Zahi the New Heir

Nodding, Tristan was pleased to see the man sounded well prepared to handle whatever they found and move it away in a safe manner. “Some dangerous places are the best places for animals.” If a dangerous plant like that could thrive, chances were that it meant it was private and the animals would be safe, but in some cases, the plants were even a food source. “Some plants don’t need to be moved, but i can tell you they are here if you need them.”

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Zahi nodded. “I suppose that’s fair. Every predator is in some way prey.” Plant and animal alike. As they approached the thicket in question, Zahi slowly in his walk, not wanting to create any problems by rushing into a situation where the plants might not react favorably. Best not to surprise them or attract undo attention. “Is that why you planting them originally?” he asked.

Walden walked into his friend’s home, bouncing Estrella in his arms as he entered. Though she had yet to make a sound, the bouncing was a preemptive strategy to keep her calm. It was going to be Zahi’s first time meeting her, and although if she did cry it wouldn’t phase Walden, he wanted Zahi to be fond of her too. Walden wanted, and thought everyone ought to be, fond of his daughter, because already in his eyes, she could do no wrong.

They were meeting today at Zahi’s residence to look at aesthetic options for gardens of the new property, as well as a few carnivorous and aesthetic options for indoors. While Walden didn’t intend to work much at the Hogsmeade property since that was largely where Daisy would be, he wanted to be prepared in case he needed a simple, low effort clean up option.

Zahi knew of the intent of the meeting prior - he had to in order to properly curate a selection of plants for Walden to look at - but Walden hadn’t notified him that he’d be bringing Estrella along. In all honesty, Walden hadn’t planned on it, but as he prepared to leave, he’d caught a glimpse of Estrella’s big brown eyes and he couldn’t bring himself to leave without her.

“Zahi, good to see you again.” Walden held out his free hand to shake Zahi’s. “I don’t believe you’ve had the honour of meeting my daughter yet,” Walden beamed as he looked down at his pride and joy. “This is Estrella.”

@zahishafiq​

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Zahi didn’t have many friends who were willing to enter his apartment unbidden, so he would have suspected Walden even if he hadn’t known he was coming. With a stretch, Zahi stood from where he’d been meditating on the balcony and headed back inside. They could look at the variety he had here, then if Walden needed more visuals, they could always stop by Shafiq Manor to see what he’d done around his sister’s home.

He’d been expecting Walden to come alone, so he stopped and blinked a few times at the baby in his friend’s arms. Zahi was not exactly great with kids. He didn’t understand the overall desire some poeple seemed to have for them, and even as a teaching assistant at Koldovstoretz, he’d been somewhat distant in his affirmations. 

“I can see that,” he replied. In the time he’d known Walden, kidnapping of children had never been on his agenda. Plus, as small as she was, Zahi assumed she had to be somewhat fresh. He hadn’t realized babies came that small. Still, he took a few steps forward to look at her properly, not wanting to offend his friend. “She’s cute,” he said, not lying but still not understanding the appeal of that cuteness to so many people.

Coffee seemed friendly enough that he didn’t feel like he was coming off too strong. “Alright then. Do you mind if it’s a strong brew?” He replied as he got dressed. He had a long day ahead as well. 

Of course, it wasn’t, that would be unprofessional, but Mirek felt the slightest bit flattered. “Much to some’s dismay, I suppose?” He replied, face and tone mirroring the other’s. The more awake he became, the more he worried that he could ruin everything he’d achieved by being suspicious. 

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“I don’t mind at all,” Zahi replied honestly. He’d developed a taste for caffeine on Lebanese coffee; he wasn’t a cream and two sugars kind of guy. Even though he hadn’t had anything to drink yet this morning, Zahi was feeling a bit charitable now that they were dressed and not at risk of cuddles.

“I suppose it could be to some,” Zahi acknowledged. It was almost like Mirek didn’t know how to act around him now, so Zahi wondered if this was quite outside his norm as well. “I take it most of the consultations you ask for don’t end this way either?”

Her life was exciting, but Zara hadn’t seen it that way for a while. When shady people and near misses became her day in and day out, Zara became numb to it all. She had to keep pushing herself further and further to feel anything at all, and it had almost killed her. If it weren’t for Valerija, she’d probably be ten feet under by now.

“Thank you, I definitely do,” Zara smiled. She had deserved the now several drinks she’d had that night. “And what is it that you do? Does your job also require discretion?” Zara found that those who understood the necessity of privacy in her work usually had some personal experience with keeping things hushed, either in their professional life or their private life.

