Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling
Chapter 4
"It's my wedding so it's my decision to make." Bellatrix snapped.
"A summer wedding would be much more pleasant." Druella replied.
"I want winter."
Almost a week had passed now since Andromeda's dinner with Rabastan. It was now Monday morning, and Andromeda was seated at breakfast with her sisters and parents. Bella and their mother were currently arguing about wedding dates.
"It won't be convenient." Druella shot her eldest daughter a resigned look. "Yet, I suppose we could make it work." She thought for a moment. "We will have to send the invitations out rather soon if we are are planning for December though, which of course we must if you want your sisters to be home."
Mrs. Black probably could have gone on for another hour, but she was interrupted when three owls flew through the open window to the dining room.
The first dropped today's issue of The Daily Prophet in the center of the table, the second dropped two letters by Andromeda and Narcissa respectively, and the third dropped Narcissa's copy of Witch Weekly by her.
Andromeda drew in a deep breath. Here they were.
"Those look like Hogwarts letters. Open yours, Andie. Let's see that Head Girl badge." Bella mocked. She had never had much respect for Hogwarts authority figures—or any authority figures for that matter.
Andromeda normally would have joked back with Bella, but her attention was on her younger sister, who was currently reading her magazine.
"Well?" Bella questioned.
Andromeda tore her gaze away from Narcissa and the magazine. "Right, sorry." She said and reached for the envelope. Sure enough, when she opened it and removed the letter, a badge fell out with it.
"Well done, Andromeda." Her mother stated in a practically monotone voice.
"Yes, well done, Andie." Bella threw in sarcastically.
Cygnus was too wrapped up in some article in the paper to even notice that anything had occurred, and Narcissa was staring at her magazine in disbelief. Andromeda had a feeling she knew what had shocked her sister.
Druella was still in the dark. "Narcissa, dear, what on earth could be causing you to gape like that?"
Narcissa looked up. "Andie is in here." She said gesturing at a spot on the page.
"Me? Why in Merlin's name would I be in Witch Weekly?" Andromeda questioned, feigning ignorance.
Narcissa handed the magazine over to her and pointed to a small article on a page in what appeared to be the gossip section.
Rabastan Lestrange and Andromeda Black?
Of course, by now we all know of the engagement of Rodolphus Lestrange and Bellatrix Black, but what of their younger siblings? Yes, Rabastan Lestrange and Andromeda Black (both starting their seventh years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in September) were trying to keep their relationship private, but it only worked for so long before this reporter caught on.
The couple was spotted sharing a romantic dinner this past Wednesday evening at The Ignatia Wildsmith Inn. Their absolute adoration for each other was clearly visible to any onlooker. They sat for hours laughing and talking (and sharing a few lustful kisses.)
Lestrange, a charming young wizard, has never been one for long-term relationships in the past, but clearly the classically beautiful Miss Black has changed this flirtatious bachelor. Sources claim that the two had never seemed particularly close previously to this sighting, but clearly, this was an elaborate act. How long has this secret affair been going on? Why has it been a secret? Could it be that another Lestrange-Black engagement could be on the horizon?
Andromeda fought the urge to smirk. It was just what she'd hoped for.
"Let me see that." Druella demanded, reaching out for the magazine. Her eyes scanned the page quickly before she looked up at her daughter again. "Andromeda, would you care to explain?"
Andromeda took a breath in before spouting out the story she'd arranged with Rabastan. "It started over the winter holidays last year. Rabastan and I didn't want to say anything to anyone until we were certain we were serious about each other, and then we decided to wait until after Bellatrix and Rodolphus's engagement was announced. We were planning to tell people before we went back to school though."
"So, this relationship, it is serious, then?" Druella questioned.
Andromeda swallowed. "Yes, I care for him a great deal." She thought she may gag.
Druella looked content. "Well, I can't say this is bad news. It's an agreeable match." For a moment, Andromeda thought her mother might even smile.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Narcissa asked.
"Yes, really. Why didn't you?" Bella added with a smirk plastered on her face. She saw through all of this, of course.
