Chapter 3
"Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy, nobody said it would be this hard. Oh take me back to the start"
- The Scientist, Coldplay -
Cassandra Zabini was a beauty by anyone's standards. Long brown hair that fell straight to just past her shoulders and deep blue eyes that were the color of the ocean on a clear day. She had lived here as a Zabini for just over thirty years as had the many generations of Zabini's before her. The Estate was not modest. There were acres of woodland, manicured gardens, a lake and of course a quidditch pitch. Then there was the house, or rather the manor. Four stories high with a ballroom and over 15 bedrooms. She had married here, given birth and raised three beautiful children. Sarah, Rohan and Blaise. But the two wars had taken both her husband and her youngest born, Blaise.
Walking into the foyer she picked up one of the framed photos on the gilded table there. It was taken Christmas Eve the year after Blaise had graduated from Hogwarts, the day the he married Virginia Weasley. The photo showed Blaise hugging Virginia whilst they both smiled happily for the camera. Her thoughts immediately went to that day.
Ginny Weasley who was now going by her full name Virginia, stood in front of the mirror looking at herself. The white robes were lined with gold threading, which brought out the highlights in her hair and the jewelery that she was wearing. A knock at the door got her attention and she told the person to come in. Cassandra Zabini entered and closed the door behind her.
"You look absolutely gorgeous sweetheart" she said sincerely. Walking up to her she took her hands and smiled at the young woman who was marrying her son. "After everything that has happened to you I can't tell you how happy I am for you and Blaise. I know you have a mother Virginia but I want you to know I'll always be here for you and I already think of you as my daughter" she told her.
A half smile came to Virginia's face. "The Weasley's are no longer family to me and whilst my mother gave birth to me she hasn't acted like a mother to me for a while. You have no idea how much I appreciate you letting me into you home. For caring about me" she said in a shaky voice
"Oh hunny. This is your home and we are your family. Today we are just making it official. Now we have one very impatient groom waiting for you downstairs" Cassandra said as she helped Virginia downstairs.
Luna Lovegood and Pansy Parkinson walked ahead down the aisle in matching blue robes. Virginia soon followed and smiled up at Percy who was giving her away. The only brother who would have anything to do with her. And the only one that she would speak with. There were a small number of guests in attendance Professor's Snape and McGonnogal sitting with Narcissa Malfoy, Cassandra Zabini, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. There was also Rohan Zabini and his with Claire, Sarah Zabini and Penelope Clearwater. Draco Malfoy was best man and he stood with the other attendant Colin Creevey. In front of them was Blaise Zabini. Wearing the traditional black robes that a wizard wears they were lined with gold trimming the match Virginia's.
Reaching Blaise she grabbed his hand and kissed Percy on his cheek. Together the couple faced Dumbledore who was going to marry them. After the traditional vows were done Blaise put the ring on Virginia's finger and looked deeply into her eyes. "You know I'm a simple person and I've always had everything I've every wanted. And you're the one thing I've wanted most for the last 3 years. The first time I saw you during my second year at Hogwarts I was struck by how alone and lost you looked in such a big place. So much about you has changed since then. You've grown into such a beautiful person Rose" he said using the nickname he had given her.
"I love everything about you. Your generous nature, your willingness to help your friends no matter what and how you stand up for what you believe in. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you"
"Blaise You were there for me when I needed someone the most and you never asked questions, you just accepted me for who I am. I trust you more that I've ever trusted anyone before because you've never given me any reason to doubt you. You're always there when I need you. I will never stop loving you. You complete me" she said back clearly love shining in her eyes as she slipped the ring on his finger.
Dumbledore raised his wand and muttered an old latin spell which had a gold light envelope both Blaise and Virginia and it burst like a firework, showering them with gold sprinkles that disappeared when they reached the floor.
"Blaise and Virginia Zabini" Dumbledore said proudly as the newly married couple kissed and everyone clapped.
