I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely. Positively Nothing at all.
The large room was dimly lit by the flickering flames of multiple jars filled with blue flames floating mid air.
A single figure sat at a sturdy wooden desk, bathed in the soft glow. Long, black curls framed her face and nose, sharp cheekbones denoting her aristocratic background.
The scratching sound of a quill against parchment filled the air, accompanied by occasional dips into the inkwell.
Each stroke soft and deliberate, echoing through the silence of the room. Outside, the faint patter of rain could be heard as it provided a soothing backdrop to the rhythmic writing.
As the figure leaned in, her brow furrowed in concentration, the only movement in the otherwise still scene.
Of course the scene didn't last long as the entrance to the attic was slammed open causing the girl to pause in fright. Turning her head slowly the only movement showing her suprise, her eyes kept watch as a more grown up version of herself tried climbing in.
"Delphini Augery Lestrange! I did not lug you around for 9 months and give birth for you to be a basement dweller! You get down here right now young lady!" The shrill screech rang through the attic causing the girl to shirk minutely.
Unable to stop herself the now named Delphini quiped back immediately. "Actually dear mother. This is what we civilized people call an attic! Though I suppose you wouldn't know any thing about that! You followed a basement dweller all the way down to hell and back afterall!"
Why on earth did I say that?!
Already knowing what would happen she picked up her portkey before taking her parchments. Ignoring the maniac shouting she muttered "Portus" as she was teleported down to the actual basement.
"I really need to know how to keep my mouth shut." Was the first thing that came out of her mouth as she placed her homework down, taking out a readily prepared quill and inkwell hoping she got away.
Taking out a jar she shook it as the light illuminated the empty space.
Taking a seat she began scribbling again happy to be at peace before she looked up breathing quickly seeing the basement door slam open. Scrambling for the next precautionary portkey she quickly muttered the same phrase pailing when it didn't work.
"Damn brat." Bellatrix quickly snatched her by the ear pulling her up stairs to normal people territory.
"I swear you go through labor and never get any thanks! All I asked was for you to get ready to go but noooo. You want to be difficult! "
"Ow! Mother! Be gentle with me!" Delphini immediately whined as she was thrown inside her room.
"When dementors shit rainbows maybe I will! Now get ready to go visit your grandfather! You should feel lucky to go out after that stunt you pulled at school!" She glared at her before stomping out to get ready herself.
"...He is not my grandfather, mother." The girl sighed looking around the room exasperated at her willfully ignorant mother.
The room exuded elegance and sophistication. Soft, rose-colored silk curtains filtered the sunlight that flooded the room.
Ornate golden accents adorn the furniture, from intricately carved chairs to a grand canopy bed draped in rich velvet.
Delicate porcelain vases filled with fragrant blooms to add a touch of freshness to the air.
A majestic chandelier hanged from the ceiling, casting a gentle glow over the room's furnishings. Bookshelves line one wall, filled with leather-bound volumes and ancient tomes, showcasing the girl's intellect and curiosity.
If Delphini could use one word to describe it all? "Awful."
She loved her books and tomes but everything else was far too extravagant and colorful for her to ever like.
Still she'd keep her complaints to herself.
Dragging her feet to her closest she blandly entered looking at the wide array of clothing.
Shaking her head she picked the black skirt and white long sleeve shirt not really caring to much.
Slipping on her shoes she looked at her self nodding. Now that she need to waste no more time on it she could finally finish of her summer homework.
She wished she listened to her mother to do it earlier. Now here she was rushing to get through it, stressing herself on the last week before school.
Wonder what they would say if they saw the 'Prodigy' struggling to finish homework?
She snorted at the thought. Durmstrang was all well and good but she hated how much they worshipped good grades. Merlin forbid you slack a bit. Your professors would be on your ass like a damn tick.
If only I could go to Hogwarts but noooo someone had to pay for the sins of her parent!
"At least it was only one..." She sighed finished scribbling down her thesis already knowing the subject by heart.
Her mother had also been in co-hoots with the same cohort as her 'father' but luckily when she was found to be pregnant, her so called 'grandfather' put a stop to it demanding her back home.
When she refused to listen he took matters into his own hands.
