Chapter 17 – Misty Watercolor Memories

7 April 2010

Mia's Townhouse

New York City, New York

Hermione Granger

"Hey Mychaelia! Thank you for this. I have nothing to worry about I'm sure." I say as Mac enters my townhouse. Mychaelia is a few inches taller than me. She has auburn hair and forest green eyes. Her perfect porcelain complexion is enhanced by a splattering of freckles along her nose and cheeks giving her the just the right amount of color to her otherwise perfect complexion. Mychaelia is from a small town in northern Georgia. She uses too many endearments for her friends; baby doll, lovey, sugar. She has a slight Southern accent, but years of living in the northern states means it's only really noticeable when she gets angry. She's methodical, no nonsense, and isn't afraid to throw any punches. She loves with her whole heart and is a great friend to have on your side.

She smiles, and gives me a one armed hug. "It's all good Baby Doll, we got you! I'll just hang out in the loft unless I see you need help. I have my laptop to do some work. My boss is such a hard ass bitch, she's always making me work evenings."

I laugh, since I am technically her boss. "I have your favorite Thai in the kitchen upstairs waiting for you."

She smiles, "Thank you, Lovey! I'll deduct the cost from my bill. Are you sure you wanna do this without one of us? Sash has been cagey since you mentioned him. We know Little Miss Krav Maga can take care of herself and all, but Mia, we just worry. You haven't been yourself since this big news came out."

I sigh, and say, "I'm just confused why this woman I met one time couldn't tell me who she was. I want to not care. I tell everyone I don't care, but it's just eating away at me a little. Once I see these memories, maybe I'll get some clarity. I'm great, I promise!"

Mac nods, "Alright, Love you! I'll be in the Spy Loft, are the security camera screens still up there?"

I laugh, "Well of course! That's why when I texted you I asked you to hang out up there."

She heads towards the elevator, "Cool, I'm gonna go eat my Thai. Free food always tastes better! Later, Babycakes!"

As she disappears, I think of the one time I met Ophelia. I really liked her. It bothers me she never told me who she was. I've asked Andi about it after Harry told me about the will, but she didn't have an answer.

3 April 1999

The Ritz London

The Green Park Suite

London, England

Hermione Granger

I hope Harry appreciates the royalties he just received from the huge amount of SleekEazy's I just put in my hair. I'm so nervous. Draco is taking me to meet his godmother today. He says he doesn't know what her reaction will be. He said, she is either formidable and proper, or informal and kind. He said he just doesn't know what to expect with her anymore. I have no idea how to work with that information. Beauty charms allude me at times. When I'm not worried about anything they are as natural as casting Alohomora, but when I'm as nervous as I am right now, I worry I'll end up with green hair and clown makeup.

The last six weeks with Draco have been absolute bliss. I may owe Lavender and Pavarti an apology. I always thought they were insipid when they talked about boys all the time. I'm not talking about Draco all the time, but at least now I can empathize with the sentiment.

It's just so easy to be with him. We still bum around with our friends and have been studying for N.E.W.Ts. I'm mostly helping everyone else with their studying, I feel really confident I know all the material. We only have two and half months left at Hogwarts before the tests begin. The last four months have gone by really fast.

I am refusing to speak to Ronald Weasley. Ginny has been quite irked I refuse to talk to him over "one little statement." She is in denial to the belief my ban on Ronald Weasley is for years of offenses I've received from him. I'm just finished with him. Harry has been supportive, and he is all that matters to me anyway.

The Golden Trio, (I detest that moniker) gave the interview with the American Magazine Time Wizard. I'm not sure what interview they wrote about because it was nothing like the actual interview. They glossed over everything we said, and dubbed us The Hero, The Brains, and The Braun. I donated the 100,000 galleons they paid me to Luna so she could make improvements to The Quibbler.

Draco and I left for Easter Break on Thursday and couldn't decide what we wanted to do. Most of our friends went to the Zabini Villa in Italy. That would have been fun, but I need to look for a flat. Andromeda said I could stay with her, but it would be a little awkward having Draco spend the night. We opted for a suite at The Ritz until I find a flat on Monday.

