My night has become a sunny dawn because of you (Wedding Post I)
Miles assisted Simone into her seat before settling beside her, only mildly interested in the event they were attending. He hadn't been close with Blaise Zabini in school, but the wedding was both important socially and interesting to the Liberi. While his loyalty to the group wavered, he'd not shared that with anyone save in the single conversation he'd had with Theodore Nott months before. Until he decided his course of action, he needed to play the part that was expected.
Glancing at his companion, he sighed inwardly. Simone was still completely committed to the cause, by all appearances. He worried for her well-being.
Those were thoughts for another time, though.
"At least we're guaranteed good food at the reception, eh?" he whispered, leaning close to Simone's ear.
"Yes, I suppose there is that," Simone said with a smirk, knowing she couldn't really enjoy it. Hannah the Mudblood probably had a hand in it. She looked around herself, unsure how long she wanted to stay. While members of the Liberi would be there, as well as co-workers from the Ministry, she didn't feel comfortable.
It had always been awkward around the two to be wed, ever since Calanthe tried to set Simone up with Blaise when Hannah was already in the picture. She hadn't really wanted to come to the wedding, but it was one of the social events of the year.
She turned to Miles leaned in and asked, "So, when do you think it'll be appropriate to leave, an hour into the reception? We can get drinks afterward, my treat for forgetting your birthday." She smiled apologetically.
"It was my birthday?" Miles teased, winking at his friend. "I think we can sneak out fairly quickly. There are more than enough people here to obscure our absence, not that anyone will be paying us any mind anyway."
"Then it's a plan. We'll have to go somewhere with a bit of class, though. I'm not dressed for the Hog's Head," she said, gesturing to her dress.
Grinning broadly, Miles tut-tutted. "Think of the thrill you'd be giving Aberforth Dumbledore. Do you think the goats ever dress up for him? I think not."
Simone nodded. "I suppose that's true. And you in your tux," she patted down the front of his lapel. "We'll that would certainly be something for him, too."
"Well, I am a philanthropist. My generosity is something of a legend." Miles smiled. He and Simone didn't get to chat very often despite that they lived in the same residence. It was nice to enjoy a little bantering with her.
"That it is," Simone said, shaking her head and smiling. "So when does this thing start," she asked out of the side of her mouth, "any time soon or should we just slip away now?"
"Very soon," Miles replied, patting her knee. "Tough it out, Capper. We're here for a reason."
She sighed in exaggeration. "Fine. This is going to call for one very large martini, though."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Susan was ready. She hated leaving anything until the last minute, so her hair and make-up had been done for an hour. She'd just slipped into the strapless pink bridesmaid's dress and studied herself in the mirror checking for anything that might be out of place. Overall, she had to admit she looked rather nice.
Stepping into the hall, she looked for Hannah, in case the bride needed anything. She stopped short when she nearly ran right into Pansy Parkinson. Oh hell. Be polite, Bones. Hannah's likely to string you up otherwise.
"Good day, Pansy. Aren't you a lovely groomswoman?"
Containing the sigh that had threatened to escape at the mere sound of that voice, Pansy turned slowly, eyes perusing the pink the Mouse was wearing. She had known what the dresses would look like, had helped pick them out, but Susan was the first time she'd seen them on the bridesmaids. "Susan," she said finally, eyes returning to the Hufflepuff's face. "Someone had to show the boys how it's done. Your dress is very ..." You've been warned. Think of something appropriate. "... fitting."
"Yellow might be the Hufflepuff house color, but it's not the only pastel we like. At least the feminine Huffles." It was no surprise Pansy didn't care for the the dresses Hannah'd chosen. They were sweet, an adjective that could never be applied to that harpy. "Black is good for you, though. As you said, fitting."
The corner of Pansy's mouth turned up, her eyes drawn away from the annoyance in front of her and towards a group of people, Blaise no doubt among them. "Yes. Yes it is," she replied lazily. "Don't you have bridesmaidly duties you need to assist in? Bustling of some kind? Helping her into her shoes?" Anywhere away from me?
"That's just what I was on my way to do," Susan said with a sweetly false smile. There. She hadn't been nasty at all. Hannah would be pleased. "You enjoy the wedding, Pansy. You'll be the prettiest groomsman ever."
