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 first day of classes felt like the fresh start Beatrice desperately needed. After the heavy, suffocating atmosphere of Grimmauld Place, Hogwarts seemed brighter, livelier, even magical again. It wasn't that she had forgotten what the castle meant to her, but being back reminded her just how much she had missed its familiar comforts. The echoes of footsteps in the hallways, the warmth of the Hufflepuff common room, and the chatter over meals, all of it felt like home.
That first night back, she and Hannah wasted no time catching up. Once the door to their dormitory closed, Bea let it all out, the Order, the training, the meetings where her voice was drowned out, and, finally, Hermione. She couldn't hold back, spilling every detail about the summer and the moments she had shared with Hermione, from the stolen glances to the kisses that made her cheeks warm just talking about it.
Hannah listened with wide eyes, her excitement barely contained. — Beatrice Lestrange.— she said dramatically, clutching her chest. — You've been holding out on me! I knew it! I knew something was going on with you two! This is huge. —
Bea rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. — It's not... public, Hannah. And it's complicated.—
— Of course, it is. — Hannah said with a knowing grin. — You wouldn't do anything simple. But seriously, Bea, this is so amazing. She's perfect for you. You're perfect for her. Ugh, I'm living for this!—
Despite herself, Bea laughed. — Just... keep it to yourself, okay? We're trying to figure things out, and I don't even know what's next.—
— You can trust me. — Hannah promised, placing a hand over her heart. — But if this turns into some epic love story, I'm taking full credit for being the first to know.—
The next morning, Bea joined her friends at the Hufflepuff table for breakfast. The Great Hall buzzed with the usual energy of the first day of classes, students chatting excitedly, schedules being passed out, and owls swooping down with last-minute deliveries. Bea, however, was focused. A roll of parchment lay in front of her, and she was furiously jotting down notes for the upcoming Hufflepuff Quidditch tryouts.
— Tryouts already? — Justin asked, leaning over to glance at her notes. — It's the first day back, Bea. Give it a rest.—
— They're on Saturday. — Bea said without looking up, her tone leaving no room for argument. — Nine a.m. sharp.—
— On a Saturday morning? — Susan groaned, her fork clattering onto her plate. — You're evil.—
— Efficient. — Bea corrected, tapping her quill against the parchment. — The weather will be decent, and everyone will have had enough time to wake up, but not enough to get distracted by other plans.—
Her friends exchanged wary glances. They all knew Beatrice well enough to understand that she was about to be ten times stricter as a captain than Cedric had ever been. Where Cedric had been encouraging and laid-back, Bea was determined and laser-focused. Whether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen.
