A/N: The following chapters will deal with Pureblood society at its best and at its worst. For those who are waiting for more of Voldemort's plans, rest assured Chapter 10 is a massive twist that will show his brilliance and forward his plans. There are however, hints and important little details being introduced in chapters 8 and 9 as well though. Enjoy.

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An early snowfall had covered the land, causing many of the witches and wizards of Britain to move their activities indoors. With the Christmas holydays approaching, a festive atmosphere permeated the air. The social event of the season was approaching, and as such the shop keepers were kept busy, working many hours into the night to complete the orders. It was close to impossible to obtain an order for a set of robes so late in the year, unless one wanted to buy off the rack.

Such restrictions did not apply to the Blacks, of course. Since the return of the daughters to Ravensden for the winter holydays, the ancestral home of the Blacks was filled with tailors and jewellers, much to Cygnus' chagrin. As his wife and daughters had spent hours on end choosing their fabrics, jewels and other accessories the day before, and bothering him for his opinion, he had risen early today and Apparated towards Wiltshire.

In contrast, Malfoy Manor, in all its grandeur was empty, devoid of any Christmas decorations. Abraxas spent the Christmas holydays much as he did the rest of the year. Tireless, the Malfoy patriarch was locked in his study, reading reports, planning strategies and dealing with the running of the Malfoy Guild. Nonetheless, with his friend's arrival he had deigned to make a pause, rise from his desk and join Cygnus in the drawing room.

'Cygnus, what brings you here?' inquired Abraxas, sitting down and calling for tea to be served.

'My wife and daughters have monopolized my house,' replied Cygnus in frustration, 'I cannot stand another moment of fabrics and jewels for a century. I had to escape.'

Abraxas allowed himself a small chuckle, but could not commiserate with his friend. The last time his house had felt the joys of dealing with tailors and jewellers was many years ago, before his wife's illness prevented any sorts of outings.

'Well, you are welcome to take refuge here;' replied Abraxas, 'although I do warn you that Druella knows where I live.'

'Ah, she does, but she won't be able to follow us to the club,' said Cygnus. Abraxas raised an eyebrow, but Cygnus continued unabashed. 'I have thought it out completely. We shall go to the Club, where witches are not permitted. That way, I am sure to not be followed by my wife requesting my opinion.'

'Very well,' said Abraxas, 'allow me to change, and I shall join you.'

The Warlock's Club on Palace Alley was a popular gathering place for the Lords of the Realm. Established at the same time the Palace of the Lords, it shared the same monumental classical architecture as the Palace itself. Add in the fact that the membership was reserved to wizards only, witches not being allowed to set foot in its chambers, and that the membership fee exceeded what a middle class family made in a year, it was the one place where the old families' patriarchs could gather undisturbed.

Some of the evil gossip magazines questioned the more “dubious” events that went on behind the tall doors, and wondered if all witches were prohibited, or merely the wives, but it still was a respected establishment. Only two hundred members were allowed, with new members being required to be approved by the council that governed the club. That tiny little detail ensured that the nouveau riche did not make an entrance, no matter how much money they had acquired. Surprising for such an upscale establishment was the lack of wizard personnel. In the interests of preserving the privacy of the clients, only house elves were employed. While the use of wizard servants was seen as a symbol of status, an elf would not spill the secrets of its master as a wizard could.

The Club had been witness to many prestigious events throughout the ages. Various peace agreements between Magical Britain and the Goblins had been signed here. The peace conference following the British-French war of 1658 was officially held at the Palace, but much discussion had gone behind the sealed doors of the club. It seemed as if Cygnus was not the only one to escape his family this morning, as the Club was bustling with Lords. Cygnus and Abraxas saluted those they were acquainted to and then made their way to the billiard tables upstairs.

At Ravensden the chaotic atmosphere had taken a turn for the worst. The already strained relations between Andromeda and the rest of the family were aggravated by an off hand comment.

