PLEASE READ AUTHORS NOTE AT END OF CHAPTER!

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Ball Gowns and Slytherins

Pandora stood in the centre of the dancefloor in shock. Sure, she knew Malfoy hated her, but she'd hoped he'd see past their history when he realised, she wasn't who she thought she'd been for the past 6 years. Seeing his cousin in distress, Tom marched across the dancefloor, guests parted like the Red Sea as he strode past them. He grabbed Pandora's hand and gently led her from the ballroom, and into the deserted hallway.

"Pan, what on earth happened? I saw the young Malfoy storm off, but what caused him to behave in such an atrocious manner?" The concern etched on his face brought Pandora to tears. Sensing her distress, Enuva slid from Tom's shoulders back to Pandora's, gently wrapping herself around Pan's neck like a scarf.

"H... he worked out who I was... before..." A look of realisation appeared on Tom's face before he gently guided her to one of the private parlours.

"I'll be back in two minutes; I'll send Bella in to keep you company whilst you wait." He stormed out of the room with a look of fury in his eyes. A minute late Bella flounced into the parlour and perched herself on the edge of the sofa Pandora was slumped on.

"What's wrong my Lady? Tom said you were upset and my moronic nephew was the cause. What's the pompous arse done to upset you so?" Had Pandora not been so upset with the situation, she would have noticed the rare look of concern on Bella's face.

"He worked out who I was Bell, who I used to be. And he looked at me like I was something he'd stepped in and just stormed off mid dance... He left me in the middle of the dancefloor on my own. I don't know why I thought this would change his feelings towards me, that he'd at least treat me with a little bit of respect. I guess I was wrong." There was a bitter coldness to Pandora's voice that made Bella wince. Hell hath no fury like a Gaunt descendant pissed off.

Pandora started absentmindedly stroking Enuva's head. Bella wasn't really sure what to say or do, so she just waited until something happened. Ten minutes later, something in the shape of Tom, Lucius and Draco, did happen. They all stormed into the parlour. Or rather Tom and Lucius did, Draco slunk in.

"You apologise to your Lady this instant you insolent brat!" Lucius spat at his son in utter disgust. Draco glared at his father, but the look on Lucius' face showed that he was beyond royally fucked off.

"I'm sorry for storming off in disgust, and for not showing you the respect you deserve my Lady." There was absolutely no hint of sincerity in his voice at all.

"Is that any way to speak to your Lady, you're lucky she doesn't Crucio you this instant. You aren't in the least bit sincere at all!" Bella hissed at her wretch of a nephew.

"Ah what an excellent idea Bella! I think that would put him in his place again don't you think my Lord?" Lucius politely suggested to his master. The look on Draco's face was shock mixed with undeniable fear.

"I think that sounds marvellous, what do you think Pan?" Tom replied with a sly grin across his lips.

"How will that help anything. He won't learn to respect me, even though I am superior to him. He'll treat me with contempt and disgust. He'll make my life hell at Hogwarts, and it's not as if he gives a flying fuck that I am not, nor ever was a filthy little Mudblood. The evil loathsome little cockroach won't ever see me as anything but dirt. Which ironically is exactly how I see him now. Oh, how the tables have turned, eh Draco. How does it feel to bow down to me as your Dark Lady?" The fire in her voice made everyone in the room wince. Wow, Draco really had done it now. "On second thoughts, maybe I will give him a little taste of his own medicine!"

"CRUCIO!" The howl of pain that came out of Draco astonished Lucius. Even when he was hit with the most painful Cruciatus he could muster, ones so strong they flat out killed muggles, he never even got a whimper. He knew Pandora wasn't holding back much. And he loved seeing his son put in his place. Draco had completely embarrassed both himself, and his parents with his behaviour.

Pandora didn't release the spell for a good minute, by which time tears were rolling down Draco's cheeks. The second the curse was released, Draco slid onto his side in a foetal position.

"Never, EVER, underestimate just who I am again Draco Malfoy! That wasn't even my power in full. Do I need to remind you of your place again?!" She hissed at him violently.

"N-no m-m-my Lady, I am your humble servant, I will protect, respect and serve you. I apologise for my insubordinate behaviour towards you earlier this evening." There was far more sincerity and honesty in his voice, now that he realised just who it was, he was talking to.

"Good, I shall hold you to that. Now get up off the floor, you look like a common muggle grovelling at my feet like that." To say Tom was proud was an understatement; and the minute Lucius too had apologised for his son's behaviour and dragged him from the room by the scruff of his neck, Tom strode over to her and pulled her into a tight hug.

"You did exceptionally well Pan, I'm proud of you. We'll have no more trouble from him again! Now, I want you to know, should you ever receive the lack of respect young Malfoy has shown tonight, from ANYONE, even if it's Bella or Lucius, you must put them back in their place at once. Preferably in front of everyone, that way everyone sees and learns from the mistake. Let's get back, shall we?" He gently led her from the parlour and off to continue the party that was in her honour.

