A Prelude to Envy

[shava44]

Blaise made a statement which made her want to twitch, but she managed to stop herself. It was a point that she could see he might be feeling, but she had a different perspective. "Pfft. You are not thinking, Blaise. I want some of my kids to have the last name of Moon and I really don't care how much socializing I do. A little break out of here every once in awhile seems quite reasonable to me, but having company over? Probably not every week kind of thing if it was left up to me. Giving my husband more perceived decisions to make gives me more odds on getting what I want. Marriage is a partnership." She motioned around the kitchen knowing he would see what she was saying pretty quickly once she started talking. "I don't have mad cooking skills. I'm not a housekeeper. So I have to sit down and think about what I bring to the marriage and what he will need to for it to work. Trading one thing for another is the way of things. No control is an issue."

Laughing, she shook her head. "He'd have to be someone who agreed to things in advance. He can be in the house if it makes him nervous, but he can't tell me who I can see. Of course I'd still see you, doofus. We have too much to talk about. Besides, I have a ghost for a chaperon." She winked as she laughed. His words however told her far more about what he had to live with. And she was surprised. "Now wait a minute. Are you saying you have not been out without her approval since school stopped? Does she have that much control? Maybe I need to go home with you to meet her then if it gets you a free ticket elsewhere. You should always have options." Mind you, she didn't think she was an acceptable chaperon herself by most witches idea of behavior, but she could dress up respectable for a short time, enough for Blaise to get some access.

And then she wanted to smack him. Instead, she reached out and play-punched him in the stomach. "Ass. I don't give out charity. I kissed you cause you are my friend, you had a birthday like I said, and you don't seem to push yourself to go after girls at school. It's called a wake up call if you ever want a chance at any of the girls doofus. Why would they give you a glance later on if they never had any connection earlier? Wake up call was apparently needed..." She glared at him for a moment before throwing her hands up as if to wash her hands of the situation. "Look Blaise, you are my friend. I know more about girls then you do, okay? You want to get married one day and be happy about it, you make sure you have a girl you at least have been a casual friend with. Trust me, it makes a big difference."

Lindsey gave Blaise an odd look; he really was not so big into thinking about relationships. What was it with him, fear of sex or uneasy around women in a relationship idea? After the kiss she was fairly sure he wasn't gay, not that she had seriously considered it before hand. How would he be to have around as a husband? Likely he would retreat to his own space in the house leaving her with her own space. "Look, Blaise, let's talk seriously now. What is it you want in a wife? And what are you willing to give up to escape your mother's control and have your own place? Explain to me how serious you really are?"

[Blaise Zabini]

Blaise shrugged at her reaction, appearing almost bored. “If that's what you want then I won't say anything more about it.” He thought of his mother. She had gotten a son, and things had pretty much always gone her way. Actually, the men knew ahead of time that she enjoyed socializing, though there were definitely times when the man decided to put his foot down and Desideria accepted it because she knew that there was going to be time for herself later. Maybe Lindsey had the same frame of mind as his mother had... If that was the case, he still didn't know whether it was a good or a bad thing. It wasn't really his business either – how often did he care about other peoples' problems, hopes, or dreams? “Marriage is a partnership... Never a fair one.” He wondered why it was a big deal for her to cook or anything else, if she could have a servant do it for her. But he wasn't in the mood for asking questions, and as it was, he sort of wanted the subject to end. He still had a year of school left and so did Lindsey. She could try for having kids as soon as possible if she wanted but they needed to survive the school year first and foremost.

He didn't react much when she called him a doofus, only sneered a bit and folded his arms. “I wonder what sort of a man you'll attract with your ideas about marriage,” he said in a slow voice. He was thinking about it because if he was going to go there, then he was obviously going to have to deal with him. Already some of his older friends were getting married, and it bothered him that they always always had their fiancee with them. If she was really planning on getting married as soon as possible this was probably the only time they would be able to talk seriously without some jerk there. When she spoke about his mother he was embarrassed to have her say it so bluntly. “Technically I am able to leave. That's what she says when I bring it up. But if I make plans to leave she invites someone over, or finds something that I need to do at the house. The other day, we suddenly had a boggart that she wanted me to get rid of. Part of me keeps wondering if she put it there on purpose so that she would have an excuse...” He paused for a moment at how crazy that sounded and smirked at Lindsey. “See, there's a reason that I'm reluctant to get married. How would it be to have a mother like that and a wife as well? If you were to go there she would probably insist that you stay for something. Food or drink.”

“Of course you don't give out charity. What sort of a self-respecting pureblood would you be if you did?” he asked as though he hadn't accused her of it, primarily to set her off. She had given just the reaction that Blaise had anticipated. The fact that she commented on his lack of girl experience in school bothered him only slightly because he knew that she was right. It still didn't interest him that much but he had his duties. “You should know about girls more than I do seeing as you are one. Can you blame me for not wanting one seeing as my mother went through husbands like house elves?” he asked. For their family, they really did go through elves quickly because the things were so damn annoying, and some of them were inefficient. For enough money, you could get anything. “I've always been of the opinion that the only person I will marry is a friend. But if you know so much about marriage, then who are you going to marry? You shouldn't lecture me about it until you've found a casual friend to settle down with. After all, you have more to lose.” He smirked.

