Hey guys-

Sorry for taking so fucking long. I have been so fucking busy aksjhdfgkhrkgjhs. Anyway, enjoy this wholesome content. Ish...

If there are typos, bare with me. It's 5 fucking AM.

Without further adieu, I present to you...

L E A R N I NG

amelie zabini

{monday}

"I mean I've always seen her in our Charms class, but I never actually paid attention to her," I murmured as Oliver and I walked down the corridors, "Have you ever talked to her?"

He scoffed.

"Eleanor?" Oliver queried, "No, not really. She gives me psychotic-energy vibes. I cannot."

I softly chuckled.

"She's beautiful, though," I responded, "Though I've never interacted with her. I suppose she's nice. I hope she's treating my brother well. Or something like that."

"I'm surprised Zenith-poo even told us about his shag," Oliver blurted as he pulled his book bag over his shoulder, "Given the circumstances that he's all secretive and such."

"Right?"

We both sighed.

Zenith usually never brags or talks about any girls that he's slept with, so it can be assumed that she's possibly special.

"So, are we going to the Ravenclaw's dungeons today?" I queried as we bustled through the crowd of teenagers eager to get back to their dorms and commons.

"That's what Narsa said, no?"

"I'm asking-."

"Yes," he beckoned, "We're going to the Ravenclaws'."

As we walk alongside one another, we suddenly see Zeno walking out of his Ancient Studies class

Zeno stands by the entrance, tall and handsome, glancing left and right when he finally spots the both of us.

Immediately, a smile grows across his face.

He speeds towards us with a contagious smile and opens his arms widely.

I couldn't help but blush.

"Mel," he breathed, as he pulled me into a tight embrace, "I missed you."

He leaned down and placed a kiss on my forehead as I wrapped my arms around his large frame.

"I missed you, too," I said lowly as we both pulled away from one another's embrace, "Though it was only a couple hours since we've seen each other."

He rolled his eyes.

"I dread the day without you, Mel," Zeno chuckled as he tucked my hair behind my ear.

"What about me?" Oliver hissed, "Where's my forehead kiss? My embrace?"

Zeno started walking towards Oliver with open arms as Oliver backed away chuckling.

"I thought you wanted some love, Oli," Zeno sneered as he inched closer and closer towards him.

"No! It's too late now, back up Mr. Giant," Oliver retorted.

Zeno laughed and rolled his eyes as he made his way towards me once more.

He grabbed my tender hand and intertwined it with his large one; rings pressed against my fingers.

At an instant, my heart fluttered.

Oliver walked beside Zeno as the three of us strutted down the corridors on the way to the Ravenclaw's dungeons.

"How was your day, my love?" Zeno asked softly, looking down at me with his emerald glistening eyes.

Fucking hell, he's romantic. No complaints here.

"It was... a long day, I guess you could say," I responded, "Lots of work, though it can be finished within a matter of an hour. No worries, really."

Zeno lifted my hand towards his plump lips and placed a gentle kiss onto it.

"You and your smart self," he said quietly through a smile.

"And how was yours?" I asked cheerfully.

He softly chuckled.

"It's great now that we're here-. Now that we're here together," Zeno said softly.

I grasped onto his hand a little tighter and smiled a really wide smile.

Fucking hell, these emotions were too much! I couldn't fully grasp the concept of being in a relationship with Xenophilius Berkshire; being all touchy in public with Zeno, but for fuck's sake I'm blessed.

"You're adorable, truly," I responded through my cheeky grin.

"No, that's definitely you, Mel," he said through his smirk.

"No, it's definitely me," Oliver interrupted, as he grabbed Zeno's hand and intertwined their fingers, "It's definitely me."

Zeno and I laughed as Oliver swung his arm in unison with Zeno's. Oliver let his hand go as we continued to walk- walking with power, really.

As I walked with Zeno hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel my face warm up. This was something I was very new to - the affection from the one and only, the lovey-dovey touching, and fuck's sake the sex we were having.

The fog of thoughts soon disintegrated when I noticed that herds of girls and boys whispered alongside the corridors whilst looking directly at me- at us.

