Chapter 6 - Sightings

As Molly lit the fire to start breakfast she heard the familiar hoot announcing the arrival of the morning edition of The Daily Prophet. Pigwidgeon was standing on the kitchen table with another owl and both had copies waiting for her. She brought each owl a treat and a knut as she untied their burdens. The owls each gave an appreciative hoot and happily flew away. Molly couldn't help but notice the front page picture. Minister Shacklebolt and Harry were walking along an avenue with the Sydney Opera House in the background and the announcement in bold letters:

MINISTER AND CHOSEN ONE FIND LOST PARENTS OF HEROIC WITCH IN AUSTRALIA.

Molly was going to kill that boy. He'd left a week before with no more than some Muggle clothes and a bag and didn't bother to tell anyone other than Hermione good-bye. She decided she might as well read the article:

Minister Shacklebolt and Harry Potter were found in Sydney over the weekend searching for the parents of the heroic witch Miss Hermione Granger. The Daily Prophet was first made aware of the trip when the Minister went missing on Friday afternoon and his whereabouts was unknown by many of those close to him. It was first assumed he might have been nicked by Death Eaters.

All worries were deemed unfounded when a message was sent to the Ministry announcing "We have found them! We shall be back by Tuesday!"

The Daily Prophet's mission is to keep it's loyal readers informed. Once again, we have succeeded where others have failed. As can be seen, we promptly made contact with a correspondent in Australia and he has rewarded us with the first picture of the reunion between the Granger parents and the best mate of their daughter, Harry Potter (cont. Page 5, Witch to Reunite with Family for picture).

Molly thumbed to page five and continued to read.

It has come to light that Miss Granger placed memory charms on her parents in order to send them to Australia so that she could begin the heroic journey with Harry Potter that would take them around the country in search of important artefacts that aided in the defeat of Voldemort himself. It is unknown whether the on-again off-again relationship between Mr. Potter and Miss Granger has perhaps been taken to the next level. There are those close to the two that believe Mr. Potter may have made the trip himself in order to ask for the hand...

"Oh no" was all Molly could say to herself. She immediately picked up Hermione's copy of the Prophet and rushed upstairs to hide them in her room. She didn't know how the kids would react but lamented that the Prophet simply could not help but trip over a good story and turn it into something absurd. She wondered why she didn't give up her subscription a week ago with everyone else.

Once she'd returned downstairs she quickly finished breakfast. Ron and the girls padded down the steps just as the last of the eggs were placed on the table. Ron had to be at the Ministry in an hour and the girls woke early to see him off. Harry of course was the topic of conversation this morning just as he'd been the topic for nearly a week.

"Ginny, you do not need to keep blaming yourself. I don't know where he's gone but he probably needed to think about things just like you did," Mrs. Weasley could hear Hermione say. She tried to listen a little more closely from the kitchen, "Ginny, I'm just as worried as you are but I'm sure he will turn up soon." Molly heard a pause and then, "Ron, that is disgusting. You do understand that breakfast is meant to be eaten with several much smaller bites?" Hermione returned her attention to Ginny, "If anything, at least his leaving made you realise what was truly important. He pined for you for nearly two weeks while you were at Luna's. Truthfully, though, I wonder where he is as much as you do." Molly finally sat at the table and made her own plate.

"He's probably shopping for engagement rings," teased George as he made his way downstairs with his copy of the Prophet rolled up in his hand. He slipped in a chair and was about to speak again but the look on his mum's face made him think otherwise.

Ginny blushed, "Why do you say that?" George realized he'd really put his foot in it and he backed off quickly. "Oh, no reason. He and Shacklebolt have spent so much time together...recently...that they should just...get married," was all he could jumble out. His Mum nodded and smiled but the others stared at him baffled. Ron declared, "Until now, I can't remember a time you've ever made a lame joke. I'm somehow disappointed."

George flushed but his mum stared him down. "I guess your right Ron. I'd better be off to the shop." He grabbed two pieces of toast and a piece of bacon and slipped out the door without another word.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger were speaking alone in the adjacent room. Harry was pacing and the Minister was watching him with an amused expression on his face. "Harry, it will be ok."

"Hermione is going to kill me. This was none of my business and I interfered."

