Andromeda

She blanches when she sees the people present - it is not necessary for them to show off their arms for her to know who they are.

She watches how those who were once enemies at school sit with each other, laughing at one another's dark jokes and tales. When Rabastan meets eyes with her, she retreats back behind the door, not wanting anyone else to see her until it can not be helped.

Bellatrix appears: Andromeda holds in a gasp. The wedding dress fits her perfectly and the laced detail and pearl embroidery are truly beautiful. The long lace veil ends where the train of her dress begins, covering her face, and it is held in place with a band of cream roses.

"Stop looking at me like that," she laughs, while Cygnus comes around the corner and takes her arm in his own.

"Don't put her off."

His lined face is softer than normal while he lifts the thin silk sheet covering Bella's face slightly to kiss her on the cheek. Arms oustretched, Andromeda half-runs towards Bellatrix, and they embrace. Narcissa soon joins when she finds them -for a moment it's like it was when they were younger - unbeatable, invincible, with Bella as their shield, their guardian angel to protect them from harm. But then it ends, and they have to face reality again.

The two younger girls step behind the bride and their father, before the doors open slowly – for effect – and the traditional music starts to play.

Bella's soon-to-be husband's brother grins at Andromeda, who smiles only the slightest bit in return.

If she is honest with herself, she always was a good actress. And if she is even more truthful, she could not be more broken inside.