Wanting Something More
Chapter Seventeen: Wanting Vacation
"Are you completely sure about this?" Blaise moved through his sisters room, running his hands through his hair.
"Yes Blaise. I've given you the letter to tell Mother and Father I've begun dating Harry Potter and that we've begun the process of falling in love. They can't actually force me to spend my holiday with Malfoy. I'll either stay here in my room at Hogwarts, or I'll go where I want." Brittany was practicing repacking her trunk using non verbal casting.
"You don't think that father is going to lose his mind? He's going to be infuriated that you've actually managed to out wit him." Blaise warned as he watched his sister's wand work. "You're getting better."
"Thank you." Brittany turned to smile at her brother. "Besides we have to let them know at some point. After that letter from father ranting about me ruining all his plans, I wanted to give him something."
"You don't think that our father will tell Lucius, who will in turn tell Draco." Blaise grumbled.
"If he does, then we will just have to deal with it. Malfoy's terrified of Harry. I was there in his arms and he threatened to use my father to get to me. He can't face Harry." Brittany was positively beaming with joy.
"He probably did not realize how close you two are. He confronted me about how much time you two are actually spending together. I told him I have no control over it. He threw a fit and asked how I could keep him away from you but not Harry."
"What did you happen to tell the little ferret?"
"That you wanted to spend time with Harry, and not with him." Blaise chuckled as he sat in front of the fire, giving up on his nervous pacing for now.
"I doubt he liked that at all."
"Nope, can definitely say he hated that idea."
"So what else is actually bothering you?" Brittany sat down next to her brother and wrapped her arms around him.
"You're going to be away from me all holiday. I can't actually go with you, because someone needs to keep father calmed down. So I'm stuck with keeping father from becoming murderous towards you, or worse yet Harry." Blaise rubbed his sister's arm. "It's going to be a long horrible Christmas. Also mother may want to gush about the cute babies you'll soon be having. Also pushing me to find a girl myself."
"Hah! You'll have to just take some of this burden off my shoulders then big brother." Brittany squeezed him tightly then moved to resume her packing.
"You know we aren't leaving until tomorrow." Blaise tossed over his shoulder.
"I'm too excited. My very first Christmas without Malfoy to ruin it."
"Also the first Christmas with you're soon to be husband Harry Potter."
"Oh would you stop that. Yes I'm excited about it. I'm also really nervous so stop bringing it up." Brittany shot back as she continued her packing.
"What do you have to be nervous about. I have to face father. You get to spend the holidays with the man you love." Blaise replied leaning back on the floor.
"I also have to spend it with the Weasley's. They are like his family and I don't want to make a bad impression. Sure Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George all like me, but what about their older brothers. Also their mum, I've been told their mum is the most crucial. What if she doesn't like me? What is she tells Harry I'm not right for him, or vice versa?" Brittany explained as she moved to her chest to close it.
"Then she doesn't like you. If Harry listens then he isn't in love with you. Then you should know now rather than later. We'll still have time to find someone else." Blaise added, hoping to calm his sister down.
"I don't think I want anyone else. I, I really am in love with him Blaise. If Harry doesn't want me then maybe I'm better off running and hiding. I could always move to America." Brittany reasoned.
"No you won't. You'll be fine. You're such a girl about this whole thing." Blaise teased.
"Well maybe because I am one."
"Stop worrying. He would not have you joining him for Christmas if he did not want you there." Blaise added.
"Won't it be awkward though. What if Mrs. Weasley hates me because she wanted her daughter to marry Harry?" Brittany argued.
"From what I hear she isn't like our mum. She wants her children to be happy. You seriously need to calm down." Blaise sighed as he contemplated tickling his sister into submission.
"I'm allowed to be nervous. This is a really big thing for me. Just tell me that everything is going to work out alright." Brittany relented.
