A/N: Oh My God, I am soooooo sorry for not updating sooner. I have been VERY busy!

To answer your question: OOC stand for Out Of Character - again, sorry!

CHAPTER 7: Riddle's Truth

June 10th, the day she left all those years ago. Voldemort stared moodily into the dead fireplace. Wormtail sat cowering in the corner of the room. The silvery hand which the dark lord had given to him three years ago glittered unnaturally and brightly in the dark of midnight. Sick of the complete black Voldemort took out his wand and created a fire, thinking how if everything went as planned he would no longer require a wand for such a trivial task, or at all really.

"Wormtail," the dark lord said suddenly.

"Y-yes m'lord?" the rat-like man asked, trembling even worse.

"Have you ever been in love?"

"What?" Wormtail asked, startled and certain he had heard wrong. The dark lord would never ask such a thing, for he was evil and did not deal with the fool's emotion love.

"I said, have you ever been in love?" Voldemort repeated, annoyed. "Can you not comprehend such a simple question? Answer me now. Have you are have you not?"

"N-no m'lord," Wormtail stammered.

"I thought as much," Voldemort said in a lofty manner. "Well Wormtail, let me tell you a tale of a foolish man who once thought he was."

"Yes m'lord," Wormtail answered quickly. For a moment it was quiet and had Wormtail been daring enough he would have looked into his master's eyes and seen ghosts of tears and a far off look of remembrance. Then Voldemort began to speak.

* * * * 1983 * * * * *

Melissa Rivera, 34, was ticked off. It was easy to tell just by looking at her. Her hair, which was a chocolate color brown, was hanging loosely around her shoulders when she usually wore it up in a bun. Her thin, white face seemed especially tense, her dull brown eyes flashing. She had a small nose, but it flared out when she was angry and if it went out any wider than it was at the moment a whole swarm of bumblebees could fly up it. At five ten she towered over most of her employees in the bookstore she owned, as they all seemed to be midgets, so her high-heeled black books didn't help at all. Her skirt was a dark red and reached to her knees, and she had on a loose white blouse. But most significantly was the golden serpent necklace, which she wore over her blouse, her earrings just simple gold hoops. The reason for Melissa's distress was a new employee had been extraordinarily rude to their best customer and told him never to come back. Melissa doubted he would, and so now she was down a worker and customer as she had fired that employee on the spot. She sighed and plopped down onto the stool behind the cash register. It was lunch, so she was finally alone. She leaned over and put her head on the counter and began to bang her head upon it, missing the ringing as the front door opened.

"Bad time?" asked a vaguely pleasant voice. She hurriedly lifted her head up and stood.

"No, no, of course not," the flustered woman said, a red tint coming to her cheeks. "Can I help you with anything?" Just beyond the doorway stood a tall, six three at least, man. Who, thought a bit odd looking, was quite handsome. Pale blond hair (A/N: I know, I know, he has brown hair in the movie, but pretend he died it or something) that was almost white fell away from the top of his head to just below his ears. He had a medium sized nose and nice regular sized lips. His fingers were long, but slim and looked like they were deft at hard things that large beefy hands would be unable to do. He was wearing a black leather jacket, and black jeans. However the truly strange thing about him was his eyes: they were red.

"I'm here to purchase Dark Theory by Kailian Bagdon," the man said smoothly. Melissa's eyes narrowed.

"So, you're a wizard," she stated.

"And you're a witch," he retorted. "Now do you have the book or not?"

"Yes," Melissa replied tersely. "But I'll need your name before I can give it to you, also your address and place of reference."

"Place of reference?" he inquired.

"Where I can go and make sure you're not a wanted criminal," she explained with a small smile. "As this is a book about the dark arts."

"Ah. Well my name is Tom Riddle, I'm currently living just down the road at 18 Hollow Ave and for reference I suggest you asked Lucius Malfoy as we're partners."

"Really?" Melissa asked, mildly curious. She had heard of the Malfoy family before. "What do you two do?"

"We deal with antique magical items," Tom answered. "The book?"

