Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

HP and DR: A Matrimony Made For Peace	By : Rago_Dragovian Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 4459 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter series. It is not for profit.

Chapter List
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Delphini lay in her four poster bed in the Slytherin dorms with the curtains drawn around her and sighed as she thought over her new life at Hogwarts. She folded her arms behind her head and let her mind wander. She thought over her goals and the recent events in her life. So much for the task of finding an appropriate candidate. I suppose Daddy will just have to look overseas to find a decent suitor, at the rate I'm going. Nobody here but his teenage archenemy can meet my expectations. I went to the trouble of looking and giving Muggle-borns a chance and considered the those prospects as viable candidates, yet they're just as boring. The only one who can offer me a stimulating intellectual conversation is Hermione Granger and she's reliable with analyzing issues objectively while thinking through problems ranging from social inequalities to dueling. Everyone else just doesn't think deeply about anything I find important or interesting. For the House of the ambitious, a lot of these people just uncritically agree with their parents and just assume they'll take over as next in line for their family lordships with no other ambitions. What the fuck is the point of not having your own personal aspirations? The only two people who seem to break this mold are Astoria with her appreciation for muggle inventions and Draco because he's not a fucking idiot.
Delphini shivered as she thought about the horribly bland conversation that she had with Astoria's elder sister. Those two couldn't be more opposites . . . it's too bad nobody like Granger exists in Slytherin. A person like that would be a great match for Draco. The only ones I found interesting were Longbottom and Potter. Longbottom's grades were dreadful but he's improved to become one of the best and I really like his herbology assessments on plants; he could be a great potions professor, if he put more effort and took more of an interest. It's too bad Potter doesn't do much beyond defense and potions, even if he is phenomenal at them. Oh well, I suppose I'll just keep checking out possible candidates, it was just a side project for now. I don't have to think too much about it . . . but I wish I could find the perfect candidate. Did I expect too much? Are my expectations too lofty? If no one appeals to me enough, I'll just look through international candidates and my chemistry with them when I go on outings with them. The only one with any sort of appeal for me here is Harry Potter and that's all but impossible . . .
Delphini got up and prepared for bed. Her thoughts wandering a mile a minute.
Monday Morning
Delphini yawned as she exited the dungeons and made her way to the Great Hall. She blinked and then frowned as she noticed a Gryffindor fifth year student who was walking down the marble staircase. The young Gryffindor was giving her one of the most hateful glares that she'd ever received in her life. Delphini blinked as she noticed the murderous glare directed at her.
Fucking hell . . . did Potter tell everyone? No . . . calm down, there could be hundreds of reasons why a stranger would be giving me that look. She might just hate Slytherins in general or could be jealous of my prowess in dueling or any number of possibilities.
Delphini walked past the redhead and entered the Great Hall; she briskly walked to the Slytherin table, plopped herself on the bench, and began helping herself to breakfast. She calmly asked the few strangers seated near her, if there was any interesting news in the school. They responded nonchalantly or just shrugged. Delphini relaxed her shoulders and dug into her food.
After thirty minutes, she sighed. Draco's still recovering in a private section of Snape's room made for when he has to recover from daddy being displeased with him. So . . . nobody to really talk to. At least, nobody interesting . . .
It was petty, she knew, but she couldn't help the newfound feeling of loneliness. Well, I succeeded in my task with the horcrux, hopefully that gives me more sway. I secured both the Diadem and with a stroke of luck, got the locket out of harm's way. Now, I can focus on getting Draco out of the thinly veiled suicide assignment. But . . . I'm bored . . .
Delphini sighed as she examined the Great Hall for anything of notable interest. She spotted Potter, Granger, and the male Weasley rising from their seats at the Gryffindor table and grabbing their schoolbags.
Delphini finished her remaining food and then paused. Oh fuck, I might seem desperate . . . and, well, I technically am because I feel lonely and bored . . . but . . . oh fuck it, I'm overthinking this!
The three had already opened the doors to exit the Great Hall. Delphini grabbed her schoolbag, made a quick check to make sure she had everything, grabbed her timetable, and nearly ran out of the Great Hall. As soon as she exited, she spotted the golden trio several feet away and quickly made to walk behind them.
"Potter!" snapped Delphini, she winced as her tone sounded hostile. Potter froze and turned around causing his companions to do the same. Delphini caught her breath and then gave Harry a confident grin. "Would you . . . er, that is . . . We'll be going to Hogsmeade later this evening."
Harry blinked. "It's not a Hogsmeade weekend?"
Delphini waved her free hand as if dismissing his complaint. She smiled at him. "All the more fun, don't you think? Besides, with that special cloak of yours, it should be no trouble. I know just the spot. Meet me at the passage next to the suit of knight armor, I believe you know which one I'm referring to?"
Harry seemed to stifle a frustrated growl. Hermione interceded. "Maybe . . . instead of Hogsmeade, you could go to the Kitchens? It would be safer, right? And less troublesome than trying to get back into the castle."
"Kitchens?" questioned Delphini, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, it's a place where the House elves make the food, they'll give you free food and never tattle," said Ron, smiling, he turned to Harry and Hermione. "How about we all go? I haven't been there in awhile."
Hermione frowned and turned to Ron. "We have prefect duties."
Ron's face fell. "Oh . . . right."
"I wanted it to just be Harry and I," said Delphini smiling at the three of them.
