Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated names, things, spells, places etc. belong to J.K. Rowling, Raincoast Books, Bloomsbury, Scholastics Inc. Warner Bros., and her publishers, I guess. The name O'Keefe and the name Calvin were borrowed from The A Wrinkle in Time books, by Madeleine L'Engle, which are awesome books. The name Carlton was borrowed from Vanessa Carlton. And, the name Ella is borrowed from a book I adore, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. They're making a movie out of the book, with Mia from Princess Diaries (Anne Hathaway). I own Amethyst Carlton, Emmie/Emerald Carlton O'Keefe, and Victoria Carlton O'Keefe, Jonathan Carlton O'Keefe Calvin O'Keefe and Lila Malfoy (but not the name O'Keefe, Calvin or Malfoy!). I own some of the plot, me thinks. I also don't own "Watch Me Shine" by Joanna Pacitti.

The Real Me

Last time..

Hermione looked at the letter. It was in a black envelope, and- sealed with the Dark Mark. Without a word, and all eyes on her, she walked to the Teacher's Table and showed the letter to the Headmaster. When he saw it, he began to really look his age. There were gasps as others recognized it. She had received mail from Voldemort, the Dark Lord himself.

Chapter 19 The Contract and More Surprises!

Albus Dumbledore frowned at the letter. He handed it back to Hermione and simply said, "Open it." Hermione was a bit confused, but she decided to open it anyway. She had read about letters from Voldemort and recognized hers to be one. She slowly began to tear at the envelope.

A cold feeling appeared in the large hall when the envelope was fully open. Hermione shivered and pulled out the letter from inside the coal- colored envelope. It was the same color as the envelope, and was written in Slytherin green ink. Hermione took a deep breath and began to read:

Miss Eleanor Athena Antoinette Sarah Mya Carlton-Snape,

My deepest sympathies for your horrible childhood. When I heard that you had been raised by Muggles, I was shocked and appalled. I was disgusted that your parents, Amethyst Juliet Serafina Carlton and Severus Lucifer Xavier Snape, had abandoned you to live with Muggles. A witch of your intelligence and nobility should not have been made to put through that. And, when you entered Hogwarts, you were tormented and teased that you were of Muggle Birth, even though you had the purest Wizard blood of anyone there. Again, my uttermost apologies. I would like to meet you, as your father is a close friend as mine. I think I am your godfather, actually. And, a godfather's duty is to give presents, and I have not given you one present in the 15 years that you were alive, so I must make up for that. Come to Malfoy Manor for a Sunday Brunch tomorrow at 10 o'clock and we shall get to know each other. Ask your father to bring you there, he knows how. I am looking forward to seeing you. I shall see you at 10.

Signed your godfather,

Tom Marvalo Riddle

Hermione read the letter and confusion swept over her. Voldemort is my godfather? He wanted to meet me? Why? Hermione was shocked. She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. Voldemort had invited, well not really invited, told her to, come over for brunch so he could give her presents and they could get to know each other. This was too strange. Hermione noticed all eyes were on her, so she sighed and said, "Professor, you should probably read this." She handed it to him and the whole hall was silent as he read it.

When he finally finished, which seemed like an eternity to Hermione, he rose swiftly and beckoned for her to follow him. Hermione heard others get up and follow them, but didn't bother to look back. She followed her headmaster through the halls of Hogwarts, blocking everything out, and just concentrating on walking.

Hermione was very confused. That was all she knew as she slipped through the empty halls of the school after her headmaster. They reached his office and Hermione followed him up the steps. Dumbledore opened the door and she followed him inside.

Hermione sat down and looked at the others who had followed them. Her parents, Emmie, Calvin, Professor McGonagall, Sirius, and Lupin came in and sat down. Amethyst was white. She looked scared out of her mind. Everyone else looked shocked, even Severus. Hermione glanced at her watch, it was 9:45. "Time really flies." She thought. Hermione remembered about her interview, and was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke for her. "I think we may have to discuss this later, because Ella has a meeting in my office in 15 minutes. We'll meet here afterwards."

Hermione stayed silent as everyone accept her Headmaster slowly and silently left, still looking shocked and scared. Hermione turned to Dumbledore, about to bombard him with questions, but he held up a hand, so she decided to stay silent. "I think it would be best if we brought Hermione Granger back for awhile, no?" Dumbledore asked, eyes twinkling as always. Hermione nodded her head in agreement and shut her eyes. She heard Dumbledore mutter a few words and then say, "You can open your eyes now." Always the obedient girl, Hermione did as she was told and slowly opened her eyes. Dumbledore handed her a mirror.

