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Flipped on its Axis – Chapter 1 (News? Good or Bad?)
It was not everyday that you realized that your entire world was crashing around you. Where the moments were going so smooth together before the tracks underneath would just collapse before you realized what was happening.
That was the current life for Blaise Zabini.
He was a Slytherin going to Hogwarts, finishing up his third year before returning home to his villa in Italy. It was supposed to be another summer that he got to enjoy before he even thought about starting his fourth year at Hogwarts. He had already turned fourteen back in November while he was still attending Hogwarts.
He wasn’t expecting to meet someone at his home when he used the International Portkey to get home after getting of the Hogwarts Express that day. Where he had been told that his mother had been murdered and that he would be relocated with one of his relatives.
He didn’t cry when he was told the news, too much in shock. It had always been him and his mother. She had always seemed immortal and that nothing could hurt her. He knew about his father and that he had been murdered and he had never been told by whom. And that his mother would remarry and remarry. Every one of them was dead and their wealth just got bigger and bigger. But his mother had never been a suspect and now she was dead…
Blaise didn’t even hear on who he had been in placed with. His mind just echoing and echoing that his mother was gone. He didn’t know how to process that information. Like he would just open the door and she would greet him warmly like she did every summer.
A card was placed in his hand, which felt numb to the touch. Through the fog of his mind, he heard the words that an owl would be sent to him. There was no look of pity cast his way, it was more of contempt. It wasn’t the first time either. He knew what everyone heard about the name Zabini and his mother… the Black Widow.
Looks of scorn and contempt wasn’t something he wasn’t unused to. It felt like a part of him when anyone heard his name. He didn’t really remember anything of his father, his mum always said that he was too young to remember. But he remembered the wizards that she married, each one crueler than the previous one. To him, he didn’t have a father. It was just him and his mother.
He knew that the money would still go to him being his mother’s blood son. But even in the villa, it felt cold. It was always felt warm during the summers in Italy, but it was like the temperature had dropped.
He felt cold, like this was a bad dream that he just woke up from. A tear fell. It was like he could feel her arms around him and yet nobody was there.
It didn’t matter how many doors that he opened, she never appeared… The words felt much more real, and Blaise hated it. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen… He had written letters to her about the elective classes he had taken. He had been very particular about which ones he wanted. He didn’t see any use for Muggle Studies, as if he would want to know anything about them. Divination was a waste unless you had the gift of the sight, and the professor was a phony to start with. He found that the classes Arithmancy and Ancient Runes would suit him the best. Creatures had only been taken as something extra as it seemed interesting. But the class had been nothing but a joke to him.
All that information… it seemed like nothing compared to what he had been told. The fact that there had been a rogue Death Eater in Hogwarts seemed like nothing. Even though he knew he had been after Potter. He had felt some sympathy for the Gryffindor, he had practically been hunted his entire life. Everyone knew about the Boy-Who-Lived and how he didn’t die.
His mother always believed that Lily Potter must have known some ancient ritual and it was nothing about Potter. But since he was living, they credited it all to him. That didn’t mean that Blaise would actually approach him. He was still a Gryffindor, and he was a Slytherin. Even though the Gryffindor’s rivalry with Draco was a bit childish on the blonde’s part. That wasn’t his problem.
But… as he sat on the floor in the Dining Area, he wondered on how Potter dealt with it. He had seen the death of his parents. It had been all over the school on what the Gryffindor saw when he was around a Dementor.
Blaise didn’t know what he may feel or see now if he went near a Dementor. But he knew that he didn’t want to find out. He was aware that they fed on happy memories. He didn’t even know what would happen to his home. Would it go to him? Would it be taken by the Italian Ministry or turned over to Gringotts? Would he not have any rights to it until he turned seventeen?
He didn’t know where he would go…
Blaise’s breath felt shaky as he took in a deep breath. He didn’t know a life without his mother being there. He didn’t want to know one, but he knew that he would be forced to.
Though when he would try to sleep that night, it was restless. It felt like he had shut his eyes just to open them again. Dreams were plagued by his mother. Why he hadn’t saved her or what kind of horrible son he was to let her down.
