the_debt_of_time

reached out and gently took her hand to stop her from running away from him. At her
cold expression, his own softened. "Cissa, do you need help?"
"I said, leave it!" She yanked her hand away from him and rushed back into the
ballroom where the entire crowd had fallen into complete silence.
All eyes stared at the fireplace where a dark-haired witch had recently stepped
through; the green flames behind her had not yet died.
"Dromeda?" Sirius gasped, eyes wide.
"You didn't think I'd miss my baby sister's engagement party, did you?" Andromeda
smirked at Narcissa and moved to embrace her, but swiftly, the rest of the Black family—
save for Alphard, Sirius, and Regulus—stepped in between the sisters. "I see. I figured this
might happen." She shrugged and flashed a small diamond ring at the crowd. "I got
married. Don't worry. I didn't expect any of you in attendance."
"You did not," Cygnus growled at his daughter. "Tell me you didn't run off with
that filthy―"
"Muggle-born?" Andromeda smiled almost sweetly as she cut him off. "Why, yes, I
did. He's a lovely man. And to think, I'd almost lost my chance to find real love and
happiness."
"Get out, you nasty blood-traitor! You have brought shame, shame upon the House
of Black!" Walburga shrieked.
"Wait!" Cygnus seethed, glaring at his daughter. "Andromeda, I will give you one
chance to fix this. Put an end to that marriage," he spat the word. "And you can redeem
yourself and your honour by letting me arrange a proper one for you."
"What pureblood man would take a girl who's been sullied by a Mudblood?!"
Walburga screeched.
"I'll take her."
Everyone turned to see Abraxas Malfoy staring ahead at Andromeda, who instantly
looked nauseated.
"My own wife died some years ago, and I've been looking for a replacement. I have
my heir in Lucius, but.. ." He scanned her with cold, lecherous eyes. "A man has needs."
"Sorry to break hearts, then," Andromeda said coolly, not breaking her stare away
from the elder Malfoy until he sneered at her in disgust. "I didn't just come for my sister. I
came to see you, father." She stepped forward and reached into the pocket of her robes,