Disclaimer: I do not own Harry potter nor do I own any of the characters with the exception of Nadia (stress the first a Naah-dia), her parents, Kyro (pronounced Kii like a long 'I' and roh) and a few others to come in future chapters which will be listed then.
Ginny POV
We finally left pizza hut and Mclaggen is still out of line. I don't know how Zabini hasn't hexed him yet… merlin knows I would. We all branched off when we reached the park. Men, women, and children-everyone to their own clique except Mclaggen. Jeez can't this man take a hint. Nadia clearly wants nothing to do with him and yet here he is; with the women pestering the hell out of Nadia. Maybe I should intervene. I start heading over.
"I see that you don't have a ring on. Do you and Zabini share custody?" Is he still on that? Honestly I wasn't surprised you can see that little boy adores her.
"We are very much together" I hear Nadia reply annoyed…yeah I should definitely intervene.
"Well he must not think very much of you if he hasn't married you yet. A beautiful woman like you should be cherished and loved. You are too good for a former death eater. He doesn't deserve you." He is so corny. Did he seriously touch her just now? Shit looks like I'm not the only one to notice. I see Zabini storm over and I know that it's going to be bad. I pull out my wand just in case I have to help diffuse the situation. But it turns out that I don't need it; he stops with a shocked look on his face. He then quickly recovers and it he looks the complete opposite of how he did before, he looks overjoyed…okay…What just happened? I see Nadia head towards him leaving behind a very upset looking Mclaggen and he pulls her into a long kiss. Did I miss something? I hear someone clear their throat and begin to giggle- it's Luna. They pull apart with Nadia looking bashful as the kids start up a chorus of giggles and eew's.
Zabini doesn't hesitate to pull her away from the crowd and I can't help but to smile to myself because this is the happiest I think I've ever seen him. The old Zabini would bring Kyro around to play with the other kids but he would be broody, cryptic, and would always have on a disinterested mask. He would never join into any conversations unless it was with Draco or one of his other ex-slytherin mates…not that he does now. But he is a lot more open and cheerful. It's a nice change.
"He really needs to calm himself there are children out here." I hear Hermione say and I turn to look at what she is talking about. Zabini is knelt in front of Nadia kissing her passionately.
"Aww I think it's cute." Lavender says.
"Yeah let them enjoy themselves…they really look good together." Luna says, I look her direction and I nod in agreement.
"What is he doing?" I hear Hermione gasp incredulously. I look back and see Zabini lovingly placing kisses and nuzzling Nadia's tummy. "He better not be happy about what I think he's happy about, I'll maim him I swear."
"Quit over reacting." I say
"Yeah, maybe that's just their way of showing affection…you and Draco do eskimo kisses all the time." Lav says and Lu nods in agreement... I don't want to jump to conclusions so I don't further comment. Hermione still doesn't look satisfied but she doesn't comment either. Her and Zabini really need to forget the past.
"Kyro, soggiorno qui. Tornerò presto." I hear Zabini call over.
"Dove vai papà?" Kyro calls back.
"Per una passeggiata con tua madre. Comportati bene." I see Kyro nod enthusiastically then Nadia and Blaise turn and walk away. By that time the men have already joined us Mclaggen still hasn't left as yet and he looks thoroughly put out. Good. The kids come over and start playing in the sand box by the benches.
"Well they became awfully cozy." I hear Mclaggen say bitterly and I restrain myself from telling him off. I see that Lavender looks as if she is doing the same. "Rubbing up her belly and all that…what was he supposed to be doing anyway? If jealousy was his aim it didn't work." Sure it didn't.
"He was 'upposed to be talking to the babies. Nonna told me that you can talk to babies when they are still inside of their mummy's belly. You can tell them stories and sing to them and-"
"Babies?!" Hermione says incredulously and Kyro jumps from the volume of her voice and so do a few others. She noticed and lowers her voice. "Babies, what do you mean babies Ky? Are you sure?" He nods.
