Blaise Zabini

I do love that we get, you know, the Slytherins and the Gryffindors meeting each other via Draco.

Like we get Zabini is introduced and Daphne.

And this is where we get the Daphne ex-Hermione friendship origins, which I love.

And they bond over cats.

You think you know everything, don't you, Granger? Draco replied snippily.

For your information, I haven't been allowed to see my friends this summer and have been forced to spend time with Nott and Zabini.

Hermione's eyebrows rose a tad at that admission.

It made sense that Lucius Malfoy would want his son socializing with those who would have alliances with the House of Black, even if Knott's was one of mutual non-aggression and Zerbini's was still being negotiated since Sirius had refused the initial pitch of a marriage alliance between himself and the widow Zerbini.

and I'm sure the only reason you dislike spending time with Nott and Zabini rather than Crabbe and Goyle is because Nott and Zabini can think for themselves and won't immediately do your bidding.

Draco flushed red, and she knew she'd scored a point.

Honestly, Malfoy, she continued, I would have thought a Slytherin would appreciate being encouraged to build alliances with strong and intelligent allies rather than simply putting up with... with minions.

A brief glance around the room quickly identified that Hermione was happily ensconced in a corner by the refreshment table with Susan, Hannah, Daphne Greengrass, Michael Corner and Anthony Goldstein.

"I'll give you half credit.

No, in public and around witches, Zabini is rarely lewd or vulgar, but in our own flat, I'm sure your imagination can fill in the blanks with three bachelor wizards running amok.

I notice you could picture me punching him easily enough." Hermione acknowledges the point.

"More than I could envision what he said to earn it in the first place." "It took less than you'd probably like to think," Draco mutters from behind his glass of wine.

So they both were open that they weren't taking you out again, and that I should.

I was refusing, obviously." She gives him a minute, spearing some tortellini instead.

"I had felt bad about punching Zabini.

I was saying if you wanted to go out with him again that he should take you, which was the opposite thing they wanted to hear, and we'd all devolved into another row." Pansy was there too, but you know that.

Can I walk you down? comes a deep voice from the door and she jumps a little.

Blaise Zabini is standing there, looking more dapper than a pub knight calls for, although Hermione supposes she probably does too.

His dark blue dress shirt is cut just right, tailored to him, and Hermione can't help but appreciative glance.

Theo, two evenings ago, and now Blaise.

He mutters.

Zabini, help me.

That earns him a subtle nod.

She knows Blaze works for the aura departments.