Ron raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms as he turned back to Delphini. "It's Harry now, is it?"
Delphini folded her arms and smirked. "Problem?"
Ron's eyes narrowed. "What are you playing at? Why do you want to spend so much time with Harry in private?"
Hermione looked to Harry. "Harry, what is she holding over you? There has to be something more than the detentions. Did she do something to you?"
Hermione and Ron's eyes narrowed at Delphini after noticing Harry's posture stiffen. Delphini's smirk widened.
"Alright, how about a compromise, Harry and I will be in the Kitchens after curfew and you can both join us after your rounds," said Delphini, her eyes locked on Harry. "Let's just say, instead of the dueling club, since it isn't scheduled for today, you'll be serving detention with me in the kitchens. Oh, and don't bother with trying to take points or punish me, we all know that Professor Snape will have my back no matter what."
The prefects glared at her. Harry sighed. "Alright, fine, see you later."
Delphini nodded in satisfaction as the group parted ways with her. She looked over her shoulder to hear a quick sound of footfalls disappearing into the corner. Delphini rolled her eyes, checked her timetable, and resumed her trek to class.
Later that day.
Potions Class
Delphini stared at Hermione's cauldron and chuckled. "If not for Harry using a certain book, we'd probably be getting the highest marks."
Hermione suppressed a groan. Hermione glanced at her. "He's cheating . . . "
"Jealous, hm?" said Delphini, stifling a giggle as Hermione glared at her.
"It's just . . ." Hermione sighed. She looked back down at her cauldron and resumed cutting up one of the ingredients. "It's not fair . . . I work so hard and Harry just finds a book with all the answers. I did so much work for him before and I always felt . . . I suppose . . . like I could always be relied on. Now, he's got some book with all the secrets to perfect potions brewing and I'm forced to play catch-up."
Delphini rolled her eyes. "You're taking it too personally. I think, based on what you've told me about your past experiences with Professor Snape, he's just finally enjoying himself in potions and wants to make the most of all those years cowering in fear of losing House points because Snape was being . . . himself."
Hermione gazed at her and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you the least bit defensive of your father?"
Delphini seemed to hold back a smile and shrugged her shoulders as she continued stirring her mixed ingredients. "My father . . . has hardly ever been in my life. He's earnestly tried to make up for it, he only really came into my life early summer about two years back when he made it clear that he wanted to be there for me. I truly cherish the moments I have with him but . . . sometimes it's hard to look past all the years where he wasn't around. He had his reasons and I understand that, but it does nothing to change this . . . soul crushing loneliness because I know deep down that I've missed out on opportunities that other families have always had. Just the normal, everyday things on top of the special experiences. Going on vacations, helping with homework, or even just miniscule activities like watching shows or playing video games . . . as an example, I missed out on him ever reading me to sleep when I was a young kid. Those sorts of opportunities are irrevocably lost and no amount of making up for it can change that. I love him, I suppose because I always wanted to get to know him. I never once resented him for not being there, yet for all my compassion with his plight . . . it doesn't change the hollowness from the lack of being there for each other."
"Oh . . ." said Hermione, she frowned as she couldn't think of anything to say to Delphini.
The two resumed class activities and handed their potions assignments. Delphini offered to clean Hermione's work station and Hermione profusely thanked her before exiting the classroom. Delphini finished cleaning Hermione's work station first before moving onto her own.
The only other occupants in the room was Professor Slughorn, who had just finished putting his papers away, and had moved to erase the chalk on the chalkboard. Harry Potter was the only other occupant. Harry was nervously walking up to Professor Slughorn's desk.
Harry cleared his throat. "Professor Slughorn . . . I have an important question to ask of you."
Delphini continued cleaning her work station and began putting the beakers in their appropriate places. She heard Slughorn respond. "Sure, my boy, what do you need?"
"Sir, I wondered what you know about . . ." Harry seemed to hesitate but then his posture relaxed. "about . . . horcruxes?"
Delphini dropped the beaker in her hand and quickly used wandless magic to stop it's fall before pulling it back to her hand. She did a double-take as she gazed at Harry with a nervous expression. She hastily finished cleaning up her work station while shooting glances their way.
Slughorn had abruptly whirled around and stared at Harry in what was unmistakably abject horror. His eyes were as wide as saucers and his mouth moved up and down rapidly without making a sound. His mannerism seemed like that of a fish out of water with the horrified visage that he gave Harry. He slowly began shaking his head to snap out of his stupor before pulling out his wand and muttering incantations to hurriedly put his materials into his briefcase. He didn't seem to care that he was making a mess of his own materials.
"No . . . no," muttered Slughorn underneath his breath, his eyes as wide as saucers as he seemed to shut out the outside world. Slughorn shook his head as if responding to himself. "Never . . . not again, no . . . no . . ."
"Professor?" said Harry, Slughorn didn't look his way as he locked his briefcase tightly and put his wand away. He hoisted his briefcase and practically ran out of the room. He pointedly ignored Harry as he rushed out the door and shut it behind him with a firm thud. Harry seemed frozen in place as the reaction from Slughorn sunk in.
Delphini finished cleaning the work station and dried her hands after having washed them from the tap. "You want to know more about horcruxes, do you?"
Harry froze and slowly turned around to see the smiling face of Delphini. She finished drying her hands and picked up her schoolbag. "Dumbledore hasn't told you what they are, has he? Is that why you're asking Slughorn?"
