✧DINNER WITH THE LESTRANGES'✧

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Aria had managed dozens of speeches, one of them being in German that had once been a language she was fluent in. But now all that seemed to sound easy compared to having dinner with Rabastan's parents.

Why did she agree?!

Rabastan was due to come over in less than twenty minutes and she was still left debating on shoes. "Goddess mum, relax...It's just Rabastan."
"Just Rabastan?...Sweetheart I love you, but it's not just Rabastan anymore." 
"Sure it is, and I know you wouldn't say yes if there wasn't some want of being with him again."
"Alright badger, since you're the expert then...What shoes should I wear?" The young wizard perked his lips and then found a solid black colored heel among the dozens there.

She had been eyeing those too and was thankful he came. Over to stop a whirlwind of thoughts to transpire overshoes, the balance of the Hufflepuff was perfect.

"I left dinner in the over, unless you want to order a pizza." The lad perked his lips and she smirked. "Go order the pizza love, but no feeding Loki any more food of the table. That's bad manners for a pup like him." The laughter the two had elated Rabastan further as he just entered the home.

The energy was grand and he caught that Aria must've cooked for Wyatt, at least he wouldn't feel too guilty in that regard. "Knock knock!" He called out, and Wyatt rushed halfway down the steps to greet him.

"She's putting on her shoes...Also I had a word with her."
"You did? About?" Another grin popped up on his face but the conversation was cut short as witch started coming down the steps with a firm grip on the railing.

"You look...Breathtaking, love." Her blush enacted quickly, and Wyatt grinned before tugged her down the steps. "Oi, you just want the house for yourself."
"Course, I'm throwing a party with everyone! Me, Omen, Opal, and Loki." Rabastan had to admit that the lad looks excited.

Aria leaned down for a moment and whispered something that was for Wyatt's ears only, and Lestrange found himself saying a quick hello to Loki before seeing Aria come up to his side.

"Merlin love, you look beautiful. There's nothing to worry about." She hummed but took his offered hand and squeezed, already making her nerves calm down. Was that the soulmate bond that the fates were teasing her with?

The two made their way through the fireplace and straight to the Lestrange manor. It was the same room she had used to escape that faithful party where everything came together and the truth was revealed.

Rabastan stepped forward for a moment and placed his hands on her shoulders to capture her full attention. "Alright...Mum's been planning this for weeks, there's nothing to worry about. They're beyond excited."
"I-I know, but it's your parents. Wouldn't you be a little worried in having dinner with my father or dad?" He'd be lying if he said he wouldn't be worried.

"Alright well Orion I would certainly need to watch my back, and Walburga is a monster in disguise."
"Don't I know it, the first night I slept over my brothers and I fell asleep in my old room and she came in screaming about being proper and almost slapped me."
"What?!" She instantly regretted saying that as she bit her lip.
"I thought Reg told you..." Is all she said before her eyes caught onto something else.

"Oh, I need a copy of that." She said with a silly grin, walking straight up to a family portrait and smiling back towards him. "How old were you for this one?"

"Eleven, just before Hogwarts. The piano room has one with my brother and Bella in it as well."

"Ah, so it's the lad who tripped me. Yeah, I didn't like him that much." He made a slight pout and she rolled her eyes before continuing to look around the room beside the portraits.

The most prominent were family, as the Lestrange line was one of the sacred twenty-eight, she assumed that this house was always ready for the next generation.

"Come, I'm sure mother would love to give you a tour."
"So I'll leave out the part where we hung out in a tree for—" Her teasing had been widely interrupted by another person.

The wizard took a slight jog and pulled her into a hug. "Cassiopeia! Sweet Salzar, when mother told me you were back I thought she was joking!...Good thing too aye, Denault doesn't compare to you, my sweet Cassi." The wizard said and capturing her hand to kiss her hand for much too long.

"Rodolphou—"
"You sir have no bounds, I like personal space." She bit back before Rabastan could make a comment again her brother, yet the eldest Lestrange son simply grinned further.

