Spider In The Roses.

zara zabini addicock liripine. 25. death eater. potioneer. part-veela. to be loved by her is to be touched by death itself.

[oitnbgifs]

[mollsweaslxy]

zabinizara‌:

Zara’s eyes lifted, falling on Molly. For a second she forgot to breathe, worried she’d been exposed, until Molly gushed her approval. She let out a soft, breathless laugh, smiling at her… friend? Could she call Molly her friend? Was that odd? She wasn’t sure. Either way, she smiled at Molly. 

“You think so?,” she said with a laugh, tucking a stray braid behind her ear. “Try it for yourself sometime,” Zara insisted. “It works wonders, even when you aren’t pregnant. Silly men…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “They think us so incapable sometimes, it’s nearly impossible not to use it against them.” 

pregnancy was one of the things men would never understand. it was one of the toughest things she had ever gone through and here she was on her fifth pregnancy. and that didn’t even include the labor and birth. 

“i don’t think men fully understands how difficult it is to literally grow a human being for ten months,” she said as she laughed. “i once put a spell on arthur to give him an idea what contractions felt like and he was in tears.”

[zabinizara]

A giggle passed Zara’s lips and she shook her head at the very thought of it. She couldn’t imagine a man surviving morning sickness, let alone birth. “Oh Morgana, that sounds like a sight to see, undoubtedly,” she said, a laugh still on her lips. “You may have to share that spell with me, should I ever find another husband.” 

Zara laughed again, brushing the dust off of her skirt. “Are you alright though, Molly? I just... what a terrifying thing to have happened. Were you safe during... all of this madness?” 

[theoforestgrayson]

zabinizara‌:

A laugh passed her lips, a genuine one at that. “Oh, don’t sweat, silly. I wouldn’t sell a single thing I wouldn’t use myself, I just like making people squirm.” And it seemed he was easier to make squirm than she’d first realized. After all, anyone who could stand within 5 feet of both herself and Rodolphus had to have some guts. All it did was make her grin. Any man whom she could make uncomfortable was a win in her eyes. “You weren’t prying, Theo,” she said smoothly, painted lips wrapping around his name as she played with the idea of digging deeper into his mind some time. Not here, no. And it would be harmless, of course… But she was quite bored, and her Veela side had been quiet for quite a while. She giggled at the thought of someone, anyone really, being putty in her pretty hands… A shudder of a thrill ran up her spine as she wondered who her next victim might be. “You’re right. Nobody deserves to be lonely. It’s such a shame that both of my dear husbands were taken too soon. Bad luck, they call it. I call it absolutely devastating heartbreak. But then, it’s easier to label some things as bad luck, isn’t it?,” she mused, her thoughts trailing off. “Anyway, Darling, you must forgive me. I see a wonderfully handsome man. I’d be a fool not to try. Do stay… not lonely tonight, yes?,” she said, bowing her head at him before rushing off in the direction of the tall, dark stranger. 

Theo definitely didn’t need the woman to tell him that, it was far too obvious in the way she was enjoying his discomfort. “Okay…” He mumbled quietly, glad to hear he wasn’t prying but also completely at a loss of what to say. The longer he spoke to her, the more convinced he became that she was somebody dangerous, somebody he really should be making an effort to avoid. He always treated people with kindness, tried to see the good in them before anything else, but she was making it so difficult. Maybe Evan would know more about her, he made a mental note to ask his boyfriend who she was. It shocked him to learn she had lost two of her husbands, though he worked to keep that shock from his face, not wanting her to be able to use it. He couldn’t imagine the pain of losing the person he loved most in the world. If fact, he spent most of his days pointedly trying not to consider what life would be without him. What would it feel like to lose two loves? “I’m so sorry for your loss.” He said, his sincerity evident in his voice. He meant it, he really did. “I…” He trailed off, turning to look at the man who had caught her attention. Admittedly, he was incredibly handsome, but he was more than flustered by the sudden change in conversation. “Okay… I- good luck.” He cringed inwardly, already embarrassed by his poor conversational skills. But she was long gone by the time a blush crept to his cheeks, and he hurried to disappear into the crowd, hoping their paths didn’t cross anytime again soon. 

