A/N: 1 We are reaching the end. The will be 20 chapters in total for this part of the arc, and then we will move on to the second book.
A/N: 2 The next five chapters will be kind of "A Month in the Life of Harry", essentially, as it goes through the main events of what happened during that time. This will go on until next year, September, in which Regulus and Blaise both get their letters, but that entire year will go until June - when it will stop. July will be the start of the second book.
A/N: 3 For those that might be "annoyed" that "Harry" is now "Aurelius", Don't worry; Dumbledore is not going to allow his golden boy to just die without his agreement. :')
A/N: 4 September - November
September passed quickly for Aurelius and the people staying at Highclere Castle. The guests enjoyed the cooler weather, taking long walks and exploring the English countryside. They spent the evenings in the drawing room or the library, reading and playing games. They also took advantage of the castle's outdoor amenities, such as the gardens, tennis courts, and golf course. The guests also had access to a spa and fitness centre, allowing them to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Though with the colder weather coming in more frequently, the boys found themselves spending most of their time indoors despite the amenities.
As Aurelius walked through the familiar hallways, he noticed memories in every corner. It was a pleasure because he had been able to create memories with loved ones. Of course, it wasn't that Littlest Angels Orphan Home didn't provide places to create memories, but rather his, Sala's, and Regulus' presence had always been shunted. They had learned to accept it and made the best of what they had. The bittersweet feeling of knowing things could have turned out differently still lingered. He smiled and continued on his way, thankful for the memories he had made. Sala and Regulus had become like family to him, and he had grown to cherish them, even now that they had been blood-adopted into separate families - well, at least Sala had. It still pleased him to no end that he had refused Lily, though he would never openly admit it.
The boy had become accustomed to the changes since the fateful day they arrived. For one, Regulus dodged the adults reasonably well, only seeing them at meal times. He had noticed his bonded brother's newfound independence and how he could now do whatever he wanted without answering to anyone there. As a result, he felt both pride and sadness. Aurelius had to admit he missed the days when Regulus needed him. Not that the boy had ever really needed him, as it was he who usually needed the helping. But now that Regulus' secret was known, he was no longer treated like a child.
Aurelius glanced at Regulus, who stood tall and resolute beside him. The unspoken understanding between them had grown more robust over time. Regulus had been constantly chased by Lily until finally, on his birthday, nearly a week ago, Regulus finally blew up. The tension had already been high, and it was easy for the boy to start screaming, though Aurelius, already learning about being a Pureblood, calmed him quickly. In a quiet voice, Aurelius explained, occluding his mind from his natural emotions and telling Regulus simply that Lily didn't matter. No matter his choice, Aurelius, as Regulus' bonded brother, would stand by him.
Despite this, Regulus scoffed, though not at Aurelius, and gently touched the other boy's cheek, smiling slightly. "I would never," he said, before storming off to, again, have it out with Lily.
It was perhaps because of that that Aurelius found it surprising that Regulus did not, in fact, yell at the woman. The Prewett-Black heir walked over to her and, in a voice void of emotion, told Lily that if she bothered him again with adoption, he would send her out and revoke the permission she had to know the location of Highclere Castle.
If Aurelius had been honest, he would have told Regulus to send her away. Seeing her became incredibly awkward and painful after continuous repetitive behaviour. She still refused to acknowledge him as Harry and convinced herself that her son had died. It was a situation rooted in turmoil that unfolded between the woman and Aurelius. The other boys saw all this and forced themselves not to call him Harry in front of the woman. Lily screeched like a banshee every time someone slipped up. As such, Aurelius respected his brother's choice and found solace in the fact that he had chosen his own path. Despite both their choices, the boys were surrounded by the love and support of their extended family. Though he'd never say so, he didn't want Regulus to become a Potter, especially not with that woman as his mother. He was, in truth, secretly pleased with what Regulus had done, knowing that the latter knew what he needed; he always knew, even before. The boy was brilliant, after all.
During quiet times, Aurelius, Regulus, and Sala spent time together as if they were still in the orphanage. On more than one occasion, Ursa joined them, as everyone wasn't his age, and these were his people. They talked about their dreams and aspirations for the future, reminiscing about the past and building their friendship. They were all growing up, and life changed, but they always found time for each other. They were a family, each looking out for the other and determined to make the most of every opportunity. Regulus, Sala, Ursa and Aurelius knew that as long as they had each other's support, they could take on anything life threw their way.
