I was sent a not-so-polite email where I was told to "post the chapter and stop letting the trolls get to me." So, you can thank the original author for this update. For the record, I'm actually a fan of Minerva. Just not for this story. Multiple Character deaths. The reason will be explained later on.
Miss Granger! What is the meaning of this?" Minerva exclaimed.
"Shush, kitty. The adults are speaking," Calliope said.
Minerva's mouth sealed shut. Her muffled screams could be heard through the room, until-
"Stupefy!"
Calliope turned and lazily flicked the spell to the side. It hit a Slytherin, and she nodded at Draco. Her brother rennervated the poor first year and apologized. The first year looked down in embarrassment. Calliope glanced back at Ron, whose wand trembled as he pointed it at her, and she cocked an eyebrow.
"Are you done?"
"I'm not going to let you hurt anyone!"
Another spell, another flick, and Calliope deflected the spell away from the students. Ron kept going until Calliope grew bored and sent him flying across the room. He crashed into the far wall and fell to the floor. Fred reached down and took Ron's wand from his hand. He snapped it and stuck the pieces in his pocket. Harry jumped up next, and Calliope huffed.
"Headmaster, tell your guard dogs to relax," she said. "Surely you know by now that if I wanted you dead," she glanced over her shoulder, "that you would be dead."
The Headmaster twitched but raised his hand at Harry.
"Wonderful. Now I-
Calliope stopped when something wet hit the side of her face. She glared at Ginny as food dripped down her jaw. The thunderstorm faded from the ceiling, and the Great Hall fell into a tense silence. Calliope cast a silent Scourgify and straightened. She twirled her wand between her fingers. Draco smirked a little, and she made a mental note to get back at him for that. Hell, all of them. Why didn't any of them give her a heads-up? Fucking assholes. Calliope collected herself and smiled tightly at Ginny.
"I take it you have something you would like to say?"
"Yeah, I do. I hope you rot in hell you conniving, backstabbing bitch."
"Interesting." Calliope clasped her hands behind her back. "Does anyone else have something to say?" she asked. "This is your one chance to do so without consequence."
"You lied to me! To all of us! And you've tricked good people into following your cause. Give me one reason I shouldn't kill you!" Harry shouted.
"Harry, if I wanted a fight, I would have worn a different outfit. These heels are atrocious to duel in."
"Then what do you want, Miss Riddle?" the Headmaster interrupted.
"Gauthier," she corrected. "And nothing other than to watch the look in your eyes when you realize it was me all along. Plus, I wanted to start a little chaos, cause a little drama, and show you that Rayna taught me well while she was alive. Despite how short the experience was."
"I was trying to save you."
"And instead, you damned me," Calliope drawled. "How poetic."
Calliope raised her wand, and the Headmaster did the same. Calliope winked and turned on her heels. She kept her wand high as she continued to speak.
"Make no mistake, Albus. When the time comes," Calliope looked over her shoulder and smiled viciously, "You and I shall have our battle. Until then, here is a parting present on behalf of my Mother."
Several different killing curses lit up the room before the Nacht Hexen activated their portkeys. Calliope blew Harry a kiss before she vanished from sight.
Albus stared in shock at the lifeless students on the floor, and the one Professor slumped forward at the table. Minerva leaned over and silently closed the eyes of Professor Vector. Her mouth was still sealed shut, but it was obvious she was in pain. Dolores, who'd been silent the entire interaction, lowered her head in respect. Albus made a mental note of the parents to contact for the six dead students: Seamus Finnegan, Lavender Brown, Marietta Edgecombe, Cho Chang, Vincent Crabbe, and Pansy Parkinson.
It was unnecessary violence, and he was stuck on the fact the curses came from individuals he would have never- Albus covered his mouth as he tried not to cry. While he mourned the loss of students and a great professor, he was unaware that Astoria made her way out through the back door. The Great Hall descended into a shouting match, and for the first time in a long time, Albus felt the cold touch of fear brush down his spine.
The Nacht Hexen stood proud in front of Calliope, and Tonks entered the study with her hair tied back and a crooked smile on her face. She made her way to Blaise's side and shoved her hands into her pockets.
"You seem happy," Calliope said.
"I am."
"Good. I have a job for you, all of you, actually. Neville, Luna, Blaise, and George will go to France. I have a friend there who needs help. Luna will be in charge as she knows the most about the family and the situation."
The four nodded, and Calliope turned to the others.
