CHAPTER 1: CRYSTAL RINGS AND PAINFUL MEMORIES
It is a lovely afternoon at the Hale residence and seventeen year old Hermione Granger was sitting on her front porch, gazing at the hedge. She was in deep thought, recalling all the memories she had shared with her friends during all those years at studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sure, she had already graduated, been offered lots of jobs by the Ministry of Magic and others, but she simply declined and preferred to stay in the Muggle world where she thought she would be happy. But the pain in her heart never ceased to fade away, even though she did everything to make it disappear. Wherever she go, whatever she do, she couldn't forget about her past. Until now, the image of her parents' bloodstained face and the Death Eaters that surrounded them still lingered in her mind. It was a very painful moment for her and she blamed their death to herself. If she hadn't been a witch, if she hadn't studied at Hogwarts and had gotten involved in the final battle with Voldemort, her parents couldn't have been dead by now. But they just are. Now, she is currently living with her aunt, uncle and cousins from the wizarding world. Speaking of bestfriends, Mrs. Hale, Hermione's aunt, called from inside, "Hermione, dear, you've got mail!"
Hermione jumped from the porch and quickly made her way inside the living room where her aunt was.
"Are these from my friends?" Hermione asked anxiously as her aunt handed her the letters.
"Yes, from Harry and Ron to be exact," Mrs. Hale replied, not leaving her eyes off her sewing.
"Thanks, Aunt Holly," Hermione said and sprinted up the stairs to her room where she found her cousins Fay and Larissa sprawled on the floor, reading magazines. Although they don't share a room together, it had been a habit for her cousins to go to her room, indicating the strong bond between the three.
"Ooh, ooh, look at this dress, Mione! It's so elegant!" Larissa told her, shoving the magazine on Hermione's face.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," Hermione said and sat down on her purple bean bag and tore open Harry's letter.
Fay immediately recognized Harry's handwriting as Hermione always let them ready her friends' letters. "Let me see that!" she said. She and Larissa went to Hermione's side and read it out loud along with Hermione.
Dear Hermione,
Hello! How are you? I hope you're doing fine. Are you still having nightmares about your parents? Maybe you should really consult someone who might help you, although of course Ron and I are still here to support you no matter what. Speaking of Ron, I'm staying here at the Burrow, staying for the summer holidays. You know I can't stand the Dursleys any longer. Besides, Mrs. Weasley insisted and I simply cannot decline her offer. Oh, let me tell you how evil Fred and George had become. They kept teasing Ginny. Oh, the poor little girl. Mrs. Weasley once caught them bewitching Ginny's hair without her noticing and they received quite a good spanking. Ron, on the other hand, had become a very good Quidditch player, but of course no one can ever beat him at wizarding chess. Anyway, we were thinking if you could come over and visit us her. I know it may seem impossible as you said you didn't want to be reminded of the painful memories and all...but we really really miss you so much. Please let me know what you think of it. I'll be waiting for your reply.
Love, Harry
P.S. I'm going to start my new job as Auror next month! I'm so excited!
Hermione smiled as she folded the piece of paper and placed it on top of her desk.She was so happy to hear from her friend again.
"So, are you meeting with them?" Larissa asked, her hazel brown eyes burning with curiosity.
Hermione bit her lip and avoided their gaze. She understood that her friends miss her as much as she does, but she's not yet ready to face everybody.
"I take that as a no," Fay said, sitting beside her cousin.
"I know you're still not prepared, but how long are you going to hide yourself inside your shell? Come on, Hermione. You have to move on," she said softly.
"I am moving on," Hermione retorted.
"Oh, Hermione...what are we going to do with you?" Larissa said, sighing.
Hermione's face twitched into a smile. "Go with me to the mall?" she suggested, wiggling her eyebrows. Fay and Larissa grinned.
"Alright," they said. The three girls changed their clothes, said goodbye to Mrs. Hale and made their way to the mall. They went shopping, boy hunting and finally, to Eron's Ice Cream Parlor.
