Confusion And Obsession

A/N Thank you! Thank you! So glad people like my story.

Chapter 19

Silver cried out in disbelief as Draco walked in the room.

“Draco?”

He rushed to her and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

“Luv, are you all right? The baby, is she all right?”

Silver started to cry and Draco feared the worst.

What had happened to his angel, his sweet girl?

He tried to hold his own tears in as he held tightly to Silver.

He needed to be strong for her.

He jerked when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Lavender Brown looked the same as she did in school.

Draco was not sure what her role was in this but his first instinct was to lash out.

“What did you do to her?”

Lavender sighed and ran her hand through her hair. After everything Ron had put them through she could not blame
Malfoy for being suspicious. “What about Ron? Is he still downstairs?”

“Potter and Blaise are watching him. He won’t get away again.”

“Thank Merlin. Parvati went to the hospital…I think she is informing the Ministry. We need to get Herm- Silver to a healer. I have done what I could but I have not seen many pregnant witches. We need to make sure the baby is all right.”

“You mean….. she hasn’t lost our baby? She is so upset…..”

“She has been through a lot. We all have. I don’t think she lost the baby but she has had some cramps and very light bleeding we need to get her to a healer as soon as possible.”

Draco wasting no time, lifted Silver into his arms, and started out of the room. Silver clung to him and cried as he made his way to the stairs.

Harry and Blaise move a magically bound Ron Weasley out of his way so he would not be in danger of falling over him with Silver in his arms.

Ron’s eyes widened as he saw Hermione, HIS Hermione, in the arms of the ferret.

“Get you filthy hands off my girl you git!”

Every one in the room waited for Draco to do something, tear Ron’s head off perhaps. They were shocked that Draco hadn’t killed Ron yet.

Draco held Silver tighter to him and barely glanced at Ron. His gaze was focused on Silver.

“Weasley, you need to get this through you thick head. I love Silver and she loves me. You need to stop trying to hurt her because it will never get you what you want. She is mine. My love, my fiancé, my life. Silver Zabini is my entire world. If she were not in danger of losing my child, I would rip you apart for touching her. As it is, Silver and our baby are more important then my revenge against you. You’ll get what’s coming to you, that I promise you, after Silver is safe.”

Ron watched them leave and realized two things. One, he lost Hermione, he may never even have had her in the first place and he was alone with a very angry Harry Potter and Blaise Zabini.

“Potter, it sure is a shame that Weasley hurt himself so badly falling down the stairs.”

Harry immediately understood and obviously so did Lavender because she left mumbling about finding Parvati at St. Mungos.

“Harry! You can’t….I’m you best friend, your mate! You wouldn’t….”

As Ron struggled to free himself, Harry and Blaise circled him.

They both knew from the war that mental torture would break a person much faster then physical torture would.

“My friend? I wonder, did Silver think that about you as you were beating her? What do you think, Ron? Was our friend thinking that?”

“I think she probably did. What else could my sister have been thinking when her friend was taking his fists to her?”

“Can you imagine? Thinking your best friend could be capable of hurting you? That his face might be the last
thing you were going to see?”

“Potter, that’s a nightmare. Weasley’s ugly face alone would give me the willies.”

Harry could see the anger in Ron’s face. He had no remorse for what he had done. Only hatred for the people who had stopped him from doing what he wanted, what he had planed. Harry no longer knew the mad man wearing the face of his childhood friend.

Harry watched as Blaise dragged a screaming Ron up the stairs. He tried to feel guilt over helping Zabini extract his revenge on Ron. He just couldn’t. Seeing the pain Ron had put not only Silver through but also her family through was enough to keep him silent.

He knew that Malfoy would be even harder on Ron then Blaise right now and Harry was not even sure Azkaban would protect Ron.

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Draco rushed Silver into the lobby of the hospital. She was still crying and clinging to him.

“Help her! Someone needs to help her now!”

A witch in healer robes came rushing over. She called for an intern to bring a floating bed to the lobby. She knew exactly who the blond wizard was and whom he had in his arms. It would be her head if something happened to this patient.

“You need to help her now! Save our baby. Please, save our daughter.”

Trina Brighton’s resolve doubled with the knowledge that Silver Zabini was pregnant. She would do everything in her power to save the baby this witch was carrying.

“Mr. Malfoy, I will do what I can. I need you to calm down and try to calm down Miss. Zabini.”

Draco knew she was right. He needed to control himself and help the witch that he loved.

