A/N Back! I wrote this chapter thirteen times. I counted. Eventually though, I just used this. I had no idea how big a part Cygnus and Druella played in this. Honestly, I think they've been in every chapter except... Two of them. Honestly, they're the shit. Also, not much goes on in this chapter. Just to warn you, it's mostly dialogue. Review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
"Nice stunt you pulled, Andromeda."
"My Lord, I didn't-"
"Enough," He silenced her with a raise of a bony pale finger. "Your presence at the funeral home alone will cause talk. Things such as guilt for leaving your family, or even trying to contact them again. To make amends. Apologies. This will not happen again. Understood?" He sat at the front of the table, glaring blankly at her parents. "It's also causing tension. As Bellatrix describes, she had what is called a coronary from even seeingyou. I apologize that I couldn't speak to you beforehand. I figured it'd be better if I spoke to all of you at once." He said, motioning towards the others surrounding the table.
"My Lord, I must also apologize for leaving without speaking to you, but I was dangerously tempted to slit Bellatrix's throat, and I feared that if I would stay just a moment longer, it would happen."
He raised a non-existent eyebrow. "Turning Muggle on us, Andromeda?"
She shook her head. "No, no, I just-"
"Please, I need not hear you speak. It's rather painful." He said placing the heel of his hands over his ears, chuckling darkly.
Druella coughed lightly, desperately trying to cut the tension in the room. She could practically feel the fury radiating off of her daughter. No one spoke to a Black in such a way. Unless, of course, you had a death wish. Andromeda's nostril were aquiver, and her hand was clutching her wand in her cloak pocket. Unfortunately, there wasn't much anyone could do in this type of situation. Not her or Cygnus, the Lestranges, even Andromeda herself. He was their Lord, and she couldn't exactly say such things to him. Unless, of course, you had another death wish.
He smiled unnaturally wide, and it reminded Andromeda eerily of that Grinch-y man from that cartoon Ted showed her.
"That will be all. I don't want anyone suspicious of you, or you willpay the price." He snarled before turning out the door, heading to his meeting room, and waiting for the first of his Death Eaters to show.
"Supremely awkward." Rabastan smiled.
"I'd say." Madame Lestrange commented.
There were a few moments of silence. Everyone was left to their own thoughts on what the Dark Lord had said. Most of the meeting had just been his scolding of Andromeda. She was to stay as far from her family as possible. Almost like one of those Muggle restraining orders. Of course, if she broke this restraining order, it'd be a much worse fate than paying a fine.
"So, Andromeda dear? How's that little daughter of yours? Nymphadora, was it?" Xekelev asked curiously, leaning over the table to speak to her directly.
She nodded gently. "I have pictures." Smiling broadly, she pulled out a small album and placed it in the middle of the table. The grandparents began to fawn over every picture, occasionally asking a question or two about her.
"A metamorphmagus. Unbelievable. Didn't that skip nine generations?" Madame Lestrange questioned. Andromeda nodded proudly.
"Now, I think we should discuss an heir," Xekelev said gently. "I understand having a daughter, and I have no problem with it, but I fear a boy is to be needed soon. No offense to anyone, but Bellatrix isn't what one would call maternal. Although, Rodolphus isn't one to deal with children, either. So, Rabastan, son, it's up to you to carry on the name."
Andromeda chuckled. "Mr. Lestrange, I understand completely. Unfortunately, us Blacks haven't had the best luck in producing heirs in the past couple of generations." She said, motioning toward Druella, who was glaring at her jokingly. "A girl as the first child is never really a good sign. Of course, that's not to say I won't try." She said, raising her hands in defense. "We'll just have to find the time..."
"Ah, yes. Poor Druella." Madame Lestrange smiled sadly.
"Mmmm." Cygnus smirked.
"To be perfectly honest," Andromeda started. "I question Bellatrix's gender most of the time."
Laughing still, Madame Lestrange spoke up. "So, who exactly will carry on the Black name? Such an old family, it'd be a shame for it to become extinct after such a long time."
"Well, there's Sirius and Regulus. Unfortunately though, Sirius has near to no potential. He hasn't even graduated Hogwarts yet, but he and his friendsare already helping out that Order of the Phoenix group."
"I'm an Order member." Andromeda pouted. They all laughed a bit, and Andromeda scrunched up her nose funnily.
"Sirius is the Gryffindor correct?" Xekelev asked.
Nodding, Cygnus continued, "Regulus is a bit... Weak. He has our same views, but he won't amount to much."
A/N Just felt like leaving off here. Telling you all now, next chapter will skip five years. Thankfully, the plot will start to pick up a bit now after this. I'm going to try to update quicker next time. Absolutely no promises though. Also, congratulations go out to my fellow Slytherins on winning the House Cup on Pottermore! Let's win it again, guys! We're already ahead, and let's keep it that way! Also, I don't like to put Author's Notes at the beginning of a chapter because it kind of ruins the flow, so I've decided to stop that. I also apologize for the shortness of this chapter, it barely made 1,000. REVIEW!