After the fall of Voldemort he was also able to spin the tale of her many crimes and place the blame entirely on her 'father' who was in prison now currently deceased due to a 'rouge dementor'.
Now her mother was free to walk the streets Britain though of course it wasn't smart to do so considering there were still some who didn't believe the foolish 'the contract forced her nonsense.'
While it was true, there were some contracts that could do so to a limited effect, you wouldn't find any like that anymore. However due to the awfully corrupt government and some bribing? Well the results speak for themselves .
Feeling something slither up her she glanced at the tiny black snake feeling her lips twitch up. "Hello Cleopatra? It seems you had a good sleep."
"Yesss. Sssleep good." The snake conveyed before slithering onto the table. Going to sleep again .
Blinking in amusement Delphini said nothing. Couldn't really expect a snake to have more complicated thoughts than that eh?
Sighing she went back to her essay on the many applications of a somnum exterreri. A nightmare jinx. From what she read and experienced herself, the charm was able to bring out memories not even the mind arts could dig up.
So she was sure with a bit of tweaking it could be used in many different way. Of course the problem was finding someone who could actually tweak it.
It was a finicky spell that was already difficult to perform. It had many requirements for intent, mindset and power to use.
That was why she was writing on it. It didn't seem like something anyone could invent in her time and yet no one would be able to deny the points she was making.
Fool proof. She continued writing it out thinking. The repeated sounds of scratching and a quill being dipped rang for quite some time until her room door opened.
"Ready to go?" He mother said all dolled up in her black sleeveless dress, her bossom showing quite a bit.
Is my mother looking for a lover? Was her first thought before she realized she did not care. Well she did, but not too much really.
She was soon back to school afterall. Meaning she wouldn't need to care for quite some time as well.
"I suppose if I said I'd rather die it would not matter?" She inquired first to be sure. Never assume all options were closed until you tried them.
Anything was possible afterall. Though apparently not this time.
"You'd be right. It wouldn't. So let's leave shall we? Were just in time to be late enough to miss the foolish small talk but early enough for the important ones." Bellatrix beckoned her foward.
Getting up slowly, while sighing she let her know exactly how much she didn't want to go as she dragged her feet foward.
Eyes twitching at the snail like speed Bellatrix took 3 strides foward taking her by the arm and with a twist and pop they were off.
A pop heralded their arrival as both teen and woman landed firmly onto their feet.
Delphini however nearly jumped as the house elf immediately appeared in front of them without a single moment of hesitation.
Looking at the creepy twisted smile that appeared onto its wrinkled face Delphini looked away.
"Always a sight for sore eyes aren't you? Kreacher." The girl posed the question sarcastically at the deep amusement of her mother.
The house elf not even able to comprehend the pure one insulting him rubbed his wrinkled hands together in glee.
"Hah- Kreacher is happy Mistress Delphini misses him but that is no good. Kreacher doesn't derserve it." He spoke to her before turning to the amused mother who quickly wiped the smile off her face.
"Mistress Lestrange. Late as always. Please follow Kreacher. The event has started." He beckoned them foward leading the way.
Glancing around Delphini also saw other house elves doing the same. Though it was only about 3 or 4 people.
Coming upon the grand entrance they stopped at the stand obviously waiting for the doorman.
"Name?" He questioned with utmost respect. He had to if he didn't want to offend a good portion of wizarding soceity.
Glaring at him for not knowing already Kreacher drawled slowly relishing the power the black family now had. " Bellatrix. Lestrange."
Freezing the doorman did not acknowledge it outwardly. His mind instinctively realised it was better to try acting normal than doing anything else.
"I see. Your name is on the list you may enter." He opened the door for them his head bowed.
Delphini glanced at him before looking away. Someone had quite the set on them.
Bellatrix was much more vocal in her observation. "Heh? A Flint with a sense of mind? I've truly seen it all. Don't anounce our presence. It's no fun that way."
She snorted stopping him, leaving the entrance and entering with her daughter. With kreacher leaving them to it.
"Now this is what I'm talking about." Delphini smiled seeing the familar hall. While the amount of people dampened her happiness she was still happy to be here.
