I never knew what life was until I glimpsed that forbidden tryst. Or what I was certain was a forbidden tryst. My mother, in the arms of another man. I went to tell my father, confused by this action, and he took me aside.

"Hermione, darling, your mother and I have something we've been meaning to tell you."

I never knew how much your life could change with five little words. What my father told me both broke my heart and started my mind into overdrive.

"We didn't marry for love."

"Doesn't everyone marry for love, Daddy?"

"No, darling. Mommy and I married for money. We both had it, and it provides us with security. Don't worry, you are as much my daughter as you are your mother's."

My God, did he not understand anything? For ten years I had been living in the midst of a lie! I was a lie! Children were the product of love in a marriage! Every child but me.

I am fifteen now, and on my way back to school. None of my friends understand why I do not indulge in fantasies of love. Even when Vicktor Krum had asked me to accompany him to the Yule Ball, I had no illusions about what he would want. I pretended, as I have for years. If anyone had asked for my true feelings, they would have been surprised at how bitter they were.

No, I no longer believe in love. Girlish crushes will only hurt me in the end. It is time I acknowledged the only thing that makes a man and woman lie together: lust. Lust is the true reason children like me are born. No matter what my parents tell me, I am not the product of love; not truly loved as others.

There you have it. I, Hermione Granger, am a child of lust, and thus I will never be loved.