Lady Darkness: Era Obscurum

I do not own Harry Potter, and I never will. Not even in my dreams.
Hope you like this story! The first chapter is dedicated to my parents, for all their support!
As you'll notice, some of the events have changed, especially the switch between HBP and OOTP. If there is something there which was in the book/movie that isn't here, ignore it.

ONE

Lies of an Angel

The problem with me is that I have too many emotions. Well, that's what my mother always told me. She gave me a Pensive for my birthday, to organize all my thoughts. The problem is, that I don't trust a Pensive. Anyone could just come and 'sneak a peek' into it. The secrets that I have are far too precious to be leaked out because I didn't lock up my Pensive. Secrets, I had far too many of them.

I sighed, dipping a gold quill into the ink bottle. Yes, gold, I am not, after all, a silly little mudblood who writes with tattered old quills. I am a woman with dignity, and someone with dignity has to show it. At least, that is what I think.

Waving another insignificant thought away, I looked at the piece of parchment on which my almost-finished letter was written. My eyes flitted over to wear Artemis was nuzzling her gold-tipped wings. My owl, Artemis, was one of the rarest owls. She was a Ailes D'or owl, which directly translated, was 'Gold wings' in French. Of course, my daddy got it shipped all the way from central France for me.

Daddy had been a sore topic for both Mother and I for quite some time. Ever since the 'incident', both of us hadn't been up-to our usual selves. Daddy was – well, he was everything Mother and I had and now he was...nothing.

I clutched my head, which was throbbing against my pale flesh. I couldn't take it anymore! I sighed, scratching my goodbye at the end of the page. I sighed and scrolled up the parchment, carefully tying it to Artemis's clawed feet. She nipped my finger and I gave her a meek smile, feeding her a few owl treats. She cocked her head and flapped her wings, in a manner that was similar to me.

I laughed, brushing back my hair. "Okay, Artemis, can you take this to Mother? When you finished, wait for her reply, okay sweetie?"

The little owl nodded its head and beat its wings, flying out of the open window and disappearing into the blue sky. I smiled at her retreating back and then collapsed and then grasped my spare copy of the letter. I twisted the knob of the Owlery and stepped into the familiar streets of Diagon Alley. I didn't turn around, but headed straight to Lottah's Café. It was a dinghy place, sure, but I could read my note in private.

A timid blonde waitress came and asked for my order, and I waved her away to get a small milkshake. She nodded and bustled away, occasionally tripping on her shoe-laces. I held back the urge to snort. Shaking my head at her clumsiness, I scanned the letter.

Dear Mother,

How are you, Mum? I know it's been awhile since I wrote to you; actually it's been a whole year. I feel guilty for leaving you, especially at a time like this. I ask you Mother, to please not cry. I will make things right again, the way they should be.

I have a plan and it...it will work, Mother. I'll make it work.

Unfortunately, I can't come to visit you because of some...complications. However, I promise to come over during Christmas Break! Do you remember my friend – the one who came over last year to see Father? Well, I'll be staying over with her for a while, hope you don't mind, Mum. I feel so bad about leaving you! If you want, I can send someone over?

I'd love to go into further detail, but I have a suspicion someone is tracking my mail, well in Hogwarts at least. Thankfully, Artemis is a clever owl, so I know she's fine. I'm just taking safety precautions her, okay?

Please don't cry Mother, otherwise I'll have to resort to C's method...

I love you.

PS: Artemis misses you, give her a few treats, will you?

"Not one of my best letters," I muttered, as the blonde waitress passed me my milkshake. I took one look at it and felt like sneering. It looked disgusting and I doubted it didn't taste disgusting too. I looked at the girl and placed a couple of sickles on the table, before walking out of the unhygienic place. Ugh, such bad service! If Father ever saw how they were treating me, he'd...

But Father isn't here, I reminded myself, gazing off into the sky.

