The Malfoy Era

                                    

                                          
Druella walked into the Grand Hall, her mind focused and determined to keep a low profile amidst the quiet whispers and suspicious glances that followed her. The news about her ability to resist the Dementors had spread, and many students looked at her as if she were some strange creature. She scanned the room but concentrated on finding her seat. As she walked slowly, her fellow Slytherins cast her curious looks, intrigued by her newfound powers. No one else seemed capable of repelling Dementors, yet she was unaffected by them. Druella sighed to herself, thinking, "Alright, let's get this done so I can go to bed."
At the Slytherin table, she sat beside Draco, who Pansy flanked. Pansy sent Druella a snickering look, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, the Prodigy with the Slytherins?"
Druella turned to her, her expression cold and unamused. "Not in the mood, Parkinson."
Pansy rolled her eyes in response, and Druella shifted her gaze to the sea of students around her, who were all caught up in their conversations. Despite the lively chatter, Druella's attention remained divided—part of her alert to the undercurrents of the crowd's behavior, part of her lost in thought about the power surging within her.
Then, Professor Snape the new Deputy Headmaster's stern voice cut through the noise, silencing the hall instantly.
"Students, faculty, and honoured guests, I present our new Headmistress, Narcissa Malfoy."
Druella's gaze snapped up. Her aunt entered, her transformation striking. Narcissa's appearance was immaculate: a sleek, flowy bun, elegant emerald robes, and a sparkling diamond necklace that caught the light. The change in her was both subtle and dramatic. Draco beamed beside her, his pride obvious, while Ron's voice, barely above a whisper, reached Druella's ears. "Blimey, it's her!"
Hermione shot Ron a warning glance, his concern was evident, but Druella couldn't help but observe the way people reacted to Narcissa's presence. The room was full of mixed reactions, some respectful, others uncertain.
Fred and George Weasley, sitting nearby, exchanged mischievous glances. Fred whispered, "Looks like she's trying to outdo Mum's best gowns." George chuckled. "Narcissa's gone from the Dark witch to fashion icon."
Ron stifled a snicker, but Druella signalled him to keep quiet as Narcissa took the stage. Her aunt's voice rang out, authoritative yet calm. "Hello students, I am Narcissa Malfoy, but I go by Professor Malfoy or Headmistress. I am delighted to lead this school into greatness."
The atmosphere in the hall was thick with apprehension, as the crowd appeared perplexed, murmurs of uncertainty swirling in the air. Narcissa stood at the front, her presence commanding yet tinged with the shadows of her past. Her words resonated with authority, but the audience struggled to reconcile her new role as Headmistress with her previous affiliations in the wizarding world, leaving many feeling uneasy and unsure. 
Among the first-year students awaiting their turn to be sorted by the iconic Sorting Hat, several were in tears, their faces a mixture of fear and confusion regarding the new headmistress. Some had been ushered onto the train by anxious parents, who hoped to provide their children with the opportunity to embrace the unknown, despite the unsettling circumstances surrounding Narcissa's installation. 
These parents were well aware of Narcissa's charitable contributions, which had positively impacted many within their community. Her generosity had reached a number of struggling families, creating a sense of conflicted gratitude. As Narcissa scanned the room, her gaze fell upon the tearful first years. With a gentle smile, she sought to reassure them, hoping to bridge the gap between her past and the future she envisioned for the school."I am aware this is scary," Narcissa continued, her eyes scanning the room, "but I assure you all that positive changes will occur."