✧A FUTURE IN AMERICA✧

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With Aria's dad and brother in the country, they had joined them in her manor. Leaving Rabastan to study his arse off before their scheduled visit to America.

But better yet, tonight they were entertaining their small group of friends at Aria's manor while the Crawford's were out with their soon-to-be in-laws.

Granted, Rabastan was utterly thankful that Eli Crawford gave him some sort of benefit to gift a booklet--ensuring that he didn't go through the rites without some sort of knowledge on them, though with that being said. It was rather humorous to be threatened through owl post by both a fellow Slytherin and an equally suspicious badger.

While in support, they were still very protective and watchful of their daughter and sister—Given his own track record.

"Oh buck up, will you? The High Priestess will no doubt accept you into the Sanctuary."
"You say that with such confidence, love. I don't want to disappoint you on top of every other damn thing that'll follow if I can't marry you." The tension was surely there, if he failed then there was another option but realistically...It didn't look that grand.

"Rabastan, if you aren't accepted then that's just it. We'll deal with it, just like we're dealing with this lil babe. Now cheer up, the game room is finally being put to use." He smirked as he took another look around, yes, he did like the decoration lingering around.

Especially the pool table—Or the bar.

"Will my beautiful wife allow me to utilize this in the future?"
"Of course, though no whores in this house."
"Wha—"
"No. Whores. You heard me." He allowed a quick and firm nod before taking a sip of his fire whiskey.

"You'll tell me if you're feeling ready for bed?" She nodded, but of course, Clemintine had been the first to arrive and thus—The chatter had truly begun.

McNair had been only second behind as he'd been interested in a statue, and Aria hadn't hesitated to tell him where she'd acquired such a piece.

Yes, it was safe to say that Aria held the position of mistress brilliantly.

"Sorry, sorry! I was with Elsa." Avery called out in greeting either his boss and best mate. Course he earned himself a sour expression from Rabastan after kissing her on the cheek.

"We should do this more! I love it here, it gets me out from my parent's house for the night." Clem said with a sigh escaping her, clearly, she'd been on her own issues—All revealing work or the temptation of marriage by her parents.

Ether being a damning thought in its own right.

And while there had been a beautiful time to socialize, Aria had felt bloody anxious the entire time and Rabastan could hardly let the jittery feeling from taking over.

Though his mates just categorized it as being excited to be here and entertain the lot of them.

Even the speed that Aria's elves had managed were delicious and made the night.

"We did have some exciting news to share with you." She said with a bright smile, and that certainly got the attention of everyone. "I could use some good news for once," Avery said as he managed another sip of his drink.

"Ah, well this'll be good—Aria?" Rabastan said with a proud smirk written across his face.
"We're getting married." Clementine had followed Aria's pursuit of a happy squeal while either McNair and Avery had stared in utter shock.

Better yet, McNair's jaw had fallen slack while Rabastan had continued to laugh.

"I told you, love. If you weren't here to say it they wouldn't believe me."
"Believe you? God, Aria—Are you drunk?!" Avery claimed, completely concerned that she had lost her marbles but the witch had shaken her head.

"No, my wine is without its alcohol because I have work to accomplish after this and we're off to America. This one has to pass some rites in my sanctuary to be blessed for our union." The way Aria had spoke about their plan had caused Rabastan to hum in complete and utter bliss.

Almost forgetting that he had been stressed about the upcoming trials he was soon to face.

He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, raising his glass and proposing a toast. "To my beautiful...Almost fiancee!" Their friends had filled the empty game room with a bucket load of cheers, it was joyous to enjoy something for once.

To hear good news.

"When's the wedding? Oh, Aria, you'd look so beautiful in a summer wedding!" While Rabastan had a spark of panic, his fiancee simply shook her head. "I think I've made this bloke suffer long enough. We're announcing the engagement next week—And the ceremony will be a small event. Nothing massive." She cooly replied, and it settled Clementine's and McNair's thoughts on the matter.

