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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Saturday morning brought a flurry of snow outside and a flurry of thoughts inside Beatrice's mind. She was planning on heading to Hogsmeade with Daphne and Pansy to shop for dresses, but her plans were interrupted by two owls swooping into the Hufflepuff common room. One carried a large, beautifully wrapped box, and the other a smaller letter sealed with familiar wax.
Her heart stuttered. The elegant handwriting on the box's label was unmistakably her Aunt Narcissa's, while the parchment in her lap could only belong to Sirius. She set the smaller envelope aside for now, turning her attention to the box.
Beatrice carefully opened the attached letter, her eyes scanning Narcissa's familiar, precise script.
"Dearest Beatrice,
I cannot begin to describe how proud I am of you for your bravery during the first task. When I heard about what you faced, I was overwhelmed with both pride and worry. These tasks are dangerous, and I wish with all my heart that you didn't have to endure them.
But I know you, my darling girl. You have always been strong, resourceful, and determined. You are more than capable of handling whatever comes your way. Still, I want you to know that I think of you every moment and wish I could be there to support you in person.
I've sent you a dress for the Yule Ball. I chose it especially for you, knowing it would highlight how stunning and extraordinary you are. I'm certain Theo will agree. Remember, you are loved more than you can imagine.
With all my love, Aunt Cissy"
Beatrice swallowed hard, blinking back the sudden sting in her eyes. Narcissa's words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Unlike the cold and often detached tone of others in her family, Narcissa's affection felt genuine. The letter wasn't about her achievements or obligations; it was about her. Her well-being, her happiness.
Opening the box, Beatrice's breath caught at the sight of the dress. A masterpiece of emerald green silk and black lace, it was both elegant and daring, perfectly tailored to her style. Her fingers brushed over the fabric, and a small, grateful smile tugged at her lips. Whatever the ball would bring, she felt seen and cared for in a way she didn't expect.
Then her gaze fell to the other letter, the one from Sirius. With a mix of anticipation and hesitation, she broke the seal and began to read.
"Bea,
First off, congratulations on surviving that dragon. Harry's told me all about how you helped him through the first task—he couldn't have done it without you. Said you were brilliant, standing your ground and using some spells he didn't even recognize. He was in awe of how powerful you were, controlling magic like a seasoned pro. You should be proud of yourself—I know I am.
Speaking of Harry, he mentioned how grateful he was for your support. You've always been a good friend to him, Bea, and it means a lot to me that you're looking out for him.