"Mmm...can I have your double scoop of strawberry and chocolate ice cream, Larissa?" Hermione said sweetly.
"Oh, no you won't," Larissa replied curtly. "You already finished yours. And you'll get fat."
"Oh, come on, Larissa," Fay said, grinning. "You know she doesn't gain weight no matter how many ounces of fat she eats." Larissa laughed.
"Well, if Larissa doesn't want to give it to me, maybe I can have yours then," Hermione told Fay.
Fay grinned. "Alright...if you'll give me your ring," she said, pointing to a crystal ring on Hermione's finger. It was a very rare one indeed, with several diamonds forming the letter F and Fay had never seen a crystal ring before, except this one.
Hermione shook her head. "Never. How many times do I have to tell you, this is so important to me. My mother gave it for my 16th birthday and I will never give it up no matter what," she said firmly.
"Hey, easy. I was just kidding," Fay said, giggling.
Hermione smiled. They spent a lot of time talking animatedly about different things that when they went home, they were greeted by a furious Mrs. Hale.
"Um, hi mom," Larissa said, trying to sound casual.
"Do you know what time your curfew is?" Mrs. Hale whispered.
Fay gulped. "Yes," she muttered quietly.
"And do you know what time it is now?" Mrs. Hale continued, looking at one guilty face to another.
"Nine-thirty," Hermione answered.
"So," Mrs. Hale said, hands on her hips. She was about to start with her lecture but was interrupted when the phone rang.
"You wait right here," she said to the three before picking up the phone and saying "Hello?"
"Oh, yes! Yes of course...very well....no....yes...ok...and? Oh, alright...Really? I unders—WHAT?"
The three girls jumped up in surprise. They glanced at Mrs. Hale and noticed that her face had turned pale and it was as if her death had just been announced. "I...alright dear...yes...ok...I will....yes...try-later...ok...bye," she said and hung off.
"Who was that, mom?" Larissa asked.
Mrs. Hale collapsed on a chair. "Just your dad," she said.
"Well? What did he say?" Fay asked.
"Is there something wrong?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Don't worry...ev-everything's just...fine...Bart just...checked on us and ...never mind. You two, go straight to bed. I need to talk with Hermione," Mrs. Hale told them. Fay and Larissa both nodded, sensing that something's not just right. Hermione, who was wondering what this has got to do with her, sat nervously on the couch beside her aunt and asked, "What is it you want to talk about?"
Mrs. Hale took off the apron she was wearing and placed it on the table. "I...don't know where to begin," she said. "But promise me dear, don't be too shocked about what I'm going to say..."
Hermione nodded. She had never seen her aunt sound so nervous. "Please go on," she said.
Mrs. Hale inhaled. "Well...your Uncle Bart told me that-that..." she said, "They found your parents."
Hermione blinked, trying to process the information. A million questions raced in her mind. She was speechless. "Wha-my parents are already dead!" she said, nearly choking. But, could it be that they are somehow alive? A little voice in her head said.
But her question was confirmed when Mrs. Hale said, "Your real parents, I mean."
Hermione stared at her aunt. She felt a mixture of emotions; anger and confusion. "Wha-what do you mean...my-my real parents? You...you don't mean..." Hermione stammered, her face as white as a sheet of paper. She finally understood where this talk is heading.
"Yes, dear. The parents you've known all you life aren't your real ones. I'm sorry to break it to you dear, but..." Mrs. Hale said, resting her hand on Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione felt like she was falling out into the darkness. She didn't expect this to happen. "No! This...this is...impossible! Aunt Holly...please...tell me you're just joking..." Hermione said, tears stinging his eyes.
"Oh, dear..." Mrs. Hale said, trying to comfort Hermione, who was now shaking uncontrollably.
"Aunt Holly, tell me it's not true..." Hermione begged.
"Hermione, I can't lie and you know that," Mrs. Hale said.
"Oh, Aunt Holly!" Hermione cried, throwing herself on her aunt. For a while, she just sat there, crying in Mrs. Hale's arms.
