forgot password: Actually, the play was based on a story originally penned by Rowling herself. I found it very disappointing that, based on her past history of creating intricate plot points, that she would disregard her canon so blatantly. Also I might not have made it clear, but I'm planning on replacing the time-travel plot with something less messy, not simply rewrite the play without introducing the time-turner.

Maegvasaiel: Thank you! Haha, I'm nowhere near JKR's level, although it's very kind of you to say so xD

Dreaming in multicolor: Thanks! And same - I really never thought that Rose could be so callous.

BluePIX: Haha thanks!

HugsandBugsSmileyface: Aw thanks! :3

Pokelad: Thanks!

Pokelad: As I said just before, I'm planning on creating an alternate plot that doesn't involve time-turners, not simply doing away with them.

Iringlo or Magic: Haha thank you! But Delphi is still going to be in the story (although none of Harry's children marry anyone in the story)

Iringlo or Magic: The script says that she had blond hair, which makes sense considering that her aunt had it too.

Iringlo or Magic: LOL I'm actually gonna be following the canon relationships in the story (with the exception of pairing Albus and Scorpius).

DEPARTMENT OF MYSTERIES , 22 JUNE 2014

Delphi was lying on her bed, one leg crossed over the other. In the blue light thrown by the candles in her room, much of the graffiti she had adorned her walls with was visible, glowing a sparkling white. Most were simple doodles - an Augurey or a flame pattern - that were bewitched to move across the walls. She was still reeling in shock. For years, she had assumed that her parents were still alive - that they were coming to take her back any moment. She was sure that it would have been today - now that she had come of age.

"Why didn't they come?" she asked herself.

She had started talking to herself several years ago - perhaps when she was twelve or thirteen. She found it the best way to deal with the deafening silence around her. It had always been like this for as long as she could remember: deafening silence and blinding darkness. Madam Rowle always stressed the importance of their conditions - light and sound were distractions from clear thinking.

"Remember this, Delphini: clarity of thought leads to clarity of magic." she muttered bitterly, mimicking Euphemia's sharp voice. She quickly found out that she was able to mimic voices very well. It helped her feel less craze talking out loud.

She groaned and flipped over, banging her hands against the wall. They made no noise, of course - everything was bewitched here so as to provide both security from the 'unworthy ones' who dwelled above. She often asked Madam Rowle why they hid underground, resulting in her week-long incarceration following a full hour of writing in pain from the Cruciatus Curse by Madam Rowle, infuriated by Delphi's 'insubordination'.

"I could leave whenever I want," Delphi told herself, sitting up in her bed. "No one - not even Rowle - could keep me here if I didn't want to."

She often had these thoughts of running away, but she never acted on them. Escape was impossible. Yet it wasn't for lack of skill or power. Delphi could break through the strongest of enchantments without a second thought. It was fear that kept her chained here - fear of her parentage, fear of the unknown world that lay above her. For all her curiosity about what existed above her, Delphi was still hesitant. This was her home, after all. The only people who knew her and wanted her. Even before she knew her parents were dead, she had often wondered what her parents would say if they saw her. Would they be angry that she had come to them before they were ready to receiver her? Or would they be worried? Had they, perhaps, been searching for her all these years? Had she been kidnapped when she was a child? It would explain the treatment she received down here. But it would be unfair to say that she had only known misery here. For all the times Rowle had shot curses at her, she had also showered her with an equal amount of praise.

"I know that sometimes you may feel hurt by what we do, Delphini. But everything we do is for your own good. Nobody up there even knows that you exist," she pointed at the ceiling, speaking in Euphemia's maternal tone. "But the Augurey does - that is why you were brought here. You are special, Delphini. You have a great destiny before you - one that we must prepare you for. In due time, I promise that, when you are ready, you will see the world above."

At first, she was confused by this concept - that one shows caring through inflicting pain. She had, at one point, wondered whether her parents sent here away to this terrible place because they loved her. But that was ridiculous - why wouldn't they have just hurt her themselves if they truly cared? Perhaps they didn't love her. Or perhaps they weren't able to love her properly - which is why they must have sent her here: where she would be with people that could love her until her parents learned how. Eventually, she learned to accept this as one of the strange facts of life. She was well acquainted with many of the Great Mysteries: Thought, Death, Space, Time, and Divination. The Department of Mysteries - what she had come to understand as the antechamber between her home and the wizarding world - had rooms dedicated to each of these topics. She had visited them many times, both during her lessons and on her own. But the final mystery was the one that intrigued and baffled her the most: Love. Madam Rowle had glossed over it during her lessons. Delphi had asked her whether there was a room in the Department of Mysteries that studied Love.

