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I was Reborn in Another World, as the Daugther of the Dark Lord, with Game Settings!

The grand mansion echoed with the loud cries of a woman in labour, her gasps filled with pain and determination. It was evident that her upcoming childbirth was the most significant event at that moment, not only for her but for everyone present. With long, dishevelled hair, the woman clenched her teeth and tightly held onto the bedsheets. A nearly sadistic grin appeared on her face as the pain caused her body to tremble. She had been anticipating this moment for months. This was the ultimate test of her loyalty, her dedication to her lord, and her unwavering love for the individual who would lead the Wizarding World to its rightful place.

Besides, giving birth to the child of the most powerful Dark Lord in history was a privilege that someone like Bellatrix Lestrange could not ignore. Being the lover of this dark lord undoubtedly inflated her ego. It was of no consequence that she was already married. Her husband not only knew about her sharing the Dark Lord's bed whenever he desired but also encouraged it. That's how blinded by loyalty both were, and they understood that this child was important for the future.

Of course, Bellatrix either ignored or simply didn't care that someone like Voldemort was not truly interested in her romantically. Voldemort did not love anyone; he only sought power. Bellatrix's womb proved to be a useful experiment for him, and having someone who could satisfy his sexual nature was a plus for him. Voldemort had already transcended the realm of what magic could do. In a few decades, things like sex or pleasure would be meaningless to him, and he wouldn't miss them at all.

But for now, Bellatrix Lestrange served his purpose.

"Bella, just a little more!" Narcissa whispered as she tended to her sister as a healer. There were not many individuals whom the Dark Lord would trust with this sensitive information or with his experimental child. Voldemort found himself pondering why he felt the urge to have an heir. Perhaps it was because he genuinely desired to bring forth a Pureblood entity, one that could unite ancient houses and power.

Someone he could teach, educate, and, more importantly, mould in his own image. Undoubtedly, it stemmed from his deep-seated passion to educate and shape the future of the Wizarding World—a future he envisioned. Alternatively, it could have been driven by something more personal and intimate: the desire, pride, and power to exert control. Voldemort believed that any child of his would be indubitably powerful; he would accept nothing less. This is proof to everyone who doubted his blood and purity that a child of his own blood would be as powerful as him.

Voldemort stood there, watching as Bellatrix was pushed again, without any shame about how her exposed body appeared to the few people standing nearby. Soon enough, a small cry was heard-a baby cry-as Bellatrix's body gave in. The witch's head hit the pillow as she took a moment to catch her breath. Narcissa quickly tended to the newborn, cleaning them up and ensuring her sister's bleeding stopped. She covered Bellatrix's body, shielding it from view to spare others from witnessing such a sight.

"Severus, bring the potions," Narcissa called out to the young Death Eater. She still didn't trust him completely, but the fact that he was there showed that the Dark Lord trusted him for this task.

"Here," the young Death Eater muttered.

"Bella, take them. It will stop the pain and give you back some of your energy," mumbled Narcissa softly to her sister. Bellatrix halted, glaring back at her.

"Why isn't she crying?" Bellatrix demanded quickly. It was then that everyone noticed the child had stopped crying as soon as she was born.

"I—!" Narcissa whispered, stunned, and without wasting any time, Voldemort approached her.

"My child," Voldemort hissed at Narcissa, who shivered at the sight of his red eyes. She was aware that failure was not an option, as the Dark Lord had made it clear that any harm to his child would result in the same fate as Narcissa's newborn. It was a threat that struck fear in her heart.

"My lord—!" Narcissa suddenly gasped as she stared at the child in her arms. She was stunned at what she was seeing.

"What is it, Cissy?! What is happening?!" Bellatrix almost leapt out of bed as she, Voldemort, and young Severus Snape turned to look at the baby in Narcissa's arms.

The baby inherited the same dark hair as her mother, a trait from the Black Family. However, she had a unique witch patch of hair that elegantly covered a part of her hair. What caught their attention the most were her golden eyes, like stars, sharp and filled with power, staring back at them.

The baby was breathtakingly beautiful by nature, inherently innocent, yet exuding an inner magic that made them almost tangible.

"It's a girl," Narcissa whispered to them.

"It's beautiful, my child," cooed Bellatrix almost maniacally. She turned to the Dark Lord, whose red eyes were fixed on his child as he approached Narcissa.

"Allow me," said Voldemort. Narcissa covered the small child and handed her to the Dark Lord, who held the baby with an unusual awkwardness as if it were his first time. However, the baby girl was staring boldly at the Dark Lord, meeting his gaze without flinching, almost as if she was challenging him. It was quite amusing to the Dark Lord.

"I can sense it. Power in her," Voldemort whispered, and everyone saw a smile on his face. A proud smile, almost. The baby appeared to be tilting her head, almost confused. "A name. A good name."

"My, my lord, I was thinking of Delphini," Bellatrix whispered.

"Mm. Not bad, but I am also pondering a name that is worthy of my child," Voldemort said, beginning to contemplate carefully. After all, names held power, and he was determined not to burden his child with a Muggle name. The mere thought of it greatly angered him. "Aeliana... Aeliana Delphini Gaunt would be her name."

Voldemort glanced at Bellatrix, who quickly nodded. It was surprising for everyone to hear him use the name Gaunt, an old name from an extinct family. However, there was a reason behind it. Voldemort wanted to reveal that she was his child, emphasising that her name was under his protection. Despite the Gaunt family being a mere shadow of its former self, he intended to change that soon.

"See that she is taking care of it," Voldemort said as he gave his child to Narcissa, who took her in.

Surely, Voldemort had no doubt that someone like Dumbledore would quickly realise that this child was his. But that was of no matter now. He would not hide from anyone. Soon, everything would change. Victory would be his. He only needed to deal with the prophecy, and soon, no one would be able to stop him. Not even Dumbledore.

The rain was pouring intensely, and the night was even worse. However, for someone like Regulus Black, things were far more challenging than the sudden storm. He had waited too long for this moment, holding the child in his arms. It was perhaps the most significant thing he had done since joining the Death Eaters, a decision he now regretted deeply.

"I'm sorry, Sirius. If I had been braver, like you…"

Regulus realised there was no time to waste, knowing the importance of acting swiftly. He had learned about Voldemort's Horcrux from Kreacher and felt compelled to take action. Initially planning to hurry to the cave to retrieve what the Dark Lord had left there, he paused upon discovering Voldemort had fathered a child. This unexpected revelation came to light when Regulus overheard Narcissa conversing with Lucius. This new information prompted him to shift his attention to this new mission at hand.

He waited patiently for the perfect opportunity, which finally came when The Dark Lord was defeated by a child at the Potters'. Regulus felt the urge to mock the so-called Dark Lord but refrained from doing so. Bellatrix and the others made a mistake by leaving the child unattended to search for their master's whereabouts. This was the moment Regulus had been waiting for.

Initially, Regulus considered poisoning the child, but he couldn't bring himself to harm a baby. Instead, he pondered the idea of raising the child on his own, although he knew that people would be looking for him. Eventually, he came up with a plan to place the child somewhere safe and keep a watchful eye on her. That's the best idea so far, for now at least.

"Once I destroy the Horcrux. I will come back to you. Then… I'll think of something," Regulus muttered to himself as he arrived at his destination.

It was an orphanage that seemed suitable for the situation. Regulus believed that if the baby were adopted by a Muggle family, she would grow up differently compared to being raised by a Pureblood family like the Malfoys. This was his hope, at least. He thought the Wizarding World didn't need another Voldemort. Furthermore, he could sense the power coming from the child. It was for the best. Regulus also planned to keep an eye on her in the future. He just needed to locate and destroy the Horcrux. This way, Voldemort would stay dead forever.

Carefully, Regulus put the child in front of the door and looked at her. The baby was looking at him, almost annoyed and amused, perhaps.

"Uh, yeah, sorry, baby. I'll try to make it up to you—somehow," Regulus mumbled as he knocked on the door of the orphanage. Soon enough, when he heard the doors about to open, he apparate away, leaving the child on the ground. A child who has been paying attention to everyone going on around her since the day she was born.

And was not amused to be there at all.

I hate being a baby. The baby thought as she saw the look of the woman who opened the door.

"Goodness! What sort of monster leaves a baby in the middle of the night while it is raining?!" the older woman stated as she picked the baby up. "The youth of these days. Don't worry, my dear. You're in good hands."

Yeah, I hate it here. The baby thought as she was getting to face whatever life was ahead of her.

Years passed by without any significant events. The man named Regulus never returned, nor did he show up near the orphanage again. Galadriel recalled everything. She believed he might have died while attempting to gain the Horcrux or something similar. Surprisingly, living as an orphan wasn't as terrible as she had anticipated. It was mostly uneventful, occasionally dull, and at times monotonous. Yet, it offered a somewhat peaceful existence.

Galadriel found herself enjoying it a bit. She went to school, ate, read books and comics, and slept. It was quite a happy life. But of course, she also pondered what had happened that night years ago. She remembered her father, a strange man, talking about securing his future and ensuring his immortality through a prophecy. When he suddenly vanished that night, her dear, deranged mother went to find him. Galadriel never heard from them again.