"You feeling better?" Mrs. Hale whispered. Hermione nodded. She was grateful for Mrs. Hale, who had become like her second mother.
"Do you want to know who they are?" Mrs. Hale asked.
Again, Hermione nodded.
"They are purebloods. They gave you to my sister the moment you were born. It's not because they don't want you, but because your real mother was afraid of her father if he found out that she has a child. It was a very difficult choice for her to make, leaving you to her best friend. But she did it anyway for your safety. Hermione, your mother is the only person she could trust at the moment. And the crystal ring your mother gave you, it was from your real parents. They wanted you to have it when you turn sixteen. They also have the same ring so someday, if ever you meet, you would be able to recognize each other."
Hermione's eyes widened as more tears cascaded down her rosy cheeks. All her life she had always known herself as the filthy little mudblood with brains, and now all of the sudden she finds out she isn't. She was so confused and the question "What am I going to do?" filled her mind. Half of her hated her real parents for abandoning her but the other half wanted to see them. Soon, the other side of her won and she found herself saying, "I want to see them."
Mrs. Hale smiled. "I thought so too. Bart also said that...they wish to see you too," she told Hermione. Hermione didn't say anything.
"I know it's very hard for you to do this...the same goes for them. But...why don't you try?" Mrs. Hale said gently.
Hermione nodded. "I will try, Aunt Holly. I will," she whispered.
"That's good. Now you go and rest," Mrs. Hale said as she wiped off Hermione's tears.
Hermione obediently did so and went to her room and collapsed on her bed. She saw her cousins sitting on the arm chairs, looking at her with concern.
"Please don't ask why," she told them.
"We already know. We listened to the whole conversation. Oh, Hermione, we're terribly sorry..." Larissa said, getting up and kneeling beside Hermione's bed.
Hermione couldn't hide her emotions to them. "I feel...so...."
"It's ok, Mione. We're here to listen," Fay said, touching her cousin's hand. Hermione couldn't help it. She cried.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@
The next day is as depressing as yesterday. Hermione was moping and sulking all day in her room, not bothering to finish her meals and just stared off into space. Soon, she decided to answer Harry's letter, as not to keep him waiting. She grabbed a quill and parchment and began writing, pouring all her emotions in that single piece of paper.
Dear Harry,
I'm glad for you for being an Auror. Congratulations! I always knew you would make it someday. I'm also happy for Ro. Does he have any plans of trying out for the Bulgarian Quidditch team? Maybe he'll pass. You know Harry, before I was set on not going to see you there, you already know why,but...something happened to me that could make a great impact in my life. My aunt told me that I was a pureblood and that I was just adopted. Oh, Harry, I can't explain how I feel right now. All I know is that it's terrible and it pains me a lot. I'm mad at them for not telling me but now I'm just dead curious to find out who they are. So the answer to your question is yes, I'm going to go see you tomorrow at 8:00 am at the Three Broomsticks, ok? And please tell Ron to make it on time just for tomorrow.
Lots of love, Hermione
She whistled and her owl Rain went to her side with a hoot. It was colored cream and had been a gift from her friends. She tied the note on the owl's leg and it went off, knowing already where it has to be delivered. Deciding she should get ready for tomorrow, she knocked on Fay and Larissa's door. They opened it and stared wide-eyed at her.
"You-you went out of your room!" Fay said, unable to believe it.
Hermione managed a crooked smile. "Of course. Can you two go shopping with me?" she asked.
Larissa hugged her. "Oh, I'm glad you're ok now. Of course we'll go with you!" she said. And so they went to the mall again, much to the surprise of Mr. and Mrs. Hale.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
"Oh, I'm late! Ron and Harry will kill me!" Hermione exclaimed as she hurriedly ran down the stairs in her black stilettos. It was already 7:40 and she had a maximum of 20 minutes to make her way to The Three Broomsticks.
She hugged her cousins goodbye, then kissed Mr. and Mrs. Hale a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to miss you all," she told them, feeling tears on her eyes.
"We all will," Mrs. Hale said, smiling at her favorite niece.