"Draco, Daphne, and Fred, I will give you a list of businesses that have been playing neutral far too long. Tell them to pick a side. We are politely asking, not enforcing. But tell me who hesitates or says no, and I will ensure they lose all that they own."
The three of them gave her a look, and Calliope shrugged.
"I said, not to kill them. I never said I wouldn't make their life hell for their choices. Draco will be in charge. You are all free to come up with a plan, but the decisions must be approved by Draco or Luna. Also, Pimsy?"
The elf appeared with a rolled parchment. Calliope took it and said her thanks before dismissing the elf. She gave the list to Draco, and then she smiled.
"I know you all probably need to decompress after what happened, so you guys have the next day or so to do whatever you desire. Stay safe, and I will meet you back here in about forty-eight hours. Astoria and Tonks, stay behind," she ordered.
Everyone but Astoria and Tonks went their separate ways. Once they were alone, Calliope bent down to Astoria.
"You are too young to be sent off on assignments. However, I heard you were good with numbers, so I want you to go with Narcissa to the bank tomorrow. I want you to learn about my accounts, my vaults, and anything that deals with my finances. Once you get a handle on that, I will have Narcissa work with you on how to handle business meetings on my behalf in the future. Sound good?"
"Really?!"
"Of course. Narcissa is in the drawing-room. If not, call for Pimsy, and she will take you to her."
"Thank you so much!"
Astoria ran off, and Calliope stood up straight as she stepped up to Tonks.
"Hello, cousin."
"Uh oh. What do you want?" Tonks asked warily.
"I need you to take care of Dolores however you see fit. Lucius will be delivering a message to the woman on my behalf, but she is a nuisance and a liability. I do not trust her."
Tonks puffed out her cheeks and exhaled. She scratched at her nose and said, "Can I borrow your boots?"
"Which pair?"
"The clunky ones."
"Oh. Yes. They should be in my closet near the back. Why do you-
"Because if I am to stomp a toad, I don't want to mess up my shoes."
Calliope snorted and pushed her cousin out of the room. Tonks winked and left. She could hear her trip going up the stairs before the door closed. Calliope glanced at the armchair in the corner.
"You are a nosy one," she said.
Bellatrix shimmered as she dropped the spell, and she crossed her legs. Calliope was distracted by the skin on display, and Bellatrix snapped her fingers. Calliope raised an expectant eyebrow, and Bellatrix stood from the chair.
"We need to talk," she said.
"Okay."
Bellatrix left the room without another word. Calliope chewed on her lip and followed behind her. She'd gotten the heads-up from Narcissa about the paperwork, and based on her girlfriend's mood, Bellatrix was one step away from falling off the edge. Calliope twisted up her hair and stepped into the empty space she'd saved for moments like this. She barely managed to dodge the spell aimed for her head, and she clicked her teeth in annoyance. Bellatrix kept her face blank while the wand hung loosely in her hand.
So, it was going to be that kind of conversation.
Calliope kicked off her heels and took her position.
Remus rubbed his temples as Sirius ranted and raved about the 'backstabbing, little bitch' and her 'mini Death Eaters.' It was the next day, and Sirius still complained about what happened. Molly was on a rampage, Dumbledore was getting hit from all sides by the Ministry and other parents, and McGonagall finally managed to free herself from the silencing spell. It was because of that, everyone knew how she felt. George, Fred, Blaise, Daphne, Luna, and Neville were expelled. Calliope and Draco had actual warrants out for their arrest.
It was odd that Dumbledore only expelled the others. His excuse was he assumed there was some way he could pull them back to the light side. Remus snorted at that. Everyone else believed the others were under a spell or potion that would make them react this way. Remus yawned behind his hand. It was far too early for the foolishness. Dumbledore called an afternoon meeting as the students and professors had the next couple of days off. Remus wondered how long before he spun the story in his favor. Rita was salivating at the reports coming her way and wanted to get the story, any story, before anyone else. He looked up in relief when Andromeda strolled into the kitchen. Sirius, however, was not happy.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" he barked.
"I wasn't aware that I wasn't allowed to be here," she said.
"After that little stunt by your future sister-in-law, you of all people should be hoping Dumbledore doesn't have you detained or- or thrown in Azkaban!"
"You'd like that wouldn't you," Andromeda said. "And why is everyone so angry with me? I haven't done anything."
