A/N: Hi! I'm back with another fanfic… Well, kind of. I'm planning for this to be a collection of one shots about Andromeda and Ted. The idea is that the stories follow on from each other but I'm not planning to upload these on specific days or to a specific deadline Hopefully, there won't be too long a gap between each story. That being said, I hope you stick around for all of them and enjoy what I plan on being a small series!
Disclaimer: J.K Rowling owns Harry Potter and not me so therefore I do not own the characters. Her genius is what has enabled me to begin my dabbles in story writing so only the storyline is my own (this extends to all my chapters). There may be some OC characters along the way but believe me it'll be probably quite obvious to you Potterheads when I've invented someone.
Enjoy :)
Entry One
The Order of the Phoenix meetings were never exactly what I would count as fascinating. Perhaps I could indulge my colleagues and call them enlightening but as to being something to keep one awake during long hours of the night they would never hold trumps against a raindrop falling down a pane of glass or a clock hand moving around a clock face. I was not exactly fascinating either but I flattered myself enough to say that my conversation would not threaten to bore my companion or companions to death. The meetings were particularly dull when certain people had been elected to speak but I would not do them the disservice of mentioning them by name should they discover my regard for them and be too offended to exist in my presence. Dull they certainly were but their work was deemed necessary by Albus Dumbledore so perhaps their speeches were not such a waste of time after all.
Each Order meeting took place around the same large oak table in the same abandoned warehouse that it had since my first appearance at their headquarters. Most people even occupied the same seat each time and should anyone attempt to take their space they would be met with a scowl from Mad-Eye Moody, who always sat at the head of the table glowering at everyone and everything. Although he was not the most agreeable of people, he had great deal of experience in the field and as such had instantly gained my respect upon meeting him.
In my boredom and in an attempt to prevent my eyes from glazing over entirely, I moved my gaze away from the speaker and a little away along the opposite side of the table. My eyes landed on Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was listing intently though his eyes drifted. Kingsley and I had been friends since our sixth year at Hogwarts after we had entered our first NEWT year and been assigned seats beside one another in our Transfiguration lessons. We had never crossed paths before that point which was understandable considering I, Andromeda Black, was a member of Slytherin royalty and therefore accompanied to all my classes by at least three other Slytherin comrades, who were there to make sure no one beneath me so much as dared look at me.
But in my sixth year, when my elder sister Bella left school and decided to reveal her psychotic madness to an audience larger than that of the student body, my regard as the Slytherin queen was heightened but people grew fearful of me, fearful enough to obey my orders and leave me to wander freely. My bodyguards had been present at the insistence of Bella and no one ever challenged my elder sister, who in her time at Hogwarts had been the Queen of Slytherin. As her younger sister, I was a Slytherin princess and when she completed schooling her title was automatically handed to me. But I was an unknown in a sense. Being the spitting image of my elder sister, except that should anyone care to look they would notice that my hair was an extremely dark brown and her hair was black not to mention I had matching brown eyes and hers the exact same black as her hair, people suspected me as being just as mad and cruel as Bella or perhaps as gifted in the powers of persuasion and cunning as my younger sister Narcissa, who was well known for getting others to do exactly what she wanted. However, I, perhaps because I was a middle sibling, was not outspoken nor was I sociable. I did not attempt to influence others or threaten to curse them and their families. But my distance gave me an air of mystery which made most of my peers fear me more than either of my sisters and I had the added advantage of generally being mistaken for my elder sister. When I had sat down beside Kingsley I had expected him to be the same as everyone else but I had been mistaken. He was not one to talk a lot which suited me greatly as I disliked chatter and when he did vocalise his thoughts they were always measured, calm and considered. We were similar in many ways as neither if us spoke often and neither of us made rash decisions. It was soon clear we would become firm friends and I grew to trust him more than I had ever thought I would trust anyone other than myself.
'And with that plan I think we could catch You-Know-Who.' concluded one of the cretins, who I thought might be called Sturgis Podmore. Murmuring broke out between the other Order members and Kingsley caught my eye. I could tell we were of the same mind and I nodded my head slightly before looking at Dumbledore, who was muttering Alastor Moody and Minerva McGonagall. The three of their expressions betrayed no particular insight so I moved on to observe Fleamont and Euphemia Potter conversing in low voices. I did not have a high regard for many of my fellow members but when most of the Order were still convinced after I'd been a member for almost 2 years that I was actually Bellatrix Lestrange (née Black) I felt justified in my dislike for them. However, for some reason unbeknownst to anyone but themselves, the Potters liked me and because of the lack of disdainful looks cast in my direction from their persons I did not view them as part of the idiot collection. Mr and Mrs Potter were clearly in agreement and I considered what their view on the matter might be.
Next to the Potters sat Fabian and Gideon Prewett. The two red-headed males were two years older than me but had the maturity of my cousin Sirius, who was 11 years of age. As far as I could tell, they lived to cause mayhem and loved nothing more than pretending to be one another. But I would admit that they could cause some brilliant distractions when required – if one could get them to be serious for long enough however. I always deemed it a miracle that they managed to keep their mouths shut for an entire meeting when they usually found it so difficult. I was quite unfortunate, really, that they were unable to maintain this silence outside of meetings.
Podmore seated himself as Ted Tonks rose from his chair. Edward 'Ted' Tonks had also been in my year at school but unlike Kingsley, I didn't like him. He was always so cheerful and enjoyed nothing better than wittering on in one's ear when working together in class. I had sat beside him on a few occasions and every time I had begun to wonder if I knew more about the constantly smiling Hufflepuff than I did about myself. He also liked to hug people and although he hadn't hugged me, he always attempted to talk to me after Order meetings. Really, he was far too happy.