"Harry, I wouldn't have met you here if I didn't think it was better this way. If Hermione feels half as guilty as you made out then it is best that someone besides Hermione break the news to her parents. It was inevitable they were going to be angry at first. Once you explain the gravity of the situation they will be a lot more likely to forgive. If Hermione was here they'd be arguing and sobbing by now. Hermione did the smart, logical, even selfless, thing. It will be difficult for them to see at first but once they do we will then reunite them."

"I feel this is all my fault. if it weren't for her having to follow me..."

"We'd all be dead. You must get over the guilt Harry. None of this was your fault. Your mates and family didn't die because of you. They died because of Voldemort and his followers. They willingly died and sacrificed themselves because they trusted that you were the single greatest hope to defeat Voldemort and thankfully their trust was well placed. If Hermione hadn't sent her parents off then they'd be dead. If she hadn't followed you then she'd have been dead."

"Harry, I'm going to share something with you I have shared with only a few people. When we took the Ministry back I found records in my office and in the office of the MLE. Yaxley searched all over England for Granger and her parents and they were a top priority. They'd been to the Grangers' house and their work and they found nothing. From the very beginning she was seen as a very dangerous witch. I am sure that if she had gone into hiding they'd have found her."

"Now Harry, our job is going to be difficult. This family's life has been turned upside down. But they are no worse off than many others out there. At least they have resources. But everything that they owned that Hermione didn't take with her is gone. You're sure that the Weasley's will be willing to have them stay for a month or so as they get reacquainted?

"Yes, I asked Bill and Fleur about a week ago. They said that they still have the guest rooms. Hermione and her parents will both have a room. It is well out of the way so they should have plenty of privacy. Bill is returning to Ireland for a month on business so Fleur should enjoy the company."

"I imagine so. I really wish Bill would take the Defense Against Dark Arts position at Hogwarts."

"Not likely. He gets paid very well by Gringotts. Professor MacGonagall should ask him to do a few guest lectures though." Harry thought for a second. "Any idea who they are going to hire?"

"Harry, every DADA Professor since your first year is either dead or in Azkaban. I don't think the position is highly sought after. There was a rumour that Professor MacGonagall had considered approaching you about the position." The Minister watched Harry closely as he pretended to mention the last sentence casually.

Shacklebolt would never get his answer. Mr. Granger stepped out the door with a voice Harry could tell was an attempt at being polite, "We were wondering if you might answer a few questions?" Both Harry and Kingsley stepped in and they answered questions about where the Grangers had lived, their daughter and this whole absurd notion about magic. Shacklebolt performed a very simple yet effective demonstration involving fire and an ice cream cone and they did not question the possibility of magic again.

The two most difficult questions to answer were "How soon can we see our daughter?" and "Are you able to restore our memories?" The first question was more straightforward and Kingsley was very firm with his phrasing and tone. "We'd like for you to see her today. She's missed you terribly for nearly a year now. My biggest concern is her well being. She feels extremely guilty for what she has done but I assure you that it saved your life."

Mr. Granger's anger flared, "I'd liked to have been the judge of that. It's real easy for you to say. My wife and I have been here in Australia wondering if we'd gone insane. Both of us have spent the last year knowing we'd had the desire to be here but couldn't even remember how we got on the plane."

Shacklebolt tried to think of a way to explain the gravity. "In your world there was a man named Hitler. You remember him, right?" Both of them shrugged. Hermione had gone so far back that he was surprised they weren't in St. Mungos sharing a suite with Lockhart.

The Minister frowned. This was going to take a bit of explaining. He spent half an hour giving a full account of the deeds of Tom Riddle over the past four years.

"But why us?" asked Mrs. Granger. Harry sighed. "Because of me. From the beginning of my life those that I cared about have died because this bloke marked me for death. It would take days to explain and I promise that at the right time I'd be happy to do so. For now please allow me to keep it simple and explain that the reason you were marked for death was that Hermione was marked. Hermione was marked because she is extremely gifted witch and they considered her dangerous. Your daughter Hermione is arguably the greatest witch of her generation." Mrs. Granger looked questioningly at the Minister and he nodded confirmation.

"Ok, so assuming we are able to forgive our daughter and see her, what will it take to get our memories back?" asked Mr. Granger.

