#Cygnus can murder chairs next

[thenepticmancer]

“Sometimes, to do much good, you’ve got to do some bad.”

[rosemarygrayson]

Only One of Them Went Home Alone

In the lesser known streets of Sunset Valley, in a non-descript and presumably vacant office building, a shady group of criminals have set up shop underground. Their business would only remain in this building for the next few months to avoid being easily traced. Though inconvenient, this was a necessary precaution, lest the men behind the operation be imprisoned for innumerable counts of human trafficking and murder.

“This one’s real pretty, boss.  She’ll go for a high price.”  Reaching down with a hand clad in leather, ‘Cygnus’, a tall, lanky man dressed all in black, takes hold of a young woman’s chin so he can turn her face from side to side and get a better look at her.  There are three other men in this room beside Cygnus, and one other woman, currently bound in rope and drugged into a dreamless slumber on the couch.  Of the three other men, the one being referred to as ‘Boss’, glanced over at his henchman and chuckled.   

“Yes.  Both of them are beautiful.  You and Aquila did a wonderful job~”  Cygnus didn’t look away from the unconscious woman he was admiring, but he did smile at the compliment.  On the other hand, ‘Aquilla’, a slightly older man, but still very visibly strong and fierce, raised his glass of bourbon from his place beside the door in thanks. Despite being the shortest man in the room, no one would look at Boss and mistake him as being anything but the one running the operation.  A showman’s smile.  Intelligent and fiery eyes.  Boss had an air of confidence about him that made you yield to his authority.  He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve and smoothed out his suit jacket to perfection.  Boss was standing behind the chair of another man, ‘Canis’, who was monitoring the active camera feeds as they broadcasted video from their myriad security cameras.  For most of the night, the only things of note to come up on the cameras had been the movements of Boss’ crew.  However, very soon, there would be three new guests arriving at the Auction House.  “Canis,” Boss began.  Canis, the largest man in the room by far, made a noise of acknowledgement, not wanting to take his eyes away from the screens.  “When our guests arrive, I want you to escort them to their rooms.”

“Yeah, no problem.  You know who’s comin’?”

“Two regulars.  The Prodigal Son, and the Man That Doesn’t Exist.”  Cygnus finally looked away from the woman who’s face he’d been staring a new hole into and grimaced in response to the first nickname.  He knew exactly who they were talking about, even if they only came in contact with him once every twelve months.  That particular customer had been coming around once a year for several years now and he had never, not once, not been a rude little shit to everyone he spoke to at the Auction House.  Every year around the same time his father paid for his son to have a guaranteed spot as a customer.  The money was well worth it to be annoyed by some trust fund baby for an hour at most.  As for the other man, he was only noteworthy because their cyber digging into him hadn’t turned up any results.  There was no social security number, no ID, no birth certificate, no nothing.  It had set off about a million red flags when he’d first reached out to them.  The only reason he’d been allowed in and back again, was because Canis had been able to track his computer’s I.P. to the mountains, where they’d sent someone to spy and make sure this weirdo actually existed, and wasn’t some undercover cop.  “As for the third, they’re a newcomer.  I’m excited to meet them~”  

“Heh~”  Canis chuckled, pleased whenever Boss was clearly having a good time.  Catching sight of a car pulling up to the first security checkpoint, Canis stood up.  ”Looks like it’s showtime.”  Leaning down, he whispered something into Boss’ ear.  Whatever it was, the shorter man barely bit back another chuckle and a genuine smile, before motioning that Canis get a move on.  Stepping forward and resting his hands on the desk, Boss eyed the cameras and watched as Canis made his way down to the security checkpoint and went through the steps of processing the customers and leading them into the main showroom one by one....            

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The curtains rise to reveal an unassuming slate gray room.  There is a chair in the center of the room.  It’s fancy black leather, with arm and leg restraints built right in.  Facing the chair are three walls, with the two outer walls angled inward.  On each wall is a window framed with curtains and behind each window is a little booth with its own distinct color pallet: red, blue, and green.  This room, with its odd little booths and its odd little chair.  This is the main showroom for tonight’s events.

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Pushing eagerly past the security guard and into the red booth is Derek Goffard.  Oldest son and heir to his father’s billion dollar company.  A constantly ticking time bomb full of rage and a lust for violence.  After nearly three decades of being his father’s son, of failing to be ‘his father’s son’, he’s more likely to wind up imprisoned for life before he ever inherits the company.  Raised under a heavy fist and even heavier expectations, Derek’s already off the deep end.  Needing to take his hatred out on others, he’s resorted to violence an innumerable amount of times before ever hearing about this place.  Fed up with paying for his son’s sins to be covered up, Mr. Goffard himself set Derek up with an outlet for his violence.  A way to ‘purge’ his urges and release the inner monster enough that he could keep a lid on his tendencies back home.   

Derek Goffard, bidder number one.  He’s about to enthusiastically make the biggest mistake of his life.

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Stepping elegantly into the blue booth is Celia Lede; businesswoman. Multi millionaire. Beautiful. Intelligent. Cruel. She's teetering at the upper edge of her emotional and mental limits after spending years playing the role of an immaculate, high class, untouchable woman. A woman without fault and without peer. Always one step ahead of her enemies. Painfully aware that if she makes a single mistake, everything she's worked herself to the bone to achieve will be ripped away. Stress and hatred have festered inside of her, threatening to crack apart her perfect corporate mask.  She’s felt the relief that sliding a blade into the body of a living, breathing human can bring her.  Inflicting pain onto others frees her, even if temporarily, from the Hell of her everyday.  But she can’t keep killing so sloppily.  Can’t keep playing with fire so close to home.  She’s purchased a secret place to release her anger, dodged her husband’s questions about such a bizarre purchase, and now...She needs a body to fill it.

Celia Lede, bidder number two. She's here looking for a bit of release before the dam breaks.

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Last but not least, the large and imposing Mason Heiral, shuffles into the green booth.  He’s been here before, speaking as little as possible to the other people involved in this process.  Curt nods to the suits in black that lead him to the main showroom.  Polite if gruff bids if the item in question peaks his interest.  Legally, he doesn’t exist.  His birth was never recorded; his existence never tracked by the powers that be.  His mysterious wealth is what allows him to participate in these auctions, allows him to indulge in his primal needs; his animalistic urges to hunt and kill.  Prey has gotten a bit sparse back home.  It had only been a matter of time before people stopped visiting his mountain when their kind kept disappearing on it over the years.  It made sense.  But still, what was a hunter without his prey?  And if they wouldn’t come to him, he’d have to bring them home himself.