As they were clearly excited for an event and celebration, but Avery eyed the two.

"Some might think you're with child with how quickly you're getting married." Sure he received a pair of dirty looks, but in accordance with Aria and Rabastan, their faces had said it all.

Making Avery realize his mistake.

"Oh shite—You're—" He started, but Aria's emotions had gotten the better of her. She hadn't been naive enough to think that they could pass this off without speculation or rumors.

But to be called out, hell, she hardly managed to formulate how to tell them!

"We were going to tell you in a few moments, Avery." Rabastan said with a hint of bitterness, trying to consult his future wife as she managed to swipe away a few of the loose tears.

"Truly?! You're pregnant?" Clemintine bustled, and Aria nodded with a tearful smile on her face.

"Yes. Though frankly, we're both still a bit surprised." She admitted, letting her hand come down to reach her not yet visible tum.

But it would be coming very soon.

It was quite a sight to see both Avery and McNair just taking the entire scene in, that there was a child starting to magically build in Aria's stomach.

"H-how...?" Avery questioned, and Rabastan had thrown his head back in laughter.
"How do you think it's done, mate? Course I had a stern word with Aria's fathers, so mind you, it wasn't worth getting caught." Earning him a wack, she knew the meaning behind his question...In regards to the fact that she's stated before that she doubted she could even get married to begin with.

"Wasn't worth—"
"You were kindly escorted away from that. And last I heard, Regulus is going to have my arse as well." She continued to narrow her eyes towards him before leaning further into the couch, and perhaps it wasn't proper for a man to hold his soon-to-be fiancee by her swelling stomach in the company of friends.

But he did so anyway, making Clemintine swoon.

"Oh, we needed some good news! You two, stop your pouting! You're going to be uncles!" It had certainly brightened up their thoughts on the matter, and of course Aria had felt much more at ease.

Though the babe in her stomach didn't think the same, as she had to excuse herself with her hand over her mouth.

Rabastan sighed, knowing that traveling tomorrow would be difficult on her body. But after another two minutes had passed, he had placed down his placed down his drink and excused himself.

And Avery smirked to see just how quickly his mate had managed to push forward.

"Is she alright?" McNair questioned and Clementine nodded. "Pregnant witches usually get heavily nauseous  and ill in the beginning." The two had looked off into the direction the two had disappeared off to, worry etched on their face.

"I thought having a child was joyful." McNair huffed, taking another long sip and Avery scoffed. "Did she look joyful in puking up the cookies she was munching on?"

"It's supposed to be wonderful, but she's been sick since I've known her...I hope she's alright to be carrying." Avery shrugged his shoulders at the witch's mention. "I'm sure Aria is all over the health portion of it, guess that's why she's not in the labs anymore." A bit of laughter had come forward and the heads turned off towards the couple.

"I knew Avery would catch that I wasn't in the labs eventually." She said, though her voice was a bit gravely after puking her guts out. Which Rabastan had pushed the glass of water into her hold again and she huffed.

"I'm not helpless." She beckoned, and Rabastan leaned forward to whisper a bit of a reprimand and also promises of tonight that included a back rub and a bath.

But she needed to drink the water first.

"I thought these two were nauseating before, fucksakes mate, you've already gotten her knocked up." Avery laughed, and the rest had fallen into pursuit.
"Obviously this wasn't planned." Aria shot back, but Rabastan had to lead her back to the ground and settled her down.

"Still, after the initial shock, it's a bit of a blessing love. Really, lil babe in there is ours." A smile had soon appeared as Aria had begun to daydream just how beautiful their babe would be.

And she didn't allow herself to think any further than that, that the possibility of not surviving and leaving only drew her for tears.

And she's cried enough about her untimely demise.

"So what is it that 'bas has to do to join the Sanctuary?" The question had caused Rabastan to suck in a breath.
"Go through hoops of fire it sounds like, but regardless, I can earn a spot apart of Aria's Sanctuary later. I just rather be apart now, as it'll be easier for the babe to join."

