A/N - Hello and welcome to my new story. As I've started doing these I find myself moving from one trope to another. I've done the pureblood Hermione (Phoenix) and the smut for the sake of smut Hermione (Last Friday) and this endeavor is the memory loss Hermione.
This story starts five years after the war and we find Hermione readying herself for a much needed vacation. The story itself takes place in the present and past. It flits between those two times and varies on the point of view. I've tried to be clear on who is speaking. You can have comfort that pov changes are identified but the *R&R**R&R* that breaks the story line up. I'll ask that if anyone is confused about this, let me know and I'll adjust how the flashbacks start.
The story itself is two chapters long with an epilogue for chapter three. There are also supplemental chapters that will be added after the epilogue. I don't want to get much into those as they are part of the revenge in the title.
One quick final thing, it's amazing and heart warming to see that people are still finding, reading, favoriting/following my other stories. Thanks to everyone whose followed me or my stories. It really does make my day when I get those notification. I read all the comments but I will readily admit to my inability to respond to them all. Depending on the comment and if I still have story to write, I may make comments in future A/N but even if I don't, know I appreciate the time you took to leave your thoughts.
Thanks and I hope you enjoy!
*R&R**R&R*
Hermione Granger looked over the letter she had just finished writing. As she signed her name it felt wrong. She sighed and hoped she would understand the odd feelings soon. Maybe she was just overworked. She hadn't taken any major time off from work since she started the job four years earlier. The Minister had told her she needed to take at least two weeks off. He had given her a list of dates that would not conflict with other approved holiday requests. One of the dates called to the witch. She didn't notice the smile on the Minister's face when she confirmed the date. That day was now upon her. As far as her friends were concerned, her vacation would begin tomorrow when they would all head to Australia. Harry had arranged an international portkey. Ron and Ginny didn't seem pleased with the location but Harry had made them agree to the trip.
"If Hermione is actually going to take the vacation we've been begging her to take for years; then we go with her wishes." Hermione had noticed the look in the eyes of the Weasley siblings and wondered again what happened to put such a look of loathing there. Hermione had very few memories from the time of the war. She vividly remembered the Department of Mysteries battle and then nothing until about a year after the war was over. Harry explained she had been hit by an unknown curse and the apparent side effect was memory loss. Harry had filled her in on their sixth year, she remembered all her coursework but that was about it. When he talked about their seventh year it was really just glossed over. They were looking for the horcruxes Voldemort had created and they ended up being on the run for the entire year. When Hermione would ask about details, Harry would say they weren't important and if he could forget he would. Ron never said anything about their time on the run. Hermione found that curious.
She looked one final time at her sparse office. Since selecting the date of her vacation, she had been feeling it was time to move on. Her job was boring. She remembered during her fifth year thinking she would look into the process to become a mistress of potions or charms. Both subjects were her favorites and seemed to be topics that would compel her to continue her learning for her entire life. But somehow, and she didn't quite remember how, she ended up working at the Ministry in some desk job. Her responsibility was tracking the floo network. Mind numbing was the only term she could use to describe her day to day work in polite company. In the quiet of her apartment; however, the most mild was a bloody awful and ranging to the fucking fuckiest fuckhole of a job.
Once Hermione realized how much she truly disliked her job, she had started to take her personal items to her small apartment. No one noticed. It had been two months since the last memento was removed from the walls and no one had mentioned anything about it. It wasn't as if she had a lot of visitors, but Harry would stop in a couple times a week. She could have sworn Kingsley noticed but, he never said anything. As the Minister of Magic, he was quite busy. Ron would simply show up and demand Hermione take him to lunch.
He had been trying for years to get Hermione to date him. She didn't understand why, they were only friends. Well, if she thought enough on the relationship, they were acquaintances with a mutual friend in Harry. Ginny was someone Hermione would not socialize with, if not for Harry. It seemed Harry was the lynchpin in what other's saw as her primary relationships. Somedays Hermione wondered why she was still friends with any of them. They hadn't changed since school. The Weasley children still acted as if every person other than their small group of friends were somehow conspiring against them. Ron claimed his inability to get a promotion was because the 'Slytherin' who ran the department was acting on Voldemort's orders. Hermione had tried to get him to move on but nothing would. Slowly she realized Ron's blaming of everyone else was needed. It was his coping mechanism. He had never been responsible and to validate his failings it had to be the someone else's fault. His brothers were all successful in their own way. Ron wasn't, his entry level job was the highest position he was ever going to achieve.
Ginny was never expected to do anything by her mother. Molly had instilled in her daughter the desire to marry someone who would be able to take care of her. That would allow Ginny the luxury of spending her days with no responsibility. Hermione suspected Ginny didn't want many children and she would have someone else raise what offspring she had. Nurturing wasn't a term that described Ginny Weasley.
About a year prior, all the Quidditch teams of the England/Ireland league had banded together and organized open try-outs over the course of a couple weeks. The league hoped to find some new talent from the multitude of recreational league teams that dotted the English and Irish towns, villages and countrysides. The hope was to inject some fresh talent to the professional ranks and give the teams an additional avenue to identify new players. With only a few of the magical schools large enough to have multiple quidditch teams, it was not easy to identify those with true talent. The league's plan worked quite well and there were now a few individuals who were considered to be upcoming stars and had been discovered during the try-outs. Ginny and Ron both knew they had what it took and refused to listen to their family when they bragged about how easy it would be. Ron had been laughed off the pitch. Ginny had been offered a position as a backup reserve chaser. Both took offense, as they were, in their own minds, the best amateur players available. Ginny did not take the offer and in the end ruined any chance she may have had to land a starting position in the future. Currently, Ginny was living with her parents and trying to get Harry to propose to her.
Harry, while he was artfully, in Hermione's opinion, avoiding the marriage discussion, had been trying to get himself placed as an Auror. It turns out that even with Kingsley as the Minister, Harry did not have the required qualifications for the role. One of the points that secured the election for Kingsley was promising to follow the established job requirements. Hermione had vocally agreed with the stance and swore she would not accept any position beyond what others her age and experience would be offered. After publicly stating her intentions and receiving overwhelming support from the 'people' Harry did the same. He never expected to actually have to earn his position as an auror. He was currently a MLE officer with an assigned beat route. He lamented how great of an auror he would be and privately complained about what Hermione did. He blamed her for his predicament and not his refusal to go back and finish his schooling.