"Everything is going to be just fine. You're going to have a wonderful Malfoyless holiday snogging your boyfriend. I'm going to go home and father is going to be so thrilled you've gotten yourself a famous wizard he'll cancel the whole arrangement, and mother is not going to pester me about grandchildren. It will be the best Christmas ever." Blaise replied as he stood up and waved his hands dramatically.
"I get it. I'm the lucky one and you have to suffer. I'll stop worrying alright." Brittany negotiated. "Just stop thinking father is going to take this out on you."
"Alright. He's still going to be furious."
"I hope the smug bastard is." Brittany growled.
"Now now. Without him you never would have gone after Harry Potter in the first place." Blaise teased.
"I give up. You are being absolutely incorrigible today. Go pack your things and leave me alone. I'll see you on the train." Brittany rolled her eyes as she began shooing her brother from the room.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all sat together in the common room and enjoyed a small moment of peace. Hermione had already made sure the boys were both packed and ready for the train ride back to Kings Cross Station. Hermione wanted to be sure that this Christmas nothing would go wrong. This was to be the first Christmas she attended while dating Ron. Hopefully things would still be relatively normal.
"You need to stop worrying 'Mione. Mum loves you and it's not going to be any different. Besides you're a 'good influence' on me." Ron grabbed his girlfriends' fidgeting hands.
"Yes well, I've never stayed over as your girlfriend for a Holiday before. She might even be more," she paused searching for the right word, "overzealous than before."
"Yeah well Mum knew we were a thing over the summer. Besides Harry's the one who should be worried. Mum might just scare Brittany off." Ron teased.
"Piss off. She might actually like Brittany you know." Harry shot back while crossing his arms over his chest.
"Sure, since Mum was all ready to plan yours and Ginny's wedding. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."
"Don't tease him Ron. He's worried enough as it is. What with you know who and everything else Harry really needs a few weeks vacation. Getting him all riled up will not do him a bit of good."
"Sorry 'Mione."
"Don't you worry Harry. Molly is going to like Brittany just like the rest of us."
"Ron has a point though. She was disappointed Ginny and I didn't work out." Harry threw back as he slumped over putting his face in his hands. "She wasn't mad about it. She just had that look."
"Oh, the look. Yeah she used that a lot of Fred and George when they quit School. I've even gotten that look once or twice. Perhaps having Brittany come over for this Christmas is a bad idea then."
"No. You are not going to put any more doubts into his head. He's invited her. Molly knows she's coming. Also your brothers invited her as well. You can't just uninvite her and leave her here alone. Would you stop worrying so much Harry. Stop slouching and relax."
"I'm not slouching, I'm thinking."
"Yes and Ron received Outstanding in every single O.W.L. he took."
"Hey, I did pretty well on those."
"Better than I thought you would."
"Piss off."
"Both of you just calm down."
"I missed us all spending time together as a group."
"I did too Ron."
"It's probably because I give you guys space to go and Snog."
"Harry James Potter."
"Nice one." Ron gave a high five to his best mate with a giant grin on his face.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but it was obvious she was happy. Spending time together as a group was getting more rare. She suspected that part of it was due to Brittany, while the rest was Harry giving them space. Hermione knew the looming war worried Harry. He wanted them to have as much time with each other as they could, should anything happen. They all needed this vacation.
The rather large group of students eagerly boarded the train bound for home, vacation, and presents. Harry kept an arm protectively around Brittany's waist and wondered for the thousandth time why he had not decided to put her under the invisibility cloak. The teens made their way to compartments and were lucky enough to get two next to each other. Blaise decided to take the one that was occupied with one Astoria Greengrass. Serena and Gabriel went with them. Ginny and Seth joined them and began a debate on which Quidditch World Cup was the best match up. Harry, Brittany, Ron, Hermione, Scarlett and Nix all piled into the empty one next to them.
"So in a few hours we'll be at Kings Cross station." Scarlett began.
"Then we'll be apart for the next two weeks." Brittany replied.
"I'm sure you two will survive without each other." Nix teased.
"Oh hush Nix." They chorused.
The group laughed at this. "You know I think this is just what we all needed."
