Author's Note: This is a response to all of the "Character X had changed over the summer" fics in this section. It's going to be a short one, but I thought I'd do it anyway. People, change isn't always a good thing (and if it is, it doesn't always occur within the time frame of a single season).
Disclaimer: I don't own Hermione or any of the other characters. I'm just borrowing them to make a point.
Hermione's Season of Change: Part I
Dear Diary,
I'm glad to say summer break is just beginning. I look forward to using this time to study and improve upon my abilities as a witch. Ron will no doubt be goofing off (bless him), but he's promised to apply himself for me…whatever that means. Harry is getting along better with his household, at least that's what I was told. Of course, with the threat of Voldemort ever looming, I seriously doubt anything the Dursleys did would be nearly as troubling.
Mum's a bit concerned because I'm feeling ill, but I told her it was nothing a little magic and a bowl of warm soup couldn't cure.
Hermione
- - - - -
Dear Diary,
The most peculiar thing has occurred: for whatever reason, my hair has turned RED. I don't mean the shade of orange accepted as being red, but a terrifyingly rich shade of scarlet. I've looked through all of my books, but I can't find any reasonable explanation for this change. Still, I don't see it as anything to be concerned about. After all, it's only hair. It's not as though I haven't found myself in far worse predicaments. Anyway, I have owled Professor McGonagall about the situation and she has promised to see what books in the library are available to help and what Madam Pomfrey could come up with for me.
She recommended that I remain calm, which I am trying my best to do. Hopefully, I'll figure out a way to get my hair back to normal in a few days.
Hermione
- - - - -
Dear Diary,
It's been a week since my hair turned red, and things are continuing to get stranger and stranger. You see, portions of my hair are turning black. Not in patches either, but long even streaks. They started out dull and barely noticeable, but as the days pass (it's been three since I first noticed the streaks), these portions of my poor hair are becoming darker and darker. Mum is getting concerned. I myself am feeling nervous.
I got a message from Professor McGonagall and the book should be here in a day or two. I still feel a little sick, but there's no reason to worry; I'll get to the bottom of this.
Hermione :)
- - - - -
Dear Diary,
I glanced at my previous entry and noticed something that startled me. I signed with this strange ":)", which is never how I sign my name. Maybe it was a slip of the hand.
I just received the book from Professor McGonagall that she promised. It's called, "Unexplained Metamorphisms" and it contains various causes of changes in appearance and spells for correcting them. She also sent me a potion made by Madam Pomfrey in the hopes that it would help my hair return to normal. I sent a reply thanking them for their aid and was careful not to add the ":)" when signing it. Now that I think about it, it is rather ridiculous looking.
In the seven days since I first noticed the streaks, they have become shimmering lines of ebony in my lovely red hair
Did I write that? Goodness! I don't like my hair like this, why would I say something like that? It's the cold. Yes, I'm still not feeling very well, and I think the stress over my hair and studies has taken its effect on me.
Mum says I should get lots of bed rest. Dad bought me a pretty blue summer dress. He says I can wear it out when I feel better. I usually don't do dresses, but he bought it and it would be rude not to wear it. Besides, it's actually a pretty dress.
I'm glad to have parents who love me so much.
Hermione
- - - - -
Dear Diary,
I feel so bad. So, so bad. I don't think I've ever felt so heartsick. You see…I burned the dress that Dad bought. It was the middle of the night and I couldn't stop myself.
I took it out, held it up, and then said a spell I know I shouldn't have said. Up in flames it went. I cleaned up the mess, but I'm in a panic. When I do get better, he'll expect to see me in it one of these days. I'll just have to think of something. There are spells for this, there has to be.
The thing is, when I was burning it…I felt so angry. I was angry at him and I didn't know why. I hated him. It's not me. I love my father.
Oh, what's happening to me? Why won't the potion or books help me? I'm just so sad right now.
I am not going to give up.
There has to be a way to escape this evil that has taken a hold of me. I know now that this is no normal sickness. It is a wicked spell, one that I must fight, or else
No, I don't want to think about it.
Herm
- - - - -
Dear Diary,
You thought the last entry was disturbing? Well, get this: I just exploded at both of my parents. Why? I don't know. I still don't know. We were enjoying a quiet morning breakfast and Mum asked me to clean up the dirty dishes. So help me, I couldn't stop myself.
