For the Most in a Month Competition and the Collect a Collection Challenge (Black Family, Cygnus Black)

"A Mudblood, Andi?" Cygnus demands, his voice like thunder as his finger curls inward, transforming his hands into fists.

Andromeda does not recoil. There is no fear in her eyes, only stubborn determination. "His name is Ted," she says simply, as though the fact that the boy has a name would make a difference.

Cygnus pinches the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath. It does nothing to calm his nerves. "Be sensible, girl. A boy like that could never give you the things you deserve."

And she deserves so much. Andromeda has always been everything that a pureblood girl should be. She's charming and witty, and she inherited the Black family's looks. She is worth so much more than what she's settling for.

But his daughter stands firm. Cygnus curses her for that. Of all the things she inherited from Druella, she just had to have her mother's strong will. "I love him, Father. And he loves me. Isn't that enough?"

Cygnus scoffs. Enough? How could a Mudblood be enough? She could have any man, and she has chosen one with no status, no power.

"He is not worthy of you!" Cygnus insists, grabbing her by the hand. "Can't you see that, Andi? Leave him, and we can forget about this error on judgement, sweetheart. We can find you a proper suitor, and-"

"He asked me to marry him. And I've said yes."

It's barely a whisper, but Cygnus feels as though she's delivered it with a punch to his gut. He drops her hand, staggering back, resting against the wall.

"I'm sorry," she says. "I know it isn't what you wanted for me, but I'm happy. I'm happy, and that's all I care about. He and I have a future together, and I want you to be part of it."

Cygnus doubles over, taking a deep breath. He fears he might throw up. His daughter, his precious, perfect daughter… How could she betray him like this?

"Get out," he says.

"Father, I-"

"Out!"

He lunges forward, pushing her towards the door. It doesn't matter that she's empty handed. She doesn't deserve her belongings, the things that he and Druella have blessed her with. If she is so eager to betray them, then she will have to live without their generosity.

Andromeda rests her hand on the door. She looks back at him, and his spirits raise for a flicker of a moment. She has seen reason, he thinks. She'll apologize and beg for his forgiveness. Cygnus straightens his posture, waiting, ready to forgive her and sweep the whole mess away to be forgotten.

Instead, she sighs. "I just wish you could have given this a chance. I love you, Father. I wanted you to be part of my life. But if you aren't willing to let go of your ridiculous values, perhaps it's best that that you aren't."

And then, before his pride has even a second to recover, she's gone.