"Nonna says that mummy has two babies in her belly. I'm gonna be a big brother. She said mummy and daddy can't make it boys so I'll just have to take what I get." He frowns and I can't help but to laugh and a few others join in. Hermione looks annoyed but she doesn't comment meanwhile Mclaggen looks pissed.
"I have prior engagements that I must be getting to. I will see you all later." Mclaggen says and apperates immediately. Good riddance.
"So are you excited about being a big brother?" Luna asks.
"I guess. But if it's boys I'm gonna be even more excited." He grins and we all smile. "Oh there's mummy and daddy." He says pointing and I see Nadia and Blaise come from behind the trees."
"Wonder what kind of things they were doing back there." Harry says and Ron begin's to laugh. I elbow Ron in the stomach.
"What did I do? Your husband said it!" he whines.
"Yes but you were closer." Harry laughs "Don't forget I have a wand." His laughter stops immediately and I grin to myself.
-:):):)—
Nadia POV
We kiss one last time; I then hook my arm around his as we try to trace our footprints in the dirt to find our way back to the park. It takes us a few tries but we finally find our way and head over to the others.
"You know I was a bit nervous about asking…I-I wasn't sure if you would accept." I hear Blaise say to me as we make our way over to our friends.
"Don't be silly, I don't think I would ever deny that request." I say reassuringly and although it is a quasi-lie I don't feel bad about it because when I look up beside me and he's grinning from ear to ear it sort-of makes my little white lie okay. Right?
"I'm glad." He replies and he presses a soft kiss to my lips. "Nadia Zabini…sounds great doesn't it?" and before I can reply I'm interrupted.
"Nadia can I have a quick word with you?" I hear Hermione ask deceptively calm but those who know her well would know better. I hadn't even realized that we had reached our destination. I look up and Hermione's face looks impassive at first glance but I can tell by the set of her jaw that she is definitely fuming.
"Sure?" I say in question and a bit hesitant. If she noticed my hesitance she didn't show it because she grabbed my hand and pulled me away towards the big tree where the men were earlier.
"Go easy on her." I hear Ginny say and I start a bit because I didn't know that she followed us. I look behind me and realize that Lav and Lu did as well.
"Yeah we don't want to expose the children to your temper yet. I heard that they can hear whatever is going on around their mother." Lavender comments and Luna laughs.
"I don't think that they can hear this early on in the pregnancy." Luna says and Lavender nods.
"I think you're right." Wait… I just figured out what they are talking about.
"Wha-who-ah….who told you?" I ask confused.
"Well you see the funny thing is…you can't tell five year olds anything and expect them not to repeat it." Hermione says…ohhhh Kyro. "Nadia…I don't understand. We are cousins but I assumed we were best friends as well. Or was that only on my part?" she looks hurt. "Why wouldn't you say something to me…or Ginny…or any of us?"
"Hermione don't be like that. You know that you all are my best friends and of course I was planning to tell you but I only just found out today."
"You found out today?" I nod and her frown lifts. "How far along are you?"
"Barely a day I'm sure." I reply and she smiles a little but it's not enough and I know what will get her as well the other girls in high spirits. I hold my left hand up in front of me and at the sight of the ring they all burst into a chorus of excited screams and giggles.
"OH MY GOD!" Ginny shouts as Lavender grabs my hand to get a closer look grinning like the Cheshire cat. Luna continues to squeal and dance in one spot.
"It's beautiful. I love it…it''s not cliché whatsoever. Nice idea to get and opal instead of a diamond. He really knows your taste." Hermione says reverently with a sweet smile. "Are you sure that the git picked this out?" she looks up mischievously and we all laugh because we know that she wouldn't be able to complement Blaises taste up front.
"His grandmother gave it to him. It's a family heirloom."
"Awwwww that's so romantic. He gave you a family ring." Luna says.
"This is how you know that he has feelings for you." Lavender says we all look at her and she elaborates "Well purebloods have arranged marriages and they have family treasures…obviously it wouldn't be given to someone they don't care about. Pureblood wives normally get these types of rings after they've been married and the husband decides that he likes her to some extent. But he gave this to you beforehand which can only mean that he has feelings for you. Which does not apply to his snake of a wife, because I'm pretty sure she never got this ring."