He said he told his mother about me and she responded indifferently. I'm not really sure what that means, but I have decided not to worry about it until I need to. He assures me she'll get used to the idea. He said his mother thinks about things for a while and then ultimately just wants her son to be happy. I hope he's right. I love him and the thought of his family worries me. I have plenty of money on my own, so maybe that would be enough for him to choose me if the worst case scenario happens.

I need to stop worrying. I take a final look in the mirror. My makeup looks great, my hair is shiny with loose curls, and I'm wearing a nice dark blue tea length dress with a flowy skirt. This is it.

I step out of the loo and enter the sitting room where Draco is waiting for me. He stands up and smiles, "You're beautiful, Mia. You have nothing to be nervous about. Are you ready, then?"

I nod my head and he takes my hand and apparates us away.

3 April 1999

Dagworth-Granger Manor

Sussex, England

Hermione

We land at the gates of a very stately manor of quintessential Elizabethan Architecture. The manor is "H" shaped with three stories. A wide set of stairs takes you to the entryway which is actually the first floor. The landscaping is very manicured and simple. The Manor is simply exquisite.

We enter the front door and an elf appears, a very familiar elf. She says, "Young Master Draco I's happy to see you. I shall lead you and your lovely guest to the blue parlor."

She takes us to the right and we enter what must be the blue parlor. It's what I would imagine the Ravenclaw Tower must look like. The ceiling and moldings on the white walls are coated with bronze. The main sitting area has light blue and cream coloured upholstered furniture, bronze tables and a very beautiful blue and bronze oriental rug.

That isn't what has stopped me from moving. The women sitting on a settee with a turn of the century lace gown with long sleeves and high neck, and a variety of all shades of fine purple embroidery throughout the dress. Her white hair is elaborately coiffed, and she is wearing a amethyst tiara. She is smiling and stands to greet Draco.

"Well bend down, you poncy git, so I can kiss your cheek." She kisses his cheek and offers me a smile. "Draco are you going to introduce me to this young lady?"

Draco smiles, "Ophelia Dagworth-Granger let me introduce you to Hermione Granger. Hermione this is my menace of a godmother, Ophelia Dagworth-Granger."

I take her hand and say in almost a whisper, "Dagworth?" I recover quickly and say, "It's lovely to meet you Madame Dagworth-Granger."

She looks at me sternly and then looks at Draco, "My dear boy, I need you to take care of the boxes in the library for me. Please take them to your old room. They are books you need to read."

"Auntie Phea…."

"Now don't argue with me. Miss Granger and I are going to get acquainted without you interrupting. Now go."

Draco takes his leave, and I watch him go.

"Miss Granger please have a seat. I see you have questions and we have a short time for me to answer them."

"Are you part of The Order?" I ask.

She smiles, "No, my dear. I simply allowed use of an uninhibited castle in Cornwall for use of your education. The Dagworths and Grangers were very old families that typically married each other for centuries. This is the original Granger Manor as you can see by the décor they were traditionally in Ravenclaw. The Dagworths were traditionally Slytherin or Gryffindor. In the late 18th century, there was only one Dagworth female and one Granger male. The families agreed to combine fortunes and hyphenate the name and start marrying outside the families. Marrying your cousins was becoming very unfashionable in that time. I know you may have more questions and someday I'll answer them, my dear. Let's have some tea, shall we?"

I nod, "Madame, may I ask one more question?"

She smiles, "Of course you may."

I take a moment to form my question, and ask, "Would you know why I can tell Draco about the training in the castle I received, when I'm physically unable to tell my best friend? Is it because Draco is your godson, and may have a connection to the castle?"

She thinks for a moment, and then answers, "Draco has never been to Dagworth Castle. If you are under an oath or a vow that prevents you from sharing a secret, the reason you can tell Draco is because he is your soulmate. A soulmate bond supersedes most magic. It's the very reason spouses are not obligated to testify against each other in most circumstances."

I shake my head, "But aren't soulmates a myth?"

