HPFC: 5 Drabbles Comp [vacant],Rubiks'cube[yellow: dress]
Usually, birthdays aren't a big deal in her family. However, this year is her eleventh, she'll be off to Hogwarts in a few months, and that is apparently an occasion to celebrate. So her parents say.
She should have known they'd be wrong.
Her sisters help her dress up in an uncomfortable doll-dress, fussing over her hair and jewelry as if anyone would look twice at her. When her mother calls her out, though, Bellatrix tells Narcissa to go on and tell their parents that they'll be with her shortly.
Her eldest sister perches on the edge of her bed. "Are you excited?"
Andromeda nods listlessly, because she knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but she doesn't thinks she'll enjoy it. She feels empty. Like there's big space inside of her that used to be full but is now vacant. To be fair, it started with her. It isn't just about getting scolded. It's silent treatment, verbal jabs at unexpected moments, and the little comments that hurt the most.
Her sister grips her by the shoulders and looks her in the eyes. "Look, I know I've yelled at you before, and I'm not going to say you didn't deserve it, but…try your best, please. You know how lucky we are to be Blacks? Every other witch and wizard wishes they were us. You'll understand when you start school, but for now, please trust me."
She nods, because she knows this is her sister's way of showing she cares, and walks out numbly.
"The first guest has arrived, and he really wants to talk to you, " Narcissa says, smiling proudly. Andromeda wanders who that could be when Rabastan walks over. "Happy birthday," he says, the faintest trace of red colouring his cheekbones. "Is there anywhere we can go that isn't so crowded?"
She takes him to her room. He presents her with a messily-wrapped package. "My mother let me pick it out. I hope you like it."
She thanks him, slits the tape and lets the item inside fall onto her lap. It's a dress, pale lavender with tiny silver sequins, and absolutely breathtaking. "This is for me?" she whispers.
He nods. "Try it on?"
She does, admiring her reflection in the bathroom mirror before she steps out to show him.
"You look stunning," he breathes, blushing now.
They sit there and talk while the party gets started, because he fills that vacant space in her. He listens to her. He makes her feel loved.
That isn't something anyone else has ever done.