Observing the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Narcissa's lips curled into a smile as she spoke the password.
"Pure-Blood."
The silver serpent coiled around the door seemed to come alive, slithering around as the doors opened, revealing the Slytherin common room.
"Almost four decades without changing the password," Narcissa murmured with a touch of nostalgia. There was a time when she, too, entered through these doors every day.
Entering the common room, it was exactly as she remembered, except for the two thrones near the fireplace, which she assumed belonged to Asterion and his fiancée.
Seeing the silver throne next to the black throne, Narcissa's eyes grew slightly colder. Daphne Greengrass had gained many benefits from being engaged to Asterion.
Thinking of Daphne, Narcissa scoffed coldly; she did not like the young woman. One reason was the Greengrass family's pro-Muggle stance, but the main reason was Daphne herself becoming Asterion's fiancée.
In Narcissa's eyes, Daphne was definitely not worthy of her handsome and adorable Asterion; no woman was, to be exact. If it were up to her, Asterion would never marry and would remain single.
Perhaps it was a motherly feeling not wanting her son to finally leave home, but if asked if Narcissa had the same feeling about Draco, the answer would be no...
Noticing the arrival of a stranger, the Slytherin students, who had been chatting cheerfully, looked stunned at the incredibly tall woman.
Looking coldly at the students, Narcissa walked towards the boys' dormitory. She assumed Asterion would be getting ready in his room for the selection of the four representatives for the International Magic and Witchcraft Tournament, which was happening in an hour.
"Definitely a relative of Asterion," one of the students commented, watching Narcissa head towards the boys' dormitory. His eyes followed her figure with a touch of lust.
"Should we inform Lord Black?" a female student asked, rolling her eyes at her friend's infatuated expression.
"Didn't you see her look? I think we'd die if we got close to her," another female student responded, rejecting her friend's suggestion without hesitation. Just remembering those cold blue eyes sent a shiver down her spine.
"I think I saw Lady Greengrass enter Lord Black's room," one of the girls said, making the Slytherin boy and girl look at her in surprise. The three of them then thought things were getting interesting in Asterion's room.
"Unfortunately, we won't be able to see," the three sighed in regret.
In their eyes, Narcissa was Asterion's mother, and catching her son in such a delicate situation would be a drama worthy of reprimand.
-
Locating Asterion's room, Narcissa didn't even need to knock and tried to open the door, but failed. The door remained firmly closed, causing her eyebrows to furrow for a moment, but then she relaxed, thinking that Asterion would never have expected her to visit him at Hogwarts.
As she expected, it didn't take long for the door to open, but the person who opened it made Narcissa's eyes grow even colder.
Daphne, looking at the tall woman standing at the door, narrowed her eyes and greeted her future sister-in-law with an elegant smile.
"Lady Black."
"Please, come in," she gestured for Narcissa to enter the room as if she owned the place.
Passing by Daphne without looking at her and irritated by her clearly offensive attitude, Narcissa entered the room and saw a scene she did not like at all.
Asterion was buttoning up his shirt, but Narcissa's eyes could see the red marks all over his abdomen, shoulders, neck, and his lips were slightly swollen.
She pressed her lips tightly together but showed no apparent reaction. She still refused to believe that the child who once slept in her arms was now doing such things.
Inside, however, she blamed Daphne entirely, thinking that she had seduced him. Her cousin was practically innocent when it came to such matters.
If Bellatrix knew her thoughts, she would roll her eyes.
"Asterion," Narcissa greeted her cousin with a smile.
Asterion was genuinely surprised to see Narcissa. He hadn't been notified of her arrival but found the surprise pleasant.
As if reading his thoughts, she responded naturally, "I came with Andromeda and other senators to attend the selection of Hogwarts' representatives."
Asterion nodded, and just as he was about to finish dressing, Daphne appeared in front of him and helped button his shirt. When she finished, she gave him a light kiss on the lips.
Narcissa's smile was rigid. She was absolutely certain that Daphne was doing this on purpose to irritate her. Even so, knowing this, a slight malice emanated from her body.
Asterion naturally picked up on this and looked at Narcissa, confused. She just smiled gently back at him, recovering her composure, though inside she wanted to strangle that audacious wench.
"You arrived at a good time, Cissy." Not minding Daphne patting his clothes to remove any wrinkles, Asterion spoke to Narcissa.
He hadn't yet informed anyone about Ophelia's existence. It was a good opportunity to introduce her, especially with Narcissa and Andromeda present, as both would treat Ophelia well, something he didn't think Bellatrix would do.
Narcissa looked at Daphne with a bit of coldness before turning her gaze back to Asterion, surprised by his words.
Finishing dressing, Asterion kissed Daphne on the lips, thanking her for her earlier help, and said to Narcissa, "It's better to show you in person."
Asterion didn't see it, but Daphne and Narcissa exchanged glances, not hiding the hostility in each other's eyes.
