July 1994
"I can't be seen with you, so you'll leave with Bathilda to get your supplies," Greyback explained to the young girl while pointing at the old woman by the corridor, "Well gosh, don't smile so brightly, twit."
The girl looked down, hiding her smile. She was ecstatic over starting her first year of school, ever. No more home lessons.
"Andromeda, don't talk to any bloody children. Do you understand me?" Greyback warned.
"I don't see why I can't! I'm rarely around any other children - for long. Unless I'm luring them to you," she huffed in response.
Greyback sneered at her.
"Fine."
"Well if you two will stop the chitter chatter, perhaps the wee princess and I can go," a deep, croaky Scottish voice peeped.
Bathilda, a large gray lady with white hair and white eyes widened her eyes at Andromeda. She was dressed in puce lace, her wrinkled skin popping up between the open spaces. Her ankles sagged over her thin shoes, and although a curse that hit her face left her with extremely poor eyesight, she kept her pet owl perched on her large shoulder in order to act as her eyes.
Andromeda took a look at Bathilda. She couldn't tell the difference between Bathilda's and the owl's eyes.
Andromeda's eyes bounced around in happiness. She was absolutely enthralled with the sparkling displays of colorful books, trinkets, and supplies. But most of all, she was overjoyed to see people her own age.
"Don't get out much, do ya princess?" Bathilda commented. She raised a veiny hand to cover her cackle.
Well, she didn't get out much. Andromeda was left in her room, a tower that led only to large, metal, and magically locked gates. When she was left out, it was only to get kids to approach Greyback or for lessons. And she was rarely let out during daytime.
"It's usually more crowded in the joint, but since it's only the beginning of July, we've avoided that," Bathilda explained. "Let's go get your books."
The ladies entered Obscurus Books, and again, Andromeda's eyes were filled with wonderment. Towers of books everywhere, shelves that seemed to have no end. Specialty books - some growling, some flying, some glittering in the daylight.
"Now, make sure you focus on getting what you need for school, I have this list somewhere here in my purse," Bathilda reached in to grab the school list from her purse. "And make sure you... stay... with ...me. Fucking kids."
Andromeda had already grabbed tons of titles that had absolutely nothing to do with her schoolwork. Most were about histories of past wizards and witches. She didn't bother to look at the cost. Andromeda was used to getting any material thing she asked for. Greyback had explained to her that she was left with a very large sum of money and that she did not have to worry about "minuscule" factors such as cost.
But one title caught her eye. She spotted it on the bottom shelf. A thick, black and emerald book just seemed to draw her in. Her fingers roamed the spine.
"Odd, is this thing hissing at me?" she thought to herself.
She pulled it out with much effort and plopped it onto her lap on the floor.
"The Darkest Wizard by Harriet Greenmouth," she whispered.
As she opened the book, a sudden cold wind blew in her face. Sounds of thunder, women screaming, and hissing emerged from the book. And there it was. She was staring at a photo of a ghastly, pale man.
Zap!
A stream of purple closed the book shut and Bathilda stood, looking down on Andromeda.
"C'mon your highness, let's leave."
"Can you please explain to me why I couldn't buy that book?" Andromeda asked.
"We were in a rush," Bathilda responded. "Besides, I wanted to get lunch." She proceeded to take a swig from her glass.
"You mean whiskey," Andromeda said.
"...well, that's besides the point. It gives me bones some strength, I consider it lunch."
Andromeda didn't look Bathilda in the face. She glanced around the room in an attempt to distract herself, trying to be content with looking at the dark walls and heavy wooden tables.
"Look, darlin'," Bathilda whispered, "There are many things that you can't comprehend yet. Many of the books and stuff media writes - rubbish. So many of these younger generations, not really understandin' the harmful effects of mixin' our kind with nonmagical folk. Not gettin' that we're disgracin' our ancestors. And all the great men who try to take back our roots, try to get us back to the way things ought to be are outcasted, villain-ized. And ole Wolfy might not have explained this to ya yet, but when you go to that schools a month from now, run by the Muggle-lovin' headmaster they got, you will meet people who have muggle parents, either half breeds or mudbloods. And it's wrong, it's just bloody wrong. Keep your mouth shut and just know in your mind what's right."
They sat in silence for a while. Bathilda continued to sip and Andromeda began to feel guilt and mostly confusion for even wanting the book now.
"Ahahah, look who it is!" Bathilda chortled.
Andromeda whipped around to see a tall man, clad in black robes and walking with a black staff. His hair reached his waist and his eyes were so bright and vibrant - but cruel.
"Ah, Bathilda, how are you doing? We haven't met in a while. Is this your granddaughter?" He pondered.
"Lucius, no. Don't be ridiculous. You've met her before. I guess you've forgotten. Been a while. Last time you laid eyes on her she was probably a baby. Andromeda Nakamura, meet Lucius Malfoy. He's a friend of your father's."
Andromeda smiled at him while he stared at her for a short, but long enough to notice, moment.
"Ah... I see. Well what brings you two here then?"
"Young Annie here is goin' to Hogwarts this year, they've decided that it's... time, if you catch my drift," Bathilda winked.
"I see."
"Is your boy with you?" Bathilda asked.
"Draco! Come here, boy! There's someone I'd like you to meet," he shouted loudly behind him.
A young man followed to where his father was, and Andromeda was instantly tantalized. His hair was blonde and his eyes were deep grey. The boy looked truly.. angelic, Andromeda thought. And she just stared blankly at him.
"...Well, Draco, you remember Bathilda," Lucius said. Draco shook hands and gave Bathilda a brief hug.
"And this is Andromeda!" Lucius continued. Draco smiled at her and Andromeda just kept looking at him.
Moments passed. It got awkward.
"...Hi Andromeda," Draco finally mustered.
She still didn't say anything, she just stared at him, right in the eyes.
"uh..uhm.. uh..." she finally got up out of her seat, stood up, and reached out her hand for Draco to shake it, "I'm sorry, you just remind me so much of someone."
And indeed he did. As their hands touched, Andromeda finally realized it.
He looked just like the last boy Greyback preyed on.
