Valentina Riddle Chapter 1, a harry potter fanfic

Full Summary: What do you do when you come home from school after a long, dreary semester and find out your whole life has been a lie? Everything you've ever known, is not true. When you learn that there seems to be a fine line between what could truly be considered light and dark. When you discover that your parents aren't your real parents, and that something seriously twisted is happening around you that you have to uncover if you want to save your best friend's life? Yeah, well hell if newly deemed Valentina Riddle knows either.

A/N: Some of the ships I'll probably be making up as I go, but I am for sure making this a Fleurmione fanfiction because I don't see a lot of those. Especially from like a darker side standpoint. If they do exist, please dm them to me because I am definitely eager to read those! Anyways, the Fleurmione will definitely be kind of slowburn, I like the thought of it happening gradually instead of rushing into it. So don't expect Fleurmione to happen right out the gates. Also, another quick note the first few chapters may seem a bit rushed because I tried to fit a whole fictional "summer" into two-three chapters to get right into the Fourth Year, because that will be when the story really starts. Anyways, that is enough of my ranting for now! I hope you all enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Don't be afraid to offer some constructive criticism.

Sincerely, SJ.

Chapter 1

"I'm what?!" Hermione Granger's eyes widened as she stared at her mother and father, who had just dropped the biggest news of her life onto her shoulders. She was utterly confused, her mind a jumbled mess of questions that she couldn't seem to get out. The 14 year old Gryffindor began to pace the floor in her bedroom, her head aching from the news she had just received.

"You're adopted, Hermione," Mrs. Granger said softly, rising to her feet to walk over to her daughter, "I know, I know this news must be hard to take in."

Hermione laughed as if that were the funniest thing Mrs. Granger had said all morning before scoffing as she shook her head, "Hard to take in? An understatement," Hermione ran a hand down the side of her face, taking a deep breath to try and calm her rising temper, "Why are you telling me this? Why now? Why not just let me live in ignorant bliss?"

"Hermione, you must understand, when we first agreed to take you in, we thought we were doing the right thing," this time it was Mr. Granger who had spoken, looking at his daughter from his place in his armchair, "We thought we were helping the right side, but it appeared we were wrong. A man came to us today, informing us of what happened last year at Hogwarts."

Hermione frowned at the mention of her third year at Hogwarts, a shiver running down her spine as she recalled the return of Sirius Black, the dementors, the almost untimely death of her best friend, Harry, the time-turner that Headmaster Dumbledore had given her to ensure the safety of her friend. She shook her head silently, trying to will the thoughts away before returning her gaze to her adoptive parents, "What man? What did he tell you? And what does this have to do with you dropping this on me?"

"I believe his name was Black, Seriously Black, or something like that," Mr. Granger stated, rubbing his chin in thought.

"Sirius Black, dear," Mrs. Granger corrected her husband, and Mr. Granger snapped his fingers.

"Right! That was it!" Mr. Granger chirped, "Yes, he said that he was the godfather of your friend, Harry. And he informed us that taking you in was a mistake. He never told us why, but he said that your real parents were searching for you, and sending you back to Hogwarts without you knowing the truth could not only be fatal for your friend, but for you as well."

"What truth? What's going on? Will someone please give a straight answer?!" Hermione huffed as she crossed her arms against her chest. Before either of her parents could respond, there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Granger turned to exit the living room and answer it.

Once she returned, trailing behind her was a man Hermione quickly recognized and her eyes narrowed on him, "Sirius?! What are you doing here? You should be in hiding! What if the ministry searched for you here?"

"They won't find me here. I am cloaked by very powerful, ancient magic," Sirius said honestly as he looked at Hermione, "I am here for you, Hermione. To help you."

"Fine then, you can start with explaining to me what the bloody hell is going on?!" Hermione snapped, the young witch had the patience of a saint most of the time. Bloody hell, she had to while dealing with Harry and Ron 24/7, but this was not one of those times. Her patience was wearing thin, and she was starting to acquire a massive headache. She felt as if her entire world had turned upside down, and it wasn't even lunch time yet.