“Baby? I’m here and you’re safe. Nobody will ever hurt you. Luv, you need to calm down for our daughter.”

“The baby? Draco, the baby…..I hurt so much and I don’t know if she’s is ok.”

“I know, sweetheart. They are going to help you and the baby. Everything will be all right.”

Draco felt like his heart clench as Silver’s tear-filled eyes met his.

“Please, Draco please save her.”

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By the time the aurors arrived at the Brown/Patil home Ron Weasley was in terrible shape. Shackelbolt wondered about the circumstances but this was Harry Potter and even if

Blaise Zabini was suspect, Harry was above reproach. If he said Ron Weasley fell down the stairs then that’s what happened.

“Potter, after you check on Miss. Zabini, file your report. Weasley will be checked over by the healers at the Ministry then transferred to Azkaban until his trial.”

“For his sake, you better hope he stays there.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Zabini. Justice will be served.”
Blaise gave him a look of disgust and walked away. He needed to see his sister.

Before Harry had a chance to leave, Shackelbolt stopped him.

“Good work, Potter. I think you are exactly what this department needs.”

“I just did what I needed to do.”

“I know, Son. Sometimes that is the hardest part of this job.
Knowing what is ‘right’ verses what needs to be done.”
Harry gained even more respect for the wizard. He didn’t get completely away with what happened and that actually made Harry feel better about the situation. This job might be right for him after all.

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Draco sat with Silver as the Healers hovered over Silver.

“Mr. Malfoy?”

Draco turned to the older witch who came into the exam room.

“Miss. Zabini’s family as well as your parents are waiting outside. Would you like me to fill them in or would you prefer to do that yourself?”

“I am not leaving. Tell them what you can. Let them know….I am with her and I won’t let anything happen to
her.”

The witch smiled and nodded as she closed the curtain again. It did her old heart good to see the love the young wizard had for his witch. It was not every day that she saw devotion like that. When she walked into the waiting area, she saw many people she recognized from the society pages. Lord and Lady Zabini with their only son, Lord and Lady Malfoy, Cassandra Whitehall, and lastly Luna Lovegood whom she knew from the here at the hospital.

“The family of Miss. Zabini?”

“We are her parents.”

They were all waiting to hear about Silver. She was precious to everyone here.

“Miss. Zabini is doing well right now. The healers have checked her over and she is physically stable.”

“My daughter is going to all right? What about …what about my grandchild?”

“Mr. Zabini, I do not have that information. Mr. Malfoy is with her now and he wanted me to assure you that he is with her and that he will let nothing happen to her. I will go back there and find out what I can and will let you know as soon as possible.”

Celso nodded and watched as she walked back to the room that his daughter was in.

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“Draco?”

Silver’s voice sounded raspy and harsh even to her own ears. Endless crying could do that to someone.
Draco lifted his head out of his hands and he kissed her forehead.

“’am here, my luv. Do you need something?”

“Our baby? Did I lose her? Draco, please tell me.”

Draco looked helplessly at Healer Brighton. He didn’t know what to tell her because he didn’t know anything. Healer Brighton seemed to sense his dilemma because she came over, finally, to talk to them.

“Silver, you are going to be just fine. Your exam showed nothing abnormal. You’re due July 31st.”

“My baby is all right?”

Healer Brighton smiled at the anxious couple. “Yes the babies are very healthy.”

Silver and Draco were kissing gently when they both stopped and simultaneously looked at the healer and whispered, “Babies?”

“Twins. Would you like to know the sex?”

Silver and Draco agreed that they would love to know and were over the moon with what the healer told them.

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Avani watched her family as they waited for news on her daughter. Her son and Cassie were holding each other in the corner. They were getting along so well. They would make each other happy. She would have another daughter soon.

Her beautiful husband held her hand and did his best to be strong. She was so thankful for the years they had together. He, along with their children, made her life worth living.
Her gaze turned to the Malfoys. Always so strong and proud in public. They loved Silver as their own and were just as worried and fearful as she and Celso.

Harry Potter came in and gently took Luna in his embrace. She would freely admit that The-boy-who-lived was not one of her favorite people but he had done everything he could to return her daughter to her. He still had a long way to go to make up for the hurt he caused her daughter but if Silver was willing to give him a chance then so would the Zabini family. Besides, Silver loved Luna and Luna and Harry seemed to have something between them. Silver would support Luna just as Luna has always supported her.
Yes, despite everything Avani was content. If only she knew about her precious daughter and grandbaby.