'Andromeda, you are to be accompanied to the ball by Rabastan Lestrange,' said Druella, entering her daughter's room, 'so you must wear matching colours. Now, Lady Lestrange has said that he will wear black robes with red trim. I suggest you wear silver robes. It would match nicely.'

'No,' said Andromeda calmly.

'Why not?' asked Druella, 'silver matches nicely with your hair. You could even wear Elladora's diamonds.' Nearby the magical mirror voiced its approval, commenting on how Andromeda's great-great-grandmother Elladora's diamonds would match perfectly. Andromeda threw an annoyed glance at the chatty mirror.

'I am not going to the ball with Rabastan Lestrange,' said Andromeda. Poor Druella, did not understand the way Andromeda's thoughts were heading.

'But dear, he is a very nice young man,' said Druella, 'he has invited you already, it would be rather rude to refuse him. Try at least to give him a chance.'

'No, I would rather go with a goblin then with one of the Lestrange brothers,' said Andromeda.

'Dear, there is no need to be insulting,' said Druella, 'I know you have been misguided in the past, but all will be right. No one will ever doubt you again if you appear at Rabastan's arm for the Ministry ball.'

'Mother, I am in love with Ted Tonks,' said Andromeda. Druella flinched upon hearing the muggle name, feeling a slight headache beginning to form.

'Andromeda, dear, that is not possible,' said Druella, trying to appear to her reason, 'you are still young, and he is so,' she paused a moment, searching for the right word, 'muggle. What would the world say? Your father's reputation will be dragged in the mud. Please listen to us.'

'Not only am I in love with Ted Tonks, but I am also pregnant,' said Andromeda, raising her chin up. 'I am going to drop out of Hogwarts and have the baby. He is going to…'

Andromeda did not get a chance to finish her proud declaration of independence, as Druella, whose headache had begun to slowly turn into a mild feeling of faint had collapsed, falling down on the floor. The scuffle could be heard from several doors away, where Bellatrix and Narcissa were being measured for robes.

'What did you do, you harlot?' screamed Bellatrix, upon seeing her mother on the floor in Andromeda's room. Narcissa rushed to lift her mother's head of the floor, trying to wake her up. The shouts had attracted the servants and a few of the more curious tailors, who now all witnessed something that would have better been handled in private.

'Mother, wake up, please,' cried Narcissa holding her mother. She had tried to Enervate her but Druella remained stone cold on the floor. Seeing the situation around her, Narcissa stood up, taking charge.

'Famulus, would you please see the tailors and jewellers out,' ordered Narcissa, 'we are done for today.'

'Of course Mistress, bowed the elf,' shepherding the curious onlookers towards the main doors. Bellatrix had paused her tirade to look at her mother. Figuring her magic was more potent, she tried to Enervate her, but failed nonetheless. Several other house elves had shown up and surrounded their Mistress. Narcissa ordered them to call a healer from Saint Mungo's and put Druella to bed.

'I swear on my magic,' said Bellatrix, 'if something happens to mother because of you, I will make you regret you ever laid eyes on that muggle.'

'This is not the time, Bella,' said Narcissa, interposing herself between Bellatrix and Andromeda, who still held a defiant glance. 'Someone needs to tell daddy.'

'I'll go,' said Bellatrix, 'you take care of mother.'

Bellatrix was furious, the little harlot of a sister she had, had made her mother ill. She swore that she would be the last thing that pathetic Muggle would see before his untimely death. Calming herself as to avoid splinching, she Apparated to Wiltshire, where she heard her father was going.

'Where is your master, Elf?' said Bellatrix.

'Master Malfoy is not here, Miss Black,' said Dobby, 'he has gone out.'

'I need to see my father,' said Bellatrix, drawing her wand, 'where did they go?'

'Dobby is a good elf,' said the elf, 'Dobby keeps the family secrets.' Knowing the character of house elves, Bellatrix tried to calm herself and appeal to the elf's reason, if the creature had any.

