Full of Constellations

Andromeda Tonks

[galaxyofherown-blog]

likearosier:

The more Andromeda laughs and smiles, the more she wants to cringe. Evan never truly understood the ‘kill them with kindness’ idiom more than she did in this moment. Because for all the pleasantness her once cousin decided to spare her, the more her urge to combat it began to dwindle. It was as exhausting as it was frustrating to know that all her verbal attacks were going to be met with a grin. It almost felt like a waste of her creativity and bitterness. 

But Evan was far too stubborn to surrender – call it genetic. 

“Possibly,” Evan offers, flatly, her disagreement clear. Peach was a color best worn by no-one, she believed. For a color so soft, it was entirely difficult to pull off without the perfect skin tone to compliment it. “That’s because darker colors always flatter. Without question.” She pauses for a long moment, another comment on her tongue. She shouldn’t bother, perhaps even make Andromeda pay for such fashion consulting, but her words have other ideas, forming on her tongue on their own accord. “Blue,” she utters the color, simply, and without much explanation. “If you’re going to go for anything…it should be blue.” In her opinion, it had always been Andromeda’s best color.

“I am. Splendid, actually.” This should be the part where she boasts of the events she’d attended and the suitors she’d been in touch with. But that was a world Andromeda was no longer part of, and it was a world she shouldn’t be allowed a glimpse into. “Well, thank you – it’s a…shame I hadn’t seen you at all.” Which was probably for the best. And probably deliberate. “Though, I don’t see why everyone’s so shaken up. People die. C’est la vie.” She waves a dismissive hand then, knowing that by all rules of etiquette that she was to return such an inquiry into Andromeda’s life as well. A hurdle she didn’t want to leap over in the slightest, but she somehow musters, “I hear you have a daughter.”

“Thank you Evan, I will have to keep that in mind.” Andromeda smiled and then turned to face Evan fully. Up until then she had been facing slightly to the side, still browsing in the racks. Part of her felt like maybe they were having a nice and civil conversation, as riddled with condescension as it was. It was the very most that Andromeda could hope for out of a conversation with Evan. 

“Yes. I do actually. Nymphadora, she’s four years old. She’s got more energy than even you did as a kid. I can’t remember the countless times I had to chase you when you were a child. And also pull you off whoever you were trying to beat up that day.” Andromeda laughed at the memory. Evan had always been a spitfire, rough for a pureblood girl. But she had managed to compose herself as she grew.

Evan had become like most of the other pureblood women, one way in public and another in private. Although much more involved in all of the craziness of the world, unlike some of the others. Andromeda didn’t worry about her. Evan was tough, Evan had the fire to survive all of this. 

Andromeda was glad Evan was there to protect Narcissa.

[galaxyofherown-blog]

antoninedolohov:

“That’s unsurprising. Lord knows you and I don’t run in the same circles, I can’t see why you would expect to run into me.” The retort came quickly and Antonine’s voice was icy. She had not been a friend of Andromeda in the first place and so her desertion had not had any true emotional impact on her but seeing her marry a mudblood and parade around their offspring was a bit of a taunt to her. She felt envious that Andromeda had so fully humiliated her family and yet had barely received any punishment. If Antonine had done so much as think of so thoroughly embarrassing her family there would have been hell to pay. It was simply infuriating to see that the youngest Black had not paid the price for her mistakes yet.

Calling her by her maiden name was a taunt in and of itself, a reminder that Andromeda was a Black regardless of her lapse in judgement and that her past would never cease to haunt her.

“I’m glad to see that the loss of your siblings doesn’t daunt you too much. A small price to pay for less hours spent cleaning the house, I suppose.” She continued, seeing as her words of condescension hadn’t had the effect she wanted them to have. This was a vicious move, a deep cut but she felt it was deserved. Had Andromeda even stopped for a second to consider the hurt she had cause to both Narcissa and Bellatrix? No, that woman was decidedly too selfish to have considered it. A woman who chooses a man over her family had to be.

The little girl that came running to Andromeda was admittedly adorable and Antonine didn’t have an aversion to children but she did not like being manipulated and if Andromeda putting a child between the two of them would stop her from saying what she wanted to she was sorely mistaken. It would take more than that to coax her.

“Nice to meet you.” She said, barely meeting Nymphadora’s eye and with such utter disinterest that she expected the girl wouldn’t even attempt to answer back.

Andromeda pulled Dora to her, the child now standing right at her feet, her mothers hands crossed gently infront of her in protection but not fear. She didn’t think Antonine would do anything public and despite her looks she was not entirely unprepared to fight anyone would would try to harm her child. 

“You’ve got big eyebrows like me!” Dora announced, causing Andromeda to hold her smile. It was nice to have her child here, who seemed immune to any sort of negativity or cruelty . Dora had turned out to have a very rebelious and blase attitude. It was something that Andromeda admired in the little girl. 

“Yes darling you are both beautiful.” Andromeda smiled politely as ever and patted her child’s head. 

“I did not lose my siblings as they are very much where I left them. I simply made my choice and they made theirs. But I appreciate your concern for my family, true kindness is shown when you concern yourself with the matters of others.” the statement was more biting than anything Andromeda had dared say before. But even for the kindest of people, there was a limit. 