Daphne didn't like Narcissa, who fancied herself as Asterion's mother and had an almost pathological possessiveness toward her future husband.
She had heard from her mother about the possible bad relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but since Asterion had no mother, she wasn't worried—until she met Narcissa, who considered herself his mother. The woman was simply irrational.
Narcissa, on the other hand, didn't like Daphne because she thought she was unworthy of being Asterion's wife. She was arrogant and spoiled, nothing elegant as one would expect from the future Lady of House Black.
-
Descending the stairs that led to the Slytherin common room, Narcissa, who was slightly behind Asterion, looked at the corridors of Hogwarts with a very nostalgic gaze. When her eyes fell on the girl with black hair and red eyes, she widened her eyes in shock. She automatically ignored the redhead and blonde beside the girl with red eyes.
"Asterion, you took your time, the selection is about to start," Ophelia spoke with a slightly exasperated tone, then her gaze focused on the tall woman behind her cousin.
She saw those cold eyes looking at her with a shocked expression. Though confused by this, she said nothing.
"Asterion, her!?" Narcissa looked at the girl, speechless. Two bearers of the Black family's Innate Technique in the same era? This was completely unprecedented.
"Is she Sirius's daughter? That damned libertine, useless and irresponsible." She muttered while cursing her other drunken cousin with every vile epithet she knew.
Asterion rolled his eyes at Narcissa's words. Poor Sirius, he hadn't done anything and was being reprimanded in every possible way.
"She is Bellatrix's daughter, though it hasn't been confirmed yet, as I haven't had time to go to Gringotts for the lineage test." Asterion's words shocked Narcissa.
"She is my niece?" Though Narcissa murmured, this murmur was heard by everyone, including Ophelia, whose eyes widened in surprise.
--------------
Author's Thoughts: Tomorrow there will be more chapters, have a nice family lunch on this beautiful Sunday.
Support me to write more and read chapters ahead of all regular readers!
P-atreon.com/HPSCB
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
New Novel: (I Am The Prince of Hell)
Next Chapter Second Volume: Chapter 126 - Ophelia, Narcissa And Andromeda (1), Chapter 127 - Ophelia, Narcissa And Andromeda (2), Chapter 128 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 129 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 130 - The Four Hogwarts Representatives (3), Chapter 131 - The First Trial (1), Chapter 132 - The First Trial (2), Chapter 133 - King's Game (1), Chapter 134 - King's Game (2), Chapter 135 - King's Game (3), Chapter 136 - King's Game (4), Chapter 137 - King's Game (5), Chapter 138 - King's Game (6), 139 - King's Game (7), 140 - King's Game (8), 141 - King's Game (9), 142 - King's Game (10), 143 - King's Game (11), 144 - King's Game (12), 145 - King's Game (13).
Ophelia, hearing Narcissa's murmur, widened her eyes and looked with surprise at the beautiful blonde woman before her.
Aunt? She's my aunt!?
Ophelia's heart nearly skipped a beat as she saw Narcissa approaching. She felt Narcissa lift her chin, forcing her red eyes to meet her blue ones.
Studying the girl's face closely, Narcissa couldn't help but be surprised at how much she resembled Bellatrix at the same age. The only difference was the color of her eyes and her straight hair. Bellatrix had green eyes and curly black hair.
"What is your name?" Narcissa asked, releasing her chin.
A little intimidated by Narcissa's aura and intense gaze, Ophelia took a deep breath to calm herself and responded, looking directly into her eyes.
"Ophelia Riddle."
"You really do look like my older sister," Narcissa said, her expression a bit complicated. From the surname, she could imagine who the girl's father was.
She didn't know what Arcturus would do upon learning of the girl's existence, especially given that her father was Voldemort, who had killed Regulus. She even found it remarkable that Asterion allowed this girl to live with him, given that her father had killed Regulus, his father.
Hearing that she resembled her mother, Ophelia's lips curled up happily.
Rubbing her own forehead, Narcissa showed a helpless expression. She could foresee a huge headache coming to her family once again.
Even so, seeing the girl's eager eyes looking at her, Narcissa smiled. The girl was innocent despite the monsters that were her parents.
"Your name is very beautiful, Ophelia," Narcissa said, gently stroking the girl's silky hair with a smile on her lips.
Ophelia seemed like a puppy enjoying Narcissa's affectionate touch. It could be said that this was the first time someone had treated her with such kindness in her life. She loved this feeling of being cared for and loved, something she never wanted to be separated from.
Holding Ophelia's hand, Narcissa turned to Asterion and spoke calmly. "Asterion, I'm going to take Ophelia to meet Andromeda. We'll see you later."
Her cold eyes briefly fell on Daphne, who was smiling at her while holding Asterion's arm. She scoffed coldly and left with Ophelia.
"Astoria, Ginny, we'll meet later." Though confused about whom she was being introduced to, Ophelia did not refuse and waved to her two best friends, who waved back.
