andromedabtonks

[andromedabtonks]

Where: Malfoy Manor Garden When: During the wedding reception Who: Open

Standing where she currently was had to be a death wish, she was certain. Another gulp of Ogden's—from a vintage 1958 bottle, if she remembered her whiskeys correctly—slipped down her throat as she eyed the sparser crowds inhabiting the Malfoy gardens. It was easier to breathe outside rather than the overwhelming ballroom and far less risky. It'd been years since Andromeda found herself at the wealthy family's estate, but this was her first visit using drastic beauty glamours. She knew specific people in the crowd would see right through the half-hearted disguise, but she didn't feel comfortable coming without them. Agreeing to stay behind, Ted had insisted she do what she could to protect herself, and it was all she could do to appease him. After all, a disgraced serpent wasn't simply allowed reentry to the snake pit.

Still, there was no way she'd miss this day, even if it looked a bit differently than she'd always imagined. Rather than standing by her sister's side during her long-awaited magical bonding ceremony, she was hidden among lower level guest in the garden she'd snuck into. She would gather the nerve to wish her sister well before the night was out, but the gardens would have to do for now. Leaning her weight back, she rocked on the balls of her feet, eyes scanning around her. The sound of a throat clearing shook her out of her reverie, and Andromeda looked to the person to her right. "Hm? So sorry, what was that?"

[andromedabtonks]

She'd hoped their interaction would avoid the topic longer than the first few minutes, but of course it wasn't meant to be. His words felt like a stun to the chest, waves of dread seemingly flowing down her torso and into her stomach. Remaining poised, just as she was raised, she cooly stated, "What all of you fail to realize," she started, eyes avoiding his own, "my sisters included," Andromeda paused, feeling her mind start to Occlude on its own, lest she give away too much emotion, "is there was never a choice. I didn't leave. I was kicked out, Rabastan. Disowned."

Making eye contact, she felt a surge of confidence for the first time in years, "You think I would've chosen to leave?" She let the question linger a moment. "I suppose I could've stayed and parted ways with Ted to appease my family," she spoke flippantly, as if that wasn't the question she'd tortured herself with for years. "But I would've only grown to resent them. Resent you."

Hearing his promises stung, she'd admit, and perhaps all of it would've unraveled differently if Bellatrix hadn't nabbed a Lestrange brother herself. Rabastan would've been hers to marry, rather than the sadistic fourth son of the Flint family. They'd always been close, and it would've been a match Andromeda could've grown into. Perhaps even turning into love.

But he was not Ted. Only the pure unadulterated love she felt for Edward Tonks could've pulled her away from her family. Merlin knew she couldn't have such a joyous love while also having the support of her family—that simply would've made too powerful of a witch, even for a Black sister. "It was never a question of you being unable to protect me. I can assure you of that." Her pitch had heightened a bit, and she reined in the whirlwind in her brain, steadying her voice once again. "I know this is difficult to hear, Rab," she said quickly, realizing a second too late that she'd used his old nickname. "I know it is," she repeated, "but it was love. It still is love," she emphasized, hoping the blow wouldn't cause him any unneccessary harm. "I will always love my family, the friends I lost, and, yes, you," she leaned forward, holding out her right hand on the table, wordlessly asking him to take it, "but none of you loved me enough to accept the man I loved." She was beginning to waver now; she could feel it in the nausea building in her gut. "All of you played a part in making sure that I would be unhappy, one way or the other." Turning her hand over with her palm facing upwards, she stared directly into his eyes, Occluding to the point of pain. "So I chose the one offering the deepest love I'd ever known and accepted the brand of blood traitor. And honestly, Rab?" Andromeda bit her lip, confidence waning. "I walked away knowing that the pain of losing all of you would pale in comparison to the agony of living a lie."

Brilliant. It was not a word he would associate with himself, and he did not wish to engage with her too freely. Nonetheless, he acknowledged with a polite smile and poured himself a cup of tea before offering to her in an act of instinctive decorum, as well. If he were to sit here while he waited, he had no desire to make it more uncomfortable than necessary.

