Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 80
When Hermione came back downstairs, she went directly to the kitchen without saying a word to Emilio. Using his wand to send the empty Guinness bottle to the bin, Emilio made a decision. Tonight might be the night to give Hermione enough space to calm down. He entered the kitchen without showing the turmoil he and Hermione were going through at the moment. "I see you've finished little man. Well done. I'm going to get over to the Luxe. If all goes well, I'll see you for dinner tomorrow. Have a good night."
Hermione felt tears welling up in the corner of her eyes, but she brushed them away. Her fiance not only didn't want to be with her, but he hadn't given her or Scorp their allotment. She wasn't the only one who noticed. Scorp noticed as well.
"Emilio doesn't gives us kisses when you talk big to him. I hope he comes back. I want more chicken and chips."
Hermione sat watching as Scorp as Scorp just about devoured his second plate. She may have snapped at Emilio over words, but what he had said was true. She had been neglectful. It probably was time to visit St Mungo's to get checked out. She didn't want to be slowly dying from an old curse. She, Emilio and Scorp had a future to share.
After cleaning Scorp up and taking him to the toilet, Hermione called Crissy and Dusty to come get their boy because she had an appointment. Having been privy to all the goings on, both Crissy and Dusty hoped Mrs. Hermione was going to see about Mr. Emilio. They didn't like it when there was trouble.
Once Scorp was upstairs under the care of Crissy and Dusty, Hermione took a quick shower, dressed then apparated to the doors of St Mungo's. Stepping into the abandoned looking building, she took a deep breath before stepping into the short queue at the Receptionist window.
Having a few minutes to think, Hermione admitted something was off with her. She just hoped Kim Reina wasn't killing her after all.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 81
Emilio was sitting at the kitchen table in his suite morosely eating the dinner he had ordered from room service while trying to suss out what had gone wrong. It was true he had used an inflammatory word regarding Hermione's behavior but….but. But what? He had called his witch neglectful and she had taken offense. That part was weighing heavily on his mind but even worse was Hermione's refusal to see reason or admit she might have a health problem. He loved his witch but her being obstinate for no reason was tiring and alarming.
Morsels of food were getting stuck in Emilio's throat. He pushed the dinner away debating whether or not to go back and check on his family. He and Hermione would have their disagreements, but there wasn't any reason for him to have shortchanged Scorp. The little wizard hadn't done anything. Emilio redressed with every intention of going back to Hermione's house. However, once he was dressed, he hesitated. He had already put his foot in it once. He really didn't want to do it again. Divesting himself of his shirt and trousers, Emilio cleared away the leftover food before heading to the bedroom secure in the knowledge he and Hermione would get everything straightened out.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Emilio summoned his travel bag and clothing enough for at least a two day stay in Belgium. Perhaps a few days away would be good for both him and his fiancee.
/*/
It was late when Hermione stepped out of St Mungo's. Instead of immediately apparating home, she blindly walked the area. Even though it was a rare possibility any witch or wizard would step out of the shadows to harm her, she continued walking as though she was walking across her living room. Then she stumbled and had made a move that would have made Harry jealous to keep herself from hitting the ground. The near fall was enough to bring her back to her senses.
"What the hell am I doing wandering around like some lost soul? I need to get home." Then she thought about it. Crissy, Dusty and Embers had everything under control at home. There was somewhere else she needed to be.
Five minutes later, Hermione was entering the side door of The Luxe heading for the lifts.
For several seconds, Hermione stood outside the door remembering what a beast she'd been to Emilio. Yes, she had been a beast to her fiance but she was there to apologize and do a Mea Culpa. With that in mind, she twisted her wand and landed in the middle of the living room.
Wand in hand, Emilio came rushing into the living room being in the right mind to hex any miscreant intent on...intent on. Hastily stowing his wand when he saw who it was, Emilio rushed to Hermione.
"Is everything alright? I'm sorry I left so abruptly. I thought you might need some time to yourself. I was wrong."
Looking into Emilio's eyes, Hermione put a finger to his lips. "Stop Emilio. You didn't do anything wrong. I should be apologizing for taking the stand that I did. I was being mean, ornery and obtuse."
Pulling Hermione to him, Emilio whispered against her ear. "You are my love and my life. I can take a beat down every now and then. What I will apologize for is leaving before giving my little wizard his allotment. I had every intention of returning to the house to get everything sorted but changed my mind at the very last minute. I figured we would get it all straightened out tomorrow. However, I'm glad you're here because I fear I would have been a basket case having to go through an entire workday worrying over the state of things. Now that we've put everything right, I'll put on some clothes and accompany you back home."
