Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 95
Sitting down on the side of the bed, Emilio pulled Hermione close. "I love you Mrs. Lozier and don't want to upset you, but I'd rather you spend two days now than five days down the road because of problems. You and our boy will go home Sunday morning. I'll be here before the sun rises."
Hermione laughed and gave Emilio a hard pinch. "As long as you'll be here before first light, I'll go along. My bed will still be there on Sunday. Please inform Ilaria. I hope she can cope with Scorp for one more day."
"Now you're barking. Mother lives for the times she has Scorp all to herself. However, I will check on things after I leave here. Matt copied me on a text he sent to the FF. There's an interesting bet afoot. I'll know more after speaking to Matt or James. Right now though, I believe young Mr. Lozier will shortly be appearing at the door wanting to be fed. I'll do the honors while you relax. If you don't mind, after the feeding, I'll go check on things and be back before you wake from your nap."
Hermione grinned at her husband. "Just for that remark, I will take a nap. Now snap to. I hear the sound of a mobile crib coming down the hall."
Pulling out his wand, Emilio cast a cleansing charm over his and Hermione's hands.
"Nice job Mr. Lozier."
Emilio leaned over to give Hermione a quick kiss. "I'm a very fast learner. Although, I'm sure the healer will cast the same charm. I think she doesn't trust us."
Hermione was still chuckling when the healer entered the room asking them to hold out their hands.
Hermione glanced over at Emilio who returned the look with a saucy wink.
I'm becoming so knowledgeable, Emilio thought to himself. By Sunday, I'll know everything.
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 96
Even though she was tired, Hermione remained awake watching as Emilio fed Emil. She trusted the husband but wanted to oversee his first time feeding Emil on his own. Hermione was so proud as she watched the father feed his baby. He was careful but confident.
Reaching out to run a hand down Emilio's back, she offered a compliment. "You've taken to fatherhood as if you've been practicing for years."
Emilio grinned. "I might not have been practicing for years, but I have been studying up. Besides, I believe the healer would give me a good thump if I made the slightest mistake."
Hermione laughed out loud. "I'll have to agree with you there. She is not one to bend the rules. As Scorp asked, is that our baby or hers? For the next day or so, Emil is as much her baby as he is ours."
"Very true." Holding up the bottle, Emilio showed Hermione how much Emil had taken. "I believe our youngest son has the appetite of his older brother. I might have to get an additional position to keep them fed."
Hermione chuckled over the nonsense coming out of Emilio's mouth while feeling extremely thankful for the wizard who loved her. A fleeting thought passed through her head as she watched Emilio hold Emil up to his shoulder for the burp. As much as Draco had loved his son, she could count on one hand the times he would feed or burp Scorp. To him, jobs of that nature were up to her or the help. Whatever. That was in her other life.
"A penny for your thoughts Mrs. Lozier?"
"Just thinking how amazing you are with Emil. I'm so proud of you."
Emilio gave Hermione a direct look as if he couldn't believe what she had just said. "Thank you for the back end compliment love, but how else could I be? I mean this is our child. I'd be quite the arsehole if I didn't step up to do my part. Besides, my heart is so full of love I believe I'm moving by rote. I'm hearing pooping noises love. For now, that is still your area. You change him while I watch. I want it all down pat by Sunday evening."
Taking Emil from Emilio, Hermione chuckled at her husband. "Have it all down pat by Sunday evening, is it? Hand me a nappy, a wet cloth and the baby oil from the mobile crib then pay attention because Sunday evening will be here before you know it."
As Emil handed over the items to Hermione and watched as she cleaned Emil's tiny bottom, he wondered if he had spoken too confidently. Perhaps he wouldn't know everything by Sunday evening. Perhaps not, but he would try his best. He had a newborn son. He'd definitely try his best.
/
After the feeding and bum cleaning, Hermione and Emilio spent another thirty minutes just cuddling and admiring their son before the healer returned to bring the baby back to the nursery.