Blaise thought about her question. He considered not even answering it because it would have made it easier on him, but then he figured there was nothing to lose. It was only he and a friend, and since it was a girl she was slightly less likely to give him a hard time about it. Needless to say relationship talk would never come up with Draco or one of the other typical male Slytherins. Lindsey knew more than he did about girls, and oddly enough, she probably knew more than he did about boys too so anything he said probably wouldn't be news to her. “I want someone that will represent my family well. Dress nicely, speak well in front of company, but be herself when there's no one around to impress. If she's constantly acting as though she's better than everyone that would include me, and I wouldn't let her be that way.” He thought more about it for a moment. “And someone who has their own life so that I can blend into the background and have my own interests. I doubt that there is anyone out there who is completely compatible with me. Is anyone really perfect for anyone? As for my own place I would just need a good job and I'm positive I'll get one if Hogwarts doesn't close. If not for the family line I wouldn't want to be married at all at this point.” It probably wasn't what she wanted to hear, as maybe he wasn't being 'serious' enough. But at least be was being honest.

[shava44]

Lindsey nodded as he spoke and turned to put the glass in the sink wishing she did have someone to do the grungy stuff like this. "You know, that's one thing I wouldn't miss is cleaning stuff up. I can manage on my own but cleaning drives me up a wall." She did keep her silence while he spoke, letting him talk for once and the description of his mother was worth putting aside with a note in her head. "Well Blaise, if sitting with her for a little while and faking being proper and nice gets you a bit of freedom, I'd do it and enjoy pulling the wool over her eyes. Sounds like you need to get out of their more often anyway. You want a good excuse?"

Morgana's Mustache, if the woman was that driven, Lindsey was sure she would tell her 'friends' about Lindsey once she had her checked out. Probably get her an easy door in to reaching other parents as well. "Pfft. You do have money. See, I'm just a girl with an island. I don't get all the house elves and frills, and money for clothes and all. That's one of the reasons I got to get jumping on the husband angle." She wasn't expecting him to tell her much to be honest, not with such a personal question, but she was pleased when he did give her an answer after a few minutes.

"Thank you. I appreciate the honesty. Most guys would have answered about how she looked or how big her--- well, I'm glad to hear you are far more reasonable in your mind. Sounds like you do have a good head on your shoulders." She liked Blaise as a friend, he was very easy to hang out with despite his stiffness. If she thought there was someone that fit his descriptions she would certainly angle him in their direction. "I'll keep that in mind as school starts. Who knows, I may spot someone I can let you know about. Got to watch out for my friends," and she chucked him on the arm slightly and said "So, what else you want to see? Anything?"

[Blaise Zabini]

“Once I have a house of my own I don't think I'll ever be bothered to clean anything by myself again.” He glared off at nothing as he thought about the mundane chores that he had to do even though they did have paid work. He would buy house elves from wizards, and thinking about their other favorite conversation topic, he suddenly grinned at Lindsey. “I think I would have children, legacy or not, if only to make them do the dirty work like my mother does me.” So she was serious about meeting his mother and talking with her. The only reason that he accepted the idea at all was because Lindsey hadn't laughed at him or said anything offensive. “I feel really terrible that I need to have a friend come over and do that, which I should be able to do myself, but... you probably are the best person for it. She won't trust me on my own.”

He actually wondered how much money he would end up with when he moved out, both from his mother and whatever job he landed. “I suppose getting married is the quickest way to money. My mother can vouch for that. But you know, if nothing else you can always sell something here. I know that the family heirlooms aren't something that you want to sell. Even the small things should do, though. If people are willing to pay a lot of money for something that they think will protect them, you could always claim that 'you've never had a dark wizard break into your house while this coat rack was by the door'. I'm sure someone will read more into that than there is.”

“It's not that I don't care at all about what she looks like. But appearances fade. Besides, if you're compatible in the lasting ways you could always take measures to change appearances later. That really doesn't matter to me though next to everything else.” He had seen the superficial side to relationships every day at Hogwarts. People seemed to be dating new partners all the time. “Great, now I have two matchmakers. At least you've actually talked to me so that gives you the edge.” He paused when she asked him if he wanted to see anything else. He wasn't sure how to answer that because he didn't know what everything else was. “Nothing in particular. Besides, I don't know what's here that you're hiding. Maybe it's time that we go... I want to get it over with if we're to meet my mother.”

[shava44]

As much as she thought about it, she could not see Blasie on his knees scrubbing a floor or even for that matter dusting anything. It seemed not his style. Chuckling she turned from the sink and hopped up on the counter, sitting there with her legs hanging loose. "Trust me, after being shut up for fifty years it had to be cleaned. And since I have no servants and no prospects of getting any soon, I had to do it. With magic, of course. Still, it wasn't fun." As he spoke about his mother she wondered if Blaise could be tempted to come closer, maybe lean against her as she was now.

Although that was a trick she played on lesser boys, those who could not think past their hormones and see what traps she was leading them to. She wouldn't do that to a friend. Thus she kept her legs closed as she sat there and didn't wiggle them back and forth either. She had much more respect for Blaise then that. "Well then I should probably show you what outfits I have so you can tell me what she would like the most, make sure we control the tone of things. And the obvious things I have not shown you Blaise would be living spaces like bedrooms and storage space."

She snorted at his matchmaker comment. "Hey now, i didn't say a thing about introducing you or helping out with you getting with a girl, Blaise. I only offered to tell you if I found anyone matching your requests other then myself. And well, most guys are kind of focused on appearances. It's a testosterone thing I'm afraid. You are just too controlled to show it." She laughed softly, not at him, but at the situation she found herself in. Inwardly she had to admit she met most of what he said he wanted in a wife, but either he hadn't made that connection or he was avoiding it on purpose. Oh well!

