She literally had the letter in her hand when she ran into Rodolphus. He was coming down from the owlery himself. She let out a tiny squeak and then wanted to he herself.

Rodolphus raised an eyebrow as he came to stand next to her. "Andromeda, are you all right?"

"Yes, quite," her voice was an octave higher than usual, which only caused his eyebrow to rise further.

"What do you got there?" he asked, noticing the letter she'd been trying to subtely hide in her cloak before he noticed it.

She swallowed. "Just a letter to my parents." Informing them that I'm calling off my engagement to your brother.

Rodolphus was still staring at her, he seemed unsure whether he want to be amused or suspicious, and had settled for both.

Andromeda curtsied, as was her custom. "Good day," she did her best to smile politely, instead of cringing like she wanted to, and then brushed past him up the stairs. She had not gone far when he said, "Rabastan has seemed down lately, but he won't tell me why."

Andromeda froze. She knew why, but she couldn't tell Rodolphus, which meant she needed to come up with a lie and fast.

"I can't help but think it has something to do with you." He glanced at her, and her face flushed guility. Damnit. There went her first lie, she was going to have to think of another.

"I know I have been busy preparing for my NEWTs, and perhaps I have not been as attentive as I should have been." She hung her head guiltily. She didn't have to feign guilt.

"I guessed as much, which is why I have arranged a little—outing— for you too these evening."

Andromeda's face grew redder. Rodolphus had arranged a date for her and Rabastan, after she'd broken his brother's heart? Nothing sounded more uncomfortable.

"Forgive me, but I am otherwise engaged this evening," Not technically true, but who was counting, "Perhaps another time."

"You mistake me, my dear sister," Rodolphus leered. "That was not a request. You will meet Rabastan in the entrance hall at 7pm tonight. Do not be late." And without giving her a chance to respond, he turned and swept down the staircase, disappearing from sight.

Despite Rodolphus's implied threat, Andromeda was very tempted to skip the "outing" tonight, regardless. The tension between her and Rabastan would be unbearable, but she feared if she did not come Rodolphus would only grow more suspicious.

She had also delayed sending the letter. There was the slimmest chance word would have reached her family before the evening, and then they could've resorted to faster means to speak with their children, which might have resulted in Rabastan or Rodolphus receiving word before their date, which would have been then she could have bared for sure.

Now she had guilt for a different reason, not only had she delayed the official end of her engagement, even though she'd promised him she wouldn't, but she was going on a date with Rabastan. She would just have to pray he didn't find out, or if he did, he would forgive her.

She was not late, but Rabastan was waiting for her when she arrived. It occurred to her sometime earlier that Rodolphus had not given any indication as to what this evening would entail, meaning she had no idea what to worry. She had eventually settled for one of her simpler dress robes, a black silk number with silver trim. Rabastan seemed to have had the same idea, based on the way he tugged nervously on his dress robes sleeves, uncertain if should be wearing them at all.

He smiled when he saw her, though it was strained. "I'm sorry," he said when she finally reached him. "I told my brother this wasn't necessary, but he insisted."

"It's all right," Andromeda said, giving him a tentative smile.

"Though to be honest, I don't really mind spending more time with you," he glanced at her under heavily0lidded eyes, gaging her reaction.

"Nor I," she said, they smiled at each other warmly, but the smiles quickly faded. It was like they had gone back to the beginning of their engagement, when they used to tread on eggshells around each other. She sighed, already missing the friendship she'd had with Rabastan. But life required sacrifices, and this was one she was going to have to make.

"So, did Rodolphus give you any indication as to what we might be doing?"

Rabastan shook his head. "He told me where to go, but that was the extent of it. He must have something there waiting for us."

Andromeda raised her eyebrows. "Like what? Candles? Roses?"

Rabastan shrugged. "You're guess is as good as mine."

She let out a smile laugh. "I never would have pegged Rodolphus for a romantic."

"He's not," Rabastan said with a wink, "Which is why I fear what may be waiting for us."

Andromeda laughed again. "Well then, I'll let you lead."

As they stopped outside an empty classroom on the 6th floor, Rabastan turned to her. "Are you ready?"

She shrugged, "As ready as I'll ever be." He grinned at her, and she felt her heart lighten. It had not been nearly as bad as she thought. Perhaps one day she and Rabastan could be friends, if he ever forgave her for leaving him for Ted.

