Disclaimer: If they were mine, this story would be in bookstores.
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"Miss Granger?"
Hermione tried speaking, but was unable to. She'd screamed herself hoarse
earlier.
Madame Pomfrey stared, wondering if the girl would have another violent
tantrum. But then she realized Hermione's eyes were filled with confusion, not
fear or anger.
"Here, Miss Granger," Madame Pomfrey said. She handed Hermione a
goblet. "Drink this. I'll be right back."
She practically ran to Harry's bed.
"Mr. Potter? Mr. Potter? MR. POTTER!" Harry continued gazing into the
distance.
"Harry?" a voice croaked. Startled, Madame Pomfrey turned to see
Hermione at her elbow. She hadn't even heard the girl get out of bed and walk
over.
"Harry?"
He turned. Shock spread over his face.
"Herm?" Harry's voice was so full of hope and joy, Madame Pomfrey
choked up.
------------- A/N: Yeah, yeah. I know. But there has to be
some fluff to this right? ---------
Madame Pomfrey regained her composure.
"Mr. Potter, please inform the Headmaster that Miss Granger appears to
be..." She hesitated. "...feeling much...better."
Harry stared at Hermione another minute, and then ran from the room.
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Harry ran through the corridors, barely managing to skid to a halt at the
proper gargoyle.
"Cockroach Clusters!" He panted. The gargoyle didn't move.
"Um...Sugar Quills! Fizzing Whizzbees! Ice Mice! Pep-"
"I assume you are trying to find the correct password to come see
me?"
"Yes, sir. What is it? I need to tell you..." Harry stopped and
turned red. Dumbledore smiled.
"What news is so urgent that you would not pay attention to someone
speaking to you, Harry?"
"Hermione's awake again. And she doesn't seem crazy, because she got out
of bed and talked to me and..." Harry's voice trailed off. Dumbledore was
already rushing to the hospital wing.
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While Harry was talking to Professor Dumbledore, Hermione was talking to Madame
Pomfrey.
"What did you mean when you said I was feeling much better? Have I been
seriously ill?"
"Are you sure you don't remember why you are here, Miss Granger?"
"Yes. Which is upsetting, because I'd usually remember
anything that would place me in the hospital wing. I don't like this."
Dumbledore swept through the doorway.
"Did I hear you correctly, Miss Granger? You have no memory of what
happened to you?"
Harry arrived, panting, as Dumbledore finished speaking.
'She doesn't remember what happened? She has to!'
"Are you sure you can't remember?"
She glared at him. "Didn't I just say that Harry? Why else would I be
wondering why I'm here?"
"Harry is only trying to be sure. You see, Miss Granger, it is of the
utmost importance that your memories return."
"But how will I remember?"
"If you wish, Harry could explain what happened. Unless, of course, you
prefer that I explain."
"If it doesn't jog your memory Herm, then at least you'll know what
happened."
Hermione didn't even take time to think it over. She just shook her head.
"I'd rather remember it myself than have it explained to me."
"Then we shall wait a few days. If your memory has not
returned, we shall use alternative methods."
Dumbledore then straightened.
"If you will excuse me, I have an appointment to speak with your parents,
Miss Granger."
"They're here?"
"No. However, they are staying at the Three Broomsticks until it is
possible to bring them to Hogwarts."
Hermione nodded. Dumbledore left the room.
"Well," said Madame Pomfrey. "This has all been rather exciting.
I think it would be best if the two of you rested. And yes, Mr. Potter,"
She'd noticed him opening his mouth to protest. "I know you would like to
see Mr. Weasley. I shall send him a message and he will be allowed to visit
tomorrow. But it is late, and you need rest."
The two knew it was useless to protest, and climbed into their beds. Madame
Pomfrey withdrew the curtains from Hermione's bed. There was no need for them
now.
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The moon was rising as Dumbledore entered the Three Broomsticks. He spotted the
Grangers at an isolated table and headed towards them.
"Good evening."
"Is there any new news about Hermione, Professor?" Mrs. Granger's
eyes were filled with worry and her voice trembled a little.
"Yes." Dumbledore smiled widely. "She has almost completely
recovered. Her fits have stopped, and she is quite sane now."
"So she's fine." This statement came from Mr. Granger.
"Alas, I stated she has almost recovered. She has no memory of the
attack."
"Well, that's for the best, isn't it? She won't be troubled by it any
longer."
"It is most definitely not for the best, Mrs. Granger. If your daughter
cannot remember, and we cannot restore her memories, then the young men
responsible will walk free."
Mrs. Granger bit her lip. The thought that Malfoy and his pals would go free if
Hermione's memory wasn't restored, had obviously not occurred to her. She was
at a loss for words.
"Er, Professor."
Dumbledore turned to Mr. Granger.
"We understand the consequences if Hermione's memory doesn't return, but
you must understand. We care first for our daughter, and let justice be second.
We only want to make sure she is safe."
"I understand, Mr. Granger, and you will soon have the chance to see for
yourself that your daughter is safe. We shall be able to bring you to Hogwarts
quite soon. Within a week, I should say."
"No, Professor Dumbledore." Mrs. Granger raised her head and gazed at
him coolly. "I'm not sure our daughter is safe at Hogwarts. She has been
endangered several times during the past four years at your school. This attack
was the most dangerous of all. We've been thinking about removing Hermione from
Hogwarts."