"Oh yes, of course." Blushing a little, again, she went into the backroom and unmasked her store of magical books. Quickly she took the one she required and then masked the rest and went back to behind the counter.

"Here you go," Melissa said cheerfully. "That'll be twenty galleons and fourteen sickles (it's so expensive because it's a book about the dark arts = dangerous)." Tom reached into his moneybag and took out he needed coins. Placing them on the counter he took the book and turned to leave.

"Thank you," he said swiftly. "I've been looking for this book a while."

"No problem," Melissa said. "Feel free to come back around lunch or after muggle closing time."

"Those the times you deal with your magical customers?" Tom asked. She nodded.

"Then I might just do that, see you round," and he left. A few minutes later her employees began to come back in and the normal flow of muggle customers started up again. Yet the employees noticed something was amiss with their boss. She was not her normal, brisk and attentive self. This, however, was fine with them, as she was not swooping over them constantly nitpicking and criticizing. So they finished their shifts in pleasant moods and when closing time came not one person went home threatening to quit or crying. In fact people even swore they heard a few laughing, but that was heard to believe because people who worked at Reality in Books didn't laugh, did they?

Melissa watched as everyone slowly cleared out of the streets and lights went out in shops. Then she got out her magical sign and placed it in her window. It read – Magic Books for Sale. Reasonable Prices, Great Selections, Reality in Books, No Place Better -. With that done she took out her wand and replaced all the muggle books with magical ones and then slowly wizards and witches made their way into browse and buy, for everyone knew Reality in Books was rivaled only slightly by Flourish & Blotts. Melissa watched eagerly to see if Tom came back, but when the midnight hour neared and passed and still he hadn't arrived she began to feel a bit foolish. He had, after all, just come at noon. There would be no reason to come back so soon.

"I would like these, please," someone said politely. Melissa turned her attention to who was standing before the counter, and it just happened to be headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.

"Who were you waiting for?" Dumbledore asked, still polite.

"Oh, no one," Melissa said with a sigh. "Just someone I met earlier. Tom Riddle, he said his name was."

"I would suggest you be careful around Tom," Dumbledore warned her quietly, placing down the proper amount of money before she could say anything. "Take care that you do not get hurt." Then he was gone with his purchase.

"What was he talking about?" Melissa muttered angrily. "Why would I get hurt?" Dumbledore's strange warning had done only one thing, strengthened her newfound resolve to see Tom again.

* * * * * * * * *

Tom Riddle, more commonly known as Lord Voldemort opened the book, Dark Theories, which he had just gotten this afternoon. He doubted that the pretty storeowner actually knew what this book could be used for or she would never have had it in stock.

"Ah," he remarked, coming upon what he was looking for.

# Throughout the history of the wizarding world every dark leader had ended up having a son or daughter hidden away somewhere and that had inevitably brought about their downfalls. Perhaps it would be best for a future dark leader to simply not reproduce, but if it turns out that they have no choice there has been a way devised to make sure this hidden child ensures victory than defeat.

If the dark wizard cast the spell Inventios L'Arios on his pregnant wife then his most powerful traits will be passed on to the child, hence causing the wizard to work without them for years, so the wizarding community will not be prepared for the wizard at his full strength. The dark lord can extract his power back from the child by performing the ritual *1. However to get the spell to work, there are several things, which must happen which may make it difficult for the dark wizard to perform the transfer spell correctly.

First and perhaps most challenging the dark wizard must love the child's mother entirely and unconditionally.

Second the child's mother can not be aware of the spell when it is cast upon her, nor can she be aware of her husband's dark status at the time.

Third, this must take place no later than two months into pregnancy.

Lastly, the dark wizard must know the sex of the child before casting the transfer spell because there is an important difference in saying the transfer spell if it is a boy rather than a girl *2. To find out the child's sex the wizard must simply cast the spell Fincendio Sellixa, and then the tip of his wand will light up, pink for a girl and blue for a boy.

*1: See page 230 for full details on the ritual.