They stepped inside, and Andromeda found herself face-to-face with Bellatrix.

And not just Bellatrix, but several other members from her house. As she scanned the faces of the crowd, which was easy because every single one of them had turned to look at the newcomers, she noticed it was similar to the crowd she'd seen at Christmas.

Rodolphus had brought them to a meeting, and his motives could not be good. She glanced at Rabastan, looking for any indication that he'd known this was going to happen, but he looked just as confused and shocked as she felt.

"Rabastan, Andromeda, I'm so glad you could join us," Rodolphus said, stepping out from the shadows. His leering gaze rested on Andromeda in particular.

"You invited them?" Bellatrix said, eyes blazing.

But Rodolphus only shrugged. "I had an important announcement to make, one that I wanted them present for."

Bella glared at him for a moment longer, probably angry he hadn't informed him. She made sure to turn her glare on Andromeda, letting her know that she was not welcome, before settling back. "Very well, get on with it then."

Rodolphus glanced at Andromeda, his eyes dark and sinister. She felt her pulse quicken.

"For anyone who was unaware, our dear Andromeda has been seeing a mudblood."

Andromeda had never received the petrificus totalus curse before, but it couldn't have been worse that what she felt. It was as if every tiny muscle and piece of flesh on her body froze. Around her, people gasped. Some looked horrified, others confused. No one spoke, but they all turned to her, eyes blazing.

"Ted Tonks to be exact," Rodolphus continued and easy smile on his face. She had nightmares of Rodolphus discovering her secret for so long, she just never thought her night mare would become a reality.

"You dare blaspheme against the house of Black this way?" Bellatrix was the first to recover from the shock, by deciding this was all just some cruel joke. "I'll roast your entrails and then feed you to hellhounds."

For a moment, no one moved, not wanting to get between Rodolphus and Bellatrix for fear they'd be caught in the crossfire. Andromeda held her breath. Perhaps Rodolphus would be unable to convince Bella of the truth. She'd better hope so

Still locked in a silent battle with Bella, Rodolphus reached into his pack and pulled out a rather large photo. He held it up, so the whole room could see.

Andromeda died. There were two people kissing in the photo, one with sun-gold hair and the with hair so dark it was nearly black. Her hair, and Ted's hair.

Beside her, Rabastan stiffened. She didn't dare look at her, but she could practically feel his heart shattering next to her, and it was splintering her own as well.

No one gasped this time, they just stared, mutinously, at the photo. It was from yesterday, the moment she had told Ted she wanted to be with him. It had been the happiest moment of her life, and now it was like daggers to her soul. She wanted to beg the people in the front to stop, but they were too wrapped up in their only little world to notice the horror unleashing around them.

"You filthy traitor!" Bella screeched. Andromeda didn't have time to blink before Bella charged her, wand raised. Andromeda didn't move, nor did she reach for her wand, she just stood there. But someone moved in front of her, Rabastan. He threw his arm behind him, to defend her. Though what he could do against a raging Bella Meda had no idea, and the thought of him being hurt for her sake terrified her.

But before it reached that point Rodolphus snaked a hand around Bella's wrist. She lurched backward and nearly lost her balance in the process.

"Calm yourself, Ms. Black," Rodolphus said in that same silky, smooth tone. "I also have reason to believe she's being enchanted."

Bella turned her wild eyes on him, Andromeda was surprised by how much fire and malice she saw there, but the again, Rodolphus had publicly shamed them in front of the most important wizarding families. That wasn't something she was likely to forgive.

"Enchanted?" she said, or more spat.

"With a love potion," Rodolphus continued nonchalantly. "I caught him stealing rose thorns and peppermint, known ingredients in the love potion Armortentia. I've known on Tonks' feelings for our dear Andromeda for some time, and I believe the news of our engagement drove him to madness."

Andromeda gasped, but no one cared, they were absorbed in the second silent battle between Rodolphus and Bella. Ted had told her about Rodolphus' discovery, but the love potion was a complete lie. It was a lie, however, that could save Andromeda's hide. So why was he lying to save a blood traitor. Why not just let her burn with Ted?

"Are you the mudblood's smart enough to make a potion like that?" Amycus called out in the silence, "because he aint the brightest tool in the toolbox."

