The Secret

Part One: Pretense

Chapter One

By: dee-dee142

July 4, 1997

5:47pm

Edison Park

Hermione Granger sat under a tall maple tree in a park just around the corner from her home. The park was like any other in her muggle town; two pairs of swing sets, a sand box, a small jungle gym and large trees with branches that could cover a entire family picnic from the sun. Her earliest memories took place in that park, the good and the bad. From falling off her bike to making her first friend. She remembered racing to the park at the tender age of elven, her Hogwarts letter clutched tightly in her hand. A sense of belonging and peace washing over her as she read each word one-hundred times over. And there, in her favorite spot and under her favorite tree, a small smile grew on her face as she came upon the revelation that she was a witch.

Today, seventeen year old Hermione sat in her favorite spot, under her favorite tree, clutching another letter. One that she knew would change her life once again but this time she wasn't happy nor thrilled. This time, a small frown sat on her face while fear and confusion gripped her mind.

A gust of wind whipped around her, forcing her to zip up her sweater. The park was empty of all beings, which was odd considering it wasn't even past six o'clock—usually kids were there until eight, running away from their parents and chasing fireflies. Hermione stared equivocally at the sun, which begun its descent over the horizon.

The witch tenderly turned the letter around, and considered whether opening it would be best.. Something in her mind kept telling her that she could always forget the letter-she could always head back into her warm, cozy home to finish eating her dinner, bid her parents goodnight, go into her room, read a nice book and forget everything her parents revealed to her. But just as the thought began to sound agreeable, the logical part of her brain reminded her that she was Hermione Granger. She wasn't a coward. Hiding and cowering wasn't her. The curiosity alone would drive her mad.

She was a Gryffindor with courage, brains and loyalty. She could do this. With that in mind, she opened the expensive envelope, revealing a perfectly folded, equally expensive ivory colored parchment.

Hermione looked from left to right, ensuring there was no one around. She took a deep breath and opened the parchment delicately.

Our dearest Isobelle,

First and far most, you must know that your mother and I love you very much. We know that you won't remember us but understand that we had to protect our family and giving you to the Grangers was our only option. Dark magic keeps knocking on our door and we refuse to let it in.

This war...it has no end. We had to protect you.

A lot of thing will begin to unfold. Keep your heart, mind and eyes open, love. Don't forget your name; Isobelle Harmony Cantrell.

Love,

Mya Harmony

Alexandros Bryant Cantrell

Hermione read the letter over and over until she could mesmerize it. She wished there were more, like three or five pages more. But it was hardly two paragraphs. Eight sentences, and ninety-six words of perfect script, staring back at her.

'A lot of things will begin to unfold. Keep your heart, mind and eyes open.' It was obvious there was something else involved. It made her uneasy. Her name was also important, Mr. Cantrell practically underlined it.

M-maybe it meant—Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. None of it made any sense.

Frowning at the letter's vagueness, Hermione set it aside and further examined the heavy envelope to find a gold oval-shaped locket. On one side was her Cantrell initials 'IHC' engraved in white-gold and on the back it was the family crest; a thick, bolded 'C' in the color of royal red, sitting at the center over a black sword and wand that crossed at midpoint. Aligned right under the 'C' from the end of the sword to the end of the wand, in royal red, read the words, Fortitudo, Virtus, Fidelitas. Bravery, Power and Loyalty. Words of the House of Cantrell?

"Cantrell?" She whispered. She reached for the locket and a flash of red flashed through it. She touched it again, that time no red flash so she picked it up.

Interesting.

The locket had been made with magic.

She turned it over and slowly opened it. Inside was a picture of a baby girl, with big bushy hair and brown-it was her! Hermione stared at the picture, mildly surprised but mostly shocked. She thought that maybe all of it could be a prank-a cruel joke. But this was proof-a picture of her at the age of what she assumed was one years old, dressed in a small traditional witch hat and child sized gold colored wizards robes. Suddenly, a bright light erupted from the lockets and a wail rang in her ears forcing her to close it. When she opened it again the same thing happened, after the fifth time she gave up and let out a frustrated grunt. The witch picked up the letter and skimmed though it again.

Don't forget your name; Isobelle Harmony Cantrell.

Hermione looked from the paper to the locket and back again.

"One clue that leads to the other." She whispered thoughtfully. Hermione opened the locket for a sixth time but this time she put it closer to her and said, "I am Isobelle Harmony Cantrell."

Her surroundings began to disappear and she quickly turned to look at her house hoping her parents see her before her world went black.