In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities (Wedding Post IV)
Penelope was taking a rest. Brody was a very enthusiastic dancer. She was trying not to be upset that Marcus Flint was here. She had not seen him in months, and he seemed to be behaving. It was odd to see him with Astoria Dolohov. The woman was so... proper.
She looked around and took stock of where everyone was. Jack and Heather MacDougal were dancing and laughing and generally having a good time. Duff was leaning on the stage near where Hera was currently playing. Nana was talking to Mad-Eye Moody. Cullen was here with Jodie.
They came and sat next to Penelope.
"Having a good time, Jodie," Penelope asked.
Jodie smiled at Penelope. "Very much so. This is the first wedding I've been invited to that wasn't for family. It's nice. The dancing is also very fun to watch, especially since it's not me making a fool out of myself for once."
Penelope laughed. "Cullen better not just be letting you watch the dancing. He better be dancing with you."
"I'd rather he didn't. I don't dance. It's bad enough Carly put me in heels. I'd probably fall on my face. Remember me mentioning making a fool of myself? I speak from experience."
Suddenly Duff was behind them with his arms around both women. "Cullen would make ya look good. Cullen, dance with yer date. Quit bein' an arse."
"Duff, if she doesn't want to dance," Penelope said. "Then leave it alone."
Jodie laughed and patted Duff's arm. "I'd rather spare your cousin from the pain in his feet that should occur if I dance with him. It's purely precautionary."
"Jodie, iffen ya want to dance, we'll dance. M'feet are tough," Cullen offered.
Carly passed by them where she was dancing with a boy Jodie had never seen before. "She dances. Don't let her trick you into thinking she can't."
Jodie glared at her sister as she danced away before turning to Cullen. "If you really wish to, and your brute of a cousin let's me go, I'll dance with you."
Cullen removed Duff's arm and held out a hand to Jodie.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She'd been biding her time, waiting for a chance to catch Blaise alone. Cassandra wanted to meet his Hannah at some point, too, but it would be rude to rib the groom in front of his bride and she knew damned well she and Blaise couldn't pass up the chance to annoy one another. It was how they worked. Always had.
Stalking up behind him, she spoke softly, so only he would hear. "How'd you manage it? She seems like a really nice girl. Amortentia?"
Blaise smirked. "Believe it or not, Cass, two people can actually like each other without the use of potions or charms."
He turned around to face her. He hadn't seen Cassandra Montgomery in a very long time, but she still looked just as gorgeous as the last time they laid eyes on each other. "I know that must be a foreign concept, but don't worry. You'll find someone desperate enough to like you back."
"Oh, don't you worry about me. My winning personality and fantastic arse serve me well," she volleyed, lips quirking up at the corners. "I had worried for you, though. I'd have hated to see you end up like Snape, alone with naught but dead flobberworms for company."
"Oh please, the only common thing between me and Snape is that we were Slytherins and we made potions. I doubt he ever got a decent lay." Blaise made a face. "And now I have the mental image of Snape shagging someone in my brain. I hate you now."
Cassie decided it was probably for the best if she didn't mention the number of girls in Slytherin who didn't find that image repulsive. True, Snape was no looker, but he was mysterious and unattainable, and sometimes that was enough to inspire fantasies.
"You couldn't hate me if you tried, Blaise Zabini. You like irritating me too much. Doing things like flirting with my sister." She shrugged. "You wouldn't bother if you didn't like me."
"Speaking of your sister," Blaise started looking around. "Where is she? I knew she was coming, because she told me when we last had a chat. She met Hannah, and may have let a few things slip. If you get the evil eye sometime tonight, it's because it's no secret to Han that we were more than just friends in times past."
"Thanks for the warning, but it's hardly the first time I'll be the beneficiary of feminine ill will. It won't even be the first time it's over you, surprisingly enough." Blaise had kept a steady flow of girls rotating through his sheets at Hogwarts, and likely after school as well, but Cassandra hadn't been short of partners either. There was a reason she'd gotten so quick with her wand. Women were catty and vicious, much moreso than men. "Mira is probably off chatting with Harry Potter. She takes his care and well-being very seriously, silly girl."
Blaise rolled his eyes. "I would rather kill myself than work for him. You realize your sister is more likely to get caught in the cross-fire now? I'd hate to be my sister's protector. Thankfully for me, all mine are more than capable of taking care of themselves."
Her lips pressed together in a thin line. She didn't particularly care for the idea of Mira being made a target because of her position, but there was no talking her out of it. Her twin liked working in the MLE. If anything did happen to Mira, though, Harry Potter would be on the receiving end of a shitstorm.
"Mira's more capable than you'd think. She just doesn't show..." Cutting off mid-sentence, Cassandra raised a brow. "Your sisters? Since when do you have sisters? Merlin's balls, did your mother breed again?"
He snickered. "Thank Salazar, no. I got in touch with my father and wouldn't you know it, my mother was a selfish bitch who used me as a leverage chip in blackmail. My father is right over there," Blaise pointed in Alessandro's direction. "I have three younger half-sisters, and an arse load of other family."
"I'll be damned. I get a rather perverse pleasure thinking of you as part of a big family. You should bring your new wife and recently discovered kin over to Mother and Papa's for dinner some evening. They'd love it, and I'd love to see how you hold your own against a whole room of women."
"I'll have you know I have always been able to hold my own against a whole room of a women. It's easier when I'm related to them. Well, some of them. There are some I'd gladly bang into walls if I could."
Cassandra laughed. "Welcome to family life." Most of the time her siblings got along very well, but no family was without its explosions. She and Alexa had been known to go a few rounds on occasion. "It's good practice for when your little lady starts popping out your spawn."
Blaise tried to hide back the shudder. "Don't remind me. It's bad enough we're foster parents. I don't think I can fathom handling the babies who are fully mine. Although I'm enjoying getting to threaten the boys who try to make eyes at some of our girls."
"I think I'm going to have to meet this Hannah woman who's not only convinced you to marry, but to take in strays and agree to procreate. I seem to recall that being your greatest fear, not that I ever intended on birthing any little Zabinis myself, mind." She and Blaise had always been purely physical, and even that wasn't for long, as much fun as it had been.
He snorted. "If I had ever knocked you up, I don't think the child would have survived. Too many opposing forces at work. Are you looking for someone to spawn with, or are you going to be an old maid with hundreds of kneazles?"
"If you'd knocked me up, I'm not sure either of us would've survived. We'd have killed each other." Shrugging, Cassie replied, "One day maybe, if I find a man who doesn't make my stomach turn when I consider continuing his line. Otherwise I'll just be a doting aunt to the small army of children my sisters will have."
Oh bugger. He'd forgotten about being an uncle. Blaise made a face when he considered the possibility of more children in his life if his sisters ever had any.
"Well, until that day comes when you find that special someone, enjoy hexing the boys that come calling for your sister. I remember how much you enjoyed doing that."
She looked smug. "It's not for my amusement. Any bloke who can't handle my screening process doesn't deserve the chance to take out my sister. Mira deserves better than some pansy-arsed fellow."
Blaise looked affronted. "You consider me a pansy-arsed fellow? I'm hurt, Cass. Honestly."
"No, you're just an arse. I rejected you on principle alone."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She first caught her glimpse during the wedding. He looked normal, but Anastasia had nudged her when she noticed where Sofia was looking. For most of the reception, the family had run interference, but her wonderful girlfriend was making sure she would be uninterrupted. He was finally alone, so was she, so it was time to make her move.
"I've heard a lot about you. Sofia Gennaro. I'm one of the never-ending Zabini cousins."
Draco had been lost in his thoughts until he realized someone was speaking to him. His eyes sought Ginny before looking to the young woman who had addressed him.
"Mmm. Draco Malfoy, best mate. You're the one I'm not supposed to meet. Best not let anyone see us talking."
"So they told you that as well? I've got my girlfriend keeping the hounds at bay. It's sad though," Sofia said glancing around at all the guests, "I'm always looking for new partners in crime. I've heard you'd be the best. Besides, it's Viv you need to look out for. She's the pyromaniac of the family. Too bad she's on medication for it now. She was a blast when she didn't have it."