**
"Grandma!" children's voices rang out breaking Cassandra away from her thoughts and she smiled at seeing Josh and Grace running towards her. The twins that Blaise fathered but never got a chance to see. Reaching down to hug them both she met Virginia's gaze and the two women hugged tightly.
"Welcome home Virginia" she said softly as she kissed her cheek.
"Thanks Mum" Virginia replied. Stepping back she had a look around the foyer and noticed that it hadn't changed in 6 years. She had spent a year living here after the Weasley's had disowned her. This was home. But being here now without Blaise was something that she had been putting off for far to long. Leaving the kids with Cassandra she slowly wandered through the hall and up the stairs the third level where she knew her old room was. And Blaise's room. Opening a jarrah door she stepped into the room and took a deep breath. It was exactly the same as he had left it before he had died. Deep jarrah furniture matched the green walls and the large open windows the overlooked the quidditch pitch.
"It's my favourite place in the entire world Rose, especially when you're here" he used to say to her.
Walking to the bedside cabinet she saw two framed pictures and smiled bitter sweetly at them. The first being the two of them sitting on a broomstick Blaise hugging her from behind. Blaise in Slytherin robes and herself in Gryffindor robes. The second was of the "fab four" standing in Hogsmeade. The nickname they had jokingly given themselves when making fun of the Dream Team back in Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Virginia Weasley and Blaise Zabini forever connected by the events of the past. A friendship that ran deeper than any other.
Slowly walking back out she stopped at the door and glanced around. "You've got two beautiful children Blaise. I know you'd be proud of them" she said quietly before closing the door, not noticing that one of the curtains gently fluttered in the breeze even though the windows were closed.
**
Pansy Malfoy hurried through Diagon Alley a smile on her pretty face. Her best friend was home! She had been a mess when she had learned about Virginia and the twins being in a car crash. She hadn't been able to make it to the hospital as she had been in France for the weekend and had only gotten back this morning after they were discharged from St. Mungos. Knowing that they would be at the Zabini Estate she had flooed Cassandra and organized to have dinner that night with both families. She knew it would be hard on her being back in England for the first time.
Stepping into the bakery she picked up her order of a white chocolate mud cake both Virginia's and her favourite desert. Looking at her watch she realized she had enough time to have a quick look in Madame Malkin's for any new robes. Sorry Rose but your not open here yet she thought referring to Avalon designs the company the Virginia had founded three years ago. Starting in California she had opened two shops, which had spread to over ten in the United States and last year one in Australia, and one in New Zealand. Now it was Europe's turn. England and France were the first to be opening in time for summer.
"Parkinson" a voice said from behind her. Turning quickly her eyes narrowed when she recognized them.
"It's Malfoy now, it has been for some time now. I know you know that. What do you want Weasley, Potter?" she asked annoyed as she eyed Hermonie Weasley and Harry Potter.
"It's about Ginny" Harry asked stepping towards her.
"Her name's Virginia" she said coldly.
"Virginia sorry. We heard about the accident and her being back. Is she ok? Were those her children? Where is she staying? Is she"
But Pansy cut him off. "Stop right there Potter. What makes the two of you think you have any right to know anything about her? She didn't want anything to do with the two of you or any Weasley for that matter" she replied.
"Please Pansy. It's bought so much pain to her family all these years ago" Hermonie said speaking for the first time.
Rolling her eyes at her Pansy shrugged. "What makes you think I care what happens to the Weasley's? She is not their family. If I recall they threw her out of home in the middle of the war. Now you will leave me, my family and Virginia alone. If she wants to see any of you she will contact you" she said coolly.
A defeated look came over Harry's face one that she had seen on him many times throughout their school days and she had a feeling of sympathy for the enemy of Blaise. Whilst Draco and Ron had had their fair share of fights at Hogwarts, Blaise and Harry's rivalry was just as well known.
"I'll tell you only this. She was in a car crash. Her and the twins are fine. She's happy now, or as happy as you can be when your husband's dead. For her sake leave her alone" she said quietly before walking away.
"Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy, nobody said it would be this hard. Oh take me back to the start"
- The Scientist, Coldplay -
Cassandra Zabini was a beauty by anyone's standards. Long brown hair that fell straight to just past her shoulders and deep blue eyes that were the color of the ocean on a clear day. She had lived here as a Zabini for just over thirty years as had the many generations of Zabini's before her. The Estate was not modest. There were acres of woodland, manicured gardens, a lake and of course a quidditch pitch. Then there was the house, or rather the manor. Four stories high with a ballroom and over 15 bedrooms. She had married here, given birth and raised three beautiful children. Sarah, Rohan and Blaise. But the two wars had taken both her husband and her youngest born, Blaise.
Walking into the foyer she picked up one of the framed photos on the gilded table there. It was taken Christmas Eve the year after Blaise had graduated from Hogwarts, the day the he married Virginia Weasley. The photo showed Blaise hugging Virginia whilst they both smiled happily for the camera. Her thoughts immediately went to that day.
Ginny Weasley who was now going by her full name Virginia, stood in front of the mirror looking at herself. The white robes were lined with gold threading, which brought out the highlights in her hair and the jewelery that she was wearing. A knock at the door got her attention and she told the person to come in. Cassandra Zabini entered and closed the door behind her.
"You look absolutely gorgeous sweetheart" she said sincerely. Walking up to her she took her hands and smiled at the young woman who was marrying her son. "After everything that has happened to you I can't tell you how happy I am for you and Blaise. I know you have a mother Virginia but I want you to know I'll always be here for you and I already think of you as my daughter" she told her.
A half smile came to Virginia's face. "The Weasley's are no longer family to me and whilst my mother gave birth to me she hasn't acted like a mother to me for a while. You have no idea how much I appreciate you letting me into you home. For caring about me" she said in a shaky voice
"Oh hunny. This is your home and we are your family. Today we are just making it official. Now we have one very impatient groom waiting for you downstairs" Cassandra said as she helped Virginia downstairs.
Luna Lovegood and Pansy Parkinson walked ahead down the aisle in matching blue robes. Virginia soon followed and smiled up at Percy who was giving her away. The only brother who would have anything to do with her. And the only one that she would speak with. There were a small number of guests in attendance Professor's Snape and McGonnogal sitting with Narcissa Malfoy, Cassandra Zabini, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. There was also Rohan Zabini and his with Claire, Sarah Zabini and Penelope Clearwater. Draco Malfoy was best man and he stood with the other attendant Colin Creevey. In front of them was Blaise Zabini. Wearing the traditional black robes that a wizard wears they were lined with gold trimming the match Virginia's.
Reaching Blaise she grabbed his hand and kissed Percy on his cheek. Together the couple faced Dumbledore who was going to marry them. After the traditional vows were done Blaise put the ring on Virginia's finger and looked deeply into her eyes. "You know I'm a simple person and I've always had everything I've every wanted. And you're the one thing I've wanted most for the last 3 years. The first time I saw you during my second year at Hogwarts I was struck by how alone and lost you looked in such a big place. So much about you has changed since then. You've grown into such a beautiful person Rose" he said using the nickname he had given her.
"I love everything about you. Your generous nature, your willingness to help your friends no matter what and how you stand up for what you believe in. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you"
"Blaise You were there for me when I needed someone the most and you never asked questions, you just accepted me for who I am. I trust you more that I've ever trusted anyone before because you've never given me any reason to doubt you. You're always there when I need you. I will never stop loving you. You complete me" she said back clearly love shining in her eyes as she slipped the ring on his finger.
Dumbledore raised his wand and muttered an old latin spell which had a gold light envelope both Blaise and Virginia and it burst like a firework, showering them with gold sprinkles that disappeared when they reached the floor.
"Blaise and Virginia Zabini" Dumbledore said proudly as the newly married couple kissed and everyone clapped.