Mason Heiral, bidder number three.  He’s mere days away from glimpsing death down the barrel of a handgun.

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With all of the bidders in place behind their color-coded one way windows, a man encased in shadows makes his presence known high above his three guests.  Boss, known to his customer’s as ‘The Announcer’ greets them all jovially, giving them a cheerful rundown of the rules as Aquila and Cygnus carry an unconscious woman into the room.  She’s injected with something to wake her up slowly as he speaks.  While she stirs, the bidders get a good look at her.  She’s a short woman, no taller than five feet, with dark brown, curly hair that stops about an inch from her shoulders.  It’s a little hard to tell at first, until a big bright spotlight is turned to her and she opens her eyes, but she’s of Asian descent, specifically Japanese.  Once she’s awake, her eyes take a moment to adjust.  

While she’s quite pretty, the most notable thing about her appearance turns out to be her eyes.  It’s hard to see exactly what color they are, even with the spotlight, but looking into them reminds one of looking into a sunset.  When the announcer greets her, she looks in the direction of his voice, but doesn’t answer, instead getting a good look at her surroundings.  She tugs experimentally on her restraints, which, even if they weren’t rock solid, there were two large men standing to her left and right.  The announcer, unbothered by being ignored, launches into the program with gusto and flair.  He asks her a series of questions, all submitted by his customers ahead of time.

"What are you doing here?"  He asks, as if he had nothing to do with it.  Unamused, the woman doesn’t answer.

“....”  To her slight surprise, a gruff voice from the rightmost window speaks up from a green colored window.

“Hundred ‘n’ ten.”  He says.  Eh...?  Ah!!  There’s muted realization in her eyes as it finally dawns on her that she’s in some sort of degenerate human auction.  With a soft sigh to steel herself, she shuts her eyes and listens to the bidders as they comment on this or that.  

"Now...do you consider yourself to be athletic?"  No answer.  "Are you scared?" No answer.

“Pfft.  Look at her!  She’s obviously so scared she can’t even speak.”  That was a man to her left, from the red window.  His tone becomes teasing.  “You thinkin’ about what sort of nasty stuff we’re gonna do to you~?”  The woman opens an eye to look at his window, already not a fan of him.  Whatever it was he took from her expression must have entertained him, cause he ups the bid.  “Good~  You should be.  One-twenty.”  From the blue room, a female voice scoffs.  “You got somethin’ on your mind, you old cow?” 

“Yes, actually.  I’m thinking about how much I’d love it if it were you in that chair.”  Her voice was silky smooth, a contrast to the hyper aggression of the man who’d jumped to insulting her seemingly out of nowhere.  The announcer pressed on.

"How much money do you make?" No answer.  "How well do you follow instructions?" No answer.  Seeing as they weren’t getting anywhere asking their questions, it was a relief when someone had a good idea.

“Hm...Young lady, look at me, would you?”  Bidder number two spoke directly to the tied up woman, and she obliged with a neutral expression on her face.  A small sound of intrigue was the response.  “Aha~  That’s better.  There’s nothing wrong with silence if they can follow simple instructions.  One-thirty.”

“She’d be more fun if she was crying!  One-fourty.”

“Tsk.  If she’s too quiet for you, why are you raising the bet?  One-fifty.”

“‘Cause making quiet bitches scream is a talent of mine~!  One-sixty.”  Above them, the announcer chuckled to himself.  Ew.

"Are you a virgin?"  The next question made her pull a face, though she managed to get it back under control.  If the man in the red window hadn’t more or less confirmed it before, a question like that made it crystal clear that this was a room full of degenerates and perverts.  

"..." This seriously sucked.

"Heh.  We’re almost done.  You’re doing great!  How about this?  Do you enjoy camping?"  

To his credit, this was the only question he’d asked so far that made her consider answering.  Camping?  Why?  Did one of these creeps live in the woods?  If that was true then maybe...Maybe there was a path for her other than death. 

"..." Looking up in the direction of the announcer’s voice, she nodded with a determined affirmative.  It was the man in green that answered this time.

“Two hundred ‘n’ ten.”  Fifty more dollars or whatever they were betting with!  That question was probably his then.  

"Ooho~  A firm response!  Alright, wonderful!  And now, our final question.  Who would you like to go home with?"  To this, she rolled her eyes, sitting silently, though she did think about it for a bit.  She glanced over at the green window, wondering if her hunch that he’d asked the camping question was worth the risk.  Even though all she could make out of his form was a shadowy outline, she could tell that he was looking back at her.  Suddenly, the man in red spoke up again.

“Hah!  You like the quiet weirdo?  Not the best taste, girlie.”  He teased.  “At least you didn’t go for the bitch in blue.”

“Jesus.”  The bitch in blue scoffed.  “You really can’t keep your mouth shut can you?”  

“Why don’t you come on over here and say that to my face?”

“In your dreams, little boy.”  Before the man in red could bite back, the man in green spoke up.

“Seven hundred ‘n’ ten.”  He growled.  Both of his fellow bidders went silent.  The announcer as well, took a few seconds to recover from the shock of such a drastic increase.  Pleased, he continued.  “No more bids then?”  Silence.  “Good.”     

“I hear seven hundred and ten!  Wow!  ...Anyone else?”  He wasn’t expecting anyone to actually respond, and, up against such a shocking number, both blue and red kept their mouths shut tight.  “Haha!  Sold! To my robust friend in the green!  We’ll prepare the shipment to be sent out with you right away!  Thank you very much for coming!”  As soon as he began talking about ‘shipping’ her out, the woman in the chair braced herself for another hit of drugs, and only flinched a little when one of the men guarding her jabbed a needle into her leg.  The pain was temporary, though the effects were almost immediate.  She blacked out in the chair and was swiftly unshackled, scooped up and carried out of the room.  

As for bidder number three, the sound of the door behind him being opened was the cue he was waiting for.  A large man in a black mask escorted him out of the green booth and down the hall towards the exit where he would meet with someone else to discuss his payment.

[Hunter’s Prey | Swamp Monster’s Bride]

Back in the main showroom, bidders one and two waited for their doors to be opened.  They were in dramatically different moods.  While bidder number two was primarily disappointed, bidder number one was stressed.  

