Druella blushed slightly at her aunt's emphasis on "personal care," all too aware that it had been directed at her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, but her gaze remained fixed on Narcissa. She couldn't help but wonder what "personal care" really meant.

Narcissa's eyes seemed to linger on Druella for a moment longer before she continued. "Outside trips will be strictly regulated," she added. "I advise against leaving the school grounds without permission."

Her aunt's tone softened as she spoke again. "Gone are the days of division and rivalry between houses. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff will unite in pursuit of knowledge and excellence. All of you will be allowed to sit at whatever table you want. It's important to be united. I encourage you all to join in on being united."

Druella's eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in. But she was glad since she had an opportunity to sit with her friends aside from her cousin, who had been nothing but mean to her last summer. The hall seemed to fill with a sense of optimism at the idea of unity.

Narcissa's voice turned more empathetic, as though attempting to placate the students. "We'll provide mental health support, acknowledging the pressures of Hogwarts life."

Druella's expression hardened. Mental health support? Her mind raced, trying to figure out her aunt's true intentions. Was this really about helping students, or was it just another means of control?

As Narcissa outlined the new counselling systems, workshops, and stress management programs, Druella felt a growing unease settle in her chest. Something didn't feel right about it all. It felt too... orchestrated. But what was her aunt planning?

Narcissa stood tall, her composure unshaken. "I have another announcement to make. As Headmistress, I have decided to remove Muggle Studies from the curriculum."

At those words, protests erupted from the students, their voices rising in shock and disbelief. Druella couldn't help but feel a sly smile tug at her lips. In Druella's viewpoint, the elimination of Muggle Studies had been long overdue. That class had been nothing but a mockery of the wizarding world—a waste of time. But there was a personal satisfaction in knowing that the professor who had so boldly criticized her mother was now out of the picture. Serves her right, Druella thought, her eyes gleaming with a quiet satisfaction.

For a moment, the noise in the hall grew louder, with students arguing amongst themselves about the removal. But Narcissa stood firm, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of her lips as she watched the reactions unfold.

Druella leaned back in her seat, her mind whirling. Her aunt's rule over Hogwarts was only just beginning, and it was clear that there was much more to come.

Amidst the growing uproar, Neville stood up, his face flushed with determination. "That's not fair! We have the right to learn about Muggles!"

Druella shot him a pleading look, her voice steady yet calm as she whispered, "Neville, sit down!"

He turned to her, defiance burning in his eyes. "No, Druella! This is important! She can't just eliminate Muggle Studies!"

Druella's anxiety spiked. She could feel the tension in the room escalating, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on her chest. The flickering stares of her classmates, the anger and frustration in the air, only heightened the unease creeping up her spine. She knew that challenging her aunt—especially in front of everyone—would only make things worse. If Narcissa got angry, she'd be isolated from Neville, a consequence Druella couldn't bear. "Neville, I understand you're upset, but now is not the time or place. Please sit down."

For a brief moment, Neville's frustration was palpable. His cheeks flushed with indignation, his fists clenched at his sides, and his shoulders were rigid with anger. But with a huff, he finally relented and sat back down, though his brow remained furrowed, eyes burning with defiance.

The Black Legacy Azkaban's Embrace (Book 2)Where stories live. Discover now