On some occasions, Blaise and Draco would join, if only because they were now officially related. Aurelius didn't bother mentioning to Blaise that Draco had always been biologically related to Sala, whom Draco alone called Leolin. Aurelius had to admit it was an appealing name, but he wasn't sure if Sala was comfortable with that, so he never brought it up.
On rare occasions, Theo invited their group to his manor when they weren't doing lessons, which was always fun. He introduced games like Exploding Snap, Quidditch, and Wizards Chess. Though Aurelius and Sala were the only two intrigued by these. Due to the lack of a Quidditch pitch, there wasn't much they could do with Theo's brooms except zoom around each other and perform fun tricks. It took mere moments for Aurelius to catch on, and it became his new favourite thing to do. Theo was particularly proficient at chess and always seemed to be one step ahead of them. He taught them strategy and the importance of planning ahead. Theo's lessons were invaluable for the group, and they all worked together to become better chess players. As Theo explained, strategy and knowing what to do in life should the opportunity arise were helpful for anyone. Soon they competed, and Theo was always the one to beat. His skills were remarkable and a source of inspiration for the whole group.
Since most of the kids were raised to be quiet at home, there weren't any shouting matches between parents and children, except for Regulus, Sala, and Aurelius, who had not had the privilege of having a family of their own. Despite this, the three boys were naturally peaceful, so no one bothered them. At least if Aurelius wasn't threatened, everyone was safe from his wrath.
Unless you counted Lily, of course. Lily was the anomaly, as she always started a fight and yelled at everyone. The adults were used to her temper, but the kids were terrified of her. Still, Narcissa, his mother, and Severus managed to keep things civil, primarily due to their experience handling Lily. Remus never got involved, preferring not to take any sides, but this annoyed Severus, and they frequently tiffed over it.
Lily's demeanour felt weird to Aurelius because she was a completely different person until his change, and then she had been the one to change. It was by far the most unpleasant thing he had to go through, but he realised he had to accept her changed personality. He had to learn to bear her as she was or distance himself. He chose the latter, and eventually, their relationship ceased to exist. Aurelius secretly swore to keep it that way until the woman considered him again, in his true form and not his past form of Harry Potter.
By October 1st, everyone hated Lily Evans or - Potter as she kept demanding. Severus and Narcissa had no idea how to handle her. By this point, Isabella had also stopped getting involved, joining Remus in what he dubbed as Switzerland. Despite this, Lily didn't get along with either of them. The woman was a force of nature that refused to be contained. Lily's antics made the adults even more determined to keep the children separate from her.
While Aurelius had yearned for a sense of belonging in his past and even in the last month when he learned that Lily was his biological mother, he now understood that family wasn't defined solely by blood relations. The walls of Highclere Castle held laughter and love, a testament to the family they had built and nurtured. And for those who weren't related, it didn't matter; everyone got along.
Aurelius loved it.
He could count on Isabella, his mother now, for everything and everywhere that mattered, to treat him as if he had been born from her womb. She showered him with so much love that he frequently felt overwhelmed, as Aurelius had never experienced such unconditional acceptance before. Isabella's love gave him the courage to take risks and follow his dreams. He often considered her his guardian angel.
As Aurelius continued his expedition through the castle, gratitude washed over him. They created a sanctuary where acceptance and understanding flourished. Ursa shared in their contentment, cherishing the bonds formed within the castle's walls. However, he, too, rejected Lily as his mother, on the same precipice as his older brother. But the acceptance and understanding of his peers were enough to compensate for the one person who couldn't see it. Aurelius embraced the warmth of the castle, and somehow, the connection to the magic within the building itself seemed to respond to him, but it only happened when he was alone.
It took Aurelius six weeks, and by October 15th, Theodore had started coming by every day. Aurelius reflected on the growth and evolution that had occurred within their tightly-knit group. The Fidelius charm, once limited to a select few, now encompassed Theodore, solidifying their group into something more akin to a gang - without the bullying.