And quite frankly she was sick of people involving themselves or commenting on herself and her family. Making it seem like the whim of some silly girl. Ted wasn’t the only reason she had left, and they were all blind if they didn’t realize that. Andromeda had never been like them. They all knew that, their sorrow was just arrogance that they couldn’t do and keep everything and anyone they wanted. Andromeda leaving was a loss for them, one less pawn they could marry off. A Little less power they could have. 

It wasn’t about family

[galaxyofherown-blog]

badgerheartedted:

“It looks amazing, love,” he said, smiling and giving Andromeda’s hand a squeeze.  Her happiness meant the world to him and, seeing her beam at the meal, he knew she was happy.  There were many reminders of why they should stay here even when another country might have been safer.  Andromeda’s relationship with his mother and being close to his family were just a couple of them.  They couldn’t leave them behind any more than they could leave their friends or their small home.  They had developed deep roots and wouldn’t pull them up.

Grabbing a fork, Ted tucked in.  A great deal could be said of good habits he’d picked up from his wife but eating slowly wasn’t one of them.  Growing up, not finishing your food fast enough meant that there was a sibling or two happy to take it off you.  If Hogwarts and this many years of marriage hadn’t changed him the chances didn’t look particularly good.  Old habits die hard.  “Don’t tell Mum but I think you may have surpassed her.”  Ted took another few bites and put his fork down with some effort mid-meal while he waited for his family to catch up.  This mid-meal pause was recognized by his family as his effort to keep the pace and never commentary on the goodness of the meal.

“Did you need anything from the store?  I wanted to renew our subscription to the Prophet and thought I could pick up some things if you needed them.”  There was no real desire to go out into the wider world today but they needed to stay informed.  There was also an unpleasant competition of instincts within him: one to stock-pile and prepare for something that might not happen and the other to be content that they’d done what they needed to and put their hope in a positive outcome. The murder of Elphias Doge had upset the balance.  What alleviation of worry there had been when the war ended had slowly been building again and this looked like proof that the worry might be founded.

For a moment Andromeda just watched her family eat, Ted was always a quick eater and Dora liked to play with her food. It was strange how much you learned about your family when you actually spent time with them. It wasn’t very often, in her childhood, to have family meals other than dinner and large events. Even then they all had a very specific etiquette they had to follow. It didn’t allow for much of your personality to shine. In all honesty, there was very little about her family’s habits that she could tell you. 

But with her friends and family now, she could tell you everything. How they ate certain foods, who finished first, who hated what food, who always went for seconds. It felt more like a family environment ,it felt more like home. And it reinforced Andromeda’s resolve that marrying Ted had never and would never be a mistakie.

“Oh, that is simply not true. I am using the exact same ingredients as your mother. But thank you, my love.” Andromeda’s cheeks turned bright red and Dora laughed with a mouthful of food. 

“Dora, please! Manners.” quickly, she mopped up the mess her daughter had made as well as the food on her face and shook her head playfully at the laughing child. 

“I can’t think of anything we might need but maybe Dora and I could go with you. Or Dora could go visit her cousins.” She didn’t entirly love the idea of Ted going by himself anywhere at that moment but she wasn’t sure how he would feel taking Dora along. Still she had to make the suggestion.

[galaxyofherown-blog]

@rascality

“I’ll fucking KILL them. I’ll fucking kill every last one of them!” He’s full of murderous rage, so full that it’s overflowing, streaming down his face and ripping from his throat in dry sobs. It’s a side of Sirius that no one’s ever really seen, not even his boys. The side that cares about family, the side that feels just as hurt by their betrayal as they are by his, the side that died today. The wound is fresh, still angry and red and bleeding, but Sirius doesn’t know how to handle pain, only anger, so that is what he lets flow.

“They killed him, Andromeda, they finally killed him. I kept telling him if he didnt get his dumb ass out of that fucking house, they would be the death of him.” When he first heard, he didn’t believe it, sat, dumbfounded in shock, and took a shot of firewhiskey to clear his head. Then, he took another shot because it clicked and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to deal with it sober. He’d gotten on his bike, then, and started towards the house he’d once called home until his vision got too blurry and he had to stop. There was no traffic in the sky, but it became immediately evident that he could not show up on his parents’ doorstep like this. And more so, even as he drove over, he had no idea what his reaction would be.

The normal reaction, of course, would be to fall into his mother’s arms and she could tell him that everything would be alright. That even the time they got to spend with Regulus was worth the pain he was feeling now. He would see his father cry from the first time in his life and maybe even get a hug or a comforting pat on the back, a touch from his father that Sirius could remember fondly. But his family was anything but normal, and if they saw Sirius on their doorstep, even in their own grief, which they must be feeling, they would probably laugh right in his face. He supposed he was going over there to hurt them, to demand they tell him why they couldn’t protect their only son, why they’d let him get mixed up in something that would kill him. Maybe he’d even kill them, or they’d kill him, it seemed more and more like the only possible ending to that chapter of Sirius’s life.

But they weren’t the only family that he had. He started his bike up again and stuck to the road as he made his way to his cousin’s. It was rude, to barge in unannounced; she had a new family now, one she had built with sweat and tears and love and he knew he had a welcome place in it, but did all of his emotional baggage? Andromeda had to care too, she’d been more of a mother to Sirius and Regulus than Walburga had ever tried and he thought seeing her would trigger the proper reaction, but Sirius has never had a proper reaction a day in his life. He lets her pull him into her arms, even as he’s still yelling, not at her, not at anyone in particular. It takes her arms, her soothing voice and her hand, running calmly through his hair for the anger to recede enough for him to realize what’s happened. He’s just lost his brother.

