Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Delphini was an intelligent child. She was barely 6 years old but she already had a plan—an important one. Harry Potter has been visiting her lately. He is amazing. Like a parent, she wished she had. He would braid her hair, play games, and even want to just talk with her. Harry knew some of her most important secrets. Like how she secretly wished she had someone to call her mother or father. And in return, Delphini knew Harry's secrets too. When she learned what Horcruxes were and that Harry used to be one, she hung to him and cried. Non-stop. Begging him to forgive her for being Voldemort's daughter. Harry just smiled and pat her back before scooping her up and taking her shopping for princess dresses. That was when she finally made a plan. She would time travel to her father and set up Harry and Voldemort instead of Voldemort and Bellatrix. Delphini had already learned the time travel runes she needed and carved them into the wooden floorboards early one morning. She wrote Harry a goodbye note, pretending to have run away. She gasped as the runes lit up and she got whisked away.

Delphini giggled as she landed gently on a velvet carpet before looking up to see a young, handsome man staring down at her, pointing his wand in her face.
“Who are you? How did you get here!” He demanded. Delphini frowned before jumping to her feet and rushing over to him. She leaped up and wrapped her hands around his waist.

“Papa! You are here!” She yelled in parselmouth, as Voldemort froze.

Voldemort's mind was racing. A 6-year-old girl could break his wards? And speak parseltounge? And was apparently his daughter? H recognized the runes carved into her wrist, deep in her flesh. Time travel runes. He hugged his daughter as she sobbed.

“You not there Papa! And they take Mama away!” She cried. Voldemort’s heart stopped once more. Mama? He has a wife/partner! And a child. A family…

“Where is Mama? Is she in bed?” His daughter sobbed, looking around wildly. Voldemort smiled.

So her ‘mama’ must be his wife or consort if they live together. Not a fling or one-night stand. Voldemort was surprised to find himself relieved. Voldemort scooped up is daughter in his arms and walked over to a black leather couch.

“Sweetheart, please tell me everything,” He says, trying hard to place a comforting expression on his face. He felt giddy with excitement. Delphini sniffed.

“My name is Delphini but you and Mama call me Delphi!” She exclaims, mumbling in her childish tongue. Voldemort fights a grin.

“But you were gone and they took Mama away. They said she was bad! Then they tried to take me too! But Mama kissed me and said made these runes!” Delphini gushed, confidently lying.

She was faking the childish attitude. And nailing! She was very happy with the result so far. Now to drop the bomb about Harry…

Voldemort was freaking out. He was gone? What does that mean? Did he lose the war? Is he dead? And ‘Mama’ was taken? To kill her? By the ministry? Order of Phoenix? Voldemort needs to know who her mother is so he can marry her sooner!

“Who’s your mother, my darling?” Voldemort asked, the endorsement rolling off his tongue.

“Harry Gaunt-Riddle Ne Potter,” Delphini said, holding her breath. Voldemort wanted to be surprised but he almost expected it. His consort would have to be his equal, and well, Potter is his prophesized equal! Except, Enemies to Lovers is a big leap…

“How did we get along? Did he or I change our views politically?” Voldemort asked, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. Delphini was inwardly relieved that he so easily accepted that. She was ready to pull the Horcrux card to fully get him to believe her.

“He found out he was your Horcrux, Papa! And so you took him to live with you to be safe and then you both fell in love! You say that Mama is the only one you could ever love! Even more, so that you both share a soul!” Voldemort’s jaw dropped.

Horcrux? That makes perfect sense! And of course, he had to take him to keep him safe! And he only loves himself, so surely he can love a piece of his soul! Thinking back on when Potter, No, Gaunt-Riddle! Was tied on his father's headstone, he did look divine… His emerald eyes are the perfect color of Slytherin…

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Harry was about to strangle Ron. It was midnight and Harry was wide awake. Not because he wasn’t tired because he definitely was, but because Ron was snoring. Loudly.

“Might as well be my freaking boggart with a snore like that” Harry muttered as he pulled a random t-shirt over his bare chest before getting out of bed and waddling over to the common room. Harry sighed as he browsed the small selection of books that were sitting on a desk. Just by looking at the title of one, Harry knew it must have Hermione’s, realizing no other Gryffindor student would read such a book. Harry rubbed his eyes tiredly as he lay down on a couch. He shut his eyes just for a second-

“Rise and shine sleepyhead!” Two joyful voices called. Harry mumbled and rolled over. He instantly regretted it as he recognized the voices.

“Fred? George? Oh no-” Harry started but was soon cut off by the Weasley twins.

“Oh yes, Harry-bear” One started, “You shouldn't have slept here” The finished. Harry instantly felt his clothes tighten and change the texture. He looked down on himself and swore. He was dressed in a pink dress. The twins cheerily smiled and winked at him. Harry jumped off the couch and ran off to get changed in the bathroom. After hurriedly putting on his uniform he walked out to the twin's laughter.

“Anyway golden boy, going to breakfast?” Fred grabbed his arm and linked it with his. George raised an eyebrow but linked his arm to Harry’s other side. They practically carried him to the great hall. Ron was sitting there, pigging out, as usual, and Hermione was holding a book.

“Harry, I saved you some bacon!” Ron said as he pushed the tray over to Harry.

Harry smiled as he put a piece of crispy bacon in his mouth straight off the tray. Hermione scoffed and wrinkled her nose but Harry ignored her. Ron nudged him, pointing over to the flood of incoming birds.

Harry raised his eyes and spotted Hedwig flying in. Hedwig landed softly and dropped a rolled-up newspaper. Harry fiddled with it before stopping as the hall grew silent. Harry looked around and saw the ashen faces of the professors and the students with a newspaper. Hermione’s jaw dropped as she snatched the newspaper off, Harry. Ron grumbled, wanting to check the latest quidditch scores but Hermione thrusted back to Harry, pointing at the front page. Harry choked, Ron’s eyes bugged out while Hermione was stony-faced.
‘Dark Lord Requests Peace Treaty’

Harry felt sick. He looked up and saw Dumbledore staring at him, his blue eyes empty, not a twinkle in sight. Hermione started rattling on about the benefits and disabilities of the peace treaty. Apparently, the Dark Lord wants to win this war with politics. ‘No more magical blood lost’ He quoted. Harry passed out cold on the floor as he saw the next line in the newspaper.

Voldemort felt victorious. He had everything he wanted within his grasp. Well, almost. Potter was still in Hogwarts, but that was only a matter of time before he was back home. He still cannot believe he has a daughter. And a human Horcrux. A family. He hasn’t called his death eaters in over 2 weeks now. He can tell they are getting restless. But he has more pressing issues to fuss over. Like his daughter. Delphi. Such a pretty name. Back in the orphanage, he used to pretend when he was grown up and had a family he would call his daughter Delphini. He doesn’t delude himself with such childish fantasies now, but it's nice to see that his legacy will still live on. He is a bit worried though. He has horcruxes so he is immortal, but is Potter? He knows Potter is a Gryffindor. Brave and reckless basically sums him up, so he would never want to hurt let alone kill someone to make his own horcrux. But maybe he is already immortal? Because he is a Horcrux, to begin with… Voldemort would need to find a solution soon. Or keep him locked up forever. In a nice tower. Maybe after he rightfully kills Dumbledore and claims Hogwarts he would let Harry have the Gryffindor Tower. But anyway, what about Delphini? She is not immortal either. Does he want her to be? She is ruthless, no doubt able to kill and if he tells her to, she will always. But if she is immortal, she would want a partner too. And kids. Then she would make them all immortal too. An endless cycle. Voldemort pulls himself from his thoughts. He has an idea to get Harry to him quickly. He needs his Horcrux now. Voldemort knows he will need Lucius for this idea of his…

Delphini knew she was victorious. Her father was already wrapped around her pinky finger. She knew that she was lucky. If he finds out… But no worries, everything is going to plan. She cannot wait until she meets younger Harry. He will be twice as cool, she knows it. Voldemort decorated her room yesterday. Emerald green with gold accents. No Slytherin green, but Harry green. Just the way she likes it. Her father brought her new clothes too. Fancy robes, proper wizarding clothes. No more muggle things for her, she wonders just what she needs to say from Voldemort to get her a wand. Nagini. She didn't know her father had a snake. But she is so glad she met Nagini. Sassy but classy, kind but harsh, and for a snake an excellent style of fashion. Nagini babysits her most of the day, happy just to floor her around and bathe in the sunlight. Delphini snoops around too. She knows things she's not supposed to. Like how her father brought a funny-looking ring home one night, whispering nothing but,

“For Harry, For Harry” over and over again. Delphini is not stupid and recognizes it as the Gaunt ring. With a weird triangle eye, but she thinks Voldemort is going to propose to Harry. Crazy right? She is just so glad everything is falling to plan. Her father is amazing and Harry will be joining her family soon. Very, very soon.

Harry POV

Harry awoke on the stone-cold floor, gasping and wheezing as cold water was thrown on his face. Harry opened his eyes just to be staring up at the shocked face of Hermione, her hand shaking while clutching a brass goblet. Everyone in the hall turned to stare at Harry as he curled into a ball. Ron was green and Hermione covered her mouth. The twins looked furious. Hagrid burst into tears and was sobbing loudly while Mcgonagall transfigured a goblet into a handkerchief. Dumbledore stood up swiftly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor of the silent room. He trotted softly down to Harry, Hermione, and Ron while ushering them through the doors and up some stairs to his office.