"They called him a Dark Lord, and there was magic," mumbled Galadriel to herself, gazing out of the bus window as the school children were sent home after another day. Knowing little about her family or current events, she reluctantly admitted that being a baby forced her to sleep most of the time, causing her to miss crucial information. However, she had gathered that there was a war going on, and her father was seen as the antagonist of said war.

And that there was a magic world hidden in plain sight. That's all he recalled, and well, her name. A name she found quite annoying to have. "It could've been worse, I suppose," she muttered as she began to think about the last day of Yggdrasil. A thought she remembered every time.

She remembered being in the throne room, anticipating the end of Yggdrasil. As the countdown reached zero, darkness enveloped her. She awoke in a room encircled by an unfamiliar face. Now a baby. Recollections of fleeting moments with her mother flooded Galadriel's mind. The vibe she received from her was a blend of emotions. Bellatrix, the woman, seemed to have a deep affection for her, yet it felt more like fascination than genuine love. In Bellatrix's eyes, Galadriel appeared to symbolise something unique, creating a strange and peculiar dynamic between them.

Galadriel truly believed her mother was a bit mad. Perhaps a bit endearing, but mad nevertheless. And her father, the so-called Dark Lord. He had these red eyes, and the few times she saw him, he looked as if he was thrilled with her. It was not a fatherly feeling, but more of a "this is my creation" or something like that. Galadriel didn't know more but a few other faces. Still, it appeared that something bad happened, as it appeared that none of those people loyal to her father seemed to search for her.

They should, shouldn't they? I am their lord's daughter. They should have searched for me a while ago, or did they leave me for dead? Galadriel pondered deeply, trying to make sense of what had transpired. She wasn't truly upset. In fact, she was content with her decent life. Otherwise, she would have been furious.

Furthermore, there was another issue. "Mm. I can't access all of my Yggdrasil's magic," she murmured while gazing out of the window. Galadriel could only use the first fifteen levels of her character. Additionally, her inventory seemed to be restricted by some unknown force. Although this was a peculiar occurrence, she could still utilise some of her abilities. Furthermore, she had the capability to use the new magic inherited from her eccentric new parents.

It was one of the reasons why Galadriel wasn't the one searching for her parents. It was too risky. She would bid her time and wait and find ways to unlock more of her power, for now. Galadriel has decided to keep a low profile. Besides, if her father was truly an evil Dark Lord. Then, there could be enemies out there trying to get her and perhaps eliminate her. She needed to be cautious.

"So, at the moment, I'll continue to live like an innocent child and not draw too much attention to myself. I enjoy this peaceful life. If things continue like this, I can simply disregard them. Next, I'll pursue a college education and obtain a valuable degree—something I'm already confident I can achieve. Yes, I could even venture into the Stock Market! I have a good sense of which businesses will thrive in the early 2000s! This could lead me to becoming a billionaire and eventually starting my own company!"

Galadriel hummed to herself with contentment. It appeared that she had her life already planned ahead.

"As long as no one is interested in me, I already have my life planned," Galadriel said with a smug smirk. She was ready to live a calm and peaceful life, and nothing would ever change that.

Severus Snape walked towards the headmaster's office, unable to hide his sneer. The passing years had not been kind to him, just as he had not been kind to others. It was the decisions he had made that had led him to this current life. There was no point in trying to avoid the consequences of his actions or lamenting his current situation. Snape had done enough of that already. However, one thing still greatly annoyed him—being interrupted while he was focused on his craft of potion-making.

So, with an annoyed sigh, Snape entered the headmaster's office and quickly noticed a very solemn look on the old wizard's face.

"Albus?" Snape's voice appeared to bring Dumbledore back to reality as he let out a deep sigh.

"Severus, thank you for arriving so promptly," Dumbledore greeted Snape, who quickly spotted a Hogwarts letter on Dumbledore's desk, causing him to frown slightly as he walked over.

"What is it?" Snape asked, confused.

"Something I did not expect, but perhaps you did," Dumbledore said. His old, gentle, yet magically powerful gaze made Snape stop in his tracks. He glanced at the letter on the desk and quickly gasped as he saw the name written there.

"She's alive," Snape whispered, and Dumbledore knew instantly that his suspicions had been confirmed.

"Aeliana Delphini Gaunt. A Gaunt. Tom was always proud of his heritage and proud of many things. But I never thought that he would sire a child. Because this girl is his daughter, or am I wrong?" Dumbledore glared at Severus, who had a pale look on his face. Dumbledore sighed again as he leaned on his chair. "I truly did not expect it. Who is the mother? Narcissa Malfoy?"

Severus shook his head. "Bellatrix…"

"Ah, I see. Did you know? How long?" Dumbledore asked, or rather ordered.

"I—" Severus tried to speak but then was forced to stop. Words wouldn't come out.

"An Oath?" Dumbledore asked, and Severus could only nod.

"I see. I should not be surprised, then. But what can you tell me about this?"

Severus thought for a few seconds, trying to find a way to circle the oath he gave to the Dark Lord. "She vanished, or rather, was taken away by someone from the inside. We don't know who it was, but it must have been someone close to the Dark Lord. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had been desperately trying to find her. They know that—if the Dark Lords return and find out what happened…"

"He will not be pleased at all," Dumbledore added, and Severus nodded slightly.

"Mm. Her name will surely make an impact. A Gaunt returning to Hogwarts after such a long absence, who among Voldemort's inner circle is aware of her presence?" Dumbledore inquired, brushing off Severus' reaction to the mention of Voldemort's name.

"That night, when the Dark Lord attacked the—Potters. He introduced her to the most influential members of his inner circle, including the Malfoys, Parkinson, Dolohov, Rosier, Macnair, Rowle, and others. He was very proud of her. They were all aware of her existence to some extent. Once she arrives at Hogwarts, they will all be drawn to her, especially upon discovering that the Dark Lord's daughter has been residing in the Muggle world as an orphan."

Dumbledore appeared lost in thought, realising that the girl, even in the first place, had completely disrupted his plans. However, there was still hope for him and his intentions. It was fortunate that she had grown up in the muggle world, unaware of her true identity. All was not lost, and perhaps he could even turn her into an ally against the Dark Lord.

"What are you thinking, Albus?" Snape asked as he saw the expression on Dumbledore's face. Snape knew it all too well. The old wizard was scheming something.

"Thinking. But I shall see this girl myself, and you're coming with me, Severus."

It didn't take long for both wizards to arrive at the orphanage. Dumbledore was a bit worried about being there, as the last time he visited an orphanage was when he met Tom, and it was a dreary and awful place for any child. However, it appears that the standards of living have increased a great deal since last time. As the place looked quite new and filled with joy. There were children running around the small playground connected to the orphanage, and it appeared that the children were always being taken care of. That was a good sign for Dumbledore.

"It's better than I expected it to be," Dumbledore mumbled as Snape could only sneer at the happy faces of the surrounding children.

Both of them entered the lobby, where they could see a lady sitting behind a desk. Dumbledore used his grandfatherly smile to approach the young woman, who looked at both of them with a mild, surprised look on her face.

"Oh, welcome to Sunrise Orphanage Centre. What can I do for you, mister…?"

"Albus Dumbledore, my dear."

"Mister Dumbledore," the young woman replied, feeling a bit confused by the unique name and the old man's unusual choice of clothing. "What can I do for you, Mister Dumbledore?"

"I am here for a young lady named Aeliana Delphini Gaunt. I am the headmaster of a very peculiar and private school in Scotland," Dumbledore said with a smile. "And young Miss Gaunt has been chosen to take part in its advanced curriculum." It was not the first time he had ever said that, and he quickly pulled out the papers from the school. Of course, Muggles would only see a normal school with normal classes, among all the legal work, so as not to look strange. But it was also a paper with a charm spell that would not raise any suspicion and would allow them to move freely.

The young woman looked at the paper and nodded. "Oh, Eli?! I knew she would get some special treatment. She is a brilliant girl."

Dumbledore and Snape immediately focused on the word. "Oh? What can you tell me about her?" Dumbledore inquired. "Does she have friends? How does she behave with others around her?"

"Well, she spends a lot of time alone, mostly in the library reading. She can be very lonely," the young woman replied, and Dumbledore was concerned by what he heard. "But she does have friends! While she may not excel in socialising, she puts in the effort. She helps other children with their homework and is always willing to lend a hand. She is very intelligent and fluent in German and Japanese! Perhaps that's why she struggles to fit in. She is simply ahead of her peers. Nonetheless, she is a kind and gentle young girl."

Dumbledore and Snape exchanged surprised glances upon hearing the news. Dumbledore seemed pleased by the revelation. It was evident that they were facing a genius, a trait he reluctantly acknowledged. He had anticipated such capability from Voldemort's offspring. The young man, Tom, was undeniably brilliant but lacked empathy and compassion for others. He exuded hatred and arrogance. However, there was a glimmer of hope that this girl might be different, and perhaps there was a chance to steer her from a path of hatred and pain.

"I am glad to hear that. Could we please meet this brilliant young girl?" Dumbledore asked, and the young woman nodded.

"Of course, she must be in her room. Please follow me."

Soon enough, they arrived at a room, and after knocking on the door, they heard a small voice from the inside.