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“Draco, please. Everyone must be frantic. Go and let them know we are fine.”

“I don’t want to leave you. Truthfully, I never want you out of my sight again.”

“Draco, I will be here when you come back. If you don’t let them know what’s going on soon they will blast their way in.”

Draco knew she was right and reluctantly left her.
He was so thankful she was safe. He would have died from a broken heart had he lost her. Walking towards the waiting area, he now took the time to think about the people who tried to take her away from him. Weasley, girl-Weasley, and Parkinson. They had no idea what was coming.

Unfortunately, Potter had told him that because Ginny had nothing to do with the kidnapping and drugging Harry with the love potion was her first offense and because of her family, she would most likely get probation. That didn’t bother Draco because it would be easier to torture her if she were free. He had plenty of ideas and could not wait to begin.

Weasley and Parkinson were both a different matter. They would get what was coming to them but it would take more finesse for Draco to do anything. Weasley held her against her will and Parkinson took her to him they both would most likely see Azkaban. Her cousin would face charges of assault and Draco would make sure she would be an old witch before she was released. Yes, he needed to talk to Blaise and come up with a little payback, well a lot of payback.

“Draco! What’s going on? When will I be able to see my daughter?”

Silver’s parents were frantic as were his own and the others. Draco and Silver had agreed on not telling their big secret until they could do it together they planned to have a little fun but both wanted them to know that she was fine and still pregnant.

“Silver is doing great. She is strong in mind and body and the healers are going to let visitors in soon.”

“Truly, she is fine? What about….”

“Zia Avani, you and my mother will both be grandmothers at the end of July.”

Amid the cries of ‘Thank Merlin’ from everyone in the room Draco called to Harry, “Potter, think you could share your birthday?”

Harry was delighted that Silver was safe and still expecting. Looking at the blond witch in his arms, he grinned. “Malfoy, I can only think of one other thing that would make me happier.”

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Silver smiled as she watched everyone gather around her bed. The healer had come in to scold them but one look at Lucius and Celso had her running for cover. Avani wept on her shoulder and Silver tried to assure her mother that she was fine and she would be home soon.

Luna, Harry, and Cassie had all hugged her then left giving the family time alone.

“So, are the preparations all done for the wedding?”

“Silver, darling we can postpone the wedding till you feel better. There is no hurry. Take all the time you need.” As much as she wanted Draco and Silver married Narcissa felt

Silver might need time.

Silver and Draco shared a chuckle. Blaise was the first to notice the conspiracy going on.

“All right, you two what’s the secret? You are holding out on us.”

Silver gave her best ‘I am as innocent as can be’ look and placed her hand oh her chest in a dramatic fashion.

Her brother rolled his eyes and crossed his arms across his
chest. “Now I know for sure. Spill.”

“I was just going to point out that we really should get married as scheduled. I am going to be showing and people will say Draco was forced to marry me.”

She winked at Draco and he smirked before he commented.

“Especially seeing as how she will be as big as a house soon.” He almost couldn’t keep a straight face as Silver gasped and his mother swatted him across the arm.

“Draco! What a thing to say!”

“Son, you owe Silver an apology.” Lucius couldn’t believe the nerve of Draco. He would have to explain to him how to handle a pregnant witch. They were a sensitive lot!

Draco squeezed Silver’s hand and noticed that she was struggling not to laugh.

“But Father, don’t witches who are expecting twins get bigger faster?”

Nobody said anything. Draco and Silver were both grinning from ear to ear. Draco so proud he could pop.

“Two babies? You are having two?” Narcissa couldn’t believe it! She thought it would be a few years before she would have two grandbabies!

The visitors and patients at St. Mungo’s wondered what was going on. They could hear shouts of joy coming from a room in the trauma wing. What ever happened sure did make a lot of people happy. The energy coming off that room could light a muggle concert hall. Maybe they could spread it around; the wizarding world could always use more happiness.

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“Well?”

“Well what, Mother?”

Narcissa rolled her eyes at her son and placed her hands on her hips.

She looks like she did when I was six and she caught me flying on my mini-wizards broom father bought me in secret.

“You know what. Girls or boys?”

They were still in Silver’s room but had calm down somewhat. Silver was reclining on the bed with Draco sitting next to her. The were both glowing and brimming with happiness.

Draco and Silver laughed and at the same time said,

“Girl….and boy.”