"If I set anything on fire at Hannah's wedding, she'll kill me. Blaise won't even have a chance. Not as sweet as she looks, that one. Besides, I am not a pyromaniac. I simply like fire."
He took another sip of his firewhisky.
"Would you care to alarm everyone and join me?"
"Are you kidding me?" She grabbed the firewhisky and took a large swig. "This is a Zabini get together. Something's got to happen that causes my grandmother to nearly have a heart attack. What was your plan?"
"I am not planning anything. Like I said, I like my insides on my insides. Hannah thinks I'm even considering misbehaving, she'll poison me. Make me crap my intestines out. I have no desire to experience such a thing. You could always put that Ella wench in the Scottish bridesmaid's path. I'm sure that would cause some heart failure."
Sofia spun around, her eyes darting through the crowds. "Is that bitch still here? Lina nearly roasted her earlier. I can't believe she even thought herself welcome here. I'll gladly rip out her hairs one by one myself."
"It would be much more fun to watch MacDougal do it. She put herself between me and a werewolf once. She doesn't fight like a woman, and headbutting is her specialty. I'd fight the bitch myself, but that would mean putting down my drink, and I don't hit women unless they're Chinese and they've hit me first."
"No shit?" Sofia laughed as she took another drink. This MacDougal girl sounded like someone she would like to meet and her family would rather her not.
"You've layers to you. I like layers. Too bad you're not a girl," she said with a pout. She handed back the firewhisky. "My own girlfriend is very possessive. Hung a girl who'd been flirting with me at a party over a balcony once. I don't think she headbutts though."
Draco chuckled. "I highly doubt my redhead would share. She has this temper. She did think I was Blaise's boyfriend when we started hanging about one another. Was actually pissed enough to find out I was straight to punch my face. I try to avoid her anger. Your girlfriend sounds absolutely lovely. Do I get to meet her?"
Sofia took a drink and grinned. "In two seconds."
Rachele glared at the bottle in Sofia's hands. "Get drunk and I'm not taking your ass home. I'll leave that to your mother." She took a drink and gave it back to Sofia, then looked at Draco. "Well you're rather pretty for a man. You aren't stealing my girlfriend are you? I don't like it when people steal my things."
Sofia grinned. "I think if he was going to go for any Zabini, it'd be Blaise. Or maybe Nico. He looks like Blaise a bit."
"Sorry to disappoint Nico and the rest of the brood, but it's Blaise or no one. Seeing as how Hannah isn't in a sharing mood, I'll stick with my redhead. She's plenty."
Draco nodded to where Ginny was, smiling in pride. His girl was the prettiest one there in his opinion.
"But if I wanted your girlfriend, which I do not, I wouldn't stop at her, but I get the feeling you don't like to share either. Pity."
"Then I'd guess you feel wrong," Rachele said with a grin before narrowing her eyes. "There's your aunt Corina. You have five minutes to end this conversation or I'm pointing people in this direction. Blaise will kill me if he knew I condoned this."
"I owe you darling."
"Fucking right you do."
Sofia grinned. "Ooh, dirty mouth."
"And you love it."
Rachele walked off and Sofia turned back to Draco. "Sorry. The family calls us the walking porn. I can't help it."
Draco shrugged. "You say that as if I would be bothered. Guess you don't know everything about me then." His eyes darted to the side. "And we have been spotted. There is a Zabini targeting you right now."
Sofia turned around sighed. "My mother. I guess I better vacate your premises and be elsewhere. But it was fun attempting to get drunk with you. If you're ever in Spain, look me up. I live there with Rachele."
"I live in Devon. Catter's End," Draco said, saluting her with his glass.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Penelope had been checking in with Amy and the rest of the bakery employees to make sure no one needed help with anything. They assured her they had it, and to go spend time with Brody and Jack. Penelope had to admit that she was being a bit clinging with Jack tonight. He was having a lovely time with his father, though, so Penelope was trying to feel good about him being away. It was good for him and Percy to get to know one another better.
"Oh Penny," Mrs. Dearborn said. "Don't you look lovely in that color."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Dearborn. I do like your hat."
Penelope turned then and barrelled right into someone. It felt as if she had walked into a wall.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I wasn't..." her eyes widened in slight panic at exactly who she had bumped into. "Marcus Flint."
Marcus glared down at the person who bumped into him. He could smell her panic as his hands grasped her to steady her. Probably hard enough to bruise her.
Pretty Penny Clearwater, looking as lovely as ever.
He released her arms and stepped back. He should have known something was up when Astoria had sent him off to get her something to drink. She had said that he needed to do something else that night, after all, and she wasn't above orchestrating whatever it was.
As to what the hell he was supposed to do, he had no idea.
"Clearwater," he said with a nod.
Penelope winced at the grip that had been on her. Her eyes darted around nervously for Brody or any of the MacDougals, even Blaise or Draco would be wanted at this time.
"You're... you're here with Ast-Astoria then?"
He nodded tersely. "She didn't want to come alone." You'd think he was deliberately stomping on her or something, the way she was reacting. He frowned as he realized this, and realized that he was not having his expected reaction. Longing, jealousy. Something about Pretty Penny had always called to him. She was as bright and shiny as her name, had represented everything he always knew he could never have.
Only, he did have it now. And more than he had ever dreamed of. Yes, he still half-way expected someone to yank the rug out from underneath him, but he no longer wanted what he couldn't have. It was... Odd.
He had the funniest expression on his face - one Penelope had never seen before. Like he was... deep in thought.
"You just... you just came with her because she asked you to?"
Penelope was confused.
He frowned down at her. "That's the kind of thing I'm told you do when you're in a relationship."
Penelope tilted her head at him like a dog hearing an odd sound.
"I don't know how to respond to that," she blurted suddenly.
It was all topsy-turvy now. Him relationship. It did not seem logical in her mind.
His frown deepened. Why would she respond to that at all? He was reminded once again that he did not understand people at all. Women were even worse.
"What's to respond to?"
"Well, I don't know."
Penelope did not like not knowing things.
"It seems like there should be some sort of logical verbal response to that in a conversational manner, but I can't think of any. You being in a relationship and admitting it seems against all laws of gods and men to me. No offense meant."
She made a face.
"The world's gone all funny on me. We're standing here... talking... almost normally. This is different for you and I."
"The fact that you're not running away screaming or yelling at me to leave your kid alone probably helps with that," he pointed out. He'd seen the kid earlier, with his prat of a father. Marcus still couldn't believe the other man was stupid enough to show back up.
"I saw you, of all people, holding my son. He's the most precious thing in my world. What would you do if you saw someone you considered a threat holding what was most precious to you?"
Penelope actually saw him consider this and become angry about it. She raised one brow at him. It was still quite surreal to be having a civilized conversation with Marcus Flint.
"I'd rip his head off," he said, his voice low. Thoughts of Dolohov ran through his head. He still couldn't find that particular bastard, but when he did... It was going to be messy.
"Yes, well, we understand one another then. Sort of."
Brody had spotted her with Marcus and was stomping over.
"If you'll excuse me, I think Hannah would kill everyone involved if there was a fight."
But Brody had already reached them. He was glaring at Marcus.
"Stop that. He didn't do anything. I bumped him. It's quite fine, Brody."
Marcus eyed MacDougal and grinned. "Some other time, MacDougal," he said. "I would take you up on the unspoken offer. But I promised someone I would behave." He nodded towards where Astoria was smiling at him. Bloody bint looked proud that he was playing with the other kiddies.
"Happy to oblige when Han's no' in danger of hexin' me for spoilin' her day. Ya know where to find me, Flint."
It was said through his teeth. Penelope started shoving Brody towards the rest of the MacDougals.
"Give Astoria my regards, please, Flint."
He nodded and smirked at the still glaring MacDougal as Penny dragged him away. Once they were far enough away, he turned towards the refreshment table and snagged a glass of champagne for Princess.
"Happy now," he asked a few moments later when he handed it to her.