"It's open, come in."

It was the first time Dumbledore laid eyes on Tom's daughter, and he wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, as he gazed into her striking golden eyes, he found himself immediately captivated. There was a power within the girl that he couldn't quite comprehend—a great deal of power. Despite this, he noticed nothing unusual about her appearance. She had black hair, a trait he recognised from Bellatrix. Yet, there was also a distinctive white patch in her hair. Complemented by her soft red lips, bold eyebrows, long eyelashes, and flawless marble-like skin, the girl was truly a sight to behold—almost resembling a perfect doll.

"Good afternoon, Eli, headmaster Dumbledore and—"

"Professor Severus Snape."

"Yes, they are here to meet you," the young woman said as Eli frowned at both of them. She recognised Severus Snape. She was there the day of her birth. It was at that moment that she realised that they had come for her.

Shit. I—I have to play dumb! Or something! Galadriel, or Eli as she was known, played the part of an innocent, shy little girl. And nodded at them.

"Good afternoon, sir," Eli stood up from the bed, thankful she was still wearing her school uniform, which would make her look adorable.

"I'll be right back," the young woman said, leaving Eli with both wizards.

Wait, why is she leaving?! That's not part of the protocol; you can't leave children alone with strange people! She became a bit nervous, as it looked quite clear by the way she looked at both of them.

"Easy, Miss Gaunt, we aren't here to harm you," Dumbledore chuckles, noticing the girl's anxiousness immediately.

"Oh," Eli said, feeling a bit more relaxed outwardly while secretly strategising her escape route and preparing the spells she would use to protect herself in her mind. "What can I do for you, sir?"

"Mm," Dumbledore hummed as his eyes scanned the girl's room. He discovered a variety of books—from fantasy to academia—along with posters of singers and bands. Among the items, he also spotted some small things known as comics scattered on the desk. What a strange hobby. Dumbledore thought. "As that young woman said. I am the headmaster of a place called Hogwarts. A school for the—gifted."

"Hogwarts?" Eli mumbled back. I haven't heard of that. How should I play this? She thought deeply as she glanced at the man she remembered, who was named Severus Snape. It seemed like the man was quiet, afraid, maybe even nervous. She didn't know the reason behind it. Still, she needed more information. Eli wasn't sure why they were there or if they were hostile, so she kept acting confused. "What's Hogwarts?"

"Ah, well, for that—have you ever done anything at all when you're angry or afraid? Something that you cannot explain?" Dumbledore asked, and Eli realised he was speaking about magic.

What should I say? Acting like a confused child might come in handy, but it could also be used against me. I don't trust them, but I don't want them to realise that, especially since this other man is aware of my identity. I'm sure he has informed that old Gandalf-like wizard. But then again, if they were hostile to me, they would've killed me already. How should I play this? Ugh, having no information is so bad.

Eli pondered this before realising it was wiser to demonstrate some knowledge. This would not only prove she understood the topic but also show she wasn't as naïve or ignorant as he believed. She needed to be cautious. While she didn't trust them, she also didn't want to make enemies, especially since she was unfamiliar with the Wizarding World.

I don't even know what was my father's name. I think it was—Voldemort—something. I need to investigate what he did; otherwise, I will go blind. After some thought, Eli decided to proceed with her choice.

"Well, I sometimes can move things from one place to another. I can also make people do what I want. I don't know how. And other things," Eli replied softly.

"Have you ever tried to harm someone? Or coerce them into doing something wrong? Maybe even wished misfortune upon those you dislike?" Dumbledore inquired, his tone gentle yet deeply serious. Eli furrowed her brow at the question, anticipating that he might expect a positive response. This made her question his judgment of her character, prompting her to realise that he was aware of her father's identity. This realisation made Eli nervous, but it also provided her with insight into how to navigate the situation.

Those are not questions someone would ask a child. Especially someone who doesn't know magic. He is looking for something bad, something he could use. She thought before shaking her head.

"No, sir. I haven't hurt anyone. I tried to keep myself away from the rest because of that. I don't want to hurt the other children," replied Eli with the most sincere voice she could muster.

Dumbledore hummed deeply as he appeared to be munching her words.

Eli decided to add something to confirm her suspicion. "I can also speak with snakes," Eli said, noticing the shocked expressions on Dumbledore's and Severus's faces. This was all she needed to know that her trait was unique, and they understood its significance, just as she had predicted.

"It's that normal for—gifted people?" Eli asked.

"It is truly a rare gift," Dumbledore whispered, glancing around the room before continuing. "At Hogwarts, you will discover how to harness your powers. As a witch, you are a magical being. There, you will find others who share your gifts."

"Am I a witch?" She feigned surprise, though she was well aware of it. Her new Job Level confirmed it. Yet, she was eager to uncover how it differed from the one in Yggdrasil.

"Yes, and we are wizards," Dumbledore pointed to Snape and him.

"Magic, whoa. I knew I was different," Eli mumbled as Dumbledore frowned at those words. But decided to not take it to heart. So far, this girl hasn't given him any real reason to distrust her yet.

"Well, hopefully, you'll learn everything you can and make friends there," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Does that mean my parents were magical as well, sir?" Eli asked, and she paid attention to both of their reactions.

Dumbledore was debating with himself what to say, and Severus was not having an easier time. They both knew that by law, the girl would be given the status of heiress and had to report it to Gringotts. If the girl asked for a blood test, it may give her some sort of answer, which neither of them was willing to give her.

"They were, but for now, let's leave it at that," Dumbledore said with a smile. The old wizard would have to do something in order to take the girl away from the influence of her father or his allies. But how? He would've to think about it.

"Oh, alright," Eli replied, thinking that this old wizard knew something about them. How much, she didn't know.

"Now, Professor Snape, here is Hogwarts's potion master, as well as your future potion teacher. He will be here to pick you up in a few days to take you to a place where you'll get everything you need," Dumbledore said as Severus was not pleased at all to be left with such responsibility.

"Nice to meet you, Professor Snape," Eli said, attempting to sound as shy as she could. However, she soon found herself pondering the significance of this man's presence alongside the old wizard. There had to be a purpose for him being there. "Uh, Professor Snape... do I know you?" she asked aloud, curious to observe his reaction. She noticed a brief surprise in his eyes before he composed himself back into an impassive expression.

"I don't think so, Miss Gaunt," Snape replied, but he was surely trying to look as calm as possible.

"What makes you ask that, my dear?" Dumbledore asked, now intrigued.

"Ah…" Eli was feeling annoyed. She understood the importance of having more information at her disposal, but she also realised that providing false information could lead them astray. Yes, I could mislead them with something strange. Feed them details that lead nowhere. My father was an evil Dark Lord, and my mother was quite mad, as far as I know. However, that doesn't mean I can't exploit my father's name and title for my benefit. But what is it that I truly desire? Do I aspire to dominate others? Do I seek to become a Dark Lady or something of the sort? Hmm, I'll ponder over it later. For now, as I venture into the Wizarding World, I must be cautious and leverage all available resources to my advantage. Eli contemplated deeply and resolved to perplex the wizards by fabricating a deceptive story.

Besides, acting can be as fun as useful.

"Well, I had these dreams…" Eli mumbled, trying to think of the most strange and senseless thing to say. "In them, I heard people's voices and see things too. I think—I think, I remember bits of my mother. She had dark hair, and she used to laugh loudly. Then, I remember eyes, red eyes."

Severus paled when he heard that, while Dumbledore's eyes seemed to be thinking deeply about it. Eli realised she had them thinking about it. So, she decided to add more stuff just to confuse them. Normally, they wouldn't dare to believe such a thing, but she was the daughter of a dark lord, a young, innocent girl. They would at least think about it.

"Red eyes…" Snape muttered, knowing she was referring to Voldemort.

"And I think I remember you, sir, or maybe it wasn't you! It could be a dream," Eli said quickly.

"Remarkable," Dumbledore said as he peered at the young girl.

"And, sir, I can also see things… lights around people and places," Elia added, trying to sound as nervous as possible.

"Lights?" Dumbledore asked, confused.

Of the few abilities she could use, [Arcane Light] was perhaps the most useful. It allowed her to see magic traps or secret doors or pretty much gave her complete sight when something magical was nearby, including people. Something she uses quite a lot currently.

"Yes, I can see things—like auras around things that are weird. I never thought too much about it until I saw you both, sir. I can see your auras; it's bright—and," Eli's golden eyes shined brightly, and oddly enough, she noticed a strange dark stench on Snape's forearm. A very strange one. "Uh, what's that, sir?" Eli asked innocently as she pointed at Snape's forearm.

Snape quickly covered it, and Dumbledore's face was barely recognisable.

"Oh, sorry, sir, I—!"

"It's alright, my dear. It's simply quite a marvellous gift. A very rare and unique one," Dumbledore said with a smile. Yet, there was something hiding in his happy expression. "Well, we have a lot to do, Miss Gaunt. Professor Snape will come for you in a few days in order to get you all the necessary things for the school year."

