Chapter 30

Lord Greengrass turned out to be a square-jawed, blonde man in dress robes that were various different shades of green. His close-cropped blonde hair was an even lighter shade than Daphne's already fairly light blonde, being so platinum-colored that it would almost be easy to mistake him for a Malfoy Cousin of some description. Of course, like the Malfoys, the Greengrass Family was one of the Norman Families that came over with William the Conquerer in ten-sixty-six, but the similarities ended there. You would be able to tell just by speaking to one. They didn't have the same snide contempt for everyone else and I had to hope that would mean a decent welcome from Daphne's Father instead of suspicion over the Boy his Daughter had been spending so much time with.

Fortunately, Lord Greengrass seemed to be engaged in conversation with a few other adults at the moment, which also would hopefully spare me a thorough grilling. One was an elderly man, bald in gray and brown dress robes whose posture indicated he was familiar with magical combat. I could recognize it after having spent so much time being tutored by Magnus Gamp. That had to be Millie's Grandad, the former Champion Duellist.

The other was unmistakably Indian in his traditional Angharka and Turban. Looking across the decorated ballroom, I spotted the Patil Twins wearing Sarees seated at a table alongside a Woman in a similar outfit. This Man, then, had to be Lord Patil, the youngest brother of the Magical Zamindar of Warangal, and thus, a distant cousin of the Magical Nizam of Hyderabad. Ironically, that made Lord Patil the highest-ranking person here.

The three of them seemed engrossed in a conversation, and as Daphne led me over toward them, the topic of conversation became clear. It was, predictably, about the political issue with the Goblins following the Gringotts Break-In that happened just before the start of the School Year.

"I cannot say the Goblins do not have a reason to worry. Their Sovereignty was effectively violated by a British Wizarding Criminal, and the DMLE seems to have utterly bottled the investigation." Frowned Lord Patil in his lightly-accented voice.

"Don't let Amelia hear you say that whenever she gets here. That Woman is practically married to her job and takes it with just the sort of seriousness that implies." Cautioned Lord Greengrass.

"Ramesh is right, though William, you have to see that. If the Wizengamot can't look past the fact that they're Goblins, we may be looking at another Goblin Rebellion all over again. We promised to respect their sovereignty below ground and in their bank in exchange for them following our laws. That sovereignty has effectively been spat on. If I were King Ragnuk, I'd be calling up his reserves right now, just in case." Insisted Lord Bulstrode.

"That's a bit alarmist, Stephen." Scoffed Lord Greengrass.

"I'm not so certain. My cousin the Nizam would be doing the same in Ragnuk's position. The Wizengamot has to understand that this is a serious issue and not simply sweep King Ragnuk's demands under the rug." Pointed out Lord Patil.

That was when Daphne brought me over to meet her father, interjecting with a polite cough and causing the conversation to stall for the moment. Lord Greengrass turned toward Daphne and broke out into a placating smile as he addressed her.

"Yes, Daphne? Did you need me for something?" Questioned Lord Greengrass.

"Father, this is Blaise, the Boy I've been telling you about in my letters home." Introduced Daphne before stepping back.

Immediately, Lord Greengrass' gaze locked onto me even as Daphne stepped back out of the line of fire. It put me in mind of nothing quite so much as a piece of chum in shark-infested waters. Way to throw me under the proverbial bus, Daphne.

"So, you're the Zabini Boy my Daughter is so fond of?" Queried Lord Greengrass, his gaze practically scouring me for any hint of anything he might disapprove of.

"I am. Blaise Zabini, a pleasure to meet you, Lord Greengrass." I answered formally.

"My Daughter tells me you are unusually thoughtful for a boy your age, and a seer as well. She tells me you practice the Mind Arts, something which takes a significant amount of inborn talent, a specific mindset, extreme diligence, or some combination of the three. I wonder, what do you make of the current issues with the Goblins?" Queried Lord Greengrass.

