Ophelia, hearing Narcissa's murmur, widened her eyes and looked with surprise at the beautiful blonde woman before her.
Aunt? She's my aunt!?
Ophelia's heart nearly skipped a beat as she saw Narcissa approaching. She felt Narcissa lift her chin, forcing her red eyes to meet her blue ones.
Studying the girl's face closely, Narcissa couldn't help but be surprised at how much she resembled Bellatrix at the same age. The only difference was the color of her eyes and her straight hair. Bellatrix had green eyes and curly black hair.
"What is your name?" Narcissa asked, releasing her chin.
A little intimidated by Narcissa's aura and intense gaze, Ophelia took a deep breath to calm herself and responded, looking directly into her eyes.
"Ophelia Riddle."
"You really do look like my older sister," Narcissa said, her expression a bit complicated. From the surname, she could imagine who the girl's father was.
She didn't know what Arcturus would do upon learning of the girl's existence, especially given that her father was Voldemort, who had killed Regulus. She even found it remarkable that Asterion allowed this girl to live with him, given that her father had killed Regulus, his father.
Hearing that she resembled her mother, Ophelia's lips curled up happily.
Rubbing her own forehead, Narcissa showed a helpless expression. She could foresee a huge headache coming to her family once again.
Even so, seeing the girl's eager eyes looking at her, Narcissa smiled. The girl was innocent despite the monsters that were her parents.
"Your name is very beautiful, Ophelia," Narcissa said, gently stroking the girl's silky hair with a smile on her lips.
Ophelia seemed like a puppy enjoying Narcissa's affectionate touch. It could be said that this was the first time someone had treated her with such kindness in her life. She loved this feeling of being cared for and loved, something she never wanted to be separated from.
Holding Ophelia's hand, Narcissa turned to Asterion and spoke calmly. "Asterion, I'm going to take Ophelia to meet Andromeda. We'll see you later."
Her cold eyes briefly fell on Daphne, who was smiling at her while holding Asterion's arm. She scoffed coldly and left with Ophelia.
"Astoria, Ginny, we'll meet later." Though confused about whom she was being introduced to, Ophelia did not refuse and waved to her two best friends, who waved back.
Astoria came to her sister's side, looking at Daphne with curiosity. Although the hostility between Narcissa and Daphne was well hidden, her sharpness allowed her to perceive that they didn't like each other.
"Sister, what's going on?" Astoria whispered to Daphne, who stood next to Asterion.
"We'll talk later," Daphne whispered back. She didn't want Asterion to know about the rift between her and Narcissa, as his involvement would only complicate matters further.
Astoria nodded and asked no more, but she knew things were complicated between Daphne and Narcissa.
-
The Great Hall was decorated with flags from the thirteen countries, including Hogwarts. At the main table, all the Ministers of Magic were seated alongside the professors.
A philosopher once said that humans are only truly happy when they are celebrating, and there was some truth to his words.
Even during World War II on the Western Front, the Axis and Allies called a truce when Christmas arrived. Soldiers from both sides took the opportunity to sing carols together, exchange drinks, treat the wounded, and bury their dead comrades. They even prayed together, showing that a celebration could surpass even the strongest hatred.
Hogwarts was no different at this moment. Even the ministers from Japan and China, who were mortal enemies, were conversing in a very friendly manner—a sight that would be practically impossible under normal circumstances.
Andromeda, who sat with a gentle, sweet smile, was elegantly seated at her old House table, Slytherin. Her brown hair cascaded like a waterfall of silky, shiny strands over her shoulders, resting on her chest.
Watching the children chatting animatedly, Andromeda's smile grew even gentler. She had wonderful memories of Hogwarts; it was here that she met her beloved husband and fell in love with him.
"Dromeda." Hearing her sister's voice, Andromeda turned and saw Narcissa walking towards her, but she was puzzled to see the young girl beside her sister. Observing the girl's appearance closely, she was surprised by the incredible resemblance she shared with her older sister, Bellatrix.
"Cissy?" Andromeda looked at Narcissa with a clearly very confused expression.
"My niece, Bella's daughter, Ophelia Riddle." Narcissa held the girl's shoulder and gently pushed her forward, introducing her with a kind smile.
Andromeda's eyes widened at her sister's shocking words, but looking at the almost identical appearance the girl shared with Bellatrix, she couldn't deny her younger sister's words.
"This is Andromeda Tonks, your aunt, my sister." Narcissa introduced Andromeda to Ophelia, who was once again surprised.
Today was definitely the best day of her life. She had met her two aunts, her mother's sisters, and seeing her aunt's gentle and warm demeanor, she knew her aunt was a good person.
"Aunt Andromeda." Ophelia greeted her with a touch of happiness in her red eyes.
"You really do look like Bella at this age, just as adorable as she was." Andromeda felt her heart almost melt being called "aunt." She reached out and cupped Ophelia's face with a smile full of warmth and tenderness.
Ophelia felt her cheeks warm at the compliment and suddenly hugged Andromeda. She hadn't done this with Narcissa because she was a bit afraid of her, but with Andromeda, it was different. She genuinely felt the warmth and tenderness emanating from the woman in front of her. If this was the warmth a mother felt for her child, she was even more eager to meet her mother.
Though surprised by the hug, Andromeda didn't refuse and embraced her, bringing her close to her chest while gently stroking her hair with a happy smile. It had been a long time since she had done something like this; her daughter Nymphadora had never been a child who sought affection, so she was very happy at this moment.
"Can you tell me about my mother?" Looking up, Ophelia asked with a pleading look.
"Of course, dear." Knowing she couldn't recount her older sister's crazy past, Andromeda could still remember the funny things that happened when they were children.
Narcissa, who had sat down next to Andromeda at the Slytherin table, rolled her eyes as she watched her sister and niece getting along so well right away. It didn't seem like they had just met.
---
**Author's Thoughts:** There will be two more chapters tomorrow and finally the start of the International Wizardry Tournament. Thank you for your support and have a good day, dear readers. <3
My mom turns 46 today, so if anyone is reading this chapter on 5/8 and is celebrating her birthday, I wish her/he a happy birthday!!!! 🎉🎉🎉
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New Novel: (I Am The Prince of Hell)
Next Chapter Second Volume: Chapter 128 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 129 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 130 - The Four Hogwarts Representatives (3), Chapter 131 - The First Trial (1), Chapter 132 - The First Trial (2), Chapter 133 - King's Game (1), Chapter 134 - King's Game (2), Chapter 135 - King's Game (3), Chapter 136 - King's Game (4), Chapter 137 - King's Game (5), Chapter 138 - King's Game (6), 139 - King's Game (7), 140 - King's Game (8), 141 - King's Game (9), 142 - King's Game (10), 143 - King's Game (11), 144 - King's Game (12), 145 - King's Game (13), Chapter 146 - Second Phase of the King's Game (1).