Chapter 11

Ron greeted the family of four at the inn, ready to return to England. "You're sure you want to do this?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. "Why not?" she replied. "We can always cast new memories if we don't like the old ones."

Draco laughed, but Ron was far more stern. "I don't recommend that," he warned. "Now, I've arranged everything with the Ministry here to allow you to travel abroad. There will be additional information when we get back to England, things the Ministry had to approve to allow you to enter. I intend to get the both of you to St. Mungo's without being seen by anyone. Unfortunately, that means making some modifications."

The couple looked wary, but allowed Ron to perform glamour charms to conceal their true identities. No longer was Draco a platinum blond. Now his hair was a dark brown, and his eyes more blue. Hermione's curls no longer hung around her shoulders. Straight red hair cascaded down her back. With his work done, Ron pulled Draco aside.

"Look, um, there's something you need to know," he said hesitantly. Draco waited patiently for him to continue, though his heart hammered painfully. "You, uh, there was...is a warrant for your arrest. I'm trying to make it go away, but I don't know, mate. I just didn't want you to be ambushed when we get there."

"Why?" Draco wondered. "What did I do?"

Ron did his best to summarize the charges, watching as Draco paled. "Hermione always believed you joined the Death Eaters under duress," he said when he finished. "We reverse your memories, we testify on your behalf, and this is over."

"Or they view me as a fugitive and lock me up forever," Draco muttered. Legs weak, he sat down. "How do I tell Hermione? How do I explain this to Clara? Maybe going back is a bad idea. I can't risk losing my family."

Nodding, Ron promised that he would find another way. They returned to Hermione and children, and Ron announced that the trip was off. "But I want a 'cation," Clara whined as Draco picked her up.

Hermione glanced from her husband to Ron, looking for answers. "I'll talk to Mrs. Bradbury," Ron said. "Maybe she can point us in the direction of another hospital."

"Why would you discuss that with Mrs. Bradbury?" Hermione inquired.

Ron's cheeks reddened as he lifted the glamour charms she and Draco wore. "You didn't know," he muttered. "I, uh...just trust me. She can help. Come on, let's go home."

"Daddy, I don't know what's happening," Clara said as they left the U.S. Ministry.

With a mirthless laugh, he told her he didn't know either. They returned home, and Ron went next door to speak with Charlotte. Hermione decided it was time for answers. Sending Clara to her room, Hermione eyed her husband until he spoke. He told her all he knew about the war and the role he had played. "I think...I think Potter came here to arrest me," he told her. "The memory thing must have thrown him off. What if we can never go back?"

Hermione held him as close as possible with Liam still in the baby carrier strapped to her chest. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," she murmured. "You know I'll do whatever I can to keep you out of prison. I'm sure Ron will too."

Sighing, he removed Liam from the carrier and held him close. "I won't leave you," he vowed. "If it means we stay here with the memories we have, then that's what we do."

"We could reverse the memories and stay here," she suggested. "I guess so long as word doesn't get back to Harry, we're okay."

Ron returned with Charlotte in tow. "I'm so sorry I never told you," she said, her blue eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I swear I didn't mean to bring them here. I just wanted your friends to know you that you were alright, Hermione. I didn't know there was an arrest warrant."

"It's fine," Draco said, though his attention was more for Ron than the old woman. "So, what's the plan now?"

A trip to New York was in order. Their hospital was just as reputable as St. Mungo's, and had the best healers in North America. They would reverse the charms, restoring the Malfoys' memories. "And Harry?" Hermione wondered. "If this hospital lets it slip that we were there, that could get back to him."

Ron sighed and made himself comfortable. "We could use the glamour charms again," he suggested. "Or I could take you, and you could perform the spell on Draco. Honestly, I don't think Harry will be a bother. Getting you back is all he cared about."

"He doesn't have me back," Hermione stated. "And he definitely won't if he arrests my husband."

Ron nodded, knowing she meant what she said. "Let me talk to him," he pleaded. "I can reason with him, get him to drop the charges. You were never a real threat anyway, Draco. There's no reason why you should even stand trial. Have the spell performed, and I'll talk to Harry."

"I can do it," Charlotte interjected. Three sets of eyes turned to her. "I studied to be a healer when I still had some ambition. I know the spell."

Will you go first?" Hermione asked Draco, her voice quaking with nerves. "I don't...I'm not ready."

His kiss was tender. "I love you," he whispered. "And I will continue to love you in five minutes."

Charlotte led him to the master bedroom. "I'm scared," Hermione confessed when she was alone with Ron. "I've been really happy these last few years, and now everything's going to change."

Ron sat down beside her. "I think it's okay to feel that way," he said softly. "This was a big decision to make, and Harry and I certainly didn't help matters. I'm really sorry we barged in like we did."

Hermione shrugged. It made little difference to her now. Down the hall, the bedroom door opened, but only one set of footsteps approached. Charlotte stood under the archway, looking expectantly at Hermione. Ron wished her luck as Hermione followed the older woman to the bedroom. Draco appeared to be asleep on the bed, and she was instructed to lie down beside him. "Is he okay?" she wondered.

"Just waiting for the spell to wear off," Charlotte told her. "It's powerful magic, and the two of you erased a lot of time. Now, lie back and close your eyes."

Hermione heard nothing, saw nothing.

The world went dark.