"There is," she mimicked. "But it is impossible to enter. Generations of the Augurey's Unspeakables have tried and failed to enter it- Delphini, banish that ridiculous thought from your mind at once! You are not to go near that room, do you understand?"

Of course, Delphi took this as a challenge.

"An un-openable room?" Delphi had laughed at the time. "Challenge accepted."

But Delphi quickly learned that Madam Rowle was quite correct when she snuck out in the middle of the night (which appeared no different from the day). Not matter what enchantments Delphi cast, the door refused to open. She had tried everything method of unlocking. Finally, losing her temper, she attempted to blast the door open. Naturally, this resulted in an irate Croaker dragging her away. And the tragedy of it all? The bloody door still didn't open.

"The greatest regret of my life," Delphi smirked. She often distracted herself like this - replacing bad thoughts with good ones. And soon, all her misery and shock over her parents was forgotten.

Quite suddenly, she stood up and strode to the door. Immediately after being marked, Delphi had been sent to her room while Rowle and Croaker returned to the meditation room. Patience had never been one of her strong traits, and she was just about fit to burst after thirty minutes of 'the adults are deliberating, Delphi - go to your room immediately'.

"I'm of age today!" she fumed. "I ought to have every right to - er... deliberate with them."

But the rational part of her knew that this wasn't how it worked: Madam Rowle's word was law. And she knew that defying Madam Rowle would result in far worse things than the Cruciatus Curse. But she didn't have to wait much longer. The door to her room opened, revealing the silhouettes of Rowle and Croaker.

"Delphini, come with us at once," Rowle said shortly.

Eager that something was happening, Delphi followed them out immediately.

"What's this about, Madam Rowle?" she asked.

"Don't ask questions," Euphemia snapped. "And hurry up."

They walked in silence, eventually arriving in the meditation chamber. Once everyone had come inside, Croaker pointed his wand at the door, which shut and bolted itself.

"The lights, please, Saul," Euphemia said.

Candles appeared around them, their flames growing bright blue. Delphi tried not to roll her eyes.

"Delphini, you have accepted the Augurey's mark," Euphemia said.

"I know, Madam Rowle," Delphi said. "I was there, remember?"

"Don't be impertinent-" Rowle began angrily.

"What Madam Rowle means, Delphi," Croaker interrupted. "Is that certain things must be taken into account, now that you have come of age."

"Like what?" Delphi asked. She had always liked Professor Croaker more than Rowle. For one thing, he didn't require her to call him 'sir' or 'Professor'.

"Well, as you know," Croaker said. "You weren't born here, Delphi. We took you in as part of an agreement with your father to ensure your safety. And part of that agreement was that, in the event of your orphanage, we would take yo-"

"Why didn't you tell me that I was an orphan?" she asked suddenly. She could feel the anger bubbling inside her as she sat there, listening to Croaker speaking so nonchalantly about the family she now knew was never coming for her.

"You never asked," Croaker said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"And yet, in all the time I've been here, you never thought to mention it at all?" Delphi asked. Her voice was very controlled now, but she was making quite an effort to keep it that way.

"I understand that you may be upset-" Croaker began.

"'May be upset'?" Delphi asked, her voice now coming out in Croaker's deep tones. "I think we passed 'upset' sixteen years ago! All this time, I've thought that my parents were still out there! That - that -" her voice broke and tears began to flow earnestly from her eyes.

Croaker was beginning to look slightly uncomfortable. "Delphi - this wasn't a matter of - it was for your own good-"

"Why would not telling me that my parents were dead be for MY OWN GOOD?" she screamed, her voice now splitting into different tones that resonated cacophonously.

"Enough," Rowle said suddenly. "You are letting emotion cloud your judgement. What do you think would have changed, even if we had told you?"

"Maybe I wouldn't have spent my whole life waiting for people who were never going to come!" she said shrilly.

"Perhaps," Rowle said, quite calmly. "But the outcome would still have remained the same: your powers would be just as strong; your training just as complete; your mission just as clear."

