Carry On Wayward Daughter (Blaise)

[LIONA ISABELLE ZABINI]

Liona left the medical wing, having completed the work-related tasks that had brought her there. As a mediwizard, she found the confines of the hospital wing to be rather daunting, preferring instead to be out in the field, using her medical expertise to help people directly. Her career choice as a traveling mediwizard suited her adventurous spirit perfectly, allowing her to make a real difference in the lives of those she treated.

However, today she had been called upon to assist St. Mungo's Hospital by delivering a few important items. While this task took her away from her usual duties, Liona saw it as an opportunity to visit her father, who worked in the Law Enforcement wing of the magical institute. It had been some time since she had last seen him, and she relished the chance to catch up.

Weaving her way through the crowd of students, Liona made her way towards the Law Enforcement wing, her eyes scanning in search of her father's familiar face. If he was not to be found there, she would have to venture further into the vast and unfamiliar institute, an outlook that both excited and concerned her. The challenge of navigating the winding halls and endless rooms appealed to her adventurous nature, but the risk of becoming hopelessly lost was not one she relished.

As Liona walked, her attention was suddenly drawn to the impressive Halls of Heroes, an awe-inspiring space that she had not had the chance to visit before. Slowing her pace, she found her eyes drawn to the gleaming plaques that honored those who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. A sense of reverence and respect washed over her, and she paused for a few moments to pay her silent respects to the fallen heroes. Though the detour would delay her search for her father, Liona knew that this was a moment she could not pass up.

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While classes for MAGIC had yet to start, still a few more months until the ‘normal’ school year began, Blaise had found that he enjoyed his time wandering around the Hogwarts grounds. He called it patrolling, despite not being the one assigned to do so, and it worked more as a way to make him feel useful. After the burning of the old school, he occasionally caught wandering stares from other faculty and older students. He may have saved hundreds, but in doing so had also utilized a level of magic that most never saw in their entire lives. To him, battling back against fiendfyre, having the duel of the century (so far), and then heading the evacuation from the castle was just a normal day at work. He had assumed something like this may eventually happen during his tenure, and it did. Thankfully he’d had plenty of experience in his former careers to land him in the exact place he needed to be at Hogwarts. Now everything felt sort of easy in comparison.

Wandering through the Law Enforcement wing of the school, where he frequented often because a number of his old colleagues now taught out of it as well, Blaise happened upon the Hall of Heroes. More than a few of the plaques were old friends of his. They weren’t all so lucky as to live out the rest of their days as he was. Sometimes he wondered about what separated them, from him. Most were far better duelists or had sharper minds. Sure, he had accumulated an obscene amount of knowledge, but only because he had gotten this far. Others would probably disagree with him on that. His titles, talents, and knack for being in the right place at the right time were who he had always been.

Blaise let out a long exhale through his nose as he glanced around the hall, spotting the solitary figure in the hall and immediately realizing that it was his daughter. Had there been an accident in one of the classrooms that they had to call a mediwizard? As he made his way towards her, Blaise knew that couldn’t be the case, otherwise she wouldn’t have been here in the hall. ”Not here for work, are you?” he asked as he stopped next to Liona. ”I fear sometimes they don’t trust the school nurses for trauma triage as much as they should.”

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Liona turned to her father as soon as she heard his familiar voice, momentarily having forgotten that she was here to specifically look for him. It seemed her search had been completed without much effort on her part. "No, I'm not on duty right now, but there's no rest for a mediwizard like myself," she responded, her lips curving upwards into a warm and affectionate smile. "I came to deliver some important medical supplies to the wing, but I also wanted to take the opportunity to visit you as well."

Liona couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and admiration for her father as she stood there in the bustling school hallway. It had been two long years since the devastating fire that had ravaged Hogwarts, and yet here he stood before her, alive and well, rather than just a plaque on the wall memorializing his heroic actions. She knew that it was a bit selfish of her, but she was infinitely grateful that he had survived that fateful day.

