Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 91
Matt nodded. "Yes, there's that. Now. If...they accept, we'll introduce them to Seth and Sal at 2:00 pm. Even before that though, I'll need you Gas to have a word with Dorcas to ensure she knows what a gift she's being given. Also, advise the rest of the Fourth Levels they should study up because they might be called upon in the future. Get Adam and Dorcas to my conference room. I'll be there in five."
"Consider it done Matt. See you there."
"I'll be there shortly. I need a visit to the men's." Emilio remarked, heading to his office.
/*/
By 1:50 pm, Adam and Dorcas had readily accepted the project and were looking forward to meeting Seth and Sal. All work was to be done in Adam's office. They were allowed to ask for help from Ezra, Nicholas, Caitlin or Richard when they had free time. However, if the task became overwhelming, they would notify Gas and he would bring in another Fourth Level. It was settled.
At 2:05, introductions were made. From 2:15 until 3:30, the process was explained to Sal and Seth who were making liberal use of the words, fantastic, amazing, and unbelievable. At 3:35, Matt, Gas and Emilio stepped away while Adam, Dorcas, Seth and Sal all headed to the FF floor and Adam's office.
The SSE London Project part two had begun.
/*/
Before Gas and Emilio dispersed to their offices, Matt informed them he would be leaving the building by 4:30 and taking the day away tomorrow. They wished their CEO a good evening before continuing on to their own offices.
By 6:00 pm Wednesday evening, Matt was sitting on the couch in Mila's flat patting his inside pocket and trying to rid himself of a severe case of nerves. When Mila came through at 6:35, Matt jumped up and without so much as a hello, blurted out the words which had been on the tip of his tongue since that morning.
"I have your ring."
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 92
Mila was so surprised she stood there for several seconds with her mouth opening and closing like some plimpy out of water. For Matt, the seconds felt like hours.
Walking over to the shaking and now sobbing Mila, he pulled her into his arms.
"Well. It seems to me Miss Kohl is so surprised because she doubted the words of Matt Lozio. If you could stop shaking and sobbing, I have something very important to ask you."
Matt's words made Mila shake and sob even more.
Raising his wand, Matt summoned a wet cloth to wipe Mila's face. Taking the cloth from Matt, Mila wiped her face and neck. With the shakes winding down, she lifted her face to gaze at Matt.
"As you can see, I wasn't expecting you. Normally, I save all my shaking and sobbing for when I receive bad news. Since I don't believe you are here with bad news, I think I might have to go get checked by a Healer."
Matt grinned as he removed Mila's case and purse from her arm. "Ah! She is back to herself. Good. Shall we start over without the shaking and sobbing?"
Mila nodded.
"Alright then. Good evening Miss Kohl. I am here for a visit and plan to spend the night. Are you alright with that?"
Mila nodded.
"Alright, so far so good." Matt remarked as he pulled Mila to him once again.
Mila now had a grin on her face which Matt couldn't see because she had her entire face mushed against his chest. Using one hand, Matt pushed Mila's face off his chest and kissed her on the forehead.
"Now that it's settled I'm a welcome guest, I'd like to let you know a few things. You are the witch I love. I will never be the cause of any bad news. Shaking and sobbing freak me out. With all that said, there is only one more thing." Reaching into his inside pocket, Matt pulled out a golden box. "We joked about certain things Mila, but the one thing I'm most serious about is keeping you in my life for the rest of my life. Inside this lovely, golden box is a symbol of my love for you." Matt opened the box and removed the ring. "Mila Kohl, I'm asking you to accept this ring as a token of my intention to be with you for the rest of our lives. Will you be my wife?"
Holding up a shaking hand, Mila assured Matt she loved him and planned to be in his life for the rest of their lives. "Yes Matt Lozio. I will marry you."
Wrapping his arms around Mila and resting his chin on her head, an emotional Matt whispered a soft thank you. "You won't regret it. You'll now have to give me a moment because I'm the one shaking and sobbing."
Mila wrapped her arms tightly around her fiance. "Now who needs a wet cloth? Thank you for asking the question Matt. I don't think I could have endured you slipping away from me again. I love every bit of you including that shock of white blond hair."