"Speaking of his wife… what's the story there now?" Ginny asks and the others nod.
"His mother told me that Blaise gave her some divorce papers yesterday and she signed so by now they should be divorced right?"
"Yeah, I think they work almost instantly. The thing that takes the longest is just for the minister of magic to stamp and sign which is probably already done since they signed yesterday." Luna replies. I look up and I think I see tears coming from Hermione's eyes.
"Are you crying?" I ask her and she shakes her head then I hear another sniffle and realize that Ginny is too.
"You're growing up so fast." I hear Hermione say her accent thick through her tears. All of a sudden I am enveloped in four pairs of arms and it's an all-out tear-fest. "It seems like the other day you were running around the house naked…my little Dia getting married." Hermione says through tears and giggles and the others join in.
"All right senior citizens…don't laugh too much you might break a hip." I deadpan.
"Hush up." Ginny says lightly slapping my arm while the others look at me with a faux affronted look.
"We'd better start planning…I'm sure his mum will be anxious for you two to tie the knot before you start showing." Lav says and that's the first time I actually thought about it…we'll have to get invitations, caterers, dresses,tuxes…the whole works. It all sounds very stressful;too stressful almost. Maybe we should wait until after the babies are born. Hmmmm..I'll talk to Blaise about it later.
"So you guys did it?" Luna whispers.
"Was he up to par?" Lavender whispers.
"Yeah we've all heard he has the magic stick." Ginny says and we all laugh.
-:):):)-
After the girls and I have finished prattling on about the wedding and preparations we head over to the men and kids. Blaise has told the men about our impending nuptial and they all congratulate me when I come over.
"Hey Zabini remember to bring Ky over for James Birthday party this Saturday okay?" Ginny reminds Blaise and he nods. We say our goodbyes and I disappear to my house. As I land in the living room I hear my mom and Zarah immediately say "Congratulations!" Are these women spying on us?
"How did you even know?"
"That ring that you have on; makes you show up on the Zabini family tree. So I immediately knew." Zarah replies. "I told you he would ask. Oh I can't wait! Do you know what sort of dress you want? What sort of food? Blaise will definitely want you to meet my mom…oh she'll love you! Where should it be held? Should we-" She is going a mile a minute with my mother following closely and I just tune out. After a minute of their deliberating the fire place roars to life and I'm glad for the disturbance. Blaise and Kyro come through.
"Cara, why did you leave so quickly?" he asks as he spots me.
"I'm a bit tired. I just wanted to have a quick lay down." He nods.
"Alright let's go then?" he holds his hand out to me.
"Go where?" I ask confused.
"Home of course" He must have still noticed the confused look on my face because he elaborates. "To the manor" What is he talking about? I look towards my mother and Zarah but I see that they must have left to give us some privacy; so I look back at Blaise.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you should come and sleep at the manor seeing as it is or will be your new home." Is he being serious?
"No it won't…I like my house. I really would rather to stay here"
"What's wrong with staying at the manor? You do realize we are to be married right? How would it look if we lived separately?" I hadn't thought about that…as a matter of fact I hadn't put much thought into this whole marriage situation either. Maybe that's a sign that I'm not ready.
"There is nothing wrong with your house. It's just that…well…it's not…well I'm used to all my muggle things; the car, the t.v, cooking my own meals, and all that. I don't want to depend on house elves for everything and I want to be able to jump in my car and go." I could do that at his house but I would be driving though lot of trees and flora…no drive-way. Nothing. "I'm sorry. I know how selfish this sounds. But please let me get used to the idea first." He doesn't answer for a moment and I suspect he is thinking over what I've said.