Harry closed his eyes and took a calming breath before reopening them and regarding her with a neutral expression. I was so nervous that I didn't even check to see if she had left . . .
"I thought you finished cleaning your work station?" questioned Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"I finished cleaning Hermione's work station, I volunteered for her behalf," said Delphini shrugging, "I thought to do something nice since she listened to me speak about my father."
Harry's eyes widened. "You told her about Voldemort?"
Delphini shook her head. "No, she thinks I was talking about Snape, and I let her continue thinking that while talking about my relationship with my actual father."
"Oh . . ." replied Harry, silence ensued. Harry shook his head. "I still have trouble wrapping my head around this fact. Voldemort as a family man . . . y'know, if not for your very existence, I think I'd believe Dumbledore's views about his personality. I didn't really realize that Dumbledore has a significant amount of loathing for your father until I compared your view of Voldemort with his. By that I mean . . . I thought he saw Voldemort objectively, but I see that I was wrong now. It was easy to think of Voldemort as some evil entity, less of a person and more of a psychotic madman, before meeting you."
"If you end-up killing my father," said Delphini, Harry's eyes widened and his posture straightened. Delphini sighed before continuing. "I'll . . . understand. I'll hate you for it, I'll curse your name until the day I die . . . but I'll understand why you did it. I love him but . . . there's too much bad blood that he's solely responsible for. I'm not about to pretend that your suffering isn't real because you have every right to hate him. I just wish peace wasn't a naive ideal . . ."
"Well, that's his fault for being a pureblood supremacist," snapped Harry, Delphini flinched. "It would take a miracle to ever reach any sort of peace agreement. He's so self-destructive, he's even threatening the lives of what's basically his own family now. I understand why you defend him, but I'd be surprised if he wasn't just using you like he does everyone else."
Delphini glared and Harry looked back with a solemn expression. Delphini bit her lip. "Why . . . do you not hate me? I'm his daughter, I'm Bellatrix's daughter . . . how can you act so normal around me? My father murdered your parents and my mother you godfather, don't you hate the sight of me?"
"You can't control your parents and I'm not about to treat you like Snape has treated me since the first time I stepped into Hogwarts," said Harry, walking over to his work station and picking up his schoolbag. He turned back to face her. "You're just another classmate to me. It may not mean much but . . . even if you hadn't tried to manipulate me, if I had found out who your parents were, I wouldn't have told anyone because . . . even though it may not be the same, I think I understand a little. I've always hated being blamed and insulted by Snape for who my father was. I've hated having expectations constantly forced upon me by either needing to be everyone's hero or having every little action I take being judged by others as proof that I'm somehow crazy. Nobody deserves to be hated for what their relatives do or factors beyond their control. I don't condone harassing and bullying others for factors out of their control. I've dealt with that too much both here and with my share of stupid relatives."
Harry left the room and quietly shut the door on his way out. Delphini stood stunned by Harry's remarks. Delphini pondered what she had just been told and how she should proceed henceforth.
I have never met someone else who knew what it was like to be constantly denigrated, by having every little innocuous action examined under a figurative microscope and construed as proof that I was somehow born evil because of my parents. thought Delphini, thinking over Harry's words. Nor have anyone else understand the painful burden of living up to the grand expectations of others . . . that clinches it. I thought it was impossible, and perhaps it is, but I must try. Harry Potter is the only one who meets my own expectations . . . he is the only one out of this entire school who can match my prowess and I really enjoy his company. I will make him submit to me! Harry Potter will become mine!
==
Evening.
Hogwarts Kitchens
Delphini looked around at the bustling house elves as she stepped through the portrait hole behind Harry. "I have to admit that this is much better than my idea."
The pair took a seat across from each other on one of the comfy stools and politely asked the elves for food. After taking their orders, Delphini and Harry were left to their own devices without much of the background noise distracting them. The elves seemed to make a conscious effort not to disturb them.
"I've been meaning to ask," said Harry, Delphini straightened her posture and regarded him. "how do you feel about the pureblood supremacist agenda? You don't seem to hate Muggle-borns, you seemed to befriend Hermione quickly and I've never heard you use the slur word to describe Muggle-borns like Draco has."
"I don't agree with blood purity, I think it's actually a really disturbing, antiquated concept." said Delphini, Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he leaned back to give his undivided attention to her. Delphini's lips twitched seeing his reaction. "but . . . I don't like the Muggle world and I despise even more the attempt to compare our world with theirs. Usually, it's bland and ignorant comparisons that don't take any realistic analysis on our respective societies."
"How can you support your father's agenda?" questioned Harry, raising an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be working with us? With Dumbledore and the Order to change the world to be more equal for all people?"
Delphini's eyes narrowed and she gave Harry a cold glare. Harry looked back dispassionately. I'm not budging on this point.
"I support my family, who took me away from a shitty life, and who gave me nothing but unconditional love and acceptance without asking anything in return," snapped Delphini, folding her arms. "I support keeping my family in one piece, protecting each of them to the best of my ability, and making sure they live happy and meaningful lives no matter what. I don't care about any hypocrisy, and I will never walk out on or betray my parents, my uncle and aunt, or Draco, who is like a brother to me. I understand the potential risks of injury and death on all of us, and even the overwhelming fact that it's probably deserved, but I will never abandon them because I love and cherish each of them."