"I can only imagine you're here on patrol, keeping an eye out for any wayward students who might be breaking the rules," she remarked observantly, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. Liona's eyes sparkled with a familiar mischievous glint as she turned to face him fully, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Though she had been a diligent and hardworking student during her time at Hogwarts, Liona certainly hadn't been a perfect angel, having found herself in trouble on more than one occasion.

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Blaise nodded his head in understanding. A two-for-one kind of deal. That, unfortunately, was how life worked once one was in the working world. Taking every opportunity to see those you cared about, even if it meant detouring slightly on a work excursion. In that same vein, it was still a mystery on how he had managed to have the time to snag his wife. Daphne, while not as busy as he had been when they'd first started dating, her acting career to take off a few years later, had been extremely accommodating to his late nights and days away as a young hit-wizard. The speed in which they courted to marriage was far faster than some of their other former classmates, though Blaise only compared he and his wife to them as a way to gauge what was and what was not the social norm. He honestly didn't care, especially at this point.

But to hear his daughter say she'd purposely come by to visit him as well as complete her work, it melted a bit of the icy heart his students had come to know over the last few years. "The LIFE students are surprisingly mature," he responded to Liona. "I think giving them their own school, where they can see actual adults coming back for more education, makes a lot of them take it more seriously. Even a few of the kids I would have considered screw-ups a few years back have seemingly figured things out now." Blaise was a pessimist though. He knew the real reason behind a lot of the sudden maturity and steeliness of the older students was because they had been given a taste of death. Most had stated it right in the face too, only escaping because of the actions of a few adults that happened to have their heads screwed on the right way. He didn't dare think about the alternative, the night where instead of fending off fiendfyre, he was elsewhere in the castle. "But," Blaise said with an exhale, "They are still children. I don't expect too much from them all of the time. They deserve to act their age too."

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Liona listened intently as Blaise spoke, her mind drifting back to her own experiences from her student days. She could empathize with many of his points, though her perspective was shaped more by the practical realities of day-to-day living rather than academic theory. Liona had faced her own challenges and triumphs during her formative years, and she understood the delicate balance that students often struggled to maintain between their academic obligations and the desire to embrace the carefree spirit of youth.

"I understand what you mean," Liona replied, her tone thoughtful and measured, yet tinged with a warmth that belied her years. "It's true that giving them their own space and responsibility does accelerate their maturity. But you're right, they're still young, still navigating the delicate balance between the weight of their responsibilities and the carefree joys of their age." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she contemplated the complexities of the situation. "I remember how overwhelming it felt at times, ultimately, those experiences shaped me into the person I am today."

She looked towards some students having walking past the hall before looking back to her father. "With you as their professor, I have no doubt that they will be well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead." She had walked a similar path, and her experiences had given her a unique perspective on the delicate balance.

"I recently spoke with Grandmother, told her I will be visiting you, sends her warmest regards.” Liona knew first hand her grandmother was not easy to get along with, but after spending time caring for her during the Hag's Fever , she had gotten closer to her grandmother in its own unique way and often goes to her.

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Blaise liked to think that Hogwarts had changed drastically since his own time as a student. Hell, even while he was there it morphed from a normal magical school into a harsh reality. He knew that one could argue that was life in general, but being tossed right into it as a teenager wasn’t what he, nor anyone, expected to happen. And that was exactly why had hoped his generation’s children wouldn’t have to deal with it all as well. Here they were though, in the aftermath once again. He felt a lot more confident about the safety of the school and magical community now than he had when he first started teaching. The general attitude and atmosphere was much improved, to the point where he hoped that the students could once again just be students. They deserved that at the very least.

He nodded his head as Liona mentioned that he would be able to provide what the students might need in their own futures. That was the plan. Blaise didn’t think he seemed so crazy any longer, worried that the school was a prime target once again for dark wizards. Now, with basically an army of Cursebreakers and Aurors there teaching, anyone wanting to attempt another go at it would have a hell of a time accomplishing anything. ”I hope so as well,” he said after watching the nearby students pass through. ”They deserve it after what has happened.”

