✷ Chapter Eight, Nowhere To Go
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THERE'S A FUNNY THING ABOUT LOVE, AND DEVOTION.

Love's gentle bites morph into relentless rips, shattering the heart's tender fabric. Promises echo in wounded silence, leaving a desolate emotional landscape. This once eternal connection crumbles into a haunting never, an ache that defies solace. Life's tapestry bears irreversible wounds—a somber tale of shattered promises and perpetual heartache.

In the sepulchral aftermath of her mother's message, Capella stood at the precipice of an ominous future, where the specter of Theodore Nott loomed like a malevolent shadow. The tendrils of despair wound around her heart as she contemplated the grotesque contours of a union dictated not by love, but by familial machinations.

The very essence of Theodore's character, a grotesque fusion of arrogance and selfishness, echoed in the recesses of Capella's thoughts. She envisioned a life where her individuality would be eclipsed by the overbearing demands of a man who reveled in the pursuit of his own desires, regardless of the collateral damage left in his wake. A marriage with Theodore Nott promised not companionship, but a descent into an abyss of subjugation.

In the confines of her sorrow, Capella sought solace within the stone walls of the castle, a bastion against the impending tempest. The echoes of her mother's plea reverberated, urging her to eschew the stifling embrace of home. Yet, as she considered the sanctuary of friends, she wondered if their warmth could cast away the chill of an impending fate or if, in the company of kindred spirits, she might find the strength to confront the looming darkness that threatened to engulf her.

Within the hallowed halls of the castle, Capella's steps carried the weight of resentment, a silent rebellion against the insidious plot that sought to entwine her fate with Theodore Nott. The once vibrant tapestry of her academic pursuits now seemed muted, each class a monotonous drone that failed to rouse her passions.

As she traversed the corridors, a familiar voice called out, "Capella, are you all right?" It was Regulus Black, her steadfast confidant and secret lover. Yet, in the tumult of her emotions, she recoiled, avoiding his gaze with a curt reply, "Not now, Regulus. I need time."

Beneath the veneer of composure, anger simmered like an ember ready to ignite. The mere thought of Theodore Nott kindled the flames of rebellion within her. "Why must I be sacrificed for their ambitions?" she seethed, her frustration echoing in the empty corridors.

In the dim solitude of the bathroom stall, the façade crumbled. Sobs escaped her trembling lips as the weight of her impending fate pressed upon her shoulders. "I can't bear this," she whispered to herself, tears mingling with the echoes of her despair. The clash between duty and desire, family and love, left her trapped in a labyrinth of emotions, seeking refuge in the solitude of her anguish.

Frantic desperation gripped Capella as she stumbled out of the bathroom, determined to escape the suffocating confines of her emotions. The urgency to sever ties with the impending doom propelled her toward her dorm room, where a cacophony of emotions collided with the practicality of impending departure.

"I can't endure this any longer," she muttered to herself, a surge of anger propelling her into a frenzy of packing. Clothing and belongings were tossed haphazardly into a hastily conjured suitcase, the room echoing with the clamor of hurried movements.

Regulus, sensing the turmoil, ventured cautiously into her room, concern etched across his features. "Capella, what's happening?"

Without meeting his gaze, she replied tersely, "I can't stay here. I won't let them dictate my life." The frantic pace continued as she crammed essentials into the suitcase, the urgency escalating with each passing moment.

As the train's departure loomed, Capella's resolve solidified. With her belongings hastily secured, she darted out of the dorm, heart pounding, driven by the need to find her sister, the only ally she could trust in this maelstrom of familial expectations. The station awaited, a gateway to uncertainty, and with determined steps, Capella embarked on a journey fueled by defiance and the pursuit of her own destiny.

In her hurried escape to Hogwarts, the uneven cobblestones beneath Capella's feet conspired against her, causing her to stumble. A cascade of papers and a swirl of disheveled hair accompanied her descent. Regulus, ever watchful, swiftly reached out to steady her, concern etched upon his features.

"Capella, are you alright?" he inquired, his hand offering both support and solace.

