Chapter 11: Unspoken

A/N- prompt used: [Color] Green
Word Count- 649

All those that would have graduated Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1998 (if that year hadn't been a complete and utter disaster) were invited to attend their ten-year reunion.

The eight Slytherins (Draco, Theo, Greg, Blaise, Daphne, Pansy, Millicent, and Tracey) hemmed and hawed for months before the date arrived. The leading sentiment amongst the group was that though they might have been invited, they were surely not welcome.

"So why go?" Draco asked during one of their bimonthly get-togethers.

"What else have you got to do?" countered Astoria, taking a sip of her cocktail. The question was innocuous, but everyone heard the taunt her voice.

Cowards, the lot of you.

So they went.

And by some unspoken agreement, they had all arrived wearing different shades of green.

Draco's hunter green robes contrasted beautifully with the sea-foam green dress Astoria made for just this occasion. Theo's tie matched Luna's bright turquoise ruffled gown, a clear combination of Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Goyle wore forest green, Millie wore olive, and Trace was in jade. Pansy's bright lime green pant suit would have looked ridiculous on anyone else, but she managed to pull it off with all the confidence befitting a Parkinson.

Blaise glanced at his wife in her mint green satin gown and silver jewelry. Daphne looked like a goddess. And personally, Blaise Zabini thought he looked best in royal purple, but emerald green was a close second.

They created an impenetrable green wave as they entered the Great Hall in masse, their heads held high. The other houses could interpret their matching attire however they wished. Blaise was proud to walk amongst this group, a new kind of Slytherin pride coursing through his veins.

They were no longer the Slytherins who fought for The Dark Lord, who considered muggles to be filth, who took their parents' word as gospel. Blaise was embarrassed by his youthful ignorance, by his horrible attitude toward those he'd once deemed lesser than.

Now, all he wanted was to have fun with his family.

He had a gorgeous wife in Daphne Greengrass and an incorrigible sister in Astoria. His brother-in-law was quickly losing the "in-law" part of his moniker despite Blaise's best efforts to dislike His Royal Highness, Draco Malfoy. Pansy was like a deranged cousin who told all the best drunken stories. Greg was a stoic uncle when Blaise needed silence for a moment. Millicent and Tracey were always available if he needed sage advice.

And Theo had been family since they met on the train to Hogwarts. Theo Nott was Blaise's best friend, his forever companion, his ride or die, his soul mate. He'd never said this out loud, of course, but that's because Theo already knew. They didn't need words. Their bond went unspoken.

And yes, even Luna bloody Lovegood was family, now. Blaise rolled his eyes as the girl dragged Theo over toward Potter and Weasley, her dove earrings actually cooing as she walked.

Pansy was trying to get Greg to dance. Millie and Tracey were making approving sounds at the sight of Hannah Abbot's engagement ring.

Astoria was feeding Draco cake for some reason while he glared at her like a grumpy cat.

Daphne looped her arm in his. A small smile appeared on her face as they stared at each other.

"Do you miss it?" she asked.

Hogwarts had been a safe haven for Blaise. His mother was a madwoman who'd nearly destroyed him growing up. It was these Slytherins here that glued him back together.

It was Daphne Greengrass with her golden hair and her demure lips and her cold blue eyes that only went soft when she looked at him.

The answer to her question went unspoken as he led his understanding wife toward Pansy and an uncomfortable-looking Greg.

How can I miss something if I still have it?