Chains of Protection

                                    

                                          
Druella's heart was still racing from the unexpected encounter. The nerves hadn't fully left her, and the sheer surprise of facing Lucius—well, his Boggart version—had left her feeling both anxious and accomplished. She had done it. But now, she had to tell Narcissa. The thought of her aunt's reaction was both terrifying and exciting. She had practiced what to say a hundred times, but she still wasn't entirely sure how it would go.
As Druella entered Narcissa's office, she found Amaryllis and Percival Parkinson in the middle of an intense discussion. Narcissa stood firmly between them, her voice crisp and commanding as she addressed the couple. "You two need to stop. Can't you see my niece is here?"
Amaryllis turned and raised an eyebrow upon noticing Druella her stomach was fat not what Druella had remembered before. "So, this is the girl my daughter's been bullying," she remarked condescendingly.
Druella didn't flinch, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "Yes, I am."
What happened next shocked her completely. Amaryllis—this woman who had been involved with her uncle, who had once tormented her—approached and unexpectedly hugged her. The warmth of the embrace caught Druella off guard, leaving her frozen in place.
"You have some nerve," Druella muttered, her voice sharp but soft, as Amaryllis pulled back.
Amaryllis patted her back lightly, her tone laced with irony. "I know."
Narcissa stepped forward, her protective instincts kicking in. "Take your hands off my niece," she commanded firmly. Amaryllis released her hold, adjusting her dress and fur stole.
"I know my daughter's done much harm to you," Amaryllis said, her gaze flicking briefly to Narcissa. "My apologies for her reckless behavior."
Druella, still stunned, stepped back, glancing at Narcissa. Amaryllis nodded to her before wishing her a good night and leaving, the door closing softly behind them. Once the sound echoed in the room, Narcissa turned to Druella with a raised brow.
"Well, what was it you were going to tell me?" Narcissa asked, her voice smooth but curious.
Druella hesitated, swallowing her nerves. She had practiced this a thousand times, but now that the moment was here, it was hard to form the words. "Well, Professor Lupin may have taken me to face a Boggart," she said, her tone hesitant, and then added quickly, "I faced it, and I didn't get a scratch. It was Lucius."
Narcissa stood still for a long moment, her gaze intense. Druella expected some form of reprimand, some sign of anger. But instead, her aunt did something entirely unexpected. She wrapped her arms around Druella, pulling her into a warm, tight hug.
"How marvelous!" Narcissa exclaimed, her voice full of genuine pride and joy. Druella stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do with the embrace.
"You're not mad?" Druella asked, her voice small, as she finally returned the hug, her arms hesitantly wrapping around Narcissa.
"No, darling," Narcissa replied, her voice soft. "You were with a professor, and I'm certain Professor Lupin praised your work. You handled the situation perfectly." She patted Druella's back lovingly, her fingers brushing gently down her spine as she pulled back to look at her niece.
"And facing that two-timing bastard..." Narcissa's lips twitched with a touch of dark amusement. "And even using Allanah's clothes! Oh, my Merlin, priceless!" Narcissa chuckled, and Druella couldn't help but laugh along, the tension finally lifting from her shoulders.
"Now, let's have some tea to celebrate. You've earned it, darling."
Druella nodded eagerly, her face lighting up at the idea. She was still surprised by how easily Narcissa had embraced the situation. As they sat down, Narcissa poured the tea with elegance, her movements graceful, as always. The smell of her famous biscuits filled the room, and Druella's mouth watered at the familiar scent.