But it seemed that comfort was not a luxury that he would be able to enjoy. This felt unnatural. He disliked it. It was inappropriate to be socialising with her. Yet most of all, he did not appreciate the way that this situation reminded him of times that had passed, and things that had been lost.

He held her stare with equal intensity, abandoning his drink as he considered her statement. "You hurt us all," he said simply. Hearing the words aloud ignited something within him; rare emotions buried deeply. He wanted to stamp them out. They were irrelevant. "You didn't need to leave. We would have ensured you were well. I would have made sure."

The things he would have done for her. She had been matched with a cruel soul, but that would not have mattered to their closest circle. They would all have destroyed this suitor, if he had dared to treat her with anything less than the respect she'd deserved.

[andromedabtonks]

CHARACTER INFO:

Character name: Andromeda Tonks (neé Black) Age & Birthday: 26, November 16th Gender & Pronouns: Cis-female, she/her Occupation: St. Mungo’s Healer Blood Status: Pureblood Previous House: Slytherin Previous Affiliation: Neutral Face Claim: Ella Purnell

Andromeda is taken by Tara

BIOGRAPHY:

Andromeda’s story is not one that’s unfamiliar in her society, but it is unheard of in the Black family. That is, unheard of once they’ve been struck off the family tree. She grew up like many purebloods around her, sharing close relationships with both her sisters and her cousins. Going into Hogwarts, she was sorted into Slytherin like every Black before her, which remains a pride point for her even still. However, her world changed drastically after starting school. Though she was surrounded by like-minded peers, there were still those from other walks of life in her classes. People she and Bella didn’t target as Beaters during their Quidditch matches at home. She’d known Edward Tonks for their entire time at school, but that didn’t mean they were always close. In fact, they’d had somewhat of a rivalry for the last few years. Ted, as she would go on to fondly call him, worked Prefect rounds with her and relentlessly attempted to knock her walls down. Whether it was his sheer ignorance of their world or lack of care, she wasn’t sure. Had it been Bella that he decided to saddle up with, she knew the outcome would’ve been much, much different. Upon graduation, Andromeda had a choice to make, and it wasn’t one she was too keen on, despite her family’s beliefs. With the war brewing, she knew her situation was precarious, and a decision would have to be made with no looking back. In one whirlwind of an evening, Andromeda had revealed her true relationship with Ted to her family, attempted to reason with them, grabbed her already packed bags, and left Black Manor. To this day, she hasn’t been back. Since then, she and Ted have taken the next step, marrying in a private ceremony with only a few friends in attendance. Her disowned Uncle Alphard and Sirius, who’d been kind enough to give her away, were the only family members there. Now married and discussing children, Andromeda sits in an ever shifting position. On one hand, she loves her husband and her new life working as a Healer at St. Mungo’s, but her past is constantly attempting to chase her down. While Ted was heavily involved with the Order, Andromeda chose to remain neutral, more out of safety than anything else. Old habits did die hard, she could admit, but she wanted no part in the war, especially knowing her older sister—and at one time, closest friend—was on the opposite front line. Now that the war has ended, and her family members somehow remained out of Azkaban, she knows many factors now hang in the balance. Narcissa’s upcoming nuptials are the talk of the society pages, and she has no intention of missing it.

[andromedabtonks]

Letting out a genuine laugh, she moved closer to her on the curb. "I didn't know if you'd be here or not." Smiling, she leaned toward her, allowing their shoulders to knock together. "It's so nice to see a friendly face."

Because of the events following the war, it left very little social time for the people involved, which was why the current festival brought out such a large crowd. Despite being close with Alice, Andromeda had found it difficult for them to make time to see one another. Had she stayed being a proper Pureblood wife, she would've had a life that consisted of throwing galas for a living. It was nonstop social events among her former circles. The change to her social life had been a difficult bridge for her to build, admittedly. "How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in months."