**
"Grandma!" children's voices rang out breaking Cassandra away from her thoughts and she smiled at seeing Josh and Grace running towards her. The twins that Blaise fathered but never got a chance to see. Reaching down to hug them both she met Virginia's gaze and the two women hugged tightly.
"Welcome home Virginia" she said softly as she kissed her cheek.
"Thanks Mum" Virginia replied. Stepping back she had a look around the foyer and noticed that it hadn't changed in 6 years. She had spent a year living here after the Weasley's had disowned her. This was home. But being here now without Blaise was something that she had been putting off for far to long. Leaving the kids with Cassandra she slowly wandered through the hall and up the stairs the third level where she knew her old room was. And Blaise's room. Opening a jarrah door she stepped into the room and took a deep breath. It was exactly the same as he had left it before he had died. Deep jarrah furniture matched the green walls and the large open windows the overlooked the quidditch pitch.
"It's my favourite place in the entire world Rose, especially when you're here" he used to say to her.
Walking to the bedside cabinet she saw two framed pictures and smiled bitter sweetly at them. The first being the two of them sitting on a broomstick Blaise hugging her from behind. Blaise in Slytherin robes and herself in Gryffindor robes. The second was of the "fab four" standing in Hogsmeade. The nickname they had jokingly given themselves when making fun of the Dream Team back in Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Virginia Weasley and Blaise Zabini forever connected by the events of the past. A friendship that ran deeper than any other.
Slowly walking back out she stopped at the door and glanced around. "You've got two beautiful children Blaise. I know you'd be proud of them" she said quietly before closing the door, not noticing that one of the curtains gently fluttered in the breeze even though the windows were closed.
**
Pansy Malfoy hurried through Diagon Alley a smile on her pretty face. Her best friend was home! She had been a mess when she had learned about Virginia and the twins being in a car crash. She hadn't been able to make it to the hospital as she had been in France for the weekend and had only gotten back this morning after they were discharged from St. Mungos. Knowing that they would be at the Zabini Estate she had flooed Cassandra and organized to have dinner that night with both families. She knew it would be hard on her being back in England for the first time.
Stepping into the bakery she picked up her order of a white chocolate mud cake both Virginia's and her favourite desert. Looking at her watch she realized she had enough time to have a quick look in Madame Malkin's for any new robes. Sorry Rose but your not open here yet she thought referring to Avalon designs the company the Virginia had founded three years ago. Starting in California she had opened two shops, which had spread to over ten in the United States and last year one in Australia, and one in New Zealand. Now it was Europe's turn. England and France were the first to be opening in time for summer.
"Parkinson" a voice said from behind her. Turning quickly her eyes narrowed when she recognized them.
"It's Malfoy now, it has been for some time now. I know you know that. What do you want Weasley, Potter?" she asked annoyed as she eyed Hermonie Weasley and Harry Potter.
"It's about Ginny" Harry asked stepping towards her.
"Her name's Virginia" she said coldly.
"Virginia sorry. We heard about the accident and her being back. Is she ok? Were those her children? Where is she staying? Is she"
But Pansy cut him off. "Stop right there Potter. What makes the two of you think you have any right to know anything about her? She didn't want anything to do with the two of you or any Weasley for that matter" she replied.
"Please Pansy. It's bought so much pain to her family all these years ago" Hermonie said speaking for the first time.
Rolling her eyes at her Pansy shrugged. "What makes you think I care what happens to the Weasley's? She is not their family. If I recall they threw her out of home in the middle of the war. Now you will leave me, my family and Virginia alone. If she wants to see any of you she will contact you" she said coolly.
A defeated look came over Harry's face one that she had seen on him many times throughout their school days and she had a feeling of sympathy for the enemy of Blaise. Whilst Draco and Ron had had their fair share of fights at Hogwarts, Blaise and Harry's rivalry was just as well known.
"I'll tell you only this. She was in a car crash. Her and the twins are fine. She's happy now, or as happy as you can be when your husband's dead. For her sake leave her alone" she said quietly before walking away.
