Chapter 10: Clash of the Cousins part 1

Giggles and chuckles and smells of freshly made breakfast were what Harry and Blaise woke up to the next morning. They saw Lily and Delia smiling at them.

"Good morning!" They chirped. The men smiled and hugged them close before tickling them. The girls squealed and laughed, bringing the boys over.

"Finally, it's about time you two woke up." Albus said. "I thought we'd have to starve..."

"You're such a drama queen Al," Teddy teased. Scorpius crossed his arms and chuckled. Blaise got to his feet, one girl under each arm. Harry followed with the boys behind him as they made it to the dining room. The furniture and floors were in cherry wood and mahogany, the dishes were china, glasses were crystal, the cloth, lace and silk, and the silver shined to mirror. Harry whistled.

"Fancy much?" He asked teasingly.

"Not my fault the house elves here like to show off a little." Blaise said. "It is a rather special occasion for them when their master and their family return home. I know, we are not family completely yet, but to them, we are."

"It's a sweet gesture." Harry said, taking the seat on Blaise's left, while Delia took the right. "It's fine." Blaise nodded and the family sat to breakfast. It was a warm, welcoming breakfast for all. Everyone felt connected and right at home. When the breakfast was cleared, everyone got ready to go.

"What's the sport here?" Albus asked as they walked away from the Villa. Blaise smirked and Scorpius grinned.

"Bug hunting." They said. Albus blanched bone white and was about to turn around toward the house when a black and white ball nudged his foot. He looked down and smiled. It was a soccer ball!

"Just teasing Albus," Blaise said with a hearty laugh, summoning the ball back and doing a few tricks with it. "It's soccer. But it's also known as Football. I don't know why, it's nothing like American Football."

"No Quidditch here?"

"Oh, it's played as well but it's mostly soccer here." Blaise said, continuing to kick around the ball, shifting it to one foot then the other with practiced skill. "Although Qudditch was not my strongest suit, I played only in private. Soccer's more for me. Do any of you, aside from my daughter and my godson know how to play?"

"A little." Albus said. "Dad played with us a bit, before Mom had a fit."

"She didn't approve?"

"Said it was a Muggle game."

"Wow, Ginerva really changed and not for the better at all. Yes Muggles play soccer as well. I don't give a damn who plays. I enjoy it. Why stop doing something I love and enjoy just because others don't "approve" it?" The group nodded in agreement. The Italian had a point. The kids followed him out to a field and were excited as they watched other kids play soccer, without a care in the world. They were having fun and they we're happy. The kids looked to Blaise and Harry who nodded in approval before going to the other kids, asking if they could play. Soon, the five were on the field and the adults were alone.

"You look so comfortable here Blaise."

"Well, this is where I'm from mio amato." Blaise said as he watched the children. "Yes I've lived in England and all but home is where the heart is."

"That's true." Harry said. "Hogwarts was my first real home. The house in Godrics Hollow...it holds too many painful memories for me." Blaise cupped Harry's face between his hands.

"I understand. I was thinking about it. Instead of it being a home, why not make it into a memorial?"

"Blaise?"

"No, hear me out mio amato." Blaise said. "If I remember correctly, the house you moved into was your parents' home first right?"

"Yes,"

"Ok, so, why not make it into a memorial park, not only for your parents, but for all who have lost their lives in the war?"

"Blaise, that's an excellent idea!" Harry said, kissing the former Slytherin. "It seems fitting."

"All right then, so as soon as we return to England, you and I, as well as the Malfoys, will put our heads and funds together and make it happen."

"That is very sweet Blaise. Now, what do you want?"

"I already have what I want." The Potions Master whispered. "All I wanted, was you." Harry blushed but closed his eyes as Blaise leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, loving kiss.

The kids were playing, the beginning of the game being fun. But Scorpius noticed a boy, about his age with strawberry blond hair, an arrogant smirk and cornflower blue eyes eying Lily. He wasn't having it. He let out a growl and moved in closer.

"I'll get it!" Lily called as the ball went out field. The boy followed her and Scorpius wasn't that far behind. She picked up the ball and jumped when the boy smirked at her. When Scorpius did that, she knew it was in good fun. This boy on the other hand, although he was pleasant on the eyes, made her skin crawl.

"You play pretty well for someone who isn't too familiar with the game." He said in amusement. "My name's Renzo Arturo Delmando. And you, my fair flower?"

