This is the final chapter! I have loved taking this journey with you all, and am I so grateful for all your support and encouragement. I couldn't have finished this project without you all. You guys are amazing!

The angry voices broke off so aprubtly as she opened the door, it was like their throats had been slit. The expressions of shock they wore would have matched that metaphor.

One figure she had not heard from the hall was Lorie, but considering she was bound and gagged and lying in the corner, it was hardly surprising. She could see Lorie's eyes though. Bright and blue and wide and terrified. She wanted to assure Lorie everything was going to be alright, but she couldn't until she had dealt with the three people in front of her.

Rodolphus, of all people, was the first to recover. "Well, I stand corrected. You do care about that scum after all. Or did you realize what you were missing with the mudblood and came back for some real men?"

His words, combined with the way his eyes moved lazily done her body, sent chills down her spine. But she refused to let him unnerve her. "Let her go. Your quarrel is with me."

Rodolphus's eyebrows raised ever so slightly at her response. "After everything she's seen? And heard?"

"Wipe her memory." Andromeda forced herself closer to the three of them, and did her best to ignore the way Bella's hand curled around her wand. "I'm sure superior wizards such as yourself could manage such a feat."

Bella and Rodolphus's eyes flashed at the insult, but she could see the insult had sparked their pride. They couldn't risk looking incapabable in front of Meda, or a muggleborn.

With another glare at Andromeda, Bella crossed over to Lorie and grabbed her face roughly. Lorie whimpered, and Meda cringed. For a moment, she feared Bella would do as she had threated earlier and murder the girl, but she distinctly heard Bella mutter, "Obliviate." Lorie's eyes rolled back into their sockets, and then she slumped to the floor.

Bella stared at her in disgust for a moment before turning to Meda, at which point the disgust became more pronounced.

"Now for you. Lucky for you loverboy here is willing to take you back, no matter how much you've tainted yourself." She gave Rabastan his own dose of Bella disgust before continuing. " We'll have to convince our parents you had a temporary bout of insanity, but it is over now. You've come back to your sense. It will take a fair amount of groveling on your part," She stopped her glowering long enough to give Andromeda a smug look. "And assurances that you can keep her in line," she turned her smug look to Rabastan. "But I'm sure superior wizards such as yourselves can manage that."

This time her look was for both of them, but Andromeda was hardly paying attention. She was bracing herself for what she was about to say next.

"No."

Bella and Rodolphus just looked confused, like they hadn't really heard her. But Rabastan did. And the look he gave her was enough to shatter her heart all over again.

"What did you say?" Bella asked. Slowly. Dangerously.

"I said no." Andromeda lifted her chin, so no one could mistake her words. "I'm leaving, and I'm not coming back."

Rodolphus and Bella didn't look confused now. Instead, a matching dark look passed over both of their features.

Then Bella laughed. A haughty laugh devoid on any real humor. "Your obsoletness in this matter would be adorable if it weren't so damned annoying," She then proceeded to stalk toward Meda, much like a tiger would stalk toward a deer. "Our parents will never let you go, Andromeda. You are Black, by blood, even if not by heart." She spat in disgust to emphasize her point.

But Andromeda didn't flinch. Weakness wasn't an option she could afford. "They're going to let me go. Because you are going to convince them too."

Under a different circumstance the look on her sister's face would have been comical. "Why would I do that?"

"Because if you don't," Andromeda narrowed her eyes, looking much like Bella herself. "I'll reveal that you're working with Voldemort."

The three of them took her revelation better than she expected, but she didn't miss the look of shock that crossed over their faces and the way their shoulders tensed.

"I don't know what you are talking about," Bella's tone was even, but her lack of sneering pride was a sure giveaway she was lying.

"I'm many things, Bella," Andromeda chuckled darkly, once again sounding scarily reminiscent of her sister. "But stupid is not one of them. I have all the evidence I need. And I've left specific instruction that if I don't return to a specific place at a specific time, that evidence will be turned into the ministry." Her next words were dangerous, but she couldn't resist saying them anyway. "I'm sure your Dark Lord would not like that very much."

Just as she suspected, it was like poking the Whomping Willow. Her sister's nostril flared and her black eyes looked like fire as she seethed, "Careful, little sister. You're meddling with things much bigger than yourself."