As Emilio turned to walk away, Hermione spoke a few words. "I've been to St Mungo's."
Emilio's heart began to beat so fast he could hear it in his ears. In a split second, he had begged Merlin not to put anything on him he couldn't bear. If Kim Reina's attack had left some recurring malady that was killing his witch, he would rip the doors off Azkaban to give Kim her due. His expression must have spoken volumes because Hermione folded right there on the spot.
Summoning his wand then summoning a cloth, Emilio wiped Hermione's eyes and nose. Lifting his sobbing, choking witch to her feet, Emilio was just about losing his mind. Holding her tightly, he pleaded with her to stop sobbing and tell him what the healer found. "Please love. Please tell me what's going on before I start sobbing myself. If there was an unexpected diagnosis, we'll deal with it together. I'm not going anywhere love. Come sit down. I'll get you a small brandy to settle your nerves."
"No brandy. I'll have a cup of tea. Then, I will share the results of my visit."
"Alright love. Coming right up. I will say I'm beginning to feel a bit better because if it was all bad news, I think you would still be twisting my heart with your tears."
Hermione gave him a half smile and made a devastating statement as well. "Although I've probably left a puddle in the middle of the living room rug, I don't think I'm done with the tears. We won't be able to get married next year."
Crash!
Hermione's statement had startled Emilio so badly he'd lost his concentration long enough for his magic to drop allowing the cup and saucer to fall to the floor. Ignoring the broken cup, saucer and puddle of tea on the floor, he came back to sit down beside Hermione and spoke with his eyes closed. "We won't be able to get married? I don't and won't accept the possibility. Please explain that statement Hermione because, at this moment, the breath is leaving my body. No matter the situation, I want you for my wife and Scorp for my son."
Tears began forming in Hermione's eyes once again. "Please love. Get me that tea."
Emilio refused, replying in a voice that was cracking. "Tea? You want me to get tea when you've made an unimaginable remark that will undo all our plans. I'm not moving until you tell me what this is all about. Next I expect you'll be returning the engagement ring. If you're trying to kill me, you're doing a perfect job. Please don't do this to me….to us. Anything can be worked out Hermione, anything."
Tears dropped into Hermione's lap as she held her head down refusing to look at Emilio. "I won't be returning any ring."
Emilio reached over and turned Hermione's face so she was looking in his eyes. "You're not making sense Hermione. You don't intend to return the ring, but you don't intend to marry me. I love you. Please tell me what's going on. Please."
"I apologize for all this Emilio. I made a grave error and my upset is upsetting the wizard I love."
"Grave error? Upset? I'm so far past upset you can't imagine. My fiancee has told me she can't marry me….."
Grabbing Emilio's hand and bringing it up to her lips, Hermione spoke to him in a whisper. "I said I can't marry you next year. I didn't say I wouldn't marry you."
"Thank you Merlin. Thank you." Emilio commented to the air around them. His reply to Hermione was even more poignant. "You can't marry marry me but you will marry me. I'm an intelligent wizard but right now you have me so confused I don't know if I'm coming or going. I just…"
Leaning her head against Emilio's shoulder, Hermione finally came out with it all. "My visit to the healer didn't reveal anything dangerous. What it did reveal is that I'm not as clever as as I thought."
Emilio had questions, but Hermione cut across him. "Let me finish love because when I'm finished you'll see how I've mucked up our lives."
"That's not even a remote possibility Hermione. We love each other. There isn't anything we can't overcome."
Hermione let out a loud sigh. "Kim Reina hasn't left any left any lasting remnants in my body, but I have."
Emilio continued to listen without interrupting.
"I bollixed up my spells and let us get pregnant."
For five full seconds, Emilio was too overwhelmed to respond, but Hermione kept talking.
"How embarrassing is that? You have a worldly fiancee who doesn't know how to take precautions. I'll...we'll be laughingstocks."
The news finally sunk in for Emilio and the strong, brilliant wizard couldn't hold back tears of relief while offering a bit of cheek. "You've spent the last thirty minutes scaring me to death only to tell me something I consider the greatest gift ever. We are pregnant. I'm going to be a father. With this disclosure, everything has become clear. You cannot marry me next year because our child will be born before then, but you intend to marry me sooner. Have I got it right?"
