FALLEN STAR.

Andromeda Tonks. 26. Healer. || Oh to be like a galaxy, to mingle without wrecking. But then we would have to be composed of so much more sky. || part of @ministry-hq.

[aestherandii]

@tcnkstcd​ || starter!

&& ----- The speed at which Andromeda had travelled to the ministry was remarkable. She’d heard, quite quickly, about the incident. A ringing overtook her head. Her ears. And she was immediately up, grabbing her wand and her cloak.

It wasn’t a major event. The accident. No one was speaking of it in the halls or corridors as Andromeda made her way to Ted’s office. Her heart was pounding, she felt her stomach lurch. What if he wasn’t there? Would Andromeda even be able to be of help to him if she were there? Hopelessness would have overtaken her if she hadn’t found Ted in his office, nursing some tea with a minor amount of healing potion by the table.

They’re both aware of the dangers they were in. That war put him in. Some falling shelves and shattered glass wouldn’t, on a normal day, put Andromeda ill at ease. But as things got more tense, she wonders and worries for every possible event, for any sign of foul play. Of being targeted. Of any of them -- Ted, Nymphadora, herself -- getting hurt for no reason other than who they are.

“Ted,” she breathes out, relief replacing dread in her lungs. “I came as soon as I heard, are you alright?”

[aestherandii]

mccnylupins​:

remus laughed slightly, shaking his head. he wasn’t surprised andromeda had maybe not recognized him… after all, she hadn’t seen him since she was a seventh year and he was a first year at hogwarts. “sorry, no, you’re fine,” he said awkwardly. “you’re right, though. i feel out of place, too.” he subconsciously traced one of the scars on his cheek as he said this. “i’m remus. remus lupin; we’ve met a few times, a long time ago, at hogwarts. i’m good friends with sirius.”

—

&&  ----- Andromeda’s relieved that it’s not someone who would make fun of her. Truthfully, Dromeda had two types of bullies here -- those who would make fun of her marriage, and her family name. Remus wasn’t either. And she’s glad of it. “Oh, I remember Sirius speaking of you,” Andromeda says, kindly. “And I think... yes, you’re right. You were a first year the year I was leaving?”

Andromeda can’t help but feel a little foolish for her outburst. “Believe me, it’s easy to feel out of place at one of these functions.” She tries not to look at the place he’s traced on his face. It’s not polite. And while Andromeda didn’t know the details, she decided it wasn’t her job to bring it up. It was already something he was self conscious of, she figured. “Where’s Sirius? Or did you come with someone else tonight?” Then, “or just you? I shouldn’t assume everyone comes with someone. I couldn’t come to an event like this alone. Free food is not enough to lure me out, I’m afraid. I usually come to these things with a friend or my husband.”

[aestherandii]

tcnkstcd​:

he feels bad about mentioning her sisters, but they were the elephants in the room that simply just could not be avoided. he finishes off the little unknown food by popping it into his mouth, before answering, “perfect. i love not thinking about them.”

he looks around, figuring out if there was anyone they hadn’t yet said their pleasantries to, and notices a few people coupled up on the dance floor. he eyes andromeda knowingly and extends a hand to her. if there was one thing ted loved to do, it was show off his wife, and a slow dance was an exceptional way to do so.

“may i have this dance?” he asks, a slight sarcastic tone lacing the words, but the question is genuine.

—

&& ----- Andromeda’s eyeing the room, similar to Ted for a moment. She misses, for a moment, Ted’s extended hand. But when she sees it? There’s a blush that creeps across her face and she’s smiling brightly. “You certainly may,” Andromeda says, taking his hand.

She recognized his joking tone. And she loved it. There’s something about Ted that makes her fears melt away. He was used to her fears about her family at home. He was used to her waking up in distress at the thought of her family, especially given the war that surrounded them. Here in this room, however? Andromeda’s nerves were calmed, simply by the touch of Ted’s hand.

[aestherandii]

seriovslysirivs​:

~

he grins a little more at her response, not exactly unexpected. “yet, huh? i don’t plan on there being a yet, for either of us.” to fall was to give his family what they wanted, and as far as he was concerned he’d already done enough of that by running and escaping. 

he had to wonder what said family would think if they heard them talking like this. listened to how they though of them all. maybe it would be eye opening, or maybe it would just increase their distain towards the pair. sirius would take either option, it wasn’t as if anything was going to change regardless. “why’s that?” head tilting ever so slightly, curious. sirius on the other hand anyway, seemed to crave company more than avoid it. being alone wasn’t something he was good at now.

