as surprised as Pat will be when I turn up with Sal as my date. Pat said bring a date. He didn't specify the date had to be a witch. Hahaha, can't wait to see his face."
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A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 71
With Scorp down for his nap, Hermione was sitting at the desk in the study making little notes on what she and Emilio would be discussing. She was actually excited she had to strongly caution herself to calm down. It wasn't as though she hadn't ever planned a wedding. Then she thought about it.
"Slow down witch." Hermione mumbled to the air around her. "You've never really planned a wedding. You spoke then Draco and his team of Malfoyites had made it so. I was pleased with every aspect of my Malfoy wedding, but now I'm on to my next and last wedding of which I will be in charge. Well, me and my fiance with the assistance of Grace Leyton will be in charge. My Lozier wedding will have my touch all over it."
A kiss on the neck startled Hermione out of her mini reverie.
"What Mrs. Hermione?" Asked Emilio taking two steps back. "Were you thinking Elder Malfoy had stepped out of his portrait to leave a kiss on the neck of the most beautiful witch in the magical world? A witch I might add who is very comfortable holding a conversation with herself in full view of the world."
"Hahaha. Very funny Mr. Lozier. Very funny indeed. Your fiancee was definitely discussing our wedding with herself, but now that you're here the real conversation can begin. Where did you leave James? Shall I pull out all the stops and serve chops for dinner?"
Emilio smiled as he pulled Hermione to her feet. "Before I start kissing those luscious lips and embarrass both you and I, may I inquire as to the whereabouts of our young wizard?"
Pulling herself up against Emilio, Hermione assured him Scorpius was upstairs having his nap and he could give her triple allotment if he wished. The fiance was more than willing to lock lips with his wife to be. And so he did.
After they broke apart, Emilio sat down at the desk and looked over Hermione's notes. "Wow love. This is a lot. Can't I just wave my wand and make it so?"
Hermione plopped down in another chair before responding. "You most certainly could Mr. Lozier, but that then you would have to find another witch to marry because this witch wants a lovely, well thought out wedding."
With a wide grin on his face, Emilio reached across to leave a kiss on the back of Hermione's hand. "Well that settles that. There won't be any wand waving from this wizard because I too want a lovely, well thought out wedding. Judging by these notes, I believe that's what we'll have. Before we get into our discussion, I want you to know James has decided to go back to Milan either tonight or early tomorrow. He assured me it had nothing to do with our hospitality. He just wants to check on things."
"And I so wanted to dazzle him tonight with my lovely seared chops and a magnificent Sunday Dinner tomorrow."
"It's not set in stone. James might have a change of heart. If not, there will be other times love. By the way, James formally accepted the role of groomsman. I am on my way to being a groom."
Hermione gave him the stink eye. "Really? You're on your way to being a groom? I have news for you Mr. COO. You were on your way to being a groom when you slipped this ring on this finger."
"You'll get no argument from me Mrs. Hermione. I misspoke." Emilio replied with a chuckle. "As I previously mentioned, I'm a novice when it comes to weddings and wedding language. I'll learn as we go. Now, let's discuss this list."
"Yes let's," agreed Hermione.
/*/
For the next hour, they discussed wedding things. Hermione shared her vision of colors. Emilio was nodding because it all sounded fine to him as long as it ended with his fiancee becoming Mrs. Hermione Lozier. However, at one point, Hermione glared at Emilio.
"You're sitting there nodding like some dolt. Say something. Give me your opinion. We need to have something to show Grace."
Coming to a half standing position, Emilio grabbed Hermione's face between his hands and kissed her firmly on the nose. "Dolt you say? That doesn't speak very highly of the witch who is marrying me."
Hermione let out a loud laugh. "It just so happens I'm partial to dolts named Emilio Lozier. I'll help you along. Is the sixteenth of October satisfactory as our wedding date? How do you feel about the colors I've mentioned? What day of the week is best for you to meet with Grace? Shall we accept Grace's offer to use a venue from her catalog? Where will we go on our honeymoon? How long shall we set aside for a honeymoon? How will you keep your someday son from exploding?"
Emilio, who had been looking down at his hands as Hermione spoke broke out in a guffaw when Hermione asked her last question. "I will reply to your last question first. The one thing I will say is I'm marrying the both of you, so Scorp will be on the platform with us. With that said, I'll just add there isn't anything in this magical world outside a calming draught that will be able to keep my someday son from exploding on our wedding day."