“Fuck fuck fuck where do I get someone now...”  He muttered to himself.  

“My esteemed guests, don’t look so down!  You’ve joined me today for a rather special auction.”  Oh?  Special how?  “We’ve not one, but two items for sale tonight.  Perhaps this lovely lady will catch your interest~?”  Both bidders perked up hopefully as the two henchmen brought out a different woman. 

This woman, taller than the last, looked like she might have been plucked from a penthouse in the city.  Smooth white skin, a killer figure, and voluptuous red hair that framed her beautiful face.  She too was restrained, and a shot to wake her up was administered.  In the red booth, bidder number one was surprisingly silent as he stared at her.  It wasn’t so much that he’d been overcome with her beauty, but there was definitely something about her that made his breathing start to speed up and his heart start to pound.

“Oh my fucking gOD!? YES.”  He barked with laughter, which made bidder number two raise a questioning brow, even though he couldn’t see her.  The woman, jolted by his outburst, quickly woke up.  Stunned and confused by her surroundings, she was much more animated and open about her fear.  

“Oh...What??  Wh-Where am I?”  From her accent, it was immediately clear that she’d at least been raised in a French speaking household.  She turned to look behind her, only to be met with the emotionless, masked figures watching over her.  Panic was already flooding in.  She shut her eyes and did her deep breathing exercises until she could focus.  

“Alright~!  Welcome, welcome.  I’ve got a few questions for you to get us started.  Like before, the bidding starts at one hundred!”  The announcer spoke, making her look in his direction.  Was this the man in charge?  "What are you doing-" 

“One ten!”  Shouted bidder number one.  Everyone was a little surprised by his outburst, not even waiting until the question had been answered.  The woman in the chair looked at the red window confused.  That voice...No, no...It was probably the drugs confusing her.  

“Seriously?  How rude can you be?”  Said bidder number two, already completely fed up with him.  

“Shove a sock in it, bitch!  She’s mine!”

“Pfft.  Desperate to get your hands on anything with a pulse now that the first girl slipped through your grasp?  You wouldn’t even know what to do with her.  One-twenty.”

“Oi oi, fuck off!  One-thirty!  I know exactly what I’m gonna do with her!”  He was staring right at her as he spoke, and he just about oooozed horniness.  The woman in the chair squirmed, looking distinctly uncomfortable, but not just for the obvious reason. The announcer continued after a pause to see if they were done arguing.

"Now...do you consider yourself to be athletic?"

“Ah...I do go to ze gym...”  She groaned as a drug induced dizzy spell hit her.    

“Are you scared?”  

“....Is zhere a reason to not be?”  She asked, her tone incredulous.  

“One-fourty.” Said the woman in blue.

“Fuck you!  One-seventy!”

"How much money do you make?" Asked the announcer, a hint of amusement in his voice now.

“....Iz zhat what zhis iz?  Blackmail?”  There was a snicker coming from the red booth, followed by,

“Yeah you fuckin’ wish~”  She did wish.  She very much did.

"How well do you follow instructions?"

“Well enough.”

“Oo~  One-eigh-”

“One-ninety!”

“You impossible little BRAT!  Two-twenty.”  To that, the man seethed.

“Oh COME ON!  Two-thirty!” 

As they argued, and the man’s voice became more and more clear to the bound woman’s foggy mind, a disgusting truth made itself more and more clear to her.  She could hardly believe this was happening...

"Are you a virgin~?"  Asked the announcer.  She blushed, and scoffed quietly, only to realize the room had gone totally silent.  From the red window, she felt herself being pressured to answer.

“Well??”  He insisted.  She shook her head stubbornly.  “God you’re always likE THIS!  Answer the fucking question, Sca-”  He caught himself in time before saying her name, but it was too late.  Her eyes widened in horror from the confirmation that they knew each other, and, more specifically, that she knew exactly who this was.  From the blue window, the woman laughed cruelly.

“Ah~  I get it now.  This is something personal for you, isn’t it~?”  The ball back in her court, she could just feel the tension coming from the other booth.  “Wouldn’t it be lovely if I walked out of here with her then~?  Three hundred.”  It was a massive blow.  

“I??  You?? What the FUCK??!”  

“Oooh~?  What’s the matter?  Daddy not give you enough allowance to play in the big leagues~?”  She was clearly enjoying herself now as he tried to figure out a way to get what he wanted.

“Sh-Shut the hell up...Th...”  His father was going to eat him alive for this.  “...Three-ten...”

How much were they bidding with??  Hundreds of thousands?  

“Really~?  How close am I to your limit, hm~?  Three-thirty.”  She was killing him and everyone in the room knew it.

“Seriously, could you chill??”

“Oh~?  ‘Chill’, he says!”  She laughed again, louder this time.  “Are you quitting~?  She’ll be going home with me if you don’t come up with more money!”  There was silence on his end as he seethed with rage.  Finally, the announcer spoke up again.  

“Alright~!  Three hundred and thirty!  Going once, going twice-”

“AAGH, FUCK!  THREE-FORTY!”  He slammed on the window, wishing with every cell in his body that he could beat the bitch until she was black and blue.  To this, she cackled, pleased as punch to have broken him.  

“Three hundred and forty!  Do I hear three hundred and fifty~?”

“Ah...Hahaha~  No, no, let him have her.  At that price too~?  Goodness~” 

Despite feeling humiliated, eventually, it occurred to bidder number one that he had, in fact, won the bidding.  For this, he was ecstatic.  He could deal with the consequences when he got back home~  Once he was declared the winner, and his prize was knocked out and carried out of the showroom, he impatiently waited to be let out.  He practically dashed past Canis, who rolled his eyes under his mask and followed after him.

[Scarlette Fever]

Left in the room alone with her host, bidder number two let out a long suffering sigh of defeat.

“I don’t suppose you have a third person back there, do you?”  

“Not on this day!  But~  Might I say, you fought a fierce battle~”

“...Hm~”  She hummed in acknowledgement, but inside, she was just the teensiest bit happy to hear him, specifically him, give her that sort of praise.  When it was her turn to be escorted out, she walked silently beside the guard, deep in thought.  She was a little surprised when he spoke to her, though, since he was polite about it, she decided that she didn’t mind.

“Yer first time here, right?  Never seen ya before.”

“Yes it is.”

