The Black Legacy Druella's Awakening

The Hogwarts Letter Arrives

Druella sat in the living room, engrossed in her book, her focus steady despite the quiet around her. Her mother, having returned, sat nearby, smiling as she watched Druella read. It was a relief to have her back after the absence, and Druella cherished the independence she had regained. Yet, despite her efforts to remain focused, her mother couldn't resist.

Sneaking up behind her, Bellatrix gently tickled Druella's neck with a feather. Druella couldn't help but giggle. "Mother, please stop," she said, stifling her laughter, but Bellatrix just flashed a mischievous smile and continued her teasing.

"Oh, Black Blossom, you're always so serious. Did you miss me while I was away?" she asked, her voice playful.

Druella nodded, and her mother pulled her into a warm embrace. "I missed you too," Bellatrix said softly, her eyes filled with affection. Druella closed her eyes, comforted by the familiar closeness.

Later, Druella went outside to tend to the garden, joined by Narcissa. As they worked together, Narcissa commented, "I'm glad Draco is home."

Druella nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Narcissa's face fell slightly. "It's a shame he wasn't kind to Harry," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Druella sighed. "Yes, I know. We've heard about it all summer."

Narcissa continued, "I heard about how Harry is treated by his family, the Dursleys."

Druella turned to her aunt, puzzled. "What?"

"They used to make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs," Narcissa explained, shaking her head. "It's cruel to treat a child that way."

Druella's expression changed, a mix of horror and anger crossing her face. "Why would they do that?"

Narcissa shrugged, her own frustration evident. "I don't know, but it's unforgivable."

Seeing the anger in Druella's eyes, Narcissa placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you think I'm overprotective, and you don't always get along with Lucius. But we give you a good life, Druella. I made sure Bellatrix stayed with us so you could have a normal life."

Druella looked down at the ground, her thoughts troubled. Narcissa continued, "You should try to befriend Harry. I know you two would make great friends. He has a lot of friends already—maybe you should give it a try."

Druella hesitated, her voice quiet. "But they're Gryffindors. Uncle and Mother have always been skeptical about them. Mother never lets me wear red or yellow clothes." A tear almost slipped from her eye. "What if I end up in Gryffindor? They would reject me."

Narcissa smiled gently, her voice reassuring. "Don't worry about that, Druella."

Druella nodded in agreement, feeling a little lighter.

Later, as they returned inside, Druella went back to the living room to read. She had heard that a professor from Hogwarts might visit soon to deliver her letter, but she wasn't prepared for what Narcissa would say next.

"Have you seen the latest book by Gilderoy Lockhart?" Narcissa asked, clearly impressed by his work.

Druella's face twisted in annoyance. "He's a fraud," she muttered under her breath, loud enough for her aunt to hear.

"Druella! That's not true," Narcissa scolded her, but Druella wasn't convinced.

"Oh, please. He's such a show-off. Always trying to be the center of attention, like he's some actor in a play," Druella said sarcastically, standing up and mimicking his dramatic mannerisms. "Oh, hi, everyone! I'm Lockhart. I love showing off my achievements, focusing on my hair products, signing autographs, fooling the entire wizarding world."