“That cannot be legal-” Hermione started, furiously flicking through the daily prophet. Harry promptly sat down in a fuzzy chair while Dumbledore offered some sherbet lemons.

“Now Harry, I realize this is a terrible thing to ask of you but-” Dumbledore started but was cut off as someone stumbled out of the floo. Sirius came out, covered in soot, but angrily waving the newspaper in Dumbledore’s face.

“Now listen here, you old coot, what in the Merlin did I just read? Did the bloody dark lord just-” Sirius stopped talking as another figure came out of the floo, much more gracefully.

“Professor Lupin!” Hermione shouted as Lupin limped over to Dumbledore.

“I sincerely apologize Professor, I just saw the craziest miss-print in the daily prophet but-” Lupin stopped, finally seeing the current scene in the headmaster's office.

Harry was curled in a ball on a chair, Ron was a sickly green, Hermione flicking through books on official peace treaties, and Sirius -wait, Sirius? What was Sirius doing here? He was meant to be in hiding! And why did he look like he was ready to hex the Headmaster! Wait-

“No! Don’t tell me this is true!” Lupin yelled, surprising everyone because of his usually calm personality. Dumbledore nodded softly, his glasses hiding the tears that escaped from his blue eyes.

In the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts

Harry was quiet. Very quiet. Hermione took one more look at him and then spoke up.

“So you are telling us there is nothing we can do?” She growls, almost lunging forward. Dumbledore’s twinkle-less blue eyes scan her face before minutely nodding.

“No, that cannot be the only solution,” Lupin stated, trying to remain neutral even though his inner wolf was howling. Sirius cracked his hands quickly before standing up.

“It doesn’t matter what you want, Dumbledore, my godson will get to choose here,” Sirius snapped, watching Dumbledore’s eyes dimming with hope. Everyone turns to stare at Harry.

“So my boy, what is it? Sacrifice yourself to Voldemort,” Dumbledore said, ignoring Sirius’s and Lupin’s flinch, “Or doom all the muggles and muggle-borns out there?” Dumbledore finished. Sirius stood up and raised to his full height before interrupting.

“Don’t guilt trip my godson! He has the option, Morgana knows I would pick myself” Sirius declared, running his fingers through his hair. Lupin scoffed before looking down at Harry.

“No one would blame you if you don’t want to do this, Merlin, no person should ever have to say this. I am so sorry that you have to choose, Harry” Lupin muttered in Harry’s ear. Hermione still looked furious.

“Harry will NOT be sacrificing himself. We will go the negotiations for the peace treaty, to see if we can compromise instead.” Hermione stated, raising an eyebrow at the headmaster as if daring him to disagree. But Dumbledore’s sorrowful face turned delighted and he popped a sherbet lemon in his mouth before humming lightly.

“Well, I do think that went well!” He said as Sirius gently ushered Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door. Lupin scowled at the news article in his hand. Did Voldemort think he had some kind of claim over Harry? Why did he want Harry so badly that he would lose the war…

Voldemort POV-

Voldemort sighed as he lounged on a great golden throne. Another owl flew in from the window. He watched lazily as the owl dropped a letter. Voldemort stared at the vibrant red wax seal with the Hogwarts stamp. He grinned manically as he realized it must be from the old crackpot fool. He ripped it open and quickly scanned the letter. Hmm. The boy and his Gryffindor friends were requesting to meet for negotiation. Well, he knows he will not adjust his views whatsoever on his Horcrux but he would go to humour him. Make him think at least he has a say. He might be more willing that way. And it's not like he would pass up on an opportunity to see his beloved. Voldemort drew himself from his thoughts as Delphi ran into the room. She leaped up into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“Papa, I miss Mama” She hissed in Parseltongue. He buried his nose into her hair before whispering,

“No need to worry my darling, Mama will be here soon” He hissed, soothing his daughter. Little did he know, Delphi was grinning manically.

Delphini POV-

Delphi was worried. Over the last week or so, Voldemort had been a fantastic father, with her always, but he hadn’t been active with calling his followers. Bellatrix. She was scared that her father would notice the likeness to Bellatrix. Or that she would notice. But Delphi can’t let that happen. For she is so close to getting what she wants. A family. She saw a picture of Harry in a newspaper a week ago. He looks so young. So much happier than he was as an adult. She just hopes he isn’t that different. She really misses her Harry. She dreams that he is so worried and scared when he comes back and sees her gone. But her Harry is gone. She is in the past now. That future can’t be a possibility anymore. That was a fact she had to learn how to accept. Her Harry will be just as amazing as her old one. And maybe she can even get a little sister out of this too! I mean, back home, she loved Teddy, but imagine if she had a baby sister, that was hers! Wow. If only. Maybe she would hint that to her Father so he can buy one. Or get one. Anyway, Delphi just needs to find out how to make sure Bellatrix stays away…

Chapter Text

Harry stood in front of a mirror. He frowned as he ran his fingers up and down the slightly frayed hem of his robes but stopped quickly as he heard a gasp behind him.
“Harry you look amazing!” Hermione yelled as she hugged him tight. Harry scoffed and poked at his new dress robes-
“They are green! A Slytherin green!” He said, fidgeting as she nimbly did up his cuff buttons.
“Oh grow up, it's just a color. An amazing color that matches your eyes” She said, as she spun him around once more. Harry looked at her and smiled. Hermione was wearing a dress very similar to her yule ballgown, but a peach color with longer sleeves. Hermione frowned as she messily pulled her hair up into a messy bun and clipped the loose hair strands up with a muggle hairclip. Harry raised his eyebrows but Hermione just shrugged. Ron came tumbling through the door not a second later still in his pajamas.
“Honestly Ron!” Hermione lectured as he quickly tried to flatten his messy red hair. Harry laughed softly at his two very best friends before looking back into the mirror. Today was the day. He was going to the ministry. To meet Voldemort. To discuss a peace treaty. Harry kneeled down on the floor and tied up his dress shoes. Ron frowned, confused, and pointed to his wand, but Harry ignored him. Sometimes Harry thought it was best to do something the muggle way. He looked around the semi-empty common room to see all the sad/defeated stares his housemates sent his way. Harry scoffed before walking proudly out of the fat lady’s picture frame. He held his nose high and pretended to be Malfoy as he strutted up a set of stairs to the headmaster's office as his friends trotted behind him like lost puppies. Harry paused as he got the Gryffin statue, holding his breath. Ron sent a look full of pity before Hermione grabbed his hand and hauled him up the passage. Harry took a deep shuddering breath before walking inside.

Voldemort was giddy with excitement. He was seeing his Horcux today. His fingers twitched tighter around his wand, urging him to just bring his Horcrux home. Voldemort was nervous though. He has to go to the ministry for the negotiations, and he cannot bring Delphi. She is too young and he doesn’t want anyone to know about her, lest they think of her as a weak spot or liability. Voldemort had organized for her to stay with the Malfoys just for a few hours. Narcissa would be completely enthralled with the young child but Lucius would be suspicious. That's why Voldemort thought it best to give Delphi a polyjuice potion. He made her look like a normal muggle girl, with no pureblood features. Delphi was so adorable as she spent a while just making faces in the mirror, not at all convinced that she actually looks like that. Voldemort sat on his throne as he watched his daughter play. He had even transfigured a small throne for Delphi. Creamy white with gold accents. A singular emerald green cushion as well as Nagini’s giant sleeping figure occupy it. Speaking of that, where would his Horcrux sit? He has his throne, Delphini hers, Harry must have a special reserved seat too. Maybe a dark green, matching his eyes? No, Harry is a bold Gryffindor, Voldemort wants his Horcrux to at least like his throne. So possibly a bright red. No, too much of an eyesore. Voldemort frowned before something in his mind clicked. He flicked his fingers and his throne enlargened. Now what could comfortably fit one, easily 2 could slide into. Voldemort doesn't share. Not when he was a child at the orphanage, a teenager at Hogwarts, or a dark lord now, but he can and will always make an exception for Potter. Besides it's different! Potter is his soul anyway. Voldemort stood up and walked over to Delphi who was still dressed in her pajamas. He held out his hand, which she grasped tightly before walking her out to go pick out today’s outfit. A classy navy blue set of children’s dress robes. Perfect. He tied and brushed her short dark hair non-verbally. He pointed his wand at himself and watch as his plain black robes transformed into formal, elegant dress robes. He held out his hand once more for Delphi before walking confidently into the floo.

He strutted carefully out of the floo in the Malfoy manor. Narcissa was waiting at the guest entrance to greet him. She bowed deeply.
“My greatest pleasure and honor to see you in good health, my lord, I am glad to be of assistance.” She said, basically talking to the floor. Voldemort flicked a hand in her direction, silently telling her to rise. She did so gracefully.
“This is Delphini. She is very important to me. If anything happens to her, I shall eviscerate everyone in your family.” Voldemort said as Narcissa stared, wide-eyed at Delphi.
“Oh, of course, my lord,” She said, scared out of her wits. Voldemort nodded before indicating that he is going. Delphini looked up at him before lunging at him and burying her head in his robes.
“Bye-bye, papa!” She hissed, Voldemort watching as Narcissa’s face went pale as she heard the unmistakable hisses of Parsetounge.
“Do not, tell anyone of this” Voldemort muttered quietly, yet his voice was heard clearly. He spun around and walked to the floo.