Hopping down from the counter she said "Come on, better look at some outfits real quick before we go." Taking his hand without asking she lightly pulled him towards the corner of the kitchen which for him a staircase was appearing, clearly a back one to somewhere going up. Two floors up the stairs she exited through a door into a hallway in which she let go of his hand at a door and pushed it open. The room was not exactly her style, but it was clearly her room at the moment. A tea tray next to the bed on one side, and clothes hanging from several places in the room. She ignored them all and opened the closet and chose a grand total of six outfits for him to look at as there were few dresses inside.

Dress 1
Dress 2
Dress 3
Dress 4
Dress 5
Dress 6

[Blaise Zabini]

“Most of the cleaning that I did over the summer was with magic too – before and after I was of age. It didn't matter that much because I live with my mother and there weren't going to be muggles around.” Cleaning was never fun. Even with magic, especially when you have someone watching to make sure that you do it right. Lindsey was lucky in that way. Unless her ghost of a butler came along and gave her pointers, she was probably able to clean things in her own way. “I suppose if you need any help getting things organized, or moving things somewhere you aren't hiding from me, I could help you. Not right now of course.”

Blaise wondered what sort of an outfit his mother would like to see someone in. Well, rather, what she would like a female friend of her son to wear. It was hard to think like that... Blaise thought that modest but not too old-fashioned dresses would suit his mother's taste the best. It was strange. He'd always imagined having to dress up a fiancee to meet his mother, he didn't imagine he'd need to go through all the trouble with a friend, but his mother wasn't exactly giving them a choice. “Alright. That makes sense. Manipulate her long before she knows that she's being manipulated,” he said with a smirk.

“In the beginning I do want someone who is pretty. But that's far from the most important thing as I said. I have to worry about more than just appearances.” If he was only concerned about that, he might have already gotten a girl who was less than what his family wanted. And that wasn't going to happen because of his control. “You never did answer my question, though, Lindsey. Have you already found that schoolmate that you're going to marry? You certainly seem to know a lot about it.”

He followed Lindsey along. Naturally he had to, as she was holding his hand. It was odd how it didn't seem that strange or uncomfortable to hold hands with someone that you trusted. In ways, Blaise thought that was more intimate than a romp or something. People were certainly more concerned about who the were walking around with than who they were bedding half of the time. When she opened the closet and revealed the dresses, Blaise looked them over as though he was an expert on the subject. Really he was thinking back to parties past and trying to get into his mother's mind. As he was fashion conscious (and unfortunately straight in this instance) he finally decided what one he thought she'd like. “This one,” he said, before looking at her questioningly to see if that was alright.

[shava44]

When Blaise noted she would be manipulated before she knew it, Lin just nodded. It was the easiest way to be honest and if she ever wanted to come along to double check the arrangements she would be suitably impressed with Lindsey's place she hoped. It had been hard enough not painting the interior fire engine red just to brighten things up. Definitely his suggestions about decorating her own space was going to be followed... She nodded at the appearances part; now a days most girls were still supposed to be eye candy to be shown off in social stuff (although she did roll her eyes at this thought) at the same time most held down their own careers. However his question made her turn to him with a lioness' smile.

"Why Blaise! You make it sound like I might even be acceptable to be on your list," and leaned out chucking him under the chin in a friendly way. Laughing softly she looked him in the eyes for a moment before saying "I have my own concerns for space and not being treated like a slave or a servant. So far no boy has presented themselves who fit what I was looking for." Lin started to turn and stopped, her leg stretched out in the middle of stepping which gave a nice profile down the side of her body. her eyes twinkled at him as she added "Mind you, with someone interested there could be some negotiations. For someone who made the offer."

As they went up the stairs she wondered what was going on through his mind. Blaise was a good friend and hadn't as far as she knew ever made mention of being interested in something more. Was he watching her rear as she led the way up in front of him? She would have given a good bit of her precious money to know the answer to that, but she didn't try to catch him at it and just proceeded. When he picked out the dress she nodded and put the others back saying "Well if you want to go now and make an impression, let me see if my hair will agree to behave for once, won't take a minute." With that she stepped to a door in the corner and took herself and dress directly through it.

Glaring in the mirror because his dress choice was not a favorite of hers because of feeling; it was elegant enough and it would be right, but the others were far easier to move around in damn it. She stripped and slid into it and spent a moment trying to darken her hair down. Magic hair, unfortunately, prevented her from getting it to another color except black, but she could get it to a darker red almost brown-red. In all it took her nearly no time as far as most girls were concerned as she had learned short cuts indeed. In about five minutes she was stepping back out looking very respectful and turned slowly with her hands in the air to him saying "Well? Will that work for you?"

[Blaise Zabini]

Blaise looked rather surprised when Lindsey called him on the fact that she might be acceptable – actually, she was one of the most acceptable when he was going with the friends plan and also just based on the fact that she wouldn't mind her husband having some independence. It seemed to be that old agreement 'if you can have your friends, I can have mine'. Thinking about how he actually wouldn't want to entertain people in the future, it was something that he would keep in mind now that it had been mentioned. Still, since she laughed he thought that it was another round of joking like the pretend-romantic moment that he created earlier. Other than the teasing and the birthday kiss which she made seem casual enough, she had never really acted like she was interested in more than friendship. So he assumed that he was just right in his thinking. He tilted his head back slightly and pretended to give her the look over to see what exactly she did fit.