*2: See page 219 for accurate pronunciation guide. #

"Rubbish," Tom muttered, closing the book angrily. "As if I would ever fall in love and have a child. I'm Lord Voldemort, the one who truly will someday rule the world." He stood up and walked over to the open window and climbed up onto the roof of his house. From there he could see wizards and witches flying away from Reality in Books. Which reminded him, he would have to remember to tell Lucius that they were partners whom dealt with magical antiques.

* * * * * * * * *

The next day Melissa woke up feeling extraordinarily cheerful for a person who had gotten to bed at 3 A.M and woke up at nine (in the morning). Today was Sunday, which meant no work, no annoying employees or customers, but rather an entire day to herself. She lazily put on a pair of jeans and scarlet sweatshirt over a tight yellow T-shirt. Like yesterday and everyday as long as she could remember she put on her golden serpent necklace then brushed her hair and by then had decided what to do. After Dumbledore's cryptic warning the only thing to be done was go visit Tom and there was no better time than her day off to do it, right? After checking the little slip she had written yesterday she walked out and headed down the road to 18 Hollow Ave.

It was a nice day. The sun was shining and there were very few clouds to be seen. The temperature was nice for early October, in the low fifties. The sidewalks were relatively empty for a Sunday morning, but then most shop owners had the same idea as her. Work almost all week but close on Sunday for a little peace and quiet. Melissa turned the next corner and found herself on a long dirt road. Where before there had been buildings there were now trees, many very large trees. She looked back at the street sign to make sure this was the right street. Hollow Ave, it was right but still it felt wrong to her, very wrong. And the way she felt about things was always wrong.

Wary, Melissa began down the road, keeping a tight hand on the wand which resided in her sweat shirt pocket. Her other hand finger her serpent necklace nervously and unconsciously. She looked straight foreword, willing herself not to turn back. If Tom lived on this road it couldn't be all that bad, unless her first impression of him was seriously off. After a few minutes she began to wonder exactly how far down this road Tom lived. Then she spotted his house. Sighing in relief she ran the rest of the short way to it.

Tom's house, Melissa realized, was a lot like Tom himself. A bit strange, yet beautiful all the same. It was not a large house, just two stories not including a basement and attic if she guessed correctly. But the way it had been built was beautiful in an indescribable way. It was not made of wood like a normal house, but marble and on the very end of each side of the house where two sides met there was a pillar that went straight until it either hit the roof or the small covering that was over the porch and front door way. On the right side of the house was a ladder that went up to the roof which appeared to be level. One of the windows on that side of the house was particularly close to it. On the left side was a long row of bushes that clung to the side of the house and broke in the middle to give way to another door. From the bushed to the trees was only a small patch of lawn, and there wasn't much more on the right. But even though Melissa couldn't see the back she somehow knew that there was a large lawn behind the house. Now this was all fine, but the thing that made the house strange if not a bit forboding is that somehow it had been painted black, completely black. Stepping onto the front porch and ringing the doorbell Melissa wondered what had compelled Tom to have his house be this color.

The door opened a tad.

"Who is it?" Tom asked.

"Um, Melissa Rivera," she answered, suddenly feeling abnormally stupid. "You know, from the bookstore."

"Oh," Tom said. "Come in." She stepped through the doorway and saw that the inside, thought undoubtedly no more colorful than the outside of the house, had that warm sort of lived in look.

"So, what brings you here?" Tom asked, smiling. "Did you find out that I'm a wanted criminal?"

"No," then decided to add, "you're not, are you?"

"Not last time I check," he lied, thinking, You have no idea. His insides squirmed uncomfortably, protesting his lie. And by that he was confused for he hadn't felt guilty even for bigger things than small lie in quite a long time. She laughed, making him grin.

"So seriously, what are you here for?" he asked.

"It's my day off," Melissa said. "And I was bored so I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go get something to eat with me."

"Get something to eat with a gorgeous lady," he teased. "But of course I want to. I'd have to be a fool to refuse." She blushed.

"So fair lady, where are we to dine?" Tom asked, opening the door again and held out his hand. She took it and they walked out.

"Well, there's this nice little muggle café the shop over from mine," Melissa said hesitantly. "But I can understand if you don't want to go there, we could always go somewhere in Diagon Alley if you prefer."

