Chapter 12 – The terror of choosing

August 1976

With a loud thump, the members of the Black dynasty landed on the grassy hill. It was a beautiful spot in the Austrian countryside. The sun had just risen behind the great Alps that reached all the way to the sky by the horizon. The view was spectacular, but the Blacks were not easily impressed and besides, they had other things on their minds.

"Good Merlin, Cygnus, we really need to find a better way of travelling," exclaimed Druella Black as she rubbed her backside. "I have always told you that the old Russian samovar in the living room is an unstable portkey, but you wouldn't listen, would you?"

She glared accusingly at her husband who looked deeply offended. "What do you expect me to do? There aren't any fireplaces out here in case you didn't notice."

Around them, their daughters and the rest of the family had dizzily gotten to their feet and started picking up the things that had fallen out of their hands. "Mother and father, please..." said Andromeda quickly. "Let's not start this by arguing..."

But no one heard her as her Aunt Walburga's authoritative voice entered the discussion. She pointed at her brother in a reproaching way. "The Blacks shouldn't just come collapsing into the ground. It is distinctly unworthy. You need to find a smoother portkey and soon."

"Walburga," tried her husband Orion as he was scrambling to pick up their bags. "I think you should calm down..."

She brushed him off. "Stay out of this. You can take care of the luggage." It didn't seem to matter to Walburga that her husband looked like his back would crack under the weight of the heavy suitcases. Fortunately, his sons were there to help him as Walburga kept arguing with her brother.

Meanwhile, Bellatrix was frantically brushing off her robes. "Gods, just look at me. I am green all the way up to my knickers."

"Then get rid of it and stop whining," said Andromeda impatiently, indicating her wand. Pulling her sisters with her, she ran for the slope. "Come on, I think the World Cup village is right over there!"

The international Quidditch society had chosen a good place for the World Cup this year. The stadium had been set up in a valley, by a lake, right between two mountain tops. Tents in all shapes and sizes had been placed all around the site and witches and wizards from every nationality in the world were gathered outside, singing, dancing, playing and discussing the much anticipated event that would take place that same night; the great final.

Naturally, the Blacks had brought exclusive and spacious tents with a luxurious interior. Since Aunt Walburga liked to keep things as they had always been, her tent was a smaller copy of her house at Grimmauld place.

Druella and Cygnus Black had gone to his sister's tent to have a cup of tea and the younger generation was left alone in their tent. Regulus sat on a stool, looking bored. He was not very fond of Quidditch. Sirius, who hated to be forced to stay with his parents, had snuck out to chat with some German witches they had encountered on their way into the camp. Narcissa was wandering around in the tent, looking distant, with a strangely intense expression on her face.

"What do you think about this?" Bellatrix asked Andromeda as she was coming out of their bedroom, dressed in full, black, silken robes that were hiked up to her thigh, showing off her shapely legs.

Andromeda nodded. As always, she didn't care much for clothes. "It's nice."

Bellatrix critically studied herself in the great mirror that was placed on the wall. "Don't you think it's a bit tarty? Perhaps I should take the green one instead? It's got more class."

Andromeda rolled her eyes. "Gosh, Bella, why do you care? We are here to watch sports aren't we? We are supposed to be sweating and screaming our heads off on top of a crowded bleacher. Who is going to notice how you look?"

Bellatrix smiled secretly. "Oh, it might be more important than you think."

Andromeda frowned, but during the latest months, she had learned that it was impossible to get a word out of Bellatrix whenever she was offering that smile. It was as if she had a thousand important secrets that only she knew. "Well, anyway I am glad that you decided to come with us," she said honestly. She had missed her sister during the summer, when she had spent most of her time away from their home. "Even if you hate Quidditch with every new breath."

"Oh, I wouldn't let my family down," Bellatrix assured her. Then her face darkened. "There are just some people I don't want to bump into." Andromeda knew who she was referring to. Surprisingly, her former suitor, Lucius Malfoy, had come by to pay them a call. Needless to say, Bellatrix had not been happy to see him and she had treated him with frosty politeness.

"I have no idea why he came here," she told Andromeda, frowning.

Andromeda shrugged. "I suppose he still wants to keep up the friendship with mother and father. Perhaps he plans to appease them by asking for the hand of one of their other daughters. Not me, obviously, but what abut Narcissa?"