Harry felt a stab in his heart once she finished her explanation. Images of Sirius flooded his mind and Bellatrix's cackling laughter after murdering him. He felt a surge of rage and jealousy overtake him as he stared at someone who was a living, breathing contradiction to everything that he'd been taught and actively seen about Voldemort. I felt so sure earlier this summer that I'd be fighting Voldemort to the death for the rest of my life and that he was just a remorseless killer that couldn't understand parental love like my relationship with Sirius because of what Dumbledore said at the end of last year. And now . . . I don't really know how to deal with the fact that bringing justice to those two will make someone I know an orphan and how my actions will force her to live miserably. I'm not going to just roll over and die. I know that it'll have to be Voldemort or I to the death because of the prophecy. Now, it's like my choices are between hypocritically making someone else miserable as I've been over the loss of Sirius or accepting a blissful death where I no longer have to feel like a hunted down animal and a celebrity that people put all their faith in. I know I should think differently about it . . . but I can't bring myself to. I wouldn't wish my suffering on anyone; not Dudley, not Malfoy, and not Delphini.
Harry sighed before giving Delphini a meaningful look. Delphini straightened her posture in obvious anticipation. Harry took a few moments to think over his words before shaking his head to himself and locking eyes with her.
"What if . . ." said Harry, carefully noting her facial expression, "Voldemort really is just using you? What if, he doesn't love you at all? And . . . what if, you can't stop him from killing your Uncle Lucius?"
Delphini glowered at him. "He's not, my daddy obviously loves me, and I'm going to prevent that from happening somehow!"
Harry held back a derisive sneer. "Pretend my question is a hypothetical one, then."
Delphini's lips formed a thin line as she stared at him with a blank expression. She seemed to be holding back the urge to flinch or yell at him. She took a calming breath before responding. "My father isn't just using me like he does others, he loves me very much. You don't know him like I do, you're totally justified with having a negative preconceived notion but . . . as hard as it is for you to believe, not everything Dumbledore says about him is correct or even remotely true. My father's told me that Dumbledore always projected his own personal failings onto my father when he was young and he thinks that Dumbledore conflates a lot of my father's own flaws as somehow proof that he's like the Nazi Dark Lord, Grindelwald. Dumbledore is an obstinate, unrepentant extremist whose willing to sacrifice as many innocent lives as possible for his own ego while convincing himself that it's the greater good. I . . . Uncle Lucius's death definitely won't happen, I just need to find a way to calm him down and let him think over things more tactfully."
"Dumbledore's the extremist?" questioned Harry, stifling a laugh. Delphini scowled at him. "You're trying to stop your father from murdering your uncle in cold blood and you think Dumbledore is the extreme one?"
"I didn't say my father didn't have his extreme proclivities either," said Delphini quickly, her scowl deepening. "but that doesn't change the fact that Dumbledore projects his own self-loathing onto my father or that, as stupid and terrible an idea as making a muggle-born registration system and criminalizing their usage of magic is, it's not advocating concentration camps or anything close to the death toll of Great Britain's colonies during the era of imperialism. The latter activity of which, by the way, was purely muggle Britain and had nothing to do with Magical Britain."
Harry grimaced and folded his arms. "As horrific as that past is, it's in the past . . . and it shouldn't be used as a comparison as an excuse to aggrandize British magical society and say it can't make improvements on the treatment of Muggle-borns."
"It's in the past?" said Delphini, her tone harboring a hint of mockery. She moved her arms onto the table and propped her chin on her right hand while drumming the wooden table with her left hand. She leered at Harry. "I find it painfully amusing how easily muggle culture teaches children to ignore a mass death toll when their country is the one responsible for it and in particular when the victims are a different skin pigmentation."
"What does this have to do with anything?" snapped Harry, scowling at her. Delphini sneered back at him. "I don't see how this applies to needing to fix the discrimination in Magical Britain."
"The point, Po . . . darling, is that the incessant patronizing accusations that the Magical world is culturally backwards is more illusory than Muggle-born apologists would like to admit. It's painful for you to discuss and confront unpleasant truths about the muggle world and muggle Britain. If I were an average British citizen, then maybe I'd feel the same, but fortunately I grew up with an education from the United States and I've lived with my Uncle and Aunt in Britain for my summers to compare and contrast," said Delphini grinning. Her eyes gave Harry a piercing gaze. Harry felt a shiver at the intensity of her gaze. "The muggle world isn't some idealized fantasy world of equality that Muggle-borns and Muggle-born apologists like to patronize our culture with to argue that the muggles are superior to us. Muggles have the worst systems of inequality, far worse than anything Magical Britain has ever been responsible for. We have blood purity and that's horrible and arguably racist, but we don't have racial boundaries based upon skin color, we don't have discrimination of homosexuals, we don't have disproportionate arrest statistics hurting the minority groups, we have far less problems with disproportionate percentages of job hirings, we don't have high kill ratios of muggle-born minorities compared to the general population of magicals, and we certainly don't deny the grotesque mass genocides like Ireland and Tasmania and willfully delude ourselves about how and why they were caused."
"That isn't entirely a fair judgment call," said Harry, his tone was solemn. Delphini raised an eyebrow. "What you mentioned . . . is justified criticism. It's no different than a Muggle-born sympathizers arguments in favor of more equality in Magical Britain. It makes people uncomfortable, it makes some of them lash out, and it makes people discuss an issue at the forefront of the public sphere to change and develop new ways of fixing problems. But . . . isn't that ultimately a good change of pace? Moreover, isn't it simply easier to criticize the entire muggle populations because they're larger than Magical ones?"