"I think that café sounds good," he said lightly. She brightened immediately.

"You mean it? You wouldn't be uncomfortable in a muggle place?" she asked hopefully. He shook his head.

"Nah, my father-" his eyes flashed angrily. "- was a muggle and my mother died giving birth to me so I was raised in a muggle orphanage. I am almost more comfortable with muggles than wizards." She laughed briefly.

"I know what you mean, sorry about your mum though," then a question struck her. "Why didn't your father raise you?"

"Maybe I'll tell you sometime, but not now," he sounded apologetic.

"It's all right. Hm, let's talk about something a bit more cheerful," Melissa said. And so they did. They talked about everything from their work to quidditch to their times at Hogwarts. When they left the café it was getting late.

"Wow," Melissa said, looking at her watch. "I had no idea we were in there so long."

"Me too," Tom agreed. "Well, I should go."

"Yeah," Melissa said. "Good night."

"Good night…" he leaned closer and closer. Her heart began to race. Then his mouth was on hers…

* * * * * * * *

A year later exactly what Tom had said he would never do he had done. Voldemort had fallen in love. He had to take care that none of his death eaters but Lucius found out, for they would use her against him, of that he was sure. Even Lucius he didn't trust enough to tell everything, just enough to help keep his cover at the moment. Speaking of Lucius, today was the day Melissa would meet his alleged business partner. He remembered quite clearly telling Lucius what to do.

* Flashback *

"My lord, you wanted to see me?" Lucius Malfoy, loyal death eater, was kneeled before the all powerful, snake-like, Lord Voldemort. And as all the other death eaters had left, he was alone, and he was terrified.

"Yes Lucius, that would be why I asked to see you," Voldemort said coldly.

"Of-of course my lord, I wasn't thinking," now he was trembling, but only slightly so had Voldemort not been looking for it he would not have noticed it.

"Clearly," Voldemort said, still frigid-sounding. "But really Lucius, for what I need you for we simply can't have all this shaking. It wouldn't make your acting very believable."

"Acting, my lord?" Lucius asked, knowing that no good would come to him out of this.

"Yes, Lucius, acting. You do remember that bookstore owner I told you about almost a year ago, don't you?" Voldemort asked, his voice nearly stopping Lucius's heart for pure terror engulfing him at the steely tone.

"Of course I do my lord," Lucius answered quickly, glad to say that truthfully. Lord Voldemort didn't take to liars well, not well at all. "You have told me about her more than once, my lord. Is she not staying with you?"

"She is," Voldemort said, smirking at his still trembling follower. 'And she would like to meet you."

"Me, my lord?" Lucius said, now afraid beyond reason. If this woman was living with the evilest wizard ever to live, what must she be like? And to be alone with both of them? He didn't even want to think about it.

"Yes you, fool," Voldemort said, annoyed. "Now listen closely. She believes you to be my partner-" Lucius looked up startled. Partners with the dark lord? But he quickly lowered his gaze at the angry look on the dark lord's face. "- And that we deal with magical antiques. I daresay you have enough of those to pull off knowing something about them."

"Of course, my lord," Lucius answered dutifully. Voldemort laughed harshly.

"Still frightened Lucius, that too bad. If you don't learn to calm your nerves I'll be forced to put you under the Imperious curse and hope she busy that you're truly in your right mind-" Lucius gulped. "- But no matter. Let me finish saying what you must do and hopefully for you, by then you won't be trembling like a leaf."

"Of course, my lord," Lucius said yet again." Please continue."

"In a week you'll come with me to the house I am currently residing in. Then you'll spend the day with Melissa and I. Oh yes, two more things. First, the reason Melissa couldn't meet with you is you were in Egypt on business, do you understand?"

"yes my lord," Lucius said, knowing he would have to go home and research Egypt.

"And second, this is how I'll look that day," A shimmering light glowed briefly around Voldemort and then suddenly there stood Tom. Lucius wondered whether the dark lord had just put on or taken off a glamour.

"Is that all, my lord?" Lucius asked cautiously.

"Yes, Lucius, it is. Except you do realize I'll be modifying your memory after this is over," Voldemort said silkily, changing back.