/*/
The hard part was over. He had the promise of his fiance and life witch. Matt first kissed the ring on Mila's finger then kissed her lips. "You have made me very happy. If you are up to it, I'd like to take you out to celebrate this momentous event."
"I'd like that very much Mr. Lozio. Give me and my ring thirty minutes to get beautiful."
Giving Mila another passionate kiss, Matt told her she was already beautiful but the jury was still out on the ring.
Holding up the hand with her engagement ring, she corrected Matt. "This is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen because it connects me to you."
Her sweet words were making thick skinned Matt Lozio emotional once again. "Go do what needs to be done or you'll observe your fiance shaking and sobbing like some prat."
Mila smiled as she headed to the bedroom leaving an even sweeter comment in her wake. "You're allowed a bit of weakness and I'm allowed to see. That's some of what love is about."
"It most certainly is." He whispered softly. "It most certainly is."
/*/
Matt knew Emilio was probably eating dinner, but he had to share his news.
{SENDER}: Matt
{RECIPIENT}: Emilio
Sorry to interrupt your evening, but my news is big. She said yes. Your CEO is now an engaged wizard. You may share with Hermione. I'll tell the rest including Louis myself. See you Friday.
/*/
Seth and Sal arrived back at The Luxe at about 6:30 having stopped to pick up dinner. However, both wizards were too keyed up to eat anything.
"How did we get so lucky mate?"
Seth, who had stepped away to have a shower called out that he couldn't make out what Sal was saying. "I'll be right out Sal."
"I'm going to have a quick shower myself. Back in fifteen."
Seth came back out and looked around. No Sal. "The more for me then." He said, pointing his wand at the food sack. He was part way through his dinner when Sal walked in.
"That hungry then? Couldn't wait the few minutes?"
Seth glared at Sal. "We've had too good of a day so don't start your nonsense. Your sack is where you left it. What did you make of Adam and Dorcas?"
Sal glared right back. "What do you mean what did I make of Adam and Dorcas? They both appear to be dead smart. I think they'll have us sorted before the Devlin-Nott Group has the second level finished. I think it's a brilliant move to have more than one Head."
"This pork loin is so good. I'll have yours if you can't finish it."
"No worries about me finishing my dinner mate Seth. I'm a growing wizard."
Seth laughed. "I agree you are a growing wizard. If you grow any more Mr. Maida, you won't be able to fit into your trousers. To business. As Dorcas pointed out, hiring the four Heads, four Managers and four Assistants should be top on our list. I concur. Those are the most important positions. What about Emiliano Lozier for Head of all business? He has the experience. We've read his file and you've vetted him."
"While all that is true Seth, I'm wondering if he has the temperament. Back in the day he was a ruddy bastard."
"That was then Sal. This is now. I say we put a word in Emilio's ear about meeting his father and having a chat to see what he knows about SSE."
"That's an idea. I know it might be frowned upon, but I would actually like to meet Mr. Lozier without having Emilio advise him."
Seth sat staring across the room. "There's some risk to that. We might piss off father and son at the same time if they think we're being sneaky. We can speak to Emilio about meeting Emiliano to get his thoughts but ask him not to prepare his father. We want honest thoughts not some regurgitated Emilio bullshite."
Sal snapped at Seth. "Regurgitated bullshite? Yes. Let's approach former Wizengamot Clerk, former Minister of Acquisitions and current COO of MCC with a request to meet his father without his bullshite attached. That might play well in Belgium or Italy but here in London it might get us cursed. For now, we'll just keep Emiliano Lozier at the top of the Heads pile.
Seth gave a cheeky reply. "Fine. It might not be necessary for us to speak to Emiliano at all. Adam and Dorcas might have positions plotted and filled by Friday."
Sal laughed out loud. "I'll bet Hermione would have had it done it by Thursday."
The two partners looked at each other and cracked up laughing.
/*/
Ilaria and Emiliano had only been gone for an hour when Emilio came through. Scorp was up from his chair before Emilio was all the way into the living room.
"Hi Emilio. Nonna and Nonna just went home. They took me to the park and….."
Heading straight for Hermione, Emilio kissed her on the cheek before telling Scorp he always had to greet mum first.
"Okay Emilio mum first. Now me. Greet mum then me then Louis if you want."
"Well thank you young wizard. I now have my night laid out for me. Have you washed up for dinner?"