"'Mione's right you know. We've all been so stressed with school and Malfoy and everything. It'll be nice to sleep in and relax for a while."
"Here here." Brittany cheered.
"I'm just glad for two weeks I don't have to worry about Malfoy trying to accost you whenever you aren't beside me." Harry added as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"You have been extra paranoid. After classes it's rare to not see you two together. Have you been joining in on Harry's training?" Nix wondered.
"No, well I've been watching when he's with Snape. I'm usually just writing my essays. I am really liking Professor Anya's extra lessons though." Brittany smiled.
"We all are. I've never had more fun on Thursday nights. We're getting really good." Scarlett added.
"No offense Harry, but Professor Anya has taken us leaps and bounds." Hermione smiled good naturedly.
"I'm glad. Dumbledore hand picked her for a reason. This also gives me more time to focus on other things." Harry had a goofy grin on his face thinking about the various other things that entailed.
"Bloody hell Harry, you say I'm bad. You've got a dirtier mind than me." Ron snorted.
They all shared a good long laugh at that one. Harry and Brittany both sported bright red blushes. Harry smirked at his best mate as he snuggled Brittany closer to him. "Yeah, well you had all summer to snog Hermione. I'm just making use of what time I have."
Now it was Ron and Hermione's turn to blush. The group continued on with their banter back and forth for a while. Finally there was a commotion outside the compartment and the group quieted. The entire room became quiet and they heard Blaise and Draco shouting at each other. Brittany moved to stand almost immediately. Harry pulled out the invisibility cloak and sat her back down.
"But Harry-"
"Stay here. I don't want to risk you getting hurt. Just let me take care of this alright."
"Fine."
"We'll stay with you." Nix suggested.
"Yeah, just in case we'll be here are you're back up." Scarlett whispered.
"The Silver Trio has to stick together too." Nix finished.
"I'm seriously getting tired of Ferret Face bothering us." Hermione growled.
"Uh oh, Hermione's pissed. You all may want to just stay here anyway. She's bloody scary when she's like this." Ron added as Harry and Hermione moved out of the compartment.
"Where the hell is she Blaise." Draco hissed. He was determined to give her his present since she would not be with him over Christmas.
"Safe." Was the word Blaise kept repeating.
"That's not a location!" Draco screamed.
"Shut up Malfoy." Harry shot back.
"Merlin, why is it you show up whenever I am looking for my future wife, Potty?" Draco groaned. "Can't you just leave well enough alone and piss off?"
"Nope, I'm keeping her safe." Harry smirked.
"She's my-"
"Ferret Face get your sorry excuse back to you're own compartment." Hermione moved with a raised fist. "Or I'm going third year all over you're face. I'm sick and tired of the headache you keep bringing with you."
Draco was about to open his mouth but then closed it. "She's in there isn't she."
"So what if she is?" Harry growled.
"Why isn't she with you Blaise?" Draco asked with barely hinted rage.
"She's with Scarlett and Nix. They're always together on Train rides." Seth shot at him. "You're her stalker haven't you noticed that about her?"
"Cousin I will not hesitate to hurt you to get her out here." Draco shot back.
"We won't stop to hurt you back. You're all alone Malfoy. There is nothing you can do." Ginny growled as she moved to stand next to Seth.
"Now even the Weaslette is joining in. Just stop. I want to give her the Christmas Present I got for her." Draco finally admitted. "I was hoping to at least leave off on a better note than our last encounter. Someone may have mentioned being on her good side would win me more points rather than not."
Everyone stopped. "You got her a present?"
"What was it a severed head?"
"A void on this arrangement your parents made?"
"A bag of dead puppies?"
"A chain?"
"Her free will to choose who she wants to love." Harry added last.
Draco kept shaking, trying to control his rage. "No, I got her a necklace. I wanted to give it to her and help her put it on."
"No." Blaise stated immediately.
"Why not!" Draco shouted again.
