Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 83
By 6:00 pm, everyone who was attending The Fieldcrest Event was situated somewhere resting up before the festivities.
Mila and Matt were enjoying a bit of private time where Mila showed off her purchases before taking a short nap.
Emilio had taken Scorp through to Pavia to be with Ilaria and Emiliano at 3:30, after which, he and Hermione spent the leisure time wrapped up in each other's arms discussing how they would share the baby news.
Mrs. Finnigan had arrived at Gas' house around the same time and taken over everything so Gas and Seana could get themselves sorted for the evening.
Pat and Davy arrived at The Luxe at 5:30 and made themselves comfortable in Sal and Seth's suites where Seth and/or Sal kept them amused with their antics.
James Wooley arrived in London at 2:00. After a brief visit to Wiltshire, was ensconced in Emilio's suite.
Theo had his feet up enjoying a few drinks.
Andrew Devlin was out spending a few hours with mates but had his eyes on the time.
Jasmine Wright was just getting out of a tub soak preparing to get dressed. She had to get to the venue early having promised Trevor to help host the event.
The Fantastic Five and a few Fourth Levels were texting back and forth to ensure they would arrive around the same time. Ezra sent a group reply that got the biggest laugh of the group chat; reminder: no quick shags in the back garden. Ezra had received at least nine grinning emojis as a response.
The tone of the night had been set.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 84
Trevor Wright had been up since the crack of dawn on Saturday. Even though this was Fieldcrest's fourth annual event, this year was special in that he would be hosting MCC the company that was grooming not only Fieldcrest but Financially Wright as well for expansion and upward movement. He wanted the event to be stellar as did Abel and Jasmine.
He and Abel hadn't left any stone unturned. Everything, food, liquor, music had been taken up a notch this year. Hopefully, the upgrades and decorations that had cost almost their entire fortunes combined would impress the MCC top officers. The kitchens were already bustling and crackling with the immense magic necessary to serve the eighty plus expected guests. They had walked the banquet room and surrounding outside space at least three times before pronouncing it guest ready.
"Well Abel, we are as ready as we'll ever be."
Nodding vigorously, Abel agreed. "Yes we are. Even though our prior events have been well received, this one has to be unmatched. Time to prove Emilio's faith in us is justified. Who knew a former Wizengamot Clerk former Minister of Acquisitions Milan would end up being an officer in the company which would extend the most important support in the short history of Fieldcrest Company."
"True. Emilio has always been a stand up wizard. A bit strange at times, but definitely a stand up wizard. And the witches loved him." Trevor added with a laugh.
"Hahaha. That's an understatement. Enough about Emilio. Time for me to get going. Dark gray suits with black ties. We want to impress. I'll see you back here at 7:00."
Trevor nodded sharing his own itinerary. "I'll be here about 7:30. Jasmine will be here around the same time as well. If you need the additional thirty minutes Abel, take them. We've got this."
Trevor and Abel parted at 1:30 pm to go home, rest up and prepare for the evening.
/*/
While Trevor, Abel and Jasmine were arriving back at Fieldcrest Event Hall, many of the guests were beginning their preparations for a night out.
Hermione was in the shower while Emilio was sitting on the side of the bed twisting his wand to call suits to him. A handsome navy blue suit zipped across the room coming to a halt in front of Emilio. Making a swirling motion with his wand he called out, turn. The suit made a three hundred sixty degree turn. Emilio shook his head as he sent the suit back to the closet. Another twist of the wand brought forth a dark brown suit with small pin stripes. Emilio shook his head again and twisted his wand once more. A long jacket, steel grey, double button suit appeared in front of him. Emilio didn't even have to do the three hundred sixty degree turn. This was the suit. It would pair nicely with a black shirt and a grey tie.
"It's you I choose. Place, Stay." Emilio remarked as he sent the suit to hang on the closet door.
"Does speaking to your clothes make them fit better?" Hermione was out of the shower.