It took a while to convince Blaise to accept this, as the boy felt jealous and left out of the loop. But the others stood firm, and Blaise eventually came around to their way of thinking. Ultimately, the Fidelius charm had only made them stronger and more unified. Once Blaise was okay with it, Aurelius shared the letter with Regulus and made it official.
Aurelius relished the moments when he and Blaise alternated between visiting Theodore's residence and welcoming him into the warmth of Highclere Castle. The Pureblood lessons, guided by Blaise's wisdom and Theodore's expertise, became a cherished daily routine. In addition to teaching them many obscure Magics, the Duchessa imparted Zabini Family secrets to Blaise and him, a pride smile on her face as she did. Her lessons included duelling, knife fighting, and Dark Magic. She expressly prohibited them both from discussing their lessons, especially Dark Magic, as it was frowned upon. However, the Duchessa made it very clear that the knowledge they received was to be used only when absolutely necessary. She also said disobedience would be disciplined severely. Aurelius and Blaise agreed to the terms and diligently followed the Duchessa's instructions.
His connection with Blaise had grown, and though it had only been two months since they were brothers, Blaise treated him as if he had been his baby brother since birth. The older Italian boy was possessive, protective and always wanted Aurelius to be safe. Blaise's love for him was unconditional, and he was always there for him when Aurelius needed him. The younger sibling was consistently thankful for such a wonderful older brother.
That wasn't to say that his bonded brothers were different. It was funny to see Regulus and Blaise fight over who would take care of him for whatever reason. Of course, Aurelius' argument that he didn't need protection or help or anyone squabbling over him fell on deaf ears. Aurelius loved them all for their individual protectiveness and care, even if it was sometimes too much. He knew they would do anything and everything for him, making him feel safe and comfortable, and he was grateful to have such a strong bond with them, as it made him happy to know they all had his back.
On the days that they delved into the intricacies of their shared heritage, or as Blaise liked to say, 'how to be an Italian Gentleman,' it was always just the two of them, and he cherished that. Though his Italian was still something to be desired. When Blaise asked him how he had so fluently cursed Lily in Italian, he admitted to asking his magic to translate for him so as not to get into trouble. Blaise laughed, patting him on the back in approval.
Discussions flowed effortlessly, and their knowledge of pureblood traditions expanded. Aurelius marvelled at how they seamlessly weaved their different experiences together, building a rich tapestry of understanding.
During one such lesson, Aurelius admitted what being with the Dursleys was like. He also revealed how he had come to the orphanage in the first place. It was a secret he had never shared with anyone, despite Regulus and Sala seeing him when he first arrived.
Blaise swore he would kill them, if not hurt them before Aurelius could stop him.
"You realise they wouldn't even recognise me if I showed my face, right? That secret is only known by Highclere Castle residents."
With a sigh of resignation, Blaise agreed to proceed in a safe manner that would not lead anyone back to them, whether the authorities recognised Aurelius or not.
Theodore's inclusion in their lessons opened new pathways to knowledge and understanding. He brought insights and experiences, enriching their awareness of the magical world. With each exchange of ideas, they grew as individuals and as a collective, bound by a shared desire to honour their pureblood lineage.
As the lessons progressed, Aurelius observed the strengthening bond between Blaise and Theodore. Their friendship blossomed, nurtured by their mutual curiosity and passion for magic. Their exchanges were filled with laughter, intellectual debates, and deep respect for one another's perspectives. Aurelius could also see the lingering gazes, the random touches to Theodore's arm or hand, and the smile Blaise only seemed to have for Theodore. It wasn't that Blaise never smiled at him, only that his smile was somehow different when he turned to Theo.
Additionally, he observed how Theodore would stutter adorably in front of his big brother. It was cute, but despite not fully understanding the situation, he didn't kiss Theodore again, and on the night of October 31st, when they all ventured out to trick or treat the Muggles, Blaise thanked him for it.
In a dark street, he took Blaise's hand and squeezed it. The boy squeezed back without looking at him, though he put an arm around his shoulders once they let go.
