"Do you remember when you left for school?"
Andromeda jumps violently at the sound of her sister's voice from just behind her. For endless years, she has been alert constantly; living in war means an early end to childhood and a threat around every corner. Her guard is down for just a moment, as she watches her grandson board the gleaming scarlet train, as she gazes at the puffs of smoke. One moment was all it took.
(i'll never forget)
"I was devastated," Narcissa's soft voice continues behind her. "I was alone at home with Mother, always imagining you and Bella having grand adventures, with only Regulus to distract me now and then."
Andromeda is paralyzed, fighting memory. She doesn't turn to look; she doesn't have to. She can see the other woman in her mind; as she is now, yes, but also as she was at nine, with a shine in her eye, flowers in her hair, welcoming them home from school. For a brief second, she wonders why her past won't leave her alone; then she realizes that her past is still alive, embodied in the woman who stands only a matter of feet away.
"Draco's son is going to Hogwarts in eight years." Now Narcissa's tone is bit more brisk, with less nostalgia tinting her voice. "Scorpius Pollux. A lovely child."
(but i'll never have—)
It tips the scale. With a fraction of pause and an angry exhale, she breaks. Malice bubbles and pours over, like lava. It's been held in for too long.
"That's wonderful. Do you have him over for tea, Narcissa? How does he get along with Lucius – with Grandfather? Of course, he adores his parentsHe's got the perfectlife, doesn't he, the lovely child? He's got the perfect family."
(—and i'll never forgive)
Andromeda feels the recoil through the air; she doesn't have to look over her shoulder. There is no remorse for her words; she meant each one.
Without a glance, she turns to leave the platform, walking away from Narcissa for the fourth time. Curiously, no weight is lifted from her chest, as she expected after such a rant. If anything, she feels heavier, as though another stone has been placed somewhere near her heart, and she's not sure that she can keep carrying this weight.