"Don't forget to e-mail us, ok?" Fay said, fighting the urge to cry.
"And always take care, dear. Remember you are always welcome to stay here," Mr. Hale said kindly.
"OK," Hermione said. She took one last look at her second family and grabbed some Floo powder and shouted, "The Three Broomsticks!"
She closed her eyes and felt like coughing. The next thing she knew she landed on the Three Broomstick's fireplace, covered in soot and ashes. After a quick rush to the bathroom to fix herself up, she searched the crowd for a red-headed guy and a pair of emerald green eyes.
"Hermione!" someone called from behind her. She turned around and came face to face with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley.
"Harry! Ron!" she exclaimed, reaching out for a group hug.
"Ouch! I can't breathe, Mione," Ron grumbled at Hermione's tight embrace.
"Sorry," Hermione said, grinning widely.
Harry turned to look at his best friend, examining her from head to toe. He couldn't believe this was the old know-it-all, bookworm girl he once knew because standing before him is a pretty image of goddess, her radiant beauty standing out among all. She had long, wavy brown hair that shined like the stars, smiling chocolate brown eyes, cherry red lips and creamy white skin. She was standing 5'5 and was wearing cardigan pants, a fancy, sleeveless top and some accessories.
"You look so...different," Ron stated.
Hermione giggled as she put her arms around her best friends. "I know, it's just a little change. No big deal. Anyway, let's go discuss life over there," she said, pointing to an empty chair across the cashier.
"So," Harry said, sitting down. "How are you?"
"Fine,' Hermione replied, "But nervous."
"About?" Ron asked.
"About meeting my real parents. Seriously, Harry, haven't you told him anything?" Hermione said.
"I did! Right Ron?"
"Whatever," Ron muttered. "When are you going to see them?"
"Tomorrow," Hermione replied. "Just the thought of it makes my nerves crack."
Harry frowned. "You'll go back here tomorrow?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head and flashed him a bright smile. "No. I'll stay here at a hotel. I believe you have hotels here?"
"Well...we have kind-of hotels here..." Harry replied.
"But I can't let you stay in a hotel, whatever that thing is, because-"
"Ron, a hotel is not a thing. It's a place," Hermione corrected.
"Whatever. So, you'll just have to stay at our house for your safety," Ron told her.
"Oh, no, no. Please don't bother. I can take care of myself very well."
"Hermione, I insist," Ron said, looking at her imploringly.
Hermione sighed. "Fine. Thank you, Ron. I owe you one," she said.
"You owe me nothing, Hermione. I'm just doing my job as a friend," Ron told her.
"Alright, alright!" Harry's voice rang on their heads. "Are you two finished with your sentimental moments? I'm feeling a little left out here," he said. He had been listening to the whole conversation and was getting pretty bored.
"Oops, sorry," Hermione said, giggling.
Ron looked at his wrist watch, glancing at the time. "Oh, bloody hell! It's already time for lunch! Mum will go mad if we're late. You'll come with us, right Hermione? Unless... you don't have your things yet," he said, looking for Hermione's belongings but found none except her bag.
Hermione grinned and pulled out something from her bag. It seemed like little Lego pieces.
"Oh, casting a Minimizing Charm, ain't we?" Harry said, grinning, looking at the clever witch he knew so well.
"I don't want to carry any heavy load," Hermione reasoned.
"So, c'mon then, Harry, Mione. Let's go back to The Burrow. Oh, I'm sure Mum will be glad to see you again, Mione. And believe me, Ginny will go nuts," Ron said as they marched out of the pub.
"I'll be glad to see them too," Hermione said with a smile.
TO BE CONTINUED
What's on Chapter 2: Hermione finally gets to meet her parents! And she had almost
Gone crazy when she sees where she'll live! Find out what will happen next on
The continuation......
Hey! Hope you like the first chapter. I have already written the second chapter so it will only be a while before I update. Draco fans, just wait, Draco's appearance would be on the third or fourth chapter. Please wait! And what do you think of this fic? Can't wait to get reviews! Remember, the more reviews, the more I write!!!!