“Did ya have fun?  Despite that idiot yappin the whole time?”  

“Yes~  Despite him, I had a good time.”

“Think you’ll come back?” He asked, hoping to see someone with her brand of spiciness back on the showroom floor.  To this, she sighed.

“I fully plan on coming back.  The question is if it’ll be a matter of two months, half a year, or a full year.  This is a surprisingly hard party to get an invite to.”  They reached the front door.  “Well then, have a good night.”  She said, and walked herself to her car, with Canis keeping an eye out for her until she’d driven out of sight.

[A Full Blown Affair]

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Back in the security office, Canis found the boss up at the computer station, watching the cameras like he’d expected him to be.  Since Aquila and Cygnus were still getting the items shipped out, Canis could take a moment to drop the mask.  After locking the door, he wrapped his arms around Boss from behind, chuckling to himself.

“Damn, we made fuckin’ bank today didn’t we~?”  As soon as 'Canis' locked the door, Boss, or, rather, Ren, relaxed and grins at him, and lets out a little laugh.

"Sure did. Damn, I can't remember the last time we got a bid that high. Guess he really wanted them to shut up, huh~?  And that second one...."

Vince nuzzled his nose against the top of Ren’s head, feeling relaxed now that it's just them. 

"I mean, I'd love to shut that little bitch up myself~  I've got plenty of ways.  Yeah the second one tho!  Fuck me, that little man would be the worst at poker!"

"Ha! I was thinking the same thing. If he wasn't such a reliable source of annual income, I'd join you in that.  But boy did that woman play him."

"Best part of the night, hands down~  You heard us talkin' on camera, right~?  I hope she comes back hehehe.”  Vince paused, content, and then added, "We should plan a vacation soon~  Take Rose somewhere nice~"

"I did~ She's right though, it is a hard party to get an invite for." Ren perked up at Vince’s suggestion.  "Yeah? You have a place in mind~?"

"Greece maybe?  We had a blast last time."

"Oh, I'd love to go back there. Santorini beach in particular."  Already, he was imagining their wife, Rosie, in a swimsuit, and was loving the visual~  "Well, it's all fair game now~"

"Exactly~"  With his advanced hearing, Vince heard someone coming up the stairs, probably Altair, their guard on the street.  Leaning down, he pressed a quick but passionate kiss against Ren's lips.  "We'll talk about it more when we get home.  Love ya~"  Ren kissed him back with equal fervor, giving him a loving look. Even now, every time he heard Vince or anyone say that, it made his stomach flutter a little. 

"Love you too~"

[ask-gayharrypottercharacters]

write something about the blacks

“Why won’t you call me fucking Tonks??”

When the front door slammed, Andromeda rested her tired face in her wrinkly hands. With her arched back, they were the only signs giving away her old age. She’d heard her daughter’s friends whisper on her still young-looking appearance on countless occasions. According to rumours that was because on every full moon she would bathe in the blood of the men she’d murdered. Nymphadora always laughed at them. It was such an insane theory if you knew who Andromeda really was. But she couldn’t exactly blame them for thinking she wasn’t any different from other pure-bloods either.

Nymphadora. Such a pretty name. In Greek Mythology nymphs were goddesses. They animated nature. They embodied raw beauty and liveliness. How could her daughter disavow such a meaningful name? A name she had personally chosen for her?

Andromeda grabbed the simple armrest of the nearest chair, trying by all means necessary to stop her train of thoughts from reaching its destination. Her eyes shut close while her knuckles whitened on the light-coloured wooden material. After all these years, it still was her weak point.

They all were.

When she opened her eyes again and looked down, it was engraved flowers that her fingers were wrapped around. A different darker smoother type of wood.

“Sit straight, Andy.” She turned to her left on the other side of the dinner table, where the little voice came from. “You do not want mother to reprimand you in front of the whole family, do you?”

Andromeda immediately obliged. Narcissa smiled at her in response. She looked so young and delicate. Almost innocent. So eager for her to fit in this room even though it was blatantly obvious she never truly would.

“No, come on! Please let your mother start one of her stupid fights! It’d give me an excuse to climb the stairs lock myself up and avoid this miserable pretence of a family dinner.” Andromeda looked to the boy facing her.

“Where to, cousin? In that red and gold rubbish dump you insist on calling bedroom?” Andromeda turned back to her sister’s rolling eyes. She was as much a spectator of this scene now as she was then.

“At least I sleep in said bedroom every night, cousin.” Sirius smirked when Walburga approached, interrupting their little joust and momentarily making him the victor.

If Narcissa had been Medusa in that moment though, then Sirius would have turned to stone.

“Please take a seat, Arcturus.” The old man she was holding by the arm naturally found his way at the very end of the immense ebony table of 12 Grimmauld Place. At the other end, there was no one near Sirius or Andromeda to contest his authority.

The seating plan had been carefully designed by the host. Although they weren’t the youngest of the Black children, the two cousins had been placed at the very bottom of the family tree.

As soon as the patriarch was sat down the guests rushed to their designated chair. Facing Narcissa, Regulus shifted uncomfortably. He was only twelve and big events like this one always made him nervous.

Sirius noticed. “How old is he exactly? He looks 150 if that’s even possible.” He joked to make the atmosphere a little less unbearable, which Andromeda was immensely glad for. She wasn’t about to insult him in front of all of his heirs though so she chose to keep quiet instead. Most of the time she was anyway.

“We are celebrating his 70th birthday today, actually. If you can ever believe that.” They all looked to Regulus’ left where the voice came from. “But you know, he’s survived most of his family. That tends to physically mark one.” Alphard wrapped his arm around the back of the empty chair that was separating him from the little boy. Narcissa glared at him.

“What happened to them?” Regulus asked his uncle, unsure if that was a proper question to voice at a family gathering.

“Your parents never told you?” He disapproved. “Well, his brother died from an illness I can never remember the name of. One day he found himself unable to talk and the next he was dead. A striking disease… He died an unmarried man. He was loved by everyone in this family though, which, really, was a prowess. Truly an incredible man!” Regulus looked down at his own hands, seeming distraught by the answer. “But he lives through you, Regulus. After all, you were named after him. And it seems like you too are loved by everyone in this room.” He winked. Sirius nodded.

The boy looked back up with teary eyes but smiled at Alphard who gently rubbed his back for comfort. He was so terribly sensitive.