"I already got her a necklace and put it on her since I won't be seeing her for Christmas." Blaise lied with ease. "You're too possessive to even let her wear two necklaces so no. Give it to me and I'll give it to her." Blaise reasoned.
"I want to give it to her myself." Draco asked. "Please. I'm not making a fuss about her being at the Weasel's for Christmas, let me have this."
Harry wanted to shout but a voice that made him want to bang his head on the compartment door rang out. "Everyone go into the compartments. I'll take the gift and I'll open it on Christmas along with the rest of them. Otherwise I'll toss it out the window."
Draco stiffened. "You'd throw it out the window?"
"You've assaulted me multiple times this year. I'm being nice even accepting the gift."
"I thought I asked you to let me take care of this." Harry turned to her.
"Harry, he's being Malfoy nice. So rather than antagonize him and send him into full asshat mode; I would much rather take the gift and get back to our vacation." Brittany reached out and brushed his hand. "Please, I'll be right back in there and if I'm not you have full permission to jump out of that compartment and do whatever to him."
Harry wanted to argue and growl and punch Malfoy's face. She was his girl now, and he hated placing her in danger. She was terrified of the prick, but also always scared for their own safety. "Fine, you have two minutes, after that I'm coming out here with Sectumsempra." Harry warned with a deadly tone.
"She told you to go into the compartment Potter. She feels safe enough. Be a good boy and piss off." Draco taunted.
"One more insult to Harry and he stays out here and I go in there and he does whatever he wants." Brittany hissed. "I'm being nice because you are, but if you're going to gloat I'm going to walk away."
Draco slammed his mouth shut and grumbled. "Fine."
Everyone piled back into the compartment and left the two alone in the walkway. Harry was the last to go in. "If you need me just shout Britt. I'll be there in a second."
Brittany nodded and Harry went into the compartment leaving the betrothed pair alone. "So, you wanted to give me a necklace?"
"Well I did want to have you open it and surprise you. But I guess I had to tell everyone just to get near you." Draco sighed. He was trying his hardest to be nice so she wouldn't run. Oddly enough his godfather seemed to be right.
"It's okay I'm not really a fan of surprises. Thank you for being nice, usually you'd blow up and start seriously threatening people. I'm glad you didn't, as much as usual." Brittany smiled a little bit.
"So, other than Blaise being a prick, are you sure you don't want me to put it on for you?" Draco asked handing her the present wrapped in silver.
"I think Christmas gifts should be opened on Christmas. You know that about me. I never think presents should be opened early. Blaise insisted with his necklace because the big baby isn't going to see me for Christmas for the first year ever." Brittany covered as she reached her hand out and accepted the gift.
"Why are you spending Christmas with them?" Draco asked.
"Fred, George, and Ginny invited me. Ron was meh about it. I've never been to a Christmas like theirs, or so I've been told. I accepted long before you tried to force me to stay with you." Brittany added.
"Why do you keep running?"
"Why do you keep pushing?"
"I don't know, I just need you."
"I'm sorry, but you know I'll never love you."
"You're don't know what love is."
"Maybe, maybe not, but what we have between us is not it. Merry Christmas Malfoy, enjoy your vacation." Brittany turned to place her hand on the door. She smiled to Harry who was literally watching them with his hand ready to throw the door open, wand drawn. She smiled brighter and chuckled.
"Wait." Draco reached out and tapped her shoulder.
Brittany turned still smiling. "Yes?"
Draco was taken aback by the smile on her face and for once felt peace. "Merry Christmas Brittany. I'll win you're heart one day."
"I can't stop you from trying." Brittany admitted. "I'm going to head back in, Harry is ready to jump out here and make good on his word." Brittany's smile grew. "I'll even bet he's counting."
"Well, just make sure that no male touches that necklace or helps you put it on. Have Granger or the Weaslette put it on for you if you need help." Draco added and then rushed. "Think of it as an engagement present as well."
Brittany nodded and moved back into the compartment. Draco looked to Harry and his glare was so full of hate as Brittany smiled up at the other male. "Take care of her Potter, or so help me."
