The Boy Who Lived and The Cursed Child: Philosopher's Stone
England
Bellatrix's Residence
Delphi's POV
That morning, Delphi awoke slowly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the tall windows of her room. She rose from bed, stretched lightly, and made her way toward the manor's grand library. Just as she reached the entrance, she stopped at the sight of a house-elf standing by the door.
"Young Mistress," the house-elf said with a respectful bow. "Would you like me to prepare some breakfast?"
"Yes… could you bring it to the library? I'm going to study one of my mother's personal books," Delphi replied, giving the elf a small nod.
She stepped into the vast library, the scent of aged parchment and wood welcoming her. Reaching up to the top shelf, she carefully pulled down an old book bound in dragon leather.
"Bellatrix: Potions and Alchemy – Personal Notes and Recipes," she read aloud from the cover.
With a deep breath, Delphi opened the book and began to read.
She saw the house elf walked toward her as she put English breakfast when she looked at her. "thank you " Delphi replied when she started to eat her food.
The house elf left the library when Delphi was reading the first page. "first year potion level" Delphi says as she studying the way she make the potion.
Two Hours Later
The empty plate on the small reading table was gone, and Delphi realized just how quiet the house was. She was alone—truly alone. Though several house-elves were tasked with taking care of her, there were no other human voices, no footsteps echoing through the halls.
Her black snake slithered up her arm, coiling gently around it.
"Hi, Nyx," Delphi said softly.
"Hi," Nyx replied in a low hiss.
"You seem quieter than usual," Nyx remarked, his tongue flicking out briefly.
"Yeah… I was just thinking," Delphi murmured. "If I ever get to go to Hogwarts… would people accept me? Or would they just see me as a monster—because I look so much like my mother?"
"Well… I don't know," Nyx admitted. "But you don't need to worry yet. You're supposed to go to Hogwarts next year, right?"
"Yeah. Since my birthday is on Halloween, I still have to wait another year," Delphi said with a sigh.
Just then, one of the house-elves came running toward her, holding something tightly in its small hands.
"Young Mistress!" the house-elf called. "You've received a letter from Hogwarts!"
Delphi's heart skipped as she took the envelope and quickly tore it open. Her eyes widened as she read.
"I'm… I'm going to Hogwarts," she whispered, stunned.
"I shall inform Mistress Narcissa right away," the house-elf said with a bow. "She will want to make arrangements for your trip to Diagon Alley to purchase your school supplies."
"And you must visit Gringotts Wizarding Bank to retrieve funds from Vault 687—Bellatrix's vault," the house-elf added.
"Did you hear that, Nyx?" Delphi said, a small spark of excitement in her voice.
"I'm going to Hogwarts!" Delphi said
The Next Day
Early in the morning, Delphi stood near the entrance hall, waiting anxiously. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve as she glanced toward the large wooden door. Then, with a soft creak, it opened.
She straightened immediately as the figures stepped inside.
"Hello," Delphi greeted softly.
"Hi," Narcissa replied, her elegant presence filling the room. Draco stood beside her, silently observing Delphi. He noted how much shorter she was than him, his expression unreadable.
Narcissa's sharp eyes studied the girl closely. "You look just like my older sister… just a bit shorter than she was at your age," she said, her voice tinged with distant memories.
"We're going to Gringotts Wizarding Bank," Narcissa continued without pause.
"Take my hand, and we'll Apparate there," she instructed.
Delphi nodded and stepped closer, taking Narcissa's hand. Draco, after a brief hesitation, took her other arm.
In a heartbeat, the world twisted and vanished in a swirl of magic as they Apparated straight to Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley
They made their way through the bustling street of Diagon Alley, the cobbled path alive with the chatter of witches and wizards. As they approached the towering white building of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the marble steps shimmered in the morning light.
Delphi walked beside Narcissa and Draco, her eyes wide as she took in the grandeur of the place. A line had formed inside, and as they waited, she noticed a towering figure—a twelve-foot-tall man—speaking to a young boy with round glasses. The two were just stepping into one of the mine carts as another goblin approached Narcissa.
"Welcome, Lady Narcissa," the goblin said with a bow.
"Are you visiting your personal vault today?"
"Yes," Narcissa replied, "but first, we need to access my older sister Bellatrix's vault. Her daughter will need funds for her school materials."
The goblin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you have Bellatrix's key?"
"I do," Narcissa said, producing an old silver key from her handbag.
