The Black Legacy The Rise of Bellatrix's Prodigy

Seizing Control

In Professor Lockhart's class, the door suddenly swung open, and an Auror stepped inside. "We need Druella Black." Lockhart turned to them, his eyes wide with concern. "Yes, please, Druella, go now... please," he said, looking terrified. "Please go with the Auror. Leave, please." Druella complied, grinning as she stood up and walked out.

The Auror looked at her curiously. "What was that about?" he asked.

Druella shrugged her shoulders, not offering much of an answer. They made their way to Dumbledore's office, and once inside, she was instructed to remain seated. The Minister, standing next to Dumbledore, began to explain the reason for her presence. Turning to Dumbledore, the Minister spoke clearly, "You know why we are here."

Dumbledore gave a short nod, then turned to Druella. "Druella, you don't need to see this. Please leave."

Druella nearly stood up but was stopped when her aunt, still standing beside her, placed a hand firmly on her shoulder. "Druella stays," Aunt Narcissa said, her voice calm but unwavering.

Druella looked up at her aunt, then turned back to Dumbledore. "I'm sorry, but I have to stay. I have to listen to my aunt," she said, her tone respectful yet firm.

Dumbledore's expression remained neutral. "You don't need to be here right now. This isn't going to go well," he warned.

Before Druella could respond, her aunt hushed her gently. "Druella, it's okay. The Minister and I will handle this. Right now, you're staying, but we are getting it under control."

Druella stayed silent as the conversation continued. Aunt Narcissa looked at Dumbledore with a knowing gaze and said, "I know what's best for these students."

Dumbledore shot back, "You're going to do this."

The Minister, growing impatient, interrupted, "Enough, Albus. I have always respected you, but my hands are tied. So many parents have complained. You didn't inform them, you have not taken care of this, and we have voted. It gives me no pleasure to say you're dismissed. Narcissa Malfoy will be filling your position."

Dumbledore didn't respond immediately, his eyes meeting Aunt Narcissa's and then shifting to Druella. The room felt charged with tension, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. Druella glanced at Dumbledore, trying to gauge his thoughts. As she stared at him, something shifted in her mind. She recalled their first conversation and a sudden realization struck her. What are you afraid of?

Her gaze sharpened as she tried to pierce through his mental defences. Her eyes widened in shock as the answer became clear. It's... me... you're afraid of... me.

She quickly turned away from Dumbledore's intense stare, her heart racing. Narcissa, sensing something was amiss, looked at her with concern. "Something wrong, Druella?" she asked softly.

Druella shook her head, trying to suppress her thoughts. "No," she whispered.

The Minister spoke again, his voice decisive. "You have a week to pack your things and leave. If you don't, you will be arrested."

Dumbledore glanced at the Minister, then turned toward Narcissa and Druella. "I guess that's that," he said, his voice tinged with resignation. Without saying another word, he began to walk away.

Before he left, Narcissa called out, her voice calm but firm, "Albus, I promise that none of your staff will get dismissed. I will take care of the students, and no one is going to get hurt. They will be okay." She reassured him, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Dumbledore almost stood in protest but stopped when Aunt Narcissa held Druella's shoulder a little more firmly. "Druella, I told you to stay," she reminded her gently.