Dear samsbk, while I do appreciate constructive criticism, I'm not really a fan of someone cursing under my work and being disrespectful. Yes, you are allowed to feel how you feel, and I will not attempt to control or monitor that. But I wish to remind you that this is fanfiction. If you dislike the story, then you are free to move on to another one. I remember your comments from the original story, and it's completely unfair that you have designated yourself as the judge, jury, and executioner in this scenario. I would love for everyone to like this version, just as I'm sure my friend would've loved if everyone liked their version, but that's not how life works. I hope you find a story that is able to stand tall on the pedestal you've placed mine on.

I'm human. I make mistakes, and I also have feelings. Please remember that every author on this site is the same as I.

With love and respect,

Gaybe.


Harry turned in his seat and leaned over. Calliope remained facing forward, even as Umbridge directed Draco and Blaise to the table behind them.

"Please talk to me. Why would you say that?" he asked.

"I will not apologize for what I said, though I will admit my delivery could have been better. Or at least somewhere other than the library."

"Listen, I know this summer was chaotic-

"This goes beyond the summer. We are not children anymore, Harry. Sometimes I wish I had never sat in that compartment our first year."

Calliope pinched the bridge of her nose. She was starting to get a migraine. Harry grabbed her arm and squeezed.

"What can I do to fix this? Please, tell me how to make this right."

Calliope folded her arms and moved her seat over. Harry deflated, and she can barely make out a tear trailing down his cheek. She had a brief flash of guilt before she stamped it down. Once the test came out, Harry's true colors would show, and there would be no time for sentiment. Umbridge made her way to the front of the room and smiled.

"Hello, children. Today, you will be taking what is known as an ancestry test. I know some of your friends have already told you the fun details, but I will go over them once more to ensure things go smoothly. You and your partner will be given a small dagger where you will prick your index finger. Professor Snape and I will walk around the room to make sure nothing untowardly happens. Once you prick your finger, place it on the parchment. You will then remove your finger and tap your wand against the parchment and say, Revelio. Give it a few seconds, and you will be able to see your entire lineage as far back as it goes. Isn't that exciting?" she said. "Professor Snape and I will come around and collect the parchments once you are done."

There was half-hearted cheering that spread through the room, but Calliope had long retreated into the safety of her mind. The original plan was to act surprised, but once they discussed it, they all agreed it wouldn't matter in the end. She would own up to her name, her family, and that would be the end of it. Severus passed out the parchment from back to front. Calliope was the last person to receive one, and he hesitated at their table before he walked away. Umbridge placed a dagger on each table, and Calliope slid the knife to Harry.

"Alright. Everyone, begin," Umbridge ordered.

Shuffling, gasping, and whispering of Revelio reached Calliope's ears. She heard Draco and Blaise behind her, complaining about their homework, and she rubbed her temples. Harry's parchment was as she expected. Lots of Potters, Blacks, and random families filled his page to the very bottom. It was a convoluted tree, but it would look tame compared to hers. Harry gave her the dagger, and Calliope twirled the blade between her fingers. She stood from the table, grabbed her parchment, and walked to where Professor Snape sat behind his desk.

"Miss Granger-

Calliope shushed Umbridge and sliced open her palm in front of the entire room. She slammed her hand on the parchment and proudly left a bloody handprint for all to see.

"Revelio."

Umbridge stiffened at the display of wandless magic, and Calliope looked down as her blood seeped into the parchment. She absentmindedly held her hand out, and she heard Draco rise from his seat. He grabbed her wrist and healed the cut, staying behind her as the spell took place. Calliope picked up the parchment once it finished and turned to the class.

"Calliope Giselle Riddle-Gauthier," she read. "Parents? Tom Marvolo Riddle and Rayna Gauthier. Soulmate? Bellatrix Black."

Umbridge's eyes widened, and several people in the class gasped. Harry and Ron froze in their seat. Blaise propped his chin as if bored and spun his wand around in circles.

"Draco, would you mind reading this next part for me?" she asked.

"Why, of course." Draco cleared his throat and glanced over the parchment as he read, "Relations by blood? Draco Malfoy-Gauthier, Narcissa Malfoy née Black, Andromeda Tonks née Black, and Nymphadora Tonks. Quite a formidable list, dear sister."

Calliope winked at him, but as more names appeared, there was a branch on her tree that made her pause. She frowned and watched as it developed, going further back than she anticipated. Draco hovered closer once he caught on to what was happening, and their eyes widened when the branch broke off in two different directions.

"Professor Snape," Calliope called out. "Would you mind confirming what this says?"

There was a flutter of movement behind her, and the paper was plucked from her hand. Severus blinked once, twice, and then he paled. Calliope didn't need him to say anything else. She snatched the paper and ripped it into tiny pieces as she strolled toward the door, Draco on her heels. She subtly motioned for Blaise, Neville, and Daphne to remain in their seats.

"Miss Granger- Miss Riddle!" Umbridge exclaimed. "You must turn that in!"

