The Black Legacy The Rise of Bellatrix's Prodigy (Act I Book One)

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The morning was filled with a flurry of activity as Druella and her mother packed for the train to Hogwarts. The air was tense with the weight of their silent plans, but the preparations were meticulous, as though everything depended on the smallest detail. Bellatrix, ever the doting mother, hovered over Druella, ensuring that she had everything she needed.

"I know you're nervous, darling,"Bellatrix said, her voice calm, almost soothing as she arranged Druella's school robes and a few dresses. "But you must remain calm at Hogwarts. We can't afford for anyone to suspect what we're truly up to." She spoke as if it were an unspoken rule, one Druella was already accustomed to.

Druella glanced at her mother, shaking her head. "No, Mother," she murmured, a faint smile on her lips despite the knot in her stomach. She didn't feel ready for this new life, but she had no choice. There was no escaping the path laid out for her.

As Bellatrix added a few of her own dresses to the bag, she picked up one of Druella's books. Druella noticed her mother's careful attention to detail, every choice deliberate, and every item packed with purpose. Then, as if remembering something, Bellatrix reached over and grabbed Hazel, Druella's beloved pet, slipping it into her bag without a word.

Druella watched her mother with a quiet sense of awe, before turning her gaze to Morgana, the familiar warmth of the small creature giving her a slight sense of comfort. She smiled softly, the thought of leaving this house weighing heavily on her. "We're finally leaving," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But we know what we have to do."

Narcissa watched Druella and Bellatrix pack her eyes focused on her niece. But the sound of footsteps in the hallway interrupted the moment. Draco's voice rang out, calling for his mother. "Mother, can you help me with my things?"

"Yes, Draco, I'll be right there," Narcissa replied, casting a brief glance over her shoulder before walking out. The door shut behind her, leaving Druella alone with her thoughts.

As she continued packing, her mother's reminders echoed in her mind. "Make sure you remember everything, Druella. Your robes, your books, everything. It's your first time at Hogwarts."

Druella nodded absently, focusing on her task as she continued to sort through her belongings. The familiar scent of her mother's perfume lingered in the air, mixing with the soft rustle of clothing. She couldn't help but feel a sense of finality as she packed her things, the weight of leaving her childhood home sinking in.

Bellatrix approached Druella, pulling her close to fix her hair. She expertly twisted it into a refined, rebellious style that seemed to mirror her mother's own sophistication.

Druella gazed at herself in the mirror, her green eyes meeting her reflection. Bellatrix's hands worked with delicate precision, and soon, Druella's hair was styled to perfection. Bellatrix stepped back, her eyes scanning her daughter with pride. "There. Now, my Black Blossom is ready," she cooed, her voice filled with satisfaction.

Druella felt a pang of something between gratitude and resentment. She looked at her reflection, feeling the weight of her mother's expectations. "We're beautiful," Bellatrix said, her tone soft and wistful. Druella couldn't quite shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

Later, as they made their way to the train station, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. At Platform 9¾, the bustle of the crowd only added to Druella's nervous energy. She couldn't help but glance around, her eyes falling on familiar faces. Ginny Weasley was there, along with her mother, and Druella gave a small, polite nod in their direction.

"Ellie, let's go," Draco called from ahead, a slight impatience in his voice. He looked back at her with a grin, and for a moment, it felt like everything was normal. But Druella could feel the uncertainty swirling in her stomach.