Story is rated M for later chapters. This will be (Draco/Pansy), (Luna/Harry) and Hermione who is really (Altaira/Severus Snape). Enjoy!

There was something funny about him...it was as if he could hear her thoughts. She woke up this morning thinking of spending her 17th birthday enjoying the company of her two best friends... At the same time escaping Malfoy who was her near-constant stalker. One look in the mirror ruined all of her plans.

She didn't look like the Hermione Granger she was used to. Being a witch was weird... but this was weirder. Her hair was suddenly long, straight as a ruler, bleached blond and her eyes a light shade of pewter grey as opposed to the usual blue colour. Her chin was pointier than she recalled and her whole complexion changed from olive brown to pale milky cream. Even her buck teeth had become perfect pearly-whites! Her face looked familiar, but it was not her own. Come to think of it, she looked nearly identical to Malfoy!

Sneaking back into her dorm, she was careful not to wake anyone up as she put on underwear and her casual midnight blue witches robes. Lavender, the light sleeper, wasn't there anyway... she'd been out the whole night with her latest boyfriend. Hermione thought that she'd go to the library for some investigatory reading before breakfast.

She walked down the spiral staircase slowly into the common room. Good, nobody in sight. She slipped through the portrait hole quietly, and set of at a trot down the passage to the staircase. The library was open... strange, it usually wasn't at this time of the morning. She went to the potions section of the library, her favorite (though she'd never let Harry or Ron know that), only to find that someone was there already. The last person she wanted to see, in fact.

He turned around before she could run. His eyes widened in shock, and then he looked her up and down. She could almost hear his brain working. No wait, she could hear his brain working!

NO FUCKING WAY!

Way. Weird.

Yes, it is, Granger. How did you do it?

Do what?

Well you must be using some kind of spell to be in my head. Why do you look like me? Are you mimicking me?

Spell? I woke up this morning and my whole appearance was changed. I freaked out! I mean, for crying out loud – I look like my best friend's arch enemy, and to top it all off I'm inside his head! Brilliant...just fantastic, really.

There's no need for sarcasm here. So you didn't do this? That's hard to believe, mudblood. I mean it must have been a really strong glamour charm timed to end on a certain day. Is today special to you?

Yes, today is my 17th birthday. You don't think...

Well that is certainly a coincidence.

Why?

It's my birthday too.

Just then, the loudspeaker system in the library flared to life, making them both jump. "Miss Hermione Jean Granger and Mister Draco Lucius Malfoy will report to the headmaster's office immediately. Get a move on."

They both looked at each other. Then they ran. Dumbledore was a reasonable man, but the only wizard that Voldemort ever feared was not to be kept waiting. In a minute flat they were both outside his office door. They were both extremely fit, and hadn't even broken a sweat during their sprint. They heard a voice from inside the office say "Enter". They made momentary eye contact, each noticing that the other's eyes were the exact same colour. Draco reached for the phoenix- shaped door handle and they both stepped inside cautiously.

"Ah, Miss Granger, it's good to see you even though you no longer look like yourself. I hope that you will take a seat."

"Thank you, Headmaster." said Hermione quietly, taking a large high-backed green armchair to the right of the room. Draco stood in the doorway, uncertain of what to say or do.

"Mister Malfoy, I must admit, you look rather worse for the wear, even though that run gave you a healthier glow. Please take a seat next to Miss Granger before you collapse on my floor. Go on, she won't bite, you know." Draco sat down next to Hermione, equally repulsed and intrigued as to why this mudblood could now talk to him in his mind.

STOP calling me that! This is so unfair. Why did I have to be linked to you? It just doesn't make any sense!

Alright Granger, calm down. Let's just hear Dumbledore out and see if what he has to say is enlightening.

Fine, Malfoy. But if you call me a mudblood one more time I'll punch you in the nose.

Whatever.

"Are you done? It's very disturbing not being able to hear what you're saying." interjected Dumbledore.

"Yes, sir." they mumbled, shooting each other death glares.

"Great stuff." said Dumbledore, addressing Hermione. Do you know the amount of magic it must have taken to keep that glamour charm going for nearly seventeen years? I'm truly in awe. Anyway, the point is, now it is concluded, and I'm assuming your natural occlumency walls are temporarily down... and you look exactly like Mr. Malfoy! What a treat to have this much drama. Give me a minute to explain."