Once again, Bella's words sent a chill down her spine, but all she had to do was think of Ted and her fear melted away. "Agree to my terms. Promise me you'll convince them to let me go. And that you won't come after me, or Ted, or anyone connected to us again. Promise me this, and I promise to destroy that evidence, and never speak of what I know to anyone."

No one spoke. Bella merely narrowed her eyes, locking Meda in a silent battle. One that had the Lestranges shuffling away like they were afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

It was Bella who finally spoke."Fine." Her voice carried its usual haughtiness, but there was something hollow about it. "This family is better off without you anyway."

Despite everything, Andromeda felt a jolt, like Bella's words had killed a part of her, but there was no time to linger. Not when she was so close to getting what she wanted.

"I want to make an unbreakable oath."

Bella's eyes widened in surprise, but for once, she didn't question her younger sister. Despite it being Meda's request, she couldn't help but flinch as Bella stalked toward her. Bella didn't seem to notice as she grabbed Meda's wrists in hers.

"Rabastan, would you be a dear and fetch my parents?" Bella didn't bother to look at him as she spoke, refusing to take her eyes off of Andromeda. "They should be hiding in their respective studies and parlors."

Andromeda, however, couldn't stop herself from glancing over at Rabastan. He reminded her of the first time she saw him, shadowy eyes and hallow cheeks, except that Rabastan had his head held high, the poise of confidence. This Rabastan looked like he was about to break into a thousand pieces.

The look he gave her though, was one of worry, as he glanced at Bella's death grip on Meda, then at his brother, who was staring at the two sisters with a mask of twisted amusement.

Even after everything she'd put him through, her safety was still his prime concern. It brought tears to her eyes that she hastily had to push away.

But in the end, he didn't dare defy Bella, which was why he ducked his head and slipped out of the room.

"Rodolphus," Bella snapped, still not taking her eyes off her sister. "Stop messing about and be our witness."

She saw Rodolphus' eyes flash at the way Bella ordered him about, but even didn't dare question Bellatrix Black as he pulled himself off of the wall he was leaning on and sauntered toward them.

Andromeda barely had time react before the wand tip was placed on wrist and then her hand was enveloped in fire. The fire grew hotter as they each repeated their vows, like a white-wire being pulled tighter and tigher around them. Just when she was sure her hand was going to be severed off, their vows were completed and the magic disappeared.

The moment it was done Bella ripped her hands away, like she couldn't bare to touch Andromeda's skin any longer. Without hesitating Bella turned to Rodolphus and said, "Get rid of that," she nodded her head in Lorie's direction, "before someone sees."

This, apparently, was the last straw for Rodolphus, and he seethed, "Since when do I take orders from you?"

Once again, Bella didn't bother to respond, she just glared. This time, Rodolphus didn't question it. He did, however, mutter under his breath as he grabbed Lorie's limp form and drug her over to the fireplace. Andromeda winced as he unceremoniously shoved Lorie inside. Then ge grabbed a handful of powder and muttered, "Daigon Alley." Lorie's body was enveloped in green flame, and then she was gone.

The idea of Lorie being unconscious somewhere in Daigon Alley made Meda's skin crawl, but considering what the alternative was, she supposed she should be grateful that was all that happened.

"We should move to the entry way," Bella said. "I doubt our parents even know we have a basement."

They glanced at each other for just a moment as the shared disdain for their parents passed through them, before they remembered they couldn't share those moment anymore, and then the moment was over.

They made it to the entry way just a few moments before their parents came slithering down the stairs, with Rabastan trailing behind them.

"Andromeda?" Her mother's face went from shocked to angry in half a second. "What is this? How dare your show your face here after what you have put us through?"

Her father didn't speak, but the way stood on the lower steps, towering over his daughter with a red-hot glower, told her his words would have been far stronger than her mother's had he been the one to speak.

"I couldn't agree more." Bella sauntered forward, before glancing at Andromeda in disgust. "She's a disgrace. She just admitted to me she's been cavorting with a muggleborn."

If she thought her parents looked shocked and angry before, it was nothing compared to how they looked now. At first, they looked at Bella like she had started speaking Mermish. But gradually, Bella's words began to sink in.

Her mother was still at a loss as she said, "Is this true?"

Andromeda pulse skyrocketed, but she made sure to hold her head high as she replied. "Yes."

And then their confusion turned to white-hot fury.