It was nice to actually sit and relax. Alice didn't get that very often. She supposed some of it was because she enjoyed being so active. She struggled being still. She had spent so much of her life always finding the next thing to do, needing to keep herself busy. It meant that now that there was less stuff to do post war, that she sometimes struggled to actually sit and relax. But she was trying to do better. Which was why she had found herself a quite spot to just enjoy the pretty lights.

Hearing her name, she looked up, and a smile came onto her lips. "Andy!" She couldn't remember the last time that she had seen her. But she was one of her closest friends. "Hey you."

[andromedabtonks]

"Is that so?" She perked up, raising a brow in question. Admittedly, she'd be more excited about Sirius coming to stay than Ted, but he would give it to her if she pushed enough. Andromeda enjoyed having family around her, and Ted wouldn't deny her the little family she had left.

"I'll have to give him the third degree then," she mused, enjoying her role again as older cousin. As Sirius subtly comforted her, Andromeda let the words go unspoken between them. Neither of them needed to mention her sisters. It was true, though—if the Black heir would dissent and essentially end the war himself, then perhaps it wasn't impossible for her sisters. The war had ended, and though there were still remaining loyalists out there, no true movement would likely get off the ground without Voldemort. Pride would be the only thing holding them back now. "Glowing, you say? Don't threaten me with a good time."

Sirius chuckled at the mention of his mother, wishing not for the first time they could have gotten the damned portrait out entirely, instead of settling for covering it. "I'll remember that, Andy. I may still need your couch, yet." He winked at her, and he meant it entirely. Even with the good will between him and his brother, there were days that Grimmauld Place was just too much for him still - and even if not, it would be nice to spend the time with his cousin. "You know how Reg is - he'll dance around it for the next, oh, I don't know - five years?" He laughed, shaking his head. When it came to girls, that was where one of their biggest differences lie. His expression softened as she went on, and he reached out to squeeze her shoulder gently. "You don't sound like a fool. If Reggie could come back.... well, you never know." He hadn't expected it in the slightest out of his brother, it was true - but he didn't have high hopes for her sisters. But that was a conversation for a different time. "Come on!" He brightened, trying to change to subject. "Can I buy you a drink? The glowing ones are particularly tasty."

[andromedabtonks]

Mending the gap between herself and her previous life was always going to be a challenge. On one hand, Andromeda didn't agree with the side of the war most of her family and former friends fell on, and on the other, there was little to no chance that they would accept her again. Frankly, did she truly want them to? After all, she had Ted, Sirius, and even Regulus now. Perhaps she truly needed to cut her losses, start the rest of her life with Ted, and move on.

To put it lightly, she was beginning to rethink her initial plan.

Nearing the outskirts of the festival, she kept her head up to look at the lights. They were pretty, she supposed, and they helped her take her mind off her racing thoughts. There was a curb not too far away, and while taken by the show, she took a seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a woman sitting a few feet down from her, and Andromeda let out a disbelieving laugh. "Alice?"

Who: Alice and anyone

Where: Firefly Festival

When: Mid-Evening

Alice was enjoying herself. It was a rarity for her to have both a full day off, and an opportunity to dress up. And she had taken both with a big smile on her face. And she felt pretty in her little butterfly dress. Alice didn't really get to feel pretty that often. The auror uniform, whilst practical, wasn't the most flattering. And the festival was generally great. It was nice to do a little bit of mingling. And of course, now that it was evening, and it was all alight. It looked beautiful.

She had her head wrapped around some fancy drink as she sat down near the edge of the festival, just admiring the lights. It was a shame it didn't look like this all the time, it would have been lovely.

