A/N: 1 So, this book is officially finished being written, and then we have Year 1 (finally)
However, I have a question about how it would be more comfortable for you guys to have it published. I have the next chapter about Harry, and then a chapter that encompasses a full year, and then a shortened version of another year.
If you leave a review, please respond with A or B.
A. Post the entire two years all at once (this will create a chapter that is very, very lengthy and may be difficult for some of you to read.)
B. Post the year in segments of 3 or 4 months at a time. (This will add an additional 4 or 5 chapters before the start of the next book, though it is already written)
The vote will be based on the majority.
If no one votes, I will do whatever is best for me as a writer.
Thank you, and please enjoy!
Blaise sat on the edge of the bed, his mind racing as he observed the slumbering form of Aurelius, his brother, who had become his, biologically, in blood, heart, and love. He couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards the boy who now bore a name that resonated with power and destiny. As he contemplated how to bridge the gap between their contrasting personalities, Blaise decided to start with something light-hearted.
"Hey, Aurelius," Blaise began, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, "I think we need to come up with a nickname for you. 'Aurelius' is hard to say, don't you think?"
Aurelius stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. Blaise continued, "I mean, my full name is Blaise Caius, but you can just call me Blaise. So, how about we find something that suits you? Maybe something fun or cheeky?"
Aurelius blinked; a small smile tugged at his lips. "What about 'Auri'? It's like a shortened version of Aurelius. And kind of sounds like Harry."
Blaise chuckled, impressed by the quick wit of his brother. "Auri, huh? I like it. It suits you, my friend."
"We're brothers now. It's a step higher than just friends." Auri muttered from his spot against the headboard.
"Indeed, we're family now."
Blaise leaned back against the bed's headboard so he was closer to the more petite boy and gave him a pensive look which went ignored. Blaise looked at his nails as if it were the most enlightening thing since Merlin, and when Aurelius still said nothing, he glanced at him a second time before realising that their upbringings had been vastly different. Maybe this ignoring thing was normal in the Muggle world. Blaise had been raised by the Duchessa Isabella Zabini, who had taught him how to be a proper pureblood and an Italian gentleman. The lessons had been ingrained in him from a young age, shaping his manners, etiquette, and knowledge of wizarding traditions.
Curiosity got the better of Blaise, and he gently probed, "Auri, you mentioned that you were raised by Muggles... What was it like? Did they know about magic?"
Aurelius shifted, his eyes filled with rage and a little bit of fear. "It was... complicated. The Muggles didn't know about magic until recently, and they tried their best, but it was difficult for them to understand."
It felt like an outrageous lie, but Blaise had no way to prove it.
Auri's eyes flitted carefully around, hunching in on himself. "Once I met Regulus and Sala, they tried to shield me from magic, but I don't know if it was on purpose or not. Because of that, neither spoke about magical things. It was as if they wanted to protect me, but I always felt like something was missing."
Blaise's heart went out to Aurelius, recognising the void he must have felt growing up. Now that he had a family, Blaise realised that Aurelius needed to embrace his new identity fully to weave their story convincingly. It was then that Blaise made a silent promise to himself – he would be the one to guide Aurelius through the intricacies of being a pureblood and an Italian boy with all the proper manners and etiquette.
"My apologies, Auri. The opportunity we have here is unique, and we can create a story that is uniquely ours together as we navigate this new path. I'll teach you everything you need to know about being a pureblood and an Italian gentleman. We'll make sure you're prepared to embrace your new life," Blaise reassured him, determination shining in his eyes.
Their conversation meandered from nicknames to shared interests as they explored their similarities and differences. Blaise found himself sharing stories about his family, their eccentricities, and their pureblood traditions. As the night wore on, a comfortable bond began to form between them.
Before they knew it, exhaustion claimed Aurelius, and he curled up against Blaise's chest, seeking warmth and security. Blaise couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and protectiveness wash over him. He gently stroked Aurelius' hair, whispering soothing words as the young boy drifted into a peaceful slumber.
At that moment, Blaise realised the weight of the role he had assumed. It would be challenging to be the only one to teach Auri. It was with a tremendous leaping hope that he could convince his mother to allow his one and only childhood friend to join in. Theodore Nott. With that hope brewing in his chest, Blaise felt his eyes close, following his new brother into sleep.