"No, joining as a babe is much easier. They have no hurdles to cross, and I hardly had much of an issue. You're making it sound like it's harder than it actually is." She hadn't given him much of an explanation, not that she could either.

Her religion was important to her, and Rabastan knew this since before he had really gotten to know her. But as the night started to grow later, he didn't hesitate to kick their guests out and lead Aria back upstairs to cater to her every whim.

She was easy to please, a warm bath with soothing oils. And in seeing her babe bump and perky breasts that'd swelled up as well, his love felt feral—So raw and alive.

But he hadn't dared push the boundaries, not when Aria was starting to feel uncomfortable with her body. The last thing he was going to do was be a bastard in ignoring this new coming.

Upon looking at the clock, he sighed. Aria had fallen asleep hardly an hour ago. Worse of it all, she couldn't drink any caffeine to help her through it.

In turning off their alarm, he made the effort in getting up and proceeded to take a shower. Only for Aria to follow in pursuit just a few minutes later. "Why didn't you wake me up?" She questioned, yawning as she started to undress.

"If I'd known you were joining me, love. I would've. But you need more rest." She nodded her head once again and rubbed her eyes, he allowed her the spot right under the showerhead and it did its job in waking up either of them.

"Thank the goddess we can sleep when we get there."

"What?"

"I did say that they're hours behind, we'll be much better rested after a nap. Course you can survive my mum for an hour or two if you're not feeling up for it." He pondered the idea, but realistically, he didn't know what to expect from Mrs.Crawford.

"If anything, I'll be getting yelled at by mum. She must be furious."
"Doubt it, they love you regardless. And who could get angry over a babe?"
"You're right, mum's probably set up my bedroom with a crib and rocker. We'll have to visit quite a bit, I hope you know that." He chuckled, coming up behind her and kissed her cheek.

"Of course, family is important—You're the one the one told me this." She kissed him back.
"And now we're starting our own..." Her whisper had nearly knocked him to the ground, they were starting their own lil family.

How could that escape him?

"I cannot wait to meet this lil fellow, and by then we'll be long-married."
"Due date is September, hardly married long enough for the babe to be considered—"
"Nonsense, father said nobody will bat an eye if we lie and say the babe came early. We're alright, now would you like me to wash your hair?" She grinned up towards him, allowing herself to get pampered and relaxed. Even now as she was sitting on the covered toilet, watching how delicate Rabastan was treating her.

"I'm going to get the trunks settled downstairs and settled, cup a tea before we head off?"
"Not a chance, how many times had I gone to the loo last night?" He chuckled, summoning the trucks to move at his will and follow him downstairs.

And either Crawford wizard had looked prepared to head out, even with how early in the morning it is.

"How's Ari?" Michael questioned and Rabastan gave him a nod. "Good, though I think she's already settled on having a nap once we arrive." Eli couldn't help but smile to himself, that is usually how Aria would go about getting used to the time zones.

Besides both he and Michael had to get back to work, thus they made their way to the Ministry with Aria layered in two cloaks to hide her slight bump.

Oh, Rabastan couldn't wait to share it with the world.

"Damn, didn't think there'd this many people so early...Guess you're nap is being withheld, Bubbles." Michael said with a firm hand on her shoulder. And Aria pouted in seeing that there was a decent line before them, hardly moving as there was an issue at the front with a witch—One that didn't want to move aside.

Rabastan could see the patience running thin in Aria's expression, the lack of sleep had started to become clear. So he turned to see that others had built up behind him and thus, he tapped Aria's wrist.
"Hmm?" She turned, and he nicked his head forward. "I'm going to see if I can be of any help, get this line moving...Don't fall asleep on me." She let out an exhausted laugh but encouraged him with a soft smile.