A wry smile played on her lips, the gravity of her situation momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his concern. "Just a minor setback," she replied, attempting to regain composure.

In that shared moment of vulnerability, Regulus, sensing her need for comfort, whispered words of encouragement. "You're stronger than you think. We'll face this together." His eyes reflected a sincerity that resonated with her, dispelling the shadows that clung to her spirit.

As their gazes lingered, a spark of connection ignited. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the echo of their shared defiance against destiny. In the quiet courtyard, emotions unspoken found expression as Regulus leaned in, bridging the gap between them with a gentle kiss. Time seemed to stand still, a stolen moment of solace amidst the chaos of their intertwined fates.

✷

Pandora's cottage exuded a serene atmosphere as she sat, taking in the view of the lake. The anticipation of her husband's return from London hung in the air. As she rose from the rocking chair, her pregnant stomach accentuated her movements.

The door handle stirred, catching Pandora's attention. Her brow furrowed in confusion, she clutched her wand. Xenophilius had a key, yet something felt off. Unable to see through the eyehole, she prepared herself, wand in one hand, and the lock in the other.

With a swift yank, the door swung open, revealing Astra Ursa Eleanora Nova Lestrange. Pandora scoffed, eyeing her mother in the familiar black gown she hadn't changed in a quarter-century.

A chain of pearls adorned Astra's neck, a symbol of both resentment and yearning. The conflicting emotions played across Pandora's face as she confronted her daughter. "Mother, this is a surprise," Pandora remarked, her sleeves cascading to cover her hands, a subtle shield against the complexity of their relationship.

Astra, poised yet haunted, met Pandora's gaze. "Surprises have a way of finding us, don't they?" The tension lingered, an unspoken history written in the lines of their faces and the air thick with unsaid words.

Pandora's eyes narrowed as she studied her daughter, her own history and regrets reflected in the depths of Astra's gaze. "What brings you here, Mother?" Pandora's voice held a mix of wariness and curiosity.

Astra hesitated, the silence stretching between them. "I heard about the baby," she finally admitted, eyes flickering to Pandora's pregnant belly. "I wanted to see for myself."

Pandora's hand instinctively went to her stomach protectively. "It's none of your concern," she retorted, a defensive edge to her tone.

Astra's expression remained unreadable, a complex dance of emotions hidden beneath a cool exterior. "I may not be the mother you wanted, but I am still your blood."

Pandora sighed, the weight of their shared history pressing on her. "Blood doesn't erase the pain, Mother. You've been absent for so long. Why now?"

Astra's gaze softened momentarily before hardening again. "I have my reasons, Pandora. You may not understand, but there are things that need to be said."

The air hung heavy with unresolved issues, a palpable tension that seemed to echo through the years of their strained relationship. Pandora's hand gripped her wand a bit tighter, a subtle reminder of the defenses she had built over the years.

"Speak your mind, then," Pandora said, her voice steady, though the vulnerability in her eyes betrayed the emotional turmoil within. The mother-daughter reunion held the potential for healing or further fracturing an already fragile bond.

Pandora's eyes flashed with a mix of resentment and hurt as she spoke, the words cutting through the tension-laden air. "When Father disowned me, you disowned me too by being silent and not keeping me. I believe the exact words were 'Don't follow her, Pandora has composed her own melody. Allow her to compose it.' You never helped me, you kept Capella away, and never let me be my own."

Astra winced, the painful memories resurfacing. She took a deep breath before responding, "Pandora, it wasn't about disowning you. It was about letting you find your own path. I couldn't change your father's decision, and I thought giving you space was the best way to let you grow."

Pandora's gaze remained unyielding. "Leaving that family and marrying Xenophilius has made me a better person and was the best thing in my life," she declared, a mixture of defiance and gratitude in her tone.

Astra sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of regret. "Pandora, life is complicated, and choices aren't always clear. I did what I thought was right at the time. I didn't want to hinder your growth, but I never meant to cause you pain."

The room seemed to shrink as the mother and daughter faced the echoes of the past. The cottage, once a haven, now held the echoes of unresolved conflicts and the hope for reconciliation hung delicately in the air.