He sniggered loudly, as did Alecto, his twin. Though insults to Ted's intelligence were hardly he biggest concern right now, Andromeda flushed angrily in his defense nonetheless.

"Perhaps he had help," Rodolphus shrugged, "doesn't change the matter at hand." He returned his attention to Bella, who was still staring at him murderously. Andromeda had the feeling this wasn't the first time Rodolphus had disrupted him authority, and noting the calm, unpertrurbed way he met her sister's rage, it would be the last.

"He can't be allowed to get away with this!" Alecto declared, like this outrage had been done upon her personally.

"He needs to be made an example of!" Amycus agreed, "so that no one dares defile us like this again."

Andromeda noted that Rabastan, who despite his heroic intervention was refusing to look at her, edged a little further away from her at the word, defile.

"Whatever we do needs to be permanent, something that will keep him out of Hogwarts for good," Yaxley added, while Dolohov beside him grinned stupidly.

Bella, Andromeda noted, had been curiously silent, but after this proclamation, she finally turned away from Rodolphus. Smiling, she said.n"I know something."

Andromeda had seen that smile before, the day she found her sister torturing piper.

"No!" She screamed, before she could stop herself.

Bella whirled on her again, "What did you say?"

"She's obviously still under his spell." Rabastan stepped between them again.

"Please," Andromeda should stay silent, but the couldn't. The horrible image of Ted wreathing around on the floor was more than she could bear, "don't hurt him."

"Get her out of here," Bella said, glaring at her sister is disgust. The idea that her sister may have been enchanted into loving a muggleborn against her will was not enough to heal the rift between them.

"No, please," Tears were streaming down her face, but there was nothing she could do to stop it, "don't do this."

Rabastan grabbed her arm and gently pulled her toward the door. She wanted to fight, but she couldn't think straight.

"It wasn't him," she sobbed, "it was me."

"She's not in her right mind," Rabastan said quickly, as Bella's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Please," Andromeda begged, by this point to no one in particular, "please."

They had reached the door when Rodolphus shouted, "Bastan, you need to say. You'll be essential to our plan of revenge."

"I want to make sure my fiances alright," Rabastan retorted. Andromeda gasped involuntarily when he called her his fiancé.

"It's alright, you should stay." Andromeda whispered hoarsely. The last person she needed to be around right now was Rabastan, even though he might be the only one still talking to her. "It's the best way you can help me."

Rabastan looked at her then, for the first time since Rodolphus' announcement. His eyes were dark and misty, a mixture of hurt, anger, and confusion swirling around. But most of all there was worry. Even after everything she had put him through, he was still worried about her. The thought nearly made her cry again.

"I'm not letting you walk back on your own, not as this hour," he whispered thickly.

Andromeda took a deep breath and glanced around. She needed to get her act together, or Ted would pay the price. Her eyes settled on a pallid boy with greasy black hair in the corner. He'd always been the black sheep on the Slytherin group, because though he was committed to blood purity, his best friend was a muggleborn. Though friend might not be the best way to describe her.

And just like that, a glimmer of hope slipped into her otherwise hopeless mind.

"He could take me," her voice was surprisingly stable for someone who could barely stand moments before.

"I don't care who takes her, just get out," Bella seethed.

Rodolphus gestured to the boy, and then to Andromeda, and then returned his attention to Bella. The boy started to protest, but no one was even paying him any attention. He glared at Andromeda, and for a moment she thought that was all he was going to do, but then he sauntered off toward the door.

She let out a small sigh of relief before following after him. It was a shot in the dark that he would even help her, but it was the only shot she had.

He had almost disappeared from the sight by the time she was outside, and she had to run to catch up.

"Wait," she said breathlessly, "I needed to talk to you."

But he didn't stop, if anything, he moved even faster.

"Did you hear me?" She said, trying to get in front of him, "I said I—"

He whirled around so quickly she almost crashed into him.

"I heard you," he said, "but I doubt whatever you have to say could be of any interest to me."

Andromeda supposed she should not be surprised by the malice in his voice, it was just weird to hear it from someone who was such a stranger to her. She knew his name was Snape and he spent a lot of time with Lily Evans. She also knew he didn't come from any prominent wizarding family she knew of, meaning he was either poor or a half-blood, though based on the tattered robes he always wore, she was going to guess both.

"I need your help," she said simply. The desperation in her voice softened him a little, but only a little.