"Please, take a seat, and I will explain it all to you," Sirius motioned towards her family's couch. Hermione shot Sirius a glare, but eventually did as he had asked and took a seat on the couch. Sirius sat beside her silently. Her father remained in his armchair, with her mother standing behind her, a hand on his shoulder.

"Start talking," the fourteen year old witch demanded, and Sirius cleared his throat.

"Where to even begin?" He sighed softly, rubbing his chin, "I suppose I should start with James, Lily, Remus, and myself," he stated calmly, "To start with, we were never on the side of the light. Not a single one of us," Hermione opened her mouth to question Sirius, but Sirius held his hand up to stop her, "Wait until I've finished, please. Save all your questions until the end," he said before he continued, "As I was saying, we were followers of Lord Voldemore. Active ones at that, we played spies. Working on the inside to keep track of the Order and the Ministry, to see what lay ahead and keep track of Albus's plans. You see, Dumbledore is not the Great Wizard that you believe he is. He wished to lead the Magical World into a new age, to expose the wizarding world to the muggle world, and lead both worlds as a supreme leader. Lord Voldemort, Tom, he wished for the opposite. He saw the hateful nature of muggles and knew that if we were to be exposed, they would stop at nothing to hunt us all to extinction."

"Witch Trials," Hermione mumbled softly, causing Sirius to nod his head.

"Tom never intended to harm muggles, muggle borns, or half bloods. He was one himself, he could never do that. All he wanted was to bring about a better, safer world for those of magical blood," Sirius explained calmly, "Dumbledore made Tom's intentions seem far more evil than they actually were. Yes, Tom did some things that not most should be proud of, that could be considered evil, but it was all to stop Dumbeldore's plot. After a few years of tireless fighting, Tom had taken it upon himself to take a break from it all. You see, the love of his life, had a child. A beautiful baby girl, named Valentina. She was his world, his pride and joy. He wanted her to be protected, and he knew he couldn't do that if he continued on with the war. No one faulted him for his decision. No one could. Most understood a father's love was just as strong as a mother's."

"And so for a year and a half, all was quiet on the dark side. No raids, no battles, just everyone going about their lives. James and Lily had Harry, I became a godfather to not one, but two children. And we all lived in contentment. Until Dumbledore spouted off a fake prophecy, one that deemed Harry the only one to kill the Dark Lord. Of course, Tom didn't believe this would ever come true. He knew this was a ploy to get him to come out of hiding and act. And so, he hid Lily, James, and Harry away asking James and Lily to take his daughter with them until it was safe for her to return. He knew the war was going to start again, and he wanted her to be taken care of. He placed a fidelius charm on the cottage they hid in, tasking Peter Pettigrew as Secret Keeper because it would have been way too obvious for me to be the keeper."

"However, Peter, the coward that he was, spilled their location to Albus after Albus promised to spare him in the upcoming war. Albus went to Potter's Cottage in Godric Hollow, and he murdered James and Lily Potter," Sirius spoke gravely, his head bowing in remorse. Hermione gasped at Sirius' words, a hand going to her mouth as her eyes widened in horror. This couldn't be right. Albus Dumbledore would never kill anyone, he wouldn't hurt a soul. But somewhere, deep inside of her, Hermione knew that Sirius wasn't lying.

"He took Harry and Valentina and he split them up. Placing Harry with his muggle relatives, leaving him to be abused mentally and physically so that when his time came to arrive at Hogwarts, he would fall in line with the first people to show him love and care. And then he took Valentina to the home of a muggle couple that had been trying to have a child, but never could. He told them he'd send for the girl again in 10 years when it is time for her to attend his school. He told them that it was their job to raise her to be brave, intelligent, and humble. And to never let her discover that she is a halfblood witch, the secret love affair daughter of Tom Riddle and Bellatrix LeStrange."