He sobs into her shoulder again, more broken and hopeless than his angry crying. There had been a time when he was convinced he wouldn’t cry for his brother’s death, he hadn’t cried for their father’s. Maybe, if the situation had been different, if he’d been killed fighting alongside the filth that would murder his best friends without thought. But his brother had given up everything, for a cause he didn’t even seem to believe in.  “It was supposed to be me. I was supposed to be the one to die, not him.”

The blood from Andromeda’s head to her toes ran cold the second she read the news. It wasn’t long before her entirely body felt as though it had been submerged in ice water, numbing every single one of her senses and forming a lead weight in her stomach. The world had stopped around her and all she could do was read the owl over and over looking for any way that it could be a mistake or a practical joke. Flashes of Regulus at Nymphadora’s age and of Dora at Regulus’ age. The hard grip of panic kept her cemented to her seat.

Regulus was like her child, she had been there from nearly the second he had been born. Even after she left they had maintained contact at great risk to both of them. Andromeda was one of the few people he could trust, one of the few he could voice his doubts to that would just listen to him. He knew that Andromeda had no stake in the war other than keeping her family safe, she would guide him and but not tell him what to do or what side to go with. 

Now as she sat there reading that piece of parchment she wondered if maybe she had done wrong. Maybe she should have tried harder to convince him to leave, even if it meant just living with  her. Andromeda couldn’t help the guilt that was shredding through her. The pain was so strong she couldn’t cry, it was as if her entire body had turned to stone from the sheer agony. 

How long she had sat in that chair she would never know. The next thing she remembered was hearing the telltale sound of a motorcycle, Sirius’ motorcycle.

Her heart seemed to crumple in on itself knowning that he was there. She sprang up from her chair, tears finally threatening to fall and ran out to meet him. 

Just as he crashed into her arms Andromeda started to cry in earnest too, she wrapped her arms around Sirius and carded her fingers through his hair. 

“I’m right here. I’m so sorry Sirius. I’m so sorry.” she tried her best to comfort him and remind him of how valid his loss was. But they both knew that Regulus meant as much to Andromeda as Sirius did and as much as he meant to Sirius. 

“No, it was not supposed to be you. Regulus’ heart would break if he heard you say that just as it breaks mine. You deserve to be here and so did he. No one is to blame but our famil!” Andromeda said the last part with a spark of anger she had never before shown, it stunned her but she didn’t take it back. 

“They forced him, a child, into something that he was unprepared for. They forced him into a war, Sirius. One they weren’t prepared to fight for themselves.” Andromeda held him tighter to her and sobbed.

“It should have been them not either of you. Not my boys.”

[galaxyofherown-blog]

antoninedolohov:

ANTONINE & ANDROMEDA

Location: Borgin and Burkes

Date: October 5th, 3:30pm

@galaxyofherown

There is a short list of people who can claim to have fallen out of grace with Antonine Dolohov and even fewer who can say they have disappointed her and that is because the girl has always known to keep her expectations low when it comes to the people around her. Those who know the type of family she grew up in understand her outlook, other simply think her to be cynical but regardless the results are the same. Antonine is a girl who has been rarely disappointed by her peers. Chief exception remains in the form of Andromeda Black however. 

The two girl had never been close but still Andromeda was a Black and as such held to a high standard and expected to abide by the same values that Antonine did but now that she has run off with a blood traitor and betrayed her family the begrudging sort of respect Antonine once felt for the youngest Black has turned to disdain of the purest form. If it wasn’t for her ties to Bellatrix and Narcissa in fact Andromeda might have been one of Antonine’s victims. As it is she is steadfast in her resolve not to harm the woman but that doesn’t mean she has to curtsy and smile when she encounters her. 

As she hears the door to Borgin and Burkes open and the all too familiar voice resounds in the shop, she turns to greet her with a mocking smile. “Andromeda Black. Who knew you wandered to these dark parts of London. Are you looking for some antique piece to decorate your home? I could help you pick something, I’ve no experience in decorating smaller houses but we can find some trinket surely.” She says, depositing the clock she had been examining and dropping the galleons to pay for it, the price is rather extravagant but if she’s to mock she might as well make her point come across.

Andromeda had never much liked going to Borgin and Burkes and her adult life hadn’t changed that. However, she knew that it as the place to find almost anything and in that current moment she needed two small, nice and unassuming decorations to put a protective/alarm charm on. With recent events it was necissary to amp up their home’s security as well as the security in the home of her In-Laws. While they were muggles and it wasn’t very well known where they lived, Dora was often their for her safety and some extra measures never hurt. 

Not to mention that her mother in law loved to see items for Andromed’as world. Some day, when it wasn’t as dangerous, she would have to bring Ted’s mother with her to see. But for now she was content with taking her little trinkets. Her safety mattered more than showing her some silly little shops. 

“Antonine, I didn’t expect to run into you.” Andromeda smiled and fought the urge to ask her to call her by her married name. She was no longer a Black ,after all, and it seemed a bit innapropriate to be called as such. 