Hermione peered into the mirror. She was met with chocolate brown eyes, bushy brown hair, tanned skin and rosy cheeks. She was met with the face of Hermione Granger. Hermione smiled wryly and thought, "Still having a bit of an identity crisis, aren't I?" She giggled lightly and then turned to face the Headmaster. He gave her what seemed to Hermione a half frown and a half smile and then began to speak again.

"For awhile you have to go back to being Hermione Granger. How long, I can not yet tell, maybe an hour, a day or a week. We need to figure out a plan, but first I want you to meet with those talent scouts. You have a lot of talent, and I know you will succeed in whatever you put your mind too." Dumbledore said with a knowing smile and the slightest wink. "Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Tecra should be here in a moment, they are flooing."

Hermione turned to the fireplace and watched as two people appeared and stumbled out. Hermione took the chance to survey them. Kaliena Reynolds was a pretty young woman in her late twenties. She was tall and could have passed for a model. Kaliena had beautiful, long brown hair. "It's a much nicer shade than mine used to be!" Hermione thought. She had sapphire colored eyes, and gave the air of an elfish like creature.

Peter Tecra was totally different. He was smaller than Kaliena, about average height and had chocolate brown hair and matching eyes. He was in his early thirties, Hermione guessed, but he looked much older. He gave the air of a gnome, definitely not an elf.

After Kaliena and Peter had brushed the soot of themselves and were more composed, they went over and greeted Dumbledore. From the way they addressed him, Hermione knew they must have been students at Hogwarts. After a few shorts word with Dumbledore, they turned their attention to Hermione.

Kaliena gave her a slight smile, while Peter got right to the point. "Hello, Miss Granger. We need you to sing a short song for us, and then we will see what we are going to do about a contract for you. We are the Representatives of the Magical Music Company. Do you have something prepared?" He asked. Hermione nodded. He gestured for her to rise. Hermione stood up and looked at them. Kaliena took out a quill and parchment, and prepared to write. Peter told her to start whenever she was ready, and Dumbledore quietly slipped out of the room.

Hermione prepared herself, very nervous, and still trying to digest everything that had happened in less than a week, and then began,

"Ooh.. I'm not

You average type Of girl

I'm gonna show the world the strength in me

That sometimes they can't see

I'm about to switch my style

And soon things may get wild

But I will prove I can conquer anything

So from my head to toe I'm taking full control

I'll make it on my own

This time

(Better watch me shine)

Better watch out

Going for the knockout

And I won't stop

Till I'm on top now

Not gonna give up

Until I get what's mine

Better check that I'm about to upset

And I'm hot now

So you better step back

I'm taking over

So watch me shine

So Get ready

Here I come

Until the job is done

No time to waste

There's nothing stopping me

Oh

But you don't hear me though

So now it's time to show

I'll prove I'm gonna be the best I can be

So from my head to toe

My mind body and soul

I'm taking full control

This time

Better watch out

Going for the knockout

And I won't stop

Till I'm on top now

Not gonna give up

Until I get what's mine

Better check that I'm about to upset

And I'm hot now

So you better step back

I'm taking over

So watch me shine

Bet you don't think I can take it

But my mind and body are strong

Bet you don't think I can make it

It won't take long

Bet you don't think I can take it

But my mind and body are strong

Bet you don't think I can make it

It won't take long

Now watch me shine...
Better watch out

Going for the knockout

And I won't stop

Till I'm on top now

Not gonna give up

Until I get what's mine

Better check that I'm about to upset

And I'm hot now

So you better step back

I'm taking over

So watch me shine

Now watch me shine...

Better watch out

Going for the knockout

And I won't stop

Till I'm on top now

Not gonna give up

Until I get what's mine

(Until I get what's mine...)

Better check that I'm about to upset

And I'm hot now

So you better step back

I'm taking over

So watch me shine

Watch me...

Watch me shine...

Watch me"

Hermione sang the song with passion. She couldn't tell, but Kaliena and Peter were very impressed. They clapped, and gestured for Hermione to sit down. Kaliena spoke this time, "That was very good. We have been given the go-ahead to offer you a c.d. contract. This means one year of concerts and recording your c.d. We understand that you won't want to do this till you are finished school. Will you accept this deal?"

Hermione sat silently and thought carefully. "I love to sing, and I don't have to do anything till after Hogwarts. I guess I should. That would really change my image. Perfect Hermione got a Perfect Recording Deal." Hermione thought and laughed inwardly at herself, and then said, "Yah, I do." Kaliena and Peter looked pleased and they went over some details and told Hermione how good she was and how she would do awesome. When they were done, and Hermione had signed the magical contract, Professor Dumbledore appeared back in the office. Kaliena and Peter spoke to Dumbledore, then bid Hermione farewell. They flooed back with a final wave.