The old man rose from his chair and began to pace his office. "When Voldemort first began to gather followers, many people saw him for what he was underneath. He didn't even look human because of the terrible sins he had committed. Your parents," said Dumbledore, pointing to Draco and then Hermione "tried to protect you by sending you away." Hermione interrupted.

"We're related?" she asked. "How closely are we related? Who are our parents?"

"You are twins, and your parents are the Malfoys. I will come to that in a minute. You see, they camouflaged Hermione's appearance to match the appearance of her muggle family, but Draco's adopted family was magical, and therefore targeted by Voldemort. You may have heard of them: Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Molly Weasley's brothers. They lived together in a small flat in Diagon Alley with Draco posing as Gideon's adopted son. At the time when they were killed, you were with Molly Weasley while they had a night to themselves to sleep. Your real parents decided to keep you rather than to have you in more danger with other parents."

Hermione and Draco sat with speechless mouths and disbelieving eyes.

Dumbledore sat on his desk and looked at Hermione. "When you were sorted in your first year, what did the Sorting hat say to you, Hermione?"

Why would he want to know that, Granger?

I'm not sure. It might have something to do with the automatic occlumency wards he said I had in my mind... the hat said that I had barriers and that from what it could see that wasn't behind the barrier, it should sort me into Gryffindor.

Oh. Tell the old man.

"Sir, the Sorting hat said that I had some barriers in my mind that it couldn't see through. That was why it had to sort me into Gryffindor: the barriers were preventing the hat from seeing into my mind properly, but it could see only the things that would have it sort me into Gryffindor."

Dumbledore was silent, contemplating the situation at hand. "I'm going to ask you to do something that has never really been done before, Hermione. Will you be sorted again?"

Hermione thought for a bit, and then nodded slowly. "If I was sorted wrongly the first time, then I'd like to rectify the mistake." Then a new thought occurred to her. "Hang on! I'm a pureblood, right?" Dumbledore nodded. Draco's jaw dropped open. He hadn't thought of that.

"...so I'll almost definitely be sorted into Slytherin, wont I?" finished Hermione, pouting a little.

"Hey, come on. There are purebloods in loads of houses. We're not all that bad. I mean, some are, but if you do get sorted into Slytherin I'm sure that you'll make friends immediately. You may not think so, but Pansy is one of the nicest and most loyal friends I have the pleasure of knowing." Draco put a hesitantly reassuring hand on her shoulder. He didn't think it would be this easy to show Granger – wait... Hermione – his nicer side.

Hermione laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's likely I'll be sorted back into Gryffindor anyway. Maybe I'll even be re-sorted into Ravenclaw!" she chuckled at the awkwardness that would initiate. Surely nothing could be worse than being sorted into Slytherin, though.

"Okay, I'm ready." she said, resigned to accept whatever house the Sorting hat picked out for her.

Dumbledore got up and conjured a stool to stand on so that he could reach the hat upon the highest shelf; it was an item that could not be summoned by magic. He fetched it down and held it out to Hermione, who hesitantly took the old hat in her hands. She placed the Sorting hat on her head and held her breath.

Well hello there, Miss Malfoy. May I see inside your head this time? I need to ask permission, you see, because if I do not, I may be flung out as unceremoniously as I was last time I talked with you.

You may enter my mind, Hat.

Good, good. Look at that! I missed that last time! Goodness gracious my dear. It sits here plainly for anyone to see that you are a pureblood witch, and with more magical and mental potential than you even know of yourself, I think.

Please tell me more.

You have a twin brother, a Mister Draco Malfoy... and I see here that you can communicate to one another through a closed connection in your minds? That is unheard of.

What does that mean: a closed connection?

It is only between you and your brother, who up until the discovery of this connection was not the nicest person you knew, correct?

That is true. Mr. Hat, please could you tell me whether you will sort me into a different house or if you will have me remain in Gryffindor?

Young lady, though you are extremely brave and courageous, you do not belong in the Lion's house. You belong in Slytherin. Although you may not like to hear it, you are just as cunning and sly as the next Slytherin, and just as geared towards self-preservation as the rest of the lot. You are also extremely intent on keeping all of your friends alive through this war, another Slytherin trait. May I announce it to the Headmaster?

You may, but first tell me this. Is Hermione Jean my real name?