I screamed at the woman. I told her to "fuck off" and I can't believe what I told her to do with her forks (not fork, "forks" plural). When Dad tried to reprimand me, I was so mean and disrespectful and I told him. I told him what I did to the dress.
I didn't want to; it was as if someone else was in control. I swear I'll never forget the look on his face. Never.
When I was finally able to gain control of myself, I ran out of the kitchen and I've been in my room ever since, which I feel is best. After that outburst, I think they need time away from me. I know I hurt them. What I don't know is why.
I've gone back through my books (including the one sent to me by McGonagall) at least ten times each. Nothing is working. And now my eyes feel funny. They look strange, too.
I'm afraid now. I'm not ashamed to admit it anymore. I'm afraid and I don't know what to do.
I've decided to owl Ron and Harry about this. I doubt there's much they can do, but maybe they'll write something to make me feel better. I need it right now.
Herm
- - - - -
Diary Dearest,
I'm feeling strangely optimistic. Sure, my eyes are now a bright shade of purple, but at this point, nothing surprises me. Lol. I've begin to come to terms with this illness. Have I accepted it? No, but I've decided that I will not waste energy being surprised by every change that I discover. I came to that conclusion when I noticed that my breasts are bigger.
I know my parents want desperately to say something about it, but after the way I talked to them a couple of weeks ago, they haven't had much to say to me.
I don't feel so bad about the whole thing anymore, because now that I think about it, they can be annoying. But that's what parents are for, right? Ordering you around and annoying you. What a drag.
I have taken up few new habits that are helping to distract me from my burdensome illness. First, I've discovered a love of poetry, particularly the dark kind. I used to read Poe, but I felt I needed darker, darker than the luscious streaks that dominate my hair.
And I also have developed a desire for black leather. I bought a small square patch at a fabric store when I was out the other day.
Late at night, I rub it a little. I know that sounds strange, but it's comforting. I think that when I've saved enough, I'll buy a black leather skirt. And boots. I have a darling black shirt that would help make for an interesting ensemble.
There's something else I was supposed to be doing this summer, but I seem to have forgotten what that was. No matter. I feel better, and that's all that matters.
Later!
Mione
- - - - -
Yo Diary,
I'm so better! I feel great! I knew that leather skirt and boots was all I needed! Shopping is really a girl's best friend.
While I was out, I bumped into Draco. Of all the people to see. He didn't recognize me, which was good because I didn't want him to. And the strange thing was, I think he kind of liked my new look. Ha, imagine that. The "pureblood" creep was all hot and bothered over little mud-blood me. What a jerk! Cute, but still a jerk. Oh, why can't I stop thinking about that idiot? That look in his eyes was kind of intriguing. Whatever.
Anyway, I heard from Ron and Harry the other day. I knew they wouldn't be able to think of anything to help with the you-know-what, but it was nice hearing from him. I mean them. Wow, one minute it's Draco and then it's Harry.
Well, I'd rather think about Harry anyway. At least I like him.
Good grief I'm babbling! Let me cut this brief and just say that leather is God. Grr.
The fashionable Mione!
- - - - -
Diary,
This is totally going to be my last entry for the summer. I mean, there are like what, two weeks left? And I'm indoors writing in a stupid journal! I don't think so. I bought new clothes that go perfectly with my hair. I've decided that what happened to me wasn't a curse at all, and certainly not a sickness. This is great! Guys think I'm cute and girls who didn't like me before want to ask me, ME, for shopping tips. I have never been more popular.
And I'm not even back at Hogwarts yet! I can't wait to see Harry and Ron again. I know they'll totally love my new style. It's like the bomb. Sorry, "dah" bomb! Whee! Slang is fun. Hehe.
Well, I've gotta go, I'm meeting up with Mindy from downtown and she and I are going to get a great manicure and I'm totally going to match my nails with my hair. Oh, I'm going to look so totally hawt! All the guys are going to flip!
I'm so out!
Mia ('cause Mione sounds kinda old . . .)
Author's Endnote: Well, that's the end of part one. Next, our "Mia" heads to Hogwarts. That ought to be interesting. Remember, this is what happens when you screw with perfectly normal characters. Hurts, doesn't it?