Delphini was nervous. She was going to be staying with Mrs. Malfoy for a few hours. She remembered what Harry said about Narcissa helping him by lying to her father. That was one of her favorite stories Harry would tell her. She was torn. He loves Harry and was very glad he survived, hence she must like Narcissa. Yet she loves her father and Narcissa lied to him. About his greatest enemy! Delphi was very torn so decided to pick her own opinion. Glancing around the spacious yet scarcely decorated room she grimaced. Narcissa obviously saw the grimace for she let out a muffled laugh.
“Yes, yes, not the nicest of rooms, looks very empty right? It's just because it's the entrance hall to the guest rooms. I will show you the family rooms now.” Narcissa said, smiling gently. Delphini felt the corners of her lips slide upwards without meaning to. Narcissa led her into a slightly smaller room that looked cozy with large leather couches and magical toys scattered around. Delphi looked up at Narcissa and grinned wildly as Narcissa nodded her approval that she could play. Delphini decided she likes Narcissa.

Voldemort felt uncomfortable knowing that Delphi is with someone else. He ignored that clod feeling and brushed straight into the ministry. He is meet by dead silence. Some feet scurrying later a small balding man by the name of Cornelius Fudge appears in front of Voldemort. He scowls down at the man, watching with internal delight how the man turned red and his breathing stopped.
“Mr, umm, Mr, sorry- Dark Lord sir, I uhh…” The man droned on. Voldemort held up a singular hand and smirked as he quickly fell silent.
“Show me to the negotiation room, promptly. The excuse yourself from my sight” Voldemort snapped icily, scowling once more as the man started muttering again. Frustrated, Voldemort searched his head through Legimancy, disabling his non-existent occulmency walls, and finding to see where he was meeting his Horcrux. Upon finding the room in his memories, he pulled out and strut off knowing exactly where to go. Every ministry employee moved quickly out of his way and a few of his death eaters bowed. Voldemort smirked as his eyes fell upon a singular wooden door. Behind that lay his Horcrux and future partner. Behind that door lay a whirlwind of mysteries and possible futures. Voldemort's hand wrapped around the door handle and he pulled.

Harry froze. He was sitting on a hard wooden cold chair when he felt his magic flare suddenly. Hermione grips his hand hard and everyone at the table turns to the door. Ron squeaked and fell right off his chair. Voldemort. He was in this exact room.
“Hello, my boy! How are you?” Dumbledore asked happily, extending his arm to give Voldemort a sherbet lemon. Voldemort just sneered at him. A pudgy little man walked in with a goblin and sat down.
“We are here to discuss and negotiate a peace treaty.” The goblin said, scowling as Dumbledore popped another piece of candy in his mouth. Lucius Malfoy unrolled a thick scroll before placing it in front of Harry. Voldemort turned and stared at Harry as his eyes quickly scanned the parchment.
“Clause one,” Hermione started, as she read the treaty over Harry’s shoulder. Voldemort raised a non-existent eyebrow before justifying every clause. Turns out everything he demanded was negotiable. Except for one singular clause.
“And clause seven-” Hermione muttered, getting redder and redder as she read the requirements. Lucius Malfoy cut her off.
“No negotiations on that clause.” Mr. Malfoy said as Hermione scowled.
“We will have negotiations on that clause or we are leaving,” Hermione exclaimed, calling the bluff. Dumbledore shook his head. He had been silent during all the terms of surrender, but now they are discussing leaving the room he speaks up.
“We will leave if we do not discuss clause 7 to at very least a certain level,” He says, staring straight at Voldemort. Voldemort chuckled,
“We can discuss them certainly,” He said. Hermione pulled out a roll of parchment of her own before reading it aloud.
“It says here on clause seven that you request, your words, a ‘reward/bounty’ and that being Harry James Potter, himself,” Hermione said, cringing at almost every word she just said. Harry flinched and Voldemort seemed to smile wickedly, showing all his teeth.
“Indeed. Was there a problem?” Voldemort asked slyly. Ron spluttered in outrage.
“Of course there is!” Ron yelled, almost lunging across the table.
“We request that you chose a bounty or reward being not a human being, least of all Harry Potter,” Hemione said bluntly, watching with an almost cruel amusement as Voldemort’s face clenched in anger. Lucius Malfoy stepped forward,
“The Dark Lord has been more than fair in-” Mr Malfoy got cut off by Voldemort himself.
“Have you suggested a different bounty?” Voldemort asked coldly, scowling as Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.
“What would you like as a bounty then?” Ron questioned, his face red and his eyes narrowed.
“Potter,” Voldemort said without missing a beat. Hermione sighed frustrated,
“Instead of Harry he meant,” Hermione snapped, impatient.
“Well, he should have specified that,” Voldemort scowled, enjoying the frustrated sighs and growls from the know-it-all mud blood. Dumbledore stood up.
“I see that you are arguing like a child, Tom. We shall discuss this once more at a later date.” Dumbledore sighed as he gestured for Harry, Hermione, and Ron to leave. Dumbledore wasn’t sure what he had expected from Tom, but he could with this…

Voldemort was fuming. How dare that old coot just dismiss him! And insult him by comparing him to a child! Voldemort kicked the air before realizing that it was muggle-like and righting himself quickly. Tugging and smoothing out the creases in his robes, he frowned. His Horcrux didn’t say much. Maybe he was nervous. Isn’t that just precious? Voldemort had forgotten how small his Horcrux was. Fidgety and adorable. Voldemort had sworn that his eyes looked even more vibrant today. Maybe it was the lighting. The Mud-blood was quite intelligent, Voldemort pondered, he wondered if he might be able to convert her to the correct side of the war. He knew that the Weasleys were a pureblood family, no matter how gyffindorish they were. The mud blood and ginger seemed quite compatible with each other. Voldemort saw how they looked at one another. Then back at his Horcrux. Hmm, it seemed Potter has been third-wheeling on their relationship. Maybe Harry is jealous. If so, well, Voldemort would be more than agreeable to step up and start a relationship. If Harry is lonely of course. Anyway, Voldemort apparited to Malfoy Manor. Walking up the great marble steps to the castle-like house he wondered if his life with his Horcrux would be like the Malfoys. He, a politician and/or minister of magic. Harry, a charming housewife, his job only to look after his child/ren and cook. And he would want to clean all day, wearing a dark emerald green apron and-well, maybe he would leave the cleaning up to the house elves he would undoubtedly have. He could picture it. His Horcrux running over to him in their manor after a long day at work, it's a tough and tiring job to rule the magical world, Harry presenting him with a homemade dinner, that Potter would make, refusing help from the house elves, forcing him to watch his daughter read something or show something she learned, for Harry was proud of what useless thing he had taught her that day. And Voldemort would smile and praise them both, for they smile widely when he does, he would go to sleep at night knowing that his husband and Horcrux was wrapped tight in his arms, safe from the world, and his daughter was just a few rooms down, being raised up as the proper heiress she will be. Delphi, he knew, would be begging all night for him to tell her what happened today. She was getting impatient and restless, he could tell, as the time grew longer that she had been away from Harry. He could understand it. He only really saw Potter for the first time, properly today, but already craving to see him again. Maybe he shouldn’t surrounder. He had written his peace treaty in such a way that he would be given government control, basically, yet no one picked up on that, only the piece where he was requesting Potter. Obviously, he was willing to change Potter for another bounty. More control maybe. For, asking for Potter was just a distraction to get his other clauses through. If he wants Potter and they didn’t accept the peace treaty, he would just take him. Sure, his Horcrux could be annoyed and/or upset, but nothing a few years alone with only Voldemort as company couldn’t fix. Stockholm syndrome could work. But by the time he was liked by his Horcrux, Delphini would have grown up. So not his favorite plan yet. Maybe he could show Potter he was a good person. That could do it! And with his Gryffindor morals, nothing could go wrong! Great. Now he just needs to go pick up Delphi from Narcissa. HE hoped she was alright and tried not to worry but he knew she has had little to no human interaction and might react badly to her. He opened the door to the family room only to be shocked into silence as he saw…

Nothing. There was nothing. Not a single noise. But the room was a mess. Voldemort stared at the floor, the waxed wooden planks scratched. Voldemort bent down slightly. Scratched. Looking almost like fingernails had clawed at it. Voldemort stood up swiftly before flicking his wand, observing the traces of magic that had been in the room. Narcissa’s, Lucius, Malfoys boy, Delphini, and someone else. But who? They obviously covered their tracks well. Voldemort concentrate his magic, using it in an attempt to sense who had been there. Their magic wasn’t that familiar, yet he had definitely come across that person before, Voldemort tried to put a name on it. Mad-Eye Moody. Voldemort swore, before swiftly closing his mouth, almost self-ashamed at lowering himself down to muggle standards. Damned Mad-Eye Moody. That bastard stole his child! His! He and his Horcrux had made that and given it so much love, as well as all the time he had invested in it, raising her to be the perfect heiress, well, until his Horcrux gave him an heir. And this feeling in his chest, achy and sad. Sad? Since when was that in his emotional capacity to feel that? Sadness and grief is useless, there is no way to use them to your benefit unless it is the other person feeling that way. Losing Delphini is dangerous. He obviously is not in the right state of mind. And to think that the sly old coot would tell his little band of flaming chickens to steal his daughter! This was an attack and personal. How did he know he had a daughter? Unless they were raiding the Malfoy Manner and found her? No, impossible, Narcissa was told to guard her with her life. If Voldemort found Narcissa to be alive… what if Delphini is dead? Well, then his Horcrux would easily give him an heir. But it would be harder to sway him to his side if Delphi isn’t here to manipulate- no, convince him. Voldemort scowled once more before aiming his wand to the ceiling. He had a plan. But, it would cause for some dramatics.
BANG!