Unfortunately, Hermione Jean is not your true name, but was a name used to conceal your identity. Your true name is Altaira Cassiopeia Malfoy. If you have all that you wish to know, I will now announce your house.

"SLYTHERIN!" shouted the sorting hat to the two other occupants of the Dumbledore's office. A shocked silence followed the announcement.

Wasn't expecting that, Hermione. Is that even your name?

No, it's not. My real name is Altaira, a star name like yours, Draco. My middle name is a star name too! What if Harry and Ron never talk to me again? I'll never see them now that I'm in Slytherin.

Oh please. So what if you don't get to study with them and sit with them round a fire? At least you can study in peace most of the time now. Anyway, you go to the same school: you'll still see each other all the time! And the Slytherins won't ridicule you for being clever like the Griffindors do. Besides, I'll protect you!

I don't need protecting, but I do need a friend. Maybe even a brother. Can you help me to get along with the rest of the snakes?

Certainly, dear sister.

"Well," said Dumbledore. "That was not exactly unexpected, but it was a shock to the system all the same. May I ask how you feel about this change, Hermione?"

"I'm not Hermione, sir. My real name is Altaira Cassiopeia Malfoy. I'm not thrilled, but if Draco thinks I'll be fine, then I will be. Am I allowed to tell Harry and Ron?" she asked, wonderingly.

"May I suggest that we tell your adoptive parents as well as your biological parents the news first? I think it should be done right now, if you don't mind the interruption of your weekend. I will floo them both straight away. In the meantime, I think you must be hungry by now...Dobby!" a small house elf with tennis ball sized eyes, bat ears and a dirty pillowcase as a loincloth appeared.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore sir? Is you liking me to bring your breakfast... oh! You is having company in your offices. Must Dobby bring enough for three peoples sir?" asked Dobby.

"If you please, Dobby. Perhaps a tea tray will be beneficial as well. Bring enough for five, please." answered Dumbledore, smiling at the elf kindly.

"Right away, sir" said Dobby, and he winked out.

"Professor Dumbledore," said Draco. "Was that my family's house elf? What is it doing here?"

"No, Mister Malfoy. Dobby is a free elf. He works for payment, and pays for his lodgings and food here at Hogwarts. Perhaps Miss Granger – oops, my mistake – Miss Malfoy here can tell you the full story sometime. Right now, I have people to floo, things to do, and families to reunite!" said Dumbledore excitedly. He practically bounced over to the fireplace, where he started by calling the Grangers.

Things just get weirder and weirder don't they? So are you really okay about being a Slytherin?

Yes, I really am. I'm so different to Harry and Ron and all the rest of the Gryffindors that I never really fit in anyway. I wonder what their reaction will be.

There is that. I wonder how Elan will react! What I wouldn't give to have a front row seat when that happens...

Who's Elan?

Oh! I suppose you don't know. Elan is my – our – older brother. He's ten years older than us, so don't worry too much. He looks just like me, but with very long straight hair and a pointier nose and a square chin. He's actually more like our father, really.

Strange. I never thought of Lucius Malfoy as much of a dad. How is he usually?

He's not the bastard everyone makes him out to be. He's actually really okay as fathers go. Most of the bad stuff he does is because he'll be tortured to death if he doesn't do exactly as Lord Moldy fart says he should.

Altaira and Draco began laughing at his hilarious nickname for Voldemort.

That is the funniest thing I've ever heard him called! (And believe me I've heard lots of names...)

Like what?

Well, there was Lord Old Tart and Lord Value Mart...And a couple more I can't think of right now. This one tops them all, though.

I'm sure. I spend all my time trying to find ways to insult him.

Hey, what's our mom like? Is she nice? I've never really met her, but I saw her in passing at the World Cup in our fourth year.

She's brilliant. She hates Moldy fart's stinky guts. She's the best person to go to for any problems (if you have any).

"Mister and Miss Malfoy, your biological parents will be arriving in about five minutes." stated Dumbledore matter-of-factly. Altaira's face changed from conversational to extremely nervous in a matter of seconds.

"Sir, do you have a mirror in your office?" she asked, rising from her chair.

"Certainly, I do. There is one right behind those pillars to your left, just up the small staircase." said Dumbledore. "Do you need anything else, dear?"

"Yes, sir: do you have any drawing pins that you could spare?" she enquired.

