Author's Notes
bettar-dayz - I hope this chapter meets to your expecations
arwentheelf – You are right about Eric, I hope the coming plot twist is interesting for you
allanna8 you are making me blush
CarrieWeasley – It was the attitude that he had in his voice. Remember when someone insults him it is not so bad, when you insult one of Ron's friends that is when he fights. That is why Mr. Granger made a sudden jerk and Mrs. Granger had that look upon her face. She had kicked him for saying that.
To take Mr. Granger side see it from his angle. His daughter showed up with a baby that is obviously her boyfriends. For all he knows Ron could have done something to scare her away and make her believe he did not want children.
To everyone else thank you for filling up my email box
Chapter 10 Diagon Alley
After a rough ride Sara found herself on the floor of a pub. Ron was standing there waiting. He reached out his hand and helped her up. "Welcome to the Leaking Cauldron. This is the entrance way to Diagon Alley."
Ron took her gently by the hand and led her through the pub. Inside the pub were an assortment of witches and wizards. They looked very calm and relaxed in different color robes and pointed hats. Sara also saw some stranger creatures she was not sure about.
Ron took Hermione to the outside of the pub where there was a courtyard. He took out his wand and tapped on one of the bricks with his own wand. The bricks on the wall began to move they opened up into an archway.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley." Ron said guiding Hermione in.
Sara stared at the building not believing what she was seeing. She saw different shops in such colors. The smells that were coming from the area had filled her senses. This had to be the most amazing thing she ever saw.
They continued to walk down the street. Ron seemed to want to show her everything. He showed her the twins shop, but they did not go in.
"They are really successful. Thirty five items this year have made it on Hogwarts banned list. It would be fifty, but Filch hasn't seen those yet."
Sara did not want to know what he meant.
One of the next things he showed her was The Magical Menagerie.
"That's where you bought your cat, Crookshanks." Ron said. "He was your birthday present, when you turned thirteen. He was a really good pet. Right after you left he ran off from your parent's house. Harry said that he probably went looking for you as well."
"Why would Harry say that?" Sara asked.
"Crookshanks was part Kneazle. A Kneazle is a magical creature that is similar to cat, but intelligent. I was hoping that he might be able to find you. I was really glad to have Crookshanks around you. He was able to protect you, in his own way."
Before Sara could ask what Ron had meant someone started shouting from up ahead.
"Ron, Ron Weasley." The wizard came running up to them, around his neck was an oversized camera. "Hey, I heard Hermione was found. It's good to see you again." He said.
Ron immediately stepped in front of Hermione. "Watch it Colin."
"Don't worry. The Daily Prophet received an official request directly from the Minister of Magic not to bother you or Hermione." Colin flatly stated. "I wouldn't have done it anyway. I just wanted to welcome you back Hermione." Colin shook Hermione's hand very zealously. "It's so nice to have you back."
"Thank you," Sara said pulling her hand away from Colin.
"I better get back to work before they notice that I am gone." Colin said.
"Take care, Colin." Ron said.
"Don't worry I learned how to watch my back." Colin said heading off.
"Who was that?" Sara asked.
"Colin Creevey. He was a year behind us in school. He works has a photographer for the Daily Prophet, our newspaper. Alright fellow. You did save his life though."
"I did." Sara asked. Not thinking if she was capable of doing that.
"Yeah, I'll tell you how sometime." Ron said. "Florish and Blotts is up here." Ron did not want to bring up the subject of Voldemort or deatheaters just yet. He figured it would be better if she got used to the Wizarding World again before mention the evil that had took place only a few years ago.
"What's going on Ron?" Sara asked. "Whenever someone starts talking about my past the conversation stops short. Something happened I know it."
Ron let out a breath. "Yeah there are parts of our history that are a bit obstruct." Obstruct, Ron you prat!
"What do you mean obstruct?" Sara asked.
"Just things that we did. Harry and us." Ron said. "We got involved in some things that were over our heads."
"What things?" Sara demanded.
"When we get your memory back." Ron tried to calm her. "Then we can talk about it."
"No, I want to know." Sara stated. "What did Colin mean just then and you and your mum? Everyone knows. I figured that, but what happened?"
"If I promise to explain later today will you calm down?" Ron asked. He did not want to create a scene. He did not want to attract the attention of the crowd. What she had to know could wait. It had to wait.