Andromeda felt bad lying to Narcissa, but she knew she had to. Bella would understand everything perfectly, but Cissy would not. She viewed marriage as sacred. Clearly, Andromeda did not. "Oh, you know. I just didn't want to get your hopes up if it didn't work out." Andromeda said through what she could only hope was a convincing smile.
The rest of the meal was fairly uneventful. They exhausted the topic of Andromeda's "relationship" surprisingly quickly, and moved on to other things. Narcissa opened her school letter and found out that she'd made Prefect. Bella and their mother continued arguing about various wedding details. Yet through all of this, Andromeda had a hard time focusing. She was amazed by how easily all of this had gone over. Perhaps, it would all be even easier than she'd thought.
"Well, well, I wonder who came up with this brilliant idea." Bellatrix walked into Andromeda's room without knocking.
Andromeda sighed, putting down the journal she'd been writing in. "It was a good idea." She stated., giving her sister credit.
"Obviously." Bella threw herself down on the bed. "You should get dressed by the way."
"Oh?" Andromeda questioned.
"We're leaving in fifteen minutes." Bella said.
"And where are we going?" Andromeda asked.
"To visit my fiance and your boyfriend."
Andromeda rolled her eyes. "Firstly, Rabastan is not actually my boyfriend." She shuddered at the thought. "Secondly, why?"
"Well, everyone else is going to be calling him that now so you might as well get used to it. And as for why, I'm going to avoid wedding conversations with mother and you're going to show mother and father that your 'relationship' is real."
Andromeda sighed. "I'll be ready in five minutes."
Once they reached their destination, Rodolphus was waiting for Bella in the foyer. Andromeda didn't want to interrupt anything with them so she quickly found out that Rabastan was in his room and headed in that direction. Thanks to the ball a couple of weeks ago, she knew where it was.
She found it in good time given the size of the house. Andromeda took a second to smooth her robes before knocking.
"Come in." She heard a voice call from inside, and upon opening the door, she was surprised to see that it was not Rabastan inside but her cousin, Evan. "If you're looking for your beloved, he went to find a house-elf to make us lunch." He said, swirling hid drink aimlessly in his hand.
"A little early to be drinking, don't you think?" Andromeda said, eying what was most likely Fire Whiskey.
He glanced at his wristwatch. "It's after twelve."
"So, any time that's not the morning is an acceptable time to drink?"
"Even the morning on some occasions." He said after a moment of contemplation. "Oh, by the way, I'm mad at you." Evan added.
"Really? Why is that?" Andromeda questioned.
"My cousin and my best friend are in a relationship—and I find out about it from my mother."
"We didn't tell anyone." Andromeda stated in her defense.
Evan shook his head. "Yes, but I'm supposed to be special."
"Next time I'm in a secret relationship with one of your best friends, you'll be the first one I tell." Andromeda said. "Happy?"
"Quite." He took another sip of his drink and chuckled slightly. "I'll admit I never would have seen this coming."
"Why?" Andromeda questioned. Despite appearing calm, she actually found that statement unnerving. She'd been worried that people at school might find the relationship unbelievable.
"Oh, come one. You—Miss If I Don't Do Everything Perfect I'll Explode—and Rabastan Lestrange."
"Yes, well, I think you'd be surprised. We happen to have quite a bit in common." She responded.
"Oh, I'm sure." She said with serious doubt.
Just then, the bedroom door swung open with such force that Andromeda had to jump back in order to avoid being hit by it. Judging my Evan's laughter, he found this quite amusing.
"Get up. We're leaving. There's no edible food in this house." Andromeda couldn't see Rabastan as he was blocked by the door, but from the tone of his voice she could tell he was quite frustrated.
Evan was still smiling. "By no 'edible food', he means 'no steak.'" He spoke to her, before turning to his friend. "Your girlfriend is here. You almost just hit her with a door. It was quite funny."
Rabastan walked further into the room to be able to see her. He offered her a smirk. "Come with us then, we're going to lunch."
