Andromeda Black

“I’m hoping at least for another few years. I’m still young, after all. I should be allowed to explore what joys life has to offer before I’m expected to be some rich man’s house wife with no opinions of my own.” Scanning the bar with a critical eye, Narcissa hummed to herself. “I don’t know… Maybe some other night. Nobody’s catching my eye in here this evening.” Looking back to her sister, she tilted her head. “Is that something you’ve done? Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

“Well if I was still allowed anywhere near mom and dad, you know I’d be cooking up enough mischief to keep them distracted. But now I’m just banished so, can’t really wreak havoc on their lives anymore.” Andromeda sighed, “A true shame, it was one of my favorite past times.” She looked about the room following Narcissa’s gaze, “Well suit yourself. It’s an open offer for anytime you’d like. You know I always have some polyjuice potion on hand.” She grinned, that twinkle showing up in Andromeda’s eye, “I may have gotten myself into a pickle or two with polyjuice potion.” Andromeda shrugged.

“Absolutely independent! I’m living my life how I want to right now before I’m forced into whatever life mum and dad have decided for me.” Narcissa scrunched up her nose in response to the suggestion. “Polyjuice? But who would I impersonate who’s more attractive than I am? That’s one of the major appeals of going out because people will buy me free drinks in the hopes that I’ll actually talk to them.”

“How long you think that’ll last?” She wondered with a cocked brow, zero percent envious of her sister still being under their parents thumb. “It is one of the perks of my banishment from the family though.” Andromeda chuckled. “There’s got to be a muggle around here who at least holds a candle. Could be fun to try out a brunette, maybe even a red head. Plus then you could use the disguise to find out what people really think about you and shit, could be fun.”

“Yeah, I suppose that is a pretty difficult thing to gauge, isn’t it?” Mary replied with a scrunch of her nose. The excitement on Andromeda’s face at the idea of the book club brought a grin back to the woman’s face. “Then that’s perfect. Once we got some sort of official day and time set up, I’ll be sure to send the information your way. I think it’ll be loads of fun because how could it not with all of us, right?” Nodding, Mary tucked some loose hair back behind her ear. “Yeah, that’s the plan. We’re going to get pumpkins and all of that, go all out. It’ll be fun.” The smile softened at her friend’s words and she nodded slowly at that. Being friends with both her and Sirius, she was informed on some of the drama surrounding their family’s beliefs and how they’d gone down another path, essentially ostracizing themselves. Mary wasn’t sure if that was something she would have been able to manage had she been in either of their shoes, but thankfully she’d never have to know. “I get that,” she responded, reaching out to give her arm a light squeeze. “It definitely doesn’t help we’re all in this… transitionary age either. But if you ever need help figuring it out, you know where to find me. Not that I can do too much, but I can provide you with some chai and a cozy sofa to vent on.”

“Right. Plus, being the smartest witch would be weird like, too much attention--well who am I kidding I love attention but--still.” Her head shook, losing herself in thought over her thoughts on the general idea of hierarchy. But that was for another time, if ever. “Loads. Of. Fun. Let me know what I can bring. I’m always trying out new cocktail recipes so--and this book club sounds like a great place to test them out.” Andromeda grinned, “After we do the book clubbing thing, of course.” Andromeda was known for making a rather strong cocktail. “Oh wow. That’s going to be a real treat.” She winked. “Well if you guys end up with any left overs, definitely let me know. I haven’t had much time lately to my world all spooked up so I could use the resources.” Holidays had become somewhat of a sorer spot for Andromeda these days. But she didn’t need people to pity her. She smiled brightly, “Honestly Mare, the chai and cozy sofa means the world to me.”

“I’m a beautiful woman who’s been waiting longer than ten minutes for a drink. That should be a crime, if you ask me,” she replied with a melodramatic sigh, leaning against the bar, going quiet for a few moments before nodding in response to her sister’s question. “You know if we went elsewhere and someone saw us, rumours would get around. They’d think you were trying to convert me to your cause and dad would make me come back home, and that’s the last thing I need.”

“Well if you came by The Blind Pig, you know you’d be first priority any time I’m tending bar.” Her head shook with a smile, knowing Narcissa was of course, right. “Well who says I’m not--trying to convert you that is.” Her eyebrows lifted in jest though not entirely. “Yes, Miss Independent now is it?” Andromeda’s eyes widened as an idea piqued her interest, “Oh, I know! Polyjuice potion! All the drinks you want, whenever you need. Problem solved.”

“Excuse me,” Narcissa spoke to the bartender, flashing him a sweet, yet subtly condescending smile. “I ordered before that gentleman over there and I still haven’t gotten mine. You didn’t forget about little ol’ me, did you?” The smile fell as soon as they turned around and she rolled her eyes, turning to the person beside her. “I swear, this is why I hate going to Muggle clubs. They always take forever.”  