Mr. Shacklebolt sounded nervous. "Memory restoration is a very tricky process. Usually it is done as an interrogation tactic and not voluntarily by the one being restored. We have a healer at St. Mungo's that will likely be able to restore some but not all of your memories. The ones most likely to be restored are the most cherished memories. The two of you have no problems practising Dentistry?"

"We received our licenses to practise in Australia a few months ago. We've had no problems," offered Mrs. Granger.

"The spell your daughter used affected your memories regarding history and anything regarding your personal life. It is likely she was just trying to get you to forget her and anything that would tie you to England. The charm is complicated in that you utter a word but the word itself only focuses your mind to perform the charm. Your mind and it's intent is what drives the charm and the results."

"What?" was all Mr. Granger could say.

"I can be a little wordy. Sorry." Kingsley tried again. "Your daughter just removed memories about your past and about her. It's like suffering amnesia. We can try to restore the memories but I'd recommend speaking to the healer and finding out how aggressive he thinks we should be."

"Maybe we should ask our daughter how happy we really were before we get our memories back - before we try," mused Mrs. Granger. "I love my husband very much now and I'd hate to think I'd find out we fought all the time before."

"Oh no," offered Harry. " The two of you have always been brilliant. Ron has always said you were two of the nicest people he'd ever met."

"Who is Ron?" It was Mr. Granger who asked but both looked curious.

Oh yes, there would be a lot of catching up to do.

The next day the Minister felt confident enough that all would be good that they secured the Granger beach house and prepared them to travel from Australia to St. Mungo's in London. The plan was for them to port directly to St. Mungo's where a healer by the name of Phinius Bellam was to help restore at least a few of their memories of their daughter so that it was not totally awkward when they were reintroduced to Hermione.

Shacklebolt, in order to break the ice, introduced the Granger's to Dr. Bellam and explained that he was a bit of a prankster when he was younger. He told the story of how Dr. Bellam named his first daughter Sarah, "The humour of the name was lost on most until Sarah's first potions class when a usually dour Professor Snape called out her name during roll call and began laughing uncontrollably. When the girl looked at him confused he replied 'twenty five points to Hufflepuff for your father's obvious grasp of the pun. Fifteen points taken from Hufflepuff for your same utter lack of grasp.' For two weeks Snape would make every attempt to say her full name "Sarah Bellam" and he'd always have that dour ironic grin on his face when he did."

"But I digress. Dr. Bellam will take fantastic care of you." Kingsley walked out with Harry and once the door closed Harry erupted in laughter. Harry had been with Kingsley for two days but had weeks ago lost the uncomfortable reverie, "I don't think Mr. Bellam was too pleased with your introduction."

"No, he's probably having a few words at my expense. I got nervous and rambled."

"Where did you hear that story from? It was absolutely brilliant. Long and totally irrelevant but brilliant." Harry had come to realize that Kingsley was normal like everyone else.

"I was there. It was fifteen years ago. I was a seventh year at the time. The story made its way around the school quickly."

"But that means you are only..." Harry wasn't the strongest at Arithmancy but he easily added the numbers in his head.

"Yes, Harry, I am. I am the youngest Minister in quite some time."

Harry and the Minister were interrupted by the Healer Bellam. They could hear Mrs. Granger sobbing behind the door, "Harry, would you please come back in? Mrs. Granger has asked that you speak with her alone."

"Harry, I asked you not to get involved."

He'd been afraid she'd bring this up, "No, you actually told me you didn't want me to try to give you money for the trip."

"Harry."

There was no getting out of this. "Hermione, I'm sorry. I felt helpless at the Burrow and I thought I might be able to do some good and get away from everything at the same time. I can't say I regret the trip. Australia is beautiful even if it is Winter in June. Your Mum asked me if I'd bring you back to visit."

"But I thought that you brought her back to London with the Minister. Why didn't they stay?"

"There were complications," was all Harry would say. She'd seen this look on Harry's face before. Harry was protecting her from something. "We tried restoring your Mum's memories and there were complications. We didn't even try with your Dad. It was decided that it would be very bad for both of them for us to continue and we were forced to remove the new memories from her and return both of them to their flat just south of Thirroul. It's a beach just south of Sydney."

