The Widow's Web

by Screaming Fae

The Black Family holds more secrets and surprises than anyone could ever imagine; this web of purity that dates so far back, with such elegant lines of purity in our blood. Even though the strings that break are disposed of, our secrets are still ours to hide. - A collection of oneshots/drabbles, relating to each member of the Black Family, starting with the earliest recorded.

3. Hesper - The Lesser Twin

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Hesper Black

I am the twin sister of Licorus, and I always hoped and prayed that one day I would rise and be as beautiful and intelligent as my brother.

Licorus was always the more valued sibling. Even though he was just a few minutes older than me, he was always more appreciated, from the moment he burst out of the womb. Father scooped baby Licorus up into his arms, his eyes flooded with tears – a son! His first born was a son, a truly worthy heir of the main branch of his clan. He swept the baby boy away in his arms, leaving me behind with our mother – a pathetic woman, who had never even been to school; she was simply taught basic skills at home. The only spells she could do were ones that centred on cooking and cleaning.

Licorus got to go to the Quidditch World Tournament, and when I begged to come along, Father stiffly told me that "sports are not for young ladies, Hesper." Licorus was given private lessons on magic by Father, in the secretive lair of his study, but when I pleaded with Father to be taught something, he sneered, rolled his eyes, and told me to run along to the kitchen.

It was tragic, but I would never get to be as great as a man, in my father's eyes. It was Mother who begged that Phoebe, Alexia-Walkin, and I should be allowed to go to Hogwarts and get an education.

Forever being second best to Licorus left me with a lonely life. I forever lost interest in men or ever having children – who knew what kind of a husband or son I could gain?