'Thanks, Sturgis.' Tonks grinned at the room at large and thumped Podmore on the back. I kept my face neutral and uninterested, being cold and distant was my speciality, even though everyone else was watching the new speaker with rapt attention. It always occurred to me how odd it was that everyone else liked Tonks; I supposed he was a likeable person but far too irritating to befriend. And yet at school he'd always been popular just as he was now. Perhaps the concept of so many friends was alien to me after being considered Slytherin royalty for so long and the only people who were friendly towards me were hoping to gain something by association. Yet Tonks took his popularity in his stride and even Kingsley classed him as a friend. The two were Aurors together after all and had most likely been in several dangerous situations in one another's company. It was difficult to avoid friendship after being put in such extremes with a person; especially if that person was Ted Tonks, who insisted on trying to make friends with everyone… Including me. 'It was a brilliant idea and I like your thinking but…maybe…it would be…difficult to achieve it.'
'Catching You-Know-Who was never going to be easy.' Podmore reasoned and I considered speaking but then decided I was enjoying watching Tonks squirm uncomfortably far too much. I leaned back in my chair so that I had a better view of his awkward expression. This really was far too entertaining to interrupt.
'That's true… However, we would…be risking a lot for – for a plan that-'
'There was always going to be risk.' Podmore said jovially and winked roguishly at the rest of the table. I glanced at Moody and observed his torn expression. He seemed to be deliberating between cutting in and shouting at Podmore or leaving Tonks to keep talking to him which would take an age before Podmore's puny brain was able to comprehend what Tonks was trying to tell him. Dumbledore's face simply showed the amusement I felt and McGonagall's mouth had formed its infamous thin line. Looking around at my other colleagues it was clear that no one was intent on speaking, foreshadowing a long and tedious meeting attempting to inform Podmore of what it was obvious everyone felt about his plan.
'Yes…but…' Tonks wrung his hands nervously and I decided that if I was to return home for enough sleep before work I would have to speak.
'What I believe Tonks is trying to say is,' I drawled. The arrival of my voice had an instantaneous effect on those sitting around the table as they all began muttering to one another. Podmore shot me a vile look and I overheard one of the Prewett twins whisper 'The snake has awoken,' before they both promptly began snickering quietly. None of their murmurings particularly bothered me as I had received such a reception from the moment Kingsley and I had stepped into the warehouse after Dumbledore invited us to an Order meeting. I was not popular amongst the Order being a Black and because when I did contribute my own view point I was usually harsh in doing so. Unlike Tonks, I was not one to spare people's feelings a thought when being direct had a much larger chance of being understood instantly. 'That the Dark Lord would not be so foolhardy as to fall into such a simple and pathetic trap. We would at most catch a few mediocre Death Eaters which would be of little benefit to us and of no consequence to the Dark Lord. All your plan would achieve would be alerting both our enemies and the rest of the world to our existence. Our anonymity is our greatest asset and such a plan would lose us the only upper hand we have.'
The silence that filled the abandoned warehouse after I'd finished speaking was reminiscent of any other time I had spoken in a meeting as the slow brains of most of my colleagues took an age to process what I'd said. The more intelligent brains would wait patiently for the others to catch up and avoid making eye contact with anyone. Tonks sat down and sent a grateful smile in my direction. I did not smile back.
'Andromeda makes a valid point.' Moody's gruff voice was clearly audible over the hush of the warehouse. 'Action is not a suitable solution at this moment in time. Working behind the scenes gives us much greater power than being out in the open. In numbers, Voldemort surpasses us greatly and we cannot risk revealing our existence to him.'
There was a general murmur of assent though many did not look pleased by the prospect of once again remaining in the shadows as the Dark Lord and his followers skilfully brought fear into the hearts and minds of Wizarding Britain.
'I think that concludes our meeting for this evening.' Dumbledore rose to his feet and seconds later everyone mimicked him. The volume talk increased greatly as most milled around for a while chatting to one another about this and that. I pulled on my coat and began to make my way to the door in an attempt to avoid Tonks' usual confrontation but Dumbledore caught my arm as I passed him. 'Andromeda, I'd like a word.' He led me to the side of the room and I waited for him to speak. 'I have decided your accompaniment to Knockturn Alley will be Ted Tonks this time around.' I kept my face determinately blank but inside I was fuming. My usual companion was Kingsley because I trusted him and he was also a pureblood meaning he attracted less attention when we walked along the heavily Dark Arts orientated street. Tonks was a Muggle-born and therefore would be a huge hindrance in keeping a low profile. Not to mention, he talked far too much. 'I'm afraid Kingsley is predisposed that day and I am extremely conscious of the dangers of walking through Knockturn Alley alone.' I always had the sneaking suspicion that Dumbledore could break through my occlumency.
'You and I both know my presence will not be the problem.' I replied coldly and we both glanced towards Tonks, who was laughing with the Prewett twins.
'Perhaps not, Andromeda, but I'd rather not risk it.' His piercing blue eyes seemed to be staring right through my very being. I did not grace him with a response and nodded curtly before turning on my heel and striding purposefully from the room. Outside, the air was cool and the sky clear with millions of stars dotted across it. The Blacks had always had a strange obsession with naming their offspring after stars or galaxies so I supposed it was not unexpected that I found the night sky slightly mesmerising. It was far more constant than people and I always valued reliability.
Around the abandoned warehouse was a protective shield preventing anyone without an invitation entering or finding the building. I walked outside the boundary of this spell and closed my eyes. Spinning on the spot, I Disapparated and rematerialized outside my front door. I always placed a wedge of wood between the door and door frame so that if it had fallen out I would know someone had entered my house. The wood, however, had remained in place and after unlocking my door with my wand and walking into my hallway, I replaced the wedge and closed the door behind me. I did of course use magic to safeguard my house but one could never be too careful and spells could be disabled or fed false information. It was late and after a completely pointless Order meeting all I wanted was to fall asleep so I went up my staircase and into my bedroom where I collapsed onto my bed without even troubling to change into my nightgown.
