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Chapter 11

Sunday 3rd Febuary 2002, Higgs House, Somerset, Vivienne Yaxley's POV

To anyone else, the guest room at 'Higgs House' would be considered a very comfortable and spacious accommodation. A four-poster queen-sized bed with silver edged comforter matched the antique wardrobe and dressing table. The placement of these items still left enough room in the corner for a two-seater couch, where Vivienne currently sat. However, the simple fact was Vivienne had become increasingly dissatisfied and frustrated in the sheer commonness of the entire house she had been a visitor in for the past four months. It wasn't so much that Higgs house was small; the three-story stone country home was nice, in a quaint weekend holiday way. But this was not what Vivienne was used to, and that her plan was moving ridiculously slow was infuriating her to no end. Unfortunately, until she married Marcus there was no choice but to stay at Artemisia's family home, since her husband Thorfinn's Manor home, like Vivienne's own, was forfeit after the war.

A knock on the door brought Vivienne out of her thoughts, her head turning toward the door with curiosity at who the intruder could be. With everyone else away, she had believed the house empty except for herself. Bidding entry, Vivienne was surprised when Artemisia's brother Terrence entered her room. Terrence Higgs was a quiet boy three years older than Vivienne and Artemisia, and she hadn't really had much to do with him throughout her friendship with his sister. During the war the entire Higgs family, minus Artemisia, had hidden abroad, leaving his arm clean of the mark and ensuring his current freedom. Since she had been a guest, Terrence hadn't spoken more than two sentences to her, so Vivienne could admit being very curious about this visit. If he tried to kick her out she would tear the little shit's limbs off. Vivienne decided to wait for a grey robe-clad Terrence to speak first, her hands placed delicately in her lap head slightly tilted sideways in anticipation. A shuffling Terrence did not wait long to address her,

"Vivienne, umm, how are you?"

Was he kidding? "Fine, Terrence, why are you here?"

The clearly nervous boy smiled with a small chuckle, further confusing an already perplexed Vivienne. He moved slightly closer to Vivienne and she stiffened automatically from the strange situation.

"Always so abrupt. I want to ask you a question. And could you think about it a little before answering?"

Terrence, Vivienne noticed, was fiddling with his hands, clearly uncomfortable with whatever he wanted to say to her. The only logical conclusion she could come up with for his behaviour was that he wanted her gone. But that didn't make sense since his father would be the only person capable of kicking her out, and Gregory Higgs had always held great affection for Vivienne.

"OK… what would you like to say to me, Terrence?"

"Marry me?" The words were spoken in such a rush, and mumbled that at first Vivienne was sure she had heard wrong. The man who uttered them was refusing to look at her, fixated on the plain wall. What?

"What did you just say?" Of anything and everything she could possibly expect, proposing marriage to her would have never entered her mind. It made no sense; she was marrying Marcus Flint- not Terrence Higgs.

"Terrence- I'm marrying Marcus." She noticed how Terrence stiffened at Marcus name, and a scowl replaced his previous worried expression.

"Really? How is that plan working for you, Vivienne?" It was her turn to scowl before sneering at him.

"I always get my way in the end."

"To the point you won't even consider my proposition?"

"I thought it was a proposal?"

"I think we are both smart enough to realise this is not your common love match, Vivienne."

The nerves in Terrence clearly disappeared the more he spoke. Vivienne only just remembered that Terrence had always felt hard done by that Marcus had been made Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team despite Terrence being older. Quidditch in Slytherin house was based on social hierarchy, and since the Flints were higher up the social scale, Marcus was given preference. She knew how much the older boy hated him and had always assumed it was part of the reason he had shunned her while Vivienne had dated Marcus.

"Then why are you asking me this, Terrence? You don't want to marry me. You never even talk to me."

He shrugged, and for the first time looked her in the eye. "My family want me to, and it's not like I have any serious objections. You are prettier then Parkinson, and she is apparently my other choice. Everyone knows she is still shagging Malfoy, and probably will continue, even if she finds someone to marry her."

This was Vivienne's second proposal and it was as bizarre as her first, when her father informed her that he had spoken to Selwen and 'the deed was done'.

"Pansy is my friend- don't talk about her like that."

The man before her raised an eyebrow sardonically. "No, she is just your current ally, my sister is your only friend and we all know it. Think about this for a second Vivienne, an allegiance between us in marriage would work for both of us. You need security, I need a wife and heir."

"I'm going to marry Marcus."

Again the infuriating twit scoffed.

"He's obviously avoiding you and is clearly no longer interested. You should consider that a good thing. The man is a Blood Traitor Vivienne, is that really what you want?" Vivienne opened her mouth to rebuke his claim, but stopped as he stood from the bed smoothing his robes and looked down on her briefly, before walking toward the door not even sparing her a glance as he spoke.