"Well on my way to being. Think you can behave while I nip off to cuddle with Angie a bit? Then we can go home and I can do that thing you like." She took the champagne and sipped it before smiling at him.
"Yeah, sure," he agreed. The likelihood of some idiot approaching him without Astoria there as a buffer was slim to none. "Just don't take too long, OK?"
"Of course not," she replied, kissing him lightly before hurrying into the throng of people to locate Angelina.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hera was surprised to see her oldest brother here, and he actually looked to be having fun. He was drinking champagne even. She spotted him talking to Mad-Eye Moody and Nessa MacDougal. He'd exchanged a few words with Amos Diggory and Arthur Weasley as well.
"You have a lovely voice, and you look very pretty tonight, Cricket."
Hera smiled. Don rarely complimented her.
"I've seen you with one of the MacDougals several times when you take stage breaks."
Hera eyed him. "His name is Duff. His father is Maddock MacDougal."
"Ah," Don replied.
Hera shook her head. Her brother could be so predictable. "Would you like to actually meet him?"
"Are you serious about him? Not seeing Vaisey any longer?"
"I don't know, Don. Do you want to meet Duff or don't you?"
Now she was wondering if the compliment had been to lull her into giving up other information.
"Of course. Arie has mentioned he's quite nice to her, that all the MacDougals are. I've already met all the bakery workers here tonight. They do seem a good lot. Now I am glad I allowed Arie to take that job. Please don't be so defensive about things, Cricket. I would love to meet your beau, serious or not."
Hera smiled. "All right."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise had finished talking to a person he had never met before in his life, but the man knew Hannah and had been invited to the wedding. He looked around to find a glass of something to drink, anything, when a hand tapped his shoulder. He internally cringed when he saw who it was.
"Ella. Enjoying yourself?"
She was putting on a smile for the masses, but she was inwardly seething. "It was a lovely wedding, Blaise. Very... pink."
"Well so is your dress."
She grinned as she looked down at the dress she had picked out. "Well, your favorite color is blue and hers is pink. I decided to put the best of both worlds in my wardrobe to show my support."
"Right."
Suddenly Kristen was right between them and leaning on the bar to get a drink. Ella had to step out of the way.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there," Kristen said with fake sincerity. "You do know most people wear trou with a shirt, yeah? I think Draco brought some extra in case he caught his current pair on fire. I'm sure he'd let you borrow them."
Ella narrowed her eyes. "You can drop your little act around me. If you don't like being around me and my very nice and expensive clothing, you can hustle your ass somewhere else."
Blaise's eyebrows shot up as he looked between Ella and Kristen. Then he saw another person in pink coming up to the group. "Oh shit."
"Iffen anyone is hustlin' her arse out of here, it'll be you, lassie, no' Kristen. Iffen ya canna play nice and be respectful about th'Zabinis, even the honorary ones, you'll regret it."
Kristen just sipped her drink and smiled smugly. Mac didn't look like a brawler in her dress. In fact, she looked quite sweet and feminine tonight.
Blaise had reached around and grabbed a flute of champagne. He was going to need more alcohol for this. Just as he was taking a drink, Sofia bounded up to him.
"Blaise! You never told me we had the same ex-girlfriend!"
He had to turn so that the spray of drink didn't get on the woman's clothes. "What?" he gasped out.
"You didn't know? The Zabini family is very familiar with Ella Armida." Sofia glared at her. "I'm surprised you had the nerve to stick around."
"Shut up, Sofia," Ella hissed.
"Bring it, you cunt."
Both women looked like they were going to attack each other. Kristen also looked like she was firmly on Sofia's side. Doing something he promised himself he'd never do, Blaise turned to Mac.
"Do something."
Mac raised a brow at him, then she grabbed a handful of Ella's hair and started hauling her towards the door.
"I didn't mean that!" Blaise shouted, jaw dropped. Ella was screeching and trying to get her footing. "I meant separate them!"
"I'll take you all to court for this!" Ella shouted. "You won't get away with this!"
They passed by some Zabini family and Adelina grinned. "Then I'll represent them. I've beaten you in court before. I'm just glad someone has taken to beating you out of court."
Mac let go of Ella's hair and looked at Blaise. "Ya said to do somethin'. I'm removin' her from the building."
Ella had drawn her wand. Kristen started to shout, but the Scotswoman had already turned and deftly grabbed the delicate wrist brandishing the wood.
"Now ya've pissed me right th'fock off wit tryin' to hex my back."
Mac twisted the woman's arm away painfully then headbutted her lightly. Just enough to daze. She then stooped to heft Ella over her shoulder like a sack of grains and proceeded to carry her from the reception hall.
"Wow," was all the Kristen said. Then she looked at Sophie. "Blaise slept with Mac once. Not really sure how he survived."
Sofia giggled, still leaning on Blaise. "She like girls? Well of course she likes girls. She slept with you." Blaise glared at her. "Too bad. All that fighting and headbutting was kind of hot."
Blaise sighed as Sofia melded back into the crowd and he was left staring at Mac and his ex girlfriend with Kristen. "Did Hannah see that? She might kill me if she did. The whole 'until we are parted by death' thing might be today."
Kristen snorted. "Hannah told Mac that if Ella started any crap Mac could throw her out and she did not have to be gentle with her. I'd say that about covered it. This is one of my best days ever. I'm going to go find Owen to dance with me so I can touch him inappropriately over his clothes."
She took off. Mac laughed out loud at the look on Blaise's face. Then she hefted Ella a bit and carried her out.
"It's not funny. I think I just might get sick."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"There you are. Put that down," Kristen ordered.
Owen stopped mid-step and put the tray down. "Okay, what's wrong now," he asked lightly. He looked around. "It looks good, stop fretting."
"What's wrong is that you have been working all night. Hannah specifically said everyone is to take breaks, so you are taking one."
"I'm fine. I've snacked here and there and had drinks. I don't need a break." He rearranged the stuff in front of him on the table. "Besides, who do I have to talk to out there? I don't really know anyone but us Happy Hearth people."
He shrugged.
Kristen sighed. "Neither of us are the same as we were before. I want you to dance with me. You can talk to me. In fact, you can forget about talking to anyone else and talk to me."
For once he wasn't talking about his abduction, but he realized in this instance he probably should have been. The people out there, a lot of them had connections to the Liberi, the group he now knew were responsible for his abduction.
"Okay," he said, fine with the idea of ignoring everyone else. He wasn't the type for confrontations, and even if he was, this was certainly not the place. "You want to dance," he asked, unsure. He was never that into dancing. He just wasn't good at it at all.
As if fate itself smiled upon Kristen, a slow song started. She grabbed Owen's hand. "All you have to do is put your arms around me and sway to the beat."
"Er... alright." He put his arms around her waist and waited for her to start, following her lead. As the song went on and he got more comfortable dancing with Kristen, he pulled her closer. It didn't go over his head that she was all dressed up, it definitely stood out from her usual attire.
"You look very beautiful tonight, by the way."
"As opposed to my usual hag attire."
He looked ready to backtrack, but Kristen cut him off.
"I'm bad at taking compliments. What I meant was thank you."
Owen smiled.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Hullo, Harry." Arthur put his glass down on the bar's surface.
Harry turned towards the new voice, a slow smile spreading on his face. "Mr. Weasley," he said, still unable to rid himself of the formality, even though the older man had told him time and time again to call him 'Arthur'.
Arthur ignored the formality. "So, how are things? We see each other at the office, but we're both so busy that we don't have any time to chat."
"Things are... good. My secretary is working out pretty well. Tonks is on maternity leave, though that could be indefinite, if I've heard correctly. If rumors are to be believed, they're already working on another one. I don't think that's physically possible, but I can't be sure."
Arthur very nearly inhaled his drink when he snickered. "Trust me lad. She's not going to want Bishop anywhere near that portion of her for at least another five weeks." He chuckled at something that just had popped into his head. "Of course, she's a metamorphmagus, so it's possible that she's able to do things other women cannot."
Off of Harry's horrified look, he changed the subject. "Is Luna here? I haven't seen her yet."