The boys had a blast navigating the dark streets, stopping at each house to ask for candy. They were all dressed up in costumes, with Blaise and Theodore in matching ones, as Thing One and Thing Two and Aurelius as the Cat in the Hat. Draco had glared, refusing to dress up, but Sala had happily dressed up like a ghost. Ursa had cat ears, a tail, and whiskers on his face. All the adults from the Muggle families cooed at him, patting his head gently, giving him more candy than any of them combined. They laughed and joked as they ran from house to house, stopping to admire the decorations and marvel at some of the costumes they saw.
When they weren't getting candy, they discussed their favourite magical creatures and debated the pros and cons of each one. Theodore and Blaise often disagreed but never argued. They just laughed and enjoyed each other's company, and Aurelius could tell they had become really close when they studied together. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of Halloween.
Isabella was also keen on celebrating Samhain, along with Narcissa and an interested Severus and Remus —Lily was left out— they prepared a Samhain feast. On Samhain, they also performed traditional rituals and games such as divination, storytelling, and bobbing for apples. They also went on a midnight stroll around the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of the phantoms rumoured to appear on Samhain night. Blaise swore he saw a ghost, but no one believed him except Aurelius, who thought he might also have seen one.
Despite Lily's exclusion, the group enjoyed a night of celebration and connection. One particular ritual they performed on Samhain was carving turnips with the faces of the dead to ward off any spirits that might be lurking around. They lit candles in the turnips and placed them in the windows of their rooms. After the ritual, they enjoyed the feast they had prepared and shared stories of the dead in a solemn yet joyous atmosphere. No one seemed bothered by the late hour and enjoyed it immensely. No one was bothered by Lily's absence either.
Lily had been strange, but Aurelius didn't know why until Severus quietly took him aside and explained it was the day his father was killed. He didn't want to admit it, but Aurelius only saw his mother in his dream. However, now that he understood better that his mother had simply stepped aside, it had lost its effect on him.
Of course, he thanked Severus for telling him. However, he was sure the man already knew he wasn't the same boy from the orphanage and no longer felt a connection to the woman. His family was now the Zabinis. He felt it in his soul that he was no longer an orphan. Aurelius was part of a family, and that was something he would not take for granted. He was determined to make the most of this new opportunity and prove himself a worthy member of the Zabini clan.
Aurelius finally reached the end of October, and he could reflect with joy on the time he spent celebrating with the Zabini family his family. He learnt that Samhain is a time to honour their ancestors and reflect upon their blessings. As a result of everyone's inclusiveness, Aurelius enjoyed the time together in a way that made him feel a sense of belonging and contentment, all within the loving embrace of his new family.
As November rolled around, Aurelius observed the transformation within himself and the shifting dynamics of his place within Pureblood society. The Duchessa, ever perceptive and wise, guided him on the delicate journey. He began to understand the power of his position and the importance of making the right decisions. He also realised that with such power came incredible responsibility, and he would need to use his newly acquired authority with care. In order to make the right choices, he was determined to seek the help of the Duchessa.
With guidance, Aurelius learned to navigate the intricate nuances of pureblood customs and etiquette. He absorbed the teachings like a sponge, adopting an air of refined elegance and grace. The Duchessa's tutelage moulded him into a young wizard who exuded the poise and sophistication expected of a pureblood elite member. This was a remarkable transformation for Aurelius, who had once been a clumsy and awkward child. His transformation was a testament to the Duchessa's skill and commitment to her pupil and son. He was now ready to enter the pureblood world with confidence.
Blaise was thrilled by Aurelius' progress, eager to show it off to everyone. The baby Zabini, as Blaise secretly called his brother when in private with Theo, had evolved into a pureblood though that certainly didn't happen overnight; his change occurred slowly over nearly three months. However, the other people at Highclere Castle had mixed reactions when he started acting like a pureblood at the dinner table. Some were awed by his transformation, while others were shocked and suspicious. Of the suspicious ones was obviously Lily, who yelled to everyone who would listen that Dark Wizards had kidnapped and killed her son and had brought back someone who was a Dark Wizard himself and had turned himself into an elitist pureblood. Lily's outburst caused a stir among the noble families, and they all whispered to each other in disbelief. The tension in the room was palpable, and all eyes were now on Harry. He quickly realised they were angry for him rather than against him, but it didn't matter. This was the final straw.