I awoke with the sunrise feeling as though I hadn't slept at all and stumbled bleary-eyed into my ensuite bathroom. The bathroom was made mainly of white marble and all handles, taps and shower heads were silver with emeralds incrusted in them. I washed in front of my sink with cold water, Blacks were meant to be strong aristocrats after all, and dressed quickly. My hair was always kind enough to be vaguely acceptable at all times which perhaps came from the rumoured Veela blood lingering in the generations of the Sacred Twenty-eight. I did not doubt that rumour to be true for my younger sister Narcissa was the embodiment of what a Veela supposedly was; her beautiful blonde hair certainly indicated our lineage.
Hastily, I ate my breakfast and glanced at the large grandfather clock that resided proudly in my oversized dining room. The clock hands were black serpents with emeralds for eyes and although I was generally quite fond of my clock, it was not something to come across during the twilight period as the snakes possessed the uncanny ability of looking alive when moonlight hit them. I washed up my dishes and then grabbed my bag and coat before hurrying out of the house. I Apparated into the St Mungos' lobby and walked quickly along a corridor into a spotless white laboratory. Tying up my hair, I deposited my things in the small cubby hole labelled Andromeda Black and made my way over to my personal desk.
I worked in the St Mungos Research Laboratory and there, alongside my work colleagues, I experimented to create new cures and improved old ones as well as investigating diseases and counter curses for Dark Art inflicted wounds. It was fascinating work and a job that did not require me to be sociable although my fellow researchers enjoyed gossiping with one another while they worked. Perhaps that was why I was so much more efficient than they were as I didn't have any distractions. I was also a stickler for cleanliness and organisation so I always knew exactly where all my samples, tools and ingredients were unlike my colleagues, who without fail would spend a good 2 hours in total in their day running around frantically attempting to find something or other.
Just as with the Order, most suspected me of being Bellatrix Lestrange and those that didn't still felt that being a Black made me untrustworthy. They were all convinced I was simply there to poison the whole wizarding population, though I had never given them any reason to believe so, and avoided talking to me at all costs. This suited me perfectly well and I had been treated with that attitude by far too many people to be fazed by it.
My work day was uneventful and simply comprised of my analysing of several infected tissue samples. None of these examinations came to any particular conclusions but I wasn't concerned and stored them away safely before making my way out of the Laboratory. As was the case every day, I was the first to arrive at work and the last to leave so that the St Mungos staff had already switched to their night shift as I left. I was invited to my parent's house for dinner so I transfigured my work clothes into something more formal before Apparating to their front garden.
I walked up the drive of my family house taking in its grey stone walls and barred top windows. As a child growing up the house had always felt more of a fortress than a home and my parents had been more emotionless warriors than a mother and father. I noticed Narcissa's bedroom light was still glowing bright and I could see her silhouette sitting at her writing desk; she was most likely penning another long letter to her fiancé Lucius Malfoy. The dining room too emitted light though it was dim but I could still observe the room inside. The large, impressive windows displayed my mother shouting at the family house elf Pooky, who was setting the table. Suddenly, the desire to turn back flitted into my mind but I ignored it, fixed my blank expression into place and trudged up to the front door. Using the sliver serpent door knocker, I knocked and through the heavy oak door I heard the muffled sound of more screeching on my mother's part. Seconds ticked by and then the sound of small shuffling feet reached my ears. The door creaked open.
'Mistress Andromeda!' Pooky squeaked and moved out of the way so I could enter the threshold. My mother stood haughty faced in the doorway into the dining room and observed me scornfully. I instantly straightened my posture and made sure to walk with extra elegance. 'Pooky take Mistress' coat.' I would have put away my coat myself but the chance of my mother's disapproving gaze was not a welcoming prospect. So, I reluctantly handed my coat to Pooky, who scurried off, and I turned slowly to my mother.
'Andromeda.' She looked down her aristocratic nose at me and I curtsied.
'Mother.' I responded in an indifferent tone.
'Your father is still in his study.' my mother informed me. I said nothing. 'And your sister is in her boudoir. Perhaps you could tell Narcissa that dinner will soon be served.' I curtsied once more and made my way up the grand staircase, passing the first floor, and stepping out on the second floor's landing. This floor contained my sisters and I's suites, two of which were now uninhabited. Bella and I's rooms faced the back of the house, and the large grounds, whilst Narcissa favoured the rooms with the view of the drive. When we'd been too young to attend family balls and dinners, we would always take up residence in her bedroom and watch all the finely dressed ladies and gentlemen arrive. But the fun had worn off when Bella began attending them and it was just Narcissa and I watching from a window knowing that our sister was dancing downstairs. Bella always made sure to tell us all about the party afterwards and enjoyed nothing more than evoking Narcissa's jealous silence and when she began to describe the dresses Narcissa would storm out of the room. That was Bella's favourite part because she enjoyed the power she had over her youngest sister. She'd never attempted to irritate me as she knew the most exciting reaction she'd receive from me would be a raised eyebrow.
I knocked gently on Narcissa's door and opened it quietly. She was still writing her latest novella addressed to her fiancé and didn't look up when I entered. Patiently, I waited for her to finish and examined my nails for a source entertainment while I listened to her quill speedily scratching across the parchment.
Eventually, her letter came to an end and she rolled it up into a scroll before tying it with a black velvet ribbon. Then she attached it to the leg of her eagle owl and brought it over to her window. The majestic bird took off and soared into the night bearing its lengthy piece of writing. Narcissa finally stopped ignoring my presence and turned to face me.
'Dromeda.' A smile graced her face. She moved towards me and squeezed my hand fondly. The Black family did not indulge in affectionate gestures such as embraces and therefore my sisters and I had settled for hand squeezes.
'Cissy.' I did not smile but I squeezed her hand back.
'Is dinner ready?' she asked and I nodded. Narcissa let out a loud sigh and glanced once at her window before beginning to leave her room. I followed her silently. 'Lucius has been so busy lately that we haven't seen each other in person for two weeks now. At least we can content ourselves with seeing one another each day when we return to Hogwarts.' She smiled with her eyes shining with obvious excitement.
We reached the dining room and curtsied to both our parents before taking our seats. As the food arrived, my father addressed me directly.