"What mission?" Delphi asked, her anger now tinged with bewilderment. "What training? How many other things haven't you been telling me? Tell the truth!" the last words came out in her own voice, but there was a commanding ring behind it, quite unlike how she normally spoke.

"Delphi," Croaker said. He was both unnerved and pleased by this sharp change in her tone. "You know that everything Madam Rowle does is for your own good. She operates on a need-to-know basis because truth is such a fragile thing."

"Then why," Delphi asked. "Would you tell me only now that I'm an orphan?"

Croaker paused and looked at Euphemia before continuing. "We believe that... there may be a way to bring back your father."

"What?" Delphi asked, taken aback. "What do you mean? Who is my father?"

"We can't tell you everything right now-" Croaker began.

"Of course you can't," Delphi said, laughing mirthfully. "I'm just expected to do everything you tell me without question."

"Delphini," Rowle said. "Do not forget that we took you in. We raised you, fed you, clothed you, taught you. And tonight, we marked you with the Augurey. No matter how you may feel at the moment, remember that you are now one of us. Your loyalty belongs to us, and ours to you."

Delphi said nothing, cursing to herself that everything Rowle had said was true. Euphemia took advantage of Delphi's silence.

"We tell you this now because your destiny has begun on this night," she said. "Marking you tonight was the first of a chain of events that will take place."

This caught Delphi's attention. "You mean like a prophecy?" she asked.

"Two, to be precise, made shortly before your birth," Rowle said.

"Show me," Delphi said at once. "If you're telling the truth, and if it's about me, then there ought to be a record of them in the Hall of Prophecy which I can take."

"Unfortunately," Croaker said. "Many of the records were destroyed in a battle that took place in the Department of Mysteries more than eighteen years ago. The Twin Prophecies did not survive."

"Then why- " Delphi began.

"Fortunately, however," Croaker interrupted. "I was the one to whom the prophecy was conveyed, and as such, I am capable of relaying the prophecy to you through my memories. The problem is that we don't have the proper, ah, equipment on hand that will allow me to show you."

"Why am I not surprised?" Delphi muttered under her breath, earning a reproving look from Rowle.

"All is not lost, however," Croaker said. "There are several places I know of that have the equipment we need to see it. All of them are located in the world above us."

Delphi smiled in excitement. Was this, she thought, an opportunity for her to leave this place at last?

"I'll go," she said at once. "I'll get whatever you need."

"I admire your initiative," Croaker smiled. "And believe me, you will have the opportunity to see the world above. But there is a slight matter which Madam Rowle and I need to address before we send you."

"What is it?" Delphi asked, her smile faltering.

"Delphini," Rowle said. "Your journey does not simply end with this. Hearing the prophecy is only the first step in accepting your destiny."

"I don't understand," Delphi frowned.

"What Madam Rowle means," Croaker explained. "Is that you are not merely visiting the surface world. We are making arrangements for you to stay there long-term."

"How long?" Delphi asked slowly. Was this a trick? No one except Croaker was permitted to leave the sanctuary, after all.

"As long as it takes for you to fulfill the prophecy," Rowle said. "Once you hear the prophecy, you will know what to do next. But you cannot return back here once you leave, unless you have completed your task."

"Where will I be staying?" Delphi asked.

"At your aunt's house," Croaker said. "Her name is Narcissa Malfoy. She is one of the last remaining pure-bloods in the wizarding world."

"She was my mother's sister?" Delphi asked excitedly. "Did she know my father as well? How-"

"Because of the situation, we cannot give you any more details," Rowle said, rather sharply. "But I assure you, you will discover your parentage in due time. Suffice to say that she knew your father well."

"What-" Delphi began, irritated by the lack of information she was getting.

"No more questions," said Rowle. "You will learn all in due time. For now, I will escort you personally to Malfoy Manor, where you will stay comfortably while you complete your quest."

Euphemia got up and flicked her wand at the candles, which Vanished instantly.

"Take hold of my hand, Delphini," Rowle said. "We will Apparate directly to the Manor."

Rather hesitantly, Delphi held onto Euphemia's wrist.

"Goodbye, Professor Croaker," she said, blinking back the tears in her eyes.

"Farewell, my dear," Croaker said, smiling. "I will eagerly await your return."