I glanced left and right when I realized that they really were looking at us. And they were talking. And whispering into one another's ear.

Odd.

Is it a shocker that Zeno was being publicly affectionate with someone this way? I mean, I'd be shocked, too, if I saw Zeno with some girl after being in the 'shadows' of lust and secrecy.

Nonetheless, I couldn't care less.

Let them stare.

Yes, I'm fucking this man.

Problem?

"They're talking," Zeno said quietly, "About us."

I scoffed.

"Oh, my love," I said with grimace, "Let them talk."

A smirk grew across his face.

"You never fail to amaze me, Amelie Emans Zabini," he said seductively, "You and your fierce self."

His voice. It was his voice that made me pool. His voice and assuring words that sent chills all around my body.

Was this some sort of fucking fever dream?

Disregarding the chatterboxes, we took a few sharp turns and climbed up the constant moving stairs towards the Ravenclaw entrance.

"Never climb these stairs while high off your fucking ass," Oliver muttered under his breath and he grabbed onto the stair railing, "You'll throw u-."

"We know," Zeno and I said in unison, following a short chuckle.

"I remember. Trust me, I do," I beckoned as Zeno groaned.

"Do you remember how chunky-."

"Alright, Zeno," I cut him off immediately, "There really is no need for you to be descriptive."

He scoffed.

"Oliver brought it up first," he whined, "Tell him off."

I rolled my eyes.

"You two are children," I said, "Children, I tell you."

Once we arrived in front of the entrance of the House of Ravenclaw, Narsa was already there; along with Lola and Scarlett.

"What took you three so fucking long?" Lola snapped. She glanced at our intertwined hands and immediately smiled. "Never mind, you two get a pass."

"What the fuck? What about me?" Oliver queried as he swung his arm around her.

"Once you're in a relationship, you get a pass, too," she softly giggled, "Did you bring the Dragon Tears?"

"Of course I did," he responded cockily, "I could never miss the opportunity of consuming it with the very best group."

"Dragon Tears?" I questioned while looking up at Zeno.

"Some sort of fancy alcohol," he responded, "Stronger than any other muggle beverage."

My eyes widened.

I'm not a big fan of drinking on school days, but over time it's just a common reoccurrence among all of us to the point where you just get... used to it.

"That sounds like it stings," I mumbled. "I think I might tap out for tonight."

He gives me an assuring smile.

"I'll drink light, if you want me to," Zeno suggests.

"Oh, no Zeno. Please, go on ahead and drink as much as you want," I assure him, "Don't let me be a party-pooper-."

"I insist," Zeno states sternly.

I bit my lip nervously and just nodded. There was no point in a bicker; once he's made a decision, there really is no turning back.

"Let's just fucking go," Narsa snapped, "You three had me fucking waiting."

Narsa did what she had to do as a Ravenclaw in order to enter her house; her riddle solving and such.

As she entered, we followed.

Zeno still had his fingers intertwined with mine, tugging me along with him as we strode down the warm corridors of the house of Ravenclaw.

Chatter filled the air as people noticed that a group of Slytherins entered their house; this wasn't new. After us coming nearly every week for the past 5 years, the chatter regarding our presence continued.

Ravenclaws never felt threatened, though their speculations never failed to rise. It was a common conception among them all.

We passed the Ravenclaw Commons, then down the path towards the girls' dungeons; where Narsa's dorm was located - this was clearly obvious.

"If you make a fucking mess in my room, I will cut your throats," Narsa muttered as she unlocked her door, "I ordered my roommates to leave us be, so don't test your luck."

As we pooled into her dorm, the warm and sweet air fulfilled our senses.

Incense, candles, and a small hint of fresh parchment.

Zeno let go of my hand and slung his book bag off his shoulder, tossing it towards Narsa's tufted ottoman.

He untucks his button-up and runs his fingers through his hair as a strand or two swayed just above his brow bone.

A true masterpiece.

I, too, slung my book bag off my shoulder and placed it onto Narsa's dresser.

Lola, Scarlett, and Oliver also got comfortable.

This was normal.

"If you're going to remove your shoes, place them by-."

"The door," we all said in unison.