“Well, you wouldn't be the worst person who has come up on the list of candidates,” he said, referring to the mental list that his mother seemed to have made out. “You mean that there were people who wanted to be with you all the time or wanted to treat you as a servant?” he asked, in a half-sarcastic voice. He didn't know if she meant what she said literally or if she was just voicing exasperation at the fact that no one was willing to stand up and ask for her hand. What was the point of servants if you just made the person that you were married to do everything? Well, again, most people weren't like Blaise. Blaise wanted someone who he could think of as an equal. Otherwise what was the point in being selective in the first place. “What sort of negotiations would you make with someone? You seem to have your future pretty well figured out, and other than the space thing, most people shouldn't be that concerned about it.” Even the fact that she wanted to have more kids to carry on her last name wasn't that big of a deal. That would mean hopping into bed more often, which was a big deal for people who were young. In that case it made more sense why she would want to marry early on.

Blaise had swept his eyes lightly over her as she went up the stairs before him, but he mostly kept his eyes to himself. His gentlemanly ways combined with the fact that he had no idea if the house was watching him (it could after all change at her will, who knew what else her and her family had gotten it to do) and if it would report him to her. He was only human after all. Blaise hoped that the dress was acceptable. To him there wasn't anything particularly wrong with the others aside from his personal appreciation for keeping covered up and some of them didn't fit. But he was thinking of his mother, the sort of people that she brought into the house on her own. “Good luck,” he told Lindsey, smirking. Imagining her trying to tame her hair was an amusing thought to him.

Considering Blaise had difficulty imagining Lindsey as elegant due to her strong personality, this change took him by surprise. As did the length of time it took her, because he'd only seen his mother go into a room ordinary and come out moments later as though she'd spent hours on her appearance. To see her this way, if Blaise were another sort of boy (the sort that he would be rather tempted to jinx) he might have lost his words. It seemed that he was impressed by the elegant look as much as his mother was. It was pretty scant during the school year. “For me and my mother. Are you ready to go?” He didn't say much about her appearance but that was alright because his expression did more of the talking.

Meanwhile, Desideria paced outside of the dining room. She hadn't eaten anything most of the day, and a basket of wine that a gentleman had brought over sat on the counter, slowly drifting toward room temperature. Once she realized that the house elves hadn't put it aside themselves she would probably get angry with them, but for the moment she was too distracted. A copy of the Daily Prophet sat on the table. There was a murder not too far from where they lived. It was a blood traitor couple, incomparable to the Zabini family in more ways than simply that, but she couldn't help but let her imagination run away with her when she was alone. She snapped at a house elf for asking her about what she would like to have, then settled down on an old chair, in perfect condition other than slight fraying at the bottom.

[shava44]

She didn't miss the moment of surprise, although it was well hidden, when she mentioned being on his list. Interesting. So either he had thought about her or he was now? Probably more on the fact that although they were friends she had never pushed him to be more she suspected and that meant he had never placed he on such a pedestal. That was, after all, a real reason their friendship had stayed fairly strong in truth. As she came out and turned for him Blaise made a big show out of watching her and judging her looks. She let him, making an extra turn before he spoke. "Now wait a minute. You think I'm not the worst candidate? Let me ask this then, have you ever brought anyone home yourself as one or has your mother been doing all the voting? I suspect when a boy brings a girl home the mother considers it more then a little significant." 'Not the worst' was not exactly a compliment from a boy and it did get under Lindsey's skin a bit, maybe as it was intended to and that was why she wasn't more careful with her next words.

"Most women want to hear more then that they are not the worst. I think I'm beginning to understand why you have not been dating much all these years." Facing him directly she put a hand on each shoulder and said looking into his eyes "Look here. I'm looking for a guy who I can live with, deal with. I'm not a sappy romantic who thinks everyone will fall instantly in love and such. Think with me instead as a contract for marriage, to do that which gets a guy free from the unreasoning constraints other try and place on him. If you were interested, Blaise, I think our friendship would only grow stronger, maybe something more later on." Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, knowing she was being forward in a way most guys would never hear indeed instead of trying to seduce him physically she was leaving out the bait for a mental seduction instead. "You are one of the smarter guys I know...not the worst thinker I'm met."

She laughed merrily and then looked him in the eyes again. "I certainly consider you a prime candidate for a marriage, but don't get me wrong. I respect you enough not to try and get in your bed. And if you choose friendship that's fine too, we already know that works well between us. But the offer is on the table if you want to discuss something more, got it?" Chuckling to herself, she glanced in the only mirror in the bedroom inside the closet door before shutting it and admitting grudgingly that she looked good. "Man, I might look good in this, but it's hardly everyday stuff. Your mother, Blaise, does she think people wear clothes like this all the time?" In truth, the dress looked extremely nice on her, showing off both her form and fitting her hair well enough when it was darker red like this. Lindsey was not used to being told she looked fantastic and it was a hint of uncertainty she nodded at him. "How do you want to play this, Blaise? Close friends, very close, girlfriend, or what? Anything in particular I need to avoid speaking about?"

Picking up a cloak of emerald green (a beautiful black on it's underside) she slipped it over her shoulders and headed down to the main doors. "Have to get outside the gate before we can go." She listened to his description of where they were going and it sounded near a place she had been to before so first she apperated them there and then followed his instructions for getting them much closer. When they were outside the house she winked at him saying "O-tay, time to play second fiddle." She slipped an arm through his like a nice submissive girl (which he knew she was not in any way making the situation all the funnier) and tried to arrange her face to a more normal-for-someone-else-look. "All right, let's get you some more freedom, Blasie. You deserve more then you get you know."

