Amanda's heartbeat increased as she stood behind the door. She could hear the muffled voices from the other side. The door opened as Aldo exited with the empty platters in his hands.
"Hum."
Amanda watched as he walked away and quickly exchanged a look with Andromeda they entered the room and silence enfolded them. Amanda met her father's gaze and knew instantly what would follow.
"Che cosa nel nome di Merlin's sono voi Amanda da portare, quello non è adatto la relativa... relativa... usura del muggle!"
(A/N What in Merlin's name are you wearing Amanda, that is not appropriate its... its... muggle wear!)
"Father it's rude to speak a language not all can speak in a civilised dinner party, you taught me that. I'm wearing a lovely dress that Lily sent me for my birthday, and before anything else is said if you say I must change I will put my Hogwarts uniform on."
Without another word Amanda went to take the seat between Sirius and Peter however was stopped when Severus stood
"I've ahorró este asiento para usted la derecha de Amanda entre Lucius e I"
(A/N I've saved this seat for you Amanda right between Lucius and I)
Smiling Amanda moved to the opposite side of the table and sat next to her cousins. Silence engulfed the group as each ate their tomato and niffler soup. As they finished their starters small polite conversation filled the room, until the dragon steak with potatoes was brought in.
Amanda looked at the plate well aware of what was in front of her. She felt her stomach flip and something moved into her throat. She couldn't eat this not dragon meat, what if it was Spike a tear left her eye thinking of Spike as she pushed the plate away.
"Aldo che altro è là mangiare, I don't come la carne del drago?"
(A/N Aldo what else is there to eat, I don't like dragon meat?)
"Allora non mangerete la sig.na poichè questo è tutto che abbiamo"
(A/N Then you shall not eat Miss as this is all we have)
Amanda sat and looked at the plate as around her people began to eat. The smell was strong floating into her nose. The smell took over her body and it was too strong for her to stand. Without warning she was on her feet running from the room up the stairs to her floor.
Pushing her door open she ran through the room into the wardrobe and through that to the bathroom. Flinging the lid of the toilet up she allowed her stomach to be emptied. When she felt that no more could leave her she moved away flushing the toilet.
The cold water run as her fingers moved through the water, the cooling effect made her feel better. In one swift movement water had been flung to her lips taking the taste away as she spat it back out. Cleaning her teeth then Amanda stared at her bathroom.
It was light blue in colour with a giant tub in the corner spreading out in its oval shape. There was enough room within it to hold three fully-grown adults. On the other wall opposite the door was the toilet a soft cream colour to match the bath, with the sink next to the door.
Amanda loved this room it was her own personal place. She felt safe in here especially when all the many candles glowed causing the shadows to dance throughout the room. It was peaceful at all times and no one ever bothered her while she was in here.
Knowing that she would be in trouble for leaving dinner Amanda decided to head back down. Slowly moving from landing to landing until she was outside the room. The small chatter told her that they had all finished the main course and desert would soon follow.
Pushing the door slightly open she moved into the room meeting her mother's angry gaze. Knowing that she must speak and explain herself she decided to do so in English so all could understand.
"I'm really sorry but I had to leave I wasn't feeling very well but I'm better now, I hope I haven't ruined the meal."
Amanda gave an apologetic smile and took her seat again between Severus and Lucius. Her mother was busy talking with the other women who were discussing the weddings of the summer, with the wedding of Annie Saxon to Sebastian Clearwater the hottest topic.
Desert was strawberries in vanilla ice cream. Amanda watched as everyone happily ate them while she slipped hers to Adrian, she couldn't believe her luck first the dragons meat and then the strawberries she guessed that they were trying to poison her knowing she was allergic to them.
The meal soon ended and again small chatter started while they waited for the room to be cleared. Amanda was starved but knew better than to say anything since she had walked out on her dinner.
"If you ladies will excuse us we'll just retire to the lounge for cigars and brandy."
Peter watched as his father stood following Bootes out of the room. Alistair was the last on his feet and Peter could not miss the loathing look that was sent straight at his youngest daughter.
"Paul my son you must join us you are a man now and not just any man, my son in law."
Paul's smile spread as he stood and followed Charles and William from the room. Now that all the men had left the chatter grew louder.
"Mama may Regulus and I go upstairs please?"
"Yes Adrian the pair of you are excused."
The youngest guests left at a run laughing as they went through the door. Their footsteps echoed through the silent house. The group of women stood to leave to a more suitable room. As they were about to leave Amanda had taken to her feet.
"Mama may I be excused to show Peter the 'La purezza è essenziale' and 'Puro en sangre' he was interested about them earlier and I promised he may look at them?"
"Yes, but you must take your cousins with you."
The women left and the large group sat looking around. Before anyone spoke Bellatrix and Narcissa were on their feet following the group out calling to Anastasia asking about her new house.
"If you will excuse me I think I will go to the library Severus will you join me."
Peter noticed it wasn't a question more a statement as the two Slytherins left. He looked around and smiled at Sirius and Andromeda who were still sitting.
"Well who wants to go up to my room then?"
Quietly the group left and headed up the stairs to the third landing, were they enjoyed an evening together talking and catching up on everything that had happened over their summer.