The Dark Angel

Chapter 1: The First Fight

  It had been almost a year since that meeting and Stella had been growing colder and meaner, deeming her as a true 'Malfoy'. Her father always agreed with her unfeeling behaviour towards the house-elves. She had learned to look down upon other people as her inferiors. She had become a snob but had a grace. This grace made people look towards her when she entered the room. She was really the meaning of her name, she was a firefly. She was the light in the darkness in her family, even though that light was only glowing dimmer and dimmer.
Of course, this was only an act of hers. Inside she was the same, compassionate, hidden girl. She always apologised to the people she hurt in her own mysterious ways. She never mentioned herself and made sure that nobody guessed it was her.
Her parents couldn't be prouder of her new attitude. Her mother was happy that she had dropped her childish behaviour of playing pranks. Her father was assured that his daughter would keep the family name alive and glowing. Her brother was disappointed but happy. He had always known that Stella was kind and gentle unlike the rest of her family. He always supported her and loved her for it. He did not actually believe in the racisms but accepted his father's opinion without hesitation. But now that his younger sister had followed his footsteps, he hesitated. No matter what he said, he felt that it was wrong for her to accept these views. He did not want her to look down to people. He wanted her to love people as equals. But he couldn't bring himself to guide her. How could he when he, himself, was astray!
Soon it was time for the family to decide on their education. Their father wanted Stella to go to Beauxbaton Academy of Magic in France while Draco was to attend Durmstrang Institute. Their mother wanted otherwise. She did not want her children to go so far away. She insisted that they go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Draco seemed content with this proposal but Stella had different views. She did not take no for an answer. This was the first time she threw a tantrum.
"I will only go to Beauxbaton. I will learn how to live and act like a proper lady there. I have heard you say a lot of times about how laidback Hogwarts is. I am not going to some whish-whash school of that kind. I want everybody to look at me with respect when I grow older and I know only Beauxbaton can help me achieve it."
"No! You will not go to that school. Hogwarts is a fine enough school and both of your parents have been educated from it. Do you consider us to be 'whish-whash'?" her mother argued.
Stella knew she had to convince her mother on other terms.
"Oh, mother! All of us know that you and father are only a few people who have been able to keep themselves proper although you have had to be with blood traitors and mudbloods. I do not want such a life. I want the best, not just 'fine enough'. Please think this over for me."
Stella sighed and went to her room. Her admission to Beauxbaton was a matter of utmost importance which was seen by the way she had used the term 'mudblood' for the first time. She knew she had convinced her father and also her mother, but she would take a few more days to accept it. But in the end, she knew, her mother would always give her way to her wishes and demands.
She was very sad considering that could not attend Hogwarts, the castle had its own charm and magic, where she felt at home. But she knew that couldn't attend that beauty, not just that. It was a part of Dumbledore's plan to only introduce her to the school after the incarnation of Lord Voldemort. He called it 'an element of surprise' but she knew there were other reasons. She, however, trusted his judgement and fought hard for her non-placement in the glorious castle.
This was not the only reason for her stubbornness. She wanted to be free from the clutches for her demeanour. She had acted far too long. She had bottled up all her emotions. She knew that she would blow up soon and that necessitated her to be away from her parents as well as her brother. She wanted to start a new name for herself. She didn't want people to know her because she was a Malfoy. She wanted to prove herself. And France, a country far away from England with its own Ministry of Magic, proved to be just the solution.
Following the days of the argument, one could see the tension between the mother and the daughter. On one hand was the mother's ego at her daughter sudden outburst. On the other, was the need for her to act like a mother and give in to her only wish. Her husband too wanted her daughter to go to Beauxbaton, especially now that he had seen her determination. He had chosen his side and was supporting his daughter, probably the only time.
Finally, after a lot of bickering and persuasion, Narcissa Malfoy had given her daughter her wishes. She felt a smile coming towards her face when she saw the joy that came on her daughter when the news was announced to her. The only person sad about it was her twin brother, Draco. How could he be happy when they were parting away? How could he let the person with whom he had shared his whole life just go away? He did not say anything but everybody knew his silence meant disapproval.
"You know you have to let her go someday Draco. She cannot always remain by your side. You have to grow up. I know you are sad, so am I. But you have to see how happy it is making her. Become a big brother and let her go with a smile so she doesn't have any hesitation," said his mother, sitting on the bed next to him.
His mother gave him his space to ponder. After a while, he agreed that his sister's life came before her. This was also the first time he had done something selflessly.