A Christmas Ball
24th December 1977,
Black Manor
Solana took her mock exams but they wouldn’t be marked until after the Christmas Holidays.
It being her last Christmas Holiday at Hogwarts, she really wanted to stay at the castle but instead she had been summoned home for the annual Noble House of Black Christmas Ball. Luckily she would have Regulus to keep her company as Antonin was to be attending the fancy men’s dinner.
On Christmas Eve Solana and Antonin visited Diagon Alley to get some last minute presents.
“Can we go to the sweet shop before we leave,” Solana asked. “I need to grab some extra Cockroach clusters.”
Antonin nodded, as he looked into the shop window. “I’m going to go to Knockturn Alley, I’ll meet you at the Leaky Cauldron in half an hour.”
Solana nodded, watching as he walked down towards the alley.
She decided to stop off at Florian’s for a hot chocolate to keep herself warm in the cold weather. She also got the Cockroach clusters, grabbing an extra packet for her tutoring sessions with Remus. She carried on walking down Diagon Alley, peering into the shops, as she neared Quidditch supplies she noticed a small child with faded pink hair, sitting on the steps crying, no one else seemed to have noticed her busy with their shopping, so Solana walked over to her.
“Hello, are you okay?”
The young girl sniffed. “I lost my mum, and I don’t know where she is,”
“I can help you look for her?” Solana said, holding out her hand. “Where did you last see her?”
The girl took her hand, wiping her tears. “Um, I think I saw her near Ollivanders,”
“Okay, come on then.” Solana said, “I’m Solana, what’s your name?”
“Dora,”
“Nice to meet you Dora,” she smiled softly, heading down towards the wand shop, as they got nearer Dora stood on her tiptoes to try and see if her mother was in the shop.
“She’s not there,” Dora sulked.
“It’s okay, she can’t have gone too far,” Solana said, “Where else would she have gone?”
Dora shrugged, “She said if I ever get lost I should go to the Leaky Cauldron.”
“Okay, let's go there then,” Solana said, heading up to the busy pub.
Once again Dora stood on her tiptoes to try and find her mother. “I found her! Mum! Mum!”
Solana froze as Dora let go of her arm running towards her mother.
“Oh Dora! I told you not to run away from me,”
Her sister hadn’t changed one single bit since the last time Solana saw her, she had the same chestnut brown hair, the same green eyes full of kindness.
“Solana helped me find you,” Dora said, pointing over at her.
“Solana?” Andromeda furrowed her brows as she looked up, she gasped at her younger sister. “Lana?”
“I– I have to go–” Solana said, backing away, as she turned around she saw Antonin, he was looking at her then at Andromeda.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he said, grabbing her wrist and dragging her out of the pub.
“Antonin, it’s not– I helped her daughter– I wasn’t– I didn’t know it was her!” Solana exclaimed, pulling her wrist back.
“And I’m supposed to believe you!” he shouted, looming over her. “That letter she sent you on your birthday? That was the gateway, wasn’t it?”
“I haven’t spoke to her since she left–”
“Stop fucking lying, Solana!”
Andromeda walked out of the pub watching the two, but Solana hadn’t noticed her.
“I’m not lying! I haven’t spoken to her! She’s a mudblood lover!” Solana exclaimed.
Antonin looked behind her, she caught eyes with Andromeda who had put her head down in shame.
“I’m not associated with such vermin,” she said.
Solana would never forget the look on Andromeda’s face when she said that, her reaction haunted her in her dreams. She hated herself for saying it, but she had to.
“Let’s go,” Solana said, walking in front of him, she didn’t think he would follow her but he eventually did, walking hastily.
Solana hoped he wouldn’t say anything to her parents.
☀︎
25th December,
Black Manor
Solana winced as her mother tightened her corset. “Mother, I cannot breathe in this thing.”
“It’s only for a few hours, mi amor.” Druella said, her Spaniard accent came through as it always did, she brushed through her daughter's hair with care. “You look so beautiful,”
Solana struggled to turn around. “I look like a fool,”
Druella tutted, “You mustn't say awful things about yourself, arms up, mi amor.”