END.

[zabinizara]

theoforestgrayson‌:

Theo could sense a vague threat behind the woman’s words, she was forcing a smile, allowing him to see that if he didn’t afford her the respect she was demanding, there would be consequences. “Oh… no, I …” He stumbled over his words, trailing off as he struggled to think of what she could possibly mean by offering him potions to be procured with discretion. “Thank you but what I have now is enough, it’s all I need…” He insisted, eyes widening slightly as she moved the subject onwards, apparently offended by his question. He was a very difficult person to fluster, known for being calm and considerate in almost any situation, but he could feel himself struggling to find words, to respond to her questions. What could he say? “No, of course not.” He said quietly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” He bit down on his bottom lip debating on making a joke to lighten the mood. “Nobody should be lonely.” He murmured, deciding against mentioning his own love of good men. “The world is so uncertain right now…” 

A laugh passed her lips, a genuine one at that. “Oh, don’t sweat, silly. I wouldn’t sell a single thing I wouldn’t use myself, I just like making people squirm.” And it seemed he was easier to make squirm than she’d first realized. After all, anyone who could stand within 5 feet of both herself and Rodolphus had to have some guts. All it did was make her grin. Any man whom she could make uncomfortable was a win in her eyes. “You weren’t prying, Theo,” she said smoothly, painted lips wrapping around his name as she played with the idea of digging deeper into his mind some time. Not here, no. And it would be harmless, of course... But she was quite bored, and her Veela side had been quiet for quite a while. She giggled at the thought of someone, anyone really, being putty in her pretty hands... A shudder of a thrill ran up her spine as she wondered who her next victim might be. “You’re right. Nobody deserves to be lonely. It’s such a shame that both of my dear husbands were taken too soon. Bad luck, they call it. I call it absolutely devastating heartbreak. But then, it’s easier to label some things as bad luck, isn’t it?,” she mused, her thoughts trailing off. “Anyway, Darling, you must forgive me. I see a wonderfully handsome man. I’d be a fool not to try. Do stay... not lonely tonight, yes?,” she said, bowing her head at him before rushing off in the direction of the tall, dark stranger. 

[zabinizara]

mollsweaslxy‌:

molly watched on as zara disarmed the man she had convinced she was helpless to. it was a feat she never had thought the other woman capable of, but she liked it. it was a way to disarm someone she had never thought of and she liked it.

“merlin,” molly said, a small smile appearing on her face. she took a minute to really look at zara, still absolutely astonished at how good of an idea her tactic had been.”that was bloody amazing,” she said as she laughed.

Zara’s eyes lifted, falling on Molly. For a second she forgot to breathe, worried she’d been exposed, until Molly gushed her approval. She let out a soft, breathless laugh, smiling at her... friend? Could she call Molly her friend? Was that odd? She wasn’t sure. Either way, she smiled at Molly. 

“You think so?,” she said with a laugh, tucking a stray braid behind her ear. “Try it for yourself sometime,” Zara insisted. “It works wonders, even when you aren’t pregnant. Silly men...” She trailed off, shaking her head. “They think us so incapable sometimes, it’s nearly impossible not to use it against them.” 

[zabinizara]

Before Zara found shelter, she pleaded with a member of the opposing side to help her up, pointing towards her stomach and appearing helpless. Men did always think she was so fucking helpless, didn’t they? After he helped her find a place behind a column, he rushed to join the fight. Zara Disarmed him from behind, quickly assuming the role of a terrified mother-to-be before he could turn around and see who’d done it in the chaos. She knew men were stupid, but it made her laugh, even in the mess, that one might turn their back on her. Didn’t they know what she was capable of? She was focusing on steady, deep breaths, getting oxygen to her sweet Blaise, but also knowing nobody would hurt her. She looked up, saw someone across from her as the fighting finally subsided. 