Eli nodded as the headmaster handed her the Hogwarts attendance letter, along with a list of necessary items. However, she couldn't help but notice the peculiar expression on Dumbledore's face. It seemed like he needed some time alone to reflect, lost in memories of years gone by, searching for something. But what does it have to do with Eli? She wasn't sure. Nevertheless, she hoped her little acting and the bait would serve to keep him out of her for a while, searching for something he would never find.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry, my dear. Have a great day! And see you at Hogwarts!"

Dumbledore and Snape walked out of the room, leaving the young girl behind. They did not speak a word until they left the orphanage.

"Headmaster?" Snape asked as he could not read Dumbledore's face at all.

"She is not what I expected it," Dumbledore whispered. "But she is more of what I thought she would be. We must be careful, Severus."

"How so, sir? The moment she arrives at Hogwarts. All the Dark Families who know who she is would, without a doubt, bring her to their side."

"I know, and perhaps it's not a bad idea," Dumbledore whispered, surprising Severus.

"Why?" He asked, confused.

"What month she was born?" Dumbledore asked.

Severus, for a brief moment, was confused by the question, but the moment he thought about it. Severus' face grew pale.

"31 of July…" Severus mumbled as Dumbledore simply hummed.

"Born to those who have thrice defied him, and the Dark Lord will mark him as equal," Dumbledore whispered. Those words echoed in his mind. "Or her. Or them? Could it be… there's more to the prophecy?"

"Albus, what are you thinking?" Severus asked, frowning as he didn't like Dumbledore's face at all.

"Nothing. I just need to think carefully about certain things, that's all. I must hear the prophecy again, and you, Severus, will be looking after the girl. Don't tell them about her yet. Especially Lucius Malfoy and his wife. I have no doubt they would try to adopt her, and since she is the daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange and heiress of a very ancient and important house, they would have more legal backing than I would ever have in this matter. But it doesn't… mmm."

"What do you mean?" Severus asked, now alarmed and very suspicious of the old wizard. There were times when Severus believed that Albus Dumbledore could be as dangerous as Voldemort. The fact that he wasn't sure of what the old wizard was planning unnerved him greatly.

"I'll speak with you later, Severus," Dumbledore said as he simply vanished, leaving Severus alone.

Eli's expression was one of pure shock as she saw Diagon Alley for the first time. The large number of people there greatly surprised her, and the many sights she beheld surprised her even more. If she had known this was the Wizarding World, perhaps she would have made more of an effort to become familiar with it. Now she realised just how far behind she was compared to everyone else.

"This is amazing," Eli whispered as Snape sighed while standing next to the daughter of the Dark Lord. Truth be told, he was still quite nervous about being near her. There was something he could not quite explain, but those eyes seemed to look right through him. Perhaps it was because of her unique gift, a power Snape had yet to fully comprehend.

However, even though, as a child, she appeared shy and anxious at times, there was a noticeable control over her words and thoughts. The girl was thoughtful, smart, and cautious in her speech. It seemed like she was aware of more than she let on. Dumbledore attempted to read her thoughts to understand her better but found he couldn't, and neither could Snape. This means that the girl was either a master in Occlumency or something was protecting her mind.

That only led to more questions than answers.

When the Dark Lords returned and discovered that she had been living in an orphanage… I do not wish to be near him.

Snape paused, taking a deep breath before speaking. "First, let's get to Gringotts, and then let's gather what you require... uh?" He turned around, only to find that the girl had disappeared. Panic began to grip Snape as the thought of losing sight of the Dark Lord's daughter terrified him. He knew that if anything happened to her because of him, there would be nowhere in this world safe from his lord's wrath.

Thankfully, after a few seconds of looking around, he saw the girl in front of a food stand.

"Yes, I would like five Paczki in a box, and you can add one apple tart, please?" Eli asked with a big smile, not noticing or perhaps ignoring the look of complete annoyance of Professor Snape behind her.

"It will be two Galleons, my dear," the old man said.

"Uh, could I borrow some galleons from you, sir?" Eli asked nonchalantly as she indulged in a cream-filled doughnut without even glancing at him. Snape's eyes twitched at the girl's audacity as she demanded payment without any hint of shame.

"And why should I do that, Miss Gaunt?" Snape asked, his voice cold and sending shivers down the spines of seventh-year students at Hogwarts.

Eli said nothing to him; she just glanced at him with her golden eyes, devoid of fear. She wanted to test something. She had only seen a part of Severus, the one associated with the wizard named Dumbledore. Memories of her mother whispering about a mark she would proudly show her newborn flooded back. It wasn't just a tattoo but a magical brand of loyalty that only a select few had the "honour" of possessing.

Do you see this, my darling? This is a mark bestowed upon me by my lord when I eliminated those muggles! I killed five of them! It stands as my greatest accomplishment, although that was before I brought you into this world! Through this, we are eternally connected to our lord, bound by his blood, always.

That implies Professor Snape must have done something to earn that honour and was loyal to Voldemort, her father, and her blood. Keeping this in mind, when Eli's hand grabbed Snape's left forearm, he froze in place, feeling a very familiar sensation. He couldn't move, standing still as the girl watched him with her golden eyes.

"Because I asked you to please?" Eli replied, using a very innocent tone of voice. All this time, Snape could feel a burning sensation on his mark.

How…?! Snape could not move for a few seconds. Snape paid the baker with a trembling hand and soon began to follow the girl, who appeared quite oblivious to everything around her. Before soon, the girl stopped touching his arm.

"Thank you!" Eli smiled brightly as she continued eating without much care. Snape paid the baker with a trembling hand and soon began to follow the girl, who appeared quite oblivious to everything around her.

All this time, Snape was caressing his dark mark and taking deep breaths. This girl… does she know?

Meanwhile, Eli could not help but smirk internally.

It seems that he is somewhat loyal to me, although I believe it may be more of a compulsion. I think my father has even more control over him than I do. Nonetheless, I find this situation quite intriguing. Maybe I can trust him, or at least trust that he cannot say no to me because of the mark.

"So, let's go, Professor Snape."

Eli smiled as Snape could not shake this odd and scary feeling that the girl knew exactly what she was doing to him.

The whole day passed by in a blink. Eli got everything she needed, and perhaps even more. Snape couldn't even say no to her. The fact that they didn't even go to Gringotts to withdraw some galleons from the trust fund she had in her name was quite telling. The girl played him like a fiddle because of how the mark was behaving around her.

"Mm. I have most of the things I need. And I even have a beautiful owl!" Eli smiled while gazing at the dark owl in its cage.

"Yes… it appears you have all you need. You only need your robes and wand," Snape drawled slowly. As he was the one carrying everything, like an underpaid butler. He could not have cared less about going to Gringotts anymore. He wanted the day to be over.

"Professor Snape, I do apologise for… forcing you to pay," Eli said with an apologetic smile. "There are times when I have this… strange sadistic urge. I cannot control it. I sometimes feel as if… something pushes me to be evil. It is not normal, right?"

There was a hint of coldness in the girl's voice. Snape said nothing as he simply gulped, using his Occlumency to hide his emotion deep down.

"It's getting late. Let's get your robes, come."

Eli looked quite disappointed at the fact that Severus ignored her comments as if he simply wanted to leave her immediately. Am I that scary to him? If that's the case, that's hilarious and good to know.

However, as they made their way towards Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, things took a turn for the worse for Snape. Inside the store, he saw Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy with Draco, who was selecting robes for him. Snape realised that he couldn't hide the fact that the Dark Lord's daughter was with him, and he knew they would demand an explanation for his silence about her whereabouts. Feeling trapped, Snape hoped to find an opportunity to speak to them in private and reveal the truth about what had transpired and why he had not been telling them much in the last few days.

Especially since he had to deal with Dumbledore's meddling and questioning all the time. The old wizard appeared to be quite upfront about wanting the girl to be with the Dark Families, something Snape could not find a reason why Dumbledore would want. It didn't make any sense whatsoever. What are you playing at, Dumbledore? Snape could not help but sigh.

"Oh my, Severus, good to see you," Narcissa smiled brightly at him as Lucius glanced back at him.

"Severus, good day. What brings you here?" Lucius asked as Snape sighed deeply, as he only tilted his head towards Eli, who was a bit busy looking at the surrounding robes. The moment Lucius and Narcissa saw her, it was as if the air in their lungs had vanished. The moment they saw those golden spheres in Elis' eyes, they immediately seemed to forget what they were even doing there.

"I bring Miss Gaunt to buy her Hogwarts's robes," Snape drawled.

"She's alive," Lucius whispered. It wouldn't be a lie to say that Narcissa and he had been doing everything in their power to find her. They even resorted to dark rituals to locate their lord's heir. However, it seemed that whoever kidnapped her had used powerful magic to conceal her whereabouts.

Narcissa had a strong suspicion that another Dark Family was involved, considering that only the inner circle was aware of her. This led to tension among the Dark Families loyal to the Dark Lord, as each was convinced that the other was behind the disappearance of the Dark Lord's child. And if things were worse for them. They were aware that if the Dark Lord were to return, none of them would be safe.

"How…? Severus did you…?!" Narcissa whispered as Snape hissed back.

"Not here!" Snape said quietly. "I only known about her whereabouts for a few days. Dumbledore knows about her now."

"What? How?" Lucius whispered back.

"We'll talk about this later. She doesn't know much, but she remembers… things," Snape replied.