"Yes Mr. Lozier. You have it right. I have mucked up the plans we have in place. It's imperative we make new."
"Mucked up? Mucked up?" Emilio literally sang out. "I'll take the mucking up, the temper and every bit of embarrassment our announcement brings. This is amazing. We are going to have a child and Scorp will have sibling." Raising his wand, Emilio summoned two more wet cloths. "Expectant parents cannot be seen with tear stained faces."
Hermione wiped her face then hugged her fiance so tightly she took his breath away...again. "Thank you for allowing me to tell my Dusty length story."
Emilio laughed out loud. "You're pregnant my love. You're allowed. I think we should get back to the house to see about Scorp where I will give you an inordinate amount of kisses...in private."
"Alright love. I've shared my shame. We can go."
Leaning in to kiss his pregnant witch, Emilio offered a few sage comments. "If you have any more announcements of this magnitude, please announce in a more timely manner. For ten minutes straight, I saw my life flashing before my eyes. I thought I was dying."
With her admission having been well received, Hermione felt comfortable calling Emilio a prat.
"I'll be your prat, tosser and git Mrs. Hermione. You know why? I'll tell you. Because you are giving me a baby. Now that we have that sorted, let's get to the house."
/*/
Crissy and Dusty should have been in their personal spaces resting up. Instead, both elves were standing watch at Scorp's bedroom door still worrying over the earlier bit of trouble. Suddenly, two pairs of elf ears stood up straight. Mrs. Hermione was back home and Mr. Emilio was with her. The family was happy again.
When Hermione came up the stairs to check on Scorp, she smiled at his two guards. "Thank you Crissy. Thank you Dusty. Scorp couldn't have better protectors. You both are excused.
"You're welcome Mrs."
Dusty had a story. "The bell been ringing but we can't be opening the door when Mrs. not home."
Hermione didn't respond to Dusty. Of course they wouldn't open the door when she wasn't home. It could only have been Harry. No one else came to the door at night expecting food or a conversation. Along with that thought came thoughts of Hannah. She hadn't seen her best witch since she had to give her a telling off about language in front of Scorp. Hannah had been away so long even the veggies missed her. Grinning over her nonsense thoughts, she went to Scorp's bedroom. Hermione brushed back a lock of Scorp's hair and kissed him on the cheek.
"You are a lucky little wizard. Soon you'll have a little brother or sister and a wizard who will be glad to hear you call him daddy. I love you."
/*/
Emilio reached out when Hermione reached the bottom of the stairs. "Come love. Let your wizard and soon to be husband guide you to our private rooms where we will practice private things…..if you can stay awake."
Hermione shrugged. "Make fun of me all you want Mr. Lozier. Just remember, you are the cause of it all."
Emilio grinned while puffing out his chest. "Yes love that would be me, partner, lover, fiance, baby maker and soon to be husband. I can live with all those names. Before we begin our private things, should we discuss sharing our good fortune and our new wedding date? We'll have to notify Grace straightaway."
Hermione smiled at her highly excited wizard. "Our discussion can wait until tomorrow. As for sharing our news, we are only six weeks gone. I'd like us to wait a bit."
The normally staid Emilio was highly emotional once again. Six weeks. He had a number. It was real. He and Hermione were six weeks pregnant. While pulling Hermione into a tight embrace, Emilio sent out a silent entreaty to Draco Malfoy thanking him for dying. It wasn't something a good wizard would do, but it was how Emilio felt.
"Alright love, alright. Our discussion can wait until tomorrow. After we decide on a new wedding date, we'll notify Grace to adjust everything. Without sharing our pregnancy news, it will be hard to explain the changes to our friends and family, but we'll think of something. I'm so chuffed. I guess Gas and Harry aren't the only ones who will have babies."
Hermione laughed as she began undressing. "I hope you won't be this excitable for the entire nine months. Matt will have to bind you."
Emilio laughed as he slid in beside Hermione. "Hahaha. You might be right. Speaking of Matt, he has asked I make myself available to come to Belgium if he needs assistance. I would probably be gone two or three days at the most. Hopefully, he won't need me."
Snuggling up against Emilio, Hermione got him sorted. "Hopefully, he won't need you? You are COO of a major, magical company. If your duty is too assist Matt in Belgium, it is a no brainer. You go to Belgium. Scorp and I will be fine. I'm pregnant love not handicapped. We'll miss you at dinner, but we can call or text each other. It will be fine. Anyway, you've said it's not definite. We can discuss it again if Matt asks you to come to Belgium. Now, since I'm still wide awake, I'd like some of that Lozier attention."