"Hello Loziers. Time for Emil to go back to the nursery. He's a very good baby. We think the next feeding time will be in four hours as opposed to two to three hours."
Hermione had immediate questions and spoke right up. "Why would you even think to deprive my son of food? He's a newborn who can't voice his wants. I want my son brought to me in two hours as required. If you can't manage that, give me the information for someone who can."
The healer knew she had stepped in it. She had offered information that didn't need to be shared. Mrs. Lozier was correct. If Emil was scheduled to be brought to the mother every two hours, he should be brought to the mother whether he is hungry or not. She was reciting the feelings of the nursery staff not the St Mungo's rules. She took a deep breath then tried to calm Hermione down.
"My apologies Mrs. Lozier. Emil has…"
Hermione wasn't trying to be disrespectful, but this was her newborn they were talking about. "I don't need apologies. I just need to know who made the decision to keep Emil in the nursery for four hours. Please have whomever come to my room. Thank you."
Realizing how upset Hermione was, Emilio was quietly whispering in her ear to remain calm. However, when Hermione had referred to the rules, he immediately came to attention. Was the nursery staff making arbitrary decisions based on their thoughts? He was with Hermione on this. They needed to speak to the Head Healer.
Taking Hermione by the hand, Emilio stepped into the conversation. "Please Miss Shepherd, just advise the Head Healer we would like to have a conversation."
All the healer could do was nod as she wheeled the mobile crib out of the room.
As soon as the healer was gone, Emilio put his arms around Hermione. "I'll need you to calm down love. We'll get this all straightened out. If someone is making arbitrary decisions about our son, it will be rectified."
"I know love. I'm sorry. I may have overreacted, but….."
The Head Healer was at the door.
"Good afternoon. I'm Head Healer Barksdale. I was told you want to speak to me. How can I help you?"
Having calmed down a bit, Hermione spoke reasonably explaining what had happened and wanted to know why. The Head Healer smiled first at Hermione then Emilio.
"First, my apologies to you both. What should have been explained to you is St Mungo's has only the best and most experienced maternity healers on staff who are authorized to make adjustments as necessary. According to Emil's record, he sleeps well past two hours. In light of that fact, Healer Shepherd recommended rather than wake him for a two hour feeding, we allow him to sleep until he wakes. Emil wouldn't be deprived in any way. However, since you and your husband feel so strongly about timing, we will have your son back to you in two hours."
After the explanation, Hermione felt silly. The staff at St Mungo's had always been above reproach. Holding tightly to Emilio's hand, she backtracked a bit.
"Thank you so much for your explanation Healer Barksdale. I imagine Healer Shepherd would have explained more fully if I had given her the chance. My apologies to her and the rest of the staff. Emilio and I will be abiding by recommendations. We'll see Emil when he is ready for a feeding."
Both Hermione and Emilio thanked Healer Barksdale for her time.
"Well, that was embarrassing. A mother trying to run the nursery."
Emilio kissed Hermione's temple. "Hahaha. The good thing about it is we'll never have to tell another soul."
Laying her head against Emilio's arm, Hermione snipped at him. "Fine Lozier laugh it up. You were just as concerned as me."
"That's true love, but I'm not the one Healer Shepherd probably wants to hex."
Hermione smiled. "Since I have four hours until the next feeding, I'm going to take a nap. Go home and check on things. Make sure Scorp hasn't talked mum to death...and get some rest."
Emilio left several kisses on Hermione's lips before standing. "Alright love. I want to check in with Matt anyway. I'll be sure to let Scorp know you'll be home on Sunday. He's sure to have an opinion. Rest well. I'll see you later."
"Love you Mrs. Lozier. Please don't try to take over the hospital while I'm gone."
Hermione chuckled. "I'll try not to, but as you know, I'm good at many things. Perhaps insurrection is one of them. Love you. Kiss Scorp for me."
/
Matt was and wasn't surprised to receive a text from Emilio. Their COO was as bad as Gas.
