Choices- James Potter [ON HOLD]

The dark mark

"Cass wake up we're here" Regulus voice filled her ears waking the Black up from her slumber a sudden tension filling the air as she locked eyes with Narcissa sharing a worried look. What if her parents knew about her and James? No of course they didn't no one knows other than the marauders and Narcissa, maybe Lily..but they wouldn't snitch. Would they?

Paranoia and dread rushed through the girls body as her palms became increasingly sweaty, linking arms with her brother head held high in her expensive robes from the latest pureblood fashion trends, the girl stepped off of the train sharing a fleeting glance with her twin who looked worried for the girl as he said something to Mrs Potter causing her head to snap in the girls direction. 

Cassiopeia tore her gaze away from her brother as they approached their parents sharing a respectful nod toward them in greeting. 

"Mother, Father" greeted Cassiopeia 

"Cassiopeia." came the monotonous reply of Walburga Black as they linked arms apparating back to 12 Grimmauld Place. The dark mahogany walls with the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling felt like anything but home for Cassiopeia Black, home was where both of her brothers were, and that was no longer this grand house in London. 

The family house elf Kreacher greeted the four Blacks upon their entrance to the building before disappearing into thin air alongside the trunks belonging to the two young Blacks. Orion Black hid pulled his youngest son into his study to discuss 'mens business' leaving Cassiopeia alone with her mother who despite everything, she loved dearly. 

"Bellatrix's wedding is in three days, she is to be wed to Rodolphus Lestrange as I am sure you are aware, it strengthens the family name perhaps you should be more like her. I expect you've kept your eye out for potential suitors?" asked the woman with a pointed look.

"No mother, I hardly think that any of the boys at Hogwarts have anything to offer our family" sighed the Raven haired girl "She asked me to be a bridesmaid did you know?" she smiled with a childlike excitement. 

"I was not informed, this does however explain the dress she had sent over" nodded the woman in approval "I suggest you use this opportunity wisely, you may find yourself a husband and do well for our family name."

Cassiopeia sighed sadly knowing that this would never happen, because she loves James "Yes mother." the girl agreed bringing the rare sight of a smile onto Walburgas thin lips. 

"Splendid, now let's try on that dress shall we" suggested the woman another smile gracing her lips.

"Of course mother." nodded the girl leading her mother upstairs into her bedroom opening to door to be greeted with the dark walls and large chandelier handing from the ceiling her golden bedsheets contrasting against the rest of the dark decor in her room, the dress hung delicately in thin air as Walburga opened the bag it was being held in with a swift flick of her hand to reveal a beautiful purple dress. 

"I was hoping she would've chosen the black.." sighed the older woman "Oh well..come on darling" Walburga sighed once more making Cassiopeia freeze at the sign of affection the woman showed her daughter. 

Cassiopeia grasped the silky fabric bringing it with her behind her privacy screen. She slipped out of her robes neatly placing them to the side as she stepped into the gorgeous new dress but struggling to lace up the back. "Mother, could you help me?"

"Of course." replied the woman as she moved behind the girl fumbling with the ribbon on the back of the dress pulling it tight accentuating Cassiopeia's figure, the colour of the dress complimenting her blue eyes and pink lips. Walburga looked at the reflection of her daughter in the mirror and for a split second she saw herself..but happy and free, not forced into a marriage with a cousin never to change her maiden name. She saw a young girl with a choice, that Walburga only wished she could have. But she knew that Orion would never allow her daughter to have that choice just like her father. "You look beautiful dear." whispered the woman ignoring her glassy eyes. 

"Thanks Mum" Cassiopeia smiled 

"I know I may not show it at times..but I love you..you're my daughter and I love you. I just want what is best for you" the woman smiled "The boy..who is he?" 

"W-what?" stuttered Cassiopeia in shock her heart suddenly beating faster than she could ever remember. 

"I can see it in your eyes, you're in love..who is he? He's a respectable young pureblood man I hope? With a noble family? I'm sure you are through with your rebellious ways" 

"I-" started Cassiopeia pausing for a moment as she thought about her answer as she considered James and his family. They had high morals and big hearts from what Cassiopeia knew of them but she was yet to meet them, they had welcomed her brother in warmly treating him as his own, the girl had never heard one bad thing said about the Potters unless you count 'blood traitors' as bad. In her eyes James and his family were some of the most noble people she knew and with that Cassiopeia decided on her answer. "Yes. He is noble, and very respectable." 

"Good." nodded the woman in approval "I should like to meet him, and his parents" if Cassiopeia's heart wasn't beating fast already it surely was now, her face paled draining of all colour as she swiftly thought of an excuse.

"I don't think that will be necessary mother."

"Why not?" asked the woman sharply with a pointed brow

"Because it's just a silly little school girl crush, I am not being courted by the boy it's simply a matter of attraction" she breathed "These feelings shall pass" she assured steadying her breathing trying her best to appear calm.

Walburga did not look convinced but decided not to pry into the situation instead raised an accusing brow at the girl through the mirror "if you insist" she nodded "Now get changed for dinner, there's to be a very important meeting held tonight regarding Regulus. The dark lord has requested all of our presence." the woman smiled proudly yet there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. 

Cassiopeia's heart dropped down into her stomach and she felt sick for her little brother. "W-why him?" she stuttered "Why not me instead?" 

"We have collectively agreed that it would be best if you were to marry before taking the mark" breathed the woman sternly. "Now get ready, the guest should be arriving by eight." and with that the woman swiftly walked out of the room leaving Cassiopeia alone in her thoughts as she stared at the clock that read four o'clock.

She collapsed onto her knees the purple fabric of the dress pooling around the floor as she let the tears flow freely. She had failed. Cassiopeia Black had sworn she would protect her brothers no matter what and she had failed. She couldn't protect Regulus from the dreadful fate he was now ensured. Her brother was now promised nothing but death, being raised like a pig for slaughter, as he's sent off into a world to complete tasks for a cause he does not support and now he had no escape, his fate was sealed and in a matter of hours his life would be in control of Lord Voldemort. 

Regulus Black no longer and arguably never had a choice. But Cassiopeia still does. The question is what will she choose?