✧A FIRST REAL PUBLIC DATE✧

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The dress wasn't the issue, no. It was the sinking feeling in her chest in being Rabastan's date to this affair. Having asked her father and all, course that hardly passed over well considering Orion was standing with a hand on his coat's inner layer to appear more powerful.

"I suppose you can't tone it down just a little?... You're about to give me a heart attack." His eyes tore away from the fireplace and ultimately softened.

"It's in my nature, forgive me...The years apart are making me protective. And? How is it that Rabastan managed to get into your good graces?" The honest answer would probably send her to live out the rest of her days in a witch version of a convent, but then she smirked.

"He's been sweet lately. That and I have both Wyatt and Reg owling him in threats, though the Badger is much more excited about having him back as a friend." Aria could see that her father was in debate of what to do in this situation so she leaned back against the couch further, though even then it wasn't that comfortable. Nothing in Grimmauld Place was comfortable, though she bit her tongue in seeing her birth-mother scurry around as if it was a wedding.

And not a simple date.

"It won't be that big of an issue, most of the Hogwarts population knew we dated—"
"Hogwarts is forgotten, my light, this is the real world and the spotlight is eager to lock onto someone new." This caused her to silence herself, if she could humor either her parents and Rabastan's then perhaps they could hold off the idea of marriage.

Especially with Radolphous still looking for an answer.

The starting flickers of the fireplace had suggested his arrival, and without a second delay the wizard had walked in. All high and mighty until he caught the scene before him, Aria looked and breathed like a Black princess Heir.

Much like either Narcissa and Bellatrix would before their own marriages.

"A...Potted flower. An interesting choice." Orion dwelled and Rabastan held it up for a moment before placing it down.
"I once gifted her plucked flowers and she almost tore my head off, sir. She's requested potted flowers from then on." Aria bit her lip as she caught her father turning his gaze to see if that was true, and a small nod settled the debate.

"Rabastan! Oh dear, look how handsome you look this evening!" The young lad smirked, especially when he caught Aria's eye roll off behind her biological mother.

Granted this is when she herself rose up from the couch only to see Kreacher linger just behind her.

"Kreacher...Could you be a darling and bring this to my manor?" She questioned, and the elder house elf all but felt elated to be given a task.
"Sweet Mistress yes, Kreacher bring to new manor...Young Master bring Sweet Mistress flowers." The smile never left as he popped out with the said gift, leaving Rabastan to gain his date's attention for the first time that evening.

"Aria...You're sure about this?" Orion question, right in front of Rabastan. And the daughter nodded quite quickly.
"Very well, my little light. Follow us in five minutes, Lestrange...Best to keep up appearances." Orion reminded and all the young wizard was nod as his hands were clasped behind his back.

With her parents having left, Aria shook her head and sighed loudly. "I'm sorry about that, it was either I tell him or he finds out at the actual party. This was—"
"The better of two, no need to apologize. I want him to know that I'm trying to win your affection."
"You've gotten it for the most part. Commitment to pureblood extent is just daunting...Almost as much as this house. I'm almost happy I don't remember it." It felt wrong to chuckle, especially when her gaze crept up towards the staircase.

"Reg says those were there his entire life...?"
"Probably surpassing your father's if I'm truly honest, but none of that now. You're my date for this evening and I plan to make the most of it, shall we?" She rather liked this gentlemen's pureblood version of Rabastan that she couldn't deny his awaiting hand.

"What is the cap for this evening, two glasses of wine?"
"Probably best if I don't drink anything Raba, I'm still healing." She whispered, following his steady pace up towards the valiant to take their invitation.

Course her face was starting to be recognizable, but damnit if she didn't feel the lingering eyes on her once she and Rabastan managed to get to the main ballroom.

"I must be the luckiest bloke in this damn venue." He boasted and Aria simply squeezed onto her forearm more tightly. "Why are they all looking? Merlin, I knew this was a bad idea..."

"Nonsense, they are just trying to figure out who you are, love. I rarely take dates, and if I did it was with 'she who will not be named'." Aria had to bite back a snort, a rather winded jest considering who the male counterpart of that phrase is.

"Usually a couple would make their round to allow others to greet them, but since I know McNair personally it's best to say hello." Aria nodded instantly, while Alphard was usually her date, he didn't always come into the same explaining what his actions told the public.

This direct line towards the hosts spoke louder, and defused the most of anyone's attention. Which Aria was thankful for—Until she recalled the entire show she had done with Senior Lestrange and his group of horny and drunken mates.

She doubted it had gotten that far, perhaps Radolphous had fixed the matter considering the two were a bucket of laughs right now.