Jumping up off the bed, Emilio gave his fiancee a quick kiss on the nose as he passed on the way to the shower. "Yes my love. I thought everyone knew that."
Hermione shrugged. "In all my years alive I've never heard that particular piece of information. However, I've now been schooled."
Emilio stuck his head out of the bathroom. "I'm fairly certain my someday son knows that piece of information."
Plopping herself down on the bed, Hermione let out a bark of a laugh. "I don't know what goes on in those wizard talks, but I may have to start sitting in."
Emilio who was standing in front of the mirror spelling his teeth white and his breath fresh laughed. "I'll have to decline that request. We wizards need our alone time even if it's only to talk about nonsense."
"We'll see Mr. Lozier because it sounds a lot like you think you're in charge when we all know….."
Emilio cut across Hermione. "What's that you said love? I can't hear you over the shower."
"Very funny prat." Hermione mumbled as she began directing her own wand in the direction of her underwear drawer then her hosiery drawer. "I want to look enchanting tonight so come here you lovely, off the shoulder, calf length, green, snakeskin, close fitting sheath so I can speak to you."
As the lovely dress remained hanging in front of her, Hermione gave it a strong talking to. "I mean to look exceptionally lovely tonight. See to it."
Emilio was through with his shower. Hermione hurriedly pointed her wand to send the dress to hang next to Emilio's suit. She didn't want her damp fiance to get spots on her dress.
"That's fine looking dress Mrs. Hermione. I had planned to wear a grey tie, however, I feel as though I should wear emerald green."
Hermione pointed her wand at Emilio. "Are you trying to look prettier than me? Keep in mind my wand is pointed in your direction before you answer."
Backing up a few steps, Emilio gave a very soft answer. "I'll never be prettier than you or even as pretty as you, but…"
"But nothing wanker. Is this where you remind me that mum and Hannah think you are very handsome?"
"Well yes, there's that but I won't belabor the point because that wand is being held very firmly in your hand. Let me try another tack. What color tie do you think I should wear tonight"
Giving Emilio a slight eye roll, Hermione pointed her wand in the direction of his tie rack mumbled something then called out Accio tie. Emilio was amused when an emerald green tie flew into Hermione's hand. Holding it up to the light, Hermione gave Emilio a wink and a quip.
"This one will do nicely."
Emilio grinned as he leaned down to kiss Hermione's lips. "Nice piece of magic Mrs. Hermione. Thank you. I think we should get a move on as it is almost 8:10."
"I concur Mr. Lozier. Dressing will be quick but this hair will take ages."
"No problem there love. I am adept at Sleekeazy Waves."
"Yes you are. I don't have any worries then. Sleekeazy Waves it will be tonight."
After Hermione stepped into her emerald green soiree dress and shoes, Emilio magicked her hair into a thick mass of loose waves. Hermione stood in front of the full length mirror admiring her waves.
"You've done it again Mr. Lozier. I love this hair." She remarked, running her hands across her stomach. "Imagine. In a few more months all I'll be able to wear are sacks."
Grabbing his pregnant fiancee from the back, Emilio left a trail of kisses down her neck. "I love sacks especially when they are on the witch carrying my child. Of course, the alternative is for you to wear nothing at all."
Hermione pushed Emilio away with her butt. "You're barking mad. Please don't lose your mind before we address our pregnancy with the family. I can't imagine sharing news of that magnitude then have to immediately apparate to St Mungos to inform my barking mad wizard how it went. Enough madness. It's 8:50. Time to go. Shall I meet you there?"
With a pronounced frown, Emilio grabbed Hermione by the waist. "Now who's barking? My witch and I travel together."
"Love you Mr. Lozier." Hermione remarked as Emilio turned them into apparition.
/*/
Matt and Mila had overslept just a bit and were now hurrying to get bathed and dressed.
"So much for our Wonder Watches and Wonder Clock. We agreed on 9:00 pm and we are just showering at 8:00."