Narsa rolled her eyes.

"I have no idea where you got your cleanliness from," Oliver queried as he placed his shoes by the door, "Definitely not from Mum."

"What makes you say that?" Scarlett snickered as she, too, placed her shoes by the door. I followed, placing my shiny black shoes right next to hers.

"Have you seen their fucking closet?" Oliver laughed.

"Dad's pretty clean," Scarlett responded, "Though he hates washing dishes."

"No one likes washing dishes," Zeno added.

"It's a Black bloodline thing, I guess," Narsa beckoned as she climbed onto her four-post.

"Why do you girls keep saying that?" Oliver retorted as he sat on the ground with the bottle of liquor in his hand, "The whole 'It's a Black bloodline thing'? Where did that come from?"

"From your Mumsy, of course," I jeered as I took a seat right to him, "Anytime you, Zeno, or you dad and uncle do some sort of prevalent thing, she always says that line."

Zeno bent down to the ground and took a seat next to me. He gently placed both his large hands onto my waist and hoisted me on my lap taking me by surprise.

"Woah-." I muttered as he placed me on his lap.

Zeno wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck.

"Mumsy's just proud of her lineage, I guess," Zeno said lowly.

As he spoke, his warm breath resonated onto my skin; sending chills and a mixture of - pleasure.

Lola and Scarlett sat across us; legs crossed and prepared to drink.

"Who wants to talk first?" Oliver queried.

"I'll go," Lola spoke, "My day went pretty well. I got an Outstanding on my Charms test. Y'know, the usual."

"Now that's my little sister," Zeno softly chuckled, "Keep up the good work."

Zeno is always so generous towards his sister and cousins; he glorified their accomplishments, following a jumble of encouraging words.

He also did it to Zenith and I, though Zenith hardly ever had any 'Outstanding' achievements.

Speaking of Zenith...

"Does anyone know where Zenith is?" I asked as I looked around the room glancing at their faces.

"Probably with Eleanor or something," Oliver responded as he twisted the cap of the liquor right open, "He should be coming here soon, though."

I looked over at Lola as she had her head down, fiddling with the laced ruffles of her socks out of nervousness; tightened at the name of Eleanor.

"This Eleanor girl," I said, "Do we like her?"

"I don't see why we wouldn't-." Oliver's sentence soon came to a half when Narsa cleared her throat.

"Hand me the bottle, I want a swig," she announced as she got up from her bed.

"Who said you could drink?" Zeno stammered.

"I did," she snapped, "Out my way, Giant."

Narsa shoved Zeno's back with her legs, signaling that he scoot upwards the circle to make way towards Oliver.

Zeno huffed as he made room for her, straddling me on his lap as we shifted upwards the circle.

I turned my head around to face Zeno as I smiled.

He smiled back and placed a gentle kiss on my lips.

One peck.

A second peck, though a bit longer.

Third peck was a subtle lip lock - our tongues slightly brushed against one another.

I clung my arms around his neck as our kissing halted - be aware of our surroundings.

His warm hand absently rubbed my exposed thigh just under my skirt as his cold rings grazed upon my tender skin.

The both of us looked out at the circle as we watched them take small swigs from the liquor.

Narsa ended up sitting right besides Scarlett.

I was a bit surprised that Zeno was okay with Lola drinking. Matter of fact, I don't think he's said an-.

"Lola," Zeno's voice beamed, "This is the only time I ever want to see you drinking."

Lola rolled her eyes.

"Mel? Are you making him change his mind?" Lola joked.

I softly chuckled and looked at him; green eyes piercing through mine once more - I could never get tired of glancing into his eyes.

"I've said nothing to him regarding you and your drinking, Lola," I responded as I placed a kiss on his lips, "It's all him."

"I'm just in a good mood, that's all," Zeno mumbled.

As the bottle was passed around, Zeno only took small sips.

Even through his liquored breath, I kissed him anyway. The smell of liquor on him was intoxicating, really. A mixture of his mesmerizing cologne, as well.

Straddled on his lap while he rubs my thigh and grasps onto my waist was like Heaven to me; I felt at peace.

