“It doesn’t matter,” Vera smiled slightly, “Cousin Draco.”
She deliberately dragged out her tone slightly on the address, and sure enough, she saw a faint resentment on Draco’s expression.
However, Narcissa’s expression relaxed a lot, and she put on a very proper elder’s posture to care: “Vera, regarding your… special condition, is there any arrangement from Hogwarts?”
“Thank you for your concern, Aunt.
I have already written a letter to Headmaster Dumbledore.” Vera replied calmly, “I believe the school will make proper arrangements.”
Hearing Dumbledore’s name, Narcissa’s body stiffened imperceptibly for a moment, then quickly returned to calm: “Of course, Hogwarts will take good care of every student. However…”
Her gaze fell on Vera’s legs, “As one of the school governors, Lucius can also provide some help. Of course, on the premise that you need it.”
Vera heard the implication in her words—the Malfoy Family was willing to provide help, but once accepted, it would be equivalent to standing with them.
“Thank you for Aunt’s kindness.” Vera responded calmly, “If there is a need, I will contact you.”
Narcissa seemed quite satisfied with this answer, and she stood up gracefully: “It’s getting late, we should take our leave. Draco, say goodbye to your cousin.”
Draco stepped forward reluctantly: “Goodbye, Cousin Vera.”
Vera noticed that the look he cast at her still carried a bit of unconquered spirit, but at least it was much more restrained than yesterday.
“See you at school, cousin.” She replied calmly.
Seeing off the Malfoy mother and son, Vera moved her wheelchair, watched through the window as the mother and son disappeared at the front gate, and sighed softly.
“Miss Vera… doesn’t like them?” Kreacher asked cautiously.
In his heart, although his master was the daughter of the most respected Master Regulus, after years of subtle influence, Kreacher had a special fondness for Narcissa and her son, who were pure-blood and cousins of the Black Family.
Vera withdrew her gaze: “It’s not a matter of liking or disliking, Kreacher. To us, they are just relatives we need to keep a distance from.”
Kreacher’s large ears twitched, hesitant to speak. Find the original chapter at g.com.
Vera glanced at him and reminded him in a raised voice: “I know what you’re thinking, but no matter what, the Black Family now only has me left.”
The House-elf trembled, lowering his head, his voice husky: “Kreacher will forever be loyal to the Black family… loyal to Miss.”
In the original book, when Sirius returned to the Black Family, because he was close to the people of the Order of the Phoenix and deeply detested returning to the Black Family himself, his attitude towards Kreacher wasn’t very good either.
This was also one of the reasons that led Kreacher to seize the loophole in his orders and indirectly cause Sirius’s death.
But Vera was different—she was neither a rebel like Sirius who detested family traditions, nor a crazy pure-blood supremacist like Bellatrix.
She just… needed to utilize every available resource.
Therefore, upon learning that Narcissa was coming as a guest, she had already prepared to give special guidance to the House-elf.
Reminding him to remember… exactly who his only loyal master was.
Watching Kreacher’s bow where his nose was almost touching the floor, Vera lightly told him to get up and prepared to go to the training room.
“Wait a moment, Miss,” Kreacher hurriedly took out a reply letter: “Just a short while ago, Headmaster Dumbledore’s reply arrived.”
Vera raised her eyebrows, took the parchment carrying a faint lemon fragrance, broke the wax seal, and Dumbledore’s handwriting leaped into view:
“Dear Miss Black: Thank you for your letter. Hogwarts welcomes every child with magical talent, regardless of their physical condition. Regarding your special needs, I have already discussed solutions with Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. The school will cast a powerful Levitation Charm on your wheelchair, and after your sorting, will arrange a special dormitory location for you. In addition, if you are willing, I will ask Madam Pomfrey and Potion Class Professor Severus Snape to visit next Monday to conduct a comprehensive check-up for you. Looking forward to your reply. Yours faithfully,”
“Albus Dumbledore”
Vera gently folded the letter, a hint of a smile appearing at the corners of her lips.
Dumbledore’s reply was within expectations; this greatest Wizard of the modern age never refused any student in need of legitimate help.
“Does Miss wish to reply?” Kreacher asked in a low voice.
“Of course.” Vera picked up the quill and wrote a brief reply on the parchment, expressing gratitude for Dumbledore’s arrangements and confirming that she would await the visit of Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape on time.
After Kreacher sent off the reply, Vera pushed her wheelchair to the training room, continuing her path of leveling up.
In the following days, Vera poured almost her entire heart and soul into practice. Find the original chapter at g.com.
Every early morning, with Kreacher’s help, she would head to the training room, not returning to her bedroom until late at night.
Aided by the Magic Circuit and Ancient Magic, her speed of progress far surpassed ordinary Wizards, and her control over the Magic Circuit became increasingly proficient.
Besides the basic Severing Charm, she also learned the Levitation Charm, the Leg-Locker Curse, and a few simple defensive spells through Magic Tracing.
As for anything more profound, it was somewhat unsustainable for her at present.
As the frequency of use increased, the Magic Circuit also successfully upgraded to [Awakening Intermediate], and the upper limit of her mana reserve increased from the initial 30 points to 50 points, with her recovery rate also rising to 13/hour.
It is estimated that by the start of school, she will be able to master most of the basic spells listed in “The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1”, and the Magic Circuit will also be able to reach the [Awakening Advanced] level.
…
When Monday morning arrived, Vera got up early, changed into a simple robe, and neatly tied her hair behind her head.
Kreacher prepared a lavish breakfast for her, but she only took a few casual bites before pushing her wheelchair to the living room to wait.
It was still early before the agreed time, so Vera simply took a copy of “A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration” to flip through and pass the time.
Until exactly ten o’clock in the morning, the flames in the fireplace suddenly turned emerald green, and accompanied by a soft sound of Floo powder, two figures walked out of the fireplace.
First was a kind-faced Witch wearing neat Healer’s robes, her graying hair pinned into a simple bun.
Following closely behind was a Black-robed Wizard with a gloomy expression, greasy Black hair, and a hooked nose casting a shadow over his pale face.
“Good morning, Miss Black.” The Witch stepped forward with a smile, “I am Poppy Pomfrey, the school nurse of Hogwarts, and this is Professor Severus Snape.”
Vera closed the book and saw that this double agent was currently sizing her up with a scrutinizing gaze.
Did he think of Regulus, who had been a Death Eater back then?
She met his gaze without any fear.