Bellatrix chuckled. "No chance." She frowned as she watched her youngest sister, who was still walking about, deeply engrossed in her own thoughts. She leaned closer to Andromeda. "What is the matter with her?" she asked in a low voice

"I don't know. I haven't been able to speak two words of sense with her for a week or so."

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed in disapproval. "Is it Sirius?"

"What else?"


Later that evening, the clan of Black were slowly manoeuvring themselves up the stairs of the stadium. Naturally, Cygnus had used his influence to get them exclusive seats in the private boxes reserved for those who had great sums of galleons at Gringotts.

Still, Druella was complaining about how far they had to go. She complained that she would be sweaty and tired when they reached their seats. The older generation was also complaining about the many Muggle born and other filthy creatures that were given entrance to this kind of events. And as always, Regulus supported them.

Bellatrix and Andromeda were walking together, closely followed by Sirius and Narcissa. Sirius and Andromeda were still not on speaking terms and Bellatrix wouldn't talk to him unless she was under the imperius curse, so they were keeping their backs constantly turned away.

Suddenly, they all heard a familiar voice. "Hey Sirius!" As they spun, they found James Potter waving at them, from the other side of the stand, smiling widely. He was followed by some friends and Narcissa flinched slightly when she spotted Remus Lupin.

"I thought I felt the stench," muttered Bellatrix. Andromeda didn't answer, so she just shrugged and went after her parents

"When did you get here?" asked Sirius.

"Last week. We have watched every game."

Sirius looked jealous. "Ah, well, at least we come here in time for the biggest event, right?"

Potter shrugged. "Yes, but it's a bit disappointing. Can't believe England was kicked out in the group stages. It was embarrassing."

"Don't worry," said Remus. "Spain has a great team. They will at least defend our European honour."

"I am not so sure," answered Potter, frowning deeply. "Those Japs are a sneaky side and their chasers are just ruthless."

Sirius' eyes lit up in amusement as he spotted a red-haired girl standing among his friends. "Evans? Are you here with him?" He nodded at Potter and shook his head in disbelief. "Have you fallen on your head or have you finally started to give in."

Lily Evans glared darkly at him. "Very funny. I had to go with Potter, since his mum and dad would come to. My own folks would never have let me go without adult supervision."

"It's all excuses," bragged James. "Actually, she wanted nothing more than to come with me."

"Oh, shut up."

Andromeda had been listening to the conversation, but her mind had not registered what was said. Her eyes were fixed on one of the boys in the party and her heart started beating faster as he raised his hand in a greeting

"Hi, Andromeda." Ted Tonks gave her one of his warm smiles, but he looked at her with slight reservation.

"Oh, hello," she said, blushing slightly. "Are you here with them too?"

He nodded. "Yes and for the same reasons as Lily. The Potters are baby-sitting us all. And you are... here with your family." He made a knowing gesture towards the loud pack of purebloods.

"Yes, I am." Andromeda hesitated. "But afterwards... You know, there will be a lot of celebration going on and..."

They were interrupted by Aunt Walburga who was practically shrieking at her oldest son. "Out of the question! You can't abandon your family. You have come here with us and you will sit with us. You will not waste your time on that." She made a contemptuous gesture towards his friends.

"Mother, you can't stop me," said Sirius coldly. Andromeda noted that he didn't seem the least bit scared. "They are my friends and I want to be with them."

"Do you hear him?" Regulus piped up. "I keep telling you, this is how he thinks he can behave, whenever..."

Sirius pushed his younger brother aside. "Sod off, Regulus. I am leaving," he said firmly to his parents.

"You'll do no such thing!" Walburga's face was getting furious. "Are you really going to leave us? Would you leave Narcissa? Is that what a proper young gentleman would do? She is your..."

Narcissa quickly spoke up to defend her darling. "Aunt, I assure you it is all right by me. Sirius can sit with his friends during the game if he likes. We'll see each other afterwards."

Sirius gave her a look that was partly grateful, partly ashamed.

Walburga glared at him with utter loathing. "Well, he is certainly no loss to the rest of us." She waved at her husband. "Come Orion, let's not waste our time on this useless child of ours."

The Blacks were leaving and no one seemed to notice the quick, but very meaningful glance that was exchanged between Andromeda and one of the boys in the party.

