Chapter 4

For those who had attended the Riddle ball It had been a pleasant evening so far, they where given fine foods and drinks waited on hand and foot and had been blessed with being in their lords presence. However as with all gatherings there where those in the room that sort to use the night for political or personnel gain. Hermione, as she had expected, had already been approached several time by families who's children, mostly their sons, where starting Hogwarts at the same time she was. Hermione knew what they where up to, trying to get on her good side or make there sons look presentable. Possible allies to Hermione. However Hermione was having none of it. She had already turned down several advances and was starting to lose patients. She was lamenting her decision to use this night as trial night of her holding her temper.

Looking around the room she saw she wasn't the only one in the that position. She could see Ginny and her father looking more and more annoyed and Harry was getting irritated, Hermione knew he was even though he tried to hide it because his left eyebrow was twitching ever so slightly. Most wouldn't pick it up but she had known him for a long time and knew the signs in him.

Then to make things worse she saw one person she was hoping she could avoid. He was an arrogant boy who had been adopted at a young age and constantly over valued his worth. Hermione had met him a couple tike before an all time had been unpleasant. She had nearly killed him when he tried to sweet her so she would go out with him for valentines day. No matter how hard she tried he never learnt his place. He came over a big smile on his face his red hair slicked back. Hermione rolled her eyes * does he thing that look impresses me * She thought to herself.

"Lady Riddle I was hoping I'd run into you" He said his tone was friendly and laid back, however there was also an undertone of arrogance. "So I was wondering who you'd be going to the station with. I'd be happy to escort you. I'm sure we could find a nice and quiet compartment to share" he added.

Hermione was not impressed, the fact hat he was talking to her like a friend and not like his better was insulting. "Mr Grey I'll remind you that you are talking to your future ruler and person who will decide your fate one day. So I'd thank you to address me as such." she snapped her eyes flashing crimson.

All of a sudden Ronald Grey was not so confident "Of course my lady. Forgive me" he said sheepishly looking at the floor.

Hermione smiled a cruel smile ever so slightly "As for the train ride I intend to go with my friends those who have earned my friendship. Good evening Mr grey" she said before she walked off and went to find her father. She found him talking to the Headmistress of Hogwarts Bellatrix Lestrange. When Hermione approached she noticed a change in the headmistress and a look in her eyes, one of disgust.* try it you old witch * Hermione thought as she greeted her father and Lestrange. Moments after Hermione fond her father he called for quiet.

"Followers, friends and fellow witches and wizards. I just wanted to say a few words before we dine. We stand here today ten years after the war and our victory. I know many of you fought and bled for me and I thank you, for your loyalty and your devotion. If to were not for you I could not of claimed victory. So this night is yours, you deserve a celebration. However we must also not forget those who paid the ultimate price for our victory, those that cannot be with us this night. But while this night it yours it also belong to me daughter Hermione Morgana Riddle, as she nears the age where she and many of her friends will start Hogwarts and begin to build the future a future I know she will lead with dedication. So a toast to all of you and my daughter" he said raising his glass, the rest of the room joined him "Now shall we feast" he said as the guest began filling out to the dinning room. Hermione and her friends headed the opposite way. She had made sure that she and her friends had a separate and private dinning room. One where they could enjoy their food in peace.

Hermione and her friends took their seats at the large table, Hermione was at the head of the table as expected and the others filed in around her. As soon as they sat down their food appeared. Everyone had stake it was a favourite of almost everyone. Of course Ginny and Lavender's where rare. The Petail twins however didn't have stake, instead they had a bowl each of blood. As the group tucked in they fell into casual conversation. Hermione was enjoying having some time with her friends without prying eyes, or so she thought.

The first sign that something was off was when Hermione noticed Luna and Ginny tense up she was unsure why they where reacting that way. So airing on the side of caution she discreetly moved her hand to her arm and used and old spell she found in a book in her families library. Ginny immediately felt the familiar pain and looked down at her arm. Written in her own blood was a message 'What's wrong". Ginny replied quickly and it was Hermione turn to feel the pain in her arm 'Intruder above us'.

Hermione discreetly nodded and sent a message to all around the table 'intruder above us. Don't move' The group felt the pain and read the message and followed the orders.

Meanwhile the intruder was unsure if what was happening, he had managed to hear a few things but nothing good. The before they could react the heard a shatter and found them selves falling through the air, before crashing on to the table. However they didn't have time to process what had happen as they where immediately racked with a crucio. It was a pain they had never felt before, they couldn't help but scream. After a few minutes Hermione lifted the curse and used her wand to flip the intruder over. As soon as he turned over Hermione's eyes flashed scarlet and a growl escaped her lips

"You" Ginny exclaimed as she grabbed him and threw him a cross the room sending him crashing into a chair which promptly hit the ground. Ginny then raced over and used her foot to right the chair.

"Please mercy, we're blood" the boy said pitifully. This only incensed the group even more

"We are not blood Ronald Grey. I am nothing to do with you" Ginny hissed but before she could do anything Hermione placed her hand up and Ginny stopped. Hermione then stalked forward and bound Ron to the chair.

"Now Mr Grey what shall I do with you. Maybe I should get Luna to blast you with allure so you go mad, or get the twins to bite you keep halfway between life and death or maybe just let Ginny and Lav rip you apart. Or get Harry to give you a good old fashioned beating" Hermione said coldly as she paused and thought "I suppose what I do with you will depend on how you answer my next question." she said getting close to Ron "So tell me Mr Grey what where you spying on us for?" she asked her voice full of malice.

Ron was terrified this wasn't how he expected things to go. He had hoped he would be bale to impress Hermione and join her circle. Maybe he still could "I wanted to see of I could get away with it. Then tell you what I heard. Maybe then you'd let me into your inner circle, as I was able to get information from even you." he said meekly trying to save his own skin. However instead of the reaction he thought would get he was replied with a slap across his face.

"You stupid boy. How would that impress me" Hermione shouted "I have explained to you before you will never be in my inner circle because I do not want you there. No matter what you do or achieve. It will never be enough." she added her voice still raised. While she spoke she gestured to harry who took off his suit jacket and bow tie and rolled the sleeves of his shirt up. Ron tried to see what he was doing but was unable to due to the bonds.

"Well luckily for you I feel merciful tonight. I see you need to be taught. so..." Hermione said as the first hit from Harry landed "I'll let Harry teach you a thing or two." she added as she leaned on the end of the table to watch. As the beating continued "Oh Luna could you go get my father and the Greys we have a lot to discuss" she asked sweetly grabbing her goblet off the table and raking a sip. Luna smiled cruelly and nodded.

As she passed Harry she looked at him and smiled "I guess you win our bet. I'll pay you tomorrow". Harry simply nodded he was enjoying himself to much to give any more of an answer then that.

The ball really had been more fun then Hermione thought it would be.

AN: And here's another chapter sorry for the delay RL got in the way.