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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Going to dinner that night felt like walking into a lion's den for Beatrice. The moment she stepped into the Great Hall, it was clear that everyone had heard about her and Harry's outburst at Umbridge. Whispers buzzed from every table, and more than a few heads turned to stare at her as she made her way to the Hufflepuff table.
She slumped into her seat between Justin and Susan, trying to make herself as small as possible. Her friends weren't about to let it go, though.
— You've barely been back a day, and you've already got a week's detention? —Justin said, half-exasperated, half-impressed.
— Honestly, Bea, the tryouts are in just a few days! — Susan chimed in, though her scolding tone was undermined by the small smile tugging at her lips. —How are you going to manage juggling detentions and being a drill sergeant on the pitch?—
Hannah leaned across the table, her voice softer but no less pointed. —We're not saying you were wrong. What you said, about Cedric, it was brave. But, Bea, you have to pick your battles.—
—I know,— Beatrice groaned, burying her face in her hands. —It's not like I planned on blowing up at her. She called Cedric's death an accident. How was I supposed to stay quiet?—
—She's right, — Leanne said firmly, surprising the group. — What you did was important. No one else would have had the guts to stand up to that... toad.—
That got a laugh out of Beatrice, albeit a small one. — Thanks, Leanne. But I really don't think she's going to let me off easy for this.—
— Of course not. — Justin said with a wry grin. — But hey, at least you and Harry have something in common now, detentions with Umbridge.—
They all laughed at that, and for the first time that evening, Beatrice felt a little lighter. Still, as the conversations around her continued, she couldn't shake the weight of knowing her words were now the center of school gossip.
The next day was, mercifully, calmer. The routine of classes helped ground Beatrice, giving her a welcome distraction from the chaos of the previous evening. Charms was a breeze, with Professor Flitwick's cheerful demeanor setting a pleasant tone for the morning.
Transfiguration, however, required more focus. McGonagall wasn't the kind of professor to tolerate distracted students, and Beatrice wasn't about to give her another reason to scold her.
Care of Magical Creatures brought its own challenges, but Beatrice found herself enjoying the fresh air and the chance to interact with the creatures Professor Grubbly-Plank had prepared for them that day, apparently Hagrid was on a trip.
By the time Herbology rolled around, Beatrice was feeling a little more like herself. She spent most of the day glued to Hannah's side, knowing her best friend had an uncanny ability to keep her grounded. Every time someone so much as hinted at the events in Umbridge's class, Hannah was quick to redirect the conversation, keeping Bea from losing her temper again.