"Nadia it's pureblood family tradition that a wife or a wife to be should move in with her husband. But I know that you do not follow those rules. I really would rather have you staying with me especially since you are carrying my children…but if it will make you more comfortable you can stay here for the time being." He emphasizes the last part. "Just promise that I will see you every single day?" I nod and he nods in return. He leans forward and captures my lips in a soft kiss. "I'll come check on you later." He says then he and Kyro leave through the floo. I walk over to my couch lay down. I feel a weight on my side and I look up to see Zarah placing the books she gave me earlier on my side with a smile. She leaves through the floo and I sit up. I take the books and I begin to read starting with the one with the things I should know about Blaise.
-:):):)-
Most of the book was speaking about Veela history; their origin, symptoms, how to know for sure if someone is, instincts, needs, and of course the baby rule. The book went on to speak about what Zarah told me previously about not needing to be together after but it's what followed the statement that really caught my attention.
After the bond has been completed the veela and his mate may choose to stay together or they may choose to part ways with the exception of Alpha veelas. An alpha veelas needs his mate in order to survive. He needs her to share her life force/blood so that he does not weaken. Luckily for some this can be done by simply extracting the essence into a container and the veela drinking from that container. This allows the veela and mate to live separate lives with little to no interaction. Otherwise the veela can extract it on his own; by drinking straight from the vein. This process is painless and very sensual and arousing for both parties.
An Alpha veela can be made by one Alpha biting a non-veela person and the 'Alpha-trait' weins over time but if the trait skips generations by having girl's instead of boys when the trait does resurface it may be as potent as when it was first instated into a family. There are a few things to look for when checking if you have an Alpha veela; the first is obviously the persons family history and what side the veela came from. Were there more female children born than male? But the one way to be absolutely sure is during a mating session. A veela should not feel the need to drink from your vein if he is not Alpha. You should be able to tell whether or not your veela is drinking from you because there is a strong pulling sensation. This ritual needs to be done at least once a day; your veela will know how much to take and when to stop. An Alpha veela is able to extend and retract his teeth without using the spell/chant after they have used it the first time. They can go days at a time without it but they will weaken.
I have to read it over again and I think back. Zarah said the trait didn't affect her and I'm pretty sure Blaise was drinking that night and he didn't use the same chant again. Jesus. Why me? I don't know why I'm upset…I had planned to marry him anyway but I just don't like the feeling of having someones life on my shoulders. Don't I get a choice in the matter? Obviously I can choose not to help him but why would I do that? Why couldn't it be easier? In a perfect world he'd come up to me and say 'hey I'm an alpha veela. Do you wanna be my mate?' we would get to know each other without the pressure of having kids right now, or drinking blood, or even people committing suicide if they don't have a mate. But this isn't a perfect world; this is the real world. This is my life…eff my life. I'm crying and I don't know why. I look around me…my house…my things. Everything I have I worked for. I was happy with my life, my job, my love-less sex-less life. I decided to give love a chance and all I got in return was stress. My life has never been more strenuous and I've done exams, ran on two hours of sleep a day sometime, went from project to project at work, made time for my family and friends, and I was happy in my ignorance…my bliss. Am I happy now? I don't know. I looked up by the wall and the clock said 2:35 am; I have work in a few hours. I got up headed up the stairs and cried myself to sleep for the umpteenth time since I met Blaise.
-:):):)-
I think this is the earliest that I have ever arrived at work. My eyes are still swollen a bit from crying and I feel a bit nauseous. My assistant looks surprised. I just had to get out of the house.
My assistant is a short petite lady with mousey brown hair that touches her shoulders and pale skin. She has a greek like nose and bright blue eyes. She is 43 years old and one of the nicest persons I've met in my life. She is a squib and her husband is a halfblood common. They have two children. A son my age, and a daughter in her second year at Hogwarts. She has been working here since she was 22 years old. She was rejected by her family because of her lack of magical ability. My father has tried on numerous occasions to give her promotions but she feels as if she doesn't deserve it because she has no diploma. My father did the next best thing and tripled her pay. She is very efficient and always has her work done on time and in tip-top shape.
"Good morning Mrs. Delagua" I nod my head "Would you like some coffee?"
