Andromeda was quietly organising all she owned, she'd made up her mind last night that she could not act like a perfect pureblood princess anymore. That's why she was making her escape at half four in the morning, Slytherins didn't do the whole Gryffindor noble thing.

"Andy, what are you doing?" asked Sirius, standing in her doorway, "Easter's not over and it's five am."

"Packing," responded Andromeda shortly, pointing her wand at her drawers, clothing soaring out, "I can't stand it anymore."

Sirius nodded and started to help her pack other items; leave the fancy pureblood dresses, bring photos, some jewellery and the muggle clothing she'd been buying since fourth year.

"Wish I could come" whined Sirius

"You can't," she replied, "They'll just drag you back and it'll all be worse."

"I know," he said quietly, then grinned, "Doesn't stop me wishing though."

Andromeda nodded sympathetically, she'd been wishing for four years. A wave of her wand and her trunk and bags levitated up silently. Her brown eyes met Sirius' grey.

"Be careful," she pleaded, "Don't do anything stupid and you have to come to the wedding."

Andromeda gave Sirius a final hug and whispered, "Go back to bed so you can say you didn't see me."

Sirius returned the hug fiercely, eyes glistening, and darted out but not before hissing, "Tell Tonks if he doesn't treat you right I'll try some of the interesting hexes on him."

Andromeda chuckled and shooed him away. She stepped out of her, no, the bedroom and closed the door. She would not dwell on anything; she would leave and never return. She was going to a better, clearer life. Her family stood for everything Andromeda believed in fighting against.

Andromeda crept down the stairs carefully; she did not need anyone to wake up now. She turned around the corner and saw the door . . . . . with Narcissa in front of it.

"Cissa?" she stuttered.

Narcissa's eyes narrowed dangerously and glared at her older sister.

"I thought I heard wrong," spat Narcissa, "but it seems that you're actually leaving."

Andromeda chose not to reply.

"For a Mudblood of all things!"

"Don't use that word!" snapped Andromeda.

Narcissa's face twisted unpleasantly "You know, I could call Bellatrix and we'll see what she thinks . . ."

Andromeda's eyes widened and she begged, "No, Cissa, please. I'll leave quietly."

"You won't leave at all," hissed Bellatrix, coming out of the shadows.

"How'd you know?" asked Andromeda, edging around her two sisters

"I saw Sirius leaving your room."

Sirius came running down the stairs calling, "All the adults are awake, leave now Andy!"

Andromeda turned to the door only to be blocked by Bellatrix.

"Move," she commanded, summoning all of her strength.

"No."

Sirius tackled Bellatrix from behind and they rolled about on the floor. Bellatrix was cursing and struggling with Sirius wrapped around her ankles.

"Go Andromeda!" yelled Sirius as Bellatrix's nails scraped his cheek.

Andromeda bit her lip but knew she couldn't help especially as her parents and aunt and uncle appeared. They deducted what was happened and raised their wands, pointing them at her. They couldn't get a good aim because of the scuffle of Sirius and Bellatrix.

Andromeda ran out, slammed the door and apparated away.