The room exploded in chaos.

While the grandfathers slapped each other on the backs and congratulated each other and the grandmothers cried against each other in happiness, Blaise hugged his best mate and kissed his sister on the cheek.

“Silver, this is …..wonderful.”

“Twins, Blaise. Just like us.” They would grow up together just like Silver and Blaise were supposed to.

“Ya, Sis, just like us.”

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Ginny lost count of the time she was in this dark, gross cell. She had not been there long before she realized Harry would not come charging in to safe her. She had been giving Harry the potion for so long that she had started to believe the lie. What had happened? She could pinpoint when everything had gone down hill. When that bitch found out who her parents were. Everything was her fault. Hermione, Hermione, always Hermione. Ginny started to cry. To make herself feel better she started to imagine all the ways Hermione could die. Falling off a cliff, getting pushed in front of the Knight Bus, anything to get rid of her.

She started to feel better when she heard the two idiots across from her start blubbering.

“Why don’t you two shut up?”

“You can’t talk to me and my cousin that way, Weasley. We are better then you.”

Ginny let out a bark of laughter. Who was this bint kidding?

“Pansy, we are all stuck in here so I think that makes us even. In fact, my father assures me I will be out soon. It’s not like I tried to kill anyone is it?”

Ginny grinned for the first time in days when she heard the two girls start yelling at each other.


Chapter 20

Blaise was watching his sister and her fiancé from the doorway. They were so good together. The way Draco looked at Silver and the way she lit up the room when
Draco walked in was amazing.

He always thought his parents had a great relationship. And they did it was just so awe inspiring to see his sister in her relationship.

“Blaise.”

Cassie stood next to him and he smiled. She was such a great person. When Silver mentioned her to their mother, he was a little irritated but as he got to know her, he was very grateful for his interfering sister.

“Hi”

Great. Am I blushing?

Cassie looked like an angel. Draco once told him that Silver had the light of the stars in her eyes. Blaise about choked on his laughter. Then he met Cassie. Blaise was afraid to admit it to Draco but he understood what he meant.

While Silver was Draco’s starlight Cassie was his sunlight. She lit up his dark, lonely existence.

“Cassie, can we talk?”

“I thought we were.”

“Yes, we are but I mean really talk. Would you have dinner with me tonight? Just us?”

Cassie nodded and her face had a beautiful blush to it.
Blaise knew he was doing the right thing.


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Harry went into the room when he knew Silver was sleeping. He needed to talk to Malfoy but didn’t want to upset his friend. Malfoy had not left Silver’s side for a moment so Harry had not been able to speak to him alone.

“Malfoy”

Draco looked tired but happy.

“Potter”

“Ron is in custody and we have all we need to charge him.”

Draco nodded and gently took Silvers’ hand so not to wake her.

“How is Silver? I know she didn’t lose the baby but she has been through so much.”

Harry was surprised that he could even ask Draco Malfoy about his friend without totally losing it.

“She’s fine physically. Brown took care of her injuries from the kidnapping. I….don’t think she is facing the other stuff. I am not even sure if she remembers a lot. Brown told me that they kept her sleeping for her protection.”

“Has Lavender come by?”

Draco kissed Silver’s knuckles before answering.

“She and her girlfriend came by earlier. They did the best they could for Silver and our babies. I don’t know what he would have done to her otherwise.”

“I know. I need to thank them- wait, babies?”

“Yes, babies. Silver is giving me a son and daughter. We are thrilled.”

“Yes, I can imagine. Wow, Malfoy congratulations.”

He meant it too. He was happy for them. He wanted to be happy for them. He needed to believe that there was happily ever after. As Silver had told him before, he could have the life he wanted he just needed to grab it with both hands just as Silver did.

Harry left Silver and Malfoy and made his way out of the hospital.

Heading to the Ministry, he decided that after tying up some lose ends he would work on his happy ending.

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Harry had been assured that Ginny would get a trial and would not be getting off Scot-free. Ron was defiantly getting a trial as he let every one know that he would plead not guilty. Every one already was tired of hearing him whine and complain.

“Hey, Harry.”

Neville came in and sat in the chair across Harry’s desk. Although Neville had a desk across the room, he always seemed to migrate toward Harry’s side of the office.

“Hello, Neville. All the paper work turned in for the day?”

“Yup. Just handed it in a few minutes ago. Ron’s parents are causing quite the scene. They are demanding that both their children be seen by a Wizard-psychologist.”

