The Serpent's Daughter

Chapter 1:The Prisoner of Secrets

The air was thick with the sweltering heat of summer, and Lilyanala Riddle sat in her quiet room at Hogwarts, watching the soft glow of the evening sun sink behind the mountains. The castle had always felt like a refuge, but this summer had been different. There was an unease that clung to the ancient stone walls, whispers of something dark stirring in the wizarding world. She had heard about Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban—a notorious prisoner, a supposed ally of her father, Lord Voldemort. The name sent shivers down her spine, though she didn't fully understand why.

Her third year at Hogwarts was only weeks away, and as much as she had looked forward to the return, something felt off. News of Sirius Black’s escape had dominated the wizarding world, and though her guardian, Professor Snape, had tried to shield her from most of it, Lily had heard enough.

*He’s after Harry*, she had overheard Dumbledore say to Snape in hushed tones. The mention of her half-brother's name had stirred a familiar protective instinct in her. Harry had no idea who she was—not really—and she intended to keep it that way. But the thought of someone connected to her father targeting him weighed heavily on her heart.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, Lily’s thoughts drifted to Draco. It had been an awkward summer after the events of the Chamber of Secrets. They hadn't spoken much since the school year had ended, and the tension between them lingered like a storm cloud. She wasn't sure what their relationship would be like this year, and the uncertainty gnawed at her. She had written him a letter, but it remained unsent, crumpled on the desk beside her.

Unable to sit still any longer, she decided to take a walk. The empty corridors of Hogwarts were eerily silent, and she found herself wandering toward the Astronomy Tower. The familiar sound of her footsteps echoed through the halls, grounding her thoughts as she climbed the steps.

When she reached the top, she paused, taking in the vast expanse of sky above her. The stars twinkled faintly, but her mind was elsewhere, tangled in a web of secrets she wasn’t sure how to untangle. Sirius Black's escape was just another layer to the ever-growing mystery surrounding her family.

As she leaned against the stone railing, her thoughts turned to Harry. The only family she had left, yet they were strangers in almost every way. Her life had been a series of shadows, always watching over him from a distance, never able to reveal who she truly was. A pang of guilt struck her as she thought of what she had done to Professor Quirrell two years ago—cursing him to crumble at Harry's touch, aiding her father’s defeat. It had been the only way to protect Harry without anyone discovering her secret, but the guilt still lingered.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the sound of footsteps approaching until someone cleared their throat.

"Lily?" It was Professor Snape, his voice as familiar and steady as ever.

She turned to face him, her expression softening. "Professor, I was just thinking about... everything."

Snape stepped closer, his dark eyes unreadable. "There's been news. More than just Sirius Black's escape. The Ministry believes he may be coming to Hogwarts this year. For Harry."

Lily’s heart sank. She had expected this, but hearing it out loud made it all too real. "What does that mean for Harry? For all of us?"

"It means," Snape said quietly, "that there will be increased security measures. Dementors will be stationed around the grounds."

Lily's blood ran cold at the mention of the Dementors. She had heard of the terrifying creatures—guards of Azkaban, capable of draining happiness and hope from anyone they encountered. The idea of them lurking around Hogwarts sent a chill down her spine.

"And Sirius Black?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Snape's expression darkened. "He’s dangerous, Lily. If you encounter him, you are to alert me immediately. Do not engage him, do you understand?"

Lily nodded, though the thought of standing by while someone connected to her father sought out her half-brother filled her with dread. She had spent years secretly protecting Harry, and the idea of Sirius Black slipping through her fingers was not something she was willing to accept.

"Will you be here?" she asked, her voice softer now, her eyes searching Snape's for reassurance.

"I will be here," Snape answered firmly. "And so will Dumbledore. Neither of us will let anything happen to you or Harry."

Lily felt a sense of relief, though it was fleeting. The storm was coming, and she knew that this year would be different. There were too many secrets, too many unknowns swirling around them. She had learned long ago that her connection to Voldemort would always cast a shadow over her life. But this time, it wasn’t just about her. It was about Harry, and the dangers that came with being the Boy Who Lived.

"I won't let anything happen to him," Lily whispered to herself as she stared out into the night, the stars twinkling faintly above.

As the wind blew gently through the tower, a strange sense of resolve settled over her. Whatever the year had in store for her, she would be ready.