His daughter mentioned speaking to his mother, Valentina, recently, and Blaise inhaled through his teeth. She was so incredibly difficult to deal with sometimes, used to her matriarchy and more often than not critical about his own choices in life. As if he had somehow gone astray. Blaise was incredibly proud of what he and Daphne had accomplished, and it was fairly obvious that their children were following in their footsteps. There was no way he was ever be like her and acquire a fortune via dead spouses. ”I suppose I should arrange a dinner for all of us with her soon,” Blaise finally said. ”It’ll have to be before MAGIC starts up in September, and when you’re mother is back in the country…”

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As Liona contemplated the dedication her father had shown towards teaching and guiding his students, she couldn't help but wonder if they truly understood the depth of his commitment. Drawing from her own experiences, Drawing from her own personal experiences growing up under his tutelage, Liona had always strived to bring out the very best in herself, tackling each challenge independently before seeking help from others, secure in the knowledge that her father would always be there to support and encourage her along the way.

"I'm sure Grandmother will be delighted to have us all gathered together once again," Liona mused warmly. She had grown increasingly accustomed to navigating her grandmother's unique and often coarse perspective, by adding Liona's remarkable ability to seamlessly adapt to different social circles and situations. Despite her grandmother's frequent criticism of Liona's chosen way of living, she approached each of these encounters with a respectful and deeply caring demeanor, ever mindful that her grandmother, for all her faults was no different from anyone else.

When Liona's mother was mentioned, her expression mirrored that of her father's, though hers was tempered by a deep admiration for her mother's remarkable career achievements and professional accomplishments. Underneath the surface, however, Liona harbored a lingering, bittersweet longing for the maternal presence that had so often been absent during her childhood. Eager to bridge the gap, in the last few years she resolved to dedicate time to visit her mother whenever her busy schedule allowed. "I'll make sure to visit mother soon and get the exact timing," she said with a reassuring smile.

Glancing around the room, she turned back to her father. "I haven't had the chance to see the entire school since it was rebuilt. Would you mind showing me around?" For her, the opportunity to spend a little more time with him before reality and work called her away was priceless, a moment she cherished.

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Of course his mother would be thrilled with all of them visiting her. She was the matriarch after all, and nigh immovable at that. Not even Hag's Fever could cut her down, and there were times where Blaise wondered if the illness had hit him harder than it had her. She hadn't outlasted seven husbands by sheer luck. There was quite a bit more to his mother than he wished to know, and Blaise was quite certain details would trickle out here and there even long after she passed. Assuming she would die in the first place. Her ability to persist had surprised him before, and he was quite confident that Valentina would be around long into his own old age. Still keeping him in her clutches. At least now he was so busy with work that it kept him semi-free. Weirdly, his weekly dinners with her whilst he was an Obliviator were far easier to organize than now as a professor.

"If she gives you any pushback with her schedule, just let me know. I'll handle it," Blaise answered in response to his wife. There were times when she was busy that she could be a bit short with those around her. Reeling Daphne back in was easy enough, she simply had to be reminded that her family did indeed exist and they liked seeing her. Time seemed to move differently for her, always being on set and away for movie obligations.

Liona then mentioned that she had yet to see the entirety of the castle rebuild, and wanted to be shown around it. That was easy enough to do, and he had the time. "We can start with the new parts then?" Blaise suggested, as he turned to start walking towards the LIFE wings. "The sixth and seventh years spend most of their time down this way, as well as Cursebreaker and Auror trainees. Amongst other various career paths that I haven't managed to memorize yet." He was fairly certain Hogwarts allowed for almost any kind of self-study after a certain point now. That worked well for those that were driven, but not all of his former students were like that. "Each has their own wing of the LIFE building. It keeps them separated enough, but also in the same space. That one there is the law enforcement wing," he pointed out the corridor directly in front of them. The Cursebreakers were nearby, whilst the former sixth and seventh years tended to have their classes closer to the main Hogwarts building.

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[LIONA ISABELLE ZABINI]

Liona nodded her head in response to his reply. "I will let you know defiantly, but allow me to manage," she answered back, her self-reliant part of herself bubbling up to the surface. She had always been an independent and self-sufficient individual, even from a young age. This aspect of her personality had been fostered and cultivated through her upbringing and the challenges she had faced in her life.

