Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for the Candy Floss and Broken Hearts Competition; Fluff.


As Sweet As Dreams


Andromeda smiled to herself in the mirror, her eyes taking in her fresh complexion and rosy cheeks. Narcissa really had done wonders with her make up. Bellatrix stood behind her, twisting her hair into an elegant knot with which to hold her veil. Her white dressrobes hung behind her, the diamonds glittering in the sunlight filtering into the room.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding.

"Andromeda?"

Andromeda turned to find her mother watching her, pride etched in every line in her face.

"Mother?"

"I'm here to help you get into your robes. Bellatrix, leave us."

With a final twist and a wave of her wand to hold it firmly in place, Bellatrix stepped back to admire her handywork for a moment before she gave Andromeda a rare, honest smile.

"You're going to look beautiful, little sister. I'm proud of you."

Andromeda nodded, unable to answer verbally for fear that the traitorous tears threatening would ruin her make up if she tried to speak. Bellatrix seemed to understand, and she squeezed Andromeda's shoulder briefly before she swept from the room.

"Are you ready, Andromeda?" her mother asked primly, gesturing for her to stand in the middle of the room.

"More than," Andie admitted, a small smile lifting her lips. "Rabastan is everything I ever wanted, and certainly everything I could possibly need in a husband."

"Quite right. He is a good choice for you. You will be taken care of," her mother agreed, raising the robes over Andromeda's head with her wand and settling them gently on her skin. A few waves tightened the waist and shoulders, leaving the dress to flare out from her hips.

"Turn," her mother requested. Andromeda winced slightly when the veil's teeth snagged at her knot, but within moments it was in and comfortable. Andromeda waited patiently for her mother to walk around her, looking her over with a critical eye.

"You're perfect," was her final judgement, and Andromeda felt blood rush to her cheeks at the extravagant praise.

"Thank you, Mother."

"Your father will be along soon. Breath deeply and don't panic. Today is your day."

Andromeda nodded, sitting down carefully as her mother left the room. Today was her day, and she couldn't wait for the main event. She let her father lead her to her husband to be, accepted his pride and love, enjoyed the pomp in ways she never had before.

Rabastan was waiting for her, and he was perfection in black dress robes. The world fell away as she met his eyes, the sparkle in his telling her that he approved of her efforts to look beautiful. She didn't remember much of the ceremony, only the feel of her hand in his, the look in his eyes, the light sway of his hair when a breeze swept through the gardens.

She remembered the dancing, the feel of his hands on her waist, the press of his lips to hers, the pride as he introduced her as Andromeda Lestrange, his beautiful wife.

She remembered the way he held her close, caressing the back of her hand with his thumb as he listened to the conversations around him. She remembered the way he kept her close, didn't let her away from him for a moment, the way his gaze darkened slightly every time their eyes met for prolonged moments.

She remembered the way he wrapped himself around her with a promise in his eyes as they bid goodbye to their families.


Andromeda woke with a start, a gasp, and a smile.

She could only hope that reality would be as sweet as her dreams.