“I knew I should have listened to my ankles and left an hour ago!,” she said, wondering how she was supposed to act. She’d been safe. Of course she’d been safe. In fact, she recognized the masked figures running past her. But she needed to act as if that wasn’t that case. “Morgana, I sure hope nobody got hurt! Who could have let something like this happen?!” 

[zabinizara]

theoforestgrayson‌:

Theo faltered, unable to hide his surprise. He wasn’t sure why he was so affected by the woman’s apparent indifference, but he hadn’t been expecting it from somebody with such an important job. “I… oh… okay, thank you.” He bit down on his bottom lip, nervous at the thought of anything illicit happening in a store just a few buildings away from where he lived. Then again, knowing he could buy Evan more anxiety medication if and when he needed it was a relief. He would be lying if he said it wasn’t. Barely registering the warning about Rodolphus, he nodded absentmindedly. It was information he already knew. The man was dangerous, that was essentially common knowledge at this point in time. He was already on his radar, so he was doing everything within his power to avoid the man. “I don’t plan on our paths crossing again.” He said quietly, a frown creasing his brow when she continued to elaborate on just how little mind she paid her customers. “You’re… you’re searching for a husband here?” He echoed, unsure whether she was joking. She didn’t seem like the type to joke. 

She looked up at him, talking through a smile with her teeth closed tightly. “Of course, and I’m sure I don’t need to... explain that I prefer discretion.” She ran her tongue over her lips, wetting them before flashing another smile. “And if that’s the case, I have a much wider variety of offerings. Several of which might help you. Or... whoever it is you might be helping.” Finally, her face relaxed into a more natural smile, nodding in understanding. She knew she didn’t have to warn people about her colleague. It was just that she couldn’t stand Rodolphus, so she wanted to make sure everyone knew what shit he was. “Anyway,” she said abruptly, changing the subject from her... let’s call it a second job. Except it paid twice as much. More some nights, depending on the ask. And it was much more fun playing God than it was pushing parchments. “Well, yes?,” she said, as if it was obvious. As if she hadn’t just cried over her last one only 4 months prior. “Is it a crime to want to be loved? I’m so lonely without...” She paused, just for a beat. “Christopher. I only want another good man in my life. Is that so terrible?” 

[zabinizara]

mmvcdonvld‌:

—- Mary felt out of place and even though she was there at the event, she couldn’t believe that she had agreed. She was in a room full of some of the most important people in the Magical Community and she was just a book shop clerk all dressed up. “Oh thanks, you as well,” she flushed as she looked down at her dress. She wore white opposed to Zara who was dressed in a beautiful black gown. “Yes, I would love a drink, I’ll take all the ones you can’t have,” she chuckled and was a little glad for all the parties she had attended in the gryffindor common room. It had prepared her well for large alcohol consumption.

A laugh passed Zara’s lips at the flush in Mary’s cheeks. “Are you blushing from a compliment as obvious as that? Mary, Love, you’ve got to feel the beauty of who you are from the inside out.” With a smile, she handed the glass over to Mary. “Maybe a little liquid courage will help you open up. After all, there’s no way you can walk around looking like this and not see how everyone’s looking at you! That’s the first step towards claiming your power! C’mon, just look at how beautiful you are right now!”

[zabinizara]

theoforestgrayson‌:

Theo immediately felt his heart skip a beat when he realised who he had nearly walked into. He had not so secretly been hoping to never see the woman again. It wasn’t her fault, of course. He was the one hiding, keeping secrets, and he he was confident she had only been worried for his well being given the nature of the potion. But still… being dishonest felt awkward. He was good at it because he needed to be, that didn’t mean he was comfortable. “I’m sorry, I was… distracted.” He admitted, a blush creeping to his cheeks. “Theo. Theodore…” He corrected, unsure what else to say. “He didn’t kill me, no… I’m sure he would like to try.” Smiling nervously at his own joke, he wondered whether it could even be considered a joke given the truth of the statement. “Oh… fine. Perfect. Thank you again. I know you went against your instincts to give it to me but I’m… I’m incredibly grateful.” The potion was still sitting in his bathroom cabinet. He had yet to tell Evan of it’s existence. So far he hadn’t needed to and he really wanted things to stay that way. 