Narcissa was about to speak up as soon as the girl approached Snape.

"Professor Snape, what should I buy?" Eli asked as she noticed the two adults in front of her. She frowned a bit as she recalled the face of the woman before her. Ah, I think she is my mother's sister. My aunt, uh, what a surprising coincidence.

"Hello?" Eli waves quietly. "Do I know you?" She asked her the same question as she did to Snape, only to see how the woman would react and surprise her. Narcissa was more than thrilled to let her know that she indeed knew her.

"You do. I am your aunt," Narcissa smiled brightly, showing a clear sense of relief on her face upon seeing her. It seemed she was genuinely relieved to see her safe or that her life and her son's life were no longer in danger.

"My aunt? So, you know my mother? And my father?" Eli asked excitedly. Of course, she was faking it.

"Yes, of course!" Narcissa exclaimed.

"Mother?" a voice interrupted their conversation. A young boy with golden hair and a smug expression on his face emerged from the dressing room.

"Uh?" Eli tilted her head at him.

"Draco, my dear, here met your cousin, Aeliana Delphini Gaunt," Narcissa whispered as Draco's eyes almost fell out of their sockets.

"Bloody hell, you're alive," Draco whispered as Eli almost snorted.

Well, that's rude.

"Draco, language," Narcissa hissed as Draco coughed awkwardly.

"A pleasure to me you, cousin," Draco replied nervously.

"Pleasure... you can call me Eli," said Eli with a smile. "Aeliana can be a mouthful, and Delphini is weird." She realised that quickly making friends could benefit her later, especially if they were children who knew about her identity or were part of her father's inner circle. This could work in her favour.

"You can call me Draco," he said with a smile. A very quiet, smug, but fearful smile.

Uh, it appears my father's reputation is quite fearsome. Eli mumbled to herself in her mind.

"Now, my dear, you're here for your robes, right?" Narcissa asked with a gentle smile.

"Yes! And I was wondering if Professor Snape could buy me some… other clothes, you know, uhm, private things," Eli replied shyly, to which Narcissa understood entirely. "I've been living in an orphanage, so my clothes are mostly donations. So, I would like to have something that's mine."

"Orphanage?" Lucius whispered as he glanced at Snape.

"Later," Snape only replied.

"Oh, my darling, it seems you are missing even the most basic of clothing and undergarments!" Narcissa whispered, utterly scandalised.

Eli had to admit it. She truly lacked a lot of clothes, and it was a bit embarrassing having to wear the same underwear almost all the time.

"Now, my dear, let your aunt take care of you. Come here, my dear. You too, Draco, I need to make sure you have everything you need!"

"Mother… no more clothes," Draco groaned.

"Hush, my dear."

Narcissa took Eli's hand and guided the amused girl to Madam Malkin and a very annoyed Draco behind her.

Lucius then sighed as he glanced at Snape. "I would've expected her to be..."

"Different?" Snape replied quickly. "She is, but she is still our lord's child."

"What do you mean?" Lucius asked as he noticed Snape stroking his forearm.

"My mark responds to her," Snape whispered, causing Lucius to look at him in shock. "You'll know what I mean once. You're next to her."

Lucius hummed as he observed the girl's shocked expression at the pile of clothes his wife was giving away. He was aware of Narcissa's desire for another child, particularly a girl. It was no surprise that she was sharing her dreams with the girl. However, there were many tasks he needed to attend to now. And people that needed to know that their lord's child was found.

"There are going to be a lot of questions made by the other's families," Lucius muttered.

"Indeed," Snape replied.

"What is Dumbledore planning? If he knew who she was, why hadn't he done anything in his power to keep her secluded from the Wizarding World, or…"

"Dead?" Snape answered, glancing at Lucius, who nodded. "It's not Dumbledore's style. I have no doubt he's planning something. He is not going to fight if Narcissa and you take her. In fact, he seemed to be expecting it and welcomed it."

"That's unsettling to hear," Lucius stated. "That old man, I swear he could be a snake when he wanted it. So, what's now? Have you taken her to Gringotts?"

"No."

"Uh? You haven't? Are you serious, Severus? Where did you get all those galleons, then?"

"It's my money," Snape drawled, as Lucius could not help but snort loudly.

"It appears the mark reacts to her, the same way our lord's mark made us obey him. She is truly his child," Lucius said with a dark smug on his face.

"I don't think she knows it yet, or perhaps she does, to a certain extent. Still, Lucius, what are you planning?" Snape asked as he carefully looked at the head of the Malfoy family.

"It's a good thing we are the ones hearing about this first. We can certainly avoid… severe punishment. And groom her to be a proper Dark Lady. If our lord faced an unfortunate end, we have a replacement."

"Lucius, that's very dangerous talk," Snape whispered.

"Indeed, but we must be prepared for everything," Lucius said while Narcissa appeared to smile warmly at the girl. "Severus, don't make any mistakes. I am loyal to our lord, but we must always be ready for anything. I am serious. If the child had been with us, we would have raised her as a proper lady and heir of Slytherin. However, that is in the past. We must do what we can now, and we must start soon. Or other dark families would try to get her under their control."

Snape did not reply, but he could see what Lucius seemed to be speaking about.

"We must take her to Gringotts soon, then," Snape added, and Lucius nodded.

"Aunt Narcissa, isn't this a bit too much?" Eli mumbled, feeling shocked and overwhelmed by the sheer number of robes and clothes he was carrying. Her arms were so full of clothes that her face couldn't even be seen.

"Nonsense! I am even thinking of adding a few more robes," Narcissa mumbled in deep thought.

"I don't think I have the galleons for that," Snape added with a groan.

"Don't concern yourself with that, Severus. We'll pay it all," Lucius said with an arrogant smug.

"Are you poor, Professor Snape? Because if that's the case, I am sorry for making you pay for everything! I'll make sure to pay you back!" Eli replied, hiding her teasing voice behind an innocent face.

Yes, she is evil. Snape thought as he could not quite look at that smug on her face.

After spending hours at Gringott Bank and Ollivanders, Eli had finally gathered everything she needed, including a gift from Lucius—a pet snake. It was an Inland Taipan, known as the most venomous snake in the world, capable of killing a hundred men with just one bite. Lucius gave her the snake as a symbol of her claimed heirship to the Slytherin and Gaunt families. It was meant to show everyone who doubted her true identity.

Eli, on the other hand, thought there was another reason behind it. During her visit to Gringotts, Lucius Malfoy was straightforward in telling her that her father was the Dark Lord Voldemort. He warned her that she would be a target for various schemes and attempts to turn her against the "Pure ways of Magic," whatever that meant. Eli soon understood that Lucius Malfoy was trying to establish himself as a fatherly figure for her. It was a clever move, she had to admit.

But at the same time, Eli found it amusing and decided to use them. They were family, after all, even though they were still strangers to her. It was good to know she had people she could use to her advantage. Maybe if she had been raised by them, her opinion of them would vary, but it doesn't matter anymore.

"Now, be careful, my dear," Narcissa said as she kissed Draco's cheek, causing the blond to groan.

"Mother, please not in public," Draco mumbled as the station was filled with new year students.

"You will always be my dearest son. I'm so proud of you," Narcissa said tenderly. Eli couldn't help but feel a bit envious at the sight.

It brought back some nasty memories and dreams. Even though she was technically an adult, having someone to love was still a deep wish for her.

"Goodbye, Mother," Draco said as he got ready to board the train.

"Behave properly, Draco. Remember, you're a Malfoy. You don't bow to anyone, but keep in mind the rules and hierarchy of Slytherin house," Lucius said in a very pompous tone. But there was a certain level of warning directed at his son. Draco has been taught from a very early age how he should behave and what the Slytherin house is all about.

"I know, father," Draco replied firmly.

Eli, on her part, only understood little, if anything, so far. From their brief chats, it seemed that the Slytherin house revolved mostly around power, blood, and a strict set of rules established by a hierarchy of the most powerful or influential individuals. This was quite intriguing to Eli, at the very least.

"And you, my dear," Narcissa whispered as she drew close to her niece. "I know it's all happening quickly, and you may not have the traditional education of a young heiress. But don't hesitate to inform us about anything that occurs there. We are family, after all."

Uh, they are assuming I'll be in Slytherin. Eli thought as she simply nodded at her.

"Draco will be there to assist you if you have any doubts or questions," Lucius said as he glanced at his son, who understood immediately what his father was saying.

"Of course, father," Draco replied.

"Good luck, my dear," Narcissa said as she hugged Eli. The girl flinched instantly, as she wasn't used to being hugged in any way. She didn't know what to do, but thankfully, it was a quick hug.

"Thank you," Eli muttered, realising she would have to adjust to this type of relationship, especially after they had already informed her they would remove her from that orphanage, so she would not need to get back to those "filthy muggles". Eli realised that she would need to get used to being around them.

I guess I should try to be more at ease with this. After all, she's my aunt. Perhaps I should consider giving a family a chance; it could provide me with a better environment to practise magic and explore more about this world.

Soon enough, after leaving her suitcases with all the things in their designated area, she bolted to the Hogwarts Express. And was ready for what could be a very interesting year.