'So, Andromeda, how has work been for you?' he asked as he received his plate. Pooky handed it to him with slightly trembling fingers, which I noted were all recently bandaged, and then scurried to give my mother hers. Narcissa accepted her plate with a contemptuous glance at our house elf and I took mine with a perfectly cold expression as I felt my parents' eyes glower in my direction.
'Nothing too strenuous.' I said expressionlessly and began cutting my piece of beef.
'Good, good.' My father seemed satisfied by my response and I contented myself to chew some of my meal. He turned his attention to Narcissa.
'And, Narcissa, have you heard from Lucius? I was hoping to discuss some business matters with him.' I heard my mother's disapproving intake of breath.
'Must you talk of business at the dinner table, dear?' My mother was a stickler for propriety and etiquette. To her, discussing such things as business matters at the dinner table in the company of ladies was a blatant disregard for their supposed delicate female ears.
'I was simply curious.' Although my father smiled indulgently at her, it did not reach his eyes which remained cold and filled with malice.
'Lucius is well, father. He writes every day and I have reason to believe he is purchasing me a manor in France as a gift.' Narcissa and my mother smiled at one another girlishly. 'Have I not the most generous fiancé?'
'Indeed, my dear.' My father took a sip of wine and nodded in her direction which in regards to him was as good as an affectionate gesture. 'Lucius will make a fine husband.'
'We must begin searching for your wedding dress.' my mother said. She adored dress shopping and had an entire room in our house dedicated to her numerous ball gowns and evening dresses. Narcissa rivalled her love of spending but at present my mother still outstripped her in number of purchases. 'I had Pooky book you an appointment at Twilfitt and Tattings.'
'You'll come, won't you, Dromeda?' Narcissa asked and I bowed my head. 'Bella must be there also as we all were present for her dress fitting.' Sometimes Narcissa still seemed to be a child in the way she expected everyone to make time for her. However, her attitude was to be expected with her being the youngest daughter in an extremely rich, spoiled family and she was also engaged to an excessively rich and doting fiancé.
The evening wore on with talk generally revolving around Narcissa and Lucius so I was not expected to speak at all. We eventually retired into the lounge but after an hour of listening to my mother and Narcissa discuss wedding dress bodices I bade them all goodnight and left the room. I did not, however, head straight to the front door. Rather, with a furtive look around, I made my way down into the kitchens where Pooky sat minding the hem of one of my father's favourite robes. She leapt to her feet upon hearing my footsteps and fiddled nervously with one of her bat like ears as I entered. I didn't say anything but moved across the room, reaching her in two strides, and gently holding her fingers out towards me. Wordlessly, I removed her bandages and healed the harsh burns covering her long knobbly fingers with my wand.
'Pooky is thanking Mistress Andromeda.' Pooky bowed low and without saying anything I swept from the room and from the house.
The next evening, I left work at precisely 6.36 pm and Apparated to a spot on Diagon Alley that was just outside Gringotts Bank. The Goblin on guard in front of the grand front doors eyed me crossly and then took in my facial features. Evidently, he mistook me for Bella and instantly bowed low, averting his gaze with wide terrified eyes. I did not enter the bank, however, but walked towards a small apothecary. A witch examining a barrel of eels eyes squeaked at the sight of me and practically ran from the shop, almost dropping her bags of shopping in haste. A small laugh bubbled out of me as I watched her start jogging instead as she began to run out of breath. I glanced beside me to see two grown wizards cowering by a wall and I twirled my wand between my fingers. One of them screamed and dragged their friend up the street and out of sight. I personally had no qualms with petrifying innocent civilians – if the world was going to insist on constantly confuse me with my sister I would at least amuse myself with it.
The next person near me was unfortunately not someone I could scare away. Tonks strolled towards me, already beaming in my direction, and I felt my insides squirm with displeasure. He ran a hand through his hair and opened his mouth to speak. I prepared myself for the wave of positivity.
'Dromeda!' he cried, happily. 'You and me working together at last!' His enthusiasm always concerned me. 'I also wanted to thank you for last meeting – you really saved me there. I was trying to tell Sturgis but I couldn't and you just… Wow!' I was tempted to pull his hood up in an effort to silence him and remind him we were supposed to be keeping a low profile but somehow his miniscule brain realised this and he lifted his hood over his head. Tonks sent me a sheepish smile. 'Whoops… Guess I'm just excited!'
I really wanted to throttle him and his grinning face but I held myself back, knowing he'd probably just think I was being funny and laugh with his irritatingly loud laugh which was more of a roar than anything else. If Order meetings were anything to go by, making him laugh would just alert the entire cobbled street to our presence.
'Don't act like a Muggle-born.' I said shortly and stalked off into the entrance of Knockturn Alley. Tonks rushed after me, putting on an exaggerated strut and tilting his chin so high he couldn't see where he was going meaning I had to yank him roughly out of the way of a cart bearing a range of shrunken heads. Even after this event he continued with his ridiculous swagger and I pulled out my wand. With a few non-verbal spells I corrected his posture and walk and made his chin move down so that he was only just looking down at the world but not as absurdly as before.
'Thanks.' I had the feeling he grinned at me but I wasn't sure because I had already turned my attention back to the dark alley we were wandering down. There were very few people milling in the open street and those that were quickly looked away as they caught my eye. Most shops were shabby and displayed skulls, poisons and all manner of Dark Arts related objects. But the biggest, and least rundown, looking shop was one named Borgin and Burke's. This particular shop was our destination and I pushed open the door. The oily haired owner, Mr Borgin, bowed as he saw me and completely ignored Tonks, which suited me perfectly.
'Miss Andromeda.' he greeted. 'Another purchase I suppose.'
'Indeed.' I nodded. Tonks began to examine the things on display and made painfully obvious faces of disgust as he realised what terrible and terrifying abilities each item had.