Pansy raised an eyebrow at Susan, unsure what to make of the forced, polite conversation. "I'll do my best," she answered, pausing a moment before replying, "enjoy the cake for me." Politeness having turned her stomach, Pansy left, looking for anywhere else to be.
I will. Some of us don't have to worry about a little cake from time to time, Susan thought as she went on about her search for Hannah.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ella was not looking forward to this at all. She was prepared to play the part of happy ex-girlfriend, though. She signed the guest book with flourish and made her way to the grooms' side of the outdoor space, but stopped short when she saw a familiar and not very happy face.
"Adelina Ladislao. What are you doing in this country? Extend your tentacles over the channel."
Blaise's cousin turned and glared at Ella. "Who invited you to this wedding?"
"Why Blaise and Hannah of course. Blaise and myself were engaged when we were younger, but amicably split. And you?" Ella looked her up and down. "How did you manage to snag an invitation. Threaten to sue?"
Adelina chuckled and motioned her youngest daughter to go sit down. "I'm a married woman, Armida. My maiden name is Zabini. Blaise is my cousin."
Ella's face paled. Blaise was related to Adelina Ladislao? She never heard a maiden name mentioned in the trials, and she wouldn't have. She squared her shoulders.
"Stay away from me, Ladislao. I have a wedding to attend."
As Ella stalked off, Sofia walked up behind Adelina, her youngest daughter on her hip. "Was that who I thought it was?"
"And who do you think it was?"
"My ex-girlfriend."
Adelina's eyebrow went up. "You dated Ella Armida? She certainly gets around in the family. Apparently she dated Blaise as well. She also didn't know we were related."
Sofia chuckled. "She's in for a rude awakening then, because our family knows about her. She's the one who threatened to end my career if I didn't hand over money to help her start her new line."
"And she's the one I took to Italian court for fraud and money laundering. Won the case by a landslide. Only the court's sympathy allowed her to skip jail time." Adelina stared after the model until she vanished into the crowds. "Suddenly I'm not dreading this."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Did you see that," Sarah asked.
She and Mina were sitting at a table near the entrance making certain people signed the guestbook. Sarah in her strapless floral dress that Blaise had grumbled about because it was strapless, and Mina in her ruffled black dress.
"I did."
They were, of course, referring to Ella Armida signing the guest book. Both girls had heard Kristen rant enough about the other woman.
"Today is going to be fun," Mina commented.
"You just want there to be a fight."
"Just imagine for a moment," Mina said, whispering so other guests would not hear her. "How funny watching Mac toss her out would be?"
"Mac? If she does anything to foul up the wedding, I'm betting on Hannah getting her first."
"What are you two whispering about?"
Sarah and Mina looked up. Pepper Prewett was there with her sisters and mother close behind. Sarah squealed and jumped up to hug her friend. Mina rolled her eyes.
"Did you see Carly Dorny," Pepper asked. "She looks fabulous with the extra weight on her. I'm jealous. I think she might be the prettiest girl at Hogwarts next term."
Rainey, having heard that, rolled her eyes. She looked as happy to be attending as a person scheduled for electroshock treatments.
"Hello, girls," Quinn said. "You both look very pretty tonight."
"Thank you," Sarah replied.
"Hello, there, Prewett," came a booming voice. "I don't suppose you'd let a few Warbecks sit next to you."
Sarah waved at Arie. She was not surprised to see the blonde's twin brother Dylan had his nose in a book.
"Of course, you can sit with us, Don," Quinn said.
"I'll catch up," Arie said to her father as he and Quinn made their way in.
Pepper eyed her. "Green dress, Warbeck? Really?"
"There's nothing wrong with going green," Mina remarked.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was time to get into her dress.
Sarah was running all over with Mina not far behind. Both were making certain things were going well. James, Duff and Argyle were playing the part of ushers and seating people. Hannah was jittery. She felt excited and nervous. Her wedding planner Miranda Leeds was in the reception hall of Mab's Crossing to make certain everything was being set according to Hannah's specifications.
"Will you hold still," Kristen said, laughing.
Mostly she and Susan were getting Hannah into the dress. Mac was completely out of her element. She did look lovely in her pink dress with all her black hair piled on top of her head though. She was holding Hannah's bouquet until the other bridesmaids got the bride situated.
"I'm excited," Hannah said.
