Here is the next chapter. Please enjoy it and read and review love Hannah xxx
"Ok Astrid come with me and ladies join me please. I can now tell you that Blaise is having Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe as his groomsmen. Who do you wish to be your bridesmaids?" she asked as Astrid smiled.
"I think that everything should be synchronised so in the vein I choose Susan Bones. Who is with the other three boys?" she asked carefully as Clarisse smiled. Lavender and her mother had an appointment at St Mungos they had to keep to but were happy to be involved none the less.
"Well who is it girls I don't know that answer?" she asked everyone there confident someone somewhere would know the answer.
"Well I am with Theodore Nott myself. He's rather handsome after all!" Demelza said as Astrid confirmed her. Once Clarisse realised what she was doing she loved it. To her shock both of the Patils confirmed they were with Crabbe and Goyle. They told her that Crabbe and Goyle for safety reasons had always acted stupid so they could fly under the radar safely. They always got top marks in their classes' asides from Potions at which they truly did suck. So when they did exams they always got top marks. It was an interesting tactic but it had kept them away from the dark lord as he wouldn't take anyone foolish so it was all good. It was interesting indeed because they really did succeed in looking thick as two planks. Draco hadn't told her this but then again maybe he hadn't wanted to in order to protect his friends or something.
"Now tell me then is there anything you four girls truly hate? If I am to choose your bridesmaids dresses now I want to choose something you like and something which could genuinely be worn again. I realise everyone always says that bridesmaids dresses could be worn again but it's never actually true. My favourite colour is teal is that colour ok with all of you?" she asked as they all nodded that it was.
"Now you are all unique and individual and I like that very much therefore I want to go for a tea length dresses is that ok?" she asked them taking all of their opinions into account. They once more agreed that it was and were thankful she was being so good to them. Not many brides were known for caring so much about their bridesmaids.
"Now because I said earlier you are all unique I want the teal tea length gowns to have a neckline you individually choose. This way they can be unique to you. If you want them to have sleeves or not have sleeves that is up to you. Right now I want you each to go behind this screen here and get them to put you in a dress with the neckline and sleeve length you like and then we'll go from there!" she said as they all disappeared behind the screens to be fitted into dresses which looked as they wanted which the actual dresses would then be made from.
Susan emerged from behind her screen in a black dress which had three quarter length sleeves on it, a silk bow detail around her waist and a sweetheart neckline. Although it would actually be teal she still looked gorgeous.
"Susan you look divine. I love the way your dress has a slightly fuller skirt. It really is the best. It really suits you and you see you could definitely wear this again!" she enthused.
"Thank you Astrid. I will be delighted to wear it again. I am going to save this dress afterwards and have it made in many different colours. I love it so much. You have the best taste. Teal is also my favourite colour because it goes so well with my skin tone. I can't wait to see what the others have chosen!" she said sitting down and waiting for them to emerge. All the sample dresses were in black right now but would be in teal and designed the exact same way for the wedding. Padma emerged next with a dress which had the same bow and flounce as Susan's had only her dress had a scoop neckline and a halter neck. She looked gorgeous. It was like a full fifties dress the way she'd done it and Astrid loved it.
"You look gorgeous Padma. I love it!" she enthused as Padma blushed.
"Thank you Astrid. I do love it. It will of course look gorgeous afterwards too which is important to me. Thank you so much for saying that and actually meaning it by the way. I truly will be able to wear this again later. What do you think mum?" she asked addressing Pooja who was sitting in the corner smiling.
"You look gorgeous darling and I think Gregory will love it!" she gushed as her daughter blushed. Parvati came out next in a dress made the same way except it had a Queen Anne style. Demelza came out last in a one shoulder Grecian styled dress. It was gorgeous and she was very pleased with it. Astrid picked some golden coloured t bar heels to go with the dresses. She would wear the same heels herself except hers would be cream in colour. Next came the choices of the floral arrangements they would hold. She decided they would hold bouquets of blue roses and white tulips. She herself would hold a bouquet containing baby's breath, white hydrangeas, white roses, blue roses and white tulips. It would look effortless. She would get them hand tied with the finest acromantula silk.
