Enchantress

Chapter Five - The Past

Chapter Five Synopses: Hermione begins reading the words her Mother left her in earnest. What secrets lay hidden within the pages? Most families have skeletons hidden in their closets what is hidden in Hermione’s? Also will Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter ever give up?

Chapter Five - The Past   

It was late when Hermione got in; Draco ever the gentleman had walked her up the steps of Grimmauld Place and kissed her cheeks quite cheekily. He’d left her with the promise of hot chocolate and pastries at work tomorrow. She passed the library on her way upstairs and was surprised to see a knocked out Sirius asleep on books and pieces of paper. He was obviously working hard on something. Hermione charmed a blanket to cover him and keep him warm as he slept.

Hermione sat down on her bed not feeling the least bit tired but knowing she should really sleep. She decided to read one letter before bed, though the letter turned out to be a diary entry.

January 1978

Today will be the first day in over seven years that my parents will grace me with their presence. To them I am an abomination, something who should be hidden away and not mentioned. They blame me for what I am but I’d blame Mother and her wandering libido. If she’d stuck with Father I’d have been normal…perhaps. Purebloods don’t take kindly to squibs, so when it was apparent that I had no magical abilities I was shipped away. I live a life of secrecy and forbidden longing. One day I’ll break free and then I’ll be gone.

He came today, escorting my parents like some sort of God. I watched them arrive from my window. For a brief moment his eyes locked with mine and I was drawn into the depths of the brightest blue. Matron Belladonna yanked me away from the window then, she said it wasn’t ladylike to star from a window but assumed I didn’t understand being a lowly squib.

I didn’t know why my parents were here. Seated in one of the smaller rooms they conversed with Matron while I was ignored. He stood in the corner waiting patiently for it all to end. Even with my head bowed I could see his fine profile. His locks of fine black hair fell to his shoulders and were pulled back into a loose ponytail. He seemed superbly well dressed so I assumed he was a Pureblood but I didn’t know what family he belonged to or his purpose for his being here. After a few minutes of idle chitchat it became apparent what this visit was about:

“You girl! Great Uncle Alfred has died” said my Mother, I felt a pang of sadness, Uncle Alfred had always been kind to me.

“He left you money, a considerable amount. You will sign it over to us now, you have no need for it you aren’t even a witch” stated my Mother.

I felt hope, a first in a long time, if I had money I had a future outside this house.

“Yes be a good girl and give us the money. Uncle Alfred obviously wasn’t in his right mind when he wrote his will” said my Father.

“No” I said mustering my courage.

“Excuse me” screeched my Mother.

“I will not give you the money it was left to me!” I said.

“Why you insolent little chit” cried my Father.

“Do tell Father. Is your insistence to get my money because the great family fortune is no more or because Uncle Alfred didn’t include you in his will?” I asked, terrified but also triumphant at my sudden backbone.

My parents looked scandalized, Matron had a look about her that promised punishment but the young man looked impressed, his eyes sparkling with humor and I felt proud of myself.