"Your sudden desire to renew your relationship with Narcissa comes weeks before the other one makes a glorious reappearance with a teenaged lover? You can't possibly think we're stupid."
"You? Yes. The others? Depends on the day."
Sirius whipped out his wand but had it smacked from his hand. It clattered to the floor, and Andromeda stepped over it to continue toward Remus. She put her bag on the counter.
"I figured I would need to do this now rather than later."
Remus stiffened just enough for Andromeda to pat his hand in reassurance. He relaxed, but there was still something off about her.
"Done."
"Thank you as always, Andy."
"I must be on my way. Errands to run and all that," she said.
"How can you stand there and be so cheery when your batshit sister is in love with a teenager?" Sirius exclaimed.
"Estranged or not, that is still my sister," she said in a low voice.
"And you're okay with it? What if it was Nymphadora instead? Would you still be okay?"
Something dark went through Andromeda's eyes before she blinked it away. Andromeda faced Sirius and dropped a piece of parchment on the counter behind her back. Remus stood and slid it into his palm, up his sleeve, and squeezed Andromeda on the shoulder.
"Do you think she should be killed?" she asked.
Sirius pursed his lips and looked away. Andromeda narrowed her eyes.
"Tell Albus I resign from the Order when he gets here," she said.
"What! What about Tonks? What about Harry and the kids?"
"I will not cause harm to Calliope," she said.
Andromeda bowed her head to Remus and barely glanced at Sirius as she left the kitchen. A tense silence followed, broken only by the sound of the door slamming. Sirius ran a hand through his hair and scoffed.
"The Black sisters, three sides of the same fucking triangle," he grumbled.
Remus wanted to tell him that it was a family trait to be so vexing and stubborn, but he held his tongue. He cleared his throat and said, "I prefer to eat my potions with food, and I imagine now would be the best time to get something from that little place in London."
"That's like twenty minutes away. I'll come with you."
"You should check on Harry. He's pretty torn up about Her- Calliope."
"He can come with us."
"Sirius. He just found out his best friend is the daughter of the man who's trying to kill him. He doesn't need food. He needs family, and unfortunately, you're all he has right now."
Remus ducked out of the kitchen before his words truly settled. He jogged down the steps and took a good long look at Grimmauld Place. Remus looked away and walked down the street. He waited until he was out of sight before he shook the letter out of his sleeve. He opened it and reclined against the side of a building as he read:
Sides must be taken.
Make yours known before nightfall.
Remus knew it was not Andromeda who wrote that letter. Scarily enough, it was Bellatrix. He crumpled the paper and laid his head against the brick. "So it begins," he whispered to himself.
Andromeda walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. Pimsy cracked it open, then relaxed and opened it wider. Andromeda smiled tightly and walked inside. Narcissa came down the stairs with Tom and Lucius.
"Andy? Is everything alright?"
"Is she here?" she asked.
Narcissa shook her head no. Andromeda deflated, and Narcissa silently dismissed Tom and Lucius. The two disappeared into the dungeons. Once they were alone, Narcissa embraced her sister and kissed the top of her head.
"She needs time, Andy," Narcissa whispered.
"I just want her to know this doesn't change anything," Andromeda said.
"Just be patient. Calliope is doing her best to keep her afloat."
Andromeda shrugged out of the hug and said, "You know I'm no good with all this affection."
"Neither am I. That is why Tom and Lucius convinced me to join them in the dungeon."
"You have prisoners?"
"Just one. A former follower of Rayna's that re-appeared in London late last night. I think you might need to let off some steam."
Andromeda removed her cloak and followed her sister down the hall.
Later that evening, Andromeda washed the blood from her hands. Narcissa came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her. Narcissa pulled away and, in an uncharacteristic move, hopped on the island.
"Do you feel better?"
"Much. You know I'm not a fan of domestic cases," she said.
"Me either."
Andromeda dried her hands and turned around. She leaned back on her arms, and Narcissa swung her feet. It was like they were children again. Bella was off training or studying while they were alone, left to their own devices. The realization made her eyes water. Their father had always treated Bella like an outcast. Expecting more of her. Demanding more of her. It was as if she was held to a higher standard than they were, and Andromeda brushed away the tears and pushed the thoughts to the side.
"Bella will come home," Narcissa said softly.
"That's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about what it all means, what it changes."
"It changes nothing. Bella will still be Bella, regardless of her last name."
"She's been through so much. It's like her moments of happiness are always eclipsed by something dark and negative."