{Sender}: Emilio
{Recipient}: Matt
Just checking in. I'm going to pass on taking your bet. All the good ones are taken. Just kidding. All of The FF are outstanding. I don't want either Richard or Adam to be the last wizard standing. I do like the idea of The FF working more closely with the Fourth Levels. In fact, my suggestion would be to assign each of The Fourth Levels to one of The FF. Since Adam has already worked with Dorcas, put them together. We had tentatively paired Ezra with Lance, so pair them, etc., etc. down the line. Flesh it out and see what comes of it. I'm just home for a bit. Have to see about Scorp before going back to the hospital.
Matt smiled at the text from his big brained COO. Flesh it out he would. He responded to Emilio with a simple, thanks cousin before texting Gas and James.
{Gas, James}
The big brain has come through. As soon as we hear from The FF, I believe we have a solution.
/
Matt hadn't gotten the last words of the text to Gas and James typed good before looking up to find Dorcas at his door. He sighed. He didn't even have to guess what this was about. It appeared he would need to use his own big brain to solve this.
"Good afternoon Miss Macavoy. Come in. Have a seat. What can I do for you?"
Dorcas took a seat with her entire face flushed pink. "Good afternoon Matt. Feel free to call me Dorcas."
Matt laughed out loud at the Fourth Level with the healthy sense of humor. "I know you didn't come all the way down here to practice a comedy routine. If you did, you may tell your story walking."
Dorcas nodded. "Sorry sir. I couldn't resist. I am here to get clarification on a situation that came up today."
Matt began playing with the pen in his hand but remained silent.
Dorcas hesitated but quickly began to explain. "I had a visit from Seth today. He asked me out. Of course I declined and explained about fraternization. Seth accepted my answer without question. I'm here because I would like to be able to accept his invitation without consequences."
Matt thought quickly and his mind landed on the FF/Fourth Level situation. He could do something which would make two people happy or he could do something to make two people unhappy. He decided to go for happy.
"Alright Dorcas. Since you have gone the correct route by approaching me for permission, I might have an answer. The answer will entail you moving from the SSE team back to regular Fourth Level. How do you feel about that?"
Dorcas thought about it for a second and made her choice. "I believe there will be other chances for me down the road so I don't have any qualms about being moved back. I would like to be in the position to accept the date with Seth."
Matt gave a little shrug. Some witch was actually interested in Seth. Who knew? Sal will be so disappointed.
"Alright Dorcas, feel free to contact Seth to let him know you are available for dates starting tomorrow. I'll let you know before end of day today how it will all be handled on this end."
Grinning and nodding, Dorcas backed her way out of Matt's office thanking him as she went.
"Come on FF. Someone get back to me. I need your suggestions." Matt remarked to the thin air.
/
Seth was sitting in his suite with feet up catching up with what was going on in the newspapers when his phone pinged.
"Ah! A text. Sal must be being held hostage somewhere and needs me to come rescue him."
Seth pulled himself up straight. The text wasn't from Sal. It was from witch Dorcas Macavoy.
{Sender}: Dorcas
{Recipient}: Seth
Good afternoon again. First, let me apologize for declining your invitation. I had to. However, things have changed and I am now available starting tomorrow evening. If you are still interested, put a thinking cap over that handsome, blonde hair and think about where you'll be taking me. Feel free to text or call before then…..way before then.
Seth grinned as he pumped his fist in the air. This witch was so cute and he admired her sense of humor. Jumping up, he strode across the floor to his bedroom closet. He might be a day early, but he needed to be sure he had something in his wardrobe which would complement his handsome, blonde hair.
/
Emilio was rushing around. It was almost 6:00 pm. He had spent time with his mother and Scorp. After returning to the house, both he and Scorp had fallen asleep on the couch and now he was running late. Well, not really late because he and Hermione hadn't set any particular time, but he felt late. He felt he had been away from his wife and son for too long. His rushing around woke Scorp.
"Dad, dad. You're hurrying too fast."
"I am hurrying big man. I need to get back to see mum and Emil."