“I appreciate the offer. Decorating a smaller home is much easier, I find. Not as much area to cover. Although, initially it was quite a change. I always bought too much forgetting that the house was much smaller. It’s fantastic though, there isn’t as much cleaning to be done.” the comments seemed more condescending than genuine but she wouldn’t let that stop her. Just like with everyone else she would be irritatingly kind. 

Not to mention that the comments didn’t hurt. Andromeda missed her family but there was not much about the extravagant lifestyle that she missed. That life would have never afforded her the family she has. 

“Mummy!” a small voice called out and Dora came running from behind a shelf holding what looked like the skull of an animal. 

“Look I found a present for Grandma!” Andromeda smiled and leaned down towards her daughter. 

“That’s beautiful. Dora this is Antonine.” the little girl smiled shyly up at Antonine, her hair turning a dark pink color in embarrasment. 

“Antonine, this is my little girl Nymphadora.”

[galaxyofherown-blog]

likearosier:

Evan, it’s good to see you. 

The phrase is met with a practiced mask, one of many. There’s nothing transparent about it. Just coldness. Nothingness. She turns her head, a noncommittal little hum escaping her. She can’t help the aloof way she manages to say, “I’m sure.” Because what did Andromeda truly expect from her? Enthusiasm? An animated sharing of the sentiment? It needed to be known that Evan Rosier was in no way happy to see the older woman. In fact, she regretted reaching out to drop a slick comment in the first place, especially when it was met with such positivity, it made her efforts feel wasted. 

She wants to scowl, just seeing how chipper the other looked made her angry as she eyed the set of pearly white teeth staring back at her. Happiness shouldn’t be granted to those who desert their families – it needed to be a rule, somewhere. “I’d like to think so,” is her clipped response, eyes flitting down to the gloves in her hands, very much about to turn on her heel and pay for them. But she’d noticed something, the robes Andromeda had paused in front of. They’d probably look nice on her – but Evan couldn’t let her know that. “Unfortunately, you’re a spring, you know.” She points a finger, letting it make a zigzag of a gesture to the robes, “You’d have no business in burgundy.” 

Andromeda huffed a small laugh and smiled at Evan. She was expecting the rudeness, it didn’t bother her as it would have once upon a time. She understood that they were all angry with her that they were all hurt by what she did. But understanding did not mean she had to return their sentiment. Andromeda still loved them, and she would continue to be pleasant to them. Maybe some day it would be returned. Naive as it was, it was a hope of hers. 

“I suppose you’re right. Something much lighter would be nice. I could possibly make a light peach robe. Darker colors have always suited you and Bella more.” Andromeda continued to look at the robe in front of her, memorizing the pattern to draw later. Something this color would probably be nice as a christmas outfit for Dora.

“Are you doing well? Everyone seems to be scrambling a bit after the other night...You looked lovely by the way. But of course you don’t need anyone to tell you that, you’ve always looked lovely.” 

[galaxyofherown-blog]

badgerheartedted:

Dora pushed aside some of the soil in her garden, creating a small hole, and placed the worm inside, covering it with the tiniest layer of dirt.  “Little more dirt, love.  That’s great!”  He loved this age and, with three younger siblings, he knew it would pass quickly. Before they knew it she’d be grown and there were things he wanted to pass on while she was still his little girl: a love and respect for all living things chief amongst them.  None of them knew what tomorrow would bring but if he’d passed only this along to his daughter than it would be enough.  Watching her care of the wiggling garden helper made him think that he must be doing something right.

Ted looked over and smiled when Andromeda announced lunch and requested they leave the dirt and worms behind.  “Let’s clean up and get some lunch,” he said to Dora.  No sooner had he said it than she did a runner, not ready to leave her play behind.  Ted chuckled and gave chase.  Small limbs were no match for grown ones and Ted quickly overtook her, scooping Dora up and tickling the escapee until she laughed.

The table was already neatly set when he put Dora down on a chair.  A quick sanitation spell but them to rights and Ted took a chair for himself.  Everything felt so easy and normal.  For a brief moment, the events at Crouch Manor felt far removed from their daily lives and he was grateful for that.  They were trying their best to keep Dora sheltered from what was happening. She deserved a childhood without fear and they would do their best to give that to her.

“Looks wonderful!  What have we got here,” he asked, taking in the meal spread out before them.  The dish looked similar to one his mother used to make and he wondered if this was one of the recipes his mother had shared with Andromeda.

It was hard to not look upon her family with fondness. She had never imaged her life could be so pleasant. The most she could have hoped for in her younger years was to have a pleasant but absent husband. It was not part of pureblood living to be loving or nurturing with their children or husbands for that matter. Perhaps the only one of her family who were happily married was Narcissa, although even she possesed a quiet sadness to her. 

The world she left behind was not one meant for the person she was. While she had loved her sisters there was always a cold distance between them. It was why she had tried so hard to create a warm environment for all her younger family. Andromeda had wanted nothing more than to show them the love she so sorely lacked. In their eyes that made her weak, in hers it made her stronger. None of them would ever feel the fierce love and protectiveness that she felt over her family and friends. 

Although it had taken her time she realized now that their opinions on the matter didn’t matter, because her love for her family was real and it was strong. And for that she would never be sorry.

“It’s the recipe your mum taught me last week! I think it came out very similarly than how she showed me. And I made it all myself no asistance.” Andromeda beamed proudly over the meal. Despite their busy schedules they tried their best to visit Ted’s family as often as possible. With how much Dora loved running around the farm and being spoiled by her grandparents it was hard to stay away. Not to mention how much Andy loved Ted’s family who had accepted her so warmly and fully. 

