Author: Lyta Padfoot
Category: General, Angst
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling. Characters and situations are used without permission, no infringement is intended.
Summary: The Black family in the moments after Andromeda's departure.
* * *
Echoes of the door-slam still hung in the air as Bellatrix stepped forward. Indecision gripped her as she placed one hand on the ornate brass knob. Should she open the door and summon Andromeda back, paving the way for reconciliation with their parents? Even at eighteen, Bella knew she had impressive influence over their family.
No, she resolved, her sister made her bed - now she would have to endure it. She removed her hand from the knob and wiped it on her robes.
Her father appeared smaller. "We have one less daughter his day," he said quietly. A tear glinted in his eye.
"Yes," his wife echoed. Regret and resignation flitted across her face before her self-control reasserted itself.
Bella's pity for Andromeda evaporated. How dare her sister distress their parents - and over a common Mudblood boy! For the first time in her life, she understood why Blood Traitors were so called.
"I'm here Mother," Bellatrix announced, straightening. "And I won't disappoint you."
Her parents' answering smiles filled a little of the crack in her heart.