A Nymph’s Birthday

Summer of 1976

"I didn't think you'd be coming," a woman said wistfully. Her long legs indicated that when at her full height, she would tower over most people she would encounter. Half of her face was concealed behind well-groomed black hair. Her dark eyes flitted back and forth as she followed the path of a giggling girl.

"Of course I was going to come!" Lounging beneath a tree next to the woman was a handsome young man. His features were reminiscent of the woman's. "How couldn't I? Andy, you're my favorite cousin. And it's great to be out of the house." A few lines around his eyes showed the stress he had recently been living with.

"But I thought you liked the Potters?" Andy asked, curious. "They took you in once you left my, er, esteemed Aunt and Uncle." Her tone was mocking and harsh.

"Yes, but Uncle Alphard reminded me that not all of our family is corrupted. And who would pass up an opportunity to corrupt my only second cousin?" He got up and scooped up the little girl. "Isn't that right Nymphy?"

"It's DORA!" She bit him and her hair changed from a shiny brown to pale blond. This, coupled with her eyes transformation to blue, caused him to nearly drop her.

"Merlin! Andy! Did you see--" he gawked at the girl's face as she struggled.

"Honestly Sirius, don't you read the letters I send you?" Sirius nodded, but a faint flush colored his pale cheeks. Andy shook her head. "Nymphadora is a Metamorphmagus."

"Born, not made and really rare. She started as soon as she was born," Sirius recited. "I do pay attention some of the time Andromeda." In a low mutter he said, "And I noticed that you gave her that obscene name."

"Sirius!" Nymphadora pouted. "Presents!"

"Accio Nymphy's Present!" Sirius incanted. Andromeda thwacked him as Nymphadora stuck her tongue out. "Oh come on, the Ministry's not going to realize that I'm the one doing magic. They'll just think it's you." Andromeda rolled her eyes as a rectangular box came flying. It flew so quickly that it collided with Nymphadora's nose. "Are you okay Nymphy?"

She glared at him fiercely. "It's DORA!" Her nose now resembled that of a pig. With a grin, it began to morph into the Black family nose that her mother and cousin shared. "Present?" He handed the box to her. She tore through unicorn-printed wrapping paper with a fervor. A toy broom was revealed.

"Sirius!" Andromeda groaned. "Dora's already clumsy enough."

Just as her mother protested the choice of gift, Nymphadora tripped over the broom that she dropped in her excitement. Sirius had to muffle a laugh as Andromeda bent down to help her daughter.