Sirius was just walking outside on the first Saturday of school with James and Remus when Andromeda stopped him.

"Hey Andy," he said, smiling at her.

"Sirius, I only just overheard Cissy saying that she told Bella about your sorting and that she's going to come and 'make an example of you'," hissed Andromeda, looking worried.

All of the colour drained out of Sirius' face and simply asked, "When?"

Andromeda looked sadly at her favourite cousin, "Today, I'm sorry Sirius but Cissy doesn't talk to me much anymore or I might've known sooner."

Sirius shook his head and opened the door to the outside, "its fine, and at least I have some warning."

The four of them just stood in the doorway in silence, James and Remus not really wanting to intrude in a family moment.

Eventually James broke the silence as he looked behind him, "Er, Sirius? What does your cousin Bellatrix look like?" he asked nervously.

Siruis jerked his head up and replied, "Like Andy here but . . . uh," he struggled for the right word, "blacker, I guess."

Andromeda smacked him round the head, "Stop saying we look alike."

"But you do!"

"Sirius," interrupted Remus, "You may want to look behind you,"

Sirius swung round and gasped in surprise, fear flitting quickly across his face only to be swiftly replaced by determination. Andromeda turned around more gracefully and grabbed Sirius' shoulder in support.

"Don't do anything rash," she muttered, all the time staring at the black figure coming closer and closer.

"James, Remus, get back or go," ordered Sirius, looking tense. His two friends just moved back a few paces, not leaving their friend.

Bellatrix Black (soon to be Lestrange) caught her sister's eye and marched straight towards them. She stood in front of Sirius, towering over him.

"Always knew you'd be a disappointment, Sirius," said Bellatrix, fingering her wand

Sirius stiffened and glared at her while Andromeda replied, "I don't see any reason why he should be."

Bellatrix cackled, "He's a bloody Gryffindor, 'Dromma, he has betrayed the Noble House of Black."

Andromeda snorted lightly as Bellatrix and Sirius stared intently at her.

"What do you want?" demanded James, unable to stop himself from coming to his new friend's defence.

Bellatrix shifted her menacing stare of to him and said, "I see you've already mingled with bloodtraitors and filth."

James frowned at her but didn't say anything.

"What about the filth you hang out with?" claimed Sirius, "Macnair, Lestrange . . ."

Bellatrix slapped him around the face twice before Andromeda could grab her wrist.

"Get off me, 'Dromma," insisted Bellatrix, "He needs to be taught his place."

"Not until you stop slapping him," retorted Andromeda.

Bellatrix wrenched her arm free and said, "Fine," and lifted her wand hissing, "Crucio."

Sirius fell to the ground flailing but refusing to give his cousin the pleasure of hearing him scream.

"Protego!" yelled Andromeda, coming between them, "Stop, Bella, stop!"

"He deserved it. And has much more coming to him."

"It's not your place."

Narcissa Black came over to her family, she had been watching since she first heard Bellatrix.

"You shouldn't interfere, Andromeda," she commented, "It is for his own good."

Andromeda rolled her eyes, "Sure and you don't fancy Lucius Malfoy."

Narcissa flushed a delicate shade of pink.

"'Dromeda? What's happening?" asked a stout, fair headed boy with a Ravenclaw crest walking across the grounds.

Narcissa's eyes narrowed in recognition.

"And who's this?" purred Bellatrix in a sickly sweet voice.

"Ted, get out of here," Andromeda growled, still standing between Bellatrix and Sirius.

Ted Tonks' eyes widened in fear as he identified Bellatrix, who had regularly harassed him until she'd left school two years ago.

"Cissa, who is this?" demanded Bellatrix, "He looks suspiciously like a Mudblood but surely our dear sister wouldn't associate herself with this?"

"It's not up to you to decide who we all associate with, Bella," snapped Sirius, stepping forwards bravely.

Andromeda stayed silent, trying to urge her boyfriend to leave now.

"Get away you disgrace!" screeched Bellatrix, shoving Sirius so hard that he tumbled onto the grass.

Narcissa was staring intently a Ted while the boy in question tried not to squirm under her unflinching gaze.

"Surely not," said Narcissa softly, "This is who you disappear with every evening?"

"I don't see how it is your concern," retorted Andromeda stiffly.

Remus and James just stood there, staring, unable to do anything. This would've been way out of their depth even if they had tried anything.

James suddenly spoke up, "Look, leave them alone or I'm going to get McGonagall"

"The wittle baby is going to tell tales is he?" Mocked Bellatrix, "Thinks he can stop me?"

"He doesn't have to," said Remus calmly, "She's already making her way over. You are causing a bit of a disturbance."

Bellatrix look around wildly, she hadn't paid much attention to her surroundings while she was yelling at Andromeda and Sirius. There was a small crowd of students nearby watching. She put her wand in her pocket and turned to stalk off.

But before she left she twirled round and said in a threatening voice, "The family will hear of this,"

"Bite me," snapped Sirius while Remus shuddered.

"There's nothing to tell," added Andromeda.

Bellatrix gave them all one last glare before leaving, Narcissa tagging along behind her.

As soon as Bellatrix disappeared Andromeda and Sirius sighed in relief.

"Flipping heck, Sirius." Said James, staring wide eyed at the doors, "You're family really is messed up."

Andromeda laughed while Sirius said wryly, "Mate, you have no idea."