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Several hours later, Pandora was perched at her desk, writing a letter to Ginny, Harry and Ron. In it she explained that she was adopted, that she'd discovered she was actually a pureblood, and she was Voldemort's cousin, she also asked them to call her Pandora or Pan from now on, as that was her true name. She explained that the Ministry and Dumbledore had hidden the truth about Muggle blood being practically poisonous for wizards and witches, and that she backed Voldemort's reasoning, and that she'd love to explain it to them.

About an hour after sending the letter off, she got two seperate responses. One being a normal letter, the second being a Howler, Pandora blanched as she gently opened the Howler. Ron's dulcet tones permeated her bedroom, and assaulted her ears.

"What the fucking hell Hermione! How the fuck could you betray Harry like that! You know Voldemort is evil, EVIL! Are you actually fucking stupid?! I HATE YOU! Don't ever talk to me or my family again, you're a waste of space! I seriously hope that you get what's coming to you! He's telling lies Hermione, you are not Pandora, you are Hermione. Come back to the light, don't be so fucking stupid!"

The was a split second pause, before Harry's voice boomed from the envelope.

"To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. How could you go over to his side?! How could you do that to me when you know what he did to my family? He killed my fucking parents you selfish bitch. I hope you realise just what you've done. You mean nothing to us anymore. Don't ever message me, or Ron. And stay the fuck away from Ginny, I don't want you anywhere near my girlfriend!"

Pandora just sat there stunned, she'd hoped they would be understanding, but who the hell was she kidding? Ron was so close minded that he'd never listen, that and he was a sheep, and Harry's sidekick. He'd never actually think for himself, so he'd only listen to what Harry thought. As for Harry, she was mostly disappointed. He'd decided to throw away six years of friendship, just because he couldn't listen to her? Well fuck them. They weren't worth it anyway. They just abused her intelligence, and constantly made fun of her book-ish nature. They used her for home work, they clearly never cared about her.

She timidly opened Ginny's letter, surprised it wasn't a Howler as well.

Dear Pandora,

Wow this is going to take some getting used to! Unlike my moronic brother, and my close-minded boyfriend, I want to actually give you a chance to explain what's going on. I will try to keep an open mind. Needless to say, mum and dad want nothing to do with you. Thank god that Ron and Harry aren't returning to school, or I'd never get the chance to talk to you.

Fred and George are more like me, and they're interested in what you have to say. If it's okay, we can have a chat at some point when we get to Hogwarts, and I'll pass on the information to Fred and George. Just don't send any letters, they'll just get burnt straight away. Oh, and could you please send Hedwig back to us, Harry's become really bitter and seems to think you'll hurt her.

See you in school, and I'm sorry for the way they've behaved.

Lots of Love,
Gin!

Pandora decided she wouldn't let the boys get to her; she still had a friend in Ginny. So, she decided to take her mind off of the brewing drama. She curled up on her bed reading her Advanced Potion-Making textbook. Although her name may have changed, and she had a new respect and thirst for the power she had been given, she was still a bookworm that strived for perfection. She only had a couple of days to get herself prepared before she would be off on the Hogwarts Express, and getting ahead in her note for class was the perfect was to stay on top of her studies.

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The days flew by and before she knew it, she was levitating her trunk downstairs. Allora's stand had been shrunk to fit in her trunk, as the Owl was already on her way to Hogwarts. Enuva was draped over Pandora's shoulders, all her bedding was also shrunken down to fit in the trunk. She found her mother waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

"Now Pan darling, the Dagworth's have a reputation to uphold. We are the leading figures in high society. I've packed a book in your trunk for you to read. It will explain how to act when out in public, and all the expected processes of life every pureblood lives by. I won't be getting emotional, and behaving in a ridiculous manner on the platform, so let me give you a massive hug now." With that she pulled her daughter into an enormous hug. Whilst still hugging her, Astrid informed Pandora of the response she'd received to Pandora's wish to be resorted. "Now, McGonagall has let me know that it wasn't up to her to allow you to be resorted, as she's still deputy Headmistress. Apparently, Severus has been promoted to Headmaster, probably because Tom has the current Minister for Magic under his thumb, not that Fudge is out of the way. As Severus is loyal to Tom, he already knows of your situation and has permitted you to be resorted with the 1st years. So, make sure you are the epitome of grace and power." With that, Astrid pulled away from her daughter, and apparated them both to platform 9 & 3/4.

"Oh, I forgot to give this to you, it came this morning, but you were asleep." Astrid handed her daughter an envelope. Pandora still had 15 minutes before the train left, so she decided to open it before she boarded.

Dear Miss Pandora Dagworth,

Due to the current circumstances that regard your resorting, we forgot to inform you of your position as Head Girl. Enclosed is your badge, you are to report to the Head's carriage at 10:30. Where you will meet the Head Boy, the prefects and you will learn of your duties, and the ones you're required to delegate. You will receive further instructions at this point.

Professor Mcgonagall will give you more details with regards to your sorting at this meeting as well.

Hope you're well, and looking forward to returning to Hogwarts.