"Harry, while it's possible that discourse leads to positive change, it's just as possible that it leads to hatred, larger borders between different political leanings, and regression. Dialogue doesn't mean positive change will follow swiftly, sometimes it cannot come without force, without physically changing the system. I'm not saying that to condone violence either, I'm pointing out the realistic gamble that discourse over critical issues make. It isn't always a happy ending, sometimes it's one of the most tragic chapters of history. Public discourse using Communist concepts led to dysfunctional nation-states that meant well on the nicer side of historical shifts and totalitarianism alongside mass death tolls on the more bloody paths of history." said Delphini, Harry goggled at her. Delphini smiled. "As for population size? I think that supports one of my core beliefs; true equality, of the theoretical sense, cannot exist in the real world. One group is always advantaged and another is always disadvantaged regardless of how close the gap is bridged. And, to the effect, you're just picking the preference of which group you want to hold the reigns of the direction of a society or country. If you think I'm wrong, then consider this . . . no society in the entire history of the human race has ever truly been equal and it's largely because people of each respective society have different ideas on what equality and freedom mean. A genuine form of equality sounds to me like a fairytale. All societies have people in power and masses who are more or less controlled and subjugated without the privileges of the elite. Should that not be considered natural human conditioning in the history of all human civilizations?"
"Regardless of if that is a fact," said Harry frowning, he sighed as he noticed Delphini smirk because he had technically admitted her to be the victor of their discussion. "it needs to be tempered with regulation. The horrible atrocities of the past, which you justly brought up, should give us more reason to have institutions that try to create an equal playing field instead of being gutted. A lack of institutional rules, regardless of how competent and hard working some people in power are like Amelia Bones, can lead to incompetent people with power trips like Umbridge harming children for their own political agenda."
"She didn't do it for a political agenda," said Delphini, shaking her head. "From what Draco and Snape described to me, it was pure vanity and ego-stroking. That is nowhere near the same as a political agenda. A political agenda is a belief in a system or change in the system that people have faith in and would make sacrifices for. Dumbledore, my father, and in some sub-systemic level, even you, have political agendas. That woman was just ignorance, stupidity, and vanity that caused disaster after disaster for everyone. Suppressing discourse over my father's return is one thing, making enemies of schoolchildren and subjecting them to torture is not the same as that."
"But your side still benefits by being complicit, right?" questioned Harry raising an eyebrow.
Delphini froze and sighed. " . . . You make a good counterpoint."
The elves brought their orders and they suspended their conversation to tuck in. Ron and Hermione arrived when they were finished; Hermione and Ron were seated on either side of Harry, across from Delphini. The golden trio got different flavored ice cream desserts. Dephini decided to just get an ice cream soda and eagerly ate from the top and took swigs of the contents. The four decided to chat once they were almost done with their desserts. Harry and Delphini brought Hermione and Ron up to speed on the topic of equality and inequality in the muggle and magical worlds.
"Well . . . you make a valid point of contention," said Hermione, looking at Delphini thoughtfully, "Muggle Europe as a whole hasn't exactly had a good track record of treating minorities equally. It really isn't fair to judge Magical Britain when a lot of places around Muggle Europe treat their respective minorities terribly."
"Well, it's not just Europe," added Ron, catching the attention of the other three. "Muggle Egypt seemed awful for religious minorities when I went there on a family trip. I think they were called Coptic Christians? Bill said they weren't really treated well by the Muslim majority from what I remember."
"Come to think of it, France was actually a pretty terrible place to live for Muslims from what I've read on the discrimination throughout the country," said Hermione, tapping her chin before lowering her hand. She looked at each of them and frowned. "I decided to go to my local library and read a bit about it when I got home from my family's vacation. I got curious because I witnessed a rather . . . unnerving altercation. Apparently, Muslims are basically shoved into ghetto areas and treated with fear, suspicion, and suffer religious discrimination. Many minorities who are Muslim also suffer quite a lot of racial discrimination too."
"I read an article about Germany's abhorrent treatment of foreigners who settle in their country," said Delphini, she shook her head as she remembered the contents of the article. "I was really shocked. I thought it was more like the United States, which I'd basically been living in since I was eleven at Ilvermorny, but apparently the discrimination is a much worse level in Germany. As an example, Turkish Muslims from as far back as the 1970s aren't allowed citizenship and their children aren't considered natural born citizens. They're considered guest-workers and heavily discriminated to the point of being excluded from German culture because of their religion and skin tone. I thought it was more like America - er . . . the United States is what I mean, we use the word 'America' interchangeably to mean the US - but I digress. Learning about the extent of the discrimination was an eye-opener because I thought it was more culturally inclusive with trying to argue about being a melting pot that included different cultures, even if not always living up to it. Apart from the horrible legal standing of Native Americans allowing for . . . just the worst kinds of abuses, the US seems to treat minorities far better than other places. No offense, but Britain is also subject to that."
Hermione nodded. "I understand, it's not like change can be made without taking an honest look at ourselves and our Muggle counterparts. I think, at least as far as the religious element, it's harkening back to being prideful of treating Muslims as Christianity's idealized enemies and continuing a chain of hate. An abuse of power that needs legal changes and a strong public will to push for such changes is how I think it'll be fixed. Changes in education and so forth will follow slowly soon after."
