Author's Note: This story was written for The Houses Competition Year 3. Very AU, set in the mid 1960's.
House: Ravenclaw
Year: 7
Category: Additional
Prompt: Following a Dream
Word count: 1197
She stared long at her own reflection in the mirror, and couldn't help but feel the warmth of pride spreading through her veins. She peered at herself in the mirror, instead, a woman glanced back. A woman who had the potential to do anything she wanted, to lead her life in her own way, to have power to change, if only she was given a chance.
Bellatrix gazed longingly in the Mirror of Erised, at her few years older self, just like the one she always dreamt off- independent, powerful yet graceful and courageous. At that moment, all her doubts disappeared. She knew that she would have to work very hard to achieve her goals, would have to face a lot of unjustified discrimination but the Black girl was not ready to give up on her dreams.
Always follow your dreams, dear Bella, always. And don't be afraid to pay the price for them, even if people laugh at you, because these dreams define you. They are yours to cherish, yours to take care of, and yours to bring them to life. Only yours.
Those were the words her grandmother had last spoken to Bella, and those were the words she kept close to her heart. With a final glance at the mirror, she turned away, swiftly making her way towards the dungeons. An idea sparked in her brilliant mind, and Bella was hell-bent to make it work.
The chatter in the Great Hall during breakfast the next day was usual. Everyone was immersed in their own little worlds, some drowning in coffee to make their sleepiness vanish, others looking forward to the day's events.
The chatter, however, stopped as soon as a figure stood in the doorway. Narcissa, who was sitting beside her sister, Andromeda, choked on her pumpkin juice quite violently, when she saw the state of her other sister.
There was Bellatrix, wearing pants and hair all loose instead of tied up! Was Bella out if her mind? If mother saw her in this horrid dress-up, she would be enraged, she would throw a fit, and Druella Black wasn't someone to be crossed with. Her sister, it seemed, wasn't concerned about her life.
"What is all this, Bella?" Narcissa demanded as soon as she took a seat across from her.
"Good morning to you too, Cissy. Wonderful morning it is, isn't it?" Bella's voice was too cheerful according to the crime she had done.
"Don't change the topic!" Narcissa chided, though being the youngest, she was the most rational thinker out of the three.
"What are you wearing Bellatrix?" This time, Heir Lestrange's stern voice interrupted their conversation.
"I'm wearing dress pants, I don't see what the fuss is all about?"
"Pureblood witches aren't allowed to either wear anything except dresses or let their hair down. Your hair is only meant to be touched or seen by your intended one, so why is it on a display like a stupid painting?" Rodolphus was fuming with anger, his face turning to brilliant shades of red.
"Why?" Bella asked in the simplest of words.
"I beg your pardon?"
"My question is, why are women of our society only allowed to wear dresses? Why are we not allowed to cut our hair, or let them down in public? Why is it expected from all women to sit at home and look after the household? The question is simple, WHY?" From the tone she was using, Narcissa was sure that her sister wasn't backing down and if Heir Lestrange told this to his parents, Bella would be in immense trouble. She had to do something, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
Andromeda was surprised that her sister had finally taken such a step. They had always known that Bellatrix was the most stubborn out of them, but the actual courage to voice her opinions was a much-needed change. So sheet her sister talk whilst she took care of the other one.
"Don't you dare stop Bella at this moment, Cissy. She is doing what is right!" Andi whispered quietly.
Bellatrix for her own part realised the attention they had attracted, the whole Great Hall was eerily silent and everyone was desperately waiting to see what will happen next. The silence was better than being laughed at, Bella thought.
Don't be afraid, even if people laugh at you!
With those wise words in her mind, Bella took a deep breath and stood up on the Slytherin dining table, demanding attention.
"Pureblood society is prejudiced." There were several gasps, mostly from her own house and Rodolphus looked murderous.
"It encourages girls to complete their education, to compete for the highest grades, yet doesn't allow them to work after marriage. Our society is prejudiced because the status of a woman is based upon the income of her husband and not her personality. It is hypocritical, where it allows only men to have their own opinions, to have the right to vote, to have the highest say in what happens in the house when it is a woman who runs the household.
"We, girls, are taught from a very young age to talk properly, eat properly, dress properly, learn every chore because you'll have your own house to run someday. We, girls, are taught to suppress all our dreams for the sake of a man we don't even know.
"So my question to you all is simple, why?
"Why do we allow such discrimination? Why are only women giving up the dreams they once wanted to live? Why am I not allowed to work after marriage, to become a lawyer and help others? Why is it assumed that my to-be husband isn't capable of taking over the household duties?"
Bellatrix huffed a breath after ending her speech, she hadn't wanted to get emotional, she just wanted to stir an awakening.
"My point is, that us- girls are an integral part of the human race. We have the same rights as men do. Wehave the right to think, the right to voice our opinions, the right to dream and the right to chase those dreams. It is time for us- girls, to change the course of tides."
Andromeda released her hold on Narcissa's shoulder, giving her the freedom to speak, but, as expected, no words came out.
"Bellatrix, if you don't step down right this instance and stop with this insolence, consider our engagement over." Rodolphus gave her an ultimatum, but Bella's stance didn't falter in the slightest. With a huff of disgust, he left the hall, with his friends right behind him.
Don't be afraid to pay the price! Don't lose hope in your dreams!
There was a sound of applause and her attention immediately turned towards the head table, where Dumbledore stood, proud of the stand she had taken. She had never liked the headmaster before, nor had ever talked to him, so the gesture was obviously unexpectedly surprising. The Gryffindors' soon joined the headmaster, followed by the Ravens and the Puffs.
He raised his glass for a toast,
"To following your dreams!"
"To following your dreams!" everyone cheered in reply.
Always follow your dreams, dear Bella, always!