✷ Chapter Four, I Don't Obey
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DUMBLEDORE WAS STUPIDLY CALM.

Capella, standing in Dumbledore's office, couldn't fathom the calm demeanor of the aging headmaster. A loyal member of the Opposition had been injured by a Death Eater's daughter – it should have been a cause for outrage, for stern reprimands. Yet, Dumbledore's measured tone only fueled her frustration.

"Listen, Miss Lestrange. I know things have been hard. Ever since your sister left, your grades have dropped off the charts," Dumbledore remarked, his curious intonation further stoking Capella's anger.

"Why in Circe's sake do you know of my family problems? Who are you to comment on my family?" Capella interrupted, her voice sharp with defiance. The boundaries between the personal and the academic blurred, leaving her grappling with the unsettling realization that even the venerable Dumbledore held knowledge of her familial struggles.

Dumbledore regarded Capella with a steady gaze, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a wisdom that transcended the mundane boundaries of a student's life. "Miss Lestrange," he began calmly, "as the headmaster of Hogwarts, I bear the responsibility of understanding the challenges that touch the lives of my students. Family troubles, especially those entwined with the fabric of wizarding society, inevitably find their way into the tapestry of our educational journey."

Capella felt a peculiar mix of defiance and begrudging acknowledgment. Dumbledore's words, though rational, were a stark reminder that within the hallowed walls of Hogwarts, the personal and the magical were inseparable, and her journey held a unique resonance in the intricate web of the wizarding world.

Dumbledore continued, "Your family, like many others, plays a significant role in the intricate dance of wizarding affairs. It is my duty to guide and support you through these complexities. However, your recent actions demand reflection and responsibility. The incident in the potions classroom cannot be dismissed lightly, and consequences will follow. Hogwarts is not just a school; it's a sanctuary for learning and growth. We must navigate its challenges with both academic vigor and personal integrity."

Capella, torn between frustration and a begrudging understanding, listened to Dumbledore's words. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air, emphasizing that her actions had repercussions beyond her own tumultuous family saga.

Dumbledore, after a moment of thoughtful silence, revealed Capella's punishment. "Considering the severity of the incident, you will be placed on academic probation. Your participation in extracurricular activities will be suspended temporarily. Additionally, you'll attend regular counseling sessions to address the underlying issues affecting your academic performance and behavior. It is crucial to mend the fractures that have surfaced in the wake of your sister's departure."

Capella, though resentful of the consequences, recognized the necessity for introspection. The specter of academic probation loomed, demanding not only improved grades but also a more profound understanding of the intricate balance between personal struggles and the responsibilities inherent in her role as a student of Hogwarts.

Dumbledore, acknowledging Capella's concerns, reassured her, "Rest assured, Miss Lestrange, your counselor will be someone with a deep understanding of the complexities you face. We aim for a meaningful and constructive approach to help you navigate through the challenges ahead. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and we will ensure that the counseling sessions are tailored to address the unique circumstances surrounding your family and personal struggles."

With a nod from Dumbledore, a distinguished figure stepped forward – Professor Seraphina Nightshade, a witch well-versed in the 1970s counterculture and a keen advocate for holistic student support. Her office, adorned with psychedelic posters and the distant echoes of '70s rock music, offered a distinctive flair to the counseling environment.

Capella, initially skeptical, found herself intrigued by Professor Nightshade's unconventional approach. "Alright, Headmaster. If Nightshade understands that I'm not looking for some sugar-coated nonsense, we might just get along," she remarked with a sardonic grin.

✷

Regulus, glancing across the Great Hall during dinner, leaned in slightly and inquired, "Capella, what was your punishment for the incident in the potions classroom?"

Capella, taking a deliberate pause, raised an eyebrow and replied with a touch of attitude, "Oh, just a delightful stroll down academic probation lane, a brief hiatus from extracurricular escapades, and the pleasure of sharing my inner thoughts with Professor Nightshade, our charming '70s aficionado counselor. Hogwarts is truly a haven of delights, Regulus." Her tone, tinged with sarcasm, hinted at the complexities she was navigating with a healthy dose of rebellious humor.

Regulus, genuinely concerned, protested, "But it wasn't even your fault. Melinda or whatever her name was – she cast the spell and determined her own fate. Does this mean you can't go to the Slug Club?"

Capella, her eyes reflecting a mix of irritation and resignation, clarified, "No, but it does mean I cannot watch Quidditch games until Samhain, no Hogsmeade until then, and no participating in Duelling Club. Additionally, my admission to Advanced Astronomy and Magical Arts has been rescinded, and in its place, I have the dubious pleasure of taking Muggle Poetry for a semester." The litany of restrictions, delivered with a dry tone, painted a vivid picture of the sacrifices imposed upon her.

Capella, observing the black mark on Regulus's forearm, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "I can't believe you won't be supporting us at the opening game," Regulus muttered as he reached for some bread and butter. Before she could comment on the mysterious mark, he withdrew his arm abruptly, snapping, "Mind your business, Lestrange." The abrupt shift in his demeanor left her with lingering questions, but she opted to respect his privacy, albeit with a subtle air of suspicion.