Delphini was scared. She was with Narcissa when this ugly troll of a man came running in. He obviously didn’t recognize her to be the dark lord's daughter, otherwise, he would treat her with respect. She calmly let him know this. She watched as his ugly face and weird eyes started spinning. He stared at her, shocked but a greedy hunger filled his face.

“Hmm? A daughter? Weak and defenseless, that would be a good boon for us, maybe a swap for her instead of Potter…”

He mumbled before grinning and aiming his wand at her. She tried to dodge but before she could even say something more, her vision went black.

Delphini awoke to cold water. Screaming, she kicked and wheezed as it fell through her tufted hair. She blinked blaringly up at a smiling cheerful face of an old man with a long beard.

“Hello, my dear! How are you feeling?” He asked, his face void of all true emotion except a weird sense of delight.

“Let me go! Who are you?” Delphi screamed and kicked.

“Oh, my dearest apologies, I seem to have forgotten that I need to introduce myself. “ He said, smiling still. Delphi felt uncomfortable. “My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts,”
He said, popping a small yellow thing in his mouth. Delphini recognized it from the herds of muggle candies Harry brought her long ago. Dumbledore watched her face light up with recognition of a candy. He offered her one silently. Delphi grabbed one and put it in her mouth, grinning at the sweet yet slightly sour taste.

“These are my favorites!” She said, sucking around the lolly. Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.

“Sorry to interrupt, but may I ask for you to introduce yourself?” He asked her. Delphi nodded quickly.

“My name is Delphi! I am 5 and ¾! Daddy gives me these lollies all the time!” She said, forgetting that they might be secrets and actually acting like her age for once.

Dumbledore was internally shocked as he thought hard about this situation. He was in Hogwarts, listening to a 5-year-old girl rattle on about sweets that her ‘daddy’ gave her. Who happens to be Tom Riddle. She looks identical to a young Tom and declared she was the dark lord's daughter to Alastor’s face. Yet the dark lord brought her muggle candies? And she is happy and healthy? And looks loved?

“Who is your mother?” He asked the buzzing out girl as he offered more sweets.

“I don’t have a mummy, only papa and daddy!” She said proudly. Dumbledore was shocked once more. Papa and Daddy? Is Voldemort is gay? And has a daughter with his partner. Who is literally the most adorable and talkative little girl Albus has ever met.

“What's daddy’s and papa’s names?” Albus asked, almost bracing himself to dread the answer of who Tom has claimed. And might be in need of rescuing from an abusive relationship.

“Papa’s name is actually Tom! And Daddy is Harry Gaunt-Riddle Ne Potter!” The 5-year-old said, helping herself to more candy.

Dumbledore froze. Harry Gaunt-Riddle Ne Potter? Harry Potter married the dark lord and had a child! What? His enemy? Was that why Voldemort was requesting Harry as a boon for the peace treaty? And she is 5! That means Voldemort had gotten Harry pregnant when he was 12! Voldemort wasn’t even resurrected then! This is impossible! Except… Dumbledore's eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the child's wrist. Her sleeve barely covered the carven runes. Time travel runes. This girl is from the future. Harry and Tom Riddles's future kid. And Tom must know as well. Hence he wants the boy. But Delphi looks happy. And she said she has muggle candy that Harry must give her. Why is Voldemort fine with that? Unless he doesn't know? He would never lower himself to muggle sweets, Dumbledore fussed. No, Potter can’t keep a secret if his life was on the line. So why is the muggle-hating dark lord letting his heiress eat muggle candy? Harry might be a good influence on him. Harry might turn Tom towards the light! Dumbledore stared at the small girl sitting happily on a chair in his office. She obviously is loved. By whom is the question. Harry would no doubt love his future child, but Voldemort? Why would he love a child, let alone his partner, whom he married? Why would he marry Harry? He knows. Dumbledore grew cold. He knows. Voldemort knows Harry is a Horcrux. That is why he married him in the future. That's why he wants him now. Harry would not go quietly though. Dumbledore knows that for sure. Did Voldemort have Delphini just to tie Harry down with him? Is Delphini a Horcrux? And why does Delphi look loved still? She hasn’t been around Harry since she left the future, which was a while ago, Dumbledore could tell by seeing the old, almost fully healed runes. Voldemort has no time for a child, or for a family. He can’t love! So why does this girl look happy? If she has been living with Voldemort for months by the look! And what should he do now? Obviously, he doesn’t want to pull a family apart, but Voldemort can’t love, Dumbledore is certain of that fact. If he practically gives Harry to Tom, as he requested for his boon, maybe Harry can change Tom to be a better person, for Dumbledore knew that Harry would never condone killing. But Voldemort could corrupt Harry… And Dumbledore has no clue what Delphi’s home life is like. Would he just send her back? Demand a ransom? Swap her for Harry? Give them both, trusting the fact that Harry will lead Tom to the light. Or is the whole peace treaty nonsense? What will he do?

Harry Pov
Harry was spooked. He had long left the ministry and was just lying on top of his bed in the Gryffindor Boy’s dorm. Ron was asleep while Seamus and Dean talked quietly. Harry closed his eyes, forcing the feeling of unease out of him. He steadied his breathing and before long was asleep. He thought. He opened his eyes and blinked, staring up at a bright light. He frowned, confused before looking around. Where is Ron? Or Dean and Seamus? And the room is different. Harry looked down at himself and gasped as he saw he was sitting on a large green bed. Harry slid off it and let his eyes search the room. He saw a bookshelf and waddled over, his bare feet stomping softly on the cold flooring. Running his finger down the spine of a few books, Harry spun around as he heard a voice. His blood ran cold as he recognized a figure sitting on a desk. The person’s red eyes pierced Harry’s emerald-green ones before the figure took a step toward Harry.

“Potter, what a delightful surprise,” Voldemort said, inching closer.

“Vo-Voldemort? What- How did you get here?” Harry asked, mumbling as he took a step backward, his back hitting the bookshelf. Voldemort tilted his head slightly.
“How did I? You are inside my private chambers, you know,” Voldemort responded, frowning slightly as Harry’s incredulous expression.

“That's impossible, I was just in Hogwarts!” Harry mumbled quietly, trying to convince himself.

Voldemort was surprised. He was in his chambers, sitting at his desk while he quickly wrote out a plan. Well, until he noticed his wards shift. Noticing the familiar magic, he watched, shocked as his Horcrux appeared on top of his bed. He observed from afar as his curiosity overtook him. Voldemort silently spun his chair around as his Horcrux started touching his bookshelf. He stood up before quietly making his way over.
“Potter, what a delightful surprise,” Voldemort said, taking pride in the fact that Potter had a fright from his voice. He was frozen still when his Horcruxes brilliant green eyes grew alarmed. Voldemort internally swore at himself when his Horcrux got scared and moved backward against his bookshelf. He gasped when he saw his Horcrux fade away. Grabbing at the air, Voldemort huffed. So close yet so far.

Harry gasped as he shook himself awake. Looking around wildly he saw he was back in his bed in the dorms. Was it all a dream? A nightmare? Hallucination? He would have to look into it…

Chapter Text

Dumbledore felt ready. Ish. He watched as a Delphi snored softly on a transfigured bed. It was late in the night but he had made a decision on what to do now. He flicked his wand, summoning Minerva to the room. He asked her quickly to bring Harry up. Within minutes the teenager was standing anxiously in front of his desk.

“My boy! How are you? I am sorry to disturb your sleep,” Dumbledore said, smiling gently as he watched the boy yawn and brush a strand of hair out of his eyes.

“Great, thank you, sir,” Harry said, fiddling his thumbs. “May I ask why I am here?” He said, almost unsure of what to say.

“Well, your observation skills need a bit of work,” Dumbledore joked as he indicated behind Harry to a sleeping child.

Harry frowned, wondering why he was sent all the way up here, in the middle of the night, only for the Headmaster to point at a kid. He didn't know her. Though, she did look a bit familiar…

“That, my boy, is Delphi. She needs someone to look after her. She will be staying in Hogwarts because her home is rather, unsuitable at the moment.” Dumbledore said, gazing into Harry's eyes.

“What? Do you want me to babysit? While I am studying for my N.E.W.T.S?” Harry asked aghast. Dumbledore nodded.

“Anyway, don’t wake her up, but you can carry her back to the common room. A dorm shall be made for her, for when help is needed at Hogwarts, it always will be given.” Dumbledore said mysteriously.

Harry was left alone as he gaped at the girl. Ok. He can do this. He is babysitting a child. He carefully fishes his wand from his back pocket before levitating the sleeping girl. She rolls over twice causing Harry to freeze and hold his breath. Once she seemed fast asleep once more, Harry started to take her back to the common room. After locating a new door decorated in vibrant pink paint, he opened it and gently lowered the girl into a small bed with sides. He walked out the door frame and turned off the lights. But not before looking back once more to make sure she is alright.

“Good night Delphi,” Harry said, remembering her name from what Dumbeldore previously told him. Harry smiled fondly, surprising himself with the softness and actually sincere smile. Harry sighed before shutting the door closed.

