3/3 days in a row! LOOK AT ME! Hope you're all enjoying!
Tuesday, October 14, 1998
Watching Blaise pace was making Hermione more anxious than she cared to admit. The only thing that had, eventually, calmed him down was Jean Granger dragging him off to do Merlin knows what. As the hour of their tea drew nearer and nearer, Hermione grew more and more nervous that Blaise would utterly fall apart in his mother's wake.
When the time finally struck, Madame Zabini was ushered into the parlour. She looked around at the colourful decor approvingly. Then began to go towards her son. Blaise, stiffly sat next to Hermione's own mother who smiled at him and patted his hand affectionately.
"Madame Zabini," Theo said, formally, gesturing to one of the chairs on the opposite side of the table. Hermione catalogued the slight disappointment in her face at his tone. "We were pleased that you could make time for tea on such short notice. I know with my wife's state, we've all been a bit distracted."
Madame Zabini turned towards Hermione, "Ah yes, I remember when I was-" she cut off, eyes darting to Blaise. "It's such a joyful time, and often hard to keep track of everything," she finished, lamely
The entire group sat in awkward silence for a few seconds, before Draco came in in a flurry. "I'm so sorry I'm late, darlings," he said, coming to kiss Hermione and then Theo on the cheeks. "I know I said I'd be on time, but I got caught up and-" he caught sight of Madame Zabini and cut himself off, nodding to her stiffly. "Madame Zabini, thank you for visiting our home."
Now the woman looked truly crushed. All three of the boys she'd watched grow up were keeping their distance from her. "No bother, dear," Jean said with a chuckle. "We've only just sat down. Come along, dust off your cloak and join us."
Draco sat between Richard and Madame Zabini and set his napkin on his lap. "How was everyone's day?"
A chorus of "Fines," and "Brilliants," and "Nothing too excitings," came from around the table. Madame Zabini gaped at the group like a fish as they all casually moved through each other's space.
"You asked to come?" Blaise said, after a few minutes.
"I-" Madame Zabini looked flustered at the direct question. "Yes, I wanted to talk with you about," she looked around at the rest of the group who was all watching her with carefully blank faces, "the last time we saw each other."
"By all means," Blaise said, giving nothing away.
She took a deep breath and continued. "I just want you to be safe," she said quietly. "I dont' want you to be Marked, but I worry that the path you are taking will lead to that."
Hermione scoffed. "Do you think so little of your own son?" When Madame Zabini's eyes widened, she continued, "I haven't known Blaise long, but even I can see that he's not easily swayed. Even I can tell he won't be swayed so easily and I've only met him recently."
Blaise looked at her gratefully. "While I understand you think you know best, I refuse to be beholden to you any longer. I will continue our lessons, but as long as the Malfoy-Notts are alright with it, I will continue to live here."
"Of course, mate," Theo said with a grin, "you're like a brother to us, you're always welcome here."
Hermione could tell that Madame Zabini was not going to fight it. "I hope that we can work together to repair what has been broken," she said softly. "I must be going, I do hope to see you all at the Day of the Dead Celebration at the end of the month."
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