Matt reached out to grab his frenetic witch. "Relax love. We'll get there within a reasonable time window."
Mila disagreed. "Says you Matt. I'm the new witch on the block. I don't want to…"
Matt kissed Mila fully on the mouth. "Stop Mila. We get there when we get there. It's not as though we're late to meet the Minister. Besides, you're acting as though you don't have a wand. We'll be fine." He said, raising his own wand to summon his attire for the night.
"Accio brown suit brown shoes. See how easy that was. Please just step into that lovely dress and we'll be ready."
Mila rolled her eyes in Matt's direction but declined to comment. Instead, she stepped into her party frock then turned so Matt could zip her up.
Matt raised his wand. "Zip."
Mila grinned. Her wizard was due for a beating. "Thank you. As soon as I step into my shoes, we are ready. How do I look?"
Matt grabbed Mila and squeezed her to him. "Stop please. You know and I know you look amazing. You were worried about being late to meet Emilio and Hermione. Let's just go. Ready love? Grab onto my waist. We are on our way."
/*/
Seana who was so excited to be having a night out had been sitting for the last fifteen minutes waiting for Gas to finish up. She loved her son and husband but was thrilled to be getting out around people.
"Hurry up Gas. Isn't it the witch who holds everything up?"
With Seana poking him every five minutes, Gas was getting annoyed. Yes, he was taking her out but her nagging was becoming unbearable.
"Relax Seana. Everything is on point."
It had taken Mother Finnigan sticking her head into the bedroom to speak to her daughter to calm things down. Being an arse, Gas had reiterated his mother-in-law.
"Yes Seana. Calm down.'"
Whipping out her wand, Seana called out Rictusempra. Gas fell on the floor laughing and flaying.
"Stop Seana, stop."
Waving her wand once again, Seana softly spoke. "Finite. I guess we're ready."
Not wanting to be jinxed again, Gas agreed. "I'm ready. Let's get to Fieldcrest."
/*/
Trevor, Jasmine and Abel were pleased with the witches and wizards who were attending the event. It seemed as though the who's who of magical England was passing through their doors. Trevor was fairly gushing.
Jasmine smiled at her brother. "What are you on about? This is a Fieldcrest Event like any other Fieldcrest Event. The usual suspects are here."
Trevor responded in a low voice. "Really? Usual suspects? I think you of all people would be chuffed to welcome MCC to their first event."
Jasmine nodded. "You're right. I am chuffed to welcome Matt, Emilio, Gas and the FF. However, I'm confident in myself and what I have to offer. I don't feel the need to fall over backwards."
Trevor turned away from his sister. She was annoying him with her bullshite. She had a company, a good company but needed to realize she was just one of many without the support of MCC. "While I find your mindset objectionable, I feel you should do what you need to do. If you think MCC support won't be any help, advise Emilio or Matt. I'm sure neither wizard wants to use company resources on unworthy candidates. Excuse me. The MCC group is coming through."
Jasmine stood there feeling stupid. Trevor had taken her words out of context. Of course she wanted the support of MCC. She just didn't want to be taken as some addle brained witch. There wasn't any more time to flagellate herself as Trevor was back with Matt, Emilio, Gaspare and their plus ones whom she greeted warmly and with a wide smile. Hermione, Mila and Seana were impressed by the witch with the forward thinking ideas.
/*/
The Fantastic Five arrived at Fieldcrest almost in tandem ready to have a good time without having a shag in the back gardens.
Ezra, who was still smarting over Gas' remarks offered a cheeky comment. "Unfortunately for us, there is a back garden. I suggest we stay away."
None of the other FF replied knowing Ezra was still upset over Gas' comments. What they did do was take Ezra by the elbow and guide him into the main reception room to mingle and be seen.
Nicholas whispered a cheeky remark as they entered the room. "Smile Ezra. I'm sure there is a witch in here looking for a brilliant, irritable wizard."
