Heritage... strange thing, It can be the cause of many wars and the executioner of every relationship. Mudblood-Pureblood. Black-White. Rich-Poor.
The exact thing that led to the goodbye of Hogwarts' third year, know-it-all, Gryffindor princess.
5th August 2002
Her heart jumped as the warm liquid raced down her cheeks, her lungs closed up without air. The sharp steel object placed firmly in her hand stung her as it dug into the vein of her pale wrist.
First slice
"We would have told you sooner..."
Second slice
"...We may not be your parents but we still love you..."
Third slice
"...No. They're dead."
Forth slice
"...You have an aunt in Italy and an uncle who's untraceable..."
Fifth Slice
"...Address? Here."
With the fifth and final slice, consciousness slipped from her grasp.
31st August 2002
Wind blew in and out of her unkempt hair. She was standing in an airport waiting to board an aeroplane to Milan. Her Aunt had contacted her a few days after she had gotten the address. Now after a fortnight she had decided to visit to Italy. Two days before school started which was strange for the fact Hermione Granger would never miss school for anything, or anyone. She would never forget the kind-heartedness of the Grangers, her family-by-law but her heart told her that she had to go to Italy to meet her real family.
"Hermione, Wait!" A familiar voice shouted from behind her. She slowly turned around. That is all you could describe any of her actions as – Slow. Even her speaking, it would be a cold whisper or nothing at all. Hermione's eyes met the hazel ones of Molly Weasley. Behind her, Hermione spotted Mr Weasley, Fred and George, Ron, Ginny and Harry.
"Hermione, child, why didn't you tell us sooner? Good gracious, we got here as soon as possible; portkeys can only get you so far!" Hermione just nodded, and then Harry, Ron and Ginny approached.
"You're really leaving?" It was more of a statement than a question.
"I'm sorry." Was her answer to Ron's semi-question.
"When will you be back?" Harry asked, his emerald eyes glistened. She sighed. Good question.
"I...I don't know, a few weeks? Months at the most." An intercom interrupted what Ginny was about to say, but told Hermione that her flight would be leaving soon.
"I have to go." She stated the obvious. She turned around to walk to the gate but Harry's large hand caught hers and pulled her into a loving hug.
"I'll miss you 'Mione. Don't forget that I love you." Hermione showed no expression.
"I love you too."
Ron's farewell was next, then Ginny and then the rest
"Owl us when you get there!!" Ron shouted as she turned away, Hermione didn't turn around but kept walking until she collapsed in a fit of tears on the plane.
September had arrived at Hogwarts, still no word from Hermione.
October... Nothing.
November: Nada.
December: Not even a Christmas card.
January was revealed, and so was the fact that Hermione's name was removed from the registers and from the Dorm beds.
Ron's grades slipped. Harry's heart ached. Ginny's smile didn't reach her eyes. The dream team no longer existed.
A hundred days have made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don't think I can look at this the same
All the miles that separate
Disappear now when I'm dreaming of your pretty face
-- 'Here without you' by 3 doors down