Hermione shook her head quickly at Sirius' words, jumping to her feet. She was a smart girl, they didn't call her the brightest witch of her age for nothing. And so she had already pieced together everything that Sirius had told her. She began pacing the floor once again as her mind swam with even more questions, "You're lying...this can't be true...My mother could not be LeStrange and there is no way my father is Voldemort!"

"I would never lie to you, Hermione," Sirius spoke calmly, watching the young witch pace back and forth along the floor, "After your father disappeared, the night of the Potters' death, your mother was sent to Azkaban. I had already been planning my escape, and your mother, she made me swear to find you and bring you home. I care deeply for your mother, she is my cousin after all, and so I swore I would after avenging the death of our friends. Imagine my surprise when I see you with Harry, looking every bit the spitting image of your mother, minus the color of your hair, of course. And you held the same air about you too, unbelievably intelligent and unforgivingly loyal, blunt to the point of tactlessness," Sirius chuckled at this before he smiled softly, watching Hermione closely, "And yet, you resemble your father in other aspects, cunning, well put together, and determined. You also have your father's eyes."

Hermione stopped her pacing and turned to look at Sirius silently, "Say I believe you, what do you want from me?"

"I want nothing from you, Hermione, except for the same thing that I want from Harry. I want you both to be happy, safe, and whole," Sirius said honestly as he rose to his feet, approaching Hermione slowly. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "I promised your mother I'd bring you home. And I intend to keep that promise. So, please, Hermione, trust me, and trust that I know what I'm doing and that I only want to protect you."

Hermione looked up at Sirius before glanced over at her parents of 13 years, "What about them?" she asked softly before turning to look at Sirius once again.

"You can visit them whenever you want once you've settled, and they are only an owl away or a call. I'm sure we can find a phone in muggle London," Sirius promised softly, "I understand they were your parents for a long time, Hermione, but don't you want a chance to meet your biological mother? Your true family?"

Hermione frowned softly before looking at her parents again. Mr. and Mrs. Granger both smiled warmly at Hermione, offering encouraging nods of their heads, "You deserve to know where you truly came from, Hermione. And this way, we know you'll be protected better under the protection of Mr. Black."

Hermione wiped away a stray fallen tear before she ran into the arms of her mother, who instantly tightened her arms around her, "I'll miss you," she mumbled weakly into her mother's shirt.

"And I'll miss you, love. But we are only a visit away as Sirius has already said. You have a bigger fate ahead of you, and I trust you will find your way," Mrs. Granger said softly as she kissed Hermione's head before releasing her to allow her to hug her adoptive father.

"You'll be safer this way, I know it," Mr. Granger said as he rubbed Hermione's back in small circles, "Don't be afraid to pop by for a visit, and listen to everything Mr. Black tells you, yes? I can see he only has your best interests at heart."

"Okay," Hermione nodded weakly before pulling out of her father's grip, "I suppose I should get my trunk then."

"Don't bother, we'll just be shopping for you again anyways. Narcissa has always wanted a girl around to shop for."

"Narcissa...as in Narcissa Malfoy?" Hermione's eyes widened as she glanced over at Sirius, who merely flashed a mischievous grin.

"The one and only, she is my cousin after all. I've found a safe haven at Malfoy manor, which is where you will be staying as well for the time being," Sirius said as he stepped over to Hermione, "Come now, time to meet the family," Sirius grinned as he took Hermione's hand in his.

"Woah woah, wait!" Hermione called, but it was too late. Sirius was already disapparting and soon, Hermione found herself in the sitting room of Malfoy manor. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the extravagant sight before her, looking around silently.

"Cissy! Lucius! I've returned!" Sirius called out rather loudly, the sound of his voice echoing through the very spacious manor.