Sirius quickly turned to Narcissa. "Thanks," he said sincerely.

"Forget it." She leaned closer to him, whispering in his ear: "But remember, after the game. I'll be waiting for you in my tent. Everyone else will be busy partying."

He watched her closely. "Are you really sure about this?"

"Yes! She whispered fiercely. "I have never felt more sure about anything. Please, come to me tonight."

Sirius nodded shortly. "I will." He kissed her mouth firmly and left to join his friends.


"Ah, that was just a fantastic game, wasn't it?" Narcissa exclaimed a few hours later as she was walking back towards the camp with Andromeda by her side.

"Yes, not that I know so much about Quidditch. But the Japanese team was amazing."

"Yes, I must admit that I think they deserved to win," declared Narcissa. "Their chaser used his broom like a god."

Andromeda glanced at their cheering family with amusement. All complaints seemed to be forgotten and everyone was enjoying the night. "Even Aunt Walburga seems to be impressed and that is saying something."

"Yes, all the Blacks are enraptured," laughed Narcissa. "But where is Bellatrix? I saw her just a few moments ago."

"I don't know," said Andromeda, looking around. "Maybe she was planning to see someone after the game. She'll probably show up."

Narcissa sighed with pleasure, looking up into the sky. "Gosh, just look at those stars. This whole night seems magic, don't you think?"

Andromeda glanced curiously at her younger sister. "You seem a bit... excited. Has something happened?"

"Oh, no," smiled Narcissa. "Not yet."

There was something in Narcissa's voice that Andromeda didn't really like. She was going to ask more, but Narcissa just giggled happily and ran before her into the camp where they soon blended in with the rest of the shouting, screaming people. Everyone seemed to be under the influence of some drug that made them all want to sing and dance and laugh...

Suddenly Andromeda bumped into someone and managed to send him flat on his back into the grass. It was Ted. "Oh, hello! I am sorry!" Her cheeks were red as she helped him up. Why did she always have to be so clumsy?

But she was reassured as Ted just laughed. "That's okay. Did you enjoy the game?"

"Yes, I did. Very much. You?"

He cringed slightly. "It was fine, but I am afraid I lost some galleons I had put on Spain. But I suppose it was worth it."

Andromeda looked into his blue eyes. They were warm and sparkling. Suddenly, she just felt like she couldn't keep it in anymore. This was the sort of night when everything was possible. She couldn't let it go to waste.

"Should we get some honey beer?" she asked him, indicating a stand.

He watched her closely. "If you like," he said.

Andromeda nodded and he smiled. They got two drinks and settled down in the grass, watching the crowd silently.

"Have you had a good summer?" Ted asked.

"No," Andromeda admitted.

"Why not?"

She shrugged. "We have been travelling a lot. We have been to South America and Greece. We have done a lot of things." Slowly, she raised her head, meeting his gaze. "But I haven't been able to enjoy it. I have felt like something is missing. And still, it's my own fault that I lost it."

Ted sighed deeply. He reached for her hand. "Andromeda..."

They were interrupted as they suddenly saw a great shining lighting up the air, right in front of them. It was like a great ball of fire. Suddenly, there was an explosion that sent them both to the ground. The happy cheers from the camp changed into screams of terror and panic.

"Oh, Merlin, what was that?" whispered Andromeda in shock as she tried to get to her feet.

Ted didn't answer. He was staring towards the camp. The explosion seemed to have divided the fire ball into smaller streaks of fire that were running around the grass, like wheels. They saw people from the ministry of magic trying to restore order. But there were also other people. They wore black hoods and somehow they seemed to control the fires.

That did not mean that they tried to spare the people around them, though. People were running for their lives away from the wheels of death that seemed to be spreading everywhere. The camp had turned into chaos. One of the wheels suddenly changed direction and it rolled towards Andromeda and Ted.

"Come on, we have to get out of here!" Ted started running, but Andromeda just shook her head. Her legs shivered as she started heading in the direction of the camp

"Andromeda!" Ted grabbed her arm and tried to pull her with him, but she struggled to break free.

The light of the fire brought tears to Andromeda's eyes. "No, I can't!" she cried. "My sisters...!"

"You can't go back there!"

"I must!"

Once again, she tried to run for the camp, but Ted wrenched her back, holding her tight. "There is nothing you can do for them. We must get away!"