“What? What in Merlin’s name for?”

“They claim that the war has affected them tremendously and that they can not be held responsible for their actions.”

“That is the biggest pile of Hippogriff’s dung I have ever heard! They can’t honestly believe that. We all fought in the war. All of us. Even Malfoy and Zabini. They are not
going to get away with this.”

Harry grabbed his cloak and headed out.
“Harry! Where are you going? This isn’t our case anymore.
Let the prosecutors deal with it.”

“I can’t do that Neville. I need to see this through to the end. The Weasleys need to understand that Ron and Ginny are greedy, manipulative people who know exactly what they are doing.”

Before Harry made it out the door, Neville was at his side.

“Where do you think your going without your partner?”

Harry smiled and shook his head at Neville.

“Thanks, Neville.”

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Silver opened her eyes and saw Draco’s head resting against her shoulder. She was so very grateful to be with him. That her children were safe and finally, finally this nightmare was over. Ron would never hurt her again and more importantly, he would never hurt her children.

“Dray? Baby, wake up.”

Draco awoke immediately.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”
Silver felt bad for making him panic. She smoothed his hair back in a comforting gesture.

“Nothing. Everything is fine. That position cannot feel good. Come.”

She moved over and pulled back the blankets so he could join her.

Draco didn’t hesitate and got in next to her.
“I love you so much. You and our children are my world.”

“I know, Draco. I love you too. Can you believe it? Twins. I am so happy I could burst.”

“Silver, are you….really all right? I mean you have been through a lot and if you needed to talk to someone, even if
that person was not me, it would be okay.”

Silver took a deep breath and wondered how to explain to
Draco how she felt.

“I know that I can’t deny what has happened. I can’t pretend that….Ron never hurt me. That your ex-girlfriend never kidnapped me and took me to him.”

Draco was shocked. Did she blame him? It was because of him that Pansy came into her life. Maybe it was his fault.

“Silver, I’m sorry…..I never meant to for this to happen-”

“No, Draco, I don’t blame you at all. This was their doing. I’m just trying to say that…no matter what other people do to us, it’s what we do that counts. We are strong people, both of us and together we are unbeatable. Believe me, there is a part of me that wants to curl in a ball, cry, and wail at what happened. But, Draco, there is a bigger part of me that wants to live my life. With you, our children, and our friends and families. I am safe. My children are safe, we are with you and….I am just so…damn happy that I can’t think of anything else. Yes, maybe it is the shock of what happened and maybe I will hit the ground in a big way, but when that happens I know I will have you. You, Draco will be there for me and I take comfort in that.”

“Merlin, Silver, I will always be there for you. Always.”
Draco and Silver cuddled together on the small hospital bed thankful that they had each other.

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I never in a million years ever thought I would be asking Celso Zabini and Lucius Malfoy for help.

Harry was waiting in the foyer of Zabini Manor. He had learned that Silver and Draco’s parents had gone back to Zabini Manor to rest and take care of wedding details. Neville surprised Harry by asking no questions and just going along with what Harry asked. He had changed so much from the shy boy from Hogwarts. This is what the war did to Neville. Made him strong and confident. Harry was grateful that Neville had remained a good and loyal
friend.

“Well, Potter I had thought our business was concluded.”

“Actually, Mr. Zabini, I need your help. Both your’s and Mr. Malfoy’s.”

“This must be very important if you felt the need to come to me and Lucius.”

“It is. It’s about Ron and Ginny Weasley.”

Celso was very interested now. Truthfully, he most likely would have helped anyway. Avani had made her wishes very clear on the matter of Harry Potter.

“Why don’t you gentlemen follow me? We can join Lucius in the study.”

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Lucius was getting angrier by the minute. The Weasleys had always been a thorn in his side. As Potter explained the situation, he was coming up with a plan.

“This is outrageous. Blaming the war for how their children turned out.”

“I agree, Celso. Arthur has always been too proud to admit to his mistakes. Well, we shall deal with this.”

“I just need to make sure that the psychologist they get is impartial and won’t side with them just because of who they are. I have no problem with them speaking to someone. They need mental help and that will come through. However, I do have a problem with the Ministry trying to cover this up just because Ron and Ginny happened to have fought in the war.”

“Couldn’t agree with you more, Potter. Don’t worry, we will handle this.” Celso said.