“What about the others?” Narcissa asked in turn with disdain.

“The others?” Alphard was reluctant to give her an answer. “Ah well, his sister died of that same disease six years later.”

“Was it contagious? Can we catch it?” Sirius couldn’t help out.

“No, children. Well, it is contagious but only through…” He stopped in the middle of his sentence.

“Through sexual intercourse.” They all fixed their eyes on the woman in front of Alphard. She was easily the most beautiful woman of the Black older generation. And even though they were born the same year, she was much prettier than Walburga could dream of ever becoming.

“What a way to join the conversation, Lucretia! Might I remind you these are only children?” He chuckled as she smiled back at him, the kind that would forgive her just about anything.

“Living in this family and not being taught the family gossip? I strictly condone it.” Alphard chuckled again into his napkin. Her husband, a Prewett, joined him while poking at her shoulder gently.

She cleared her throat and ignored both men. Instead she stared directly into Narcissa’s almond-shaped eyes, disregarding completely the empty space between them. “And then, my dear mother killed herself because she could not bear others’ moquery on her name. My father is a lonely worried old man. He only wants for his family to survive.” She smiled so brightly even Narcissa had to look down in respect. She always responded to female authority better anyway.

“Lucretia, do you really have to fill my daughters’ heads with such spooky business?” Druella snapped on Alphard’s left.

The dark-haired woman’s retort came only seconds after. “Well, someone has to educate these girls.”

The other woman opened her mouth in shock. But she was a Rosier, even after her family name had changed to Black. Lucretia was now Prewett, yet she would always be blacker.

Walburga didn’t miss the opportunity to remind her. “Lucretia is right. Your daughters should be taught their family history, Druella. Even though it is not your story.”

Cygnus attempted to mediate. “Did I mishear or are you both criticizing the way I raise my girls?” Walburga kept quiet. He was the youngest of his siblings but the most respected. He was a man and, unlike his older brother, he was married. He didn’t give Lucretia any time to retort either. He turned to his side. “Do not pay attention to my cousin, dear. She is only under my brother’s influence.”

It was said like it was enough explanation. Like Alphard was the problem by default anyway.

“Oh, my sister knows how to misbehave well on her own, cousin.” Orion mocked, which somehow was something no one had the heart to dispute. Lucretia herself laughed out loud.

“And have you not taught your daughter punctuality, Cygnus?” Charis, who married into the Crouch family, asked from Orion’s left.

“Oh yes. Being late at such a significant event is quite unacceptable, dear!” The woman’s sister, Callidora, added. Harfang Longbottom nodded after his wife’s statement.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. These old cows shouldn’t be insulting your sister when theirs married a Weasley.” Lucretia whispered in Narcissa’s direction, pinching her nose like it was painful for her to speak the name. She put her glass to her lips as if she needed to cleanse her mouth.

Narcissa shook her head. “No. They are right. My sister is quite unacceptable indeed. If Charlus Potter managed to be on time today then so can she.” Although the Potters were disputably respectful these days, the man had been invited through his wedding to Dorea Black.

Lucretia almost spit out the champagne she had just sipped. “I know you think she is too disdainful for a little girl, Alphard, but I like her.” She pointed at the blonde.

The man laughed gently. “Well anyway, I would like to thank Merlin for placing me near all of you children. Today I would have dreaded the habitual small talk.” He scoffed while designating the more serious older end of the table with his shoulder.

Sirius burst into laughter while Narcissa’s eyes dismissed the man completely.

“Kids, put your hands under the table!” He ordered smilingly. All of them rushed their hands under the velvet cloth with excitement.

The man snapped his ringed fingers and Andromeda suddenly held a cold coin in her palm. She felt the shape of a dragon with the brush of her thumb.

“Don’t tell your parents.” He winked. They all discreetly slid the Galleon into their pockets. It took everything Sirius had not to boast out loud.

“And how can you sit proudly at this table when no other family has asked for your eighteen year old daughter’s hand?”

They all turned to the other end of the table where Orion had just shouted. Apparently the rivals hadn’t stopped quarreling. They both sought Arcturus’ favours.

“Oh I cannot wait until the day your eldest son is of age, cousin. Are you going to lie or are you going to blame the sorting hat for your boy’s incompetent personality? I wonder…” Cygnus answered with the calm and scorn that characterized him so well.

That infuriated Orion even further. “Have you forgotten you are currently under my roof?”

“This house still belongs to your father if I recall well. He can still decide you are not worth living here.”

After that, everyone went on with their little commentary on who they thought was better fitted to take over as head of the family. Alphard certainly didn’t miss his chance to entertain them. “Look at your fathers, fighting like two roosters of the same chicken coop!”

Fortunately everyone was so loud Alphard’s comment went completely unnoticed. Their voices kept raising and raising to an unbearable decibel level.

Only Andromeda and Arcturus, whose gazes met, remained silent. The old man breathed out while shaking his head disapprovingly. Andromeda half smiled. It was comforting knowing the very backbone of this family seemed as out of place in this moment as she constantly felt.

Suddenly a green puff of smoke invaded the marbled fireplace and cut the hostilities right out. The room fell utterly silent.

Two silhouettes gradually appeared, among which Rodolphus Lestrange, who was sweeping the ash off his dark suit. He nodded his respect to the hosts, waiting for his wife to apologise for their tardiness.

Bellatrix greeted them instead. “Uncle Orion. Aunt Walburga.”

She brushed her fingers in her unruly hair before walking straight to the old man presiding the assembly that she had yet to acknowledge. Andromeda noted how her dress perfectly accentuated her curves. Bellatrix stooped to the man’s level and kissed his cheek.

“Sorry I’m late.” This time everyone one heard them perfectly well although she was only whispering. “Will you forgive me?” She pretended to plead.

The old man took her hand and kissed it gently. “How could a man hold a grudge when he is confronted to such beauty.” His voice was filled with amusement. “He can only find himself disarmed.”

Bellatrix smirked. “Well I hope I’m not interrupting.” She added after taking notice of the whole room.

“No, no. I was waiting for your interruption.” He brushed off with his hand.

She raised and went to the man’s left where Pollux Black was seated. She kissed the man’s cheek too. “Grandfather.”

Pollux put his hand over hers on his shoulder. “Bellatrix! How pleased I am to see you.”

