Chapter two

The discussion went late into the night, giving Hermione no time to explain to Ron about her decision. She wished he would understand, but with Harry on her side, she was certain she would not lose those two dear friends of hers. Truth be told, she is afraid as hell, and sacred like crazy, but she knew she had to do it, for the greater good. Harry has done enough, now is her turn to take up the responsibility.

"Are you ready to go?" Dumbledore touched Hermione's shoulder from behind.

"Yeah, you think Harry and talk Ron around?" Hermione asked.

"Honestly, I do not know. I hope he will. I sincerely hope so. I'm sorry Hermione, for putting you through this." Dumbledore apologised.

"I want to do it, do not feel bad."

No more words were exchanged. Snape arrived via apparition to take Hermione to the Malfoy Manor. Evidently Snape is still in contact with the Dark Lord as a loyal Deatheater, however, Hermione was assured that he was just a spy for the their side. They left, too early to notify Harry and Ron, leaving Dumbledore staring at the empty space where they once were.

I wish you luck Hermione, you will need a lot of it.

The doorbell rang in Malfoy Manor. The door open to reveal Lucius Malfoy.

"We are here to see the Dark Lord," Snape stated, clearly disgusted that Lucius has anticipated their arrival and have been waiting.

"What's with the mudblood girl?" Lucius narrowed his eyes at Hermione.

"I only have the Dark Lord to explain to. You do not have such privilege. Now, if you would excuse us," Snape simple pushed Lucius aside and enter the Manor, Hermione followed along. Snape headed straight to the dungeons, Hermione suppose is where the Dark Lord resides. He knocked on a strong wooden door.

"Enter," came a sneer from behind the door.

Snape open the door and entered in a bowed posture, walked to the handsome man of about 45 years old, bended down and kissed his robes.

"Severus, I believe you have brought me a present today?"

"Yes, my Lord." "Come in, Princess."

That is the cue whereby Hermione would enter the room, and she did so.

"Princess?" came the sneer again.

"Yes my Lord. This is your daughter, Maia."

"Yes yes, she does have her mother's features and some of mine too. Come here," the man said.

Hermione was silent all this while and she moved forward cautiously. The handsome man looked her over carefully, and at one point even stood up the walk around her.

"Yes yes, this is indeed Maia, definitely Maia. Well done Severus, you will be rewarded."

Just then, a knock was heard and Lucius entered without the consent of the Dark Lord, did the same greeting as Snape and spoke, "My Lord, are you sure of this? That this is indeed Princess Maia? She is one of Potter's friend, I'm sure you know…"

"Silence," the man shouted at Lucius, "Why would I not recognize my own daughter? Can't you see she looks exactly like her mother? I am sure of this. And she was only friends with Potter because I wasn't there for her. I will guide her properly from now on. Bring Maia to her room."

"Yes my Lord." "This way your Highness."

Hermione was led through many corridors and stairs until they reach a door that had "Maia" engraved on it.

"This is your room. Unpack and get down for lunch at 12.30pm sharp. Your Highness. No funny business or I will kill you."

"That's no way to speak to the daughter of your Lord, watch your tone or I will have you dead by my wand." Hermione is enjoying this, however, she didn't let it show, she just looked coolly at Lucius.

Lucius left her side in a bellow of robes, much like Snape always do.

Hermione entered the room and looked around.

Acceptable, thought Hermione.

Balcony, personal toilet, desk, dresser, drawers, bookcase, walk-in closet, four poster bed and owl stand. Black, red, white and the finest velvet and satin. Very grand indeed.

She started unpacking her things. By noon, she has already finished and she decided to take a walk. Walking further down the corridor, she came across a door that had "Draco" engraved on it.

Can I have some fun? Why not. Ha.

She entered without knocking to find Draco still asleep in his bed. Draco was peacefully sleeping with no shirt on and blankets kicked to the floor. Hermione went to his desk and took a bottle of ink, removed the cap and went back to the sleeping form of her enemy. She slowly poured ink down Draco's neck. Draco was awaken by feel of cool liquid on his neck. He open his eyes to take in Hermione pouring ink on him. He sat up straight and screamed.

"What the fuck are you doing in my room, or in my house for that matter? And what the hell was the ink all about. You better give me an answer , and a good one at that, Granger." Draco spat.

"Maia Riley Riddle." Said Hermione simply.

"What the hell are yo…" the meaning of her statement finally dawned and he stared at her.

She did look very much like her mother. Thought Draco.

He stood up and entered his bathroom, bewildered. When he re-entered his room, the bed was clean of ink and Hermione was sitting on his armchair, engrossed in a book.

Draco started to say something, but was cut off by Hermione saying," Lunch time."

She exited his room and walked down the corridors to enter the living room of the Manor.

I wonder why they call this the living room, it's so dead.

At this time, Voldermort was just emerging from the stairways to the dungeons with Snape trailing behind.

"Ah Maia, lunch is just being served, come have some," Voldermort said invitingly.

The three of them entered the dining room together, Lucius and Draco were already sitted at the table. Lucius stood up at the arrival of his master and Draco followed suit. Voldermort help seat Hermione at the table and Snape did the same gesture for Voldermort.

There must be some kind of passageway in this house, I didn't hear Malfoy walk behind me at all. Thought Hermione.

Lunch was conducted in silence save for the occasional smiles received from Voldermort and suspicious glances from Draco. After the four course meal was over, Hermione excused herself saying that she was tired and left. Draco excused himself not long after too. He caught up with her in the living room and pulled her into a guestroom and sat her down on the bed.

"What the hell's going on around here?" Draco demanded.

"You may address me as Princess Maia, Princess, or just for you, Maia." Hermione responded coolly.

"Your Voldermort's long lost daughter? Since when?" Draco seem confused and suspicious.

"Since this morning. Junior Malfoy."

"NO BLOODY WAY!"

"Get used to it."

"What am I going to do?" Draco paced around the room.

"What you are going to do is none of my business, now if you would excuse me," Hermione exited the room smoothly, leaving a troubled Draco pacing a whole in the floor.