"Follow me, cousin!" Draco spoke with a very excited tone of voice.

Eli arched her eyebrows when she noticed Draco's heightened excitement about being close to her, which surpassed her own enthusiasm. She mused that being related to the Dark Lord's daughter was surely a confidence booster for anyone.

"Where are we going, Draco?" Eli asked as she followed the young boy.

"To meet proper wizards and witches, of course," Draco said with a smug.

Eli hummed as she followed him to a wide-open area of the train, where she noticed a group of students, some older and others the same age as them. However, one thing was clear—the majority of them were Slytherin, easily identifiable by the green colour of their uniforms.

"Draco, there you are!" A small girl, perhaps a bit too small, with a black bob-cut hairstyle and hazel eyes, approached Draco with a big hug.

"Pansy, enough," Draco groaned.

"I have missed you so much!" Pansy said with a dreamy face.

"You saw a few days ago," Draco replied with a sigh. Pansy then glanced at the girl next to him and gave her a nasty sneer.

"Who is she?!" Pansy exclaimed as Eli looked back at her, quite confused.

"She is my cousin, Pansy. Aeliana Delphini Gaunt," Draco said loudly enough for everyone in the wagon to hear. And indeed, they did. The older Slytherin students at the back, who had been ignoring the first-years, swiftly turned towards them and fixed their gaze on Eli, who simply tilted her head in response.

"Aeliana, this is my… friend, Pansy Parkinson," Draco said as Eli smiled at Pansy.

"Call me Eli, please," Eli said as Pansy remained stunned.

"Gaunt…?" Pansy muttered, a bit nervous. "Uh… y-you're… I—"

"Oh, yes, my mother is Bellatrix Lestrange, and my father is Lord Voldemort," Eli said, almost unfazed by the reactions of those around her. She understood that it was best for them to learn her identity now so she could later determine how to leverage it to her benefit. Lucius Malfoy had advised her not to fear snakes. And that she should use everything to her advantage. After all, some of those Slytherin children's parents were Death Eaters and loyal to the Dark Lord.

Hence, loyal to her, or so Eli thought. In any case, if she knows it and they know it, no one could control or use that information against her. Eli would not hide or parade as a secret child. No, that would be detrimental to her. It was better if she embraced that title and all that it represents.

Her words left the entire wagon in a silence as deep as a crypt.

"The Dark Lord's daughter… impossible," one of the seventh-year-old students muttered. And some of them were quite stunned to hear this girl say it in such an unbothered manner as if it wasn't a big deal.

Eli hummed a few words while hissing, and soon, everyone in the wagon noticed a snake raising its dark head from Eli's collar. The snake coiled itself around her neck, relishing the warmth of her skin.

"My, my, my mistress, you shouldn't wake me up from my beauty ssslumber that I so desssperately need," the snake hissed, a bit annoyed.

The snake was magical by nature, making her more intelligent than a normal snake. But also letting have a personality. And in Eli's case, her snake had the personality of a diva. That's why she liked the snake. It was so unabashedly arrogant and sassy that it made her laugh.

"I apologise, my dear Cleopatra, but I had to make an ego move to show them I speak to sneaks."

Everyone there simply froze as Eli began to speak with her snake.

"Mm, I ssse. So beat it. Look, children of magi, see my beauty!" Cleopatra the snake hissed loudly as she raised her body up, showcasing her body to everyone.

"Alright, I think it's enough. I don't want to traumatise them."

Eli said with a smile as the snake scoffed, coiling around her neck once more. "They should feel grateful to see my wondrous body!"

"Sorry, she is quite the snake," Eli said with a smile, as all of them only stared silently at her.

This is a great first impression! She thought happily.

The journey to Hogwarts was quite a spectacle. People were quiet around her, almost appearing fearful, anxious, or suspicious. No one mentioned her claim of being Voldemort's daughter, at least not yet. However, Draco informed her that upon reaching Hogwarts, many would write to their parents seeking verification on whether she was telling the truth. Especially those children of Death Eater's parents who managed to avoid Azkaban.

By tomorrow morning, they will all behave differently. Draco told her and Eli would have to wait to see if that's the case.

When they arrived, the first-year students travelled in boats towards the large school, and Eli couldn't help but look in surprise at the castle across the lake. It was large, beautiful, and filled with magic. Thanks to her skill, Arcane Sight, Eli's eyes could see it all. Every stone, wall, and window resonated with magic, almost blinding in its intensity.

"Daphne, look, Hogwarts! It's so beautiful!" whispered the brunette girl with a long ponytail and dark eyes excitedly. The girl next to her, with dirty blond hair reaching her shoulders and light blue eyes, nodded stiffly, her gaze fixed on Eli.

Eli wondered if the girl was afraid of her or something. I am not that scary. She thought as soon enough, they reached Hogwarts and began their path towards the Great Hall, where they soon met a teacher called Minerva McGonagall.

"The sorting ceremony will begin shortly. Please wait here," she said before walking away, leaving the students behind. They soon began whispering about what the ceremony would entail.

However, soon after, Draco spoke to a kid that Eli hadn't paid attention to until that moment.

"So, is it true, then? What were they saying on the train? Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," Draco hissed, as everyone soon began to whisper.

Ah, yes, Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. I've heard that he defeated Voldemort as a baby. But did he really defeat my father, or was there something else at play? It's still amusing to think that my father lost to a baby - what a loser. He must be so annoyed and angry about that. Eli found it quite humorous. She chuckled at the thought of the supposedly most powerful dark lord in history being defeated by a baby. Yet, she wondered, what actually happened that night? It was a truly intriguing question.

"This is Crabbe and Goyle, and I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," he said with the same smug face as his father. Yet, a red-haired boy snorted as Draco introduced himself.

"Think my name is funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe… you must be a Weasley. You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there," Draco said as he extended his hand to Harry, who simply frowned at him.

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," Harry replied, as Eli noticed a sudden shade of red on her cousin's face.

I've only known you for a few hours, Draco, but I can tell this has hurt your pride, Eli thought, as she made the decision to assist her family by reaching out to the boy known as Harry Potter. She found him intriguing. If he possessed some kind of secret power, she thought, it would be worth looking into, wouldn't it?

"Sorry for my cousin. He didn't mean to sound insulting," Eli approached them as Harry, and that red-haired boy looked at her with confusion. "My name is Aeliana Delphini Gaunt. But you can call me Eli."

"Uh… hello?" Harry muttered, a bit confused.

"See, that wasn't hard," Eli said as she smiled at Draco, who rolled his eyes.

"You're both cousins?" The red-haired boy asked.

"Recently meet, I've been living in an orphanage all my life. I didn't even know I was a witch!" Eli chuckled loudly. "But that's what happens when your mother is in Azkaban and your father is dead. Or, well, supposedly, in any case. I've been curious to meet you, Harry Potter."

"Supposedly dead?" The red-haired boy muttered.

"Why did you want to meet me?" Harry asked as they ignored the other boy.

"Well, supposedly, you're the one who killed my father," Eli replied with a smile, but her eyes couldn't stop gazing at the scar on Harry's forehead. Something within her was drawn to it. Her eyes had picked up on a very peculiar yet familiar scent—magic. What's that thing? She thought as she tilted her head.

"W—what?" Harry stuttered, confused as the other children were gawking at her. But before any of them could speak, Professor McGonagall arrived.

"The sorting ceremony will begin. Follow me."

Eli winked at Harry, giggling at their reactions. It was unnecessary but fun to see. She wanted everyone to know who her dear dad was. Eli had a feeling Dumbledore would be angry if he found out she was sharing this information. She didn't trust him and felt it was better this way. This would prevent him from using, hiding, or controlling her through her lineage.

Furthermore, her father's name would attract allies and individuals who, while would try to control her, she was sure to play around with them and use them to her advantage. However, she preferred surrounding herself with individuals who feared her father and were easily influenced to support and protect her. She would rather avoid someone like Dumbledore, whom she acknowledged as powerful and beyond her current abilities, manipulating and attempting to harm her.

Dumbledore wielded significant influence, undoubtedly with numerous allies. It was essential for her to be strategic, leveraging her father's influence while presenting herself as distinct from him, eager to explore her own identity. This approach could potentially deter Dumbledore from taking any drastic actions, given his unlikely disposition towards harming a child. However, this also posed a challenge in terms of anticipating and planning for his actions. After all, Dumbledore seemed to be the one who would use other ways to get what he wanted.

"When I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the Sorting Hat in your head, and you will be sorted into your houses," Professor McGonagall stated loudly as the first-year students gathered around in front of everyone in the great hall.

"Hermione Granger!"

Eli saw a bushy girl muttering to herself as she sat down on the chair. The sorting hat began to talk quickly before Eli could hear her.

I did not expect this. Eli thought as she watched the girl happily jump out of the chair, the hat screaming, "Gryffindor."

"Draco Malfoy!"

Eli snorted as she saw how the hat didn't even touch her cousin's head before it yelled, "Slytherin." Draco gave her a small smile before he sat on the Slytherin table.

"Ronald Weasley!"

So, that's his name. Eli thought, as again, the hat yelled, "Gryffindor."

"Harry Potter!"