At this, I sensed that Lord Patil and Lord Bulstrode were also now looking at me. That was fantastic, now, not only was I clearly being tested on my response, but I was being tested in front of multiple people. I'd have to remember to thank Daphne for that later. A deniable prank, maybe? Subcontracting the Weasely Twins might be doable. Regardless, the three older Lords were clearly expecting an answer. I'd best give one to them.

"I agree with Lords Bulstrode and Patil, Lord Greengrass. This is a serious matter and the Wizengamot would do well to treat it with the care it deserves, or else we may just be facing down another Goblin Rebellion." I offered.

"You do not think that alarmist?" Asked Lord Greengrass.

"No, My Lord, I do not." I responded.

"Explain your reasoning, Lad." Demanded Lord Bulstrode.

"You need to look at this from the Goblins' perspective. Goblins don't see things the same way we might. To them, there are no British Wizards, French Wizards, Dark Wizards, or Light Wizards. Wizards are just Wizards, the distinctions don't really tend to matter. Goblins are still very much tribal like that. To them, a Wizard broke into their bank, stole their way into the Underground Goblin Kingdom, and attempted to steal from them. That the perpetrator was likely a Dark Wizard and a Criminal doesn't factor into things for most Goblins. Arguably, King Ragnuk's diplomatic plea to the Wizengamot is a more restrained response than the majority of his people would have." I frowned, thinking back on what Magnus Gamp had drilled into my head about Goblins.

"And you think that this tribal mentality will lead to war?" Pressed Lord Patil.

"If the Wizengamot brushes off the diplomatic entreaty? Absolutely. If that happens, then King Ragnuk will have no choice. Otherwise, he looks like a weak leader. His people will demand war and he'll have to give it to them, or else he'll start seeing challenges to his rule." I nodded.

"And do you agree with Lords Patil and Bulstrode that King Ragnuk is already preparing for War?" Questioned Lord Greengrass.

"It would be the smart move, just in case. Goblins aren't allowed wands or to practice Wizarding Magic by law. That largely means they are restricted to their traditional forms of magic, most of which have more in common with enchanting and alchemy than Charms or other such things. It takes them time to call up their levy of warriors as compared to Wizards, who can simply apparate to a staging area and attack within moments." I explained.

"Why would they care about the law if they intend to rebel?" Queried Lord Greengrass.

"They may not care now, but that doesn't mean that they can simply pull Goblins trained in Wizarding Magic from thin air after decades of peace." I shrugged.

"So you believe that King Ragnuk is preparing for war then? Even if he doesn't want it?" Asked Lord Patil.

"I am a Zabini, and that means that I am a descendent of the Claudii of Ancient Rome. There was a saying that those particular ancestors of mine had which I believe applies here, My Lords. Si vis pacem para bellum, if you want peace, prepare for war. King Ragnuk would be a fool not to have his forces ready for an attack, just in case." I answered.

"Well, I like him. The Lad puts thought into things, at least. That's more than I can say for most his age." Grinned Lord Bulstrode.

"Or some our own age. Have you heard what Malfoy had been trying to get through the Wizengamot before all this took over the sessions?" Smirked Lord Patil.

"I have, though the words I have to say about all that are not fit to be uttered in front of Children. Daphne, I approve of your friend. He seems an intelligent lad, and I'd bet that the Contessa del Villaggio del Mistero will be kicking herself over cutting him out of the succession at some point in the future." Offered Lord Greengrass.

At that, Daphne let out a breath I hadn't realized she'd been holding. Had she been worried her father was going to forbid her from hanging out with me if he didn't like me? As if I'd let that stop me from hanging with a Mate like Daphne, or any of my friends, for that matter. Come to that, he'd mentioned my aunt and the succession. Had he been close to forbidding Daphne from continuing to be friends with me based on that? I was starting to not like Lord Greengrass very much at all.

"Her loss is our gain, William. My little Millie has told me some interesting things about how the Lad has been getting the kids together for an extracurricular study group. Sharing knowledge for the benefit of all." Chuckled Lord Bulstrode.

"Parvati has mentioned those. It's why she's so ahead in Potions compared to Padma." Mused Lord Patil.