Hermione sat gazing at her fiance. "You have the ability to make the most mundane statements fill my heart with love. For a throwaway question only meant to give you a smile, you've answered magnificently. A calming draught it will be."
After sharing a laugh, Emilio proceeded to answer Hermione's questions one at a time.
"One. 16 October 2010 at 2:00 pm is an acceptable date and time for our nuptials:
Two. I am agreeable to all shades of blue with the accent gold color. If I may add something, I'd like the gold to be different shades as well:
Three. I can make myself available any day. However, Wednesday or Thursday will be the better choices:
Four. You've explained to me what a Wedding Planner does. If we have one, let's utilize her services to the best of our ability. I think we should use a venue from her catalog.
Five/Six. I can answer these two questions as one. I would like us to see Tahiti for a minimum of two weeks. I don't want to leave our boy alone too long right after we become a proper family. I'm sure if we tell Grace the details, she can arrange a honeymoon package. Now my sweet you have your answers. How did I do?"
"You've answered splendidly. Very splendid indeed." Replied Hermione. "I'll set up an appointment with Grace for Wednesday at 11:30 am. Make a note Mr. Lozier. Actually, don't make a note until after I speak to Grace. She may be tied up on Wednesday. If she is, I'll try to set something for Thursday. The two weeks in Tahiti sounds fascinating. You might have to worry about how to keep me from exploding. I like your idea to incorporate more than one shade of gold into our wedding colors as well. Thank you love for your input. This is a good start. I hope Grace will be pleased. Since you've been so good, I think we can put chops off until another night. You deserve to take me out tonight. Dinner and dancing. What more can a witch ask for? It's still early. Let's call Ilaria to see if she'll watch Scorp."
Emilio was almost overwhelmed. His wife to be couldn't be anymore amazing if she tried. "Excellent idea love. Shall I call mother or will you?"
"I'll call Ilaria. If she agrees, you can take Scorp through the floo unless she wants to sit him here. I'll ask. Scorp should be waking up from his nap. I'll call Ilaria while you check on Scorp. Have Dusty or Crissy take him to the toilet and get him washed up. Have either elf put together an overnight bag for Scorp just in case. Can you remember all that?" She added with a laugh.
Standing and pulling Hermione to him, Emilio gave her a long kiss. "Oh ye of little faith. I can remember all that just fine. Thank you for including my family in our life. Make your call. I'll be back."
/*/
Ilaria picked up on the third ring.
Hermione. Hello. This is a surprise.
Hi Ilaria. How is everything with you and Emiliano?
Emiliano and I are fine. Is everything alright?
Everything is fine. Emilio and I need to ask a favor. My handsome fiance wants to take me out to a night of dining and dancing. We were wondering if you are available to sit Scorp.
Oh my. Of course I'll babysit Scorp. Do you want me to come there or will you be bringing my someday grandson here?
Hermione smiled to herself over Ilaria's vernacular. Someday grandson. It was heartwarming.
Emilio and are begging the favor, so it's up to you. Do you want Emilio to bring Scorp through or do you want to come here?
If it's not a bother, why doesn't Emilio bring Scorp through. That way I won't be leaving a cranky husband on his own.
That's lovely. I plan to give Scorp a small snack, but he'll need dinner. It's probably best if he spends the night and myself or Emilio will pick him up tomorrow. If you are willing, perhaps we can all have Sunday Lunch together.
Ilaria was trying to hide her excitement. Emilio's little family wanted her company.
Fantastic Hermione. It will be my pleasure to put out Sunday Lunch. What time will Emilio and Scorp be coming through?
Hermione glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch. It was coming up on 3:30.
Scorp is just getting up from his nap so it will be an hour or so. Why don't you plan for them coming through around 4:45. I have another small matter to discuss with you, but I can do that tomorrow before Sunday Lunch. I'll just say that I've decided to wear the dress with its original color, but we can talk more tomorrow. Thank you for taking Scorp. We'll call before Emilio and Scorp come through. Hug Emiliano for me. I'll see you tomorrow.
That's lovely. We'll discuss everything tomorrow.
Ilaria?
Yes dear?
Please don't mention the dress in front of either of our men.
Ilaria laughed.
No worries love. I won't. Thank you for thinking of me. I'll babysit Scorp anytime you need a sitter. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Bye.
Bye Ilaria.
The call was finished just in time because her young wizard was calling out for her.
"Mum, mum. Scorp is awake. Emilio made Crissy take to pee and wash me up. He loves me and Crissy and Dusty."