'We've just had a new order in of amulets. Perhaps you'd like to see them.' Mr Borgin eagerly led me over to a gilded table covered in a wide variety of metal talismans and as I had on the many occasions I'd visited his shop, I slid on a pair of black kid gloves and examined a silver one with interest. 'Cursed to burn the flesh of the one wearing it.' he informed me and I nodded, tilting it slightly and holding it close to my face so that I could see the thin blurred layer clinging to the silver which clearly indicated the existence of a curse. Ever since I'd been a young girl I'd had a fascination with dark objects – never with the idea of causing pain with them but with the powerful spells that went into creating such intricately dangerous items. My knowledge of Dark objects had then developed into experiments to counter act their effects which soon became a recreational activity of mine. While others indulged in Quidditch or gardening, I would spend hours of my free time studying shrivelled hands that could crawl of their own accord and other such things. Mr Borgin had soon become a someone I saw regularly as I was forever in Borgin and Burke's purchasing something new and from my familiarity with the owner and his shop stemmed a job that Dumbledore bade me do.
'I'll take the silver amulet.' I murmured, still studying it closely.
'Of course.' he grovelled and with his wand levitated it to the counter. But he knew me well enough to not head to his till but into his back room as I generally continued to browse his items for a while sometimes choosing a second and third object to purchase also.
Tonks still wandered about the shelves wrinkling his nose at everything; he just didn't appreciate the complexity of magic that went into each individual piece. As the ignorant idiot he was, Tonks reached out his hand to touch an ornate opal necklace, which was clearly labelled that it was cursed. I slapped his hand out of the way and then wrenched it back as though burned despite my wearing gloves. The exposed part of my wrist had come in contact with his large hand and it had been so warm in comparison to my cold ones. Such a temperature difference had been extremely unexpected and I spared him a cold glance before browsing the shelves with my hands safely away from him.
The shop bell tinkled and I looked up to see a tall blond individual stroll into the shop. If I hadn't lifted my head I would have still known who had entered for the tapping of the individual's serpent topped cane on the stone floor of Borgin and Burke's was a quite obvious clue. Lucius Malfoy swept into the shop and Mr Borgin scurried out to meet him.
'Gooday, Mr Malfoy. Can I perh-'
'No, thank you, Borgin. I am simply here to see Andromeda.' Lucius smirked at me and made his way over, snubbing Tonks, who had at least had the brains to turn away so that his face was not visible.
'Lucius.' I looked him coldly in the eye.
'Narcissa wanted you to receive the engagement party invitation personally so I am here delivering it.' His smirk grew more amused. 'I thought I might find you here.'
'I am dining with Narcissa again tomorrow. Surely, she cou-'
'It was highly important that you receive it today.' I suddenly realised what he was trying to hint to me. 'Missing such an important event would not be taken kindly.' Lucius sneered and as I had expected, he did not hand me one envelope but two. I stowed both quickly into my coat pocket and did a mocking curtsey. 'It's been a pleasure as always, Andromeda.'
'Likewise.' And the Malfoy heir left the shop in the same arrogant manner he had arrived in. Lucius Malfoy was in Narcissa's year at school but we had nevertheless crossed one another's paths on several occasions. He had always had a high regard of my younger sister and this had only developed into something more as they grew older. But the couple's age was an issue as both had been underage when they declared their intent of marriage. However, Bella was already married to Rodolphus Lestrange at that point and her psychotic madness notorious so my parents were eager to hastily engage Narcissa despite her only being 16 at the time and if that engagement was to one of the wealthiest families of the Sacred Twenty-eight then that was merely an added bonus. My parents had, however, given up finding a possible husband for me as I was far to like Bella in appearance leading many to believe I had her same madness, which did not encourage the possibility of producing an heir. Narcissa looked different enough from either one of us to be spared from such fears but as alas I was not, no possible suitors were sent in my direction. My parents had accepted I would remain unmarried and have a career to keep me company though that did not stop them seating me with eligible bachelors at each ball I attended in the hope that perhaps one pureblood family would have a son willing to disregard the supposed insanity I had inherited from my sister.
I decided that nothing on display was particularly of interest and headed to the counter to pay for the amulet where Mr Borgin stood cursing Lucius under his breath. Handing over the correct coins, I produced a cloth from my coat pocket and wrapped the talisman in it carefully before putting it inside my coat for safe keeping. With my receipt came a large scroll of parchment which I also put away.
In exchange for my purchases, Mr Borgin would give me a list; he would give me a list of all the items purchased by people of interest in his shop since my last visit. This list I would give to Dumbledore, who would then make use of this information in whichever way he pleased. It had taken a great deal of persuasion to get Mr Borgin to agree to carry out this favour for the Order as he was heavily involved with supplying the Death Eaters and should the wrong person discover his list giving habits it would result in his death. But I was a valued customer and I knew as much about Dark objects as he did, if not more so, meaning he often asked for my opinion on new stock. We could trust him as much that he wouldn't tell the Death Eaters that we had been asking for the list unless someone directly asked him about it to which he would spill everything. So as long as we didn't give the Death Eaters reason to believe that he was supplying such information, the Order and Mr Borgin were safe.
I thanked Mr Borgin and indicated to Tonks that we could leave. The relief on his face was extremely noticeable and he grinned at me as we re-entered the dirty filled shopping street. It was much darker than when we had first walked through so we lit our wand tips. Despite the new sources of bluish light, Tonks still managed to fulfil his roll of idiotic oaf and tripped over a slightly loose cobble, crashing into a middle-aged witch's tray of rotting human teeth. She screeched angrily and began firing hex after hex in his direction so that he collapsed with many patches of blood appearing on the back of his robes. The witch only stopped when I lazily disarmed her and she took in my face, which was illuminated by the wand light, and Disapparated in fear. I barely had time to react to her sudden vanishing as Tonks let out a piteous moan and I turned my attention to him. Holding onto his arm tightly, I Apparated to my front door and quickly unlocked it, making sure to check the wedge of wood had been undisturbed.