Scorp gave Hermione a quick glance before giving Emilio a cagey reply. "I think I don't have to wash up for dinner until you get here to help me. Nonno would have helped me but Nonna wanted to go home. I think she is tired."
Emilio looked over at Hermione who was silently laughing. "Well love you asked. Dinner will be on the table in a few minutes."
Grabbing Emilio by the hand, Scorp began leading him towards the bathroom. It was time to get washed up.
/*/
Scorp shared so much about his day that Hermione had to tell him to eat before his dinner got cold. Emilio really enjoyed his time with his family but realized Scorp could talk the ear off anyone in his vicinity which was part and parcel of being a father. When dinner was over, Hermione and Emilio allowed Scorp to enjoy some family time. However, this particular night he couldn't keep his eyes open.
"I'm tired mum. I think it's time for Emilio to help me upstairs. He won't do my night stuff but he can stay with me for a few minutes. I want to give mum a good night kiss."
"Thank you love. Have a good sleep."
Emilio picked up his tired boy and headed for the stairs. "As I said earlier, Scorp has my night all laid out. Be back in a few."
/*/
While Emilio was putting his someday son down for the night, Hermione gathered all the information she had gotten from Grace. She thought her fiance would be pleased. Grace hadn't been all that pleased with the drastic changes but had remained professional. She had agreed to it all. On their end, all Emilio had to do was check with Abel and Trevor to see if Fieldcrest Hall would be available on Sunday, the Tenth of January at 2:00 pm. Going over things in her head, Hermione suddenly realized she hadn't heard from Idelle. Here she was making all these plans but didn't know if she had a complete dress. It was a bit late, but Hermione figured she would try to contact the designer.
Too late. Emilio was back downstairs. Hermione made a mental note to call Idelle in the morning.
Settling himself on the couch beside Hermione, Emilio was ready to hear their news. "Alright my love, dazzle me with the news from Grace, and the progress being made at 4 Tudor Lane."
"I'll need kisses to get my thoughts in order."
"I can do that and more." Leered Emilio. "In fact, would you care to receive your kisses in the privacy of our room?"
Hermione didn't move. "No Mr. Lozier. I wouldn't care to get my kisses in our room. We have important things to discuss which I won't be able to do with you lying around showing those bits I love."
After letting out a fairly loud chuckle, and leaving three successive kisses on Hermione's lips, Emilio gave a cheeky reply. "I do not lie around with my bits hanging out. They are only out when I use them on you, but I will abide by your wishes. What did Grace say? Will she be able to assist us?"
Hermione nodded. "She will and can do it without too much fuss, As she said, it's only a change of date. Everything we contracted for remains the same. There's one other thing that needs to be done."
"And what is the one thing?" He asked, bringing Hermione's hand to his lips.
"You will have to have a conversation with Abel and Trevor about the hall."
Emilio's mind was on having his bits hanging out. "Why would that be? Everything is set on that…. Merciful Merlin! We have to find out if Fieldcrest Hall is available for January Tenth. How could I have forgotten that? I will contact Trevor first thing tomorrow. I don't think we have to worry. Knowing Trevor and Abel as I do, even if the hall is reserved, they will do everything in their power to make something available. Although not as elegant as Fieldcrest, they do have several other event rooms."
Hermione let out a sigh. "If possible, I'd like Fieldcrest Hall. However, if that isn't possible, I'll need to get the information to Grace as soon as possible. I have faith in you. You're very charming, charm them."
Emilio answered while nuzzling Hermione's neck. "Alright love. You'll hear from me as soon as I hear from them. Although I plan to charm them, it might not work because neither Trevor nor Abel has ever been moved by a wizard no matter how charming."
"Fair enough love. Fair enough. Why don't we retire to our room where you can charm me and our child?"
Emilio was up in a flash. "It will be my pleasure. For you, I just might let my bits hang out this one time."
Hermione gave him a nice thump on the arm as she stood to go get charmed.
/*/
After charming Hermione several times, Emilio shared Matt's news.
Hermione was a bit surprised. "That was fast. He's just…." Then she realized what she had been about to say. She had been about to comment on a situation that practically mirrored her and Emilio's. Lovers who had separated only to be reunited years later. She changed tack altogether. "Congratulations to Matt and Mila. I wish them the best of everything."
