Disclaimer: This will apply to every chapter of any story that I write. This work of fiction is purely a form of leisure writing and none of the characters belongs to me. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling and the respective copyright owners. No offense is meant.


They think they know me

They only know my name.

You wish you have me

You only want me for my brains.

Why can't they see

Why can't they understand

This is not a tug-of-war;

A game.

This is my life.

And that's my feelings you're meddling with.

Written By Me.


Chapter 2- Flashback and Near Truth

Silently wishing that she was of legal age to perform magic, Hermione walked down the stairs.

One, two, ah! Another room to go, and that's the Topaz Room, Hermione thought.

She was in the north wing of her muggle home, second floor. Since Hermione was in Hogwarts for most of the year, Hermione sometimes did lose her way in her own home. Ironic, huh. There were times whereby she did wonder why was she, of all muggles, fated to be a witch. For who knows, she could be a few years ahead in her muggle school if that darned owl did not arrive with the letter!

Hermione stood by the plush door, waiting for any of the domestic staff to open the door. That was what she learnt to do after being lectured over and over for lowering herself to being doorman, by none other than her own parents.

"Hermione! We didn't raise you to open doors! Now, remember that you are not to open doors on your own, especially in this house!" Hermione mimicked.

She cleared her throat. Jimmy, the nearest staff, immediately went to her attention, bowing and then opened the door with gloved hands.

Sometimes I wonder why am I doing these… I'm no royalty, just ordinary old me, Hermione thought.

The turning of the knob announced her entrance. The Topaz Room was not named for nothing. Inside, there were ornaments, often made of topaz. The chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, too, was sparkling with topaz. The room was slightly larger than Hermione's bedroom, elegant and tastefully decorated and designed, using only designer furniture.

"Hermione, you're finally here. I'm sorry that it was rushed for you to take time off your studies, but I believe that this will be worth your time. And, " lowering her voice, her mother continued, "don't believe whatever your father says. He's just a stand-in."

Automatically, Hermione nodded.

What? A stand-in? Hah! So that's how bad their marriage is. Can they don't always drag me into their petty quarrels? Shouldn't they just get a divorce or something? Oh yea, they would not bear to split the fortune, Hermione thought, sarcastically.

"You witch! What did you tell her? A stand-in? I'm more of her father than anyone else!" Mr. Granger bellowed at his wife.

Mrs. Granger ignored that comment, and motioned for her daughter to make herself comfortable. She poured tea from the porcelain teapot and offered Hermione some.

"Mom, make this quick. You know I hate this room. And please, stop fighting with each other." Hermione paused, then continued after thinking, and "What were you both talking about in your room anyway? I was walking pass, taking a break and…"


Flashback (when Hermione could merely read)

"Mummy! Mummy! What's this? I like da sweeling calors. Mummy, can I hab one, pwelse?" Little Hermione was lying on the floor, looking up at the chandelier high up above her. She looked around, there was no one around. Her mother must have gone out of the room.

Gleefully, she shed herself of her ermine lined coat. Next, it was the frilly, pink satin dress. Now, little Hermione is only clad in her knickers.

"Ah! This is so comebable!" Hermione bubbled.

It was summer, but nonetheless, Mrs. Granger insisted that Hermione must wear those stuffy, scratchy clothes, just in case any of anyone apparating and seeing her in a mere summer dress.

The jewels adorning the chandelier were calling her name. Little Hermione spotted the long drapes by the side of the room and ran there, as fast as she could anyway. She tugged at the drapes. It didn't drop. Carefully, Hermione began climbing. Occasionally, she glanced at the jewels. Higher and higher she climbed. The jewels seemed to be so near! Hermione reached out for the chandelier with her small hand. All of a sudden, the door opened.

"Mummy! Dada! I want that! I'm getting it! Watch me!"

"Hermione! Get down this instance! It's dangerous! Mike! Help her down. You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago to watch your little mistress!" Mr. Granger raised his voice to a dangerous level.

