Chapter 4 – Disastrous double date
"Do I look all right?" Bellatrix asked her sister nervously as she adjusted the collar of her robe.
Andromeda glanced at her older sister with irritation. "For the umpteenth time, yes."
"You know, you could try to sound a little bit more convincing."
Andromeda sighed. "Excuse me. You are looking fabulous. Stunning. Striking. Marvellous. Like you always do."
She was well aware that her tone of voice wasn't exactly nice, but she couldn't help it. She was sick to death of the subject of beauty and looks. For the whole week, Bellatrix and Narcissa had talked about nothing except the visit to Hogsmeade the following weekend. And they had prepared themselves with a passion that Andromeda found plain and simply fanatic.
Bellatrix had put herself on a strict diet of fruit and water to look as thin and gorgeous as possible and in Andromeda's eyes, it was a miracle that her sister hadn't died from malnutrition. She had taken beauty potions that smelled ghastly, she had washed her hair in rain water and taken icy showers that would make her skin elastic.
Narcissa on the other hand did not seem to have slept at all during the week. She had been nervous and distant and dreamy and anyone could tell that her school work must be suffering. This morning, she had gotten up at five to prepare herself and she had been fighting like cats with Bellatrix over the mirror.
Andromeda thought they were both behaving insanely, but she had to admit the result of their efforts was pretty good. Bellatrix's blue dress robes encircled her tall form perfectly and her hair hung freely along her shoulders in shining, black ringlets. Narcissa had braided her blonde hair with sea green ribbons that agreed with her sweeping silken robes. She was walking a few feet after her sisters with Sirius by her side and from the look on her face; you could tell that she was extremely content.
Bellatrix and Andromeda had hurried their steps, partly because they knew that Narcissa wanted her new fiancé to herself, but also because Bellatrix was eager to get to Hogsmeade on time. Lucius Malfoy was not a man who would approve of late arrivals.
The little village was full of Hogwarts students, as it usually was during these weekends when they were allowed a short breath of air from the school environments. As always, Andromeda felt a wave of warmth and excitement as she spotted the small shops and houses. Bellatrix seemed slightly too tense to enjoy it though.
They steered their steps towards The Hog's Head and entered. It was lively inside the pub, but the atmosphere seemed good. Bellatrix spotted a tall, blond man standing by the counter. She pinched Andromeda's arm. "There he is!"
But when Andromeda made a move to approach the man, she held her back. "Not yet. I want to say hello to him on my own. You can stay behind."
Andromeda cringed, but reluctantly agreed. She went out through the doors again to wait for Sirius and Narcissa. They showed up just a few moments later. Andromeda frowned as she saw them, walking side by side. Narcissa was clearly in heaven, but Sirius was looking slightly uncomfortable. Andromeda felt a pang of guilt as she remembered her own part in the business. Perhaps Sirius was just nervous? Anyone would be on their first date with a girl they were supposed to marry.
Together they went inside the pub. Bellatrix was standing next to Lucius Malfoy and her nervousness seemed to have vanished completely. Her arm was draped over his shoulders and a confident, seductive smile was playing on her lips. Malfoy did not seem to mind it at all. He smiled widely when they approached.
Andromeda had nothing against Lucius Malfoy. In fact, he was one of the more reasonable people from their parents' acquaintances. He was a handsome young man of twenty; tall and slender and blond with glittering blue eyes. He was also very charming and polite, at least to people from his own class. Still, she thought he was quite dull and his haughty attitude annoyed her. Bellatrix seemed sure that he was the man of her life though and Andromeda supposed she could have made worse choices.
"You remember my sisters, Andromeda and Narcissa, don't you?" said Bellatrix.
"How could I forget?" Lucius smiled and bowed to them. "I am honoured to see you again, my dear ladies."
It was the kind of exaggerated courtesies that would always make Andromeda cringe, but a glare from Bellatrix made her able to smile back and reply politely: "Thank you. It's good to see you to." Narcissa said something similar and Malfoy's eyes roamed over to her.