“And I made something extra special for dinner if everyone eats all of their food.” as she finished her sentece she pinched Dora’s cheek and smiled at her. 

[mischiefhasbeenmanaged]

*At Ball Held by Walburga and Cygnus*

Sirius: (surrounded by girls admiring him) Well ladies, I must be off. I wish I could say it was a pleasure but-

Alecto: Sirius, you won’t even

dance with any of us?

Sirius: Nah. I only dance with the prettiest girl in the room..

*walks across ballroom leaving the girls in shock*

Sirius: Come on, let’s dance Andie.

Andromeda: I can’t believe you just pulled that shit. You’re such an asshole

[galaxyofherown-blog]

likearosier:

「 in Madame Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, October 2nd, 4:30pm | @galaxyofherown 」

Enthralled by a pair of particularly charming chameleon skin gloves, Evan decided in that split second that she wouldn’t let them sit on the shelf – especially considering they were the only pair. She imagined the expanse of garments she could pair with the gloves, relishing in the idea that she’d never again have to coordinate as the gloves would do so themselves. It was a brilliant idea, really. One that she was a little disappointed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. 

Her entire afternoon was the perfect mixture of carefree frivolity and spoiling herself – as if she did much to deserve such pampering. But she liked to believe that was neither here nor there. She turns with her newly acquired find, all but ready to take it straight to the register – but that’s when she sees her.

Andromeda. 

Any semblance of pleasure dissipates from her face. Completely drains out as disdain fills it’s place. Her nose scrunches as if something bad fills the air, and maybe that’s because it does. It’s the thick, lingering stench of desertion. Andromeda’s very presence brings up memories she’s had to burn just as her name had been off the family’s tree, just as Evan had set flame to every single letter she’d written. She doesn’t want to be here anymore, she decides. She also decides – against her more spiteful judgements – that civility would be best served here, addressing her once cousin with a curt nod, 

“Mrs. Tonks – you still have some taste, I see.”

With all the frenzy and worry happening around her Andromeda decided it was the perfect time to run some errands to distract herself. She had spent most of the morning gathering ingredients for the weeks meals as well as gathering some things for her mother in law. Nothing too magical as to call attention but enough to help her out. After all the sweet woman had raised several kids and looked after a farm, if anyone deserved a break it was her. At least that was Andromeda’s reasoning for bending the law a little. 

Her last trip of the day was to gather some fabrics and maybe look at a few dresses to purchase in the future. While she was nowhere near as wealthy as she had once been the two of them made enough to live comfortably. Not to mention the buying power that Wizard currency had in the muggle world when converted. Despite being disowned an anonymous family member had given her a considerable monitary wedding gift. Most of which was used on their little home. 

Even with the decrease in income Andromeda managed to afford a few luxuries every once in a while. 

She had been browsing some beautiful Burgundy robes when she heard a familiar voice. 

“Evan, It’s good to see you. Those will look lovely on you. Gloves have always suited you.” Andromeda smiled ignoring the dig. She had long ago learned to not give rise to their insults. 

[galaxyofherown-blog]

badgerheartedted:

Tonk’s Family Home

October 3rd | Afternoon

@galaxyofherown

The tableaux of domestic happiness they made as Ted kept a loving and watchful eye on his energetic 4-year-old daughter belied the anxiety in Ted’s heart.  Only yesterday he and Andromeda had witnessed a murder and their world was once again shaken.  The last year hadn’t put him under any illusions that anything had changed in the bigoted minds and hearts that had been against him formerly but he’d thought there would be peace for a time after Voldemort’s fall.  How short-lived it had been.

Ted didn’t know what to think now.  Why Elphias Doge?  Were the messages in their envelopes foreboding Elphias’ death or threats meant for other targets?  What did any of it mean?  Was his family safe?  There were so many questions and the information the Ministry had supplied was sorely lacking in answers to most of them.

Dora ran up, hand outstretched, to the spot Ted had taken on the back patio.  “What have you got there?”  Ted kneeled down and looked at the prize she enthusiastically thrust in his face.  “Good work,” he said proudly, watching the long, pink worm curling on her small palm.  “Let’s take it to the garden.”  Dora wasted no time in running to her small corner of the plot while calling out that she knew just where to put it.  Ted smiled, rose and followed after his daugfhter.  

Had they done enough to keep their little family safe, he wondered.  Were the protections they had placed on the house yesterday enough?

Andromeda watched Ted and Dora from the kitchen window. It was a calming scene despite the incredible anxiety that was threatening to eat her whole. She had tried her best to keep that away from her daughter and it seemed to be working. The little girl was none the wiser to the utter chaos that was happening around her. Which was exactly what Andromeda wanted. Part of her wanted  them to run and raise their daughter as a muggle but she knew that was impossible. It was both a hazzard to Nymphadora’s safety and not to mention that it would be impossible to hide for them. 

And of course Andromeda knew that it wasn’t the answer. They couldn’t run, neither of them truly wanted that anyway. Ted wanted to fight, Andromeda knwe that and she understood why. But knowing her family the thought always mortified her. She had no doubt that if her sister got the chance Ted would have been long dead. Andromeda often felt guilt over what marrying her had meant for Ted. For now she would push that out of her mind, adding more worry on top of what she already felt threatened to knock her flat. 