The goblin gave a curt nod and motioned for them to follow. Moments later, the three of them stepped into one of the narrow mine carts. With a jolt, the cart began to move, racing along the twisting tracks deeper and deeper into the underground vaults.
"Vault 687," the goblin muttered, as the darkness grew around them and the cold air rushed past their faces.
Vault 687
With a creaking sound and a wave of the goblin's hand, the heavy door to Vault 687 slowly opened. A gust of cold, enchanted air rushed out as Delphi stepped forward, her eyes widening.
Inside, the vault glittered with mountains of gold—piles upon piles of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Along the walls were shelves stacked with strange objects—ancient tomes, cursed jewelry, and dark magical artifacts wrapped in protective cloth or glowing faintly in the shadows.
Delphi paused, taking in the overwhelming sight, when something caught her eye.
At the very top of one of the gold piles sat a small, ornate cup—glimmering with enchantments.
"Helga Hufflepuff's cup…" she whispered to herself, recognizing it from the old magical history books she had read.
She made a mental note of it but didn't touch it. Instead, she pulled out a small leather bag and began scooping handfuls of Galleons into it until it was full. Turning, she walked back toward the entrance where Narcissa and the goblin were waiting.
"Finished?" Narcissa asked calmly.
Delphi nodded.
The goblin took the key from her and handed it back to Narcissa before speaking again. "Now, shall we proceed to your personal vault, Lady Narcissa?"
"Yes," Narcissa replied. "Lead the way."
They stepped back into the cart, and with another sharp jolt, it sped off through the tunnels once more.
Narcissa's Vault
The mine cart twisted and turned through the dark tunnels, lit only by enchanted torches flickering along the stone walls. After several sharp drops and sudden turns, the cart slowed before halting in front of an elegantly engraved vault door.
"Vault 93," the goblin announced.
Narcissa stepped forward, producing a separate golden key. The goblin inspected it with a nod before unlocking the vault. With a deep rumble, the door swung open.
Inside was a far more refined space than Bellatrix's chaotic hoard. The gold was neatly stacked, and each artifact was carefully sealed in protective cases. Elegant silver chests were arranged on marble shelves, and magical lighting softly illuminated the contents.
Delphi stepped in behind her aunt, impressed by the difference.
"I like to keep things orderly," Narcissa said, sensing her thoughts. "Not everything has to be thrown into chaos to hold power."
She approached one of the silver chests and opened it, pulling out a small, velvet pouch and a jewelry box. "These belonged to your grandmother. Consider them a gift—for your first year."
Delphi took them carefully, her fingers brushing over the soft velvet. "Thank you."
"You'll find the pouch contains a few additional Galleons, just in case. And the jewelry…" Narcissa paused. "Wear it only on special occasions. It carries enchantments for protection."
The goblin cleared his throat softly. "Shall I close the vault, Lady Narcissa?"
"Yes, we're done here," she said.
As they stepped back into the cart, Delphi looked down at the pouch in her hands.
They stepped out of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, sunlight bathing the marble steps behind them. The sound of bustling shoppers and clinking coins echoed through the air as they returned to the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley.
Delphi looked up at her aunt.
"Aunt Narcissa, I'm going to get my wand," she said eagerly.
Narcissa offered a small nod. "Yes. If you'd like, you can go on your own. It's a special moment—getting your first wand should feel personal."
Delphi smiled, appreciating the gesture. "Alright. I'll meet you both after."
She turned and made her way down the street, weaving through the crowd until she reached the narrow storefront of Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.
The windows were slightly dusty, and countless wand boxes were stacked to the ceiling inside. With a deep breath, Delphi pushed open the door" a small bell chiming above her as she stepped into the dimly lit shop.
Delphi stepped into the quiet shop, the scent of old wood and parchment hanging in the air. Wand boxes lined the towering shelves like a maze of forgotten stories.
A soft voice greeted her.
"Hello, Delphi," said Mr. Ollivander, emerging from the shadows with his usual calm demeanor. His pale eyes sparkled with recognition. "It's been a long time since your mother came here to purchase a wand."
Delphi hesitated.
"Before she was sent to Azkaban," Ollivander continued, "she left instructions… and payment for your wand, should you ever come. But let's not be bound by the past. Let's see what the wand chooses."
He gave her a gentle nod and turned to the shelves, pulling down several wand boxes. One by one, he presented them to her, but none felt quite right.
While he searched for another, Delphi's eyes wandered. Something called to her.