"Of course my lord," and then Lucius apparated back to Malfoy Manor.

* End Flashback *

Tom looked out the window of their bedroom and saw Lucius apparate onto the road in front of the house.

"Right on time," he murmured. At least his death eaters had learned how to be punctual if nothing else. Opening the bedroom door Tom exited and went downstairs.

"Hello Lucius," Tom said politely, stepping outside to let the other man in.

"Hello m-Tom," Lucius said, appearing to look happy to see his partner again. Inside, however, he was even more afraid then at all the death eater meetings put together. He sincerely hoped that the dark lord never requested him to do anything like this again.

"Oh, is Mr. Malfoy here?" Melissa asked, coming out of the kitchen.

"Hello Ms. Rivera," Lucius said, bowing slightly. She laughed.

"Just call me Melissa," she informed him smiling. "And may I call you Lucius?"

"Of course you can, Melissa," Lucius said, smiling in return. Perhaps he was frightened of the dark lord, but this woman was nice and Lucius had a sneaking suspicion that she didn't know the truth about her precious Tom, though was Lucius a terribly intelligent man he would have realized that the moment the dark lord told him that he was to pretend to be his partner in magical antiques. However, as one might be able to tell, Lucius was not an intelligent person when it came to Voldemort and that little fact surprised him greatly.

The three went into the dining room where Melissa had carefully placed all of the food and dishes, so they all sat and began to eat and talk.

By the time they finished, everyone was happy and laughing and Lucius had almost forgotten Tom was actually the dark lord… almost.

"Why don't we swing by my shop?" Melissa suggested. "I'd like to check on some orders that were supposed to come in today and maybe Lucius would like to see where I live most of my life."

"I'm sorry," Tom said apologetically. "But we have some important business to attend to before Lucius leaves and heads off to America for some more antiques."

"All right," Melissa said looking slightly disappointed. "Well, it was nice to finally meet you, Lucius."

"Same here, Melissa," Lucius said, smiling at her. But he was growing nervous once again. What business did the dark lord mean? "Good bye."

"Good bye," Melissa said, and she left. Once she was out of sight Tom turned into Lord Voldemort.

"Good job, Lucius," the dark lord said coldly. "Obliviate!" The spell hit him dead on and his eyes went blank.

"This day never happened," Voldemort hissed. "There is no Melissa. You went to a bar with some friends and got drunk. Now go home to your wife."

"Yes my lord," Lucius said in a dazed voice and he apparated to Malfoy Manor.

* * * * 4 years later * * * *

Melissa was nervous. What was Tom going to say? What if he wanted her to leave? What is- she cut off her train of thought, swallowing hard. She stood outside the door of Tom's study, wringing her hands. Hesitantly she raised her hand and knocked quietly on the door.

"Come in," came Tom's voice. It sounded pleasant enough. Maybe this was a good time to tell him after all. She opened the door and stepped in. Tom was sitting at his desk, his leather green chair pushed back and paper strewn all over the wooden desk. A fireplace was lit and burning merrily in the back wall and a bookcase and small sofa were leaning against the wall opposite Tom and his desk. Melissa shut the door but didn't move away from it.

"Melissa, what is it?" Tom asked, concerned. She looked worried, preoccupied.

"Tom… I know we're not married… and that although we've been together for five years… I'll understand completely if you want me to leave," Melissa said, tears coming to her eyes. Tom stood up and walked over to her, placing and arm protectively around her.

"Why would I ever want you to leave?" he asked softly.

"Because I'm, I'm pregnant," she said hurriedly. For a moment Tom just stood there, stunned. His arm around Melissa went limp and she thought he was indeed upset at her.

"I suppose I'll be leaving now," she said, her voice breaking.

"No," Tom said, grabbing her hand as she started to go. "I was just a bit shocked, not upset. This is wonderful!"

"Really?" she asked hopefully.

"Would I say it otherwise?" Tom wanted to know. She laughed a little.

"No," Melissa admitted. "I guess not."

"Exactly," Tom said, pulling her into and embrace. "Really I'm the one who should be sorry."

