Our Story

First year of Scrutiny


Andromeda sat out in the courtyard on the fountain’s low wall. The air was becoming a bit chilly in the past couple days that the tears that began to roll down her cheeks stung from the wind. She had been thinking about how cruel Bella could be sometimes. Her and Ted were perfect in her mind and that’s the one that count, she told herself. ‘Let Bella think what she wants.’ She knew what was important and didn’t care what Bella said about her, she was used to it. Even though she knew she couldn’t help but feel hurt when she verbally attacked her image of Ted as her knight in yellow and black shining armor. The only good thing was that she was dorming with Ali and not with Bella. She had a feeling that her third year might be a little challenging though if Bella had her way.

Suddenly a deep soft voice came from behind her left shoulder. “Good afternoon Miss Black. Oh, is the wind out here making you eyes tear.” Albus said.

She glanced over her shoulder and into the water. She could see that it was the Headmaster. She began to wipe away her tears before she looked at her. “Professor,” she said shocked, “I’m sorry I didn’t hear you coming. I must have lost in my thoughts.”

“I hope about your charms text hopefully?” He joked and heard a small soft chuckle escape from her. Hearing this made his eyes twinkle and a soft smile come across his face. “You know, my child, other’s words only hold as much power over you if you let them.” He saw a look of shock on her face mixed with an expression that said ‘how did you know.’ He rolled his hands twice and motioned towards the castle as he sat down next to her on the ledge. “Oh, the walls have ears, you know.” He said with a soft smile. “Miss Black, you know the saying ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?’” She lowered her head sadly and nodded. He had suspected that she felt that phrase suited her. He would correct that thought. He put a fingertip under her chin to make her meet his soften gaze.

She looked at him sitting there very father like. His eyes twinkled reassuringly and he wore a soft smile that made her feel happy. Just sitting there with the elder wizard made her feel safe. Whatever he would say felt like it would make it better.

“That saying is incorrect. Sometimes the apple falls far, very far, from the tree. I believe that is true in your case. You know just because you’re in the house of Slytherin doesn’t mean your future is dark. Your future is what you make it.” He saw the hope return to her. He saw Ted coming across the yard and said, “Ah, here comes your beau. I think I will take my leave. Just remember though, you make your own path.” He nodded as he walked away.

Andromeda was so overjoyed to hear someone say she was nothing like her family. She watched the headmaster walk off towards the castle when a cold wind blew, making her visibly shudder and bring her arms around herself. Within a moment there was a flash of yellow and black fabric that came in front of her eyes and then wrapped around her neck. Before she could turn around to look behind her she felt a pair of arms begin to entwine around hers. She smiled as she heard a voice whisper into her ear.

“I told you I would always take care of you. I can’t have you going and catching a cold on my watch, now can I?” Ted said. His voice was deeper when he whispered than when he spoke louder. “What did the headmaster have to say? You in trouble?” he looked at her curiously.

Andromeda managed to turn around and into his chest, which she noticed had become slightly broader this term. She nuzzled her head into the side of her neck. “No trouble. He was just commenting on the weather and some herbology.” She said, laughing at the way she had referred to the Headmaster comment using ‘apples’.

Ted was unsure about the humor she was finding that herbology held but dismissed it. The two snuggled up on the wall of the fountain and talked about everything that had gone on during the day, both when they were together and apart. The enjoyed these talks very much, in fact it was one of two of their favorite parts of the day. The other was holding each other.

The sun began to set over the castle walls and Ted’s stomach began to rumble audibly. He looked down at his stomach and then back at Andromeda. “I guess it must be about the time for dinner?” He stood up and made a mocking version of a bow and then offered her his arm. “Shall I walk you in, milady?” he said with a slight smirk.

“Yes, you shall.” She said, trying to sound as properly as she could, and took his arm. She then looked up at him with a smirk of her own and wrapped her arms around his bicep and snuggled into it. They walked close together till they got back to the castle. Once she reached the door she remembered she was still wearing his scarf. “Oh, I forgot I was still wearing this.” She began to unwrap it from around her neck.

“No, you keep it.” He said as he placed his hands on hers, stopping her from unwrapping his scarf from her neck. She turned to him with a look of asking why. “You have said that you miss the way I smell when I am not around you. This way when you have it on you can close your eyes and imagine I am right there with you.” He said smiling at the thought of her snuggled up in bed with her face buried in his scarf.

She blushed but didn’t argue with him. “Alright.” She said bashfully, knowing he was right. She did love the way he smelled and that she missed it when they were apart.

They both walked into the Great Hall and could feel their stomachs begin to growl. Ted leaned over to Andromeda and gave her a soft peck of the lips lasting about 5 seconds before they both went to their tables. A pair of eyes followed Andromeda as she went and sat down next to Alison. There was no hiding that she was wearing another house’s colors. A voice muttered, “How revolting.”

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“How revolting,” Bella snarled under her breath. “She is so disgraceful. What is she thinking kissing that mudblood in public but the wearing his house’s colors around her neck while sitting at ‘Our’ table.” Bella had seen Andromeda walk through the doors on the arm of Ted. She was very aware of the yellow and black wrapped around her neck. She couldn’t help thinking ‘What is she doing?’ In the next moment cam their kiss and she thought that it was a little to long of a lingering. She wished there was something that she could do to stop this romance from happening. ‘There has to be some way and I will find it.’ She thought with a devious smile and returned to her dinner.





A/N: Hello again. I am sorry for the wait for this chapter. I had been so busy. I hope you all like this chapter, even though it's kinda short. The will more chapters coming quicker. Thanks for reading and please review to let me know what you like or don't. Just be gentle with them.