She compromised only for her work, as she was still in the learning stage, even if she was out of formal training. Learning was a lifelong process, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. Despite her accomplished career, Liona knew there was always more to discover and explore. This thirst for knowledge and growth was a driving force in her life.

Her relationship with her mother was slowly improving, and she took solace in the fact that they were making an effort to spend more time together. This family dinner was a step in the right direction, and Liona was grateful for the opportunity to strengthen the bond with her. Even with her brother, whom she had a good relationship with, she wished she could see him more often. But as they had both transitioned into adulthood and established their own lives, finding the time proved challenging.

"I recognize this," she confirmed when he pointed to the corridor directly in front of them, since this was where she had come to find him. "The medical wing I know well, as it's down that way," she said, gesturing towards the direction she had just come from. Glancing at her father, Liona's gaze was filled with curiosity, eager to absorb every detailed explanation of the remaining wings of the facility. She was always thirsty for knowledge, and this opportunity to learn more about her surroundings only fueled her natural inquisitiveness.

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Blaise nodded his head in understanding as Liona asked to be able to handle everything with her mother on her own. That was absolutely fair of her to do. He had never had to play mediator much with her, or at least not as much as he had to with his youngest. Raising his children to be independent and self-sufficient had been one of his goals, and his daughter was hitting all of those marks perfectly as far as he could tell. Sometimes scarily so, especially when she was younger. The worry that he was pushing her too far too fast had never really gone away, despite seeing that it had worked out for her presently. He couldn’t have been any prouder.

”Having it in a centralized location worked out better than I had anticipated when they had all of the staff consulting on how to proceed with building everything,” Blaise explained about the medical wing. He had argued that it needed to be, at the very least, situated close enough to where the Cursebreakers and law enforcement wings were. Only because the students in those studies were most likely to require first aid. ”State of the art too, as I’m sure you’re aware. I’ve heard that some of the top brass at St. Mungo’s are jealous of it,” he added smugly. After everything Hogwarts had been through, it deserved a highly functioning and efficient medical department. Especially if they were going to be teaching from it too.

Since Liona had come through the law enforcement wing already, Blaise didn’t want to go through there again already. He’d spent enough time in those rooms, listening in on lectures and the likes. So instead of doing that, he turned towards the Cursebreaker wing. ”Fancy seeing some ancient artifacts? Gringotts has loaned a fair few for display purposes,” he said as he began to walk down the corridor. The only reason the bank (and by extension, the goblins) had probably done so, was because they were of little value in terms of gold and jewels. Fortunately for Hogwarts, the donated objects, various pots, weapons, and ancient magical devices, fit right in amongst the maps and scrolls that adorned the walls of the Cursebreaker wing.

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"At the heart of everything," she simplified in a few concise words what he had explained to her. It all made a lot more sense now that if she had to navigate her way through this labyrinth facility, she would always come back to the medical wing as the central hub. "I am aware, and you are certainly not wrong," she acknowledged thoughtfully. "If I were in their shoes, I imagine I would be one of them. I could easily envision myself content to live within the comforting confines of the medical wing, were I not so opposed to being stuck behind walls all day long," she regarded with a hint of amusement in her tone of voice.

This was no mere exaggeration - Liona had genuinely found the one job that seamlessly combined two of her greatest passions in life: helping others and travelling. As a medical field operative, it was the perfect fit for her adventurous yet compassionate spirit.

The mention of uncovering and studying ancient artifacts from long-lost civilizations did indeed intrigue her insatiable sense of curiosity, and she nodded enthusiastically in response. "Absolutely! I've always been utterly fascinated by ancient relics and artifacts, especially the captivating stories and insights they can provide into the lives, cultures and histories of those who came before us," she answered, her eyes sparkling with genuine excitement as she eagerly followed him down the dimly lit corridor, already mentally cataloguing the many possibilities that this new venture might hold.