Hermione shook her head and returned to the present. She grabbed her bag, cloak and letter before locking her office. It appeared she was going for lunch; however, she wasn't coming back. She left the Ministry of Magic building and headed towards Gringott's. Upon entering she requested the goblin responsible for her vault. Before going to work that morning she had deposited everything she owned, save a few items should they be need that day. Now those things were added to her vault and she withdrew a bit of money. The goblin respected the way the witch treated him and as such, he had sworn to protect what was hers. She had listed the Minister as her next of kin, in case something happen. She handed the goblin a letter and requested it be delivered to the Minister of Magic the next day. From there, Hermione headed the nearest apparition spot. She left without looking back at her, now, former life. Hermione appeared just outside of Hogsmeade, she wasn't sure why she needed to come there. She didn't remember the last time she was here, which means it was during the lapse in her memories.
Madam Rosmerta was a bit shocked to see Hermione appear. In fact, Rosmerta didn't actually expect to see the witch but following the letter's instructions, Rosmerta carefully approached the war heroine. "Hello Hermione, how are you doing?" Hermione turned to see the still attractive older witch. Hermione only remembered the witch as the owner of Three Broomsticks. They had never spoken, so Rosmerta's apparent friendly nature was a bit surprising.
"I'm doing well Madam Rosmerta. Actually, I'm not sure why I'm even here." Rosmerta's smile exploded, the letter was right and it was time to make sure she fulfilled her promise from all those years ago. Motioning to the pub, the two witches entered and went straight to the backroom.
*R&R**R&R*
Draco Malfoy sat on the warm beach and looked at the small clock in his hand. The hands were very close to reaching the spot marked as 'return'. She gave him the clock as one the last things she did. She knew Draco would miss her and charmed the clock to click backwards to a point in the future. It was impossible for him to determine when she would return, so each day he anxiously looked to see how close he was to holding her again. It had been almost four years and vengeance would be his. If he was honest, vengeance would be his wife's but Draco would certainly do whatever to assist his witch. She had been taken. They both knew it was going to happen and the witch made sure she had a way to return to him. He rubbed the hidden tattoo and felt their shared connection strengthening. The heroes from the war had made his life miserable, luckily the Ministry knew of Draco's sacrifices both before and during the war. His wife documented everything he had done and ensured that evidence would be confirmed as legitimate and presented for use at the end of the war. All of them knew Draco, if only because of his last name, would be on trial.
Draco's memories replaced the view of the beach and the sea. He remembered how the Ministry did him a favor when Kingsley Shacklebolt had been elected after the war. Kingsley had been Draco's contact within the Order. And was, surprisingly, Draco's second loudest supporter. No one could replace his wife in that role. Since it would have been strange for Draco and Kingsley to speak, a liaison had been assigned to Draco. Draco laughed when his witch walked into the room. Her warm eyes and smile were all Draco needed to confirm his decision to become a spy was correct.
Draco had been forced to take the mark. Everyone knew with Lucius's failure to bring Harry Potter to Voldemort and the disaster that was the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, Draco would be used as the scapegoat. Narcissa had not been as lucky. Draco was thankful his mother was only murdered. It could have been much worse for her. Draco took the mark and returned to school with a mission. This mission was not what Voldemort had decreed. Draco wanted vengeance on those that killed his mother. Obviously Voldemort and the filth that still resided in his home were on the top of the list. But surprisingly to some, Lucius was a close second. On the first day of school, Draco knew the Gryffindor idiots were planning on following him. He also knew, the witch who saved their asses more often than not, did not agree with their plans. It was a couple weeks into the school year and during one of trio's spats Draco found his chance.
Hermione Granger was sitting alone in the restricted section of the library reading up on memory charms. Draco was surprised to watch as she started to cross reference the charms with memory potions. Gazing over her shoulder, Draco noted the charm she was creating would naturally wear off as the potion worked its way through the system. The potion could be brewed for any length of time but it would never be permanent. Draco knew the witch was smart and more practical than one would expect. That was why he had chosen her to make his plea.
"Granger." Hermione looked up to see Draco Malfoy standing next to her. She hadn't sensed his approach which was unusual. She was becoming quite jittery with the impending war. Draco sat and looked at the witch waiting for a response.
"May I help you?" Hermione wasn't sure what Malfoy wanted but since he wasn't taunting her and in fact had a look of apprehension, she didn't immediately retort with a sarcastic remark. The look of apprehension was fleeting, but enough for Hermione's sense of compassion to have her responding with genuine concern. Draco, on the other hand, wasn't exactly sure how to begin.
"I know you have no reason to trust me. Before I begin, have the Healers been able to cure the curse from the Department of Mysteries? I think I know what he used and if you want, I can have Severus brew up the potions." Hermione was a bit more shocked. Whatever Dolohov had thrown was silent and no one could quite come up with the exact curse and more importantly, brew with the correction potion cocktail to cure the lingering side effects. She absently rubbed the scar on her chest and shook her head. "If I may ask a few questions, we can determine if my theory is correct." After about twenty minutes Draco sighed and slid a piece of parchment to Hermione.
As she read the curse description, she realized it is was spot on. This was the curse and Malfoy was willing to help. "I don't want to be rude, but why you are helping me?" Draco's sigh was resigned and he began to roll the sleeve of his shirt. On seeing the mark and still tender flesh, Hermione reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "If you are, then why?" Draco just shook his head.
"I'm not. Not really; after the Department of Mysteries, Voldemort was livid. He killed my mother outright and I thought he was going to kill me as well. Instead he tortured me as soon as I arrived home. I don't know how long it went on and when I thought it was the end, he branded me and tasked me to kill Dumbledore. Maybe had he not murdered my mother, I would have thought about it. But now? Why should I help him or my father? I don't really believe anymore. You proved that who your parents are don't make you better than anyone else. My father proved a historic name does not make a role model I don't want to kill Dumbledore because of Voldemort. Dumbledore was the reason I was sent home, he somehow got the Ministry to remove me from the castle and ship me home. Otherwise, I would have remained secure here. That is why I want to kill him. I sense he knows I blame him and won't accept me as a spy."