It is a lovely afternoon at the Hale residence and seventeen year old Hermione Granger was sitting on her front porch, gazing at the hedge. She was in deep thought, recalling all the memories she had shared with her friends during all those years at studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sure, she had already graduated, been offered lots of jobs by the Ministry of Magic and others, but she simply declined and preferred to stay in the Muggle world where she thought she would be happy. But the pain in her heart never ceased to fade away, even though she did everything to make it disappear. Wherever she go, whatever she do, she couldn't forget about her past. Until now, the image of her parents' bloodstained face and the Death Eaters that surrounded them still lingered in her mind. It was a very painful moment for her and she blamed their death to herself. If she hadn't been a witch, if she hadn't studied at Hogwarts and had gotten involved in the final battle with Voldemort, her parents couldn't have been dead by now. But they just are. Now, she is currently living with her aunt, uncle and cousins from the wizarding world. Speaking of bestfriends, Mrs. Hale, Hermione's aunt, called from inside, "Hermione, dear, you've got mail!"
Hermione jumped from the porch and quickly made her way inside the living room where her aunt was.
"Are these from my friends?" Hermione asked anxiously as her aunt handed her the letters.
"Yes, from Harry and Ron to be exact," Mrs. Hale replied, not leaving her eyes off her sewing.
"Thanks, Aunt Holly," Hermione said and sprinted up the stairs to her room where she found her cousins Fay and Larissa sprawled on the floor, reading magazines. Although they don't share a room together, it had been a habit for her cousins to go to her room, indicating the strong bond between the three.
"Ooh, ooh, look at this dress, Mione! It's so elegant!" Larissa told her, shoving the magazine on Hermione's face.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," Hermione said and sat down on her purple bean bag and tore open Harry's letter.
Fay immediately recognized Harry's handwriting as Hermione always let them ready her friends' letters. "Let me see that!" she said. She and Larissa went to Hermione's side and read it out loud along with Hermione.
Dear Hermione,
Hello! How are you? I hope you're doing fine. Are you still having nightmares about your parents? Maybe you should really consult someone who might help you, although of course Ron and I are still here to support you no matter what. Speaking of Ron, I'm staying here at the Burrow, staying for the summer holidays. You know I can't stand the Dursleys any longer. Besides, Mrs. Weasley insisted and I simply cannot decline her offer. Oh, let me tell you how evil Fred and George had become. They kept teasing Ginny. Oh, the poor little girl. Mrs. Weasley once caught them bewitching Ginny's hair without her noticing and they received quite a good spanking. Ron, on the other hand, had become a very good Quidditch player, but of course no one can ever beat him at wizarding chess. Anyway, we were thinking if you could come over and visit us her. I know it may seem impossible as you said you didn't want to be reminded of the painful memories and all...but we really really miss you so much. Please let me know what you think of it. I'll be waiting for your reply.
Love, Harry
P.S. I'm going to start my new job as Auror next month! I'm so excited!
Hermione smiled as she folded the piece of paper and placed it on top of her desk.She was so happy to hear from her friend again.
"So, are you meeting with them?" Larissa asked, her hazel brown eyes burning with curiosity.
Hermione bit her lip and avoided their gaze. She understood that her friends miss her as much as she does, but she's not yet ready to face everybody.
"I take that as a no," Fay said, sitting beside her cousin.
"I know you're still not prepared, but how long are you going to hide yourself inside your shell? Come on, Hermione. You have to move on," she said softly.
"I am moving on," Hermione retorted.
"Oh, Hermione...what are we going to do with you?" Larissa said, sighing.
Hermione's face twitched into a smile. "Go with me to the mall?" she suggested, wiggling her eyebrows. Fay and Larissa grinned.
"Alright," they said. The three girls changed their clothes, said goodbye to Mrs. Hale and made their way to the mall. They went shopping, boy hunting and finally, to Eron's Ice Cream Parlor.
"Mmm...can I have your double scoop of strawberry and chocolate ice cream, Larissa?" Hermione said sweetly.