"Ah! The very happy Mr. Lozier is ready to share some of his Lozier attention. Regarding Belgium, whatever needs to be done will be done. For now, my attention is on you. I love you Mrs. Hermione. Wrap your arms around me so I can begin."
So she did.
/*/
Hannah was sitting in her living room alternating between tearing up and grumbling. She had taken Harry's advice and gone to see her best witch. However, things hadn't turned out as planned. Hermione didn't want to talk. In fact, she wouldn't even acknowledge that Hannah was there. Initially, Hannah had tried a few soft pokes then a few harder pokes. All to no avail. Hermione hadn't opened her eyes. Thinking Hermione really didn't want to talk, Hannah had quietly left the house with feelings more hurt than they had been. Hannah had been so undone she called out to work and was currently sitting in the same position she had been in since mid morning.
After several cups of tea, Hannah recovered her senses. Hermione may not want to speak to her but she now wanted to speak to Hermione. They had been best friends for years. Hannah wasn't going to let one faux pas ruin it all. She would discuss it all with Harry beforehand then go back to Malfoy Estate to have a discussion with Hermione.
With that decision made, Hannah had a bite to eat before turning the telly on to the afternoon lady programs even as she huffed and grumbled about the stupid shite muggles did. The grumbling didn't go on all that long because the nonsense put Hannah to sleep. By the time Harry got in from work, Hannah's snit was over, dinner was ready and she told Harry she wanted a conversation. Taking one look at his seemingly distressed wife, Harry kissed her, excused himself to wash up assuring her they would talk after dinner.
Looking at himself in the mirror as he washed his face and hands, Harry was hoping this talk didn't have anything to do with Hermione.
/*/
Harry and Hannah ate dinner with very little talk between them. Harry was at a loss. He understood Hannah was upset over something he thought could be easily rectified, but the silent, troubled witch sitting across from him was almost more than he could bear. He reached across the table to grab Hannah's hand. "I don't like to see you like this Hannah. When you stress yourself, you stress the baby. We'll get whatever it is straightened out. Go sit down and relax. I'll clear away and be right there."
Hannah nodded as she stood. "Okay Harry."
Harry watched Hannah leave the kitchen thinking, this might not be as simple as I first thought.
/*/
Harry sat down beside Hannah and turned her so he could put her feet in his lap. If she wouldn't reduce her stress, he would do his small part.
"Thank you love." Harry remarked listlessly. "You give the best foot massages."
"I do my best love." Hesitating for the briefest of seconds, Harry began the conversation. "You know I don't like seeing you in this state Hannah. Tell me what's bothering you so we can get it settled. It can't still be about Hermione. I thought you were going to visit your best witch to settle things."
"I did too." Hannah remarked, eyes filling with tears. "I tried."
Letting her feet down gently, Harry pulled Hannah close. He was dumbfounded now. Was Hermione carrying a small faux pas out to extremes? "What do you mean you tried? Is Hermione still angry?"
"I don't know. I guess she is. I went over there with every intention of apologizing again and getting things back right. However, Hermione was dead sleep on the living room couch or pretending to be. I poked her and called her name but she refused to open her eyes. Harry, she just laid there ignoring me. I didn't know what to think or feel so I left. I'm devastated Harry. Even in the worst of times, I didn't think Hermione would treat me so poorly."
Harry was lost for words. He couldn't even fathom Hermione acting like that towards Hannah. Him yes, Hannah no. "I-I can't imagine what Hermione is thinking. At the very least she should have had a face to face discussion. Ignoring you was just, just so not like her. Have you spoken to Carmela about what's going on between you and Hermione? If Hermione is that upset, she probably has discussed it with mum."
Hannah gave Harry a glare. "No Harry. I haven't discussed anything with Carmela because up until today I didn't know if I was imagining things. I now know better. Maybe I will give Mela a call tomorrow. What can it hurt?"
"If this has upset you this much, why don't you call Carmela now? It's 8:40 there. She and Fausto probably have finished dinner. In fact, why don't you ring her now." He asked, summoning the mobile."
