Chapter Three

My summer had never gone by too quickly. Apparently when you're dreading something as I was then, it flies by. Before I knew it, August 31st had come. My Father would be escorting me, and then it would be announced that he was Voldemorts son. Each girl was required to wear a mask as well as change their voice so no one could figure out the identity of this unknown heir.

I spent much of the day sitting around. I wasn't one to have nerves, but being introduced to "society" as Voldemorts grand-daughter was surely something unusual. I knew some of my classmates would be there. The Slytherins that I'd always hated. As much as I tried to protest this to my Father and Mother, they insisted it was for the best.

'Hermione, you have something no one else at Hogwarts can say they have. Your lineage is unique. Every single person in Slytherin wishes they were the heir of Voldemort. But it took a Gryffindor to be that."

"How is it that I'm the heir of Slytherin, but in Gryffindor? It just doesn't make sense."

" Your Great-grandfather was a muggle. It must come from him. That's something we all regret."

"But I love being a Gryffindor. My friends are there."

Suddenly my Fathers voice turned sharp. "You will not speak of them. Not tonight, not ever. Unless you're asked to. Do you understand me young lady?"

"Yes Father."

Draco's POV

As much as I hated the idea of a ball, I was looking forward to meeting this girl. I had racked my brain hoping to figure out the mystery girl. But no one fit the bill. I knew the girls in my house. They would've let the whole school know if they were Voldemorts heir. It had to be someone from another house. It just didn't seem possible.

I knew that when we did meet, my Father would try and set me up with this girl. But no girl was a match for me, unless you counted Granger…

I felt like I might throw up. My Mother had helped me prepare for the ball and I have to admit, I felt beautiful. My mask hid my face from the world and my voice had taken on a gentler tone. I loved the color of my dress. It matched my skin tone perfectly. It was almost as if it was meant for me.

The night was warm, but not so much that one would sweat frequently. That didn't stop me however. I knew once my mask came off everyone would be talking. And tomorrow that news would reach the ears of my best friends.

I had politely declined spending the summer at the Burrow. I knew Ron and Harry were disappointed. It was the first time I hadn't at least met them in Diagon Alley. And as much as I wanted to tell them what was going on, my life would be at risk if I did. Poor Ginny owled me begging me to reconsider.

Finally, it was time for the ball to begin. I sat beside my parents in a carriage outside the gates to a large manor. We were the last few to arrive. It was decided that I would make a grand entrance. It meant many would guess I was the heir, but no one could guess who was under my mask. Not until midnight. Then they would know.

As the door opened, I saw many curious faces. The boys looked at me eagerly, the girls looked angry. In the front I saw Crabbe and Goyle holding biscuits up to their greedy mouths, but stopping mid-way. Did I have that affect on them? It seemed unbelievable. Those two lumps never noticed anything that wasn't made of sugar.

We walked slowly past the many faces, mostly to receive more attention from them. I could see my Father smiling. His moment of power seemed to of at last. His daughter would be the Queen of his world. It was his proudest moment. And my Mother? She looked stunning in a ivory dress. For my entire life my parents had hidden from their world. They pretended to be Muggles to protect me. And now they were finally allowed to reveal themselves. To absorb the world they missed so much.

Draco's POV

I was sitting alone when I hear a commotion coming from the door. Another guest had arrived. Could this be the one? Suddenly Goyle came towards me, with Crabbe not far behind. It was the fastest I'd seen either one of them ever move.

"Malfoy, you've got to see this girl."

'She must be something' I thought to myself, 'if she's able to get their attention.

As I stood up, my Father came around the corner. He looked smug.

"Draco, I have found her. The heir. The girl for you. Come with me."

I followed him into the hall where a girl stood with her parents. I had to stop where I was. Even with a mask on, I could feel her beauty. She wore a dress of emerald green that hugged her curves. Glitter on her skirt made light reflect onto all areas of the room. Her mask matched the dress perfectly. It covered her eyes and the bridge of her nose. Her hair was up surrounding her head in a tiara. Brown, soft curls. Something about her seemed so familiar, and yet, I couldn't put my finger on it.

She was surrounded by other guests. I could see the girls eyeing her dress with envy and looking at her with jealousy. Every male in the room was transfixed on her. My Father walked up to hers and introduced himself. The other man smiled. I could see he knew who my Father was. They began talking, and my Mother did the same with hers. I felt it was up to me to engage her in conversation.

The moment I walked over, she moved away. Oh! She knew me. She knew my ways. She was going to play hard to get. Well I loved a challenge.