"Oh," Hermione whispered. "Were they difficult to find?"

Harry had been worried when he arrived in Australia. Any one of the provinces was larger than England itself. The Grangers could be anywhere. He didn't even know if they'd made it. If the Ministry was not able to help he could be in for a long search.

His first task was to check in with the Ministry of Magic in Sydney. Fortunately he'd woke early and ported just after four in the morning. He'd forgotten to account for time zones and when he arrived it was already two in the afternoon and the sun was nearly overhead. Shacklebolt had given him instructions to meet with a Ryan Coates in the office of International Cooperation:

"Welcome Mr. Potter. I regret to say that you just missed the Celebration of the Queens's Birthday." When Harry didn't register the comment, Ryan moved on. I am happy to say that we have found three Wilkins couples with the first names of Wendell and Monica. Unfortunately, I did not have time to inquire if any of them had arrived in the past year or even their professions. In fact, all I was able to get from the Muggle authorities was the Wilkins' addresses. I hope this helps."

"This is brilliant. I wasn't sure where to start and this makes it much easier," answered Harry. Ryan gave him a short tour of the Ministry and then took him to an office with several maps, "Do you know anything about the Wilkins family?"

"A little. In England they had been interested in visiting Australia and seeing the wildlife. They wanted to see koalas and kangaroos. They are Muggles and they'd likely want to continue to practise dentistry. Erm, they care for Muggles' teeth," Harry explained when Mr. Coates shot him a confused look.

"That means you'll want a large Muggle population. It's probably going to be the couple in this area if you are looking for koalas and other wildlife. They live in Brisbane which is a large city. This other couple is also a possibility but it's a smaller town and more of a tourist destination. They live just south of Thirroul on the beach."

"I can't thank you enough. What would be the easiest way to get to each of these places?"

"You might floo in to one of the local witch's homes. If you can give us an hour we might check for you. Otherwise you can take Muggle transport."

Harry ultimately decided to take a bus and decided he'd make arrangements in the morning. He was in no particular hurry to get back and he was curious to see the country. Australia was so different from England. He'd realised he was lucky to have brought the jumper that Molly had given him the Christmas before – he'd wanted something close to him from the family. He'd fully expected it to be warm and sunny here too. He hadn't accounted for seasonal differences. When Harry asked Ryan, he replied, "Aye mate, it's where they got the whole term 'Polar Opposites' from. Oh, and you may wish to get to Gringotts quick as it's nearly 4 o'clock already.

Once Ryan finished giving him instructions how to get to each of the Wilkins' houses, Harry made his way to Gringotts in Sydney. He'd forgotten about Muggle currency and while he had a few fivers he would need Australian Dollars to make his way around. He headed back to Botany Way, Sydney's version of Diagon Alley, by foot as it wasn't far from the Ministry.

When he got to Gringotts the goblins were less than friendly. Fortunately, the manager was nearby and he interfered before Harry could be placed on his ear at the doorstep, "I apologise for my employees' rough handling. You say you are the Harry Potter?" When he nodded "yes" the manager invited him to his office.

In less than a quarter hour Harry had changed out enough Galleons to stay comfortably in Australia for as long as he needed. While the Sydney branch was much smaller than the London bank the manager did his best to help Harry with his trip to Brisbane. When Harry explained that he wished to see as much of Australia as he could on his way, the manager had tickets ordered for Harry on a tourist bus that travelled between the two cities. Harry explained he could do this himself but the goblin insisted Harry let him help. The bus travelled close to the Blue Mountains to the west and then travelled along the coast on its way up to Brisbaine. The manager also gave Harry the address of a popular Muggle shop that would be able to help him with fashionable Muggle clothes popular with the younger witches and wizards in the area.

