✧IF I HAD THE CHOICE✧

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The next hour was foggy in her mind, trying to stay awake and fight against the tonic in order to listen to everything that was being said up and around her. There were a few prickles around her, but nothing as painful as the thought of losing her child.

Outside the room where the healers were working effortlessly in order to keep her calm and stable, Eli and Orion were discussing things with the head healer in question, wondering what option would be the best—Only to be interrupted when Eli stopped midsentence after spotting Rabastan at the end of the hall.

"Healer Maverick, this is Aria's Fiancee and the child's father...Rabastan Lestrange." Eli said, gesturing to the disheveled wizard who nearly tripped over his own feet. "How is she?"

"Everything is alright, as of right now, mum and the babe are doing well. I recommend staying another night or two to be monitored, but I've been told Aria has other sources when it comes to health care...I haven't been able to get in contact with them. What do you want to do, Mr. Lestrange?" Both Eli and Orion frowned as the doctor had twisted the question off towards the younger wizard of the four.

"It's best to keep her here, in the hospital, and then change her after the all-clear." Orion reminded, but the Healer remained focused on Rabastan.

"Er, I agree as well. I wouldn't want to move her so soon after everything happened." The healer nodded, all while catching the frown on the father's faces.

"Fiancees of those injured or incapable of making a decision at this time. That and her records indicated that a Rabastan here has jurisdiction in cases that involves the babe." It had taken a moment for either of the fathers to understand the finer details, but for Rabastan it meant the world.

"Can I see her?" He asked, and the Healer sighed.

"Once the room clears, you're more than welcome to. The healers will bring a set of pillows and make the bed for you to spend the night." With a few more details shared between the three of them, the healer was soon directed by another urgent patient across the hall.

"There's no reason to glare at him. He agreed with us, Orion." Eli mediated, but that still didn't stop the father from scoffing. "Wonderful, she's put him in charge of her well-being?"

"I take it she was thinking about their child together, and that she trusts him in the manner of thinking for the both of them when she can't. When they get married it'll be the same." Rabastan nodded, smiling off towards Eli at the fact that the man was defending and trying to de-escalate Orion's anger. "I suppose... Make no mistake, Rabastan, my daughter's well-being is of the utmost importance."

"Of course it is, it might be hard for you to believe—Sir, but that is in my best interest as well, I love her. And god forbid I let anything happen to her when I'm this close to finally being able to call her my wife. I will always take what you both say into consideration, but in the end, it's my decision. Or if Aria is lucid, hers." His declaration had elected both a frown and a smile, but neither was all that surprising since Eli already voiced his appreciation for everything Rabastan has done and promised to do.

"Ah, you must be Ms.Crawford's family. The room is clearing now, you're all welcome to come and say your goodnights. I have a Mr.Lestrange listed?" Rabastan smiled, and after a quick summary—The three wizards hurried into the room to see Aria sporting gauzes wrapped well around her head and shoulder. But otherwise, she looked to be in good shape.

Panic had rushed over Rabastan as he skidded to the chair and interlocked Aria's hand into his. His soft and quick mumbles of prayer he learned to ease his thoughts.

Even the small shifts in her sleep were enough for him to keep him at bay.

Both Eli and Orion had both stayed until the very last minute of visiting hours while Rabastan stared intently on the bed that was provided. So instead he simply shrugged off his jacket and gathered both the blanket and pillow.

It wasn't that comfortable, but it was much better suited to get some sleep beside Aria—Just in case she wakes up before morning.

Rabastan's eyes fluttered open every once in a while, whether it was because a healer came in to check up on her or because he had the feeling she was awake.

But every time he was met with disappointment, and when the realization settled—He realized that he was going to kill Harper.

Perhaps he could ask the Dark Lord for a favor?

"Hmmm." A smile had escaped him at the sound of Aria, but the shift in bed alerted him as his eyes popped up—To finally meet her active line of sight.

Or nearly active as there was a bit of a daze to her expression, given that she was heavily sedated for the pain.

"Aria...? Love? Can you hear me?" She hummed, moving her body a bit more only to hiss at the discomfort. Sending her fiancee in a near spiral on whether or not to alert the healer or to stay by her side.