Hermione was nodding along, something happened over the summer and Dumbledore had become quite focused on the events he planned to happen actually happen. Hermione suspected it was something to do with the task he passed onto Harry recently. She had heard a few whispered conversations and didn't like how secret everyone was acting. Of course you didn't want to yell from the rafters but others were aware of something going on. Harry's nightmares had been bad the prior year, but after the battle at the Ministry, they intensified and it didn't appear Dumbledore was helping him. Harry couldn't sleep at night so she and Ron had taken to sitting with him while he caught naps whenever he could. More than once he mumbled 'horcrux' in his sleep. What little she could find on that word left her scared.
"You are probably correct about Dumbledore. But if you are on the outs with Voldemort what information can you get?" Hermione's practicality again surprised the wizard seated across from her. Instead of some emotional response, she looked at the situation to decide what he could do.
"I may be here, but with Father in Azkaban and Mother dead, I am now the head of the house and the Manor responds to me. After seeing my mother's dead body and surviving that night; I began to charm the Manor. As those creatures leave certain areas, the Manor will not allow them to access again. I have offered freedom to the elves; however, they wish to stay and help. Even my blood purist family has moved against the Dark Lord. They don't like the fact he isn't really a pureblood." By this time, Hermione had been informed of Voldemort's parentage but thought it was a well guarded secret. She the surprised look on the witch's face at his knowledge, Draco continued. "No, we all know. They've always known he was a half-blood. I guess he is charismatic and said all the right things at first so people like my grandfather happily followed. Now he is just to bloody powerful and his followers are just realizing their mistake and can't get out."
Draco shrugged before continuing. "Between the portraits and the elves I am being kept abreast of every plan and thought that happens in the Manor. I know the Dark Lord is the reason Potter isn't sleeping. The boy needs to learn occlumency but he is fighting Severus on it. I also know the Dark Lord doesn't know why they have the connection but he is using it to his advantage right now."
Hermione knew Harry was not trying as hard as he could when Snape was training him. Harry had been complaining about it but more importantly, Harry thought the dreams would lead him to the answer of beating their enemy. Hermione was beginning to believe that Harry's refusal was based on Dumbledore. It seemed like Dumbledore wanted to know what Harry was seeing but didn't want to tell the boy to stop his lessons. "Why does Harry have to learn it?"
"As I said, the Dark Lord has some connection to Potter, he doesn't even understand it. But he can influence what Potter dreams and sees. I think it goes both ways but the Dark Lord uses occlumency to keep Potter out while Potter has no defense."
"Do you know it? Can you teach me?" Hermione realized the importance of keeping people out of your mind and if this was the trick she was willing to practice. Draco agreed and the pair decided to meet up as much as they could. It was good for Draco as well, if he was going to pull off being a spy, he needed to keep everyone out. Silently the pair agreed to trust each other.
It was a week later that Draco provided the first bit of intelligence to Hermione and he was officially made a secret member of the Order. Kingsley was the only person, besides Hermione, to know of it. In his first couple of months of membership, the information provided by Draco gave the Light the edge in quite a few battles and ended up saved dozens of individuals identified to be killed. Hermione's role was to take the information and make passing comments or inquiries Kingsley. In mid-November, Hermione was waiting for Draco to get free of his friends, and decided to study horcruxes. It turned out, much to her displeasure, a horcrux could be anything. If that wasn't bad enough, more than one could be made and without knowing how many there were, it would be near impossible to ensure they had them all before confronting Voldemort. Hermione let out a growl of frustration as Draco appeared.
"What caused such a ferocious sound?" Draco dropped smoothly into the seat opposite Hermione and she silently slid the parchment with her notes in front of the blonde. He glanced at the books surrounding the witch and just nodded. After a few minutes he started to scribble words on the parchment. Diary. Ring. Necklace. Diadem. Cup. … Snake. Returning the parchment to the witch, he tapped the dots. "I suspect there is another one. The three that are marked off are gone. He only knows about the diary destruction. It is what Potter destroyed unwittingly second year in the Chamber. The Dark Lord was furious when he found out." Draco shuddered remembering how the family had suffered for that failure by Lucius. "The cup was Helga Hufflepuff's, it was given to my Aunt Bella for safe keeping. Since Bella is technically a felon, she cannot access her vault. Mother, as the only accepted and living relative, was given power over all of Bella's property when she was sent to Azkaban. When Voldemort killed my mother, I inherited everything mother had. This included Bella's vault. I removed the cup. It's been destroyed."
"Thank you Draco." The blonde just shrugged not used to receiving praise, but he squeezed the witch's hand in gratitude of her acknowledgement.
"The ring, that was Dumbledore. Severus filled me in. Apparently it was a Gaunt family heirloom and was cursed to kill whomever wore it. When Dumbledore put it on this summer he was cursed but the ring was destroyed." Hermione was shocked and understood why Dumbledore's attitude had changed. Hermione didn't want to linger on just what Dumbledore's plan were before slipping the ring on his finger.
"So there were least six, but you suspect a seventh. Is there a way to figure it out?" Standing, Draco nodded.
"Do you have to be anywhere in the next hour?" Shaking her head, Draco reached toward to the witch. She grasped his proffered hand and didn't let go after standing. With a quick flick of his wand, her notes, books and parchments were packed away and her bag was in his hand. "We will go the back way out of here." Leading Hermione toward the stacks, Draco went deeper into the restricted section before veering into a darker corner. Suddenly Hermione saw a door and with that, the pair were in the dungeons just outside of Snape's personal chambers. "He will not be pleasant. Let me talk first, he isn't loyal to the dark. Hasn't been since we were children." With that Draco knocked on the door.
Slipping out of his memories, Draco sighed and focused back on the clock in his hands, only an hour had passed.