This was an amazing feeling, really.

Butterflies and all.

Goosebumps forming and such.

Heart was fluttering.

He'd nip at my neck every now and then while our group conversed with one another.

Zeno and I would kiss one another out of nowhere.

The affection was at an all-time high. It was addicting; once you've got your hands on one another, it's nearly impossible to stop.

And the touching was so - sensual. So natural, even. Like our touches and kisses were long overdue.

And my friends had absolutely no problem with it. They, too, seemed as if it were normal; as if it were meant to be.

They didn't make things awkward, no.

The group treated us like normal.

Like how we'd usually be treated.

Of course, I wasn't expecting any special treatment now that I'm dating Xenophilius and all, but I was expecting smart remarks or counts of disgust.

Instead, just smiles all around.

"Lola, can I straddle on your lap?" Scarlett mumbles as she starts climbing onto Lola's lap, "We're the next Zeno and Mel 2.0, aren't we?"

Lola chuckled as she hugged Scarlett whilst she was on her lap.

"We're the prettier duo," Lola joked.

"Aw, now where the hell is Zenith? I want to straddle on someone's lap," Oliver pouted after taking a swig of the liquor.

I faced Zeno as his face soon turned a light crimson color. He smiled and kisded me once more.

I could never get tired of the pecks.

Of everything.

Was this how dating truly felt like?

Why haven't I done this before?

Was it because no one has ever truly approached me regarding a romantic relationship?

Was it because they weren't who I was looking for?

With Zeno, everything felt so natural. Everything flowed down and up the stream naturally.

Glancing at Zeno every now and then truly felt like I would've never expected that he would be so sexually versatile; that was the enthralling part of it all; in fact, among other enthralling thoughts and details.

On the outside, Zeno is this gentle womanizer with a beautiful face.

But in the inside, he's this hopeless romantic who was only searching for the one. Upon finding the one, his sex was far from immaculate. Far from inexplicably fantastic.

We were whooped, that's for sure.

The sex was not at all important, though I'd have to say that it definitely is the cherry on top.

I've loved him all my life, really. Growing up alongside one another and such; our families being tight.

But this kind of love. This kind of love is way different. It's lustful, heart warming, compassionate, and almost-. Almost... perfect?

This may be my first real relationship, yes.

But I truly have no intention of it ever ending. I mean, what more could I possibly want?

I have Zeno right in front of me.

We have a long way to go, that's for sure.

It can already be assumed that not all relationships are perfect - based off what my mum told me about the Malfoys' love story -.

Though I know that him and I can pull through - we're both determined for bettering and such; validation and improvement; all things great.

As the night progressed, the content of the bottle soon started meeting towards the middle.

Zeno stopped taking sips a while ago; he said he started feeling warm - he's slightly buzzed, though he isn't drunk.

Drunk Zeno would've already let me go; I would've been on the floor by now.

Instead, I'm still on his lap; his arms are still wrapped around my figure.

Suddenly, a knocking emitted from Narsa's door.

"I'm not getting it," Narsa said as she picked up the bottle from Lola's grasp, "Oliver, be a gentleman and-,"

"Alright, alright," Oliver grunted as he got up from the ground. He took a big huff and swung the door open.

Zenith and Eleanor stand side by side, though Zenith's arm is clung around her neck.

"Sorry I took so long," Zenith huffed as he stepped in, "Eleanor and I got... busy."

Zeno suddenly tensed up and grasped onto me a tad bit tighter.

I took a quick glance at Eleanor Farrell - only this time I analyzed.

Short black hair, green eyes as well, though not as piercing as my boyfriend's, and a dainty nose with full lips.

Wow, she's pretty!

And Zenith is shagging her?!

"I didn't know you'd be bringing someone with you," Oliver murmured as he shut the door closed, "Take a seat anywhere, really."

I made eye contact with Zenith as his eyes widened.

"What in the fuck-." he muttered, "When did you and Zeno start getting touchy?!"

I couldn't help but smile as my face soon warmed up.

"This is newly established, really," I responded with glee, then I place a kiss on his cheek once more.

Zeno smiled as he pulled me closer to him, our bodies touching one another; no space.