In the far corner of the shop, behind a shelf coated in dust, she spotted an old wand box—older than the others. It was covered in faded markings written in an ancient Mediterranean language. Curious, she reached for it, the dust flaking away as her fingers touched the surface.
She opened the box and slowly lifted the wand.
The moment her hand closed around it, a rush of energy pulsed through her arm. Her hair fluttered, and a golden shimmer briefly illuminated the air around her.
Ollivander turned quickly, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Oh… you've found one of the oldest wands ever crafted by my ancestors," he said, stepping closer. "Elder wood… with a phoenix feather core. Incredibly rare."
He studied her, then the wand, almost in awe.
"It was meant to be." Delphi said.
"Congratulations on your first wand," Ollivander said, watching her with a knowing smile.
"I hope you have a long and successful career as a witch," he added, his tone gentle and sincere.
"Thank you," Delphi replied with a respectful nod, closing the wand box carefully.
With that, she stepped out of the shop and made her way back through Diagon Alley, the wand safely tucked under her arm. Her steps felt lighter now, filled with a quiet sense of purpose.
She rejoined Narcissa and Draco briefly, then continued to purchase the rest of her school supplies: textbooks from Flourish and Blotts, a set of robes from Madam Malkin's, a cauldron, potion ingredients, and even a beautiful black owl from Eeylops Owl Emporium.
As she looked at the bags floating beside her, guided by a charm Narcissa had cast, Delphi realized—
Her journey had officially begun.
King's Cross Station – Platform 9
The next morning, Delphi stood just outside King's Cross Station with Narcissa and Draco, the sky overcast and gray as the early London fog curled between the passing Muggles. Steam puffed from passing trains as they navigated the busy platforms.
Narcissa led the way, her gloved hand gently guiding Delphi past Platforms 9 and 10. They stopped before a seemingly ordinary brick barrier.
"This is it," Narcissa said softly. "Platform 9."
Delphi stared at the wall, her chest tightening slightly. She had read about it, heard stories in passing—but standing before it now made everything feel real.
"You just walk through it. Don't stop, don't hesitate," Draco added, watching her carefully.
Delphi nodded.
Clutching the handle of her cart—her luggage stacked neatly, her owl cage balanced on top—she took a steadying breath and stepped forward. The brick wall loomed closer and closer, until—
In an instant, the station changed.
Bright red gleamed ahead as the Hogwarts Express stood proudly on the track, smoke billowing from its engine. Families bustled around, students in robes laughed and said their goodbyes.
Delphi pushed her cart along the platform, her owl hooting softly in its cage atop a pile of luggage. She hadn't realized how much she was bringing until now—several suitcases, books, potion kits, and robes all stacked high.
Suddenly, two redheaded boys with identical mischievous smiles appeared in front of her.
"Need a hand?" one of the twins offered.
"Let us help you," the other said before she could even respond.
With practiced ease, the twins began lifting her luggage and carrying it onto the train. Delphi blinked in surprise but quickly followed them.
Once they finished loading everything into the luggage compartment, she gave a polite nod.
"Thank you," Delphi said, a little shyly.
"You're welcome," said one of the twins with a grin. "First year, yeah? You'll do great."
As the boys waved and wandered off down the platform, Delphi boarded the train, weaving through the crowded corridors in search of an empty seat.
Every compartment she passed was already full—laughing students, chattering friends, some already changing into their school robes. Just when she thought she'd have to stand, she reached the last compartment and peeked inside.
Two boys sat there—one with messy black hair and round glasses, the other with bright red hair and a smudge of chocolate on his chin.
"Can I sit here?" Delphi asked quietly.
The boy with glasses looked up and gave a friendly nod. "Yeah, of course."
Delphi slid into the seat between them, placing her wand box gently in her lap.
"Thanks," she said softly, feeling the train's gentle rumble beneath her as it prepared to leave the station.
The boy with orange hair glanced over at her with a friendly smile.
"Hello, my name's Ron Weasley," he said, extending a hand.
The boy with glasses turned next. "Hi, I'm Harry Potter."
Delphi gave a small nod, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hi… I'm Delphi."
"Just Delphi?" Ron asked curiously.
"Yes, just Delphi," she replied with a faint smile.
Before the conversation could continue, the compartment door slid open. A cheerful woman pushing a trolley filled with colorful sweets leaned in.
"Anything from the trolley, dears?" she asked warmly.
"I'm sorry… I don't have any money," Ron mumbled, looking a little embarrassed.