Not only did Blaise felt the sadness of losing the only family he had known, but the guilt was also trying to eat at him. That was after he had hope crushed that it had been all a dream. That his mother was in the kitchen or still sleeping in her room.
Whoever had tried to clean it up hadn’t done a good job. He could see the blood staining the hardwood floor. Reality was starting to sink in that it was real. He felt his legs give out on him as he turned his head. Tears were rushing down his face, unable to look any further into her room.
Blaise didn’t know how long he just sat there crying. Least until he heard someone clear their throat behind him. Clearly, he had company and hadn’t known they were there. He acted like he hadn’t heard them, trying to wipe his face of the evidence. It hadn’t worked too well.
It was a different wizard from yesterday and yet he knew why he was here.
“Mr. Zabini, I figured that you needed some time to cope with the news from yesterday. Unfortunately, since you have not hit majority, you do not gain any rights to this villa. There is only little precious time to have everything sorted. We have summoned the will that your mother had made out. Her accounts and estate will be turned over to you when you have reached the age of majority. Until such time, you are to be placed with your uncle—”
“I have no uncle…” Blaise muttered.
“Uncle Antonio, who resides in the United States of America,” the wizard said, as if Blaise hadn’t interrupted.
Blaise actually looked at him, “I do not have an uncle and certainly not one with the name of Antonio.” He glared at the wizard, every other wizard and witch on his mother’s side was dead. He was told the same for his father’s side as well.
“Late Lady Zabini’s wishes were very clear and we have confirmation of your uncle. You will of course be allowed to attend her burial, which is being forward to tomorrow. That way it will give you time before you are sent off to your uncle.”
“As if I have a choice…” Blaise muttered.
The wizard acted like he didn’t hear him, “I wish you a good day, Mr. Zabini.”
Even though Blaise was only fourteen, he hadn’t never wanted to curse someone so badly. The words were mocking as every word fell from his lips. A good day… what a joke…
He knew what tomorrow would hold all the same. Facing the truth and he wasn’t sure if he could stand to even look. He had never been at a wizard burial since there had never been someone that he was close to. He knew it this had been Theo and it was his father; he probably would have celebrated.
The burial was as stoic as he imagined but he couldn’t even bear to reenter his mother’s room again. He knew that nobody would be able to enter her room if they didn’t have their blood. He didn’t have the worry of someone trying to steal something out of her personal effects.
He couldn’t feel anything as he packed his Hogwarts track, not even feeling anything that the extra compartments were coming in use at that moment. All the clothes he owned; robes, trousers, dress shirts, cloaks. He had never unpacked his Hogwarts things, so they stayed the same, untouched. He didn’t know if he should grab any of the things that would remind him of his mother. But he shoved the moving photographs into the unused compartment, the one that he never touched. He knew that if he looked at the picture that he would probably start crying again. The library compartment had enough books to it, not even daring to touch the Zabini Library.
His own room hadn’t felt the same, like he was a stranger inside.
Blaise didn’t bother to listen as the rites for his mother were said and of course all the Purebloods were there. But Blaise wasn’t able to meet any of their eyes. It was all fake, he knew that. The people he really cared about wasn’t even there. He wasn’t even surprised by that, but he knew that he could have used Theo’s presence at that moment.
He forced himself to walk closer to see his mother… not a drop of blood was on her. Perfectly preserved for the burial. She looked… cold… Not radiating her usual warmth that was reserved for her only son.
Blaise could feel the tears peeking at the corner of his eyes before tearing his gaze from her. No longer listening, not even when they started to lower her body to the ground before blessing it. It hurt too much to hear more of it. He couldn’t stand to look at her in that state.
He was still on the Villa since that is where his mother had wished to have her rites done. Which meant that wizards and witches would soon be disapparating. The same wizard from yesterday was standing by the door to enter back into the Villa.
“I assume you have said your final goodbyes. Are you ready, Mr. Zabini?”
Blaise growled under his breath, “would no be a suitable answer for you?”
His words were ignored again, “then I suggest for you to follow me to the edge of your property for your portkey.”