My hand wavered slightly as I knocked on the wooden door of the new Burrow. I could hear a bustling of Molly Weasley, who was struggling to reach the door. The door flew open and a short, red-haired lady stood in the door-way. Her face lit up at the sight of me, and she rushed me inside the place.

I gave her a smile – God, I was good at acting – and sauntered into the Weasley's living room. I was greeted by a tall, lanky red-head who hugged me tightly. I wanted to jump back but I knew I couldn't, I groaned slightly as I shook hands with a raven-haired boy – Harry. I plastered a smile on my face, and focused with all my might to restrain myself from cursing him into oblivion.

How dare he be so happy! How dare he...he smile at me!

The last person was a average-heighted girl with straight, scarlet locks and I smiled sincerely at her. She grinned back and I greeted her with a happy tone, after all, she was one of the few – which excluded Harry and Ron, mind you – who were actually my friends, "Ginny."

"Hey," Ginny greeted, almost bouncing off her shoes, "Come on I have so much to show you!"

I giggled painfully, before following Ginny up the stairs. The red-head turned back and glared at the two boys, "And no boys allowed. We'll be talking about...girl stuff."

Then, she dragged me up the stairs to her room. As soon as we got there, she slammed the door shut, locking it carefully. I slumped down on her scarlet bed, while Ginny stood next to the bed, watching as I gazed around the room, thoughtfully.

"So," Ginny trailed as she looked me in the eye. "What's going on?"

"Why do you think something is going on?" I asked, innocently.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "You can't hide from me! I'm your best friend, remember? Ever since that incident, you've been plotting, I know you have! You wouldn't be you if you weren't! Besides, Ron told me that you're dating him! You bloody hate him!"

"I know," I sighed, fiddling with the dark green necklace that was neatly tucked into my robes, "I don't like it. Ginny, your brother is absolutely filthy! I see why you're so eager to ditch them for something, well, better."

"I agree! I mean," she began, slumping down on her black seat. Her eyes wandered around the room, "Look at this place! Ugh, I would much rather live where you're living – a Manor! All to yourself! You lucky thing..."

"You will live there, Gin," I said, a smirk spreading against my face, "As soon as my plan comes into action, everything will fall into place. And I mean everything..."

"What exactly is your plan?" she asked, curiously, checking her nails, "I mean, you keep telling me about it, but you never exactly say what it's all about."

"I can't tell you, at least not yet." I whispered, I flicked a manicured hand at the door, "because I have a feeling that Harry and Ron will be here any minute now."

Ginny strained her ears, as she heard the padding of the feet on the wooden staircase. She looked at me in mock-awe, "Seriously, where do you learn these things?"

"It's a secret," I murmured, tapping my head.

"Full of secrets are you, lady?" Ginny rolled her eyes again.

Full of secrets – I thought, combing my hair. My life was filled with secrets, dangerous, life-changing secrets. If anyone knew what my life was really like, how many lies I've told and the things I've harboured inside of me for years, then...I was completely and eternally in for it. I sighed and managed a small smile.

The lies of an angel were classified as the deception of the light, and that was exactly what I was – an angel, a dark angel.

It was a month later, on September first, where I felt the same nervousness as when I first knocked on the Weasley's door. Today was the day where my plan would go into action and everything depended on the execution of it. If even one thing went wrong, then the whole plan would collapse.

I sighed as I looked at Ginny, who was sitting next to Harry – no, Potter – and was exchanging glances with me. Another brunette girl joined the group, her name I didn't want to say. I knew her; actually I doubt there was a person who didn't know that hateful little – ugh.

Anyway the Girl – as I'm going to call her from now on – kept shooting me glares, because of Ron's hands wrapped around my waist. Apparently she was completely smitten with him, and I'm beginning to wonder if Ronald is truly to daft to realise that another girl in the compartment is shooting him love-sick glances.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Ron asked, kissing my forehead.

I silently seethed and I could feel my eyes flashing a dangerous red colour. Ginny shot me a warning look, and I quickly recovered, and said in a sickly sweet voice, "Nothing Ronnie."