She also kissed the woman beside him. Pollux’ sister and Bellatrix had always gotten along. Cassiopeia was a pillar among the Blacks. She was a crucial element to the family stability. She outlived every odd, every scandal they had all been faced with. Their family name was often considered to be carried solely on her tired shoulders. A true force of nature.

Andromeda knew no other unmarried woman in her family history. Yet that had never been a topic of gossip either. Remarkable but unique.

Cassiopeia brushed Bellatrix’ cheek with her wrinkled fingers. “Off you go to your seat, young lady. Quick!”

The young woman obliged. Naturally, she rushed to the spot on Narcissa’s left, content on avoiding her parents on the other side. Her long dress floated behind her. Lucretia grabbed her arm when she passed in front of her. “And where is my kiss, honey?”

Bellatrix breathed out in amusement but gave in and brushed her aunt’s cheek with her lips.

When she grabbed the empty chair, Narcissa interrupted her. “Are you a man now?”

Bellatrix raised her eyebrows in amusement. “What? Do I look like I have grown a penis underneath that dress?” She looked down on her own crouch to emphasize her words.

Irma, born Crabbe and her grandmother, let out a high-pitched scream in shock. For their part, Callidora and Charis put a dramatic hand over their mouths.

Arcturus laughed out loud which cut any comment that could have occured after that.

Narcissa frowned with disgust. “No. But you know the rules, don’t you? One man. One woman.” The blonde explained while showing the seating plan with her hands. She pointed to Lucretia. “One woman.” Then to the empty spot. “One man.” And finally to herself. “One woman.”

“So nice seeing you again, Cissy. I didn’t know you were so keen on sitting next to my husband, but alright then.” Narcissa visibly pinched her lips, internally cursing herself. She hadn’t thought that through, had she?

Bellatrix reached the opposite chair in between Alphard and Regulus, allowing Rodolphus to take his seat as well.

That was Arcturus’ cue to officially launch the dinner. He raised to his feet laboriously.

“Thank you all for coming to my birthday party.” He coughed. “There are…many things I wish to discuss with each and every one one of you. But for now…let us dine!” He took his glass of champagne and raised it towards the rest of the guests. They all cheered to his birthday.

As soon as the golden liquid wetted their lips, their plates instantly filled themselves up.

Arcturus sat down and casual conversation started again. The western end of the table was chatting about gardening. Orion was talking politics with Charlus Potter, gauging his opinion on the matter. Cygnus and Walburga were patching things up after their little confrontation earlier. Druella was quite visibly attempting to flirt with Ignatius Prewett, at which Lucretia was laughing with Alphard and Bellatrix. Sirius and Regulus were playing at sorting Hogwarts teachers into secondary houses.

Narcissa shifted uncomfortably in her seat while Rodolphus cleared his throat. “So, how is school going?”

Narcissa straightened her spine. That was a question you would ask a child. “It is going great, thank you. It is my last year though. I focus on what is coming next, rather.”

“Oh yes? What have you planned?” He was trying his best to sound polite and hide how uninterested in the answer he actually was.

Narcissa looked at him like he was daft. “Marriage, of course.”

Rodolphus scratched the back of his head. “Of course. Anyone in view?” Andromeda noticed Bellatrix was regularly side glancing in their direction, much more interested in their conversation than the one she was having with her uncle and aunt.

“A couple, yes.” Bellatrix cut her meat so forcefully both the plate and her knife broke. Everyone momentarily stopped their little chat to stare at her.

She took her wand out of her robes and fixed the mess she’d just made so they all went back to their business.

Rodolphus visibly moved back in his chair thinking she was going to jinx him. He glared at her though. Andromeda knew why that topic was so sensitive because she was aware of the nature of her sisters’ relationship. Hell, she used to be in the middle of it. Sometimes she still was. But Rodolphus was clearly having some doubts of his own.

“Your sister has some serious issues she should deal with.” Rodolphus said out loud despite quite obviously fearing the wrath of his own wife. Maybe he felt safe sat at this table. He shouldn’t be. Bellatrix kicked him from under the table but was too focused on controlling her emotions to be able to properly respond yet.

“Yes, I am aware of that. Everyone keeps reminding me as if somehow I were her mother.” Narcissa deadpanned, glaring at her sister.

“Well, you are the only one she listens to.” He tried to hide that he was massaging his wounded leg. “She certainly does not listen to me.” Another kick. He hissed in pain but smirked, content on annoying her.

“Perhaps she would listen to you if you behaved like a proper man.” Narcissa only paid attention to the vegetables on her plate.

“And what is it that you do to make her listen to you, huh? I am all ears.” He asked with sarcasm.

Bellatrix raked her fingers on the table while Narcissa snapped her head at him, suddenly realising how certain he sounded about what he suspected.

Andromeda chose that particular time to finally join the conversation like it was her life that depended on those secrets to remain buried. “And how is married life, Rodolphus?” Great. She was going to start a whole other fight she really wished she never had to witness.

Rodolphus acknowledged her for the first time since he had walked into the room. Bellatrix looked at her with both relief and anger.

Narcissa acted on instinct. It was better to run from the conversation entirely. “Will you excuse me. I need to use the bathroom.”

She wiped her mouth with her white napkin, got up and fled the room, leaving a worried Bellatrix behind.

Druella, very much nervous at seeing her daughter leave such an important dinner, ordered for Andromeda to go get her back.

“It’s alright. I’ll go.” Bellatrix answered for her sister. She left the room in a breeze before anyone could argue against it.

“Married life to Bellatrix is just a constant bliss. As you can see.” Rodolphus kept looking at the door as if he could see behind it should he concentrate enough. “Aren’t you looking forward to it, young girl?”

Andromeda swallowed uncomfortably. Her insides clenched. She chose to jump back into silence.

Rodolphus only grew more impatient though as he grabbed the armchairs previously under his elbows. “What’s taking them so long?”

Andromeda was quickly on her feet. “It is probably Narcissa’s…time of the month.” She deadpanned, her cheeks redder than the tomatoes she’d just been eating. “If you know what I mean.” Rodolphus looked positively disgusted. Lucretia poked his shoulder, utterly incompetent at hiding her amusement. “I…I”ll see if I can be of any help.”

Andromeda ran on her way up the old staircase. She understood Narcissa well enough to know she would need somewhere she could lock herself up.

When she reached the bathroom, Andromeda noticed the doors were slightly opened though. She approached the room with caution. The lock looked burnt off.

