An unlikely pair

3

At the doorway of the Great Hall stood none other than Bellatrix Black-though she looked nothing like herself. Instead of her usual menacing demeanor and dark, imposing attire, she resembled a prima ballerina who'd wandered into the wrong performance.

She wore a fluffy pink ballet outfit, complete with matching pointe shoes. Her wild, dark curls had been tamed-or at least attempted to be-into a bun, though most of her hair stuck out rebelliously in various directions, defying any semblance of order.

"WHO DID THIS?!" Bellatrix roared, her furious voice echoing through the Hall. But no one took her seriously; the sight was too absurd.

A blonde girl at the Gryffindor table stood, her smirk devilishly triumphant. "That would be me. Love the new look, Bellarina," Valentina said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness.

Bellatrix's dark eyes narrowed, her anger palpable. "Undo this mess right now!" she bellowed, making most of the students flinch. Most-but not Valentina.

The princess casually crossed her arms and tilted her head, looking Bellatrix over as if she were critiquing an art piece. "Sorry, but I can't undo it. The spell will wear off tomorrow-just in time for classes. You're welcome."

Bellatrix glared daggers at her but, realizing she couldn't win this battle, stomped off to the Slytherin table, sitting down between her two sisters.

The Hall buzzed with murmurs, but at the Gryffindor table, Peter broke the silence. "You're alive! Wow!"

Valentina raised an eyebrow at him, confused. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well," Remus began, leaning forward, "we pranked Bellatrix once, and she hexed us so badly we swore never to prank her-or any of the Black sisters-again."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "It's kind of an unspoken rule now. We don't mess with them."

Valentina scoffed, cutting into her cheesecake. "Cowards." She took a bite, completely unbothered.

She turned to Regulus, sitting across from her. "I need to tell you something tomorrow after classes. Now, say goodbye to James and show me where our common room is."

Regulus sighed but didn't argue. After passionately kissing James goodnight, he led Valentina out of the Hall.

"Down in the bloody dungeons," Valentina muttered as they descended the staircase. "Amazing. So, what's the password, old man?" she asked, addressing the portrait of Salazar Slytherin.

The founder's painted eyes glared down at her. "I'm supposed to ask you that."

Valentina turned to Regulus, who looked ready to pull his hair out. "Reg, what's the password?"

He groaned. "I've been repeating it to you for the past five minutes!"

Valentina offered a sheepish smile. "The castle is so beautiful; I must have tuned you out."

"For a princess, you don't act like one," Regulus muttered under his breath before turning to Salazar and saying, "Serpent's blood is silver."

The portrait swung open, revealing the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

As they stepped inside, Valentina gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. The room was elegant, its dark green and silver decor exuding a regal air. The dim light from the enchanted lamps reflected off the glass windows, which showcased the murky waters of the Black Lake. A group of mermaids swam past, their ethereal forms shimmering.

"Is that water?" Valentina asked, her voice filled with awe.

"Yes," answered a melodic voice from behind.

Valentina turned to find a striking young woman with platinum blonde hair and a composed demeanor. "Narcissa Black, prefect of Slytherin House," she introduced herself with a polite bow.

"No need for bowing, Narcissa," Valentina said with a smile. "Are you related to him?" She gestured toward Regulus.

"Yes, we're cousins," Narcissa replied.

"So, you must be Bellarina's sister," Valentina added with a mischievous grin.

"Well... yes," Narcissa admitted, though she looked uncomfortable.

Before Valentina could say more, an eagle swooped into the room, causing Narcissa to yelp and duck.

"Lotus, over here, you silly bird," Valentina whistled, extending her arm. The majestic eagle perched gracefully, offering an envelope from its beak.

"That's your pet?" Narcissa asked, her voice a hushed whisper.

"Yep. Everyone in my family has a bird-owls are far too boring," Valentina replied as she took the letter.

The note was from the headmaster, informing her she'd be sharing a dorm with the Black sisters and that her schedule would match Regulus's.

"CISSY! COME HERE!" a voice shouted from the upper level. "A BED JUST APPEARED!"

"That must be mine," Valentina mused. She and Narcissa made their way upstairs to the dorm.

Inside, Valentina flopped onto the largest bed of the three unoccupied ones. "It's so soft!" she exclaimed, lying on her back and staring at the canopy.

Andromeda, sitting on her own bed, whispered to Narcissa, "Should we tell her?"

"Tell me what?" Valentina asked, sitting up.

Before either sister could respond, the bathroom door flew open, and Bellatrix stormed in, still dressed in her ridiculous ballet outfit.

"You're on my bed," Bellatrix hissed, her dark eyes blazing.

"I don't see your name on it," Valentina replied casually, not moving an inch.

"You little-" Bellatrix pulled out her wand, her hand shaking with rage.

"Bellatrix, don't!" Andromeda cried, jumping to her feet.

"Shut up, Andromeda. Cruc-"

Before Bellatrix could finish the spell, her wand was gone.

"Looking for this?" Valentina asked, twirling the wand between her fingers.

Bellatrix's face turned red. "Give it back!" she demanded, trying to snatch it.

Valentina held it out of reach. "Not unless you promise not to use any Unforgivable Curses on me-or anyone else, for that matter."

Bellatrix hesitated, her pride warring with her desperation. When Valentina bent the wand slightly, Bellatrix panicked. "Okay! I promise!" she blurted out. "I won't use any Unforgivable Curses!"

Satisfied, Valentina handed the wand back. "Good. Keep that promise, or else..." She trailed off, unable to think of a threat but smirking as if she had one.

"Goodnight, girls," Valentina said cheerfully, settling back onto the bed.

"Goodnight," Narcissa and Andromeda replied.

Bellatrix muttered something incoherent but climbed into her own bed, glaring daggers at Valentina until the lights dimmed.