[Blaise Zabini]

Blaise frowned. He had never brought a girl home with him because he hadn't dated any of the shallow, gossiping girls at the school, and he was afraid that if he brought home a girl who was only a friend like Pansy his mother would get the impression that she meant more to him than he did. As for Lindsey, a part of him always thought that she would be too busy to go there. From what Lindsey was saying he knew that she meant a potential candidate. How would his mother react? Since it had never happened he wasn't sure, only that it would be one of two reactions. Either she would be happy that he was at last showing interest in his future (he had been all along, which was why he remained picky about his choices, but she didn't see it that way) or she would feel a lack of control. Blaise found himself curious which of the two possibilities would win out. It was then that the idea was placed in his head whether intentional or not, about what this night should really be about. Technically he was bringing a girl home to meet his mother. Would it be something Desideria would just assume? As Lindsey went on, Blaise just stared at her while considering what to say in defense.

“Most men would tell you what you want to hear once you put it that way,” he said a bit awkwardly. For him, saying 'one of the worst' was actually a compliment, though he did understand her point. An ordinary compliment, especially one that was not normal for other people, was not exactly sufficient for what they were talking about. Not sufficient for Lindsey, either, as she was one of his closest friends. She did deserve better than that, though for an ordinary girl saying that he would have just laughed. “Alright. You're one of the best candidates. Is that better? I trust you more than I do almost everyone else. I didn't think what I said would really make that much of a difference, but you're right. I shouldn't have worded it that way.” He looked away from Lindsey because that wasn't much of an explanation. It did take a lot for him to say that he was wrong, though. In that way he was glad they were here alone rather than in the common room where their snoopy house-mates might listen in. She had a good idea when he thought about it. Love was the ultimate goal for people but he wasn't sure that he believed in it now. He was ever the logical pessimist and his mother's marriages only made it worse. He could trust Lindsey further than he had been, couldn't he?

If they were to get married, it seemed that they had a lot of the same ideals on the surface. Blaise was fine with letting her have a child that carried her name. And he would have his freedom to do what he wanted, most of which was probably sitting around reading. He knew that it would take some time to think about. “I could deal with an arrangement like that. A contract between friends. I don't think that either of us would take it more seriously than we're talking now, at least not for a long time.” A lot of people said that you shouldn't do business with friends. Was this the same sort of thing? Maybe not. They wouldn't stay friends ideally. “It will be something that I keep in mind. We still have this year to live through; if we make it out of Hogwarts alive we'll get into deeper negotiation.” Though at this point Blaise didn't know just what the new year had in store it was obvious that they were going to have to fight for their freedom. Maybe even physically rather than mentally. There was no way that he would let himself be turned into a sheep without a fight so it was likely that it would be dangerous. When she said that he was 'not the worst thinker she'd met' a smirk came to his face. That was a good way to prove her earlier point. He wasn't sure he liked the idea of being known as not the worst thinkers a person had met, because that could be as simple as comparing him to Crabbe and Goyle. His earlier comment could have been 'well, I would rather marry you than Millicent'.

He smirked at her question about the clothes. “I don't actually know. My mother is dressed like that almost all the time, even when she's staying at home without company. I guess to 'expect the unexpected'. Either she expects other people to be like that too, or she expects them to be able to wear things as though it's the way that they always dress.” He looked amused but wasn't joking. Most of the 'high society' types that he meant were the same way. Actually, he was, outside of school. That could have been her influence though. Blaise heard her question and decided to bring up what he'd thought of earlier. “I don't know what in particular you should say, but... You can refuse this, of course, but I was thinking about it. Maybe if we pretended that we were close, my mother wouldn't try to set me up with so many women anymore. I mean, we're already close as friends, in my opinion, but if she thinks that there is something between us...” He trailed off, looking at Lindsey questioningly. Hopefully this wouldn't offend her, too, as he was still slightly rattled from earlier.

Blaise wondered how this was going to be. Rather, exactly how Lindsey and his mother would interact. Before long, though, he'd have the answer right before his eyes. He just nodded at Lindsey's words and stepped inside the house. He was glad that Lindsey was willing to do this for him. What did she really get out of it aside from wearing a dress that she clearly didn't like much and having to change her hair? Sure she'd get to be around him more but that was probably not as great as it sounded. When she heard the door Desideria rose. “Blaise, you're back earlier than I thought you would be,” she said, not sounding as pleased as the words would imply. “And you-” she stopped, when she came to greet him at the door and found two people there. Blaise, and a girl she could only guess that he went to school with. But maybe not... In that dress, she looked more mature than a school-aged young girl. She gave Lindsey a polite smile. “I didn't know that you were bringing company.” Yet it was just as Blaise said, for Desideria was dressed as if she'd been expecting someone all along. Blaise smirked slightly, but tried to be more composed. “This is Lindsey Moon, she's in my year at school.”

[shava44]

As he thought about it, Lindsey found herself rather interested in his answer. Certainly, if her step-mother had ever given a damn about her she would have cranked up an eyebrow over Lin bringing a boy home. She thought any parent would be interested in that little development. And his answer was reasonable; they weren't dating so compliments he held back which made sense in a way, but she thought she had made her point rather well. And that was enough to make her feel this afternoon was already a win. So as they left she felt relaxed, not tense at all, a good feeling when going to beard the old dragon in her den. She smiled and patted him on the shoulder as he apologized. "Accepted. I just wanted you to hear how it sounded, make sure you knew how you were coming across. A lot of girls far more sensitive idiots then me tend to hear something like that as a warning to go away."

She chuckled lightly at his response to. "Sounds good to me. Don't worry, you never know what could happen this year and you might fall head-over-heals for some third year and be dating her by Christmas," she playfully teased knowing it would bother him a tad "I'm not the jealous type unless you did that on our wedding day," she smirked and composed herself before they entered. His last thoughts however she nodded to, making sure the arm she had in his looked closer, her hand on his arm just below the wrist as if a bit possessive. Lindsey had been faking stuff for years when seducing boys to her wishes, most of them not physical, but mothers were a different play entirely. This would be an interesting experience and although she would play it by ear, she had several ploys already in her mind...

