Disclaimer: I must not tell lies! I'm not J.K. Rowling, and I do not own any part of Harry Potter.
Ron Weasley peered out of the window in Flourish and Blotts at the rapidly darkening sky. He turned back to the shop, which was empty except for his wife, Hermione, and a store employee.
"Can't we go?" he sighed. "It's getting late, the shop's closing soon, and we still need to pick up the kids from Harry and Ginny's."
"Oh, all right," Hermione agreed, placing one more book on her pile and carrying the stack over to the employee to pay. When she'd finished, the two left Flourish and Blotts.
"I can't believe there's a book in that place you don't already own," Ron teased.
"Stop exaggerating, I don't have that many books," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
Suddenly, Ron stopped walking. "What is it?" Hermione asked. She followed his gaze and was startled to see two cloaked figures blocking their path, both holding wands.
"Give us your money and we won't hurt you," one of the figures growled. Ron didn't answer; he stepped in front of Hermione protectively and slowly drew his wand.
Without warning, a jet of light flew towards Ron and Hermione. Ron blocked the spell and sent one back. A loud thud sounded as Hermione dropped her books and pulled out her own wand. She began shooting jinxes at their attackers over Ron's shoulder.
"Hermione, no!" Ron yelled, fearing for her safety.
With that momentary distraction, one of the figures aimed their wand at Ron and shouted, "Obliviate!"
"NO!" Hermione cried. She seized Ron's arm and quickly spun around to Disapparate. They landed a few seconds later in their kitchen.
"What was that all about?" Hermione said, breathing heavily. "Well, at least we're out of there… Let's go get Rose and Hugo, Ron."
Ron, however, was revolving slowly on the spot, looking at the kitchen with interest. "Who's Ron?" he asked curiously. "And where are we?"
"That's not funny," Hermione snapped. "Honestly, who attempts a Memory Charm in duels? What an idiot."
"Memory Charms?" Ron repeated.
Hermione stared at Ron, a horrible idea forming in her mind: Was it possible he'd actually been hit with the charm, and wasn't just playing around?
"Ron," she whispered. "Do you know who I am?"
Ron stopped turning and looked at Hermione for the first time since they'd arrived home. "Sorry – no," he said.
Trembling, Hermione sank into a chair, covered her face with her hands, and started sobbing. She could tell by the look on Ron's face that he wasn't joking. He didn't recognize their house, himself… or her.
Ron walked over to her and patted her shoulder. "Look, I don't know what's going on, but if there's anything I can do to help…"
Hermione shook her head, which was still in her hands. Finally, she managed to stop crying. "I'll send a message to Harry and Ginny and let them know what's going on, then I'll take you to St. Mungo's. I'll explain later!" she added hastily as Ron opened his mouth to ask more questions.
It took several tries, but Hermione managed to produce a Patronus to send Harry and Ginny. It was the Order of the Phoenix's old way of communicating, and Hermione figured it was the fastest way to contact her friends. She watched as the silvery otter swam gracefully away, then grasped Ron's arm and Disapparated once more.