"You broke your engagement with Rabastan Lestrange?" Her mother screeched. "A Lestrange? For a mudblood?"

Once again she couldn't stop herself from glancing at Rabastan, but this time he wasn't looking at her. She could see him shaking though.

It was enough to make her tremble as she replied, "Yes."

She then braced herself, waiting for a more—passionate— reaction from her parents. And sure enough, her father stalked forward and grabbed her arm so tightly she gasped. Out of the corner of her, she saw Rabastan stiffen. "We're keeping you at home. Perhaps that way we can rid you of this rebellious disease that has infected you."

Before Meda could open her mouth Bella called out. "It is too late."

"Quiet, Bella." Her father began dragging her up the stairs, looking like he intended to rid her of her rebellious disease right this moment. She knew what that meant, and it nearly made her heart stop.

"How many more scandals are you going to let her put us through before you see the truth?" Bella stalked up the stairs after them. "She's a bad seed. Too broken to be fixed. She will only ever bring us shame."

It was exactly what she had asked Bella to say, and yet, every word felt like a knife being ripped through her heart.

Her father's eyes narrowed, but she could tell Bella's words hit home. No one dared speak as he stood there, thinking. Hopefully he didn't think for too long, because she was starting to lose feeling in her arm.

When he finally spoke his voice was low and quiet, like distant thunder. "Then we never let her leave. We tell the magical world she has taken ill. With nerves or some nonsense. That'll be better than the truth."

This time Andromeda's heart really did stop. She hadn't thought that was an option, but she could see the logic behind it. Having an invalid daughter was far less shameful than a blood traitor. She had no doubt her father intended to make good on his threat, which meant she would never see Ted again.

She fingered for her wand. Fighting her way out was slim, but she had to try. Before she could think of her first spell Bella exclaimed, "You want to keep her corruption in this house. Papa?" She jumped up the last few steps to reach them, so that she was eye to eye with their father. "Think of Narcissa. She's too close to Andromeda, you know that. Andromeda will corrupt her too."

Once again, her father seemed to fuming that his child was giving him advice in theis manner. But once again, he knew she was right.

Still, he shook his head. "If people find out. If they know what kind of daughter we produced—"

"They'll praise you." Bella placed a tentative hand on his arm, and to Meda's surprise he didn't shake it off. "They'll praise you for weeding out the bad crop. For maintaining your honor, our purity, above all else." She lifted her chin, her eyes glowing as she whispered, "Torjours Pur."

And with that, Bella had won. It was clear from the way her father's face hardened into a mask of resolution. Meda supposed she should be grateful. Bella had just saved her from a life of imprisonment. But her words also left a hollowness she couldn't seam to shake.

Her father released her arm so suddenly, she almost stumbled down the stairs in surprise. He then rose to his full height so he could glare down at her. "From this moment onward, you are no longer a member of the House of Black." His lip curled in disgust, like he was staring down at a particularly nasty slug. "Now get out of my sight before I change my mind."

Andromeda knew better than to try to speak, she just nodded her head and walked down the stairs. She could feel everyone's eyes boring into her, and it prickled her skin. But she kept her head held high and her eyes focused on the door. Her mother was still staring at her shock, but she could see the layers of anger and betrayal buried beneath it. She could feel Rodolphus' smirk as she walked past him, but she dared not so much as glance in his direction.

As she passed Rabastan she felt something pass between them. She wanted so desperately to take his hands in his and tell him... she wasn't even sure what she wanted to tell, but something that might stop him from looking so broken. But she dared not now, not with their family watching him. She would find a way to make things right with him, at least as right as she could make them.

She had just reached the bottom of the stairs when a shrill voice echoed down the hall. "Andromeda?"

She felt every muscle in her body tense up. Whatever happened next was going to rip the two of them apart. But she couldn't stop herself from looking back, like an actual string attached to her heart was tugging her back to her baby sister.

Andromeda!" Upon recognizing her estranged sister Narcissa raced down the stairs, but as she reached her father he thrust out a hand that stopped her in her tracks.

"Stay away from her!" he commanded.

"Why?" Narcissa glanced timidly at her father. "What's going on?"

"Andromeda has betrayed us. She is no longer your sister."

If she thought any of Bella's insults were painful, it was nothing compared to how those words felt.

Narcissa stared wordlessly at her father. Slowly, her lower lip began to tremble. "I don't understand. Meda! Meda!"