“Portkey?!” Blaise exclaimed, ignoring the stray looks.
The wizard looked impatient, “I have already explained this. Your uncle resides in the United States. You really didn’t expect him to move here when he has no hold to this estate.”
Blaise looked slightly stricken by that, though he didn’t briefly recall that bit of information. But it wasn’t like he was in a state to remember that.
The wizard didn’t wait for an answer as he guided Blaise, practically pushing him in the other direction. It was only a good thing that Blaise had shrunken the trunk and placed it into his pockets in his robes earlier. He had the impression that going back inside the villa wasn’t a possibility anymore.
The portkey was keyed to the Italian Ministry where Blaise was guided to a room where he was given another one. There weren’t any words said as it was shoved into his hands. He could already feel like he was going to sick. Even he knew it wasn’t a good thing to use two International Portkeys with a couple days apart.
Whatever was left in his stomach wound up over the floor.
“Can’t even hold your stomach for two minutes,” there was a wizard a few feet away, obviously speaking to Blaise.
That cause Blaise to snarl, “let me see you using two International Portkeys and see how you feel!”
The only response he got was a snort and the wizard rolling his eyes.
“Follow me or get lost, I have no use for children that can’t listen,” the wizard turned his back.
Blaise had to blink a few times to try to get his bearings before he was walking again. Which probably wasn’t a good thing with the lightheaded feeling he was getting. That was before his shoulder was grabbed painfully before he felt the twisting sensation once more.
He couldn’t remember falling to his knees after he landed, the wind being knocked out of him. There was just an urge to curl up in a bed and never wake up again.
Then there was a shout that made Blaise blink his eyes slowly open.
“What the hell are you doing to that kid!?”
Tony DiNozzo was furious as he stormed out of his home as a man was about to kick a kid who was groaning pretty loud.
“Are you Mr. DiNozzo?”
Tony fumed, “how about you answer the fucking question first. Or I will personally charge you with battery!”
“No need to be hasty—”
“After what I just saw!” Tony demanded.
“I was sent to deliver him, and he was being uncooperative—”
“Do you think I am stupid!? He looks like he is half conscious and why would you bring him to me?” Tony snapped.
For once the wizard started to look a bit nervous.
“He was said to be left in the charge of one Antonio DiNozzo—”
“It’s Anthony, not Antonio,” Tony immediately corrected.
“It was said by the Italian Ministry that your nephew was to be dropped off, that you would be informed—”
Tony blinked, “nephew?” He looked over at Blaise before his eyes widened. “Zaira…”
“If that is all—”
Tony shook his head, “no. That is not all. For one, I will need your name and identification and department for starters.”
“Mr. DiNozzo, surely that is not necessary—”
“Special Agent,” Tony cut sharply. “And you will follow this one.”
It was once the wizard had given Tony what he requested or rather demanded, that he finally sent him off. That was before he checked on Blaise. He would make sure of that information much later.
“Oh Zaira… what has happened…” Tony mumbled.
The kid was clearly half conscious, he didn’t really see any injuries on him. So, it could have been magical exhaustion. He knew that some kind of magical travel had to be used, last he knew, Zaira and her son were living in Italy. Where he had lived a long time ago.
It was a bit tricky after he had lifted Blaise into his arms while trying to open the door without jarring him. It was easier to ease onto the bed in the guest bedroom on the bed.
Of all things today, this wasn’t something he was expecting to deal with today. He knew that something much have happened to Zaira if her son was brought here. Which meant that she must be dead for that to happen. She had told him that she was going to put in her will that Blaise was to go to him. He didn’t think that would ever happen… ever…
He felt at a loss and that wasn’t a feeling he had felt since he lost his brother all those years ago. It had been Zaira’s idea that it was too dangerous, and they had staged his death. Because if they had killed him… then he would be next. He would always be a Zabini… but the name DiNozzo had grown on him. He refused to give up his Italian heritage.
Waiting for Zaira’s only son to wake up was the hardest part. He knew that Blaise was a wizard, so he had used a potion that he knew helped with magical depletion. But he at least expected the look of alarm that came across his nephew’s face.