"Ah, right....My mistake love, what should I call you then? Cassi? Rory?"
"My name is Aria." He nodded, though the look of pure infatuation was something she was familiar with. And Rabastan surely knew that look on his brother, he's seen it too many times when they visited.

"And here I thought I'd be given some manners, now that you know I'm not a muggle-born or half-blood, Lestrange." It seemed to jumpstart the fellow's brain as he bowed his head.

"Sorry little Black, went ahead of myself. Rodolphous Lestrange. When you tire of my brother I can certainly give you a good—"
"Hm, I recall the first time we met. That offers still exists and I can promise you it will always be no. Rodolphous." The man pouted, and she laughed.

"Not even a maybe?" It earned him a sharp glare and he instantly sprang back in laughter. "A Black daughter through and through, Bella's excited to meet you properly." Aria's eyes instantly turned over to Rabastan in both panic and realization.

"I wasn't aware that this was a full Lestrange dinner, Rabastan? Care to tell me more?" The lad hardly had the chance as a bit of psychotic laughter echoed in the halls.

"Cassi, darling! Look at you!" The woman beckoned, kissing both her cheeks and lowering herself from her unnatural height to look directly into her eyes. "All grown up!" Aria stumbled back away from the woman.

Rabastan caught her and looked to her in both confusion and worry, even Rodolphous had been taken back by the reaction. "You took my memories away..." Was all that Aria whispered out in pure horror, and it was the women's husband who pulled her back.

"Bella, I do think it's best we give Aria some time to adjust properly." It didn't happen often, but Bella was protective of her family. And her young cousin was one of the many rights beside her sister that she actually cared for.

Thus ending for one last kiss before the older couple had departed the younger couple. "I swear Ari, I didn't know that they were coming. Mother hadn't said a word."

"It's okay. I had a feeling after I saw Rodolphous. I've never met her that close before..." But it wasn't the truth, Aria knew Bella just the same as Rabastan had.

Missing the given years of course.

"Gods love I—"
"Really, I just need a minute. I think—I think I have a headrush." He recalled when he was given his memories back that there was true dizziness that followed.

And having her stumble for a moment surely caused him to aid her into a side sitting room. Though he did have to carry her the rest of the way as her eyes seemingly rolled to the back of her head.

"Rose, get me a cold glass of water with ice." He knew that the order had gone through, and just as he settled her with propped pillows. Little Rose had offered up a tray to her master after she popped in.

"Mother mistress say dinner starts soon master, is sweet mistress alright?" He shook his head and passed the message that Aria had a bit of a memory flash after seeing Bellatrix.

Rabastan was hardly worried, especially when she let out a small hum after Rose popped out. In plucking out an ice cube he brought it to her lips and the chill instantly caused her eyes to pop open—Though they were dilated. "It's alright, you were barely out for two minutes." He whispered, and Aria took her a solid moment or two to look in Rabastan's eyes before she snapped back to reality.

"Merlin, it feels like my head is about to explode..." She mumbled, her eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to stop the tears from sprouting but Rabastan was a step in front of her as she was offered a handkerchief.

"Thanks...I didn't pass out in front of your brother and sister, did I?"
"No. But I wouldn't put it past my mum to comes in and try to tell you to rest." Aria tried to play over the fact that she was fine, but he didn't expect that until she took a few sips of the water and could stand on her own for longer than a minute.

And the small devil on her shoulder rooted against her in that moment. 

"...Because you need someone who devotes their entire life to you, not to their work or craft..."

Aria flinched at the idea of Randal's words in her head, but it was true—The clear fear and concern hadn't vanished, though it did clear up a bit when she responded. But the way he was being so delicate caused her to suck in another breath.

"Love, let me take you upstairs to bed...You need a healer."
"A healer? And what do you plan on telling them Raba? The truth?...That I met the woman who took away my memories all those years ago and I had a flash of my final moments?...No. I'm fine, I just need to get my thoughts in order." It did aid him that she was responding in pure logical reasoning.

