Blaise Zabini

Blaise Zabini, tanned and stylish, stepped out of a taxi near Malfoy Manor. At 35, he was a successful businessman, owner of a chain of boutiques in Italy – life was good. Nostalgia for old friends brought him back to England. He hadn't seen Draco, Hermione, or, most importantly, his goddaughter Ella for two years.

The estate greeted him with its familiar, well-kept appearance. Hermione opened the door, smiling radiantly.

"Blaise! I'm so glad to see you!" she exclaimed, hugging him. "Come in, come in. Draco and Ella will be here soon. They're in the greenhouse, experimenting with some new plants."

In the living room, Zabini sat down on the sofa, pleased to note that the Malfoys' home still had a cozy atmosphere. Draco soon appeared, shook his hand, and patted him on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

– Glad to welcome you home, old man. How's Italy? Still going strong?

"It couldn't be better," Blaise chuckled. "But I admit, I missed you and Hermione's caustic jokes and..." he paused, "and Ella. How is she? All grown up now, I suppose?"

At that moment, a tall, fair-haired girl entered the room.

"Blaze!" Ella cried, throwing herself into his arms. "I've been waiting for you for so long!"

Blaise hugged her back, amazed at how quickly time had flown. In his eyes, Ella would forever remain a little girl, but before him stood a beautiful young lady.

"You're all grown up, Ella," Blaze said, smiling as he examined her face. "Almost unrecognizable. And what are you and your father growing here? Some kind of magical cacti?"