Springfic: "Burning Bridges" for liliths_requiem

[springmod]

Title: Burning Bridges
Author: Quietliban
Recipient: liliths_requiem
Character(s): The Black Sisters
Rating: PG-13
Word-count: 1,628 words
Warnings (highlight to view): None
Summary: Why wouldn't Narcissa and Andromeda reconcile after the war?
Author's Notes: To liliths_requiem I hope this has enough angst for you! I had a bit of angst myself writing it, but it was worth the challenge

Comments

[lareinenoire]

Oh, this is just wrenching. I held out hope in canon that Narcissa and Andromeda might reconcile, but this is so painfully plausible, between Bellatrix and Walburga Black. The backwards narration works beautifully here, giving each sister her own voice and making the situation clearer as each narrative progresses. And, of course, the Unbreakable Oath makes so much sense.

Although, I have to wonder, is the implication in the first section that Narcissa plans to break the oath and contact Andromeda, and that it will cost her her life? Or will the Oath have no effect, since the other two are already dead, I wonder.

[quietliban]

Thank you! I think there is definitely room for Narcissa and Andromeda to reconcile within the bounds of canon, given both their actions and how important family seems to them both, but for some reason a story about why they wouldn't is easier to tell...or at least was more interesting to me at the time.

And I hate to say it, but whether Narcissa breaks the Unbreakable Vow or not and the consequences of that are up to you since I really have no idea what happens to a Vow when the other members of the Vow are dead...

(I know some people hate things that unresolved so sorry if this is you.)

Thank you again! :D

[lareinenoire]

(I know some people hate things that unresolved so sorry if this is you.)

Nope, definitely not me. I have a long history of leaving things unresolved and bothering people with it. ;)

And I've actually been wondering that about the Unbreakable Vow since Book 6. Also the Fidelius Charm -- what happens if the Secret-Keeper dies without revealing the secret?

[jtav]

This is very wrenching. I'm not much of a Black fan, but I enjoyed this. The backwards order was very effective.

[quietliban]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if the Blacks aren't your cup of tea. :)

[mollywheezy]

This was very powerful. I had never thought about an Unbreakable Vow being the reason that sisters would not reconcile, but it certainly makes sense. Very original and well-written!

[quietliban]

Thank you very much! It would be such a cruel thing to do, but I'm sure that Walburga would have been capable of if, given what we know.

Thanks again.

[lyras]

Ooh, this is fascinating, and so sad. I like the backwards narrative, and especially Narcissa's powerlessness, caught between two people like Bellatrix and Walburga.

[quietliban]

Thank you! I'm so pleased that, that came across because in my mind Narcissa was quite impressionable when these things were going on, although she's a tough character. So I don't know...anyway. Thanks again!

[shiiki]

Ohhhh. This was so very powerful. Very unique view of Andromeda and Narcissa's lack of reconciliation - funny how Andromeda should have the most to forgive yet she's the one making an effort, and Narcissa remains icy ... but it is plausible and you've painted it well here.

And Bellatrix is quite creepy. I can already see the hint of madness descending upon her.

Nice work!

[quietliban]

Thank you! I guess, for me, Andromeda is making the effort because she's already lost so much so it doesn't cost her as much to make the effort...then again that could be totally off.

Thanks again!