"We hadna noticed," Mac remarked, trying not to laugh herself.
Blaise had better not mess this up. Yes, they had a tentative truce, but if he did Hannah wrong, which she did not think he would, but in the highly unlikely event that he did, she just might have to kill him. With her bare hands. In a pink dress.
"It's no' too late to run. I could stall and knock some people out while Suse and Kris spirit ya away."
Hannah glared playfully at Mac. "Thank you... no."
Susan snickered. It would almost be worth having two weddings just to see Mac 'stall' the first one. Hannah was ready to become Mrs. Zabini, though, and as stressed as she'd been pulling this one together, the petite blonde might give even Mac a good beating if it didn't go off without a hitch.
Fastening Hannah into the ornate gown, she smiled. "Kristen and I aren't exactly bodybuilders, but I think we could hustle you out if we needed to."
"Susan Bones, do not side with Mac. I need one rational bridesmaid."
"Hey," Kristen complained.
"Sarah informed me that your friend Ella is here, so I fully expect ration to leave the building with you."
Kristen scowled. "If you want to get in a fight, Mac, I'll point her out to you."
"Do not just go beat the woman up," Hannah snapped. "Of course if she's causing trouble, Mac, you don't have to be gentle when you remove her." Hannah looked at Susan. "Ella's Blaise's ex."
Pursing her lips, Susan 'hmm-ed' thoughtfully. "Why is she here? Did you invite her?" Lips curling, she added, "I'll need to know what the rational reaction to her presence is."
Kristen sighed. "If Voldemort were still alive, she'd have invited him. Hannah invited everyone."
"Just be polite," Hannah said, glaring at Kristen. "But if she is less than cordial, you have my permission to return fire."
It was quiet for a moment.
"I would not have invited Voldemort," Hannah groused. "Harry's here."
Mac snickered.
Susan grinned as she fluffed Hannah's train, eying the pristine white fabric wistfully. One day. "Well, Han, I think you are about as ready to walk down the aisle as you're ever going to be. You look beautiful. Blaise is a very lucky man."
Hannah smiled at Susan. "Thanks, Suse. I'm so glad you're here. One day this will be you. How could it not be? We Hufflepuffs have a lot of love to give, don't we?"
Hannah wondered if it would be Ron that would be so lucky. It didn't matter to her, though. As long as Susan was happy. She did like seeing her friends happy.
"We do," Susan agreed, hugging her friend gently so she wouldn't wrinkle her. As she stepped back, her eyes found Mac. "Although the way Neville comes in smiling some days, I don't think it's just the Huffles doling out good loving."
Mac rolled her eyes, but it quickly turned into a grin.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise made sure his robes were perfectly straight as he stared in the mirror. He was getting increasingly nervous as the time went on. Pansy was out and about, claiming she was tired of watching him stress. Right now it was just Draco and Justin in the room.
"I think I'm going to be sick."
"Again?"
Blaise glared at Draco. "Shut up. And I'm not fighting you over the toilet again. You get sick, get sick somewhere else, you drunk idiot. I can't believe you showed up drunk to my wedding."
"I am not drunk. Just pleasantly numb. I need it to be around all these happy people and not go crazy."
Justin was just watching and not saying anything. He wouldn't want to be Draco if Hannah found out he was drunk.
Blaise was dreading agreeing to the terms that he couldn't have alcohol until after the wedding was over. That was just absolutely not fair.
"It's not fair that you get to be numb and I have to play the part of happy host to hundreds of people I've never met."
Justin finally spoke up. "You aren't happy to be marrying Hannah?"
"Now you've done it," Draco muttered. "You've angered the Huffle."
Blaise sighed. Hannah got him, but this one didn't. "I am doing this only because Hannah wants to. I don't think a huge ceremony makes a marriage, but it's what she wanted. I am not in my element, so I'm a bit nervous."
"She made you promise not to drink," Draco said, nipping from his flask. "That sucks."
Justin glared. "If you do anything to upset Hannah today, Blaise won't have the chance to hex you."
"Oooooo. Scary," Draco said wiggling his fingers.
Blaise snorted. "He won't do something. He values his life. Too many people will be out for blood if something happens."
"I even have my flame retardant trou on."
Justin started laughing. He couldn't help it. Draco Malfoy having to take the precaution of trousers that did not catch afire was funny.
