✷ Chapter Eleven , House of Memories
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CAPELLA WANTED INTO THE SOUL OF HER LONG GONE SISTER.

The morning sun filtered through the large windows of Dankworth Abbey, casting a warm glow on the assembled graduates and their families. The grand hall was adorned with banners of gold and silver, Hogwarts' colors, which fluttered softly in the gentle breeze that wafted through the open doors. Capella stood amidst the crowd, her heart pounding with a mixture of pride and apprehension. This was the day she had worked so hard for, the day that marked the end of her time at Hogwarts and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Her mind wandered briefly to her sister, Pandora. Her sister. Her sister. Her sister. How could Capella even say these words when Pandora had left on her own volition to become a poor and useless woman in a home with no money and no love? Or... that's what Capella had always thought. She believed that Pandora had done the unthinkable—disobeyed their parents and married outside of what they were. But was it really that bad?

Capella's thoughts were interrupted as the ceremony began. The headmaster stood at the podium, his voice echoing through the vast hall as he spoke of the graduates' accomplishments and the bright futures that lay ahead. One by one, names were called, and graduates stepped forward to receive their diplomas. Finally, Capella's name echoed through the abbey. She walked confidently to the stage, her head held high. As she accepted her diploma, she scanned the crowd for familiar faces, her eyes lingering on her mother, Astra. The older woman stood stoically, her expression unreadable.

After the ceremony, Capella navigated through the throng of graduates and their families, searching for Pandora. She needed to talk to her sister. To understand why she had made the choices she had. To see if perhaps there was a different perspective on life that Capella had been missing. Just as she was about to tap her on the shoulder, Evan Rosier and his girlfriend yelled Capella's name and ushered her over. She signaled for one moment and then turned back around. Pandora was gone.

Of course she was still in the Great Hall, but it was hard trying to find her because her formerly ice blond hair had turned more ashy. She finally spotted her sister standing alone near one of the pillars. Capella sighed and walked up to her. She tapped Pandora on the shoulder, and she turned around. "Oh. It's you," Pandora uttered, her voice flat and distant.

Oh? It's you. Really? That's what you say to your sister who you haven't seen in ten months? Capella thought, feeling a pang of hurt.

"Hi, Pandy. How's my niece?" she asked, her tone awkward and somewhat scared.

"You aren't my sister anymore. I have new ones. Why can't you break from the family and allow yourself freedom?" Pandora questioned with that condescending tone she used to make her point.

"I cannot. It's my duty," Capella replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Then that is your failure. Until I see you without that horrid Dark Mark inscribed on your arm, consider yourself cut from my life and lucky that I don't report you to the Ministry," Pandora seethed before storming off into the arms of her oblivious husband.

Capella stood there, staring into the blank space of the abbey. Dankworth Abbey was where the graduations were held. She remembered sneaking out of her morning classes to watch her sister graduate last year... and all her cousins before her. Callum had arrived at her graduation a couple of hours late, but still took Capella and his wife to dinner at a restaurant in Knockturn Alley.

Ismelda Lestrange née Carrow was more than pleasant and cheered up Capella's unpleasant mood. But the vicious taste of metallic blood and the smell of horrid smoke filled Capella's lungs. She still couldn't shake it off. How could her sister be so cruel to her? Capella and Pandora were always close at home and at school. They used to escape their governess to go walking in the flower fields or dancing in the garden before supper time. Now Pandora was cold and icy. Capella wasn't even allowed to know her niece's name.

Callum and Ismelda decided to go back to Lestrange Hall, and they dropped off Capella at the castle so she could catch the train. Once she was in the castle, and in her dorm, she stripped off her heels, tights, dress, robe, and undergarments. She sat on top of the neatly folded bed, naked except for her witch's hat. A knock was relayed on the door, but Capella could not hear it. All that surrounded her inner thoughts was Pandora and how their relationship would never be the same again.

Regulus walked in and began picking up all the stuff that Capella had thrown off in a rage. His calm demeanor made Capella furious. He helped Capella back into her clothes and opened the last trunk to be brought down. A pair of black trousers and a black shirt were placed on her. Capella's hat was folded up, and she reluctantly left the bed she had spent seven years on, and left the room.

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Regulus and Capella stood on the platform back to London, and she still couldn't stop silently crying. Next to her were some other miscellaneous people — Harriet Potter and Evan Rosier, Bedelia Parkinson, and Penny Longshanks. Fiona Lee and her boyfriend stood next to Harriet. Some of Regulus's friends were standing on the other side of the platform, not wanting to mingle with the others. Capella was holding onto Regulus's suit pocket as he held her arm. She felt as if she had no one, and if she let go, she would fall.

Falling on the platform was reserved for obnoxious younger siblings wanting to see a peek of their sibling on the train or curious first-years ready to get on the train. The train finally arrived, and Lady Marmalade came and opened the doors to the train. Capella and Regulus showed their tickets and were escorted to the First Class Cabin.

As they sat down, chatter filled the train, but Capella and Regulus sat in silence. Once the ticket master came and checked, the train left the station, and Capella left Hogwarts forever. She had managed to stop crying and pulled a sheet of parchment out of her bag. She dipped her quill into the ink provided by the carriage and began writing to her mother.