Potter shot me an odd look and I quickly morphed my face into a content looking expression. I smiled at them, grabbed Ginny's hand and proclaimed we find a separate compartment to touch up on our looks. Ginny, who looked as relieved as I was, nodded and we both ran out of the compartment, before the Girl could suggest she come along!

"What's up with them?" Harry muttered, from behind me.

Deception – that was what consumed my life nowadays.

Ever since first year, I had been deceiving people. I deceived the sorting hat, by putting up extremely strong shields, projecting different images. They were so strong that the hat got deceived, and sorted me into Gryffindor. In my first year, Iwas the one who helped Mother plan the break-in at Gringotts. I was the one who lured Potter into the chamber, by making sure I could solve all the riddles. It was all in vain, as Quirrel didn't manage to obtain the philosopher's stone – the stupid idiot.

In my second year, I was the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets. I was the one who slipped the book into Ginny's cauldron. It was only when Ginny wrote about how much she hated Potter and her brothers, that I made alliances with her. That was when I found out that Ginny – really, she should have been in Slytherin – was a true parslemouth, and then we both launched the attacks.

The reason I got petrified, was because I was researching about how to get the basilisk around without using the pipes! It was then that Era – as we nicknamed her "lady" – came out of her place and I looked up. Fortunately, Era can't kill her mistresses directly, so I was stunned, with the piece of paper scrunched into my hands.

It was then that Ginny decided to take action. She had a bit of doubt the day before, and was about to spill, but luckily Percy interrupted. So she went on with the plan, wrote that message on the walls, led herself into the Chamber, freed Tom and pretended to have killed herself. It had work great, until that damned phoenix arrived and managed to heal the stupid half-blood. Not to mention, he was able to obtain Gryffindors sword!

Next year was the year that Pettigrew was revealed, when Sirius Black escaped. I was so hoping that the dementors would finish Potter off, but they didn't. What was worse was that I had to help him and use the time turner! That was not one of the good years for me, but at least I got that idiot Lupin fired!

Fourth year was a very social year, if I do say so myself. Though it did bring a lot of benefits...Some people may not believe it, but I actually had a lot to do with it. Father had visited Mother and me through a 'spirit' and so I was given the 411 about the re-birthing ritual. I managed to smuggle Barty Crouch in here, though I had to Obliviate him later, and disguise him as Mad-Eyed-Moody. I was the one that planted the idea of putting Potter's name in the goblet, knowing for sure he'd get picked. With the help of Mother, I even managed to make the trophy a port-key.

While it was a year of grief, for Harry who was mourning over Diggory, it was a year of rejoice for me. Not only did I manage to get Voldemort alive, get Cedric killed and Potter emotionally scarred, I also managed to cause a fight between the "Golden Trio" and get Ginny – who was now completely shunned by Harry, Ron and her siblings – on my side. She was now completely fuelled with hate, though the reasoning I'd never know.

Finally, in my fifth year, I got to see my Father again. Though he didn't look like before, he still showered me with love and praise. I asked him to join the Death Eaters, but he refused and gave me a necklace instead. He didn't want me...branded, so he said. Not only this, but Ginny came home with me and Father immediately took a liking to her. He proclaimed her his "unofficial daughter", and gave her a clip similar to my necklace. He accepted her like a daughter, though I'd always be the one who was...well...higher.

Father kept us a secret from the Death Eaters, insisting we were too young. Meanwhile, though, I managed to obtain information about the Order of the Phoenix. Though I had to up with Umbridge, and help with the pitiful DA, Draco Malfoy managed to open the Vanishing Cabinet. Though it was scheduled for the next year, he managed to lure Bella and other Death Eaters inside the castle, where he killed Dumbledore. This was the highlight of our year, because now Hogwarts was not safe.

Sixth year was the year which left Ginny, Mother and I absolutely devastated. We had all left to 'rescue' Sirius – though Ginny and I knew it was a fake – in the department of mysteries. Unfortunately, the DE didn't know which side Ginny and I were on, and so we had to battle our allies. Worse thing was, Harry and Voldemort faced off in a duel...and...Potter managed to kill him!