Delphini woke up in a soft bed. She froze, forgetting where she is. Then her memories came back to her. Dumbledore! He told that Harry will look after her for a few weeks! She gets to see Harry again! But Dumbledore warned her not to mention anything of her parentage. Delphi frowned. That was a major party pooper. But she can work around that! Harry will love her anyway. But what about Papa? Delphi wondered what he will do. Will he steal her back? Rage a war? Kidnap Harry? Demand they both be returned? Kill Dumbledore? Leave her and Harry alone? Delphini knows it's risky staying at Hogwarts. Especially in the Lion's den. But she can’t bring herself to care. She is a snake after all, and in the long run, the venom of a serpent hurts more than a Lion's roar.

Harry told Hermione everything. After dropping the girl off he ran up to the boy's dorm and woke Ron up. He mumbled something about dinner and rolled over again. Harry sighed, knowing that Ron wouldn't really care anyway. Harry snorted as Ron accidentally kicked his blanket off before grabbing his wand and pointing it at his Galleon coin from the DA. He saw it light up with his message for Hermione and climbed on top of a couch in the common room as he waited for her to come downstairs. He stared at the entrance to the Girls dorm’s for a while before realizing she might be asleep. Before giving up and walking to bed, Hermione appeared down the stairs, her hair pulled back into a messy bun, her arms full of books, and her face panicked.

“Harry!” She called.

“Hermione, I was just called to the headmaster's office!” Harry whisper-shouted. Hermione frowned slightly before dropping her books gently on a table and walking over to him.

“Why? Did something happen?” She asked urgently.

Harry quickly mumbled everything that Dumbledore told him before asking Hermione questions as to why he might have to look after some kid.

“Maybe it's a test! Or…” Hermione’s voice dropped quieter, “The girl’s parents could be Death Eaters! And Dumbledore wants the girl to be in a happy home or something!” She whispered, sharing her ideas. “I mean, there was a raid on Malfoy Manor earlier today! Maybe she was there! Or parents killed in the cross-fighting! She exclaimed.

“She looks very young. Like, I dunno- 4? 5? Maybe even 6?” Harry said, trying to answer Hermione’s questions. “She is in that room over there-” Harry muttered, pointing at the pink door.

“Delphi is Greek for ‘womb’! The name originated from ‘dolphin’ Would that eman anything?” Hermione interrogated Harry quietly as he sought his head for an answer. As he was about to reply to this random and useless question, Harry thought privately, the pink door opened. Out waddled Delphi, smiling widely and rubbing her eye’s with her fists.

“Hello?...”

Voldemort was enraged. He only wants three things. His Horcrux, his daughter, and world domination. And right now, the easiest of those seems to be world domination. Voldemort knows the old coot has his daughter. And he also knows an old coot is a weak-willed man, believing in ‘humanity’ and ‘love’. Voldemort scowled. If Dumbledore was going to ignore him and steal his daughter, two can play that way. His next meeting his Horcrux and the pack of flaming chickens is in a few weeks. He wanted earlier but Lucius warned him away from sounding to desperate. After all, it would get to the old coot’s head, so he would start believing he actually has leverage.

Voldemort has a plan. A well thought out one as well. Voldemort decided he wasn’t going to wait around for his Horcrux to fall into his arms. He will have to push him. Hence, he is taking a drastic change in approaching this situation. The best course of action will have to influence him. And Voldemort knows how he is going to do that.

Voldemort places a glamor over himself before looking into his mirror. He looked young, late twenties. With golden curled hair and a chiseled jawline, Voldemort admitted to himself he looked good. Transfiguring his clothes into a formal robe, he climbed gracefully into the floo. He knew what he had to do.

Dumbledore was nervous. But excited. He has an interview for the new Defence against the dark arts position. They didn’t look that experienced from their resume, but in all honestly neither did any of the previous teacher Dumbledore reasoned, looking up as a figure smoothing strolled out of the floo.

“You must be Derril Tom Moldove,” Dumbledore asked, frowning at this young man.

He looked rich, clearly. Dressed in fancy robes, and caramel-colored hair, swept gracefully to the side, he was very obviously aware of his looks and appearance. Marveled in it.

“Indeed,” He drew, his voice sounding almost familiar yet so far from it. His warm and welcoming face almost didn't match his cold words.

“Take a seat, my boy!” Dumbledore insisted, beckoning to a purple chair.

Derril Moldove’s nose crinkled slightly in distaste but he sat anyway.

“So, you are interested in the Defense against the dark arts teaching position?” Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes twinkling merrily. Derril nodded stiffly.

“Excellent! Now, you are very underqualified…” Dumbledore started.

Derril stiffened and his face creased ever so slightly, for the first time since he arrived showing emotion.

“But… I do think you will be a good fit! Welcome to the world of teaching my boy!” Dumbledore exclaimed. Derril sat silent still.

“That, that was it?” Derril asked. “No questions of any sort? You don’t even know me. I just get the job?”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Well, if you don't want it…”

“No, no, I do! I do!” Derril interrupted.

“Fantastic! Why don’t you come to drop in and see me in 2 days' time, by then I will have your classroom, office, and room sorted.” Dumbledore said. Derril nodded as he left.

“Till I see you again!” Dumbledore waved him off. As he left Dumbledore huffed to himself. Now, why did he find him familiar, Dumbledore pondered as he walked over to his memory cabinet.

Voldemort was salty. He got the job easily and didn’t even need to tell a single lie. Or open his mouth. Was Dumbledore really this senile? And why is he just handing out jobs to everyman and his dog? Voldemort wanted this job decades ago and got denied! And what if he was only here to do hard to his Horcrux? What if he was actually here to harm the Boy Who lived? It would be so simple! Just knock him out now that he has a literal job in the castle! But now, to convince, manipulate and black mail his Horcrux to come home, find his daughter and conquer the world. Simple plans.

Chapter Text

Harry jumped up at the small voice.

“Hi!” Hermione quickly whispered soothingly to the small child. Delphi clutched a teddy bear and tilted her head slightly like a puppy as she looked up at Hermione.

“Who are you?” Delphi sleepily mumbled.

“My name is Hermione! And you must be Delphi!” Hermione said, watching intently as Delphini’s face lit up as she recognized her own name.

“I want my Mama!” Delphini whispered, her voice shaky. Hermione shot Harry a glance.

“Who is your Mama?” Hermione asked softly, crouching down to the child’s height.

Delphini was annoyed. Who the hell was this girl? And she was leaning practically on top of Harry! Delphi sniffed.

“I- I don’t know! Mama is Mama!” She sobbed. Harry shot Hermione a glare for making her cry as Hermione shrugged apologetically.

“Shh, shh, don’t cry, it's alright, you should like you really love your mother! Your a very good girl Delphi!” Hermione praised quickly. Delphini looked up at her.

“You are very pretty Delphi!” Harry spoke up quickly, staring intently at her familiar yet unfamiliar chocolate curls. Her soft face grinned slightly as she rubbed her sleeve over her face. Hermione smiled at the adorable child before scooping her up.

“Back to bed?” Hermione asked. Delphi shook her head.

“It’s dark and lonely in there! Teddy gets scared!” Delphi spoke with a carefully rehearsed baby tone. Hermione smiled at the child and kissed her head softly.

“You're very brave looking after Teddy! Why don’t you come sleep in the big girl dormitories! Just because Teddy was afraid,” Hermione said, watching as her face nodded excitedly.

Harry watched by himself as Hermione carried Delphini up the stairs. Great. So Hermione is babysitting now, I guess. Harry reasoned as he picked up her books before going to bed himself. Today was a long day, he thought before closing his eyes.

Voldemort was ready. Or should we say, Derril Tom Moldove was ready.
Voldemort still can’t believe that Dumbledore didn’t recognize him. His name was a literal anagram! But, Voldemort is not complaining. It made things easier that Dumbledore didn’t do ANY background checks. He will be changing that once he runs the magical world. He won’t declare himself headmaster, that is a bit too much, Supreme Leader and Minister of Magic should be plenty. But, he will select who teachers here. Maybe his loyal servants, the Carrows will step up. He can picture it now. The school, formal and restored to the place that Salazar Slytherin made. Except the basilisk is dead. Potter just had to ruin it. Voldemort could probably find a new one somewhere though. Offer a bounty. Kill the person who found the basilisk so he won’t have to pay anyone a bounty. Anyway, ‘Derril’ will start teaching soon, so he should probably walk to the great hall. Hopefully run into Potter, talk to him. Lure him into the dark arts and-

“Delphi?” Derril muttered under his breath, staring straight at his daughter who as decked head to toe in Gryffindor colors, being paraded around by Potter.

What. Insanity. Dumbledore was so dumb to just GIVE her to Potter? What’s stopping ‘Derril’ just to walk over and take them both? Save him the trouble of playing teacher. Wait, that was right. He has to earn Potter’s trust. If he took him, no doubt Potter would hate him, as well as Stockholm Syndrome takes a while. Derril scowled as he saw a ginger bloodtraitor touching his daughter. Potter and Delphini, cute. Gryffindor coloours and them two playing around, adorable. But a blood traitor touching HIS daughter? Who is the most precious thing in the world? The daughter of the Future Supreme Leader!

“rril- Derril!” The old coot yelled at him, indicating him to a seat next to his, up at the staff table.

Derril rolled his eyes as he made his way up. He watched as some of the kids noticed him and started whispering. ‘Cursed position’ he heard. That made him internally chuckle. Cursed Position. He cursed that position. It wouldn’t stop HIM from teaching. Voldemort frowned as Severus sneered at him. The nerve. He would be giving Snape a cruico at the next meeting.

