Hermione Riddle

Chapter 5

Over the next few days, I became used to the Manor and knew where almost everything was. I also spent some day getting to know my father more. I had been here a week and it had been one of the best Christmas holidays I had had. It had already beaten every single one at the burrow. I was reunited with my biological father, I had resolved past issues and I had laughed more than I ever thought I would. 

The Malfoy's were actually an amazing family. Narcissa was quite funny plus she had the most control of the boys. Lucius was very well-mannered and often embarrassed Draco with a story about when he was young. Bellatrix was crazy but it made her interesting to be around. I hadn't been bored here for even a moment. 

"Hermione, get ready for dinner dear," Narcissa called up the stairs, snapping me out of my thoughts. I went over to the wardrobe and picked out a beautiful knee-length dress. It was emerald green with a lace decal on the sleeves and bodice. The sleeves reached to just above my elbow. I paired it with a pair of emerald ballet flats and headed out. It was only the Malfoy's, Blaise, my father and I for dinner and I felt it was the best time to ask a question that had been playing on my mind. 

Everyone else was seated so I joined them. I had a seat to the right of my father, who was at the head of the table, next to Draco and opposite Blaise. We were all eating and I decided not to put it off any longer. 

"Father," I began, looking into my father's crimson slits. "May I ask you a question?" He nodded in response. I took a deep breath, all eyes now focused on me. 

"Is it true that you killed my mother when I was born?" I asked, my voice surprisingly even. Everyone had stopped eating and was listening to us as though their lives depended on it. I saw a flicker of anger in my father's eyes. He quickly composed himself and addressed me. 

"Of course I didn't kill your mother during childbirth. She died whilst giving birth. Who in Merlin's name told you I murdered her." 

"Dumbledore," My father's anger surfaced once more although not as fast to disappear. All eyes were fixed on us again. Narcissa looked shocked at my words, Lucius seemed curious. Draco and Blaise smiled at me reassuringly. "He told me that you killed her in the bed she gave birth in because she was no need to you after that." His body visibly tensed and it was evident he was using all his self-control to not yell. 

"Hermione, when did he tell you this?" I keep our eyes locked as I answer. I was scared but I had to know. Not knowing had killed me. My voice is shy, quiet. 

"The night he told me that you were my biological father." My statement was met with a stony silence. Everyone knew that if anyone spoke up, he'd lash out. No one wanted to risk that. After a while, my father let out a deep sigh. He had calmed down a lot. 

"I can assure you that what Dumbledore told you, was a lie. Your mother died during childbirth and I had nothing to do with it. Do you understand, Hermione?" 

"Y-yes father, I understand," I confirm in a breathy whisper. 

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Dinner had finished and I had changed into something a bit more casual. I made my way up the hall to Draco's room. He and Blaise were sat cross-legged on the bed. Both smiled at me as I walked in. 

"Good job Hermione." Blaise congratulates with a smirk. What on earth was he talking about? 

"What do you mean ' good job'?" He chuckles before responding. 

"In making the Dark Lord angry. The Death Eaters are usually the bearers of bad news." 

"And he normally tortures them afterward," Draco adds. I look at the two in disbelief. Fear settled in my mind and stomach after that.