He knew Aria would spark up somehow, and it spoke volumes to her as a child. She was just as logical in her reasoning, especially if she wanted something.

However his smile sparked for another reason, and she narrowed her eyes. "Pretty slick move in offering to bring me to bed, haha." She teasing rolled her eyes as she continued to sip the water in her hands.

"Not that love, you haven't called me Raba in awhile." A blush blossomed over her cheeks instantly as she laughed. "You must be hearing things." Was all she deflected with before placing the glass on a coaster.

"I don't want your mum freaking out or sending me home..."
"Nonsense, best to do just what I promised and bring you to bed." Rolling her eyes she continued out of the room and looked both ways, realizing that she didn't remember the way in the house.

"How do you manage with such a big home?"
"This is the summer home, the one with the tree?...Yes so this is the smaller of the three. My parents still have the biggest home but once Rodolphous has children they'll be switching to accommodate a child."
"Ah yes, priceless vases that'll shatter if you blow on it? That screams children." Rabastan wasn't surprised that she retorted with that, but then again...It was better than growing up in Grimmauld Place like she had.

Elf heads on display? Merlin, he couldn't understand how that hadn't given her constant nightmares.

"Half the house is hardly in use, I usually invite my mates over to play cards in the game room." Aria smirked in hearing that. "We never did get to play cards."
"That could change the next poker night, though I have to warn you. Cigar smoke is a big part of it."
"I think I'll pass for now then." The two continued to talk about future plans, or had until she caught sight of the four adults waiting for them.

"Oh Aria...Are you alright sweetheart?" Of course she heard about how affectionate and close Rabastan was with his mother, but the loving touch she received from his mum confused her. Just as the flinch Clarissa's touch had caused on Aria's end was what stalled the conversation.

Though Rabastan's secure on her waist tightened. "Y-yes, I'm alright...I promise." She said, though her eyes turned to the wizard holder her as though she needed a lifeline.

Yet there was no part of him that'd let her go.

A cooling hand soon found itself pressed against her forehead and the woman frowned. "You're a bit warm sweetheart, let me see if we can get you some tea." That sounded rather nice, and while Bella felt guilty on two accounts now—For the incident that happened years ago to the one that happened twenty minutes ago.

But she received a small smile from Aria and a forgiving nod, if she could forgive her parents for the whole ordeal. She could forgive Bellatrix who was just following out the order.

"Come love, let's get you something to eat." With Rabastan's urge, the rest of the house followed them off to the large table that the elves were rushing to set the table. Dozens of them for that matter.

Yet they were hardly noticed as Rabastan lead her to her chair amongst the allotted six. Funny enough he had pulled out her seat and made sure she was settled before taking his own chair beside her.

While Aria didn't know the material status of a seating chart, Rabastan did—Though he prayed that she wouldn't see that it was a betrothed with her sitting so close to him.

In seeing the food appear, Rabastan smirked to himself as her eyes instantly spot the salmon on the table. "I suppose that settles that Bella, Cassiopeia could never deny Salmon." Rodolphous teased and while Rabastan cut his brother a glare, Aria chuckled.

"It's certainly a weakness." She responded with and the light laughter continued as everyone plated themselves with the rich food. In this instance she was running through the prayer in her head, she didn't want to impose on the family.

Rabastan caught the small whisper and he smiled, she wouldn't make it a big deal but he tapped her thigh and caught her attention. "Bless it be...." He said under his breath, earning him another smile paired with a blush.

"So...What have you been doing all this time Cas—Aria? 'Bas told me you graduated early?" Rodolphous questioned, but she cleared her throat before answering.

"I've been working on getting my potions degree, currently I'm just a few weeks away from my first potion being released." She said with a polite smile and Rodolphous turned to his wife.

