The Greatest

Emma’s independent nature was perhaps a consequence of her parents’ neglect, yet it was a trait her uncle was grateful to see in her nonetheless. He tried tirelessly in past years to teach Regulus the same ethics ― you must depend on yourself before anyone else ― and his perceived failure in doing so led the man to favor his niece more so than he already did. Though the occurrence of her asking something of him had become more and more of a rarity as the years went by, Walden was always prepared, without question, to grant anything to her that he could and assist her in finding elsewhere anything that he couldn’t. The protective part of him that wholeheartedly doubted that the Lestrange boy was anywhere near good enough to marry her expected that she came that day to ask his advice on how to get out of the engagement, and he had been plotting for such a scenario all night. 

While Walden didn’t think of her as the appropriate person to talk to regarding the dysfunctional mechanics of the relationship he shared with Aurora, he could appreciate the fact that she seemed concerned for his stress levels while those he considered his colleagues cared only for the purpose of the union. “It’s difficult,” He confessed. He was accustomed to being the cynical hermit of the community ― to have people suddenly doubting his loyalty was something he wasn’t at all used to. “I don’t know if it helps or hurts that she and I have similar personalities, but that that is is. You two have met, haven’t you? I haven’t heard your thoughts on her yet.” Though she wasn’t even his own blood, her opinion was perhaps the one he cared for most. 

He leaned forward as he sensed her hesitation, waiting patiently for her to say what she wished ― which was far, far from anything that he was expecting from her that day. It rarely happened, but Walden was surprised. “It’s hardly traditional, and it would certainly upset your father,” He warned, eyeing her to ensure that she was already aware of the possible tension it could cause. “Of course, I’ll walk you down the aisle. … You’ve always been like a daughter to me, Emma, and if that’s what you want, then it would be an honor.” The man couldn’t recall a time when he had ever given a speech before, as the idea of doing so never appealed to him very much until that moment. “I would love to give a speech at the party and the wedding. They’ll be the best speeches I’ve ever given, guaranteed.”

“We have met. I rather like her, we had an enjoyable afternoon spent over tea and cakes.” Smiling in a way she hoped would be reassuring to her uncle, she was completely honest about the time that she had spent with his bride to be and the impression that she had gotten of her, both of which she considered to be extremely positive all things considered. “She is not what I expected her to be, though that is hardly a bad thing, and you two are certainly an interesting match.” While the memories she held of her aunt were slightly more faded than those of her uncle, perhaps because she was still able to see him to jog her memory, Emma knew that the pair had been happy and it was something that she did want for Walden again. “I can only hope that it lasts and makes you happy though.”

Slim shoulders shrugged, completely nonplussed at the idea that her father’s nose may be put out of joint at her decision. In her mind he has simply brought it upon himself from the years of indifference she had suffered from him. “It probably will but I do think father is rather a loose term for the role he has played in my life.” The chilliness that had inhabited her tone quickly  thawed out as she moved on to a much happier subject. Her childhood had been far from a complete write off when she had had some family in her life that genuinely cared about her. “You have been far better to me than that man ever has so it seems only right that I ask you. It would be a departure from tradition but life needs a healthy balance of change and following the past to take us all forward.” 

Her smile brightened at the willingness her uncle seemed to have to speak before all her guests. “I already cannot wait for it.” There was an undeniable excitement held in regard to the event that she had planned and an anticipation of the future that it would unlock for her. It seemed only right that the men that would be speaking would be the two that she counted most influential in her life and the ones who had undoubtedly filled the void in her life where a father should have been. They were the ones that she counted as her family, not Vito Vanity. “Between you and Rodolphus I am quite sure that the speeches will no doubt be some of the best we have all been lucky enough to hear.”

“You have no idea how much your support means to me.” He smiled softly, his tone of voice betraying his emotions. Taking the box, he opened it with care, a grin blossoming on his face at the sight its contents. The gift both surprised him and warmed his heart. Rodolphus had grown used to impersonal presents of expensive wine and gin and, while he was still thankful for those, this meant infinitely more to him. Mentally, he had already filled the remaining two frames: one with an old picture of his family, before the untimely death of his parents, and a new picture of his updated family, Emma included. “Thank you.” His voice came out quiet and raw, overwhelmed by gratitude. Rodolphus knew he was lucky to have someone like Emma in his life. He cleared his throat, marking the end of his vulnerable moment. “You didn’t need to get me anything, but I appreciate it nonetheless.“ He would certainly make it up to her. 