Blinking several times, slightly afraid that the alcohol he'd ingested so far was about to make a reappearance, Harry swallowed harshly. "She's... around," he said, casting his own gaze into the crowd of people. "I think she was talking with Ginny, maybe?"
"Mmmm," Arthur grunted while taking a swig. "Everything all right there?"
Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Is she all right after... Everything?"
Reaching up, Harry ran a hand through his hair, the strands immediately laying down to the place they'd been originally. "It's been hard. He was her dad. It's... she's eating more. She's talking to Dobby." He wasn't sure what else to say.
"Is she getting out of the house, at least?" Arthur was mildly concerned that the poor girl was becoming a hermit. Or whatever the female variant of hermit was. He'd switched from Celestina Warbecks to Ogden's Old about three glasses back, and the buzz had prevented him from coming up with the proper word.
"Yeah," Harry said, green eyes unsure. "I mean, I'm at work all day long, but she's not staying in the house all day long." I think.
"Who's running the paper?"
"I don't know," was the honest answer, quickened by the firewhisky in his system. Harry grabbed for his glass, shrugging his shoulders. "I know they have an assistant editor that's taken charge for a bit."
Arthur nodded. He would not push Harry, as he knew that pushing would only cause problems. So he changed the subject. "So, are things calming down now that you've had a few decent secretaries? Going from a grunt to management is a bit of an adjustment."
"It's getting better. Mira's helping. I've taken over Tonks' cases for the time being, but Verity is really doing the work. But it's nice. I'm getting out of my office more, going into the Auror offices. I think I might actually get to go interview someone next week."
"Oh? That's good, I suppose." He looked at the younger man. In a lower voice, he asked, "You're being careful, yeah? She promoted you for something, and I'm sure it won't be good once the midden hits the windmill."
"I'm pretty used to the midden," Harry said as he lifted his glass to his lips. "I'm keeping my eyes open."
"That's my boy." He slapped Harry on the back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marcus watched to make sure that Astoria had safely made it to Angelina before turning and seeking out a quiet corner to install himself in. He'd done everything he needed to do. Caused a stir with his very presence at the fancy to do. Danced with Astoria and shocked all the biddies who thought that she was dating far below herself. Even made nice nice with Clearwater. Now all he wanted to do was to go home and curl around Astoria.
Unfortunately, fate seemed to be against him. As he literally bumped into Percy the Prat, he wondered why the bloody hell Princess hadn't warned him about this.
"Weasley," he said, teeth clenched. It was dangerous for them to even be seen talking. If he let loose his temper on the bloody idiot, then the likelihood of it getting back to the wrong people increased.
He made a move to step around the prat.
"Oh, I do beg you- Oh, Flint," Percy said, the polite response he'd automatically started cooling to the single sharp word. He tried to move to allow the larger man to continue on his way, not really wanting to interact, but managed to bump into yet another person.
"It seems you've started a trend."
Marcus snorted. Their part of the floor had suddenly become crowded. Fate really did hate him, it seemed.
"So did you," he said, despite his better judgment. "I heard several people came back from the dead after you showed up. I would have thought, considering the circumstances of your death that you would have been smart enough to stay dead."
Percy raised an eyebrow. It seemed Marcus Flint was either much smarter than he used to be, or knew something that even the Weasley's didn't know.
"Intelligence has nothing to do with my return to England, unfortunately," he said, slowly. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, or with what. Sarcasm made his words dryer than normal.
"Dreadfully sorry to disaccomodate."
Marcus grunted. Disaccomodate. Weasley probably had no idea how accomodating he had not been all those years ago. Part of him couldn't blame the prat for fighting him at the time. The prat had been less than coherent, after all. Torture tended to do that to weaker men.
He reminded himself once again that his assignment regarding Percy the Prat had ended years ago, once he'd handed the man over to his superiors. There was really no reason for him to care what the arse did with his life now. It wasn't any of his concern.
But he couldn't help the twinge of jealousy. The Prat was the favored son, after all. Allowed to live his own life. Marcus was the one they kept the leash on.
"Forget it," he snapped, pushing through the crowd and away from from the idiot. Not his problem anymore.
"What in the hell is your problem, Flint?"
He turned around and hissed in a low voice. "Did you ever stop to think about what would happen when you strolled back into your bloody life without a care in the world? You were dead, you prat. Killed by Death Eaters. Didn't you consider that the bastards who escaped prosecution would start to wonder how you managed to get away? How the bloody hell they were duped? No, you didn't! And if they haven't started looking for answers yet, then they will soon. You'll be lucky if they don't nab your arse again and try to beat the information out of you."
White lines of anger traced around Percy's nose and mouth. Why in Merlin's name did Marcus Flint care what happened to him?
"Idiot. I'm hardly that naive or self-absorbed. Do you really think I had any choice? Orders are orders, Flint. I have to follow them, as much as you do, to whomever you report." Percy had an inkling as to why Flint was reacting in such a manner, other than the fact the man was an utter berk, but wasn't about to voice it here.
"Besides, why would they nab me when they could take anyone else? Much easier, more effective."
"Revenge," Marcus replied. "They don't like it when their prey gets away. It ruins their day. And anyone who gets in their way is considered a bonus. Like that little mudblood you were travelling with when you were caught last time. No one cared about her. She was collateral damage. Who will you be with next time? Your brat?"
"It was a rhetorical question." Percy shrugged, fighting the urge to snap. The man who touched Jack would not fare well. Or fare at all, for that matter. "Him, or any family. Icing on the proverbial cake. Revenge is sweeter with a bit of suffering, is it not? I'm aware, Flint. Though, I'm puzzled as to why you care. You find me useless and poncy. Hardly worth the time if not for a reaction."
"I don't bloody care," Marcus snapped. "Not for myself." He glanced towards where Angelina and Astoria had disappeared into the kitchen. Collateral damage. Icing on the bloody cake.
"Just keep your bloody head down and consider not following orders like a lap dog." That was funny, coming from him. Bloody fucking dog on a leash.
Percy struggled to keep the confusion off his face. This may have been the oddest conversation he'd ever had, including the one with Fred and George about the proper use of marshmallows during certain amorous acts.
A ruddy eyebrow rose, and Percy inclined his head slightly.
"Indeed."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"The champagne is running out-"
"I'll go grab some more," Angelina said, taking a deep breath as she turned towards the kitchens in the reception hall. Weaving her way through the crowd, pretty sure that everyone in the Wizarding World was attending the wedding and drinking two bottles of champagne each, she pushed through the double doors, almost running smack dab into Amy.
"The champ-"
"I'm on it," she said, smiling despite the slight stress in the hurry of her steps. It had been a beautiful ceremony, Hannah was beaming, and if the least Angelina could do was make sure her guests had enough champagne to make them really start dancing, she'd make sure it happened.
Astoria had followed Angelina. Marcus had been restless, so she had told him to go outdoors and pace or something. She crept up behind her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around Angie's waist.
"I suspect you need a break."
Jumping a bit, letting the icebox fall closed, Angelina laughed. "Merlin, Astoria! I could have had a knife!" Turning in the circle of the blonde's arms, she smiled brightly, looking down slightly with the height of her heels.
"I knew you did not have one."
Astoria snuggled closer to Angelina.
"I wish you weren't working. I'd love to dance between you and Marcus... like the meat in an obscene sandwich. Perhaps we could entice him to go out dancing some night. I suspect that would be fun. We could all take turns being in the middle."
Astoria grinned wickedly.
"If anyone were going to be the meat, if would definitely be Marcus. We're far too pretty to be meat," Angelina said, mirroring Astoria's wicked smirk. "I don't know if Marcus dances, Tor."
"A Scotsman recently told me anyone that can fight can dance. Besides, you and I can dance. We can make him look like he knows what he's doing. Especially you."
"You give me too much credit," Angelina said with a grin. "I think us dancing on the floor might make guys look... and when guys look at us, he gets pretty growly. It could backfire."
"That's when we distract him and go home to reap the benefits of him wanting to lay claim."
Astoria stood on her toes and kissed Angelina lightly.