Instead she focused on the lunch she was making. Something simple but filling to keep her little family going on the active afternoon they were having. It was really more of a day to distract themselves and Dora from what was happening. 

“Ted! Dora! Lunch is read. Please wash your hands, we don’t need any worms or dirt in our lunch.” Andromeda made her way into their backyard, plates floating ahead of her. The enchanted plates arranged themselves neatly on their little garden table as Andromeda say down. She smiled at her handy work, getting better at cooking a wider variety of muggle recipies.

“Come here my loves! And leave the worms behind please.”

[galaxyofherown-blog]

It is more feared than fear itself, and no one can escape it. It takes no sides and does not judge, it does not know to hold a grudge. It is the most clearest result, of how life beats you by default. What is it?

...

[galaxyofherown-blog]

narcissasm:

An eyebrow rose but it was the only sign of any reaction to Andromeda’s words, Narcissa’s features remaining otherwise statuesque and as smooth as marble. “Nymphadora.” Perhaps she had heard the name uttered before, but hearing it from her sister’s lips had made it stick this time. She didn’t need to be well-informed on astronomy to know that there would be no star of the same moniker. In a way she was grateful – it would have been wildly ridiculous had Andromeda followed a House of Black tradition for once. “Once closer being the key phrase in that sentence,” she mused. “You can’t pick and choose when you want to be a part of the family, Andromeda. I have no doubt that you mourned Regulus, but the truth is quite simple: you weren’t there. Maybe if you had been, you would have been able to help save him.” It was a low blow, cruel even, but Narcissa was unwavering as she spoke. She meant it. Their family had broken apart so rapidly that the only people she could see fit to place the blame on were Andromeda and Sirius.

“He’s beautiful,” she confirmed, studying her sister with a glimmer of suspicion. In truth, when he had been born she had looked down at Draco and felt nothing. No connection, no blossoming of joy. She wondered whether Andromeda had felt the same about Nymphadora but decided that it was unlikely. The two had likely bonded straight away. “Mother and father spoil him rotten. Even Bellatrix manages to tolerate him – and we both know how she feels about children.” Narcissa hesitated, aware that she was beginning to sound entirely too friendly despite her attempt to make Andromeda aware of all that she was missing out on. “I imagine you must be concerned that your daughter may grow up to not be capable of magic. Has she shown any signs?”

There was a lot that Andromeda could say to Narcissa in that moment for that low blow but she wouldn’t. She had long ago learned that much of her family was like a barking dog, the more attention you gave them the louder they got. It was best to just let those comments slide, after all Andromeda knew that she had been there for Regulus. She had written him weekly if not daily, but she was not about to tell Narcissa that. No need to throw that onto Regulus’ memory for her. Not to mention that she wasn’t entirely sure if her family would dig him up and put him elsewhere for talking to a traitor. 

“I have no concerns about my daughter. She’s perfectly healthy but if you must know she has.” She couldn’t help how her tone grew slightly harsher at the insinuation that her daughter would be inadequate if she were nonmagical. Mostly, because to her, it mattered little. When that little girl was born she knew that she would love her no matter what. Regardless, Andromeda wouldn’t go into how her daughter had shown her magic. Not just because it wasn’t her business but because the child was a  metamorphmagus and she didn’t know how that would blow over. Although her concern was not her reaction but her child’s safety. 

“I’ve been reading your column. It’s really good, you should think about making a whole book out of it. Not many people had the same upbringing we did and I think a lot of people would benefit from your advice. Not to mention that your eye for decor has always been impeccable. ” Andromeda really did enjoy Narcissa’s column. It reminded her of being home, of Narcissa helping her pick outfits and both of them decorating the house for the holidays. 

There were times when she really missed her family. 

[galaxyofherown-blog]

ameliabonesing:

location: crouch manor

time: 9:00pm

date: September 30th

status: open

Amelia had spent quite a considerable amount of time staring up at the Manor before entering. Did she really want to enter an event that would no doubt make her cringe for the whole night? And if she was going inside, did she really have to start her promise to be a totally respectful, in control human being that night? As she walked through the door to the event and saw how dressed up everyone was compared to herself, she decided that yes, she could start that whole promise tomorrow. With that conclusion, she grabbed a glass of some fizzy alcohol on the nearest table and began to take gulps from it. 

“I know I’m totally unforgivably late,” Amelia started to the nearest person, as if she wasn’t always late. “But are we taking fucking bets on what’s inside the incredibly creepy envelopes or what?” 

“I wouldn’t say unforgivable. The fact that many of us even showed up is kind of a miracle. I’m still not entirely sure I want to stay. Something about the night seems rather unsettling to me.” Andromeda smiled at Amelia and squeezed the young witch’s hand in a gesture of affection. In all honestly she was glad to be bumping into so many of her friends. It made the night feel a little less terrifying for her. When she had first gotten there she had nearly high tailed it back to her home. Now, with friends around, she felt a little more at ease. 

“I’m glad to see you Amelia. Although I must say I am surprised you came. This most defintely seems like something you would avoid. Granted it is something I would also avoid but here I am.” Andromeda raised up the glass she had been slowly nursing all night and laughed at herself a little. 

“Am I naive to think that the night wont end  in total disaster?” 