Dearest Mother,

Or shall I say Betrayer? I saw you at graduation. You didn't smile when I crossed the stage and received my diploma. You smiled at the tribute to Melinda Ackerman, but you couldn't smile at your own daughter.

I am your daughter. I am not a traitor. You are supposed to be mourning your husband right now.

Ismelda makes a better Lady Lestrange than you. She is nice and caring, more caring than you have ever been.

I used to worship you, Mother. I used to always want to be like you. I cut my hair like you and dressed like you. But you always encouraged Pandora to fulfill her needs by carving a new path.

You never said that to me.

Why? Because the youngest doesn't deserve the same attention as the eldest? Callum and Pandora might be your eldest children, but I was your youngest.

Your youngest.

Papa used to say I was the most precious and amiable because I had trouble coming out. He would often remind me how long you were in labor with me, and how he was so worried. He always called me his little miracle. But you, Mother? You never looked at me with the same pride and love that you had for Pandora. Why?

As I sit here on this train, leaving Hogwarts behind, I can't help but think about all the things I have missed because I tried to be what you and Papa wanted. A good daughter, a good wife, a good mother. But I never got to be a powerful witch, a clever and intelligent person with my own mind.

You never let me be my own person, Mother. And now, I see Pandora has found her own path, even if it means cutting off from the family. She found her freedom. Why couldn't I?

I have chosen my path, and even though it aligns with the family's expectations, it is also mine because I chose it for the man I love. Regulus makes me happy, Mother. He supports me in ways you never did. I will build a life with him, and we will raise our children without the fear of death or execution.

As for the inheritance, as much as it pains me to say, I will do what I must to secure it. I will not let Callum's son take away my chance at a better life. If that means becoming the Lady Lestrange and leaving behind everything that you and Father wanted for me, then so be it.

This is my goodbye, Mother. I am not your puppet anymore. I am not your youngest daughter to mold and control. I am Capella Lestrange, and I will create my destiny.

With what little love remains,

Capella.

Capella paused, her quill hovering over the parchment. She could feel the weight of her words pressing down on her, the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long now spilling out onto the page. She took a deep breath, feeling a strange mixture of liberation and sadness. She folded the letter carefully and sealed it with the Lestrange family crest.

She handed the letter to Regulus, who promised to send it as soon as they arrived in London. Capella leaned back in her seat, watching the countryside blur past the window. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of control over her life. She knew the roadahead would be fraught with challenges, but it would be her road, and she was determined to walk it on her own terms.

As the train neared London, the city's familiar skyline came into view. Capella and Regulus gathered their belongings, ready to disembark. The bustling King's Cross Station greeted them with a cacophony of sounds and a flurry of activity. Capella took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

Regulus hailed a carriage, and they climbed in, heading to their flat in Diagon Alley. The ride was mostly silent, the weight of Capella's thoughts filling the space between them. She gazed out the window, the streets of London a blur as they passed. Her mind wandered back to the many summers spent at Lestrange House, the grand manor filled with both beauty and dread.

Upon arriving at their flat, Capella collapsed onto the sofa, exhaustion washing over her. Regulus sat beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of turmoil. "You did what you had to do, Capella," he said softly, taking her hand in his. "You chose your own path."

She nodded, feeling the truth of his words. "I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it still hurts."

Regulus wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "We'll get through this together," he promised. "We'll build a life where we can be free, where our children can grow up happy and safe."

Capella leaned into him, drawing strength from his unwavering support. "I know we will," she said, a determined edge to her voice. "I refuse to let our past define our future."

Days turned into weeks, and the pain of her mother's coldness began to fade, replaced by the warmth of her new life with Regulus. They settled into a comfortable routine, working together to make their flat a home. Capella found solace in small joys—cooking dinner with Regulus, exploring the hidden corners of Diagon Alley, and planning for their future.

One afternoon, as she was organizing some books in their small library, a knock echoed through the flat. Regulus answered the door, returning moments later with a letter in hand. "It's from your mother," he said, handing it to Capella.

Capella stared at the envelope, her heart racing. She hadn't expected a reply. With trembling hands, she opened the letter and began to read.

Dearest Capella,

Your words have cut me deeply, as they were meant to. I see now that I have failed you in many ways. I will not defend my actions, for I know they have caused you pain. I only wish I had the courage to do what was right for you.

Your father's passing has left a void in my heart, and I realize now that I cannot continue to hold onto the old ways. Pandora found her freedom, and now it is your turn. I understand if you never wish to see me again, but know that I will always love you.

With regret and love,

Astra Lestrange.

If you wish to contact me, I have a new name. I am now Ursula Beckham.

Capella folded the letter, tears streaming down her face. She felt a mix of anger and sorrow, but also a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, in time, they could mend the broken pieces of their relationship. For now, though, she needed to focus on her own life.

She placed the letter in a drawer, a silent promise to herself that she would revisit it when she was ready. Regulus pulled her into an embrace, sensing her turmoil. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.

She nodded, wiping away her tears. "I will be," she said with a small, determined smile. "I have you, and that's enough."

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

i think this is my longest chapter, and i really hope you like it because it took three weeks to write

xoxo inez