7th year

I cry as I hear my mother tell me the dreadful truth that my sister is gone from my life. "You are never going to see her again."

My sister, Andromeda, was found with Ted Tonks, a Hufflepuff, worst of all he is a mudblood. I shake my head okay, trying to wipe my tears. Bellatrix is there beside me; her psychotic smile turns into a frown as I try containing my sorrow. "She was a blood traitor, Cissy. She deserved what she got." My sister's words make me uneasy.

"Marrying a pure blood is the only way to ensure that our family line is pure! My father and I are ready to marry you off before you are the next daughter to be a disgrace! Now it's off to get ready for your last year of school!" Our mother exclaims.

~

The next day I leave for my last year at Hogwarts school. I know what I have to do. It is the only way. The only way to keep in touch with my family and to not let them down. It will kill me if I let my parents down like Andromeda did.

I head on the train as usual and sit by Lucius with Severus across from us. Words slip from my mouth. "My parents disowned Andromeda. She got engaged to Ted Tonks." I tell the two in a cold unemotional tone.

Snape replies. "I'm sorry."

Lucius looks over at me, pulling me into a side hug. "Me too. She should have known better than to be with a mudblood."

"Yeah." Then tears drip from my eyes down to my cheeks. "She should have bloody known better." My voice is now filled with a mix of sadness and anger. "I have to make my parents happy or I'll be next." I pause, peering back at Lucius. "Meet me in the school yard tonight." I say to him as we lock eyes. All he does is shake his head, yes.

~

This evening, I wait for Lucius to show. I sit on the ground, picking the grass deep in thought.

I think of my sister, Andromeda. Why did Andromeda have to date Ted Tonks? It was forbidden. Now my sister is gone forever.

I lift my head up to see Lucius beside me. He stretches his hand out to meet mine as he pulls me up to his level.

"It took you long enough."

"Snape was bugging me."

I have to do it. It is the only way. I hope he likes me. He's a pure blood. He's rich. He's my friend. Just do it.

I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship. No one is around. We are in the corner of the school yard, it's getting darker every minute.

"Why did you want to see me?"

I break down in tears. "I don't know what else to do. My parents are going to marry me off to a pureblood I don't love. Someone I don't even know. My life is going to be miserable." He looks at me with sympathetic eyes.

I lean into him like a thousand times before but this time he senses the difference. He knows exactly what is my plan. He pushes himself forward, touching his lips to mine. We both don't know what to think. I want this, I do, just not for the right reasons. "I am sorry. It's just I want to be with you, a pure blood. After school, my parents will marry me off like Bellatrix to someone I don't love." I pause as I place my hand into his. "Please, you are the only one I like." I beg.

"My parents are expecting me to choose a bride soon. They want me to marry as well. They have given me many girls to choose from." His eyes sparkle in the moonlight.

"And?" I question him, eager to know if he has found the right girl.

We may not be in love with each other but I prayed he has not found another. I need this. I need him rather than anyone else.

"I knew no one would suffice because you are the only one I want. You are the only one I like." He repeats my words and we both smile and lean in to bring our lips together again. "They expect the wedding to be this Christmas."

"Good. The quicker, the better."

We may not be in love but we can learn to love each other.