Here is the promised spin-off/prequel to Let Her Go. Don't forget to go to my profile to check it out.

The Fall and Rise of the Brightest Witch

Australia pt. 1

June 4, 1998

Dear Luna and Neville,

Normally I would address each of you letters separately but I know that you would share them with each other regardless so I'll save myself the trouble and just write one.

I arrived in Australia as exhausted as you might imagine. Jet lag is killing my feet and does nothing for my hunger. As I write I'm eating a chicken sandwich with fries drowned in duck sauce so please ignore any grease marks. Being pregnant makes me ravenous.

So far I haven't made much hedge way funding my parents but I plan to enlist the help of the Australian Ministry. I'm hoping it'll be nothing like the -bureaucratic- mess that the British one is, so wish me luck. Notice how I crossed out the bureaucratic, Great Britain is a mess plain and simple.

I'm sorry I won't be there to help rebuild. But the baby needs the rest it couldn't get while we were at war.

I'm going to leave the letter here since I don't have anything else of interest to say and I still have a full course of foods to go through. I might start gaining my lost weight st this point. I'll send another letter after I speak with the local ministry. Stay safe.

With love,

Hermione Granger.

June 9, 1998

Dear Neville and Luna,

You do know Neville that ladies come first right? And if not then surely you remember that the letter L comes before the N. None the less I'll pander to you childish whims.

Luna please bonk him in the after you're done reading.

Anyways. I contacted the Ministry and they were most welcoming of me! I was so surprised. Seems like Shacklebolt made good friends down under. They had heard all about the war in Britain and continually sing me praises for being brave enough to fight against Voldemort, it's embarrassing. When I asked them about their non-involvement they apologized and said that as a rule, wizarding nations allow everyone else to deal with their own problems unless help is asked for, either through the ICW or otherwise. Obviously, neither of those happened. Why hadn't we thought of that?

The Ministry has provided me with a couple of Aurors and Unspeakables to find and reverse the memory charm on my parents. We'll be starting in the city where I settled them down to try to pick up some clues and then we'll expand from there. There are a couple of spells I started working on that might help us.

Luna, Neville, you'll be happy to know that I found out the sex of the baby. It's a girl! I have no idea how to raise a baby but I'm sure it'll be wonderful. I also decided on a name for the baby. Evangeline Lily Granger. Evangeline because I just adore the name and Lily for Harry's mother. I was thinking maybe Emmaly for my mum and Harry's but it'd be an overkill with a first name like Evangeline right? I'm going to assume yes and pretend that you're gushing over my amazing naming skills.

And Luna, if you could please wash Neville's mouth out. I'll go on a hunch and say that he started cussing up a storm and swearing that Evangeline won't start dating before she's fifty. She doesn't need to be exposed to such foul language– even if her godfather is two continents away. Because yes, you'll both be her Godparents. I know I should ask but really, I can't think of better people than you both.

Harry nor the Weasleys have written to me yet but I'm assuming that they're still dealing with Fred's death and the reconstruction. Please, apologize to them on my behalf and tell them that I'll be back as soon as I can. But first, my parents and Evangeline. I can't wait to hold her in my arms.

Love,

Hermione Granger

June 12, 1998

Dear Luna and plus one,

Oh god, oh god, oh god. We found them and they were so bloody pissed but then they smothered me to death and promised to ground me for life if I ever did anything so stupid.

Mum and dad were both found by a witch who sensed that their memories had been messed with at a major degree and reversed the spell. They remember everything. Mind you they understand why I had to erase their memories as news of the war got to them and now they're so bloody proud of me. For standing up for what I believe in and fighting for it. You should see their faces as they boast to anyone that can hear that their daughter is a war hero. I don't think I've ever seen them prouder than when they can freely tell the world what an amazing witch I am. (Their words not mine).

I'm staying with them in a nice wizarding village that's a mix of magical and non-magicals who know about magic and they fit right in. After regaining their memories mum and dad transferred their credentials as dentists and opened up a dentistry. Wizards and witches can magic away most health problems but they are some things that must be done the good ol' fashion way as dad says and so they're making a pretty knut down here. They also cater to the muggles in the area so they also have that income.

Now that my parents have been found Ministry officials tell me that I can take my NEWTs whenever I want. I just need to notify them. I'll start studying in my free time but will definitely be spending more time with my parents. Maybe now that they can see magic we can connect like we used to before Hogwarts. Merlin knows that dad likes nothing more than to sit on the porch and drink Firewhiskey. Not that I can in my condition mind you.