Sara huffed for a moment, "fine."
Sara and Ron did not talk as they continued walking. Ron still kept Hermione's hand in his. They passed by a store called Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. A very pretty witch came out the door she had a giant pincushion around her wrist.
"Hermione, my my how, when, your back." She said all at once. "I didn't even hear. How are you? Ron it's so nice to see you."
"Hi Lavender." Ron said. "I see you got a new job."
"Yes it's so nice. Where have you been? When I read that you were dead." Lavender said. "Dear me you two aren't fighting already?"
"Not yet." Ron said. "We were on our way to Flourish and Blotts. We better get going." Ron turned Hermione away. He did not want to be around Lavender for longer than he needed to be.
"Lavender Brown. I didn't think you want to be around her for long." Ron stated when they were far enough away. "Especially if she found out about you losing your memory. Everyone in Florish and Blotts would know before we got there. By the end of the day everyone in Diagon Alley would know."
"Am I well known?" Sara asked.
"Unfortunately, yes." Ron said. "But we didn't want to be."
"It was because of what ever we did, wasn't it." Sara didn't ask, she said it.
"We are sort of famous yes." Ron said. Ron knew that he had to tell, but he couldn't he just couldn't say it. "We did something really good." He did not know what else to say. Telling her the truth right then would scare her.
They arrived at the bookstore right then. Ron opened the door for her and they went inside.
What she saw was amazing. Books of all sizes and on every subject she had ever dreamed about. This was so much bigger than the library she worked in. She could spend a long time in this store.
Ron approached the counter and asked for some books. The clerk brought them out to him. Sara saw him pay for them with what looked like gold pieces.
While Ron causally talked with one of the clerks Sara had begun roaming. She looked at all of the books, wondering where would be a good place to start.
"Miss Granger, Miss Granger a word please?" Someone behind her said. "I wanted to know how if felt to be back. After all you disappeared and returned with no explanation. Tell me do you think it had something to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"
Sara tried to back away from the man who was annoying her.
"You are quite famous dear. Tell me what your plans are now that you have returned? Has the Ministry opened up an investigation to find out what happened? Did you leave do to your Muggle heritage?"
"Back off of her!"
Sara turned and saw Ron, with a face the color of a tomato.
"I said back off." He pulled out his wand and had it trained immediately on the wizard.
"Now now we just want to get a statement. It is most exciting. The famous trio are whole once more. Nice title for it don't you think." The man stood his ground. Sara saw that he was reaching for his own wand.
"Step away before I make you. I am acting under the request of the Minister of Magic. Ms. Granger will not give the Quibber any statement." Ron pointed the wand right at the man's chest.
"You mean you're obeying your father." The man said. "The Quibber feels it deserves a statement."
Ron had now stepped completely in front of Hermione. "Leave now. Petrificus. . ."
He didn't get a chance to finish. The man walked away back into watching crowd.
"That's it shows over." Ron said. "We better head back. I got what I needed."
Sara nodded. They walked out and headed towards the Leaking Cauldron.
"Who was that?" Sara asked on the way.
"A reporter for the Quibber, that's a tabloid newspaper. They will print a story anyway the Bloody idiots."
"What was he talking about the famous trio?" Sara asked.
"It was a title that the Quibber came up with for Harry and us. I've always hated that phrase. You did to. Mum wasn't pleased about. Dad thought it was funny, but he's able to laugh about a lot of things."
"You're doing it again." Sara said.
"What?" Ron asked.
"You're hiding the truth from me. I think I have the right to know. What could we have possible done?"
"We did a lot. We'll sit down and talk about it I promise. We will have to have Harry and Ginny there." Ron tried to think of the best way that he could do this. He would need Harry and his sister's help on this.
Sara watched Ron's face clench. She wondered what else he was hiding from her.
"What did we mean to each other?" Sara asked. "What were we? All of us, Harry, Ginny, you and me?"
Ron looked at her. He really wanted to answer her question. He wanted her to know how much he cared. "We were best friends." Ron answered. "We cared for each other, protected each other. I thought nothing would be powerful enough to break us apart."
Sara did not know what to make of Ron's answer. She just accepted what was said.
They had arrived at the Leaking Cauldron by then. From there they used Floo powder to return to the Burrow. The second ride had been easier than the first.