[andromedabtonks]

"Rabastan," she breathed, fingers tightening around her cup handle. "Thank you," she spoke genuinely, a tinge of disbelief in her tone. There was a time not too long ago when she might've been his wife—had things gone differently. "You, as well. You look brilliant, as always." Inwardly, she cringed at her words. Of course she would be kind to Rabastan; after all, she had no reason not to be, but she should still be mindful not to lay it on too thick. They had a complicated history together, and, frankly, Andromeda was happily married to another man.

"I can assure you that your presence is not a burden." Refusing to break eye contact with him, she only hoped she was accurately portraying how much she meant her words. "But I imagine you don't feel the same," she spoke lowly, as if fearful of his response.

Having planned to meet an acquaintance for lunch, Rabastan entered the café and immediately rued his habit of arriving early. His eyes rested on Andromeda's momentarily, and for an instant he merely stood as though rooted to the spot. It was peculiar how such an unexpected encounter could throw him back ten years, as though he were looking at an eligible girl of eighteen instead of a woman who had betrayed them all. He loathed the effect of it. Unwilling to consider it, he said nothing and moved past her to order at counter, hoping that she would have left by the time he was ready to sit down.

Alas, in a fashion that occurred too typically these days, fate was not kind. Not only was she still there when he finally turned around, but the few other open spaces were also now occupied. Resigning himself with a jaw equally clenched, he returned and took the seat, settling back and observing her over steam rising from the teapot brought to their table by the waitress.

"You look well, Andromeda," he told her, as though it had not been a decade since they'd last spoken. The acknowledgement that she did indeed look as charming as he recalled, was vaguely irking. "I am meeting someone shortly. So you will not need to endure my company for too long."

[andromedabtonks]

Her tone was expected, but Andromeda was able to school her reaction. Thank Merlin for all the practice she’d gotten growing up—she never thought she’d need it for this purpose, however. “I do agree with you there,” she admitted. “It’s rather cheap looking. It seems even the most intricate of spells can’t rid of the… glitter from the paint.” She turned her nose up at a speck of it on her arm, flicking it off with ease. “I swear it’s in the air.”

People did a disservice when they treated Andromeda as they did Sirius. Unlike her dear cousin, she hadn’t always been a blood traitor. She knew how to behave around these people, and her mindset was similar to theirs up until she fell in love with Ted. While Sirius always seemed to defy their family and their views, Andromeda had been a “late bloomer” as a blood traitor. She was more like Regulus in that way. With that, she’d found that old habits died hard. The paint was tacky, and that’d been a main reason she’d avoided it the entire night. “How are you lately? It’s been years since we last saw each other, if I’m remembering correctly.”

Alecto was surprised when people bumped into her. It wasn't as she could easily blend in. She had bloody bright red hair after all. Yet, it appeared that some people could really not use their eyes. And it was frankly, quite frustrating at times. Though, there was a little smirk on her face as she realised who it was. She couldn't say that she had had that many conversations with Andromeda Tonks. And she really did not want too. But she knew what had happened, and well, it made her curious. It seemed like the Blacks had it all, and she had still left.

"Tonks." She knew her name, of course she did. But if the brunette wasn't going to use her name, she wasn't using hers either. Alecto was nothing if not a petty person, and she would often give what she got. Bellatrix was also not here to moan about her sass. So, she was going to give it all. "Probably not." She mused, glancing back towards the paint. "It looks quite tacky." Mugglelike almost. But she kept that idea to herself, for now.

[andromedabtonks]

"Oh, please," she smiled, lightly smacking his arm. "I'd much rather you be at mine and Ted's old tiny flat than trapped in a house with Aunt Walburga." Being the first Black family member of their generation to be disowned, Andromeda had to get her own head above water. Thankfully, Ted had been there to keep her afloat. So when Sirius left, which was always expected, she knew she'd need to be in a position to help him. While he had loyal friends, Sirius still needed an extra couch to crash on. As grating as Ted might've found it, Andromeda never minded. "Is he really? I'll be sure to find him later then, while you tell me all about his little girlfriend." Smirking, she cocked her head, wiggling her eyebrows jokingly. "I'm thrilled you two are getting along again. I know I sound like a fool when I say it, but it does give me a bit of hope." Her smile dimmed a bit at the underlying mention of her sisters. If anyone was able to understand, it'd be Sirius.