"Good morning darling and yes I would love a cup." She smiles sweetly at me. I head to staff kitchen and proceed to make her usual black coffee and a cup of mint tea for myself. Mmmm it smells delightful. I walk back towards my office and hand Mrs. Delagua her coffee. "A lady dropped these of this morning saying that she and your mother would like you to pick which invitation looks the best to you for the wedding. Congratulations by the way." I can't even look at these invitations right now.
"Why don't you pick whichever one you think is the best and send it to my mother. It really doesn't matter to me." I sigh and she frowns.
"Nadia-" and I know when she drops the formality she is in mother mode "What is the matter dear? Is it arranged?" I shake my head. "Are you pregnant?" I don't respond "Dia I have known you since you were a baby. Any man would be lucky to have you as their wife. Now if he is only marring you for the child's sake then don't. Is that it?" I shake my head. "Well what is the matter then dear?"
"I-I just don't know how I feel. I've never had feelings like this for anyone before. I'm so use to being in control and when it comes to him I lose that and I don't know how things will go…I like to know and it makes me feel uncomfortable to not be in control of a situation. It's like he has my heart…my soul in the palm of his hands. He can hurt me if he wants to and I'm afraid of that. My emotions are all over the place and from the time I've known him I cried more than I did in my life. I swear I cried more last night than even over the months when we were having problems. How is that possible? I'm confused, I'm stressed and I just want…no I need some peace but I have obligations and I don't want to be selfish." I finish and I didn't even know that I needed to say all of that.
"Darling love is unpredictable and it sounds like you do love this boy. I know you always like to think things through but sometimes it you just have to follow your heart. I know it's scary to lose control when you are so use to having it but sometime you have to just let go. You never know what can happen if you don't take a chance and you don't want to live your life with regrets."
"She is absolutely right sweetheart." I hear my mother cut in and we both startle. "Nadia do not feel obligated to anyone to do anything. I know you are a nice person and you would help other before yourself and that's all wonderful but keep in mind that you matter too sweetie. If you don't want to get married you don't have to. Speak to Blaise about how you feel I'm sure he'll understand. I'm not saying it won't hurt him but I know he wants you to be happy. If you need a break take one. God knows you deserve it…your father and I can take over. You have been doing wonderfully so far and after all your hard work there is nothing wrong with being a little selfish. But if you are still confused remember what gram says. If you don't want to follow you head and you're too scared to follow your heart, follow your gut it'll never steer you wrong." Gram would tell all of us that…my mom, my aunt, me, and even Hermione from time to time. What is my gut telling?
"I still want to get married and I don't really need a break from work. But I'll let you know if I do." My mother nods.
"I'll take care of all the wedding stuff so you don't have to. Just set a date and I'll be ready." She says to me and I'm grateful.
"Ms. Granger someone brought in some breakfast sandwiches for everyone would you like me to save you a few?" Mrs. Delagua asks. I nod and turn back to my mother.
"Mum I read something last night in the books Zarah gave me and it was a bit disturbing to me…I mean at the time when he did it, it wasn't but the idea of it is disturbing. I-" A putrid raw smell stops me mid-sentence I look behind me and see Mrs. Delagua holding the offending object. It's a breakfast sandwich and I feel like I'm about to throw up the breakfast that I didn't have. I have to run to the nearest bathroom over to the sink and throw up my early morning glass of water and bile. After the content of my stomach is empty my body continues to dry heave and my brain is begging my body to stop because it hurts. I feel someone come up behind me and pat my back and I'm weak. I sit on the floor and though my body is still retching, my body wracks with the spasms of my non-existent vomit and I begin to cry. Since when have I become such a pansy?
"Shhhhh it's okay sweetheart." I hear my mom say. "That'll be the babies now."
"Maybe this is why she was crying so much last night. You know heightened emotions from the child." says.
"I believe you're right. What was in the sandwich? What did you smell sweetheart?" My mother asks. By this time the spasms have slowed.
"Raw" I barely get the word out.
"Eggs" My mother relies in a matter of fact tone.
"I'll go get her some peppermint tea." says.