There was a part of Blaise that didn’t want to wake up because that meant he had to face the world. But once his violet eyes had opened, he scooted back until his back hit the wall. His gaze flickering around where he was at. Nothing was familiar and he didn’t have his wand! But he looked vaguely familiar.
“You yelled at him yesterday…” Blaise realized. He could remember flashes since he had felt really out of it. He knew that too many portkeys had been used. But he had come to his defense…
“There will be consequences for his actions, I will assure you that, Blaise,” Tony said.
Blaise’s eyes ruffled, “how do you know me…”
“Zaira—”
“Don’t speak her name!” Blaise snarled.
Tony blinked, “okay. Your mother sent me frequent letters about her only son. As well as pictures of you, she was very proud of you. I clued everything in when that official said you were brought from the Italian Ministry. There are not many that will know about Italy and her death would be the only reason you would be here.”
“Why should I believe anything that you say?” Blaise crossed his arms, trying to look defensive.
“You don’t, but how else would I know your mother’s name and yours,” Tony pointed out. “I am not your enemy here, Blaise. You may not believe it, but it is the truth.”
“If that’s true. You ran away like a coward!”
Tony narrowed his eyes at him, “I understand that you lost your mother, but you will not speak that way to me! Zaira may not be blood to me, but she was still family even after my brother died. You are allowed to grieve in any way you need. But don’t forget that you aren’t alone with who you lost.”
“You don’t know me…” Blaise muttered.
Tony had a sad look in his green eyes before patting Blaise’s shoulder. “I’ll bring you some food in a minute. You must be starving right now.”
There was quite a difference in the foods that Tony had made opposed to what Blaise had been used to. But he had still ate it, even though it felt more robotic than anything. He hadn’t even intended to speak to Tony since that first day.
He was more content than staying in the room had been placed in. It was his way of blocking out what was going. That he had been forced out of Italy and was now in a country he wasn’t familiar with. With a person that he didn’t know anything about, only that he knew about him and his mother. He still didn’t believe that he was his uncle.
At least until his curiosity got the better of him a few weeks later. Tony was going through pictures and papers, which he found were letters.
“How did you get that?”
Tony was looking at a picture of his mother and him when he was only a few years old. His father was in that picture. He had seen enough pictures of his dad to know what he looked like.
“I took it when you were only a few years old… Zaira had been complaining all morning that she had wanted a picture of all of you together. Your dad was always going on business trips, and he had been home at the time.”
Blaise sat down beside Tony on the couch and looked at what he was looking at. There were several letters spread out and he recognized his mother’s handwriting. He could feel the tears peeking at the corner of his eyes. It seemed to be a familiar feeling and he had lost count of how many times he lost control of his feelings. Whatever Slytherin guard he had was broken over his mother’s death. It didn’t matter if it was a happy or sad memory that he remembered. It was still the reminder of who he lost and would never get back.
“I don’t remember my dad… but how did you do it?” Blaise’s words were soft.
Tony sighed, “I didn’t for a long time. But eventually I stopped blaming myself for not being there. Not being able to protect my older brother. I would focus on the happier memories that I had with him. You will still miss Zaira like I will to the end of my days. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t think about her. It’s going to hurt and don’t be afraid to show your emotions. I know you are a Slytherin, and your instinct is to hide. But here you don’t have others you have to hide that from. I am not going to judge you for it, Blaise. But you do have your room if you need.”
Blaise frowned but didn’t say anything. He may have believed Tony now that he was his uncle but that didn’t mean he trusted him. He didn’t want to be here, he wanted to be back in Italy. All of his memories were back home, the good and bad. And he was hating the Ministry even more than he had before. Mostly the one in Italy and United States. He knew his treatment was because of who he was. They didn’t give two shits about him, all they cared was that he was on their list. His feelings didn’t mean a damn thing to them or the fact that he just lost his mum. If anything, they were probably among that that were glad that she was dead.
It wasn’t like he was going to admit what happened to Tony. He could take care of his own problems, but it also showed him on how much people hated him. Or least hated who he represented, even in death, he couldn’t escape on who his mother was.