Finally, Andromeda was forced to realize that he was right. Looking desperately at the burning camp, she turned away and ran with him, along with other frightened wizards and witches who had managed to get out of the trap.

When they had reached the hill that led towards the small lake, they stopped and looked back. By now, it looked like the streaks of fire were reaching for the sky, like giant flames.

"Andromeda!" Sirius came running, along with his friends, looking tousled and dirty. Apparently, he had forgotten that they were enemies for the time and hugged her tightly, hard enough to crack her ribs.

Andromeda broke away. "Sirius! Have you seen Narcissa!? Or Bella!?"

He glanced back towards the camp, biting his lip tightly. "They are probably with your parents. Come, run for the lake! Peter, James, Remus, this way!"

But Potter didn't follow. His face was pale as he watched a girl who had been trapped between two of the wheels of fire. "Lily!" Not caring about the danger, he ran towards her.

The panicked girl discovered him. "James!"

"Aqua!" bellowed Potter and the force behind his spell created a small opening in the fire. Lily managed to jump through. Potter grabbed her by the arm and they ran along with the others, towards the lake.

Once they stopped, she broke away from him, slapping him hard across the face. "You stupid fool! Why did you do that?"

Potter stared at her, dumbfounded. "Why what? I just saved you from being incinerated!"

Lily just shook her head, speaking rapidly. "Oh, Merlin, that is just like you, Potter! You with that big, fat, arrogant head of yours! You just had to jump in and play the hero, didn't you?"

Potter was looking angry and shocked at the same time. "Excuse me? You don't have to smother me with your gratitude!"

"Gratitude! I didn't threaten you with my wand to risk your bloody life!" Lily pounded angrily against his chest. "You are such a stupid, brainless, overconfident..." And then she suddenly broke down in sobs. She fell against Potter's shoulder, wailing loudly. He looked even more stunned, but then his arms went around her form, holding her tight.

Remus, Peter and Sirius were staring at them with a look of shock clearly painted over their faces. James seemed to have managed to do the impossible.

Andromeda and Ted were not watching. They had turned to look back over the camp, where screams and cries could still be heard. But the streaks of fire had somehow gathered, forming a pattern over the lawn. Andromeda watched it and realized that they were making a sentence of letters.

She squinted as she slowly put the flaming words together. "Ego sum... Lord Voldemort. What does that mean?" she asked Ted in confusion.

"It's Latin," he said in confusion. "I used to study it in the Muggle school when I was younger. It means I am Lord... Death... deathflight, or something like that."

Andromeda shook her head in absolute confusion. She had no idea what that was supposed to tell her. Who was it directed to. And what sort of creature was this Lord Deathflight? But before she could ask anything more, the pattern of fire suddenly changed, spelling a new sentence.

"What does that mean?" she asked him.

Ted watched the pattern and his face hardened. "It says that the pure shall rule."

Another explosion was heard and everyone cried out in panic, even if they were safe by the lake. A chorus of voices were heard, chanting "Morsmordre!" Suddenly, the sentence was dissolved and an image took its place. It looked like a huge skull with a long, flaming snake slithering out of its mouth.

Everyone stared in horror at the unfamiliar picture. No one knew what it signified and yet it was enough to frighten everyone. Andromeda felt a wave of nausea. She didn't know what had just happened or what was going to happen. Her sisters could be dead. Her parents could be dead. She didn't even know whether she would live for another hour, another minute. Suddenly, she realized how precious life was.

Instinctively, she turned to the young man by her side. "Ted," she started quickly, talking so rapidly that she almost tripped on the words. She had to tell him now or it might be too late. "I don't know what is happening here or what is going to happen, but I just... I just need you to know that I was such an idiot...for thinking that your blood made any difference."

She quickly grabbed his hand, clutching it tightly. "I thought that if I kept away, I would forget about you. But I couldn't. I can't. I shouldn't have cared about what anyone would think. Not even my family. Because I really wanted to be with you. I really want to be with you..."

Ted looked slightly stunned. Then he smiled slightly, putting his hands on her shoulders. "We better make use of whatever time we have left then."

His lips found her mouth, kissing her hard. Andromeda's arms went around his neck, pulling him closer. In that moment, she forgot everything. She was only aware of the fact that she was alive and that this boy was with her. Her head sank down against his shoulder and they held each other tightly. From that moment, she knew that there was no turning back.

