The Marauders Rise (II)

Narcissa and Andromeda

August 17, 1973

Inside a quiet household, ANDROMEDA holds an infant NYMPHADORA in her arms and quietly sings a lullaby as the baby quiets down. A knock is heard at the front door, and ANDROMEDA sets her daughter down in the crib before going to answer it. She opens the door to reveal NARCISSA, looking distressed.

NARCISSA: (warily) Hi.

ANDROMEDA: (slightly shocked) What are you doing here?

NARCISSA: I- (she hesitates for a moment) I need to talk to you.

ANDROMEDA silently nods and motions for her sister to enter.

ANDROMEDA: Go on into the parlor.

NARCISSA: Is- is Ted here?

ANDROMEDA: No, he's working late tonight.

NARCISSA walks over to the crib and gazes at the infant. ANDROMEDA stands next to her.

ANDROMEDA: Her name is Nymphadora. Do you want to hold her?

NARCISSA shakes her head, simply gazing down at her infant niece. Suddenly, and without warning, NARCISSA begins to cry.

NARCISSA: (choking on her tears) I can't do it, 'Dromeda, I can't- it's all too much, I'm not strong enough-

ANDROMEDA holds her sister in a tight hug, and leads her to sit down on the sofa.

ANDROMEDA: Calm down, now. Calm down. Tell me what happened.

NARCISSA: (regaining herself) She's recruiting students. Bellatrix. For the Death Eaters.

ANDROMEDA: Are you helping her?

NARCISSA: I don't have a choice, 'Dromeda.

ANDROMEDA: (defiantly) Yes, you do.

NARCISSA: (angrily) The choice is not so clear for me as it was for you, 'Dromeda. I cannot just leave my family behind. I will not.

ANDROMEDA: (sighing) I don't know what to tell you. If you're so keen on staying with the Death Eaters, you may be in too deep in the near future.

NARCISSA: I'm locked inside, don't you see? I have nowhere to go from here.

NYMPHADORA begins to cry once more. ANDROMEDA retrieves her from the crib and begins rocking her.

ANDROMEDA: I disagree, Narcissa. I think your position within the family is of the most importance.

NARCISSA: (wiping her eyes) How do you mean?

ANDROMEDA: Listen to me. I had to leave the family because I fell in love with a man of which they did not approve. It breaks my heart that things are like this, but I cannot change our family's prejudice and I cannot change my heart's desire. But you, you have an opportunity to be with a pure-blood, someone of which they would approve of.

NARCISSA: So?

ANDROMEDA: So, your way forward is clear. Bella will make Lucius a Death Eater, if she hasn't already. But you will play the dutiful wife. You will support your husband from the home front, but you yourself must never take up the Dark Mark. That way, in the worst-case scenario, you will be found innocent and be able to stay with the family.

NARCISSA: I will not be forced into this life, Andromeda! Your talking about- about getting married, but I'm seventeen for God's sake! Why can't I just live my life?

ANDROMEDA: Because this is the world we live in, Narcissa. And our actions have consequences. You must choose your position, and choose fast, or else the world may decide for you.

NARCISSA: If- if I do what you say, then what happens if- if-

ANDROMEDA: If what?

NARCISSA: If we meet each other again, only on the battlefield?

ANDROMEDA: (laughing slightly) Look at me, Cissy. I'm a housewife, not a soldier. I won't be on any battlefield anytime soon.

NARCISSA gazes silently at her sister, still clearly dismayed.

ANDROMEDA: Do you remember what you told me, two years ago back at Bella's wedding? You told me that I had one year to decide my future. One year to decide what side I would choose. Well, now I say the same to you. This is your last year at Hogwarts, and you must use that time to decide what your position will be. But whatever you choose, you will never win if you are seen as weak. So get up. Dry your eyes, put on a false smile, and behave like the strong-willed, intelligent, and beautiful woman that you were always meant to be. Go back to that castle and walk through those halls as if you own them. Never let them see you cry, and never let them see how difficult this is for you. Do that, and you will find your place, Narcissa. You will find where you belong in this world, I promise you.