"Thank you Angela and could you also get someone to bring her a can of ginger-ale from the store across the street?" I guess that nodded because my mother went on to say "Thank you we'll be in her office."
-:):):)-
After I've had my tea and ginger ale I must say that I feel better. I look across my desk and my mom is sitting in the leather seats in the corner reading a book. "Did you see Blaise while you were with Zarah this morning?"
"I did. She was trying to get him to skip work because he wasn't feeling well. Poor thing looks tired. Did you all stay up late last night?" I shake my head and conjure the book I was reading last night.
"This is what I was trying to tell you earlier." I beckon her over and flip to chapter 39 where I had the paragraphs highlighted. I hand the book over to her and she begins to read. I see her brows furrow a couple times but otherwise her face is impassive.
"Hmmmm" Is all she says when she is done. Her hair blows wind-less for a couple seconds and a phoenix erupt from her upper right sholder. "Go and fetch Zarah" she says to her patronus. I haven't used my patronus in so long that I almost forgotten about them. In our family everyone has a physical one for my mother it is what muggles would call a 'tattoo' of about eight inches on her back by her right shoulder. It looks like black ink but sometimes it ruffles it's feathers. My aunt has a lion who has a tendency to roar on the right side of her lower back- she keeps a silencing charm on him. My patronus is on my side. It spans from bottom of the side of my breast to just above my hips. It's a dragon and she heats up from time to time. I always kept her under a strong glamor charm because of an incident that happened when I just started middle school. She would act up a lot…move, heat up. She has strong opinions about who she likes and dislikes and unlike a common our patronuses have their own personalities and are able to defend us if need be. They are sort of like familiars. I feel her heat up on my side at being remembered. Maybe if you can behave you'll get more freedom…or maybe I should be a better teacher. I sigh.
Zarah is escorted into my office by my assistant and my mom hands her the book and points out the paragraphs. "Oh dear" she says when she finishes. She looks to me "What are you going to do?"
"Well I'm going to talk to him about it and I obviously have to do it. It just bothers me a bit…he's done it before and it didn't bother me before. I'll get over it." Just then my personal phone begins to ring. I look at the screen and I don't recognize the number. I press the receive button and put it to my ear. "Hello"
"Hello!Nadia!" I have to pull the phone away from my ear in shock because the person is speaking really loudly. "Salazars saggy arse how do you work this thing? Hello!"
"Yes who is this?" I reply
"It's Blaise!"
"Goodness Blaise you don't have to talk so loud. Speak in your regular voice. You're murdering my ear."
"Oh, sorry. Is this better?"
"Yes"
"Are you sure you can hear me?"
"Positive. Where did you get a phone?"
"Dray went with me to get on so we can keep in touch easier…it's better than owling I guess. It's confusing though."
"Not once you get used to it."
"That's what Draco said. Anyhow are you busy?"
"No just here with your mom, and mine."
"Oh…wedding stuff?"
"Yeah, look Blaise we need to talk." The other line is silent for a few seconds.
"You're not having second thoughts are you?" he says quietly.
"No…I just wanted to talk to you about me. Some of the things you've seen me do and questioned me about it as well as other things and also about some of the things I read in the books I was given."
"Okay how about lunch?"
"Can't I have to work through lunch. This evening we'll talk. I'll see you later."
"Okay I love you."
"You too bye."
"Nadia?" he says quickly.
"Hmm?"
"Are you upset?"
"No"
"Are you in a rush?" Where is he going with this?
"No"
"Then what's so hard about a proper reply? I Love you." Oh
"I love you too Blaise."
AN*****IMPORTANT******
I've changed the name of the character back to what it was before I actually started posting. I changed it back because I feel Nadia is a more appropriate because she is from Spain. Sorry if this caused any inconvenience :(...I just really wanted to go back to my original name. It wont happen again I promise.
With that being said I'm actually going to post the alternate story...the one where they meet at Hogwarts instead. It's going well so far so check it out...It'll be posted shortly.
Much love :* and until next time keep calm and be positive.