His bus departed early in the morning so he decided to stroll along Botany Way before seeking out the Muggle shop just outside the Wizard part of town. He'd seen many interesting shops but the magical familiar shop Salamander and Newt's was his favourite. "G'day" called out the owner as Harry stepped into the shop. "Name's Newt and I ken' help yah if there be anything that catches yer fancy. You shoppin' fer you or fer a lucky lil' sheila?" Harry imagined the man must have noticed he was a tourist and was playing up the Aussie act, "I'm just looking." As he walked around he was amazed at the variety of creatures. They had an Eastern Water Dragon, a Children's Python, a Red Eyed Frog, a Striped Marsh Frog and several wombats. The coolest was a Pygmy Blue Tongued Skink that was basically a just a lizard but it had the most amazing blue tongue. Harry thought if he were buying a new familiar for school it'd have to be the skink or the python...then he remembered what the Sorting Hat had said his first year and shook his head and walked out.

In Tott's Fine Toys he found an enchanted boomerang that would always return to the one that threw it. He bought it as a souvenir for Ron; he figured his best mate would get a kick out of it. He also found a stuffed koala for Teddy.

Eventually Harry made his way out of Botany Way and found the Muggle clothes shop in Darling Harbour nearby. It was dark before Harry had finished trying on jackets and winter shirts. The sales lady even convinced him to buy a new pair of trainers as his current pair was well worn.

By then he was tired and he headed back to Darling's End which was the local tavern and Inn that Slughorn had set his portkey to. He'd rented a room for the evening as soon as he arrived and now he made his way up the steps without even a thought to stop for a pint.

That morning Harry watched as the early sun reflected off of the Blue Mountains. Harry enjoyed the drive through the mountains but it wasn't long before the bus had headed back East toward the coast. Harry had a window seat and as the bus would pass popular destinations the guide would share facts about the area. They stopped at a few of the popular surf beaches that were spread out along the coast of New South Wales when surfers were seen on the water.

Occasionally a kangaroo would pop up during the ride and they stopped at a reserve for a half hour where he saw several traditional Australian animals. He couldn't help but laugh when a little girl called out "Mum, it's a Platterpuss. And there's a Roo Mum...a Roo!"

More than once Harry fell asleep but he did enjoy seeing the beautiful countryside as the bus made its way along the coast. The bus stopped in Coffs Harbour overnight and then was in Brisbane by noon the next day.

Harry had a rough time with the public transit schedules but eventually he made his way to the Wilkins' home. He knocked on the door just as the sun began to set and was greeted by a very young lady, "May I help you?" Harry knew immediately she was the wrong Wilkins but just to be sure, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, I am looking for a Monica Wilkins and Wendell Wilkins. Would you happen to be Mrs. Monica Wilkins?"

"Yes sir, but you don't sound as if you are from 'round 'ere," responded Mrs. Monica Wilkins.

Harry wasn't too disappointed. The trip had been long but he'd seen kangaroos, after all, and the surfing exhibition at North Narrabeen had been spectacular. He did the best to bow out, "I'm sorry ma'am. I must have the wrong Wilkins. I'm sorry for your trouble." He didn't see her puzzled look as he walked away quickly. He wondered how best to find the nearest bus or train station. He then remembered he had the port key given by Slughorn and as soon as he could find a quiet private place he ported back to Darling's End in Sydney. When he arrived near the floo he realized he could have also apparated because he'd made sure to get a good look around.

"Ay Barry, ya tossa, wanna schooner?" he heard a bloke call out to his mate from the bar. "Jeezus mate, I 'avn't seen you in ages!" replied the bloke. Barry walked up to the bar and asked a young lady"Gidday sweetheart. Whatyer avin?" She smiled and answered, "You if you wanna hit my place after a few..."

Harry didn't bother to listen any more. He walked up to the barkeep and got a key for the night. He then sat at the bar and ordered a Butterbeer. When his pint arrived a young wizard gave him a good look and asked, "How ya goin mate?" After a half hour Harry had learned that this young wizard was named Murphy and had an interest in tennis. Murphy was all fired up for the Wimbledon Tournament in England and he was near certain that, "Woodbridge and Woodforde are goin' to win the Men's doubles this year. Ya may not know who they are but they are the best that we Aussies got this year." Harry tried to be polite but he didn't really have much to say. He let the wizard talk on and once he'd finished his second Butterbeer he'd excused himself and went to his room to sleep.

"So you didn't find them in Brisbane? I assume they were the couple on the beach?"

"Yes."

"How did they take it when you told them?"