*R&R**R&R*
Ron Weasley paced outside of Harry's apartment. It was the day he was dreading, the group vacation started this afternoon. He told Harry to be ready by eleven and they would get some food before the portkey activated. Ron was not only upset about the vacation but still outraged with Harry for his refusal to live with Ron. Harry was his best friend and they should live together. The pair could enjoy the pleasures of their fame. Hermione had always been included in their adventures and Ron really only every enjoyed Hogwarts when Hermione wasn't around. Those months in second year when she was out of the picture were great. Unless Harry was lamenting how sad he was. Ron knew it was just for show. Harry didn't really care about the witch but had an image to maintain.
Ron and Harry didn't really need Hermione during school but she certainly clung to the boys. Since she clearly needed to be with them, Ron didn't understand Hermione's refusal to date him. He wouldn't marry her, no, he could do much better than her, but could you imagine the publicity of them as a pair? Ron was salivating at the thought. Sighing he looked down the hall and again cursed Harry for not allowing him through the apartment's wards.
Ron had been packed and waiting for Harry for almost an hour. While he was not excited about the hellish trip to the other side of the world, at least he would be away from his mother for a couple of weeks. The woman would grate on Merlin's last nerve. Ron never wanted to go to Australia. It was all Hermione, it always was. Even though she didn't say it, she wanted to go to find her parents. None of them mentioned the missing muggles since Hermione's "memory lapse". But now that she wanted to go, everyone had to agree. Hermione always got what Hermione wanted. It was really that Hermione didn't want Ron that annoyed the ginger headed wizard the most. Honestly, he didn't want her either, but by Hades, no one else was going to get her. That's why he didn't mind when it was decided she would be safer without her memories. Luckily for them, Hermione's notes on the charm she used on her parents were detailed enough to allow them to turn the tables and use the charm on her.
After the charm had been set, Ron was very upset to learn that he never stood a chance with the girl. Again, not that he really ever wanted to be with her. As soon as the memories they needed to be gone were erased, she returned to the mousy little bookworm who never gave Ron a second look. He kicked Harry's door, just as the wizard appeared.
"Why are you kicking my door?" Harry was a bit disappointed that Ron had failed to secure Hermione's hand. He knew all Hermione wanted was to be married. It was what all girls wanted, at least as far as he could tell. It was all Ginny or Molly could talk about. And other than Hermione, what girls were in Harry or Ron's lives? None. They were still a bit nervous around girls. It didn't take long for the shiny newness of being the "Boy-Who-Lived-Twice" to wear off. Ron's notoriety wore off first, quickly followed by Ginny. Both were glory whores. Harry could still draw a crowd, but he too was losing his star power.
The fifth anniversary of the last battle had passed a couple weeks earlier and as it neared The Prophet did a number of 'Where are they now' articles. The articles on Harry and the younger Weasley children were not flattering. Many people questioned the perception of Harry as a role model. The article went into detail on how he had been known to complain about not being given his position in the auror department, his refusal to return to school to take his final year and a few of his less than stellar moments as a DME officer. He was just lucky the story left out the part about his stalking dark families. The articles on the Weasley children were even less glowing. The articles gave a scathing commentary about Ron and Ginny's actions after the quidditch tryouts; as a result the paper was full of editorials on the fact they, Harry included, weren't meaningful members of society.
It seemed, the only one of the 'Golden Trio' with any staying power, was Hermione. After initially planning returning to school, the witch decided to spend the first six months after the battle studying and preparing for her NEWTs. After speaking with some of the professors, it was decided the students who should have sat that spring from their NEWTs would be given the time and resources to learn what they needed without having to return to Hogwarts. Many of the students took the option as the castle held too many bad memories.
Hermione ended up returning to Hogwarts in order to get away from the publicity. Hogwarts held it's painful memories but she was focused on facing them and moving on with her life. By the end of that school year she had taken her core NEWTS plus Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. She earned an 'O' in all the topics and tied the highest ever score in Potions. Her job at the Ministry seemed below her but she did it dutifully. At least that was what the paper said. Harry knew Hermione's staying power was because she never did anything. Ate, slept, worked and read; that was Hermione in a nutshell. A very boring nutshell; which is why he was glad she had finally agreed to a vacation. It had been almost four years since his best friend had returned. And they were going to celebrate.
"Finally, let's go eat and get the girls." Harry shook his head, Ron really hadn't changed.
"Fine let me grab my bag. You head over to Ginny's. We will eat and then get Hermione." It didn't dawn on either of them that having dinner with a friend before their trip would have been the polite thing to do. After picking up a still scowling Ginny, the three former Gryffindors arrived at Hermione's door. After knocking for a good twenty minutes the group gave up and left a note. She was probably still in the office trying to get some work done. None of them really knew, nor did they care, what Hermione did. She was in her little office happily shuffling paper. After the trio left, Hermione's neighbor opened the door and sighed. The poor girl really had to get new friends. The neighbor called the building manager and told him there was a note on the empty apartment across the hall from him.
The next afternoon the trio realized Hermione still wasn't at home. The note was gone but there was still no answer to their knocks. They weren't sure what to think but as Hermione had already paid for their vacation, they would go and whenever she appeared they would give her a piece of their minds. They each grabbed a corner of the out-dated Prophet and with a tug to their stomaches they were sent half a-world away.
*R&R**R&R*
Hermione had spent the night in one of the spare rooms Madam Rosmerta rented. The room was small but neat. Hermione sat until late in the night reading the set of letters Rosmerta had given her. She was leery of the package and the wand that was neatly packed therein. The wand was almost an exact match to her own. This wand, the new one, was noted as hers but unregistered. The letter, which she appeared to have written, explained her memories would start to return but it would still be three days and to use the unregistered wand for anything she needed. Her original wand would be tracked and she would need all the time she could get in order to put her life back on track.
The second letter was a clue and it was triggering a memory from the beginning of her sixth year. She was sitting in the library studying a memory charm and how the inclusion of a potion could increase the efficacy of the charm. It would allow for the caster to identify when the memories should return. She wanted the charm for her…she couldn't remember the reason she wanted the charm but the memory clearly revealed the charm could be made for any finite length of time but it would be strongest if set for four years. Four years, what was so important about four years? Four years ago was the first memory she had. Could someone have used her work on her?