"Raba?" Her voice sounds so soft, and he couldn't help but let out another pathetic sob. One that would've given him a glare if Orion remained. But it didn't matter.

She was awake and she said his name!

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry. I should've done something, I should've—" Rabastan instantly silenced himself as Aria whispered his name again as her eyes latched onto his gaze and a small smile had started to erupt on her face.

"You're here..."

"Course. No place I'd rather be at the moment. You're alright, you and the babe." Aria smacked her lips together and began to look around, not understanding what he meant until it clicked.

Everything clicked.

"The baby!" She shrieked, throwing herself forward only for Rabastan's arms to catch her and embrace her into a hug—It was emotional turmoil to be on such a strong tonic while with child.

"Babe is perfectly fine. The healer will decide tomorrow if you still need to be moved to the other hospital." With that, Aria had managed to lean back into the pillow and slow down her beating heart, trying to settle the fragments of pain that sprinkled around her body.

"What happened?"

"An altercation with a dead witch walking, there's no need to worry about it love. Nearly a hundred or so witnesses, and better yet. They all know her and her family are deranged." Aria had remained silent, wondering if the memories of last night would return. But even as she caught sight of her torn-up dress and shoes in the corner of the room, nothing stood out except a few voices, stressful shouts, and healer orders trying to take charge.

"The baby is fine, you're sure?"

"Yes. Your fathers are coming tomorrow, Michael as well." She nodded, bringing the palm of her hand to rub her temple as though it would solve any of her problems. "Did the crowd like the proposal?"
"Hmm, Cissy took control of that one. Adoring cousins reunited." It was clear to Rabastan that she was still heavily groggy with tonics to keep her comfortable, but the bump on her head was still a raging concern for Rabastan.

Not to mention that neither of their hands could leave the swell of her stomach, hoping that there is no damage to her womb at all.

Aria was thankful that she didn't have to be transferred to another hospital and instead was helped up to their shared room back at her manor. Mountains of pillows propping her up as she and Rabastan spent the better part of the day lounging.

Even though she would have rather been working with potions, there was something oddly soothing about designing a wedding layout.

Not to mention that Rabastan was just at her side doing his own work to keep her company. Though even was getting rather fed up over the different floral arrangements.

"Rabastan I would rather take a nap, but given that we're on a time crunch as is...I really don't want either of our mothers picking out some outlandish flowers or other things. We have a whole long list of pretentious people coming to the celebration. Besides, I'd like some photos to look back at in the future." She said with a small smile before turning back to the parchment in hand.

"Photos?... Oh, believe me, love, we're putting a grand one of the two of us right there on that wall." Aria's head lifted up to see where he was pointing and she chuckled. "A bit egotistic, hm?"

"Not at all, our children will know that their parents love each other very much."

"Of a very intimate moment? I suppose, and this one will be right there with us—" She spoke fondly, patting down onto her stomach as it was really starting to make a dent.

"How do you feel with the world knowing of your true heritage?" Aria remained silent as she thought, and Rabastan knew quite well this look—One where she was sorting out her emotions.

"Better than I thought, I wanted my dad to be alright with it...And father really cannot hide his excitement, can he?" Rabastan shook his head, no, Orion was much too happy to reclaim her.

"No. And it's quite hilarious, but you must understand that Orion's been gloomy since he's had to send you away. Guilt would've rounded him up eventually. You were meant to come back to us, Aria, it's meant to be. We're—" A sudden groan had come from his throat as the blinding pain erupted from his forearm.

"I—I meant to tell you." He said, gritting his teeth as he waved his hand forth and responded to the call. "What? Tell me what?" Aria said, eager as to what was happening.

"He wants to see you."
"He wants to see me? Goddess, why?!" Rabastan had turned rather confused, causing him to rise to his feet. "He's wanted to meet you in a better light. And now that it's common knowledge, he'll want to meet you as Cassiopeia Black." It nearly escaped her, the offer she gave to Sirius the day she met him out for lunch.

She didn't want to help Dumbledore, but she did want to help her brother, Remus, and the Potters. She wanted to help them, and that reigned higher than her own fear of the man.