Andromeda shook her head at Narcissa with a small knowing laugh of an older sister, “Color me shocked, you always were the patient sister.” She joked cocking her head off to the side with a grin. “Suppose it’s the only place you can be seen with me, hmm?” She questioned. 

Laughter burst forth from Mary’s mouth and she quickly went to cover her mouth so as not to disrupt any of the patrons who may be in the library and needing the quiet. “You’re terrible, but I love it,” she managed to say once her laughter had subsided enough. “Hey, if you ask me, you already are the smartest witch who ever lived.” She winked. “You know I will. Actually, me and Amelia were talking about starting up a little book club of sorts. You should totally join us, I think it’d be fun. Not too much else has been going on except decorating for the holidays with Sirius and trying to spend some time relaxing. What about on your end?”

Andromeda grinned, loving the sound of laughter at her jokes even if Mary had to stifle it due to their location. “That’s me, Andy the terrible. But listen, these are just facts.” She reiterated, all in jest of course as was Andromeda’s way. “Ha, I wish. But also, I don’t need that title either. It would be cool but, there are cooler ones. Plus how would you even like, measure that. Trivia night at The Blind Pig maybe. I am pretty good at trivia.” Her eyes widened with excitement as leaned forward to squeeze her hand for a moment, “I would be beyond thrilled to join a book club with you both. Amelia is great. She comes by for coffee sometimes and I love our chats.” Andromeda grinned bringing her hand back, “I do love decorating for the holidays. What are you guys decorating, your places?” She wondered. “Not too much, just trying to figure out my life, like always.”

“I know that,” Lucinda said after a little while, taking a moment to pause after Andromeda had spoke. The two of them had always been close, especially out of all the Black girls, and Andromeda had been a surrogate older sister of hers, especially after her mother had passed. It had hurt exceptionally when she’d left the family, and although she knew she should shun her in the way Regulus and the rest of society was meant to, she found it much more difficult to do so. “No, you hate just sitting by idly. I imagine you’ll always change things up career wise.” Lucinda laughed, rolling her eyes. “Unfortunately. The Magpies have gone to shit since I took my sabbatical, Rabastan has been very cross with me for it.”

“Good.” She leaned in with a single nod, in hopes of solidifying her words all the more. While Andromeda was pretty sure there were quite a few names on that list long before Andromeda, she needed the sentiment to be there. “I do you’re right. I suppose that’s a good point. Maybe finding a career for me isn’t the way to go, but figuring out what’s next instead. I like this. See this is why I need you in my life.” She leaned her shoulder towards Lucinda, nudging her gently. “Well, no surprise there. Why? Rabastan betting on the Magpies? You know I haven’t gambled in a while, might be kind of fun. But per your advice, guess I won’t be betting on the Magpies.”

Amelia laughed and offered a light salute with her free hand as her occupied one brought the coffee back to her lips. “Consider me client of the month for at least the next few months. My dad never could either! Maybe it’s a male thing, trying to get their orders in when they don’t actually know what they’re doing.” She said it partially jokingly, though a strong part of her knew her mother’s set had never given her as much back talk. “It might just be the Ravenclaw in me talking, but I’ve grown fond of it. But it definitely makes you take a break from regular life and we both know regular life can get pretty hectic.” She thought for a moment before shaking her head with a grin. “Dromeda, you’re not only the best barista in town, but also the one I’ll go to now to encourage me to give those old bastards a run for their galleons. I’ll have to see what happens when I do.”

“Good.” She smiled, “Yeah there really is something about those male egos isn’t there? It’s a wonder they don’t all manage to get in their own way.” She chuckled. “Yes Ame, what a cliche Ravenclaw you are.” She joked sarcastically with a laugh, “I guess that’s a good point. If I ever fancy a game of chess I know who to call. Think I have a set lying around somewhere.” She grinned as her eyes lit up with Amelia’s words, “Good! I can’t wait to hear about it. Consider me a one stop shop for all the drinks you’ll now be needing in your arsenal. I do make more than just a mean brew of coffee you know.” Her eyebrows wiggled with excitement.

“Of course,” Lucinda agreed externally, although in her head she wasn’t quite sure that was true. Frankly, she didn’t really trust other people when it came to her children, and it wasn’t as if her or Regulus’s families were particularly keen to help with raising them. There were her friends, of course, but other than Verity, the rest very much weren’t fond of babies either. “I think you could get away with it for some time, though,” Lucinda shook her head. “It’s not as if you’re nearing forty or anything, you’ve got plenty of time to figure things out. Most people don’t know what they’re going to do at 14 like I did.”