"Father already promised to put his most powerful anti-flame charms on and around you. We're not taking any chances."
Justin nearly fell out of the chair he was sitting in he was laughing so hard.
"It's not that funny," Draco snapped.
"You blew up my bathroom before arriving at your mother's birthday party. I'm scared of what you could have done." Blaise grinned but walked over to where Draco was seated and sat next to him. "But that's what makes you you. If you weren't running around setting your pants on fire, I'd think something was wrong."
Justin just shook head. He did not understand these two. At least when Pansy was in here the conversation was able to be followed by him.
"That was an accident," Draco snapped.
Blaise just kept grinning. "Oh stop your whining, princess. We're just taking precaution. That's why I'm not allowed alcohol before this fiasco. Who knows what two of us drunk would get up to."
"I'm not drunk."
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Justin said.
Draco glared at him. Justin just started snickering. Malfoy was fast with his wand, but he was also a bit more tipsy than he thought, so Justin was not too worried. As Pansy stepped back into the room, Justin decided to go seek Hannah out for a few words.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kristen smiled at him as Hannah stepped into the hall.
Hannah couldn't imagine what Justin could want right now. "Everything all right, Justin?"
He smiled at her. "You look beautiful."
"Are Draco and Blaise being civil? I made them promise."
"They are. Pansy is providing excellent conversation. I just came to speak to you alone."
Hannah frowned.
Justin didn't like the frown. "No, no, no. It's good. I just wanted to say that I'm really happy for you. As much as I hate to admit it, Blaise is good for you, and I know I'm not around like I should be lately, so I'm glad you have him."
"Justin, you don't have to babysit me. You have your own life."
"But you're a part of that. You have been since we were eleven. You always will be."
Hannah hugged him. "I wish Ernie was here."
"Me too," Justin said, hugging her back tightly.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise wanted a moment to himself to get himself together. When the knock on the door came, he just about punched the mirror he had been staring in.
"I swear whoever is on the other side of that door is getting hexed!!"
Alessandro had a grin on his face when he looked at Blaise. His son sighed and didn't look a bit sheepish.
"Not to be terribly insulting, but I do believe I could dodge anything you threw at me."
Blaise snorted. "I thought you were Finch-Fletchley or Draco coming to bug me. You're more than welcome to come in."
His father sat on one of the vacant chairs. "Nervous?"
"No," Blaise scoffed, but at his father's look, he sighed. "A bit. I know everyone out there is expecting me to be the one to run, but I find it funny that no one remembers I'm not the one who ran from a previous marriage. All right, so technically, I did bail on an earlier engagement but that one was doomed to begin with."
Alessandro's eyebrow shot up. Blaise sighed again. "Don't ask."
"I don't think I will." He stood and walked up behind Blaise and put his hands on his shoulders. "I do think that you are far too worried with what others think. Trust me, I know how you feel. I can't tell you how many people thought I was crazy for not marrying your mother. From the moment we were fifteen, everyone thought we should get married."
Blaise turned away from the mirror to look at his father directly. "I was under the impression everyone in the family hated her."
Alessandro chuckled. "You should know better than anyone that your mother could make anyone like her if she wanted to. Up until the moment I met Gia, she was nothing but perfect to everyone."
He snorted. "That sounds like mother. I know she didn't take you leaving her for another woman well."
"Well, you know the story from here, but she never forgave me for choosing the woman I loved over the one who was a political match."
Blaise smirked. "Part of me wishes she was still alive just so I could see her expression."
Alessandro laughed. "I don't think she would survive. It's better she's already in the ground."
There was a pause, and Blaise hesitated. Finally, he gathered up his courage. "Did you love her? My mother?"
Alessandro's hand squeezed Blaise's shoulder. "Very much so. More than words can express, but the woman she turned into was not the young girl I fell in love with. She changed; she became someone who didn't appreciate life. You have all her better qualities. A bit of her possessive nature, yes, but you control it."
Blaise didn't know why, but that question had bothered him for a very, very long time. Knowing the truth made this marriage easier for him to go into. "I hate that she changed, but I'm glad at the same time."
"Me as well, my son, me as well." Alessandro patted his son's shoulder one last time before heading towards the door. "You have made me very proud. Even though I made mistakes when I was younger, I would never consider you one of them."