'Dobby, listen,' said Bellatrix, 'my mother has had an accident; I need to tell my father.'

'Dobby not know,' said the elf, wringing its ears, 'it is not proper to tell.'

'Crucio!' snapped Bellatrix, no longer able to contain her rage. 'Where did my father go?' Dobby at this point had started crying, but his loud wails attracted the attention of a wizard servant.

'Miss Black,' said the servant, 'this is highly unusual.' The servant did not want to antagonize the young Black girl, since he could pay dearly for it.

'This creature won't tell me where father went,' said Bellatrix, dropping her wand, 'I need to find him, something's happened to my mother.'

'Certainly, Miss, they went to the Warlock's club on Palace Alley,' said the servant, 'but they do not allow witches. Perhaps it is best to send an owl.'

'Not enough time for that,' said Bella, Disapparating without another word.

'Dobby not tell master's secrets,' sobbed the elf on the floor.

'You are an imbecile, elf,' snapped the servant, 'the girl's mother is ill and you keep secrets.' He walked away leaving the elf alone in its misery.

Bellatrix Apparated in front of the double bronze doors of the Club. Flicking her wand, the doors opened. After she had crossed under the tall arch, a small elf, bearing the insignia of the Club attempted to stop her.

'Witches are not allowed,' said the Elf, inflating its importance by raising his head.

'I have had enough of your kind for today, get out of my way,' snapped Bella. The elf proceeded to call for help as Bellatrix banished him across the room. The sound of the scuffle could be heard from upstairs, as several elves were trying to restrain Bellatrix from climbing the stairs. The noise had also attracted several onlookers, Cygnus and Abraxas included. Cygnus could not believe his eyes, a witch in the club. The spectacle was one that was worth seeing. In several seconds, he remained mortified. The “witch” was his own eldest daughter, who was now attacked by an elf.

'Let go of her, creature,' drawled Cygnus, raising his wand and banishing the elf who had tackled Bellatrix across the room. Bella had suffered a couple of bruises from the scuffle, but upon seeing her father ran to his arms.

'What is the matter, Bella?' said Cygnus, 'Why did you come here and cause this racket?' Abraxas in the back was setting things to rights, sending the onlookers back to their cigars and drinks and berating the elves for attacking one of Cygnus' daughters, promising to take up the matter with the owners of the clubs. The whole scene had become loud and boisterous, the gossip from the balcony and the wails of the elves, some who punished themselves, ruining the usual calm, silent quality of the club. This is not what Abraxas had in mind when he thought about a morning at the club.

'Mother, has had an accident, father,' said Bella, in between sobs, 'she collapsed and won't wake up, we tried everything, Narcissa even called a Healer, but I had to get you.'

'You did the right thing, dear,' said Cygnus, mortified at the thought. His wife was not feeling well for the past week but she said it was nothing. 'Let's go. Abraxas…'

'No worries, I will handle matters here,' said Abraxas, waving off the apology, 'go home and be with your wife.' Abraxas then turned towards the elves, snapping at them to stop staring and clean up the place.

'Your wife has suffered a mild heart attack, Lord Black,' said the Healer, finishing casting his diagnosis charms. 'I have stabilised her heart, but it is essential that she does not come under a lot of stress in the coming months.'

'A heart attack?' said Cygnus, 'how can a mere heart attack hurt a witch.'

'It seems your wife has a frail constitution, Lord Black,' said the Healer, then quickly catching up to his mistake tried to sweeten the facts, 'I mean no disrespect, but she needs to rest for a few months. Have her subject to no undue stress or physical strain.'

'Certainly,' said Cygnus, 'Famulus will handle your payment.'

'That won't be necessary Lord Black,' said the Healer.

'Yes it will,' snapped Cygnus, 'you have done me a great favour and I always repay my debts. I cannot stress the importance of maintaining your silence about this matter.'

'Of course, Lord Black,' said the Healer, taking the offered sack of Galleons, 'discretion is one of the pillars of my profession.'

