Chapter 4

Have you ever been really alone?

Hermione held Cassie close to her. Ever since Cassie had been born, she'd been ridiculed, teased and even beaten by the Slytherin's. But she really didn't care about that. Cassie was just fine as she was taken care of by Madam Pomfrey. Her only problem now. Her parents. They were on their way to the school to see her. As they had a daughter who was magical, they to could see Hogwarts, unlike a regular muggle. But right now Hermione didn't want them to see the school, her, or the baby.

Instantly, she felt guilty. Was she really that ashamed of her daughter?

She didn't have time to answer her own question as her parents stepped into the Hospital Wing. Cassie seemed to be able to sense her mothers nervousness and whimpered softly. Dana and Jerry Granger sat down in front of Hermione, smiling at the baby but looking worriedly at Hermione.

'What is it that we needed to come here so quickly?' asked Dana. She glanced down at the child in Hermione's arms. 'And who's child are you taking care of?'

Hermione stared at her parents. She threw a glance around the room, knowing that Ron and Harry were hidden there somewhere under the cloak. Forbidden to have them at the meeting for moral support, Harry and Ron had snuck in behind her to support her even though they couldn't be seen. Hermione didn't show it, but she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder as the father did his best to stand by her.

'Her name is Cassie', Hermione said, unable to meet her parents eyes. 'She's my daughter.'

She glanced up and bit her lip when she saw her parents shocked faces.

'She the reason you came…'

'What the hell were you thinking?' interrupted Dana, her anger quite plain. 'What the hell did you do? Why didn't you get rid of that… that thing before it was even born?'

'She not just an object Mum', Hermione protested. 'She's your granddaughter.'

'I have no grandchild', Dana said, standing up and shaking with fury. 'And I have no daughter. At least no a daughter that would let herself get laid by some freak.'

'He isn't a freak! He's my…'

'I DON'T WANT TO HERE IT! EITHER GET RID OF THAT CHILD OR DON'T COME HOME!'

There was a sudden silence except for Cassie, who was crying at her grandmother's anger. Hermione could feel Cassie's father tremble with anger behind her. And when Hermione felt his touch and heard Cassie cry, she knew what she had to do.

'Then I guess I'm no longer you daughter.'

Jerry looked ready to cry.

'Hermione, honey, don't say that…'

'I'm sorry Dad. But if Mum feels this way then I can't come home.'

Jerry couldn't say anything more because just then his wife dragged him out of the room. As soon as they knew they were gone, two things happened. Ron and Harry threw off the invisibility cloak and Hermione burst into tears. Ron took Cassie from Hermione's arms and tried to comfort the little girl while Harry took Hermione in his arms and let her cry.

'Do you know what it's like to be alone?' Hermione sobbed after a few minutes. Ron had calmed little one down and now had his left arm wrapped around Hermione. His right arm still held Cassie, who was wide awake. Harry sighed.

'You know I do Hermione', he muttered.

'No', she muttered, pushing herself away. 'Have you ever been really alone? Abandoned by everyone? Everyone in this school has, except you two. And now my parents have. What am I going to do?'

Ron handed Cassie back to Hermione and gently rubbed the little ones head.

'Don't worry Hermione', he said. 'We'll help you find a way. You know', grinning slyly, 'free day care and all while you find a job.'

Hermione couldn't help it. She laughed.