A.N. Thanks so much to all of my reviewers. Your encouragement has kept the creative juices flowing like a river. Please keep the feedback coming!

Jasper - Chapter 6

The lifting of the memory charm was inherently simple, except for the fact that it was extremely complicated. At the heart of the procedure was really just a Finite Incantatem, which most wizards mastered in their early adolescence.

The complications came, of course, with "finite-ing the correct incantatem" as Remus wryly put it in an attempt to lighten the mood after a heated argument. Remus had all but forbidden Hermione to undergo the procedure, which only made her want it more. So, Remus and Albus explained the dangers and complications of reversing memory charms cast by another.

Any normal witch or wizard could have hundreds of spells cast on or around them at any one time, from glamours and charms cast on themselves, to potions they've taken, to hexes they've been exposed to. Hermione, with the ordeal she'd been through that summer, was infused, at the moment with more energy and enchantments than almost any other witch at that time. Each of the spells that had been cast on her (nobody knew exactly how many or what they were) carried what Dumbledore called a "magical signature" that was similar to a thumbprint. No two were alike.

All Dumbledore had to do was search Hermione's aura, find and target the memory charm ("easily spotted because of their lovely chartreuse coloring" Albus assured her) and cast a careful but thorough Finite Incantatem on that charm only.

None of them dared to touch the rest of the magicks there, dark as they were, for fear of the effects it would have both on Hermione and Jasper.

Dumbledore had to make sure the correct memories were restored and every incorrect one eradicated. Failure would cause Hermione permanent confusion. It was a delicate process.

On top of all of this, Hermione had to be placed under a series of sleeping and pain-killing spells so she would remain still throughout the procedure.

Hermione and Remus stepped tentatively into Dumbledore's office hand in hand. Jasper was fed, changed, and tucked cozily into his crib, fast asleep. They had left him in Minerva McGonagall's expert care. She had expressed a desire not to be present for the harrowing procedure Hermione was to undergo, so she was babysitting instead.

Dumbledore was ready for her when they entered and Professor Snape stood in a corner mixing potions and looking somber. The Headmaster explained Snape's presence before the question was even asked. "I've asked Severus to be on hand to administer the initial sleeping and numbing draughts and, to be frank, as a bit of added security."

At this statement, Snape brought out an honest-to-Merlin straightjacket and began to check the buckles.

Remus was angry. "A straightjacket Severus? For crying out loud, this is Hermione! How dangerous can she be?"

Hermione spoke up. "It's okay Remus, I'm sure its just a precaution. My state of mind will be fragile when this is over. None of us know how I'll react." She squeezed his hand and Remus sighed and shook his head sadly. She was right, of course.

It was then that Snape straightforwardly said his piece. "The straightjacket is magically enhanced, so as to restrain potentially angry and dangerous witches with powerful magical amulets fixed round their necks." His voice was smooth and even as always, almost a comfort. "It's as much for her safety as ours," he finished smartly.

Dumbledore stepped in, anxious to begin. "If you please, my dear." He gestured to a small Victorian fainting couch in the middle of the room.

Hermione turned to Remus, cupped his cheek in her hand and kissed him softly. "Promise me you'll be here when I wake up."

Remus was too stunned to speak. He simply nodded and kissed her again, a little harder than before, a little more desperate. She turned and lay on the couch.

Snape rolled his eyes and handed her the first of two vials.

Hermione drank. It had begun.

A.N. The next chapter is done, I'm just putting some finishing touches on it. It may be a day or two, depending on my time availability, but it's coming, I promise!