“i think i can say i have seen enough. and by that i mean one conversation with bella was all i needed. but you know, the usual suspects. came with remus, and james and peter are probably around here somewhere too.“ he shrugged slightly, nothing too interesting. “feelings mutual, andi. is that your way or saying talking to me is making this party more enjoyable? pretty sure everyone else would just say i’m loud and obnoxious.“

—

&& ----- Andromeda has to think that Sirius is the reason that she was emboldened to step away from her family. There was a solidarity between them. Sirius and Andi against their own family. If only she could hear Walburga’s reaction to them. And then, thinking, Bellatrix and Narcissa would be good enough. They both could give her that aristocratic look of loathing.

“You talked with Bella?” Andromeda shook her head. “How was she? Perfectly cold, as usual?” While Andromeda made jabs at her family, one owl post would be enough for her to feel at least a little better about everything.

There’s a small laugh from Andromeda and she replies, “it is my way of saying that talking to you is definitely making my night more enjoyable. I loathe to have dour, mopey parties. And you’ve always been my closest accomplice when there was a stuffy, boring party.”

[aestherandii]

bellaxlestrange​:

~

Bella knew she always seemed so cruel and heartless on the outside, it was a persona that she lived and made a repuation off of. Emotions were something you held close to your chest, ready to be played like the right card when the time came for it. When things got complicated she pushed things down and hid them away until she needed it, hearing of Andromeda’s depature was no different. If her younger sister wanted to follow their disgrace of a cousin down the wrong path, then she wasn’t going to give her the time of day. She’d treat her just like the mudblood she followed after. So having said sister try and converse with her as if the past had never happened, had her shifting into a more irritated mood.

“We’re fine,” The witch spoke sharply, eyes rolling dramatically at the very obvious attempt to continue this conversation as if they were still close as ever. Her eyes drifted down to the glass in her hand as she swirled the liquid around, giving far more attention to it than to her own sister at this very moment. Though eyes were focused elsewhere, Bella still was listening as Andromeda rambled on, her ears picking up lack of their other sister in the list of people mentioned but saved the information away for later. “Why would I waste my time replying to letters from people who mean nothing to me?”

—

&& ----- That stung. Bella’s words sting against Adromeda’s heart, no matter how much she tried to shield it. Andromeda had a weakness for her sisters. It was useless to hide that fact. And, truthfully, Bellatrix must have seen it too. With how much Andromeda loved her sisters throughout their life, Bellatrix couldn’t be blind to the fact.

We’re fine. What a terse answer. People who mean nothing to me. Cold as ever.

“You know, if you wrote me, perhaps I wouldn’t be incessant. You could tell me, in a letter, that you’d like to cease receiving letters. But, Bella, I know that’s not true. I know I mean at least something to you!” It’s a display of affection and love, but Andromeda truly does not know what else to do.

[aestherandii]

alicefortescue​:

—

“Oh shush you.” Alice shook her head, smiling at her friend. Andromeda was one of her closest friends. And it had kind of started out with their partners, but Andromeda and Alice had grown to be close too. The Tonks’s and future Longbottom’s went on a lot of double dates. And Alice loved it. Of course, it felt a little strange to be at a Gala together though.

“I love your awkardness dear” She smiled, linking her arm through Andromeda’s. She had no idea how these things made her friend feel. She’d never gone to these things growing up. Nobody invited the ice cream makers. Alice’s family might have been pureblood but they were certainly not good enough for the high society.

“What is going to be awkward is when Ted gets back with only two drinks and my pretty face has popped up”

—

&& ----- “Oh! Thank goodness it’s you, Alice!” Andromeda near exclaims. She looks slightly embarrassed by her outburst, but not for long. There wasn’t anything like a good friend to ease her nerves. “I’ve missed you.”

Andromeda takes Alice linking arms in stride and leans in a bit. She’s happy to have so many friendly people here. When her family was involved, Andromeda had a habit of being on edge. At home, she had nightmares of her family. Here, those nightmares weren’t coming true... but what would prevent them? Andromeda’s quick to banish that thought from her mind.

A cheerful laugh escapes Andromeda and she nudges into Alice. “Well, he’ll have to get himself a new one, won’t he?” She teases. “After all, how rude would it be to leave a pretty lady, like yourself, without a drink?”

[aestherandii]

ofmollyweasley​:

molly could appreciate what andromeda was saying. she, too, had been to her fair share of these things, if only because her husband attended them fairly often for his job. it seemed a majority of the time she was pregnant at them, so that automatically put her as an outcast because she wasn’t drinking. 

“you’ve made it no more awkward than being at one of these pregnant, love. there’s only so many things to talk about when you’re pregnant at a ministry event,” she said as she laughed. especially when she was pregnant with her sixth child. “really, there’s no need to apologize.”

&& ----- Andromeda smiles kindly. Molly was certainly a welcome face at these events. Someone who wasn’t too stuffy, wasn’t too concerned with appearances... Andromeda appreciated her. And it was nice to see each other as friends in private, but something about being able to escape and talk to her friend at a public event?