Astoria came to her sister's side, looking at Daphne with curiosity. Although the hostility between Narcissa and Daphne was well hidden, her sharpness allowed her to perceive that they didn't like each other.
"Sister, what's going on?" Astoria whispered to Daphne, who stood next to Asterion.
"We'll talk later," Daphne whispered back. She didn't want Asterion to know about the rift between her and Narcissa, as his involvement would only complicate matters further.
Astoria nodded and asked no more, but she knew things were complicated between Daphne and Narcissa.
-
The Great Hall was decorated with flags from the thirteen countries, including Hogwarts. At the main table, all the Ministers of Magic were seated alongside the professors.
A philosopher once said that humans are only truly happy when they are celebrating, and there was some truth to his words.
Even during World War II on the Western Front, the Axis and Allies called a truce when Christmas arrived. Soldiers from both sides took the opportunity to sing carols together, exchange drinks, treat the wounded, and bury their dead comrades. They even prayed together, showing that a celebration could surpass even the strongest hatred.
Hogwarts was no different at this moment. Even the ministers from Japan and China, who were mortal enemies, were conversing in a very friendly manner—a sight that would be practically impossible under normal circumstances.
Andromeda, who sat with a gentle, sweet smile, was elegantly seated at her old House table, Slytherin. Her brown hair cascaded like a waterfall of silky, shiny strands over her shoulders, resting on her chest.
Watching the children chatting animatedly, Andromeda's smile grew even gentler. She had wonderful memories of Hogwarts; it was here that she met her beloved husband and fell in love with him.
"Dromeda." Hearing her sister's voice, Andromeda turned and saw Narcissa walking towards her, but she was puzzled to see the young girl beside her sister. Observing the girl's appearance closely, she was surprised by the incredible resemblance she shared with her older sister, Bellatrix.
"Cissy?" Andromeda looked at Narcissa with a clearly very confused expression.
"My niece, Bella's daughter, Ophelia Riddle." Narcissa held the girl's shoulder and gently pushed her forward, introducing her with a kind smile.
Andromeda's eyes widened at her sister's shocking words, but looking at the almost identical appearance the girl shared with Bellatrix, she couldn't deny her younger sister's words.
"This is Andromeda Tonks, your aunt, my sister." Narcissa introduced Andromeda to Ophelia, who was once again surprised.
Today was definitely the best day of her life. She had met her two aunts, her mother's sisters, and seeing her aunt's gentle and warm demeanor, she knew her aunt was a good person.
"Aunt Andromeda." Ophelia greeted her with a touch of happiness in her red eyes.
"You really do look like Bella at this age, just as adorable as she was." Andromeda felt her heart almost melt being called "aunt." She reached out and cupped Ophelia's face with a smile full of warmth and tenderness.
Ophelia felt her cheeks warm at the compliment and suddenly hugged Andromeda. She hadn't done this with Narcissa because she was a bit afraid of her, but with Andromeda, it was different. She genuinely felt the warmth and tenderness emanating from the woman in front of her. If this was the warmth a mother felt for her child, she was even more eager to meet her mother.
Though surprised by the hug, Andromeda didn't refuse and embraced her, bringing her close to her chest while gently stroking her hair with a happy smile. It had been a long time since she had done something like this; her daughter Nymphadora had never been a child who sought affection, so she was very happy at this moment.
"Can you tell me about my mother?" Looking up, Ophelia asked with a pleading look.
"Of course, dear." Knowing she couldn't recount her older sister's crazy past, Andromeda could still remember the funny things that happened when they were children.
Narcissa, who had sat down next to Andromeda at the Slytherin table, rolled her eyes as she watched her sister and niece getting along so well right away. It didn't seem like they had just met.
---
**Author's Thoughts:** There will be two more chapters tomorrow and finally the start of the International Wizardry Tournament. Thank you for your support and have a good day, dear readers. <3
My mom turns 46 today, so if anyone is reading this chapter on 5/8 and is celebrating her birthday, I wish her/he a happy birthday!!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Support me to write more and read chapters ahead of all regular readers!
P-atreon.com/HPSCB
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
New Novel: (I Am The Prince of Hell)
Next Chapter Second Volume: Chapter 128 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 129 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 130 - The Four Hogwarts Representatives (3), Chapter 131 - The First Trial (1), Chapter 132 - The First Trial (2), Chapter 133 - King's Game (1), Chapter 134 - King's Game (2), Chapter 135 - King's Game (3), Chapter 136 - King's Game (4), Chapter 137 - King's Game (5), Chapter 138 - King's Game (6), 139 - King's Game (7), 140 - King's Game (8), 141 - King's Game (9), 142 - King's Game (10), 143 - King's Game (11), 144 - King's Game (12), 145 - King's Game (13), Chapter 146 - Second Phase of the King's Game (1).
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