Harry and Neville left the Manor hoping that they went to the right people. If anyone could make sure something was done, it was Malfoy and Zabini.

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Blaise and Cassie were both nervous, as they were lead to a table for two in the back of the restaurant.

Avani had assured them that if Silver needed either of them they would be called immediately.

“I hope this is alright?”

“It’s wonderful, Blaise. I am very happy that you invited me.”

“I glad you accepted. We have not had much time to relax and talk with everything going on.”

The waiter came and interrupted them. Blaise saw the look of admiration in the young wizard’s eyes. Cassie seemed oblivious to the attention she was receiving. It made Blaise admire her even more. The other witches he had dated would have flirted with the man for no other reason then to make him jealous.

“Blaise?”

“Oh, sorry. I was distracted. Could you give us a few minutes?”

“Of course. I will check back soon.”

As he left, Cassie giggled at her date.

“What? Are you laughing at me?”

Cassie smiled at Blaise as she looked over her menu.

“I don’t think I have ever seen you….ruffled.”

“Ruffled? What does that mean?”

“Don’t be offended. It’s not an insult. I just meant that you are always so dignified and proud.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Cassie took a sip of water as she tried to think of a way to phrase her response.

“No, not a bad thing. Just it must be hard. To always be on guard. To feel the need to always have to protect yourself.”

“There are not many people I trust or even like for that matter, other then my parents and sister. Draco, my
Godparents, and now you.”

“Me? Really?”

“Does that bother you?”

Cassie was startled by the question.

“No. I’m honored. I really like you too, always have.”

“Even at school? I was not to ‘liked’ back then.”

Cassie giggled before responding. “Sure you were. The girls loved you. Always telling everyone what a ‘God’ you were.”

Blaise seemed bothered by her statement. She hoped she didn’t make him angry.

“Blaise, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-”

“No, it’s just that…those girls didn’t know me. What they did know was what I could do for them. I think that’s when I became so distrustful.”

“Because of the way you were seen at school?”

Blaise nodded his head lost in a memory.

“When I was in fifth year I really liked this girl. She was in sixth and in my house. Esmeralda Madison.”

Cassie remembered her. She was a beautiful, dark haired girl whom all the boys chased after.

“I got the nerve to talk to her and she seemed very happy that I did. I was on cloud nine for days. We would meet and talk and snog.”

Cassie scolded herself for being jealous of a relationship he had so long ago.

“I was going to write to my parents and tell them all about this great witch. Summer was coming up and I wanted our families to get together.”

“Did something happen?”

“You could say that. I went looking for her to ask her before I sent the letter off. I found her talking to her friends. They hadn’t seen me so I just hung back. She was telling them….how ‘easy little Blaise was, how trusting’. She was laughing about how she would be able to control me once she was Lady Zabini.”

How could someone do that to a person?

“Blaise, I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s hardly your fault. I broke it off and I closed myself up. It was easy to trust Draco. We had been friends since we could crawl and he didn’t want anything from me.”

“Blaise, I don’t want anything from you other then your
friendship.”

“Friendship? Is that all you want?”

Cassie blushed and Blaise was charmed by her beauty and innocence.

“I will accept what ever you are willing to give me.”

“Cassandra, I want to be honest and upfront with you. I like you a lot. I think that we can build on that. I want to build on that. I am asking you formally if I can, with your father’s permission, court you.”

“Oh, Blaise, I can’t think of anything I would like better.”

“Good. Because I don’t think I would have been able to accept a no.”

Cassie laughed aloud.

“I am very happy to hear that, Blaise.”

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Minister Carmichael had been elected Minister a few months ago and the Wizarding world had been set on their toes by his politics.

“Lord Malfoy, I will do all that I can to ensure that the mental exam is done by someone unbiased.”

“Thank you, Lord Zabini and I would appreciate it very much. We are concerned that givin who they are they will be given lenient treatment.”

Arthur Weasley chose that moment to walk into the same lobby that Lucius and the Minister were using.

“What are you doing, Malfoy? Trying to intimidate Minister Carmichael into keeping innocent people in prison?”

“Weasley, charming as always.”

“Don’t even start, Malfoy. Minister, you can’t listen to his lies.”

“Lies? I don’t need to lie. Your son and daughter have dug their own graves without any help from me.”

“They need help. They….were terribly misguided but they can get better.”

“Yes, well let’s leave that to unbiased third party shall we?”
Both wizards looked at the Minister and agreed. They each left thinking they had won this round.