Ginny – who had looked up to Voldemort like a father – and I were crying for days, locked up in the highest tower in our Manor. He was gone – just like that. Potter didn't even have to destroy the Hocruxes, because apparently, Dumbledore had already destroyed them! Nobody died, except Voldemort! The Death Eaters all went to Azkaban, and Potter and the DA pranced around like heroes!

My life was full of deception, full of anger, hate and...Darkness...

The lies of an angel...

The Welcoming Feast was over, and both Ginny and I trudged upstairs to the Gryffindor Common Room. We had decided to leave the feast early, simply because we weren't in the mood to celebrate the fall of our Lord. I sighed, running a hand through my hair as we climbed one of the stairs. We mustn't have watched where we were going, because we found ourselves standing on a platform with a dead end.

I looked at my best friend, "The common room is on the other side! Stupid staircases..."

Ginny rolled her eyes and sneered, inspecting the creamy walls. "Why does Hogwarts have a dead end, anyway? That's just...stupid."

"Exactly," I agreed, tracing the small green patterns that were placed on the wall. It was a sort of decagon, with circles at each point. In the middle was a dark green snake, whose mouth was wide open, fangs showing and everything. I was about to turn back, when a small light lit up, just as I touched the other dot.

"Oh Merlin," Ginny gasped, "Do that again!"

Needing no prompting, I traced the whole decagon, watching in awe as each circle lit up. Soon the decagon was neon green, and the snake image bulged out of the wooden door. I exchanged glances with Ginny, who suggested that there may be a password. This was obviously Slytherin's mark, but what would Salazar's password be?

"Lies of an angel," I said, confidently. The snake's eyes flickered open and showed of dark red rubies. Suddenly, a doorknob appeared out of thin air. Ginny reached out to twist it open, but it wouldn't budge. I knelt down and almost gasped when I saw the same pattern on my necklace and Ginny's clip.

"I wonder..." She murmured, as she pulled out her clip and held it to the doorknob. There was the sound of wind sucking in, and like a magnetic pull, the charm attached itself to the door, and there was a soft click. The door flew open, revealing a large dark green room. Ginny and I exchanged excited looks and we both entered the room, closing the door behind us.

"This must've been Salazar's personal quarters," Ginny realised, as she gazed around the small green, silver, black and white lounge. It was complete with everything, from a large kitchen to a whole case full of Gold-Class Fire whiskey. I smiled at her, and we both reached for the other door, knowing what would be inside.

It was a bedroom, made out of the finest furniture. There were two beds, both of them a silver and black colour. There was a large mirror and a door leading to the bathroom, which surprisingly looked like a girl's bathroom. The room must have been enchanted to fit any of Slytherin's heir's needs.

"We could live in here," Ginny laughed.

I looked around, thoughtfully, "Actually, Gin, that's not such a bad idea!"

"Really...?" She asked, unsurely. "Wouldn't someone notice?"

"We were supposed to share a dorm room with each other anyway, and the Gryffindor common room got destroyed. Boys can't go into or even near the girl's dorms, so no-one will notice unless we don't turn up for breakfast," I replied, almost instantly, "I can get Mother's house elf to deliver our stuff here and then we can have the privacy to discuss our...plans."

"Fine," Ginny grinned, "Not that I mind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to tell me?"

I slumped down onto one of the black beds, the one nearest to the window, and turned to Ginny, who was doing the same. I took a deep breath and began, "Do you remember when Mother told us about the Hocruxes? Well, apparently, Dumbledore destroyed all of them except one. Potter could kill Voldemort, only because he was almost mortal. He wasn't completely, but partly...if you can understand that? The other Hocrux was very small, considering how many times his soul had been split, and at the time it was very weak, dropping his 'defence' from 10% to about 2%. So, when the Avada was thrown, he couldn't resist."