"Don't worry," Harry said quickly. "We'll take the lot."
He handed over a handful of coins, and the trolley witch began stacking a small mountain of sweets—Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, and more—on the seat next to them.
Delphi's eyes widened at the growing pile.
"You didn't have to do that," Ron said, amazed.
Harry just shrugged with a smile. "I've never had this much candy before. Let's share."
As the trolley witch rolled away, the three of them began sorting through the treats.
Delphi was quietly nibbling on a piece of chocolate when she noticed a familiar little head poking out from her robe.
"These two boys are so nosy," Nyx hissed softly, her black tongue flicking the air.
"They're okay," Delphi whispered back.
"Can you give me one of those delicious mice? I'm starving."
"Alright," Delphi replied quietly, already feeling Nyx slithering down into her lap.
She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small jar filled with red liquid. Inside, a few plump, well-fed mice floated gently in what appeared to be aged red wine. She opened the jar carefully and offered one to Nyx, who accepted it eagerly.
Ron's eyes widened as he looked up from his handful of candy and spotted the sleek, black serpent.
"W-What?! You have a black snake?" Ron exclaimed, his voice nearly cracking.
"Yes," Delphi said calmly as she handed Nyx a second mouse. "I've had her since I was a baby."
"She looks so tame," Harry said, fascinated.
"She is," Delphi nodded. "Very obedient and loyal."
"Just… make sure your black snake stays away from Scabbers," Ron muttered, pulling his fat old rat closer to his chest.
"Her name is Nyx," Delphi corrected gently.
Nyx flicked her tongue toward the rat and whispered, "Eww, I wouldn't eat that fat, stinky rodent if it were the last thing on earth. Smells like he bathed in a sewer. I'd rather starve."
Delphi stifled a laugh. "Don't worry. Nyx doesn't like your stinky Scabbers."
"She only eats mice that have been well-fed and soaked in aged red wine," Delphi added proudly, stroking Nyx's smooth head. "She's… a bit of a spoiled, fancy snake."
Ron leaned back in his seat, clearly unnerved. Harry, meanwhile, looked like he didn't know whether to be amazed or slightly afraid.
Harry glanced at Nyx and smirked. "He's lucky he's not on the menu."
Ron nodded quickly. "Yeah…"
Then he perked up. "Hey—wanna see something cool?"
"Sure," Harry replied.
Meanwhile, Delphi had just finished feeding Nyx. The elegant black snake slithered up her arm and coiled comfortably around her left forearm. Delphi was about to respond when the compartment door slid open.
"I'm sorry, but have any of you seen a toad? Neville's lost his," a bossy-sounding girl asked.
"No," Harry answered politely.
She noticed the wand in Ron's hand. "You're doing a spell? Let me see."
Ron straightened, eager to impress. He cleared his throat dramatically.
"Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow!" he said, waving his wand at Scabbers.
Nothing happened.
The girl raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's a real spell? Well, it's not very good, is it?" she said bluntly. "I've been practicing a few myself."
Without waiting for permission, she sat down beside them. Her eyes went to Harry's glasses, noticing the cracked frame. With a confident flick of her wand, she said, "Oculus Reparo."
The glasses instantly repaired themselves.
Harry blinked in surprise, only for her eyes to widen in return.
"Wait… you're Harry Potter! I read all about you!"
She straightened with pride. "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way."
"Ron Weasley," Ron muttered.
"Hi. I'm Delphi," she said with a polite smile, "and this is Nyx, my snake."
Nyx peeked out from her perch, her black scales glinting slightly.
"Cute snake," Hermione said sincerely, though she glanced nervously at Scabbers, who was trembling in Ron's hands. Nyx, for her part, gave the rat a look of pure disgust and turned her head away dramatically.
"Oh—you three better change into your school robes. We'll be arriving at Hogwarts soon," Hermione reminded them.
She turned to Delphi. "There's a small dressing room for girls just down the hall. You can follow me."
Delphi gently placed Nyx on the seat. The snake slithered into a coiled rest, clearly unbothered by Scabbers' terrified presence.
She followed Hermione to the changing room and quickly put on her Hogwarts uniform. It felt strange—but right.
"Thank you," Delphi said.
"You're welcome," Hermione replied with a smile.
When Delphi returned, she knocked softly on the compartment glass.
"We're ready," Harry called.