"No one ever fucking tells me anything," Zenith mutters under his breath. He and Eleanor take a seat on the ground right in between Oliver and Narsa. "Are you two shagging?"

I immediately gulped as I looked at Zeno.

Should you be the one to tell him? Type of look.

"Um. Yes. We are," Zeno said flatly while still looking directly into my eyes, "We are having sex. Yes."

Awkwaaaard...

I look back at Zenith as his face soon grows discomfort.

"How long has this been going on?"

"Mind your business, Zenith," Eleanor said quietly as she softly chuckled right after.

"See? She knows what she's talking about," I added. "I"m Amelie, by the way. Amelie Zabini."

Eleanor smiled at me.

"Yes, I know exactly who you are," she said with pride, "You're the pretty twin, aren't you?"

Zenith rolled his eyes.

"That's definitely not what you say while I'm in deep-."

Oliver immediately covers his ears and says 'la la la' to drown out the explicit words that would've slipped right out of his mouth.

I glanced over at Lola, Narsa, and Scarlett.

They weren't as enthusiastic to see Eleanor.

I suppose she's been mean to them?

I mean, I'd definitely have to ask once she leaves.

"Care for a drink?" Scarlett breaks the tension as she hands her the bottle of liquor.

Eleanor looks at Scarlett's hand, then back at her.

"Gladly," she responds swiftly, as she grabs the bottle.

Eleanor takes a large swig and closes her eyes tight; face scrunched right after.

"Bloody hell," Eleanor muttered as she shook her head no, "That's strong."

"It's Dragon Tears," Narsa said flatly, "Stronger than muggle alcohol."

"It's the best," Oliver stammered, "Gets you tipsy real fast, if you ask me."

Zeno continues to absently rub my thigh. He'd tightly grope with his cold rings pressing against me once more, then release. Then rub again, then grope. I could already tell that he has some sort of thing for thighs.

No complaints - touch all you want, really.

As the group soon conversed with one another over time, I looked at Zeno again and looked right into his eyes.

I smiled.

He smiled back.

I closed my eyes and leaned in for yet another kiss.

Zeno grabbed my face gently with both his large hands and placed his warm lips against mine.

I ran my fingers through his hair as our kissing progressed, though we soon pulled away before anything else happened.

Nonetheless, the group disregarded this notion; all but one.

All but Eleanor.

As I caught her staring, she just smiled and glanced away immediately.

"So," Eleanor speaks, "Mel?"

"Yes?" I say.

"How long have you known the Malfoys and Berkshires?" she queries as she leans against my brother.

"We've known them our whole lives, actually," Zenith responds, "Our parents were all very close."

"Yup," I say. Zenith practically answered the fucking question for me like a dim wit.

"Ah.." she says slowly, "So what made you and Zeno date just...now?"

I gulped.

"I mean... I don't think we realized that it could actually work until now-. Until this year," I responded as Zeno hugged me tighter, "Though I'm glad it's now. Better late than never is what he says."

I softly chuckle as I glance over at the girls quickly; they're unamused.

It could be that they're intoxicated at a high amount.

"Well," she says, "You two look so good together, really."

I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Eleanor," I said through my grin.

"Not as good as us, though," Zenith joked as he pulled Eleanor towards him.

Zenith kissed her forehead and quickly glanced at Scarlett, though Scarlett wasn't paying attention to him.

Strange.

What was he looking around for?

In fact, why is the room oddly tensioned?

I'll add the pieces later.

Right now, I must get to know a bit more about this Eleanor girl and what her intentions are with my brother.

"Are you a year 6 as well?" I asked Eleanor.

"Oh, no my love!" she responded, "I'm a year 7."

Oliver choked up on his liquor and cackled.

"Please tell me you know that Zenith is a year 6," Oliver said through his laughter.

Eleanor softly chuckled.

"Yes," she grinned, "I'm aware. Though you couldn't have been able to map it out given that he fucks like a yea-."

"I really don't want to hear about how Zenith is in bed," Narsa muttered under her breath aggressively as she crossed her arms and huffed, "Keep it to yourself. Fucks sake."