Delphi closed her eyes, preparing herself for the uncomfortable sensation that would follow when Euphemia twisted and vanished in thin air, leading Delphi blindly alongside her. When she opened her eyes, she took great gulps of cold air. It tasted completely strange, though not in a bad way. On the contrary, it felt very refreshing. She looked wildly around, her senses completely overwhelmed. She was grinning uncontrollably, letting out a wild laugh of freedom.

"Delphini, control yourself!" Rowle snapped. "We do not want to attract unwanted attention."

But Delphi had already started running, spreading her arms and smiling widely. The moon shone brightly in the black satin sky, diamond stars twinkling brilliantly around it. Crickets chirped invisibly from behind the lush green foliage.

"This is magical!" she cried aloud.

"Delphini!" Rowle said furiously. "Silence yourself - at once!"

When Delphini continued to ignore her, Euphemia pointed her wand at her, sending a streak of yellow light that hit the girl squarely on the back. She stopped running at once, standing obediently where she stood. The two witches walked silently along the path towards the large mansion ahead of them. They approached a gate, which twisted itself into a terrible metal face.

"Declare yourself," the gate demanded in a clanging, metallic voice.

"Euphemia Rowle and Delphini," Rowle said, slightly unsure of herself.

Under the Imperius Curse's influence, Delphi's mind was unusually blank. Nevertheless, hearing Rowle's voice falter made her realize that it was both their first time on the surface. Delphi wondered why she had insisted on coming herself instead of sending Croaker - perhaps it was because, since Croaker often came to the surface, he would be recognizable. Regardless, the gate swung open and they continued on their way. Just as they approached the door, it was opened by an old woman, in her late fifties, with platinum blonde hair streaked with grey. She was pointing a wand at them warily.

"Who are you?" Narcissa asked in a slightly haughty voice.

"As I told your gate, my name is Euphemia Rowle," she said. "I am an old friend of Augustus Rookwood, whom I believe your husband was an associate with?"

"Are you from the Department of Mysteries?" Narcissa asked.

"In a manner of speaking," Euphemia said. "May we come in?"

"Give me your wands first," Narcissa asked.

She took Euphemia's and Delphi's wands in a slender hand. At once, Delphi felt as though a curtain had risen in her mind and knew that the Imperius Curse must have lifted. She jerked her head, motioning them to come in. The living room was very large and elaborate. A giant fire blazed in the fireplace - its flames burning orange, which appeared very strange to Delphi. Beautiful paintings adorned the walls, which were covered in intricately patterned wallpaper. Narcissa and Euphemia sat on lavish couches. As Delphi began to seat herself, Euphemia sharply told her to stop.

Turning to Narcissa, she asked, "Is there anywhere my ward could remain while we speak, so that we will not be overheard?"

"The drawing room - the door at the end of the hall." Narcissa said.

Delphi opened her mouth to argue, then thought better of it. She turned and left, walking into the drawing room. As soon as she entered, the fireplace ignited and illuminated the room in brilliant orange. The door closed behind her as she stepped over the threshold. She put her ear to the keyhole, attempting to listen to the secret conversation. But just like the walls of the Augurey's sanctuary, the door had evidently been made Imperturbable.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, Delphi heard the door unlock while she sat before the fireplace, watching the strange orange flames dance. She turned around and saw Narcissa Malfoy watching her uncertainly.

"What happened to Madam Rowle?" Delphi asked.

"She left, Delphini," Narcissa said. "But not before telling me your story."

"Did she tell you who my parents are?" Delphi asked eagerly.

Narcissa flinched. Undoubtedly, Euphemia had told her that Delphi would ask her this. "She did."

"But you can't tell me who they are?" Delphi asked, already knowing the answer.

Narcissa shook her head. The light cast by the fire threw shadows onto her face, enhancing her sharp cheekbones and wrinkles and making her appear even older to Delphi.

"I'm sure you must be tired after your journey," Narcissa said, smiling hesitantly after a few moments of silence.

Delphi wasn't tired at all - on the contrary, now that Rowle had gone, she wanted nothing more but to explore this strange new world. But she allowed Narcissa to escort her to her new bedroom, which was much larger than her old one. The fireplace was already lit there, illuminating her ornately carved four-poster bed. Narcissa brought her a nightgown to wear, promising her that they would talk more in the morning. There was a kindness in Narcissa's voice that Delphi certainly had never heard before in Rowle's. She changed into her nightgown and climbed into her bed. Immediately, sleepiness overcame her - Delphi had certainly not felt this tired before. She closed her eyes and fell asleep within minutes.