As morning approached, the gentle rays of the sun started to seep through the curtains. Blaise, ever the early riser, woke and decided to awaken Aurelius as well. He gently shook his brother, whispering, "Auri, it's time to rise. We have a big day ahead of us."
A sleepy Aurelius blinked, his hair tousled. Blaise winced slightly; he would need to ask his mum to spell Auri's hair to straights, though he was already imagining all the delightful ways he could bond further with the boy, and making his hair was one of them.
Blaise's mother, the Duchessa Isabella, entered the room, observing the scene with a knowing smile. Blaise seized the moment, speaking with a persuasive tone, "Mother, I believe it would be beneficial for Auri to meet Theodore Nott. He can provide invaluable guidance and support in our journey. May I take him along?"
The Duchessa regarded the pair, recognising the newfound bond forming between them. After a moment's consideration, she nodded, her voice tinged with approval, "Blaise, I trust your judgment. You may take Aurelius to Theodore. I believe it will be a positive experience for both of them."
Blaise's heart soared with gratitude as he secured his mother's permission. He knew that with Theodore's friendship and guidance, they would have a stronger foundation on which to build their shared story.
With the morning sun painting the room in warmth, Blaise and Aurelius began to dress.
"It would be helpful if we could contact a few Zabini elves for you," Blaise murmured with a cheeky grin on his face, winking at the Duchessa, subtly gesturing towards Auri as he held up his baggy t-shirt and muggle sweatpants. Aurelius had an expression of uncertainty on his face as he compared what Blaise was wearing to what he had held up in his hand. Huffing, Aurelius turned around and stood before the wardrobe, unsure of what to wear. The Duchessa Zabini sensed his apprehension and nodded at Blaise. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned one of the Zabini Elves. She was a creature whose poise and eloquence mirrored the family's values. The elf, named Lysandra, entered the room with a graceful bow, her voice carrying the refined tone of a well-trained servant.
"Lysandra, my dear, would you assist Aurelius in choosing an appropriate attire for the day?" Isabella requested, her eyes twinkling with warmth. The elf nodded, silently glided to the wardrobe and opened it, revealing a selection of garments. She delicately placed several outfits on the bed, waiting for Aurelius to choose which he wanted to wear. When he frowned, Lysandra just nodded and went back to the wardrobe.
With an expert eye, Lysandra perused more clothing options, selecting a sophisticated ensemble that blended elegance with a touch of contemporary style. Aurelius pointed to a rich blue tunic and instructed the elf to help him put everything on. She guided Aurelius in dressing himself, ensuring each detail was perfectly in place, from the fine tailoring to the selection of accessories that added a finishing touch of sophistication. "Please make sure everything is perfect," Aurelius whispered to her pleadingly. Lysandra silently complied, her hands carefully adjusting the garment to fit her newly acquired master's body. Aurelius admired the blue tunic's fit, twisting this way and that. Lysandra clapped her hands, pleased, her bright eyes meeting Aurelius. "Of course, young master Aurelius. Allow me to ensure you look every inch the perfect pureblood."
Aurelius looked up at Blaise, hoping for validation to assure himself that this was good. Blaise inclined his head, smiling. Auri thanked Lysandra and watched as she gracefully left the room after bowing.
"Yes, this is much better," the Duchessa agreed warmly, then handed him a cloak.
"Why would I wear a dress?" Aurelius asked, sounding scandalised.
"You really know nothing about the Wizarding World, do you?" Blaise asked softly. At Aurelius' nod, he sighed. "Well," Blaise said, "our robes are part of what makes us stand out. We take pride in our identity and respect it, and it is something we are proud of."
"It's also one of the basic ways others can tell Purebloods apart from Muggles or Muggle-borns," the Duchessa added. "The robes come in different colours, signifying different houses or affiliations. Plus, each house has its unique symbol on the front that is proudly displayed. Finally, the robes can also indicate a person's rank or status."
"Alright, I've got this," Aurelius said, a smile blooming over his features.
Once they were dressed to impress, Aurelius felt a newfound confidence radiating within him. Blaise took his arm and led the boy down the stairs, knowing their mother was following behind. One of the elves from the night before was waiting for them and led them to the breakfast hall. The room was quiet, save for the presence of the Prewett-Black elves, who busied themselves attending to their duties. The elves seemed to possess an innate understanding of the Zabini's preferences, which Blaise felt was really next level for house elves, though not nearly as good as his own.