Ron had Apparated over so he had arrived first. He waited by the fireplace and helped to clean off the sot that got on her clothes.
Harry was in the office of his house. He was looking through some of his paperwork the Ministry had sent over. It was all generic basically. He would be through it shortly. Harry had taken some time away from work to help on the "Granger case file" since he had been so close to her.
Ginny walked in with two cups of tea.
"Thanks," Harry said taking one of the cups.
"I was thinking about Hermione." Ginny said sitting down. "Her memory being gone like that. Raising Eric all by herself. I just wish I knew how I could help. I was talking with some of the healers. Madam Pomprey should have been able to help her. The only explanation that they can see is her memory purposely erased itself to hide something that had happened."
"I know." Harry had already seen that theory in the case file. "It also does not explain how she was found. All Penny did was look at her. Me or Ron should have seen her, or at least sensed her in that library."
"Or who took her." Ginny said. "We both know she didn't leave on purpose."
"I just feel like I haven't done anything for her." Harry said. "I really don't want to explain what all happened either. Voldemort and everything. Ron should be the one, but I know he doesn't want to do it either."
"The way she helped me with Tom." Ginny said. "I would have been one of his pawns if it wasn't for her."
"I suppose we will have to explain, or she will find out otherwise." Harry said.
A large Eagle-owl came swooping in right then. Harry recognized it has Leda an owl belonging to Professor McGonagal.
He took the letter that was attacked to his leg and unrolled it. Harry had to read it twice. Ginny looked over his shoulder. Her face turned to a white when she read.
Mr. Potter,
I wish that I could give you this information in person.
You might already know when a magical child is born his name is placed on a special parchment from a charmed quill. The name is written from the moment of birth.
I personally check the list everyday. When I looked today a new name was added. Eric Granger-Weasley, born April 6. This name should have appeared the moment that he was born, not 18 months later.
If the name had appeared we would have been able to find Ms. Granger. I have only shared this information with the Minister of Magic and Deputy Headmaster Professor Flitwick, being the fact he is in charge of the quill. I believe we can rely on his discretion.
I admit this information is shocking and I do regret sending it by post. I will make my self available to you if need assistance.
Professor McGonagal Headmistress
bettar-dayz - I hope this chapter meets to your expecations
arwentheelf – You are right about Eric, I hope the coming plot twist is interesting for you
allanna8 you are making me blush
CarrieWeasley – It was the attitude that he had in his voice. Remember when someone insults him it is not so bad, when you insult one of Ron's friends that is when he fights. That is why Mr. Granger made a sudden jerk and Mrs. Granger had that look upon her face. She had kicked him for saying that.
To take Mr. Granger side see it from his angle. His daughter showed up with a baby that is obviously her boyfriends. For all he knows Ron could have done something to scare her away and make her believe he did not want children.
To everyone else thank you for filling up my email box
Chapter 10 Diagon Alley
After a rough ride Sara found herself on the floor of a pub. Ron was standing there waiting. He reached out his hand and helped her up. "Welcome to the Leaking Cauldron. This is the entrance way to Diagon Alley."
Ron took her gently by the hand and led her through the pub. Inside the pub were an assortment of witches and wizards. They looked very calm and relaxed in different color robes and pointed hats. Sara also saw some stranger creatures she was not sure about.
Ron took Hermione to the outside of the pub where there was a courtyard. He took out his wand and tapped on one of the bricks with his own wand. The bricks on the wall began to move they opened up into an archway.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley." Ron said guiding Hermione in.
Sara stared at the building not believing what she was seeing. She saw different shops in such colors. The smells that were coming from the area had filled her senses. This had to be the most amazing thing she ever saw.
They continued to walk down the street. Ron seemed to want to show her everything. He showed her the twins shop, but they did not go in.
"They are really successful. Thirty five items this year have made it on Hogwarts banned list. It would be fifty, but Filch hasn't seen those yet."
Sara did not want to know what he meant.
One of the next things he showed her was The Magical Menagerie.
"That's where you bought your cat, Crookshanks." Ron said. "He was your birthday present, when you turned thirteen. He was a really good pet. Right after you left he ran off from your parent's house. Harry said that he probably went looking for you as well."
"Why would Harry say that?" Sara asked.