'Narcissa, Bella, I need you to stay with your mother,' said Cygnus, once he had exited the master bedroom, leaving Druella to sleep. 'I have some business to take care of.' He added nastily.

Just then, Famulus had appeared at the top of the stairs.

'Master, Masters Orion, Walpurga and Alphard are downstairs,' said the elf.

'Dear Jupiter, did the entire world hear about this,' said Cygnus, 'then again a lot of people saw the scene at the club.'

'I apologize father,' said Bella, looking downcast.

'Nonsense, Bella, you did the right thing,' said Cygnus, 'they were bound to hear sooner or later.'

Cygnus, followed by Narcissa and Bellatrix went downstairs to greet his brother and sister and her husband. Andromeda was noticeably absent.

'Oh, Cygnus, we came as soon as we heard,' said Walpurga, rushing to embrace her brother, 'we left Sirius and Regulus in Kreacher's care. Is Druella all right?'

'She is indeed,' said Cygnus, kissing his sister's cheek, then shaking the hands of her husband and his brother Alphard. 'It is good you came, though, she might like your company once she wakes up.'

'What happened?' asked Orion.

'I wasn't here, you have to ask Narcissa and Bellatrix about that,' said Cygnus, now excuse me I have some business to take care of.

'Business,' shrilled Walpurga, 'how can you take care of business when your wife is bedridden?'

'It is related to my wife,' added Cygnus, cryptically, 'Famulus, have you summoned the House Guards.'

'Yes, Master, they await you outside.'

'The House Guards, Cyngus?' asked Alphard, 'please don't do anything foolish.'

Cygnus scoffed and exited the house. His House Guards awaited him, with grim faces. On his signal they Disapparated towards the Ministry. The crowds parted to allow Lord Black, followed by hid guards, as he made his way towards the office of Magical Law Enforcement.

'Cygnus, to what do I owe the pleasure?'

'I need several things from you Barty,' said Cygnus, 'as you have undoubtedly heard, my wife has fallen ill. What you don't know is that my daughter Andromeda has been befuddled by some mudblood, Ted Tonks. I need you to give me his location and a squadron of Aurors to apprehend him.'

'Cygnus, calm down,' said Barty, alarmed, 'we can't arrest a student on a mere statement.'

'Are you questioning my honour, Barty,' said Cygnus, drawing closer, 'Do you forget who I am?'

'No, Cygnus, I am not, but there are rules to be followed,' said Barty, refusing to be intimidated. 'I won't give you a single Auror. What you do with your guards is your business, but I won't have my Aurors involved in this.'

'At least give me his address,' said Cygnus, 'I won't involve you in this, but tell me where I can find the damned mudblood.'

'I can't even help you with this,' said Barty, alarmed as Cygnus seemed to lose his temper, 'He has been hidden by Dumbledore.'

'Dumbledore,' crunched Cygnus, 'I knew he must have a hand in this.'

Without another word, Cygnus turned around, walking out of the Ministry to the Apparition point. Mere seconds later, they appeared in front of the gates of Hogwarts grounds. After arguing with a half breed that said he can't let him pass, Cygnus threatened to have him arrested and simply walked past the half giant. The few remaining students, together with the Professors sat at one table, in the Great Hall. The doors burst open, as Cygnus, together with his House Guards burst in the chamber.

'Lord Black, we did not expect your visit,' said Dumbledore, standing up, unaffected. Cygnus ignored him completely, his voice raging in the large chamber.

'Which one of you is Tonks,' spat Cygnus. One of the students chocked on his drink, a fact which did not escape Cygnus, as he drew his wand, followed by his guards and moved towards him. Dumbledore quickly drew his wand, and followed by McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout interposed themselves between the shaking Ted Tonks and the furious Cygnus Black.

'Move out of the way Dumbledore,' said Cygnus, 'now is not the time to debate mudblood rights.'

