Harry Potter and the Daughter of Black

Safe but Suffocated

In January, after the new year
       

One day, Bellatrix took Druella to the forest, where the fire games began again. Druella followed her mother to a particular tree she didn't like and thrust her torch into it, watching as flames began to crawl along its bark. "We have a twisted sense of humor," Bellatrix cackled, her voice sharp and wild, a sound that always made Druella's chest tighten with a strange mix of pride and unease.

Druella darted off, her boots crunching over leaves and twigs, to another tree, kicking it hard before retreating to watch the flames consume it. She found the forest soothing, especially at night when the shadows danced along with the firelight. Fire was soothing, too—chaotic, wild, alive. She spent countless evenings like this with her mother, burning tree after tree until the air was thick with smoke and heat. They were careful not to let Narcissa or Lucius find out; neither her uncle nor her aunt approved of their little pastime. But Bellatrix always told Druella it was their private passion, something that belonged to just the two of them.

On March 1

That night, Bellatrix sat Druella down with an air of seriousness that made her stomach churn. "I'll be gone for a while this time," Bellatrix said. Her tone was calm, almost gentle, but Druella didn't miss the finality in her voice.

Druella's heart sank. "How long?"

"Until August," Bellatrix replied, brushing a strand of Druella's hair behind her ear. "Aunt Narcissa will look after you while I'm gone. You'll be fine. Just behave."

Druella's stomach twisted with frustration. "Please, don't make me stay with Aunt Narcissa! She treats me like a baby. She's Mother Hen and crazy. I don't want to be stuck with her for six months!"

Bellatrix sighed, kneeling to look her daughter in the eye. "Don't call her that. She loves you in her way. Yes, she's... protective, but that's because she cares. You'll manage just fine. Don't give her a hard time, Druella. Or there will be consequences. Do you understand?"

Druella nodded reluctantly, though her chest felt heavy.

Bellatrix smiled faintly, checking her pocket watch before slipping it back into her cloak. "I'll be home in time for you to go to Hogwarts," she promised. Druella brightened at that, her eyes lighting up.

"I can't wait," Druella murmured, leaning into her mother's embrace.

After Bellatrix left the room, Druella wandered to her bed, her thoughts racing. She burrowed beneath her blanket, pressing her head against the pillow as she gazed at the frosted window. "I'll have to be careful when she's gone," she whispered to herself. "Aunt Narcissa will watch me like a hawk. If I mess up, she'll take away what little freedom I have left."She is gone once in a while but never as long as seven months. I was relieved at the same time. "I'll finally be able to get some alone time when the term starts," I told myself I had the opportunity. I was bundled up with my blanket. Druella's head was on her soft pillow. "She has to work once again." She pushed the bunny away from her as she fell asleep.

For the first few weeks, Druella kept to herself as much as possible. She locked her bedroom door whenever she could, avoiding Narcissa's watchful eyes. Most days, she stayed in her room, staring out the window or sleeping late into the morning. The forest outside, with its snow-covered trees, looked more inviting than ever, but Narcissa would never allow her to roam freely.

Druella missed her mother terribly, and though she hated to admit it, she even missed Draco. At least he didn't hover over her like Narcissa did. Draco had his own faults—he was spoiled and arrogant, always flaunting his father's name. "Just wait until my father hears about this!" she had overheard him boast on several occasions. It made her roll her eyes every time.