"She's not for you." Scorpius said sharply, standing in front of Lily. "So you can put your eyes back in your head and fuck off."

"You are rude, I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to her. And who are you, her husband?"

"No, but let's get one thing straight pal, she's not interested in you. She's spoken for."

"I see no ring on her finger." Renzo said smugly. "Therefore she's fair game."

"Excuse me," Albus said icily, with Teddy in tow. "Who the hell are you and my sister is not fair game thank you very much."

"Get lost Renzo." Delia sneered. "If you know what's good for you."

"Ah, it's good to see you cugina*" Renzo said. "I'm only trying to get to know her."

"She's not interested in creeps." Delia said. "Ora sparisci!"*

"How cute, using the mother tongue." Renzo said looking to Lily and blowing her a kiss. "Ci vediamo più tardi uno abbastanza."* With that he left, Lily shook herself.

"That guy was serious creepoid."

"That was my cousin." Delia said. "Remember Papa mentioned Stephano?"

"Yea,"

"Well Renzo's his kid." Delia said. "Papa's not going to like this. Come on, we better tell him." They made their way back, unaware of the situation the adults were in.

Harry and Blaise were relaxing in each other's company when they heard a chuckle from behind them. Harry turned to see a tall, light skinned male with strawberry blond hair, cornflower blue eyes and a cruel look in his eyes. He made Lucius look meek.

"Ciao cugino," He said, causing Blaise to go ridged. Harry noticed how pissed Blaise became but the man held a tight rein on his temper.

"Stephano, what brings you here?"

"Oh, my son likes to play soccer as well and this is the only public field there is." Stephano said. "You're looking well. What brings you back here?"

"That's none of your business." Blaise said with finality. Stephano rolled his eyes and smiled when he saw Harry.

"Ah, I see. Excuse my cousin, he's quite rude you see. I'm Stephano Carlo Delmando. It's a pleasure to meet you Harry Potter."

"The pleasure's yours I'm sure." Harry said , not liking the man in the least. "Blaise, let's get the children and be on our way."

"Children?" Stephano asked, a bit surprised. "Married are we cugino?"

"Again that is no business of yours." Blaise said, eying the other man. "Now step out of my way Stephano."

"Ah, I see Celine gave you Nonno's* ring." Stephano said, anger blazing in his eyes. "So, am I to address you as Signore?"

"It's only respectful." Blaise said, not glancing at his cousin as he sent his Protronus, a sleek, powerful panther, off to find the children with a message to come back to them. Stephano eyed the Protronus with hatred.

" You always get what you want don't you?"

"No, I don't. I earn it. Unlike you."

"Think what you will Signore Zambini." Stephano sneered. "We both know I was cheated out of what was rightfully mine."

"No you were not, you felt as if you had. Our grandfather did what was right and you know it, you just won't accept it. You can't handle the Lordship."

"Yes I can and I will take what is mine." Stephano sneered. Blaise felt his blood boil and stood toe to toe with his cousin.

"Listen to me and listen well," He began with steel in his voice, which intimidated Stephano a bit. "If you even try or think about taking anything from me, I swear, I will make your life a living hell." Stephano gulped a bit, feeling Blaise's magic sizzle with his rage. Blaise was not a force to be reckoned with. In fact, if he wanted, Blaise could have him and his family killed and no one would put up a fight. But Blaise was not one for staining his hands with blood. The two cousins stared at each other and after a moment, Stephano broke away and bowed his head. Harry knew the stance, but something felt off. At first, it seemed that the man was accepting his defeat, but something deep down told Harry that was the case. He was about to leave when Blaise's voice stopped him.

"Stephano, tell your bastard son to keep his distance from my children and godsons. Especially my girls. Or you will pay the price. Is that clear?"

"Sì mio Signore."* Stephano said "fearfully", "I will not bother you anymore."

"Keep that in mind. Now get out of my sight." Harry watched as the blond scurried off, cuffing his son by the collar and Apperating out of there. When they were gone, Harry blinked but shook it off, filing the information for later.

"Blaise, what did you do to him? He looked ready to piss himself."

"Good, then I scared him enough to get the message through his thick skull." The Potions Master said with a smirk. "You have no need to fear mio amato, all will be well you'll see."

"Blaise, are you sure, I mean what if he was faking?"