Hermione left the study to meet Scorp coming down the hall and grabbed him up in a hug.
"Oh my love. You are getting so big. Did you have a good nap? Mum and Emilio have a surprise for you."
Glancing from his mum to Emilio, Scorp answered in a tone of wonder.
"A surprise? I like surprises mum. Is it a new book?"
"Slow down love. I know you like surprises. It's not a book."
Scorp's face took on a look of consternation. He couldn't suss out what it could be if it wasn't a new book, but he remained silent. His mum or Emilio would tell him what was what. Emilio remained quiet as well because he didn't know what Hermione was going to say. Hermione didn't keep her wizards in suspense for too long.
"Your surprise is a visit to Nonna Ilaria and Nonno Emiliano. Nonna has agreed to baby sit you while Emilio and I go out for a date. You are going to spend the night with them."
A myriad of emotions ran through Scorp. He was happy to go see his Nonna and Nonno, but he was a bit fearful that both his mum and Emilio would go out and get lost or sick and he would be alone. Hermione saw the flicker of emotions and imagined what her son was thinking. Taking Scorp by the hand and gesturing for Emilio to come along, Hermione sat Scorp beside her on the couch so he was sandwiched between her and Emilio.
"You look sad love. Would you rather not go to see Nonna and Nonno?"
"I want to see Nonna and Nonno, but I'm worried you and Emilio might not come back to get me."
Emilio sucked in a breath. He thought he'd made Scorp feel safe enough to realize he would never go away and not come back. Even though he knew Hermione would get it all sorted, it was hurtful for him to hear.
"Scorp. You know better. Neither me nor Emilio would ever, ever go away and never come back. We love you. I want you to stop thinking that any time we're away from you we're never coming back. Do you remember staying the night with Aunty Seana? Emilio and I were here when you came home, right."
Scorp perked up as though he was remembering. "Yes mum. You and Emilio didn't get sick and go away for good. I do want to go see Nonna and Nonno and probably Celia but not the man because he looks at me mean."
Hermione knew Scorp had felt the tension between herself, Emilio and Ron but had hoped he would have forgotten about it. No such luck. Her son had a long memory.
"Never mind about that. You'll be having dinner with Nonna and Nonno so you may have a small snack to tide you over until dinner. Would you like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"
"Yes mum, and some juice. Nonna is probably going to cook meatloaf because she knows I like it a lot. I'll ask her to save you and Emilio some.
Hermione sighed as she gave Emilio a look that said you may jump in at any time. However, Emilio remained silent.
/*/
While Scorp was having his sandwich, Hermione called for Crissy to bring Scorp's overnight bag downstairs before sitting down beside Emilio and laying a hand on his knee. "Please don't overthink things love. You know Scorp…."
Emilio cut Hermione off. His fiancee knew him well, or perhaps he was wearing his heart on his sleeve, but this was not the time to discuss it. "Why don't we discuss this after I've dropped Scorp off."
"Alright love. We can do that."
Pop. Crissy was there holding Scorp's bag.
"Thank you Crissy. Did you put one of Scorp's books in his bag?"
"Yes Mrs. Hermione. I put one book."
"Alright, thank you."
Pop. Crissy was gone.
While Hermione was cleaning Scorp and clearing the table, Emilio excused himself and went back into the study to revisit the wedding list. He realized he was being a boor about the thing, but, at the moment, he needed to see something that would reassure him of his place in his soon to be family.
/*/
At 4:30, Hermione suggested Emilio call Ilaria to let her know they would be coming through in the next few minutes.
"Alright Mrs. Hermione I can do that." He replied as he pressed the contact button on the mobile for Emiliano Lozier. "Please shrink down Scorp's bag and we'll be on our way."
After telling his father he and Scorp were coming through, Emilio took the packet from Hermione and picked up Scorp who did something he hadn't done in quite a while. He patted Emilio on both cheeks.
"We're going to see Nonna and Nonno. Thank you for taking me."
Hermione nodded at Emilio over Scorp's shoulder as if to say, see, your boy loves you madly. Emilio gave her a wink.
"I'll be back in about twenty minutes love. Decide where you want to go. I love you."
"I love you too mum." Shouted Scorp. "Have a good date."
Hermione plopped down on the couch and summoned a glass and the wine. She and her fiance were going out on the town. Where did she want to go?
/*/
Sal and Seth caught the first of two portkeys at precisely 4:00 pm and were landing at the door to Pat's home at 4:45. Seth walked right in without knocking.