"Astrid you are great at getting things done and fairly too. Now we need to decide who to invite. Because we are the Zabini family it will obviously be a high profile wedding but high profile doesn't equal everyone who can be invited being invited. Now I will hand you a large list of people. You should review them and let me know who you don't want to come and I will cross them off!" she said as Astrid was handed a list longer then her arm. She asked for a cup of tea and to be left alone while she did it which actually suited the others as they had something else planned which they needed to organise.
This list was so very long. She glanced over it carefully checking each and every name. She immediately ruled Dolores Umbridge and the Weasley family out. She was very sad about it to be honest as Ron had been a best friend to her at one point. She had only ruled Dolores out as she didn't know her and didn't want anyone she didn't know at it. Alastor Moody did not get an invite either. He was creepy as all hell as could look through clothing if he wanted. There were some international people on it too like the Delacours which she was happy to invite. She was stunned as Bill Weasley was listed a date for Fleur given that he was engaged to her presently. She had never minded him or Charlie. She had hated Percy and the twins were great. Ron was a jackass totally and she didn't really know Ginny all that well enough to comment. She realised it would be seen as a bad thing if Albus Dumbledore was not invited so she had down that he should be invited to the party and not the ceremony. He could celebrate with them at the after party as much as he liked. A lot of people were allowed although she did have to ask Clarisse who they were when she returned. Clarisse had been surprised about Albus Dumbledore as she had never truly minded him all that much. Then again he hadn't actually done anything to her so that could be why.
It was agreed to invite him to the wedding in general and charm each invite for that persons eyes only. As a precaution which Astrid insisted on compulsion infused ink was being used so that if someone did agree to come to the wedding they could not discuss the time they were going in case he heard about it. As he had never told anyone not to tell anyone about the Order of the Phoenix Astrid had seen no problem in telling others all about it. Or at least what she knew about it. She assumed Amelia had been ok with it shocked when she said she definitely wasn't and he definitely did not have the support of the ministry.
"Amelia I am so sorry. He told us he did. Should I not participate any longer?" Pandora asked in a panic as Amelia smiled a smile which promised trouble.
"Actually no don't give up. I want you to participate actively and tell me anything he says and or orders you or others to do. Now I must ask you something which pains me but are any Aurors part of this organisation?" she asked as Pandora panicked. She didn't want Nymphadora Tonks to lose her job. She was still her niece technically speaking.
"Yes. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor Moody and Nymphadora Tonks are members but I know he threatened Nymphadora stating he'd tell you to fire her if she did not join him. She did so under duress!" she lied as Amelia looked furious.
"I see. Well I can see that he quite obviously left her no choice. I will give her the same task as you but I will not tell her you have this task too. It will be safer that way. She either does this or she really will lose her job. Nymphadora is naïve and stupid. That she truly believed Albus Dumbledore of all people could tell me how to do my job or indeed who to hire and fire is not a good thing. To be honest she is one of our best young Aurors and I quite like her but she is going to need a serious reality check and I know just the thing. It is time for her to face a boggart or desk duty!" she said with a grin. He didn't want to be Tonks. Kingsley was a surprise for sure and Moody wasn't even an Auror anymore so he hardly counted. She would track Kingsley via his cloak using something untraceable and asked Astrid to tell her the location of her house so she could pop by in the middle of a meeting and surprise Albus. She would be interested to see what he had to say for himself. She gave a vow not to call over unless she was either invited or there was a meeting going on which Astrid was fine with. She went into another room which had a modern DJ set and contained all of the woman who were dancing and having a good time. A margarita was passed to her and she drank it feeling fantastic. She really did prefer champagne. As they danced and spun around the room she loved it. They were having so much fun. Why had Harry never been allowed this freedom before? She giggled as Demelza showed off her new dance skills. She was stunned when another throne like chair was conjured and she was asked to sit in it.
"Now the girls here will give you gifts for your wedding which are solely for you alone. The gifts for you and Blaise will be given on your wedding day itself. You will take each one and open them here and now. We're all girls. LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Clarisse shouted conjuring a champagne fountain and a chocolate fountain side by side. She was gifted a huge box from Susan Bones and took it graciously.