"That makes sense," the red-head nodded, tucking back her dark red hair, "So...what is your famous plan, then?"

"That's where we come in," I smiled, sheepishly; "The last Hocrux was in me...just like there was one in Potter. Well, my theory is that if I can collect fragments of all the broken Hocruxes, I can give my own power, which mixed with Salazar's blood-line, and the Hocrux should be able to some-what revive bits of the Hocrux again. Then, we'd need to find Father, and combine all the Hocruxes together. Since we can't obtain the whole Hocrux, we should have about half of his soul...okay that sounds weird."

Ginny chucked a pillow at me, "Sounds good, but we all know you're weird, so would you like to move on with your devious idea?"

I rolled my eyes and continued, "Okay, this bit is risky. What we'd have to do, is some-how get past the Dementors, which shouldn't be too bad, because I have a suspicion that they were always on the Dark Side. Anyway, then we would free all the loyal Death Eaters and get them into hiding in the Manor under a Fidelus. Each of the Death Eaters would have to be willing to draw some blood, straight from their Dark Mark, because that's where Father placed them under his order. Then we'd have to brew a complicated potion, which I'm not even sure exists, mix the blood of all of them, the Hocruxes, and our blood, dip them in Father's ring, the one with the same symbol as ours. Then we'd have to put it on him and then cast the counter-curse for the Avada...which doesn't exist either."

"Sounds...impossible..." Ginny commented, "I doubt it will work. Besides, how are we going to get the Death Eaters to trust us? Their 'enemies'...?"

"We'll deal with that when it happens," I dismissed.

"It'll still be impossible," Ginny countered.

I grinned at her, my eyes flashing a familiar red, "Look what else was impossible? Us becoming evil...some people would say that was impossible."

That was true; I mean she was Ginerva Molly Weasley, daughter of the biggest blood-traitors in the world, girlfriend of Harry Potter, member of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army, not to mention brother of one of the Golden Trio and a heroic Gryffindor in everyone's eyes. She was one of the last people you'd expect.

Me, being the last, I was after all, a mudblood and the girlfriend and best friend to Ron and Harry, respectively. Not to mention, a freaky Gryffindor who was once shunned for being a silly, know-it-all bookworm who thinks she's the best in the world just because she gets the highest marks and once dated Viktor Krum.

Yes, I was Hermione Jean Granger, but my real name was far from that. I, in fact, was a descendent of Slytherin. My name is Hermione Cassandra Riddle, daughter of Tom Riddle Jr and Celena Riddle (née Ravenclaw) and I was, in fact, the Princess of Darkness. I was (and still am) Voldemort's heir.

The lies of an angel is the deception of light, I am Voldemort's daughter, the very polar opposite of an angel. I am the betrayer to the light, to the "saviour" of the Wizarding World. I am Hermione Cassandra Riddle. The Princess of Darkness...The Angel...

The lies of an angel...

LIES OF AN ANGEL

Thanks everyone who reviewed, read, favourite or added me to their alert list! I really hope you like this story, as it may seem like it has been done before, but I'm going to try and make this as original as possible. I know some people get tired of seeing the same plot, but please give this a chance! I promise I won't disappoint!

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this chapter. It is a long one, and it has a lot of information packed into it. Also, a small note, you will see a lot of things that have been twisted around, for example the change between HBP and OOTP. Also, this story has no relation to DH at all, apart from the fact that Hermione is unwillingly dating Ron.

I know you just realised who Hermione is at the end, but I wanted to create suspense. Some may have guessed from the beginning, but my adding 'The Girl' in, it sort of confused you. In case you didn't realise 'The Girl' is actually Lavender Brown, who is still jealous of Hermione and Ron.

Okay, I think that pretty much covers it! Though I feel bad about doing this, I need at least three reviews for the next chapter, okay? These chapters may be a bit spaced out because I have two other stories to work on!

I just had to write this, though, before the idea lost its inspiration. Anyway, hope you liked it, again, and review!

FashionStarlet xx

PS: Remember, three reviews!