Finally, she pulled away, slightly dazed. Ted kept watching her closely and he didn't let go of her waist. Andromeda suddenly discovered that Sirius was watching them. His face was resolute.

"Are you all right?" she asked him.

He nodded. "Fine." He indicated the camp, where most of the screams had silenced. "Things seem to have calmed down over there. I think we should go and see what we can do."

He gave them a long glance before turning towards his friends. James Potter and Lily Evans were kissing each other deeply and seemed to have no intention of ever letting go. Sirius quietly turned on his heel, wandering back towards the camp.


"Narcissa?"

The blonde girl flinched and turned around, but let out a deep sigh of relief as she realized that she was standing face to face with her betrothed. Fortunately, the Black's tents had been spared by the fire and she had returned to them as quickly as possible to see if he would meet her there like he had promised.

She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I was so worried about you. I saw you running away from the camp..."

"I am fine," he assured her. "And so is Andromeda. She was with me. We hid by the lake. What about you?"

"I am all right," she said. "Me and my parents ran out from the other side. But it was a bit strange actually... One of the fire wheels came towards us, but it didn't seem to touch us. It was like there was some spell on it that kept it away. Who do you think did it?"

"I don't know. I know there are some mad people out there, but this..." Sirius grimly shook his head. "Let's hope the ministry can find the bastards and send them straight to Azkaban."

"Leave that to the Aurors. Now come inside." She grabbed his hand, pulling him inside the tent. "We can still end the night like we had planned, can't we?" She pulled him with her, towards the back space of the tent, where the bedrooms were placed. It was strange, but after what had happened, she found that she longed for him even more than ever. It could be their only chance.

But to her surprise, Sirius stopped. He wouldn't go along. "No," he said firmly. "I can't do this," he clarified, seeing her look of surprise.

Narcissa bit her lip, looking disappointed. "You have changed your mind then? You don't want to anymore? Maybe this isn't the right time?"

"No, I... I mean, I... Yes. I have changed my mind. I can't do this anymore, Narcissa. I just can't go on pretending."

"Pretending?" She stared at him.

Sirius sighed, pulling a hand through his hair looking pained. "I can't go on pretending that I am in love with you. You deserve better than that. After tonight, I have realized that life is too short for games."

Narcissa's face had become ghostly pale.

"Please don't hate me for this," he pleaded. "I like you, Cissy, I really do. You are beautiful and sweet and caring. You have so many good sides and I care so much for you." He sighed deeply. "I just can't marry you," he said quietly.

Narcissa bit her lip, swallowing tightly. "Go," she said, her voice choked, but still controlled. "Get out."

"Please..." He took a step towards her, reaching out his hand. "At least let me explain..."

But she slapped his hand away with a force that immediately made him stop. "Get out I said," she repeated in a hiss that was almost desperate.

He sighed as he realized that there was nothing else to do. He had made his decision. Silently, he turned and walked out of the tent that belonged to the ancient and most noble house of Black.


Sheltered by a tent that was only spoiled by half, Bellatrix pulled her hood down. Her dark eyes were glittering as she stared at the sky where the dark mark was still clearly showing, painted by flames.

It is so beautiful, she thought. And it is a symbol to everyone what we stand for. It symbolizes our power. Our strength.

She whirled around as she heard steps behind her. If she was discovered, she would be forced to obliviate them. To her relief, it was the Lestrange brothers who were coming towards her over the muddy field.

She smiled at them. "Hello, boys. Not a bad night's work, was it?"

"My lord has talked to us," said Rabastan abruptly.

Bellatrix frowned. "About what."

The brother's exchanged a look, before Rudolphus spoke up. "Me and my brother intended to have a duel tonight after the mission was done. We would fight for the right to your hand." He indicated his wand by his belt. "But the lord says that he doesn't want his followers to fight amongst themselves. He said that the honour of choosing belonged to you."

Bellatrix was quiet and Rabastan continued. "So, it's all up to you, my lady. We have both sworn to the lord that we will accept your decision, no matter what. Will you make the choice, or do we have to fight a duel against the Lord's wishes?"

Bellatrix glanced towards the mark on the sky, then she turned back to the Lestranges, smiling widely. "No duel is necessary," she assured them. "Besides, I have already made my choice."