"Why?" she asked, leaning into him.

"I should have asked you a long time ago," he let go of her and dropped to one knee.

"Melissa Rivera, will you marry me?"

"Yes," she breathed. "Yes!" And he got up and kissed her.

That night Tom couldn't sleep so he went up into the attic and looked through some of his old books. One in particular, Dark Theories, caught his eye. Curious, he picked it up and opened it. Quickly he read through the two pages it had opened to, and the very blood in his veins seemed to stop.

"The dark ruler's downfall," he murmured. But he couldn't do that to Melissa, that would be wrong. However, if he were defeated, then what would happen to her? Perhaps...

"Fincendio Sellixa," Tom murmured. Slowly the tip of his wand began to turn pink. Nervously he chewed his lower lip. He shouldn't do this. He shouldn't, but he flipped to page 219.

# If the child is a male, then the spell is pronounced: I-ven-C-T-O le R-oss

If the child is female, it is pronounced: iventio la air-E-O # Tom slammed the book shut, but as he got up he grabbed it and brought it downstairs.

Silently Tom slipped into the bedroom. Melissa lay on the bed, sleeping peacefully. A smiled worked its way onto Tom's face. She was his, and always would be. Unless…

He fingered the book and it opened up. It was a girl, so he should say it he second way, but should he really cast the spell at all? Then the thought of Melissa being killed in a terrible way because of his failure hit him and he took out his wand.

"Inventio la Arios!" he whispered forcefully. It seemed nothing happened, but deep down Tom knew something had. He felt different, weaker perhaps. But whatever it was he still was powerful enough to control his death eaters, and he would rule the world. For, now, however, he was just worried about his own family, not world domination.

* * * * 5 Months Later * * * *

Melissa, now severely round, stood by the sink washing dishes. On the windowsill lay her wedding ring, a simple gold band. Their wedding had been a small one, just her family who came over form Ireland but had left a month ago. As she finished washing and drying one plate she heard a noise outside. She put down the plate beside the sink and took out her wand. Although she really wasn't supposed to do magic, it was better to be safe than sorry. Quietly she stepped out through the side door.

"Who's there?" she demanded. "Show yourself!"

"You're not the dark lord," a squeaky voice said indignantly. "Why are you here?" Out of the bushes stepped a small, balding young man who had a ratty sort of look to him.

"What do you mean the dark lord?" Melissa asked furiously. "Who are you?"

"Now, now, Pettigrew. Now you've gone and made the nice lady all upset." And suddenly standing next to the man named Pettigrew was none other than Lucius Malfoy.

"Lucius!" Melissa exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"How do you know my name, woman?" Lucius snarled.

"Don't you remember me?" Melissa asked, confused. "I know it's been a while, but still…"

"Is Tom here?" Lucius cut in curtly.

"No," Melissa answered, still puzzled.

"Who is Tom?" Pettigrew asked curiously.

"That is the name our lord is going by," Lucius explained to the smaller man in an annoyed tone. "I've already told you that." It was then something clicked into place in Melissa's mind.

"You don't- you can't mean- Tom is he-who-must-not-be-named!" Melissa gasped, taking a small step back and putting a hand protectively over her stomach. Lucius grinned evilly.

"That is exactly what I mean," he whispered harshly. "After all, it would be hard to forget who burned this into my arm." Quickly he raised the left sleeve and she saw the familiar and unwanted sight of the dark mark. Her stomach lurched unpleasantly at its hideousness.

"No," she whispered.

"Yes," Lucius said horribly. And he and Pettigrew apparated away. Melissa was in a bit of a state of shock, but she knew what she had to do. She had to leave.

* * * * * * * * *

Once inside, Melissa went up to the bedroom and packed everything she thought she'd need and could carry. Then she put her want in her pocket and left.

* * * * * * * * *

When Tom came home he found a note tacked to the door.

Dear Tom, it began.

Or is it Voldemort? Two of your death eaters stopped by the house earlier. I won't give you their names because I know you'd punish them. I have left, Tom, and I won't be coming back. I refuse to endanger my child. Yes, my child. I won't give you any claim to it. So I wish you a good life Tom. Go to hell where you belong.