Aria had lifted herself and a stab of pain caused a gasp, but her fiancee frowned and placed his hand onto her shoulder. Stopping her and her persist. "Not tonight, no. I won't allow it. Any stress on you right now isn't good for the babe, and I know we've decided to wait to until you're further along but—"
"No. No. Please, Rabastan—Don't tell him we're expecting, please!" Aria gripped his hand, tearing already overwhelming him that he couldn't breathe let alone think of going against his word.

"Aria, I'm bounded to him. He'll know sooner or later, and I've already gone against him for hiding your name. I cannot choose."
"You cannot choose me?... Our child—No, it doesn't make sense to keep quiet then. You're right, he'll know eventually. But only him, I have a feeling those others like to gossip. Please don't tell anyone you don't have to." He nodded, thankful that she hadn't made more of an argument.

He considered what the healer had said once again, that any amount of stress would be harmful to the mother and child. There was no possible way he could bring her to face the Dark Lord, not with how much she had worked herself up over the mere thought of meeting with him.

Upon getting her situated and settled, Aria continued to give him small worried glances as she watched him summon a midnight black robe—One she knew very well, almost too well.

"I'll be back as soon as I can, not to worry." She flinched, and for a moment he thought she needed the bucket—But instead of taking it from his hands, she pulled him forward, offering her embrace and a firm hand to caress his cheek.

"I want you back here before the sun comes up, do you understand?" She issued, another flinch caused her body to jerk. And Rabastan could only nod and hope to the gods that the Dark Lord wasn't in a mood so he could return home.

"I'll send an owl if I'm late, I promise." With a nod she had settled a small kiss to his lips before dropping her hand rubbing the place that elected pain.

"Should I call a healer before I go?"

"No need, I think I'll take another bath before heading to bed." He reminded her quickly about asking the elves for help about getting around the manor.

As he apparent off towards the Malfoy manor, he was both thankful and wishing that the Crawfords weren't stuck at the Ministry with his father—It would allow him to leave with ease, though a part of him knew that Michael wouldn't let this go so easily.

He made a note to an elf that passed him by to give a message to Narcissa, who he knew well enough to push some reassurance towards Aria—Especially since they are now found again cousins.

Though the tugging thought had reminded him that it was Narcissa who told Regulus that Claudette is his betrothed—While the incident couldn't have been avoided considering he was in a pretty recognizable position, it still irked him.

Had he stopped and taken the time to explain things to Aria, then perhaps he could have recognized sooner that a betrothed didn't mean a sexual relationship—Then perhaps they would have been long married, excited for this child and not rushing these important milestones.

But he had to, unfortunately, deplete his mind of anything heartwarming and sweet, he couldn't bear any resemblance of kindness—Something he reserved for his future wife and best mates in private.

"Ah, Rabastan...I was beginning to think you were ignoring my call." Seeing the table fill was giving him unnecessary heart palpitations, he needed to speak with the Dark Lord and soon.

"No, my Lord. But I wish to have a word with you after the meeting is finished." That seemed to give the Dark Lord something to put his attention to, and after the pale hand had extended forward, Rabastan hurried to his seat and nodded kindly to greet his brother.

Ignoring the curious glances of both Avery and McNair, but even they didn't give away anything as to what was previously discussed. But the conversation had soon flown with ease, and thankfully the Dark Lord didn't look too angry for his delayed arrival.

If anything, Rabastan categorized the Dark Lord as being curious.

There was a benefit in all of this, even if Aria doesn't join them. Being married to him was enough, at the promise of more pureblood children—It was a win-win.

Soon, the meeting was considered finished. And while the hour is late, it wasn't light out yet. So he rose to his feet and kept his eyes ahead of him.

He didn't make it a habit to see the Dark Lord one-on-one like this, as usual, it meant punishment with no interruptions. But Rabastan knew that his name is important for the cause, and both his brother and Bellatrix would start to question him.

Or he hoped that way, anyway.

"You bring me good news I hope, Rabastan?" The Dark Lord asked, and he followed soon with a nod. "Yes, My Lord. I bring you good news, news involving Aria Crawford." The delight in his tone suggested that the news hadn't hit the Daily Prophet just yet, or perhaps it would in the next few hours considering there was much to cover.

"What news do you have on Aria Crawford?"