The woman was dressed up quite a bit and Lin felt the woman's surprise as she came around and saw Blaise with a girl. In fact, Lindsey noted the little quick eye movement which took in their arms as well and prevented herself from smiling more then her already pleasant look. "So nice to meet you, Mrs Zabini. Blaise and I wanted to talk some before school started what with all the changes happening this year it seems and I though since we were nearby it would only be polite to introduce myself." She gave a small head bow, nothing too deep just a formal acknowledgment she was in the woman's home. Normally Lindsey would have shaken hands, but she knew the old biddys didn't go around touching just anyone either so she didn't offer, just stepped forward a bit from Blaise dropping his arm as she spoke.

As his mother motioned for them to come into the sitting room and said “How very nice of you to come by then. I'm always interested in hearing who my son is in school with," with an interested eye, noting Lindsey's unusual hair shade as well as the dress which did work well for Lindsey. "You said your last name was Moon?" You could hear the interest in that particular point quite well. A blind man could have felt it with his feet it was so intentional. "My family isn't known very well in England, kind of quiet so I don't know that you would have heard much about us. I understand my great-grandmother used to be much better known actually. We're from Scotland where we have an island, just a family retreat." There. She'd dropped the hint for further research, the barest hint of property and old money, and left it open for the older woman to make her own conclusions. Lindsey had no doubt she would be checked up on in the old books as well as asked around about.

And by saying it was specifically in Scotland maybe the woman wouldn't pay much attention to any other Moons she came across since her father had never done much for the family name. It was clear her great-grandmother had been formidable however, judging by the way her room in the old manor house was so....queenly designed to receive visitors. Either she had a swelled head or she had been someone of importance in the past. Since swelled egos were not a family trait, Lindsey tended to think it was a good thing to mention. She let her eyes grow larger as she looked around the sitting room and waited in the door to capture Blaise's hand as if she needed him for a guide and walked in saying with false excitement "Blaise, you didn't say it was so nice! I'm afraid mine is about a hundred years behind the times, but this is a wonderful room! You must enjoy receiving people here," as she stopped to look round and close up at a portrait which tried to look more smug and important then it was painted. She successfully concealed the sneer that wanted to pop out just looking at him.

[Blaise Zabini]

Blaise smirked. His mother was actually not as bad yet as he'd expected. She hadn't even given Lindsey the condescending look-over that their family was practically renowned for. Maybe she had decided that it as in Blaise's best interest to bring home a girl with him after all. Whether she actually thought that they were dating or not Blaise wasn't sure. “I just came from there, mother. I think that you would like it there. It's secluded, away from most people, including muggles.” He was trying to hint that something more might be going between he and Lindsey – otherwise, why would be bring it up that he'd been there again? He had a feeling that he and Lindsey looked good together at the moment. Blaise didn't leave the home without at least looking decent for people of importance he might run across, and Lindsey was dressed to impress his mother. Hopefully, she would see them as a nice-looking couple, one that was good enough that she would drop her thoughts about setting him up with someone else. Instead, though, Desideria jumped to another conclusion from Blaise's words. “Whatever could you be wanting to hide, Ms. Moon? Do you have a home outside of that retreat, or do you stay there permanently between terms?”

He fought a sneer at Lindsey's compliment because he could see that she was just saying it to please his mother. Blaise quite liked the room – it had a charm all its own. The walls were dark wooden halfway up, and from the ceiling to the wood was a slightly faded white. The furniture had the Victorian look, and the bar in the sitting room was mahogany with a glossy black top. That was where Desideria went first, gathering glasses for the three of them. Normally she asked if all present were of age but since Lindsey had escorted her son here (the wording which would have made Blaise feel incredibly annoyed) she didn't bother. Instead she poured drinks and handed them to the two. “I am surprised that Blaise would bring someone home with him, though, seeing as he has always acted as if company was not that much of a pleasure. You see, I do enjoy receiving guests in this room. Perhaps Blaise only wanted to go to your place while we were entertaining. Is that so?” she asked, looking between them. She was clearly trying to get them to fess up to whatever relationship they might have.

Blaise gave a little shrug, barely placing his mouth to the glass. He was not one to get drunk easily but figured he needed an even clearer head than usual to pull the wool over his mother's eyes. That was always a bit difficult for him. “I would rather have been there than there, that is for sure. You like to invite people that I don't even know. I suppose I thought, since you like entertaining so much, it would be best to let you know who I was seeing.” He looked at Lindsey as she was by the portrait. Fortunately, because paintings had a mind for gossip and telling things to visitors when no one else was in the room, there weren't very many of the moving variety in this house. Other than family members that Desideria was certain wouldn't go telling on her for what she did. “Oh, right, that's my cousin,” Blaise told her in a casual voice, with a shrug to accompany it. Desideria sighed a little bit. “Blaise, of course my bringing people over is a good exercise in your future. Ms. Moon, do you hold parties or keep company often?”

[shava44]

It didn't take long for Lindsey to understand why Blaise found his mother's behavior something to avoid. The woman clearly kept an eye out for twists of the tongue, something to be wary of. "Hide something? No Ma'am, I think you misunderstood what your son said. I'm sure my family might have had a home somewhere else at some time, but it's not in the family anymore if there was." She turned and smiled at her to show she was not pulling anything at all either. "It's an island, nicely secluded and quiet where you can enjoy the sea breezes and do as much magic as you please with no muggles to worry about really. It's just a pleasant place to be away from everyone else." Running a hand once across the woodwork she nodded and added "I do think I would like more woodwork there. Stone manor houses get a rather cold look to them even if they do so well at lasting over the centuries."

