For the Build the Burrow on TGS (Photographs: Write a family fluff piece)

Beauxbatons, Barbegazi

Word Count: 653


Charis stands before the mirror, turning this way and that, admiring the fine silk gown clinging to her slender flame. She brushes a finger over the floral design around her neckline, a smile on her lips.

"Such a beautiful bride," Callidora says, moving behind the younger girl. "Caspar is quite a lucky man."

A small bubble spills from Charis' lips. Her cheeks stain a soft, delicate pink. "A blushing bride," she adds.

Callidora smiles and guides the younger woman onto a stool. Without another word, she behind to brush out Charis' chestnut waves. Charis closes her eyes, nostalgia tugging at her heart. Suddenly, she's a little girl again, safe and sound as her sisters giggle and play with her hair. Not for the first time, she misses Cedrella, but she keeps her longing to herself. This is her wedding day, not a day for tears.

When the bristles no longer tug at her strands, Charis opens her eyes again. Callidora immediately begins pulling her hair into sections, a warm smile on her lips. "Are you nervous, Charis?" she asks, pulling and twisting the sections of hair with a grace Charis' clumsy fingers could never manage.

"Why would I be nervous? It's only one of the biggest milestones in a woman's life." She tries to keep her tone light, joking, but her traitorous voice is a bit too shrill for her liking.

"It's okay to be nervous," her sister assures her, piling a section of hair on top of her head and sculpting it. "I was nervous when I married Harfang."

"You looked so calm."

Callidora catches her gaze in the mirror, a faint smirk playing at her lips. She shrugs before continuing onto the next section. "We're Blacks," she reminds her. "Blacks carry themselves with poise, regardless of the situation."

Charis swallows dryly. She doesn't feel particularly graceful. She's always been a bit rough around the edges compared to her sisters. Now, her nerves are on edge, and she doesn't think she can manage to fake it.

"Just remember that you love him," Callidora advises. "Remember that Caspar has your heart, and the two of you will have a beautiful, happy future together."

The younger woman nods. She straightens her posture, taking a deep breath. If not for her sister, Charis is certain she would be a complete mess right now. Then again, that is hardly surprising. She's always had Cedrella and Callidora to guide her.

Silence hangs between them as Callidora busies herself. After what feels like an eternity, the older woman secures the last of Charis' hair, beaming brightly. "Done," she says proudly.

Charis' jaw falls slack; she barely recognizes herself in the mirror. She's never felt particularly beautiful, but now there's no denying it. Callidora has worked some strange magic that Hogwarts could never teach them. Charis has been transformed into some lovely, elegant creature.

She turns, pulling Callidora into a hug, a shaky laugh escaping her throat. "Thank you," she whispers.

Callidora pats her back. "Head high, shoulders back," she reminds her. "Even if this is your last moment as a Black, you will always have that blood in your veins."

Charis pulls away, nodding. Somehow, her anxiety seems to melt. A more genuine smile pulls at her lips. "Thank you," she whispers.

"You're my favorite little sister," Callidora says.

Charis giggles. "Your only little sister."

Callidora rolls her eyes before pressing a slender finger to her lips. "Shh. Let me have my moment."

"Charis?" Their mother enters the room, holding a hand over her heart when she sees her youngest daughter. "Beautiful."

Charis feels her cheeks grow hotter. Tears cling to her lashes, but she quickly blinks them away.

"It's time, darling."

Charis looks at Callidora one more time. She adjusts her posture, smiling as she grabs her bouquet. Powered by her sister's love, she starts for the door, ready to begin this new chapter in her life.