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

Guess you're full of surprises, Druella

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 hesitated and took a seat with them. She was curious why Draco wanted her to sit with him given that he's been rude to her on the train ride.

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 a Gryffindor boy's she heard was named Seamus Finnigan voice. "Look, everyone, Weasley's got himself a howler."

Ron, 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. "HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED. YOUR FATHER IS NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT. IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME."

Druella laughed before putting a spoon in her mouth. 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 no mind to. 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 gasped and was eager to learn more about the craft.

Druella listened closely, her curiosity piqued as Professor Snape's lecture on advanced potion-making began. The room was heavy with the scent of simmering ingredients, and her sharp mind eagerly absorbed every word. When Snape's dark gaze swept over the classroom, she kept her expression calm, determined to make a good impression on her first day.

Snape's eyes narrowed, and he turned to Ginny Weasley. "What would I get if I added powdered asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" he asked, singling her out with a sharp tone. Ginny fidgeted nervously, clearly unsure of the answer.

Before Ginny could stammer a response, Druella's hand shot up, though she spoke before being called on. "It makes a powerful sleeping potion, sir," she said, her voice steady. "Known as the Draught of Living Death."

The class fell silent, a few students casting curious glances at Druella. Snape's eyes snapped to her, his expression unreadable, though his gaze lingered as if reevaluating her.

"Correct," Snape said coolly, his tone neutral but his posture stiff. He turned his focus back to the class. "Five points from Gryffindor for Miss Weasley's inability to respond." He paused, and his eyes flicked back to Druella. "And Miss Black, do refrain from interrupting. However," his voice softened into a grudging acknowledgment, "it seems you've inherited a considerable aptitude for potions."