In her memory, the part she couldn't quite remember, she knew there was someone else there. Someone who was important to her regaining her memories and more importantly, regaining who she was. She focused on the memory and hoped that if she was in the same location maybe more of it would return. With that determination, Hermione closed her eyes and got a few hours of restful sleep. Her dreams were of her on a warm beach and laying next to blonde wizard.
*R&R**R&R*
Kingsley Shacklebolt received a letter the first thing in the morning. A smile spread across his face as he read the contents. He happily pulled a file from his drawer, Hermione Granger. With a laugh, Kingsley marked through her name and replaced 'Granger' with the witch's actual last name. After that adjustment, the file was closed when her resignation letter was attached to the folder.
The filing room received the single folder and the witch in charge of filing did not even look at it twice. With a flick of her wand the folder was sent to the 'M' cabinet where is slipped in the top drawer. Hermione Granger no longer existed in the Wizarding world.
Kingsley confirmed the witch's friends, he thought that term loosely, had taken the portkey and went about the rest of his day. The week prior he contacted his Australian counterpart, and through some negotiations made it impossible for the trio to obtain a new portkey to return home. Unless they traveled by muggle means, the trio would be stuck Australia for the next fortnight and until their pre-established portkey activated. Hermione had more than enough time to do what she needed to do.
*R&R**R&R*
As the sun reached its daily apex over the Adriatic Sea, Draco stood from his spot on the beach and turned toward his house. This was a daily activity for the wizard. The hand on the clock were even closer than he expected them to be this morning. Draco pushed his toes into the warm sand before trekking back to the house. The home sat on the edge of the beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
They had been to this village once before and the circumstances were not pleasant. Hermione decided they needed to associate this place with happiness so that was how they decided to be married on the beach. They would spend their limited honeymoon there as well. Hermione had a distant relative who left Novi in the late nineteenth century and emigrated to England. The man married a girl he met there and their family remained in Britain.
Even with the upsetting nature of their initial visit, Hermione and Draco decided they would build their dream home overlooking the beach. When they did return it was to tie themselves together and spend their abbreviated honeymoon there. When the pair was not enjoying the physical side of their relationship, they spent their time drawing and redrawing what they wanted in their home. The actual house ended up being larger than the original plan but Draco didn't want to risk being idle. He had sworn to not seek vengeance and to honor his oath, he had to remain busy.
Draco entered through the large French doors that accessed the beach and ascended to the upper level. The upper level housed the majority of the living area. Over the years the vast Malfoy library had been relocated from Wiltshire to the idyllic village. As the library shelves began to fill, Draco had to expand the home. It now extended into the hill and was the largest home in the Vindol Valley. Not that anyone knew or could actually see the house. After extending the upper house into the hills, Draco decided to do the same with lower level and used the extra space to create an extensive potion lab. It reminded him greatly of the potions classroom at Hogwarts. With the lab built directly into the hill, the home would be shielded from any explosions and the temperature would remain stable regardless of the outside conditions. It really ended up being a perfect location.
Kitmu, the head house elf, appeared in front of Draco with a small glass of wine before popping back to his duties. Draco sipped the sample and determined this year's vintage would be exceptional. The wine was made by the local elves and tasted better than anything he had found in the wine cellar of the manor. The winery was part of the land Draco had purchased and profits from wine sales were funneled into his passion, the potion company that his wife longed to run. Other than not seeking vengeance, Draco swore to making the potion company a success and have it ready when she returned.
Glancing once more at the small clock, Draco sighed and placed it on the shelf where it had sat for the last four years. She would be home soon.
*R&R**R&R*
Severus Snape stood at the doors of Hogwarts waiting for Hermione. Rosmerta had told him of Hermione's appearance and how everything was going as the letter had stated. Severus asked the bar matron if she had expected anything else. Shaking her head no, the couple snuggled deeper into their bed and fell asleep. The next morning, Severus arose and dressed in a manner similar to during his time as a spy. It had been years since he donned the all black ensemble. He had his own role to play this morning. His mind drifted back to the day he realized, or more rightly, remembered just how brilliant the muggleborn witch was.
Severus had awoken with a start. His last conscience memory was hearing about the Department of Mysteries, no it was ensuring Draco wasn't murdered. He couldn't save Narcissa his arrival came much too late to save her life. He was able to ward her body to ensure no one harmed it. Severus had sworn to help Draco survive. Draco, what had happened to Draco? Why was Draco at the Manor? Hogwarts was still in session. The memories were things he knew had happened but now he had more context and the details were clearer.
His concentration was broken when he felt movement to his side and looked to see Madam Rosmerta laying next to him. He stared at the witch who he had always thought was very beautiful. He had a small crush on the witch since starting his teaching position at the school. Looking at the sleeping witch triggered a flood of memories for the wizard. Draco had almost been killed by Voldemort the night of the Narcissa's death. And without Severus he would have been. It was Severus who suggested Draco be marked and given a task. It would give the older wizard time to formulate an escape plan for them both. Shortly after the events of that night, Severus was informed of Albus cursing himself with the ring. Using a bit of "grayish" magic, Severus slowed the progression of the curse. At least that is what he told the old man. They both knew Albus was going to die one way or another.
It was Albus who decided the 'Malfoy boy', as that was the only way Albus referred to Draco, would be a good candidate to actually end his life. Albus admitted to knowing the boy would blame him for getting branded. It had been Albus that put into motion allowing Draco to return the Manor before the end of the school year. With the mark the boy would probably be tasked with something impossible, like killing his headmaster. Albus was pleased that Lucius's failure would end up completely destroying the Malfoy family. Albus, never realizing just how much Severus hated him, never occluded his mind when the two were alone. It took much self-restraint for Severus to not kill the older wizard after seeing what evil little plots the old man was conjuring.
In the time between saving Draco and the start of the school year, Severus had worked out a rough plan that would save Draco from actually having to kill Albus, but would mean the end of Severus's own life. It was probably for the best. What Severus hadn't expected was for Draco to work out a plan for himself. And his plan was far better than anything Severus had come up with. Severus's plan was turned on its head that afternoon when Draco knocked on the door to the private quarters with the muggleborn. After informing the wizard of their allegiance and Hermione's desire to learn occlumency, the trio hatched a new plan which would ensure everyone survived.
