The Fourth Sister

Chapter Five

James and Sirius spent the long, eight-hour, train ride joking around causing me to laugh until my cheeks were truly pink. It made me happy that they were family even if in truth there would come a day that Sirius would run away as Andromeda had done.

Even then I would be there for my cousin.

"You seem quiet," mused James as Sirius started a conversation with the third boy who joined our compartment. "Everything alright little bird?"

There was irony in the nickname the boys called me.

Because just like a little bird I was in danger of larger predators outside of the cage others kept me in. But that didn't mean my wings were clipped nor that eventually I might find a day to free myself. Just as Bella called me a butterfly, the same could apply.

Or I liked to think so.

"I'm fine," I softly reassured smile gentle as it appeared on my face while I reached out to pat the top of James' hand. "Just nervous over House placement."

Because while I knew Walburga was a horrible woman who wouldn't hesitate to torture her children, it was actually Lord Black who kept her from doing so.

That was why the worse thing to happen to Sirius after he turned sixteen was having his face removed from the family tapestry and disowned.

Both of my parents were too easily in the habit of using their wands upon their children.

But none of that mattered as James pulled me from my inner musings to join Sirius and the boy named Remus Lupin, and didn't that just bring back memories, to speak about upcoming courses and Houses.

They even touched upon their habit of pranking anyone who seemed to be a 'stick in the mud' as they put it. Only in not so nice terms.

~ Time Skip ~

Settling into the Slytherin Dormitory was at least soothing since we were given our own personal rooms instead of being forced to share with others in our year and gender.

This also meant I had plenty of time to write a letter to my parents, Marvolo, and Rodolphus since all three had mentioned wishing to know my placement as soon as possible.

A large part of me hoped that with Marvolo's possession of me it might mean less chance of being punished by Father and Mother.

A girl could dream.

"You did well," stated Narcissa from the doorway as she opened the door to my room making me look away from the desk and stationary set that Marvolo had bought me. "Mother and Father will be proud that you didn't dishonor the Black name by getting into any other House."

"Of course," I demurred with a light bow of my head as the masks my family caused me to create snapped back into place as I met the cold blue eyes of my sister. "I have already written a letter to Father and Mother that I was just about to send out with Hades."

We each had been gifted an owl that were bred back the Black's solely.

These owls were larger than normal and quick to attack any not their owner. Hades was pure black with bright crimson eyes that looked more like a hawk than an owl.

He was also the meanest, which had surprised Father when Hades had chosen me as his human.

Marvolo had been amused.

"Father has tasked me to make sure you do not get ideas into your head that are above your station," continued Narcissa a frown tipping the corners of her mouth down. "Andromeda had also gone to Slytherin as expected only to run months before her vows to Heir Lestrange were to be given."

"I'm aware sister," I stated coldly showing none of the loathing and rage that burned inside my stomach like lava wanting to pour from me and destroy everything. "But I am not Andromeda. I will not make the same mistakes that she has made."

Not when in truth family meant everything to me.

"See that you don't," ordered Narcissa with a sniff as she spun around and left me to finish writing the letters to send out with the personal House Elf.

One that Marvolo had gifted me with as well since he didn't wish for Dumbledore to know of our correspondence. Which meant that I would send his letter with the House Elf before heading out in the morning to send out the other two letters with Hades.

I would also have to send a letter to Bella who would be expecting news as well.

She at least was one I didn't mind writing to.

~ The Next Morning ~

The blank expression upon my face was all but frozen there as I made sure to wake up early enough to shower, dress, and head out in time to drop my letters off with Hades before heading to the Great Hall for breakfast and my schedule.

Though the reason for the blank expression was because the letter a normal barn owl had dropped onto my empty plate with my name scrawled atop the front.

I knew that handwriting and I in truth had not been expecting to see it ever again.

Andromeda had written to me.

"Incendio," I chanted firmly with a frown before vanishing the ashes later that evening after finishing breakfast and getting my schedule before heading off back to my dorm room to read the letter in private. "What game are you playing Andromeda?"

Even with the letter no longer being there I still couldn't get the contents out of my head, forcing me to bite back the scream that built in my throat in frustration.

Andromeda cared little that if Narcissa had seen the letter arrive I would have been in unimaginable pain from our father and mother.

Dear Redbird,

I know that you did not expect to hear from me ever again my darling sister. But I could not help but reach out after hearing the news of your engagement to Rodolphus Lestrange after my leaving of the family. Please do not think that this was what I had been hoping to happen all along, no, that would crush me if you were to think so.

But I love Ted Tonks and will have been married to him for over three months now since I have run from that place that we called home. It is the reason I write to you now redbird, because I know that if any of my sisters were to see sense it would be you.

You can leave to my little redbird, and I will be there with Ted if that is what you wish to do.

It is easy sister, just let go.

Please burn this letter and if I do not hear from you then I know that you decided to follow the chain that Father has placed upon you like a burning collar.

Love,

Andy Tonks