I walked inside, levitating Tonks' writhing form in front of me, and closed the door before heading into my lounge. With my wand, I lowered him carefully onto my emerald green sofa and clicked my fingers. Both the fireplace and chandelier flickered into action and I rolled Tonks over. Peeling off his robes, I set about mending his wounds with ease and after a few seconds had finished. He had lost blood and it would not be safe for him to floo or Apparate alone so I levitated him once more up my staircase and into my spare bedroom having no desire to ask or find out where he lived. I placed him on the bed.
'You'll have to stay here tonight.' I informed him and conjured some sandwiches and a jug of water. Placing these on his bedside table, I clicked my finger and the bedside candle lighted itself. 'There are spare clothes in the wardrobe.' And then I left him.
I awoke next morning with a pounding headache and felt around my bedside cabinet for my painkilling potion. There was only a drop left in the glass bottle but it was all I needed. Once I was washed and dressed I headed with great reluctance into my kitchen suspecting that Tonks would be there, smiling. He wasn't however and I enjoyed a smile-free breakfast which I took my time in eating. I had no work today meaning once I'd sent Tonks home I would have the entire day to examine and experiment with my new amulet. I supposed I would have to deliver the list to Dumbledore also and read both my letters from Lucius. Letting out a small sigh, I headed back upstairs and knocked quietly on the guest bedroom door. There was no response so I cautiously opened the door hoping that perhaps Tonks had left in the early hours of the morning.
He hadn't.
I moved silently into the room and over to the four-poster bed where he slept soundly. To my horror, I discovered that he not only smiled when he was conscious but when he was fast asleep too; it was not a toothy smile and not particularly wide but it was a smile nonetheless. Unsure of how to wake him, I prodded him with my wand and he jerked awake. He was extremely tousle-haired and had some stumble growing on his ever-grinning cheeks. I looked at him coldly as his lips twitched upwards.
'Morning!' he said brightly and jumped out of bed with such alarming enthusiasm that I stepped back hastily. It seemed he had listened to my words of the night before as he had changed out of his robes and into a pair silken pyjama trousers, which had previously hung in the wardrobe, apparently without enough decency to wear the matching pyjama shirt also.
'Breakfast?' I offered and he nodded eagerly. Following me out of the room, Tonks began talking happily about the most pointless of topics.
'I had a dream last night about a huge panda moving in with me – I've always loved pandas. There definitely in my top ten favourite animals.' he blabbered and I held open the kitchen door for him without a word. 'I remember first seeing them in London Zoo with my parents and they were just so cool! I mean they look kind of threatening but in reality they're just really fluffy and sit around eating bamboo.' I searched in one of the cupboards and pulled out a china plate. 'Have you heard a panda sneeze? It's the most hilarious thing I've ever heard – apart from that joke Fabian and Gideon told me about two hags and a warlock in a bar… That one's pretty funny. Did they tell you it? I feel like they've told everyone by now but it's just so good!' Did he have an off switch? I sincerely hoped so because I wasn't sure how much more I could take. Perhaps I could use a silencing charm… I summoned eggs and sausages out of my fridge and set each of them in their respective frying pans. The cracked eggshells I vanished and then I focused my attention on preparing the food. Unfortunately, Tonks was still talking. 'You know James Potter – Fleamont and Euphemia's son? Well, apparently the Prewett twins are his idol and he's already a little pranking genius. They were telling me all about him a few meetings ago. He sounds like a great kid. I think he's starting Hogwarts this year.' He paused for a breath and I savoured the momentary silence. 'Remember when we were first years? I loved my first year. Entering the Wizarding world was just amazing for me and I just knew then and there that's where I belonged. I suppose it was different for you being pureblood…'
I put the cooked sausages and fried egg onto the plate and handed it to Tonks with a glass of water. Thankfully, he was not one to talk with his mouth full and I was graced with 5 minutes of precious silence. But when he did finish eating, he simply declared he was going to get dressed and went back upstairs leaving me alone with peace and quiet in the kitchen. I really had no idea how Kingsley dealt with him at work.
Bewitching the dishes to wash themselves, I summoned the two envelopes Lucius had given me and opened the one clearly written by Narcissa first. Inside was indeed an invitation to her engagement party though the only new information was the specific start and end times; I had known the date for weeks purely because in her bedroom was a calendar first counting down the days until her engagement party and then to her wedding.
The second letter was much briefer and much less inviting but I respected the summons. They were indeed as important as Lucius had said and I knew better than to ignore them. I heard Tonks fall over in the hallway and hurriedly stuffed the second piece of parchment out of sight.
'Well, I'd better be heading home.' Tonks said as he came into the kitchen. I nodded, successfully concealing my delight, and showed him out. As soon as he was gone, I allowed myself a small celebratory dance and then regained my composure.
I headed into my library and fumbled around in a desk drawer until I pulled out the list Mr Borgin had given me. Making sure I also had my quickly stowed away letter, I left my house and Disapparated. I reappeared outside Honeydukes, the sweet shop in the village of Hogsmeade, and entered, attracting as little attention as possible so that I was able to slip past the counter and into the storage basement undetected. My eyes scanned the dusty floor and came to rest upon a stone where the dirt was slightly disturbed. I knelt before it and expertly removed it to reveal a dark passageway. Lowering myself into it, I replaced the stone over my head and lit my wand so that I could find my way along the secret tunnel.
It took about half an hour before the tunnel began moving upwards and I eventually reached the end where I climbed out of the statue of a one-eyed witch. Closing her hump, I strode swiftly through the corridors and knocked on McGonagall's office door. The start of the new Hogwarts school year was only days away so most staff members had already returned to their living quarters in the castle. She opened her door a minute later but did not seem surprised to see me.
'You wish the password to the Headmaster's office I assume.' she said shrewdly and I nodded, not at all perturbed that she knew the reason of my visit. 'Very well. It's strawberry laces.'