She couldn’t see anything yet but she heard Bellatrix sigh quite heavily. “Narcissa, if you don’t start talking I’m going to beat it out of you!” Andromeda was close enough now to see the basin against which Narcissa was leant. She looked emotionless. Two hands brutally slapped the porcelain on each of the blonde’s sides. At least that startled the girl. “Insult me if that’s what you need to do but open your sodding mouth or else-”

“Or else you will hit me. I got it the first time, you know.” Narcissa interrupted. In the mirror on her back Andromeda could see Bellatrix’ face. She wasn’t angry by any means. Only determined. “I just…”

“What?” The brunette insisted, patience not being one of her virtues.

Narcissa massaged her temples with her own palms. “I am tired, do you hear me?” She was the angry one. “Tired of waiting for you to visit me. Tired of mother’s incessant comments on every literal thing I do.”

“What is she saying to you?” Bellatrix almost groaned.

“Nothing that matters. But she has been hell ever since you left. Andromeda is a failure and she keeps pressuring me into being bloody flawless.” Narcissa grabbed Bellatrix’ arms only to make her take a few steps back. Andromeda almost fell against the wooden floor upon hearing her name. “And you?” She poked her chest with one of her slim fingers. “You dare coming late to one of the only events we are given to see each other. Father doesn’t threaten to beat us when you are here, you know?” She continued bitterly. “He is too scared of you to even try looking at me which, really, gives me a bloody needed break! And yet you dare delaying it!”

“Shit, Cissy!” Bellatrix tried to take her sister’s hand but failed. “I’m sorry! I didn’t choose to be late, okay?”

“I know.” Narcissa said in a much gentler tone this time. “I just wished you cared about me like you used to.”

“That’s bullshit! You know you’re the only one I even care about to start with!” Andromeda saw the brunette’s reflection in the mirror moving around like she didn’t know where the blonde wanted her to be.

Narcissa looked up to her with pleading eyes. “Prove it then.” She sounded so fragile yet so fierce and Andromeda couldn’t help projecting. She too had once begged her older sister to give her some semblance of comfort. She’d never properly answered to her complaints though.

“Narcissa, we’re…we’re not alone in this house.” No they definitely weren’t. Narcissa was a different story though because Bellatrix sought her cheeks as reassurance.

She was only met with the girl’s determination. “Be convincing.” Maybe that’s where they differed. Andromeda would never have the nerves. She was a distraction where Narcissa was a soulmate, innately knowing how to push the other woman’s buttons in the direction she desired. “If you love me and not…him…then I have to feel it, Bella! Because words are so easily forgotten when you are gone.”

The brunette seemed to hesitate. Andromeda should interrupt them. She should tell them to go back downstairs immediately if they didn’t want Rodolphus to show up unexpectedly. She froze instead.

And that’s when Bellatrix made her move. She grabbed the blonde’s shoulders and turned her around effectively pinning her against the farthest wall. They were both only visible through the mirror now.

The brunette collided her mouth on Narcissa’s, fiercely set on showing her exactly how much she loved her. The younger sister struggled to grab her robes, pulling her closer if that was possible. Bellatrix hands went up to Narcissa’s silver hair before they cupped her cheeks.

The blonde’s thigh slided up the other girl’s leg to settle on her hips, trying to get as much friction as she could. Bellatrix grabbed it, accidentally hiking up Narcissa’s skirt. When her cold hand touched her bare skin, Narcissa audibly moaned in the other girl’s mouth. Bellatrix clearly lost all reason then as she carried the girl by the legs, taking her off the wall only to cross the room and sit her down on the sink with a loud thump.

Narcissa didn’t hiss in pain. Instead she moaned and smirked against Bellatrix’ lips.

Andromeda’s head snapped when she heard the click of the dining room opening downstairs. She slammed the bathroom doors open and revealed herself.

Bellatrix was quick at her throat until she realised it was only her. “Andy for fuck’s sake! I thought you were done spying on us!”

Narcissa’s brought the back of her hands to her flushed cheeks before reuniting her feet with the floor.

“Thank me because Rodolphus is on his way up.”

Bellatrix paused before pointing at Narcissa. “You need to stop fucking me up like this. This was completely inconsiderate. He could have seen us.” At least the blonde looked ashamed.

It didn’t mean she was sorry though. “You make it sound as though you hold no self control!”

“I don’t, Narcissa. When it comes to you I quite obviously don’t!” Andromeda mustered all the confidence she possessed for these words not to cut her.

“Well for you information, I don’t either. I cannot help the way I feel.” Bellatrix rolled her eyes but Narcissa smirked.

“Oh don’t you fucking dare be happy about that!” Though now she was more amused than anything. How fucked the three of them were.

“As much as I love being witness to your reconciliation, you’ve got another problem coming up the stairs if you don’t move quickly.” Andromeda reminded them. So she was the reason now? That was new.

Bellatrix grabbed Narcissa’s chin and placed one last kiss on her lips. “Don’t doubt me ever again.” The blonde nodded so she proceeded to leave the room.

She kissed Andromeda’s cheek on her way out. “Thank you. I owe you.” That would be enough for today.

They both heard Bellatrix stumble upon her husband in the staircase. “Where have you been? Everyone’s wondering where the hell you went! You need to be fucking flawless at this dinner table if you want to stand a chance at-”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. You’re not my father, Lestrange.” Rodolphus audibly groaned but the couple eventually left. Andromeda and Narcissa followed their steps.

When they bypassed the doors, the huge table had been replaced by smaller ones scattered around the room with champagne and pastries.

Arcturus, who was drinking with Cassiopeia, Pollux, Dorea and both their spouses seemed relieved to see them come back. Druella glared at Narcissa from her spot which she shared with Cygnus, Orion and Walburga. She said nothing though when Bellatrix and Rodolphus joined them.

Narcissa’s gaze shifted between Alphard, Lucretia and her husband’s table and the one where Sirius and Regulus were binge eating. She quickly made a decision and chose to join the former. Andromeda followed her.

Her ability to make herself invisible had always been looked down by her family. Druella said it was the reason she was not desirable to men. Bellatrix kept telling her it made her weak. Sirius refused to let her meet his friends as he thought she wouldn’t fit in because of it.

It was alright. Andromeda, she could see the strength in it. Just like today. She could go from table to table and no one would notice her. She was knowledgeable and that made her powerful.

