A Potion for the wise

Etiquette

Walburga Black, with her sleek, ebony hair cascading down her shoulders, sat in the opulent library of the Black family manor, indulging in a steaming cup of morning tea. Across the room, her two sons, Sirius and Regulus, diligently pored over their books, absorbed in their studies. The room was filled with an air of hushed concentration, broken only by the soft rustle of pages turning.

Unexpectedly, a knock echoed through the grand entrance of the manor. The Black family was not accustomed to receiving visitors, for they were more feared than respected in the wizarding world. Intrusions into their secluded sanctuary were rare occurrences.

"Kreacher, attend to the door," Walburga commanded with a mix of authority and uncertainty. The aging house-elf, who had been awaiting instructions nearby, nodded and scurried off, his steps slightly faltering. "Mother, who could that be?" Sirius inquired, curiosity gleaming in his stormy gray eyes.Walburga's frown deepened, a common expression for the stern woman. "I do not know, Regulus," she replied, her voice tinged with apprehension, her gaze fixed on the entrance as they awaited their unknown guests. Moments later, the sounds of Kreacher's footsteps were accompanied by the soft shuffle of several other pairs of feet on the staircase.Kreacher entered the study alone, his voice carrying across the room, "Miss Black and her daughters have come to see you, Mistress." A hint of intrigue flickered across Sirius' face. "Sirius, Regulus, stand up. Your cousins have arrived," their mother commanded. The boys promptly rose to their feet, exchanging curious glances with each other.

Reluctantly, the guests were ushered into the room by Kreacher. A woman with flowing blonde locks and captivating oceanic eyes led the way, followed closely by a girl around Sirius' age, her wild black curls contrasting with her deep brown eyes. The two boys exchanged a puzzled look in response.

Subsequently, another girl entered, her straight blonde hair cascading just below her shoulders, her light gray eyes filled with a sense of maturity beyond her years. Finally, the eldest of the group stepped forward, her wavy auburn hair framing her delicate face and her amber eyes radiating a quiet confidence.

Walburga greeted her sister-in-law, Druella, with a nod of acknowledgment. "Welcome, Druella. Would you like some tea, or perhaps you have come to join us for breakfast?" Druella smiled warmly. "Breakfast would be lovely. I hope we are not intruding. I simply thought it would be nice to venture out of the house for a change. Have you had the chance to enjoy the lovely weather outside?"

Walburga shook her head, her expression heavy with concern. "No, the boys have been diligently studying all week, preparing for the upcoming ball. Orion and I want to ensure they possess impeccable manners, so as not to embarrass us as they did last year."Druella raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting towards her daughters. "Did you hear that, girls? Your Aunt Walburga is instructing your cousins in the ways of proper etiquette. Perhaps you could join them while we wait for breakfast." The eldest girl let out an exasperated sigh. "But Mother, it's no fun! Why can't we practice some magic instead?" she protested.

Druella's frown deepened. "I am not being ridiculous, girls. Your Aunt Walburga is right in insisting on proper manners. Sit at the table and learn until breakfast is served. Then, you shall demonstrate what you have learned. Is that clear?" she commanded with authority.

"Yes, Mother," the three girls replied in unison, their heads hung low as they obediently made their way to the designated seats at the table. With their parents exiting the room, leaving their children to their lessons, the study fell into a solemn silence.Sirius leaned over the table, nearly toppling from his chair, and whispered mischievously to his cousin Andromeda, "Andy, want to go watch the neighbors? We'll be quick." Bellatrix rolled her eyes, intercepting their whispered conversation. "Our mothers have left us here to study, and that is precisely what we should be doing," she admonished.