Her faith never ceased to astound him; even some of Rodolphus’s closest friends and family doubted him on occasion. Yet, Emma seemed so confident in his ability to do the best for their community. Her faith in him helped to restore his faith in himself. With everything going on, it became easy to lose track of the important things in life, the things that made war worth fighting. Emma’s company was a constant reminder of that. “Of course!” Rodolphus agreed vehemently, pleased that she had no doubts regarding his support. “Do not ever hesitate to ask-you’re family now, you know? Or you will be some day, I’m sure of it.” Rabastan would almost certainly propose, solidifying what Rodolphus already knew; Emma was born to be a Lestrange. “Certainly, you must join me and my wife for dinner so we can celebrate in a less formal environment.” 

“I am simply glad I am able to give it to you so freely and without hesitation.” There were so few things in the world to have faith in in Emma’s opinion. Her parents had shown her that you couldn’t even have faith in your own family and so for a long time the brunette had believed that the only person worth trusting was herself. Except Rodolphus was exactly the sort of man that you wanted to believe in and she had the utmost trust that he would do them all proud. “You are most welcome. I know I didn’t but an occasion such as this should be marked with something.” She knew that when it came to her and her wins most of the time a simple congratulations went a long way a no doubt he was the same but she had her trophies to sit on her mantle piece and Rodolphus deserved something to remember this achievement by.

“Well, we can hope.”  There was a pleased smile that took over her features at the mention of her becoming family and the brunette found herself looking away briefly so as to not give too much away. While it was true that she was enjoying the company of his younger brother, nothing was set yet and she didn’t want to get her hopes lifted only for them to be dashed later. “Oh that would be lovely, Rodolphus. The season is still keeping me busy and you are now obviously a busy man who will be very much in demand but I am certain that we can find a date that suits.” Smoothing her skirt slightly, she looked around the room most more and it dawned on her just how much power her friend had. “Have you decided what your first act will be yet? I cannot say that I would know where to start if I were you.”

Walburga had known Emma since she was a baby. The Black household was often filled with children, they brought Walburga so much joy and Orion wasn’t around enough to care. She had Emma had bonded early the small young girl who always took any affection she could get, Walburga couldn’t help but adore her. As it became clear to Walburga that Emma’s parents were indifferent she often had Emma over as much as she could coming up with projects she needed help on to get Emma out of the house. Walburga ensured she attended all of the right functions and that she knew how to play the game as to not let others take advantage of her. She didn’t want to prevent Emma from this life if she wanted it but she would be damned if she allowed the girl she loved like a daughter to walk around without knowing how to keep herself safe.

Walburga caressed her cheek smiling at her gently. “I am the lucky one that you came into my life. You always brought so much joy to my heart spending time with me doing everything from planning parties to studying.” She took Emma’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sorry your parents don’t see what a gift you are. They are blind to have not seen someone who shines as bright as you, my dear.” She said kindly. Walburga listen to what she had to say and nodded along. “I’ve taught you everything you need to know to play in the world we live in. If you think he’s a good choice and loyal and will treat you proper than I am overjoyed for you.” She smiled hugging her. “You deserve all of the happiness life has to offer.”

Walburga smiled as the young witch hugged her back. “Tell me everything. When is the wedding? How did he propose?” She smiled brightly. “This is all so exciting. You know the two of us together will plan the part of the decade.” She beamed “Do you have any ideas yet?”

The Vanity Manor had always been as cold and dark as the Northumberland Moors that it was nestled in and not even the sunniest of days could brighten the dinginess of it when most of the cold, unwelcoming atmosphere had always come from within. But the Black’s home had always been a stark contrast to the house that would never be her home and Emma could remember earning to have been born Walburga’s daughter rather than her own mother’s for years. There would never be a day that went by that she would never be thankful for the older woman taking her under her wing and giving her all the skills that she had needed to navigate their world with the ease and grace that she did. It was that which made her show uncharacteristic emotion in front of the blonde, having to lower her eyes for a moment to compose herself. “I am simply glad that someone like you saw it for I could not have asked for anyone better to prepare me.”