Evangeline is getting fuzzy in here and seems determined to not let me get any sleep with all her moving and kicking my bladder. I'm sure mum thinks that I've got a loose bladder or something. Wouldn't be surprised if the smell I'm catching right now is her making one of the 'famed' Marshall family recipes for whatever made up disease she's convinced I have.

I'll Floo you both later this week. Right now I want to spend time with my family. I miss you guys but don't worry about me, everything is going just fine.

Desperately waiting for September,

Hermione Granger

June 14, 1998

My hands were clasped in my lap. Mum and dad were quiet on the sofa and the tea was cooling between us.

"You're…pregnant," Mum said.

I couldn't lift my face. "I'm sorry."

Dad sighed and threw himself into the couch. "Does the father now?"

"You can't tell him." I implore them.

"Hermione he's the father! He has the right to know."

"She's dying." Tears that couldn't fall before fell now in torrents. "Oh god mum my daughter is dying and it's all my fault."

Movements happened in front of me and suddenly I'm wrapped in my parent's embrace. "Let it out, darling. Mum and dad got you. Mum and dad are here now."

"I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to kill her! I didn't know. I didn't know."

Mum patted my hair and dad pulled us into a hug. "Talk to us, Hermione. Tell how we can hep you." Mum said.

So I did. "We didn't mean to. It was cold and we were lonely. I wasn't thinking."

Dad's fingers lift my chin up. "It takes two to tango Hermione. It's as much his fault as it is yours. You both should have thought of the consequences after you decided to engage in such…activities."

I decided against saying anything and instead continue with my story. "It started with Bellatrix Lestrange. We were captured and she tortured me. Madame Pomphrey, that's the Hogwarts healer, she said that my magic protected her then but the stress, lack of food and rest as well as dealing with Dark magic affected the baby. Evangeline's tiny. Not much bigger than a three-month-old fetus."

I heard one of them draw in a breath. "That's why we couldn't tell. It looks like you gained weight not that you're pregnant." I nod at my mum's whispered words.

"That still doesn't explain why you don't want the father to know. Hermione if it was because of unsavory means we won't look at you any less. You're our daughter darling and nothing could ever change that." Dad carefully articulated.

I close my eyes and think back to that wonderful night I spent with Harry. "No dad, it isn't like that. Harry is the father of my child."

"He's' the boy who defeated the Dark Wanker right? And if memory serves me right, he's also one of your best friends. They are worst people to have a child with than your best friend."

"It's because Harry's my best friend that I can't tell him. This war took everything from Harry. His parents, his godfather, the last of his father's best friends, and countless others that had a huge impact in his life. I won't, I can't bring him more pain. Besides, he wants nothing to do with that night. I'm respecting his wishes."

"Who the hell does that boy think he is! After sleeping with you he tells you that he wants nothing to do with you? I'm going to finish the Dark Wanker's job and kill him."

I grabbed my mum's hands. "Mum no!"

"Hermione Jane! You will release my hand this instant!"

"You can't kill him, mum!"

"I can and I will. Now let go Hermione."

Mum removed my hands but I all but threw myself at her. "I can't hurt him, mum. He's my best friend. I can't hurt him."

"But you can hurt yourself? Because that is so reassuring Hermione."

I look at my mum. "I'll tell him. If they baby survives then I'll contact him I swear it. But if she dies then this is a secret we'll take to the grave."

Dad peeled me away from mum and set me on my feet. "You can't ask us to do that Hermione. Whether you lose the baby or not he deserves to know. It's both your pain and your joy to share."

"Promise me."

Mum and dad shared a look but they agreed. "We promise. But Hermione I'm taking you to all the doctors I can. Healers as well. I refuse to lose my granddaughter without a fight."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"You and the baby can stay with us for as long as you need. Will you be continuing your studies, Hermione?" Mum asked.

"Yes. I want to give my daughter a good future from my own to hands. Kingsley arranged for me to take my NEWTs here in Australia. All I have to do is study and take them."

Dad laid a hand on my shoulder. I turned to him. "We'll be here to support you every step of the way, Hermione. Now and after the baby comes, this will always be your home.

"Thank you, Daddy."

June 15, 1998

Dear L & L,

Mum has made good on her promise to drag me to every doctor and healer she can. Evangeline also started to kick in earnest and all the neighborhood kids are fascinated with my belly. Evangeline is getting bigger every day and most of that is thanks to the pre-natal potions that the healers and mum are forcing down my throat.