Ezra smiled. "Lead me to her. Since sneaky shags are out of the question, I'll have to dazzle her with my wonderful personality."
Nicholas, Caitlin, Richard and Adam rolled their eyes at their mate but none doubted him. They separated at the doors to the main reception room. It was time to divide, conquer and spread some Fantastic Five cheer. They had run into James Wooley whose time was being monopolized by a fetching red head. He smiled at the FF and they smiled back.
/*/
The event was fantastic. Hermione, Mila and Seana spent as great deal of time commenting on the attire of the witches in attendance. Hermione was up for a walk around the venue. Getting up from her chair, she asked Mila and Seana to join her on her walkabout. Both witches were up for it.
"I'm ready. I guess Matt thinks we should remain chained to our chairs."
Seana giggled. "Gas, Matt and Emilio are networking. Even though they might expect us to sit quietly at the table, I believe we should do a bit of networking of our own."
Mila conjured a fan. "Let's not do anything that will make Matt Lozio cast me aside."
Hermione, who had stood up sat back down to address Mila's comment. "Witch, don't you realize you have CEO Matt Lozio eating out of your hand? Casting you aside is not an option. Let's go meet people."
The three witches hadn't taken four steps before Emilio suddenly appeared. "Hello lovelies. Where are you off to?"
Kissing her handsome fiance on the cheek, Hermione told him they were going to meet people. Emilio shook his head. "I've done my networking. All my attention is on you. If you lovely witches are ready to circle the room, I am at your service."
Mila offered a snarky reply. "That's lovely Emilio because we are ready to circle the room with or without assistance."
Emilio started to reply but before he could, Matt and Gas showed up at the table as though he had sent out a signal.
Matt didn't say anything. Leaving a kiss on Mila's nose, he took her by the hand. "My apologies for leaving you sitting here. The owners are very forceful. Let's have some dances and some food."
Mila gave a wave as she left the table on Matt's arm. Both Hermione and Seana turned to their wizards but nothing needed to be said. Emilio drew a laugh when he made a cheeky comment.
"What Matt said."
The two couples moved away from the table in search of food, dances and people. At different spots along the way they ran into James, Davy and Pat/Jake who were all busily engaged. All three wizards greeted Matt, Emilio and Gas as they passed by. Davy and Pat/Jake took a few minutes to greet Mila. They were enjoying themselves to the fullest.
/*/
The Fieldcrest Event proved to be lovely except for two small hiccups. Once when Trevor who didn't know what was what approached Hermione and Mila in an inappropriate manner before being formally introduced and been taken to task by Emilio and Matt and once when some unknown wizard commented on Hermione's dragonskin dress. Other than that, the night was spectacular.
Trevor had spent ten minutes apologizing to Emilio and Matt for his faux pas. The Beasts assured him no harm had been done as long as he didn't do it again. The unknown wizard had been shown the error of his ways by a disgruntled Emilio.
By 1:00 am, the event was over and guests were on their way home.
/**/
Sunday morning found most attendees of the Fieldcrest Event sleeping in. For most people, that was fine. For Hermione and Emilio not so much.
/*/
The need to use the bathroom woke Emilio about 11:55 am Sunday morning. Hermione was still deep asleep so he quietly got out of bed to have his pee. He has one arse cheek back on the bed when he happened to glance at the Wonder Wizard Clock.
"Shite! It's almost noon." Turning towards Hermione, he leaned over to kiss her neck. "Wake up love. You have an appointment today and it's almost noon."
"Five more minutes love. Just five more minutes."
"Alright Mrs. Hermione. While you have your five more minutes, I'll shower and dress. We're probably too late for brunch at Lozier Estate so I'll fix us something quick. Are you listening?"
A cranky Hermione replied crankily as she threw back the blanket. "I guess I won't be getting those five minutes. Stop being so stringent Emilio. We have time."