They served up a light Italian breakfast with delicate pastries and freshly brewed espresso, reflecting the family's culinary heritage. Aurelius savoured each bite, feeling embraced by the warmth and comfort of his new surroundings. Blaise kept dropping things into Aurelius' plate to taste and felt immensely pleased when the boy ate everything.
When Aurelius and Blaise finished breakfast, they headed to Theodore's house. Blaise knocked on the door, and Theodore, not expecting Blaise to arrive with another person who was clearly a Zabini, opened his mouth to say something, then closed it, unable to form speech. Though it was obvious by how his eyes narrowed, Theodore Nott wasn't happy.
Theo was a boy with a reputation for keeping to himself, and Blaise's arrival with an unfamiliar Zabini had caught him off guard. He stepped aside to let them in, a silent invitation to enter without words.
With short, wavy, dark brown hair and light brown eyes, Theodore was a handsome boy. He was shorter than Blaise and Aurelius, and his skin was pale, a spatter of freckles across his nose that Blaise secretly loved. The older Zabini often teased him, but Theodore never seemed to mind. He had a quiet, content nature, accepting the things he couldn't change and embracing the things he could. He was a loyal and generous friend who was always willing to help.
Now, however, Theodore was anything but content. The boy finally exploded once the three of them sat in his bedroom. "Have you kept a Zabini away from me your entire childhood?" He asked, eyes blazing. "You've been lying to me all this time?" His voice rose in pitch as he spoke, his emotions spilling over. Blaise and Aurelius glanced at each other, but Auri shrugged, and Blaise couldn't blame him. This was the first time his brother met Theo. And how could he blame Theo for getting upset when he, too, was having difficulty getting used to calling the other boy his flesh and blood? Blaise stepped forward, placing a hand on Theo's shoulder, feeling hurt when Theo swiped his hand away.
"Okay, I deserve that," Blaise said matter of factly, his typical smirk absent from his face. "But I'm here because I'm trying to explain what happened." Blaise took a deep breath before continuing, "My mother had done a blood adoption, which is a magical process to make someone a part of the family."
"I know what a blood adoption is, Blaise," Theo growled.
"Unfortunately," Blaise continued, frowning at Theo for the interruption. "There was a magical accident that took place, which resulted in the person we blood-adopted becoming 100 per cent Zabini. That person is Auri, and he's my brother. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but it literally just happened last night."
"Yeah," Aurelius said, speaking up for the first time. "I uh..." Auri hesitated. "I didn't want my real mother — though I guess she isn't anymore — to blood adopt me with another man after she left me to rot, so I interrupted someone else's blood adoption, but there were two of them, kids, I mean, and I grabbed both their cups and drank it, and it eliminated my original name and heritage."
Aurelius looked upset, so Blaise raised his voice slightly, forcing Theo to meet his gaze again.
He held up his hands in reassurance. "So, no, Theo, it's not like that at all, and this is Aurelius, formerly Harry."
"Harry?" Theodore asked, and the boy looked at him, "Harry, who?"
Blaise blanched. "If I tell you the whole story, I need you to take an Unbreakable Vow that no one will know his origins."
"How can we take an Unbreakable Vow if we don't have our wands yet, Blaise?"
Blaise pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Fine, swear on your magic then."
Theo looked between them, and Blaise knew he had won. Theo was always a sucker for learning information.
"Aurelius, you can be the binder. It won't exactly be like the Unbreakable Vow because we don't have our wands, but we have our magic, and that should be enough to get this to work."
Theo winced as Blaise grasped his arm in a vice grip. "Okay, Auri, you can make him swear whatever you want and then cement it with your magic by pushing your intent against our clasped hands."
Auri nodded and chanted in a language Theo and Blaise had never heard before. It sounded like hissing. Blaise felt warmth spread from their clasped hands, suddenly feeling an overwhelming sense of loyalty and obligation to Auri. He wondered if Theo felt it too, and when he glanced at the boy, he was wide-eyed with fear and amazement. The sensation lasted only a few moments before fading away. Auri hissed again, and a silvery bond wrapped around all their arms before dissipating.
"Did you just hiss?" Theodore asked, and Blaise felt pleased that his brother had been able to shock the mighty Theodore Nott, not just once but twice.
"Yeah, why didn't you mention you're a Parselmouth?"
Aurelius gave him a look as if he was stupid, and then Blaise realised he really was stupid. "Right, we just met last night for the first time," he muttered, grimacing.
