AN: Harry Potter is not mine.

Chapter 6 - Hermione's Journey

Hermione had decided to take Draco's advice and try to find her parents. It had taken her a few days to pick up the courage but the morning she walked down to breakfast with a bag, Draco knew he was about to be left alone.

Hermione flooed from Grimmauld Place to the Ministry of Magic to use the international floo. She registered and joined the line, waiting for her turn. As she stood in the line her nerves started to get the better of her. Would her parents want to see her? Would they forgive her? What would they say? She was about to turn around when she remembered the Weasley's and how they all had each other, but most importantly she remembered Draco's words "if my mother was out there, I'd move heaven and earth to find her". She realised how lucky she was not only to have parents, but parents that had cared for her deeply. She'd sent them away to keep them alive and it had worked but it was time to bring them home.

Hermione arrived at the Australian Ministry of Magic in Canberra and headed straight to the muggle library. Once there she found a computer and set to work finding her parents. She had deliberately not found out their location earlier to protect them, that way if anyone asked her where her parents were she could honestly answer "I don't know". She started with the Yellow Pages and dentists but there were so many. She realised there was every chance that they would choose a name that she would not recognise or even work for someone else. It was then she saw the link to the White Pages. She searched Henry Granger and got 6 hits. Hermione jotted down the addresses and decided to look them up the next day.

Hermione left the library intending to find somewhere to sleep and some food. As she wandered around she found the national war memorial. It took her breath away. She spent hours looking at the names of all of the Australia soldiers who had been killed in the various wars that their country had been involved in. She thought of all of those who had died during the final battle and all of those they had saved. As the sun started to set Hermione realised that she still needed to find somewhere to sleep, and she was starving. It didn't take Hermione long to find a hotel once she reached the main part of town and she settled in for an early night, knowing the next day was going to be a long day.

Hermione looked at the list of addresses and decided to start with the Henry Granger in Woollengong as they were closest. Once she checked out of the hotel, she found a deserted alley and apparated to Woollengong. Once there she couldn't bring herself to knock on the door, so she tried to look inconspicuous while waiting for some sign of life at the house. It didn't take long because a car arrived about 5 minutes after she did. A family got out of the car and the front door opened "Grandpa Harry" yelled the little girl running towards the older man who had opened the door. Realising that this was not her parents home Hermione turned and headed down the street.

Hermione checked her list again and decided to head to Townsville to check out the next Henry Granger. When she arrived at this house she was almost 100% certain that it was not her parents house. It looked distinctly like a student house. This time she didn't need to knock as a voice from behind her said "Hello, you okay?"

"Yeah, just a little lost" Hermione answered, more honestly than she realised.

"Come on in and we'll find you some directions" came the response. Hermione entered the house and into the kitchen where there was another 3 people. She was introduced to Peta, Jack, Henry and Brooke. "I'm Lavender" Hermione answered, telling a story that she was backpacking. After a coffee and a chat, in which Hermione was given a list of places to visit and backpacking tips, Hermione left to continue her search.

Next she headed to Melbourne where Henry Granger was a top class barrister, then onto Mildura where Henry Granger was a farmer. Four down, two to go she thought. The last two stops were both in Western Australia so Hermione apparated to Perth, found another hotel and took a long hot bath to relax.

The next morning Hermione took the train to Mandurah, enjoying being in the muggle world. When she arrived at the address Hermione knew it was her parents house. The garden and the house were decorated just like their home used to be. She stood across the road trying to find the strength to go and knock on the door. Before she had a chance to the door opened and her father stepped out, followed by a boy aged about 10 and a girl aged about 13. She then saw her mother locking the door. The family piled into the car and drove off, leaving Hermione standing stunned on the pavement.

Some how Hermione made it back to the hotel, still trying to comprehend what she had seen. Eventually Hermione stood up and headed out to do some research. Where had her parents got 2 children from? Who's children were they? By the end of the day Hermione had her answers. Her parents had set up home in Mandurah, both working at a local dentist practice. They had fostered siblings Lachlan and Bridie 7 months ago and had recently been made their full time guardians.

The next day Hermione called the practice where her parents worked, and made an appointment with her mother using the name Lavender Brown, even though she knew that thanks to the memory charm her mother would not recognise the name Hermione.

She was incredibly nervous sitting in the waiting room, not because she was at the dentist but because she was about to see her mother again. "Lavender Brown" her mum called and Hermione nervously stood up. "There's nothing to be nervous of dear" her mother said, thinking she had a fear of dentists. Hermione smiled and headed into the room that her mother had indicated too. Once inside Hermione quickly scanned the room and she saw a photo of her parents with Lachlan and Bridie and another photo of just Lachlan and Bridie.

As the examination finished and her mother praised her perfect teeth, Hermione smiled. "You have a lovely family" she said as she stood up to leave indicating to the photos on the desk. "Yes I'm very lucky" her mum responded "they are my two precious gifts". Hermione fought back the tears at the way her mother's whole face lit up as she discussed her family and children. Hermione thanked her and left, realising it was time for her to return home and that home was not here with her parents. She knew she could not destroy or interfere in the life her parents had now. She had chosen to do this and she knew in her heart that she had to live with the consequences, no matter how much it broke her heart.

AN: I think I struggled with the last chapter cause I already had this one written, so I thought I'd upload them together.

Pls review, and I promise some Dramonie friendship next chapter :)