Emilio didn't care for Hermione's tone, especially since he was only looking out for her interest. He replied as he walked to the bathroom. "Your tone implies you don't want to be reminded of my interest in your appointment with the seamstress. My apology. I'll remove myself from the situation."
Running her hand through her mop of tangled hair, Hermione followed Emilio to the bathroom grabbing him from behind. "Forgive me love. I seemed to have gone to sleep in a very happy mood only to awaken as a shrew. Thank you for the reminder. I'll shower in the main bathroom so we won't run late. I may be cranky Mr. Lozier but I do love you for your thoughtfulness. I'll be ready before 1:00."
Emilio turned himself so he was facing Hermione. Leaving a kiss on the top of her head, he told her he loved her even when she was cranky before stepping into the shower.
Hermione had her pee then gathered up her bath essentials before heading to the main bathroom.
/*/
Hermione was still in the main bathroom when the beep of Emilio's mobile alerted to a text.
{SENDER} Emiliano
Good afternoon son. Your mother wanted me to inquire if everything was alright. She is dressed and ready to accompany Hermione to the seamstress. Hoping all is well. We'll see you when you get here.
{REPLY}
We'll be right along. Hermione and I overslept but we will be there within the next twenty minutes.
Hermione returned to the room ready to step into her dress. "I'll be ready in five minutes. One blessing is that you didn't tangle my hair."
Emilio smiled as he helped Hermione button her dress. "Yes, there's that. However, I plan to tangle it tonight. You look lovely. One would never know you are carrying my child."
Hermione leaned her head against Emilio's chest. "Well love. They are going to know today. I'm ready. Let's be on our way."
Emilio did a Scorp movement moving his head side to side like he could hear some tune no one else could hear as he grabbed Hermione by the hand and led her to the floo. He was going to be a father.
/*/
Hermione and Emilio stepped out of the floo to a full house. Scorp came at them at a run.
"It's mum and Emilio. Hi mum. Hi Emilio. I was good for Nonna Laria and Nonno Em. Nonna Mela is here too. I had meatloaf and…"
Emilio picked up his someday son. "Let's leave the rest of the report for later. Right now, mum and I have something to share with the family. I'll need you to sit quietly in the telly room. Can you do that?"
Patting Emilio on both cheeks, Scorp nodded. "Yes Emilio. I can do that but don't share too much okay?
"Okay little man. Mum and I won't share too much."
Hermione glanced at Emilio and he glanced back at her as he took her hand. "Family, Hermione and I need to share some personal news with those we love best."
Mela shook her head. "Please don't tell us you and Emilio eloped and we are last to know."
Emilio squeezed his fiancee to him as he responded with a humorous remark. "I've tried that mum. Hermione wouldn't hear of it. However what we have to share is just as monumental as an elopement would be."
Ilaria grabbed onto Emiliano.
Pulling Emilio's arms around her, Hermione revealed their secret and the room went silent until Ilaria rushed Hermione crying her eyes out.
"Merlin be praised. The gods have smiled down on us. I'm going to be a Nonna twice over."
Carmela was speechless. Her mouth was opening and closing with nothing coming out. She finally came to her senses and rushed Hermione, Emilio and Ilaria. "My girl is having a baby. Am I allowed to tell Fausto? When is the baby due?"
Hermione grinned at both Ilaria and Carmela. "The baby is due in July. Emilio and I wanted you all to know because we are moving the wedding date up to as soon as January. In fact, our new wedding date is 10 January 2010. I'll need the help of both my mums to pull this off. In case you're wondering, the change in wedding dates may not be all that's changing."
Emilio had to pull his hand back because Emiliano was shaking it so hard. "Hermione mentioned the change of date but I want to share the change of venue. Hermione and I are thinking of having the Bonding at our new home. We'll pose it as a housewarming but in truth it will be a wedding. Hermione and I would like your input. If you agree, we'll need all your help. If you think we should still hire a venue, we'll still need your help. I'm already a dad but I'll be a father as well. I'm more excited than I've ever been in my life." Glancing at Hermione, he added the last. "You are our immediate family so we wanted you to know, however, we're asking you to keep our news to yourself for now."