"Yes, I'm a Parselmouth."
Blaise shook his head, and the three boys sat back down. "Okay, can I know now?" Theo asked, leaning back against his sofa. Theodore's initial anger finally gave way to curiosity as he bowed to Aurelius'. It was strange for Theo to do, but perhaps whatever Auri did had scared the other boy.
"My name is - or was, Harry Potter."
Theo's mouth dropped open. He had heard of the famous Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, but he had never expected to meet him here. He looked at Auri in shock, not knowing what to say. Aurelius smiled, his eyes twinkling in the dim light. "This is why I brought you here, Theo. I thought you should meet Harry. Or Aurelius." Blaise corrected himself. Theo nodded slowly, still in shock. The legend of Harry Potter stood before him, and he seemed unable to believe he was standing there.
"I can understand why you were so adamant about secrecy now," Theo said, his voice a mere whisper.
Blaise explained his plan to Theodore, and the other boy seemed intrigued. "We can teach him the ways of the pureblood, and I'm sure you have some old books in the Nott library that could help," Blaise said.
Theodore nodded in agreement, and they went to the library, whispering with Aurelius a step behind. Theodore pulled out old books, some of which were ancient and dusty. The boy handed them to Blaise and explained the books were about purebloods, etiquette, and everything a pureblood would need to know.
With Theodore's help, Blaise believed they could achieve anything the Duchessa had yet to manage.
Theodore smiled as he thought about the grand mission he was about to embark on. He said, "Let's begin," and they began pouring over the old books, their eyes full of purpose.
It was hours later that the boys had read through every book they needed in the Nott library and compiled a list. By this time, Aurelius had fallen asleep on Theodore's bed, clearly exhausted.
As Blaise went to check on Aurelius, Theodore kept scribbling on his parchment, muttering to himself.
With a gentle shake, Aurelius was awake again and stretched, noticing how a patch of his new, slim stomach peeked out as he lifted his arms. It was a new feeling for him that he felt no embarrassment. With a yan, Aurelius got off the bed and approached the table where Theo had finished writing with a sound of delight.
"Got it, Blaise, here, check it out."
Blaise and Aurelius leaned together to peruse the parchment.
Schedule:
Monday:
- Lesson 1: Pureblood History and Heritage
- Lesson 2: Traditions and Customs of Pureblood Families
Tuesday:
- Lesson 3: Wizarding Etiquette and Protocol
- Lesson 4: Pureblood Fashion and Style
Wednesday:
- Lesson 5: Pureblood Social Circles and Networking
- Lesson 6: Art and Culture in Pureblood Society
Thursday:
- Lesson 7: Pureblood Politics and Influential Families
- Lesson 8: Language and Eloquence in Pureblood Conversations
Friday:
- Lesson 9: Pureblood Households and Traditions
- Lesson 10: Pureblood Sports and Recreations
Lesson Titles:
1. Pureblood History and Heritage: Exploring the lineage of ancient pureblood families, their contributions to wizarding history, and the importance of preserving family legacies.
2. Traditions and Customs of Pureblood Families: Delving into the unique rituals, celebrations, and customs observed by pureblood families and understanding their significance in maintaining traditions.
3. Wizarding Etiquette and Protocol: Learning the proper decorum and conduct expected in formal wizarding settings, including greetings, introductions, and appropriate manners.
4. Pureblood Fashion and Style: Discovering the elegant and sophisticated fashion choices embraced by purebloods, exploring traditional robes, accessories, and the importance of personal presentation.
5. Pureblood Social Circles and Networking: Understanding the intricate web of social connections and relationships within pureblood society and navigating social events and gatherings with grace and charm.
6. Art and Culture in Pureblood Society: Immersing in the rich artistic heritage of purebloods, including appreciation of magical art, music, literature, and theatre.
7. Pureblood Politics and Influential Families: Exploring the dynamics of pureblood politics, influential families, and their roles in shaping the wizarding world.
8. Language and Eloquence in Pureblood Conversations: Enhancing communication skills through the study of refined language, eloquence, and the art of persuasive discourse.
9. Pureblood Households and Traditions: Examining the customs, organisation, and management of pureblood households, including proper hosting, house-elves, and familial responsibilities.
10. Pureblood Sports and Recreations: Exploring the traditional sports and leisure activities favoured by purebloods, including broomstick flying, duelling, and other refined pastimes.