The most important thing for them all was how to get rid of Voldemort. Severus was not surprised to find out Hermione was aware of the horcruxes. Severus wasn't sure when to acknowledge where his loyalties lay but after Draco led the initial discussion and Hermione explained how and what she knew, Severus vowed his loyalties to them. Hermione, seeing what she needed to do, made the same vow and bound herself to Draco and Severus. Draco, happily agreed, in his mind he had already made the vow and if it saved his Godfather, he did not need to give it a second thought.
After the vows, Hermione went into her suspicions. Draco reiterated what the elves and portraits had been telling him. Draco told Severus how he believed there was an unknown horcrux and he suspected what it was. Severus admitted to having been told Harry was the unintentional horcrux. Severus believed Albus was the only one else who knew this and had just told Severus of it. The destruction of a horcurx was difficult but not impossible. After discussing the options, Severus showed the teens were the basilisk venom was stored. They also decided the two inanimate objects, the diadem and necklace, would be their first priority. They would deal with the snake and Harry later.
It took the trio almost two solid years before the four remaining horcurxes were destroyed. And even with that success, the final battle had been difficult and Severus didn't believe he was going to survive. In fact, Voldemort had finally realized Severus's duplicity and sent the snake after him. His memories of the attack were blurry, but someone was next to him. He couldn't see them but heard quiet whispers as the person stuffed bezoar in his mouth, then poured a vial of some potion down his throat and dripped tears from a phoenix on his wound. After grasping for a breath; Severus and the mystery person apparated to a private hospital in France where Severus received treatment and rehabilitated.
He chuckled a bit at his rehabilitation. That following year was the start of the best things in Severus's life. Hermione helped him rediscover his love for teaching and that eventually led him to Rosmerta.
After recovering from the onslaught of memories, Severus received a letter from Hermione, it reminded him that they had decided to place him under a memory charm to ensure he survived the war. If Voldemort saw how deeply Severus's betrayal was, Voldemort would have killed him instantly. Neither Hermione nor Draco wanted that to happen. As a group, they decided to alter Severus's memories instead of just removing them. This allowed him to remember and be an active participant those last few weeks before the final battle. They didn't know how long it would actually take for the battle to occur so the charm was set for an initial eighteen months. If nothing had happened by the time it expired they would reevaluate the plan. Hermione went on to explain where Draco was and that Severus should contact him. The last bit of the letter explained that Hermione would probably be under the same charm but not by her hand. If all went as she had planned it would another three and half years before she would regain her memories. She had left herself a scavenger hunt of clues and she would return to Hogwarts needing his help to regain her own memories. Included in the letter to Severus, was another letter and small package addressed to Hermione.
Unsurprisingly Hermione had appeared almost exactly when the letter predicted. He was pulled from his memories as the head of Hermione Granger popped over the horizon. He noted a slight skip to her step as she made her way to the gates of the school.
*R&R**R&R*
The second day of Hermione's vacation started with the sun shining in the room. She felt refreshed, rested and ready to tackle the mystery that was in front of her. After washing and getting dressed, Hermione gathered her things and met Rosmerta in the pub. Since it didn't open for a few hours, the pair sat at the bar and ate breakfast before Hermione left to walk to Hogwarts. It was a path she remembered well and in addition to trying to learn what happened, she was pleased to be back on familiar ground.
Rosmerta smiled and hugged the witch before allowing her to go. Hermione had a long lost skip to her step as she drew nearer the school. Standing in the door, as Professor McGonagall had done at the start of each year, Severus Snape stood gazing at the witch. Hermione approached her former professor with a bit of apprehension. Her last memories of the man were of a stern professor.
"Good Morning Professor Snape, I'm pleased you are here. A bit surprised to be sure, but pleased. I wasn't sure how I would access the school since it is out of session." Remembering his letter, Severus acknowledged the witch as she would remember him. Aloof and a bit intimidating were the nicest of adjectives that could be used. "Anyway, I was wondering, assuming it is allowed, if I could see the library?" Hermione bit her lip as she waited for the stoic man to respond. With a nod, the man spun on his heel and headed into the school with his robes billowing behind him. Not wanting to be left behind, Hermione quickly followed and realized he was headed in the direction of the library. Hermione assumed she would not have free reign and just hoped her memory came back quickly.
For Hermione, entering the library was a homecoming of sorts. She felt comfortable again. Standing in the doorway, she let the scent and atmosphere of the place wash over her. She didn't actually realize she was walking, it wasn't until she was deep in the restricted section, at a table, that she noticed she had moved. Sitting in the chair she flashed back to her memory from the night before.
Severus, not wanting to interrupt, stood to the side and watched as Hermione closed her eyes. He could only imagine what she was seeing. In one way, he hoped it was Draco. His Godson only agreed to the plan because Hermione knew it was the only way. Both he and Draco would have been fine with just leaving and not dealing with any of the mess but that would never work for one of the 'Golden Trio'. Hermione, had again, been proven right. He fingered the letter as the witch let out a gasp and a few tears escaped her eyes.
Hermione remembered trying to figure out a way to keep her parents safe from Death Eaters. She then realized she hadn't thought of her parents for almost four years. Tears leaked from her eyes as remembered them. Hermione was researching memory charms just after the start of sixth year when Draco appeared. This was Hermione's the first memory in the time between the Department of Mysteries and the one year anniversary of the end of the war. The memory very clearly detailed how she was told of Narcissa Malfoy's death and Draco's branding. Because of his mother's death, Draco turned from all that he had known and swore he would help the Light win.
Hermione reached her hand across the desk, much as she had done when Draco showed her the brand. When she opened her eyes she expected Draco to be sitting across from her with his smirk. Instead it was Severus. Hermione's disappointment in Draco not being seated across from her flashed in her eyes. Even as she tried to mask it, it was too late and Severus had noticed it. He, in turn, snorted and handed Hermione her next clue, the letter he had held for the last three and half years.