“Theodore...,” she repeated, nodding her head. “Well Theodore, now that I’m not working I can tell you that quite frankly I don’t give a shit who it was for. But if you ever need anything like that again, come back when it’s dark. Yeah? It saves us all a whole lot of hassle.” A sigh passed her lips. “And by the way, I wouldn’t put it past Rodolphus to use you for... whatever it was, the tranquilizer her had, I wouldn’t put it past him to use you for practice. Word to the wise.” She sipped her beverage, giving him a once over. He was much too young for her. And there was no way he had enough money to his name to be worth anything. “You don’t have to be grateful. Like I said, I couldn’t care less who it was for. Pretending I did was the exhausting part.” Her eyes were scanning the crowd again, having lost the man she’d spotted before. She sighed, disappointed in possibly missing out on a wonderful man because of him. “You know, that could have been my next husband that just disappeared into the crowd because of all of... this.” She made a gesture between the two of them. “Now I have to start from scratch.” 

[zabinizara]

mollsweaslxy‌:

molly laughed softly when realization hit zara. she could certainly relate to what had just happened. pregnancy brain was certainly something she had experience (she was also terrible with names, but that was a story for a different time). “yeah, those are my youngest,” she said with a soft smile. “then there’s bill, charlie, and percy.” most people didn’t realize the effect pregnancy had on people until they themselves experienced it. “my kids like to make fun of me for how often i forget which one i’m talking to,” she said as she laughed. “i’m good. it’s nice to be out of the house. how are you?”

“Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, and Percy, right,” she said, a pleased smile on her face. “You’ll have to forgive me if I need to ask for those again once I meet them all. I promise I’m usually wonderful with memory!,” she insisted. A smile graced her lips, a laugh passing them as Molly explained her dilemma. “Oh! Well, my mother always says that if you can’t make fun of someone, you don’t truly love them. So that sounds like a wonderful sign. Was it hard? Picking their names? I’m stuck between twenty, and I’m only having one!,” Zara said with a giggle. “Oh, I’m sure. It’s such a beautiful night, and your gown, it’s perfect!” There was something so light about gushing with the older woman. It came so easily. She knew what some of her counterparts thought of the Weasleys, but goodness the woman was easy to talk to. “I’m doing great. Finally past the sickness, I’ve heard the second trimester is a bit easier... So, here’s hoping?” 

[zabinizara]

theoforestgrayson‌:

The most difficult part of attending the event alone was knowing the man he loved more than anything was going to be there, his betrothed on his arm, a look on his face that he didn’t recognise, one that reminded him of the part his boyfriend was expected to play. He hadn’t been able to see what Evan was wearing until stepping into the room, and for a moment he had been left entirely breathless. Staring at his hair, slicked back with product, his suit sharp and fitted perfectly, the expensive material catching the light in the most beautiful way, he longed to reach out to him, even catching his eye would be something. But they couldn’t risk it. They had a meeting scheduled, no matter how brief, and that would have to be enough. For now, he rolled his paint stained sleeves up, hiding just how entirely unprepared he was to dress formally. He didn’t have a lot of money, and all of his expensive dress robes were firmly in his closet back in the house he had once shared with his parents and his brother. Then he adjusted his bow tie, forcing himself to tear his gaze away from Evan before anybody could notice him staring. It was a Van Gogh bow tie, as was the one he had taken off and forced into Evan’s hands. Knowing the Starry Night bow was in his boyfriend’s pocket was the only reason he was able to turn away now. He was with him still, they were together in spirit, even if they couldn’t be together physically until later in the evening. He was wearing a bow gifted by his other half, and his other half had a bow gifted by him hidden away in his pocket. There was something strangely romantic about that, wasn’t there? On his way to the drinks table, he found himself distracted in thought, nearly walking into somebody as they stood from where they had been sitting. “Oh, Merlin… I’m so sorry.” He said quietly, stepping back so they had room to pass. 