"What about me? Am I going to see mum and Emil?"
Emilio slowed down and sat beside Scorp. "You are going to spend the night with Nonna and Nonno as planned. Your mum and brother will be home Sunday, but I promise to take you to see mum and Emil tomorrow. Crissy please."
Pop!
"I'm here Mr. Emilio."
"Please take Scorp to the toilet and put on a fresh jumper. He's going back to Nonna and Nonno Lozier's house."
"Yes Mr. Emilio. I'll be doing that right away. Come on big man. We have to get you ready."
"Okay Crissy, okay. Don't go dad. You have to take me to Nonna's."
Emilio had one foot in the bedroom but stepped back to answer Scorp. "I'm not going anywhere just yet. My big boy comes first."
/
By the time Crissy had Scorp ready, Emilio was waiting by the floo.
"I'm ready dad. Bye Crissy. Tell Embers and Dusty I said bye. I'm going to see mum tomorrow. Bye."
Lifting his oldest up, Emilio called out Nonna's.
Presto! They were there, and Nonna was at their side.
"Good evening nipote. Hello son. Your father isn't home yet, but dinner is ready if you want to eat."
Emilio kissed Ilaria after he put Scorp down. "Hello mother. Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to have dinner with Hermione. Thank you for taking my big man. Sorry to be in such a rush, but I want to get back to mother and son. I love you both. Be good for Nonna and Nonno Scorp. I'll see you in the morning. If you can manage mother, please have Scorp dressed and ready by 10:30. Appreciate it."
Giving Scorp a kiss on the forehead, Emilio stepped into the floo calling out London Main.
As soon as Emilio was gone, Scorp told his Nonna he was hungry and would be glad when Nonno got home so they could eat.
Ilaria grinned telling Scorp his Nonno should be along shortly.
Scorp shrugged. "Good, because Scorp is hungry."
/
By the time the Friday afternoon upper management meeting ended, all had been sorted. Matt had won the bet. Ezra had won the galleons. Ezra had been first to suggest The FF work with the Fourth Levels in some way. Matt, Gas and James had that way.
As of Monday July 5th 2010, MCC would be forming a new department called Marketing and Information which would be under the direct oversight of James. All Fourth Level reassignments would be called assistants until further notice. Since the Fourth Level had been depleted, Gas was assigned to select and oversee five sharp wizards/witches to fill the Fourth Level spots. All applicants or promotions would be run past Matt, Emilio and James before being permanently assigned. James suggested they use Lance and Adam to find worthy applicants if none were currently available. Matt, Gas and Emilio (via text) agreed.
Dorcas was being pulled off the SSE project and reassigned as Richard's assistant.
Lance Peterson would step into the SSE project to assist Adam.
Nathan Rogers would be paired with Nicholas.
Peter Amara would be paired with Caitlin.
Isaac Jacobson would be paired with Ezra.
Matt made sure to personally text Dorcas the new line up. There were a few housekeeping details to be done as well, but the available three Beasts had made short work of them. New offices were set up or enlarged as needed. It would be up to the occupants to set them up to their liking.
By 6:30, Matt was on his way to pick up Mila so they could visit Hermione. James freshened up before heading directly to St Mungo's. Gas went home to Seana and Evan.
/
Emilio arrived at St Mungo's around 6:35 and was greeted with a big kiss from a grinning Hermione. "Hello love. How is Scorp holding up? Hasn't talked mum to death yet, has he?"
Emilio laughed as he leaned in to return Hermione's kiss. "Not yet. Things being what they are, I think mother might just out talk Scorp. I see no one has hexed you."
"Funny Mr. Lozier. No one has reason to hex me. I'm a concerned mother who wanted answers. I have my answers so I'm fine."
"Good to know love. Good to know. Has Emil had his feeding yet?"
"I've just finished dinner. The healer told me she'll be bringing Emil down in fifteen minutes. I'm holding her to it."