"Oh, come on. You don't have to lie to me, Andy." He laughed, although he was sure she wasn't - he missed her, too. And he liked to think he was a wonderful house guest. "Surprisingly, I have. I even made him dress up." He bragged, as it was quite the feat. Although Reggie and himself had been on good terms for quite a while now - and even moved into their old bedrooms across the hall from each other - it was still rather weird to Sirius. Not in a bad way, but definitely something that would take a very long time to get used to. "He's here somewhere, probably off looking for his little girlfriend."

[andromedabtonks]

Briefly closing her eyes, Andromeda felt the presence of her older sister before she'd even heard her voice. At mending old wounds, Narcissa was one thing, but Bellatrix was a non-starter. If it would ever heal, Andromeda imagined one of them would have to be on death's doorstep. Even then, she wasn't entirely sure that would do it. "Wand down, Bella," she spoke casually, as if her insides weren't slowly burning up. "I asked her to sit here. Not to worry, she did put up a fight about it." Glancing between the two of them, she clenched her jaw. "If you're going to be angry at anyone, take it out on me, not Cissy."

Despite the simmering tension, she couldn't help the small inkling of nostalgia at seeing the two of them across from her. No one was dead yet during this stand-off, at least. It'd been years since they stood together in the same room speaking to one another. By no means was it under perfect circumstances, but it did offer her an unexpected opportunity. Whilst there was no way Narcissa would be civil to her with Bella present, she could still strum a few heartstrings. As long as her sisters still had them.

"I think it might be about time for that sister reunion you jested about, don't you think?"

@xbellaxlestrangex

Bella was simply passing by the café, heading to Borgin and Burke's to collect an item that had been collected and put aside for her. The letter that arrived by owl tucked in her robes. Hues almost missed them, stopping hastily, glancing inside where she had to blink, not quite sure why Narcissa would be conversing with their traitorous sister, the fury building inside of the brunette.

Without a second thought, calm as a storm, she entered the shop, a sickly sweet smile on her lips. Noticing that the table only held two chairs, she plucked one from the table beside them, placing it between them.

Her attention falls on Narcissa first. "Dear sister, I did not know we were having a sister reunion, my invitation must have been lost by owl." A coldness in her tone, next, glancing over at the sister that decided they meant nothing to them. Cast them aside for some mudblood. "Don't you have some happily ever after to be living with your husband." A beat. "I would hate for us to keep you from him." A warning to tread carefully.

@nrcissasblack

[andromedabtonks]

"Well, Evan, I'll give you that," she admitted, a small smile forming on her lips from her cousin's lighthearted attitude. Still such a kiss arse. "You were definitely the only family member of mine to send a wedding gift." She placed her cup back on the table, watching his borderline unnerving smile. "I think we both know why you didn't receive one. Are you saying you would've really attended?" Andromeda tested him, giving him a wide grin of her own. "Ashamed. Interesting word choice, cousin."

His tea was placed on the table, and Andromeda watched the confident way he held himself. They were close in age, and he'd been present for every ball, tea time, business meeting, and family reunion while growing up. Choosing a life with her husband wasn't supposed to mean she'd be souring her relationships with her friends and family. It simply wasn't fair that she was born into a family where she couldn't have both. "I'm happy to hear about your duelling career. If I remember correctly, you always did so well in the Crossed Wands club at Hogwarts. You've been avoiding Azkaban, I hope?"

His grin didn’t waver from the, less than enthusiastic, response, instead he wiggled his fingers to the waitress who shot over and blushed as he compliment her outfit, service and ordered a tea. “Thank you my dear, and no need to rush.” Turning back to Andromeda he made a soft ‘ahh’ sound, “Yes, that’s it Ted, I forget he uses a nickname. I hope you got my wedding gift? A dining set is somewhat impersonal I know but given you’ve been away from us so long I wasn’t sure what else would be accepted.”