"Draco did want to be here, but it is not yet the right time. You made him swear to wait for your return. Otherwise he would have been stalking you for the last four years. You need to remember more and then you will find him. He is waiting for you." With that Severus stood and left the witch to her memories.
*R&R**R&R*
Harry Potter, Ron and Ginny Weasley were miserable. Apparently the portkey was set to activate when the trip was over and not before. Nothing Harry could do would get the Australian Ministry of Magic to authorize a new one. The trio were stuck and without Hermione, none knew how to obtain muggle passage back to England.
They arrived at the hotel to find no reservations under Hermione's name. In fact, there were no reservations under any of their names. As it turned out, Hermione hadn't scheduled the vacation. They would have realized it if they looked at the itinerary. The front desk clerk at the hotel explained the term 'draft' and 'amount due' were signs the agent hadn't finalized the trip. On calling the travel agency, the representative stated the itinerary was requested but rejected. With no reservations, Harry had to dip into his personal vaults to pay for a room. The Weasley siblings had no savings to their names and expected Harry to take care of the cost of the trip. They rationalized that since it wasn't their idea, they shouldn't be expected to pay for anything.
Ron had almost been jailed for threats made against the Australian Minister when he yelled about not knowing who 'Harry Potter' was. The Australian Minster laughed and said everyone knew who Harry Potter was but it really didn't matter because as a British citizen rules had to be followed and 'no one got special treatment' these days. Ron pulled his wand and was on his knees before a hex could form. The Australian Auror assigned to the Minster was the quickest draw and didn't flinch when the threat was assessed. The Australian Minister told the trio to leave his office or they wouldn't need to worry about a portkey because they would be arrested. Thinking it would be best if they left, Harry drug the other two out of the office.
It never dawned on the trio to send a note to Kingsley requested help or to wonder where Hermione was. They were too wrapped up in their own lives to think much about anyone else.
*R&R**R&R*
After setting the clock on its shelf, Draco made his way into the dining room and smiled at the two people already at the table. They seemed as nervous and excited as Draco was.
"Have you heard anything Draco? Do you know if she is coming out of it?" Jean Granger was an attractive woman at fifty years old. She had a few extra stress wrinkles, not that Draco would mention it, but after all they had experienced it was to be expected.
After helping Severus with the potions to get over the curse Dolohov threw at Hermione, Draco had gained a bit of trust from the witch. In fact, she confided her concerns about her muggle parents and just what she was trying to accomplish with her research. Draco knew there were plots targeting muggles, especially those close to the Light side. But the elves had not yet confirmed the Grangers were on the list. He was a bit reticent in confirming her suspicions without proof but if anything had happened to her parents, Hermione would have been inconsolable.
After verifying her fears, Draco assisted in helping with the charm. While he was good in potions, his real passion was charms. While Draco had yet to receive confirmation that Hermione's parents would be targeted, he felt it was important for her to know that muggles were definitely in danger. It wasn't until the day they discussed horcruxes and brought Severus on board that Draco was able to confirm just who was going to be targeted. That confirmation caused Hermione to spend more time on developing the potion. Once they had worked out both the charm and the potion formula, Severus snuck the two out and assisted in placing the charm on her parents. That had taken the pair a good couple of months and it was only just before the Christmas holidays they had a working potion and charm. After informing her parents of what was really going on, Rich Granger wanted to take his wife and daughter and run.
After recovering from the hit Jean gave him on the back of his head and the verbal dress down his daughter gave him, Rich conceded defeat. Draco explained what the Death Eaters would do and how painful their deaths were would be obvious to Hermione and cause her as much heartache as possible. Realizing there was nothing they could do, Rich and Jean agreed to have their memories temporarily removed. The couple wrote a letter to themselves and after discussing where to go, Rich reminded Jean of her Great-Grandfather and how he used to describe the village where he was raised.
While Severus warded the house, Hermione packed up everything that was important to the family. After providing Severus with an exact location, he created a portkey. No one asked how he was able to do it. They arrived in the sleepy little town and found the tourist center. With a fierce hug for each of her parents, Hermione handed them both a vial. As her parents drank, Hermione and Draco placed the incredibly complex charm over them. Their memories would return in two and a half years. Everyone hoped that would be long enough. If the memories were to return on their own and neither Draco nor Hermione were around, the couple would remember to remain where they were and someone would come and get them when it was safe.
The Starsons established themselves as a recently relocated and wanting to establish a dental practice. The small villages away from the tourist center lacked adequate dental care and the couple was happily accepted. They traveled three days a week to the various villages throughout the Vindol Valley. After reaching the limit of the potion, the charm started to fade. Draco spent time each day in whatever village the Starsons were visiting. He made sure they each saw him and after a week, Hermione's mother (still known as Katherine) noticed the blonde man. She vaguely recognized him. The second time she saw him, she had a distinct memory of him standing next to a brown haired girl who was crying. Both held sticks in their hands.
That night Katherine, now knowing her name was Jean, remembered everything. The next morning she saw Draco at the coffee house and hugged him. Rich's memory returned as soon as Draco stepped into the home. Both wanted to see Hermione and Draco explained why they would have to wait for that reunion.
Jean was livid that her daughter's friends would treat her in such a manner for such a selfish reason. Rich, however; was not surprised. He had watched the children his daughter claimed as friends and realized early on they were using her. If the world had been different, he was positive she would not have befriended them. After reading the letter from their daughter, all anger left as she laid out her plan for vengeance. Jean and Rich happily began to work on their part of the plan. Jean was especially pleased that her tendency to be a touch vindictive was instilled in her daughter. Draco would tell Rich and Jean the stories of Hermione's exploits during their school years. Most of the stories would include some variation of the disclaimer 'this was the official story but I'm pretty sure Hermione will disagree with something I've told you.'
"Severus contacted me. Apparently Rosmerta gave her the wand and the first letter last night. I would expect her to go to Hogwarts today. I believe Severus is going to offer her a room to spend the night there." Draco left out he thought she would appear tomorrow. Tomorrow, as he had done every morning, Draco would be on the beach. Tomorrow was special in another way. It would be their fifth anniversary. Leave it to his wife to ensure she gave him the best anniversary gift she could.