"Oh, no you won't," Larissa replied curtly. "You already finished yours. And you'll get fat."
"Oh, come on, Larissa," Fay said, grinning. "You know she doesn't gain weight no matter how many ounces of fat she eats." Larissa laughed.
"Well, if Larissa doesn't want to give it to me, maybe I can have yours then," Hermione told Fay.
Fay grinned. "Alright...if you'll give me your ring," she said, pointing to a crystal ring on Hermione's finger. It was a very rare one indeed, with several diamonds forming the letter F and Fay had never seen a crystal ring before, except this one.
Hermione shook her head. "Never. How many times do I have to tell you, this is so important to me. My mother gave it for my 16th birthday and I will never give it up no matter what," she said firmly.
"Hey, easy. I was just kidding," Fay said, giggling.
Hermione smiled. They spent a lot of time talking animatedly about different things that when they went home, they were greeted by a furious Mrs. Hale.
"Um, hi mom," Larissa said, trying to sound casual.
"Do you know what time your curfew is?" Mrs. Hale whispered.
Fay gulped. "Yes," she muttered quietly.
"And do you know what time it is now?" Mrs. Hale continued, looking at one guilty face to another.
"Nine-thirty," Hermione answered.
"So," Mrs. Hale said, hands on her hips. She was about to start with her lecture but was interrupted when the phone rang.
"You wait right here," she said to the three before picking up the phone and saying "Hello?"
"Oh, yes! Yes of course...very well....no....yes...ok...and? Oh, alright...Really? I unders—WHAT?"
The three girls jumped up in surprise. They glanced at Mrs. Hale and noticed that her face had turned pale and it was as if her death had just been announced. "I...alright dear...yes...ok...I will....yes...try-later...ok...bye," she said and hung off.
"Who was that, mom?" Larissa asked.
Mrs. Hale collapsed on a chair. "Just your dad," she said.
"Well? What did he say?" Fay asked.
"Is there something wrong?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Don't worry...ev-everything's just...fine...Bart just...checked on us and ...never mind. You two, go straight to bed. I need to talk with Hermione," Mrs. Hale told them. Fay and Larissa both nodded, sensing that something's not just right. Hermione, who was wondering what this has got to do with her, sat nervously on the couch beside her aunt and asked, "What is it you want to talk about?"
Mrs. Hale took off the apron she was wearing and placed it on the table. "I...don't know where to begin," she said. "But promise me dear, don't be too shocked about what I'm going to say..."
Hermione nodded. She had never seen her aunt sound so nervous. "Please go on," she said.
Mrs. Hale inhaled. "Well...your Uncle Bart told me that-that..." she said, "They found your parents."
Hermione blinked, trying to process the information. A million questions raced in her mind. She was speechless. "Wha-my parents are already dead!" she said, nearly choking. But, could it be that they are somehow alive? A little voice in her head said.
But her question was confirmed when Mrs. Hale said, "Your real parents, I mean."
Hermione stared at her aunt. She felt a mixture of emotions; anger and confusion. "Wha-what do you mean...my-my real parents? You...you don't mean..." Hermione stammered, her face as white as a sheet of paper. She finally understood where this talk is heading.
"Yes, dear. The parents you've known all you life aren't your real ones. I'm sorry to break it to you dear, but..." Mrs. Hale said, resting her hand on Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione felt like she was falling out into the darkness. She didn't expect this to happen. "No! This...this is...impossible! Aunt Holly...please...tell me you're just joking..." Hermione said, tears stinging his eyes.
"Oh, dear..." Mrs. Hale said, trying to comfort Hermione, who was now shaking uncontrollably.
"Aunt Holly, tell me it's not true..." Hermione begged.
"Hermione, I can't lie and you know that," Mrs. Hale said.
"Oh, Aunt Holly!" Hermione cried, throwing herself on her aunt. For a while, she just sat there, crying in Mrs. Hale's arms.
"You feeling better?" Mrs. Hale whispered. Hermione nodded. She was grateful for Mrs. Hale, who had become like her second mother.