“Well,” Andromeda starts, thinking, “we could talk about the hors d'oeuvres? Ted had me try a savory tart-like thing, and I thought it was divine.” Then, sheepishly, “I’m sorry Ted and I haven’t been around lately. How are you and Arthur? And the kids, of course. I miss seeing their smiling faces when I visit for tea.”

[aestherandii]

Ted and Dromeda — wedding memories. (&& ----- @tcnkstcd)

Freshly married and still tripping over themselves in affection. That one time Dromeda tripped over her hem when she went to take the first bite of cake, and Ted tried to save her. Soulmates, through and through.

[aestherandii]

Ted and Dromeda. ( && ----- @tcnkstcd)

[likenesses? who is she?]

[aestherandii]

bellaxlestrange​:

~

When Sirius had been branded a blood traitor, Bella had been expecting it. She had always seen how different her cousin was from the rest of them, how he actively tried to do everything but what he was told, so to her it had been a long time coming. It was a very unfortunate time for her family to deal with but she found it easy to just move on with her life. It was different when it came to her own sister’s betrayal. The witch had been blindsided really, Andromeda had always been the quiet one of the three of them, but to see her chose a Mudblood over her own flesh and blood hurt her more than Bella cared to admit.

From where she stood it was far too easy for Andromeda to turn her back on them, so Bella did what was expected of her. Contain the hurt that threatened to reach out and instead focus her anger of the situation, cutting her sister off completely and going on to live her life, bettering the family image as she went. She didn’t often think of that dreadful day any longer. That was until tonight, though considering it was all open to the public, she should’ve expected to cross paths with Andromeda again.

Her eyes drifted away from the crowds as she heard the familiar voice, the grip on her glass tighening ever so slightly, “It sure is.” They were in public after all and there was an image to keep, even if Bella would rather be caught conversing with anyone else. “As a member of two very noble families, it would look bad if I chose to decline the invitation,” Her words not quite friendly but not entirely hostile as she took a sip of her drink, wishing she had acquired something stronger.

~

&& ----- Andromeda’s staring at her shoes, now. She had figured that Bellatrix would be hard to speak to in public. But this was... this was painful. Bellatrix was going to keep up appearances. Andromeda had no more appearances to salvage. She wouldn’t trade Ted, but oh how she wished she could have kept her sisters in that deal. If only they could see what she did...

“Yes. How... how are you? You and Rudolphus?” Andromeda can’t help but feel like she’s made a mistake. She feels as if she’s about to fall through the ice. Her sister often could make her feel small without meaning to, but at this point in time, she feels so tiny. And she’s sure Bellatrix intended that. “Bella, I won’t apologize for what I did. But... I wish you would write sometimes. I tried once or twice, but either you or mother or father returned the letters. I have to say... I wish it didn’t have to be like this.”

[aestherandii]

tcnkstcd​:

as soon as andromeda is close enough, ted wraps an arm around her waist. ted often thinks that maybe today is the day the ‘honeymoon phase’ ends, and he’s always wrong. “yes, try this,” he says in response to her first question, holding a small bite of something unrecognizable, but tasty up to her, waiting for her to take a bite. “my evening is much better now that you’re back at my side, dromeda. but generally, yes, it’s not totally horrible,” he says, a joking tone in your voice. “how about you? i know bellatrix and narcissa are here and i can’t imagine that’s easy for you.”

~

&& ----- Andromeda leans forward and takes a bite of whatever it is that Ted offers her. She smiles. “It’s savory and sweet at the same time,” she remarks, bringing a hand up to conceal a little bit of her laugh. It’s nice to have something enjoyable again. This night has been a toll on her nerves.

Her face lights up, her eyes only showing affection for Ted. “Much better, my dear?” She asks, leaning into him. “Well, my night is much better with you as well.” She brings her forehead to his. Before meeting him, she could never imagine herself being so openly loving with another person. But Ted had changed all that.

At the mention of Bellatrix and Narcissa, Andromeda’s features took on a more heavy, contemplative look. She half shrugs, though more with the resignation in her face than the actual movement of her shoulders. “It’s not been easy, but I’ll manage. They wouldn’t... they wouldn’t start a scene. Not with their reputations at stake. So... I suppose I’ll endure them and then we go home and don’t think about them.”

[aestherandii]

@tcnkstcd​ || ministryevent001 starter.

Andromeda’s smile is sparkling as she rejoins her husband by the refreshments. She needs some refreshing. It’s been quite an evening of both joy and stress, and she’s so happy to be back by Ted’s side. “Anything good?” Andromeda asks, referring to the food. She’s not exactly hungry, but she could nibble on something. At least to get her mind off of some of the other guests here tonight. She has to admit, her nerves are alight with both excitement and a bit of trepidation.