It was wrapped in green silk wrapping paper and tied with a velvet green bow. She slipped the bow off neatly and then the wrapping paper. Inside it contained some silk Slytherin coloured lingerie. There was a matching bra and panty set, some silk top and short pyjamas, a sleep mask, fluffy high heeled slippers, a sulk sumptuous robe and a baby doll outfit. It was accompanied with a note.
Dear Astrid,
On the path to love and enlightenment it is important that you don't forget that self-love is one of the most important kinds of love there is. Don't lose yourself in your love for Blaise and forget yourself altogether. These Slytherin green coloured lingerie items might be a pleasure for Blaise to see but they are a pleasure for you to wear for yourself alone. I truly thank you for sending Draco my way. He has been most loving and attentive. I really hope we can best friends in the future.
Love Susan.
She teared up at the note and soon had tears streaming down her face confusing everyone present. No one had ever cared that much for Harry. It felt amazing and she had become overwhelmed by it.
"Oh Susan thank you so much. Your note was marvellous. I promise you to never forget myself. Of course we can be best friends. You're a bridesmaid at my wedding and it doesn't truly get closer than that. Please promise I can be one at your wedding!" she enthused hugging a stunned Susan who squealed in joy and returned the hug with vigour. The next gift was from Demelza and contained a pair of handcuffs and some fantasy potions courtesy of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. Fred and George didn't yet have a shop of their own what with still being in school but were stunned with the large order Demelza had put in for reasons unknown. They didn't care but did make them to perfection. She had included twenty potions here along with a note of her own.
Dear Astrid,
This is a gift for fun. I have used the potions myself and they do give one some of the best fantasies and multiple orgasms you can ever have. I am not sure if Fred and George know this about the product because if they did they might charge more. As I said I have tested these out myself. I wanted to say that asides from Percy and Ronald all other Weasley's are fine. With my father's job at the ministry let's just say I've met them all a few times now and they are all fine. Please do not tar the many with the stains of the few. I am quite sure you will not though I just thought it important to mention as Ronald really is awful. I am thankful to be a part in your wonderful wedding and I wish both you and Blaise every happiness for all time. The handcuffs are admittedly for you to tie him up with although you could have him tie you up if you're into that kind of thing. I know we'll be fast friends and let's just say I love that we're all from different houses. Whichever you get sorted into will not lessen our friendship. When you are done opening all the gifts ask your mum or Clarisse about the ladies league as we need one of our own for sure.
Love Demelza.
"Demelza thank you so much. It's gorgeous and I look forward to using them" she said hugging her new friend. Demelza blushed and smiled. She vowed to ask Clarisse about the Ladies League. She wasn't sure her mum would know anything about it. Her next gift was from Padma and she took it smiling. It was wrapped in teal paper and she felt bad she'd need to open it at all. It did look gorgeous just like this. She sighed and opened it anyway.
She peered inside and saw various scented candles, incense and rose petals along with a letter from Padma.
Dear Astrid,
I know what with Gregory and Blaise being rather friendly we will definitely see much of one another in the future and it is something I like very much. I can already tell you are a wonderful lady. I want you to know that we are all writing these letters to accompany your gifts while you do whichever task you needed some alone time for. To be honest I have known Hermione Granger for many years and she has always been off in some way whether that is complaining constantly about Harry and Ronald not studying enough or generally complaining about everyone else. I want you to know that there are smart purebloods and not so smart purebloods in our school. Those of us who are smart do not believe everything Albus Dumbledore says simply because he is the one who says it. Do not mistake that for us being dark people as she does. I want you to know I and the others fully support you and we will not turn our backs on you now or ever. We are united as one by our mutual fiancés who are great friends with one another but we are together in this forever. So long as we are wives of the Slytherin we will stick together in all we do. I promise you this. Take these candles and rose petals and use them to enjoy a luxurious bath from time to time. The rose petals and candles refill twenty times each so they will have plenty of use time before they need to be replaced. Love yourself always,
Love Padma.
