"What's that you've got hidden in your clothes?"
Benedictus suddenly noticed the bulge in the chest of the silver-haired little girl, evidently concealing something within.
"Oh? Right, that scroll hidden behind the painting frame..."
Following Benedictus' gaze, Elena glanced at her chest, instantly recalling the ancient scroll covered in tiny script she had picked up in Dumbledore's office that afternoon. With a series of subsequent events, if Benedictus hadn't brought it up, she'd have almost forgotten to open and see what was inside.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I reckon it's either spells, potion recipes, or some documented records."
Elena shook her head, retrieving the yellowed parchment from her clothes, curiously unfolding it for a glance.
The first thing that caught her eye was a large, serpentine emblem resembling Slytherin's symbol but more antiquated and mysterious. Beneath this emblem were several slightly faded, crowded, and peculiar imprints.
Further down were rows of densely packed text, the first line starting with—
"[This document serves as proof of land registration: The esteemed Slytherin family perpetually holds ownership of the following land. Registering person: Salazar Slytherin...]"
"Land registration certificate?!"
Elena's hand trembled, swallowing hard.
Like most countries, Britain followed a system of property registration where land could be registered with absolute, limited, possessory, or valid leasehold ownership.
In essence, a valid "land registration certificate" equated to proof of land ownership along with a "property deed" for all structures on it.
Regarding the specific location of this land and its structures...
Elena didn't even need to delve into the details; the familiar castle etched below the parchment, Hogwarts —
In an instant, this seemingly light parchment turned scorching heavy.
"Elena? What is this?"
Benedictus' voice sounded distant, snapping the silver-haired girl out of her blank state.
Elena jolted, hurriedly folding the aged parchment, stuffing it back into her chest. Her heart raced as if ready to burst.
What should she do?! How could she have accidentally taken Hogwarts' deed?!
"It's nothing... just a very, very potent magical spell."
Elena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, her voice slightly trembling as she replied.
"..."
Benedictus silently glanced at Elena. Despite not seeing the contents from his angle, the complex glyphs and text seemed more like a document or contract than a spell.
"Is it dangerous?" Benedictus crouched, his brown eyes meeting Elena's gaze.
"Not dangerous, but quite intricate."
After a thoughtful pause, Elena pleaded in a low voice, "Please, Dad, just forget about this incident."
"Okay."
The man solemnly observed Elena's expression, hesitating briefly before nodding.
Rising, Benedictus fetched a stack of banknotes from a coat pocket and handed it to Elena.
"Also, I heard from Professor McGonagall that pounds can be exchanged for wizarding currency, so I got a thousand pounds from the bank for today."
"No need. Professor Dumbledore mentioned that Hogwarts provides an allowance for every orphan. This money is for the Brans..."
Elena scratched her cheek, without hesitation, attempting to return the money to Benedictus' large hand.
"I've already declined it, regarding the allowance," Benedictus calmly stated.
"Huh? Are you... silly..."
The silver-haired girl hesitated, then urgently protested. She was planning to discreetly "rob" Dumbledore, the hidden wealthy wizard, tomorrow.
Benedictus' face softened, his hand gently brushing through the girl's silver locks.
"I can fully afford your education, Elena. I don't want you to be teased by your classmates for a small stipend."
"But..."
"You're not an orphan, Elena!"
Benedictus raised his voice, interrupting the girl's complaints, speaking firmly.
Elena looked up, her azure eyes reflecting Benedictus' image, a mix of nervousness, anticipation, but mostly a paternal indulgence — much like the gaze of that stooped figure from her previous life that she constantly tried not to remember.
"..."
"I've said it, stop patting my head."
After a few moments of silence, the silver-haired girl shook her head, turned away, hiding her expression from the man.
"...After I'm done, help me wash my hair. It feels gross and greasy."
"Silly dad."
...
The next day, before dawn broke, Elena was already out of bed.
After a brief wash, she groggily headed to the kitchen as usual, ensuring the other children had breakfast on time, requiring her to wake up a bit earlier.
To her surprise, someone was already bustling in the kitchen when she arrived.
"Good morning, Elena."
Hearing footsteps, Benedictus turned, greeting her with a smile.
"Morning, Dad..."
Rubbing her eyes, Elena absentmindedly responded, but her gaze gradually focused as she looked at Benedictus' face.
"Wait! What are you doing here?! You've barely recovered; you better lie back down!"
Elena's face stiffened, hands on her hips, pointing towards the door, visibly upset.
"Don't worry, I'm completely healed now. Thanks to Professor McGonagall's help, I've never felt healthier."
Benedictus chuckled, flexing his arms, displaying robust biceps that could make most fangirls scream.
"Even if you're well, according to the deal, the kitchen is my territory. Get out!"
Unmoved, Elena rolled her eyes, pushing Benedictus towards the door.
Although Benedictus's culinary skills were slightly above the usual British dark arts cooking, they were just about passable.
Moreover, since she took over the orphanage's meals, Benedictus rarely cooked.
"Rest today; I just washed my hair last night. You'll mess it up while making breakfast."
Benedictus lifted his hand, intending to ruffle the little girl's head as usual, then thought better of it, placing it on her slender shoulder instead, effortlessly turning Elena around and pushing her out of the kitchen.
"Besides, what about when you're at school? Let me practice and regain my touch. Go change into fresh clothes and wait for the Hogwarts professors to come. They'll take you shopping. I'm here, don't worry."
"No, your cooking is really terrible..."
Slam!
Just as the two were at an impasse, a crisp sound echoed from outside the door.
"Sorry, it seems I arrived a tad too early."
Dumbledore's gentle voice floated in through the door, "If it's alright, would you let the children try breakfast prepared by Hogwarts' kitchen?"