"Oh! Sirius! What took you so long? I was worried, ya know? Couldn't have shot a message to let me know where you had gone off to?! Just upped and disappeared! I ought to hex yo-," Narcissa Malfoy's words caught in her throat as she looked at the young witch at her cousin's side, her eyes widening in shock. She lifted a hand to cover her mouth, a gasp escaping her lips, "This couldn't be…"

"It is," Sirius nodded his head silently, placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder to stop her from shrinking back, "This is Valentina Riddle...Bella and Tom's long lost daughter."

"Oh my!" Narcissa instantly surged forward, still with the grace and elegance of a swan. She wrapped her arms around Hermione tightly, hugging her close to her. Her body wracked with sobs as she held tightly to Hermione, "We thought you to be lost forever. Bella lost her wits searching for you before her inevitable arrest. Let me look at you," Narcissa pulled away, her hands on Hermione's shoulders as she studied her niece closely, "How did you ever find her, Sirius?"

"She's best friends with Harry, of course," Sirius chuckled, "Even in this manipulated life of hers, she and Harry are platonically connected. Just as they were when they were babies. After some discussion with Harry, I discovered she lived with muggles. I went to speak with her adoptive parents and told them the truth, and well now here we are. She went by the name Hermione."

Hermione didn't really appreciate the fact that they were talking about her as if she wasn't there, but another cry from Narcissa and yet another hug, caused her to keep her words to herself. She had never seen someone look as relieved as Narcissa did while she clung to her. She couldn't ever imagine being missed this much by one person. She wondered if her biological mother would feel the same way when they meet.

"Lucius! Lucius, dear! Come quick!" Narcissa called, still cradling Hermione as if she were a child and not a 14 year old girl. Hermione heard the sound of heavy footsteps and she could barely make out the sight of Lucius Malfoy as he entered the room. At first, confusion was etched across his features, wondering why in the world his wife was clinging to the muggleborn that had punched their son in the nose just last term. However one look at Sirius and noted the tears in his wife's eyes, he knew quickly who she was.

And instantly, he felt the weight of the world lift off of his shoulders and yet a dread of remorse filled his heart. He quickly rushed over and pulled Hermione from his wife's embrace to look into her eyes, "I must deeply apologize, my dear, for all the trouble myself and my son have caused you. I must play a part you see, and you will understand in due time that it was required of me. A role to play to lead Albus Dumbledore astray. It is good to have you home, Valentina," as he spoke, tears had started to fill his eyes, and Hermione wanted to hate him. She so desperately did, but with the way he was looking at her. As if he had found hope again, she couldn't bring herself to.

"All's not forgiven, not yet. But I'm sure in due time it will be," Hermione said simply, and the smile on Lucius's features caused Hermione to feel 10x lighter.

Lucius released Hermione then to look at Sirius, "How did you find her?" he asked quickly, and once again Sirius went through what he had told Narcissa.

"And guess who took her and placed her there?" Sirius said through a clenched jaw.

"Dumbledore," Lucius spat the name as if the mere saying of it left a sour taste in his mouth.

"Ding ding ding! We have a winner!" Sirius said, shaking his head, "But his time will come, he will pay for what he has done. For now, we shall celebrate the return of our Lord's daughter, and figure out how to bring our friends' son to our side. Then, then we shall have our revenge for all the death and destruction Albus Dumbledore has caused."

"And now, we have a proper leader," Lucius nodded his head once before he turned his gaze to Hermione, "We will leave for the Ministry immediately to get you placed under my care as my new ward, then head to Gringotts to repair what Albus has done to you."

"Done to me? What has he done to me?" Hermione's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Your magic is strong, yes. But strong for a muggleborn, which means he has placed blocks on it. We shall rectify that immediately. No daughter of Tom Riddle will have half magic. We will also need to claim your name, your heirship, and your title."

"My what now?" Hermione asked, her eyes widening in shock.