Knowing what Hermione had been about to say, Emilio leaned over to kiss her temple. "Sometimes it all just works out. Matt wants you to know, but he wants to tell everyone else in his own time. Louis will be ecstatic."
Hermione smiled as she ran her hand through Emilio's damp hair. "He might even smile."
"Very true. Goodnight my love. Sleep well."
"Goodnight."
/*/
Before Hermione and Emilio's eyelids were all the way closed, their mobiles pinged simultaneously. Hermione threw back the covers and Summoned her wand. Before she could call for the mobiles, Emilio suggested they let the messages wait.
"You may let yours wait. I would like to know if there is a pressing issue somewhere."
Emilio turned on his side. "As you wish."
Hermione gave Emilio a pinch on the bum after reading both texts. "The last of what mum and Nonno are bringing to Tudor Place is in place. Lozier Estate has been closed up. They are now officially members of British society."
"Lovely. I'll alert The Prophet."
Hermione gave Emilio another pinch. "I see you're so tired you can't be civil. Go to sleep prat. I'll respond for us both. Perhaps I'll advise them you intend to alert The Prophet."
"Hilarious Mrs. Hermione. If you don't mind, I'll laugh when I'm awake."
Hermione put her attention back on the phones where she replied the same to both Ilaria and Emiliano.
{How exciting. We are thrilled. Have a good night.}
/*/
Sitting side by side in bed, Ilaria and Emiliano smiled at the response with both simultaneously commenting, Hermione.
/*/
In Belgium, Celia was excitedly showing Ron the text she had received from her mother.
{The last of what your father and I are taking to Tudor Place is in place. Lozier Estate has been closed up. We are now officially members of British society. Love you.}
Grabbing Ron around the neck, Celia kissed him all over his face. "Fantastic news. Tomorrow we'll ask mum to plan a dinner for parents when they're settled where we'll share our own news."
Pushing Celia onto her back, Ron went one better. He began leaving kisses all the way down her stomach. "Somehow, moving back to Italy is suddenly appealing."
Celia nodded her head letting out groan after groan.
/*/
Evan Maida was being fussy. Gas had tried to calm him down with little success. Seana was currently walking the floor with their little darling. "I think Evan has had too much excitement lately. As much as I love my mum and dad, I believe moving Evan back and forth between them has played havoc with his little senses. From now on, Evan remains in the crib when the parents are here."
Gas stood up and encircled his wife and son. "You're tired and talking nonsense. Look at things in a positive light. Everything we own except for basic essentials has been moved to Tudor Lane where our family will be very shortly. We are moving forward. A small thing like a cranky baby is nothing. Give me Evan then go lie down."
Handing Evan over, Seana gave Gas a kiss before heading to the bedroom. "I love you Gaspare."
Cuddling his now quiet son, Gas murmured back to Seana. "I love you more Mrs. Maida."
/**/
Thursday morning, Emilio tried to kiss Hermione before going to shower but she swatted him away.
"I'm sleeping. Can your kisses wait until I'm awake?"
Emilio laughed out loud as he padded to the bathroom. "Touche Mrs. Hermione. Touche. However, since those lips belong to me, I will be taking what's mine."
Hermione suddenly sat up in bed. "Now look what you've done. You've talked me awake."
A totally naked Emilio came speeding back across the room putting his face five inches from Hermione's "I'll take a few of those kisses now."
Clasping her arms around Emilio's neck, a giggling Hermione gave him four successive kisses. "I love you even when you're cranky."
Hurrying back to the bathroom, Emilio called over his shoulder. "Ditto."
Too awake to lie back down, Hermione swung her feet over the side of the bed and just sat there thinking about her day. Then, her fiance was standing in front of her giving her a quick run down of his day.
"I'm leaving now. I'll text you as soon as I hear from Trevor or Abel."
"Okay."
"Don't be surprised if Matt wants to stop by. He needs to speak to Louis."
"Okay."
"He might want to do something this weekend as well."
"Okay."
Emilio sat down next to Hermione. "Are you humoring me?"
"Okay. Oops, I mean no. I'm not humoring you."
Emilio pulled her into a hug. "Prat. I'm leaving now."
Hermione laughed out loud. "Have a good day love. Don't forget to alert The Prophet. Mum and Nonno will thank you for it."
