The Forgotten Black

Banishment

7th January 1978 

Estrella pov

"What I'm going to say is hard for me and I need you to keep an open mind," Andromeda says. She has pulled me away and to me for what seems to be a very touchy yet important conversation. And I can already guess the subject. I have been ignoring her hanging around with her mudblood and his diverse friend group, threatening any Slytherin who even gives off a hint at blabbering about Andromeda friendliness. I always hoped that it was just a fling but something tells me it's more than that. Andromeda looks at me pained and in slight fear no doubt that's reserved for our parents. She knows I know, but nevertheless I nod.

"Tell me everything. But you must tell me the truth and together we can face anything," I offer her comforting words but it seems to do the opposite of what I want because tears start to spring into Andromeda's eyes. She holds them back which makes her shake as she tries not to break down.

"I can't," she chokes out.

"Whatever you've done. Whatever has happened. I love you," I say and that seems to help calm her down.

"I've invited my boyfriend over for the family dinner to introduce him to everyone," Andromeda says.
"Ok, I'm a little confused as to why you were so stressed out about that," Bellatrix says slowly and I nod agreeing with her.

"He is a Macmillan," she says, making me wince.

"Grandfather won't like that," I say understanding more now, but he is a Pureblood so theoretically speaking while they might have some objections Andromeda should be free to marry him.

"I know but I hope that when they see us together they'll allow it. I love him," she says and she truly looks in love just thinking about him.

"You've found love, now that's impressive," I state. Not many of us can say that we found a Pureblood to marry whom we love.

"Don't worry Andi, father will say yes he is a Pureblood after all. It might not be easy but we'll convince them together," Bellatrix comforts and when Andromeda looks at me I smile and nod in encouragement.

"No matter what, I will always love you," Andromeda says, smiling though it seems slightly sad.

"And so will we," Bellatrix says to which I nod again in confirmation.

"Do they know?" I ask.

"Erm, no I thought to keep it as a surprise," Andromeda says.

"What about you Bella, are you bringing Rodolphus?" I ask which Bellatrix physically cringes.

"As if I'd ever let that letch near my family home," she replies.

"Estrella," mother calls through the mindlink.

"Mother is calling me, I need to go," I say standing up.

"Merlin's beard sometimes we truly are so vain. You're leaving to get ready at your manor only to come back to our mansion where the family dinner will be hosted," Bellatrix says, making all three of us laugh.

"Estrella," Regulus says, appearing at the door frame.

"Are you girls done chatting? Our parents are getting rather impatient," he comments.

"So it seems if they sent the heir instead of a servant," Andromeda says.

"They didn't, I was just passing by," he insists.

"Oh is little Reggie feeling left out from our girls talk," Bellatrix taunts making me and Andromeda laugh again as Regulus mockingly glares at us.

"See you later," I say waving my sister's goodbye as I head to Regulus. Together we head downstairs and find our parents by the fireplace.