Chapter 1: The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black
Andromeda struggled to keep up to the pace of Narcissa. The wind blew her dark brown hair in to her face as she jogged to keep up, Narcissa didn't seem to notice that Andromeda was struggling and suddenly her trot grew brisker as they reached a looming mansion up ahead. The mansion-like house brought back horrible memories for Andromeda, the memories of her sister, Bellatrix.
" Keep up Andy! " Narcissa said impatiently, Andromeda rolled her eyes but jogged slightly faster. They got ever closer to the gloomy home of childhood memories, and a the sinking, depressing feeling returned, she had not felt this way since the last time she had entered the house.
" Cissy, we don't have to do this if you don't want to.. " Andromeda said quietly, Narcissa shook her head firmly.
" No, we are going to do this, once and for all. "
The two women stepped inside the dusty home, both coughing as they breathed in the dust that had been gathering. " It hasn't changed a bit has it? " Andromeda sighed, the hall was exactly the way she remembered it, gloomy, dark and depressing. " I wonder if that portraits still here, of Aunt Black? " her question was answered by a blood-curdling scream, the curtains on the portrait flew open, exposing a terrifyingly life-like portrait of their aunt. Narcissa and Andromeda pointed their wands quickly at the portrait and immediately their aunt fell silent.
Walking round their childhood home felt strange, Andromeda often felt teary-eyed if she spotted something of her daughters lying around. Upstairs, in Sirius's bedroom, there was a letter lying on the bed. Andromeda could just about make out her daughters untidy hand-writing, her hand shot out and grabbed the letter, her eyes scanned over every letter desperately as though she could in some way bring her daughter back by reading it.
Dear Harry ( if you get this ),
Everything's alright here, me and Remus are enjoying every moment with Teddy. As expected he takes after me and his hair changes every few minutes, although he usually leaves it violet if he's tired. There is some news that Voldemort is planning another major recruit, this could mean major losses for our side. I hope everything is going well on your mission, Remus is worried about you. One of the member's of the Order was killed last week, he died a hero, fighting the Death Eaters. Although the Prophet haven't said anything about his death. We hope you are all well, send our love to Ron and Hermione. Also tell Ron he needs to write to his mother, she's extremely worried!
All my love,
Tonks x
Andromeda re-read the letter, she didn't notice the tears rolling down her cheeks until one of them landed on the letter. She felt someone hug her tightly from behind, a warm hug.
" Don't cry Andy.. " Narcissa whispered soothingly, as Andromeda sobbed quietly in to her shoulder. " I miss her. " Andromeda replied tearfully. " And Ted. "
Narcissa felt a stab of guilt, it had been Bellatrix who'd killed Nymphandora, she remembered the sadness she felt as she searched for her son at the battle, knowing her sister had already lost her child.
They continued to wander around the house, Andromeda clutching the letter in her hand, as they reached the room in the attic a new feeling swept over them, happiness. Childhood memories danced through their minds, echoes of laughter ringing in their ears. The sign on the door made Andromeda smile:
Do NOT enter! This is the room of Bella, Cissy and Andy!