"Don't worry Malfoy she'll be safe with me. I intended to take care of her before your little warning. You've had your time now go, before I do something I won't regret." Harry growled back putting a protective arm around her.
Draco scoffed and then stormed off. Once she get's back from Christmas I'll touch that pendant and she'll be mine. Her blood was infused with that locket when the sealing spell was cast and father had mine added when he got it from her father. Only I, or someone more powerful than me can open that locket. Then by all rights she is mine.
Harry held his love tightly as he glared at the silver package. "What did he want."
"To give me his present." Brittany groaned. "I know what he thinks it is."
"What do you mean?" Scarlett asked.
"Wait, but you're wearing it, how does he think he gave you that?" Hermione quick as always followed along.
"Mother had a fake put into the vault. A very convincing fake." Brittany added.
"How much of a fake?" Nix asked.
"It has the spell and the illusion of my power. It's just a vessel for matching. It has no blood of mine on or in it." Brittany explained.
"Then why did he seem so happy." Ron was confused.
"His father cheated, or tried to." Harry supplied. "Hermione would adding Malfoy's blood to the real one without Malfoy touching it effect it?"
"Yes, so only Malfoy or someone more powerful while still meeting the requirements could open it. Though Malfoy would no longer need to be compatible as far as magic goes to open it." She replied with a smile.
"Either way no one would be able to tell if the locket had been altered once it opens. So basically Malfoy just unknowingly gave Harry and even bigger step to impressing her father." Nix laughed.
"So Malfoy screwed himself right?" Ron had to be sure.
"I think so." Scarlett whispered to him.
"We'll that's good." Ron nodded.
"So should we chuck this out the window?" Harry wondered.
"Actually, I think this would be a great gift for Pansy." Brittany put the present in her bag. "Besides, after we're sure about this you'll touch mine and then by old wizarding law if Pansy touches this, she has some claim to him as his betrothed." Brittany's smirk widened. "Merry Christmas indeed, Malfoy may have just given me one of the best presents ever."
Hours later the train had arrived at Kings Cross Station. Many of the younger children were running to their parents with joy on their faces. Elder teenagers were still happy, but less enthusiastic. Parents were in all stages of reuniting with their long away children. When the large mismatched group were grabbing their things Harry handed Brittany his invisibility cloak. Brittany scoffed, but took it none the less.
"I'm going to miss you too so much." Brittany called out as Scarlett and Nix were making their way to Nix's parents.
"Just Owl me if you need anything Britt." Scarlett cried out.
"Better take good care of her Harry." Nix smirked.
"I planned on it." He grinned back.
"Stop worrying already and go you big babies." Seth teased.
"You're terrible. This is the first time they won't be seeing her for Christmas. She usually floo's over to Nix's later on in the evening with Scarlett." Blaise chided.
"You're just hiding the face that you're sad too Blaise." Brittany taunted.
"I see my parents, bye you guys. See you in two weeks." Serena called out. "Come on Gabe let's go."
"Have a Happy Christmas." Gabriel smiled softly as Serena began to drag him away.
Blaise groaned as he looked through the crowds to see his father looming over some of the other parents. Lucius Malfoy seemed to be with them. "Our dear father looks to be in a spectacular mood."
"I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for little one. Just make sure you enjoy every moment. Harry, make sure she doesn't stress herself too much." Blaise then wrapped his arms around his sister and held her tight. "I love you, my darling little one."
"Be safe and have fun Big Brother. I love you too." Brittany teared up a little as she returned the death grip her brother had on her.
"Why does everyone keep telling me to take care of Britt? I've said it before, her happiness is my top priority during this vacation. She's safe with me."
As Blaise passed Harry he whispered to him. "I meant her heart."
Harry shook his head and ushered the group father away from the Malfoy and Zabini Patriarchs. The five left kept their heads down. They moved in step with a large group of sixth years and walked along the edge to keep out of vision. Brittany was in the middle of the group just in case. They did not want to cause a scene.