"Crookshanks was part Kneazle. A Kneazle is a magical creature that is similar to cat, but intelligent. I was hoping that he might be able to find you. I was really glad to have Crookshanks around you. He was able to protect you, in his own way."
Before Sara could ask what Ron had meant someone started shouting from up ahead.
"Ron, Ron Weasley." The wizard came running up to them, around his neck was an oversized camera. "Hey, I heard Hermione was found. It's good to see you again." He said.
Ron immediately stepped in front of Hermione. "Watch it Colin."
"Don't worry. The Daily Prophet received an official request directly from the Minister of Magic not to bother you or Hermione." Colin flatly stated. "I wouldn't have done it anyway. I just wanted to welcome you back Hermione." Colin shook Hermione's hand very zealously. "It's so nice to have you back."
"Thank you," Sara said pulling her hand away from Colin.
"I better get back to work before they notice that I am gone." Colin said.
"Take care, Colin." Ron said.
"Don't worry I learned how to watch my back." Colin said heading off.
"Who was that?" Sara asked.
"Colin Creevey. He was a year behind us in school. He works has a photographer for the Daily Prophet, our newspaper. Alright fellow. You did save his life though."
"I did." Sara asked. Not thinking if she was capable of doing that.
"Yeah, I'll tell you how sometime." Ron said. "Florish and Blotts is up here." Ron did not want to bring up the subject of Voldemort or deatheaters just yet. He figured it would be better if she got used to the Wizarding World again before mention the evil that had took place only a few years ago.
"What's going on Ron?" Sara asked. "Whenever someone starts talking about my past the conversation stops short. Something happened I know it."
Ron let out a breath. "Yeah there are parts of our history that are a bit obstruct." Obstruct, Ron you prat!
"What do you mean obstruct?" Sara asked.
"Just things that we did. Harry and us." Ron said. "We got involved in some things that were over our heads."
"What things?" Sara demanded.
"When we get your memory back." Ron tried to calm her. "Then we can talk about it."
"No, I want to know." Sara stated. "What did Colin mean just then and you and your mum? Everyone knows. I figured that, but what happened?"
"If I promise to explain later today will you calm down?" Ron asked. He did not want to create a scene. He did not want to attract the attention of the crowd. What she had to know could wait. It had to wait.
Sara huffed for a moment, "fine."
Sara and Ron did not talk as they continued walking. Ron still kept Hermione's hand in his. They passed by a store called Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. A very pretty witch came out the door she had a giant pincushion around her wrist.
"Hermione, my my how, when, your back." She said all at once. "I didn't even hear. How are you? Ron it's so nice to see you."
"Hi Lavender." Ron said. "I see you got a new job."
"Yes it's so nice. Where have you been? When I read that you were dead." Lavender said. "Dear me you two aren't fighting already?"
"Not yet." Ron said. "We were on our way to Flourish and Blotts. We better get going." Ron turned Hermione away. He did not want to be around Lavender for longer than he needed to be.
"Lavender Brown. I didn't think you want to be around her for long." Ron stated when they were far enough away. "Especially if she found out about you losing your memory. Everyone in Florish and Blotts would know before we got there. By the end of the day everyone in Diagon Alley would know."
"Am I well known?" Sara asked.
"Unfortunately, yes." Ron said. "But we didn't want to be."
"It was because of what ever we did, wasn't it." Sara didn't ask, she said it.
"We are sort of famous yes." Ron said. Ron knew that he had to tell, but he couldn't he just couldn't say it. "We did something really good." He did not know what else to say. Telling her the truth right then would scare her.
They arrived at the bookstore right then. Ron opened the door for her and they went inside.
What she saw was amazing. Books of all sizes and on every subject she had ever dreamed about. This was so much bigger than the library she worked in. She could spend a long time in this store.
Ron approached the counter and asked for some books. The clerk brought them out to him. Sara saw him pay for them with what looked like gold pieces.
While Ron causally talked with one of the clerks Sara had begun roaming. She looked at all of the books, wondering where would be a good place to start.
"Miss Granger, Miss Granger a word please?" Someone behind her said. "I wanted to know how if felt to be back. After all you disappeared and returned with no explanation. Tell me do you think it had something to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"
Sara tried to back away from the man who was annoying her.
"You are quite famous dear. Tell me what your plans are now that you have returned? Has the Ministry opened up an investigation to find out what happened? Did you leave do to your Muggle heritage?"