She slid the door open and sat back down between Harry and Ron. Nyx immediately slithered up her arm again and curled around her sleeve like before. The three continued sharing candy as the train rumbled forward, Hogwarts
The train slowed with a lurch, steam hissing as it pulled into the station. Night had fallen, and a cool mist clung to the platform. Lanterns flickered in the darkness as the doors opened and students began pouring out in clusters.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" a booming voice called out.
Delphi turned to see a massive figure waving an old lantern above his head. A half-giant, she realized—his beard wild and his eyes kind.
"That's Hagrid," Harry whispered.
Hogwarts
Delphi followed alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione as the group of first-years gathered near the docks. Small boats bobbed on the black surface of the lake, reflecting the starlight above.
"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called out.
Delphi stepped into a boat with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Nyx, coiled tightly beneath her sleeve, remained silent as the boat floated smoothly across the lake. Delphi's breath caught.
There it was—Hogwarts Castle.
Its glowing windows, towering spires, and enchanted lanterns shimmered against the night sky. It was more beautiful than she had ever imagined.
When the boats docked, they climbed the steep path up to the castle gates. Waiting at the top was Professor McGonagall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice firm but kind. "In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall and be sorted into your houses. Your house will be your family while you are here. Now, follow me."
Before they could move, a pale-haired boy stepped in front of Harry with a smug expression.
"So, the famous Harry Potter is finally here," he said.
"I'm Draco Malfoy," he added, proudly straightening his robes. "And these are my friends—Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson… and the Greengrass twins, Daphne and Astoria."
Draco stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he looked past Harry and noticed Ron trying not to laugh.
"Something funny?" Draco snapped.
Then, with a sneer, he added, "Orange hair and hand-me-down robes—you must be a Weasley."
His gaze shifted to Delphi. "And I see you've already become friends with my cousin, Delphi."
Delphi's expression didn't change, but her fingers tensed slightly.
"If you want good connections, Potter," Draco continued, "you'd do well to choose your friends more wisely. A Weasley won't get you very far."
Harry held Draco's gaze. "Don't worry. I know exactly what kind of friends I'm looking for."
Draco opened his mouth to respond—but before he could, the massive double doors creaked open behind them.
Professor McGonagall stood tall.
"First-years—welcome to Hogwarts."
Gasps escaped the group as they stepped into the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling reflected the star-strewn sky. Floating candles illuminated the room, casting soft light over the four long tables filled with students. At the far end, the staff table sat on a raised platform, with Dumbledore seated in the center.
In front of the students stood a simple wooden stool, and atop it, an ancient, worn wizard's hat—the Sorting Hat.
Professor McGonagall unrolled a long scroll.
"When I call your name, step forward to be sorted," Professor McGonagall announced, her voice echoing through the enchanted Great Hall.
"Ron Weasley," she called.
Ron gulped and walked nervously to the stool. As the Sorting Hat was placed on his head, it barely paused before shouting:
"Gryffindor!"
Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as Ron hurried over, his ears red but his grin wide.
"Neville Longbottom."
Neville shuffled forward, tripping slightly on the way. He sat down, the hat slipping over his eyes.
"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat declared.
Neville looked stunned as he joined Ron, who patted him on the back.
"Aurelia Peverell."
A confident girl walked up and took her place. The hat touched her head and, almost immediately, called out:
"Gryffindor!"
"Marius Bulstrode."
The large, brooding boy sat down. The Sorting Hat pondered for a moment longer before deciding:
"Slytherin!"
The Slytherin table clapped in approval.
"Zain Shafiq."
The next boy stepped forward with measured confidence.
"Slytherin!" the hat announced after barely a moment.
Names continued, each met with the Sorting Hat's judgment. Ten minutes later, only three students remained.
"Hermione Granger."
Hermione walked up quickly, her eyes scanning the room with excitement. The Sorting Hat had barely touched her head when it shouted:
"Gryffindor!"
Hermione smiled brightly and rushed to join Ron and Neville.
"Harry Potter."
The moment McGonagall spoke the name, the Great Hall erupted in whispers. Every head turned. Students craned their necks for a better view.
Harry walked forward, trying not to show how nervous he was. As he sat, the Sorting Hat dropped over his eyes.
After a moment of silence, the Sorting Hat declared:
"Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table exploded in cheers. Ron beamed as Harry took the seat beside him.
Only one student remained.
"Delphi… Delphi Black Gaunt."