Two days later Harry was at the doorstep of a flat an hour south of Wollongong near the beach of Thirroul. He had arrived earlier in the day and when noone had answered he sat out near the beach and watched the waves. He'd never seen surfing before his trip to Australia so he spent the afternoon watching the surfers wade out to the ocean and then climb on their boards. It amazed him how they'd manage to cut along the waves and keep themselves balanced on the boards. He imagined he could do something similar with magic but he doubted he'd balance on his own long enough to stand straight.

Later in the evening he tried the modest flat again. He knocked timidly on the door. The lady who answered was a sun kissed version of Hermione's Mum. "Yes, may I help you?"

Harry realised too late that he'd not managed what he would say, "Ma'am, erm, I don't know how to say this but..."

"You didn't?" The sheepish look said it all. "You did!" Hermione couldn't help but laugh.

Harry explained how they took the news. "Your dad was upset. I didn't explain it at first. He thought I'd come to tell him that he had a child from...before your Mum." Hermione covered her mouth but the laughter still trickled from between her fingers. Harry continued, "I finally convinced them to meet with me a few days later with the Minister. We both explained some more. Then we all took the Minister's portkey to St. Mungo's so that they could reverse the memory charms."

"Why didn't they stay?"

"I don't know if it's my place to tell you. Now that you are here I think maybe it's time that your Mum told you." Hermione had gathered her things during a break in the story and had ported with him to the Darling's End Tavern where they had rented a suite. "She's here?" Hermione suddenly became conscious of how she was dressed and how she looked. She sat on the bed while he leaned forward from his chair.

"No. She gave me this to give to you." Harry looked down as he handed her the letter. He hadn't read the letter but he'd had a hand in writing it. Mrs. Granger had spent two hours alone with him the day her memories were restored and she had begged him to take them back away. They'd tried to decide how to explain to Hermione so that she didn't feel guilty.

Hermione tore open the envelope. As she read the letter she would occasionally look up at Harry. The letter read:

15 June 1998

Dear Hermione,

As you probably know, your mate Harry arrived on our doorstep a few day ago. He told us about everything you have done and I am so proud of you. He thinks very highly of you. In fact, he says that if it weren't for you that he and many others might not still be alive. He thinks quite a lot of you.

I am writing you because when we finally meet I will not remember anything he has said or anything about you. I want you to know how proud I am for everything that you have done and for the woman you have become. I've spent my life amazed at the great things you were able to do even when you were a small child. You are my beautiful, brilliant, amazing Hermione and I want you to know that I know this.

I am sad that you were forced to send me and your father to Australia. I know this must have been very difficult for you. Harry assures me that there were no other options and he is sure that if we'd remained in England we surely would have been killed. I am certainly happy that you made the difficult decision and that we are still alive. I'm just so sorry that you had to sacrifice so much.

My beautiful daughter, I only wish I was half as brave as you. While every brilliant memory of you came back to me, I was made aware of some very frightening things as well. I regret that I cannot face these memories and I have begged Harry to help me rid myself of these terrible things. Your father and I have made a very, very happy life here in Australia and I can see only sadness and sorrow if we were to return to England.

I hope you will not think less of me for this. I want so much for us to be reunited. Harry has given me several pictures of you and I have written myself a very long letter to remind myself of all of my most cherished memories. I regret that we have lied to your father and told him that the charms did not work but I fear that he would be forced to revisit the same memories as I've had to face. Please do not consider me a coward. He is still looking forward to your visit as well and we will clean out the extra room of our flat so that you may stay as long as you'd like.

I love you and I cannot wait to see you.

Love,

Your Mum

"And you know what it is that came back to her?"

Harry nodded.

"You don't plan to tell me?"

"I will one day I'm sure. It's best not today. All I can say for now is that you probably saved them from more than Voldemort when you altered their memories. I agree with her that it is best that they stay in Australia - if they returned to England they'd be in danger." Harry could tell that Hermione was beyond disappointed, "Your Mum is right though. With this watch you can visit them any time you would like. They will be no further from you than if they had a house in Wales." With that she smiled.

"Is there anything else?"

"We can side-along apparate from here to their flat now if you would like." Harry was hoping this would cheer her up.

"I'd like that very much but only if you've improved. I don't need healers to be picking parts of me up along the shores of New South Wales."