"Think about it, Vivienne, marry me and I will for the most part leave you alone. You will have access to my vault which, while not as large as that fucker Flint's, is still well stocked. This situation will work for both of us. While a business allegiance with the Parkinson's would help my family, they apparently prefer I gave you the first chance."

Without even saying good bye, the man walked out the door, leaving a shocked and dumbstruck Vivienne alone. Blinking a couple of times while trying to clear her head, Vivienne had no idea what to think about the conversation that had just transpired. Could she be a Higgs? Would she be content to this life and this house? It would certainly fix a lot of her problems even if it was far from a perfect solution. She hated to admit it but Terrence was right in some regards. The Higgs had not hidden during the war due to any ideas of blood equality. She was very sure that their opinions matched her own, while Marcus continued to prove himself more and more a Blood Traitor. But Vivienne could change that; given time and persuasion, she would bring her old Marcus back. The simple fact was that the Higgs, although Pureblood, were not as high in society as a Yaxley should be, and although she was surprisingly very flattered, it was just never going to happen.

Sunday 2nd February 2002, Cafe Auroia, Diagon Alley, Blake POV

Blake Carrow sat in a spacious booth waiting for his mother to arrive for lunch. Usually they didn't meet publicly as Isis Carrow didn't like the publicity attracted through her late husband. So he had been shocked when she owled him to meet her here for lunch. She had explained that she was sick of hiding and had decided to slowly remerge into the world, starting by having a nice lunch with her son. Blake thought this was a great idea, since he had refused, much like Marcus and Tobias, to hide away for their father's sins. Blake had, after enormous amounts of rejection, obtained a job in the Goblin Liaison Office after the war. Although he still had to battle lingering prejudice every day, being fluent in Gobbledygook had been a massive advantage and he enjoyed his job. Glancing at his watch and noticing his mother was 10 minutes late, Blake sighed before automatically straightening his posture as his mother arrived at the entrance to the cafe, dressed in traditional satin robes. Blake smiled and rose in greeting watching his mother with pride as she ignored the looks of contempt being sent her way by a table of middle-aged witches in the corner. He had chosen a booth purposely, as he felt this would hide them from prying eyes more than one of the table and chairs set in the middle of the room.

"Hello, Mother," he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, which she returned.

"My darling son, I am sorry I am late," she smiled at him and although he could see the strain in the smile.

They proceeded to enjoy a nice lunch together, and he noticed how she began to ease her stiffened stance over time and told her how proud he was of her.

She laughed. "I was talking to Accolade this morning, and she is preparing to do something a long time coming. Something that will most likely be very difficult for both her and the other person involved. I felt if she could do that then I could go out for lunch with my son."

Blake had an idea of what his mother was talking about, but he understood that Isis Carrow had no desire of speaking candidly in public about the Flint family affairs. Still he assumed it was regarding this mysterious long lost cousin Tobias had told him about last night, deciding that if Accolade told his mother about that she would have mentioned the rest of the argument as well.

"I was at Tobias and Emmaline's place last night, Mother and I heard what happened at dinner. Tobias is very angry at Mrs Flint."

This, Blake thought, was an understatement, Tobias was livid at his Aunt. Blake was watching his mother carefully she had begun folding and unfolding a napkin. When she next spoke her voice was so quiet that Blake had to lean close to hear her.

"She knows he is, Blake and she doesn't blame him for being upset. Accolade intends to fix the situation but doesn't even know where Tobias and Emmaline live. She is also very worried about Marcus."

Blake scoffed at his mother and she smiled though it didn't reach her eyes, he knew what she was doing, she wanted information from him to take back to Accolade. He gave her a smirk letting her now he was on her to and she faked a look of innocence at him.

"You are a sly one, Mother dear. You want information from me. Well what shall I give you to relay?" He pretended to think about it, "How about that Marcus was missing last night." Isis eyebrows rose as Blake continued his story, "nether Tobias, Emmaline or myself could get in touch with him. Then this morning I received an owl informing me he would be bringing a date with him to dinner at Tobias and Emmaline's tonight."

Isis' face was full of curiosity and Blake knew she was desperate to know if it was Hermione Granger that he would be bringing. How funny that they were all hopeful that Marcus would make a match with the famous Muggleborn war heroine. He decided to put his mother out of her misery. She and Accolade would find out some way or another anyway, they always did.

"Yes, Mother, it seems Marcus had his own reconciliation last night."

Isis smiled at this news, "Accolade will be happy about that she was worried for him."