"Back off of her!"
Sara turned and saw Ron, with a face the color of a tomato.
"I said back off." He pulled out his wand and had it trained immediately on the wizard.
"Now now we just want to get a statement. It is most exciting. The famous trio are whole once more. Nice title for it don't you think." The man stood his ground. Sara saw that he was reaching for his own wand.
"Step away before I make you. I am acting under the request of the Minister of Magic. Ms. Granger will not give the Quibber any statement." Ron pointed the wand right at the man's chest.
"You mean you're obeying your father." The man said. "The Quibber feels it deserves a statement."
Ron had now stepped completely in front of Hermione. "Leave now. Petrificus. . ."
He didn't get a chance to finish. The man walked away back into watching crowd.
"That's it shows over." Ron said. "We better head back. I got what I needed."
Sara nodded. They walked out and headed towards the Leaking Cauldron.
"Who was that?" Sara asked on the way.
"A reporter for the Quibber, that's a tabloid newspaper. They will print a story anyway the Bloody idiots."
"What was he talking about the famous trio?" Sara asked.
"It was a title that the Quibber came up with for Harry and us. I've always hated that phrase. You did to. Mum wasn't pleased about. Dad thought it was funny, but he's able to laugh about a lot of things."
"You're doing it again." Sara said.
"What?" Ron asked.
"You're hiding the truth from me. I think I have the right to know. What could we have possible done?"
"We did a lot. We'll sit down and talk about it I promise. We will have to have Harry and Ginny there." Ron tried to think of the best way that he could do this. He would need Harry and his sister's help on this.
Sara watched Ron's face clench. She wondered what else he was hiding from her.
"What did we mean to each other?" Sara asked. "What were we? All of us, Harry, Ginny, you and me?"
Ron looked at her. He really wanted to answer her question. He wanted her to know how much he cared. "We were best friends." Ron answered. "We cared for each other, protected each other. I thought nothing would be powerful enough to break us apart."
Sara did not know what to make of Ron's answer. She just accepted what was said.
They had arrived at the Leaking Cauldron by then. From there they used Floo powder to return to the Burrow. The second ride had been easier than the first.
Ron had Apparated over so he had arrived first. He waited by the fireplace and helped to clean off the sot that got on her clothes.
Harry was in the office of his house. He was looking through some of his paperwork the Ministry had sent over. It was all generic basically. He would be through it shortly. Harry had taken some time away from work to help on the "Granger case file" since he had been so close to her.
Ginny walked in with two cups of tea.
"Thanks," Harry said taking one of the cups.
"I was thinking about Hermione." Ginny said sitting down. "Her memory being gone like that. Raising Eric all by herself. I just wish I knew how I could help. I was talking with some of the healers. Madam Pomprey should have been able to help her. The only explanation that they can see is her memory purposely erased itself to hide something that had happened."
"I know." Harry had already seen that theory in the case file. "It also does not explain how she was found. All Penny did was look at her. Me or Ron should have seen her, or at least sensed her in that library."
"Or who took her." Ginny said. "We both know she didn't leave on purpose."
"I just feel like I haven't done anything for her." Harry said. "I really don't want to explain what all happened either. Voldemort and everything. Ron should be the one, but I know he doesn't want to do it either."
"The way she helped me with Tom." Ginny said. "I would have been one of his pawns if it wasn't for her."
"I suppose we will have to explain, or she will find out otherwise." Harry said.
A large Eagle-owl came swooping in right then. Harry recognized it has Leda an owl belonging to Professor McGonagal.
He took the letter that was attacked to his leg and unrolled it. Harry had to read it twice. Ginny looked over his shoulder. Her face turned to a white when she read.
Mr. Potter,
I wish that I could give you this information in person.
You might already know when a magical child is born his name is placed on a special parchment from a charmed quill. The name is written from the moment of birth.
I personally check the list everyday. When I looked today a new name was added. Eric Granger-Weasley, born April 6. This name should have appeared the moment that he was born, not 18 months later.
If the name had appeared we would have been able to find Ms. Granger. I have only shared this information with the Minister of Magic and Deputy Headmaster Professor Flitwick, being the fact he is in charge of the quill. I believe we can rely on his discretion.
I admit this information is shocking and I do regret sending it by post. I will make my self available to you if need assistance.
Professor McGonagal Headmistress