Either Clarissa and Radolphus frowned at their eldest' rudeness as he leaned back into his chair and sloppily let his hand drag down his face.

"Course...Of course, you align yourself with the one the Dark Lord wants. Why did I expect that you make anything easy 'Bas?" Aria perked her lips and shrugged her shoulder.

"He hasn't said anything as of late." Rabastan shot back, but Bella continued to frown.

"Not yet he hasn't, but once her name grows—It'll surely bounce back into the inner circle." The woman informed and Aria remained silent as she drank her water. "Grand, this time could I get a normal call to a meeting? I don't like being kidnaped." It was Clarissa who's fork had dropped.

"Rodolphous, you didn't tell me that she was being recruited—"
"I didn't think it was going anywhere. The heads up would've been nice 'Bas." Aria's eyes were wide as they flickered back between the two brothers, even Bella was misplaced.

They hadn't made the connection prior to the dinner that she was the same gal who the dark lord wanted amongst his ranks.

"I told you that she rejected the offer to be apart of the order—"
"Which I told you in confidence Rabastan, not so you can shell it out to your friends." She said, calmly, while taking another bite. But the side of witches all snickered to see how Aria's tone could scare that lad beside her so much.

"It's an honor to be sought about the Dark Lord, Aria. Why would you reject this if you openly rejected being apart of the order?" Radolphus questioned and Aria took the napkin on her lap and wiped her mouth before turning fully.

"Because my rejection of the order was not open, I told one person and he told however many people. And I denied the Dark Lord's offer because I don't like being kidnapped while walking my dog and then attacked. Though another part of me has been on the other side of the battle in being labeled a mudblood."

"But you aren't, you're a Black heir." Aria rolled her eyes.

"Grand, but that isn't open knowledge. And while the Dark Lord tempted me with finding my birth parents I still have the upper hand for a bit. Besides, I don't condone killing innocent people." Rabastan and the rest of the table started to bite their lips but Aria smirked back in satisfaction.

"Perhaps if I had my memories I would see things differently, though I highly doubt that...Now, do you think I'm still a good choice for your son?" Rabastan sighed into his hand while Bella threw her head back and laughed.

"I like her, witty as ever. Hasn't changed a bit has she?" Bellatrix proved to be very loud, and Rodolphous simply looked tired of her antics which Aria sent him a smile before turning Clarissa.

While the mistress of the manor was beautiful and kind, Aria was not going to come into this home without a shield and a watchful eye on their actions. They were Slytherin after all, Rabastan might not do anything in regards of tricking her.

She didn't put it passed everyone else sitting her.

"As a Lestrange it would protect you from the Dark Lord's advancements, no more kidnapping." Aria turned with a risen brow and Rabastan groaned.

"So you condone kidnapping?"
"N-no, sweetheart—Why don't we change the conversation to something a bit more lively. Did you enjoy the opera?" Aria smiled and nodded, and while it eased into something much more innocent and friendly. By the time the table had been cleared, Rabastan spoke out to excuse the both of them. Which she complied with and held onto his hand until they had managed to the porch.

"Was that your plan? Make enemies with my parents to stop my pursuit on you?"
"Pursuit? I could throw that right back at you love, were you trying to recruit me?" Rabastan had been taken by surprise, either of them had been as neither came with the intention that the other claimed.

"Rabastan I know you love me, and no matter what I say to you...you're not going to believe anything else on my feelings for you."
"What...What are your feelings for me?" She blinked for a moment, and perhaps it was the small half glass of wine she snuck without Rabastan's eyes catching her actions. But she leaned in forward to capture his lips to hers.

And he hadn't hesitated to wrap his arms around her waist and settle her more comfortably to continued this beautiful pursuit. He hadn't dreamed a family dinner would start or end like this.

However everything revolving around Aria seemed to go far from any reasonable plan. "Do you know how many bloody times you leave me hot and bothered?" She groaned in aggravation kissing him one last time before drifting down from her tippy toes. Yet Rabastan was not finished, he had been deprived so long from her affection that he didn't hesitate to pull her up and onto the porch's stone fence to get a better angle.