'Thank you.' I said and left. Dumbledore's office wasn't particularly far away and I reached it quickly. I gave the password to the ugly gargoyle which sprung to the side to reveal a revolving staircase. I had always harboured a dislike for gargoyles most likely due to the fact they generally resembled the many great aunts and great uncles I had known as a child. With a small sigh, I stepped onto one of the steps and waited for the staircase to carry me up to the landing. Once at the office door, I knocked and stood patiently as I awaited its opening. It opened a second later and I entered the threshold.
Dumbledore's office had always been filled with a manner of strange magical objects as well as a great many books. Ever since my first visit in first year, when Bella had beaten a Muggle-born in her year and I had been called as a witness, the large circular room had impressed me. There was something about his office that made me feel separate from the goings on of the outside world which in all honesty was quite refreshing.
'Andromeda, what can I do for you at such an early hour?' Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily as I walked over to his desk and handed over the list and the letter. He scanned through the list first, nodding approvingly. 'You have done well.' he congratulated and fixed me with an amused expression. 'Even with Ted Tonks to help you.' I said nothing. 'Hmm…' Dumbledore turned his attention to the letter. 'You were interrupted?' he asked, indicating its slightly crumpled quality, but I did not reply so he contented himself with reading the parchment before him. 'I assume you intend on going.'
'There is little choice in the matter.' I answered indifferently.
'Indeed, indeed. It is still dangerous.' He sighed and observed me over his half-moon spectacles. There was a long silence. I watched Fawkes, his pet Phoenix, for a while and admired its vividly coloured plumage. Although I would admit Phoenixes were completely fascinating creatures, I was never too fond of them as they were known to instil bravery into those loyal to their owners by singing which to me simply seemed suspicious. Their tears also had healing properties and I felt that that particular ability was much too convenient alongside the fact the bird possessed no negative adaptations. Such a level of positivity was never a good sign in people and the same could be said for magical creatures; Tonks was a good example of this. 'Young Sirius joins us this year, does he not?' I raised an eyebrow in his direction. Dumbledore chuckled lightly and nodded his head. 'You're right, of course. As Headmaster, I should know these things.' I saw no reason to smile and rather chose to observe him coldly. 'Walburga intends him for Slytherin I pressume?'
'She intends him, yes.'
'You do not think Sirius will follow the family tradition?' Dumbledore questioned curiously. He put the tips of his fingers together and considered me for a moment.
'My aunt should simply hope he shares a compartment with someone…suitable.' I responded and met his piercing gaze with my own cold one.
'Young minds are easily influenced.' Dumbledore agreed. There was a pause and then he handed me back the letter. 'I'm sure you shall require this.' Bowing my head, I turned and swept from the room.
Two nights later, I stood before my bedroom mirror and pulled a black cloak around myself. I lifted the hood over my head and donned a silver mask so that my reflection showed an anonymous person over the usual Bellatrix Lestrange lookalike. However, to the correct people, the design of my silver mask could reveal my identity but to those who were not acquainted with such things I was as identical to my fellows as dementors to the rest of their hoard.
I did not wish to leave the supposed safety of my home but I knew the consequences of ignoring my summons were far too treacherous to even consider remaining where I was. I sighed. Making my way out of my house, I turned on the spot and Apparated to my desired destination.
It had been two years since I had first entered the large house before me. It was built of black stone giving it the appearance of a charred building just waiting to collapse after a terrible fire. The windows were incredibly grimy so that you could only just see the light from inside the house pass through to the outside. There were many silhouettes already inside the main room, all dressed in the same black cloak and silver masks, and I hastened to enter the building.
At the doors into the main room I was met by a man, who wore no mask, with pale skin and dark hair.
'Andromeda.' he growled, taking in my mask and jerking his head toward the door.
'Rabastan.' I nodded and he pushed the door open so that I could enter the room which, despite the fire crackling in the grate and the large number of people, was icy cold and I supressed a shiver. My eyes scanned the room and came to rest on a short, masked female with a strand of white blonde hair trailing out of her hood. I made my way over to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned stiffly to face me but after recognising my mask squeezed my hand.
'He's not arrived yet.' Narcissa whispered to me and I did not doubt she was referring to a male other than Lucius. 'But Lucius is in his company as we speak. Bella too – she told me that one day we shall also have the honour.'
'We have honour enough being summoned here.' I said curtly. 'You forget we are not branded.'
'We are loyal, are we not?' Narcissa asked crossly. 'Is that not enough?'
'And yet, dear sister, we stand furthest from the fire.' I drawled, adjusting my hood slightly.
'Bella says we are in his favour.' Narcissa said stoutly, folding her arms like a child.
'So, you are not afraid to stand closer to him?' I inquired with cold amusement. 'Even though you are not willing to kill for him?'
'As if you are any better!' she snapped but we both knew I had won.
'Unlike you, however, I do not expect to be invited into his company.' We fell silent as a gong sounded. The vibrations travelled eerily about the room and despite our arguing, Narcissa clutched my arm nervously. I watched the door with narrowed eyes, moving slightly in front of my younger sister. An unnatural hush had fallen about the room as every one of the hooded people turned to face the large silver door we had all previously passed through.
Seconds ticked by.
The door opened and in strode a pale man with a snakelike face flanked by his entourage of most trusted followers (all with their masks hanging down to show their identities); amongst them walked my elder sister, her husband, his brother and Narcissa's fiancé. Each follower walked with such pride and power in each step they took so pleased were they at having the honour to walk behind the Dark Lord himself. Those not so honoured to walk with him, including myself and Narcissa, bowed their heads in respect as he glided smoothly towards the clear space near the fire.
There was absolute silence in the room. And then the Dark Lord murmured something into Bella's ear. I could see the delight dancing in her wicked eyes and felt my pulse quicken. Narcissa too seemed to have noticed for her grip on my arm tightened considerably.
'Bulstrode, forward.' she commanded, her voice ringing throughout the silent room. A wide figure from near the front stepped before the Dark Lord. He was so shaking terribly it was clearly visible from where the two of us stood at the back and I could only imagine the sweat pouring down his face as he looked into the scarlet eyes feared by so many.