'Lord Black, Mr. Tonks is a student of mine,' said Dumbledore calmly, laying a hand on his shoulder, 'as Headmaster, one of my main duties is to protect my students, regardless of their purity.'

Cygnus was a very powerful wizard, confident in his abilities. Unlike his friend, Abraxas, however, he did not have that supreme arrogance. He knew Dumbledore could wipe the floor with him and his guards. Some of his guards seemed to have that belief as well, as they retreated slightly towards the door, their élan left for better days.

'This isn't over, Dumbledore,' said Cygnus, putting his wand away, 'you have made an enemy of me today.'

'I hope not, Lord Black,' replied Dumbledore, in a grandfatherly tone, 'I hope you realize that you were in the wrong and we can work on pleasant terms.'

'Boy, if I find you near my daughter again, I will kill you with my own wand,' said Cygnus, causing Tonks to turn white and attempt to be swallowed by the floor.

'There is no need for threats, Lord Black,' said Dumbledore, 'young love should be cherished, not stamped out.'

'I am not in the mood to debate with you,' said Cygnus, 'Horace, I am disappointed in you. How could you have allowed this to happen?'

'Cygnus, old friend, I didn't know, I swear,' said Slughorn, putting both his hands up. Cygnus looked suspicious, but did remark that Horace had remained seated, not joining either Dumbledore or himself. It was in his character to remain neutral, but at least he had not gone against him. With a last glance at the stunned audience, Cygnus stormed out of the Great Hall, followed by his guards.

Dumbledore tried to calm down the audience, some of whom were terrified, and then called Ted Tonks to his office. The mudblood appeared even more scared now, than he did when facing his death, but he meekly followed the Headmaster to the gargoyle that guarded his office.

'Now, Mr. Tonks, please be seated,' said Dumbledore, indicating a stuffed armchair from across the table, 'would you like some tea, a lemon drop?'

'No, thank you,' said Tonks, his voice quivering.

'I insist, it will calm you down,' said Dumbledore, flicking his wand, summoning a kettle of tea from his private kitchen and a bowl of lemon drops. Tonks obliged the headmaster.

'While Lord Black holds some views that I don't agree with, he never attacks someone without reason,' said Dumbledore, 'do you know what reason he might have to try and attack you?'

'Err, this is rather embarrassing, sir,' said Ted Tonks.

'Mr. Tonks, I was young once too,' said Dumbledore, 'if you don't tell me I can't help you.' Tonks made up his mind. The headmaster was the only friend he had in this wizarding world. Well the only friend who could help him, anyhow.

'I am dating Andromeda Black,' said Tonks, glad to have gotten the secret of his chest.

'Highly unusual, but not unheard of,' said Dumbledore, 'that isn't a reason for Lord Black to try to kill you.' An uncomfortable pause in speech caused Tonks to redden and try to continue.

'I have also slept with his daughter, sir,' said Tonks, each word coming out with great difficulty.

'Even more unusual, as well as against the school rules,' critiqued Dumbledore, 'but I was never one to stand against young love. There must be more, however.'

'She is pregnant,' admitted Tonks. 'We decided to keep the child.' Even Dumbledore remained shocked at the statement.

'Mr. Tonks, you do realise that this is perhaps the highest offence you could do to Lord Black,' said Dumbledore, 'Dear Jupiter, what were you thinking, boy?'

'Sir, I didn't, I couldn't…' Tonks appeared ready to cry.

Dumbledore was also beginning to be annoyed. Had the boy no spine whatsoever? Scolding himself for these unkind thoughts, he made up his mind.

'Do not worry, Mr. Tonks, I will help you and young Miss Black,' said Dumbledore.

'You will, sir?' Tonks broke out in a smile, through his cries, then begun to thank the headmaster profusely.

After all, Lord Black, with his friends Lord Malfoy and Lord Lestrange had thwarted him often enough in the House. Perhaps it was the time for the wheel of fate to turn around slightly. Dumbledore smiled, then begun to detail the arrangement to the boy.

