house of black

chapter 6: snakes that turn to stone.

Hogwarts 1967.

The school year had just begun and all three of the Black sisters were settling into their lives at Hogwarts. Much to her parents and sisters delight the youngest, Narcissa Black, had been sorted into Slytherin House like the rest of her family. This had taken a significant amount of pressure off the youngest sister and she easily settled into school life.

Bellatrix, the oldest, had a few, very closely knit friends and a fierce reputation. Many other students, even those in her own house were afraid to stumble upon her in a foul mood, which delighted her greatly.

The middle child, Andromeda, found herself less than thrilled at the fact that both of her sisters would be at school this year. An extra sister meant an extra pair of eyes and ears which could leak information back to their parents. Bellatrix didn't worry her as the two rarely interacted under the school roof, but Narcissa was a different story. She depended on her much more, and often sought her out when she was due to be meeting with Ted.

On this particular day, Andromeda was sitting at one of the tables in the dining hall with her own friends. The group consisted of many girls and boys from across houses. The multi-coloured group congregated loudly together, eating and laughing. Andromeda and Ted sat beside each other, talking animatedly to different members of the group, but underneath the table, they held  hands tightly.

"Ravenclaw will never win the Quidditch cup Tonks!" Alexander, a Hufflepuff boy jeered.

"They will with me on the team!" Ted argued. "You haven't seen me fly!"

"I have too, that's how I know you have no chance!" Alexander laughed.

"I've been training all summer!" Ted said eagerly. "Just you wait Clearwarter, I'll bet you a gallon!"

That's when Andromeda spotted her younger sister entering the hall. She had many friends, far too many, Andromeda thought, for a girl who had only been here for a few weeks. At home, she was used to a quiet, demure, but easily excitable Narcissa. Seeing her at school laughing and leading a group of young Slytherin girls, all of whom trailed behind her happily was not something to be expected. But she was happy to see her sister blossom under her new found popularity. She was very beautiful and kind after all. But seeing her caused Andromeda to drop Ted's hand under the table and shuffle towards the Slytherin boy, Iago. Ted noticed, glanced around and sighed.

"She's not even looking this way 'Dromeda." he said quietly. "She wouldn't even notice."

"She would." Andromeda whispered back. "We can't take any chances."

Ted sighed in a sad sort of way and turned back to resume his conversation. Andromeda glanced around again to see her sister sitting amongst her friends laughing in a dignified sort of way. Perhaps Teddy was right and she was thinking about this too much. She returned her focus to her friends, joining into the conversation once again. After a while, she slipped her hand into Ted's once more and he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

When it was time to resume lessons Narcissa's group walked out of the hall together. Andromeda looked over at her younger sister as her group also prepared to leave. She was a safe distance from Ted and so her speaking to her should not arouse any suspicion. "Hello Cissy." she said with a smile. "Enjoy your break?"

Narcissa looked up and glanced at her older sister in a funny way. Her smile was almost a grimace. "Oh, Andromeda." she said, her voice high pitched and squeaky. "Uh, yes, very much. See you at supper." She then disappeared into the sea of students with two girls whispering and giggling beside her before Andromeda could get another word in.

"Yes, she's very observant." Ted chortled, appearing beside her. Andromeda found no humour in his remark.

"She's not like that Teddy." she chastised. "I don't know what's gotten into her."