Hello everyone! I have some exciting news! This story has officially earned over fifty subscriptions/favorites. In honor of this momentus occasion I have decided to update the story a bit early this week. You can still expect an update on Sunday/Monday as well. Thank you to everyone for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and subscribing. You make writing worthwhile. Enjoy!
-SilverSlytherinWitch.
Hermione sighed and looked around the library. She had spent the last three days locked in here alone trying to get a grasp on reality. The smallest thing could trigger a memory and then she would be stuck watching it. If the memory was real it would fade back into her subconscious, but if it was fake her brain would slowly shred it. The picture in her mind would suddenly start to unravel and she would get a huge migraine as her brain fought off the spells trying to control her. They had become less frequent over the past twelve hours but she still didn't want to be around anyone. Hermione had a lot to think about. She knew that Tom was her father because her memories had proven it to her. She also knew that when she was younger she had been friends with all of the Slytherins. Her brain had shown her tea parties with Pansy and Astoria, as well as, quidditch games with Draco, Blaise, and Theo. She had memories of both her real and foster parents. Even with all of this new information she hadn't known who to trust. Uncertainty had led her to start looking for some answers. Hermione had looked through several books on memory charms before she came across the answer that she had been searching for. It was the same answer that she had been staring at for the past two hours.
According to Memory Charms and Remembering by Eugene Herbert, "The brain can only reject one memory charm in a person's lifetime. It can cause extreme pain and should not be attempted unless the memory lost is vital to the individual's personality and lifestyle. Do not attempt to break a memory charm without trained Healers being present. Trying to reject more than one memory charm in a lifetime can result in a complete collapse of the individual's ability to perceive reality. This eventually causes the individual to be driven insane."
Hermione sighed, she knew it was true. Someone had modified her memory at a very young age. The process to regain her true childhood memories and reconcile them with her teenage memories would take a very long time. Part of her knew Draco and the other Slytherins to be her friend while another part of her was sworn to despise them. The mixed emotions through her for a loop every time she tried to think about anyone involved in the situation. However, Hermione knew that she would get nowhere by staying locked in the library. She needed to hear each side of the story and make an informed decision. It was time for her to have a talk with her father. Thinking about Voldemort brought the usually disgust she had felt for the past six years, but it was followed by an excited that she would get to talk to him again after so long. Hermione shook her head and stood up.
"No time like the present," She muttered to herself grabbing the memory charm book and walking out of the library.
She walked down several corridors letting her feet and memory guide her. She had seen enough memories of Malfoy Manor in the past two days to know the general layout. Her body seemed to remember the rest so Hermione just relaxed into the familiarity of the house. She eventually made her way back to the meeting room for the Death Eaters and hesitantly knocked on the door.
"Enter," her father ordered from inside the room.
Hermione pushed the door opened and slowly stepped inside. Voldemort was surprised to see his daughter walking into the room when he had expected one of his Death Eaters.
"Hermione," Voldemort smiled, "It is good to see you finally venturing out of the library. How are you feeling?"
"Better," Hermione answered quietly, "I uh, I actually wanted to ask you a few questions. About the past."
Voldemort nodded with a sigh, "I can't say that I'm surprised. I knew you would want to hear the story eventually. I must admit that I thought it would take longer than three days for you to come looking for answers. Then again, I always did underestimate your strength and determination."
"I found a book in the library that helped me come to terms with everything." Hermione said showing him the title.
"I see," Voldemort murmured, "Would you like to join me for lunch? We can talk about this more in detail then."
Hermione beamed remembering lunches from when she was little, "That would be wonderful."
Voldemort clapped his hand and an elf appeared at his side, "We would like some lunch brought up. That will be all."
"Yes master," squeaked the elf before disappearing and reappearing with two fresh salads and sandwiches.
Hermione shifted from one foot to the other trying to control her feelings. Part of her wanted to snap at her father for keeping the elves but the other side of her remembered the elves braiding her hair as a child. The elves had always been treated well, at least in front of her, but she couldn't control her need to help them.
"They are here of their own free will Hermione," Voldemort informed her sensing her inner struggle, "Shortly after you were taken I set them all free. They refused to leave."