Studying for NEWTs is, unsurprisingly, as hard as I thought it would be. I'm focusing on getting ready for Transfig, Potions, Herb, Charms, Arith, and Runes. My room is inundated with notes and books and while I'm not being dragged to one doctor appointment or another I'm studying. Mum thinks I'm studying too much but if I want to give Evangeline the best future possible then I need to have all the best avenues open to me. Dad, on the other hand, worries too but is too busy building Evangeline's crib. It seems that it's a tradition here for the father of the baby to build the crib of the firstborn. Daddy is doing it because H. isn't here and the neighborhood men are teaching him how.

I'm also learning how to knit properly! The neighborhood "Mom" (more like Grandma anyways) took one look at me and told me I was pregnant then made it her job to force me to sit down and have food with her and thrusting a pair of knitting needles into my hands because God forbid I don't knit some clothes for my future daughter. I don't know how she knows that it's a girl but she knows. Baba has also made it her life mission to scare away all the other people who speak badly about me for being unwed and pregnant. She says to ignore the harpies, that they're just jealous of my fame and so want to bring me down any way they can. It was also Baba who forced the neighbors to teach dad how to make the crib. Baba might be old but she can still hex you like she didn't suffer from arthritis.

I'm getting tired and Baba is glaring at me to go to take a nap so I'm off to be mothered least I'm faced with needlework. At least knitting is useful. Baba, I love you but I'm not reverting to the fifties and becoming a homemaker.

Tired of being mothered,

Hermione Granger

P.S: I speak too much about myself. Tell me how are things for you both in Great Britain. Have the newspapers stopped hounding you yet?

P.P.S: Mum says hello.

P.P.P.S: Dad says that he's waiting for that thing, Neville. I have no idea what that means but I guess that you do Neville so get to it Dad says. He also says hi to Luna.

P.P.P.P.S: Baba says to bring knitting needles from England when you come visit Luna, she's not sharing hers. And to be ready to get dirty Neville because it's your job to make my rocking chair. Normally godfathers build the first rocking horse but she's making an exception. She also says that she wants sweets and to not bother stepping foot in the village without them. Demanding woman.

June 17, 1998

Dear Hermione,

Hi, Hermione. I met with Luna and Neville yesterday and they told me that you've been asking about us so I thought I'd send a letter or something. Neville says that I need to talk to someone so I'm writing to you. If you could get him to leave me alone that would be great. Thanks.

George W.

June 19, 1998

Hey George,

I'm happy that you wrote to me. I know that I wasn't very close to you and Fred but I'm sorry for your loss. I can't say that I know what it feels like to lose a twin but know that you always have an ear with me.

Take care,

Hermione

June 21, 1998

I need neither your pity nor your ear Granger. I have enough here at home. Kindly bugger off and get the others to do the same.

GW

June 23, 1998

George Weasley,

Hello, George, it's Emma Marshall, Hermione's mum. While I understand your feelings I don't appreciate your tone with my daughter. She is not responsible for your brother's death and the people around you are only trying to help. Perhaps instead of consoling you, your mother should be giving you remedial lessons on how to communicate with others.

Sincerely,

Dr. Emma Marshall

June 25, 1998

Dear Dr. Marshall,

You're right. I apologize for my attitude with your daughter. Like you said it's not her fault and with Hermione, I can always know that she really does things out of her own good will. I should not be taking out the anger and pressure that I get at home on her or anyone else. Please extend my apologies and the attached letter to Hermione.

Sincerely apologetic,

George W.

June 27, 1998

Dear George,

Would you like to spend some time with us in Australia?

Sincerely,

Jonathan Granger.

June 30, 1998

I hug the red-head man that walked in behind dad. "George!"

"Hey, Hermione. I'm sorry for what I wrote in that letter. It wasn't fair to you. Hope I'm not intruding."

"Nonsense George, Jonathan invited you here, you're more than welcome to stay as long as you'd like."

"Thank you, Dr. Marshall."

"Call me Emma dear. Care for a cuppa?"

The Fall and Rise of HG will be told in story, letter, and newspaper format. I'll try to keep it from Hermione's p.o.v but growth is better seen through other's eyes so be prepared for all sort of people telling it as they see it. (And by 'see' I mean perceive). This story will skip some "periods" but it'll still give all the dirty details on Hermione Granger, Brightest Witch of the Century.

Thank you all for reading! Please review! I'm taking requests. So tell me what do you want to see?