“So, do you think your father really is going to pass the torch today?” Alphard asked Lucretia.

“I know so. Look at him. He is consulting with his cousins right now.” She casually answered, not even paying them any attention and bringing a piece of cake to her mouth instead.

When Andromeda turned her head though, she did see the eldest members of the family talking quite seriously.

“Is he going to ask Grandfather Pollux?” Narcissa asked with interest.

Lucretia giggled at the absurdity of the suggestion. “He is about the same age as him. You don’t name another oldie to the head of one the most prominent families in the country.”

“The most prominent family.” Narcissa rectified.

Lucretia shifted her head slightly in her direction before smirking. “Anyway, he considers his cousin incompetent.” She giggled again. “Though he did contemplate designating Aunt Cassiopeia.” Narcissa’s eyes lit up. “I say it would be about legitimate.”

“He would consider a woman?” Ignatius contributed to the conversation.

“He was raised by a woman whose nickname was Hesper the viper. He literally views his sister Lycoris as a goddess ever since she died. He holds Cassiopeia to the highest standards. He is consulting her right now. He is only being polite to Pollux.”

Alphard nodded is approval. “Is he considering you?”

“No-”

“He is not thinking about Aunt Walburga, is he?” The blonde girl asked as though the prospect terrified her.

“No, of course not! But…he is very aware of the fact that the last generation of,” she paused while looking in the direction of Sirius and Regulus’ table, “boys are never going to be up to the task.” She stroked the girl’s cheek. “Your father on the contrary…he holds dear to his heart.”

Narcissa looked skeptical. How could anyone hold him dear to their heart? That was out of her comprehension. Out of Andromeda’s too.

Lucretia couldn’t help chuckling this time. “Rather, he highly regards your sister. And he does not think of your father as incompetent which would be, in my opinion, enough for now.”

If Narcissa’s eyes opened in shock, her lips tightened into a thin grin.

Ignatius interrupted her reverie. “This is nonsense, Lucretia. She is a Lestrange now.”

The woman only shrugged.

Andromeda was sick to her stomach. She knew if her father was given such an occasion to shine, he would pressure her further into marrying when he had put a stop to it recently. And that was…not an option. Not now.

She left their table to reach the next one. She realised that was a mistake when she heard Charis and Callidora’s usual gossiping.

“I’m surprised Regulus didn’t turn out to be a squib!” The one said feinting surprise.

“Yes…he is so sensitive that little one. Perhaps it will show in his…preferences.” The other answered.

“Oh no, haven’t you been told?” She shook her head. “Our granddaughter’s cousin, Frank, was sorted into Gryffindor as well, poor boy, and funny enough him and Sirius have become good friends. Augusta told me about our boy’s ways with…other boys.” Charis gasped. “I would burn him off the tapestry if I were his mother!” If only they knew how half of their descendance felt about the same gender.

The other woman nodded. “The Longbottoms are growing softer. So are the Rosiers. And now that vile woman is infecting our blood!”

Andromeda got the chills when they talked about her mother in such a way. Their words were so harsh. They were in many ways more terrifying to her than physical violence could ever be. Perhaps that was a statement to the harsh childhood she went through.

And whenever she felt threatened Andromeda ran to the only person she ever felt safe with. Even though she was more often than not the source of her anxieties.

She couldn’t properly be at the table as her parents were blocking her way but she was contempt on standing within Bellatrix’ reach should she need her.

Though this time the blow precisely came out from her mouth while she was having what she thought was a private conversation with their father.

“Don’t tell me you really contemplate marrying Sirius and Andy!?” The girl’s stomach turned.

Cygnus answered quite vividly. “Of course I am. No one wants her. And no one will want Sirius.”

“They’re cousins, not livestock.” Bellatrix defended at first.

“Orion and Walburga are cousins too.” Andromeda’s insides begged to be released.

“Precisely. They’re miserable and you know it.” At least she had her on her side.

“Aren’t we all? Aren’t you?” That made Bellatrix pause.

She scratched her hand under the tablecloth. “Andy she’s…she’s not strong enough for this.”

“Don’t blame me for your mother’s mistakes.” There was no denying that although Bellatrix was boiling inside, she could tell. “Orion and I agreed moments ago. It’s done.”

Bellatrix only nodded. She wasn’t defending her anymore. She was abandoning her.

Andromeda’s throat constricted and soon she was out of breath. Her glass fell out of her hands, revealing her position to others when it broke loudly against the marbled floor.

The girl ran outside. On her way, Sirius tried to stop her and ask her what was wrong. The look in his eyes almost made her throw up on him right there.

Thankfully she managed to get outside before emptying her stomach. She couldn’t even think. She was paralysed.

She heard heels coming in the distance.

“Andy…” Bellatrix tried unsuccessfully.

She stooped to her level and put a comforting hand on her sister’s back. “It…it’s not as bad as it sounds. You like Sirius, don’t you?” Andromeda suppressed a gag reflex.

She turned to look into Bellatrix’ eyes, tears threatening to wet her cheeks. She said nothing but something broke in the brunette.

Bellatrix suddenly got herself up again. She was looking in the distance when she spoke again, decisive. “Pack your shit up and leave this house.”

Andromeda frowned “Wh-what?”

The brunette crossed her arms on her chest. “Leave. Run away.” Andromeda looked scandalised now. “I’m doing you a favour. You won’t survive this if you stay. So just get the fuck out.” The girl looked down, realising there might be a salvation after all. “But never tell me where you’ll go, Andy, because I already know I won’t like it.”

Andromeda swallowed. “And be bloody discreet because if I ever actually see you leaving Andy, I swear, I will kill you.” That was the simple harsh truth. She would.

Bellatrix didn’t even spare her a look when she stepped away.

Andromeda cried out loud for a good ten minutes before she reminded herself that she had to act like she wasn’t going to break.

So she closed her eyes with the strength that was left in her. She needed the tears to stop.

When she opened them, she was back in the tiny living room of her seaside cottage and although her cheeks were wet she didn’t have to hide how she felt there. It was only a distant nightmare now. She was alone in this house and it both relieved and terrified her.

Who was she to scold her own daughter for wanting a thing she herself had wanted? Shouldn’t she understand better than anyone else on this earth

She was seriously delusional if she thought she would be any different from the rest of her family though. She was just as screwed and just as cruel.