"Congrats. That is a very big accomplishment. You should be very proud of yourself." Dumbledore told her with a smile. Then his expression turned grim, "Unfortunately, we have no time to celebrate. Your parents and the rest of the staff, including me, have decided on some precautions." He went on to explain that Hermione would be living in more secure quarters, and would not be allowed to stay alone. He said they hadn't decided what to do about the Sunday Brunch invitation with Voldemort.

"You better go get your stuff from Gryffindor tower. You should remain Hermione for awhile. If anyone asks where you were, say that you had to go home to deal with your parents' things. The school knows what happened, so they shouldn't question you." Dumbledore told her concluding his long description of safety measures. They bid each other a quick good- bye and Hermione left the office, heading towards Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione didn't encounter anyone until she was near the Fat Lady. Harry and Ron were standing outside the entrance, talking. They saw each other at the exact same moment. Hermione saw Harry's and Ron's shocked expressions, which turned to frightened ones. Hermione had just enough time to hear Harry shout, "Hermione look out!" Before everything went black.

End of Chapter 19

A/N: I am so sorry! Forgive me for this taking forever and being so short. Hope you liked this chapter. Did you like the ending? I have some questions that need answering, so please read them and answer them:

Who should Hermione end up with? Should Hermione become famous thanks to her new contract? What do you think happened to Hermione at the end of this chapter? Would you read a sequel to this story? Do you hate me for all of this cliffies (lolz)? What should happen with Hermione and her parents?

Thanks so much. You don't have to answer all of them if you don't want to. You don't even have to answer any of them, but I would really appreciate it if you did.

Here are my thank you's for this chapter:

Arime Setta: Hello again. Thanks for the review. What is going on with 'Switched? You haven't updated since forever. I'm glad you're not confused. Things make sense to me most of the time, I hope they make sense to everyone else. You'll see soon enough. Thanks again.

Annie Potter: My lovely beta. Thanks for the review, and beta-ing this chapter. I hope you know how much I appreciate that. Thanks so much. Hope yah liked the letter. I think they'll find out VERY soon. When is that? Can't say yet. Thanks again, talk to you soon.

Faerie Lover: Love your new name. Thanks for beta-ing last chapter, and reviewing. I am forever in your debt. Thanks for all of the compliments, I love them. I know, I like both. You want Hermione to end up with Harry? * Wanders off and thinks*. What? Oh yes, thanks for the lovely review.

TiGgEr: I can't believe she did either. It just wandered in to the chapter. Hope you liked what he said. I know what you mean. I totally can't decide on the pairing. I read both so often, I just can't pick. Sigh.. Any preference at all? I want to know what everyone thinks. Thanks so much for the review!

KawaiinessPnay: Long Foot? Lolz. Kakkoi. Yay, I used it again. Thanks for the review, it is very much appreciated as always. I think I know where to put Cherry Lips. It will be one of the last songs, I think. Not sure yet. I promise I'll get it in though! Thanks again.

Twinangels: I thought about you while I wrote the meeting? Did you like it? I know, Kaliena, odd name, but I like. Thanks for the review and the awesome compliments. You're too kind. Like I've said a million times, reviews are the only things that keep me writing. Thank yah so much!

EvilDarkWitch: You through a party? Wow, thank you! Not only for the party but for the very nice, enthusiastic review. You sound like me. But I couldn't have reviewed my own story, right? Sorry about that, I'm very tired. Anyhoo, thanks so much for the review, and of course the lovely party!

Blaze Girl and Dragon: You're back! Yay! Thanks for the reviews. I'm glad you came back and read more. I hate it when I lose one of my reviewers. Thanks so much for all of the compliments. I can tell you like Avril Lavigne, lolz. Thanks so much, can't wait to hear from you again!

Silveretta: Bonjour! Comment ca va? Merci for the review, which was not short. I suck at snowboarding, okay at skiing. My friend I a pro. Lord, she is good. Anyhoo, there was mistakes? Darn. I hate proof reading. I'm glad I am, I hope I am. Thanks for the tres bon review!

Roman Lover: I have just the place for #1 Crush. Both of my song requests have been by Garbage. Weird eh? Thanks for the review. Do you like what's in the letter? Good or bad, be truthful! Thanks for the compliments, so much appreciated by me. Thank yah again.

Thanks so much to everyone. I have 161 reviews, I am so happy. I hope to have 200 by the end of this story. Oh, there's going to be a sequel to the Real Me. There will be both H/Hr and D/Hr in it, regardless of what happens with the pairings in this story. Would you guys read it? Be honest please. Thanks so much for your time. I'm hoping to have the next chapter out on Monday, April 21st. Talk to you then!

Thanks for reading, please review.

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Thanks so much

Bye

-Eliza