“You know, I was really quiet distressed at not receiving an invitation,” he added, though his smile seemed anything but, “But I suppose you might be somewhat ashamed of us now, hmm?” His tea was placed before him (in record time) and after waving the waitress off once more he spoke again, “Oh I’ve been most perfect, my duelling career has never been better and I’m enjoying all life has to offer!”

[andromedabtonks]

"Is that not precisely why I left?" She answered coldly, an inkling of regret creeping into her from her tone. They had started badly, which was to be expected, but she needed to do better. "I don't see Mother or Lucius here. Do you?" She questioned, casting faux glances around the café.

Staring back at Narcissa's blank face, Andromeda let out a sigh, forgoing her anger. For now, anyway. "It's just having a drink together," she assured her, gesturing to the open chair. "Maybe you can tell me about your wedding. It's soon, I heard. How are you feeling about it?" She tried, feeling around for common ground. "Cissy, I'm not asking for an Unbreakable Vow here."

Andromeda had been the first of the Black cousins to leave the family and it had shaken Narcissa to her core. She had never imagined that her sister would actually leave their family behind for a boy. When Sirius had followed Andromeda's lead, she hadn't been all that surprised, and to be frank she hadn't felt like the family was missing out on much. He had always been a rebel. And then Regulus had gone too and she shattered. If Andromeda hadn't been the first would the boys have followed?

That was a question that kept her up at night sometimes. Why hadn't she been good enough for her family to stay around?

"Ah, that's where you've been gone too long Andromeda. Since when has it mattered what I wanted?" she clucked her tongue. "You should know better than that." What was it about running into her sister that brought out this side of her? She didn't like it. That was for certain. "Mother and Lucius wouldn't like me speaking to you."

[andromedabtonks]

"Oh, it was bound to happen at some point here." She waved it off, patting his shoulder fondly. "How've you been? We really must get together more, you know," she jokingly admonished him. "I'm glad you have your own place now, but Ted and I miss having you around." Still smiling, she questioned, "Have you spoken to Regulus lately? I'd love to see him too."

The wide smile that appeared on her face warmed him from the inside out - that's what he'd been after, after all. Sirius wrapped her up in a big hug, squeezing gently. It had been too long - he made a mental note to make sure it didn't happen again. He grinned sheepishly as she pulled back, noticing all the paint he had left all over her. "Always, Andy. Always." He joked, letting her go and grinning sheepishly as he took in the state of her clothes - now covered in splotches of body paint he'd left on her. "Sorry 'bout that."

[andromedabtonks]

She should've expected that reaction. Why did she even speak to her first? Perhaps they could've gone without speaking during this interaction. Maybe Narcissa wouldn't have even seen her, and Andromeda could've gone the rest of her days wondering what would've happened if she just spoke up in Diagon Alley that day. Well, she'd be able to quell her mind now, she supposed.

But, no, she just had to be the bigger person. If ever there was solid proof that she was the older sister between them, this was it.

Schooling a grimace, Andromeda settled back into her chair, faking an air of nonchalance. "And what? Because I should be going out of my way to speak to you?" She shook her head slightly, refusing to break eye contact. "Maybe you shouldn't, but do you want to?"

Diagon Alley was far too crowded for her tastes. She had been nearly accosted one too many times and she had decided that she needed to get out of the crowd, so she found herself in a little cafe that she had always been fond of. She had brought Lucius there on one of their dates so it had always held special memories.

Narcissa had made the mistake of ordering a macaron there once before only to be disappointed by how not French they had been, so she was not willing to make that mistake again. She ordered tea and a Choquette and then started to wander towards the seats to sit down. It was crowded for a mid-afternoon weekday, but she supposed that this cafe was rather popular. It was inconvenient, though.