Emilio grinned. "I had hoped to get here in time to have dinner with you. I'll have something later. I'm most glad I didn't miss Emil's feeding. I'm feeling quite confident. I might be able to do it all without assistance including changing the nappy."
Hermione had just reached out to stroke Emilio's arm when James appeared in the doorway.
"Good evening Loziers. CMO Wooley here to visit the mother and baby. I hope I'm not intruding." He said, shaking hands with Emilio and leaving a kiss on Hermione's cheek.
"Hello Mr. CMO. Rest your coat then wash your hands. They should be bringing Emil down any minute."
Hermione smiled at the look on James' face. Emilio was performing the daddy part magnificently. "Hi James. Come on in. You most certainly are not intruding. It's nice to see you."
Emilio, Hermione and James chatted for about five minutes before the recognizable sound of the mobile crib being wheeled down the hall became apparent.
"My boy is on the way." Emilio remarked, rising to a standing position.
Hermione, who was sitting in one of the bedside chairs straightened up. The healer entered the room greeting everyone as she came but looking at Hermione.
"Good evening everyone. Emil is here for his feeding. Healer Barksdale suggested Emil be allowed to remain with mummy and daddy for forty minutes instead of the allotted thirty. All necessities are at the bottom of the crib. I'll be back in a bit."
Hermione and Emilio glanced at each other. Things had turned a corner. The healer hadn't mentioned washing hands or the do not walk with the baby caution. A minor tantrum had gone a long way. However, just because Healer Shepherd hadn't voiced it didn't mean they would ignore the rules. Emilio pulled out his wand.
"Hold out those hands James and remove your suit coat. We want to be safe rather than sorry."
James removed his suit coat before holding out his hands.
"So, does this mean I'll be allowed to hold my god baby?"
Emilio hadn't hesitated even as he plucked Emil from the crib and placed him in Hermione's arms. "That would be a no and a nothing has been decided. You may look at our boy. That's the extent of it."
James smiled. He expected no less. He was just having his little joke.
"Yes James. That's the extent of it. The real godfather has arrived."
Matt and Mila had arrived.
Leaving a kiss on Hermione's cheek, the COO shook hands with Emilio and James. "Good evening all. Mila and I have come to check on the newest Lozier. How are you Hermione?" Gazing at Emil, Matt really was amazed. His cousin had made a very handsome son. "Emil is almost as handsome as myself."
Mila greeted everyone as well ignoring Matt's bit of conceit.
Hermione had Emil in her arms and didn't feel like having some sot breathing all over him. "Back up a bit Matt. Give my boy a little breathing space."
Matt immediately backed up.
Emilio and James were embarrassed for Matt for the scolding he'd received. Mila was annoyed. Matt might not have been around many newborns, but he should know better than to hover.
Emilio was getting antsy moving from foot to foot. He was glad James, Matt and Mila had come for a visit, but they were interfering with his plan to feed and change his son. However, there wasn't a chance Hermione was going to let him do anything with all the others banging about the room. He was quite correct, but Hermione recognized what Emilio wanted.
"Alright daddy. If you'll back our company up a bit, I think you should burp and change your son."
With a wide smile across his entire face, Emilio simply said. "What Hermione said. Please back up a bit so I can show you my newly acquired skills."
Mila and James took a chair at the far end of the room while Matt remained where he was. "Hermione didn't mean me. She knows I love learning new skills. I'll just…."
"You'll just move over by Mila. That's what you'll do. You may watch the master perform his skills from across the room."
Hermione was getting cranky. "That's enough joking around please. I don't want my son to end up on the floor."
A line of pink appeared across Emilio's nose as he held Emil up to his shoulder. Hermione shouldn't have had to say anything. This tiny person relied on his dad to keep him safe. Emilio felt he had effed up.
The three visitors realized they should bring their visit to an end. Rising almost in tandem, they had bid Emilio and Hermione goodnight promising to visit when she and Emil got home.
Burp.
"That's my good boy. Emil made his burp mum. Shall I give him a few minutes before changing the nappy?"