"You have really grown up, Narcissa. You look lovely in that dress."
"Oh, thank you so much," said Narcissa. She was smiling, but anyone could tell that she had barely been listening to the compliment. She found it hard to tear her attentions away from Sirius who was standing by her side.
"You remember our cousin Sirius as well, I hope?" Bellatrix asked. "He and Narcissa have just been betrothed."
Narcissa blushed proudly and Sirius squirmed. Lucius raised his eyebrows. "Really? Allow me to congratulate you." His eyes went to Sirius. "You are a lucky man."
"You don't need to tell me that," said Sirius lightly.
Andromeda could tell that he was uncomfortable. He didn't like Lucius Malfoy, who he considered a patronizing and self-important oaf. Lucius on the other hand was certainly not unaware of Sirius' rebellion against his family.
Suddenly, there was a certain tension in the air and Bellatrix didn't seem to like it. Quickly, she spoke up with amusement. "And of course our dear Andromeda has come all alone. Really, wasn't there anyone you could pay or jinx to take you? You are not that bad, are you?"
Andromeda glared at her. "Maybe I wanted to go by myself."
"A poor excuse."
"She is telling the truth," Sirius said firmly, speaking up for his cousin. "I told her my friend James Potter would gladly have went with her, but she turned him down."
"I don't like to go out with boys who are pining for other girls," said Andromeda ironically.
"Potter?" said Lucius with faint distaste. "Isn't he that dreadful Quidditch player?"
"Exactly," Bellatrix said. "Well, then I understand you better, Andromeda. Even you are too good for that git."
Sirius glared darkly at her and once again, there was tension among them. This time Narcissa saved them by asking Sirius if Regulus would be joining them? Of course it was a silly question since everybody knew that Sirius and his brother never talked unless they had to. Sirius admitted that he had no idea.
"Well, let's see if he will show up sooner or later then," said Lucius lightly. "Should we sit down?"
They chose a table by the windows and ordered themselves some honey broth. A slow, polite conversation ensued. "So, how are things at Hogwarts this autumn then?" Lucius asked. "I am eager for gossip from my dear old school."
"Oh, it's the usual business," said Bellatrix dismissively. "McGonagall is still the worst hag ever born and Dumbledore is still keeping the mudbloods under his protective wings." She kept her eyes focused on Sirius and smiled in satisfaction when he stiffened like a fork.
"But of course he does," said Lucius and cringed. "He knows it's the only way to keep them from failing at every subject. That would certainly not reflect very nicely on himself. But what can you expect from such inferior breeding?"
"Indeed." Bellatrix smiled sweetly as she noticed the bright red colour on Sirius' cheeks.
Andromeda cleared her throat "So, I understand that you are working at the ministry now?" she asked Lucius, attempting to change the subject.
He shrugged casually. "Oh, it's just some minor assignments. The ministry are concerned about the increased rate of pureblood people who are inflicting their children with muggle culture. It is quite tedious, but at least it makes the time pass. I am not the sort of man who will sit by and enjoy my inheritance."
That was probably true, Andromeda realized. To Lucius Malfoy's credit, he certainly didn't seem like the kind of rich young men who went through life without lifting a finger and spent their time wasting their money. He was someone who wanted to achieve something and increase his fortune by himself. Without doubt, Bellatrix found that attractive.
He leaned back in his chair next to Bellatrix and turned his attention to her sisters. "So what about you then girls? What are your plans? Of course, your future seems cut out already, Narcissa."
The young girl blushed and glanced at Sirius whose smile was stiff and rigid like iron.
"You will marry as soon as you leave school of course?" Lucius continued.
Narcissa glanced unsurely at her betrothed. "Well, yes... That's what our parents think we should do."
"Ah. And you will be living at Grimmauld Place?" His voice was casual, but there was something cautious in his eyes as he looked at Sirius.