As her name echoed through the hall, the chatter exploded again—this time louder, sharper. Words like "Black," "Gaunt," and "You-Know-Who" rippled through the room like lightning. Everyone turned to look.
Delphi kept her expression still, though her fingers tensed at her sides as she walked forward with quiet dignity. She sat on the stool as Professor McGonagall gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"Hmm… what an interesting girl," the Sorting Hat murmured in her mind.
"Two dark bloodlines… Black and Gaunt. A natural match for Slytherin—ambition, legacy, cunning… yes, yes… but wait…"
The hat paused.
"Deep down… there's something else. Bravery. Rebellion. The will to choose her own fate, no matter the odds."
There was a beat of silence.
"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat bellowed.
The hall went completely still for a moment—shocked murmurs rising again. A Black Gaunt in Gryffindor? Impossible.
Delphi stood, her face unreadable, and walked over to the Gryffindor table, where Hermione and Harry made room beside them. She sat down slowly, Nyx still coiled beneath her sleeve, and for a moment, everything was quiet again.
"They're so nosy," Nyx hissed quietly from beneath Delphi's sleeve.
"Yes, I know," Delphi whispered in reply, her voice calm but tight.
As the Sorting Ceremony continued and plates of food magically appeared before them, Delphi began to hear whispers—some barely hushed—from the students sitting nearby.
"That's the daughter of Bellatrix," one older Gryffindor boy murmured behind her.
"She looks just like her mother… it's kind of creepy," another added.
"I heard she spoke to a snake on the train. She knows Parseltongue," someone whispered.
"I can't believe the heir of the Black, Gaunt, and Slytherin bloodlines is in Gryffindor of all places," a boy muttered in disbelief.
"She's the Slytherin princess," a Gryffindor girl scoffed. "She doesn't belong here. She'll probably end up in Azkaban like her mother. Torture her classmates, maybe."
Delphi heard it all but she didn't react. Her expression remained still, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Nyx gently coiled tighter around her arm as if in silent comfort.
Delphi sat near Harry at the Gryffindor table, quietly eating her food. Even amid the warm lighting and chatter, she could still hear the whispers—this time, about him.
"The Boy Who Lived… is he really that powerful?"
"Bet he's just lucky."
"Maybe You-Know-Who let him live for a reason…"
Delphi's gaze drifted toward Harry. His face was calm, but she could see the tension in his shoulders. She looked down at her plate, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know they'll always see me as a monster," she murmured to Nyx.
Nyx gently poked her head out from under Delphi's sleeve, her black scales glinting faintly in the candlelight.
"Not everyone is treating you that way," Nyx said softly. "Give it some time. You'll make friends."
Delphi blinked slowly, her hand resting over the place where Nyx coiled around her arm.
"And remember," Nyx continued, "I'll always be here. If you ever feel alone, or anxious… just talk to me." Delphi gave a small nod.
Hermione had been watching from across the table, noticing the way others whispered and cast sideways glances at Delphi. She could see how hurtful the comm"nts were—even if Delphi never showed it.
She stood up and walked over.
"Hi… can I sit beside you?" Hermione asked gently.
Delphi looked up, a little surprised, but nodded. "Hi… yes, of course."
As they began eating, the tension in the air still lingered. Delphi glanced at her.
"You know… if you talk to me, they'll probably start spreading rumors about you too."
Hermione shrugged, her voice calm and firm. "Who cares? They're going to say things no matter what."
Delphi looked at her for a moment—truly looked at her—and then gave a small, grateful nod. They returned to their food in silence.
One Hour Later
Gryffindor Girls' Dormitory
Delphi sat quietly on the edge of her bed, dressed in her pajamas. The curtains around her four-poster bed were slightly drawn back, giving her a view of the other girls in the room.
As she looked up, she noticed several of them glancing her way—then turning and walking off without a word.
She lowered her gaze until she heard soft footsteps.
Hermione approached and gave her a small smile before sitting on the bed beside her.
"Tomorrow's going to be a big day," Hermione said, already changed and tying back her hair.
"Yes," Delphi replied softly, lying back on the bed. Nyx slithered out and coiled beside her pillow, her black scales glimmering faintly in the moonlight that poured through the tall windows.
"Goodnight," Hermione said as she stood.
"Goodnight," Delphi replied.
She turned her head to Nyx and added gently, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Nyx whispered in return, her voice calm and comforting.
Delphi pulled the covers up to her chin, her thoughts drifting as her eyes began to close.
"I hope they'll accept me" she thought as She closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.