Angelina smiled at Astoria when the blond pulled back. "Brilliant plan."
{SUMMARY} The reception is going strong.
She looked around and took stock of where everyone was. Jack and Heather MacDougal were dancing and laughing and generally having a good time. Duff was leaning on the stage near where Hera was currently playing. Nana was talking to Mad-Eye Moody. Cullen was here with Jodie.
They came and sat next to Penelope.
"Having a good time, Jodie," Penelope asked.
Jodie smiled at Penelope. "Very much so. This is the first wedding I've been invited to that wasn't for family. It's nice. The dancing is also very fun to watch, especially since it's not me making a fool out of myself for once."
Penelope laughed. "Cullen better not just be letting you watch the dancing. He better be dancing with you."
"I'd rather he didn't. I don't dance. It's bad enough Carly put me in heels. I'd probably fall on my face. Remember me mentioning making a fool of myself? I speak from experience."
Suddenly Duff was behind them with his arms around both women. "Cullen would make ya look good. Cullen, dance with yer date. Quit bein' an arse."
"Duff, if she doesn't want to dance," Penelope said. "Then leave it alone."
Jodie laughed and patted Duff's arm. "I'd rather spare your cousin from the pain in his feet that should occur if I dance with him. It's purely precautionary."
"Jodie, iffen ya want to dance, we'll dance. M'feet are tough," Cullen offered.
Carly passed by them where she was dancing with a boy Jodie had never seen before. "She dances. Don't let her trick you into thinking she can't."
Jodie glared at her sister as she danced away before turning to Cullen. "If you really wish to, and your brute of a cousin let's me go, I'll dance with you."
Cullen removed Duff's arm and held out a hand to Jodie.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She'd been biding her time, waiting for a chance to catch Blaise alone. Cassandra wanted to meet his Hannah at some point, too, but it would be rude to rib the groom in front of his bride and she knew damned well she and Blaise couldn't pass up the chance to annoy one another. It was how they worked. Always had.
Stalking up behind him, she spoke softly, so only he would hear. "How'd you manage it? She seems like a really nice girl. Amortentia?"
Blaise smirked. "Believe it or not, Cass, two people can actually like each other without the use of potions or charms."
He turned around to face her. He hadn't seen Cassandra Montgomery in a very long time, but she still looked just as gorgeous as the last time they laid eyes on each other. "I know that must be a foreign concept, but don't worry. You'll find someone desperate enough to like you back."
"Oh, don't you worry about me. My winning personality and fantastic arse serve me well," she volleyed, lips quirking up at the corners. "I had worried for you, though. I'd have hated to see you end up like Snape, alone with naught but dead flobberworms for company."
"Oh please, the only common thing between me and Snape is that we were Slytherins and we made potions. I doubt he ever got a decent lay." Blaise made a face. "And now I have the mental image of Snape shagging someone in my brain. I hate you now."
Cassie decided it was probably for the best if she didn't mention the number of girls in Slytherin who didn't find that image repulsive. True, Snape was no looker, but he was mysterious and unattainable, and sometimes that was enough to inspire fantasies.
"You couldn't hate me if you tried, Blaise Zabini. You like irritating me too much. Doing things like flirting with my sister." She shrugged. "You wouldn't bother if you didn't like me."
"Speaking of your sister," Blaise started looking around. "Where is she? I knew she was coming, because she told me when we last had a chat. She met Hannah, and may have let a few things slip. If you get the evil eye sometime tonight, it's because it's no secret to Han that we were more than just friends in times past."
"Thanks for the warning, but it's hardly the first time I'll be the beneficiary of feminine ill will. It won't even be the first time it's over you, surprisingly enough." Blaise had kept a steady flow of girls rotating through his sheets at Hogwarts, and likely after school as well, but Cassandra hadn't been short of partners either. There was a reason she'd gotten so quick with her wand. Women were catty and vicious, much moreso than men. "Mira is probably off chatting with Harry Potter. She takes his care and well-being very seriously, silly girl."
Blaise rolled his eyes. "I would rather kill myself than work for him. You realize your sister is more likely to get caught in the cross-fire now? I'd hate to be my sister's protector. Thankfully for me, all mine are more than capable of taking care of themselves."
Her lips pressed together in a thin line. She didn't particularly care for the idea of Mira being made a target because of her position, but there was no talking her out of it. Her twin liked working in the MLE. If anything did happen to Mira, though, Harry Potter would be on the receiving end of a shitstorm.
"Mira's more capable than you'd think. She just doesn't show..." Cutting off mid-sentence, Cassandra raised a brow. "Your sisters? Since when do you have sisters? Merlin's balls, did your mother breed again?"
He snickered. "Thank Salazar, no. I got in touch with my father and wouldn't you know it, my mother was a selfish bitch who used me as a leverage chip in blackmail. My father is right over there," Blaise pointed in Alessandro's direction. "I have three younger half-sisters, and an arse load of other family."
"I'll be damned. I get a rather perverse pleasure thinking of you as part of a big family. You should bring your new wife and recently discovered kin over to Mother and Papa's for dinner some evening. They'd love it, and I'd love to see how you hold your own against a whole room of women."
"I'll have you know I have always been able to hold my own against a whole room of a women. It's easier when I'm related to them. Well, some of them. There are some I'd gladly bang into walls if I could."
Cassandra laughed. "Welcome to family life." Most of the time her siblings got along very well, but no family was without its explosions. She and Alexa had been known to go a few rounds on occasion. "It's good practice for when your little lady starts popping out your spawn."
Blaise tried to hide back the shudder. "Don't remind me. It's bad enough we're foster parents. I don't think I can fathom handling the babies who are fully mine. Although I'm enjoying getting to threaten the boys who try to make eyes at some of our girls."
"I think I'm going to have to meet this Hannah woman who's not only convinced you to marry, but to take in strays and agree to procreate. I seem to recall that being your greatest fear, not that I ever intended on birthing any little Zabinis myself, mind." She and Blaise had always been purely physical, and even that wasn't for long, as much fun as it had been.
He snorted. "If I had ever knocked you up, I don't think the child would have survived. Too many opposing forces at work. Are you looking for someone to spawn with, or are you going to be an old maid with hundreds of kneazles?"
"If you'd knocked me up, I'm not sure either of us would've survived. We'd have killed each other." Shrugging, Cassie replied, "One day maybe, if I find a man who doesn't make my stomach turn when I consider continuing his line. Otherwise I'll just be a doting aunt to the small army of children my sisters will have."
Oh bugger. He'd forgotten about being an uncle. Blaise made a face when he considered the possibility of more children in his life if his sisters ever had any.
"Well, until that day comes when you find that special someone, enjoy hexing the boys that come calling for your sister. I remember how much you enjoyed doing that."
She looked smug. "It's not for my amusement. Any bloke who can't handle my screening process doesn't deserve the chance to take out my sister. Mira deserves better than some pansy-arsed fellow."
Blaise looked affronted. "You consider me a pansy-arsed fellow? I'm hurt, Cass. Honestly."
"No, you're just an arse. I rejected you on principle alone."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She first caught her glimpse during the wedding. He looked normal, but Anastasia had nudged her when she noticed where Sofia was looking. For most of the reception, the family had run interference, but her wonderful girlfriend was making sure she would be uninterrupted. He was finally alone, so was she, so it was time to make her move.
"I've heard a lot about you. Sofia Gennaro. I'm one of the never-ending Zabini cousins."
Draco had been lost in his thoughts until he realized someone was speaking to him. His eyes sought Ginny before looking to the young woman who had addressed him.
"Mmm. Draco Malfoy, best mate. You're the one I'm not supposed to meet. Best not let anyone see us talking."
"So they told you that as well? I've got my girlfriend keeping the hounds at bay. It's sad though," Sofia said glancing around at all the guests, "I'm always looking for new partners in crime. I've heard you'd be the best. Besides, it's Viv you need to look out for. She's the pyromaniac of the family. Too bad she's on medication for it now. She was a blast when she didn't have it."