Calliope set the parchment on fire and blew the ashes in Umbridge's general direction. Draco opened the door for her, and the two left the classroom.

It took only moments for chaos to erupt.


Severus barely managed to keep from laughing. Harry and Ron, along with a select few, had turned on Neville to demand if he knew the truth. Neville played the bumbling idiot part very well. Daphne and Blaise kept an eye on him for the most part, but neither one intervened. Despite the amusement he felt, there was a distinct fear and disbelief warring for dominance in his mind. He wondered if Tom knew just how powerful Rayna's bloodline actually was.


"Morgan le Fay?" Draco hissed.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Calliope hissed back, nearly running down the hall. "But I do not want the Headmaster knowing before I want him to. Severus can only buy me so much time."

"That's why you burned the parchment."

Calliope nodded. Draco loosened his tie and slicked back his hair as he wore it at home.

"Direct descendant," he murmured. "Who would've guessed it?"

"I need to see my father. Tell the others to meet me in the room by dinner," she ordered.

"Yes, my Lord."

Calliope paused mid-stride and cocked her head. Draco looked back in confusion, and she grinned.

"Sorry. I just really like hearing that."

Draco rolled his eyes and told her to be safe as he headed toward the dungeons. Calliope removed her robes as well and ran the rest of the way to the room.


While the school reeled from the new information, Narcissa sat down in front of the desk. The new goblin, his nameplate reading Steelhook, bowed his head in greeting.

"I do apologize for the urgency," he said.

"Your apology would do better with an explanation. Especially since you are not our family's normal vault manager," Narcissa said coolly.

"Yes, of course, Lady Malfoy." Steelhook clasped his hands on the desk. "It has come to our attention that your last account manager traded private information about your accounts to outside parties. Specifically, the accounts of Lady Gauthier and Lady Black."

Narcissa twitched and grabbed hold of his chair. A tense silence descended between them. Steelhook carefully shifted in his seat.

"Would you like to know what was relayed?"

"If you would be so kind," Narcissa gritted out.

Narcissa clenched her fists in her lap. Steelhook shuffled the papers around and looked up briefly.

"Would you like to hear about Lady Gauthier or Lady Black first?" he asked.

"I have no preference."

Steelhook nodded as if he expected her answer. He produced the parchment and turned it around for her to see. She read the paperwork in silence.

Name: Calliope Giselle Riddle-Gauthier

Status: Pureblood

Mother: Rayna Gauthier (Deceased)

Father: Tom Marvolo Riddle

Soulmate: Bellatrix Black

Inheritances: Gauthier Vaults; Slytherin Vaults; Le Fay Vaults

Magic Status: Level 108 (second highest level known; second to only Morgan le Fay)

By right of blood, the following business is under ownership by Lady Gauthier:

90% owner of The Daily Prophet

80% owner of Hog's Head Inn

45% Tomes and Scrolls

25% Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Properties, in order by family:

Château d'Gautheir, France; Manoir des colibris, France

Serpe Cottage, Morocco; Unspecified Manor, England; Unspecified Castle, Ireland

Le Fay Castle, Unknown Location; Le Fay Manor, Unknown Location; Le Fay Cottage, Unknown Location

Total Networth: 60 000 000 galleons.

"What on Earth? This is not the same thing I was shown!" Narcissa exclaimed.

"It has come to our attention that you were shown a heavily modified parchment," Steelhook said reluctantly.

"Who all has seen this?"

"Other than the Goblin King? Albus Dumbledore."

Narcissa took a deep breath and said, "May I see Lady Black's information, please?"

"Of course."

Steelhook passed her the second document.

Name: Bellatrix Aurora Black

Status: Pureblood

Mother: Lia Forthright (Deceased)

Father: Cygnus Black (Deceased)

"Wait," Narcissa said. "This says Lia Forthright."

"That it does."

"How is that possible? That family was killed off by Grindelwald," she said.

"Lia managed to live despite the injuries she sustained. Unfortunately, that is all we know. She disappears after a certain point. However, I can say with certainty Bellatrix is the last living descendant of the Forthright family. She inherited their properties and their vaults."

Narcissa was speechless. Steelhook gave what would have been a sad smile had it not been for his vicious teeth.

"Did the Headmaster see this one as well?" she asked.

"Yes. It was also shown," Steelhook paused, "to one Sirius Black."

Narcissa stood and brushed down her dress. "Send copies of all pertinent information regarding Lady Black and Lady Gauthier to my home immediately," she said. "And you should inform your King that once they discover what seems to be an egregious oversight in security, neither will be pleased."

For the first time the entire meeting, Steelhook was afraid. He swallowed and bobbed his head. Narcissa, despite her anger, bowed to the goblin and excused herself from the room. She kept a steady pace as she walked through the foyer and out into Diagon Alley. When she turned down an alley, Narcissa apparated home, where she found Calliope waiting for her.

"We need to talk," Calliope said.

"A sentiment we both share. I shall have Pimsy bring tea to the study."