"Taking a bit of a liberty walking into a bloke's house without knocking." Sal muttered without any sign of humor. "A lad can get his arse hexed doing a thing like that."
Seth chuckled. "Relax Sal. Pat and I have been mates for a long time. We don't stand on ceremony."
"Great. Just in case, give me the name of a good healer here in Belgium in case Pat now stands on ceremony."
With a loud laugh, Seth called out to Pat. "Get out here you filthy Belgian. The handsomest Lozio brother has come to visit."
Sal sighed. Seth was going to be hexed and he would be hexed right along with him. However, he changed his mind when a tall, lanky wizard appeared from seemingly nowhere greeting Seth in a booming voice.
"Hello you rich bastard. I hope you've come to give me some of your extra money."
Seth was laughing like a fool as he introduced Sal to Pat. "Pat, this is my partner, best mate and date for tonight Sal Maida. Sal this miscreant is Pat Jacobs best mate to Matt and I all through our lean years."
"Lean years is right. Nice to meet you Sal. You have a lousy taste in wizards. Come on through and have a drink. Matt is out at the shops but should be back shortly. It will be nice to see both of you at the same time. It's been a long time. What are you drinking, Jenever or Duvel?"
Sal left it up to Seth because he didn't know a Jenever from a Duvel.
Seth settled for Jenever.
/*/
Before long, the three wizards were settled comfortably in Pat's living room sipping shots of Jenever. Pat and Seth roared when Sal took his first sip and nearly choked to death.
"You bloody bastards are trying to kill me. Piss off with this wizard killing Jenever. I'll have something not so, not so strong."
Pat summoned his wand then summoned a Duvel which landed on the table in front of Sal. "Try that weakling. It's pale ale. It's almost as strong as Jenever, but you'll love it."
Sal took a sip and glared at Seth and Pat. "You bloody blokes are still trying to kill me. Although I must say this goes down a lot smoother than that Jenever shite."
Seth and Pat were falling all over each other in laughter when a voice called out.
"Oi! Not going around the bend in there Jake, are you? Keep that crazy to yourself until after my date."
Matt was back.
/*/
Matt took two steps back when he entered the living room and saw Sal and Seth while Sal sat there wondering why Matt was calling Pat Jake.
"Surprise." Shouted Pat. "I wanted to see two of my best mates together and Seth has made it so. Say hello to your brother."
Matt grinned as he shook hands with Seth and Sal. "Hello brother. Hello Sal. How did they rope you into this?"
"I'm still not sure Matt, but I believe they brought me here to kill me off."
Both Sal and Seth grinned.
"Did you really think I'd let Seth go off to a night of fun without me? Besides, I'm his date." Sal added.
Matt guffawed. "Here's a bit of information you can take to Gringotts. They can't kill you if you don't drink the Jenever. Good to see you both. It's almost 6:00. I'm going to shower, shite and shave because Mila expects me at her door precisely at 8:00."
Seth gave Pat a quick glance before addressing Matt.
"Mila bro? How is she?"
"Mila is still as beautiful as ever, but you'll see for yourself. If you all will excuse me, I'm going to make myself more handsome, if that's possible. By the way, Davy is indisposed, whatever that means, but he might be making an appearance tomorrow."
After Matt left the room, Seth mouthed the word Mila to Pat who simply shrugged. Sal didn't know what was going on so he just kept drinking his Duvel. Besides, he was still trying to figure out why Matt was calling Pat Jake. He was certainly going to ask Seth about it.
/*/
Twenty minutes later, Matt called out they better start getting ready. Sal and Seth called out in unison that they came ready which tickled Pat who had jumped up from the chair.
"You boys can put your bags in the bedrooms at the end of the hall. Nothing fancy but they're clean. There's only one bathroom down that end. You'll have to share. I'm going to get ready because unlike you two tossers I have to pick up a date. See you in a bit."
Sal and Seth laughed all the way down the hall to the not fancy but very clean bedrooms at the end of the hall.
/*/
Emilio was back from Pavia, Lombardy in twenty five minutes. "Hello love. Your prospective in-laws are over the moon to have Scorp visit with them. Our young wizard practically leaped from my arms into Nonna Ilaria's arms while my father stood off to the side grumbling about not being greeted properly. Scorp being Scorp had an immediate answer as to why he greeted his Nonna first. It was simply because she's a girl and he always had to say hello to girls first. I stayed to see Scorp settled in. When I left, the three of them were giggling and chuckling. Celia must have turned a corner in Scorp's books because he asked for her even before sharing the tastiness of meatloaf."