The entire great hall became quiet with excitement as the Boy-Who-Lived sat on the chair. Funnily enough, it took the hat a bit more time to decide where to put him. However, when Harry began to whisper, "Not Slytherin." Over and over again, it became clear where he would go and when the hat exclaimed, "Gryffindor!" The entire great hall exploded in cheers.

"Well, that's quite the popularity," Eli whispered, amused.

"Aeliana… Gaunt," McGonagall whispered, stunned to hear that name. Soon enough, everyone watched Eli sitting on the chair.

"Oh… this… this is different," hat said as everyone heard those words, and for the first time in a long time, the Sorting Hat went quiet.

"This is the first time in a long time I've spoken to a student like this," the Sorting Hat said as Eli could hear his voice in her mind. "Don't worry, I can't read or see your mind; I can only interpret some of your traits and speak through it."

Eli relaxed at that as the Sorting Hat hummed deeply. "So, sort away."

"Mm, you're quite interesting, not at all like your beloved father or dear mother."

"Beloved father and dear mother? Uh, that's one way to put it."

"What, do you think they don't love you?" The Sorting Hat teased as Eli snorted loudly.

"I don't know. I have no idea who they are. Their names are the only thing I know of them, and what they did, or who they are. I cannot say if they care or not for me."

"You say that, but a part of you wished for it, to be loved and cared for. You're truly a lonely person."

"Didn't you say that you could only read some of my traits?" She asked back, with a very rigid tone of voice.

"I'm sorry, but it's difficult to overlook the loneliness within you. Let's change the topic, shall we? Well, at least let's try to. You are the most Slytherin student I've ever come across, even more so than Slytherin himself. There's simply no other house in this school that would suit you better."

"I can be brash and rush to danger like a Gryffindor. Or a softball and hardworking like Hufflepuff, or even a bookwork like Ravenclaw."

Eli replied back, a bit insulted.

"No, you're not the type to charge into danger without a second thought. You are definitely more cautious, always analysing the situation before making a move. You're no pushover, either. Your dedication to hard work is impressive, and your loyalty to your friends is unwavering. But let's not forget the fierceness that lies within you; you have the ability to take decisive action against anyone who threatens those you care about. You understand the true value of knowledge, seeing it as a critical tool for achieving your objectives. Ultimately, you're a natural strategist, adept at navigating challenges and surviving in any situation. Am I wrong?"

Eli's mouth became thin as she bit her tongue.

"Shut up," that's all she could say back, as the Sorting Hat began to chuckle loudly.

"I think it's decided then; besides, maybe you can be what your father was supposed to be."

"Uh, what could that be?"

"The Wizarding World's hope... you should be, Slytherin!" The Sorting Hat yelled. As soon as Eli took the hat off her and walked towards the Slytherin's table, some clapped at her. Yet, it was clear that some of them were still unsure to truly believe she was who she claimed to be. Not that it bothered her at all. Eli was busy thinking about other things.

"Welcome home, cousin," Draco said with a smug smile.

"Your smug face is quite something," Eli replied.

"It's my white teeth, isn't it? They are perfect," Draco replied with a smirk.

"Sure they are," Eli snorted as soon Dumbledore announced the start of the feast.

As the delicious food arrived, a beaming smile lit up Eli's face, but a sudden shiver ran down her spine. She felt an unfamiliar gaze fixed upon her. Turning towards the teacher's table, her eyes fell on a man with a turban elegantly draped around his head. There was something undeniably captivating about him; it was as if a unique kind of magic radiated from his presence, reminiscent of the power Harry Potter possessed through his iconic scar. The man's proud expression only intensified the mystery, leaving Eli both intrigued and slightly unsettled. What was it about him that felt so enchanting? So familiar to her.

"Strange... very strange."

Then, oddly enough, she saw Harry Potter glancing at her with a worried, fearful, yet curious look on his face. Eli tilted her head at him and waved at him, only for Ron to hiss something at Harry. It seemed that the red-haired boy was already warning him about the evil Slytherin girl.

"This can become amusing."

The dinner ended, and soon, all of the Slytherin students were guided to their chambers, deep in the dungeons. Eli soon noticed a set of older students called Prefect. However, while she didn't pay attention to what they were saying, she noticed that both of them were looking at her with a very intense glare.

"Gaunt... Don't let your lineage as the supposed Slytherin's heir fool you into thinking you can act with impunity," she hissed, her voice laced with disdain. The girl with striking dark hair, intricately woven into a long braid, with a piercing gaze from her striking grey eyes. Her lips, perfectly painted in a bold red, curled into a confident smirk as she continued, "I find it hard to believe the tales you spin about your supposed father. We don't believe it."

"You're very beautiful," Eli replied, without paying attention to what she had said. "What's your name?"

The male Prefect glanced at the witch next to him with an amused look on his face. However, the girl's face twisted in anger.

"My name is Minette Rosier, heiress of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Rosier," Minette hissed with an arrogant smug. "If you think, daring to say, that the Dark Lord is your father, it is going to be accepted. You're for a rude awakening. We are going to make you pay for such an insult!"

Eli let out a deep hum, a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Just wait until tomorrow morning," she said with a playful grin. "Your father's letter might have you singing a different tune."

Minette's face twisted in one of anger, but she scoffed loudly. "Enjoy your night. I'll teach you some manners tomorrow," Minette said as she began to indicate where the girls' and boys' rooms were located.

"Let me make this clear: there are rules in this house that everyone must respect. The common room is a space for all Slytherin students, but the area around the fireplace is off-limits to anyone but the elders and the council of snakes. They uphold our traditions and ensure that no one disrespects our house. If any chaos arises, it is they who will deliver the consequences. Remember, if you ever find yourself in a bind with students from outside Slytherin, don't hesitate to seek help from your fellow housemates. But if you have any other problem that is more school-related, seek our Head House, Professor Snape. Do we have an understanding?"

"Yes," all the new students said.

"Good, now off to bed. Tomorrow, Professor Snape will give you the schedule."

The students nodded in agreement as they made their way toward their designated chambers. Eli felt a sense of comfort wash over her as she stepped into her new home—or at least as comfortable as one could expect. She quickly realised that she would be sharing a room with four other girls. While a part of her longed for the solitude of having her own space, the room was surprisingly spacious, allowing each of them to carve out their little corners where they could unwind and find a moment of peace for themselves.

"All of the baggage is here already," Eli said as she began to undress. "Cleopatra, my dear, here, there's your sand vase."

Eli hissed as her sassy snake hissed contentedly as she began to sink herself in the sand.

"Ah, isss perfect! I also request for a midnight meal. I have to hunt. Night hunt isss the best for my figure."

"Alright. Let me finish with this, and I shall let you lose. I think the Forbidden Forest had a lot of exquisite meals for you."

Eli hissed as she didn't notice the looks on all of the girl's faces.

"It's true then... what you said on the train... that you're... V-V-v..." the brunette girl mumbled nervously, as she was trying so hard to speak.

"Voldemort's daughter, yes," Eli said, noticing the flinch in all of them. "I didn't know until recently."

"Uh? What do you mean you didn't know?" Pansy asked, confused.

"I grew up in an orphanage. I found out that I was kidnapped by someone from my father's close circle. They didn't kill me, but they did try to get rid of me. I didn't know I was a witch until Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore came to my door. After visiting Gringotts, I discovered that my aunt and uncle had been looking for me all these years. This helped me learn more about who I am. It's quite an interesting story!" Eli chuckled to herself without paying much attention to how they were reacting to her story.

It was hard for them to believe but also hard not to. The girl seemed completely unfazed by the situation, which made it even more believable.

"So, don't worry. I am not going to eat you all. I am just... another witch. Let's get along, shall we?" Eli said, and the four girls froze when they saw those golden eyes staring back at her. There was something so hypnotising and magical in those eyes.

The morning came, and with it came a new dawn for Eli, who was the first one to wake up. She learned that the girls living with her were Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, Millicent Bulstrode, a chubby girl, and, of course, Pansy Parkinson. None of them appeared to be comfortable next to her so far. During the night, Eli saw Daphne writing a letter to her father, no doubt asking him about what she should do or if this girl was even telling the truth. Eli could not wait to see everyone's reaction when the letters of reply came back.

For now, Eli would wait and stand still and see how they react.

Eli was the first to arrive at the great hall. She smirked as she saw Professor Snape at the teacher's table, looking at what she believed was the schedule. However, what caught her attention was not the schedule but the clear coffee he was drinking.

"Professor Snape, good morning," Eli said as Snape looked at her with a sigh.

"Miss Gaunt, isn't it too early for you to be awake?" He drawled as Eli, without much concern, began to take her own mug and serve herself coffee from the very old kettle.

"It's my internal clock; sadly, no matter how much I try, I always wake up at five am," Eli said as she took a sip of coffee and sighed happily. "Can I have my schedule, please?"

Snape looked at those golden eyes and could not help but shiver as he gave her what she asked.

"Thank you," Eli smiled.

"I imagine you're aware that most of the students in the Slytherin house will find it incredibly difficult to swallow the bold claim you just made," Snape remarked, his curiosity piqued by the girl's unusual approach. It was a quintessential Gryffindor move—proclaiming her identity so openly and without a hint of hesitation. Yet, beneath that brazen exterior, he couldn't shake the feeling that this girl was far more calculated than she appeared.