The guest hall was grandiose yet intimidating, adorned with many tapestries depicting the family's long history of pureblood heritage.
Dark wood paneling and furniture, accented with silver and jewels, created quite the scene.
A large fireplace would dominated one wall, casting flickering shadows across the room, while the portraits of distinguished ancestors lined the walls, their eyes seemingly following the guests as they move up and about.
Shaking her head seeing the little basement dweller she gave birth to admiring the hall she said nothing concerning it. Clearly she wouldn't be able to change it at this point so why try?
"Delphini? " The girl turned her head towards the voice.
"Yes mother?"
"Go find something to do. I'll find you later so, just go do what it is teenagers do at your age." Bellatrix said fixing herself before narrowing in on her target.
Blinking blandly seeing her mother go after the admittedly handsome male Delphini turned away.
I doubt you'd want me to do that mother. Not quite sure you'd enjoy hearing about any escapades of mine.
Shaking her head she glanced around before homing in on a dark corner.
Taking a seat she sighed in satisfaction. No social interaction or awkward eavesdropping.
Just her, the table, and her mocking thoughts.
Wow that dress does not flatter you lady. Though I suppose it does it's job in attracting dogs.
She mused to herself looking at the woman in the scandalous dress being surronded.
Turning her eyes away from her she looked around for her next pray.
Overcompensating for something Sir? She was deeply amused at the multitude of recognizable brands he was wearing.
It seemed someone just gained a rather pitying amount of money and wanted to bark to the world about it.
Lesson one sir. Those who are truly rich don't buy another's brand to wear expect for novelty. They make their own. She snorted going on to the next.
The morgue is that way if we are looking for where your fashion sense went. She thought at the foolish woman looking like a undead.
Out of all the options your father shot into your mother, you were the best?
I'm sure your parents change the subject when someone asks about you.
If you ate trash, it would be cannibalism.
Going truly wild with her insults she was stopped by a duo arriving at her table.
"If you keep insulting them in your head I'm sure they'll explode soon enough."
The messy haired one said plopping down onto the seat rudely, as the female of the duo gently rested herself down.
Looking at them, she could tell they were of selective breeding. The male was quite handsome even with the glasses, the black messy hair only adding to his charm.
The female of the duo was also equal to her brother. Her long red hair and sharp green eyes adding to the high born features prominent on her face.
Blinking she stopped her observations calmy stating." I don't have the slightest clue what you're talking about."
Rule one of being caught. Never admit that you did anything wrong.
"Righttt...We could feel the disdain coming off you and we weren't even the targets!" The obvious twin snickered gulping down a grape from the tray she brought.
"Heh I'm sure your thoughts were plainly good willed. So what did you think about that lady you were eye balling." The male chucked a thumb backwards saying it snidely.
Glancing at what he was talking about she narrowed her eyes before looking at him."..She's rather...pleasantly plump?"
"Wow! You're an awful liar, aren't you! At least try to deny it, you know!" The male immediately broke down into giggles along with his sister.
Glancing at the two Delphini peered at around realising the other tables were more occupied than this.
Meaning if she wanted to leave she'd have to take her chances or be stuck with these two troublemakers. It was easy to see that was what they were.
Sighing she realised it would be a toss up if she tried changing so she decided to pacify them.
"My name is Delphini. It's quite rude to sit at another's table without introducing yourself. If you didn't know." She intentionally delayed the last sentence making sure they knew.
"Ah she's right! How rude of us! Dogfather would be ashamed! " The male slapped his head in mock emotional pain.
"Too right brother dearest! Paddy would be weeping in shame!" The female wailed in agony.
"Then shall we rectify!" The male slammed his hand down.
"After you dear brother!" The girl swooned like a damsel.
What the fuck. Was Delphini's only thought.
"Sometimes I'm called Bonnie! " He placed a hand onto his chest.
"No no brother you're Clyde! I'm Bonnie! " She patted his arm reminding him.
"Goodness you're right! I'm Clyde and she is." He pointed to her.
"Bonnie!"
"Though I'm also referred to as Bambi!"
"And I Faline!"
"And I assure you there is most certainly no funny business going on between she and I sadly!" He cried mock tears.