Harry was having the time of his life. Hermione was silent reading a book, Ron pigging out on crispy bacon, and Delphi? She was chatting animatedly in Harry’s ear. Delphi giggled loudly as Harry suddenly launched her upwards onto his shoulders. Hermione looked up at them both before rolling her eyes and swatting Harry gently with her book.

“Honestly Harry, not at the dinner table! What if you drop her? Ron!” Hermione grumbled half-heartedly as Ron snorted into his orange juice.

“Oh live a little Hermione!” Ron mumbled as he ate some toast.

Hermione frowned slightly but went back to reading. Harry tickled Delphi before fishing his wand out and whispering a quiet spell. Delphi’s previous plain clothes transformed into an adorable parody of the Hogwarts uniform but a much more comfortable version. Harry laughed as Delphi pointed to her fake tie, smiling widely as she noticed it was red like Harry’s. Harry unraveled the Gryffindor tie from around his neck and snuggly rewrapped it around hers. Hermione smiled softly at the bundled-up toddler before jabbing Harry’s thigh urgently.

“Ouch Hermione!” Harry whined before looking over to Hermione’s slightly suspicious face.

“There!” Hermione whispered, pointing discretely over to a man Harry had never seen before. Clad in obviously fancy and stylish robes, the man confidently struts into the hall. The man’s face looked all over the hall before looking directly at Harry.

Well, who wouldn’t want to look at the boy-who-lived, Harry reasoned silently. The man walks over to the head table and takes a seat in the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor’s seat. Well, he must be here to replace Umbridge. Thank god, Harry thought, the back of his now scarred hand itching slightly.

‘I must not tell lies’ Written in a messy scrawl.

Harry huff’s before directing his attention to Delphini once again.

“Hawwy, we go pway?” She mumbles in the cutest baby accent HArry swears he has ever heard. Nodding quickly, he informs Ron and Hermione that he is going.

He walked out of the hall holding Delphi’s hand, for she was still seated on Harry’s shoulders, swinging her legs lightly against his chest.

Harry mumbled softly under his breath as he walked down a corridor. Until he spotted someone.

“Malfoy?” Harry asked, looking intently at the familiar silhouette of a particularly annoying blonde.

“Potter, babysitting? Guess the old coot has very important jobs for you,” Malfoy grumbled as he spun around gracefully, allowing himself to see Harry and Delphi.

“Oh shut up Malfoy,” Harry snarked as he carried on walking down the hall.

Draco rolled his eyes and walked the other way.

“Potter-” Draco started, but went silent. Harry turned around to look Malfoy in the eyes but was unsurprised to see that he had already started walking off. Rolling his eyes, Harry carried down the hall.

Quickly transfiguring some old books into a beach mat and toys, Harry strolled out of the castle and into the patch of green grass in the shade. Setting Delphi down on top of the mat and handing her some toys, Harry took his shoes off and sat down too.

Watching as Delphi entertained herself with a coloring book, Harry pulled his own book’s out of his bag and quickly scanned through the first few pages.

An introduction to the wonders called the ‘dark arts’

Harry frowned as he read the cover. Dark arts? That’s illegal, immoral, and just wrong. HE of all people should not be reading this. Yet it was getting interesting. Maybe he can just read some…

Harry yawned as he turned the last page of his book. Delphini was still coloring and humming childish nonsense. Harry was having a breakthrough. He had just finished the book on dark arts. He only read it because he needed to know everything he could on how to defeat them. But- they made good points. And it was so interesting. Harry felt the overwhelming need to learn more. But he can’t. He is the Boy-Who-Lived, the savior of the wizarding world! Maybe he should go speak to Dumbledore about this, He would know what to do. Or Hermione. Or someone who specializes in this? Like the new Defense professor! He would know. Harry mumbled quietly as he packed his books away. Smiling at Delphini and explaining they had to go meet someone as Delphi grinned happily.

Harry held her hand carefully as they both walked into the new classroom.

Chapter Text

Tom was excited. He had followed Harry and Delphi out of the hall silently. He watched from afar under an invisibility charm, observing how his Horcrux and daughter behaved. He saw the interaction with the Malfoy heir, odd. He was delighted to see that his Horcrux was properly caring for his daughter. His Horcrux obviously cares deeply for her. Tom watched as Harry listened to Delphini babble on about food. Harry was listening very intently. That is so adorable, Tom reasoned, smiling at how his Horcrux stepped up. Tom gripped his wand tightly as he saw Harry pull his own out. Tom grinned as he watched Harry transfigue his textbooks into adorable beach gear. Frowning slightly at the fact Harry forgot Delphi’s hat. (As well as his own! Tom would need to talk to his Horcrux! Can’t have him being burnt!)

Tom watched as Harry carelessly handed his child a coloring book before bullying his own reading out. Tom stared at the book.

What the fuck.

Is this really the boy-who-lived? A dark arts book? Maybe this will be so much easier than Tom thought to persuade him to the dark. He looks so- what’s the word? Delectable. Sitting in the sun, watching his daughter like a good mother. His skin fair and hair messy, Tom wants to run his fingers through it. Tom wants to hold the boy, kiss his head, and give him comfort.

Tell him he is a great Horcrux and a great mother.

He would look so small and dainty spread out on his bed, Tom thought. His bed, a great deep green canopy.

And then tiny Harry, his Hocrux laying in the middle, curled up small as if making a mockery of the bed size.

Harry.

Dressed up in green silk shorts, no, TOM’S green silk shorts, fast asleep. His mind only filled with thoughts of Tom. Well, maybe Delphi. She is his daughter too.

Tom would sit at his desk, and watch over the bed on which Harry was sleeping, Nagini wrapped around Harry’s torso, offering protection and hissing words of comfort.

A goblet, buzzing with magic sat heavily guarded at Tom’s desk, and a crystal blue diadem lay hanging off a table on Harry’s side of the bed. A ring, wrapped around Harry’s finger, as a symbol of belonging, so his Horcrux never forgets who owns him.

Wait-

Not who owns him, even though it should be clear he does, but who, what’s the word, oh yes, who LOVES him. A silly little word that has never, ever, once been inside Tom’s mind. Why is he only now thinking of it? Is it a good thing? Bad? Gosh, he sounds like Dumbledore, going on about good and bad and love, ugh!

Harry is his. He likes all of his possessions. Harry is HIS Horcrux, therefore his possession. Therefore he likes Harry. But it's more than that, he is the mother of his daughter for crying out loud!

Tom stared at Harry intently as he turned the last page of his dark arts book. Tom was impressed, quick reading as well as the courage to read that in public, if anyone else saw, he would be shunned by the light. Well, should be. The old coot would probably sprout some nonsense about how he didn’t know what he was reading.

Tom smiled slightly as Harry looked over at Delphi.

His family.

His.

Tom watched as Harry yawned and stretched, his shirt riding up slightly, just enough to show Tom the first glimpse of his pale skin. Tom licked his lips unintentionally. He stared as Harry quickly explained to Delphi that he needed to go speak to someone about the book.

Oh no.

Not the old coot! He will draw you away! Tom thought, scrunching his face up.

Wait, what? Did his ears betray him? Harry, HIS Harry, is going to go visit him, Derril Moldove, to ask some questions about the dark arts! This could be his chance to show his Horcrux they aren’t that bad! To lure him away from Gryffindor’s, Dumbledore, and whatever rainbow-unicorn propaganda they sprout onto him.

Tom fished out his wand and carefully, quickly, and quietly walked straight past Harry, who had convinced Delphi to go with him to his office. Tom strolled past efficacy, needing to get to his office before Potter. He quickly opened the door and seated himself down on the chair behind his empty desk. He spun around slightly, his eyes searching for a book to pretend to be reading as he heard a knock on the door, sighing slightly to himself before shouting,

“Come in!” The door opened, showing Harry, looking in curiously while holding Delphini’s hand. Tom grinned manically internally as Harry walked it slowly.

“Sorry to disturb you, Professor…” Harry trailed off, indicating for Tom to share his name.

A cue that Tom purposely ignored.

“Ah, yes, Mr Potter, is it not?” He drawled, taking delight in the minuscule twitch of Harry’s lips, indicating frustration.

“Yes, Harry Potter and this is Delphini,” Harry mumbled as Delphi grinned and waved excitedly.

“Ah yes, but of course,” Tom said, his lip curling slightly as he took notice of Delphini’s nails, painted a burning Gryffindor red.

“I was, er, wondering if- um…” Harry mumbled. Tom internally cooed. So adorable.

“I, er, need some advice and I have some questions-” Tom cut Harry off sharply.

“Do we need to go somewhere more private for this discussion?” Tom asked.

Tom knew that no matter what Harry said, no one could hear or know. He had already set up an extraordinary amount of anti-eavesdropping charms, and that they would be no reason to move anywhere more private, yet Tom still offered it. What he would give to have his Horcrux, especially a feisty one like Harry, willingly come into his private chambers just to talk to him!

“Um- well, not really-” Harry muttered but was cut off by Tom once again.

“Of course we do! Follow along now,” Tom said, quickly standing up and wrapping his long, cold fingers around Delphini’s hand, tugging lightly as he opened the door to his chambers.

“Er- Professor, I-” Harry started muttering again before huffing and following both Tom and Delphini who had already evacuated the room.