"Is there a dueling space that has been rebuilt as well?" She questioned, remembering the one class she had truly loved during her education. To see how that particular facility had been reconstructed, if at all, would be an added bonus to her exploration of this intriguing place. The prospect of witnessing the art of dueling once again filled her with a sense of anticipation, as she recalled the thrill and discipline she had experienced, now that she was looking into getting back dueling again.

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Blaise chuckled lightly at his daughter’s comment about being stuck inside all day long. That absolutely could happen at Hogwarts. Scottish weather aside, it used to be extremely easy to find oneself locked within the confines of the castle for a day or two. Now, while certainly possible since all of the various buildings were connected by hallways, the grounds were far more accommodating to getting fresh air. Many of the long-forgotten courtyards had also become retrofitted for students looking for a break. To say that the school was anything less than impressive would be an understatement. Blaise was proud of the input that he had been able to supply during the rebuilding. Hearing students unknowingly comment on certain decisions gave him a feeling of success that he had sorely missed during the year they were all studying elsewhere.

Liona sounded enthusiastic about the Cursebreaker section of the school, so it definitely seemed like he had chosen their direction correctly. ”They’re always digging up new things too,” Blaise commented as they passed a wall that had several vases set into it and protected by glass. Bronze nameplates screwed in under each detailed the civilization and approximate time of where they were from. The rarer, non-monetary treasures that Gringotts didn’t want were apparently taken to Merlin’s Mystical Museum of Magic in Caerlon. He hadn’t been there in years, at the very least not since both children were young.

”There is…” he paused to think where it had been put exactly. ”In the Law Enforcement wing, of course. I don’t know if the Dueling Club plans to use that as well, or if they will be provided with a separate area. I would assume having two would benefit both.” He wasn’t sure if the Ministry wanted to share certain things just yet. All of this was so new to all parties involved still.

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She gazed around, her eyes drawn to the various exhibits until she finally settled on the section showcasing ancient medical artifacts. "Ah, this is my favorite section!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a beaming smile, her enthusiasm palpable. Her gaze hungrily roamed over the intriguing collection, each item a window into the remarkable medical knowledge of the past.

Liona's gaze hungrily roamed over the intriguing collection, each item a window into the remarkable medical knowledge of the past. "Just look at these wonders," she murmured, her voice rich with reverence. Delicate surgical instruments, meticulously crafted from bronze and stone, lay arranged in glass cases, their edges still gleaming despite the centuries that had passed. Liona could almost feel the weight of the centuries as she imagined the hands of long-dead practitioners holding those very artifacts, their faces set in concentration.

As her father spoke about the dueling club, Liona was only half-listening, her mind still consumed by the captivating displays before her. "I suppose that would depend on the number of students in the club as well?" she replied, her gaze briefly flickering to her father before returning to gazing at the other artifacts in the room.

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”I find the collection here to be far more impressive than what the Merlin Museum has available,” Blaise commented as the two of them looked over the various pieces the Cursebreakers had collected. Liona had taken a particular interest in a case of ancient surgical instruments, none of which Blaise had the faintest of ideas what their actual purpose was. He supposed if he was more acquainted with muggle cultures and their medical histories, this would be quite fascinating. Unfortunately, like many magical folks, Blaise could only look at them as interesting pieces of history. Now, if the Cursebreakers had added a whiskey distillery or taste testing, or there was a magical music hall of fame of sorts, he would be all in. Maybe even a museum of dark magical objects.

”That it would,” he confirmed for the dueling club. He would most likely be the one associated with the club at this point, his careers aligning perfectly with what the students wanted to be taught. Blaise had no problem with adding more offensive and defensive spells to their repertoire. If anything, the events over the last few years proved that students needed to be equipped when those that were supposed to protect them, could not. ”The good thing is, the Auror trainees are employees technically, so they finish within work hours. If the school decides it only wants one dueling arena, I suppose it could work as long as club times occur on the weekends or after dinner…” That posed so many issues though, as any older students that wanted to be members and didn’t live on campus, would have to travel back or stay for it. Obviously the dedication would be honorable from those that did, he also didn’t think it was fair to make them travel back at odd hours just to gain extra knowledge.

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