She smiled deeply at that. "Thank you Padma. I am sure we will all be fast friends. I look forward to my next bath!" she said placing them aside. She then took the gift from Lavender who had, had to leave for her saint Mungos appointment early. The box which had been wrapped in velvet gave her the creeps so she had to ask Clarisse to open it for her. "I am sorry Clarisse and no offense to Lavender but I simply abhor velvet. Could you please open this for me? It just makes me feel creepy!" she said as Clarisse laughed and did so. Once the nasty velvet paper was gone she opened the box to find more daring lingerie such as crotch less panties and see through bras. There were many thongs and different types of underwear in there in different colours. There were a few pairs of fishnet tights and thigh highs too. It was wonderful.
Dear Astrid,
First of all let me say I may not be marrying a Slytherin but I still support you in all you do. No one feels sexier then when they are loving themselves. Wearing lingerie this naughty is like a naughty little secret only you and Blaise should you choose to let him see it on you will know you are wearing. I am sorry I could not be here any longer but I am needed at Saint Mungos for an appointment I simply must keep. I myself am marrying Seamus Finnegan of my year at school. He is in my own house Gryffindor and is the best. As for what you said about Hermione earlier on I want you to know we are all here from different houses and we will all support you no matter what. She will not get away with telling people lies about you either. There is one gossip queen of Hogwarts and that's me. If anyone will be telling anyone else things it will be me and they will be about her. I cannot believe she tried to curse you in your own home after you were so kind to her. Thank you so much for involving me in your wedding. I know you will probably hear that I am a ruthless gossip but it's not true. I do gossip but it's never lies I gossip about and that truly is the difference. Remember self-love and all will be well.
Love Lavender.
Daphne and Astoria had both gotten her vouchers for various five star Wizarding spas all lover the world and she was most thankful for that. Astoria wasn't old enough yet but Daphne herself was marrying Adrian Pucey. He was in their year at school and was wonderful. The next gift came from Hannah Abbott and it contained a collection of all the appropriate medical potions she would ever need to use. There was a collection of potions for period pain relief, headache potions and general potions to be taken daily for her vitamins and minerals she'd be needing. It also contained twenty bars of the world's finest chocolate. She thanked Hannah and moved on to the gift of Millicent. Millicent had gifted her with a selection of sexy robes and slippers from all around the world. It was gorgeous and she would treasure these gifts always. Cho Chang had gifted her a load of makeup and she fought her urge to roll her eyes. Cho could be so predictable. Either way it was a nice gift. Lisa Turpin had gifted her with some jackets for all occasions and she was thrilled with them as they all had different cuts and styles. There was one for each season and it was gorgeous.
Her last gift came from Parvati. It contained nothing. She was stunned to find the box empty. Had this been a prank?
"Parvati your box is empty?" she questioned as Clarisse looked furiously at her.
"Yes it is because my gift will walk in the door shortly!" she said as everyone there gasped when their world's top designer walked in.
"I am Madam de Roux and I am here as a gift from Parvati Patil and the Patil family in general. I have been commissioned to design your wedding jewellery for you and I will do so now. I have a book of designs with me or I can sketch something for you and design it later. I am afraid I do not have the most time so we must do this now!" she said as Clarisse clapped trying hard not to faint. Padma was delighted her family surprise had gone over so well.
In the end Astrid chose to have some teal teardrop earrings inset with diamonds and a necklace and bracelet made the same way to wear on her wedding. She was thoroughly enjoying herself.
"Ok then Miss Black I will do as you request and you will have the pieces courtesy of me in a few days. Thank you ladies!" she said bowing and leaving again.
"The last thing we need to do Astrid is plan out your wedding gown. Did you have any ideas what you wanted?" Clarisse asked as her mother looked at her with a huge smile on her face.
"Yes I know what I want. I want an a line gown which flows outwards from my waist and had three quarter lace sleeves on it. It is to have a sweetheart neckline. I am not sure if I should go with white or cream but we will see!" she said as various coloured dresses were tried on and everyone complimented and corrected her where necessary. In the end it was decided to go with an ivory gown which met all of her criteria. By the time she returned home she was drunk from all of the champagne she'd enjoyed and fell into her bed conking out as soon as the pillow hit her head.