Beatrice Lestrange has always been an outsider in her own story. Born into one of the darkest families in the wizarding world, she grew up under the looming shadow of her infamous mother Bellatrix Lestrange.
Despite this, Beatrice is nothing like th...
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The following week found Beatrice gathered in a large, somewhat cramped classroom alongside her fellow Hufflepuffs from fourth to seventh year. The space had been cleared of chairs and desks, leaving an open area in the middle where Professor Sprout stood, beaming at the group. The room buzzed with curiosity and nervous whispers as everyone tried to figure out why they'd been called together.
— Quiet down, everyone! — Professor Sprout called, clapping her hands to silence the group. — Now, as many of you may have heard, there will be a Yule Ball held this Christmas. —
Excited murmurs broke out at the announcement, but Sprout continued without pause, her voice steady and firm.
— This is a wonderful opportunity for Hogwarts students to come together and celebrate. And as proud Hufflepuffs, I expect all of you to represent our house with dignity and grace. That means...— she paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd, — you'll all need to know how to dance.—
A collective groan rippled through the students, though a few giggles and whispers of excitement could be heard from the girls' side of the room.
— None of that now, — Professor Sprout said, raising an eyebrow. — Dancing is a life skill, and you'll thank me for it later. Today, we're going to practice.—
Beatrice exchanged an amused glance with Hannah, who was already stifling a laugh. On the boys' side, Zacharias Smith leaned against the wall, clearly unimpressed.
— Oh, great,— Zach muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear, his tone dripping with sarcasm. — Because dancing is exactly what we need to survive out there in the real world.—
The room fell silent, all eyes snapping to Professor Sprout. Her warm smile didn't falter, but her tone gained a sharp edge.
— Well, Mr. Smith, — she said, stepping toward him, — since you're so eager to share your thoughts, why don't you help me demonstrate for the class? —
Zach's smug expression vanished in an instant. — W-what? Me? No, I—
— No arguing, — Sprout interrupted, gesturing for him to step forward. — Come now, don't be shy —
The girls' side erupted into laughter as Zach was reluctantly dragged into the center of the room.
— And who shall be your partner? — Professor Sprout mused, her gaze scanning the crowd. Her eyes landed on Hannah. — Ah, Miss Abbot! You'll do nicely. -
Hannah, caught mid-laugh, froze. Her smile quickly morphed into a look of sheer disbelief. — Me? — she asked, pointing to herself.
— Yes, dear, — Professor Sprout said kindly. — I'm sure you'll show Zacharias how to lead with grace. —
Hannah shot Beatrice a betrayed look as she was gently pushed forward by some of the other girls. — Oh, come on, — she muttered under her breath as she reached the center of the room.