Hermione bobbed her head once before taking the seat across from her father and grabbing a sandwich, "Sorry, it's just hard to control my emotions."
"I understand," Voldemort replied adding dressing to his salad, "I can only imagine what you are going through. Nobody will blame you for your immediate reactions to things. We all know that you are still adjusting. Though I'm not too sure how Draco feels. You clocked him pretty good the other day. The poor boy had to get Narcissa to cover the bruise on his jaw."
Hermione laughed, "It was his own fault for being so close right after I woke up."
"I agree my dear," Voldemort chuckled, "I did warn him."
"He'll get over it. He always has before." Hermione smirked remembering the times when she used to punch Draco for beating her at quidditch. One time she had even bloodied his nose, but he had always forgiven her.
"I assume you have regained your childhood memories." Voldemort said, "That is a good sign. Pretty soon you won't have any more flashbacks."
"Yes, but there are a couple that I can't make sense of. I have two completely different memories of my seventh birthday. My brain keeps replaying them but doesn't shred either one of them. I don't understand it." Hermione informed him, "Why would it do that?"
"I believe this is where the story of what happened will help you to understand some things." Voldemort answered, "Right after your seventh birthday the Order raided the house. Your mother and you were home by yourselves because I was away on a raid with the Death Eaters. The Order burst through the door and killed your mother instantly. At the time they didn't know that you existed. I believe their true target was me. They searched the house for me but found you instead. Realizing that you could only be my daughter they decided to take you, modify your memory, and hide you in the muggle world. They knew that one day you would receive your Hogwarts letter, but they believed that they would defeat me before that time. When they took you they changed your birthday. That is why you have two memories of the same event. Your brain will not shred either one because they are both real. You really did have two seventh birthdays. One with your mother and one with your foster parents."
Hermione nodded, "I get it, but why won't my brain just leave them then?"
"It may now that you know why they are there, but it wouldn't before because in your mind they didn't make sense. Therefore, your brain was constantly replaying them trying to find the flaw that would reveal the fake." Voldemort explained, "Anyway, I came home to find your mother murdered and you gone. I was murderous. I found out from one of my Death Eaters that James Potter had been in the raid of my home. That's why I went searching for him. I would take from him what he took from me. You know the rest of that story. Luckily my horcuxes kept me alive enough to return. With your help I hope to regain my old appearance as well. Though it is your choice to make."
"Ok," Hermione said, "but what about the prophecy? When was that made?"
"Recently, Sybil made that prophecy to Minerva. It happened about two months ago. My spies verified the contents and immediately reported it to me." Voldemort replied.
"And the Order knew?" Hermione questioned picking through the remains of her salad.
"My spies are in the Order so I can only assume that the Order members were told." Voldemort reasoned.
"I'm going to have to go back at some point. I hope you understand that. And that you aren't mad at me for it." Hermione sighed dropping her head into her hands.
"My dear, you must do what you need to in order to accept who you are." Voldemort said, "I will not be mad at you for trying to find some answers. I only ask that you do not tell them anything about the Death Eaters. In turn, I will not ask you to reveal anything new that you may learn about them. I just want you to be safe and happy Hermione. You are my daughter, and you will always be my daughter. Even if you are in the Order."
Hermione smiled with tears in her eyes, "Thanks. I think I'll go find Ginny and the others. I have some catching up to do."
"Of course," Voldemort nodded, "Have fun."
Hermione grabbed her new book and headed for the door. She paused in the doorway and turned to look at Voldemort, "Thanks for lunch. It was….nice."
Voldemort smiled, "Your welcome Hermione."
Hermione grinned as she jogged through the corridors of Malfoy Manor looking for her best friend. She couldn't understand why she was in such a good mood, but she was determined to enjoy it. As she rounded the corner to head back to her room and search for Ginny there she plowed into someone. She gasped as she bounced off Draco's hard chest and fell backwards onto the floor.
"Hermione," Draco said in surprise while reaching to help her up, "Are you alright? I didn't see you."
"Perfectly fine Draco," Hermione giggled accepting his hand, "Have you seen Ginny around? I was hoping to talk to her."