Melissa.

Tom stared at the not and saw that it was stained with tears. Slowly he let go of the note and watched fall to the floor. Melissa was right, he would punish his death eaters. But for now he just cried and inside he felt his heart break in two.

* * * * 3 Months Later * * * *

Melissa ended up giving birth to a healthy baby girl who she named Sabrina Marie Riddle. A week later as she held her daughter in her arms, Melissa said, "I know said I would give Tom no claim to you, but no matter how much I would wish to deny it, you are his daughter and nothing I could do can change it." Later that day the two were released from the hospital and on the way home Melissa realized they were being followed, and their pursuers were not in to congratulate her on the new baby. So, clutching Sabrina closer, Melissa started to run. For over a mile (A/N: Yeah, I know, ridiculous, but she's a witch and it's my story so build a bridge and get over it- I thank Liz for that saying) she ran and never once did the ones following her falter or slow down. Then Melissa saw the door of a nearby house opening. She ran toward it, hoping ot get away from her pursuers. As she neared the house she cried out, "Please help me! Let me in!" The couple paused and the woman went rigid.

"The prophecy will cancel another,

And only one out of time has the power,

To bring about he dark lord's defeat,

In the midst of a lie and deception,

With a golden serpent reformed,

And one dearest dead,

Only one of time has the power,

To save the present at hand."

The death eaters, who had come to get their lord's child, now knew there was something more important to be done. That woman, Melissa, had a golden serpent necklace. Clearly she was going to be a danger and had to be killed. With a shout of "Avada Kedava" the two had no idea that they were playing right into the prophecy's truth. Melissa never knew what hit her. One minute she was standing just an inch away from the supposed muggle's home and the next she was lying face first on the ground, dead. Underneath the dead mother Sabrina began to cry quietly. The couple, Mathew and Emily Granger waited until the two death eaters left, thinking that they had killed the child as well as the mother. Then Mathew and Emily rushed to the dead woman's side and took the child. Around her neck was a golden serpent necklace.

"We can't leave her," Emily said.

"You're right," Mathew agreed. "But this," he took the necklace into his hand. "Must go." He took out his wand and banished it, not caring where it went.

"And we have to move," Emily added. Her husband nodded.

"What should we call her?" Mathew asked.

"Hermione," Emily answered softly. "And Mathew, we must live as muggles now. It would be too dangerous to continue using magic. I know that if those two who killed her mother found out that she survived, they won't hesitate to be rid of her for good."

"You're right," Mathew said quietly. Then he looked at the baby and said, "Welcome to the family, Miss Hermione Granger."

* * * * Back in the Riddle Manor, Present * * * *

Wormtail was stunned. He didn't remember his small part in the story he had played, and he couldn't believe the dark lord had just told him all this.

"So you see, Wormtail," Voldemort said, his tone bitter. "Love is a dangerous thing."

"Yes m'lord," Wormtail squeaked.

"Oh, and Wormtail."

"What is it, my lord?" Wormtail quavered.

"Obliviate!" As Wormtail's eyes glazed over and his memory was wiped, Voldemort murmured, "Just like the last time."

* * * * Future * * * *

"How did you learn that?" Hermione whispered.

* * * * * * * * *

"Oh my God," Harry said disbelieving. "Hermione!"

"I know," Artemis said heavily. And then suddenly there were no more stairs. Harry realized they had reached Artemis's lab.

Oh my God (again) I am still sooooooo sorry. I haven't updated in like three weeks! I promise I'll try to update sooner, it's just that I've been so busy with the school play two weeks ago, then government week and I had to work on my friend's campaigns, and I didn't have anytime to type up this chapter. Thank you for all the reviews, I was shocked at how many I have gotten.

You can still ask any question, and in fact now is a much better time than before because no I really do have a lot of free time. And I still want more suggestions for a girl for Harry, I'm not picking until the last chapter of this story.

Next Chapter: The prophecy (what'd you think of it?) is discussed, as is the ritual and other things. This chapter will focus on the future Snape family and a lot about Selina's life will be revealed.