I looked over at Narsa and she seemed pretty annoyed.

"None of us want to know how Zenith fucks," Zeno said hoarsely.

Eleanor raised her hands in surrender.

"I guess I'll keep that information to myself," she says softly.

"Yes you will," Zenith said quietly as he grinned.

Soon enough, it was already 11 PM.

My eyes were already getting heavier. The girls' speech soon slurred, along with Oliver's; in fact, definitely Oliver's.

It seemed as if Zeno and I were the only sober ones out of all of us.

Throughout the night, everyone shared stories about when they were younger and such; I had learned that Eleanor is muggle-born, and that she has muggle parents and a muggle sibling who have no idea where she is right now. It's amazing, really. Quite a shocker.

I also learned that Lola can knit with her toes, though I'm not as shocked.

Zenith can fit 3 sausages into his mouth all at once, while Oli can fit 5.

Narsa made out with a girl in an abandoned bathroom last year; she confessed that she slipped a finger or two, though Oliver immediately shut her up given the discomfort that grew in the room between the two.

Scarlett couldn't care less about the stories that Narsa had to share regarding sexual encounters. In fact, she was proud that Narsa was comfortable with her sexuality and such.

"Alright," Narsa annoucned, "All of you get out."

Lola, Zenith, Oliver, Scarlett, and Zeno groaned.

I softly chuckled as they were eager to stay a little longer, whilst I, on the other hand, wanted to get some rest.

"Do we have to go now?" Oliver questioned, "Like, we can't talk?"

"Fucking hell, Oli," Narsa muttered under her breath, "We talk every fucking day. Leave. My roommates are probably tired and so am I."

There was no winning when you went against Narsa; the same goes for any of the Malfoys, really. And Zeno. Lola's heart is too big, so a few twists and turns would fold her.

We all got up from the ground as I stretched after being in Zeno's grasp nearly the whole night.

As I stretched my arms up, Zeno pulled me into an embrace and crooked his head down while placing small and gentle kisses on my forehead, down to my cheek, and down to my neck.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and softly giggled.

He's such a big baby.

"Thank you guys for having me," Eleanor announces as she holds Zenith's hand, "It was really nice getting to know all of you."

"It was nice fully meeting you, too!" I responded as I turned my back towards Zeno, though his arms still around my body. "Hopefully we start bonding during Charms!"

She softly giggled.

"Of course, Mel," Eleanor responded, "Thank you all! Good night!"

"Good night," we all said in unison.

As they made their way towards the door, Eleanor halted abruptly and turned her head back around.

"Zeno," she says softly, "It was nice hanging out with you, again."

Her and my brother soon exited the room as everyone else started preparing to leave the dorm.

I turned around and faced Zeno.

"Again?" I queried softly, "You hung out with her before?"

"I guess you could say that," he responded, "Though only for a short time. You've probably already heard this about her, but she really is a bitch. I usually never call woman those kinds of words, but fucking hell is she a bi-."

I softly chuckled and covered his mouth before he continued going against his whole 'respect women' ideal.

"Well, I'll keep in mind to keep my guard up around her," I said to Zeno.

He leaned down and pecked my lips with his, smiling shortly after.

"Would you like to... sleep over at my dorm tonight?" Zeno questioned as his green eyes looked deep into mine; searching for hope, searching for answers.

"I would love to, yes," I responded quietly, "Though no funny business, alright?"

He softly chuckled, "Of course, my darling."

We pulled away from one another as we gathered our things; shoes and book bag.

Once the group of Slytherins were ready for departure, we each gave Narsa a small kiss on the forehead in spite of her whole weirdness with affection.

Zeno held my hand as we walked down the gloomy corridors.

The night was still; wind rustling from outside the windows; moon glistening bright enough to place light in the seeps of the windows of Hogwarts, casting shadows onto the ground through the stained glass.

Another night with the family and friends I love the most.

Only this time, I'm finally learning how to love.

***

HOW MANY TIMES DID ZENO AND MEL KISS???!!??!!? WHOLESOME CHAPTER AKEKEEKEKEK. I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM.

D I S C U S S I O N