"That is tradition," he answered shortly.
"A splendid tradition," Lucius said amiably. "It is such a magnificent house. A perfect setting for the new head of the Blacks and his lovely lady."
His voice sounded innocent enough, but there was a subtle mockery in his voice. "What about your own house then?" Sirius challenged him. "Isn't it about time for you to bring some equally lovely lady there?"
Lucius smiled, completely unmoved. "All in good time. A Malfoy does not like to rush into his decisions. But I am sure I will find someone who will be suited to look after my house... sooner than you may think." His eyes casually flickered around the table and Bellatrix giggled in delight.
"Just make sure to give her a map at first or she will get lost in those corridors," said Sirius harshly and took a drink from his mug.
"What about you, Andromeda?" asked Lucius. "You say you don't have a boyfriend? Isn't there anyone you have set your eyes on?"
The question was embarrassing, but before Andromeda could answer, she was interrupted by Bellatrix. "Andromeda doesn't like boys. She doesn't really like girls either. Actually, I think the only person she really likes is herself."
Colour rose to Andromeda's cheeks. "I think you are confusing me with one of my sisters, Bellatrix. If I wanted a boyfriend, I would get one. We aren't all as desperate as you."
"She keeps saying that..." said Bellatrix sweetly.
"But surely, there must be someone you have on your mind?" Lucius insisted. "Some handsome and pure boy? You are a Black after all."
Once again, Bellatrix answered, before Andromeda could open her mouth. "Andromeda is not interested in marriage. She has other plans. She thinks she can become a healer." She pronounced the word like it had been some absurd muggle device.
"I can speak for myself," Andromeda said coldly.
"A healer you say?" Lucius frowned. "Do you have the grades to do that?"
"They need a slight improvement," Andromeda admitted. "But if I do well on my OWL I think I have a good chance."
"Yes, like one in the million," Bellatrix chuckled.
"Which is still a far better chance than you would ever have, Bellatrix."
Lucius ignored their sarcasm. "Healing is a noble profession. I wish you luck."
"Thank you." Andromeda smiled at him and gave Bellatrix a look of triumph.
They were interrupted as a skinny boy in sweeping robes approached their table, completely out of his breath. When he saw Malfoy, he stopped so abruptly that he almost fell over the table.
Lucius raised his eyebrows. "Well, if it isn't Regulus?"
The young boy nodded. His eyes were wide with excitement. "I was hoping I'd catch you here. He turned his head and nodded quickly at his cousins. "Hello, Bellatrix. Andromeda. Narcissa." Deliberately, he left out his brother who was also sitting by the table.
Bellatrix and Lucius made room for him next to them and he gladly accepted. Regulus was a great admirer of Lucius Malfoy, who he considered to be a "perfectly respectable and honourable wizard." He was probably the sort of young man he would have preferred to have as an older brother.
"So how are you doing at school then?" Lucius asked amiably.
Regulus seemed delighted to have the older man's attention. He stretched himself and as always when he tried to impress someone, he used the sort of language you would not expect from a boy of his age. "Oh, not so good I am afraid. The moral decay of Hogwarts is becoming worse with every new year. It is certainly not easy for us of decent backgrounds to make our voices heard."
"But what about your group? Have you not been making any progress?"
"We have held some meetings, we try to do what we can," Regulus answered and added with deep regret: "But I am afraid we are too few. We are just not enough and unfortunately, people are unwilling to support us, probably because they are afraid of Dumbledore's wrath."
Andromeda frowned in confusion. "What kind of group is this?"
Regulus glanced with surprise at Bellatrix who pretended like she hadn't heard the question. Regulus cleared his voice and told her solemnly: "It's a group of pureblood wizards and witches. It was founded many years ago by a student called Tom Riddle and his followers. We consider it our goal to clean up the mud that has infected our honourable school."
"Better start with yourselves then," Sirius muttered, glaring with disgust at his brother.
