𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Vivienne sat in her dimly lit quarters, the flickering light of the fireplace casting long shadows on the walls. Her mind was troubled by the day's events, particularly the lesson on the Unforgivable Curses. She had hoped to instill a sense of responsibility in her students, but she knew the path was fraught with challenges. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door."Come in," she called, her voice steady.The door creaked open, and Draco Malfoy stepped inside, his expression a mixture of defiance and curiosity. He closed the door behind him, his posture stiff."You wanted to see me, Professor?" Draco asked, his tone laced with disdain."Yes, Draco," Vivienne replied, gesturing for him to sit. "We need to talk."Draco remained standing, his chin lifted arrogantly. "What about?"Vivienne met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "About the path you're on. Your mother is worried about you, and so am I. You're making dangerous choices."Draco's eyes narrowed. "My choices are none of your concern. You think just because you're a professor, you can lecture me? You don't know anything about me or my family.""I know more than you think," Vivienne said quietly. "I've seen what happens when people like your aunt Bellatrix give in to hatred and darkness."At the mention of Bellatrix, Draco's face twisted with anger. "Don't you dare speak about my aunt! She's a powerful witch, far better than a filthy Mudblood like you could ever hope to be!"Vivienne's expression hardened. "Do not use that word in my presence, Draco. Bellatrix was my friend once. I know what she's capable of, and I know the consequences of her actions."Draco sneered. "Friend? A Mudblood like you? Don't make me laugh. You were nothing to her. And she'll come for you, just you wait."Vivienne stood abruptly, her patience snapping. "You think I'm afraid of Bellatrix? She may have chosen her path, but I won't let you follow in her footsteps. You're not beyond saving, Draco."Draco's eyes flickered with something—fear, perhaps, or confusion. He backed towards the door, his bravado faltering. "You're crazy," he muttered, turning and fleeing the room.As the door slammed shut behind him, Vivienne took a deep breath, her hands trembling with suppressed emotion. She walked over to a small cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Firewhisky, pouring herself a generous glass. She took a long sip, feeling the fiery liquid burn its way down her throat.She then reached into a drawer and pulled out a stack of letters, the parchment yellowed with age. The familiar, looping script brought back a flood of memories. These were letters from Bellatrix, written during their time at Hogwarts.Vivienne sat down by the fire, clutching the letters to her chest. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be transported back to those days when they had been inseparable.

 Flashback

It was a chilly autumn evening, and the Slytherin common room was filled with the soft murmur of students studying or chatting. Vivienne sat in a corner, engrossed in a book, when Bellatrix plopped down beside her, eyes gleaming with curiosity."Vivienne," Bellatrix began, leaning in close. "I've been thinking. How did you, a Muggle-born, end up in Slytherin? It's unheard of!"Vivienne looked up, meeting Bellatrix's intense gaze. "I suppose the Sorting Hat saw something in me that others didn't."Bellatrix laughed, a rich, musical sound. "Oh, come on. There's more to it than that. Tell me."Vivienne hesitated but then sighed, knowing Bellatrix wouldn't let it go. "Fine. I've always been ambitious, driven. I wanted to prove myself, to show that being Muggle-born doesn't make me any less capable. The Hat saw my determination, my willingness to fight for my place."Bellatrix's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I knew there was something special about you. But what about your family? Don't they mind you being here, surrounded by pure-bloods who look down on you?"Vivienne shrugged. "My parents don't really understand this world. They trust me to handle myself. And I've learned to deal with the prejudice. It only makes me stronger."Bellatrix leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're fascinating, Vivienne. I've never met anyone like you. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to embrace power, to rise above the limitations of your birth?"Vivienne felt a shiver run down her spine. "I'm not interested in power for power's sake, Bella. I just want to be respected for who I am."Bellatrix's gaze lingered on her, thoughtful and intense. "You're different, Vivienne. I like that."