"I wouldn't put it past him mio amato." Blaise said. "He believes that in England he would have more freedom than here. What he doesn't know is that now since I'm Signore, that my Lordship goes where ever I go."

"But..."

"Let me handle him." Blaise said, holding Harry close to him. "Let's not have my wretched cousin ruin our time here." The children appeared and Blaise smiled, summoning a soccer ball. "Who wants to play?" Everyone cheered and soon, they were all running across the field, Albus and Teddy being goalies. Everyone was having fun. The girls were trying to beat their fathers but it was a losing battle. Both men were too quick for them. Harry was about to kick the ball into the goal Teddy guarded but misstepped and ended up crashing into the dark aristocrat, sending them both to the ground, with Blaise on top! Both men looked at each other and laughed. The kids joined in, dog piling the men.

"Oh no," Harry groaned playfully. "We're trapped!" Blaise smirked and took out his wand.

"Off or face a skunk!" He barked. The kids' eyed widened at the tone and at the sight of the Potion Master's wand. Swearing, they scurried off quickly. Blaise helped Harry up and after putting his wand away, he chuckled.

"Works every time. I even use the same tactic on Draco."

"Did you make good on your threat?"

"Once, he pissed me off. Remember when you saw the least of him?" Harry nodded. He remembered when Draco looked a bit embarrassed, it was in their last year's Potions Class. He remembered holding his breath because Draco's "scent" was too strong. He thought it was because of Qudditch but it wasn't. Now he knew why!

"Oh, you're so bad." Harry smirked. Blaise smiled but shook his head.

" Hey, he pissed me off. I didn't get mad, I got even." Both men laughed and waved for the children to continue playing for a bit. The men sat down on the grass, safely away from the game playing.

"What's on your mind mio amato?" Blaise asked, stretching his legs out and leaning his back against the tree. "And don't tell me nothing."

"How did you...?"

"You get quiet and play with your hair and you get a certain look in your eyes."

"I just have so much to take in." Harry said. "Also, I'm worried..."

" I understand, just know you're not alone mio amato. And don't worry, when the time comes, we will face him together."

"Wow what a game," Teddy sighed, plopping down onto the grass. The others agreed and relaxed. Lily still seemed uneasy about that kid. Scorpius sensed that and held her.

"Don't let that asshole ruin your mood Lily." He said. "We're all here for you."

"I know. But I can't shake it off that he wasn't finished. That this is just the beginning."

"I wouldn't doubt that for a second." Delia said, looking serious. "My cousin will do anything to get what he wants. So will Papa's cousin."

"I think that's what Daddy's worried about."

"Lily, Papa is powerful. He can take care of those two."

"What if they try to harm Scorpius and the Professor?" Lily asked. Everyone remained quiet. Lily did have a good point. Although he was powerful, the kids knew that their Potions Master was stil mortal. And the two characters looked like the type to fight dirty.

"I'm sure Papa will have a plan for that." Delia said reassuringly. "I know Score has one."

"Definitely." The youngest Malfoy said. "Don't worry Lily we'll be ok." Lily smiled and nodded but like her father, she wasn't convinced in the least.

Renzo struggled with his father, trying to break free of his grip on his collar. As soon as he was about to curse, he was dropped unceremoniously on the floor of the hall of their home. He glared at his father, who didn't disappoint him.

"Oh, how he is going to pay for taking what was mine." Stephano said with a growl. Renzo looked at his father like he was nuts.

"Papa you told Signore Zambini that you wouldn't bother him anymore."

"To throw him off my scent as it were." His father said. "Did you honestly believed that I would back down from this?" Before he could give an answer his father smirked. "I have waited for the perfect opportunity to destroy my cousin. Now, I know how to do it."

"Papa,"

"I will destroy his heart." Stephano said, crushing a crystal goblet in his hand. "Just like you will crush the heart of that Malfoy boy."

"How did you know that was a Malfoy?"

"The features gave him away. I've see his father and grandfather before, the boy is an almost spot on match."

"So what's the plan?"

"We use the power of persuasion my son." Stephano said with relish. "Oh yes cousin, your heart and your Lordship will be mine!"

From one drama to another! More to come!

cugina- female cousin
Ora sparisci- Now get lost
Ci vediamo più tardi uno abbastanza - See you later pretty one
Ciao cugino - Hello male cousin
Nonno's - Grandfather's
Sì mio Signore- Yes My Lord