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Igor had proven his usefulness once again. Following his proud announcement to the world of Lord Voldemort's triumph against the Werewolves, he had received countless owls from admirers, various business groups that wanted to make donations and wizards willing to make a difference. It was this last group that Voldemort was interested in, and the reason he had left his lair this late at night.

After consulting with the excruciatingly detailed list he had created of the wizarding world, and after several checks into the history of those who appeared interested, Igor had gathered a group in an abandoned temple, from a golden age of past times.

'When is he going to come?' said a short, squat looking woman, who was sitting alongside her very similar brother.

'The Dark Lord appears at his leisure,' snapped Igor Karkaroff, enjoying the looks of fright on the faces of the two. 'Or are you having second thoughts Alecto?'

'I am not scared of you, Igor,' snapped Alecto, supported by her brother.

'Be silent,' hissed a tall man, resting on the collapsed statue of the ancient god.

'So high and mighty, are you Dolohov?' said Amycus 'Think you're so much better than us?'

'He is indeed superior,' drawled Yaxley, standing up and joining his friend. 'I think we can agree on that.' Travers and Wilkes added their bulk to the threatening pose the two friends were striking at the Carrows. Igor moved to berate them for fighting amongst themselves, but did not get the chance, as the sound of bronze on marble signified the arrival of their master.

Lord Voldemort flicked his wand at the partially unhinged bronze doors of the temple, the scratch they made on the marble door alerting the grumbling wizards inside of his presence. Wishing to make a good opinion, Alecto and Amycus threw themselves at the ground instantly.

'Rise you fools,' hissed Lord Voldemort, 'I have House Elves to bow before me, I don't need these pathetic displays of servitude.'

Confused, Amycus helped his sister up, losing some of the confidence they had previously held at the harsh rebuttal.

'All of you,' said Lord Voldemort grandiosely, raising both his arms in the air, 'Let this be a lesson for you, one of many that I will teach you. I have no need for mindless service. I need the strongest, the most willing, the pure.'

'Master,' said Igor, with a slight bow of his head, 'they are gathered.'

'So I see,' replied Lord Voldemort, with a slight irony, causing Igor to flinch. 'Gentlemen,' Lord Voldemort looked at Alecto, 'and lady, you have all heard of me. I do not know you, and I do not like to be kept in the dark. Igor, where are your manners. Please introduce us.'

'Certainly, my lord,' said Igor, now back on the familiar ground, 'This is Antonin Dolohov, pureblood. He has heard of your crusade, and wishes to sign on.'

'Does he now?' inquired Lord Voldemort, staring him in the eyes. 'Antonin, for what reason do you wish to join me?'

'To cleanse our world, my lord,' replied Dolohov striking a martial pose.

'Certainly there must be more,' said Lord Voldemort, 'no man fights only for an ideal. Everyone puts himself above the interests of others.' Dolohov seemed to be perplexed for a moment.

'Do not lie to Lord Voldemort, for he always knows,' said the Dark Lord eerily.

'I have heard that you reward those deemed worthy,' said Antonin Dolohov, 'I had my eyes set on a post in the Ministry.'

'Prove yourself worthy, and it shall be yours,' replied Lord Voldemort, moving to his friend Yaxley.

And so the initiation ceremony went. Lord Voldemort went to each person, who under the Dark Lord's innerving gaze spilled their innermost desires. Lord Voldemort promised rewards for all those he deemed worthy.

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Walpurga had stayed with Druella the entire day, while Cygnus had stormed out of the house. As he had returned, downcast and furious, she had sent her husband home to take care of their children, but remained. Cygnus seemed in no position to stay with his wife, currently threatening death to the mudblood and his entire family. Narcissa had told her the story. Walpurga was shocked. Andromeda had always been rather different, but they always assumed it was a rebellious phase she was going through. Having a little fun before your marriage was frowned upon, but Jupiter knew Walpurga herself had certainly not entered Orion's bed a virgin.