Hermione caught the tail end of a chuckle as Emilio turned into Apparition.
/*/
It was early so Hermione took a leisurely shower taking time to run her hands over the tiny bit of swelling on her tummy speaking to her child as she went. "Don't get too big for those britches. No one likes a show off baby."
She had spent more time in the shower than she realized because it was coming on 8:30. If he wasn't already up, Scorp would be up soon. Summoning her wand, Hermione then Summoned an entire outfit from the upstairs bedroom closet. Ten minutes later, she was in the kitchen pointing her wand at eggs, bacon, potatoes and juice. With another few twists of her wand, the ingredients began to prepare themselves.
"Mum, mum. I'm up and I'm hungry. Mum?"
Hermione went to the bottom of the stairs. "Good morning young wizard. I can hear you without you shouting. What did mum and Emilio tell you about using your loud voice?"
"I have to use my soft voice in the house. I'm all dressed. Can I come downstairs?"
"Yes. Come down. Be careful on the stairs."
"Okay mum, okay."
Hermione watched as her sweetheart carefully traversed the stairs. When he reached the bottom, she complimented him. "Well done young wizard. Very well done. Come sit down. Breakfast is almost ready."
/*/
Hermione checked her Wonder Witch Clock. It was 9:50 which meant it was 10:50 in Italy which was a reasonable time to call Idelle. After getting Scorp settled, Hermione rang Idelle. Idelle wasn't available but her assistant took Hermione's information and asked her to hold while she checked on things. Hermione sat there swinging her foot and humming softly.
Ping. Mr. Lozier had sent a text.
Hermione was beginning to get annoyed. How long did it take to check on one dress? Finally, the assistant was back on the phone. She was sorry it had taken her so long, but the dress had been hard to find.
Hard to find? Hermione sat up board straight ready to go up one side and down the other of…..
The assistant was speaking. Hermione's dress had been hard to find because it was hanging on the finished rack marked done, waiting for customer. For two seconds, Hermione wanted to curse someone out. Here she was wondering about her dress and it was hanging on the finished rack waiting to be tried on and picked up.
"This is some bullshite."
Realizing her dress was at the mercy of someone she was ready to shout at, Hermione simply asked when could she come by the shop to get her dress. The surprising answer was, if she could come that day, she could check fittings. If everything was correct, she could get the dress straightaway. Hermione didn't even have to think about it. She immediately agreed to be there by 12:30. The assistant assured Hermione Idelle would be there by then.
As soon as she was off the phone with Idelle's shop, Hermione was in motion. She would have to take Scorp with her because she couldn't expect Ilaria and Emiliano to watch Scorp all the time.
It was now 10:40 London time, 11:40 Milan time.
"Scorp love. Please come here. We are going on a short trip I'll expect you to be on your best behavior."
"Okay mum. Are we going to see Nonna?"
"No Scorp. We are going somewhere else. Crissy please."
Pop. "I'm here Mrs. Hermione."
"Scorp and I have an appointment. Please take him to the bathroom then have him put on the heavy, blue jumper."
"Yes Mrs. I'll be quick."
Raising her wand, Hermione turned off the telly before going to the bathroom to freshen up. As she sat on the toilet, bouts of nausea were trying to work themselves up into her throat.
"Nice baby Lozier. You pick now to torture mum."
"Crissy put my jumper on me. I'm ready for our pointment."
Taking a quick glance in the mirror, Hermione took two deep breaths before heading back to the living room. "Let's go young wizard so we can get there and back."
Picking up Scorp, Hermione turned the floo to Milan Main. They were off.
/*/
Hermione and Scorp arrived at Idelle's shop at 12:10 to be met by Idelle herself.
"Nice to see you. Hello young man. My apologies for the mix up. I don't know how we missed sending you a notification. Anyway, you are here now. We can check the fit. I'm afraid I cannot allow a child in the fitting area. I have a small telly in the back if you care to leave him there. I'll have Bernice sit with him. We shouldn't be long."
"Scorp, mum needs to step into the other room. Miss Idelle has offered the use of her telly. Stay in your seat and watch your clown show."
Scorp was apprehensive. "I'll stay in my seat but maybe you can call Nonna or Emilio to sit with me. They won't mind."