She winced again as she raised her arms up, the bones in the garment dug into her skin as her mother put her skirt on.
“There you go,” Druella stood back, a fond look on her face. “Antonin is a lucky man,”
Solana rolled her eyes. She doubted he’d even notice her this evening.
“You have to be downstairs in five minutes,” Druella told her daughter before leaving her bedroom.
Solana tried to sigh but was unable to, she reached round trying to undo the corset but she had no luck by herself. She looked into the mirror, her hair was curled, her mother had done it for her, she loved it when her mother did her hair. Her make up was light, just a shimmer of silver glitter on her eyelids to make a small difference.
Although she hated to admit it, she also loved the dress she was wearing despite it trying to kill her. It was a midnight blue, with silver stars along the skirt. She had seen Bellatrix wear it when she was younger and begged her mother when she was older if she could have it. Now it was in her possession she almost regretted it.
There was a knock on the door.
“Are you decent?” Regulus asked.
“Yes,”
He pushed open the door, an annoyed look on his face.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asked.
“I have to dance with Evelyn Greengrass.”
“What’s so wrong with her?” Solana asked.
“I’m pretty sure we’re related.” Regulus sighed.
“Reg, I hate to break it to you–”
“Lana, stop ruining my day.” he flopped down on her bed. “I’m going to be just like my parents. Fucking miserable.”
Solana gave him a sympathetic smile. “You never know, you might like Evelyn–”
“Please, she’s such a bore–”
“Reg, have you actually spoken to her?”
“No,”
“Then how do you know?”
“She’s in my class– like a proper bookworm, and she makes sure every single teacher remembers the homework, and now father is like ‘you’re gonna have to propose soon, ’ I’m a child, I cannot be engaged– no offence.”
Solana shrugged. “I didn’t really get much say,”
“Yeah but you and Antonin are always happy, like I’ve never even seen you argue with one another.”
“You’d be surprised.” Solana muttered, under her breath, but Regulus didn’t hear her.
“How do I get out of this marriage?” he asked.
“Divorce?”
“Lana!”
“Reg!” she mocked. “Unless you want to marry someone else? This is gonna be your life now.”
Regulus rolled his eyes, he looked like Sirius.
“Just be glad we’re not marrying each other,” Solana laughed.
Regulus grimaced. “Oh my god, we really lucked out… then I really would be my parents. I actually think you and Sirius were supposed to get married but then all that happened…”
Solana chuckled. “This family is so fucked. Let’s go downstairs.”
The ball was in full swing, the orchestra was playing near the Christmas tree, and a dance was already occurring.
“There’s your future wife,” Solana whispered, nudging Regulus’ arm, they saw Evelyn wearing a long amethyst dress. “She looks really pretty,”
“She’s still annoying,” Regulus grumbled.
“Have fun,” she chuckled, pushing him into the room, he pulled a middle finger behind his back as he asked Evelyn for a dance.
Solana looked around for Antonin but he was nowhere to be found, so instead she decided to find Narcissa.
“Lana,” she heard her voice, Solana turned around and grinned at her older sister.
“Sissy,” she squealed, running towards her which was a huge mistake because the boning lodged further into her skin.
“I’ve missed you!” Narcissa said, pulling away.
“That’s because you’re too busy now with your married life.”
“Oh Solana, when you’re married you too will understand how busy my life is, speaking of getting married, have you and Antonin settled on a date?”
Solana shook her head, “Not yet, sometime in the summer,”
“Straight away?” Narcissa asked, furrowing her brows.
“That’s what you and Bella did,” Solana said.
Narcissa smiled, “You know you don’t have to rush it, you can wait a few years. Live your life first, Lana,”
“I think Antonin wants it to be sooner.”
“And what do you want?”
“A drink?” Solana sighed.
Narcissa laughed, calling over a house elf holding a tray full of wine, “Here’s to getting older,”
The two clinked their glasses before Solana gulped it down in one sip.