Emiliano spread his arms wide. "I can keep a secret but I'm not sure about your mother. I think she'll be sharing news with the witches at the shops."
Ilaria made a frown and gave Emiliano a pinch but laid her head on his arm. ""I won't tell a soul. I am so happy." Then she started sobbing.
Hermione rushed over to hug her. "You're going to be one of the best Nonnas ever. You, Mela and I will figure it out."
Ilaria nodded through red rimmed eyes. She would be the best Nonna ever and she would be within shouting distance of her grandchildren.
/*/
Next, Hermione hugged the witch who had been by her side since she stepped foot into Milan. Even as she tried to be strong, Carmela began sobbing on Hermione's shoulder. "I'm going to be a Nonna times two. I might have to find a house in Wiltshire."
Hermione laughed. "Fausto would kill you with a curse."
Carmela laughed."Yes, there's that."
Emilio brought a bit of normalcy back to the room. "It is now coming on 1:50. I suggest my lovely fiancee get to her appointment. Idelle Scalia is probably standing by the door patting her foot."
Ilaria and Carmela each excused themselves to one of the bathrooms and came back looking refreshed.
Emilio kissed Hermione. Emiliano kissed Ilaria. They both hugged Carmela. Then the three witches were off to their appointment.
/*/
The house was very quiet after Hermione, Carmela and Ilaria left. Emiliano was basically walking on eggshells until Emilio set him straight. "It's a done deal father. Hermione and I are pregnant. Even though it was an accident, we are ecstatic."
"Emilio. What's pegnant? Is mum sick? Are you sick. If you leave me, I might have to come live with Nonno and Nonna."
Both Emilio and Emiliano were caught up short. Their boy had overheard what he wasn't supposed to hear. The father glanced at his son and the son glanced back. Emilio stepped right into father mode.
"Weren't you supposed to be watching telly? How is it you overheard a grown conversation?"
Scorp recognized the slight tone in Emilio's voice and answered accordingly. "I was watching telly Emilio but someone was talking loud. I heard my Nonnas crying and I heard a new word pegnant. I didn't do it on purpose." Then Scorp grabbed onto Emilio and started crying. "Please Emilio I don't want pegnant if it means you and mum are leaving me for good. Please."
Emiliano was at a loss but Emilio picked Scorp up and sat him down on the couch. Raising his wand, he summoned a wet cloth. "Let's wipe that face. We wizards don't want our witches to come home to find the little wizard with a wet, red face."
"Okay Emilio, okay. I don't want a red face. Wipe me up."
Even though the subject was serious, Emiliano smiled at the ingenuity of his someday grandson. However, once Scorp was settled on the couch between Emilio and Emiliano, the someday father offered an explanation. "Pregnant is not your worry Scorp. It's somewhat like marry. Remember when you thought marry was scary, but mum and I explained. Pregnant is like that. It is private business which will be shared with everyone in the near future. For right now, it isn't anyone's business. For now, I want you to forget about the word pregnant. Can you do that? What I will say is your mum and I will share whatever there is to be shared when we move into our new home."
"Okay Emilio, okay. You and mum don't want me to say pegnant. As long as it doesn't mean you and mum are going away, it's our business. I won't tell Crissy, Dusty, Embers or Louis. I promise."
Emilio let out a sigh of relief. His someday son understood the assignment. A quick change of subject was in order. "It's a bit late for lunch but how would my favorite two wizards like toasted cheese and cucumber for lunch?"
Emiliano spoke right up. "I'd like one. How about you Scorp?"
Reaching out to take Emiliano's hand, Scorp answered in the affirmative. For the moment, the word pregnant had been pushed to the back of the little wizard's mind. And that was good.