That was a bad night, and Aurelius sobbed into his pillow for hours. He had expected Regulus or Sala to come and calm him and was surprised, though not disappointed, to find that Blaise had come to comfort him. Blaise held him in his arms, letting him cry until Aurelius had no tears left. Blaise whispered soothing words to his brother until the latter drifted off to sleep, feeling safer than before and loved.
During the third week of November, Blaise finally spoke up, as Aurelius had cried nearly every night since the first occurrence of Lily calling him a dark wizard. And if Blaise was honest, he had enough. Aurelius had overheard the boy speaking to Regulus so harshly that, for a moment, Aurelius thought Blaise was possessed. "You must revoke Lily's privileges. I will not have my brother feel like he is in a cage whenever he is around that woman. She's had her chance. It's over now." In an uncharacteristically soft voice, Regulus replied, "It shall be done as you say. Lily will no longer be welcome in our home." Blaise nodded in silent approval and left the room with a satisfied look in his eyes.
It was a strange game of "who is the Alpha" between Blaise and Regulus, as technically, Regulus was older, wiser and had more experience with the wizarding world and people in general. But Blaise, with him being realistically older, managed to be more mature than Regulus and often won the silent argument between the two as to who got to be in charge.
It was perhaps part of Regulus' own maturity that he let the other boy do as he pleased.
It had been effortless for Aurelius to pretend he had not overheard the conversation.
Despite all the negatives, Aurelius was still pleased with the outcome of his lessons. Whatever their reactions, they all agreed Blaise's plan worked. He successfully became a pureblood.
As her trust in Aurelius grew, the Duchessa decided to venture out with him and Blaise into the wizarding world.
On November 31, Aurelius made his first public appearance. Preparations were made by Aurelius and Blaise the morning of his debut as a pureblood Zabini. Blaise had selected a flattering dark purple silk robe for him, while Aurelius had chosen a black satin robe for Blaise. They had both spent time carefully arranging their bags and checking that their clothes were neat and tidy. When it came time to do their hair, Blaise carefully unwound Aurelius' curls, gently running his hands through the soft ringlets. As he worked, he murmured soothing words to Aurelius, letting him know how much he loved him. Blaise carefully massaged the scalp with light oil, ensuring Aurelius' head was kept well-moisturised. He painstakingly sectioned the curls, taking his time to make sure each ringlet was separated and defined. Blaise used a light-hold gel to tame the tight coils and then carefully arranged them in a way that allowed them to be stylish without looking overdone. Aurelius felt deep adoration and appreciation for Blaise as he worked. His touch was delicate and soothing, and it was clear that he wanted to make sure Aurelius looked his finest for the day. When Blaise finished, Aurelius looked at himself in the mirror and felt deep pleasure. He knew Blaise had worked hard to ensure his hair was flawless, and he was thankful for the love and care he had been shown.
Blaise also helped Aurelius select a few jewellery pieces to complete his look. Once dressed, they stepped out of the room and into the hallway. Aurelius could feel the excitement emanating from Blaise and knew that his brother was just as proud of him as he was of himself. They descended the staircase and found the Duchessa waiting for them in the foyer. She smiled at them both, her eyes shining with pridefulness, and they all left the castle together. The three of them stepped out into the bright sunlight and headed towards Wizarding Britain, ready to embark on Aurelius' first appearance as a Zabini.
With Blaise firmly at his side, and his mother standing tall and proud, the weight of expectation resting on his shoulders didn't feel very heavy. The Duchessa's unwavering support and guidance anchored him, allowing him to confidently navigate unfamiliar terrain. They travelled to Gringotts, and even the goblins didn't recognise him as Harry Potter. Blaise grinned cheekily at him; this was the moment of truth.
Blaise, Aurelius, and the Duchessa stepped further into the grand marble lobby of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The air was heavy with anticipation. The goblins scurried about, attending to their various tasks, their sharp eyes darting from one patron to another.
Aurelius stood beside Blaise, teeming with excitement and nerves. The moment had arrived to confirm his identity as a Zabini, to unveil the truth hidden within his veins. The Duchessa, standing tall and regal, emanated confidence that eased Aurelius' unease.
Approaching one of the goblin tellers, Blaise spoke in a firm yet respectful tone. "We have come to confirm the identity of my brother, Aurelius Lucien Zabini. We request access to his family vault."