It had never bothered him on the things that his mother did. But people did tend to associate him with her. Expecting that he would be the same as her. It wasn’t like he was going to shy away from the thought of murder. He knew that one day it may be expected of him if Voldemort was still around like some were still saying.
Something that was always at his mind but now it was on the backburner. Despite his mother’s reputation and the fact that he was getting the brunt of the aftereffects… He still wanted her back. Maybe everything would still be the same. Not literally ripped away from everything that he knew.
Blaise knew that this would probably be the talk with the Purebloods. It wasn’t really a notion that he followed too much into. Sure, he didn’t like Muggleborns and called them Mudbloods to their face. But their beliefs about purity was idiotic. Their numbers were too few to manage that and then their magic grew weaker. It was expected of him and so he did.
He really wished he was able to speak with her… just one more time. His mind was in chaos, and he didn’t know what to think or do. He knew that she would have the answer for him and yet… he would never get it. And knowing that fact nearly killed him. All he had were memories and pictures. He didn’t even know if he would ever get to go back to Italy again. He knew that the estate would become his in three years.
What about Hogwarts? Would he even be going back? It wasn’t something that he had thought about until it finally hit him. He wasn’t even on the same continent anymore. And the thought of using another International Portkey made him want to throw up. He knew that using so many would have been bad… he just didn’t realize the severity.
There was going to be an argument, Tony knew it. The moment the subject came up if Blaise would go back to Hogwarts for his fourth year. Between work, worrying about Blaise’s state of mind, and trying to set him up for the school near D.C… Things got a bit complicated and certain things he forgot about.
He couldn’t even remember the things that Blaise had yelled and screamed. It was probably the first time that he had seen the teenager lose any of his cool. Which was typical to have as a Slytherin.
He seemed to shut down when Tony had yelled that he was protecting him. That if he went back, he would be dead. He didn’t know if Blaise was thinking about his mother when he said that or if he actually was listening to his words.
Either way, he couldn’t take back those words just like Blaise couldn’t. But he knew about the TriWizard Tournament. Despite not even being in the United Kingdom, he was able to keep tabs on what Hogwarts was doing. And nobody probably would even notice the absence of a Slytherin come September. They never did.
He knew what the reason for it was. It was a set up. There were too many coincidences that weren’t lining up for him. It had been discontinued for a reason and it didn’t make sense on why now they would want to bring it back. There were so many reasons that could be. Something was going to happen, and it would happen at Hogwarts. Tony didn’t know if maybe it could have been those that murdered Zaira and now they may use this as a plot to kill Blaise. Since he had been at Hogwarts when she had been killed.
Tony had pulled the file that the Aurors had pulled together himself. There wasn’t much mentioned except the fact that she was murdered and there were no suspects. He wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t even bother to investigate it. He knew her reputation and you would be hard pressed to find someone that would actually do their damn job.
His hope was very high, but he did wish that Blaise would actually like here. He knew that his home was not here. Blaise had yelled at him that he didn’t understand anything about him. A lot of that was true because to his greatest regret he never got to be there and see Blaise grow up. He had been right; he had hidden like a coward. Maybe it had saved his life. It was hard to argue when someone you knew as a baby looked at you with such hatred.
He knew what Blaise was feeling right now, but it wasn’t like he could return just yet. But now wasn’t a good time to return until he had some things sorted out. Which unfortunately would take some time to do.
Tony wished that he could go back himself. He may have lived here for over a decade but that didn’t mean it was actually home for him. He missed the villa in Italy and Hogwarts. Maybe after this year and he knew that Blaise wasn’t in any kind of danger. That was his main concern and something he could deal with until he couldn’t.
It sounded like a huge what if for the moment, but it was all that he had. He knew that Blaise wouldn’t be happy with that. He was still probably furious after he had stormed off. There had been a lot of rage when Blaise had been told. He didn’t want to go to some stupid school here. He wanted to be back at Hogwarts, a place that he was actually familiar with. He was hating all the change that was suddenly dropped onto him. Nothing was familiar to him anymore. With some hope, Tony made his way to the guest room. Where Blaise had made it his bedroom.