She didn't notice Andromeda sitting at the table in front of her until she had spoken up, offering her a seat at her table. When was the last time she had seen Andromeda? She supposed it was the night that she had packed her bags and left them behind for that mudblood. Narcissa was rooted to the spot, staring at her, surprised that she would actually speak to her. "I really shouldn't," Narcissa finally said. She would rather sit with a stranger than with her estranged sister. What would Bella say? What would Lucius think?

[andromedabtonks]

Fighting an eye roll, Andromeda watched as her cousin took the seat across from her. He seemed almost smug, which was a quality she fondly remembered about him. It was a facade, she knew, but she could make nice with him. After all, she had to start somewhere with her family. Perhaps starting with her Rosier side was the better option in the long run. "Evan," she greeted, toying with the handle of her cup. "I am," Andromeda answered, refusing to give anything away. "Ted and I are fine."

She took him in for a moment, his hair immaculately resting on his forehead, and his physical form was much more filled out than when she'd last seen him. Her baby cousin had grown up, and she hadn't been around to see it. Offering him an almost forlorn smile, she gestured toward him. "And you? How have you been?"

Evan enjoyed making the rounds through Diagon- it was an easy way to ensure most of the local shop-keepers still found him enchanting and who knew who else he might come across- a perfect example being his wayward cousin ducking into a quaint little cafe. His expression didn’t change, but he did slow his gait for a moment before changing direction and following her into the space a few minutes later. 

“My darling, is that any way to greet your dear little cousin?” He asked, pouting slightly as he moved into the empty space. Unlike dear Bellatrix and Narcissa, Andromeda seemed to be another Sirius- still, Evan ensured he was nothing but charming; he’d done a great deal to ensure his public person was perfect. “It’s been far too long. Are you still living in marital bliss with your darling little Muggleborn?” He tilted his head, pretending to think on it for a moment, “Edward, wasn’t it?” He asked lightly.  

[andromedabtonks]

Where: Diagon Alley When: Mid-Afternoon Who: Open to all

Andromeda weaved through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley, her mind occupied with the long list of errands she needed to run. The air was filled with the sounds of cheerful chatter, the clinking of coins, and the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby shop. Despite the busy atmosphere, she found herself pausing by a quaint little café, drawn by the aroma of freshly baked pastries.

Deciding a short break wouldn't hurt, she stepped inside and took a seat by the window, where she could observe the lively scene outside. As she sipped her tea, she noticed a familiar face in the crowd, someone she hadn't seen in years. Her heart quickened with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

The doorbell chimed as the figure entered the café, and Andromeda's eyes widened. She hadn't expected to see them here, of all places. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for what could be an unexpected and potentially enlightening conversation. The entire place was full, after all, and one of the only places to sit was at her table. If she quickly left the place, she could remain unseen, but she wasn't one to back down. Making eye contact, Andromeda clenched her jaw and waved her hand lazily. "You can sit here."

[andromedabtonks]

She'd been ducking from people the entire evening. Everywhere she turned was another person from her past, and it was beginning to take a toll on her. The friendly faces were few and far between. Perhaps she'd overestimated her own ability to withstand this by herself. All of her high society lessons from her youth had seemingly faded away in the scenario she found herself in. Walking forward, she felt someone at her side gently push a flower into her hair. She blinked for a moment, wondering for a brief moment if the flower was cursed. Her thoughts vanished, however, at the sight of the person next to her. Breaking out into a grin, Andromeda leaned forward to embrace her cousin. "Sirius!" She laughed into his shoulder, pulling back only slightly to get a good look at him. "Well, you sure seem to be having a good time."

He had already hit the body paint tent, as well as the drink tent.... a few times. The glowing beer was just going down so much better than normal, and he hummed while he walked, the slight buzz making him feel warm and happy. Sirius stooped to pick a flower from the edge of the meadow, turning slightly to offer it to the person walking beside him. "A flower for your hair." He offered with a wink.