That drew the adults into another discussion about the topic. As they debated the merits and flaws of the cross-house approach to extracurricular studying, Daphne grabbed my hand and guided me back toward where Tracey and Millie were standing over by the punch bowl. I let her do that, even though I was a bit put out that I'd effectively been forced into the cross-hairs of her father and the adults without so much as a warning. I didn't even need my burgeoning Empathic Abilities to be able to tell that Daphne had been worried about the meeting. I didn't want to compound that worry now by refusing to retreat from the situation alongside her.

"So, how did it go?" Questioned Tracey.

"Daddy approves." Admitted Daphne.

"That's good, right?" Queried Millie.

"Apparently, though I'd have appreciated a bit of warning before you shove a bloke into the line of fire like that." I huffed.

"You're a big boy. You could handle it." Sniffed Daphne.

"Seriously, though. You know I wouldn't let his disapproval make me stop being friends with you, right?" I asked.

"I know. It's just. . .Daddy is all I have. Well, there's Astoria, but she's sick a lot and is constantly taking trips to the Continent to visit healers near Spa in Belgium. The Waters there are mixed into potions that help to suppress Bloodline Curses. When she's there, it's just Daddy and I all alone in the manor." Sighed Daphne.

"She really wanted her dad to like you, you know." Added Tracey.

"It really was a lot of what she was talking about the past few weeks." Concurred Millie.

"Well, I think your Grandad likes me too, Millie. Not sure about Tracey's folks. I don't believe I've met them." I opined.

"You probably won't. Not unless you're unlucky. My Grandad is deep in with the Malfoys. I think the only reason he didn't disown my Dad after he slept with my Mum was 'cause he didn't have any other viable heirs. My Dad isn't as bad with blood supremacy, but he doesn't like foreign Wizards in general, so you're out of luck there too." Explained Tracey.

"Count your blessings. Hades Davis is an odious cretin with an attitude as black as his heart." Scowled Daphne.

"I've met Lord Davis and Tracey's Dad. They were at some of the parties that Pansy invited me to back before I met you all. Grandad didn't come to any of those, though, not like this party. Daphne's not too far off the mark there." Sighed Millie.

As she spoke, however, the Floo flared up from the Foyer, revealing a trio of Witches. The first two were familiar faces, Susan and Hannah, with Susan in a dark blue dress over a ruffled white blouse while Hannah was wearing a yellow dress with a brown sash and brown shoes. The Third Witch was older, gray-haired, square-jawed, and wearing a dark blue dress of a similar color to Susan's. Anyone who was familiar with the Ministry of Magic could place Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE, though curiously she hadn't worn the monocle she was known to sport at Wizengamot Meetings.

Susan spotted us as the three of them made their way into the ballroom and waved excitedly at us, nudging Hannah whose gaze had been fixed on the tree instead of us. I couldn't blame her, the garland that Lord Greengrass had set up appeared to be made of pure gold, while the ornaments seemed to be made of fist-sized rubies. Likely they were transfigured for the occasion, but it still looked like an obscene amount of wealth used on decoration for a Christmas Tree to someone like Hannah, whose family was middle class, or at least what passed for it amongst the Wizarding Population of Britain. However, at Susan's Jostling, Hannah tore her gaze away from the tree and directed it toward us.

"Go on then. I need to speak with Lord Greengrass anyway. I'll offer greetings for you." Intoned Madame Bones.

At that, a pair of grins split Susan and Hannah's faces as they realized that Susan's Aunt didn't care if they spoke to us before saying hello to the host, as manners were supposed to dictate. Susan grabbed Hannah's hand and led her over toward where the rest of us were standing.

"Hey Susan, Hannah." I grinned.

"Happy Yule, Blaise!" Offered Susan, pressing a book-shaped package into my hand.

"Io Saturnalia." I responded, handing off my own gift to her.

That prompted a flurry of exchanged packages as gifts were sorted out, stowed away, in my case into my Mokeskin Pouch, and generally handed out. By the time that was done, it seemed that Susan's statement had sunk in as she revealed herself to be another Pagan.

