A Bond Like No Other
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August 6th 1950
Being around mid-summer, the 6th of August was a rather hot and dry day. But nonetheless it was pleasant in general terms. Ophelia had just turned 2 months old. Ever since she was born, the baby girl had changed her parents almost completely. Druella, even if she wasn’t a cold person to begin with, the birth of her daughter offered her a new prospective of viewing life. Her mother had once told her, that she would never feel the love that she has for her until she herself became a mother. And looking back at it, she thought, her mother was right. She could feel this strong feeling in her heart when Ophelia wasn’t in her sight. She had that feeling of protecting her no matter what the cost, even if it means sacrificing herself. For the first time she felt true, pure, and unconditional love towards another human. But it wasn’t just any other human it was HER child, her 2 month old daughter. Cygnus did share mutual feeling with his wife about their daughter. He mostly had the feeling that their life purpose was finally clearer than ever.
It was early in the morning when they were informed by Orion that Walburga had just given birth to their child. Almost immediately they got ready and headed to meet their niece, bringing along Ophelia of course.Once they reached 12 Grimmauld Place, they met the rest of the family in the master bedroom, standing around the bed meeting the newest member. Walburga didn’t seem any different in terms of expression, wearing her usual blank face, but there was a certain new glow to her that they found reasonable. Orion was a bit similar, only that you could see a small smile creeping to appear on his expressionless demeanor.
“How are you Walburga? How is the little one doing?” her brother genuinely asked
“We are both fine Cygnus, do not worry. Orion dear, since everyone is present would you mind doing the honors?”
“Ofcourse my love. We have decided to name our daughter Cassiopeia Black II.” They all smiled, remembering their dearest aunt Cassiopeia who was currently living in Northern Ireland enjoying the company of her husband and friends. She was an outstandingly intelligent and persuasive woman, which makes sense why they named their daughter after her.
“Well in honor of my cousin, I hope and wish she becomes as a bright witch as her.”
They both nodded their head in gratitude while listening to Arturus wishes. One watching him could see the emotion in his eyes, while looking at his granddaughter completely mesmerized. At the middle of this touching moment, Ophelia woke up stirring in her mother’s arms. Druella looked down at her daughter and smiled lightly. She looked almost angel like, with her green eyes and her beautiful laugh.
“Hello little one, would you like mommy to introduce you to your baby cousin?” the baby just smiled while laughing eager to see what her mother was talking about. Druella slowly approached the bed and settled next to her sister-in-law and niece. She gave Walburga a small smile accompanied by a questioning look that was answered with a nod.
“Ophelia this is your cousin Cassiopeia.” Upon saying that she lowered her daughter gently to have a better glimpse of the newborn. By the excitement and adoration that existed in her daughter’s face she just knew that those two would be inseparable; and that their bond will be like no other.
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December 1950
It was a cold winter night, a few days before Christmas or Yule since the Blacks celebrated both. Druella was comfortably sitting on her couch in the living room of the Black Mansion. Sitting beside her was Vinda who was playing with an overly excited 7 month year old Ophelia. It was a rather homely and secure atmosphere, since the fireplace was on and nearby laid a recently decorated Christmas tree. Druella could not be any happier; she had her sister and her daughter next to her enjoying themselves while her husband was on his way home from work.
“You know sis I’m really proud of you.” Vinda said smiling brightly towards her younger sister
“I know Vin, I know. But you know you could have all of this if you…”
“Now Ella, we’ve talked about this. As cute as this little bundle of joy is…” she said scrunching her nose while tickling her laughing niece “…I’d rather be alone and free to do as I please. Besides I get a full ‘mother dose’ whenever I come over and you know it.”
Druella chuckled at her sister, she could always make her laugh and brighten the mood. That’s one of the main reasons that she loved Vinda, because she brought happiness to others whenever and wherever. It’s also why she believed that she deserved to have someone to love, to have as hers and maybe start a family with. But whatever her personal beliefs were she respected her sister’s choices.
“You know whenever you come over she gets all playful and excited. She may like you more than she likes me.”
“Well she’s not wrong I mean look at me.” She then raised the baby up to her eye level smiling. “Who do you prefer my little buttercup, mommy or auntie?”
They both chuckled after their small sisterly talk/competition of who the baby likes most. But what came afterwards left the both of them in shock. As Vinda settled her niece on her lap the little one outstretched her arms towards Druella and slowly opened her mouth.
“Ma…mommy!” the second the sound left the baby’s mouth the two sisters looked at each other both shocked.
“Au…auntie!” if tears were not welling up until now they for sure did the moment she said her second word. Druella took her daughter in her arms and kissed her little hands, while Vinda gently stroke her niece’s hair.
“My little angel… the light of my life…”
She said between the kisses. Vinda could not help but smile at her niece while tears of happiness rolled down her cheeks. The two women couldn’t wait to tell Cygnus about this knowing he’ll be just as touched and happy as they were. But it was no mere coincidence that Ophelia’s first words were the names of the two most important people of her life: her mother Druella and her aunt Vinda.