"Her true identity, and it couldn't be more of a blessing, my Lord." A sickening smile had formed on the wizard's face, and a laugh had erupted in the silence. "Truly? Tell me, which family does she hail from?"

"You were correct, my Lord. She does hail from one of the sacred twenty-eight...The Black family." Happiness wasn't a trait Rabastan would ever pair with the Dark Lord, but it is a considerable acknowledgment to see that such news about Aria Crawford had caused this type of reaction.

"She knows this, I presume?"

"Yes. She knows, her brothers know, her parents...And my family knows. I was meant to marry her after graduating Hogwarts, had it not been for Walburga and Orion's mistake." Recognition had fallen into the conversation now, but the Dark Lord didn't think to question how Rabastan had come to find out.

"Will she be easily persuaded now? I've heard she trusts you."

"She will, when the time comes. She carries my child, my son." Laughter had taken over the room, but this time it was manic, it was terrifying.

"A son—Congratulations, you've become a loyal servant in these past few months. Offering an heir to the cause already, surpassing your brother." Rabastan nodded, but the sudden realization of why Aria didn't want to tell anyone was starting to wain on him.

"Yes, my father said the same. Though Orion had a different set of words for me."
"Orion...Orion Black, yes, I suppose he would be protective of his daughter with all that's happened. And? Have you found her true views of our world?" Rabastan remained quiet for a moment and shook his head.

"She isn't speaking with Sirius or that group, not anymore. Aria hates Dumbledore, she wouldn't associate with that lot."

"No? Are you sure of this?" While he had his doubts, he did believe that her pettiness was against their former headmaster. There was still an issue with Sirius and Aria, one he didn't know the extent of, but he had one guess.

"Yes. She doesn't agree with how Sirius left our world, left Regulus. She's very close to her younger brother." The Dark Lord had caught there were no lies within his mind.

"Regulus has been showing his eagerness to join our cause, in the coming months he will be called upon. I want you to mentor him, it will give Ms.Crawford comfort, will it not?" Rabastan nodded, knowing that Aria would feel thankful in that regard.

"We've only just announced our engagement, my Lord. Our wedding will be rushed, and we're doing our best to keep quiet about expecting a babe."

"I will not share your good news, that will come in time. Perhaps even encourage the rest to get married and produce our next generation. You'll be honored at the next meeting, Rabastan. And expect my owl in the coming days." A gift? What could he possibly gift them?

Upon leaving the grand room, he was met with an awaiting Narcissa by the staircase. A worried look loomed on her face. "Is everything alright? You've been by yourself for a while, Rabastan." Even Mrs.Malfoy knew the concern in being called to stay afterward.

"Everything is well, I needed to inform the Dark Lord about Aria—Including her origin, our engagement, and the babe." Her eyes widened in how dangerous this could be, but remained quiet.

It was already done, and it was better to be upfront on issues pertaining the Dark Lord.

"Is he still after Aria to join?"

"Most likely, but the babe will be her first concern—Our first concern. And the Dark Lord knows that." Narcissa didn't look too convinced, and Rabastan had to admit, even he didn't feel all that great in exposing the secret.

He liked having Aria all to himself, and of right now with the public only knew about their engagement...That was enough to cause a stir of whispers.

No doubt they'd follow straight up to their son's birth, but that could all be exposed and talked about later.

Right now, Rabastan was hurrying against the clock to make it home in time. But thankfully he had managed to take a shower in the guest bathroom, clearing up the faint smell of smoke that he knew lingers on his clothes.

When all was said and done, he made his way back into the master suite and returned back under the covers to encase Aria in a loving embrace.

"You're back."

"I know I haven't stuck to many promises, but know I would never leave if I had the choice." Aria was faintly aware of his presence, but the rest of her mind was still strictly asleep.

So as she snuggled back into her pillow and squeezed his hand into hers, she whispered something every so silently that Rabastan stilled in having barely caught it the end of it.

"You do have a choice, and you're choosing wrong."

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Date Posted: 10-21-2021

Time: 2:03 PM (Sorry this is late!)

Words: 3559

Scenes like this make me wish that I made Aurora (The Original character from the Immer Rein series) evil. I would have loved to explore a 'dark' Aurora. 

So I think the Immer Ende is going back on the drawing board for some experimenting, who wants evil Aurora?