Draco smirked, "Blaise has convinced her to play him in a game of quidditch. Everyone is outside getting ready for the match. I can show you the way if you want."
"No need," Hermione smiled, "I remember the way."
"Ok," Draco frowned, "Are you sure you'll be okay? I know you've been upset for the past couple of days."
Hermione sighed thinking about all of the changes that she was going through, "Yeah I'll be okay. Thanks for asking."
"I'll leave you to it then," Draco said nodding once and heading around the corridor out of sight.
Hermione took a deep breath and started walking again. Her happy mood had been dampened after seeing Draco. Part of her had been happy to see her old friend but her brain refused to let her be comfortable around him. How did someone go from being your enemy to your best friend? It couldn't just happen overnight. She knew how cruel he could be; she had experienced it firsthand. Her eyesight shimmered and Hermione growled. Here we go again.
Hermione sighed and flopped onto her bed. She couldn't believe that her father had gone off on a business trip. Today was her birthday for heaven sake! How could he leave without saying goodbye? This day was turning into the worst birthday ever. Hermione had nothing to do but follow her mother around all day as she instructed the house elves to decorate for her birthday party. Which wasn't until 6pm that night. That meant almost her whole birthday was being wasted. Someone knocked on her bedroom door so she got up to answer it.
Hermione squealed and launched herself onto her best friend, "Drake you came early! I thought your mom said you had to clean your room?"
"I convinced her to let me come cheer you up. Here these are for you." Draco said blushing and shoving a bouquet of white tiger lilies into her hands.
"Drake thanks! They're my favorite!" Hermione squealed again before running to put them in her flower vase.
Draco smiled, "I know. Best friends know that about each other."
"I don't know your favorite flower." Hermione pointed out.
"Mine is the same as yours." Draco said, "You're the girl so you get to pick our favorite flower. I get to pick our favorite quidditch team since I'm the boy."
"Sounds fair," Hermione grinned launching herself on Draco for another hug.
Hermione smiled softly at the memory. Draco could also be a great guy when he wanted to be. She would just have to try to be nice to him. The rest would work itself out in time. However, right now she had to go find Ginny. They needed to have a serious conversation.
Ginny was flying laps around the Malfoy Quidditch Pitch after kicking Blaise's butt when she spotted her best friend running down the hill to the stands. She immediately landed to make sure everything was ok.
"Hermione are you alright?" Ginny called as her friend slowed her pace.
"Yeah, I just wanted to talk to you." Hermione huffed as she finally reached her friend.
Ginny frowned, "About what?"
"I want to go back to the Order." Hermione answered straightening up.
Ginny's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline, "You just found out that Voldemort is your father and you want to run back to the Order. What did he say about that?"
"He doesn't care as long as I'm happy," Hermione reassured her.
"I have a hard time believing that Hermione." Ginny said uncertainly.
Hermione smiled, "Seriously, he's cool with it. He just wants me to be safe. It's strange to see him be all fatherly. Awkward sometimes but nice at the same time."
"Well it would give me the creeps," Ginny shivered.
"Yeah, I can see that." Hermione laughed.
"Are you sure this is what you want Hermione?" Ginny asked, "It could end really badly. Once the Order finds out that you're Voldemort's daughter all hell is going to break loose."
Hermione nodded, "I know. But I have to hear their side of the story. I owe them that much after six years of friendship. I couldn't forgive myself if I just left Harry and Ron without giving them a chance to explain."
Ginny studied Hermione's face and could see the determination in her friend's eyes, "If you're sure that's what you want I'll go with you. You're my best friend, and I'll stand by you. I won't let them do anything to you if I can help it. I got your back." Ginny reassured her.
"Thanks," Hermione hugged her, "Now we just have to tell the others."
"Oh and what fun that will be," Ginny said wincing and grabbed her broomstick.
"Seriously Hermione!" Pansy screamed throwing her glass of firewhiskey into the fireplace, "You were supposed to get your memory back and stay. Not go running back to Potter and the Gingers! No offense Weasley."