“Okay, I think you’re gonna need another one,” Narcissa said, grabbing another glass from the tray.
“Where is Bella?”
Her older sister rolled her eyes. “With the men,”
“Is the meeting happening now?” Solana asked, furrowing her brows. “I thought they would wait until at least later.”
“But then how would they take over the world?” Narcissa rolled her eyes, also downing her drink. “I’m going to find where mother hid the good wine, this was pretty shit.”
Solana nodded, watching as her sister walked away from her, she saw Regulus and Evelyn in the middle of the dance floor, it didn’t seem like the two hated one another and it was nice to see Regulus smile a genuine smile.
She kept herself uncomfortably by the wall, staying away from the dance, afraid someone would ask her and she would experience more pain from the corset, but she kept a watchful eye on the door, waiting for Antonin’s arrival.
“Have you seen my sister?” Amycus Carrow asked, making his way over to her.
“She’s here?” Solana furrowed her brows.
“Yeah, we got here the same time as Antonin–”
“Antonin is here?”
“Yeah, they were talking in the hallway like fifteen minutes ago,”
“I’ll go look around,” Solana said.
Amycus grunted, turning towards the dance.
Solana hitched up her skirt, swiftly walking through the hallways, checking though every room, a sunken feeling began in her stomach.
“Have you seen Antonin and Alecto?” she asked as she passed by people but no one had seen the two.
There was one place she hadn’t checked… her bedroom.
She stopped outside her room, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open, and that’s where she found them, except it wasn’t what she thought.
Alecto was crying into Antonin’s shoulder.
“I don’t know what I did,” she cried.
Antonin looked up at Solana, “Barty broke up with her,”
“Oh, Alecto,” she said, softly, she sat next to her wrapping her arm around her shoulder. “He was a prick anyway,”
Alecto wiped away her tears. “I’m sorry, I should just go–”
“Nonsense, you can stay here, right Lana?”
“Um, yeah, of course, let me get you some water,” Solana said, walking out of the room, Antonin followed her. “What happened?”
“He just broke it off,” he shrugged as they walked down the empty hallway. “No reason why.”
“Oh,” Solana nodded, she paused slightly, twisting about in her corset. “Can you do me a favour and loosen this for me?”
“But you look so sexy,” Antonin whispered, kissing her collarbone.
“Toni, please it’s killing me,” she said, turning around so he could undo the knot. He kept kissing her shoulder blade as he worked through the knot.
She felt a moment of relief before the corset was tightened, she let out a cry as her ribs crushed together, she gripped onto a banister to keep her upright.
“Antonin!–”
“It wasn’t tight enough, my love. Now you look ravishing–” he said, pulling it again.
“I can’t breathe–” she struggled, tears stringing in her eyes.
“What is it you woman say, no pain no gain–”
“Antonin it hurts–” she squeaked, trying to pull away but he kept her close.
“Stop being so dramatic, Solana.” he said, irritated, he pulled it one more time before tying the knot.
She attempted to reach the tie but her body was too restricted. “Please loosen it–”
“Why would I ruin such a perfect image,” he said, stroking her cheek.
“Antonin–”
“Shut up.” he glared. “You’re beginning to get on my nerves Solana, after yesterday’s incident and todays–”
“I haven’t done anything–”
“Just get Alecto some water,” he said, turning away from her.
“Antonin? Antonin–” she called out but he slammed the door shut, struggling to breathe, she made her way down stairs just as she reached the kitchen she heard a squeaky voice.
“Miss Solana, your father requests a word with you–” Ziggy the house elf said.
“I’m a little busy–”
“Ziggy apologises, Miss Solana but Master Black said it was urgent.”
Solana nodded. “Okay, can you take a glass of water back up to my bedroom, please.”
“Ziggy would be honoured, Miss Solana. Your father is in his study.”
“Thank you Ziggy.” She said, making her way up to see her father, that part of the house was off limits to guests, and she could hardly hear the music when she got to the hallway.