“You know... as much as I enjoy the company of others, you’re my favorite person here.” She leans in to give him a light peck. “Are you having a good evening, dear?”

[aestherandii]

seriovslysirivs​:

he grinned gently, eyes shining with the hint of amusement as his cousin spoke. “fitting, isn’t it? we’re probably exactly where they want us,” out of the spotlight and pushed far as hell away from them all. “but speak for yourself, i haven’t fallen just yet. we can’t give them that satisfaction now, can we?” it was nice though. despite becoming an outcast, disgrace, one of the most hated members of the black family— it was nice to still have someone. adromeda understood it most, anyway. “can say the same myself, i guess. honestly i think i’m just here for the free drink and the fact everyone i know is here. the good ones, not the family, anyway.”

~

&& ----- Andromeda stifles a small chuckle at Sirius’s remark. Which, admittedly, was likely the truth. They were shuffled to a corner. Andromeda had often been the wallflower of her sisters, but this was even more secluded than she normally allowed herself to be. “Oh, of course,” Andromeda says, near mirthfully, “how could I forget. Not fallen. Yet.”

It’s not that she’s antagonizing him. But she is being funny, smirking slightly as she speaks to him. It’s how they talk. Sometimes cynical, sometimes sardonic. They spoke of their family this way because they seemed to be the only ones who could see their family for what they really were. “Well, free refreshments are a good reason to attend a party, hmm? I would say I enjoy company but I think, being the more fallen of us, I wonder if I even enjoy that anymore.” 

She sips from her cup and surveys the room. “Tell me about your night. Who have you seen. Who haven’t you? I miss talking with you Sirius. You were the only person in our family who really understood how to have a good time at a party.”

[aestherandii]

(open) || ministryevent001 starter.

&& ----- “It’s strange,” Andromeda muses, breathing in the beautiful summer air, “but all my life I was taught just how to act at these sorts of events. Now that I don’t attend them regularly anymore, it’s almost surreal to realize just how out of place I always seemed to be at them. It just goes to show, right, dear?”

Andromeda pauses, looks over. A look of shock and mortification crosses her face as she realizes her company wasn’t the person she had expected. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. I thought-- my husband had just gone to get me something more to drink, I hadn’t realized--” She trails off, already cursing herself for not paying more attention. “Forgive my musings, would you, please? I hadn’t meant to make things any more awkward at a social gathering.”

[aestherandii]

@bellaxlestrange​ || ministryevent001 starter.

&& ----- How many times had Andromeda feared this moment? The moment where the collision of two constellations would bring back the worst feelings of doubt and betrayal. Andromeda betrayed her family. That’s what everyone said. And, in the most literal sense, she might have. According to their standards. Bella and Cissy swore her off, and Andromeda had to live with that choice. Well, they all had to live with that choice.

It’s tumultuous to come to an event like this. Those feelings building up like bile. The emotional toll was almost enough that Andromeda bolted for the door the moment she realized she was in close contact with her. Her sister. Bella. The most beautiful. Andromeda, growing up, felt like a mere shadow to her sister’s more defined, defiant looks. A Black in every sense of the word. And Andromeda was just a softer, blurry reflection back. Flawed. A flawed reflection of her family. She did not share their values.

And now here she was, with her sister, after years of no owls, no letters, and no contact. They swore her off. And despite that, Andromeda -- Andi -- missed her sisters. So, against her better judgement...

“It’s a lovely party, Bellatrix,” Andromeda says, quaintly. She’s not trying to start a fight. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Though, I suppose I should have.”

[aestherandii]

@seriovslysirivs​ || ministryevent001 starter.

&& ----- “So. This is what it’s come to,” Andromeda says, raising what was basically an over-glorified punch glass to her lips. “The two most disgraced from the Noble House of Black sipping from refilling goblets in the back of a ministry party while gossiping about all the faces we used to know? How the mighty have fallen, eh, Sirius?” She smiles, then. Not quite rueful, but not quite fully joyous. “It doesn’t hurt to laugh a little at these events. But seeing everyone... I just have to wonder why I even turned up tonight.”

[aestherandii]

@mcklene​ || starter!

&& ----- Andromeda’s eyes were wide with disbelief. She’d nearly dropped her wand in shock at the appearance of the young witch she’d been tasked with. Perhaps Andromeda had been tasked with her because Andromeda was no stranger to the odd scrapes and bruises and possibly broken bones that the witch often arrived with. 

Being an Auror, Andromeda knew, was a dangerous job. However, the sheer amount of healing work and paperwork Andromeda had begun since starting her healing profession made her wish Aurors would be a bit warier of injury. She quickly banishes the thought, seeing as Andromeda supposed wartime wasn’t the time to be picky. 

“Marlene,” Andromeda begins, already checking over the hastily written paperwork, “Do I even dare ask what happened?”