Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling. I do not own Harry Potter.

A /N: This story was born out of a piece I wrote for the Reviews Lounge Valentine's Day Challenge, so I apologise for any similarities. While the majority of the characters are not mentioned in the books, they appear on the Black Family Tapestry which was drawn by J.K. Rowling as a donation to Book Aid International. On this version on the tapestry, Charis Black is the youngest grand-daughter of Phineas Nigellus Black and Ursula Flint.

Prologue

August 31st, 1928

Highthorn House was quiet, its curtains drawn against the night. Somewhere in the trees an owl hooted, a haunting sound in the moonlight. All the occupants of the manor were asleep, except for two.

"I brought chocolate", whispered Ella, scared that someone might hear them. Charis giggled softly and there was a rustling as they peeled off the wrapping in the dark. They sat cross-legged on Charis' bed, facing each other despite the lack of light.

"It's not forever", said Ella suddenly.

Charis didn't reply. She'd forgotten for a moment what was happening tomorrow, caught up in their midnight ritual.

"I'll be back at Christmas", said Ella, almost pleading now. "And it won't be long before you'll be at Hogwarts too", she lied, knowing that the two years would be excruciatingly long.

"It's not the same", said Charis, and her voice was tight.

Ella frowned, not sure what to say to appease her younger sister.

"I'll always be there for you", she said softly.

"Always?"

"I promise. I won't ever really leave you."

Charis looked at her sister, Ella's blue eyes gleaming with sincerity. Charis held out her hand.

"Do you swear?" she asked.

"On the tapestry", said Ella solemnly, naming the most ancient of the Black heirlooms.

Charis nodded, satisfied. Nobody broke a promise sworn on the tapestry.