The trio sat in Theo's bedroom, waiting patiently, as Blaise, who had been reading the schedule out loud rather than with his eyes, finally finished.
The excitement in the room was palpable, a new feeling for Blaise, who usually kept to himself, or at least kept to himself and Theodore. Having a third party that was just as important to him as the freckle-faced boy was unusual and heart-poundingly different.
With the lesson plans finally completed that Theo had meticulously prepared, Blaise couldn't contain his overwhelming feelings for the boy. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Theo, overcome with gratitude for his support and dedication, especially as the Nott heir had been so furious with him when he didn't know the story.
"You've done an incredible job, caro mio," Blaise exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm. Without thinking, he leaned forward, planting a quick, affectionate kiss on Theo's lips.
Aurelius, ever the curious observer, watched the exchange with wide eyes. "Is that... normal?" he asked innocently, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Blaise's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, caught off guard by Aurelius' question. "Well, yes, it can be," he replied, trying to hide his discomfort. Deep down, a hint of jealousy flickered within him.
Aurelius, taking Blaise's response at face value, beamed with gratitude. He walked over to Theo, his small frame filled with sincerity, and pressed a soft, tender kiss on Theo's lips. "Thank you, Theo. You've been so kind to us," he said, his voice brimming with delight.
Theo blushed and stammered, his own surprise evident on his face. "Uh, you're welcome, Aurelius," he managed to utter, his heart racing. He glanced at Blaise, sensing his friend's mixed emotions, and realised their delicate situation.
Blaise, annoyed and jealous, tried to dismiss the situation with an awkward laugh. "Alright, let's not make a habit of that, Aurelius. It's... not entirely normal. But I appreciate the sentiment." His words held a touch of possessiveness, a subtle declaration of his bond with Theo.
As the conversation shifted, Theodore, attempting to diffuse the tension, suggested that Aurelius visit more often. "We could learn so much from each other, Aurelius. It would be wonderful to have you around more frequently," he proposed, his voice filled with sincerity.
Blaise's jealousy, which now consumed him, interjected, his tone tainted with defensiveness. "Actually, Theo, we won't be able to visit for a while. We're under the protection of the Fidelius Charm, so we'll need to keep a low profile," he explained, his words laced with frustration.
Theodore's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "The Fidelius Charm? Are you sure about this, Blaise? It seems quite extreme," he replied, his voice lacklustre.
Blaise's emotions clouding his judgment, replied firmly, "Yes, I'm sure. We have our reasons, Theo, and it's for our safety."
"If you wanted to come to us, you would need to get permission from the Secret Keeper," Aurelius said, ever oblivious to understanding the feeling of the room.
"Ah, what a wonderful idea, Aurelius."
Blaise watched with growing displeasure as Theo interacted with Aurelius, their easy banter and lingering gazes unsettling him. He couldn't help but feel fury at the affectionate exchanges between Theo and Aurelius, even if they were innocent in nature. Blaise turned away, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. The older of the Zabini's forced himself to think of other things, but the image of the two of them laughing together kept coming back to him. Blaise couldn't shake the feeling that something was going wrong with the relationship he shared with Theo. It should have been him laughing and bantering with the boy, but instead, it was his brother, who he had just got the night before. For the first time, Blaise felt resentful of the addition in his life and quickly suppressed it. The handsome Italian boy took a deep breath and reminded himself that his brother was a family member. He had to accept that Theo was in his life now, and he was determined to make it work. Blaise knew that he would need to find a way to make peace with the situation and find a way to get closer to Theo.
As the conversation shifted towards the topic of a nickname, however, Blaise's irritation intensified. He observed Theo's genuine excitement and the spark in Aurelius' eyes, further fueling his envy. Blaise's protective instincts flared up, a strange and foreign feeling colouring his emotions. He felt confusion warring between him, as his possessive feelings were geared towards both boys, Aurelius for being his brother and Theo for being the boy he had a crush on for an entire year. Blaise felt conflicted. He wanted both boys to be happy, but he was torn between his obligation to his brother and his own personal desires. He could sense the tension in the room and felt helpless to do anything about it.
"Hey, Ri," Theo said, testing the waters with the new nickname, either not feeling the same tension or not caring. "I've been thinking, and I believe we should create a special nickname just for you. What do you think of 'Ri'? It's short for Aurelius but has a nice ring, don't you agree?"
Are you serious? Blaise fumed; nicknames were his thing! He had been the first to nickname his brother, and now Theo wanted to take that from him?