Tom was victorious. He had his daughter seated comfortably on his lap, and his Horcrux following him into his room. He had walked out confidently and sat down at his desk in his room before hauling Delphini into his lap. He looked at Delphini before letting his glamour drop around his eyes, allowing them to turn back to their original red for a second. Tom smirked as Delphini excitedly started to babble and smile uncontrollably. Tom shushed her quickly before looking over to the door where Harry was hovering awkwardly.

“Professor- Um, can I have Delphi back?” Harry mumbled, staring at Delphini who was happily cuddling into her father’s arms.

“Potter, afterward you can, now, you had some questions?” Tom drawled once more, kicking his feet up and tilting his head a smidge, indicating to Harry to take a seat.

Harry sighed once more before doing so.

Tom smirked as Harry sat down. Delphi was in his lap, so there was no way he could have utilized his Slytherin thinking and somehow cornered Harry into sitting on his lap. Well, not today he couldn’t.

“So- er- Professor, I was reading a book,” Harry quietly muttered before reaching deep into his robe to pull out the small leather book. Emerald green writing stretched around the book, giving it a shine that reflected the soft yellow hum of the chamber.

“Dark arts, Potter?” Tom drawled, Delphini wiggling in his lap, nibbling on her own fingers quietly, her eyes wide, innocent yet filled with a hopeful look of- Understanding?

“Yes Professor, I read the book, and, well, it was enlightening, to say the least,” Potter mumbled, fidgeting with his fingernails.

Tom smirked as he opened his palms and indicated to Harry to pass him the book.

“Well Potter, I hope you understand I have to take this off you, for no Gryffindor should be reading these secrets, that you no doubt have never heard of,” Tom scowled, tucking the book into his own farless wrinkled dress robes.

“Sir! I- I convinced the hat not to put me in Slytherin, you know!” Harry exclaimed, his fingers twitching, anxious to get the book back.

Tom’s eyebrows rose as he turned to stare at his Horcrux.

For the second time today,

What The Literal Fuck.

Slytherin? The house of HIS ancestors? The house of the cunning, the sly? This brave, bold, frustratingly careless is the pure example of what a Gryffindor is. Potter, A Slytherin? He must of miss misheard, that can’t be real.

“Pardon me?” Tom asked quickly, his voice hitching up an unnoticeable amount.

“I- I was meant to be in Slytherin,” Harry quickly muttered, his face red as if he didn’t mean to let that secret slip.

Wow. Okay. His Horcrux is really a snake in a lion's skin. A false brave, bold exterior, when internally he is ready to throw people in with the sharks.

Oh boy, he miss-calculated his Horcrux, well, if he keeps surprising him, there is no miss-questioning his future self to think of him to be a suitable long-term partner and to bear his Heir. Heiress.

Tom glanced down to a smug Delphi on his lap before rubbing his hand over his face.

Tom tossed the book to Harry, who using his quidditch skills caught it carelessly in one hand without a glance upwards.

“So, Gryffindor’s ‘golden boy’ isn’t that golden after all? He has been a snake all this time? I wonder what over secrets you have,” Tom whispered, watching Harry go pink.

“Um- yea, well, I best be going, um,” Harry quickly turned around and tried to flee.

“Without asking your questions? And leaving poor Delphini behind?” Tom asked loudly, making Harry pause in his steps.

“Oh, forget the questions, and um-” Harry scooted around and practically ran towards Tom, scooped Delphini up, and ran out again.

“Yeah, well thanks!” Harry yelled behind him as he ran out the door and into the corridor.

Tom was left behind, still staring at the open door.

Well, that was interesting.

All he needs now is to learn more about his little Horcrux and take him, and his daughter back where they belong.

With him.

Chapter Text

Delphini giggled loudly as Harry leaped up from under the couch in the Gryffindor common room.

“Ah ha!” Harry shouted, raising his arm quickly to show Hermione and Delphini his wand which he had just received from under the couch.

“Honestly Harry,” Hermione snickered, whacking Harry’s arm lightly. Ron snickered from behind the couch.

“Delphini, you want more food?” Ron asked her, gesturing to the bag of muggle chips he was holding.

“Ron, don’t feed her that junk,” Hermione scolded Ron.

“I can call Dobby if you want some fruit or- crackers maybe?” Harry asked Delphi, watching her shake her head, no.

“Are you bored? What do you want to play?” Hermione asked Delphini, tickling her belly.

“Can we go visit Papa?” Delphini whispered, watching as Harry’s back stiffened, Ron stopped eating, and Hermione’s face turned pale.

“Um, I think we could go swimming at the lake instead?” Harry interjected quickly.

“Who is your Papa, Delphi?” Hermione smoothly asked, flashing Delphini a grin.

“Papa is the strongest and bestest! He is smart and kind and amazing and loves me!” Delphini exclaimed, her childish eyes fixated on Harry’s facial expressions in an almost unsettlingly observant way.

“Is he- A Malfoy? Nott? Crabbe? Goyle?” Hermione probed further.

Delphini shook her head.

“You're silly! Papa is the bestest, not like them,” Delphi said, her calculating eyes flickered upwards to Harry’s scar for a second.

“Do you know his name-” Hermione was cut off.

“Hermione, drop it,” Harry warned.

Hermione nodded and frowned in acceptance but dropped the subject straight away.

Harry bent down slightly to the 6 year olds height before wrapping his hand around hers.

“Swimming at the lake?” Harry asked, smiling widely when Delphi nodded.

Harry walked with Delphi down to the lake again, found a wooden bench and quickly transfigured Delphini’s Gryffindor red shirt and jeans into a dark green swimsuit. Casting some floating and anti-drowning spells, Harry let Delphi run out into the water. Even if the charms didn’t work- which Harry was certain they would, the giant squid would save any students or kids anyway.

Harry sat down in the sun, just watching as Delphini splashed in the lake, blabbering happily to a merpeople? Harry didn’t question it.

After a few minutes of watching Delphini, Harry walked over to the water too, and shrugged his massive and slightly dirty shirt off and rolled up his trousers. He dived into the cold water and quickly paddled over to Delphini.

The 6 year old giggled happily when she noticed Harry behind her. She raised her slightly chubby arms and splashed Harry.

“HEY!” Harry exclaimed, surprised and his hair now soaking wet. “I'm going to get you-” He yells, charging forward with the intention to splash Delphini back.

Ignoring her plea's and yells of laughter, Harry splashed her back. Delphini giggled louder and attempted to dunk Harry.

After back and forward bickering between the two, Harry gives up from their water fight and rolls over to his back, floating lightly in the lake and looking up at the sky. Delphini pokes her head under the water, trying to look around to cause mischief, Harry thinks.

Lord Voldemort was pissed. So pissed. He thought teaching was easy. Simple, give instructions, explain a little, and be done. He was wrong.

These students must be stupid, Voldemort reasoned internally, scowling as he instructed a 4th year on how to properly hold her wand for the 6th time.

He was in a bad mood because he was supposed to teach Harry and his class for the first time this morning. Only to be very surprised when harry never turned up.
Someone, (Dumbledore) let his Horcrux, off from classes because he is caring for Delphini. Harry needs to learn, well, and his daughter needs to be with her mother- well, surely he could have done both.

Tom had even followed Harry and Delphini to the lake after lunch, watching from underneath an invisibility spell as his daughter screamed and giggled in the water. He wasn’t expecting Harry to get in though-

Harry has always worn very baggy clothes, and Voldemort was pleasantly surprised when Harry whipped his shirt off. Smooth olive skin, tan and so soft. Voldemort knew his Horcrux was small, very small compared to others his age, but now? Harry looked more petite than usual. His lithe body looked so delectable, especially when Harry bent down to roll his trouser sleeves up.

Tom grinned as he watched his daughter and Horcrux giggle and splash each other. His Horcrux is such a good mother- he deserves a reward, Tom reasoned in his head.

A reward. A prize, a gift. Maybe another Horcrux? His old diary was destroyed, Tom scowled. Maybe his locket? It would look gorgeous around his neck, claiming his as Tom’s in another way. Or maybe the diadem, a crown jewel for the jewel of his heart? A beautifully carved tiara, that would sit perfectly upon Harry’s fluffy hair? Or the Hufflepuff cup, that Harry would wrap his gorgeous lips around, that he would drink from? Or, the Gaunt ring? A ring was probably the most prominent claim that Tom could do, oh, what he would give to see it on Harry’s ring finger, HIS Gaunt ring, that symbolises how he belongs to Tom and how Tom belongs to the Slytherin name- Oh, that would be incredible. And the look on Dumbledore's face when he sees it, that would be worth millions.

His Horcrux he would dress in only the finest magical clothing, burn all of Harry’s horrendous muggle shirts. He would make sure his Horcruxes wardrobe consisted of only the colour green, how he would look in Tom’s colour, the Slytherin colour. With the locket wrapped tightly around his pale neck, symbolising Tom is who owns him, the Ravenclaw's diadem on his head, showing he is royalty. Tom’s ring on his finger, wrapping his lips around the Hufflepuff cup, Nagini would lie across his shoulders, and Delphini clutching tightly to her mother. Oh what a picture.