"Here you go." he said, handing her a handful. "Go make yourself presentable (not that you aren't already.) Only three minutes now."

She rushed up the stairs and faced the mirror, concentrating on her hair and face. Then pointing her wand at her eyes, she said a charm that gave her a little black eye liner and mascara. The next charm gave her slightly rosy cheeks. Then she directed her wand to the drawing pins in her hand. Whispering an incantation, she transfigured them into black hairpins, which she then used to pin some of her blond hair out of her eyes.

"One minute" called Dumbledore from his chair downstairs.

Altaira quickly rushed down the stairs and sat on the couch next to Draco, breathing heavily.

Calm down, Altaira. They're not that bad, as parents go. Really, you can trust me on this one.

Yeah, because that makes me feel a whole lot better.

It should... I'm your brother. Here they come.

The fireplace flared up and Lucius Malfoy stepped through, turned around and held out his arm to await his wife, who stepped through three seconds later. He was dressed in black, and she in forest green daytime robes. They turned around together and scanned the room. Their eyes fell on Altaira, and they stopped dead in their tracks. Narcissa was the first to recover.

"A-Altaira? Is it really you? Dumbledore told us you were disguised as a muggleborn witch all this time. Is it true?"

"Yes, it is me. I was known as Hermione Granger. Draco used to tease me because I was a mudblood all the time. I bet he wishes he could take it back now." said Altaira jokingly.

"Yes, well obviously if I had known who she was I would never have made fun of her. It was all in good fun really..." Draco desperately defended himself.

"That doesn't matter now, love." whispered Narcissa. "I missed you every day, Altaira. Not once did a day go by when I didn't mourn the loss of my only daughter. I love you so much!"

"Can I hug you, mother?" Altaira asked tentatively, her eyes searching those of her mother. Narcissa seemed to have sprung a leak. She walked slowly towards her daughter, holding out her arms to embrace her. Altaira met her halfway, her own eyes clouding over with tears until she could only hear and smell what her mother was like.

Finally Lucius found his voice. "Altaira, may I join in the hug?" Somehow, she managed to choke out a "Yes" through her tears. Draco and Lucius approached and embraced their loved ones, glad that their family was complete.

Dumbledore coughed quietly. He didn't want to disturb them but he realized that he had other things to do that day. Besides, the family likely had a hundred million questions to ask. The happy quartet separated. Dumbledore conjured up more chairs and they sat down, Lucius and Narcissa starting to question the old man.

An hour later, with most of their questions answered and their tea finished, they turned to Altaira for their last answers.

"What house are you in, Altaira?" asked Lucius.

"In my first year I was sorted into Gryffindor, but I have just been re-sorted into Slytherin." she began to explain about the occlumency shields in her mind. Her mother and father accepted the story without question. No doubt they had heard crazier things before.

"If you are happy with this, I have just one more thing to ask." said Lucius. He took a deep breath. "You don't have to decide straight away, my daughter, because big decisions should not be made in a heartbeat... Will you come and live with us during the holidays?"

Altaira thought about it for a minute. "I will come and live with you. I have sent my adoptive parents into hiding so that they'll survive the war. It would be great to live with my real family." said Altaira, looking at Lucius and Narcissa in turn.

"Now I have a question for you. Would you mind if everyone found out? I mean, you put so much effort into protecting me, and now the secret has come out. What would you have me do?" she asked.

"You are a fully grown witch, Altaira. It is up to you to decide whether to tell everyone or to keep it a secret. Personally, I would like everyone to know that I have found my daughter. I would scream it from the rooftops if I could. Just be cautious as to whom you allow close to you. We work for Dumbledore and the Order, keeping you safe while risking our lives so that one day we may rid ourselves of that egotistical maniac. We will keep you away from danger this time too." said Lucius.

"Seriously, you're not evil?" asked Altaira. She couldn't believe her ears.

Dumbledore answered for her parents. "Of course they're not! How else would I know all about you? They told me who they hid you with and then erased that information from their own minds. I then erased it from my mind so that on your 17th birthday I would recall again and be able to tell you. They're very good people, your parents. Now what are you going to do about this situation?"

My first story on this site! Please review... I need good constructive critique. Anyone willing to beta for me can please post it in a review and I'll owl you. Thanks!

LadyMoontime