"If I set anything on fire at Hannah's wedding, she'll kill me. Blaise won't even have a chance. Not as sweet as she looks, that one. Besides, I am not a pyromaniac. I simply like fire."
He took another sip of his firewhisky.
"Would you care to alarm everyone and join me?"
"Are you kidding me?" She grabbed the firewhisky and took a large swig. "This is a Zabini get together. Something's got to happen that causes my grandmother to nearly have a heart attack. What was your plan?"
"I am not planning anything. Like I said, I like my insides on my insides. Hannah thinks I'm even considering misbehaving, she'll poison me. Make me crap my intestines out. I have no desire to experience such a thing. You could always put that Ella wench in the Scottish bridesmaid's path. I'm sure that would cause some heart failure."
Sofia spun around, her eyes darting through the crowds. "Is that bitch still here? Lina nearly roasted her earlier. I can't believe she even thought herself welcome here. I'll gladly rip out her hairs one by one myself."
"It would be much more fun to watch MacDougal do it. She put herself between me and a werewolf once. She doesn't fight like a woman, and headbutting is her specialty. I'd fight the bitch myself, but that would mean putting down my drink, and I don't hit women unless they're Chinese and they've hit me first."
"No shit?" Sofia laughed as she took another drink. This MacDougal girl sounded like someone she would like to meet and her family would rather her not.
"You've layers to you. I like layers. Too bad you're not a girl," she said with a pout. She handed back the firewhisky. "My own girlfriend is very possessive. Hung a girl who'd been flirting with me at a party over a balcony once. I don't think she headbutts though."
Draco chuckled. "I highly doubt my redhead would share. She has this temper. She did think I was Blaise's boyfriend when we started hanging about one another. Was actually pissed enough to find out I was straight to punch my face. I try to avoid her anger. Your girlfriend sounds absolutely lovely. Do I get to meet her?"
Sofia took a drink and grinned. "In two seconds."
Rachele glared at the bottle in Sofia's hands. "Get drunk and I'm not taking your ass home. I'll leave that to your mother." She took a drink and gave it back to Sofia, then looked at Draco. "Well you're rather pretty for a man. You aren't stealing my girlfriend are you? I don't like it when people steal my things."
Sofia grinned. "I think if he was going to go for any Zabini, it'd be Blaise. Or maybe Nico. He looks like Blaise a bit."
"Sorry to disappoint Nico and the rest of the brood, but it's Blaise or no one. Seeing as how Hannah isn't in a sharing mood, I'll stick with my redhead. She's plenty."
Draco nodded to where Ginny was, smiling in pride. His girl was the prettiest one there in his opinion.
"But if I wanted your girlfriend, which I do not, I wouldn't stop at her, but I get the feeling you don't like to share either. Pity."
"Then I'd guess you feel wrong," Rachele said with a grin before narrowing her eyes. "There's your aunt Corina. You have five minutes to end this conversation or I'm pointing people in this direction. Blaise will kill me if he knew I condoned this."
"I owe you darling."
"Fucking right you do."
Sofia grinned. "Ooh, dirty mouth."
"And you love it."
Rachele walked off and Sofia turned back to Draco. "Sorry. The family calls us the walking porn. I can't help it."
Draco shrugged. "You say that as if I would be bothered. Guess you don't know everything about me then." His eyes darted to the side. "And we have been spotted. There is a Zabini targeting you right now."
Sofia turned around sighed. "My mother. I guess I better vacate your premises and be elsewhere. But it was fun attempting to get drunk with you. If you're ever in Spain, look me up. I live there with Rachele."
"I live in Devon. Catter's End," Draco said, saluting her with his glass.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Penelope had been checking in with Amy and the rest of the bakery employees to make sure no one needed help with anything. They assured her they had it, and to go spend time with Brody and Jack. Penelope had to admit that she was being a bit clinging with Jack tonight. He was having a lovely time with his father, though, so Penelope was trying to feel good about him being away. It was good for him and Percy to get to know one another better.
"Oh Penny," Mrs. Dearborn said. "Don't you look lovely in that color."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Dearborn. I do like your hat."
Penelope turned then and barrelled right into someone. It felt as if she had walked into a wall.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I wasn't..." her eyes widened in slight panic at exactly who she had bumped into. "Marcus Flint."
Marcus glared down at the person who bumped into him. He could smell her panic as his hands grasped her to steady her. Probably hard enough to bruise her.
Pretty Penny Clearwater, looking as lovely as ever.
He released her arms and stepped back. He should have known something was up when Astoria had sent him off to get her something to drink. She had said that he needed to do something else that night, after all, and she wasn't above orchestrating whatever it was.
As to what the hell he was supposed to do, he had no idea.
"Clearwater," he said with a nod.
Penelope winced at the grip that had been on her. Her eyes darted around nervously for Brody or any of the MacDougals, even Blaise or Draco would be wanted at this time.
"You're... you're here with Ast-Astoria then?"
He nodded tersely. "She didn't want to come alone." You'd think he was deliberately stomping on her or something, the way she was reacting. He frowned as he realized this, and realized that he was not having his expected reaction. Longing, jealousy. Something about Pretty Penny had always called to him. She was as bright and shiny as her name, had represented everything he always knew he could never have.
Only, he did have it now. And more than he had ever dreamed of. Yes, he still half-way expected someone to yank the rug out from underneath him, but he no longer wanted what he couldn't have. It was... Odd.
He had the funniest expression on his face - one Penelope had never seen before. Like he was... deep in thought.
"You just... you just came with her because she asked you to?"
Penelope was confused.
He frowned down at her. "That's the kind of thing I'm told you do when you're in a relationship."
Penelope tilted her head at him like a dog hearing an odd sound.
"I don't know how to respond to that," she blurted suddenly.
It was all topsy-turvy now. Him relationship. It did not seem logical in her mind.
His frown deepened. Why would she respond to that at all? He was reminded once again that he did not understand people at all. Women were even worse.
"What's to respond to?"
"Well, I don't know."
Penelope did not like not knowing things.
"It seems like there should be some sort of logical verbal response to that in a conversational manner, but I can't think of any. You being in a relationship and admitting it seems against all laws of gods and men to me. No offense meant."
She made a face.
"The world's gone all funny on me. We're standing here... talking... almost normally. This is different for you and I."
"The fact that you're not running away screaming or yelling at me to leave your kid alone probably helps with that," he pointed out. He'd seen the kid earlier, with his prat of a father. Marcus still couldn't believe the other man was stupid enough to show back up.
"I saw you, of all people, holding my son. He's the most precious thing in my world. What would you do if you saw someone you considered a threat holding what was most precious to you?"
Penelope actually saw him consider this and become angry about it. She raised one brow at him. It was still quite surreal to be having a civilized conversation with Marcus Flint.
"I'd rip his head off," he said, his voice low. Thoughts of Dolohov ran through his head. He still couldn't find that particular bastard, but when he did... It was going to be messy.
"Yes, well, we understand one another then. Sort of."
Brody had spotted her with Marcus and was stomping over.
"If you'll excuse me, I think Hannah would kill everyone involved if there was a fight."
But Brody had already reached them. He was glaring at Marcus.
"Stop that. He didn't do anything. I bumped him. It's quite fine, Brody."
Marcus eyed MacDougal and grinned. "Some other time, MacDougal," he said. "I would take you up on the unspoken offer. But I promised someone I would behave." He nodded towards where Astoria was smiling at him. Bloody bint looked proud that he was playing with the other kiddies.
"Happy to oblige when Han's no' in danger of hexin' me for spoilin' her day. Ya know where to find me, Flint."
It was said through his teeth. Penelope started shoving Brody towards the rest of the MacDougals.
"Give Astoria my regards, please, Flint."
He nodded and smirked at the still glaring MacDougal as Penny dragged him away. Once they were far enough away, he turned towards the refreshment table and snagged a glass of champagne for Princess.
"Happy now," he asked a few moments later when he handed it to her.
"Well on my way to being. Think you can behave while I nip off to cuddle with Angie a bit? Then we can go home and I can do that thing you like." She took the champagne and sipped it before smiling at him.