Her father reached out to grab her again, but she ducked around him and continued down the stairs. She expected Bella or her mother to stop her next, but to her surprise, it was Rabastan. He placed two firm hands on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. Meda could tell he was trying to be as gentle as possible, but Narcissa's continued struggles were making that difficult. It also looked like he was trying to calm her down, but Naricissa was having none of it.

"Meda, please, wait."

In this moment, even Ted couldn't keep her focused. She wanted nothing more than to rush forward and hold Narcissa in her arms and tell her everything was going to be alright.

But it was too late for that now, the damage was done, and every moment she lingered was another moment of pain for her sister.

Slowly, she turned and walked toward the door.

"Meda, no, please," Narcissa's broken voice called after her. "Meda! Meda!"

Tears began freely falling down her face, and soon she was choking back sobs. It was like each cry from her sister was a part of her soul being chipped away. But she didn't look back, she didn't dare.

Narcissa was still screaming her name when the door closed behind her.

It was a long walk from the door to her gate. Her tears had mostly subsided by then, but the streaks they'd left on her cheeks would take longer to fade. She couldn't stop herself from gazing at the flowers and fountains as she walked by. Earlier they had looked forebodden to her, but now, they just looked empty. Still. Lifeless. There were moments on the walk where she felt like them, especially when her sisters screams started to play in her head. It would send a new wave of tears each time.

She could have apparated once she was far enough away from the house, but even the idea was exhausting. Besides, she had no idea if Ted was still at Wimbley Field or where he had gone. It might take her some time to find him, but she would. Of that, she was certain.

She opened the gate, and then had to duck as a curse flew over her head. There was a gasp, and a minute later a gangly figure with hair like the sun stumbled out from the bushes.

He looked exactly the same as when she had left him. Wild and desperate and close to shattering, but as his shock at seeing her faded, the light returned.

The next second, their arms were around each other, squeezing tight enough to put their their broken pieces back together.

Too soon they were releasing each other though. Ted's hands didn't leave her though, they just moved to the sides of her face.

The stunned smile at finding her again faded as he noticed her bloodshot eyes.

"Are you all right?" His hands traced the tear-lines on her cheek, his caress so gentle she thought she would melt.

Despite the heaviness that lingered in her soul, she smiled. "I will be."

"Where's Lorie?" Jake's voice surprised her. She'd been so focused on Ted, she hadn't realized Jake and Olivia were with him. She should have known better than to think they would wait around for her. This must have been their version of a rescue mission.

"She's fine." Andromeda frowned. "Actually, she's probably unconscious somewhere in Daigon Alley, so we should find her. She'll be—confused— when she wakes up."

"I don't understand." Ted shook his head. "What happened in there?"

She owed him the truth, but now was too soon to relive that trauma, so insteadly she smiled serenely and replied, "It's over, that is what matters."

She took his hands in hers, and she saw a shiver pass over his body. "Do you think your mom would be alright if I stayed with you for awhile? Not forever, just until I figure some things outs."

Ted was beaming so much from her words, it was like he was about to become the sun. He didn't respond, he just leaned down and kissed her.

She sighed sweetly as she melted under his lips. Their hands quickly wrapped around each other. Ted's kisses were so joyful and warm, she'd thought she'd float away under them.

"Sorry to break up a tender moment," Jake's impatient voice pulled them apart. "But didn't you say Lorie was in a compromising situation somewhere in Daigon alley?"

Right. Lorie. They had to save Lorie.

"Sorry," she mumbled. She pulled out her wand, which reminded her. "Actually, you all can go to Daigon Alley. I need to pay a quick visit to someone."

"Someone?" Ted asked, his eyebrow cocking up.

She felt herself blush. "Lily Evans."

Ted nearly choked on his own surprise. "Evans?" His incredulity was almost comical.

She placed a hand on his arm. "I'll explain later."

His curiosity was in no way satisfied, but he nodded. Their hands intertwined one more time. The last thing she wanted to do right now was leave Ted, but it was alright. For once, she didn't have to worry about when she would see him again. Their lives had become irrevocably entangled now.

He released her hand, slowly, as they both prepared to apparate. Their eyes didn't leave each other until they were forced through that uncomfortable wind tunnel.

When she arrived on the other side, and manged to catch her breath, their was a smile on her face. And it was one even the darkest of storms couldn't take away.

THE END

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