[galaxyofherown-blog]

rascality:

“And leave me to deal with your sister all alone? I don’t think so.” He protests, walking up behind her, with mock disapproval on his face. Andromeda had always been his favorite cousin and the only member of his family that he could call just that. He wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her, enveloping her in a giant hug. It is almost painful to do, a reminder that this is how families should greet one another, not with words shaped like knives. “You look absolutely beautiful. I’m guessing Dora is not here tonight? A shame, her presence would have made tonight bearable.” He’d taken to calling the little girl his niece, even though Andromeda had always been more like a mother to him than a sister. She had taken care of him and Regulus both more than their mother ever deigned to. “Probably for the best, though, I remember always hating these things when I was younger.”

He scratches his jaw, surveying the crowd before turning back to her, as though he’s dissatisfied with what he’s seen. “I really wouldn’t blame you for leaving, though. The company’s terrible and the choice of alcohol is even worse. There should be a law that prohibits both terrible guests and terrible refreshments. Think I could do that, now that I’m an Auror?” The job had to be good for something, other than paperwork and pencil-pushing. He hadn’t caught a single Dark Wizard and yet he could count at least five people in this room he more than suspected.

Andromeda laughed, a smile forming from ear to ear on her face. She was happy to not be the only shunned family member at the affair. Half of her was almost convinced that she would be surrounded by her family and their friends the whole night. She was happy to see that, at least that anxiety, was just a terrible fantasy. Although she loved her family still she could imagine nothing worse than being alone with them. 

“Thank you, Sirius, and trust me if Dora were here you would have known trust me. You would have seen her path of destruction before you saw her. I can’t imagine what she would do to all these fancy decorations. Maybe turn them into her personal jungle gym” Andromeda shook her head as she squeezed Sirius tightly to her. Being near him now always reminded her of how much time had passed. She felt like not that long ago she had been chasing him and Regulus around at family affairs making sure they didn’t make too much of a mess. 

When those two were around she always preferred to wear her less fancy clothes as she knew that at one point or another she would end up with some sort of muck on her. It was honestly her favorite part of going to family gatherings, despite being mocked for her softness towards the boys. It was one of the few times she didn’t care, she loved being there for them because she loved them. And Andromeda was never one to hide it when she loved someone. 

“If we must be here at least we are here together. It’s been a while since we were at one of these massive celebrations together. And it is shrouded in secrecy so just like old times.”

[galaxyofherown-blog]

narcissasm:

It’s nice to see you. Was it? Narcissa tried not to look too closely into the sincerity of the words, uncertain that she truly wanted to start unravelling that thread. She wasn’t sure what was worse: knowing that Andromeda wanted to repair broken bonds or knowing that Andromeda was willing to lie to seem like the more forgiving party. “Thank you.” It was a polite response, the compliment doing little to chip away at her attempt to mask any emotions. A second one followed, avoiding saying anything more than required. “Yes, I suppose you must be.” Trying to recall the last time Andromeda had been present at any significant event was a near impossible task. Narcissa’s posture remained composed even as she stepped aside to allow someone closer to the bar, ensuring to keep a margin of space between herself and her sister.

“Peace is all anyone wants,” she insisted, despite being entirely aware of those who would argue otherwise – Bellatrix came to mind and her gaze shifted to scan the surrounding crowd, suddenly struck by the concern of what their elder sibling would say should she see the two of them conversing. “The trouble that was caused was unnecessary. Tonight is evidence enough that, as a society, it is time to move on.” The violence and horror of the war had served as little more than a reminder that the madness of one man was capable of ruining an unprepared society. “I take it that you were unaffected by what happened?” Despite everything, Narcissa had still scanned the Daily Prophet for Andromeda’s name with as blase an attitude as she could muster. 

“I’ve been well.” It was difficult to move past the urge to provide uncomplicated answers. She had managed to survive the past few years without uttering a single word to Andromeda, and now that they were speaking Narcissa was worried that every suppressed emotion associated to her sister would threaten to free itself. “My family are fine.” There was a small pause, forcing herself to continue. Perhaps if she were to pretend that Andromeda was simply a long-term acquaintance it would provide more comfort (something bitter in the back of her mind reminded her that, after years of no contact, that was all Andromeda really was). “I’m sure you heard what my darling Lucius had to go through. It took him a while to recover. Draco certainly seems happier now that his father is.” She hesitated, jaw tense with the awareness that she would now have to reciprocate the question, weaving it to obtain a sliver of knowledge without seeming overly interested. “I take it your child isn’t present? Is Ted?” A bitter part of her hoped so, if only to encourage Bellatrix to torment him.

“Nympadora is not here no, Ted is he’s off mingling right now.” the ton in Narcissa’s voice hurt but Andromeda knew to expect it. The thing she didn’t expect was Narcissa’s dismissal that Andromeda had been unaffected by the war. It was almost cruel for her to make it seem like Andromeda was completely unaware of her family, she knew that despite everything that happened she still loved them all.

“I would hardly say I was unaffected. Regulus was my cousin too, and I would argue that I was once closer to him than most. Just because I left doesn’t mean that I put my feelings aside. I still care for you all. If you chose to ignore that, there is nothing I can do. But this war affected everyone Narcissa.” Andromeda’s voice was level, despite her words she wasn’t angry. She was hurt for sure but she was used to that from her family. 

