I Am A Gaunt *Completed!!!!!*

Chapter 2

This chapter is dedicated to reachingformorex and QueenLunaRavenclaw. Two great authors!

*EDITED*

- Hermione's POV -

I just arrived at The Burrow. Not even five seconds after I apparated there and entered the house, did the Weasley's and Harry come to me. They were about to hug me and welcome me into the house when they saw how I looked.

"Who are you?"

"Why are you here?"

"Do I know you?", and many other phrases along those lines were said. It was only a minute ago that everyone went silent and awaited my answer.

I clear my throat and shuffle my feet a bit as they stare at me. "Do I really look that different?", they look at me confused and someone knocks on the door.

"That must be Hermione!", they all walk past me ignoring my protests. I hear different forms of greetings and then turn to see Luna walking towards us. "Hullo.", she says in her dreamy voice. I just stay silent, she probably doesn't recognize me either.

Luna walks over and surprises everyone by hugging me and saying, "Happy Birthday Hermione! I love your new look. It is different but a good different.", I look at her just as shocked as everyone but it doesn't take long before I break into a grin. Throwing, my arms around her. I hug her and say, "You recognized me!".

"Of course, Hermione, you are one of my best friends!", I smile and look at everyone only to see them with shocked and suspicious expressions.

Ron steps forward and I am beginning to be relieved. He remembers! "Hermione? What's happened?", he walks towards my shocked look with a confused expression. "What's with the new hair?". Ron then leans in and whispers, "Sure you were pretty before but the bushy hair would always get in the way", I know he meant it as a compliments but it just came as an insult.

I feel tears well up in my eyes and rip my hand out from his tightened grasp. With a slap to his face, I turn and run out of the house. People are shouting at me to come back  but I don't listen. Tears are falling down my face and I run as fast as I can wiping them from my face. How could he?

I keep running and someone is running behind shouting for me to stop but I try not to. Almost to the trees, I run faster and faster.

The insult came from no where. I should have seen it coming. Ronald has always been a jerk! What I didn't expect was no one to stand up for me. With one last tear, I grab my wand and apparate. Keeping my eyes closed not caring where I end up, I just fall to my knees and burst into sobs.

They were my friends.

My family.

How could they?

All because of some stupid change in my looks and voice.

I can't take it. This isn't what I wanted. I never asked for this to happen to me.

Footsteps approach but I ignore them.

I just need....

Peace.