Lindsey nodded at the woman's comments though. "Well we've known each other since first year since we're in the same house. I'm fortunate enough to have just gotten Head Girl, just received my letter yesterday." She took the glass, although she felt no compelling reason to drink; it wasn't that she ignored alcohol, just that she preferred to be the sober person in a crowd to better take advantage of a situation. "Thank you, Ma'am, I appreciate it." She took a small sip for taste and decided she didn't so much care for the stuff, but it was polite to drink it. She had already found a fondness for Scotch in her drinking just the taste of it having an edge she liked more. Listening to them talk she smiled softly before she answered the next question. "Oh no, Ma'am, although I might at some point. I'd rather get it updated a bit before I take anyone there much and Blaise had promised to come see it to give me an opinion."

To muddle the woman's understanding more she recaptured his hand as she said it and obviously gave it a squeeze while she smiled. "I can see where some of his ideas are from seeing where he was raised. My family's house has mostly tapestries and antiques from a much earlier time. They're family heirlooms so I don't want to get rid of them, but I think the guest areas at least need some newer looks." The woman frowned slightly as she looked at her and after a sip herself she asked "So there is no one else there?" Lindsey nodded politely and set the glass down for a moment. "I was an only child and my father died this last year. The family law firm took care of it till I turned seventeen and I still have them on retainer, but mostly it's just me and the ghosts. I feel fortunate to have a butler ghost, actually, he's so very well versed in older manners and proper treatment of guest."

In her mind she thought 'take that, we were chaperoned properly, old woman, now drop it' but she managed to keep those thoughts off her face. She set the glass down on a coaster carefully as she spoke as if she was tired of having it in her hands. She did walk across the room as she saw a music box of frosted glass (with a look at Blaise as if to ask if she could walk over there and tugging on his hand) and added "That's a really beautiful piece, do you think they still make those somewhere? I have this wonderful sitting room upstairs which has these giant windows; wonderful place at Christmas to sit in the sun..." Few rich homes had multiple sitting rooms (enough to have upstairs ones at least) and she let that hang in the air for a moment before she continued. "I think a lot of glass would do really well in there, something really nicely done more recent." She was, of course, ignored as the woman had other things on her mind.

"An entire house to yourself, I'm sure that can be quite lonely with no guests. You will be under a marriage contract then?" At this Lindsey turned around and let Blasie come much closer, her eyes on the older woman's face. "Actually, I'm free to choose. The firm was not allowed to make contracts in that manner, of course, so I will make my own. Any husband of mine will, of course, be the man of the house. I could hardly have a family without the proper man, one who I feel I could honor in the home of my ancestors." With Blaise holding her hand she thought they project a very pretty picture and she sounded a rich heiress, not yet discovered by the current social net. If the woman thought her son might have accidentally found a real treasure to bring home it might spark the greed of descendants in her...

[Blaise Zabini]

Blaise smirked. Hearing the back-and-forth between Lindsey and his mother was rather entertaining. He tried to pretend that he wasn't amused but that only made his mother give him a strange look. “I suppose that you must have a need for the quiet like my son,” Desideria said at last, though obviously, the questions weren't at an end despite the fact she had made the connection between this girl and her son. They were both apparently solitary. Blaise, this time, could read his mother perfectly. And it was amusing to him because Lindsey and Blaise hadn't ever been that similar in this area. But if that was what his mother wanted to think, then perfect. “Oh, maybe my mother could put you in touch with the person that she buys her furniture from.” Blaise didn't know if she was going to play along and pretend that she really did want to buy the furniture. He wanted to see her reaction because the furniture, again, was something that he actually liked. He was hoping to get something from his mother along the lines of the chest once he moved out, actually. “I could do that, if you'd like. Wood holds up very well if you treat it properly. And I have no doubt that you would, of course,” Desideria said with an approving nod.

Desideria looked impressed when Lindsey said that she was made Head Girl. Though her eyes wandered over to Blaise, as if to ask why he wasn't Head Boy as well. Though maybe the letter just hadn't come yet. Blaise gave his mother a blank look in return. He knew why she was looking at him that way, and found that frankly, he didn't care. The added stress that the Head Boy job would give him was something that he wouldn't want anyway. After all, he was already going to struggle with whatever changes the new year brought while trying to get through school with his exceptional grades intact! “So that's why you were there, Blaise. Well, I do hope that he gave you good advice? Sometimes, I can't tell whether he is joking or not. But maybe someone his own age can sort him out.” Blaise felt that familiar wave of annoyance for his mother. When she was around company she had the tendency to do one of two things – point out his incomprehensible teenage nature, or brag about the things that he'd done. Both were equally embarrassing but at least one put him in a good light. At least this time he knew that in the end, his mother was the one being fooled.

There was a bit of tension in the room. Blaise didn't know if that was a good thing or not, though it was clear that his mother was starting to believe their charade. “I think that a place with a lot of antiques is interesting. It makes the place look lived in, not stuffy. And shows that you still respect your family,” Blaise said to join in the conversation. He had never completely grasped the art of decorating, but Lindsey and his mother, with all their differences, at least decorated to their own personal taste. Most of the old folks would like a place brimming with family history. “But you are right, Lindsey. A place with new and old appeals to anyone. And once there are children one has to adapt even more to current trends,” he said casually, looking at her when he said it to add to the impression. He listened to his mother and Lindsey going back to the emptiness of the place Lindsey lived. He knew that was going to be a hot topic for his mother. People who didn't socialize always made her nervous, which was funny because the reason why she socialized so much was to fit in with others, and not look suspicious in the first place. “That does sound lovely,” Desideria said, referring to the ghost butler. She was intrigued by the idea, an old soul that knew the ways of the past. “If you and Blaise are as close as I think that you are, perhaps we could network at both our houses.” Blaise smirked. Network. Could that be what Lindsey ultimately wanted from this meeting? Well, she likely got it. Who knew a ghost would cement something like that?