"More Pagans? Am I to be outnumbered at my own party?" Scoffed Daphne with mock outrage.

"Happy Christmas, Daphne. I celebrate Christmas too." Spoke up Hannah.

"Though I can't help but feel a bit outnumbered Gender-wise." I remarked.

"Neville Longbottom is supposed to be coming, though his Gran isn't." Informed Millie.

"Count yourself lucky on that front." Smirked Tracey.

"Why? What's wrong with Madame Longbottom?" I questioned.

"You've not met her?" Queried Daphne.

"No." I answered.

"Madame Longbottom has a bit of a reputation." Intoned Susan.

"One that says she's about as pleasant to be around as a Knarl who thinks you're trying to capture it." Added Hannah.

"I can confirm. Apparently, she's always been like that. At least that's what my Grandad says." Shrugged Millie.

"What about Terry?" I asked.

"He should be along shortly." Answered Daphne.

"Terry never misses the Luncheon." Agreed Tracy.

"Of course not. It's free food." I chuckled.

No sooner had I said that then the floo flared again and out stepped Terry and an Older Wizard that seemed like his father, judging by the similarities in hair and eye color. Both wore purple and yellow dress robes, though only Lord Boot wore a tie with his. If I recall correctly, Lord Boot was the current Marquis of Flint in the Magical Peerage. The Marcher Lordships of Wales had never been formally abolished in the Wizarding Peerage, unlike in the Muggle Peerage, simply given more modern titles like Marquis. Lord Boot actually held a number of Welsh March Lordships through inheritance, including Hawarden, Hoki, Hopedale, Mold, Bromfield, and Yale. That made him the most powerful Magical Peer in Northeastern Wales, a position reflected by his ministry position as head of the Floo Network Authority.

Terry meanwhile, didn't seem to care much about propriety, as he rushed over to us, much to his father's apparent chagrin, prompting another round of exclamations and gift exchanges that was interrupted partway through by Neville's arrival. Neville was wearing burgundy dress robes over a brown vest and dress pants, his round face bearing a worried expression that faded into relief as he spotted us. When he came over, we began our gift exchange anew, but by the time we were done, every one of our friend group who was going to show up had finally done so.

That was just in time too, because a few minutes later, a number of chimes rang out calling everyone to the tables for the luncheon. Food began appearing on plates, it seemed the luncheon was a cottage pie served with green beans and honey-glazed carrots, and drinks began to fill glasses, it seemed we kids were getting cocoa while the adults got actual drinks. I didn't mind, though.

Instead, we tucked in, all thoughts of potential goblin rebellions or Wizarding Nobles who weren't here forgotten in favor of simply eating the food that the Greengrass House Elves had prepared. It was delicious, as usual for House Elf Prepared Food. None of us had eaten before this, it seemed, so we abandoned our conversation in favor of simply eating. Once we had finished, it would be time to open gifts.

Hopefully, no one would take the fact that I had given multiple people rings the wrong way. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, so here's the next part of the Greengrass Yule Ball. We get a bit more about the situation with the Goblins, a bit more worldbuilding, and Blaise interacts with several adult wizards for the first time. Lord Greengrass was actually pretty wary of Daphne spending so much time with a Boy. She's about that age when kids start noticing the opposite sex, after all, and that kicked his fatherly instincts into high gear. Fortunately, Blaise managed to impress him enough to not tell Daphne she couldn't hang out with him anymore.

As to the Goblins, that's a plotline I have set to simmer for a while. It's going to be on in the background for some time yet before it boils over. For now, I'm just drawing attention to it. Suffice it to say, the Goblin Mindset is very tribal in several ways, especially as it regards Wizards. King Ragnuk may not want war, but that's largely up to how the Wizengamot reacts more than it is up to him. Just know that the issue is ongoing while things happen at Hogwarts.

At any rate, the next chapter will be the gift exchange and include the wrap-up to the Greengrass Yule Ball.

Stay tuned. . .