Severus kept his pace slow and steady as he made his way to the seventh floor. The door appeared before he could even ask for it, and he knocked politely before entering. Inside, he found Draco, Blaise, Daphne, Neville, Fred, and George in various stages of undress. Fred and George stepped in front of Daphne, and Severus glanced at the ceiling.

"Is Calliope here?" he asked.

"No," Draco said.

"Where is she?"

"No clue," Neville said.

"Is there something wrong?" Fred asked.

"The Headmaster and Sirius have information about her and Bellatrix that neither of them knows yet. After a long discussion with Dolores, it would seem the Headmaster was the one who requested the ancestry test."

"Are you saying he knew?" George asked.

"No. I do believe it is a shock that the Dark Lord's daughter has been parading as Potter's muggle-born best friend, but I also believe he knew she was here. Draco, as you are her brother in blood and theory, you might not be able to return after this."

"I was prepared for that," Draco said.

"We all were," Neville added.

"I'm decent, Professor," Daphne announced.

Severus looked down and scowled at her dress. It stopped mid-thigh and was lace across the top. He felt indecent just by looking at it.

"Where is the rest of your dress?" he asked sharply.

"This is nothing compared to my normal wear."

"She speaks the truth," Blaise said.

"And as Draco and Neville said, we were all prepared to be kicked out or thrown out once the news was released," Daphne said. "Mother already said Astoria and I can get our education somewhere else."

"Ah, yes. Where is your sister?"

"Probably at dinner. Astoria is not one for the dramatics, but she will leave with us."

Severus frowned and asked, "All of you feel this way?"

"Yes," the twins said in unison. "We have enough education to make it at least one year on our own."

"I plan on getting by based on my looks," Blaise drawled.

Severus rubbed his temples. He knew they weren't going to budge. Instead, he gave a stiff nod and turned around. The door opened, nearly hitting him in the face, and Calliope and Luna walked inside. Severus looked Calliope up and down, then narrowed his eyes.

"Does your father know what you're wearing?"

Calliope shrugged. Her robes were wide open, revealing a green dress that cut down so deep in the front it stopped at her belly button, and she wore heels so sharp she could impale someone. She'd dropped her glamour and proudly wore her red eyes and black curls. For a moment, he saw Rayna, and he was proud. Still, he was annoyed because it seemed Daphne, Calliope, and possibly Luna were eager to send him to an early grave.

"You are going to give me gray hairs," Severus sighed.

"Tis my job as your godchild, Sev."

"Oy! He's my godfather," Draco exclaimed.

Calliope flipped off Draco without hesitation. She turned to Severus and said, "I already know about what happened with the Headmaster and the bank. Cissy told me."

"When did you talk to her?"

"Secret. Goodbye!" Calliope announced.

Calliope and Luna then pushed him out of the room. The door vanished behind him, and Severus decided to just wait and see.


Down the hall, they walked in unison. It made some of the portraits hide while others openly stared in amazement…and fear. Calliope twirled her wand as she walked, whistling under her breath. To her left were Draco and Luna. Draco's sleeves were rolled to his elbow, and he proudly displayed his mark. To her right, there was only a blank space. Neville purposely walked behind her, as he knew her right side was reserved. He walked with his hands in his pockets and a cocky grin on his face. The boy's confidence had grown with his new family, so much so that his grandmother swore her life to Calliope and Bellatrix should things go their favor. Behind Neville were Daphne and Blaise with linked arms. Then finally, the twins.

They no longer looked like Hogwarts students. Their uniforms and robes were gone. The goofiness and childishness of their appearance had vanished, leaving behind a formidable and quite attractive group of witches and wizards. The twins grew out their hair after Luna offhandedly mentioned it made them look older. George had his half-up, half-down while Fred wore his in a low ponytail. Neville slicked back his hair like Draco while Blaise wore his curls, some spilling over into his eyes. Daphne twisted her hair into an elaborate braid and left a few strands hanging on the side. Luna wore hers down and to the side.

And, of course, at the center of it all was Calliope.

Her hair, long, black curls, settled at the middle of her back. Red eyes shined with excitement. And if anyone blinked, they would miss the snake tattoo slithering around her neck and down her back. Calliope once wore Gryffindor colors, but at that moment, she embodied Slytherin with every fiber of her being. As they got closer to the Great Hall, the castle trembled under her feet. Calliope looked at the ceiling.

"I promise there will be no destruction to your foundation on our end," she said.

Her only response was the Great Hall doors swinging open as the group made their way into the room. Every conversation stopped. Calliope walked alone down the aisles at a slow pace, her heels echoing in the space. The others took up random places in the room, eyes on every person to make sure no one snuck a spell in at Calliope. The enchanted ceiling rolled with thunder and lightning, and Calliope stopped just in front of the head table. With a small curtsy, Calliope lifted her head and locked eyes with a shocked Headmaster.

"My, my, my, Albus, you look positively frightened. Whatever for?" she purred.