Being in between her dress was a revolutionary feeling, the rightful naughtiness was persuading him to take it further but deep down he knew that she either drank something or was ridden on the emotions of what the dinner entailed and was still aggravated.

"Alright, are you two done fighting, mum's got tea and—Oh for Merlin sakes." Rodolphous beckoned and Aria jumped straight back into reality as she pushed Rabastan away and swiped away her smeared lipstick.

Jumping down she scurried away to the nearest restroom while Rabastan glared at his brother. "Those types of frustrations don't end well 'Bas."
"It would've ended grand if you hadn't interrupted."
"You're right, mum would've been equally mad. Or father, he would've had the contract with Orion signed on your marriage instantly. No problems to arise there." The youngest suddenly turned damn thankful that it was his brother than someone else, though Bella probably would've made it strange.

It was her nature to do that.

"Where is your little betrothed headed?"
"She's not my betrothed, and probably to the loo...What did he say before?"
"Mum wants to have a girl's talk, though I'm sure she caught up with Aria easy enough. Father wants to take a smoke break." Rabastan frowned, he knew that Aria would hate the smell of smoke.

So when he was offered he declined, causing either his father and brother to recoil at the thought. "Aria gets sick easily, that smell doesn't do her good."
"I would've said you're whipped already there, but she mentioned something of the sort at the ministry." It then turned into a conversation as to why Aria was in need of a lawyer.

"I have another case, she has a bit of a stalker. Told me not to worry about it but—"
"Can't be too careful. We'll take a look at it together, for now you both make sure she doesn't get hurt from the Dark Lord's actions. That could be your future wife." It was a slight relief that his father hadn't deemed it outright, but it followed a sigh.

"Avery said he'd be the one to volunteer, I haven't told the Dark Lord of my relationship with Aria."
"Smart, but as of yet it won't bode well. Especially in the crossfire." Rodolphous chuckled to his father's worries.

"I doubt there's much to worry about, the Dark Lord was impressed that she managed to talk her way out of it—After what she did to the lower tiers. Does she always carry a potion's Arsenal?" Rabastan nodded and smirked.

"She did that back at school, though her arsenal might contain more on the medical side. The Potter wedding she had been in the crossfire before I could bring her home." His father sucked in a breath.

"Does Orion know?" Rabastan denied that nobody knew, though he wondered how far Regulus knew on the relationship that Aria still had with Sirius.

"Better than he doesn't know about the Dark Lord, this stalker issue I'll have a word with him. Aria is thick-headed but she certainly doesn't need to worry about this sort of thing." It turned out that the three were in agreement, or were until Rodolphous simply said that he and Bella could end it all with a name and address.

And while that was definitely an option, Rabastan felt more comfortable in involving the law. Just because it left Aria's image intact, something that was ever so important to him and her.

Yet in the event of telling Rodolphous about the Harper's threat, it truly caused him to throw a rage. Rabastan had been left to assume he was the only one that was overprotective, but here stood another two that certainly would aid him if he asked.

With the woman's tea time nearly complete, Rabastan had returned to fetch his date and take her out on a walk in the garden—One she didn't really adhere to in the event of ruining her dress and shoes. But the mention of magic caused her to slip her heals off while taking the better part of her dress in her grasp.

"You don't smell like smoke...Your mum was telling me that's when wizards usually takes the time to have a cigar or two."
"I skipped, especially after your health has been questionable as of late. Are you feeling alright?" She nodded and sighed in relief of the openness of this garden.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about how Loki would love to run in this yard. Goddess it goes for miles." She said in an attempt to look out into this distance but once again failed—She might be a Ravenclaw but she certainly didn't have the eyes of a bird.

