Forgotten Roots, Chapter One

The rain fell in sheets, the skies overcast and gray. Perfectly mimicking the mood of the Gryffindor staring glumly out the window. Potions homework sat cast aside, unfinished and forgotten. Quite a rare occasion for this particular girl; being top student at Hogwarts was hard work and a job she took quite seriously. Fluffy bangs hung in her eyes and she shoved them back impatiently. A piece of parchment was clutched in her hand; wrinkled and sweaty. For what seemed to be the millionth time she unfolded it and read it again.

My Dearest Hermione,

 You poor dear girl. I am so sorry to have to tell you this but...oh, dear your parents they've, well they've passed on. I am so sorry, sugar. Your uncle and I will be here for you and if you would like to come home you are more than welcome to. If you need anything do not to hesitate to ask. Funeral arrangements will be made and we'll notify you of the time and place. We love you, Hermione and are so sorry this has happened.

Our Love, Aunt Tricia and Uncle Gene

No mention of how they died. No mention of any details. Nothing but stupid sympathy that meant absolutely nothing, Hermione thought furiously. After delivering the note Professor Dumbledore had summoned her to his chambers. With condolences he had offered a portkey home; she'd declined, wanting to stay at Hogwarts. Her schoolwork would keep her busy, especially if she wanted to remain at the top of her class. Tears filled her eyes; that was what her parents would want. They had been so proud of her accomplishments. God, how she would miss them.

 "Geeze, Granger do you ever leave the library?" Draco Malfoy stood leaning against a bookcase sneering at her with utter dislike. He was shocked to find tears in the mudbloods eyes when she looked up at him, startled. "What's the matter, Potty break up with you? As dull as Scar Face is I imagine that even he would find you boring. Spending all your time locked up in the library with your precious books. Tell me, Granger, do you honestly think anybody could ever find you interesting?"

A sob escaped Hermione and she looked down, clutching the parchment to her chest, her shoulders shaking from the force of her cries. Malfoy's words had struck the most-tender part of her heart when she was at her weakest. She didn't have the ability to fight back. Fighting for breath she stood up, tears blurring her vision as she shoved book after book into her bag. Swinging it over her shoulder she cursed as books flew in all directions. Falling to her knees she stared at the bag as tears slid down her cheeks.

Draco gaped at her. What in the world was wrong with her, he wondered. He hated Hermione, probably more than he hated that mindless git, Harry Potter, but he never thought he'd see her so broken. She'd always appeared strong, reminding him of himself in a strange sort of way. Watching her wrap her arms around herself and cry he noticed as a piece of parchment floated to the floor beside her. Carefully and quietly he slid it towards himself with his toe. Picking it up he slipped it into his pocket; he turned and was gone.

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A/N: First HP fan fic! Reviews please :) I know it wasn't very long just enough to get it started!!