Hannah refused to take the mobile. "I know you mean well Harry, but I don't want to get Carmela involved. I want to speak to Hermione face to face. I'll either ring or text her tomorrow to be sure she's awake before stepping foot into the house." After a few minutes of silence, Hannah made a startling statement. "I hope everything is alright with Hermione. She almost looked as though she was in stasis. I've never known her to fall into a dead sleep during the day. And I didn't hear a thing from Scorp. Instead of being upset, perhaps I should be worrying. Why don't you apparate over to the house to check on things? Hermione might be upset with me, but she won't take it out on you. This way, I'll know for sure what's going on."
"Fine. I'll go check but I believe this dispute or whatever it is has your imagination running wild." Harry sniped, getting up off the couch. "Be back in a few."
Hannah sighed. "I hope I haven't gone bat shite crazy."
/*/
Harry landed at the front doors of Malfoy Estate as he normally would and turned the knob to go in. Instead of opening as it normally would, the door remained solidly locked. Harry stepped back. Hermione rarely locked her doors. He tried the knob again while knocking. Nothing. No answer. Now Harry began to worry. Was something wrong? Where was Hermione? Where was Emilio? Then he regained his senses. Hermione was a grown witch who might have taken Scorp over to The Luxe to spend the night with Emilio or gone to Carmela or the Loziers.
Pulling out his mobile, Harry dialed Hermione. "I'll get to the bottom of this right now." No such luck though. The call went directly to voice mail. "Blast it. She has her mobile turned off."
Returning the mobile to his inside pocket, Harry apparated back home where Hannah was still sitting in the same spot on the couch. She tried to gauge what he found out by giving his face a searching look. Harry sat down beside her before sharing what he'd found.
"So, is everything alright?" Asked Hannah.
Turning to his wife, Harry raised his shoulders. "I guess everything is alright. The door was locked and no one answered my knock. I had thoughts of apparating in, but quickly came to my senses. If Hermione had her door locked, she has her reasons. All this has me intrigued. I'll stop by tomorrow to check on things and ring you as soon as I know something."
Hannah put her hand on Harry's arm. "That's not necessary love. I'm a grown witch. I'll go over tomorrow before work. If she pretends sleep, I'll stay there until she wakes up. I might even scoff a few of her veggies. It will be fine. Now that I've made a mountain out of a molehill I'm going to lie down. Shut the lights off before you come up."
"I'm right behind you love. I want a few rubs on that belly." With a quick swing of his wand, Harry turned out the lights then headed upstairs to Hannah and her belly.
/*/
Theo was sitting on the side of his bed excited for Friday. As of tomorrow, all applications regarding SSE London had to be turned in to be considered. Even though he had already turned in his application, Theo was still in a high state of anticipation. He truly wanted to be part of the biggest project in the last five years.
Picking up one of the Real Estate Entrepreneur magazines, Theo began flipping through. He was reading an article about a newly finished project in Wales when he heard a ping. Glancing at his Wonder Wizard Clock, Theo mumbled about blighters without respect. However, he calmed right down remembering he didn't have to return the text if he didn't feel like it. After looking at the sender, Theo opened the text to see just what Andrew Devlin wanted with him
{Sender} Andrew Devlin
Greetings Mr. Nott. I'm sure this text comes as a surprise. Let me explain. I know of your sterling record and what you've recently done with the former Malfoy Manor. This missive is to suggest if we are chosen to work the SSE project, we work together as partners. Together we can achieve something that will be talked about for years to come. I realize this is out of the blue, but our chances at securing the Lozio/Maida contract might be stronger if we present ourselves as a collaboration. Let me know what you think.
Theo reread the text and huffed. "If this blighter…." Then he thought about it. Andrew Devlin had not written one lie. Perhaps positions would be stronger if they collaborated. Pulling out his copy of the application, Theo read the suggested requirements. There it was in black and white. It would be a plus if the selected contractor and selected developer could work as a team.
Theo sat there mulling it over in his head. "This could work. The Devlin Group has a reputation as sterling as mine. I could do worse. If anything goes wrong, Mr. Andrew Devlin and his Devlin Group should be prepared to make themselves scarce. He replied to Andrew's text.
{Reply}
Thank you for the high compliment. I accept your proposition. Theo Nott and The Devlin Group will present themselves as the collaborative to beat. I appreciate your suggestion. We'll speak in the morning.
Theo hit send and the reply was sent.
"Done and done." Theo mumbled before turning back the blanket and sliding into bed. "Tomorrow should be interesting."