With that, Alessandro left and Blaise turned back to the mirror. A few moments passed and a knock came to the door. It was time.
{SUMMARY} Pre-wedding jitters and unexpected guests at the Abbott-Zabini wedding.
Glancing at his companion, he sighed inwardly. Simone was still completely committed to the cause, by all appearances. He worried for her well-being.
Those were thoughts for another time, though.
"At least we're guaranteed good food at the reception, eh?" he whispered, leaning close to Simone's ear.
"Yes, I suppose there is that," Simone said with a smirk, knowing she couldn't really enjoy it. Hannah the Mudblood probably had a hand in it. She looked around herself, unsure how long she wanted to stay. While members of the Liberi would be there, as well as co-workers from the Ministry, she didn't feel comfortable.
It had always been awkward around the two to be wed, ever since Calanthe tried to set Simone up with Blaise when Hannah was already in the picture. She hadn't really wanted to come to the wedding, but it was one of the social events of the year.
She turned to Miles leaned in and asked, "So, when do you think it'll be appropriate to leave, an hour into the reception? We can get drinks afterward, my treat for forgetting your birthday." She smiled apologetically.
"It was my birthday?" Miles teased, winking at his friend. "I think we can sneak out fairly quickly. There are more than enough people here to obscure our absence, not that anyone will be paying us any mind anyway."
"Then it's a plan. We'll have to go somewhere with a bit of class, though. I'm not dressed for the Hog's Head," she said, gesturing to her dress.
Grinning broadly, Miles tut-tutted. "Think of the thrill you'd be giving Aberforth Dumbledore. Do you think the goats ever dress up for him? I think not."
Simone nodded. "I suppose that's true. And you in your tux," she patted down the front of his lapel. "We'll that would certainly be something for him, too."
"Well, I am a philanthropist. My generosity is something of a legend." Miles smiled. He and Simone didn't get to chat very often despite that they lived in the same residence. It was nice to enjoy a little bantering with her.
"That it is," Simone said, shaking her head and smiling. "So when does this thing start," she asked out of the side of her mouth, "any time soon or should we just slip away now?"
"Very soon," Miles replied, patting her knee. "Tough it out, Capper. We're here for a reason."
She sighed in exaggeration. "Fine. This is going to call for one very large martini, though."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Susan was ready. She hated leaving anything until the last minute, so her hair and make-up had been done for an hour. She'd just slipped into the strapless pink bridesmaid's dress and studied herself in the mirror checking for anything that might be out of place. Overall, she had to admit she looked rather nice.
Stepping into the hall, she looked for Hannah, in case the bride needed anything. She stopped short when she nearly ran right into Pansy Parkinson. Oh hell. Be polite, Bones. Hannah's likely to string you up otherwise.
"Good day, Pansy. Aren't you a lovely groomswoman?"
Containing the sigh that had threatened to escape at the mere sound of that voice, Pansy turned slowly, eyes perusing the pink the Mouse was wearing. She had known what the dresses would look like, had helped pick them out, but Susan was the first time she'd seen them on the bridesmaids. "Susan," she said finally, eyes returning to the Hufflepuff's face. "Someone had to show the boys how it's done. Your dress is very ..." You've been warned. Think of something appropriate. "... fitting."
"Yellow might be the Hufflepuff house color, but it's not the only pastel we like. At least the feminine Huffles." It was no surprise Pansy didn't care for the the dresses Hannah'd chosen. They were sweet, an adjective that could never be applied to that harpy. "Black is good for you, though. As you said, fitting."
The corner of Pansy's mouth turned up, her eyes drawn away from the annoyance in front of her and towards a group of people, Blaise no doubt among them. "Yes. Yes it is," she replied lazily. "Don't you have bridesmaidly duties you need to assist in? Bustling of some kind? Helping her into her shoes?" Anywhere away from me?
"That's just what I was on my way to do," Susan said with a sweetly false smile. There. She hadn't been nasty at all. Hannah would be pleased. "You enjoy the wedding, Pansy. You'll be the prettiest groomsman ever."
Pansy raised an eyebrow at Susan, unsure what to make of the forced, polite conversation. "I'll do my best," she answered, pausing a moment before replying, "enjoy the cake for me." Politeness having turned her stomach, Pansy left, looking for anywhere else to be.