"Er . . . maybe it's a lack of having schools or schools that teach respect?" said Ron, "it seemed like an education problem to me, from what I saw of Egypt. I mean, there are places that are as prosperous as over here in Great Britain but there are also places that are not so well off and basically like farming villages. I think education could do the best to make better opportunities, Hermione was able to trump basically everyone for the last five years of school because she worked hard and had was given a fair shot."
Hermione blushed. She and Ron shared a smile. Harry and Delphini both shook their heads and smiled too. Harry thought over his best mates words. What does equality really mean? I suppose it's a mix of all these factors but what Delphini said drives a permanent wedge, and her argument does seem to be realistic. Does that mean equality is impossible, because there are always majorities and minorities or just two opposing factions fighting to tip a power balance in their favor? Is it just a constant, ongoing flux that never ends?
"Maybe religion is what prevents that from ever happening," said Delphini, the golden trio froze and fixed their attention on her.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" asked Hermione, frowning and keeping her tone calm.
Delphini shrugged unapologetically. "Maybe, just maybe, people need to let go of religion before any true change can be made. Let's face it, religion teaches ignorance, stupidity, and legitimizes violence. I've seen plenty of people mock Muslims for the suicide bombings and religious extremism . . . that much is true and presents a real danger. But predominately Christian countries like the US and Great Britain have been bombing the Middle East for how long? In fact, how long have Muslims and Christians warred throughout the entirety of their histories? Both sides act as if it's a badge of honor that their religions have been the most violent against each other. I always see muggles excusing it as being part of all religions, yet the more I look into it, the more it's become evident that Christians and Muslims have a uniquely violent history against each other and one or the other religion is usually present in their violence towards other faiths. Perhaps it's time Muggles acknowledge the truth about their narcissistic religious precepts."
"Okay, that is far, far beyond fair or justified in judgment," snapped Harry, scowling at Delphini's prideful smirk. "Christianity and Islam can coexist just fine. Yes, they've had some horrible atrocities committed against each other, and it's arguably still ongoing even now, but the majority of Muslims and Christians aren't just going to go into violent tendencies because something about their religious faith compels them to act like that, as you've just implied."
Delphini raised an eyebrow. "Mohammed was a pedophile who raped a six year old or was she nine? Eleven, perhaps? The most I've seen Muslims try to justify it is that she was sixteen. Somehow, being sixteen makes it better when getting fucked by an old man because society expects her to submit to some guy claiming himself to be Yahweh's prophet."
The golden trio froze and had troubled expressions. Delphini grinned and continued. "And Jesus was not peaceful. His so-called peaceful teachings contained prophecizing that violence would happen because people wouldn't understand him being the Son of Yahweh, proclaiming you have to love him more than you love your own families and friends, and that anyone who denied him as Lord and Savior would be going to hell. He had all the elements of an arrogant lunatic with a God complex. The religion that proclaims him to be God also claims anyone who doesn't submit to Jesus is simply misguided or evil, his teachings are sheer bigotry and it's tolerated."
An uncomfortable silence followed Delphini's crass statement. Hermione let out a sigh before speaking. "I haven't really paid much attention to the Muggle world once becoming a witch . . . but I think you're going way, way too far. Plenty of people, even entire families, have coexisted and broken religious, racial, and socio-economic divides throughout history too. Some of the greatest rulers in the world were fair-minded to all religions. Genghis Khan, for example, wasn't just successful because of his violent war-like practices, but because the Christian and Muslim communities that he took over had their religious traditions respected when under his rule. He even had two Christian advisors to address him on matters related to Christian communities when ruling them."
"I'll freely admit that I don't know much about Islam and Christianity," said Harry, his tone measured and calm, "but you're being too bigoted with that attitude. Personally, I'll do my best to never discriminate. I've faced it a bit with being a celebrity, I doubt it's anything like racial or religious discrimination though, but I feel like I can understand what it means to be marginalized to an extent. I don't ever want to impose upon people or feel I have a right to control them because of this vile belief that no matter what they think, do, or say that they should always be regarded as evil. I think it's dehumanizing."
Delphini felt a jolt as a pained expression overcame her visage. She felt a stabbing sensation in her chest as she carefully assessed Harry's words. She gazed at her hands and thought over it. Maybe I'm more like a blood purist than I thought in regards to Muggles and their religions and cultures . . .
A loud banging noise resounded around the table, abruptly pulling Delphini away from her thoughts. She looked up to see Harry gritting his teeth, his visage contorted in pain, and his right hand readily moving up to his forehead. He hissed aloud and then fell backwards off the stool to topple over. Delphini, Ron, and Hermione immediately rose from their stools. Delphini circled around the table as Ron and Hermione kneeled down beside Harry.
"Harry? Harry, what's wrong?! What's Voldemort up to now?" shrieked Hermione, her voice rising an octave as she stared at Harry in a panic. Her arm on his shoulder. "Please, talk us through it. Do you want us to get Dumbledore or Madam Pomfrey?!"
"What's going on?" questioned Delphini, frowning as she was witness to Harry shivering and shaking while his voice seemed to be unable to scream as his body was racked with pain. Delphini's eyes narrowed. "What is happening to him?!"