Whilst a young dark haired angry woman walked up the stupid hill, she thought about why she was doing this. Why? Why would she go to her sister's house? The sister who left her alone. The sister who never told her she was pregnant. They were supposed to have kids together. Solange and Luna. It was unfair.

Capella carried her small bag on her shoulder, holding a piece of paper with her sister's address on it. She had found it in Dumbldore's Office in the rubbish bin.

Capella approached the cottage with a wary heart, her gaze locking onto the scene through the window. Pandora was engaged in conversation with their mother, a sight that ignited a fresh wave of confusion and resentment within Capella. Why was Pandora talking with their mother? Why did she leave Capella behind in the clutches of their abusive family?

The window acted as a silent spectator, capturing the familial exchange Capella had been deprived of for years. She pressed her face against the cold glass, trying to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding within. The atmosphere of the cottage seemed warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the shadows of the Lestrange House.

As Pandora turned and noticed her, surprise flashed in her eyes. Capella stood there, her emotions in turmoil, her questions building like an unstoppable storm. The door creaked open, and Pandora, conflicted but determined, ushered Capella inside. But she refused.

"Why her?" Capella demanded, gesturing toward their mother, whose distant gaze seemed locked in the labyrinth of her own mind. "Why are you talking to her now, after all these years? Why not save me from the nightmare you left me in?"

Pandora sighed, a mixture of guilt and explanation etched on her face. "Capella, it's complicated. Mother, she's cursed. I couldn't bring you here, not with the dangers that surrounded our family."

Capella's eyes flashed with anger. "Dangers? You left me with Father and Callum, with all their abuses. You left me to suffer while you live a cozy life here. Why?"

Pandora tried to grasp Capella's hands, a desperate attempt to convey the pain she had felt leaving her sister behind. "Capella, you have to understand. I left to protect you. Mother's curse, the dark influences in our family—it was no place for you. I thought it was the only way."

Capella shook off her sister's touch. "Protect me? You abandoned me. You didn't protect me. You left me alone in that hell."

As Pandora searched for words, Capella's gaze drifted to their mother, her senile eyes staring into the distance. "Why did you choose her over me?" Capella's voice wavered with a mix of betrayal and longing.

Capella, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions and unanswered questions, abruptly pulled away from Pandora and fled from the cottage. She ran down the hill, her heart pounding with the weight of betrayal and abandonment. The distant memories of abuse and solitude haunted her every step.

As Capella reached the bottom of the hill, she wiped away tears and headed toward the comforting haven of her friends. Astra, engrossed in her own thoughts within the cottage, remained unaware of Capella's presence or departure.

Back at the cottage, Pandora faced an inquisitive Astra. "What was that all about?" Astra questioned, her tone cool and indifferent, as if the conversation held little interest for her.

Pandora hesitated, feeling the distance in Astra's demeanor. "It was just a delivery man. Nothing important," she replied, sensing the lack of empathy from her mother.

Astra, without expressing any emotion, continued to stare at Pandora. "A delivery man? Really?" Her words hung in the air, devoid of warmth or concern, leaving Pandora to navigate the emotional complexities alone.

Pandora, recognizing the familiar chill in Astra's response, chose not to delve into the true complexity of the situation. "Just a surprise visit from someone I used to know. It stirred up some memories."

Astra's gaze remained detached. "Handle your memories as you see fit. I have other matters to attend to." Her indifference echoed through the room, emphasizing the emotional void that characterized their relationship.

Pandora managed a forced smile, concealing the hurt behind her eyes. "I'll be fine, Mother. It's just the past catching up."

Astra turned away, her attention already diverted. "Deal with it then. I have my own concerns," she stated, dismissing Pandora's emotional struggles as inconsequential.

Left alone in the cottage, Pandora felt the weight of her mother's indifference, a cold wind blowing through the fragile bonds that tethered them together.

AUTHOR'S NOTE━━━━━━━
i twist , you turn , who's the first to burn?

hello ! hi ! hru !
i hope u liked this chapter !
see u in a week !
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