Blake and Tobias had discussed Accolade's seeming acceptance of Marcus new possible relationship at length the previous night after Emmaline had gone to bed. It seemed very surreal that Accolade would be so accepting of Marcus dating a Muggleborn so he couldn't help but ask, "Why is she suddenly happy about this Mother? I'm not sure I understand what changed that makes you all so accepting. We had to battle you all so much over Emmaline. Would you be fine if I was in Marcus position?" He was curious; their mothers had been as Pureblood supremacist as their fathers when they were younger. Isis Carrow closed her eyes for a second before opening them, locking eyes with her only child.

"I like to think and hope that I would, so long as you were happy. It was not only you boys who had to do a lot of thinking and re-evaluation of past beliefs, Blake. Only there was a lot more time, prejudice and mistakes for us to come to terms with. We did not want to admit or think we had done wrong. It has meant that our actions at school and after created a lot of guilt for us to carry. It is a hard thing to realise your entire belief system and the way you were raised was wrong." He gave her a smile for her honesty and took one of her hands in his own.

"You can go back to Mrs Flint and inform her of our conversation now, Mother. But I won't tell you Tobias and Emmaline's address, Emmaline is too fragile to deal with Mrs Flint right now."

His mother gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand that was still holding hers. 'Never forget that I love you, darling, and I am so proud of you."

Monday 4th February 2002, Mildenhall Grave Yard, Suffolk, Andromeda Tonks' POV

The day was chilly, a brisk wind whipped around her legs as she pulled her long, thick, black cloak closer together and lifting the hood in an attempt to ward off the cold. How harsh her Ted's last few months must have been, running from snatchers in weather like this while she was warm at home. Ted, her wonderful loving husband, when Andromeda closed her eyes she could still hear his laugh or see his face lit up in a teasing smile or loving embrace. Andromeda sighed as she walked on, entering the cemetery where Ted, Nymphadora, and Remus lay. She was not there to visit her daughter or son in law though, today was Ted's day, the anniversary of his death. A beautiful, kind life cut short by snatchers over something as insignificant as blood status. Gravel crunched under her feet as she slowly made her way down the main path of the old cemetery. She walked by graves that in the past three years had become familiar sights.

Her thoughts absently wandered to her grandson Teddy, who was spending the day with Ginny Potter. That amazing little boy was all she had left and daily reminded her of both Ted and Dora. He was too young to understand why Grandmother was here so she refused to bring him, but she would when he was older so he could meet his brave family. He would learn that he could be proud of his heritage and his family who fought for the light and against oppression. Reaching the weathered grey angel whose wings had long ago broken off, Andromeda automatically turned left, heading along the grass between graves. Breaking away from the main section of the Muggle cemetery, she began a short climb up a small hill to a bunch of graves shaded by two large oak trees. Three other black cloaked figures were already assembled atop of the hill, hidden away from prying Muggle eyes by spells and wards. As Andromeda entered the Wizarding section, her hand ghosted across Delliah Creswell's shoulder in greeting. The other woman did not reply verbally, but a slight tilt of her head against Andromeda's arm displayed her acknowledgement. Andromeda bent down and taking out her wand conjured small bunches of colourful flowers to place amongst the others at Dirk Cresswell's grave, the man who had run and ultimately died alongside her own Ted. Dirk's two sons, the eldest supporting his tear ridden mother, nodded in respect to Andromeda as she silently turned and walked toward Ted, two graves down, noticing the three flower bunches already present. Kneeling so the hem of her cloak floated around her, Andromeda whispered a greeting while adding a wreath to the base of the grey arch gravestone. Andromeda felt her head involuntarily tilt as the familiar sensation of being watched overtook her; she glanced toward the Cresswells, none of who were paying her any intention. Holding her right hand against the ground as leverage to help stand, Accolade rose and looked about her back toward the Muggle section. Her eye landed upon another hooded figure this time in dark purple velvet, her beautiful pale face framed by brown flowing locks. The familiar intruder was gazing at Andromeda, an unreadable closed expression upon her face. This was a person she never expected to be here, Narcissa came every year and always stayed hidden from view although Andromeda could feel that she was always there watching.

In defiance Andromeda turned back to Ted, uncaring as to why Accolade Flint would feel it necessary to intrude upon her private time of remembering her husband's life. Andromeda continued her yearly ritual, talking to Ted, telling him about her year and how much Teddy was growing. She stayed longer than usual, wishing to delay the inevitable conversation with the cousin she had not spoken to since she was a young woman. Andromeda had an inkling of what this was concerning, and that only angered her more. The coincidence of her conversation with Hermione a few days ago and Accolade's arrival was just too unlikely. Finally, she placed two more flower bunches on the graves of Dora and Remus before turning away from her family toward the waiting figure who represented a past she long tried to forget.