"Ah! We were just talking about you Rabastan, join us, join us. Care for a drink, lad?" There was hardly any denying the birthday man and thus Rabastan took the offered whiskey while Aria held close to her wine and smiled polity here and there.

She knew that the beginning of the parties was for formality—Before everyone started to get drunk.

It was nice not to talk about work, and just disconnect for a bit. But Aria didn't like pretending to be someone, it was the same itching feeling she'd got when both Rabastan and his father were hounding her for the position of being a mistress.

Would the room treat her differently? Would she be entitled to stand with her mother and father more than just her date?

"You're thinking again...What is it?" Her eyes met his for a moment then darted away. "I hate it when you do that."
"I'm sorry to retort that you get the chance to actually read my mind most of the time. Don't make it so obvious."
"Wasn't trying to be obvious I just...All anyone sees me as is a low blooded witch."
"But you aren't."
"I know, but I don't have that backing to prove that, do I? It's like I'm sinking in a hole." Guilt washed him entirely, he adored being her date but the damning glares and suspicious looks were giving him the chills as well.

"Are you having seconds thoughts about it then?"
"About what? You? Course not. Cassiopeia on the other hand..."
"You want your name back?" He ushered, and that caused her to grip onto her wrist in a painful stab to the heart.

"Please don't tell my father...I don't want him hoping and then for me to just shut it down when I can't deal with...Well with this."
"This isn't just a sudden change of heart, is it Ari? Tell me." The way he begged caused her heart to erupt and she sighed.

"I signed a document the other day as Cassiopeia Aurora Black. It—It just happened, I don't know if it was a memory spike or just a loss of control but...I feel terrible for Aurora, how scared she must've been knowing that she was just kicked out. And then I realize it's me." The stress lines caused Rabastan to look out before escorting his date off to the side table, letting her hide behind his figure as she settled on a half glass of wine.

Out of sight.

"It's not wrong to feel that way Aria, it was your birthright. It's your right to claim."
"But it would hurt so many people. Mum and dad would be heartbroken, and I spent years waiting to be a Crawford." Of course she was right once again, but Rabastan didn't know to say to make her feel better.

Other than holding her hand as a peace offering.

"Whatever you plan on doing, I'll be right here."
"Beside me?"

"Where else would I be?" It was painful not being able to kiss him when he was being adoringly sweet, so instead she brought their conjoined hands up to his lips and kissed him that way.

"I don't suppose that's won me an address to your new manor, has it?"
"Oh you'll be getting my address in the mail sooner or later. I'm throwing a party."
"You're serious...What type of party?" She grinned and shrugged her shoulders.

"I was thinking a charity event of the sorts, I hope you like cards and gambling—For a cause that is." Aria had managed to turn the tables in her favor. On further listening, he learned that whatever money was lost would be given up to charity, it was a grand idea that he couldn't wait to attend.

Though it was still a good few weeks away.

"And what might the two of you be talking about over in this little corner?" Rodolphous had questioned, not hiding the fact that he eyed Aria up and down with the clear intent to get his brother angry.

"Eyes up and mouth closed, Rodolphous. Not in the mood for the taunts." She said just as the rim of her glass touched her lips.

"But I am in the mood for a feisty gal, I heard from a little birdie that you went ahead to the Eve Garden, isn't that right?" Aria had spat up her drink and there was only so much she could do to hide behind Rabastan.

In seeing the color drain from Rabastan's face, she realized that perhaps he had gone. "That was ages ago brother."
"I'm not talking about you, I'm talking about this one," Radolphous said, pointing his finger off towards Ms.Crawford who couldn't wish any harder to be anywhere but there.

"Aria?... Is this true?"
"I had panties to buy, and damnit Radolphous that was supposed to be a surprise." She attempted to play it off, not wanting the truth of her going with their father out in about.

Though she wondered if Rodolphous knew that far, all things considering that is...

"Just doing my brother a favor I suppose, I'd love to escort you there the next time love. Owl me."
"I'll say this in the most polite way possible, Rodolphous. Please, kindly, fuck off." He knocked his hand onto the table before leaving with a planted wink, but of course that left with Aria having to explain herself.

"Alright...You went to Eve's Garden to buy panties?" Aria licked her lips and looked away with hovered eyes, as her uncle and father had been in a rather heated discussion.

"I beg you—Ask me later."
"Oh believe me, I don't want to get beaten up in front of a crowd love. But I'll hold you to that later. And perhaps ask for a preview." She rolled her eyes as she greeted both her father and uncle with a kind smile.

Course Rabastan downplayed her doubt with a small headache that he forced her away from the crowd, which of course followed with either family member dotting her.

Apparently it wasn't new to have these sorts of headaches, but she promised she was alright. Leaving Rabastan to be the one to keep an eye on her, or would've had she didn't need to use to the loo.