"Calliope is with her. That is her happiness."
"I know, I know. I'm just being a worrier as usual."
The conversation paused as an owl flew through the open windows. It was a plain owl, neither one recognized it, but he landed beside Narcissa. Once Narcissa removed the letter, it flew away without hesitation. Narcissa cast a few spells, making sure it was safe to open, and when they all came back clean, she still hesitated.
"What's the matter with it?" Andromeda asked.
"Nothing. There's nothing wrong with it."
"Do you want me to get Tom?"
"No." Narcissa opened the parchment and read, "Dearest Cousin, it is with great pleasure that I inform you that as of today, you have been stricken from the House of Black. Hear that? You and your precious Draco are no longer members of the esteemed House of Black. The items in your vault that classify as family heirlooms will be removed as soon as you open this letter. Rules are simple, which I'm sure you already know, but you and your son will no longer have access to the Black family vaults. You will no longer be allowed on Black family properties. You will experience an immense amount of pain should you try, and for my sake, I hope you do. With great pleasure, Your new Head of House, Sirius Black."
"How the hell did he-
Andy stopped as another owl flew through the open windows and landed on the counter beside her. Like the owl before, once she removed the letter, it flew away. Andy performed the same spells, found none, and opened hers. It read the same as Narcissa's.
"That son of a bitch!" she shouted.
Narcissa cleared her throat and called for Pimsy. The elf appeared seconds later.
"Please inform Tom that he is needed in the kitchen."
"Of course, my Lady."
Pimsy vanished from the room. Tom entered the kitchen, and Narcissa handed him the letter. He read it with his usual neutrality, but his face pinched once he got to the end.
"How did he become Head of House?" Tom asked.
"That's exactly what I want to know. I thought Bellatrix had that position."
"Ah, that explains it," Tom said. "If she's the last of the Forthright family, she would have to accept the title," he sighed. "And since she was Head of House Black-
"She would have to relinquish it," Narcissa finished, a sour look on her face.
Tom spotted the letter in Andy's hand.
"Did yours say the same thing?" he asked.
"Yes, but he removed Nym as well."
"Wait, wasn't there an Order-
The house shook as the front doors blasted open. The three of them ran out to find Severus hovering in the background while a red-headed, red-eyed Tonks paced the foyer. Severus fixed the damage. Andromeda took in the sight of her daughter. Her clothes were shredded, she had leaves stuck in her hair, and there was a nasty cut starting at her eyebrow down to her cheek. Andromeda waved off her sister and Tom, knowing that it would be unwise to try and talk to her daughter in that state.
Eventually, Tonks's eyes faded back to brown, and she growled.
"That mangy, disgusting, perverted son of a bitch cast me from the HOUSE! I had only just walked in, and before I can form a full sentence, I WAS BLASTED RIGHT OUT THE FUCKING FRONT DOOR!" she seethed. "I crashed into the bushes and smashed my head against the concrete."
"And you?" Tom asked Severus.
"I had the misfortune of appearing the same time she was cast out," he drawled.
Tonks hissed at him, and he took a step away from her.
"For now, I think it's safe to say it's time our connection to the Order is done. The children are out, Andy's out, and Tonks was blown from the fucking house and is dripping blood on my carpet!"
Everyone stared at Narcissa in shock at the outburst.
"My apologies. Would anyone like tea?"
Narcissa and Andromeda returned to the kitchen after Tonks calmed down. Severus opened his cottage to Tom and Lucius while Fred, George, Draco, and Blaise went to Neville's estate. Tonks went home to her Dad.
Bellatrix and Calliope went their separate ways. Calliope was somewhere with Luna and Daphne, and she didn't ask for any details. Regardless, she knew she had to talk to her sisters. She got to the kitchen and paused. What was she supposed to say?
She came around the corner and hesitated at the threshold. Her sisters looked up when they saw her. The three stared at one another for a long time, and Bellatrix brushed her curls from her face.
"Hello," she greeted softly.
Andromeda gestured for her to come closer, and Narcissa poured another tea. Bellatrix sat down at the island.
"You're still our sister," Narcissa said suddenly. "Nothing will change that.
Bellatrix had no idea why, but her entire being collapsed in relief, and she burst into tears. Narcissa was startled while Andromeda ran around the counter. Narcissa finally jumped into action, and they wrapped their arms around Bellatrix.
"Always ours," Narcissa whispered.
"Forever a Black," Andromeda added.