Slowly Andromeda began the decent down the hill toward her cousin. Aaron Cresswell, spotting and recognising Accolade, yelled after her asking if she was ok. Andromeda turned and smiled at the kind young man of 16 who was always so considerate and friendly toward both her and Teddy when they bumped into each other in Diagon Alley. She told him everything would be fine, before resuming her journey toward the purple clad witch. The closer Andromeda got the more anxious she could tell Accolade became, although her perfectly sculpted eyebrows furrowing slightly were the only outward sign of any distress Andromeda could see which made her smirk inwardly–– good, let her be nervous.

"Are you aware Narcissa is watching? She has no doubt enacted the family spy spell by now and can hear every word we say. She comes every year and stays hidden, it can be quite annoying really. Why you people won't let me visit my Ted in peace and today of all days I will never understand. Although I don't think she was previously aware that I knew." Accolades eyebrows bent even closer together at this revelation but she quickly regained control of her facial expressions and straightened her back.

"I am sorry to bother you here today, but I had no other way of reaching you as I do not know where you live."

"And why are you so desperate to reach me?"

"I think you know." A sigh escaped Andromeda as she looked in to the pensive eyes of her once favourite cousin.

"You want me to what? Put a stop to it? How shall I do that, Accolade? Talk to her, I already tried, she is not a girl easily persuaded."

Due to Narcissa most likely still listening in on the conversation, Andromeda was loathe to have Hermione's identity become known. She was fond of the young girl and very protective. Accolade's face was still unreadable, her chin slightly raised in what looked an act of defiance but Andromeda recognised as an attempt to stay strong and appear unmoved.

"You mistake my intentions, Andy-"

"Don't call me that, I no longer go by that name." Only her old family called her Andy, Ted had called her Dromeda and now so did everyone who mattered, like Harry, the Weasleys and Hermione.

"Andromeda, you mistake my intention. I am here to ask you not to impede upon this budding relationship."

The silence that followed was intense; the only noise the rustling of the wind through a nearby tree, enhancing the cold. For her part Andromeda was not sure she had heard correctly. Accolade Flint ne Rosier wanted a relationship to develop between her only son and heir and a Muggle-born? She decided to break the unnatural silence.

"I don't understand? You want this relationship to develop? Why?"

"My only interest is in Marcus' happiness. At your words she almost broke contact and he was quite upset over it. Although I have heard they reconciled I wanted to talk to you as well." Accolade took a deep breath before continuing, "I want to apologise."

Unbidden and unwanted, tears sprung into Andromeda's eyes and she desperately tried to blink them away, refusing to show weakness to the women standing in front of her. They were not tears of happiness or sadness, they were tears of anger.

"How dare you come here, today of all days and apologise to me. I don't want or need your apology, Accolade. I would live my life again a hundred times over for the joy and love I experienced away from all of you. Was it all you dreamed being married to Henrix Flint? Or do you think Honoria enjoyed being chained to Grantham Nott?" Andromeda felt slightly guilty, mentioning her deceased cousin but she continued her tirade. "I lived a happy life away from all of you and my daughter is a hero. She died a hero, fighting for what is right. I don't need your apologies, for really you did me a favour."

The two strong women stared at each other, Andromeda's face livid and tense; Accolade's showing small signs of distress.

"You're right, Andromeda. I am glad you were happy in life and I am very sorry for your losses. I only ask you to please not actively attempt to sabotage this new relationship. There will be no opposition from me, I only want to right the wrongs of my past. I hope in time we could attempt a reconciliation ourselves and the Tower is always open to you, should you wish."

With a brief smile and nod she turned away. Andromeda, still feeling the waves of anger refused to talk as she watched Accolade retreat into a clump of trees before the well known POP of Disapparition snapped harshly though the air.

"Well I hope you enjoyed that, Narcissa... for I'm not sure what to make of it," she whispered knowing that her younger sister was probably still listening.

Sighing and shaking her head slightly Andromeda began the short walk home, before she would Disapparate to Harry and Ginny's home in Godric Hollow to pick up Teddy. However the conversation with Accolade continued to swim around her conscious.

A Hermione and Marcus free chapter but I have focused so much on them getting together lately that I needed to progress with some other areas. Remember Vivienne? We haven't seen her since chapter six so I thought it best if she re-emerges so you are aware she still has a part to play. Also I love the character of Andromeda, I always wished she made more appearances in the books. I hope she wasn't too melodramatic- although I would not be impressed if I was in her situation.

blue artemis was the wonderful beta of this chapter. It is always interesting and insightful getting chapters back and reading the notes!

lady innogen :-)