"State your name, young wizard," the goblin demanded, his manner laced with authority. Aurelius barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Blaise had literally just said it, but sure.
Aurelius took a deep breath, his words steady and unwavering. "Aurelius Lucien Zabini," he declared, his heart thumping in his chest.
The goblin's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he peered at Aurelius, assessing him keenly. With a swift nod, he disappeared into the depths of the bank, returning moments later with a parchment in his hand.
"The Zabini family vault," the goblin announced, the sound reverberating through the hall.
Aurelius felt a flutter in his chest as he followed the goblin through the labyrinthine corridors of the bank. Each step brought him closer to uncovering his true heritage.
Then, they were brought into a darker area; a track and some sort of carriage small enough to fit onto the tracks were waiting for them. Blaise, Aurelius, and the Duchessa made their way to the cart to take them to their family vault in Gringotts Bank. As they settled into the cart, they couldn't help but feel an adrenaline rush coursing through their veins. The wooden contraption jolted forward and began its descent into the depths of the bank.
The ride was full of twists and turns, and the boys couldn't help but whoop with excitement as they sped through the cavernous tunnels. Aurelius wasn't surprised that the Duchessa showed no emotion, merely having her hands folded together, peacefully watching everything as it rushed by. The walls gleamed with gold and silver, and they passed vault after vault, each more impressive than the last.
Finally, the cart slowed to a stop in front of their family vault. Blaise and the Duchessa pulled out their keys and handed them to the goblin, who returned one to Blaise and inserted the Duchessa's into the lock. "Why is the goblin only using one key?" Aurelius asked quietly as they watched. "Reckon he doesn't need both at once."
With a loud creak, the massive vault door opened, revealing a sight that left Aurelius awestruck. The Zabini family vault was filled with stacks of gold, silver, and precious gems. Further in, treasures and artefacts that had been passed down through their family for generations sat glistening in the faux light.
The Duchessa placed a comforting hand on Aurelius' shoulder, her eyes filled with pridefulness. "This is your birthright, Aurelius," she said, her voice imbued with warmth and affection. "You are a Zabini, a name that carries honour and prestige."
As they made their way back to the cart, the goblin had a surprise for Aurelius. Upon closing the creaky doors, the goblin returned, bearing a gleaming silver key, which he handed to the Duchessa. With a graceful motion, she approached Aurelius, holding the key out for him. "This is your key, mio tesoro," she said tenderly. "With it, you gain access to your legacy, your future. However," she murmured, "Blaise also has his own personal vault." The Duchessa tilted her head to the side, before speaking up, in a commanding voice, though respectful, just as Blaise's had been. Perhaps that was the Goblin way?
"Open an account for Aurelius Lucien Zabini," she declared, her words carrying an air of authority.
The goblin nodded, acknowledging the Duchessa's request. With swift precision, he began the necessary paperwork detailing Aurelius' account as a member of the esteemed Zabini family. The ink flowed across the parchment, etching Aurelius' name into the Gringotts' annals.
Aurelius watched in awe as his name was inscribed, a tangible testament to his newfound identity. The weight of his heritage settled upon his shoulders, filling him with purpose and belonging.
With the account established, the Duchessa, her voice pleased and happy, handed Aurelius a small pouch. It jingled softly with the weight of galleons, sickles, and knuts—a symbol of his newfound independence and the opportunities ahead.
When the goblin handed her a second key, she gave it to him with no words but a beaming smile.
As they left Gringotts, Aurelius clutched the pouch tightly, his heart brimming with awe. The boy was no longer adrift in the vast sea of uncertainty; his noble family now officially included him.
If the younger Zabini had been honest, he would have apologised. Unwillingly, the thought he had pushed deep down into his mind resurfaced. Aurelius had been afraid after what he had done, as it truly had been egregious of him to remove the Duchessa's ability to blood adopt a little boy and someone her son's age. But she had never scolded him for it and, instead, treated him as if he belonged. As if he had not done something wrong but rather fulfilled something she had deeply needed.
With the Zabini family vault secured and his personal vault created, Aurelius turned to Blaise, and his mother, his eyes shimmering with joy. "Thank you, Blaise, Mother," he said eloquently. "For guiding me on this journey, for being my brother and mother in every sense of the word."