'Crucio.' the Dark Lord's voice said lazily. The screams that followed made me want to cower in a dark corner and never face the world again but I held my ground. Narcissa trembled beside me, clinging to my arm for support. It was pitiful to see a grown man stripped of all his dignity lying on the dirty stone floor contorting in agony. I want to cry out for it all to stop but I knew I could not unless I wished the same treatment.
Bella's eyes were widened with awe and her lips twisted into an evil smile the more Bulstrode screamed. I closed my eyes, determined to remain strong for the sake of Narcissa, who was quivering uncontrollably. I squeezed her hand and reopened my eyes as the screams increased in volume.
Bulstrode writhed on the floor and began begging for the Dark Lord to stop. It was sickening to watch and my stomach churned around what felt like all the food I'd ever eaten. Narcissa let out a small whimper and it was lucky the screams were so loud. I found myself wishing Lucius were beside her for he would be much better at comforting his fiancée than I could ever be as her cold and distant older sister.
But then everything stopped. The Dark Lord lifted his wand and Bulstrode was left panting in the dirt. He attempted to stand but Bella kicked him hard in the stomach so that he fell back groaning with pain.
'Bulstrode, you have displeased me.' the snakelike man hissed. There was no explanation offered but the message was clear and the tension in the air increased so that it was like a crushing weight pressing down on us all. 'But now I have more pressing matters to address than your failure to serve me.'
'M-my Lord… I did not… I…' Bulstrode stammered.
'You dare speak in the presence of the Dark Lord!' Bella shrieked and struck him across the face. He fell back with a cry of pain, a deep cut visible from where her wedding ring had made contact with his skin.
'We shall march in Norwich.' the Dark Lord addressed the room as though there was no bleeding man at his feet. 'It is a town filled with Muggles and those blood traitors who live among them breed with them.' His scarlet eyes flashed menacingly. 'We would do well to teach them a lesson.'
Everyone nodded in agreement.
'The month of December will be an excellent time to carry out this march, my Lord.' a voice suggested timidly from the front.
'Excellent, Rowle. Your suggestion pleases me.' The Dark Lord observed Rowle for a moment and then looked above the heads of his masked followers. 'Andromeda and Narcissa, you will act as look-outs.' He paused. 'That task should not involve any killings.' he added with a sneer and we bowed our heads respectfully.
Narcissa and I were not Death Eaters but allies of the Dark Lord. We were not expected to kill our enemies or be involved in their torture rather we were involved in capturing those who displeased the Dark Forces. Bella had organised our first meeting with the Dark Lord when I was seventeen years of age and Narcissa merely fifteen. I had been more than willing to join to save my own neck but the night before our meeting I had overheard Narcissa crying in Lucius' arms. She had been scared and unwilling to kill so she knew she would displease the Dark Lord. And so, I had decided that I would offer Narcissa and I as allies of the Dark Lord rather than future Death Eaters. If I spoke to him he would likely kill me over Narcissa and perhaps I would spare her his wrath at such an insolent and disrespectful request. But he did not murder me nor did he torture me when I told him of this weakness. The Dark Lord had listened silently to my speech and once I had finished he had observed me closely, walking around my bowed figure. I had determinately closed my mind and after a few minutes of examining me, he pronounced himself in agreement. If Narcissa and I could not kill then we would not receive the Dark Mark for we were not Death Eaters.
The meeting was soon concluded and Narcissa waited with me until the Dark Lord had left accompanied by Bella and Rodolphus. Then she rushed over to Lucius and I watched from afar as he wrapped his arms around her. Deciding I would spare myself of this display of affection, I removed myself from the room and Disapparated.
The following morning, I sent an owl to Kingsley arranging to meet during our lunch breaks. I hoped he would reply soon but I did not in fact receive a response until I was busy at work forcefully stirring an incredibly thick potion. The note was delivered to the Laboratory by the St Mungos' trainee receptionist, who gave it to me with trembling fingers and then hurried from the room looking petrified. I ignored them and turned to my note: Kingsley had agreed to meet up.
So, at 12.30 I put away my things and made my way out of the hospital. I Apparated to outside the Leaky Cauldron and pushed the door open, entering the shabby pub. The air was heavily filled with smoke, making my eyes water slightly, and it took me a while to find Kingsley in the midst of the ashy air. He had seated himself in tucked away booth and was reading the menu with apparent interest. I made my way over to him, keeping my head low, and sat down opposite him without a word. He grinned at me over the top of his menu and I offered him a tight smile as I transfigured my face to look completely different from it's normal Bella-incarnate appearance and perused my own menu. It didn't look particularly thrilling but when Tom the barman came over to ask us what we wanted I ordered a pea soup with extremely false enthusiasm, which had Kingsley practically crying with laughter. Tom seemed convinced of my eagerness, however, and smiled toothily at me before taking Kingsley's order also.
'So, Patricia,' I glowered at Kingsley for his name choice but he ploughed on. 'Any news?'
'My contact informs me there is to be a Death Eater march in Norwich during the month of December.' I told him coolly, examining my nails.
'Did your contact give you any specific dates for this march, Patricia?' My foot collided with his kneecap and he grunted in pain.
'No. Only the month.' Kingsley nodded his head in understanding. 'And my contact would like to stress your subtly in the matter for it would clearly show the Dark Lord that someone amongst his followers is unfaithful should you deal with the matter in obvious fashion.'
'Your contact has my assurance we will be as subtle as we can be.' Kingsley reassured me. 'Will you be sharing with Dumbledore your contact's news?'
'Of course.' The food arrived and we ate in silence for a moment. A few tables away I could hear a group of four witches laughing joyfully. They looked so carefree that I almost envied Tonks for being able to smile so regularly. But I knew my life and I knew with my life came little to no reason to be glad only a constant seriousness with worry flitting in and out of my mind.
'Be careful, Andy.' he murmured so that I could only just about hear him.
'I always am.' I whispered back and looked away so that he couldn't see my eyes glistening with sudden tears.
A quick question – any particular scenarios you want to see Andromeda in?
Please Review :)