Ron glanced at her, irritation clearly on his visage, before he turned back to Harry. His hand on Harry's other shoulder and shaking Harry gently. "Nothing, just go back to the Slytherin Common room. This isn't any of your business."
Delphini scowled and her hands balled into fists as she glared down at the golden trio. She shook her head and felt restless looking at Harry shaking and screaming. She looked towards Ron. "Clearly, this is not nothing. What is going on here? He looks like he's been hit by a vicious dark curse."
"He . . . he's torturing Dolores Umbridge and . . ." cried Harry, letting words slip out as his body seemed to hyperventilate without control. "He . . . he's killed Mundungus Fletcher! He's feeling really murderous, he thinks the Order knows all about his . . . his Horcruxes?! He's . . . he's beyond pissed at Lucius Malfoy and he's taking his time with Umbridge to vent . . ."
Delphini's lips formed a thin line and her eyes widened. Is this the connection that daddy spoke of? The one that he used to deceive Potter? It must be . . . but I never quite understood this connection; Daddy doesn't really know what it is either. There's no historical comparison from what we looked through. All we have ascertained is that Dumbledore's using it for his own benefit to keep his Order protected, Snape and Draco insisted he was keeping Harry Potter ignorant to allow him to be used as a pawn later on, and planning to sacrifice Harry's life for his own agenda. But why? Why would he sacrifice Harry Potter's life and not try to train him to be stronger so that he can survive the war? Daddy never questioned it, because it suited his interests just fine to have the boy who represented a propaganda piece as proof of his continued failure to be wiped away. Somehow, the entire scenario seemed to lack a critical piece. This might be my only opportunity to find out . . .
Ron bellowed an aggravated sigh before turning back to scowl at Delphini. "He's having . . . a premonition of some sort. We don't really understand how it works, now could you please go?"
Delphini looked over at the three. Ron turned back to Harry, not even bothering to see if she'd left. Delphini stood unsure for a moment before walking toward them and standing in front of Harry. She kneeled down in front of Harry's sitting and shaking form and put both hands on his face to force his green eyes to meet her grey ones.
"Oi! What the bloody hell are you doing?!" snapped Ron. Hermione gazed toward Delphini with narrowed eyes.
Legilimens!
Delphini delved into Harry's mind and looked through to see example after example of having visions of Lord Voldemort. From his nightmare in the summer between his third and fourth year, in which Harry had witnessed her father kill a muggle man, to his vision of Arthur Weasley's attack, how her father gave Harry a false memory of Sirius being tortured, and wrapping Nagini around Harry to goad Dumbledore into sacrificing Harry himself to confirm definitively the extent of Dumbledore's knowledge about the horcruxes.
Delphini delved beyond the thoughts of the past to see Harry bearing witness to Dolores Umbridge's torture and the dead body of Mundungus Fletcher next to her in real time. Her father's high, cold laughter emanating and ever-present throughout Harry's mindscape.
Close the link, thought Delphini, transmitting her thoughts through the legilimency connection like a psychic telegraph. The cascade of emotions and malice stilled, but the link remained.
A sinister snake-like hiss resounded and whispered back. What are you doing?! . . . How dare you think a mere worm like yourself could command Lord Vol-!
He knows of our relationship, explained Delphini, her voice hissing back with a snake sound. I promise that I'll give you my full report later, Daddy.
What?! snarled the voice, followed by dead silence. Give me the short version of exactly what is going on.
I blackmailed Harry Potter to ascertain something of significance regarding his parselmouth abilities. He stumbled upon Snape's old book and ended-up proficiently casting a dark curse with no prior training on Draco. I am easily in a position to bring charges to send him into Azkaban for a few months, so nothing in our conversation will be revealed to Dumbledore. Potter hasn't risked it. explained Delphini, And, beyond what I told Aunt Narcissa about the Hallow I spotted on the train, I believe that - given the bizarre nature of this link - that I've finally come to understand precisely what Dumbledore has plotted and why. We must avert Dumbledore's designs, but I must tell you this face-to-face, Daddy.
There was a pause. Delphini could feel the gears in her father's mind shifting.
Very well, I'll trust you on this matter, but be on guard. Do not underestimate Harry Potter. sent back Lord Voldemort, However, you have just confirmed that Draco has failed me.
No! thought back Delphini, feeling panicked. He . . . he hasn't failed. It's not the end of the year yet. Let's discuss this over the holidays in person!
We've discussed it in length for nearly the entire summer. I have already rescinded my order to kill Narcissa for your sake. She proved herself useful to our enterprise and collecting on your assignment but it cannot make up for Lucius's critical failures in revealing the existence of my Horcruxes to Dumbledore in the most thoughtless and stupid act possible nor does it change his failing to bring me the prophecy, He replied, his words resounding like a cold hiss. Your feelings of love, while noble for our cause, is a dependency that you must temper. To be a true leader, you must make sacrifices, even personal sacrifices. Lucius will die for Draco's failure and Draco will learn to temper his own childish bravado to be more malleable for our cause. Hopefully, he's inherited more of the Black cunning than the Malfoy stupidity that is clearly infecting Lucius's bloodline.
Can't you give me another boon for fulfilling my part of the task?! thought Delphini, Please Daddy! We . . . we shouldn't be doing this!
