following the darkness / dm

𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖚𝖊 - 𝖘𝖊𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖉 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖋

.•° ✿ °•.

In the first year of her life, Ariana was loved by every death eater, they had to be otherwise they would be punished by death if they treated her with disrespect.

The three most prominent figures in Ariana's life being her uncle, her godmother and father. Severus saw his sister in her. Narcissa became a mother figure to her. Despite what most would think, Voldemort was a doting father, nearly always there at her every need.

Rumours from the Daily Prophet of Voldemort having a daughter spread like wildfire over the twelve months. This only made the dark lord more protective. Ariana had only witnessed her father's ruthlessness on a handful of occasions. One being when he performed the imperious curse on Dolohov when he nearly let a Daily Prophet reporter enter the household. Surprisingly, despite Bellatrix being one of the most loyal followers, he did not trust her to be near his child. Her insanity could scare young Ariana.

Whenever her father went on missions she stayed with her uncle, where he brewed potions as she observed. Ariana's fascination did not go unnoticed as she was entranced by all the colours and ingredients. Though she loved spending time with Snape, her favourite person to be around was her dad. Whilst with her father, they discovered she was a parstlemouth, which only made sense. From then on, Nagini became a sort of friend to her.

"And this little death eater went to the market." Cradling his daughter whilst telling a story, he noticed how her emerald eyes always kept focus on his.

"Dada." He was stunned. This was Ariana's first word. His anxious thoughts of if she'd ever talk were withering away.

"I am your dada, my evil little princess." He replied in awe of what had just happened.

"Dada." Ariana repeated whilst clapping her hands excitedly. The dark lord chuckled whilst glancing at the clock, realising the time.

"I think it is your bedtime!" Voldermort smiled and put her to sleep as she cuddled into her bear.

Months went by and on a cold bitter October night it was Ariana's second birthday. It was a day which should have been for celebration but would end in tragedies for two young children.

A party was being held for the young witch with all death eaters present and one young Draco Malfoy being the only other child, the two becoming best friends. Sitting at the head of the table was the Dark Lord and his most important treasure in the world. Severus was sat next to Ariana as Nagini slivered around the room, hissing at some death eaters.

Ariana had blown out her candles, with some help from her father. Presents upon presents were in the corner of the eerie dining room all waiting to be opened. Before she could devour her slice of cake her father placed something around her neck.

A locket including a picture of her mother. Sarah Snape. The picture perfectly showing her beauty. Voldermort did not want Ariana to forget about her as he would talk about her mother to keep her memory alive.

She looked at the picture and said "Mama?". This nearly brought Voldermort to tears, but he wouldn't show emotion in front of everyone unless it was just his daughter.

"Yes this is your mama and she loves you." Ariana glanced down and whispered in his ear "I love her too dada." and he just smiled in return.

Despite being the Dark Lords daughter she was kind and innocent. Sometimes too innocent for her own good. So when one defiant death eater 'accidentally' pushed her cake onto the floor she saw no problem. Snape did. Even though she wasn't his biological daughter, he cared for her like she was.

"Pick that up Mr Rattigan." Snape's cold voice caught the attention of everyone, notably the father and daughter duo.

"What is happening Severus?"

"My Lord, I think Mr Rattigan here is purposely messing with young Ariana here. Purposely pushing her cake off."

Confused on what the tension was, Ariana piped up
"Sevvy, it was probably an accident." Neither Snape nor Voldermort missed his smirk and both raced to grab their wand and pointed it at him.

"Crucio!" Voldermort said quietly enough so Ariana wouldn't hear, it did not matter as she was no longer paying attention to them but towards her necklace.

After Mr Rattigan had passed out, Voldermort decided his punishment was suffice. The Dark Lord had to leave for an important journey. One where he unknowingly went to his death.

"Ariana, dada will be back tomorrow morning okay, so be good!"

Jumping into her fathers arms, Ariana just nodded and kept her face crooked into his neck as long as she was allowed. After waving bye to him she ran off to find Draco and play with her new bear.

"Severus, I trust you will look after Ariana."

"Of course my Lord." Snape had hoped Lily would be safe as he hoped Dumbledore would provide protection.

However, even if his love for Lily was still there his love for his niece was bigger and would do anything to keep her safe.

That night at Godric's Hollow, three parents died.

James and Lily's bodies left in their home. Voldermorts body gone. As if Ariana could sense something was wrong, she cried through the night. Clinging onto her bear and curling up to Snape did not help her as she had hoped.

When the news broke out about the 'boy who lived' and Voldermorts death, Snape became Ariana's guardian, vowing to take care of her.

Over the years, Ariana became a talented witch. Growing up she was shy and her innocence never left with her always trying to be kind. At age 11, she was placed in Slytherin. No one knew she truly was other than Snape, the Malfoys and Ariana herself. Receiving top marks in nearly all subjects, her favourite naturally being potions. Her friendship group consisted on one person - Draco Malfoy. She knew he could be relied on as throughout their entire lives, one argument had ever been made somehow.

Everyday Ariana would wear her locket with her mother's picture in it, picturing her father also, knowing he wasn't as evil as he was portrayed. Well, at least to her.