Ginny waved off Pansy's apology as Hermione prepared to defend herself, "Look I know that it's weird but I have to know their side of the story. I don't expect you to agree with me, but I hope you can support me as my friend."
"This is bullshit!" Astoria snapped pacing behind the couch, "They're just going to lie to you Hermione. They will lie and when you don't believe them they'll lock you up so you can't come back to us."
"You don't know that," Hermione defended perched on a chair, "Harry and Ron will keep things in check. They'll support me."
Blaise laughed from the couch beside Draco, "Have you gone mental? Are you forgetting that they were the ones who left your ass at Hogwarts after Dumbledore's funeral? They aren't going to do anything Hermione. Weasley will turn the key to your cell and Potter will be the one to throw it away."
"Ron was upset," Hermione reasoned, "He needed time to calm down."
"Hermione I know you aren't stupid enough to believe that." Theo spat standing next to Pansy.
"No I'm not!" Hermione snapped, "But I have to give them a chance to explain. I owe them that much after six years of friendship."
"They called you a traitor and left you at Hogwarts. I don't care how long you've been friends, you don't owe them shit." Astoria snarled.
"Ginny left me too. Why don't you have the same attitude towards her?" Hermione asked.
Ginny winced, "Because she realized her mistake and sided with you." Blaise answered logically.
Hermione sighed, "Look I'm going. Whether you like it or not. You can't change my mind about this."
"Draco," Pansy snapped, "Make her see reason. She might listen to you."
Draco looked up from his place on the couch. He remained silent, causing Pansy to growl, "Do you want her to leave Draco! Is that it? She's our friend even if she doesn't feel like it."
"Pansy," Draco snapped coldly, "I think if you look at the facts you will realize that this was inevitable. The girl we remember doesn't exist anymore. We may still feel that she is our friend, but she still remembers all of the torment we put her through in school. We are still enemies in her eyes. I don't think that will ever completely change."
"Draco," Theo interrupted seeing the hurt in Hermione's eyes, "Shut up. You're not helping anything."
Blaise sighed, "Hermione, he didn't mean that. He's just upset because he knows that we can't stop you from leaving. None of us want you to go."
"I know," Hermione whispered swallowing her tears and avoiding Draco's cold stare. Draco chose that moment to get up and leave the room. Hermione's eyes followed him as he left and she winced as the door slammed behind him.
"Please just promise you'll owl us." Astoria demanded hugging her.
"I will," Hermione assured her, "Every other day, and we can meet up for lunch and stuff."
"Uh Hermione," Ginny interrupted, "That might not be the best idea. The Order may think that you are a spy if you are seen with Slytherins on a regular basis. Especially if you owl them all of the time."
Blaise nodded, "She's right Hermione. You shouldn't contact us unless you're ready to come back home. We'll come and get you as soon as you want. Otherwise don't take the risk. We don't want you to be hurt because of us."
Pansy and Astoria exchanged looks before their faces relaxed into a cold mask of indifference. Hermione needed them to be strong for her, but they would watch for her signal. She was in danger as long as she stayed in the Order Headquarters. Blaise and Theodore would meet with Voldemort to ensure that the Death Eater spy in the Order kept a close eye on Hermione. Nobody wanted anything to happen to her. Glancing at Ginny she sighed before picking up her pack and saying her goodbyes. Ginny nodded to each of the Slytherins and reached for the portkey on the table.
"Wait," Blaise called.
Ginny paused, "What is it?"
Blaise smirked before reaching over the table and pulling Ginny into a brief kiss, "Please come back when Hermione does. I don't know what I would do without your spitfire attitude around. And look after her, for Draco."
"I will," Ginny said blushing, "See you guys soon."
Before anyone could stop her she grabbed Hermione's hand and the portkey and disappeared. The Slytherins stared at the spot where the two Gryffindors had just been. The silence was deafening as the group adjusted to the fact that Hermione and Ginny were truly gone. They would go back to their boring schedule of training and school. The only comfort the group had was the knowledge that the two girls would be back, eventually.
"So," Pansy said finally, "You like the redhead huh? Can't say I didn't see that one coming. After all, you did practically drool every time you saw her."
Blaise smiled, "Shut up Pansy."