Cedrella Weasley

The photograph sat idly on the mantelpiece; the three children encased within were all smiling and waving. The youngest of the three daughters – Charis, was laughing at her sisters. Why did they have to grow up? Lysandra thought to herself. Her eyes were suddenly drawn to her middle daughters smiling face, her cheeks so full and eyes so bright. Cedrella.

"What are you looking at?"

"Brother!" Lysandra exclaimed, her eyes shifting from her daughters' face in the frame above the fireplace, to her brother's – who now stood by the door. The warm glow of the fire lit her face, and only then did Lysandra realise the world around her had gone dark with no candles lit to light the room. Her brother, Julian Yaxley, shook his head and waved his wand; lighting the candles surrounding them.

"That's better."

"Thank you," She smiled, her heart elated by a visit from her brother.

"Sweet sister, how are you this evening?" he asked softly, wrapping his arms around her petite waist.

"Well enough," she sighed, looking back to the photograph. His eyes followed hers and, with a scoff, he let her go and turned her to face him.

"Cedrella got what she deserved," he all but hissed.

"How can you say that? She's still family!"

"No, Lyssa. She's not. She gave up that right when she married that blood traitor, Weasley." He grabbed Lysandra's arms tight. "If you want to keep your place in the Black Family… and in mine, then you will have no contact with her. Ever again." Lysandra nodded, suddenly afraid of her brother, her own blood.

"Yaxley," came a voice from the other side of the room.

"Arcturus," Yaxley said, looking to the door where Lysandra's husband just entered.

"Please release my wife," he said, no emotion showing on his face. Yaxley nodded, his hands immediately moving from Lysandra's arms. "Was there something you needed from me?"

"Yes, Sir," Yaxley bowed slightly as he passed a small envelope to the man. While Arcturus was married to his sister, he was still older and more powerful than Julian could ever be.

"You may leave now."

"Yes, Sir."

With that, Julian left. His eyes were trained to the floor and he did not look back at his sister as he did so.

"Did he hurt you?" Arcturus said softly, his face instantly changing. His hands moved to where her brother's had just left, looking for any sign of injury.

"No, my love," she answered. She turned back to the photo with a soft sigh. "I miss her."

"I know, Lyss, I miss her too. But there isn't much we can do now? Accept support her in our hearts and keep a distant eye on her and our grandchildren. Did you hear that they've had a son?" He said softly, wrapping his arms around her.

"No, I didn't. What's his name?"

"Arthur."

Words: 480

Written for the 'HSH': Yaxley