"Mm, I certainly hope so," Eli said, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "If not, then they're simply missing the point. And let me be clear—I have no plans to keep this under wraps from the school, the teachers, or anyone else, for that matter. I'm ready to fully embrace it all, no holding back."

"Why would you even consider this? Do you realise what it means? People will turn against you. The Dark Lord's adversaries will mark you as their next target, and Dumbledore will relentlessly keep an eye on you. And that's just the start—imagine the uproar at the Ministry once they catch wind of this!"

"Um, yes, that will be quite predictable. Boringly so," Eli replied with an unbothered smile. "Don't concern yourself with that. No matter what they think, the Ministry cannot do anything about it."

"How can you be so sure?" Snape drawled angrily. "You have to remember who your father is."

"What did you just say, my dear Professor?" Eli's voice danced between the lines of innocence and mischief, her golden eyes shimmering with a mix of charm and cunning. "I am merely a girl from an orphanage, burdened by the unfortunate legacy of an evil father and a mad mother. A victim of fate, if you will." Snape felt a twitch in his brows, annoyance flickering across his features.

"But fret not! This calculated risk is all part of my plan," Eli continued, her tone playful yet hauntingly shrewd. "When you plant ideas in people's minds and solidify their opinions, they become so easily swayed. I could hide my lineage, but the truth is, my father is Voldemort—no amount of concealment would spare me from prejudice. So, by revealing it myself before the truth comes crashing down, I take control of how they perceive me. In essence, I'm levelling the playing field, ensuring I remain the one calling the shots."

Snape's eyes hardened as he could see why the hat put her in Slytherin.

"You have to be careful then," he replied with a sigh. "I can only do so much."

"Oh, but you have to do much; you're a Death Eater after all, aren't you?" Eli replied as Snape's jaw clenched tightly.

"It's your responsibility to assist and safeguard me, whether you like it or not," Eli asserted, locking eyes with Snape. He could see the flicker of anger behind his stoic facade. It was clear that Snape found himself between a rock and a hard place, ensnared in a school where Dumbledore's watchful gaze penetrated every corner, reporting Eli's every move back to the old wizard. Eli sensed, without needing Snape's admission, that there was a deeper reason behind his narrow escape from Azkaban—most likely Dumbledore giving him protection as long he told him everything.

Eli could not even be mad at him; after all, many of the most loyal and important of Voldemort's inner circle escaped Azkaban by saying they were under the Imperius Curse.

My father is going to ask a lot of questions if he ever comes back from the dead, as they all believe. Eli thought as soon a chuckle snapped Snape and her attention.

"It appears Miss Gaunt is more shrew than she let on," Professor Quirrell spoke without any stuttering, and Snape noticed quickly.

"Uh, thank you, Professor Quirrell," Eli said, watching the strange person's knowing smile.

"You shouldn't be hearing private conversation, Quirrell," Snape drawled.

"Hardly a private conversation, Professor Snape. I just happened to hear it. However, there's a bit I couldn't quite grasp, Miss Gaunt. You lived in an orphanage? Alone? How is that possible?" Quirrell asked with an intrigued yet almost hissingly tone of voice. Something that confused Eli.

"Uh, well, as far as I know, someone kidnapped me when I was a baby and left me on the doorsteps of the orphanage. That's all I know," Eli replied as Quirrell's face twisted in one of pain, as he hissed fearfully.

"I... I see if you excuse me," Quirrell whispered as he sprinted out of the Great Hall, holding his head, leaving both Snape and Eli confused.

"What was that?" Eli asked out loud.

"Never be alone with him, Miss Gaunt. I do not trust that man," that's all Snape said before the first students entered the Great Hall for breakfast.

Eli glanced around the bustling Great Hall as she settled into her seat, her fork poised over her plate. She could feel the weight of the Slytherin students' stares as they entered, each one choosing to sit as far away from her as possible. Their faces twisted into sneers, an unmistakable mix of mockery and hostility, but Eli felt a flicker of confidence deep down, knowing that tides could turn in an instant.

At the far end of the table, Daphne, Tracey, and the other girl with round cheeks exchanged furtive glances, but it was Draco's choice to slide into the seat beside her that caught her attention. Without hesitation, he joined her, seemingly unbothered by the atmosphere around them. Eli couldn't help but grin—having a cousin was quite nice.

"My dear cousin, trying to make me happy?" Eli teased as Draco snorted.

"Of course, I just don't want to miss this. I even woke up early for it. You can see it in my hair," Draco replied just as two large kids sat down in front of them. They were the same ones Draco always had around him, like some kind of bodyguard.

"Goyle and Crabbe," Draco waved. "They know."

"Oh, please to meet you," Eli said, as both kids only hummed loudly as if they were like statues or brutes. "Uh..."

"They are... special," Draco mumbled.

Soon enough, two more kids sat near them, both of them with smirks on their faces. Draco's frown was quite obvious; he wasn't a fan of either of them.

"Theodore, Blaise," Draco drawled, annoyed. "What are you doing here?"

"Draco, my dear friend," Theodore spoke with a smirk on his face. "What do you mean, what am I doing here? I am here to serve the Dark Lord's daughter. It should be obvious."

"Sure you're," Draco replied.

"But I am serious. My father knew that the Dark Lord's daughter had been alive all this time, and he told me to be ready to serve and protect her, even if it meant putting my life on the line," Theodore declared, winking at Eli. She tilted her head, amused by him. "You're not the only one who knows things," he added.

"It's that so? Your father has known she is alive all this time? Mm, my father would like to have a few words with Lord Nott," Draco sneered at him, but Theodore simply shrugged his threat.

"Lord Malfoy is more than welcome," Theodore replied with a smirk.

"And what about you, then?" Eli asked the boy named Blaise.

"The instant you spoke to the snake, I realised you were speaking the truth," Blaise said, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "It was a daring choice but a clever one, too. I have to respect that. Besides, the nearer you get to power, the more people gravitate toward you. And I am not a fool." Eli felt a tingling sense of respect for Blaise's candidness. At the very least, he was upfront about his ambitions.

"Besides, I wouldn't let Theo here be the only one getting close to you. He is as much of a snake as any of us," Blaise drawled as Theodore faked hurt.

"You wound me, I am honest. My words were genuine."

"Of course," Blaise said with a scoff.

"Draco~!" Soon, all of them looked at Pansy arriving, hushing Crabbe to make space for her as she sat down next to the love of her life. "I missed you."

"Pansy," Draco mumbled with a sigh. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you, and good morning to you, my lady," Pansy stated with a big smile as she looked at Eli, who raised an eyebrow at her sudden change of behaviour.

"Not a good morning for me, Pansy?" Theodore asked with a smile as Pansy sneered at him. To Eli's surprise, the small girl with a cute little nose flipped him the bird.

"Eat shite, Nott," Pansy hissed, and if she could spit at the boy, she would. "Oh, hello, Blaise. Good morning."

"Good morning to you, too," Blaise snorted.

Eli was now popular and very entertained. Yet as soon as she saw an owl entering the great hall, dropping letters above the students of Slytherin, Eli knew things would change even more.

Author's note°

I am horrible at making One-Shots!

In anycase, this is roughly the idea I had in mind. Of course, there's a lot I want to change since there's quite a lot I could get rid of and perhaps even add! For example, there are few other sides to this story. One is that Galadriel actually grows up with Bellatrix. I think it would be a very fun thing to see their relationship. Bellatrix behaves like Albedo, praising everything about her daughter. And Galadriel has a sort of brother-sister relationship with Draco. It could be fun to make. As well, I thought about perhaps even changing the plot a bit.

Another one, making James and Lily survive the night, pretty much having the Potters alive, and since Bellatrix never went to torture the Longbottom, there would be this vivid rivalry between the Dark Families and the Light Families. And pretty much having Galadriel and Harry Potter being the centre of the entire plot. That could be fun. Everyone would think of Galadriel as the next dark lord (Dark Lady) in training, but she just wants to find Nazarick and wants to do her own thing. But everyone thinks she is this evil genius who is working to bring her father back. However, Harry Potter also has this crush on her for some reason. I don't know; like I said, it could be interesting trying to make it work or add things you guys think would be cool to see.

Another one was Regulus raising Galadriel as his own, him working to get Sirius out of Azkaban and then having Sirius getting Harry from the Dursley and Galadriel being raised together. Like I said, it can be fun.

Also, I thought about Galadriel being an orphan but then being adopted by the Grangers. Can you imagine Hermione and Galadriel as step-sisters? That could be quite fun.

Then, there's another one, where Pandora's Actor kills Voldemort, takes his place, and raises Galadriel as his heir, much to her dismay. And behaves as the most drama-diva-queen Voldemort in history.

In anycase, those are some of the other possibilities. Tell me what you think. I would like to write a version of each one, but it is not possible. Nevertheless, tell me what you think!

I'll put two more One-Shots and end this. By that point, I should end two of my current fanfictions and choose one story from all of these fanfictions. So... vote, or tell me an idea you'd like to see!

See you all later, and if you wish to support me, go to my Tumblr! You can do it from there!