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Zahi angled his head, considering how to best answer. Herbology wasn’t a subject most people looked at with grandeur, but that suited his tastes. He didn’t need access attention from anyone, especially the Ministry. “Of a sort,” he eventually answered. “I run a herbology shop.” That had even less credentials to it for most people than calling himself a herbologist. “We specialize in rare plants, so a sort of discretion is advisable for many of our clients.”

He assumed she wouldn’t be particularly intrigued to know more, and if that was the case, Zahi wouldn’t blame her. Things were what they were, and Zahi knew his interests often didn’t align with most people’s. He was content with that.

Patrick had no fucking idea what a nasturtium was, but the name sounded familiar and he associated it with a pretty plant. While he was sure there would be room somewhere for the plant considering that Hilda decided to run off to a mansion instead of a cottage like the one she’d left the ruins of their lives in, Patrick wasn’t sure how he felt about something that needed space. That sounded… well, expensive, quite frankly, and while he absolutely thought Hilda was worth it and was no stranger to saving up money on the sly in order to surprise her with a nicer than average gift, he didn’t know if that was what he wanted.

He had no idea what he wanted, if Patrick was honest with himself. He’d mostly thought a nice bouquet of something to send to her, but now he was thinking more in terms of a house plant, something she could set near a window in her room and think about him.

On second thought, if it made Hilda think about him, she might just chunk it out the window and set it on fire.  That was a thought that caused Patrick to frown and he debated all over again about sending Hilda anything at all. Maybe he’d end up buying the plant just to have it decorate some lonely little corner of the pub. That place could use some greenery.

“Oh, that’s pretty.” Patrick said when he saw the shiny bushes. No question where its name came from since Nifflers liked shiny things and he liked the coppery color. While it would have been an insult to call Hilda’s hair ‘copper’, the thought still popped into his head and Patrick found himself nodded. “That might do. Does it ever change colors?”

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Zahi waited, somewhat patiently as Patrick seemed to deliberate. He was right that it was in fact pretty, although Zahi personally thought it had a great many other attributes as well. At the question, Zahi manged not to turn his nose up, although it was a close bet not to. “I suppose you could treat or charm it, but you’re going to remove half the potency as a potions ingredient.”

The very idea was painful. It was an abomination to even consider such a thing. “I understand if you want to turn it into a more pointed gesture, but I do have to warn you that you’ll be removing over half the value you’d be paying for if you took that step.”

“I’ve never met a Koldovstoretz graduate who didn’t seem to be excellently educated,” Cissa mused, wondering if the institution would allow a tour. She’d like to see it for herself. “The same goes of course for Durmstrang, but I’ve met so many Mahoukotoro dropouts. I don’t want anything but the best for my son, and after the episode with Hogwarts recently….”

She ran her hand over the leather cover of the book, feeling a smile on her face. Research had always been something she loved, or maybe not research specifically but the process of making sure she knew how to do things right. “That’s very kind of you, Mr. Shafiq. Thank you.”

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“We have a fine education,” Zahi agreed. He wasn’t going to boast on the merits of a Koldovstoretz education, but based on what he’d seen, they were worth boasting about if you were that sort of person. “I can understand the concern,” he said diplomatically. “There is always the option of sending him abroad.”

He shook his head. “It’s not a problem, Mrs. Malfoy. I’m glad I could be of service. Feel free to stop by the shop if you ever need new plants or feed for the gardens.”

When she got to the end of the line he had indicated she turned and sat on a patch of grass, waiting for him to catch up.  Maybe there was more she could help him with, but he seemed focused on what he was doing.  She would wait for him to direct her.  “I can see that,” she snorted.  “Bailey seems good at going after the things she wants.”

Zahi had been her brother for her entire life.  He had always had this surly, grumpy way at looking at the world – and maybe that wasn’t entirely true, but it had always been how it looked from her perspective.  She had never heard him speak about someone with so much admiration, at least for their mind.  He tended to act as though he were the smartest person in the room.  Potions weren’t her strongest subject, but she could speak more intelligently about them than she could herbology.  “Potion-making is so stagnant too.  Too many people are afraid to mess with the recipe, she doesn’t strike me as having that particular issue,” she laughed.

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Zahi nodded without looking up from his work. “That she does,” he agreed. “Some of it’s chaotic, and some of it’s ridiculous. But some of it could change the world.” She was a driven kid. In a totally different way, she reminded him of Aliya herself who had always refused to back down from any situation handed to her. Both headstrong, albeit in opposing ways. 

He snorted at the question of Bailey not minding the fuss. “British wix keep using the simplified recipes they learned in school and then act shocked when it doesn’t given them the best results. No, I don’t think she suffers that one.” Zahi glanced up at Aliya to gauge her reaction. “I apologize if it ever means explosions in the house.”

