Hello fellow readers. Yes, I have started another story. This is something I have been working on for a little while and I'm pretty proud of it. Ted and Andromeda are a couple I have always wanted to explore because I find their relationship interesting. This story starts in their first year of Hogwarts and then will skip forward to their sixth year (you will understand why when you keep reading). I hope you enjoy! xx


Prologue

Druella Black groaned and rested her fair head back amongst the pillows. The labour had been longer than with Bellatrix and she was exhausted. Her sister-in-law attended to her, wiping her forehead with a damp cloth.

"Another girl, Mrs Black," the wet nurse announced as she cleaned the tiny newborn. "Healthy as a hippogriff, too."

Druella was less impressed. "All that effort and she doesn't make a sound," she grumbled. "Rude, insolent brat."

Her sister-in-law, Walburga, clicked her tongue as she smoothed away some of Druella's blonde hair. "Come now, Druella. Don't dislike the child before you've gotten to know her."

The mother nodded her head reluctantly and pursed her lips. Once the child was clean, the wet nurse brought her over and placed her in Druella's arms. The child hardly moved, unlike Bellatrix, who had made it difficult for Druella to keep her hold. As she gazed down upon her newborn, all previous resentment was completely erased and replaced by adoration. Druella Black was, by no stretch of the imagination, a maternal figure. She cared for her eldest, Bellatrix, and provided the necessary attention that was required from a mother, but any further affection or love was left to the nanny. And yet her heart was warmed when her daughter opened her deep, brown eyes, the eyes of her father. Her finger reached out and stroked the soft wisps of mahogany hair that clung to her daughter's tiny forehead. With a soft gurgle, the newborn burrowed into her mother's breast and Druella thrilled at the warm body cradled against her chest.

Walburga smiled down at her sister-in-law and her little niece, enjoying the rare moments when Druella actually showed affection.

"Should I call for Cygnus?" she asked. Druella met her gaze and nodded, before returning her attention to her child.

Before too long, Walburga returned with Cygnus at her side and little Bella on her hip. Cygnus knelt beside his wife and brushed his lips chastely to her cheek.

"Isn't she beautiful, my love?"

But Cygnus did not partake in her rapture. Instead, he looked rather disappointed. "Another girl," he muttered bitterly, standing up and patting down his robes. "Of course, you disappoint me again, Druella." He turned on his heel without a second glance at his wife and left the bedchamber with a sweep of his robes. Druella frowned after him, hurt and betrayal evident on her face. Walburga rushed to her side and set Bella beside her mother. The little girl pointed a chubby finger at the child. Druella laughed softly and pressed a kiss to her eldest daughter's pale cheek.

"This is your sister, Bellatrix."

The girl screwed up her nose in disgust and shook her head of short, black curls. At the ripe age of 13 months, Bellatrix had already developed distaste for the weak and vulnerable. Druella sighed at her impertinent daughter.

"She's only a baby, Bella. But she'll grow."

Bellatrix seemed doubtful but kissed her sister's head briefly.

"What's her name?" Walburga asked.

Druella thought for a moment. Naming a child was an important step in motherhood. She was a Black, and therefore needed a name that fit the title. Something elegant, yet unique. Something refined. A smile curled her lips as she looked upon her little daughter.

"Andromeda," she said firmly, stroking the infant's cheek. "Her name is Andromeda."


The way I have constructed Andromeda's family is thus: Cygnus is a horrible father figure who cares very little about his daughters, all except Bellatrix. Druella is a little more affectionate, yet she favours Narcissa over her other daughters because she is the baby of the family. Bellatrix is spoiled, rude and aggressive and enjoys teasing Andromeda. She usually gets her own way. Andromeda is reserved and refined, and dislikes her father and Bellatrix. Narcissa is a crybaby and is doted upon by her mother.

Please read and review! I would love to hear your feedback and reviews are great for my motivation! xx