A HUUUUUGE thankyou to my wonderful, new, Italian speaking Beta TuesdayNovember (Elizabreath) who had informed me that "'Strega' literally means witch. In this context, it would be like 'enchantress, sexy'" I love you Bess!

Marriage

Carolina held Papa's arm tightly. His dark grey robes were a shocking contrast to her gown, making it seem even whiter. She glanced round at her bridesmaids. Isabella, Amata-Maria, Verdette, Blaise's sour looking sister Cossette, and Cissy. Darling Cissy.

"It's time, Pretty-Girl," Papa whispered in her ear as the music started.

She gazed at him with wide, startled eyes, like a frightened rabbit. Then she squared her shoulders and stood up tall. A determined glint came into her eye. A glint that both softened and hardened as she saw Blaise turn round and watch her gliding down the aisle. A million conversations went through her head.

"You're pretty, Zabini."

"Dromeda you'll never guess who I'm going out with!"

"Gosh, if I get kisses this good afterwards I should argue with you more, Regina."

"You're such an annoying shit, Blaise. I think that's why I like you."

"Of course you're keeping your name Regina. Carolina Pascal just sounds boring!"

"Oh Blaise! I do love you!"

"Cry Regina. Cry as much as you want. It won't bring him back but it'll make you feel better, and he'd want you to feel better."

"I hate you."

"I hate you too."

"Oh kiss me you strega!"

She barely heard the service. The speeches, the crying, the songs. She only really registered four words.

"I do"

"I do"

"You may kiss the bride."

And for the first time, Blaise and Carolina kissed in public as passionately as they did in private.

"Bambina," sobbed Balbina. "Oh bambina mia!"

If only Benji were here to see this, Carolina thought as she and Blaise took their first dance as Man and Wife. Then everything would be perfect.

Benji wasn't there. But Blaise was. And Blaise was so perfect. Gazing at her adoringly, as if he were the lucky one instead of her.

How could I ever have let him go? She thought. That had to be the stupidest thing I'd ever done.

They spent their honeymoon in Tuscany, and started married life as they meant to go on.

"Blaise where the hell are my sunglasses?"

"How the hell should I know Regina- Would you stop pointing that damn knife at me!

"It's a dagger you idiot! Now have you seen my sunglasses?"

"Looks like a bloody knife to me. I already told you no! Ask a house elf to get them for you."

"I don't want to."

"Why not for Merlin's sake!"

"I don't like them. They're creepy."

"Oh for the love of- Seriously stop pointing that thing at me! That's what they're for!"

"Oh here they are. See you on the beach."

"Tch. Meeting on the beach is for people who aren't married." Blaise hooked his arms under her knees and shoulders. "I'm going to carry my wife!"

Carolina giggled and dropped her dagger as he swung her over his shoulder.

"You just wait, Blaise. When I get down from here I'm going to kiss you so hard, you won't be able to talk anymore!"

He grinned toothily at her.

"I can't wait."

Yes, Carolina thought. Marriage was brilliant.

Awk aren't they a sweet couple!