There’s a tightness in the hug she returns, enjoying the touch when she had been so starved of affection, but as soon as she is composed once more she pulls back with a happy smile on her lips. “Oh it was just perfect, Walburga. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, he knew what I would love perhaps even better than I did.” Fondness is clear in her eyes and she hopes that the blonde will see that she truly cares for her fiance and nothing but hope for their future. Her mind as buzzing with the possibilities of their future and it was undeniable that she was keen to start them on the rest of their lives sooner rather than later. “Hopefully soon, neither of us want to waste any time if it can be helped. Though of course there’s Walden and Aurora to take into consideration as well, we cannot have our days clashing or competing in anyway.”

“An apology isn’t necessary,” Walden assured the young woman. While he hoped that he was as important to her as she was to him, he neither assumed nor expected such a role in her life, as many of the memories they shared remained only with him. Yet, her apparent familiarity with the estate insinuated that she may have remembered more than he gave her credit for, and it filled him with an rare warmth. “Though the visit is appreciated. You know you’re always more than welcome to stop by,” He granted. “Really, this house is as much yours as it is mine.” It had been years since she had been there, albeit it had also been years since the house had felt like home to Walden. 

He quirked a slight brow at her response. For once, he was more interested than suspicious ― more assuaged than aggravated at the thought of having company that would perhaps last an hour or so that day. He caught her slight smirk from the corner of his eye and couldn’t help but grin in return. Jovially shaking his head, he remarked, “You haven’t changed much, you know. That’s the same face you made when you were a child and wanted something.”

Contrary to the enjoyment Emma took in the topic of her engagement to Rabastan, her uncle had quickly grown tired of discussing his own. The woman was bearable, but answering questions about her and their relationship was far from it. The audience always expected such emotion with every answer, trying to pull from Walden feelings that simply weren’t there. “I’ve been well. The Ministry keeps me busy, and the Dark Lord keeps me busier. …Aurora and I have been well,” He answered vaguely. “We’ll be better when the questioning ceases, though I don’t predict that’ll be any time soon. I’m relieved to hear that you approve of her. I intended to tell you personally about the engagement, but once the Daily Prophet gets a grip on a story, they very rarely let go. I suppose that makes us even, then?”

“I shall remember it and be sure to stop by more often. It is just a shame that life and what it requires from me so often gets in the way.” There was some vague regret felt that when it came to prioritising her time she had placed her family so low on the list, possibly due to a lingering resentment to her parents but there was an effort now being made that she was set on continuing when she had started to value more and more the time that they spent together. “Still, we will make the most of the time we have now.” A wry smile touches her lips and she can’t help but shake her head slightly as she speaks with a hint of laughter in her voice knowing that she’d been caught. “And there I was starting to pride myself on my poker face, I suppose old habits do die hard.”

Nodding as her uncle talks about his life, she was glad to hear that he was busy even if there was a part of her that would always worry about those in her life who kept getting involved more deeply with the Dark Lord. She was well aware of which side she had signed up for and stood by her choice but that didn’t mean that she didn’t sometimes struggle with the danger to them all that it posed. “Perhaps my engagement will give everyone else something else to focus on for a while and give the pair of you some time to settle into it all, I imagine it is hardly smooth sailing trying to combine two such different lives.” Smiling somewhat in sympathy she can’t pretend to know what it’s truly like for them but Emma knows merging paths is never easy.

“I would agree that it does.” Folding her hands delicately in her lap, the brunette can’t help but pause for a moment and glance at them as she senses that now is as good a time as any to ask of him what she wants. Only there’s some hesitation when it seems like admitting his importance to her and that might just be seen as one too many weaknesses. But she’d never been a coward and just as quickly as she had paused, Emma is glancing up again even if some of her usual confidence is stripped away to reveal something more genuine. “It’s hardly a secret between you and I that I would rather that my parents were involved in all this as little as possible but that of course leaves some gaps in the wedding party which I was wondering if you might like to fill? I would much rather it were you walking me down the aisle and of course you would be welcome to give a speech at the engagement party as well as the wedding if you so wished.”