I will. Some of us don't have to worry about a little cake from time to time, Susan thought as she went on about her search for Hannah.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ella was not looking forward to this at all. She was prepared to play the part of happy ex-girlfriend, though. She signed the guest book with flourish and made her way to the grooms' side of the outdoor space, but stopped short when she saw a familiar and not very happy face.
"Adelina Ladislao. What are you doing in this country? Extend your tentacles over the channel."
Blaise's cousin turned and glared at Ella. "Who invited you to this wedding?"
"Why Blaise and Hannah of course. Blaise and myself were engaged when we were younger, but amicably split. And you?" Ella looked her up and down. "How did you manage to snag an invitation. Threaten to sue?"
Adelina chuckled and motioned her youngest daughter to go sit down. "I'm a married woman, Armida. My maiden name is Zabini. Blaise is my cousin."
Ella's face paled. Blaise was related to Adelina Ladislao? She never heard a maiden name mentioned in the trials, and she wouldn't have. She squared her shoulders.
"Stay away from me, Ladislao. I have a wedding to attend."
As Ella stalked off, Sofia walked up behind Adelina, her youngest daughter on her hip. "Was that who I thought it was?"
"And who do you think it was?"
"My ex-girlfriend."
Adelina's eyebrow went up. "You dated Ella Armida? She certainly gets around in the family. Apparently she dated Blaise as well. She also didn't know we were related."
Sofia chuckled. "She's in for a rude awakening then, because our family knows about her. She's the one who threatened to end my career if I didn't hand over money to help her start her new line."
"And she's the one I took to Italian court for fraud and money laundering. Won the case by a landslide. Only the court's sympathy allowed her to skip jail time." Adelina stared after the model until she vanished into the crowds. "Suddenly I'm not dreading this."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Did you see that," Sarah asked.
She and Mina were sitting at a table near the entrance making certain people signed the guestbook. Sarah in her strapless floral dress that Blaise had grumbled about because it was strapless, and Mina in her ruffled black dress.
"I did."
They were, of course, referring to Ella Armida signing the guest book. Both girls had heard Kristen rant enough about the other woman.
"Today is going to be fun," Mina commented.
"You just want there to be a fight."
"Just imagine for a moment," Mina said, whispering so other guests would not hear her. "How funny watching Mac toss her out would be?"
"Mac? If she does anything to foul up the wedding, I'm betting on Hannah getting her first."
"What are you two whispering about?"
Sarah and Mina looked up. Pepper Prewett was there with her sisters and mother close behind. Sarah squealed and jumped up to hug her friend. Mina rolled her eyes.
"Did you see Carly Dorny," Pepper asked. "She looks fabulous with the extra weight on her. I'm jealous. I think she might be the prettiest girl at Hogwarts next term."
Rainey, having heard that, rolled her eyes. She looked as happy to be attending as a person scheduled for electroshock treatments.
"Hello, girls," Quinn said. "You both look very pretty tonight."
"Thank you," Sarah replied.
"Hello, there, Prewett," came a booming voice. "I don't suppose you'd let a few Warbecks sit next to you."
Sarah waved at Arie. She was not surprised to see the blonde's twin brother Dylan had his nose in a book.
"Of course, you can sit with us, Don," Quinn said.
"I'll catch up," Arie said to her father as he and Quinn made their way in.
Pepper eyed her. "Green dress, Warbeck? Really?"
"There's nothing wrong with going green," Mina remarked.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was time to get into her dress.
Sarah was running all over with Mina not far behind. Both were making certain things were going well. James, Duff and Argyle were playing the part of ushers and seating people. Hannah was jittery. She felt excited and nervous. Her wedding planner Miranda Leeds was in the reception hall of Mab's Crossing to make certain everything was being set according to Hannah's specifications.
"Will you hold still," Kristen said, laughing.
Mostly she and Susan were getting Hannah into the dress. Mac was completely out of her element. She did look lovely in her pink dress with all her black hair piled on top of her head though. She was holding Hannah's bouquet until the other bridesmaids got the bride situated.
"I'm excited," Hannah said.
"We hadna noticed," Mac remarked, trying not to laugh herself.
Blaise had better not mess this up. Yes, they had a tentative truce, but if he did Hannah wrong, which she did not think he would, but in the highly unlikely event that he did, she just might have to kill him. With her bare hands. In a pink dress.