"We will not give up until we have cleaned out every last grain of dirt from Hogwarts," Regulus continued, as if he hadn't heard his brother's interjection. "We want to be rid of all mudbloods from all houses – and those who defend them."
Sirius face turned red with anger. "People like me, you mean?" he said empathically. "Your brother, Regulus. You know, I am sitting here in front of you, even if you seem determined to ignore my existence."
Reluctantly, Regulus turned his cold eyes to Sirius. "The fact that we are brothers changes nothing. Like I have always said, nothing must stand in our way. No private feelings must cloud our judgement in our quest to do what is right."
Sirius snorted and shook his head in disbelief. "You sound like one of those bloody magical parrots. When are you going to pull your head out of your arse? Have you ever had a single independent thought in your life? Have you ever done anything that someone else didn't tell you first?"
"You are only trying to provoke me because you don't know how else to defend yourself," said Regulus resolutely with a slight pink nuance painted over his cheeks. "I will not stoop to that level. It is worthy of people like you and your unnatural so called friends that you love so much."
"I am glad you have finally realized they are my friends," said Sirius coldly. "And you are right, I do love them a hell of a lot more than I have ever loved you."
Narcissa had gone pale, shaken by the unpleasant conversation. Bellatrix and Lucius were both listening quietly, while their eyes had slowly turned into narrow slits. Andromeda did her best to raise her voice. "Now, listen here boys..."
But she was silenced by her youngest cousin's shrill voice. "He even admits that he is a traitor! I feel for our poor mother and father. It will break their hearts to find out..."
Sirius slammed his fist into the table, making everyone flinch. "They have no hearts, Regulus!" he spat. "And that's how they raised you. That is why you have turned into this brainwashed idiot we see before us."
Regulus gritted his teeth tightly together. "You will regret those words. When our time has come and your friends have been destroyed..."
That was too much for Sirius. He was on his feet in an instant, reaching over the table to grab his younger brother's collar. "Destroyed?" he hissed. "And who will destroy them then, Regulus? Would that be you? Why don't you start by cleaning up in the family? Why don't you start with me?"
His voice rose for every new word until he was practically screaming in his brother's face. By now, every single pair of eyes inside the pub had turned in their direction. Narcissa looked like she was about to cry and even Bellatrix looked shaken.
Andromeda managed to grab Sirius' shoulder and pulled him away from his brother. "Stop it!" she said sharply. "This won't make it better."
Narcissa grabbed his other arm and with mutual forces, they pulled their cousin backwards. It wasn't easy; Sirius' fury seemed to have given him the strength of a lion. Regulus was leaning on Bellatrix. He looked tousled and humiliated. His eyes burned.
"I feel sorry for you, Narcissa," he spat. "Such a cruel fate to be promised to this faithless savage."
His words ignited a new flame of anger in Sirius who struggled to break away from his cousins. "Oh yes, and you would suit so much better, wouldn't you?" he snarled. "My house, my bride; that's what you really want isn't it? You want it so much you would kill to get it!"
Lucius Malfoy gave Sirius a look of cold contempt. "If you can't behave like a proper Black among civilized wizards, I suggest you leave now."
"I was just on my way." Sirius jerked away from Andromeda and Narcissa. He turned on his heel and left the pub without so much as a word.
Andromeda and Narcissa glanced at each other and then they headed after him. But they had not made it far, when Lucius grabbed them both. "Let him go," he said coldly. "It's not worth it."
Narcissa's blue eyes overflowed and she stumbled blindly towards the ladies' room. Andromeda tried to get past Lucius. "I just wanted to talk to him," she said in annoyance.
"Don't you dare!" Bellatrix came up and stood next to Lucius. She glared at her sister. "If this didn't convince you of what he is made of, I don't know what will. You are not going after him or I will flay you alive."
"Don't pity him, Andromeda," Regulus said coldly, glaring after his brother. "He doesn't deserve it from you. There is a black sheep in every family."