“If we find more problem trees, can you take them as well?” While Tristan had surveyed most of the area they were removing the group of animals to, there were still certain sections meant to be included in their new territory that Tristan hadn’t checked for problematic greenery and it would be best to have someone ready to take any such thing at a moment’s notice. Besides, even if there wasn’t, they might run into the problem if the area was expanded. “It should only be the snargaluff, but I think I will find more flesh eating trees further out. If I do, they must go.”

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Zahi nodded. “If they’re the same breed, we’ll be fine. If you find something else, I might have to come back, depending on what kind of containment they need.” But whatever it was, he would find a place between the shop or the estate. If it was small, perhaps it could simply live in his apartment. “Flesh eating?” he repeated. “My my, but don’t you all keep exciting things around here.”

“Correct. Just imagine the conversations I’d have to have with my parents and Faiza if I didn’t.”

Edith had gone to the festival with Valerija, but had separated from her to grab them some food while she was holding their place in line for one of the rides. As she walked by the many different tents set up with wizarding games, confections, and food, Edith tried to decide what sounded best. She was just about to approach one of the tents when she heard a rather loud YOU THERE! Turning around to be met by an overly enthusiastic wizard, she looked around. “Me?” Yes you! You look like a brainiac, come on over, we need two more players! “Oh, no, I—” Before she could object, he was reaching for her arm, as well as the arm of another wizard whom she didn’t recognize.

@zahishafiq

Zahi wasn’t exactly the carnival type, but he supposed the fair was fun enough. Or at least it was until his walk was interrupted by a man literally grabbing his arm. Zahi tried to wretch it away, but the man held firm. “This’ll be fun!” he murmured, but it sounded as much like a threat as anything else. Not sure what else to do short of hexing the man, Zahi complied. Hexing probably was best done without an audience.

While Mirek wasn’t afraid of awkwardness (hospitals were consistently full of it, be it because of ridiculous wounds, having to pretend to care for other people’s most delicate subjects or just random checkup nudity), he realized he was still holding on to Zahi and hoped it didn’t come off as a clingy thing. That’d push Zahi away, and what was the point in working so hard for this intel if he burned the bridge? Not that he was planning on doing this again anytime soon, but if he played his card right, they’d still be amicable and he could come to Zahi when he needed more potioneering advice. Mirek let Zahi go carefully, before stretching his remaining sleepiness away. 

“You can just have coffee or tea if you don’t feel like eating. If you want, but I don’t want to hold you up if you’ve got plans.” Mirek tried to be gentleman whenever he had the luxury to be, but as he woke up, Zahi’s resistance was becoming was evident. He was being nice about it, in his calculated Zahi way, but Mirek gained nothing from making his guest uncomfortable. 

Mirek had been comfortable, sleeping next to someone was objectively better than sleeping alone, but he was awake now, no point in holding on to the more fun parts of last night if he had a long day ahead. “I don’t mind, I’ve got to stand up anyway, I can’t remember if we left the potion brewing.” He did, and they hadn’t, but talking laying down always seemed to send the wrong message.

Zahi waited until Mirek had shifted away before arching up into a stretch of his own. “I wouldn’t mind coffee,” he said, figuring that would be a good way to take Mirek up on his offer without actually having to stay for a domestic little scene of watching Mirek cook and being served food. “I have to be at work in about an hour and a half, so I probably shouldn’t hang around too terribly long.”

He raised eye brow as Mirek sat up, sensing the line even as he remembered for himself that they’d moved the potion off the heat before getting into the alcohol. He might have been fuzzy, but not that fuzzy. Apparently Mirek wasn’t nearly as cozy either now that he was awake, or at least wasn’t to save face as he walked away. 

Zahi slid out of bed, going immediately from his robes on the ground. Once he was dressed, he turned and looked back at Mirek with a smirk. “You know I must admit that’s not how most of my potion consultations go.”

“I suppose it’d be bad to have them wandering in,” Kirsi laughed, looking over to where drinks were floating from the bar to those who’d ordered them. It had always been tempting to just vanish dishes or charm the occasional overly obnoxious customer back at her parents’ inn, but they’d had strict rules about using magic inside. “It could just be in Horizont Alley or something, though.”

“Hard to say,” Zahi agreed. He paused as he considered whether this conversation should go into a somewhat personal place. Normally he didn’t care enough to inquire, but she seemed interesting enough. “So how does one end up as a singing anyway? Like obviously plenty of people like to sing, but what made you decide you actually wanted to do it?”