Thinking about the missing anniversaries, Draco came up with a plan to surprise his wife. "If you both would like, I think we should get some nice clothes. I believe there will be a reason to celebrate soon." The couple smiled, they had gotten used to the Slytherin way of doing things. Both knew he was planning Hermione's return and they would be present for it.
*R&R**R&R*
It was a few hours later when Severus returned to the library to find Hermione had not moved. The wizard laughed at the emotions flying through the witch's eyes. Hermione jumped at the noise and smiled. This time, she stood and hugged the professor. "Thank you for saving him. I know I did this before, but it feels like the first time. I am just so grateful for you." Severus wrapped his arms around the girl and hugged her. It didn't matter that she was an adult, he still saw the young first year who needed to prove herself to everyone.
"No Hermione, you saved him. Albus would not accept him as spy and he had his own plans related to Draco. I am confident that if not for you, both he and I would have died in the war." The witch now lost all composure and sobbed. She had lived without Draco and couldn't imagine a life without the possibility him. "Come now, the elves have made us some lunch and after what you've experienced today, I think you should stay for the evening. Tomorrow will come before you know it."
Hermione nodded, in the memories that flooded her that morning, one was of their wedding. If she had not still been crying she would have laughed when she realized the date. Draco was probably laughing as well. The majority of her memories had returned. There were still some holes, but her letter had said those would slowly fill in as time passed and experiences were had.
After eating her fill and thanking the elves profusely (who were worried she would try and free them), Hermione learned all about Severus. She was pleased to find out her professor had fallen in love and married. She remembered how Rosmerta was reintroduced into their story after Severus had been released from the hospital. Neither Draco nor Hermione wanted him to live alone so they got with Rosmerta who agreed to allow Severus to live above the pub with her until school resumed that fall. Hermione smiled widely when the man admitted to only allowing the relationship to grow because he swore to Hermione he wouldn't try to muck it up.
Hermione also discovered, based on a few cryptic comments Severus made, she had done something to help ensure he survived the battle. As the afternoon drew to a close, he directed Hermione to a room in the dungeons. Entering it, Hermione remembered it being the room she and Draco had spent plenty of time enjoying. Leaving the witch to more of her memories, Severus stood in the doorway.
"Hermione, there is one more item I need to give you. I'm not sure if you have remembered its significance just yet. So don't just drop it when you arrive." Severus handed over a stone, it was larger than a pebble and fit nicely in Hermione's palm. She didn't recognize it, but there was something familiar. There was a pull in her memory about it. "It will activate tomorrow morning at seven. I don't expect you to oversleep but I promised Draco I'd remind you."
Hermione gazed at the item and knew in her heart it would portkey her to where ever Draco was.
*R&R**R&R*
Hermione stood at the edge of beach and stared lovingly at the wizard at the end of the path. Walking slowly toward him, she didn't notice the other wizard or portrait that stood next to her wizard. She thought of her parents and how they should be here. She knew they were safe and until the charm faded their memories could not be restored. She wasn't going to allow her anger over the future tarnish this day.
As Hermione reached the place where Draco waited, the wizard stepped forward and the pair took the final few steps together. It was symbolic for them.
Kingsley stood as the officiant with the portrait of Narcissa Malfoy watching from the side. The ceremony itself was very short and extremely binding. The oaths that were said and promises that were exchanged ensured that no matter what happened in the future, their magic would ensure the pair would eventually be reunited.
As Hermione woke the next morning, in the familiar Hogwarts bed, she knew exactly where the portkey would take her. The stone was part of their marriage ceremony, when they bond themselves to the other, their blood was spilled unto this stone. It was not only sentimental to the couple, but also magical. Not knowing if Severus was awake or not, Hermione called for a house elf. She didn't know if he was still at the school or if he could even hear her. Not a heartbeat later the small elf stood proudly (if not a bit excitedly) in front of his mistress.
"Yous be calling?" Kitmu had been reminded by Draco to not tell Hermione anything about the past. Hermione had been very specific when she explained everything to the elf originally. Being Draco's personal elf and then adopting Hermione, Kitmu understood the reasons. He didn't like them, but he had been told to not interfere so he didn't. At least he didn't interfere in anyway they would know. There may have been an additional few protection charms and wards on the witch, not that Kitmu would ever say anything.
"Oh Kitmu, it is so wonderful to see you." Hermione hugged the small elf whose ears started flapping in glee. Draco's hugs were more pats on the back while Hermione allowed all her love to flow into them. Kitmu patted the witch lightly on the back. "Do you know if Severus is awake? I'm not sure if I should see him or if there is breakfast. The portkey…". Kitmu raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A light breakfast with tea and pumpkin juice appeared in the room.
"Master Severus and Madam Rosmerta are at their home in Hogsmeade. He said for you to go and you will all meet up later." Hermione smiled as she ate her toast and sipped her tea. She was even more pleased to taste just how perfectly Kitmu made her tea. While Hermione ate, Kitmu laid out an outfit for the witch. She noticed the lack of shoes and looked to the elf. He smiled an elfish grin and shrugged. After Hermione finished changing, Kitmu gathered up her clothes and blinked away. Glancing at her watch, Hermione knew it was just about time for the portkey to activate. With one final check she had everything, well everything that Kitmu hadn't grabbed (which was just her, the portkey, and her unregistered wand), Hermione gripped the stone and blinked away.
*R&R**R&R*
Hermione blinked as the sun rose over the hills. She felt warmth on her toes and she wiggled them. Sand. She was on a beach. As she turned she realized she was on the same beach as her memory and Draco, again, stood waiting for her. This time, in addition to Kingsley and the portrait, there were two couples in attendance. One couple was muggle and weeping in happiness. The second couple was magical and had just seen the witch the prior couple of days. Finally, there was a wizard with a camera. He began to happily click away.
Hermione stood for a moment and looked at everyone. Rich Granger, nearest to where Draco said Hermione would appear, reached for his daughter's arm. "I couldn't do this the first time, so Draco thought it would be a good idea to have a do-over." With watery eyes, the witch nodded enthusiastically and with her father, she walked toward her husband.