Blaise grinned, his eyes reflecting a deep kinship. "We are Zabinis, Auri," he said, answering for their mother in a dignified tone. "And together, we will continue honouring our legacy, forging our path within the Wizarding World.
The Duchessa, Blaise and Aurelius ambled through the streets arm in arm to a posh wizarding establishment for dinner. As they strolled, the Duchessa looked admiringly at her sons. Blaise and Aurelius exchanged a knowing glance, aware their mother was proud of them. They all stepped inside, ready to enjoy an excellent supper after a fulfilling day.
Upon arrival, Aurelius ran to the loo, which gave Blaise time to speak, his words full of admiration for his brother. "Aurelius has come so far," he said, his voice laced with pride. "He has become so well-versed in the wizarding arts and is truly a credit to our family." Isabella smiled, her eyes filled with adoration. "I could not be more delighted," she said warmly. "He is a true Zabini, and I know he will succeed on whatever path he chooses."
Just then, Aurelius emerged from the bathroom, his face beaming joyfully. He had clearly overheard their conversation and was touched by their kind words. He walked over to them, and the three embraced tightly. Isabella and Blaise both stared at him with fondness and admiration. They then released their embrace, and Isabella placed her hands on Aurelius' shoulders. She looked into his eyes and said, "Our family will always have your back, no matter what."
Aurelius felt the meaning of belonging for the first time in his life. "Thank you," the boy said emotionally. "For your love and support, for being my family."
If Aurelius saw the Duchessa wipe away a tear, he pretended not to, glancing around the patrons instead.
The trio now approached the 'wait to be seated' sign, pleased at least that Aurelius had been allowed to use the bathroom. That might have been because everyone knew the beautiful Duchessa and her son. It was obviously new for her to arrive with another boy, also a Zabini, as he had all the trademark signs of a Zabini, and the whispering started. Blaise and the Duchessa easily ignored whispers and pointing, of course, but Aurelius was still not used to it. For him, he had gone back to being Harry Potter, and he couldn't help but hide a bit behind Blaise, clenching the boy's suspenders he had on.
Blaise allowed this, though he pushed Aurelius forward gently and put an arm around his waist, steering his brother to their private table towards the back of the restaurant.
As the Maître d' approached, his smile at having the Zabinis here seemed to overpower the fact that fifteen guests had gathered around them, also waiting to be seated.
"See," Blaise whispered as they finally sat in the Italian restaurant, "It's always worth knowing people. And soon, you'll be known but for a different reason."
It took a moment, but the younger Zabini eventually took a few deep breaths and then looked around, taking the time to appreciate his surroundings. Their mouths watered at the delicious smells of garlic and tomato sauce that wafted through the air. Their orders were taken, and after only moments, the food arrived. Aurelius' eyes widened in amazement at the array of dishes before them. He had never seen such a variety of foods before and was eager to try them all.
Blaise, eager to share his favourite foods, pointed out the different dishes: the fresh mozzarella, the roasted vegetables, and creamy pastas. He then proceeded to order an even wider selection of dishes, much to the Duchessa's chagrin. She shook her head in disapproval but couldn't help smiling at her sons' enthusiasm.
The food arrived quickly, and Blaise and Aurelius wasted no time digging in. They ate with gusto, trading tastes and stories as they went. They tried the homemade gnocchi with sage butter, the roasted eggplant parmesan, and the classic spaghetti carbonara. Aurelius was overwhelmed by the experience; it was proper Italian food, and he loved every bite.
The Duchessa watched on with a smile, enjoying the boys' antics. She ate with her usual ladylike manners but was just as eager to try the food as her sons. As they ate, she occasionally reached over and placed a piece of food in their hands, keen to share her favourites.
When the meal was finished, Aurelius was stuffed to the brim. He looked over at his mother and brother with a contented smile.
The feelings of being Harry had subsided, and it was with a relief that it did not repeat itself as they left.
In bed alone that night, Aurelius twisted and turned until, furiously giving up on sleep, he went to Blaise and plopped himself there, where, just as he hoped, the boy wrapped his arms around him and slept on.
Soon after, the boy who lived, though didn't look like it, finally dozed off, strange nightmares plaguing him.