Eli had narrowed his brows to the lad and followed him towards the front. "He works in the ministry with his father, he's a lawyer." They had known that, but it was outstanding to see that a young wizard could fix such a trivial issue that stalled the progress and traveling of the rest.

"A rising potion mistress and a lawyer with an established firm. A dangerous combination."
"You say dangerous, but they were just so eager to help." She says, yawning into her wrist once more.

"Bubbles, go sit on the bench. You've been standing up too long." She looked to it longingly, thinking of it for quite some time. And as she shifted from the balls of her feet, she caught the low hushes from those up front—even behind the counter as the issue seemed much larger than just a faulty passport.

"Aria, if you don't go sit down, I will pull you there myself."
"If I sit down, the issue will be resolved and I'll have to get back up. And I can promise you that it'll be much harder to get me standing again." She said in a low voice, hissing at the fact that she was being called out. But she huffed regardless and made her way over to the seat, rolling her ankles here and there.

Thankfully she didn't have to get up so quickly, but within ten minutes or so—Rabastan had the issue handled and a few more booths for those heading to their destination. He had received plenty of hoots and hollering in the back, and better yet, the newest booth had offered to serve him first.

In turning back, he had nearly panicked had he not spotted Eli sitting beside Aria either. Michael had come forward and given up the bundle of passport documents for the rest of his family before claiming that he was going to get the rest of his party.

"Love...?" She placed her wrist against her mouth and shook her head. "Fuck...There's too many people, if I puke they'll—" Rabastan turned to look at the odd number of strangers, thankfully they were hardly awake themselves.

It was the administers officials that she was more worried about.

"You can sleep in the car ride, and take the potion once we pack up." She nodded and managed to hold onto Rabastan the majority of the walk to the booth and the portkey itself.

It rushed her stomach tenfold, but thankfully it wasn't strange for those traveling through portkey to be heavily nauseous following the traveling, and even Rabastan had to hold back the urge.

He didn't think he's traveled so far before in his life.

"Steady feet son, I need help with these," Eli said and patted his back, while Michael took the moment to hold Aria and confirm that the room was indeed not spinning.

It was strange, for the heir of a pureblood elite group of coldblooded and ruthless killers to be horrified at the idea of getting into a car. Especially to see Aria get in so smoothly.

"Rabastan, just open the door." She beckoned, and he frowned in looking at the handle. So she simply reached over and opened it from the other side. "It's like a carriage, you're alright."

"I take everything I say back about the muggle world, this shite is horrifying." He grumbled, especially when he watched Aria place a seatbelt over her chest and glared at him to do the same.

Apparently, it was quite common for those who drive these metal beasts to get into accidents.

Besides that, Rabastan had kept his eyes glued out the window while Aria had taken to falling asleep on his shoulder. Enjoying the feeling of the car's engine.

Usually Aidan would be the one to pick her up, but regardless, she was excited. Even if her body was screaming at her to relax.

"Is she doing alright?" Eli questioned, locking eyes with Rabastan in the rearview mirror.
"Out like a light, bet she'll say she's all rested up from just the ride." He said with a smile, looking down at his little fiancee and Eli chuckled.

While he didn't hate the wizard, nor did he like him, he could see the love he had in his eyes for his daughter—Even if that look had caused so much pain and suffering.

He was just thankful that this would be all, that Aria would be happy and live life without a new boyfriend every other month. Eli had wanted to say something, but Chrissy had stopped him outright.

The fact that Aria had felt comfortable with another was building up her trust in others, especially after the awful childhood she had suffered through.

Whether it was her way to act out or otherwise, it wasn't for them to intervene. Though now Eli was wondering if all this could have been avoided if he spoke to Aria prior.

"Has Aria told you about ma?" Michael asked, and Rabastan hummed.
"Told me to start gaining an appetite since we planned this trip, otherwise she's told me that Chrissy is sweet." That earned the two Crawford men a smile, thinking about their wife and mother.