Once again, nobody really gave Hermione a straight answer. Instead, Lucius gave Hermione a cloak and placed the hood over head to keep her hidden for the time being. He took her hand and used the floo Network to take her to the Ministry. Hermione felt as if she had been there for hours, sitting in a chair outside the office of some childcare worker. After what felt like a century, Lucius had stepped out of the office and retrieved Hermione's hand again, pulling her to her feet, "Now, off to Gringotts," he stated calmly.

That was yet another floo Network, and soon Hermione found herself standing in the middle of the Wizarding Bank, with all eyes on her covered face. She frowned softly as she fell in step with Lucius, who led the way to the main Goblin, Blackfoot, who looked up from his work once Lucius had stopped before him, "May I help you, Lord Malfoy?"

"Yes, you may, I would like to speak with the accountant for Lord Riddle," Lucius spoke calmly, and Blackfoot eyed Lucius silently for a moment. Lucius sighed dramatically before reaching into his robes to pull out a key, handing it to Blackfoot. Blackfoot studied the key silently before returning it to Lucius. It took a moment, but soon a Goblin appeared from behind the desk and looked up at Lucius and Hermione.

"Lord Malfoy, a pleasure as always," the Goblin nodded his head.

"Same to you, Bogrod, please lead the way to your private office. There is a delicate matter that needs to be discussed," Lucius stated. Bogrod wasted no time, and merely turned to waddle off towards his office. Lucius motioned with his hand for Hermione to follow first before he followed after. Once in the office, Bogrod motioned for the pair to take a seat before he sat behind his desk.

Hermione took her seat while Lucius remained standing behind her. He placed a calming hand on her shoulder as he watched Bogrod closely. Bogrod looked at Hermione, "You can remove your hood. Your identity will be kept secret should you wish it."

Hermione glanced up at Lucius to make sure this was okay, and he nodded once to her. Hermione sighed before she slowly removed her hood, her eyes meeting Bogrod, who smiled a rather creepy looking smile at her, "So it seems you have discovered the truth of your heritage, Miss Riddle. Glad to see Old Dumbledore can be beaten at something."

"You know me?" Hermione asked quickly, leaning forward in her seat, her eyes widened in surprise.

"All of the goblins know who you truly are, Miss Riddle. I opened your vault for you myself," Bogrod stated calmly, "A vault not even that old coot knows about of course," Bogrod stated calmly, "How do you think you've been faring well when it came to prices for your schooling? Those muggles have no idea what to exchange here for currency, if not for us, you'd leave here with a maximum of 50 galleons. We've been giving you far more than that, of course. Always favored us, your father did. Kept us safe, only right we return the favor."

"Thank you, sir," Hermione said gratefully, but Bogrod merely waved his hand dismissively.

"I assume you are here for a reason, Miss Riddle, what would that be?" Bogrod asked curiously.

"Lucius says I have to claim my heirships, name, and titles," Hermione said, glancing back at her new guardian, who nodded his head once in encouragement.

"Ah, about time," Bogrod grumbled before he waved his hand. With a crack, a piece of parchment and a dagger appeared on the desk before him, "Come," Bogrod motioned with his hand for Hermione to come closer. Another quick glance at Lucius, and yet another nod of his head, Hermione rose to her feet and moved towards the desk, "Take this dagger, cut your hand, and squeeze your blood onto the parchment," Bogrod explained. Hermione frowned at this, but did as she was told.

Taking the dagger into her hand, she sliced a small cut into her hand before holding her hand over the parchment and squeezing. She watched as a drop of her blood touched the parchment, her eyes widening in awe as her blood started to form words.

A cloth appeared in front of her, and she glanced up at Lucius who nodded his head once. Hermione to the cloth and covered her cut with it, glancing down at the paper. There before her, was everything that she had been told. The truth, right there in plain sight. There was no way she could deny it any longer.

Personal Information:

Name: Valentina Morgana Riddle

Father: Thomas Marvolo Riddle Jr.