"You're learning quickly love. He's eaten. Now we'll give him a minute to poop it out. My apologies for being a bit snappy…."
Emilio, who had been gazing at Emil turned his gaze on Hermione. "You are the mother of my son. I'll duel anyone who complains about a bit of snappishness. It was up to me to keep control. I'll do better."
Leaning her head back against the chair, Hermione stared at her husband. "I love you so much Mr. Lozier."
Emilio turned his head to stare back. "Love you more Mrs. Hermione. I believe our boy is ready for a change. Nappy up."
/
Sal arrived back at The Luxe around 5:30. After a shower and a change of clothes, he headed to Seth's suite hoping his partner had some leftover food laying around. He'd been busy and hadn't had anything except a raspberry muffin all day.
"Oi Seth coming through."
"I'm in the bedroom Sal. I'll be right out."
"Is there anything to eat around here?"
Sal could hear Seth huff all the way from the bedroom. "No wanker. There isn't anything except a few crackers. I was waiting for your slow arse to get back from wherever you went to order dinner. You're here now. Order dinner."
Sal grumbled as he pulled up the menu on his phone. "The special is…."
Seth called out from the bedroom. "Wait a minute Sal. Instead of ordering room service, why don't we have dinner in the Luxe dining area. There might be wider choices and we can relax and share our day."
Sal shrugged. Share their day? Seth probably hadn't moved off the couch all day. "Alright mate. Luxe Dining sounds like a plan. I feel like some Lancashire Hot Pot."
"You're making me hungry mate. I'm feeling like roasted lemon chicken." Seth remarked as he entered the living room.
Sal stared at Seth who was looking too happy. "What's that smug look all about? You look like you've made some big score. What's gone right?"
Seth laughed, throwing his arms wide. "I'm glad you asked. I have had a lovely afternoon."
Sal was getting suspicious. His partner was really acting too happy. "Haven't done anything illegal or immoral have you?"
"Hahaha. Good one Sal. I haven't done anything illegal or immoral….yet, but I'm planning some things."
"You're barking. Your arse was probably plunked on that couch Summoning crackers from the kitchen."
"Says you. I was very busy. In fact, I was so busy I found myself a witch to date."
Sal rolled his eyes. "Arsehole. No you didn't."
Seth shrugged. "Whatever Sal. Believe it or don't but tomorrow evening I will be escorting the lovely Dorcas out on the town."
Sal growled at his partner. "Even if your piece of shite news was true, you would have to get past Matt, Emilio, Gas and James. Besides, Dorcas wouldn't give you the time of day no matter how hard you tried to chat her up. Tell me something I'll believe."
"As I said mate, believe what you will. Dorcas and I will be painting the town. My only issue is should I paint the town here in London or take her to...I don't know, Belize."
Sal started laughing but stopped mid laugh. Seth wasn't laughing. "You-you. How…."
Turning and sauntering back to the bedroom, Seth called out to Sal. I'm going to get dressed for dinner. I'll tell you all about it over my roasted lemon chicken."
And he did.
/
Matt had taken Mila out to dinner after leaving St Mungo's. While they were viewing the menu, Mila took a minute to scold him over his behavior at the hospital.
"Emilio loves and admires you Matt, but until Emil is older you should be careful around the baby. Hermione was a bit upset over the way you and Emilio were acting." Reaching over to pat her fiance on the hand, she gave him a radiant smile. "Just try to remember Emil isn't another of your mates. Okay?"
Matt gazed at Mila unperturbed by the scolding. "Hermione loves me. She knows I'd never try to upset her, especially now, but I can do better. Next time I'll shout at Emilio from the doorway."
Mila gave Matt the side eye but her only remarks were to tell him she was ready to order.
/
Emilio had made it home, had two cold chicken sandwiches, a Guinness and a shower. In that order. Presently, he was stretched out in bed. It had been a long and tiring day but had all been worth it. He had held, burped and changed his newborn son and looked forward to doing it again in a few hours.