She shouldn’t have worn heels. She most definitely should not have worn heels. Her bloody ankles were swollen, and felt very near bursting, though she knew such a thing to be impossible. And on top of all of that, she couldn’t even drink. Perhaps it was best she didn’t, anyway. After all, she was looking for a new husband... One to fill that horrible void in her bank account heart. She had plenty of savings, but what was a lonely, pregnant woman like herself to do in a mansion all alone? She’d found refuge at a quiet table, resting her feet on another chair. She was sipping her sparkling water, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as she felt her stomach fighting against her dress, glancing around the room. When she finally laid eyes on a man who at least appeared to be dressed suitably enough for a girl like her, she stood up, nearly being pushed back into her seat as she did. (Okay, that was dramatic, he hadn’t even touched her, but what was she if not dramatic?). “Bloody hell,” she said, looking down to see if she’d spilled on herself. “Don’t you know to watch where you’re going?” Finally looking up, she recognized the younger boy, narrowed her eyes at him. “Ah, Leo, right? I see Rodolphus didn’t kill you,” she grumbled. “How’d that medication work out for... you?” 

[zabinizara]

mollsweaslxy‌:

molly looked on at the minister as zara talked. she didn’t know the man at all. she was only here because her husband worked at the ministry and she figured it would be nice to get out of the house, especially considering she wouldn’t be getting out of the house once the baby was born. “molly,” molly said with a soft smile as her hand wondered unconsciously to her recently noticeable baby bump. it was a habit formed over five previous pregnancies. “pregnancy brain is certainly a thing not a lot of people understand until they have it, that’s for sure,” she said as she laughed.

“Oh! Molly!,” Zara gasped, hitting her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Morgana, I’m so sorry, it was just on the tip of my tongue. And your little dears, Fred and George, no?” A smile graced her face at the memory of the redheaded crew, What a delight they’d been. “And the other two... I’m sorry, their names escape me. It’s such a pleasure to see you!” She glanced at her bump, clapping with glee at the sight. Hers had begun showing as well, and she swore she spent hours in front of the mirror everyday just looking at it. She laughed, nodding in agreement. “I must admit, I was someone who didn’t know how true it was until I forgot an appointment, and I never miss an appointment!” Another laugh passed her lips. “I promise to remember your name next time we meet, Molly! How are you?” 

[zabinizara]

closed starter for @mmvcdonvld​

Zara had quite enjoyed Mary’s presence. Ever since their rather unfortunate run-in where she’d been in the midst of a mood swing, she had found herself seeing the girl around a few times. Now, with a soiree as huge as she knew it would be with the Blacks in charge, she asked Mary if she would be interested in tagging along. After all, she saw so much of herself in that girl. What a wonder it would be to watch her bloom as Zara had. “Oh, you look absolutely stunning,” Zara said, looking at Mary with approval. It had taken a bit of back and forth, but they finally settled on a dress for her. And wow, it had paid off. “Would you like a drink? They keep handing me glasses and I keep having to pass them off.” 

[zabinizara]

“Oh it’s just so marvelous to celebrate such a wonderful man,” Zara gushed. The words felt like poison in her mouth. In her experience, wonderful men were the first to leave their wives, first to spill their guts, first to throw everyone else under the Knight Bus. “Ever since I lost Henry, he’s been so wonderful to have around. Just a dear.” She waved away a waitress, who walked by with a tray of champagne before smiling at another guest. Most of these people knew her as a perfect, prim and proper wife to their late colleague. She had to play the part. “Remind me of your name? Baby brain,” she explained, pointing at her stomach. 