Evan groaned. "No, we're not. Going to lunch involves getting off the couch."
"Fine, then. You stay with your couch, and I'll take my girlfriend to lunch." Rabastan responded.
"But I want food." Evan protested.
"I'm afraid you'll have to choose between the couch and food."
Evan sighed and got up. "Food."
"Well let's go then." Rabastan said, holding the door open.
They trio ended up at a small upscale cafe on the outskirts of Diagon Alley. And, since the weather was agreeable, they were seated to one of the outdoor tables with the large umbrellas over them offering shade.
"This isn't nearly as comfortable as the couch." Evan complained under his breath as he sat down in the hard metal seat.
"Ah, if only Hogwarts offered a class in laziness—you might actually pass something for once." Rabastan said dryly.
"Hey, I passed potions last year." Evan pointed out indignantly.
"Yes, but how much did your father bribe Slughorn?"
"Enough for me to pass." Evan admitted.
Andromeda had been trying to get Evan to take school seriously for years with no avail. Apparently, he simply didn't see the point. He knew that his father would get him a job at the ministry no matter how poorly he did in school and he preferred sleeping to attending his classes. That was that.
"So, what do you think the defense professor will be like this year?" She questioned, wanting to change the subject.
"Knowing Dumbledore, probably some inept mudblood." Evan speculated.
"All I know is that Travers offered to take over the job at the end of last year, and Dumbledore told him that he already had someone in mind." Rabastan stated.
Rhiseart Travers had been a seventh year when they were in their first year. His proficiency in the dark arts was no secret.
"It's gonna be an inept mudblood. I'll bet you." Evan challenged Rabastan.
Rabastan rolled his eyes. "I'm not taking that bet."
Before Evan had a chance to respond, the waiter arrived at their table. Andromeda was surprised to realize that she recognized him. It was William Corner, last year's head boy.
"Hello, Andromeda." He said with a smile.
"Hi, William." She returned his smile with a pleasant look (Andromeda's equivalent of a smile.) "I didn't realize you worked here." She added.
"Just for the summer. I'm starting at the ministry in a couple of weeks."
"Oh, what department?" She asked.
"International Magical Cooperation." He smiled again, knowing it was the department she'd always longed to work in.
"That's wonderful." Andromeda remarked. She'd always liked Will. He'd been in Ravenclaw and was remarkably intelligent. They'd often been seated next to eachother at Slug Club dinners, and had talked a lot at these events. They'd gotten to know each other rather well. Andromeda respected him, which was a slight rarity. If he'd been a pure-blood, she thought she might even have fancied him.
"What about you? I'm assuming you're Head Girl this year?" He inquired.
"I just got the letter this morning." She said with a small smile. It felt good to say.
"That's great! I knew-" Will was cut off.
"I hate to interrupt, but we're ready to order." Rabastan did not sound the least bit sorry for interrupting.
Will looked a little stunned at the blatent rudeness he'd just been shown. "Er-right, I'm sorry. What can I get you?"
"Sirloin steak with garlic butter." Rabastan ordered.
Evan was leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed."Same for me." He didn't even open them when he spoke.
Will wrote all of this down. "Okay. And for you Andromeda?"
She glanced down at her menu and picked the first thing she saw. "Lemon Chicken."
"Sounds good. It sh-" He was cut off again.
"A bottle of your most expensive red wine as well." Rabastan added. Andromeda almost scoffed at his behavior.
"Got it. I'll bring that out right away." Will was still pleasant despite being treated so terribly.
Andromeda watched him walk away before turning to Rabastan. "Did you really have to be so rude?" She wasn't upset so much as exasperated.
Rabastan smirked. "I don't take well to other men flirting with my girlfriend." He glanced pointedly at Evan, who still had his eyes closed, as if to say it was the appropriate response given their act.
Andromeda rolled her eyes. "He was not flirting."
"Yes, he was." It was Evan who spoke this time, and he still did not bother opening his eyes. Andromeda was beginning to think that he might fall asleep at the table. "Congrats on Head Girl, by the way." He added in a mocking tone. Evan had about as much respect for authority figures as Bella.
