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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Beatrice's heart was racing as she stood near the edge of the lake, the cold breeze nipping at her skin even through the thick robe. The crowd's cheers and chatter blurred into a hum in her ears, unable to drown out her growing anxiety. She clutched the small bundle of gillyweed in her hand, her knuckles white.
— Bea, you need to breathe, — Theo said softly, his hand resting on her shoulder. — Panicking isn't going to help anyone. —
— I can't breathe, — she hissed, turning to glare at him. — Where's Mattheo? He said he'd be here! He promised. —
Hannah, standing nearby with her arms crossed, frowned. — Maybe he got held up by something. You know how he is, always sneaking around. —
— Not today! — Beatrice snapped, her voice cracking. She looked out over the water, biting her lip. — I can't do this without him. —
—Yes, you can, — Theo said firmly, stepping in front of her and tilting her chin up so she couldn't avoid his gaze. — You've got me. You've got Hannah. —
— But what if...—
— Don't go there, — Theo interrupted, his voice calm but commanding. — You're the strongest person I know, Bea. You've been through worse than this. You can do this. With or without Mattheo. —
Beatrice swallowed hard, her throat tight. She knew Theo was trying to help, but the ache of her brother's absence was like a lead weight in her chest.
— And where is Harry? — She glanced at the bundle of gillyweed, panic flashing in her eyes.
As if on cue, a figure came sprinting through the crowd, his messy black hair unmistakable. — Harry! — Beatrice called, relief flooding her as she waved him over.
— Beatrice! — Harry skidded to a stop in front of her, panting. — I...I overslept, and then Dobby...—
— Not the time, Potter! — Beatrice snapped, shoving the gillyweed into his hands. — Here. You'll need this if you're planning to survive down there. —
Harry blinked at the slimy plant, then looked up at her in confusion. — What is this? —
— The Gillyweed I told you about. I promised I'll give it to you. — she said hurriedly, glancing over her shoulder at the judges. — It'll help you breathe underwater. Trust me. Just eat it before you jump—
Harry stared at her for a moment before nodding. — Thanks, Beatrice. — he muttered, clutching the gillyweed tightly.
Before she could respond, the loud voice of the announcer echoed over the lake.
— Champions, to the starting line! -
— Beatrice, wait...— Hannah started, but Beatrice was already walking toward the lake, her heart hammering in her chest.