"Do you want to know who they are?" Mrs. Hale asked.
Again, Hermione nodded.
"They are purebloods. They gave you to my sister the moment you were born. It's not because they don't want you, but because your real mother was afraid of her father if he found out that she has a child. It was a very difficult choice for her to make, leaving you to her best friend. But she did it anyway for your safety. Hermione, your mother is the only person she could trust at the moment. And the crystal ring your mother gave you, it was from your real parents. They wanted you to have it when you turn sixteen. They also have the same ring so someday, if ever you meet, you would be able to recognize each other."
Hermione's eyes widened as more tears cascaded down her rosy cheeks. All her life she had always known herself as the filthy little mudblood with brains, and now all of the sudden she finds out she isn't. She was so confused and the question "What am I going to do?" filled her mind. Half of her hated her real parents for abandoning her but the other half wanted to see them. Soon, the other side of her won and she found herself saying, "I want to see them."
Mrs. Hale smiled. "I thought so too. Bart also said that...they wish to see you too," she told Hermione. Hermione didn't say anything.
"I know it's very hard for you to do this...the same goes for them. But...why don't you try?" Mrs. Hale said gently.
Hermione nodded. "I will try, Aunt Holly. I will," she whispered.
"That's good. Now you go and rest," Mrs. Hale said as she wiped off Hermione's tears.
Hermione obediently did so and went to her room and collapsed on her bed. She saw her cousins sitting on the arm chairs, looking at her with concern.
"Please don't ask why," she told them.
"We already know. We listened to the whole conversation. Oh, Hermione, we're terribly sorry..." Larissa said, getting up and kneeling beside Hermione's bed.
Hermione couldn't hide her emotions to them. "I feel...so...."
"It's ok, Mione. We're here to listen," Fay said, touching her cousin's hand. Hermione couldn't help it. She cried.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@
The next day is as depressing as yesterday. Hermione was moping and sulking all day in her room, not bothering to finish her meals and just stared off into space. Soon, she decided to answer Harry's letter, as not to keep him waiting. She grabbed a quill and parchment and began writing, pouring all her emotions in that single piece of paper.
Dear Harry,
I'm glad for you for being an Auror. Congratulations! I always knew you would make it someday. I'm also happy for Ro. Does he have any plans of trying out for the Bulgarian Quidditch team? Maybe he'll pass. You know Harry, before I was set on not going to see you there, you already know why,but...something happened to me that could make a great impact in my life. My aunt told me that I was a pureblood and that I was just adopted. Oh, Harry, I can't explain how I feel right now. All I know is that it's terrible and it pains me a lot. I'm mad at them for not telling me but now I'm just dead curious to find out who they are. So the answer to your question is yes, I'm going to go see you tomorrow at 8:00 am at the Three Broomsticks, ok? And please tell Ron to make it on time just for tomorrow.
Lots of love, Hermione
She whistled and her owl Rain went to her side with a hoot. It was colored cream and had been a gift from her friends. She tied the note on the owl's leg and it went off, knowing already where it has to be delivered. Deciding she should get ready for tomorrow, she knocked on Fay and Larissa's door. They opened it and stared wide-eyed at her.
"You-you went out of your room!" Fay said, unable to believe it.
Hermione managed a crooked smile. "Of course. Can you two go shopping with me?" she asked.
Larissa hugged her. "Oh, I'm glad you're ok now. Of course we'll go with you!" she said. And so they went to the mall again, much to the surprise of Mr. and Mrs. Hale.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
"Oh, I'm late! Ron and Harry will kill me!" Hermione exclaimed as she hurriedly ran down the stairs in her black stilettos. It was already 7:40 and she had a maximum of 20 minutes to make her way to The Three Broomsticks.
She hugged her cousins goodbye, then kissed Mr. and Mrs. Hale a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to miss you all," she told them, feeling tears on her eyes.
"We all will," Mrs. Hale said, smiling at her favorite niece.
"Don't forget to e-mail us, ok?" Fay said, fighting the urge to cry.