No, I will no longer give into petty attachments on this matter. The two boons that you've gained shall not be used to absolve the sins of Lucius Malfoy. hissed back the voice. Delphini felt anger, regret, and self-loathing overtake her emotions. Lord Voldemort seemed to pick up on her distress. The failings of Lucius were not your doing. Remember that. If you truly wish to change my views on this and give Lucius a free pass, and as I've instilled to you before it'll look as if I'm approving of his gross incompetence to my other subordinates should that come to pass - regardless of whether or not I say it is a boon to you, then you must make-up for his losses. Formulate a plan about the future of the Slytherin dynasty, with a suitable husband of your choosing, and I'll consider letting him live if, by some miracle, his continued existence proves more useful to me than punishing him for his blatant idiocy, otherwise he will die. I'll even allow Draco's useless mission to continue and won't make a judgment call on that as I did promise to wait the entire school year.
Why did the second one not count when I delivered them? asked Delphini, in a low snake-like hiss within the mindscape.
Because, as a leader, you're expected to carry more burdens and you must learn to deal with routine unfairness, responded Voldemort, your weight and tasks will always carry more importance because I have more faith in you.
Love you too, Daddy, replied Delphini, finally getting him to close the link. She couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at being groomed to take over the dynasty in the tragic event of her father possibly dying. It was morbid, but the trust her father had shown her was welcomed.
Delphini pulled out of Harry's mindscape. She frowned as she noticed that Harry was still hissing in pain from the after-effects. If I'm correct about this . . . then . . .
Delphini put a finger on the middle of Harry's forehead, where the scar was, and slowly moved her finger up and down the length of the scar. She felt Harry's resistance from the pain that he was suffering when her father's emotions overflowed into his psyche. She looked directly into his eyes and used legilimency once more.
Relax Harry, let go of your resistance, permit me to enter to assuage the pain.
Harry's form slumped a bit as Delphini began to send the equivalent of mental kisses on his bruised mind. Once she felt satisfied with her work, she pulled her legilimency probe out.
"Feeling better?" asked Delphini gently. She smiled at him.
Harry frowned at her but nodded. "I heard everything, y'know."
Delphini nodded and rose back to her feet. Hermione and Ron steadily got to their feet and helped Harry get back on his own.
"Delphini . . ." whispered Hermione, an edge in her voice. Ron was scowling at her and Hermione gave her a look of uncertainty. "Exactly what leverage do you have on Harry?"
Delphini smiled. "Tell me . . . Ron and Hermione, how far would either of you go to protect Harry and keep him out of Azkaban?"
Hermione froze up with her eyes widening. Ron stiffened and looked between Harry and Delphini in confusion. Hermione and Ron noticed Harry's guilty look.
"I'm sorry for not telling either of you but . . ." said Harry lamely, looking at the floor before glaring at Delphini's smirking visage. "I can't say anything without risking . . ."
"What happened?!" snapped Hermione, staring between the two and glaring at Delphini.
"How about this . . . I get a guarantee that you all won't tell Dumbledore, any strangers, the Ministry, or the Order of the Phoenix about anything that I'm about to relate to all three of you and I'll tell you everything related to the blackmail and then some." said Delphini, grinning at each of them and getting uncomfortable glances back. "However, you'll all have to submit to a magical oath, how does that sound?"
"No, there's no use in that for us," said Harry, scowling at her. "No point in knowing about information that you can't do anything with, is there?"
"Besides, the proposal leaves us at a complete disadvantage," said Hermione glaring, "and I'm not quite sure what all of this is about."
Delphini tilted her head and folded her arms. "Very good, but it means that you don't get to know, are you truly okay with that?"
"I trust Harry's judgment," said Hermione glancing at Harry with a smile before scowling at Delphini. "I like you Delphini, but I don't like what you're doing. That being said, I completely trust Harry's judgment in this. He sometimes can't tell us important information but whatever he and you are doing and regardless of what hold it is, I have complete faith in him."
"Yeah, same for me," said Ron, "Harry's my best mate, he isn't perfect but no one is. I think that what happened last year was mostly Dumbledore's fault for keeping secrets, but Voldemort and the Death Eaters were revealed and the situation wouldn't have happened if not for Dumbledore's bloody secrets. When Harry keeps secrets, it really is to protect us and our wellbeing, my sister and dad almost dying because of Voldemort made me aware of how real the possibility of losing people is. If not for Harry, they would both be dead. Harry wouldn't keep secrets, if it jeopardized other people's lives. So whatever hold you have, it probably involves someone's life on the line."
Delphini stood silently in a moment as she schooled her features to look neutral. Holy shit, I have never heard more beautiful words of friendship . . . they misread the situation, but I feel awed by their level of trust. There level of implicit trust is the same as Draco and mine.
Delphini looked at Harry after looking at each of them with a thoughtful expression. "You have . . . really awesome friends, Harry. I'd apologize for the blackmail . . . but it's necessary. I will do everything to protect my family and . . ."
She looked at each of them before sighing and unfolding her arms. She gave them an apologetic smile. "I know it sounds like bullshit to you all, but I don't want war. I'd really love it, if we could all just live in peace. If such an occurrence ever happened, I'd gladly share my knowledge with you all, if you were willing to reciprocate."
The three still looked at her with tense expressions. Delphini sighed. "Goodnight, all of you, I enjoyed my time with you all tonight. Take care."
Delphini left through the portrait hall to go back to the Slytherin Common room. She walked in the darkness alone.
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HP and DR: A Matrimony Made For Peace