And Then She Fades...
In the days leading up to the imminent departure from her home to search for Horcruxes, a battle was raging inside Hermione's head.
She knew her parents would be far safer in Australia, but she wasn't sure she would be able to bring herself to do what needed to be done to make them move. She knew pleading with them wouldn't work; they would insist she come too, and besides, they would never leave their home so easily. They knew there was trouble in the wizarding world, but they had no idea of the full extent of the danger.
No, there was only one thing for it; she would have to obliviate herself from their memories, perhaps forever. They would only go if they had no reason to stay.
Her hand shook as she held the wand. She almost couldn't do it. They had their backs turned, no idea she was behind them, her wand poised, ready to strike. She had to do it now, lest they turn and notice her. She wouldn't be able to do it then. Not staring into their loving faces. Taking a deep breath, she whispered the incantation.
"Obliviate"
One word and her heart was breaking.
Her world crumbled as she watched herself fade from the photos, from their lives. The little girl with the bushy hair and big front teeth was gone. She had ceased to exist. She was the most precious thing in their lives, they told her. She was what made the sun shine and the birds sing. She was their beautiful baby daughter and the reason they both lived, and now she was erasing herself, and they wouldn't even remember to miss her.
If that realisation broke her heart, it was nothing compared to the feeling of leaving. Leaving without saying goodbye. When one leaves the house of those they love, there is always the impulse to turn and shout "Goodbye! I love you! I'll see you next time!"
But Hermione was deprived of this simple joy. She stood in the hall of the house where she grew up, listening to the sounds of the happy, childless couple drinking tea in the living room. An intruder, an uninvited guest, a perfect stranger though she'd lived there her entire life.
But none of that mattered anymore. She didn't belong. The door clicked softly behind her as she slipped out onto the street.
A single tear escaped her eye, but she wiped it away. She wouldn't show the world her brokenness. Her parents were safe, and she was alone. She would bear the pain.
Review please? It would mean a lot to me :)
-Badger Xx