Hermione held out her arms. "Come here love. Even though you appear to have gotten over your short bout of insecurity, I want to remind you Scorp loves you to death. I don't want you to ever feel like an intruder."
Emilio sat and immediately began nuzzling Hermione's neck. "I really wasn't feeling like an intruder love. I was more disappointed Scorp would even entertain the thought I would leave him alone."
"Come on now." Hermione said, giving Emilio's arm a quick pinch. "He worries I'll do the same. Our little wizard has a long memory. We just have to keep showing him we'll never leave him. I was thinking when we speak to Grace about photographers, we will specify that you, Scorp and I have a family photo taken that he can have for himself. I'm hoping you'll be alright with him keeping the photo of him, Draco and I beside the Lozier family photo."
Rubbing his chin across Hermione's hair, Emilio told her he wouldn't mind at all. He wasn't being generous. He was being reasonable. He would be the father, the dad of the Lozier house. A photo of Draco Malfoy meant nothing.
Hermione gave him another quick pinch. "Earth to Lozier."
Emilio grinned as he left a long kiss on Hermione's lips. "What witch? Stop pinching me. Have you thought about where you'd like to go tonight?"
Buzz. Buzz.
"Hold that thought love." He said, pulling out his mobile and glancing at the sender. "Excuse me for a second. Our wandering CEO has sent a text inquiring if you could find it in your heart to make a Sunday dinner for him and an old friend. A female friend named Mila."
Hermione immediately began to shake her head. "I'd love to but we've already promised Ilaria and Emiliano we'd have Sunday Lunch with them. Tell Matt we'll have to do it another time."
Emilio hesitated vaguely remembering the name Mila from long ago conversations with Matt. She was the witch Matt had been involved with before he met Kim. Emilio started to text Matt back explaining it would have to be another time when he had an epiphany. He would first have to check with Mrs. Hermione.
Turning to Hermione, Emilio shared his thoughts. "What do you think about inviting Matt and his friend to Sunday dinner at Lozier Estate? They could use the public floo system. It wouldn't be a difficult trip from Flanders."
Hermione didn't know how she felt about it. Was it proper for guests to invite guests? Not in her books. "It isn't up to me love. Before you text Matt back, call Ilaria to see if extra guests are acceptable to her. If she agrees, you have your answer. If she doesn't agree, you have your answer."
Emilio grinned at Hermione. "So says the sage. I'll call Ilaria right now."
"Hahaha. You're quite the comedian. I dare you to call your mother Ilaria. Emiliano will beat that arse."
They were both laughing as Emilio dialed his father's number.
/*/
Emilio looked a bit disappointed when he got off the phone with Ilaria. "I guess we'll have to meet Matt's friend some other time. Mother thinks it would be a bit overwhelming for Mila to be thrown in with a group of strangers. She suggested you and I meet Mila then at a later date she'll have us all over for dinner."
Hermione silently agreed with Ilaria. Meeting five new people at the same time could be a bit much. However, she didn't say that to Emilio. She simply excused herself to the bathroom while Emilio replied to Matt's text.
By the time Hermione got back, Emilio and Matt had formed a plan. Him, her and Scorp would have dinner with Ilaria and Emiliano, chat for a bit then meet Matt and Mila here for drinks about 7:30 pm.
Hermione gave Emilio an eye roll which caused him to smile. "Not happy then?"
"It's not that I'm unhappy Emilio, but I'll tell you out front. I'm not going to eat and run. I suggest we go a little earlier than planned so we spend time with your parents in front then we can leave early without looking like idiotas."
"Ooh. I love it when you speak Italian. Makes me want to bend you over the bed rails."
Hermione started giggling and couldn't stop. When she finally gathered her composure, she told Emilio he should stop trying to find ways to make a baby because he wasn't getting one."
"Ever or just this moment?" He replied teasingly.
"If you don't stop, it will be ever. You use the bathroom in our room. I'll use the one upstairs. Dress nicely Mr. COO because you are going to use your members only card at Luxx Club London to take me dining and dancing. Perhaps we'll run into Helen Mirren."
"Our room. I like the sound of that. Actually, I'd like it better if our room was the one at 4 Tudor Lane. However, your wish is my command love. Let's say we leave here at 9:00."
"Deal. Give me a kiss so I can go have a shower." Hermione remarked, sliding into Emilio's arms.
"Yes, I can do that. Kisses now lots of loving later. I love you Mrs. Hermione."
"Love you more Mr. Lozier."