The drive was simple, and Rabastan had started to feel much more relaxed. Though the only problem was when they started driving further into neighborhoods that he realized that he was about to meet the rest of the Crawford family.

"Ease up. We're not as scary as you might think." Eli called out as he signaled into their driveway, which gave Rabastan the first look at the original Crawford manor.

And even he rose a brow.

"I know, it's a lot. Aria had a similar reaction. Forgot to say it... Welcome to America." He said with a mixture of a cruel and excited grin.

Though Rabastan knew better, the test he was up against was still raging clearly in his mind. He would need to do his best, regardless of the outcome.

"Probably good to wake her, ma's probably got breakfast on the table already," Michael said turning back over to look, and Rabastan looked fearful. "She hardly slept last night..."

"Aria!" The hollering of a voice off in the distance had caused her to sit up straight with a quick gasp. She looked completely disoriented as she rubbed her eyes.
"Are we there yet?" She questioned, only for the door to open on her side with Michael standing just at the side.

"Been passed out since we got in the car, bubbles. Ma sounds like she—"
"Ari! Oh my sweet girl, how are you feeling?" She had barely gotten out of the car before being held onto so tightly.

"Give her a second, Crissy. She just woke up." After being dotted and smothered by a tight hug and a few kisses. Aria had started to gain recollection and hugged her mother back.

"Missed you mum."

"I'm so glad you're home! I've got a kettle on the stove waiting and all your favorites—" Rabastan had seen the pale look growing on Aria's face, he decided to cut in.
"It sounds like she'll just have the kettle then, Mrs.Crawford. Bit of an upset stomach this morning, isn't that right love?"

The look on her mother's face had caused enough distraction away from the idea of food to cause her to laugh. "Mum, this is Rabastan."

"Good Morrigan—Such a handsome boy!" She said, coming in for the same treatment of a tight hug and a smothering kiss. Which of course caused Rabastan to laugh at Aria's reaction. "That's certainly better than I would've expected considering all that's happened." Chrissy had smiled regardless and turned to her husband.

"What did you do to this poor boy?"

"Nothing. Not yet at least. Let's get you two settled upstairs." Aria was thankful that this introduction would wait a few hours so she could settled her mind and aching feet, it was starting to overwhelm her just how painful it was beginning to feel.

Speaking of getting ready, she had reached for her truck and she couldn't manage once all three wizards had taken the lead in picking up anything of hers. Whether it be her purse or cloak, they didn't allow her to pick up anything.

With that being said, Chrissy had lead her daughter into the home and the crow had followed.

"Get used to it sweetheart, the catering has started." Aria had laughed with her mother as she sighed in relief to smell the familiarity in her.

This was her safe haven, and she smiled to see Rabastan being introduced to this side of her.

"Ari!" The voices had come from around the corner, nearly blindsiding Rabastan in hearing the lack of an accent. It would need for some getting used to as it sounded so bizarre.

She had nearly been tackled if Chrissy hadn't stepped in to block the three excited siblings. And once they had calmed down, they managed much safer hugs. In addition to feeling Aria's growing swell, Rabastan was easily talking out of his arse in making acquaintances with the rest of the Crawford family.

"Let me get this one settled into bed, and we can take a look at who's team really has the better stats, mate." He said with a grin, wrapping his arm around Aria's waist and tugging her a bit.

She was desperate at the idea to lie down, then later she could bask in her mum's cooking—Especially since asked for the Crawford famous homemade chocolate cookies.

Aria had been the one to direct her fiancee towards her room, and Rabastand didn't know what else to expect. Her bedroom had been one of the many oddly shaped room, the main attraction was the large reading nook in the corner.

Yet the walls were aligned with books and her desk neatly organized with a few doodles from her younger years. "I see that the Crawford manor I'm familiar with is inspired by the original." Her smile glistened with pure admiration that he noticed that her style was brought by her mum.

"I tried at least—Sorry, I'm about two minutes before falling to the floor." She said in attempting to pry off her shoes, and to huff in damnation to see that her pain was evident.

