𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘 . 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓

𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐃.

1993;

Viola found solace in being an only child, relishing the absence of sibling rivalries that often plagued other families. While it could get lonely at times, she considered it a preferable alternative to the noxious dynamics she had witnessed within the Black family.

The Blacks had a tendency to pit siblings against each other, transforming what should have been loving relationships into bitter rivalries. Their bonds had been irreparably damaged, torn apart by spite and misery.

She observed the adults' twisted jealousy towards their own children as well, a sick and twisted manifestation that poisoned the familial connections.

Viola knew this was morally wrong, of course. However, that's just how life was where she was brought up. Parents harboring such destructive emotions towards their own flesh and blood, causing irreparable harm to their family ties.

However, sometimes this longing loneliness would be temporarily alleviated when she visited the Malfoy Manor. The Malfoy Manor was far from a warm and welcoming atmosphere in any shape or form.

Much like her own Manor, the Malfoy Manor was practically haunted, with only the main rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and one of the dungeons being used.

Though it was the company there that made her happy, Lucius was mostly silent or controlling Draco cruelly. However, when he was out for 'business', she and Draco would spend hours playing in the garden maze. They both enjoyed stargazing at night, and Draco would always point to his own star, sharing the same fact repeatedly, which she allowed him to do every time.

"Viola! We're gonna be late!" exclaimed Daphne as she quickly finished up her perfectly twisted French braid.

"Got it," Viola muttered, checking herself in the mirror.

Subtle mascara highlighted her curled lashes, and lightly applied lipstick to enhance her natural lip color. Her hair was styled in a half-up, half-down 'do, adorned with a small black ribbon that seamlessly blended in with her hair.

"I ought to take this year very seriously. As elective courses are this year," huffed Daphne as the two made their way to class. You could always count on Daphne Greengrass to take everything so seriously.

"So I've heard," said Viola.

The dirty glances directed at the young Black didn't escape her notice. Her father, if she could even call him that, escaping Azkaban being the reason, reportedly the first to do so. However, his actions were far from heroic.

"What is that perfume you have on?" Then asked Daphne, taking in the delightful scent in the air. "It's lovely."

"Not sure, just picked it up the other day. It's a mix of amber-wood & Rose, or something like that." Viola replied with a shrug.

"You'll have to show it to me sometime," Daphne smiled as they entered the first lesson.

Daphne, always so kind to those she liked, but always so cruel and childish to others. Perhaps it was just a phase, or maybe that was just who she was.

Viola didn't care about that, as she was primarily focused on herself and the very few people she was close to. In a strange way, she could sympathize with Daphne because they were both raised in similar environments.

Many of them didn't have the privilege of having loving, supportive parents who had unconditional love for them.

"Already late on the first week?" a slow, taunting voice came as they entered the class. Professor Snape stared at them with utmost boredom.

"Apologies, professor," Daphne quickly said, her face showing nervousness, while Viola remained silent, wanting to take a seat and avoid further interaction. "I didn't expect the way to class to take so long."

"Charming," Snape said sarcastically. "And what excuse do you have, Miss Black?"

"Madam Pomfrey's," Viola lied flawlessly. "I could give you a note she wrote for me—"

She had no note, but this strategy always worked in her favor.

"There will be no need," Snape rolled his eyes, turning back to the board. "Take a seat, Black, Greengrass."

Viola made her way toward the empty seat next to Theo, as Pansy & Blaise sat behind them.

"Madam Pomfrey's?" Asked Theo with a raise to his brow. "Nice."

"Whatever," Said Viola rolling her eyes as Blaise and Pansy laughed quietly behind them.

Viola's hand then grazed against his, causing a shiver to run down his arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. He couldn't help but notice the slight warmth creeping into his cheeks, while Viola remained blissfully unaware.

"Wait," Pansy paused, glancing to the other side of the room. "Since when has she been here?"

The other three turned their gaze in the same direction, noticing Granger, her curly hair hidden behind a book.

"Huh," Blaise said with a shrug. "Not sure, she's not exactly the most noticeable person around here."

Viola nodded, her gaze fixed on the curly-haired brunette. The brunette's eyes squinted as she immersed herself in the book, while her hands fumbled with tucking a necklace into her robe.

Intrigued, Viola raised an eyebrow, and it seemed that Granger sensed someone watching her. Their eyes met briefly, but the black-haired girl rolled her eyes before quickly looking away.

-
This is super short ik, but I feel like i needed to write smth short after that long ass last chapter lol.

Thank u 4reading!!

-Angie

Word count: 862