Andromeda’s lips shifted off to the side and Lucinda’s facial expression betrayed the words she spoke. It was crushing that Andromeda had to be her usual protective self from afar because of her decision. “Listen Lu, I know that we can’t be what we used to be. But if you ever need anything, ever, I will do everything in my power to protect you and those babies.” It was all she felt she had to offer and it was something. Her face melted back into a smile to lift some tension. “Oh I can get away with it for my whole life if I please. It’s just, that I don’t please. I’m restless. I need something that’s going to keep me on my toes.” Her head shook at herself, “A talent like that...I haven’t watched quidditch in way too long. Have you been keeping up?”

“I knew I liked you more than your cousin for a reason,” Mary replied in a teasing tone, a laugh leaving her as she made her way over to the new arrivals that she had yet to put onto the shelf. “This one sounds the most interesting to me, personally, and it’s perfect for the fall season.” The cover showed the haunting image of a woman in a red dress shrouded in shadows, the title The Haunting of Brynn Wilder written in white letters across it. “Then there’s this one that’s translated from Turkish, so there may be some events in it that I’m not super familiar with, but a little research now and then never hurt anyone, right?” Handing both over, she smiled. “And you know I could go on forever, but I figure two should be good for now.”

“Finally, someone who has real taste. Guys are smelly and who knows what gets caught up in that mess of a mop on his head.” She chuckled merely joking. “Ah see you know me so well. I need my get lost in the epic plot book and my make me the smartest witch that ever lived book. See, you always have the best recommendations. You’ll have to let me know what you think as you read.” Andromeda nodded, “Yes I couldn’t agree more.” She took the books from Mary with a nod. “So, anything new in your life besides these new reads?”

“I know, you’re right,” Lucinda nodded, admitting so. “Everyone’s been saying it, but I swear it’s different once you’re the one having to leave them at home.” But she sighed, elbows leaning on the table. “So, other than bartending and baking cinnemon rolls, what have you been up to?”

“And I can’t and won’t pretend to imagine what you’re going through, just know that you’ve got support everywhere you turn. And well, they say it takes a village right?” Her head cocked to the side, unable to help from being a tad worried about her. Though she knew it would be fine when all was said and done. “And that is the question of the hour. I mean, I can’t bartend forever. Wish I had a passion like you do with quidditch.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to keep coming back to my favorite shop and barista to compliment you more,” Amelia laughed back, taking another sip of coffee happily. “It’s a level of commitment that I’ve always been impressed with. I’ve seen so many sets completely ignore their owners because they don’t agree with the moves. There must be pros and cons to each.” She placed the mug down on the counter with a sigh, running her hands through her hair as she thought. “Aside from moving up in the ranks, the most obvious thing is to just go out on a limb and challenge them. Which is weird, because usually that comes easily to me. But when they’re these older members that expect their power to be listened to, it’s hard not to feel like they’re right.”

“Oh wow. Well you better because I do quite enjoy our little chats.” She grinned brightly at Amelia who she genuinely had begun to become rather fond of. “Oh certainly. My dad never did find a set that agreed with him. Sure was funny to watch. Think the sets have their own rivalry with each other as well, adds another layer of competition and I do love a good competition. Though chess has never really been my thing. Too...sedentary.” She noted, before turning her attention to Amelia’s dilemma. “Well it makes sense. And maybe you are meant to respect their authority. But you’ll never know unless you try. What do you have to lose if it goes awry?” She wondered genuinely.

“You’re gonna make me blush,” Mary replied, a grin spreading across her face as she lightly nudged the woman. “Are you in the mood for anything specific or should I just go wild? There’s a few new reads we’ve just gotten in that I’ve been dying to have someone else to talk to about them.”

“Blush away! You deserve it!” She peppered Mary with compliments because, well, why shouldn’t she? “Oh going wild is the name of my game. And I love our book discussions so hit me with the goods.” 

Lucinda chuckled but she didn’t comment on it, again mostly just not wanting to full on commit to anything, well aware that Regulus wouldn’t appreciate it. Really, she knew that he wouldn’t even be alright with the conversation they were having, or how close his cousin was to their children. But she had missed Andromeda’s company, always the closest to her out of the Blacks. “That’s probably what I’ll end up doing. We’re thinking of a night nurse here and there, so that’ll be a nice starting poiint.”

Andromeda was full throttle determined to get Lucinda out for a night on the town, feeling whole heartedly that it could be nothing but good for her. While she didn’t have the slightest clue if that was true, she felt like it was and always went with her gut. “Amazing. Taking it step by step seems like a natural progression. Just know how much you deserve a night that’s just about and for you. It’s okay to be selfish. I swear. In fact, it’s good for you.” She smiled gently.

“That’s hardly any of your business.”

“So someone actually peed in your cereal Reg? Gross, was it salty?”