Andromeda chose to ignore his comment however. "Is Lucius Head Boy? I know Slughorn would have been campaigning for him."
Rabastan shook his head. "Doubtful. McGonagall despises him more than Slughorn worships him."
Andromeda found some relief in that. She'd prefer not to have to spend an excess amount of time with Lucius Malfoy this year.
Will came with Rabastan's bottle of wine now and three glasses. He carefully poured them, no doubt knowing what he would face if he spilled even a drop.
"Let me know if I can get you anything else." He added before leaving once again.
Andromeda left her drink untouched."Is it really necessary to order wine with lunch?"
Rabastan, tasting the red liquid, shugged. "Why not?"
"Do you want a list of reasons?" She challenged.
"Stop arguing. This is why I hate doing things with couples." Evan said, finally opening his eyes to grab the glass in front of him. "From now on, I can only do things with the two of you individually."
Just then, a man, woman, and young boy (distinctly muggle judging by the faded jeans they wore) approached their table. They looked beyond confused.
"Sorry to bother you," The man said, "But we're a bit lost. Would you mind pointing us in the direction of Gingotts?"
"Gringotts, dear." The woman corrected.
"Oh, yes, Gringotts. I apologize we're a bit new to all of this, can you tell?" The man laughed.
Rabastan smiled uncharacteristically at the man and his family. If Andromeda didn't know him, she'd think he was the epitome of helpful friendliness. "It's quite alright. Just take this road all the way down here and turn left, then take a right at the shop with the owls outside. It'll just be down a couple of blocks."
The woman smiled. "Thank you so much! Come on, Henry. Let's get going. Once we exchange the money, we can buy you your wand!"
Evan waited until the family was out of earshot to let out his laughter. "Well done."
Andromeda was less amused. "Knockturn Alley—really?"
"With any luck, someone there will take care of them. The last thing Hogwarts needs is another mudblood." Rabastan said, returning back to his normal self.
Andromeda decided not to argue anymore, but she still did not like the situation. She was Head Girl now. What if that boy remembered her and told people about this occurrence once he was at school? All the professors respected Andromeda greatly, and she intended to keep it that way. The thrill of scaring some pathetic muggles was not worth putting any of that at risk.
Andromeda's mind wandered throughout the rest of the meal. Rabastan and Evan spoke about this year's quidditch team and other topics that she found pointless. By the time the check came, she was quite ready to go home.
It was late afternoon by the time Andromeda finally did return home. Maybe Evan's laziness was rubbing off on her, but all she wanted to do wasn retreat to her room to read and possibly feign illness so that she could have a house-elf bring her tomato soup in bed. Yet, when Andromeda reached her room, she was surprised to discover that there was already someone in there.
Sirius was seated on the chaise lounge. "Andromeda." He greeted her tersely.
"Sirius." She replied, mimicking his tone.
Andromeda only noticed the copy of Witch Weekly he was holding when he threw it at her. "Care to explain this?"
She fought the urge to laugh. "See, yes, I meant to mention something earlier."
"Uh huh." He replied skeptically.
"Rabastan and I agreed not to tell anyone until we were ready." She lied.
"Oh, come on! Why him, Andromeda? He's...and you're..." Sirius apparently couldn't find the right words.
"Sirius, I know that you don't like him, but can you please respect my judgments?" Once again, Andromeda felt bad for lying, but Sirius was too impulsive to trust with a secret this big. In all actuality, Andromeda would not even have told Bellatrix if she'd had a choice.
"I don't like it." Sirius said, calming down slightly.
"You don't have to." Andromeda reasoned.
"I'm not gonna be polite to him." Sirius said in an almost challenging way.
Andromeda sighed. "Were you ever?"
Sirius laughed. "Good point."
"Come on. Let's go downstairs and see if there's any treacle tart left over from last night."
Sirius hopped up immediately and the pair headed to the kitchen. Andromeda was pleased with how that encounter had gone. It appeared that they would be able to pull this off.