Blaise Zabini

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

The manor 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 settled onto the sofa, noting with pleasure that a cozy atmosphere still reigned at the Malfoys'. Soon Draco appeared, shook his hand, and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Glad to welcome you home, old man. How's Italy? Still as successful as ever?"

"Couldn't be better," Blaise smirked. "But I admit, I missed your and Hermione's caustic jokes and..." he paused, "...and Ella. How is she? Quite grown up by now, I imagine?"

At that moment, a tall, blonde girl entered the room.

"Blaise!" Ella exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms. "I've waited so long for you!"

Blaise hugged her back, amazed at how quickly time flies. In his eyes, Ella would always be a little girl, but standing before him was a beautiful young lady.

"You're all grown up, Ella," Blaise said, looking at her face with a smile. "I almost didn't recognize you. And what exactly are you and your father growing in there? Some kind of magical cacti?"