"Yeah, sure," he agreed. The likelihood of some idiot approaching him without Astoria there as a buffer was slim to none. "Just don't take too long, OK?"
"Of course not," she replied, kissing him lightly before hurrying into the throng of people to locate Angelina.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hera was surprised to see her oldest brother here, and he actually looked to be having fun. He was drinking champagne even. She spotted him talking to Mad-Eye Moody and Nessa MacDougal. He'd exchanged a few words with Amos Diggory and Arthur Weasley as well.
"You have a lovely voice, and you look very pretty tonight, Cricket."
Hera smiled. Don rarely complimented her.
"I've seen you with one of the MacDougals several times when you take stage breaks."
Hera eyed him. "His name is Duff. His father is Maddock MacDougal."
"Ah," Don replied.
Hera shook her head. Her brother could be so predictable. "Would you like to actually meet him?"
"Are you serious about him? Not seeing Vaisey any longer?"
"I don't know, Don. Do you want to meet Duff or don't you?"
Now she was wondering if the compliment had been to lull her into giving up other information.
"Of course. Arie has mentioned he's quite nice to her, that all the MacDougals are. I've already met all the bakery workers here tonight. They do seem a good lot. Now I am glad I allowed Arie to take that job. Please don't be so defensive about things, Cricket. I would love to meet your beau, serious or not."
Hera smiled. "All right."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blaise had finished talking to a person he had never met before in his life, but the man knew Hannah and had been invited to the wedding. He looked around to find a glass of something to drink, anything, when a hand tapped his shoulder. He internally cringed when he saw who it was.
"Ella. Enjoying yourself?"
She was putting on a smile for the masses, but she was inwardly seething. "It was a lovely wedding, Blaise. Very... pink."
"Well so is your dress."
She grinned as she looked down at the dress she had picked out. "Well, your favorite color is blue and hers is pink. I decided to put the best of both worlds in my wardrobe to show my support."
"Right."
Suddenly Kristen was right between them and leaning on the bar to get a drink. Ella had to step out of the way.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there," Kristen said with fake sincerity. "You do know most people wear trou with a shirt, yeah? I think Draco brought some extra in case he caught his current pair on fire. I'm sure he'd let you borrow them."
Ella narrowed her eyes. "You can drop your little act around me. If you don't like being around me and my very nice and expensive clothing, you can hustle your ass somewhere else."
Blaise's eyebrows shot up as he looked between Ella and Kristen. Then he saw another person in pink coming up to the group. "Oh shit."
"Iffen anyone is hustlin' her arse out of here, it'll be you, lassie, no' Kristen. Iffen ya canna play nice and be respectful about th'Zabinis, even the honorary ones, you'll regret it."
Kristen just sipped her drink and smiled smugly. Mac didn't look like a brawler in her dress. In fact, she looked quite sweet and feminine tonight.
Blaise had reached around and grabbed a flute of champagne. He was going to need more alcohol for this. Just as he was taking a drink, Sofia bounded up to him.
"Blaise! You never told me we had the same ex-girlfriend!"
He had to turn so that the spray of drink didn't get on the woman's clothes. "What?" he gasped out.
"You didn't know? The Zabini family is very familiar with Ella Armida." Sofia glared at her. "I'm surprised you had the nerve to stick around."
"Shut up, Sofia," Ella hissed.
"Bring it, you cunt."
Both women looked like they were going to attack each other. Kristen also looked like she was firmly on Sofia's side. Doing something he promised himself he'd never do, Blaise turned to Mac.
"Do something."
Mac raised a brow at him, then she grabbed a handful of Ella's hair and started hauling her towards the door.
"I didn't mean that!" Blaise shouted, jaw dropped. Ella was screeching and trying to get her footing. "I meant separate them!"
"I'll take you all to court for this!" Ella shouted. "You won't get away with this!"
They passed by some Zabini family and Adelina grinned. "Then I'll represent them. I've beaten you in court before. I'm just glad someone has taken to beating you out of court."
Mac let go of Ella's hair and looked at Blaise. "Ya said to do somethin'. I'm removin' her from the building."
Ella had drawn her wand. Kristen started to shout, but the Scotswoman had already turned and deftly grabbed the delicate wrist brandishing the wood.
"Now ya've pissed me right th'fock off wit tryin' to hex my back."
Mac twisted the woman's arm away painfully then headbutted her lightly. Just enough to daze. She then stooped to heft Ella over her shoulder like a sack of grains and proceeded to carry her from the reception hall.
"Wow," was all the Kristen said. Then she looked at Sophie. "Blaise slept with Mac once. Not really sure how he survived."
Sofia giggled, still leaning on Blaise. "She like girls? Well of course she likes girls. She slept with you." Blaise glared at her. "Too bad. All that fighting and headbutting was kind of hot."
Blaise sighed as Sofia melded back into the crowd and he was left staring at Mac and his ex girlfriend with Kristen. "Did Hannah see that? She might kill me if she did. The whole 'until we are parted by death' thing might be today."
Kristen snorted. "Hannah told Mac that if Ella started any crap Mac could throw her out and she did not have to be gentle with her. I'd say that about covered it. This is one of my best days ever. I'm going to go find Owen to dance with me so I can touch him inappropriately over his clothes."
She took off. Mac laughed out loud at the look on Blaise's face. Then she hefted Ella a bit and carried her out.
"It's not funny. I think I just might get sick."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"There you are. Put that down," Kristen ordered.
Owen stopped mid-step and put the tray down. "Okay, what's wrong now," he asked lightly. He looked around. "It looks good, stop fretting."
"What's wrong is that you have been working all night. Hannah specifically said everyone is to take breaks, so you are taking one."
"I'm fine. I've snacked here and there and had drinks. I don't need a break." He rearranged the stuff in front of him on the table. "Besides, who do I have to talk to out there? I don't really know anyone but us Happy Hearth people."
He shrugged.
Kristen sighed. "Neither of us are the same as we were before. I want you to dance with me. You can talk to me. In fact, you can forget about talking to anyone else and talk to me."
For once he wasn't talking about his abduction, but he realized in this instance he probably should have been. The people out there, a lot of them had connections to the Liberi, the group he now knew were responsible for his abduction.
"Okay," he said, fine with the idea of ignoring everyone else. He wasn't the type for confrontations, and even if he was, this was certainly not the place. "You want to dance," he asked, unsure. He was never that into dancing. He just wasn't good at it at all.
As if fate itself smiled upon Kristen, a slow song started. She grabbed Owen's hand. "All you have to do is put your arms around me and sway to the beat."
"Er... alright." He put his arms around her waist and waited for her to start, following her lead. As the song went on and he got more comfortable dancing with Kristen, he pulled her closer. It didn't go over his head that she was all dressed up, it definitely stood out from her usual attire.
"You look very beautiful tonight, by the way."
"As opposed to my usual hag attire."
He looked ready to backtrack, but Kristen cut him off.
"I'm bad at taking compliments. What I meant was thank you."
Owen smiled.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Hullo, Harry." Arthur put his glass down on the bar's surface.
Harry turned towards the new voice, a slow smile spreading on his face. "Mr. Weasley," he said, still unable to rid himself of the formality, even though the older man had told him time and time again to call him 'Arthur'.
Arthur ignored the formality. "So, how are things? We see each other at the office, but we're both so busy that we don't have any time to chat."
"Things are... good. My secretary is working out pretty well. Tonks is on maternity leave, though that could be indefinite, if I've heard correctly. If rumors are to be believed, they're already working on another one. I don't think that's physically possible, but I can't be sure."
Arthur very nearly inhaled his drink when he snickered. "Trust me lad. She's not going to want Bishop anywhere near that portion of her for at least another five weeks." He chuckled at something that just had popped into his head. "Of course, she's a metamorphmagus, so it's possible that she's able to do things other women cannot."
Off of Harry's horrified look, he changed the subject. "Is Luna here? I haven't seen her yet."
Blinking several times, slightly afraid that the alcohol he'd ingested so far was about to make a reappearance, Harry swallowed harshly. "She's... around," he said, casting his own gaze into the crowd of people. "I think she was talking with Ginny, maybe?"