Plants were stupid.  She supposed the helped them breath, and some of them looked nice.  But as a whole it felt like a lot of effort for not a whole lot of reward.  But Zahi liked them and she was trying with his nerdy self.  “That makes sense.”  It didn’t make any kind of sense.

The semi-surprise in his voice was a combination of insulting and amusing.  She got along with most people – well, maybe she didn’t actively like most people, but she was okay a faking it.  But to be fair, Bailey Shaw was a whole lot.  “She’s fine.  She mostly keeps to herself, and the house is plenty big enough.  And it means I don’t have to take care of all of this,” she gestured at the plants they were putting in.  Although it was sort of nice right now.  “Where did you even find her?”  She realized she had never heard this story.

Zahi could sense some doubt in his sister’s tone, but he didn’t comment on it. They were getting along well enough. He didn’t want to stir the pot for no reason, after all, not when things were going all right and she was a helpful pare of hands. He chuckled at her little joke, but part of him was relieved. Inviting Bailey into the home and technically been his idea, and Zahi was glad it hadn’t created more stress in the process.

He packed in a little more dirt and sat back on his heels. “I suppose a more accurate answer is that she found me. She was looking for advice on particular potions, and the level of her thinking, even as someone that young and inexperienced, was incredible. I figured she needed a little training to help polish the roughness around her edges, and then she could be useful as a potioneer and honestly to me.” And the Dark Lord, but Zahi didn’t need to mention that much. His sister wasn’t involved, and he wanted to keep it that way.

James was a little apprehensive about giving away so much information, and while it was probably not his brightest move giving Remus’ name away, Remus was a registered animagus —or, at least something of the like— and James was not. Best to divert attention away from the fact that he was almost caught as a deer, right about now. “Oh, yes, of course… James,” he offered, realizing he hadn’t yet said anything about it at all. 

“Oh no, not at all. Course not,” James chuckled awkwardly. To imply that he would be giving Lily something meant to help with Remus’ condition was not intentional, though he hoped they could simply laugh it off and move on. “Something to help with labor pains, is all.” Then the man was walking away, and James was left wondering whether he was supposed to follow or not. After a brief moment of looking around, he did so, just in case. “Is Bailey home, then? Or otherwise I could come back later…”

“James,” he repeated, and although Zahi didn’t know everyone in England, he only knew of a few with that name. Addington he was not, so it must be Potter. Not necessarily information he could do anything with, but Zahi filed it away in case it come up later. 

Zahi paused to look over his shoulder. “I haven’t the slightest,” he eventually said. “I don’t live here. But if it pain herbs you need, I can help you with that.” He turned back toward the house, assuming that Potter would follow this time. If he did scamper off, however, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. 

Cissa stepped back from the plant once she felt she had a good enough look, having a sneaking suspicion that telling her gardeners to get to know a plant was going to make them start looking at her like she needed to check into St Mugos. Zahi was certainly the expert though, and if he said that was what needed to happen then she’d make sure it did. 

She followed him to the bookshelf, reaching for the volume he chose. “Merlin, I should have paid more attention in Herbology. Or do they just teach it much better at Koldovstoretz?” It would have been an academic question only a year ago, but now it seemed much more important to know. If Draco was going to be attending school abroad, there’d have to be language tutors. “Could I borrow this, if you don’t mind? I’ll owl it back in a few days.”

Zahi chuckled. “I cannot speak for the Hogwarts education system, but I was more than happy with my time at Koldovstoretz.” Generally it seemed like Hogwarts alumni never knew much about anything unless they’d studied it further, but he wasn’t here to insult her. That seemed like a rather pointless step forward. 

“Of course you may. I wouldn’t have gotten it out if I didn’t plan on letting you use it.” Generally most of Zahi’s usable resources ended up in journals written by his own hand to keep things concise and to the point. It wasn’t a book he was going to need any time soon.

“I don’t think it’s actually long enough to cover my wand.” Kirsi laughed, reaching down to the hem of her dress to try to tug the sparkly fabric down a bit. It didn’t reach any further. “It’s nice to meet you, Zahi.” Or, she wasn’t really sure about that, but better to start out on the bright side. “I’m pretty new to the area, so I’m still getting through the rounds of where’s where. I was nearly late today trying to find the damn place, y’know?”

Zahi didn’t comment on the dress part. It was not at all his place, and he didn’t think there was a way for him to do so without sounding creepy. Instead he focused on her being new and rolled his eyes at the struggle of finding it. “When there’s magic involved, you’d think the paths could be found so much easier, but I suppose hiding it from muggles means we have to hide it from ourselves too for some reason.”