Aurelius looked at Theo, his eyes reflecting amusement and intrigue. He repeated the name, "Ri," testing it on his tongue. A small smile played at the corners of his lips. "I like it, but hmmm, maybe Riles instead? Or..." Here Aurelius paused, evidently thinking of all the different ways he could make his name cuter. "Rilo?"
"Ree-Lo", Theo murmured, flicking his tongue around as he repeated it. "I like it. That one is perfect for you."
Blaise just barely managed to keep his temper and forcefully glared at the parchments on the table, reading over the study plans again and counting backwards in Italian to calm himself. Dieci, novi, otto, sette, sei, cinque, quattro, tre, due, uno...
His head throbbed, and Blaise felt a familiar tightness in his chest. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, stretching his neck to try and release the tension. He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes, ready to tackle the task again. Everything was okay until Theo produced a letter and announced, "Here, give this to your Secret Keeper."
Blaise's ire reached its peak. He could see the desire in Theo's eyes to keep Aurelius close, to have him visit regularly. It was a threat to the bond Blaise had established with Aurelius and the bond he had with Theo, and he wasn't willing to let it pass so easily.
Blaise interjected abruptly; his voice was fraught with tension. "Theo, I think it's best if we don't push Aurelius to deliver that letter. We have our reasons for being cautious, remember?"
Theo's face fell, disappointment clear in his expression. He tried to reason with Blaise, his voice taking on a pleading tone. "But Blaise, we've built a connection with Aurelius. It would be wonderful to see him again, to continue our lessons and share more moments together. Isn't that why you brought him here in the first place?"
The colour of Blaise's face would have been comedic if it hadn't been so scary. His voice took on the edge of a blade, harsh and cold as steel. "Theo, we can't risk our safety. We're under the Fidelius Charm, remember? It's not the right time for Aurelius to visit."
Theo's face reddened, embarrassment and hurt clouding his features. Blaise could sense the tension rising between them, his envy causing the divide.
"I don't see why not, Theodore." Aurelius interrupted, glaring at Blaise and snatching the letter from Theo's hand before anyone could stop him.
"Seems like you're good at snatching things," Blaise growled, but Auri had already tucked the letter into his breast pocket, and unless Blaise would physically tackle the boy and take it, it was no longer accessible.
"Thank you, Rilo," Theo whispered, pulling Auri in for a hug. Auri hugged him back, smiling. He was glad that the letter had been retrieved and that Theo had not been scolded for it. Blaise sighed and shook his head, but he couldn't help but feel a little proud of the boy. This boy was definitely a Slytherin.
Sensing the stilted air, Aurelius looked between Blaise and Theo, confusion and disappointment in his eyes. The joy that had shone moments ago was now replaced by uncertainty. "Apologise to Theo, Blaise," Aurelius said softly, but his words carried weight, making the back of Blaise's neck itch.
"I'm the older brother, remember?" Blaise asked with a sigh.
"It doesn't matter; Theo here is only trying to help. We came here so he could help. I don't know what happened, but fix it!"
Blaise, recognising the impact of his words, softened his tone. He sighed, realising the weight of the situation. "Aurelius, it's not that I don't want you to visit..." I'm such a liar...
From the look on Aurelius and Theo's faces, they didn't believe it either.
"We just need to be cautious for our own safety. You need to learn everything first before people see you around." It was a lame justification at best, and Aurelius clearly knew it was only an excuse when his fury and magic built enough to make his hair emit sparks.
"Which is exactly why Theodore has to come 'round, don't you think so, Blaise Caius?" Aurelius' tone was now colder than his, and even Theo raised his eyebrows. Blaise knew the boy had only ever seen him get angry.
Why does he have to be right?
Theo's gaze shifted between Blaise and Aurelius, exasperated, and completely done with the whole brother spat. The atmosphere in the room was so dense now Blaise understood the expression "cutting the tension with a knife", the unspoken undercurrents of jealousy and protectiveness. "Well, if that's what you think is best, Blaise," he said, his voice filled with resignation and anger.
The room fell into uncomfortable silence, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. Blaise's heart churned with regret and remorse for his outburst. He realised the fragile balance they had reached and the challenges they would face moving forward.
While jealous and possessive, Blaise silently resolved to navigate the complicated nature of their relationship with care, seeking a delicate harmony to secure their bond during the tumultuous journey ahead.