"You're welcome to bring him over, my brother would be all for it."
"Yes, he's pretty adorable your brother...If he wasn't married I would've had someone to pair him with." Aria said with a smirk and Rabastan frowned.

"I doubt that Clemintine would—"
"I do know a handful of more people, I meant an America."
"Who?"
"Simone. I think that'd be hilarious, they're sort of the same." He realized that what she had said in the past was evidently true, he didn't know much about her family other names, occupations and houses.

Granted that is what he saw as important years ago, but now here he was asking how Simone and Rodolphous would make a good pairing. Yet their path ended right at the tree in question.

"There's something I want to show you..." She bustled, placing down her shoes at the base of the tree and attempted to climb it. "Gods you're going to rip your dress or fall! Ari!"
"Then you'll just have to buy me more...Kidding kidding, such a worry wort. Get your arse up here." With that type of order, he followed up after her, but only advanced when she was safely at the higher branch.

"Do you remember the last time we were up here—When I healed you?" He nodded, letting out a breathless smile. "Yeah, that was a nice night."

"I was hiding something, I don't think you ever came up here after I left—I mean when Cassiopeia left but..." She hardly had the words to present this, and when she leaned her body back for a moment to share it, the lad was left in awe.

"Ari..."
"I had a feeling that we were friends, Uncle Alffie always made a comment here and there but I...I didn't realize that we were meant to get married and all that, that must've meant that we were compatible more than once." He looked at it in such child like wonder that Aria did want to ruin, so she remained silent and held his hand in the mist of the tree branch that was not at all used to their adult weight.

"I...I love your Aria—No matter if you're a pureblood or not, you were my friend, and if...If the world didn't screw you over then I'd hope we'd be at a better stance with each other."

"I love you too, Rabastan Lestrange, even if you aren't just Rabastan anymore...But I truly need this break, and I'm not ready for marriage—I doubt you really are either."
"No, not really. I guess that's the stature that I've lived most of my life, graduate Hogwarts, get married, and have children."
"Oh well that is a longer time away Lestrange, children? Gods I—" His smile was as if she said she agreed to it all, but truthfully this conversation was making his heart to all sorts of funny things.

"You're a wonderful mother."

"Yeah, to a thirteen-year-old boy, not a screaming little babe." She shot back, biting her lip to remain silent.

I don't think I can ever have children...

It was one of her fatal flaws that she didn't want to ruin the moment with, not when she was still far away from the possibility. Instead she humored him, though it was rather difficult when he pulled her into another kiss.

But a kiss had been so innocent between the two, or what they're used to from one another. Yet the second her hands weaved their way through his curling locks he couldn't help himself, a squeal escaped her when he bit down onto her lip—Using that shock he enter her mouth, knowing the tactic always worked on her.

He didn't give her the chance to think, as once she moved her head away, the assault on her neck was just as tempting. "I don't think you're parents would appreciate if I slept over Raba."

"They wouldn't mind, not after I told them about your stalker." She wasn't surprised that he shared it with his family.

"At least if I go missing someone will try and find me."
"I wouldn't let that happen love, not on my watch." She closed her eyes for a guilty few seconds to mask in the joy that he was bringing.

"And on your watch, we're not able to do much more in a tree, Rabastan."
"Is that a promise for later?" He asked with a sure fire tone of surprise, and while she did want to act annoyed at his offering.

She shook her head, one of the hardest denials she's had to face in awhile.

"I don't trust myself to stop there Rabastan, surely you can understand?"
"You're right, you need to focus on this potion being produced and not about the next time we hop into bed together. I do understand."
"If and when we do get back together, we won't be kissing in a tree." Aria hadn't understood what he said, but the husk of his voice caused her thighs to tremble—Her soul on absolute fire at how damn beautiful it felt to be the center of his attention.

Perhaps Randal was right, she needed someone who would take care of her and fight for her well being...Even if he was morally incorrect.

A part of her was willing to change him.

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Date Posted: 12-05-2020

Time: 9:56

Words: 5013