[zabinizara]

zara zabini addicock liripine attends the celebration of another year well lived for the minister of magic.

that “grieving widow” role was growing tiresome anyway. onto the next?

[zabinizara]

mmvcdonvld‌:

—- Each time that Zara referred to her as a beautiful girl, a girl at the same level as Zara herself, Mary could feel her cheeks grow more red. The heat rose from her toes and she hated it. She never knew how to take a compliment even at the best of times. She quickly cleared her throat and moved forward as the line did. “You shouldn’t apologize for hormones,” she murmured and glanced back at Zara. She noticed the woman’s misstep with her words– him and them. Most wouldn’t have caught on but Mary had made that mistake before, stumbling over her words. “What kind of help,” she asked softly.

Another smile crept across Zara’s lips at Mary’s kind words. “Everyone says that,” she said, a laugh in her voice. “But it’s much easier said than done, especially when I’m hardly used to feeling anything, let alone showing them,” she teased. tucking another braid behind her ear. When Mary asked her just what kind of help Zara was offering, she paused for a beat to consider her answer. What was it she was willing to help with? She knew her cohorts wouldn’t approve. But, then again, when push came to shove - wouldn’t she push them right beneath the wheels of the Knight Bus? They meant nothing to her. Less than nothing, really. They were stepping stones on the way to her greatness. Didn’t this girl deserve a taste of greatness? “Well, I suppose it would depend on what help you’d like. I could instruct you in some self-defense, though I’d be forced to remain an observer, I’d still be effective. Or, if you’d prefer, I’ve studied rhetoric tirelessly. Words can be weapons, too. Or both. Or anything else.” They shuffled forward in line, very nearly there. “What would make you feel more safe in this world?” 

[zabinizara]

mollsweaslxy‌:

       “you’re one of the first people i’ve told,” molly said. she had only put the pieces together the day before and still hadn’t taken an at home pregnancy. she knew she should, considering that meant she needed to get to a healer sooner than later, but until then, she knew what she was doing. this was her sixth child after all. “it’s always the nausea for me,” molly replied. “they say it’s morning sickness, but it literally lasts all day for about the first trimester for me,” she said as she laughed.

       “you too, honey,” molly replied. zara’s happiness was so contagious. she was worried about bringing another kid into the world, but when you were talking to someone who was pregnant, presumably, for the first time, and was as excited as zara, it was hard not to be happy. “i am, yeah,” she said with a smile. “it’ll be take a while to get used to saying i’m pregnant with our sixth child, though.” she looked down at her twins, a soft affectionate smile on her face. “i’m not sure they get it from me, but thank you,” she said. who would have thought that two of the only redheads at hogwarts during their time together would end up together with a sixth child on the way. “sometimes i think i know plenty,” she said as she laughed. “that’s that’s not the case.”

Clasping her hands together over her chest, Zara looked at Molly with joy in her eyes. “Oh! Oh, wow! How absolutely touching!,” she gushed, “I promise not to tell another soul. Cross my heart!” Zara looked dreamy, still absentmindedly twirling her sparkling fingers around. “You’re probably the thousandth person I’ve told, but the first one who actually seemed to care!” Which was true - but could you blame them? The world was going to shit. She was part of the disaster it was becoming. But that didn’t mean that carrying this child wasn’t absolutely everything she’d wanted it to be. And then some.

Sighing happily, Zara rested her chin on the heel of her hand. “Sixth child?,” she asked, eyes fogged with her joy over the entire conversation. “Oh my, Sweetie, your husband doesn’t deserve you!” She laughed now. “I’m teasing, I’m teasing-” Sorta... She knew nothing of Molly’s husband, but it was hard to imagine any man worthy of a woman of her stature. Her strength. But her eye had been skewed by years of conditioning. “I’m sure he’s wonderful. Unless you don’t have anyone, like me, though you said ‘our,’ so pardon my assumption.” Then another laugh, she shook her head slightly. “Well, you know what they say. Fake it until you make it, no?”