"How could I possibly help you?" Amid all the venom she could hear curiosity. He wasn't being entirely facetious then, he really wanted to know the answer.

"I need you to help me save him."

Snape actually looked at her then, his dark eyes bright with interest. "You sounded rather concerned for someone who's only enchanted by someone."

Andromeda looked down. She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud, but nor could she lie anymore. Her silence spoke for itself.

"I knew it." Snape sounded surprisingly gleeful for someone who had been so hostile just moments before. "Amortentia would cause someone to risk their life like that."

"Risk their life?" Andromeda asked, forgetting herself.

"When you told them it was you, not him, who administered the potion." Snape, despite being quite a bit shorter than her, looked down on her over a long nose. "That was the stupidest thing you could have said."

She didn't really have a response for that, nor did she have the time to defend her honor. "So, will you help me?"

As quickly as it had come Snape's interest fled, and his eyes turned cold again. "No." Then he turned and stormed down the hallway like nothing had happened.

"You're just like me," Andromeda shouted after him.

That caused him to stop, but he didn't turn around as he shot back. "I'm nothing like you."

Andromeda took a deep breath, then said, "You're in love with a muggleborn."

Snape stiffened, but still didn't turn around as he said, "No, I'm not."

"You're in love with Lily Evans." Under different circumstances Andromeda would have been quite entertained by her pertubance. "There's no point in denying it."

"That's different," he hissed.

"Why?"

And then he did whirl around. "Because I'm not a Black."

Once again, the malice in his voice surprised her. She knew people were envious of her family's power and position, but she'd never known anyone to speak openly about it, at least not to her face. Though she doubted she held any prestige in anyone's eyes anymore.

"What if it were her?" she whispered finally.

Snape didn't say anything, just glared at her, but the fact that she still had his attention gave her incentive to keep going.

"What if it were her they were going to know God knows what to?" She stepped closer, her voice shaking, "wouldn't you do anything to save her?"

His eyes changed, and she saw something there. Fear. Like her then, he'd already gone through this in his head.

"Can you imagine trying to live with yourself after?" she said, even though she already knew the answer.

He didn't answer, but he didn't look away. He just stood there, eyes clouded with emotion.

"Please," Andromeda pleaded, her voice cracking, "help me."

Snape was quiet for a long moment, his dark eyes impossible to read. She didn't dare speak and he thought, she just stood there, hoping beyond hope.

"Tell them Sirius did it," he finally whispered.

"What?"

"Tell them Sirius was the one who made the potion, not Ted."

She just stared at him. She knew he had problems with her cousin, and that was understating it, but using her crisis to enact his revenge was new kinds of low. "I can't."

"Yes, you can," he sounded almost bored with her resistance, like he once again was completely uninterested in her problem. "And you will."

"Why?"

"Because you don't have any other option," his cool voice was like a slap. He was right. She had no other choice.

"And you realize you'll have to play the part afterward right?" he drawled on, "convince them it really was just a potion?"

"I—"

"In fact, you'll need to convince them that you hate him," his eyes flashed for just a second before the dull darkness returned, "and then you'll need to stay away from him, entirely."

Once again, some part of knew he was right. It was truth she and Ted had been dancing around for so long. They should have known better than to tempt fate.

"I'm not sure I can," she whispered. Her statement was true, but the guilt of it threatened to overtake her.

"You have too," Snape snapped, unflinching. His words were knives to her soul. "It's the only way to keep him safe."

But they were also the knives that would save Ted.

"I trust you can find your own way back to the common room." She thought she saw something flash across his eyes, like pity, but the dull grayness reappeared. He was gone before she had time to breathe.

At first, she couldn't move, and when she did, she was running. She didn't stop until she made it outside, and then she kept going, clear to the edge of the forbidden forest. She didn't go in, she was too exhausted. Instead she just collapsed on the ground. For a while, her breathing made it too hard to sob, even though the sobs were threatening to spill out. By the time she stopped heaving, she was too drained to do anything, so instead she just laid there, staring up at the night sky and wishing she could vanish into it. It might be easier than the path that lay ahead of her.

She should have never have let this happen. She should have known. Being with Ted was like trying to touch the stars from Earth, an impossibly feat. They'd played with fire, and soon they would both be burned, and there wasn't anything she could do about it.