Sincerely

Headmaster Severus Snape

Pandora grinned and passed her mother the letter to read. She let a sly smile sneak out, careful to make sure no one else saw it.

"I'm proud of you darling, it just proves to me how hard you worked before I got to be a part of your life again. And I hope you intend to keep up the good work this year too! Now why don't you get on the train and go find your Slytherin friends from the party. Have a good term my dear, and I'll see you at Christmas." Astrid placed a gentle kiss on her daughter's forehead, before apparating away.

Pandora wandered over and boarded the train, she wandered down until she found Daphne and Astoria Greengrass in an otherwise empty carriage. They both smiled up at her respectfully, before inviting her to sit with them.

"Hello my Lady. You're more than welcome to sit with us if you'd like?" Daphne asked politely. Astoria seemed far more timid than her older sister, and kept looking at the floor.

"Please, none of this 'my lady', I'm just Pandora. And I'd love to sit with the two of you, do you know who else will be joining us?" Pandora gracefully sat upon the seat opposite the two sisters smiling at them.

"Well we usually have most of the girls with us, so Millicent Bulstrode, Pansy Parkinson and Tracey Davis. Draco, Blaise, Theo, Greg and Vince join us as well, so sometimes it's a bit of a squish, but we're a close-knit group. So, it's cool. It'd be nice to have a new addition to the group, if you'd like to be friends that is?" Astoria smiled up at the beautiful woman sat opposite her.

"Of course! I'm getting resorted, so fingers crossed that daft old hat has some common sense and puts me where I belong! It'll be nice to have a good group of friends, the manor can get incredibly lonely, and I can certainly think of quite a few parties and gatherings that you guys would be more than welcome to come to!" Pandora beamed at them; she had a feeling this could be the start of a fantastic friendship.

Just then Pansy and Milli stepped into the compartment. They both looked decidedly nervous at the prospect of sitting in the same compartment as the Dark Lord's Heiress. They desperately wanted to make a good impression on the beautiful girl sitting by the window. Upon arriving in the carriage, they both immediately dropped down to the floor, bowing. Astoria squeaked, having realised that she hadn't done this either and joined them on the floor. Daphne merely rolled her eyes at her younger sister.

"Ladies, please. By all means do that when my cousin is present. But you have no need to do this when we're at school. So, come and sit down. Also, before you start referring to me as something daft like 'my lady' or anything else of that ilk, just call me Pandora or Pan. I'd like to be friends with you all. I don't want you to be intimidated by me. I'm still just a normal 17-year-old girl!" She chuckled at their behaviour, and pulled them up off the floor. They all sat down, but still gave her plenty of space. Terrified of winding her up.

Just as the train finally pulled away from the platform, the rest of the Slytherins joined them. All dropping down to bow, awaiting her instruction to rise again. She chuckled at them before repeating what she'd just said to the others. Blaise plonked himself down next to her, and they all started to ask her questions about her life and what it was like to be related to the Dark Lord.

She took it all in her stride, and before long they were asking about her past. This was the bit that made her nervous. Would they reject her just because of who she thought she'd been?

"Well as I'm sure you've worked out, I was a student at Hogwarts, I was a Gryffindor, but don't panic, I know the truth now, and I have no interest in being in that house at all. Fingers crossed the hat puts me in Slytherin where I belong. Unfortunately, however, I was best mates with Pothead and the Weasel. I was once known as Hermione Granger."

The gasps in the carriage were followed up with shocked silence. Pandora blushed, she was terrified of what would happen next. It was Blaise who broke the silence in the end.

"But if they're your best mates, why do you refer to them as Pothead and the Weasel?" It was clearly the question on everyone's minds, as they all leaned in a little closer to hear her answer.

"They took me for granted. Harry has a god complex, he thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread, and as for Ron, that boy is a pig. Have you seen the way he eats? It's disgusting. They took my intelligence for granted, always asking me for help with their homework, and then during the holidays I'd literally not get even a letter from them. It's clear I was a friend of convenience. They never actually cared. The only person who cared and still cares is Ginny Weasley. Even her parents never seemed too fond of me. Although the twins are always nice to me, and I've never met Bill or Charlie, so I can't really comment on them. They're all blood traitors, although Ginny never seemed all that fond of her parent's beliefs. I'd go so far as to say, she'd more fit in with us." This seemed to settle any worries the group had over Pandora's loyalty. Although it certainly raised a few more questions with regards to Ginny's beliefs.

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A/N Not too much to change in this one which is nice, but I won't be bombarding you all with edited chapters from now on. I have a few left to edit, but I'm thinking of only uploading one a week? If I get a lot of response from them I might up the frequency, but other than seeing the numbers of views rise, I'm getting no response from you lovely readers...

Original A/N

Hey guys!

Disclaimer. There was a slight quote and even though it was tweaked from the book version, so not exactly the same, I thought I should declare it anyway. - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review. It actually inspires me and I get more chapters typed up, quicker. Tell me what you love, tell me what you don't love. Just give me some feedback.

Much Love

Az xXx