"It's no' too late to run. I could stall and knock some people out while Suse and Kris spirit ya away."
Hannah glared playfully at Mac. "Thank you... no."
Susan snickered. It would almost be worth having two weddings just to see Mac 'stall' the first one. Hannah was ready to become Mrs. Zabini, though, and as stressed as she'd been pulling this one together, the petite blonde might give even Mac a good beating if it didn't go off without a hitch.
Fastening Hannah into the ornate gown, she smiled. "Kristen and I aren't exactly bodybuilders, but I think we could hustle you out if we needed to."
"Susan Bones, do not side with Mac. I need one rational bridesmaid."
"Hey," Kristen complained.
"Sarah informed me that your friend Ella is here, so I fully expect ration to leave the building with you."
Kristen scowled. "If you want to get in a fight, Mac, I'll point her out to you."
"Do not just go beat the woman up," Hannah snapped. "Of course if she's causing trouble, Mac, you don't have to be gentle when you remove her." Hannah looked at Susan. "Ella's Blaise's ex."
Pursing her lips, Susan 'hmm-ed' thoughtfully. "Why is she here? Did you invite her?" Lips curling, she added, "I'll need to know what the rational reaction to her presence is."
Kristen sighed. "If Voldemort were still alive, she'd have invited him. Hannah invited everyone."
"Just be polite," Hannah said, glaring at Kristen. "But if she is less than cordial, you have my permission to return fire."
It was quiet for a moment.
"I would not have invited Voldemort," Hannah groused. "Harry's here."
Mac snickered.
Susan grinned as she fluffed Hannah's train, eying the pristine white fabric wistfully. One day. "Well, Han, I think you are about as ready to walk down the aisle as you're ever going to be. You look beautiful. Blaise is a very lucky man."
Hannah smiled at Susan. "Thanks, Suse. I'm so glad you're here. One day this will be you. How could it not be? We Hufflepuffs have a lot of love to give, don't we?"
Hannah wondered if it would be Ron that would be so lucky. It didn't matter to her, though. As long as Susan was happy. She did like seeing her friends happy.
"We do," Susan agreed, hugging her friend gently so she wouldn't wrinkle her. As she stepped back, her eyes found Mac. "Although the way Neville comes in smiling some days, I don't think it's just the Huffles doling out good loving."
Mac rolled her eyes, but it quickly turned into a grin.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise made sure his robes were perfectly straight as he stared in the mirror. He was getting increasingly nervous as the time went on. Pansy was out and about, claiming she was tired of watching him stress. Right now it was just Draco and Justin in the room.
"I think I'm going to be sick."
"Again?"
Blaise glared at Draco. "Shut up. And I'm not fighting you over the toilet again. You get sick, get sick somewhere else, you drunk idiot. I can't believe you showed up drunk to my wedding."
"I am not drunk. Just pleasantly numb. I need it to be around all these happy people and not go crazy."
Justin was just watching and not saying anything. He wouldn't want to be Draco if Hannah found out he was drunk.
Blaise was dreading agreeing to the terms that he couldn't have alcohol until after the wedding was over. That was just absolutely not fair.
"It's not fair that you get to be numb and I have to play the part of happy host to hundreds of people I've never met."
Justin finally spoke up. "You aren't happy to be marrying Hannah?"
"Now you've done it," Draco muttered. "You've angered the Huffle."
Blaise sighed. Hannah got him, but this one didn't. "I am doing this only because Hannah wants to. I don't think a huge ceremony makes a marriage, but it's what she wanted. I am not in my element, so I'm a bit nervous."
"She made you promise not to drink," Draco said, nipping from his flask. "That sucks."
Justin glared. "If you do anything to upset Hannah today, Blaise won't have the chance to hex you."
"Oooooo. Scary," Draco said wiggling his fingers.
Blaise snorted. "He won't do something. He values his life. Too many people will be out for blood if something happens."
"I even have my flame retardant trou on."
Justin started laughing. He couldn't help it. Draco Malfoy having to take the precaution of trousers that did not catch afire was funny.
"Father already promised to put his most powerful anti-flame charms on and around you. We're not taking any chances."
Justin nearly fell out of the chair he was sitting in he was laughing so hard.
"It's not that funny," Draco snapped.
