The Black Legacy The Rise of Bellatrix's Prodigy

Family Ties

The following morning, Druella walked into the Great Hall and headed to her table, the buzz of conversation filling the air around her. As she surveyed the room, she noticed Dumbledore watching her intently, his gaze heavy with an unspoken meaning that she couldn't quite place. Though she didn't understand it, it didn't seem important at the moment.

She caught the eyes of Harry and Ron, who were watching her. She waved at them, and to her surprise, Draco urged her to sit with him and his friends. She didn't hesitate and took a seat with them. Just then, the owl post arrived, and an owl dropped a letter in front of her. However, the letter had no name on it, adding to its mystery.

Before she could think much more about it, a loud crash echoed across the hall. An owl had just crashed into the Gryffindor table, and Druella couldn't help but laugh when she heard Draco's voice. "Look, everyone, Ron's got himself a howler."

Druella's amusement only grew as she leaned toward Draco. "Bet you 5 galleons. This should be embarrassing to Ron."

Draco grinned. "Deal."

Ron, unaware of the bet, opened the howler, and the moment it did, the room fell silent, only to be shattered by the voice that boomed out. "RONALD WEASLEY!" The howler blared, and Druella burst into laughter, joined by Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. The words rained down from the howler, berating Ron for stealing a flying car. "I AM DISGUSTED. YOUR FATHER IS NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT. IF YOU PUT A TOE OUT OF LINE, WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME."

Druella laughed even harder, handing Draco the 5 galleons. "Now that's social suicide," she said, her voice filled with amusement.

Draco nodded, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Yeah, no doubt on that."

Both of them shared a smile, feeling a rare sense of camaraderie. Druella was glad that they were getting along.

Later that day, Druella made her way to Potions class, following the directions she had given to the girls the previous night. On the way there, she spotted a cat wandering around, though she paid it little mind. As she entered the classroom, she took her seat and quickly set up her cauldron, eager to begin. She positioned her paper and quills just so, ready to begin her work, while the rest of the class continued their conversations.

The door slammed open, and everyone fell silent as Professor Snape strode into the room.

"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class," he intoned, his presence immediately commanding attention. Druella focused intently on his words.

"I don't expect many of you to appreciate the exact art of potion-making," Snape continued, his eyes scanning the class. "However, those select few who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper to death."

Druella listened closely, her curiosity piqued. She was eager to learn more about the craft.

Snape's eyes narrowed, and he turned to Ginny Weasley. "Any questions?" he asked. He seemed to be waiting for someone to speak up.

Ginny hesitated. "What would I get if I added powder of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Before Ginny could answer, Druella spoke up, unable to resist. "It makes a powerful sleeping potion, as powerful as it is known as the Draught of Living Death," she said quickly.

The class fell silent, and Snape's eyes snapped to Druella. The room was filled with whispers as Snape gave her a long, considering look.

"Forgive me, sir," Druella said, realizing her mistake. "I've known that since I was six," she explained, feeling the weight of the moment.