An odd expression crossed Blaise's face when he was led by Lindsey to the music box. His face seemed to tighten a bit, his lips growing thinner. It clearly held some significance for him. His mother did leave a lot of heirlooms out for the reason that Blaise stated earlier, and most of them meant nothing to him sentimentally because they were passed down from people that he didn't know. This one had been something of his grandmother's. In contrast, Desideria would have thought it of lesser importance because it wasn't as old as most of the other pieces. Their way of placing worth on items was different, but the last thing that Blaise wanted to display around Lindsey was weakness. It was an old instinct that rarely came out on Blaise. “Oh, my mother made that. She was always more the modern woman than I am. Well, I did have my moments as a teenager but...” She waved her hand as if to say that she was above all that foolishness, and Blaise tried not to be bothered by that added onto the rest of it. Especially when she added insult to injury by dropping the subject almost immediately in favor of the chase with guests.

At the words 'marriage contract' Blaise snorted. How many Slytherins were under marriage contracts? Until this year Blaise had always thought himself lucky for not being under one, but then his mother seemingly decided that Blaise's judgment wasn't trustworthy enough. Desideria's face lit up at Lindsey's words coupled with the hand-holding. As obsessed with status and riches as she was, in the end what really sold her was that Blaise must be interested in this girl in order to bring her home. He would be happy, the family line would be secure, and it was with someone who seemed worthy of this family as well. Could it get better? “Is that so? When do you plan on getting married and having children, Ms. Moon? I hope that the goings-on in the world won't deter you.”

[shava44]

Lindsey nodded as his mother spoke about solitude. "I'm fairly mixed actually. I enjoy being around the right people, but I don't necessarily want others influencing any children I have also. I want to make sure they learn the right way first so it's something to think about. I guess it will depend on who I finally end up marrying," and made sure he eyes were in Blaise's direction. If his mother had left the room right then she was sure one of them would have burst out laughing, probably herself. But there was an element of truth in her words as well even as she said it; a lot depended on who she married. Was Blaise really someone she would trust with her life that way? Quite possibly. He wasn't a demander, preferred to take things easy and quietly at least while others were around. How would he take her news about her curse? Or would she tell him at first or wait till later on? Her thoughts were interrupted by both of their comments about wood. "That would be nice to have a reference to work with. Maybe Blaise could be pulled away from his books long enough to give me his ideas as well since he has seen the place...." she said trying to hint or make it plain she valued his opinion on her place. Although it was starting to sound like his mother was falling for the entire routine.

Heck, his mother might even start sending him out to her on a regular basis now. That thought was amusing indeed.

At the words 'straighten him out' Lindsey's eyes sparkled with amusement at Blaise, probably missed by his mother. Stepping over close to him she poked his arm with her fist like giving him a chuck off his chin saying "You hear that Bliase? Your mother wants me to straighten you out. I've been given permission." All kinds of naughtiness was in her eyes, clearly showing she had ideas how to tease him with this for weeks. Turning her face back to his mother however her face looked just slightly amused however. "Oh I'm sure he will behave properly anyway. I've never known him not to be a perfect gentleman. You should be quite proud of the way he carries himself at Hogwarts. I personally think the Head Girl position is going to make my homework suffer a lot." And she had other reasons for wondering about that particular title, but kept her mouth shut at the moment about it all. "Yes, kids change everything I'm afraid. I'll probably have to have two different sitting rooms near the door and ban the kids to the upstairs halls," she said with a chuckle. Certainly her taste was far wilder then his mother needed to know, but she had already decided Bliase was right about having two of them. Networking? "I would like to think we can make that work once I have a handle on the house itself. Like I said, all the guest ares need work. I mean really, it's been a long time since the medieval years. Even the Victorians didn't keep some of the stuff I have to find places for. I suspect my attic is going to be one of the most stylish old English attics in the UK..."

Very lightly she ran a finger around the beautiful pattern on the top of the box with a real sigh; she did love things which sparkled in the sunlight. "Well she had real talent then, this is a wonderful piece." A slight squeeze of Blaise's hand to show she wasn't kidding when she said looking him in the eyes "You have some real talent in your family, Ma'am, I'm sure they all must seem like treasures to you. " But then they came down, as they say, to brass tacks. The subject of marriage being out in the air brought his mother fully into their deception quite eagerly. What fools older people got to be when you brought up ideas about grandchildren! Was it a human thing? Would Lindsey ever be that obvious herself? Praying she would not be, she smiled politely and said "Well that depends on the man as well, of course, but I was thinking after graduation to make plans like that. Although with all the turmoil right now it doesn't seem a good time for it. Maybe while we're finishing up this year things will get to some point of closure. It would be a terrible thing to have a wedding and know your guests were more looking over their shoulders and wondering what will happen next instead of enjoying themselves."

"Yes, that is something to take into account I suspect. Marriages are supposed to be wonderful events to celebrate a new beginning and graduating from school would seem a good time as well..." Did she think getting Blaise married off as soon after graduation as possible was a good thing? Crazy old biddy. But at the same time Lin could see why Blaise might go along with it just to get out from under his mother's nose -- it must have been very difficult having no privacy in your own affairs the last few years in particular.