"Dreadfully sorry brother, incest is not a kink of mine!" She sniffed in digust.
"A shame. Well while you can call us any of those names I'd rather be called Harry."
"And you may call me Rose."
They both smiled in sync at the girl who's face was stretched into deep pain and regret.
Brother dearest do you wish to take her to bed? Shall we dine on her in a debauched night of indulgence. Rose thought glancing at him slyly.
...You're making it weird now Rose. Harry sighed cringing internally at his crazy sister. Why was she like this? Was she dropped on her head as a kid?
Don't tell me you weren't thinking about it! Are you not a man?! What if someone snatches her from you?!
I don't even know her Rose! And stop acting like some kind of guru! You've got less experience than I! Virgin! He shouted acting like he wasn't one.
Simply because no one meets my requirements! How is it my fault the universe denies my desires! She screamed at the unfairness of it all.
And you'll be waiting for the rest of your life hopefully. You weirdo. Harry sniffed in disgust before looking for the absolute hottie.
"Wait she's escaping! Get her!" He quickly chased after her his sister hot on his heels.
Delphini said nothing hearing the rapid foot steps hoping they had lost themselves in their daydreams.
Her hand twitching she reluctantly rested it down. She couldn't get in trouble again. Not because she cared but because of her mother.
Who knew what the crazy woman would cook up next.
Glancing around she felt like she found a life line seeing the moving potrait blocking guest from entering a certain hallway.
Hurrying her pace she sighed in relief crossing over slowing down not even glancing back once.
However she froze in place at what she heard next.
"Ah hey great great great great uncle Algy! You're looking spify today." Harry complimented as he stepped over immediately homing in on the girl.
"Quite charming really " Rose agreed also stepping over as the portrait thanked them.
"Ah brother by the way?" The girl sniffed as a smug grin streched across her face.
"Hmm what is it Rose?" They stood around the stunned girl who wondered why these menaces could follow her.
"Only family can cross over to this section." She started hoping he got it. He was always a bit slow.
"Anddd?" Harry raised his eyebrow deeply confused. Wasn't that already known to them.
"So knowing that how about you reevaluate the situation? " She smiled quietly spinning around him hugging him from behind before letting him go.
Reevaluate? What does she mea- Blinking he looked at the glaring Delphini before saying "Ah shit."
"That's right dear brother. You've finally descended down this filthy path and now you shall know pain." She patted his cheek leaving him as he dropped to his knees.
"Why Merlin? Whyyyyyy!"
Ignoring her understandably shocked and disgusted brother, she approached the girl who started moving again. "Delphini was it? Please ignore my brothers antics. He has a unreasonable fear of incestuous relationships. "
Shivering Delphini wondered why she attracted all the strange ones. Though she glanced back at hearing the more serious conversation.
"However, me and dear brother have been coming here for quite a bit. So why haven't we seen you before? I'm sure I'd remember someone like you". She mused aloud hands behind her back , lancing at her.
Rolling her eyes at the awful attempt at prying Delphini only said one word.
"Coincidence."
"Nuh uh. If that were true we'd still hear about someone our age wouldn't we? Our family isn't very large at all, and we've already been introduced to the rest of the family even the most unpleasant so why are you so different?" The girl's voice gradually became more severe.
Does she think it's some kind of secret? Is that why she's so suspicious? I wonder how stupid she'd feel to know it's the opposite.
These so called intellectual types could never stand up to much pressure.
Or how afraid she'll be when she knows who my mother is.
The thought amused her deeply. It was so amusing she decided to feed the paranoia.
"Maybe I should be questioning you. Afterall I also know all of my family. The annoying and the even more annoying. You are neither, so who are you." She stated seriously, mocking her internally.
Silly little girl.
"So funny. Some random goth chick questioning us in own home of all places. Tis a crazy world." Rose sighed keeping her irritation in check.
Looking at the doors they were coming upon Delphini sniffed "Finally right about something. It is a crazy world. Afterall two fools can be in the company of their better. I miss the days of old when classes were truly separate."
Boy was it easy to rile her up.
Smile faltering at the insult and bigotry Rose grit her teeth in anger and quickly tried thinking of a comeback as she glanced at her for ammo.
