Chapter 4: Veronica Slytherin

Veronica Slytherin, much like Mariane, appeared far younger than her years, maintaining the appearance of a woman in her twenties or thirties, which was quite accurate since she was approaching her twenty-first birthday. Although she often exuded an icy demeanor akin to the anime trope of an ice queen, especially to outsiders, that facade melted away in the presence of those she loved and cared for. Malach had experienced her warm affection firsthand, as she had doted on him since his birth, especially after the loss of Malcolm. Veronica had jet-black hair and striking golden eyes, typically cold, but they radiated warmth and tenderness when focused on her son. Notably, she was considered exceptionally beautiful, even when compared to the older Hermione Granger.

Drawing from his new memories, Malach gathered that Veronica Slytherin was a woman of few words, primarily speaking only when necessary. However, she possessed a formidable way with words, refined through years of learning the family business under her father's guidance. In her younger years, she had traveled extensively with her father to magical communities worldwide for business purposes. Eventually, she took the reins of the family enterprise, steering it toward prosperity and success. Her parents had passed away during her years at Hogwarts, followed by the tragic death of her husband, Malcolm Slytherin, in an attack by Death Eaters just a year ago. This string of losses had made Veronica appear cold and calculating in her dealings, an armor she donned to shield herself from grief. Though the family business had thrived, it had come at the cost of her relationships with her old friends, with the exception of an unexpected bond with Severus Snape.

Over the past year, plagued by grief over the loss of her parents and husband, Veronica had learned the hard way just how cruel life could be. To prevent further heartache, she had taken steps to ensure the safety of her remaining family, focusing primarily on raising Malach. She had relocated her business operations to Britain and managed them from there.

Now, Veronica approached Malach's bedside and drew her wand, using it to cast diagnostic charms to assess his health. Another spell conjured a chair next to him, where she sat down.

"How are you feeling, my sugarplums?" she inquired warmly.

Uncertain of how to navigate this unfamiliar conversation, Malach opted to take the role of a contrite child. He felt like a completely different person from the previous Malach due to his newfound memories. As Holly had gone to inform Veronica, he pondered how to approach the impending discussion. His chosen approach was to feign a childlike demeanor, akin to a child who had committed a small misdeed. Combined with his recent bout of accidental magic, a significant event in a young wizard's life, and three episodes of fainting in a single day, he hoped this strategy would earn him his mother's forgiveness without further scrutiny of his health.

Malach's approach seemed to bear fruit as Veronica responded with reassurance, "You don't have to worry, sugarplums; none of this was your fault, dear. Accidental magic happens to children your age." A hint of a smile graced her face as she continued, "Today, you performed magic, sugarplums. I'm very proud of you."

She playfully tousled his hair and suggested, "Let's write a letter together to your Godfather Severus, telling him about your accidental magic. He'll be delighted when he hears about it."

Malach nodded, a genuine smile lighting up his face. Perhaps it was because he had never experienced a real family before this, but he felt a deep sense of happiness when Veronica affectionately ruffled his hair. The thought of his godfather, Severus, who was currently a double agent as Malach recalled from his Harry Potter memories, also filled him with warmth.

Later that evening, a healer arrived to check on Malach, concluding that he was in excellent health, and his temperature had returned to normal.

Exhausted from the whirlwind of life-changing events that had unfolded throughout the day, Malach drifted into a restful sleep. Before succumbing to slumber, he contemplated the future that awaited him in this fantastical world he had dreamed of, eagerly anticipating the adventures yet to come.

A.N.

As you mentioned, it seems you've forgotten to post the changes in talent and the magic levels in the auxiliary chapter. Please feel free to add those details to enhance the story further.