Rabastan had kneed down without a thought and aided her, even going so far as massaging her the base and heel of them. Making her moan in a thankful pleasure.

"That's certainly the sound I encourage you to make."
"Git. It's just going to get worse." She explained, not understanding as to why it was so swollen. "And we'll manage it as it comes, where's your nightwear?" With that, Rabastan had aided his little fiancee to get ready for a nap, kissing her forehead in making sure was tucked in properly.

Even going to sit down on the edge of the bed to rub her back. "It's strange being here with you, I never thought that...That we'd make it this far."

"Suppose it is a little odd, I broke your heart and you healed here...But once I've joined the Sanctuary, we'll enjoy it all. Buy a summer home here?"

"Truly?"

"Why not?... Your family is here and we'll need a place to stay once this one comes around. Nothing too fancy or large, just enough for us." It was strange to hear Rabastan say these type of things, back when she had first started speaking with him with a friendly tone, that he would be open to getting a quaint summer home in Salem.

"I'd like that. After the babe is born at least." She said through a yawn, and just like that—Aria's eyes had fluttered shut and she was snoozing along so easily. "Wake you up in a bit for lunch, love. Sleep well." He had continued to rub her back for another few moments and kissed her head, slipping out of the room to return back to the family.

But once he had been singled out to the group of Crawfords, he realized that perhaps not going to bed was ultimately a mistake. Yet Chrissy had pulled him to the breakfast table and served him a hefty portion of goods.

No wonder Aria was a brilliant cook, Chrissy was a chef herself!

"I'm afraid I can't eat much more, Chrissy—This was delicious." He said while wiping the corners of his lips, and damnit Michael was absolutely livid that the rest of the family accepted him in so quickly.

After all, he's done to Aria, especially now.

So the rest of his siblings just asking him about Hogwarts, or his sisters just blatantly obsessed with his voice that he nearly locked his eyes at the back of his head after rolling them so much.

"A bit has past, I'm going to tempt Aria with a cup of tea if that's alright..." He said, excusing himself with said mug, and Michael glared at his sisters with the same disappointment as he felt in the beginning.

"Better wipe that frown off your face right now, Michael. Before Aria comes downstairs." Chrissy said with a pointed finger, and he groaned again. "You're supposed to be defensive, just accepting him isn't going to—"

"He's the father of my grandchild, you best believe he has my acceptance. Since none of you've four gotten this far just yet." Simone sucked in a breath, none of them was seeking a long-term relationship

And Michael certainly wasn't after getting divorced so quickly.

"There's no use in holding a grudge, besides, I wouldn't mind a grandchild either. And don't tell me you can't see just how happy Aria is." He deemed, and Michael scoffed.

"Took awhile to get there, didn't it?"
"Michael, that's uncalled for!" Simone hissed. "It's all in the past, it's be like Aria putting the blame on you for what Erika did. It wasn't your fault and it's all settled. If she can forgive him then so should we." Michael had made a face, regardless of his siblings' explanations, he would still hold his guard up.

After considering just how into the dark arts both the Black and Lestrange family are, Aria was already being heavily influenced—The child would—

"Aria! You look well-rested now, come...Let me make you some lunch." She nearly drooled at the idea of her mother's cooking and nodded, but had been shooed away from the kitchen at the mere step inside.

"Goddess, I'm not helpless!"

"No, but that is my grandbaby in there. And I won't have you or them going hungry. Now go, drinking and walking is no good for you." With that now in Rabastan's mind, he had escorted her back to the table with the rest of the Crawfords...And that is how he had spent the first day in America.

Surrounded by his future family.

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Date Posted: 09/11/2021

Time: 11:01

Words: 4971

Author's Note:

The next chapter will showcase Rabastan's ultimate test--
Seeing if he is worthy of joining the Sanctuary or receiving their blessing to marry Aria--
Do you think he'll pass?