Looking without being too obvious, she stopped her eyes finding something. Something very small.
Heh.
"Well I for one can't stand knockoffs. I already have a snarky rival in the form of a Greengrass but... She's a bit more...talented than others."
She sped up glancing down behind her in disgust before mock spitting and giggling maliciously puffing up her own larger chest.
Hands balling into fist at her very normal sized chest being brought up, Delphini immediately fired back.
"Don't worry. I'm sure when she's older she'll lament having such things when they're sagging to the floor like a puffeskins tongue."
Stopping causing the girl to bump into her Rose glanced back quickly with a glare.
"Emo."
"Ditz."
"Bitch!"
"Big titted bimbo."
"Dracula wannabe."
"Lily Potter knock off."
Gasping Rose looked at the girl in shock at that. How dare she-!
"Did I miss something?" Harry looked around ruffling with his hair seeing the two girls glare at each other.
Damn he wasn't even that long and he already missed some juicy drama! This day was getting worse and worse.
"Oh don't worry you didn't miss anything at all." Rose glanced down at the girls chest again smiling before looking at her brother.
Delphini hand twitched. She wondered how this glorified cow would feel becoming a true one. At least she'd have a excuse for having such obscenely sized things.
Just as she was teetering on whether or not she could successfully hide two murders, all 3 teens heard a loud commotion as they froze.
*Blam*
Looking at the origin they heard nothing else as they looked back at each.
Well that's my cue to leave. It was never a good idea to stay where random loud noises originated. Sounded like the beginning to a plot of a good murder novel.
"Mystery!" The two twins cheered.
"Quick Harry! Take it out! No need to be embarrassed. " She hurried him seeing him take his sweet time making kising noises.
"For the last time Ginny is not my girlfriend Rose." Harry sighed pulling the extendable ears out of the bag.
Glancing at the retreating girl Rose uttered one word before turning her eyes away. "Coward."
Pausing in her tracks Delphini sighed for the umpteenth time. Why was this girl so hell bent on being hostile with her?
About to leave again she paused at what she heard. The voice feeling familiar with her.
"Oh smart and gracious Lord Black. Won't you guide me out of this situation? You've caused me to stain my hands with the blood of family yet you can't even take responsibility for it? " A weary voice sounded out as the 3 teens huddled around the ear, the other part slipped under the door.
Siruis Black. Was Delphini's first thought. The voice could be nobody else. It was far too distinct.
"Don't take that tone with me boy. Don't forget what I've done for you. For all of you!" The following voice rumbled lowly obviously deeply unsettled by the previous statement.
Grandfather? Why on earth?! I've never heard him so..so Her eyes widened at hearing the tremble in the man's voice. It was like she was seeing a entirely different side of him.
"I'll take any fucking tone I want with you! You dementia ridden sack of bones! The so called Lord Black can't even fucking-"
"Sirius! He made a mistake! You don't see me raging do you?!"
"Mistake? A mistake is casting a spell wrongly! This is a complete fuck up of the highest order Andromeda! Mister I need all my plans close to my chest made the worst fuckup at the worst time! He's always ranting about Dumbledore, but he's even worse than him!"
"You're making it as if he intentionally wanted to harm them both! Stop misconstructing it!"
Aunty Andromeda. Delphini blinked identifying the voice belatedly. Her aunty who didn't really like her at all was having a secret rendezvous with these two why? Did her mother know of this?
Glancing at the twins hoping they had some idea, she blinked seeing them as stiff as her. No they were even stiffer.
And what does that mean?
"Still, everyone already knows how you feel about family Andromeda. It's no suprise you're still holding onto that grudge for being kicked out! I certainly wouldn't be surprised if you're happy-"
Hearing the resounding slap, both twins and Delphini flinched, imagining it vividly. They could nearly see the palm landing on the cheek harshly.
"Padfoot..." Harry mumbled shaking his head.
"Don't you dare ever suggest that I don't care about what happened with my sister you fucking animal! Did you pick up a mental disease after humping so many bitches?!"