"Hey, so I've never really asked this before, but why do Blaise and Brittany look different." Ron asked Seth. It had been eating at him for a while.
"We're technically half siblings. My father is not his father." Brittany answered with a slight growl.
"Blaise's father died of unknown causes before Blaise was born. Brittany was born just a few months after her father and mother were married, a month after Blaise was born." Seth explained.
"What do you mean mysteriously? Is her mother killing them off?" Ron wondered.
"No mother would never do that. Apparently father went to school with mother and always loved her." Brittany managed to force out.
"You think he was behind the deaths, why?" Hermione asked.
"My mother is the only child with the Zabini name. Her wealth and status grew with each husband's demise. Blaise's father was going to marry my mother, but he never got the chance. When father married mother he kept her maiden name."
"Why would he do something like that?" Ginny asked.
"Zabini is an old name, and that means old money and old powerful ties. We've never found proof. Why do you think Brittany's mother is willing to help us, yet her father is not. Also the deaths of the husbands were all shortly after they were married. Brittany's father has been around since Blaise's birth. Why do you think he is so adamant to tie Brittany, and by proxy himself to the Malfoy's? The man is power hungry and vicious if need be."
"I saw you're father, you don't look much like him." Harry commented.
"No I look like my mother. She is off Irish descent, my father of Greek. Blaise's father was of African descent. He was my mother's whole world. She told me once he was as sinfully sweet and decadent as the most rich and alluring dark chocolate. She was drunk." Brittany blushed a little at that. "I think father forced her into marriage. Either way, can we drop the subject, Blaise is my brother whether by blood or choice."
"Sorry Brittany I shouldn't have asked." Ron added.
"It's alright. I just get so touchy. It makes me feel like my ties to him are less than what they seem." Brittany waved it off after a moment.
"I was curious as well, but thought to ask in a more private setting." Hermione admitted.
"I'm sure it would have come up eventually."
"Oh, I see my aunt." Seth whispered. "I've got to go. Hopefully she won't force me to see Malfoy."
"By Seth Merry Christmas." Ginny smiled softly.
"See you in two weeks. Behave Britt." Seth smirked as he moved off towards his aunt.
After a few more minutes in silence a group of red haired individuals were spotted. Fred and George where standing together. Their elder brother Bill was there with his Fiancee Fluer. Mrs. Weasley stood in the middle with the largest grin on her face at seeing her youngest children.
"Oh my dears, I've missed you so much." Mrs. Weasley gushed as she hugged her daughter tightly then quickly moved to Ron. "Oh Hermione, you get more beautiful every time I see you." Molly hugged her as well. The she moved to Harry and smiled brightly. "You look more and more handsome as well Harry, but you are still much too thin." She gave him the biggest hug of all.
Brittany held in a wince and waited for a few moments. Sure enough Molly's eyes fell on hers. Brittany smiled a little and offered a greeting for her. "Hello Mrs. Weasley. Fred and George have told me so much about you over the years. I am very grateful that you would be willing to open your home to me. I thank you deeply for your hospitality. It is a pleasure to meet you. I'm Brittany Zabini."
Brittany hid her wince well. That couldn't have sounded anymore stuffy and proper if I tried again. Oh my lord she's going to hate me.
"Oh come now dear, no need to be so formal. In this family we like to be less proper. Fred and George have told me all about the problems you've been having. Come along dear and you just rest easy and home with us." Molly then gave the very nervous girl a hug of her own and stepped back to take a look at her. "You look like you could use the vacation."
Brittany smiled brightly then and hugged the woman back tightly. "Thank you so much. I'm really excited."
Harry whispered in her ear as the group made their way to the floo network. "I told you she'd like you." He teased as he kissed her cheek, while taking his cloak off.
"I'm glad she did. You were right Harry." Brittany smiled as she took a pinch of the floo powder.
"I bet you'll even get you're own sweater at Christmas."
"What?"