Mother: Bellatrix LeStrange

Godmother(s): Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and Lily Potter nee Evans (deceased)

Godfather(s): Lucius Malfoy, Sirius Black, and James Potter (deceased)

Adopted Name: Hermione Jean Granger

Adopted Father: Michael Granger

Adopted Mother: Jean Granger

Vaults:

Gaunt

Slytherin

Riddle

Black

LeStrange

Ladyships/Heirships

Heir to Slytherin

Heir to Riddle

Heir to Gaunt

Heir to LeStrange (due to the conquering and death of Rodolphus Lestrange by mother)

Lady of Black (due to the disownment of Sirius Black)

Hermione's eyes widened as she stared at the words on the page, shaking her head silently. She slumped back in her chair silently, running a hand down the side of her face. Bogrod watched her silently before speaking again, "Is there anything else?"

Hermione opened her eyes once again and looked at Bogrod, "Is there anyway for me to claim myself again? To rid myself of the adoption between the Grangers and I. Do not get me wrong, I love the Grangers and I always will for the care they have provided me. But I want to be myself. I want to pave my own away. I need to show Dumbledore he messed with the wrong witch."

"That can be done immediately, Miss Riddle," Bogrod nodded, "Anything else?"

"We also need her magical core to be unblocked," Lucius spoke up from behind Hermione, "I'm not sure what spells or potions were used, but Valentina has been influenced by them and now her core is blocked more than the usual 15% as other witches and wizards her age."

"Of course," Bogrod nodded his head before another piece of parchment appeared on the desk, and he looked at Hermione again, "Would you mind?" he asked, and Hermione shook her head silently before she held her still slightly bleeding hand out over the parchment, letting another drop of blood fall.

Once again words began to form with her blood, and she picked up the parchment to read through them. Once again, surprise filled her at what she had read.

Compulsion charms, Loyalty Potions, and Oblivate keyed to Albus Dumbledore.

Hatred Potions keyed to Slytherins, Voldemort, and Malfoys

Compulsion Charms and Loyalty Potions keyed into Weasley family (minus Charlie, Fred, and George Weasley)

Love Spells and Amortentia keyed to Ronald Billius Weasley

Forced Blood Adoption Spell by Albus Dumbledore keyed to the Grangers

Magical core blocked 80% by Albus Dumbledore

Parseltongue Abilities blocked 100% by Albus Dumbledore

Hermione found herself growing more and more furious with every word. How dare Albus use magic to gain her loyalty? How dare he block her magical core and abilities? How dare he steal her away from her family? Place a mother she never got to know in Azkaban, and make a father she never got to know disappear? She couldn't believe any of it. No, she could. She could believe. She knew from the minute she met the old coot that something wasn't right. But she didn't want to believe it. She wanted to trust he had Harry's best interests at heart, but now reading this. She could see that it was all a lie. Harry, poor Harry, trusted that man with his life, and would eventually end up paying for it.

Hermione set her jaw tightly and shook her head silently. No, Harry wouldn't pay for it. She'd make sure Dumbledore paid for it. He would pay for all the pain he caused her and Harry. She'd make sure of it. He'd pay. They all would.

Hermione felt a hand being placed on her shoulder, and she glanced up to see Lucius looking down at her, eyes full of concern. Hermione let out a breath before she nodded her head silently at her godfather. She knew that he would be at her side, he would help her make them all pay. Hermione turned her attention to Bogrod, "I've seen enough. Please let us get on with this procedure and remove these blocks. And this blood adoption."

"As you wish, Miss Riddle, please follow me," Bogrod rose to his feet and motioned for Hermione and Lucius to follow him. Hermione rose to her feet and quickly followed after the goblin, with Lucius right behind her.

Hermione knew that once this procedure was done, she would no longer be Hermione Granger. She would be Valentina Riddle, and she would rescue her mother, resurrect her father, protect her best friend, and rid the world of Albus Dumbledore. She swore it.