Though the crowd had managed and she failed to see anyone she recognized, course there was one of the dozen. And she decided that it'd be best to get this over with.

Picking up her dress a small bit, she parted her ways with the occasional 'excuse me' to get to her destination. And when Avery had caught sight of her, he stilled.

"Ms.Crawford." He greeted, with a small bow to his head. Yet the obvious sign of either sporting masking charms to their injuries was an excuse for another day.

"Avery...I wanted to have a word with you." He eyed the others he was with and offered his arm to escort her to a similar spot Rabastan had her prior to. Yet it didn't settle either of them, this was dangerous to be alone with him in the eye of the public, but Aria didn't care.

She needed to get the words out.

"I'm sorry...If it still means anything anymore. 'Bas said you couldn't take anything for the pain?" She showed the beginning portion of where the damage had been done and flinched.

"It means a lot that you're apologizing Avery, but truthfully I'm glad that Rabastan has a close friend that's willing to drop everything to defend him And that's what you did."
"You're not angry?"
"Of course I am, but I deflected my anger I had on you to Rabastan. And I was wrong to do that."
"Yeah, he said you gave him a good yelling..." She nodded and then sighed.

"You're loyal, that's a beautiful trait."
"Are you drunk? Merlin Ari, was that a compliment?"
"A foolish one, I called Rabastan loyal as well. To his father of all people. Tell me I'm wrong when I say this, but is it worth fighting for?" Avery frowned, turning towards her just a bit more that he questioned what she meant.

"Is what fighting for?"
"Don't pretend you didn't just look at Harper across the ways, what's stopping you?"
"The fact that she fucked 'Bas to get back at the both of you? That she's a dirty whore? Whatever you want to hear, love. One of the bunch." Aria nodded and the two took a sip of their drink.

"Yet we forgive them, don't we?" His mind suddenly realized what Aria had meant—That Rabastan had cheated much like Harper had during the time they were together.

"I could sit here and tell you love is love, but could you really ever see her change?"
"No. And I'm resenting her for it. I know I am, I see you with 'Bas and now that dunderhead with Clemintine and I just...I can't." Aria had given him a friendly rub on the shoulder, trying to calm his hand but it was no use.

It was something he needed to overcome.

"How did you forgive 'Bas?"
"It took time, yeah, but I can't imagine anyone in his place. You know? Even if I'm not ready to be apart of a scene like this."
"Ah but you were always apart of the scene, you born in this."
"But I've forgotten it all...Come find me later, I won't have you sulking at the walls without a dance tonight." This ended with a chuckle and a tilt of his glass forward. Granted Aria had a set goal in mind to return to Rabastan as she spotted him off towards where McNair and Clem were.

Yet that all stopped with a yank of her arm. Confusion strikes her instantly, but the sickening smirk of Harper herself had caused Aria's stomach to drop.

"How did you get in here?" The witch seethed through her teeth and Aria titled her head. "I was a plus one, obviously."

"Surely you can't be serious." Course it might've looked like it, but Aria shook her head.

"No, Harper, I'm Rabastan's plus one. Not Avery's, he's sulking in the corner pretending you don't exist. And quite frankly, I feel sorry for him." Amelia had looked ready to blow up, but being in public gave Aria the upper hand.

Or should've, had she been a Black.

No doubt a scene would go down if that was to be the case, though she couldn't recall how low on the list the Harper family was in comparison to the Black's.

"You'll leave well enough alone if you know what's good for you."
"Good for me? I'll take you up on that, what is good for me?"
"Stay away from Lestrange."
"And why would I do that?"
"He's my betrothed, that's why. Our father's discussed it just the other day." The color in Aria's face had drained instantly, had that been what Radolphous had done?

Was this all for nothing?

"He didn't tell you? It's been planned for years."
"I'm sure in your head you're also married and with child, good day—"
"I told you to leave, Roswell."
"My name is Crawford and I suggest you let go of my arm before—"
"Before what? This is my domain, I can yell one word and the wands would go pointing towards you. And all I'd need to give them is this." Aria didn't need to look at the photograph any longer than she had.

She'd thought she had gotten rid of them all, but it seems like fate had caused her to miss a few.

Reaching forward she plucked it, and with that offering, it told her that there were more in stock if Amelia had let one go to waste. Course the offered look Avery had given her from across the ways caused her to resort back to stalling, hopefully getting some reinforcements.

"Pitty. You look much prettier this way, don't you? Enjoyed yourself that night?"
"It was wonderful, and perhaps he even knew it was me deep down. Only purebloods can handle each other." Aria rolled her eyes but had to bite her tongue at the offense, granted the incoming footsteps had caused her to sigh back in defeat with her hands crumbling the photograph.

