Stay Away From Me ~ Blaise Zabini ~ Part 18

Breakfast was quiet. Harry had been at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place for a few days.

"I'll be going to Diagon Alley today." Mrs. Weasley said. "I'm leaving in an hour." She looked at us as we ate our food. Everyone looked a little relieved; with Mrs. Weasley out for the day, no one would have to clean anything.

As if to make sure they wouldn't be assigned a job while she was out, Fred and George quickly finished their breakfast and left the room. I ate slowly, waiting for everyone else to leave until it was just Mrs. Weasley and I.

"Something the matter, dear?" she asked.

"Mrs. Weasley, do you think I could go with you today? To Diagon Alley, I mean."

She pursed her lips, then said, "I don't think so. There are plenty of Death Eaters who know you're close with Harry. It would be dangerous -"

"Please, Mrs. Weasley. I'm sure you could use some help with the shopping..." I pleaded. I had been stuck in Number 12 for so long, I just wanted a chance to go some place with other people.

Mrs. Weasley sat for a moment, thinking. "Oh, alright." she sighed.

*** *** *** *** ***

"We still need... gloves for Ginny, robes for Ron and a cauldron for George." Mrs. Weasley said as we walked down Diagon Alley, arms laden with books and school equipment.

"I can go and get the gloves." I offered. Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to object, but I added, "It's right next to Madam Malkin's, right? I'll go when you get the robes, it'll be fine."

She nodded, looking a little relieved to get out of here faster; it was so crowded today it took almost two hours at Gringotts, just to take money from three vaults. Exchanging Hermione's Muggle money took even longer.

"Come straight to Madam Malkin's when you are done." Mrs. Weasley said when we reached the shop. I nodded and she disappeared into the crowd.

I walked into the shop that had gloves for Ginny, making my way toward the "Quidditch Apparel" section.

See, this is fine. I thought to myself. What Dark wizard would try to hurt me in broad daylight? I searched through the sizes and brands of different gloves when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't make a sound." a deep, gruff voice said.

I whipped around, expecting to see a Death Eater with a wand pointing at me, but I was staring into the face of Blaise Zabini.

"Hey," he whispered.

"Blaise!" I jumped into his open arms, the months away from him taking full affect. "I've missed you." I said into his shoulder.

He stroked my back, saying, "Same here. This summer has been a long one."

I pulled away, looking into his eyes. "How are things with your step-dad?"

Blaise released me, looking away. "Same as always." he growled.

I ground my teeth, not sure of what to say.

"I should go." he said suddenly. "I came here with him. He'll be looking for me."

As if on cue, a middle-age, balding wizard walked into the shop. Blaise's jaw tightened. He glared at the man as he approached.

"Let's go, boy." he said when he reached us. His voice was deep and cold. When he talked, I could see his uneven teeth. His breath made me want to gag. He didn't seem to notice me, until Blaise put a protective arm around my shoulders. "Well, well. Who's this little cutie?" he sized me up, making me feel like a display in the store.

"Let's go." Blaise said. His step father looked at him like he had forgotten he was there.

"Why not introduce me to this lovely young lady?"

"I don't think that's necessary." Blaise sounded calm, but I could tell he was getting angry. His step father didn't bother hiding his emotions.

He grabbed the front of Blaise's shirt, whispering, "Listen, kid. I only put up with you for that dàmn mother of yours. But if you really want to make a scene, how about you keep being a little punk, and I'll hex her pretty face. Does that sound good to you, or would you rather just introduce us?"

Blaise glared at him, then said, in a voice dripping with loathing, "Fine. Just let. Me. Go."

His step father released him, a stupid grin on his face. Blaise looked at me, an apology in his eyes. "Belle, this is my step father, Cort Vane. Sir, this is my girlfriend, Belle Waters."

Cort nodded. "You Tony's kid?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Pity, hun. I like you a little less now." he snickered. "Lemme tell you something, sweetheart," he leaned toward me, his disgusting breath even stronger now. "I'd advise you to not get too attached to that boy," he gestured toward Blaise, "'cause he has no business hanging around with a filthy little Muggle-Lover."

I shook my head, pushing him away from me. "One, personal space is important. Learn it, use it, love it. Two, I'm not your sweetheart, or your hun, so don't call me that." I glared at him, not expecting what he did next; laughed.

"This one's got some spunk!" he said. "But mark my words, girlie. Don't think you can get away with talking to me like that. You may get yourself killed if you go on with that attitude." and with that, he turned on his heel and left, motioning for Blaise to follow.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with him." he whispered.

"It's fine. I'll see you on the train?"

Blaise smiled, stroking my cheek with the back of his hand. "Definitely." and with a small kiss, he left.

*** *** *** *** ***

"Honey, I'm home!" I called when I entered the room Hermione, Ginny and I shared. I sat down on my bed, tossing Ginny her new gloves.

"How was Diagon Alley?" Hermione asked.

"Odd." I decided.

"Odd how?" Ginny asked, slipping on her gloves.

"I, ah... I met Blaise's step father."

"Really? What's his name?" Hermione asked.

"Cort Vane. Ever heard of him?"

Hermione shook her head, but Ginny gaped at me. "Are you sure, Belle?"

"Yeah... Why?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, as if it should be really obvious. "He's a known Death Eater! The only reason he isn't in Azkaban is because he gave the Ministry a bunch of names."

How had I not heard of him before? I couldn't believe it. Blaise was living with a Death Eater?