A/N: Written for the Golden Snitch Forum - Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge. I do not own Harry Potter, It solely belongs to J.K. Rowling!

Prompt: Write about the Black Sisters

Word Count: 1000

Bellatrix stood in front of her grandfather - straight and unflinching. There was no fear in her eyes, no nervousness in the stance of her body; she was perfectly cool and composed, much in contrast to her mother's furious expression. Apparently, Heir Lestrange didn't like it one bit that his fiance was far too ambitious than he could ever be, and that Bella gave more importance to her dream of becoming a bureaucrat rather than wanting to be a simple house-wife like all other women. So, after her little stunt in the Great Hall, he'd been really quick to send an owl to his parents and inform them about her disrespectful and deplorable behaviour. That reason was enough for an emergency family meeting to be called, and let Bellatrix know the consequences of her actions.

So here she stood, in her grandfather's office, with Narcissa and Andromeda standing on either side for support, and her mother glaring at her as if she was an abomination.

"You are perfectly aware of what you've done, Bella," Arcturus spoke; each word cautious, because he was actually quite curious as to why his granddaughter took such a step.

"I am, grandfather," the eldest of the sisters spoke, and the hold of Narcissa's hand in her tightened. The youngest was absolutely terrified as if to what punishment her sister would have to endure for her reckless behaviour.

"No, you aren't!" Druella Black's voice echoed in the silent room. "If you had been, you wouldn't have pulled out a stunt like that. Wearing your hair down in front of everyone, being reckless and provoking others, just what were you thinking! I didn't teach any of you such disgraceful things."

"Bella did nothing wrong, mother." Andromeda stood up fiercely to her sister's aid. "Every word she said was right, and I think you should be proud of her rather than acting discouraging."

"How dare you talk back to me?" Druella bellowed and took a threatening step on Andromeda's direction, but Bella beat her and pulled both her sisters behind her protectively.

"You won't take another step forward, mother. I won't back down this time and let you have your way with my sisters." Bella spoke in a calm voice, which somehow pushed her mother more to the edge.

"Stand down, Druella. This isn't about you and your daughter right now. The issue is between Bellatrix and her family head." Arcturus' firm tone was enough to make Druella pull back.

"Bellatrix Black, I want to exactly know as to what you were thinking, because apparently your 'little speech' was inappropriate according to Heir Lestrange." He said, leaning back in his chair, and his brows furrowed in seriousness.

"The motive behind my actions was only to show my discouragement towards the way our society views the role of women. By letting my hair down, I wanted to rebel on how a woman is supposed to look prim and proper at every moment. The motive, however, wasn't to disrespect anyone." Bellatrix said with a deep breath. She knew the path she chose to walk upon was extremely difficult, but she certainly wasn't backing down. She wasn't doing it only for herself, but also for Andromeda, Narcissa, and every other girl who was forced to forget about her dreams in the name of marriage and family.

"But Heir Lestrange said that you insulted him in front of everyone, and didn't even acknowledge his presence," Arcturus said confusedly.

"He's lying, grandfather." Narcissa's enraged voice burst out. "He was very rude and even threatened Bella. We were all there, grandfather, and heard everything she said. Bella never disrespected Heir Lestrange." Narcissa may not have been wholly approving of Bella's ambitious plans, but it didn't mean she was letting her sister stand alone. She looked at both her sisters and got an encouraging nod from them.

"Look at what you've done, Bella! Provoking your sisters against their own mother, and now teaching them how to lie. If you aren't going to act properly and apologise to Heir Lestrange, young lady, I won't allow you back in my house." Druella said, ignoring the furious look on Arcturus' face. But before the Head of House could speak anything, the other two Blacks beat him to it.

"If you want Bella to leave, then Cissa and I would gladly join her," Andromeda spoke with fierce determination in her voice, and Narcissa nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, Bella isn't alone, mother." Seeing Narcissa coming out of her shell, and both of them standing up for her, made Bellatrix's heart swell in pride.

"What?!" Druella spluttered.

"Please don't be so surprised. Bellatrix has been more of mother to us than you ever could. So don't even think that we would choose you over her." Andi spoke.

"Everyone keep quiet!" Arcturus' voice bellowed. No one had seen him at his angry before, and now the sisters were a little concerned. "Except for Bellatrix, Narcissa and Andromeda, everyone leave immediately." It didn't take much time for others to leave. They stood in complete silence as their grandfather took his time to write a letter. Finally, he looked at the young women standing in front of him, and couldn't help but feel proud at how much they loved each other.

"I'm very proud of you Bella, and certainly of you two on how you stood up for your sister. I can't say I approve your way of showing rebellion, but I wouldn't become a hurdle in your way to achieving your dreams." He spoke, and with every word spoken, the smile on Bella's face grew wide. Picking the letter, he spoke, "I wrote this to the Head of House Lestrange, informing him that the marriage alliance between you and his son is cancelled. I don't think he's worthy of my granddaughter." Arcturus spoke and was soon engulfed in Cissa's tiny arms. Bella was crying tears of happiness and Andromeda was laughing maniacally. Finally, Bellatrix was one step closer to achieve her dreams.