"Mmmm," Arthur grunted while taking a swig. "Everything all right there?"
Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Is she all right after... Everything?"
Reaching up, Harry ran a hand through his hair, the strands immediately laying down to the place they'd been originally. "It's been hard. He was her dad. It's... she's eating more. She's talking to Dobby." He wasn't sure what else to say.
"Is she getting out of the house, at least?" Arthur was mildly concerned that the poor girl was becoming a hermit. Or whatever the female variant of hermit was. He'd switched from Celestina Warbecks to Ogden's Old about three glasses back, and the buzz had prevented him from coming up with the proper word.
"Yeah," Harry said, green eyes unsure. "I mean, I'm at work all day long, but she's not staying in the house all day long." I think.
"Who's running the paper?"
"I don't know," was the honest answer, quickened by the firewhisky in his system. Harry grabbed for his glass, shrugging his shoulders. "I know they have an assistant editor that's taken charge for a bit."
Arthur nodded. He would not push Harry, as he knew that pushing would only cause problems. So he changed the subject. "So, are things calming down now that you've had a few decent secretaries? Going from a grunt to management is a bit of an adjustment."
"It's getting better. Mira's helping. I've taken over Tonks' cases for the time being, but Verity is really doing the work. But it's nice. I'm getting out of my office more, going into the Auror offices. I think I might actually get to go interview someone next week."
"Oh? That's good, I suppose." He looked at the younger man. In a lower voice, he asked, "You're being careful, yeah? She promoted you for something, and I'm sure it won't be good once the midden hits the windmill."
"I'm pretty used to the midden," Harry said as he lifted his glass to his lips. "I'm keeping my eyes open."
"That's my boy." He slapped Harry on the back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marcus watched to make sure that Astoria had safely made it to Angelina before turning and seeking out a quiet corner to install himself in. He'd done everything he needed to do. Caused a stir with his very presence at the fancy to do. Danced with Astoria and shocked all the biddies who thought that she was dating far below herself. Even made nice nice with Clearwater. Now all he wanted to do was to go home and curl around Astoria.
Unfortunately, fate seemed to be against him. As he literally bumped into Percy the Prat, he wondered why the bloody hell Princess hadn't warned him about this.
"Weasley," he said, teeth clenched. It was dangerous for them to even be seen talking. If he let loose his temper on the bloody idiot, then the likelihood of it getting back to the wrong people increased.
He made a move to step around the prat.
"Oh, I do beg you- Oh, Flint," Percy said, the polite response he'd automatically started cooling to the single sharp word. He tried to move to allow the larger man to continue on his way, not really wanting to interact, but managed to bump into yet another person.
"It seems you've started a trend."
Marcus snorted. Their part of the floor had suddenly become crowded. Fate really did hate him, it seemed.
"So did you," he said, despite his better judgment. "I heard several people came back from the dead after you showed up. I would have thought, considering the circumstances of your death that you would have been smart enough to stay dead."
Percy raised an eyebrow. It seemed Marcus Flint was either much smarter than he used to be, or knew something that even the Weasley's didn't know.
"Intelligence has nothing to do with my return to England, unfortunately," he said, slowly. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, or with what. Sarcasm made his words dryer than normal.
"Dreadfully sorry to disaccomodate."
Marcus grunted. Disaccomodate. Weasley probably had no idea how accomodating he had not been all those years ago. Part of him couldn't blame the prat for fighting him at the time. The prat had been less than coherent, after all. Torture tended to do that to weaker men.
He reminded himself once again that his assignment regarding Percy the Prat had ended years ago, once he'd handed the man over to his superiors. There was really no reason for him to care what the arse did with his life now. It wasn't any of his concern.
But he couldn't help the twinge of jealousy. The Prat was the favored son, after all. Allowed to live his own life. Marcus was the one they kept the leash on.
"Forget it," he snapped, pushing through the crowd and away from from the idiot. Not his problem anymore.
"What in the hell is your problem, Flint?"
He turned around and hissed in a low voice. "Did you ever stop to think about what would happen when you strolled back into your bloody life without a care in the world? You were dead, you prat. Killed by Death Eaters. Didn't you consider that the bastards who escaped prosecution would start to wonder how you managed to get away? How the bloody hell they were duped? No, you didn't! And if they haven't started looking for answers yet, then they will soon. You'll be lucky if they don't nab your arse again and try to beat the information out of you."
White lines of anger traced around Percy's nose and mouth. Why in Merlin's name did Marcus Flint care what happened to him?
"Idiot. I'm hardly that naive or self-absorbed. Do you really think I had any choice? Orders are orders, Flint. I have to follow them, as much as you do, to whomever you report." Percy had an inkling as to why Flint was reacting in such a manner, other than the fact the man was an utter berk, but wasn't about to voice it here.
"Besides, why would they nab me when they could take anyone else? Much easier, more effective."
"Revenge," Marcus replied. "They don't like it when their prey gets away. It ruins their day. And anyone who gets in their way is considered a bonus. Like that little mudblood you were travelling with when you were caught last time. No one cared about her. She was collateral damage. Who will you be with next time? Your brat?"
"It was a rhetorical question." Percy shrugged, fighting the urge to snap. The man who touched Jack would not fare well. Or fare at all, for that matter. "Him, or any family. Icing on the proverbial cake. Revenge is sweeter with a bit of suffering, is it not? I'm aware, Flint. Though, I'm puzzled as to why you care. You find me useless and poncy. Hardly worth the time if not for a reaction."
"I don't bloody care," Marcus snapped. "Not for myself." He glanced towards where Angelina and Astoria had disappeared into the kitchen. Collateral damage. Icing on the bloody cake.
"Just keep your bloody head down and consider not following orders like a lap dog." That was funny, coming from him. Bloody fucking dog on a leash.
Percy struggled to keep the confusion off his face. This may have been the oddest conversation he'd ever had, including the one with Fred and George about the proper use of marshmallows during certain amorous acts.
A ruddy eyebrow rose, and Percy inclined his head slightly.
"Indeed."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"The champagne is running out-"
"I'll go grab some more," Angelina said, taking a deep breath as she turned towards the kitchens in the reception hall. Weaving her way through the crowd, pretty sure that everyone in the Wizarding World was attending the wedding and drinking two bottles of champagne each, she pushed through the double doors, almost running smack dab into Amy.
"The champ-"
"I'm on it," she said, smiling despite the slight stress in the hurry of her steps. It had been a beautiful ceremony, Hannah was beaming, and if the least Angelina could do was make sure her guests had enough champagne to make them really start dancing, she'd make sure it happened.
Astoria had followed Angelina. Marcus had been restless, so she had told him to go outdoors and pace or something. She crept up behind her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around Angie's waist.
"I suspect you need a break."
Jumping a bit, letting the icebox fall closed, Angelina laughed. "Merlin, Astoria! I could have had a knife!" Turning in the circle of the blonde's arms, she smiled brightly, looking down slightly with the height of her heels.
"I knew you did not have one."
Astoria snuggled closer to Angelina.
"I wish you weren't working. I'd love to dance between you and Marcus... like the meat in an obscene sandwich. Perhaps we could entice him to go out dancing some night. I suspect that would be fun. We could all take turns being in the middle."
Astoria grinned wickedly.
"If anyone were going to be the meat, if would definitely be Marcus. We're far too pretty to be meat," Angelina said, mirroring Astoria's wicked smirk. "I don't know if Marcus dances, Tor."
"A Scotsman recently told me anyone that can fight can dance. Besides, you and I can dance. We can make him look like he knows what he's doing. Especially you."
"You give me too much credit," Angelina said with a grin. "I think us dancing on the floor might make guys look... and when guys look at us, he gets pretty growly. It could backfire."
"That's when we distract him and go home to reap the benefits of him wanting to lay claim."
Astoria stood on her toes and kissed Angelina lightly.
Angelina smiled at Astoria when the blond pulled back. "Brilliant plan."
{SUMMARY} The reception is going strong.