She hadn’t even been invited to Regulus’ funeral and she doubted they had invited Sirius. Their familial ties only ran so far as they could hold them, Andromeda had learned that long ago. But Andromeda knew that it was hard to unlearn all the hate and coldness that they had been brought up with. She didn’t blame them entirely. It was all they knew. 

“Regardless I am glad to know that you are well Narcissa and infinitely happy that Draco is in good spirits and health. I’m sure he is as gorgeous a baby as you were.” she hoped to get away from the unpleasant topics, but knowing her sister that was not likely to be the case. 

[vampiricallyinclined]

Festive Prompt List

“Is that mistletoe?”

“Are you- are you pulling down mistletoe?”

“I don’t care about tradition, you try and get me to kiss you under the mistletoe and I will punch you”

“If I hear one more Mariah Carey song I will riot”

“Remind me why I can’t kill the carolers?”

“Hum one more note of that carol and I will stab you”

“My house, my rules. The Christmas music stays on” 

“If you throw that snowball you’re declaring war”

“You’re kidding, right? I’m not going out in that snow storm!”

“I don’t care what you say, The Nightmare Before Christmas works for Christmas and Halloween”

“I can’t believe you did all this, for me”

“You don’t have to go to all this trouble, you know”

“You didn’t really think I’d let you spend Christmas alone, did you?”

“You’d make a really terrible Santa”

“It’s a time of good will, not whatever the hell you’re doing”

“Aren’t you just Santa’s Little Helper?”

“You call this decorated?”

“How on earth did you get tinsel there?”

“Wow, you really go overboard with decorations, don’t you?”

“It looks like Santa threw up here”

“What are you doing to that poor wrapping paper?”

“Exactly how much more hinting do I have to do?” 

 “Have I told you how much I hate Christmas shopping?”

“Secret Santa is bullshit”

“Tell me what you want for Christmas”

“Why are you so impossible to shop for?”

“Can’t I just give you $20 and you can buy something for yourself?”

“Please tell me you aren’t searching my room for where I’ve hidden the presents”

“I thought we weren’t doing gifts!”

“I got you a Christmas sweater!”

“How many Christmas sweaters do you own?”

“You’re wearing the Santa hat, whether you like it or not”

“One normal Christmas, that’s all I wanted”

“I’m sure what ever threat is out there can wait until after Christmas dinner”

“You invited how many people over for Christmas dinner??”

"You really can’t cook, can you?”

“Who the hell turned off the oven?!” 

“This calls for eggnog” 

“I can’t believe no one has spiked the eggnog yet”

“Just how much eggnog have you had?”

“I’m starting to regret having taught you about gluhwein”

“Oi! That’s my hot chocolate”

“Spam is not a suitable replacement for turkey”

“No offence meant, but I do not trust you to carve the turkey”

“I don’t care about anything else, the pudding is all that matters”

“Hey, binge eating at Christmas is totally justified!”

“You made gingerbread zombies?”

“Step away from the cookies.”

“Who ate all the advent calendar chocolates?!”

“Normally I’d say no, but I’m on my 14th candy cane, so why not?” 

[galaxyofherown-blog]

narcissasm:

She hadn’t recognised Andromeda at first – which, upon skillfully quelling the flurry of emotion which threatened to lick at the inside of her skull, she supposed was something of a blessing. Her hair was longer; that was the first thing Narcissa noticed. Her wardrobe was significantly less expensive too, and there was an air of something unsettled that she couldn’t quite put her finger on (a sense of anxiety, perhaps). 

Andromeda Black had very rarely ever been nervous. It made Narcissa wonder whether Andromeda Tonks truly was an entirely different person altogether.

“If you do, I’ll take your envelope.” The suggestion was released delicately into the air, her attention fixed squarely on the drink in Andromeda’s hand. She wasn’t entirely certain that she desired to look anywhere else. “After all the trouble the host has gone through to assign everyone with one, it would be unfair if you were to take yours home and not participate in, well, whatever it is that they are to be used for.” Pursing her lips, Narcissa steeled herself and forced her gaze to meet the dark pair of eyes. Familiar in one sense, unfamiliar in another. 

Had this been a conversation with anyone else, she may have followed up her words with a polite you look well or it’s been far too long, how are you? Instead, the words died in the back of her throat and she was left bathing in a silence that was more hollow than it was awkward.

“Ci...” Andromeda started to speak without thinking, surprised at her younger sisters presence and suddenly filled with emotion. Out of all of her family, she was sure glad that Narcissa had been the one to come up. Truly, she was one of the few that seemed to have a chance of changing. Not to mention that out of everyone she was the one Andromeda missed the most. But this certainly wasn’t the time to discuss that. 

“Narcissa, it’s nice to see you. You look beautiful” her tone was sincere, she was glad to see her sister no matter the circumstance. She looked beautiful and older, not a surprise seeing as the last time she had seen her Narcissa had been a teenager. Time really flew by Andromeda, especially with everything that had happened. War made everything feel like an eternity. 

“I remember my manors and etiquette, although I am a bit out of practice. This event is in honor of peace isn’t it, and I am completely in favor. Relieved would really be a more fitting word.” despite her words she didn’t truly believe them. Peace while all of those who caused the most destruction ran around free didn’t seem possible. The fall of one man didn’t mean that they all changed their minds, it took a lot more than that. Andromeda was clear about that. Still, she wanted to show her support. Not to mention that it didn’t seem like she had a choice. 

“How have you been? Your family?”