"You're Emilio's big boy. You'll be fine with Miss Bernice. I'll only be gone a short while."
"Okay mum. Please hurry back."
/*/
Luckily, the fitting went well. The dress was all Hermione had asked for and more. It had only taken about thirty minutes to get it all sorted. Idelle thanked Hermione for her business and had thrown in a veil covered with beads.
With her dress shrunken down and in her purse, Hermione went to get Scorp who jumped up at the sight of her. "I missed you mum. You were gone a long time." Giving Bernice a strange look, Scorp lowered his voice. "That lady keeps looking at me. For the next appointment, I want to stay with Nonna or Nonno. I'm hungry."
Hermione smiled at her outspoken child.
"Alright little man. Let's get you home. Mela is going to be sad to know you were in Milan and didn't see her, but we'll call her later."
"Okay mum. We'll call Nonna Mela later."
They both waved as they left Idelle's shop.
/*/
As they stepped out of the floo, Hermione called for Dusty and Crissy.
Pop. Pop.
"We here Mrs."
"Excellent. Crissy, please take Scorp upstairs. Remove his jumper and let him use the toilet. Dusty, please see to Scorp's lunch. Fix him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a plate of cucumber and celery slices. Thank you."
/*/
Lunch was done. Scorp was napping. It was time to have a good look at her beautiful, beaded gown.
And she did. Then she conjured a covering which would not reveal the dress to anyone other than herself. For the moment, her work was done.
/*/
Hermione laid her head back against the couch thinking to get a few winks but the ping from her phone alerted her to an incoming text. It was at precisely that moment she remembered Emilio had sent a text early that morning. Grabbing her phone, she noticed the last text was from Emilio as well.
First text.
{SENDER}: Emilio
{RECIPIENT}: Mrs. Hermione
I spoke to Trevor. Fieldcrest Hall is available for January Tenth. He has moved our reservation. He sent his regards. Just so you know, The Prophet wasn't interested in my submission. Love you.
Second text.
{SENDER}: Emilio
{RECIPIENT}: Mrs. Hermione
Is everything alright? I expected to hear from you.
Hermione answered both texts in one.
{RECIPIENT}: Emilio
Hello love. Everything is fine. I did receive both texts. I had an errand to run and got distracted. I'm excited we'll still be able to have Fieldcrest Hall for our venue. Thank you for following up. The Prophet doesn't know what it's missing. See you tonight.
/*/
Emilio was relieved when he received the text from Hermione. Everything was fine on the home front. However, he was puzzled Hermione hadn't mentioned any errand to him. He had just started to review the file on a prospective new client when he looked up to see Gas at the door.
"Gaspare. Looking a little tired. If you're here looking for a bit of healing potion, I'm fresh out."
Gas smiled at the COO. "I am a bit tired. So much going on at home. Seana and I are finally moving to the new house on Saturday the Twenty First. I'll need a half day on Friday the Twentieth."
"Fine by me. Why not just put it on the calendar?"
"I did. I just like to hear myself talk. Speaking of hearing myself speak, I have a question."
Leaning back in his big COO chair, Emilio gestured for Gas speak. "You have the floor Mr. Maida."
"Well, Seana called earlier to inform me that we have received a revised invitation from the Wedding Planner regarding your wedding. Is it true you and Hermione have moved up the date?"
Emilio was caught. Of course it was true. However, neither Hermione nor himself had prepared a pat answer for the questions. Then he thought about it. He didn't have to explain it all. He just had to answer. Looking Gas directly in the eye, Emilio gave his answer.
"Yes Gas we have."
There hadn't been anything more for Gas to say. He had his answer. "Alright then Mr. COO. Seana and I will definitely be there. Talk to you later."
As soon as Gas' arse cleared the door, Emilio had his phone in hand texting Hermione's
{RECIPIENT}: Hermione.
Our Wedding Planner is working faster than a Niffler that has spotted gold. Gas just asked about the new wedding date. I gave him a four word answer (yes Gas we have) and a direct look. He left my office at full speed. Do we need to discuss having some pat answer? Let me know because the questions will be coming.
Hermione opened the text and laughed almost as loudly as Hannah Potter. When her fiance got in from work, she planned to assure him that a four word answer (with interchangeable names) would do.