"You blew up my bathroom before arriving at your mother's birthday party. I'm scared of what you could have done." Blaise grinned but walked over to where Draco was seated and sat next to him. "But that's what makes you you. If you weren't running around setting your pants on fire, I'd think something was wrong."
Justin just shook head. He did not understand these two. At least when Pansy was in here the conversation was able to be followed by him.
"That was an accident," Draco snapped.
Blaise just kept grinning. "Oh stop your whining, princess. We're just taking precaution. That's why I'm not allowed alcohol before this fiasco. Who knows what two of us drunk would get up to."
"I'm not drunk."
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Justin said.
Draco glared at him. Justin just started snickering. Malfoy was fast with his wand, but he was also a bit more tipsy than he thought, so Justin was not too worried. As Pansy stepped back into the room, Justin decided to go seek Hannah out for a few words.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kristen smiled at him as Hannah stepped into the hall.
Hannah couldn't imagine what Justin could want right now. "Everything all right, Justin?"
He smiled at her. "You look beautiful."
"Are Draco and Blaise being civil? I made them promise."
"They are. Pansy is providing excellent conversation. I just came to speak to you alone."
Hannah frowned.
Justin didn't like the frown. "No, no, no. It's good. I just wanted to say that I'm really happy for you. As much as I hate to admit it, Blaise is good for you, and I know I'm not around like I should be lately, so I'm glad you have him."
"Justin, you don't have to babysit me. You have your own life."
"But you're a part of that. You have been since we were eleven. You always will be."
Hannah hugged him. "I wish Ernie was here."
"Me too," Justin said, hugging her back tightly.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise wanted a moment to himself to get himself together. When the knock on the door came, he just about punched the mirror he had been staring in.
"I swear whoever is on the other side of that door is getting hexed!!"
Alessandro had a grin on his face when he looked at Blaise. His son sighed and didn't look a bit sheepish.
"Not to be terribly insulting, but I do believe I could dodge anything you threw at me."
Blaise snorted. "I thought you were Finch-Fletchley or Draco coming to bug me. You're more than welcome to come in."
His father sat on one of the vacant chairs. "Nervous?"
"No," Blaise scoffed, but at his father's look, he sighed. "A bit. I know everyone out there is expecting me to be the one to run, but I find it funny that no one remembers I'm not the one who ran from a previous marriage. All right, so technically, I did bail on an earlier engagement but that one was doomed to begin with."
Alessandro's eyebrow shot up. Blaise sighed again. "Don't ask."
"I don't think I will." He stood and walked up behind Blaise and put his hands on his shoulders. "I do think that you are far too worried with what others think. Trust me, I know how you feel. I can't tell you how many people thought I was crazy for not marrying your mother. From the moment we were fifteen, everyone thought we should get married."
Blaise turned away from the mirror to look at his father directly. "I was under the impression everyone in the family hated her."
Alessandro chuckled. "You should know better than anyone that your mother could make anyone like her if she wanted to. Up until the moment I met Gia, she was nothing but perfect to everyone."
He snorted. "That sounds like mother. I know she didn't take you leaving her for another woman well."
"Well, you know the story from here, but she never forgave me for choosing the woman I loved over the one who was a political match."
Blaise smirked. "Part of me wishes she was still alive just so I could see her expression."
Alessandro laughed. "I don't think she would survive. It's better she's already in the ground."
There was a pause, and Blaise hesitated. Finally, he gathered up his courage. "Did you love her? My mother?"
Alessandro's hand squeezed Blaise's shoulder. "Very much so. More than words can express, but the woman she turned into was not the young girl I fell in love with. She changed; she became someone who didn't appreciate life. You have all her better qualities. A bit of her possessive nature, yes, but you control it."
Blaise didn't know why, but that question had bothered him for a very, very long time. Knowing the truth made this marriage easier for him to go into. "I hate that she changed, but I'm glad at the same time."
"Me as well, my son, me as well." Alessandro patted his son's shoulder one last time before heading towards the door. "You have made me very proud. Even though I made mistakes when I was younger, I would never consider you one of them."
With that, Alessandro left and Blaise turned back to the mirror. A few moments passed and a knock came to the door. It was time.
{SUMMARY} Pre-wedding jitters and unexpected guests at the Abbott-Zabini wedding.