"And always take care, dear. Remember you are always welcome to stay here," Mr. Hale said kindly.
"OK," Hermione said. She took one last look at her second family and grabbed some Floo powder and shouted, "The Three Broomsticks!"
She closed her eyes and felt like coughing. The next thing she knew she landed on the Three Broomstick's fireplace, covered in soot and ashes. After a quick rush to the bathroom to fix herself up, she searched the crowd for a red-headed guy and a pair of emerald green eyes.
"Hermione!" someone called from behind her. She turned around and came face to face with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley.
"Harry! Ron!" she exclaimed, reaching out for a group hug.
"Ouch! I can't breathe, Mione," Ron grumbled at Hermione's tight embrace.
"Sorry," Hermione said, grinning widely.
Harry turned to look at his best friend, examining her from head to toe. He couldn't believe this was the old know-it-all, bookworm girl he once knew because standing before him is a pretty image of goddess, her radiant beauty standing out among all. She had long, wavy brown hair that shined like the stars, smiling chocolate brown eyes, cherry red lips and creamy white skin. She was standing 5'5 and was wearing cardigan pants, a fancy, sleeveless top and some accessories.
"You look so...different," Ron stated.
Hermione giggled as she put her arms around her best friends. "I know, it's just a little change. No big deal. Anyway, let's go discuss life over there," she said, pointing to an empty chair across the cashier.
"So," Harry said, sitting down. "How are you?"
"Fine,' Hermione replied, "But nervous."
"About?" Ron asked.
"About meeting my real parents. Seriously, Harry, haven't you told him anything?" Hermione said.
"I did! Right Ron?"
"Whatever," Ron muttered. "When are you going to see them?"
"Tomorrow," Hermione replied. "Just the thought of it makes my nerves crack."
Harry frowned. "You'll go back here tomorrow?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head and flashed him a bright smile. "No. I'll stay here at a hotel. I believe you have hotels here?"
"Well...we have kind-of hotels here..." Harry replied.
"But I can't let you stay in a hotel, whatever that thing is, because-"
"Ron, a hotel is not a thing. It's a place," Hermione corrected.
"Whatever. So, you'll just have to stay at our house for your safety," Ron told her.
"Oh, no, no. Please don't bother. I can take care of myself very well."
"Hermione, I insist," Ron said, looking at her imploringly.
Hermione sighed. "Fine. Thank you, Ron. I owe you one," she said.
"You owe me nothing, Hermione. I'm just doing my job as a friend," Ron told her.
"Alright, alright!" Harry's voice rang on their heads. "Are you two finished with your sentimental moments? I'm feeling a little left out here," he said. He had been listening to the whole conversation and was getting pretty bored.
"Oops, sorry," Hermione said, giggling.
Ron looked at his wrist watch, glancing at the time. "Oh, bloody hell! It's already time for lunch! Mum will go mad if we're late. You'll come with us, right Hermione? Unless... you don't have your things yet," he said, looking for Hermione's belongings but found none except her bag.
Hermione grinned and pulled out something from her bag. It seemed like little Lego pieces.
"Oh, casting a Minimizing Charm, ain't we?" Harry said, grinning, looking at the clever witch he knew so well.
"I don't want to carry any heavy load," Hermione reasoned.
"So, c'mon then, Harry, Mione. Let's go back to The Burrow. Oh, I'm sure Mum will be glad to see you again, Mione. And believe me, Ginny will go nuts," Ron said as they marched out of the pub.
"I'll be glad to see them too," Hermione said with a smile.
TO BE CONTINUED
What's on Chapter 2: Hermione finally gets to meet her parents! And she had almost
Gone crazy when she sees where she'll live! Find out what will happen next on
The continuation......
Hey! Hope you like the first chapter. I have already written the second chapter so it will only be a while before I update. Draco fans, just wait, Draco's appearance would be on the third or fourth chapter. Please wait! And what do you think of this fic? Can't wait to get reviews! Remember, the more reviews, the more I write!!!!