"Ms.Harper, you know you're banned from the premise—Only your parents were invited this evening." Oh, well that certainly put things into perspective.

McNair's declaration had caused Aria to turn her gaze for a moment and smirk. "It's alright McNair, she can have my seat at the table. A future betrothed in store for you Lestrange." She said, her gaze pleading as she couldn't dare to let this fail. Instead she managed to slip through the crowds in search of Radolphous.

But thankfully she caught sight of one better, Rodolphous.

Instantly hurrying to his side, she latched onto his arm and looked up. "Love, this is surely sudden but I—"
"I need your father." She bustled out, and that caught his attention instantly as he sobered up and scanned the crowd.

It was easy to spot him, but Aria simply claimed that she was going to a side room and for them to meet him there. With those plans underway, Aria managed to control her breathing just as either Lestrange man had come into the small reading nook of the McNair manor.

"Aria, what's happened?"
"Besides Harper coming to flaunt the very thing you did the other night—or the fact that she has blackmail? Pick and chose." Having thrown the crumbled Polaroid, Rodolphous had made the mistake of taking it to analyze.
Causing him to gawk down.

It earned him a smack upside the head and snatch away from the portrait. "It's Ms.Harper using polyjuice potion, we were handling it just fine."
"Handling it?! Handling what?!"
"Her father came to me a few weeks ago, I just need a small bit of time before settling the deal. Harper is as mad as her father, clearly you can see that darling."
"Not when you threatened me with the same thing she has, my career is—"
"Your career will not be over for a long time. Breath for me darling, it's alright...See, the picture is gone." He said, letting it burn up in flames.

But it didn't eliminate the problem, no, it just set it back farther and it caused her to fall back into the love seat as she begged the goddess for a sign.

"That's it!" She shouted with pure pleasure. "My publicist gave me a whiteout spell, it cost a pretty penny. Do you think—"
"That's brilliant! Merlin, alright...I have the photos locked away in the safe at my manor. We could get this out of the way now or tomorrow, which do you prefer?" The question had remained unanswered for the moment as Orion had thrown open the door followed shortly by Alfred.

"Corning my daughter? That's surely against the rules. Aria, come, we're leaving." She had opened her mouth for a moment but Radolphous had beat her to it.

"I'm talking to a client at the moment, unless you have any suggestions on how to get Harper to stop harassing Aria. Then please, be my guest." Orion's eyes flared, as he looked towards his daughter for confirmation.

"What type of harassment?" He questioned, and Aria honestly admitted what happened. Though thankfully the picture had been burned to a crisp just moments ago that she didn't have to witness her father's disgust at the situation.

"Pictures?!" Her roared, and Alphard had to hold his brother back in terms of not starting a civil war between the families. The pace has been allowing them to thrive, but surely a small poisoning to either Harper or her father would be the perfect instigation for it to continue.

"Orion pull yourself together, I've been trying to handle it from the shadows."
"From the shadows? You mean to tell me you've known about this?"
"Yes. Harper came to me with a proposal, course he doesn't know that Aria is a Black. That news remains a secret, but they slipped the intention that they wanted to publish them if I don't accept the betrothal between Amelia and Rabastan." Just hearing the possibly caused Aria to dry heave, but Alfred had been the helping hand through it all, handing her his spare flask that surely saved her moment and gave her something to focus on.

"Since Aria is in the public eye around the world, she has access to pricey charms and hexes that would 'white out' these types of incidences. I was just going to retrieve the pictures, if you'd like to come with, Orion?" The man blinked all for a second before a wand had been pulled out and used.

Aria's gasp had caused her to run into the line of fire. "Father, what the hell are you doing?!"

"I'm sorry my little light, but I will not allow the Lestrange's to be able to blackmail you as well." He bustled out, ready to strike again. But Senior Lestrange had simply looked for his son for aid back up to his feet.

"It's understandable Aria, I would act the same for my daughter." But it didn't make any sense at all!

"Father, they wouldn't use it as blackmail. I swear it's—"
"How would you know this, my light, this is the way of our world."
"Because they would've done so already! Do you trust them so little that it's made you attack him?" Aria had looked to father with sheer disappointment, but it was clear that tonight was done for.

Aria had reached up to undo her hair as she shook her head, looking off towards Radolphous she sighed. "Can you tell Raba I went home?"

Alfred had been the one to escort his niece to her new manor, while the eldest Lestrange had the unfortunate message to deliver that his date had left.

Course there was much more to the story, which his father filled him in on in the same private room the match had gone down in.

What a first true date indeed...

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Date Posted: 01-17-2021

Time: 8:35

Words: 4020