Prologue

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"There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbours. Rather than reveal the true source of his power, he pretended that his potions, charms and antidotes sprang ready-made from the little cauldron he called his lucky cooking pot. From miles around people came to him with their troubles, and the wizard was pleased to give his pot a stir and put things right."

Andromeda Black sat on the end of her younger sister's bed reading her a story to calm her down after being awoken by a nightmare. Narcissa had run into Andromeda's room, shaking her awake, begging her to read to her.

"Why don't you ask Bella?" Andromeda had asked, not wanting to get up out of her warm bed.

"You know how scary she is if you wake her up." Narcissa replied.

"Point made," Andromeda let out a light chuckle. "Cissy, why do you need me to read you a book to go to sleep? Just read yourself a book. I distinctly remember teaching you how to read like three years ago."

"I know, and I'm sorry, it's just — well — you're the best at storytelling." Narcissa looked to the ground sheepishly.

"Why thank you," Andromeda smiled. "I am aren't I?" Andromeda threw the covers off of her and slipped on her slippers, stretching her arms.

"Come on Andy! Get out of bed faster!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

No shorter than five minutes had passed after Andromeda had began to read, and Narcissa was out like a light. Andromeda kissed her sister on the forehead and tucked her in gently, before turning off the light and quietly making her way back to her room, clicking the door shut.

As Andromeda closed her eyes, she thought over what had happened that day.

"Bella, Andy, can we play families?" Narcissa asked, her pale blue eyes wide.

"As long as we can be a royal family, right?" Bellatrix said.

The oldest Black sister was definitely the bossiest, wanting to make the rules, demanding that she be in charge, and never hesitating to scold Andromeda or Narcissa if they did something wrong.

The girls were close in age, meaning they played games together all the time, but they also argued all the time.

"I'm the queen, and Andy and Cissy can be my servants." Bellatrix ordered.

"No fair! Can't I be the queen? You're always the queen! Right Andy?" Narcissa whined.

"Don't whinge Narcissa," said Bellatrix harshly.

"Why don't we all be princesses?" Andromeda suggested.

"Alright then. It's settled. I'm the queen, and you two are princesses," Bellatrix looked up to the sky, then back to Andromeda.

"Andromeda! How many times does mum need to tell you?" Bellatrix slapped her hand away from her mouth. "Don't bite your nails!"

Tainted {Andromeda Black + Ted Tonks}Where stories live. Discover now