Blaise grunted as he realised what he would have to do.
Theo's eyes searched Blaise's hard expression. Both Theo and Auri were glaring at him, though Theo was the one that was hurt; it was so obvious by the way his nose scrunched tightly to avoid crying. Blaise's reaction to the ease with which his brother and crush interacted had clouded his judgment, and he now regretted his outburst. He silently resolved to find a way to bridge the gap between Theo and himself, to navigate their shared emotions and the complexities of their relationship.
Blaise glanced back at Theo, a flicker of remorse in his eyes. The Zabini heir knew that if he wanted to regain their harmony, he would need to address his insecurities and find a way to trust Theo's intentions. The path ahead seemed uncertain, but Blaise was determined to preserve their bond and navigate the challenges in their own way.
"I'm sorry," he said, making Theo gasp.
"Has he never apologised before?" Auri asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Nope, never."
"That's surprising," Auri said. "He has made mistakes before, hasn't he?"
"Yes," Theodore replied, grinning at Blaise, who was scowling, but his mouth twitched with a small smile. "But he never admits he's wrong."
Auri shook his head, again not realising that the room's emotions had changed. "That's not healthy," he said. "He should learn to accept responsibility for his mistakes."
"Oh, he has," Blaise said with a grin and pulled Theo to him almost forcefully. "Sei mio." the older Italian boy said before kissing Theo once more on the mouth, imitating how he had seen his mum do it with one of her many husbands. The moan he received, in turn, made him smile, and he pulled back, patting Theo on the head.
"I'm not doing that!" Auri complained.
"Yes, please don't," Blaise responded, pulling Aurelius out the bedroom door with him. Auri reluctantly followed, grumbling with every step. Blaise rolled his eyes but kept a firm grip on his arm. They made their way out of the house together, Aurelius still complaining, though Blaise ignored him, marching with purpose. After a few moments, Aurelius stopped whining, and the two strolled in silence. They reached their destination, a safe place to try and call the Knight Bus, and Blaise finally released his grip on Aurelius' arm.
The cool night air swirled around him as Blaise stood on the deserted street corner. His heart racing with anticipation as he prepared to summon the Knight Bus—a magical double-decker that travelled exclusively for wizards and witches in need. He glanced at Aurelius, his brother, who stood beside him with his arms crossed, taking in the desolate area around them with perhaps the slightest bit of fear.
"It's okay," Blaise murmured, taking Auri's hand and using his other to prepare to call the Knight Bus.
With a determined look, Blaise extended his arm, palm facing upward, and focused his magical intent. He visualised the bright purple triple-decker bus appearing before him, ready to whisk them away to their Castle, or at least near it, considering it was Unplottable. His power surged through his veins, mingling with the ambient magic that permeated the night.
The air crackled with energy as he channelled his intent into the summoning. A gust of wind rustled Blaise's dark hair as a resounding crack split the silence, heralding the arrival of the Knight Bus. The vehicle materialised in front of them, its brilliant purple paint glinting under the streetlights.
Blaise's excitement intensified as he and Aurelius climbed aboard the bus. The conductor, a lively fellow with a toothy grin, welcomed them with a cheery greeting. Blaise's satisfaction grew when he realised that the conductor didn't recognise Aurelius as the famous Harry Potter but instead saw him as just another ordinary boy.
Blaise quickly paid the fare, relishing the anonymity the situation granted his brother. He and Aurelius settled into a comfortable seat, enjoying the whimsical interior of the bus. As the bus rattled through the night, Blaise glanced out the window, watching the world pass by. It felt liberating to blend in, to be seen as himself and his brother rather than as Blaise Zabini and the Boy Who Lived. The Duchessa would be immensely pleased.
He turned to Aurelius, a genuine smile lighting up his face. "Isn't it amazing?" Blaise whispered. "No one knows who you are."
After staring at the ground momentarily, Auri nodded thoughtfully. "that's exactly how I want it."
Blaise inclined his head, still holding his brother's hand, understanding the significance of this moment. He was good with his brother, and they had managed to bond despite the insanity of the day and the anger he had felt throughout it. As the bus sped on, they sat in silence, both in their own thoughts, just mere children in a world where no one could give a damn about them being there.
He was thrilled that Auri had insisted he fixes things with Theo because it had opened up a new realm of possibilities for them. While going through the difficult times, they had something special to look forward to. There was only one thing Auri and Blaise needed: each other.