"You don't have to do this."

Andromeda almost laughs at that, but she bites back the sound. Somehow, she doesn't think Ted would see the humor in it all. Maybe she doesn't literally have to do this, but she knows there's no turning back now.

Her dark eyes flicker briefly at the manor behind her. It's the only home she's ever known, excluding Hogwarts. Things were not always nice, but there are still so many memories attached to the place. And now she's letting it all go and leaving it behind.

"Andi?" Ted tilts his to the side, frowning. "You okay?"

Lips pressed into a thin line, Andromeda exhales. "No," she answers. "Not really."

Tears sting her eyes, threatening to fall, but she blinks them away. She cannot be weak now. Even if she is moving on and starting her own life, she is still a Black, and Blacks are meant to be calm and collected at all times. Even when their hearts are breaking. Even when it feels like their worlds are falling apart.

"But I will be," she adds, and she manages a smile that feels a little too stiff.

It isn't that she isn't happy. Ted is such a wonderful boyfriend. Andromeda can't help but feel at peace whenever she's around. Still, it's a big change. No matter how certain she is that she's doing the right thing, there's still that nagging anxiety tugging at her heart.

She wonders if she'll ever be able to shake that. Will she one day look back at this moment and laugh at her own fear? Will she recall how silly she had been, how she should have known everything would work out?

She takes a deep breath. Only hours before, she lived a life of comfort and luxury. Now, all she has is the bag that's slung over her shoulder. Of course, she could have brought more, but she had stopped herself, packing only her necessities. She doesn't want the excess, the painful reminders of who she is and where she comes from. Maybe she can make a clean break like this, and everything will smoother.

"Ready?" he asks, and he holds out his hand.

With a soft smile, Andromeda takes his hand, nodding. "Ready."

…

Really, she's surprised that it's Narcissa who finds her. Maybe she's more relieved than she'll ever say. Somehow, she gets the feeling things would be catastrophic if Bellatrix hunted her down.

"I'm surprised Mother and Father let you out of their sight," Andromeda notes, meeting her younger sister's gaze in the mirror.

More surprising is the fact that Narcissa is in a Muggle church. Andromeda would have assumed this would be beneath her sister. It seems Narcissa is full of surprises.

Narcissa wrinkles her nose. "Mother and Father are busy." There's a hint of bitterness in her voice. "They don't know I'm here. Probably won't even notice I'm gone."

"Hmm…"

"I thought you would marry Corban," Narcissa says, accusation dripping from her words.

"And why would I do that? I love Ted."

The younger witch makes a face. "Love," she says, like the word tastes foul on her tongue. "What does love have to do with marriage, Andi? Do you think Mother loves Father?"

Andromeda snorts. "Hardly."

They all know their mother sneaks away whenever she can. She makes excuses to explain her absences, but they don't believe her. Everyone knows she runs off to Abraxas Malfoy's bed, but no one dares to say it aloud.

It is a normal and natural part of so many marriages. Andromeda can't think of anyone she knows who actually loves their spouse. At least, not a witch and wizard. There seems to be some unspoken rule that love is not allowed within pureblood marriages. She thinks that maybe families like the Weasleys are exceptions; she hears that Arthur and Molly are blissfully in love in their union.

But then she sees Ted's parents. There's a way Mrs. Tonks looks at her husband, and it makes Andromeda's heart melt. Her parents never looked at each other like that. She doubts Bellatrix has ever looked at Rodolphus with anything kinder than annoyance. Seeing the way her future in-laws are so happy and in love makes Andromeda realize more and more that she's made the right choice, that it's such a different way of life, and it will take some getting used to, but it's what she wants.

For the first time in her life, Andromeda thinks it's actually possible to be happily married. Her parents' beliefs that marriages are about duty and blood purity seem so silly now.

"Andi, come home," Narcissa pleads, moving to Andromeda's side and placing a delicate hand on her shoulder. "Please. Mother and Father will forgive you. You were always their favorite."

Andromeda's lips quirk. Under normal circumstances, she might have smiled. "I can't," she says, shaking her head. She climbs to her feet and turns to face her younger sister. "This is my life, Cissy. This is the life I want."

Narcissa looks like she might cry, and that breaks Andromeda's heart more than anything. Narcissa has always been more sensitive, much to their father's horror. Andromeda always took it upon herself to protect her little sister. Now, she's the one hurting her.

"You really do love him," Narcissa whispers in awe, eyes widening ever so slightly like she's just realized something. "I wish you didn't have to leave."

Andromeda takes Narcissa's hand and gives it a squeeze. "It's for the best. I have to follow my heart."

Narcissa doesn't look happy with it, but she doesn't protest. Her shoulders sink, and she lets out a heavy sigh. "I really do want you to find happiness," she says. "You make such a beautiful bride."

"You could stay for the wedding," Andromeda offers.

"I'd like that."

…

Andromeda feels a flutter in her chest and stomach as she walks down the aisle. This is it. This is really happening. Her bouquet shakes in her trembling hands.

But then Narcissa catches her gaze and offers her a small smile, and Andromeda feels a sense of closure she didn't know she needed. Her body relaxes, and she looks ahead and Ted. There's no denying it now. This is where her life has been leading her. Ted is the only one she could ever want.

It's scary, this transition. She's leaving so much behind, but she feels in her heart that she is doing the right thing. Change is such a terrifying part of life, but she holds her head high as she embraces it.

As she comes to a stop next to Ted, she can't help but smile. This will all be worth it in the end.