Harry as a trophy husband. He would accompany Tom to all events, Ministry ball’s and gala’s, would hold Tom’s hand and sit prettily on his arm. Would be silent, of course, because as much as Tom likes his running mouth, spewing out every stupid thought he has, no doubt others would. He would be an adorable housewife. Sit around the house, cater to Tom’s every need and whim. Would be like a dog as he offers to fetch him drinks. And of course he would sleep in Tom’s bed, cuddle into his chest. And hopefully have another child. Or two. A male heir is needed of course, and maybe a little sister that Delphini can dress up.

Harry would love his kids, it's obvious to anyone the way he cares for Delphi now, without even knowing he is her mother. He would teach the kids quidditch, have fun with them and entertain them all day while Tom works, being a Dark Lord who runs Britain will be hard work, but he would make time to teach his children too, they would take grammar lessons, be homeschooled and obviously also need political tutoring.
Tom is immortal. Harry will be too seeing as he is a Horcrux. Tom will make Delphini and any of his future children immortal too, force them into creating Horcruxes. He will take over the world. He just needs to sort out how to get Harry home. And to fall in love with him.
He would just use a love potion, but Tom knows that over time the person can fight it. And well, H\arry would have forever to find a way. Stockholm syndrome would take years to fully kick in. It seems that Tom will have to use the easiest but also the hardest way too.

Make his Horcrux be completely infatuated with him, adore him, worship him, love him.

Chapter Text

Delphini smiled widely as she held Harry’s hand as they walked into the Great Hall. Her eyes instantly widened and she waved wildly to her Papa who had a smug smirk. 

“Harry?” Delphini muttered, tugging on Harry’s hand gently till he looked down.

“Delphi?” Harry responded, grinning down at her.

“Can I go sit up there for breakfast?” Delphini asked politely as she smiled widely, knowing that Harry is a sucker for her toothy grins.

“With who? Professor Dumbledore?” Harry asked her, confused as to why a 6 year old would want to sit up there.

“No, no, with Papa!” She said as she subtly wiped her sticky hands on Harry’s robe.

“Papa?” Harry responded, his brow furrowed.

“Please?” Delphini begged, her eyes watering strategically.

“Um, okay?” Harry allowed, almost forgetting their odd conversation due to her face full of pure joy.

“Thanks, Harry!” she yelled loudly, unlatching her hand from Harry’s and running up to the top table. 

Harry watched her skip excitedly before allowing Hermione to pull him down to his seat at the Gryffindor table.

“Did you hear that?” Hermione whispered quickly, her face worried.

“Um, what?” Harry said blankly. 

“She called our new teacher, ‘Papa’,” Hermione said, pulling on Harry’s sleeve, indicating as to where Delphini was clinging to Professor Moldove.

Harry’s heart ached at the sight.

“Poor girl, she is calling the only older figure in her life, one she doesn’t even know that well, her ‘Papa’, she is so confused-” Harry mumbled, pitying this sweet girl who has truly captured his heart.

“No, you dingbat! Moldova must be her father!” Hermione corrected impatiently, her eye’s judging the man who left his daughter.

“What? You think that Moldove is her biological father?” Harry asked Hermione, astonished at the mere idea of that possibility.

“Think, Harry! She calls him ‘Papa’, they seem to know each other, they are very comfortable in each other’s presence, as well as the fact they look similar!” Hermione said.

Well, just as she said it, Harry guessed that one could draw that as a possibility. Ignoring the fact that Moldove is a snobby Slytherin, and that Delphini can’t possibly be related to such a person, they did look slightly similar. Dark hair, same posture, same stance- but those are wide aspects, grouping people together just because of their hair colour and then just because of the way that they act. 

“Hermione, I know it’s hard sometimes to be told that you are wrong, and I really hate to break it to you, but-” Hermione cut Harry off.

“Harry, if you honestly can’t see how they have similar behaviour or don’t believe that they act too comfortable with each other, assuming it’s their second time meeting each other, or her calling him ‘Papa’, you are truly an idiot,” Hermione said calmly.

Harry huffed. “You are being dramatic Hermione, I get her, I don’t have any parents, I saw any old person as a parental figure, she’s just a child, let her figure it out -” Hermione cut Harry off once more.

“Maybe you are right Harry- we don’t know her past- this could just be a coping mechanism-” Hermione mumbled.

“Well, of course I am right, I am Harry Potter,” Harry replied cheekily, smirking at Hermione.

“Just when I thought you weren’t an idiot,” Hermione sneered playfully.

Ron coughed loudly next to them both, giving them a fright.

“Pass the bacon, won’t you Harry?” Ron asked, his mouth dry from toast.

“Yeah, of course Ron,” Harry passed the bacon.

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Voldemort took delight in his daughter’s wide smile as she skipped happily over to his seat. She wore childish overalls, not appropriate for the heiress of Lord Voldemort to ever wear outside of their home, yet uterally adorable. She had a green bucket hat on, her family color, Voldemort couldn’t help but internally coo at. Harry might have knitted it for her. It does look homemade, ugly thick wool, yet the fact that his Horcrux dedicated time to knitting this with the sole purpose to keep his daughter- no, their daughter warm, well, Voldemort can approve.

“Morning!” Delphi chirped, grinning up at Voldemort.

“Good morning,” Voldemort chuckled, smirking as his daughter scrambled onto his lap.

“Hug?” She asked, raising her arms slightly. Voldemort wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head quickly. She settled down soon after on his lap.

“Breakfast, sweetheart?” He asked her, watching her nod quickly.

He poured her a small goblet of juice before placing a quick unbreakable charm onto it, for he would hate for her to accidently drop it.

She quickly gulped  it as Voldemort filled a small bowl with cereal, gently placing it in front of her to eat. She put her goblet down and looked expectantly at Voldemort.

“Delphini would like Papa to feed Delphini please,” She said to Voldemort in a sickly sweet tone, as if she was speaking to a particularly slow child. 

Voldemort fought back a sneer at his own 6 year old daughter.

“Delphi is old enough to feed herself,” He scowls.

“Delphi never learnt because her Papa was never with Delphi growing up,” She repeated slowly once more, as if she wasn’t emotionally blackmailing Voldemort.

“Delphini is smart enough to learn,” Voldemort responded, refusing to let a 6 year old manipulate him.

“Mama always feeds Delphini-” Delphi says, looking longingly at Harry.

“Well, Delphi can go sit with Potter then,” Voldmeort sneers, only his daughter would attempt to manipulate him!

“Delphini likes Nagini better,” Delphi whispers under her breath, just loud enough for Voldemort to hear.

Voldemort snorted at his daughter, a young child yet already acting like an angsty teenager. 

“Does Papa not love Delphi?” Delphini asked Voldemort, her eyes glittering in a way that must have only been forced. Voldemort was proud to see her manipulating skills advance this far, yet slightly annoyed that she attempted to use it on him.

“Delphini, eat your cereal or go back to Potter,” Voldemort said firmly, pushing the bowl back to his daughter who was scowling. 

Voldemort knew from his days before Hogwarts that kids had tantrums, but like this? He would have thought his own offspring, who carried his genetics, to be at least slightly more controlled and mature of their emotions. But she is only 6, Voldmeort mussed. 

Looking back at his pouting daughter, who was perfectly capable of using a spoon sturdily, as she shows him right now as she consumed her cereal, eyes narrowed angrily at Voldemort.

“Delphini finds Papa very frustrating, she much prefers Mama and Nagini,” Delphi hisses at Voldemort as she shoves her half empty cereal bowl back at him, slides off his lap, and trots happily back over to Harry.

Parenting is hard. Much more difficult then he imagined, especially with a daughter as sassy as Delphi, Voldemort thought has he too stood, walking out of the great hall to go set up for class.

If only he noticed the gaping professors behind him, who were no doubt listening as the kid who Potter was babysitting called him, ‘Papa’. 

And if only he noticed the twinkling eyes that followed him out of the great hall, the ones that seemed to be almost ‘all-knowing,’ the ones that didn’t blink twice at the, quite frankly, ridiculous name, ‘Derril Tom Moldove,’

And if only he noticed the small girl who was scowling at him, wondering if her father was someone she actually liked, wondering if she prefered her life back home with Harry. (And that gaping feeling in her chest she couldn’t help but asscoiate with missing Teddy and that jealous feeling she got whenever he was around her and Harry.)

And if only he noticed Hermione, who had her eyes narrowed, mind racing of thoughts, and not at all convinced that he wasn’t Delphini’s father.

And if only he noticed Malfoy Jr licked his lips behind his back and stared longingly at him in lust. Well, not noticing that one would probably be best, for he wouldn’t know if he could hold himself back from sending a cruico, or better yet, the killing curse to get that disgusting lustful expression of Lucius' offspring.

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Dumbledore pat Fawkes gently.

“What should I do?” Dumbledore mused aloud as his phoenix cooed. 

It was tough, he didn’t know if he was doing the right thing by getting Harry to look after Delphi. He could be putting extra pressure on Harry, who was no doubt trying to juggle his life around escaping Voldemort, his upcoming N.E.W.T.s, and babysitting all day every day.

Fawkes squawked loudly as Dumbledore drew himself from his thoughts and back to his shrieking phoenix.

“You are correct, Fawkes, I too believe that Harry can handle it,” Dumbledore softly sighed, drowning himself in the endless mental rambles that came with being an old man.

“I just worry for him, he truly exceeds all my expectations, and I would truly hate for him to push himself-” Dumbledore cut himself off with a loud huff.

“There is no purpose in worrying, I have much to do,” Dumbledore said to himself, stroking his beard and drawing his eyes to the large pile of unread books he was gifted recently. 

Much to do indeed.