BLACK SHEEP
Chapter One
"Astoria Greengrass! Sit up straight! A poor disposition is not very becoming of a pureblood lady," scolded Mrs. Greengrass. Her melodic voice sent chills up the length of Astoria's shapely back, and caused her to sit up in an reflexive fashion. "A lady must carry herself with dignity. Slumping will not do a woman justice!"
Her mother circled around her chair before proceeding to inspect Daphne Greengrass, Astoria's older sister. Mrs. Greengrass stood behind Daphne's chair and scrutinized her from behind. "Very nice body alignment," she mumbled, her eyes devouring Daphne's outward appearance. She rounded back to the front to observe her visage. "Facial expression has reached its perfection. You have done well, Daphne." The tone in her voice expressed that she pleased.
"Why, thank you, mother," replied Daphne coolly. The expression written across her face presented itself with a quality that showed apathy and exhibited a "couldn't-care-less" attitude.
It seemed like nothing had significance with that face on. Astoria knew deep down Daphne was overjoyed with her mother's appraisal. She also knew that Daphne would once again waver it in front of Astoria's face once their mother was not within earshot.
"Astoria, you have a thing or two to learn from your sister," her mother began. "You should follow her example. Who knows where that could lead you. God willing, you might be able to snatch a fine young man from a wealthy, pureblood family."
Astoria could not restrain herself from the urge to roll her eyes in vexation. She did not care for outward appearances as well as social impressions. She did not say a word in response to her mother's statement, instead she gave a silent nod.
"Very well, then," expressed Mrs. Greengrass in a punctuated tone. "You are dismissed." It was she who was the first to leave in the room. Daphne and Astoria remained seated and silent as they watched their mother with different messages in their eyes.
Daphne stared at her mother with pride and admiration. She wanted to follow in the exact image of her mother. She idolized Mrs. Greengrass for her indifferent and stoic ways. She hoped that one day she would become just like her mother. A cool, refined woman of pureblood society.
Meanwhile Astoria was of a different bent. She looked at her mother with contempt. She found her mother to be a cruel, heartless woman. Why she called her "mother" was beyond Astoria. Perhaps it was more out of propriety rather than endearment. Prudence Greengrass was everything but the quintessential description of a mother. She was pretentious. A walking fraud living off the pure blood standards. Despite her mother's lack of good nature, Astoria never felt loathing towards her mother.
In fact, Astoria experienced feelings of pity towards her mother would never understand the joys of living freely. She was just another controlled member in a society based on grandiosity and empty morals.
"Mother is right you know. If you want to catch the attention of the finest bachelors of wizarding London, then you might want to shape up and act more like me," boasted Daphne, flinging her long mane of gold onto her back. "It's such a shame... You were never one to follow what's best for you."
"I beg to differ, Daphne. I know exactly what's best for me, and that includes following the examples I set for myself," answered Astoria calmly. "As for the bachelors, you can keep them busy. I'm not too concerned with being matched with a pureblood."
"Astoria, do you have any idea what you're saying? What do you mean you're not too concerned with being matched with a pureblood? Do you have any idea what mother and father will do if you don't marry a pure--"
"Yes, I am aware of that. Thank you, Daphne," Astoria cut off sharply. "Like I said before, I know what's best for me, and I won't have you or mother telling me how I should live my life." She abruptly stood up from her seat.
Just as she was about to make her way towards the door, Daphne said with caustic intention, "You were always the Black Sheep of this family. It's no wonder you can't keep up with the Greengrass ways. I'd rather have father disown you. That way you won't have to tarnish the Greengrass name."
"If going against these pureblood 'principles' are what concerns you, then 'Black Sheep' I will remain... Let him have it," answered Astoria with nonchalance before leaving room the room. "Let him have it."
[ Author's Note: Please read and review! It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! ]