"How can you ever think I'd want her to end up as near fucking vegetable! You want me kill you man child?! I'll put you down you mangy fucking mut!" The screech echoed out so loud and intensely that the kids had to hold their ears in pain.
Delphini quickly glanced at the boy Harry holding down the bitch who clearly wanted to march right in and get them all in trouble.
Aunt Narcissa? What?! Did they have something to do with what happened! Merlin my family is crazy! Even more than I thought somehow. She tried calming from the panic rising. How did one even begin to process this?
Was she next?!
"..." Holding their breaths at the silence the teens waited tense, their hearts beating harshly at the escalating events.
They had thought a fight was about to break loose at how shrill and angry the voice was.
"Sorry." They heard faintly with sound of hurried angered breaths slowing down.
"Don't make the mistake again. I'd never in a million years ever suggest you were happy James was dead. So w-why the hell would you do it to me? Do you even know the hell I'm in for even being apart of this?" It was easy to hear the crack in the voice, causing the teens to inhale sharply at the pain that leaked through.
Another silence reigned but this time instead of tension it was replaced with deep agonizing grief bringing the children down at the clear wound the woman held.
"Did Sirius really help with this?" Rose whispered shakily to Harry.
"I imagine only Malfoy senior was to be caught up in it." Harry nodded back slowly feeling his heart pound as he tried to rationalize Sirius' role in it.
He hated Malfoy but...not enough to put him and his mother in the hospital.
"I wasn't...I wasn't thinking properly sorry. Sorry." The voice came out near inaudible.
"Let's steer away from this. There's no need to dally, this is all on me." Her 'grandfather' admitted lowly his tone now nearly devoid of emotion.
"I've been drunk on the recent victories." He mused aloud his voice weary.
"I've gotten complacent and allowed myself to slip. There were many avenues and channels I could have still used to make sure they wouldn't get involved, but..." A huge sigh was heard.
"I foolishly bought into my own hype. I'm sorry. Boy. Girl."
"It's not me you need to apologize to old man. The person most effected is still out there without family and every minute we argue we lose more time to make the situation right."
"Now how are you going to solve this clusterfuck?" Sirius voice was weary in exhaustion as if done with the world but still his voice held tones of forgiveness easily perceived by the two silent twins.
"I've already had steps in motion to try steer the boy to us but..." Arcturus sighed hestiating.
"Don't do anything hasty from what I'm about to tell you." He paused before continuing.
"Right after the boy relocated them I was able to push the goblins to deny him the proxy lordship on account of a technicality. " 2 sharp breathes were heard after it.
"Merlin old man. You don't double down on mistakes! You try to make it right, not fuck up even more!" Siruis voice rang out incredulous.
"Indeed a foolish decision. What will happen when it's traced back to us? We were luckily able to leave no traces last time and now?" Andromeda immediately responded.
"I know! It was foolish but I panicked! The boy seemed to be trying to leave the country immediately, so it was the only thing I could do." The voice rang weary.
Merlin they've done fucked over my cousin. Even I feel sorry for the poor sob.
It was such a crazy thing to witness first hand. Why was her grandfather not seeming to be as perfect as she remembered?
"However beyond my expectations he was able to garner enough wealth to overturn it not long ago! Now instead of being a proxy he completely upsurped Lucius!" The voice rang loudly.
"It must be the tournament's then." Andromeda's voice rang out a more than a bit baffled. She didn't really know the amount needed but it was all she could guess.
"Tournaments?" Harry mimed at both girls who shrugged deeply.
"This situation has ran far out of control. It's a miracle I got to delay the issue for so long but I'm afraid tommorow morning that crazy stunt will be headlining for quite some time." Arcturus sighed deeply.
"Heh don't beat yourself over it. I'm suprised you could delay it for that long. Afterall who could have thought Malfoy spawn of all people could form a materialized Patronus! "
"What! That's my shtick!" Harry screamed instinctively, aghast at the fact that Malfoy of all people was able to conjure a Patronus.
All three kids paused in terror hearing the voice cut off immediately.
"Ah shit!" He quicky turned around panicking along with his sister and the goth girl.
Scrambling for his cloak all three teens were tagged, gagged, stunned then sticked to a wall in but 5 seconds.