Getting pregnant while in your sixth year, with a mudblood no less, was worse than murder for a daughter of one of the great houses. And the uncouth way she had handled her mother that Walpurga could not forgive. She was the sister Walpurga never had.

When they were young they used to spend days on end travelling, exasperating their husbands, by dragging them through Lutetia, Hesperides. All that had to change when Druella got pregnant with Bellatrix, of course, but the two sisters in law had remained close. She had always had a rather frosty relation with Andromeda, Bellatrix being her favourite niece. Now, she wanted nothing to do with her. In fact, she did not even go see her niece since she had arrived. Nobody had.

Cygnus had finished his ramblings, and had finally come up to see his wife.

'Have you seen Andromeda?' asked Cygnus, speaking softly so as to not wake up his wife.

'No,' replied Walpurga, standing up, stretching slightly. She had grown stiff watching over Druella. 'Nor do I want to. Honestly, that girl has not an ounce of sense in her. Thankfully Narcissa and Bella have turned out all right.'

'She is just misguided, Walpurga,' said Cygnus, although the argument appeared weaker even to himself every time he repeated it.

'Well, I won't tell you how to raise your child, Cygnus,' said Walpurga, 'but something must be done. I know you are soft with your children, too soft I always said, but you can't close your eyes to this.'

'That is why I came to see you,' said Cygnus, 'She isn't in her room. I thought you knew where she was.'

'No, I haven't even seen her,' said Walpurga, her voice cutting off. It could be seen that they were related, as the same thought seem to pass through Cygnus' mind.

Cygnus, followed by Walpurga ran to Narcissa's room.

'Cissy, do you have any idea where Andromeda is?' asked Cygnus, slightly out of breath.

'No, I don't,' said Narcissa, 'I haven't seen her, since, well, since mother…' Narcissa left the sentence hanging. 'You don't think she has?'

'Famulus!' snapped Cygnus. The elf appeared instantly, staring up at its master with slightly unfocused eyes.

'Where is Andromeda elf?' asked Walpurga.

'Andromeda?' said Famulus, swinging slightly, 'Famulus, knows no Andromeda. Who is mistress Walpurga speaking of?'

'Finite Incantatem!' Cygnus pointed his wand at the elf, casting the spell. The elf's posture changed instantly, going from drunken stupor to frantic panic.

'Master, I tried to tell you, I couldn't,' babbled the normally distinguished elf.

'What, tell me what?' said Cygnus, miserably, already knowing the answer.

'Young Misstress Andromeda has left Ravensden with all her belongings. Famulus tried to stop her, but he, err-, something happened.'

'You were confounded, Famulus,' explained Cygnus, his voice defeated.

---

 

Snowflakes had begun to fall as Andromeda Apparated at Hogwarts. It was the sole place she knew where she would get shelter and help. Plus, Ted had remained there over the holydays. She was greeted at the gate by the half giant that ran the grounds.

'Hagrid, isn't it?' asked Andromeda, comfortably warm in the fur robes she was wearing, despite the howling wind and snowfall outside.

'Yes, Miss Black,' said Hagrid, 'how can I help you?'

'You can start by never calling me by that name again,' spat Andromeda, then softening her voice, 'please, I need to see Headmaster Dumbledore.'

'Yes, he said you might show up,' said Hagrid, abandoning the stack of wood he was carrying, 'follow me young Miss Bl-, Miss Andromeda.'

Despite all the heating charms woven in the fur robes, Andromeda began to feel a little chill and was definitely grateful for the warmth of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Even better than the warmth produced by the gigantic fireplace was the sight of Ted Tonks, talking with Headmaster Dumbledore.

'Ted,' she cried, and ran into his arms. Tonks looked surprised to see her here, a dumb look on his face for several seconds, until his mind decided he did not care why Andromeda was here and he hugged her back.

'Miss Black, welcome back to Hogwarts,' said Dumbledore, a small smile on his face. Young love was to be cherished after all. And young love that paid Lord Black back was to be cherished even more.