Hermione started to tear. She had never heard her father using that scary voice with anyone. By instinct, her arms let go of the drapes and went towards her mother.

"Mummy!" Before knowing anything, she fell, and blacked out.

Mummy? I want Mummy here. Why are they making such a fuss? My head hurts. Little Hermione thought.

Hermione heard someone saying a strange word and she woke up. Immediately, her arms went for her mother's neck.

"Dear, we're going to perform a spell on you to check for any injuries that you may have. It may be uncomfortable for a while. Now, hold on to me." Mrs. Granger said.

"Mummy! What's that wooden 'tick? Do you use it to make a wabbit appear?" Hermione remained cheerful and inquisitive.

Mrs. Granger looked worried for a moment, then looked at her husband, as if for guidance. They started whispering, with furious exchange of words. Then, Mr. Granger nodded solemnly.

"Darling, we're sorry but we believe this is best for you. Obliviate!"

End of Flashback…


Hermione only remembered the uncomfortable feeling she had whenever she was in the Topaz Room. However, it was the most used family meeting room.

Her parents looked at her with narrowed eyes. They knew Hermione was eavesdropping. Mrs. Granger nudged Mr. Granger.

"Oh yes, your birthday is coming up in a few days, is that right?" He continued without waiting for a reply. "There will be a party held for you in the south wing, first floor, Godr-Green Hall." Mr. Granger quickly corrected his mistake.

Hermione was not the top of her level for nothing. She spotted the slip that her father made and quietly, asked, "Is there something that you wanted to tell me? Both of you? I am not blind, nor deaf. I heard that. I may not stay here all the times, but heck! I do understand when people are hiding something from me!"

The senior Grangers exchanged glances. Mrs. Granger wringed her hands and played with her wedding ring, then replied, "Hun, when the time is ripe, we'll tell you. You're too young. Now, with the decorations of the party…"

She was rudely cut off by her daughter, " What! My seventeenth birthday is coming in days and you're saying I'm too young." Hermione took a breath and calmed down. "I'm sorry. Maybe you can forget about the party. What's the reason for a birthday party when I can't make my parents trust me? I think it will be better if I stay with Ginny for a while."

She stood up to leave.

"Hermione! Wait. Look, we're sorry but this isn't any easier on us than it is on you. We don't understand you that well, with you always away at Hogwarts and all. But if you really want us to tell you whatever that you think we're hiding, do this test!"

"Oh a test huh? Isn't it bad enough that everyone calls me a bookworm? Even my own crush?" Hermione flushed slightly, "So, now this test will see if I'm intelligent enough to hold the information that you are hiding from me?" Hermione finished, somewhat disappointedly.

Mrs. Granger rushed on to say, " No, no! this is not an IQ test! This is a test that has been formulated by… what's his name, dear?" Mrs. Granger turned to her spouse, who shrugged. "Formulated by a known professional! This is certified to show the most accurate score of maturity and EQ! Please, just take this!"

"Fine. And I'm sorry for blowing up on you guys."

Hermione finished the weird test, with all sorts of quirky questions. She handed the paper to her parents, who quickly snatch it from her and turned around.

So they can't even mark it in front of me. What great faith they have in me. Hermione thought. Then, she thought harder and wondered how would they mark it with no pen and table.

Her parents interrupted her thoughts.

"Urm, Hermione, it turns out that you can take the truth." They showed her the paper filled up identical ticks. "Well, as you know, you have been changing, like all adolescents do. We didn't want to burden you with another change that we kind of made on behalf of you. Do you remember than when you were young, in this room?"

"Darling, I think we had better sit down and make ourselves comfortable. It's going to be a long story."

Puzzled, Hermione obeyed. She studied her nails as her folks started getting documents out of nowhere.


Word Count: Approx. 1, 455 words.

Notes: Hermione is closer to her mother, as you can tell. Sorry if any parts don't match. It's written at different times. And thanks to Estelle Tiniwiel, for reviewing! Italics will apply to thoughts and/or spells, just for your information. The baby talk is difficult. I am the youngest in my family so, I have no idea how do babies talk!