astronomy • marlene mckinnon

nineteen

'DEATH EATER ATTACK ON MUGGLE NEIGHBOURHOOD'

Astraea frowned as she looked at the picture given right below the heading. She scanned the contents of the daily prophet and frowned even more as she noticed that the ministry had added a missing wizard/witch column to the newspaper.

"Morning," Isabella sat next to the raven-haired Slytherin. "Happy Birthday."

"Not exactly happy but thanks," Astraea showed the brunette the front page of the newspaper in her hands.

"Again?" Isabella's eyes widened and the raven-haired Slytherin nodded.

"Good morning ladies," Tiberius sat in front of them. "Happy birthday Astraea."

"Thanks."

"Happy birthday Rea," Evan gave the girl a grin as he came and sat down next to Tiberius.

"Thank you-"

"Don't say it."

"-Future husband," Astraea gave him a teasing smile and Evan rolled his eyes.

Two weeks ago, Astraea had forced the blond Slytherin to tell her what he was hiding from her and after a lot of arguing and threats, the seventh year had finally sighed in defeat and told her that their marriage had been fixed with each other and it was supposed to be a secret for Astraea until her seventeenth birthday.

"Could you lower your voice?" Evan gave her an exasperated look. "You aren't supposed to know."

"Oh yes I am," The raven-haired girl grinned and pointed towards a majestic eagle owl soared towards the four Slytherins sitting in the quietest corner of the Slytherin table, away from all the eavesdroppers.

"They aren't going to tell you about your marriage through a letter, are they?" Isabella raised an eyebrow as Astraea untangled the letter from the owl's feet.

The brown-colored owl nipped her finger affectionately before flying away.

"I wouldn't be surprised," Astraea shrugged casually. "It would probably be something like, 'Happy birthday, you're a terrible daughter, get some education on keeping our blood-lines pure, oh, and you're getting married to your second cousin just like me and your lovely father.'"

Isabella shook her head fondly, a huge smile upon her face as Evan and Tiberius burst into laughter.

"Happy birthday Rea," Regulus sat down next to his elder sister and gave her a smile.

"Thanks, Reg," Astraea grinned. "Good thing you're here, I was just about to read aloud the announcement for my wedding with Evan."

"Wait," The smile on Regulus's face dropped, "What do you-"

"Wait, it's actually in the letter?" Tiberius furrowed his eyebrows. "I thought you were joking."

"Oh no," Astraea shook her head and handed him the letter. "Second paragraph, read it out loud, but not too loud for the entire hall to hear."

"Alright, I guess." Tiberius shrugged. "Here goes. 'Since you're finally of age now, I am quite pleased to inform you that I and your father have fixed your marriage with Evan Rosier.'"

"Congratulations guys, this is such a surprise." Isabella looked at the two, trying to stifle her laughter but failing miserably as Astraea and Evan burst into laughter.

"'I have been informed that you two are quite close, and I must admit, both of you make quite a wonderful pair. You two are expected to get engaged right after your seventh year and married not soon after-'"