“You’re an angel,” Amelia sighed once the hot coffee floated gently over into her hands. “I swear you’d think someone would figure out how to make caffeine last all day, I think my life would be complete.” She smiled after a deep gulp of coffee. “So so different. I know Ed would always like to brag about how well his pieces listened to him, I bet those men do too.” Amelia shrugged her shoulders, still annoyed at the situation. “You would think so. But when the majority of the seats in government are taken by older wizards, they like to maintain their own sense of power.”

“I really do love when you come in here and just shower me with compliments when all I do is place coffee in front of you.” She chuckled softly, placing her hands into the pockets of her apron. “Oh yeah, that is a constant topic of conversation between the two of them. Imagine that many years with a set. I certainly can’t.” Andromeda’s lips shifted from side to side as she listened. “Some might say they’ve earned it, others might say that true leadership leaves room for the younger more innocent minds to have their voices heard. But either way, what’re you going to do about it? There must be something.”

antxnindolohox·:

christopherflint·:

Christopher winced at the sound of voices at the end of the alley, the whole evening already having proven to be a disaster. He pulled the unconscious man to the side, obscuring him from view as Antonin cast the spell, revealing the two figures. And although he normally detested the masks they wore, this surely had to be the moment he was most grateful for them, the shock on his face mercifully obscured as his sister came into view. If there was any potential for a lookalike in the darkness, her identity was only further confirmed when she spoke, and Christopher cursed under his breath, all the more pissed off that they were in this situation to begin with. Unsure of what to do, and afraid to speak lest their voices were recognized, he cast a spell to disguise both of their voices. 

@antxnindolohox·

Antonin’s anger only piqued once he saw that Verity was there and with Andromeda Black of all people. This night had already been a long one and the two of them just had to make it all the more complicated. The masks would protect their identity though, so they just needed to finish the job without it being seen exactly what the job was. That would leave far too many loose ends behind. But the anger was only holding him back from dealing with the situation at hand, it wasn’t like they could just stand their frozen in time as they tried to figure out what to do. Antonin felt Chris’ voice spell hit his throat, thankful, at least for the fact that they could speak freely now. But running point on just how they were going to solve this issue given that Verity was Chris’ sister seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Instinctually, Antonin moved behind Andromeda and Verity so that Chris and Antonin had covered all sides. He kept his eyes trained on Chris as he was ready to mirror whatever he might do in a moments notice.

@verityflint

Verity could not believe the god awful luck that had put her in this situation right now. It seemed to be very on par with hoe her life had been going lately so even that surprise wore off and was just replaced with anger and annoyance. Emotions that only grew when she saw one of the figures walk around them, covering their exit. Even to her it seemed a pointless tactic because it wasn’t like she could run in these heels. She heard Andromeda’s attempts to play along but could hear through them easily, not all that convincing as the were. She hated the feeling of someone behind her that she couldn’t see but she kept her eyes on the figure in front of her, attempting to appear unbothered. She didn’t even reach for her wand. She knew it was a risky move, a potentially stupid one,  but she was trying to prove that she posed no threat. She couldn’t figure out how to act to best get out of this and for someone who was normally so good at suiting herself to any situation, it was frustrating as well as nerve wracking. Eventually she decided to try for casual again, her eyes still trained on the person in front of her. “Let’s not start a scene here, I’ve just called my mother to say I’ll be home any minute and she’ll be a mess if I’m not in soon,” she said smoothly, smiling convincingly. “And then she’ll wake up my father and he’ll put a whole search party. Daddy’s little princess, you know how it is.” 

@adromedablacks·

As one of the wizards began to move, Andromeda gripped her wand tightly, hoping her fidget hadn’t been noticed. She was startled by the movement but kept her eyes trained on him. While Verity may have been trying to diffuse the situation, Andromeda was ready to strike if need be in defense of the two of them. Or maybe only herself, trust had been breached between the two of them and that fact had never been so stark as it was right now. But as the wizard moved behind the two of them, Andromeda had to shift her body so she could see both wizards at once and she knew that it was going to give away her intent on protecting the two of them just in case Verity’s plan didn’t quite come to fruition. Still though, what would defending the two of them actually mean and could it make the situation worse? There was a lot to consider. But the fact that she was with Verity Flint was at least of some comfort, knowing that whoever these wizards were, surely harming Verity wouldn’t be of interest to them. But then again, what did Andromeda really know about this idiotic group of barbaric wizards. Nothing, and that left her feeling nearly defenseless. There was nothing that irked Andromeda more than being in a situation where she was outmatched in the knowledge of how to sway the tides in her favor. Knowledge was power and she was vastly outmatched here, even by Verity. So she decided it best to follow along for now. “We don’t want any trouble.” Andromeda added as her eyes shifted from wizard to wizard.