Capella, though familiar with the secrets and shadows that danced within wizarding society, chose to let Regulus's enigmatic response linger in the air. The subtle black mark on his forearm raised suspicions, echoing the ominous tales she'd heard about the Mark of the Death Eaters. As she continued her dinner, a shroud of quiet understanding veiled her expression, hinting that beneath their banter and shared concerns, a deeper acknowledgment of Regulus's clandestine affiliations existed – a knowledge that, for now, remained unspoken.

✷

After her final class, a surprising revelation awaited Capella – Lord Ackerman had decided not to press charges against her. The news arrived in the form of a letter from Callum, whose words were a disheartening mix of disappointment and disdain. He expressed regret that the "feeble and slow half-blood horse" had not met a more unfortunate fate and suggested Capella should have tried harder. In response, she penned a curt note, clarifying that such endeavors were not her aim.

Callum's next words hinted at deeper intrigues within the Death Eater circles. He mentioned their father's waning influence and the potential need for a new alliance. Capella, puzzled and intrigued, found herself contemplating the cryptic message and the shifting dynamics within the inner circle of the Death Eaters. The winds of change whispered through her family's dark legacy, leaving her to wonder what alliances and consequences awaited on the horizon.

In the dimly lit room at the back of the infirmary, Capella found herself face to face with Professor Seraphina Nightshade, a figure who embodied a dual existence – counselor by day and professor of advanced astronomy by night. The air between them crackled with tension as Seraphina leaned in, her words carrying a mix of curiosity and accusation.

"Of all people, why did you choose Melissa Ackerman to punish?" Seraphina questioned, her gaze unwavering. "Capella, everyone in the castle, in the wizarding world knows that you are a patent for dark magic. It lives in you and feasts on your very soul and mind. I will always hold this against you."

Capella, taken aback by the candid assessment, gasped as Seraphina continued, "But over time, I think you and I will be very close friends, seeing that we have much in common. However, I think the one thing you want is back in my department. My best teachers are removing your name from the admission list to the 'no-entry' list. Until I sign that paper clearing you from academic probation, you are stuck in here, admitting your stubborn, dark, and bitter feelings to me, a member of the light side. That's the worst thing in the world for you." The weight of Seraphina's words settled in the room, signaling a challenging journey ahead for Capella, entwined with both magical and personal complexities.

Seraphina Nightshade, her gaze piercing through the shadows, broke the silence with a steely resolve. "So let's get started, shall we?" The air in the room seemed to shift as Capella braced herself for the challenging journey of self-reflection and redemption that lay ahead

In the ensuing hours, Capella found herself navigating the corridors of her own psyche under the scrutiny of Professor Nightshade. Each revelation, every admission of bitterness and defiance, felt like peeling back layers of her own dark tapestry. Seraphina, an adept guide through the tumultuous landscapes of Capella's emotions, probed delicately yet persistently. As the confessions flowed, a tentative connection emerged between them, forged in the crucible of vulnerability and shared struggles.

In the dimly lit room, Capella hesitated before opening up to Professor Nightshade. "It's just... my family is a mess," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of unresolved emotions.

Seraphina leaned in, encouraging her to share more. "Family complications can be challenging. Can you tell me more about your relationship with your father?"

Capella sighed, "He's obsessed with maintaining the family's dark legacy. Ever since Pandora left, it's like I'm drowning in his expectations."

Professor Nightshade, with a compassionate gaze, asked, "And how does that affect your connection to dark magic?"

Capella, her guard slightly down, confessed, "I feel its pull, like it's a part of me. But I don't want it to define who I am."

Their conversation wove through the intricacies of Capella's struggles, unveiling layers of vulnerability and resilience, as Professor Nightshade skillfully guided her toward a path of self-discovery and redemption.

As Capella shared more about her family and her complex ties to dark magic, Professor Nightshade's response carried a subtle yet firm attitude toward the shadows that enveloped them. "Dark magic is a formidable force, Capella," she remarked, her tone a mix of caution and understanding. "But remember, you have the power to shape your own destiny. It's not about denying your connection; it's about channeling it with intention."

Capella, absorbing the words, replied thoughtfully, "I just want to break free from this legacy, you know? Be something more than what my family expects."

Professor Nightshade nodded, her eyes reflecting a glint of determination. "Breaking free doesn't mean erasing your past. It means forging a path that's uniquely yours, one that transcends the shadows without dismissing them entirely." Their dialogue continued, weaving through the delicate balance of acknowledging the darkness within while striving for a brighter, self-defined future.

"But remember, your only source of greater shame is that when you walk out of here, whether it's tomorrow or next month, you will always be a Lestrange, and their bad qualities will always outshine your good qualities," Professor Nightshade said with a stern gaze, laying bare the harsh reality before dismissing Capella. The weight of her words lingered, echoing the formidable challenge that awaited Capella beyond the confines of that dimly lit room.

✷

AUTHOR'S NOTE━━━━━━━
i twist , you turn , who's the first to burn?

oop, was that the most important chapter in this book? nope. but it's close