She wasn’t even able to let in a deep breath before she knocked on the door.
“Come in,” her father said.
“You wanted to see me, father?” she said, walking in.
“Yes,” he said, standing up, picking up a decanter and pouring himself a glass of wine. “How are you finding the ball?”
Solana nodded, it was rare her father would show an interest in her opinions, “It’s very good,”
Cygnus hummed. “And Antonin, how is he?”
She nodded again, forcing a smile. “He is good, father.”
“I want to ask you a question, Solana.” he said, walking closer to her, she could smell the alcohol on him, this wasn’t his first drink.
“Yes father?” she swallowed.
“Are you happy?”
“Pardon?”
He shrugged, “Are you happy?”
“I- I don’t know what you mean father–”
His tone grew angry. “I said, are you happy? Because it clearly seems like you are not. Do you know what I have just received, Solana?”
She didn’t say anything.
“A letter from Orion, telling me that Walburga witnessed you meeting up with Andromeda–”
“No, father, I didn’t–” Solana began but she was cut off by a sharp slap.
“You speak when I give you permission!” Cygnus growled, as she raised her hand to her cheek. “I’ve heard about your grades falling and now you are studying with a half-blood–”
“It’s mandatory–”
Another slap.
“Did I give you permission to speak?”
Solana shook her head, begging for the tears not to spill.
“I thought I had done good with you, you’re engaged to a wealthy man, and by the looks of it you two are quite a match.”
Solana closed her eyes, the corset that Antonin had tightened shortened her breath.
“I have given you everything on a silver platter and you throw it all in my face–”
“Please father–”
“CRUCIO!”
Solana fell to her knees, screaming out in pain as her entire body seized up.
“Did I tell you to speak?” he howled as he knelt down next to her.
She tried her hardest to stop her tears falling down her face, her father hated crying, but no matter what she couldn’t help herself.
“CRUCIO!”
She screamed again.
“I’ll stop when you stop screaming!” he roared, “CRUCIO!”
Solana gritted her teeth, begging herself to not make any noise.
“CRUCIO!” Cygnus kept his wand on her, Solana kept her eyes closed, biting down on her tongue but in the end a little squeak caused another attack.
She didn’t know how long it had been, but her body grew tired as she lay on the ground, Cygnus used the curse again and this time she didn’t even move.
She had no energy left, her face wet with tears, her throat burning– her body burning.
She lay there and made no noise.
Cygnus inhaled deeply, “Stand up.”
Solana couldn’t move a muscle.
“Solana, stand up.”
One good thing was that the corset had grown looser due to her squirming, she let out a loud strained cry as she managed to get up to her knees.
“On your feet.” Cygnus barked.
“I can’t–” she whispered, shaking her head.
He grabbed her jaw, forcing her to her feet. “You clearly haven’t been punished enough.”
She yelped as he took a hold of her hair, dragging her out of the study, her mother stood at the end of the corridor, Druella winced as Cygnus pulled her daughter away.
“No, father, please–” Solana cried as he banged open a door.
“You shouldn’t have started talking to Andromeda– this is your own fault. I will not have another blood traitor for a daughter– another disappointment!” Cygnus yelled. “You belong to the Noble House of Black, and you will act like it!”
Solana tried to pull away from her fathers grip but it was no use, he stopped in front of the silver frame.
“Father–”
“Silencio!” he cursed. “I will not hear another word from you,”
She stood in front of the painting, her heartbeat pounding.
“You will stay in here until I see fit that you have learned your lesson,”
She fell into the portrait, Cygnus sealed it up with magic before she could escape, she pounded her fist on the glass.
But silver shackles appeared on her wrists pulling her back against the wall, they were pinned above her head.
“Don’t get any idea’s, on escaping.” Cygnus said, turning away from her and slamming the door.
She wanted to yell, scream, and shout but she was unable to, the corset was bound to bruise if she wore it for the rest of the evening. But knowing her father, it would be a long time before she would be leaving the painting.
Tears rolled down her face as she could see the bright full moon from the window looking in.