Once upon a time….. The cliché little phrase that starts a story that is expected to end with "And they lived happily ever after…" This story may start happy, but this is no guarantee of a happy ending. Enough false pretense. It all started at the most magical place in the world. (Not Disney World, stupid!) Hogwarts, the noble school of witchcraft and wizardry. It was a raining fall day in Britain, and all the world seemed somber.

Hermione Granger was sitting in McGonagall's Office with a shocked expression on her face. "But, Professor, How can I be adopted? I look just like my mother!"

"Hermione, you have a glamour charm on you, so that you would be protected from your birth father. It will break at noon." Minerva McGonagall explained, dreading the next question.

"Who are my birth parents? Why do I need to be protected from him?" Hermione's eyes widening with realization. "You can't mean He is my father!"

Minerva stared at the floor, collecting her nerves. "Your birth parents were Tom Marvolo Riddle and Miranda McGonagall."

"Miranda McGonagall? Your daughter?" Hermione guessed.

"Yes, Hermione. I'm your grandmother. You are indeed unique. Being a descendant of three founders isn't something you find often." Hermione's eyes bulged. "Rowena Ravenclaw and Godric Gryffindor had a daughter, and she married Sedro McGonagall. But, Hermione, being the descendant of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor also gives you powers like no other. You will discover which ones are strongest in you as you mature. You must not use these powers for evil." She cut of all of Hermione's questions. "I have some more bad news."

What can be worse than finding out Voldemort is your father and you have ancient powers that could potentially kill someone? Hermione asked internally.

"Severus will be coming to escort you to your father at 4 o'clock. Now we have ten minutes to get you ready to see your true self." Minerva smiled nervously." All your stuff has already been apparated to his headquarters, and I have a new dress for after the transformation."

"Grandmother, I'm scared." Hermione said simply. "What should I do? I despise this man, who turns out to be my father and now he'll try and marry me of to some snooty pureblood."

"Let him think you're on his side, and gather information. As for marrying a 'snooty pureblood', you'll be paired to Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, or Blaise Zambini. Snape has said these boys have already asked for your hand. You'll have the pick, but with limited selection. I suggest Malfoy. His father is in the inner circle and you'll have a better chance at getting information…..."

"For the order, I know. I'm willing to make the sacrifice for our cause; I just wish it was an easier task." Hermione said as a soft gold light started to shimmer all across her body. She was lifted up as if by an invisible hand. The gold light engulfed Hermione like a cocoon. Suddenly, like a lily in bloom, the cocoon opened she descended to the ground gracefully.

Minerva gasped. Hermione's hair now fell in ringlets in a shade of dark chocolate that ended at her waist. It was fine and silky, completely opposite of the thick bushiness it had been. Her eyes were a lovely shade of forest green. For the first time in her life, Hermione had perfect curves. Her legs were long and lean, and her feet were dainty. She was thin but not abnormally so. Hermione gaped at her new body, garbed in a soft gold sheath dress the light had left her in.

Minerva held out a black dress bag silently. Hermione smiled at her, parting her perfect pink lips, revealing shining white teeth. Hermione went behind the antique changing screen. When she returned, she gave a spin to show Minerva the dress. The black dress was sleeveless and the full skirt was embroidered with white flowers and ivy. The silk material looked amazing with Hermione's pale skin tone, the only thing that hadn't changed.

"Come; Let me fix your hair." Minerva smiled kindly. When she had finished, Hermione's curls tumbled down her back and a golden crown with two lions and a huge heart shaped ruby sat atop her head. She had also conjured a pair of black stiletto heels. "You look lovely, dear!"

"Miss Granger, Your father waits." Snape said sweeping into the small office. He was dressed in his usual black robes and his sneer had softened when he looked at Hermione.

"Good Luck, Hermione!" Minerva said, giving her granddaughter a hug. Snape offered his arm to Hermione, and they apparated away. A solitaire tear ran down the old wrinkled cheek of Minerva McGonagall. It was the first of many to come.