She smiles, "No. It's very real. Every soul, magical or not, has a person whom their soul connects to more than any other. However, with magical people it's not just your soul, it's your very magic that connects. My Hector was my soulmate, and I lost him 26 years and 14 days ago. I feel his loss everyday. When you accept your soulmate, your magic is stronger, and your mind is stronger. Don't be apprehensive of the bond, it's very extraordinary. Most people do not find their actual soulmates, but that doesn't mean they can not be happy. A great many people find happiness with someone whose soul is similar to their own."

I nod, and say, "Thank you for answering my questions. You are correct, I have many more, but this has eased my mind a great deal."

"Of course. You are very welcome. I've seen a great deal of press about the upcoming Anniversary Gala. Will you be attending?"

Perplexed by the shift to polite conversation, I answer, "Yes. Minister Shacklebolt has specifically asked for Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and I to attend." I say.

Draco walks into the room and takes a seat next to me. "Hello ladies." He looks at me concerned and I smile.

Ophelia addresses Draco, "Draco, Hermione has just told me that she is required to attend the Anniversary Gala. Have you properly asked to escort her?"

He smirks, "Not yet, but I had planned to do so tomorrow."

Ophelia gives a disapproving look, "It is less than a month away, back in my day a man was obligated to ask a young woman he is courting as soon as the invites arrived. I used to love having balls….."

We spent the afternoon and dinner with her as she regaled us with stories of balls, of she and Hector's adventures, and of young Draco.

7 April 2010 6:57 p.m.

Mia's Townhouse

New York City, New York

Hermione

I look around the room making sure everything is in order. I'm not sure why I agreed for Malfoy to view the memories with me. It seems too personal, yet the look in his eyes when asked me to let him join was sincere. I know I can't trust him, but since he is a stranger now he seemed like a better choice than my too caring friends.

When my friends and I moved to New York I bought a townhouse for us to share. Thanks to the Malfoy's hush money I bought it outright and the four of us lived here for about a year. We completely gutted it and made it ours. Mac moved out first, she has a great apartment about three blocks away. She was always the most independent. About six months later, Kelly moved out to live with her now fiancé. About a year ago, Sasha found a great loft in SoHo and moved in there. The basement houses a pool and a fitness area. The ground floor split in half. The left half is a sitting room and kitchenette that doubles as a bar and the room is open to the pool downstairs by a wall of glass. The right half is a garage for my 1999 VW Beetle that I can't seem to part with. The first and second floors have two bedroom and a shared bathroom on each floor. The third floor is my library. And the fourth has a great room and chef's kitchen with an open loft above the kitchen where I have a study and roof access.

I came home to put on my oversized Harvard hoodie and jeans. My wards let me know there is someone at the door. I take a deep breath and answer the door. Malfoy is standing there in a silver button down shirt and black pants. The shirt is untucked and he looks relaxed. When we younger is face was softer, angelic. He was gorgeous in a way that made your knees weak. Now he's broader, his features have changes from that of a beautiful boy to a even more beautiful man. I hate him.

"Hello, Mr. Malfoy, come in." I lead him to the ground floor party room as Sasha always called it. The house is bright and very modern in décor.

He seems to be looking around and finally says, "I brought a couple bottles on wine."

"Thank you, I have dinner set up in here at the bar. I purchased a couple selections of Thai and Indian. I hope you can find something you like."

He takes a seat at the bar and I grab plates and cutlery. I take my seat with a barstool between us and we share the dinner. I really have nothing to say to him, and he seems at a loss for words as well. We eat in uncomfortable silence. I'm so uncomfortable right now. He's still managed to take all the space in a room without knowing it.

Malfoy takes a few bites, and says, "This is delicious Granger. Thank you. How do you like living in America?"

I should be polite. He doesn't deserve my kindness, but it's not like I am going to ask about his wife and their twins. Daphne let it slip last visit Astoria had two adorable twin boys. I didn't react at the time, but it still felt like a stab in my chest.

"I really love it. I have been all over the country. My friends all grew up in different parts of the country so the first couple of years, I was able to tour a variety of regions. One of my best friends is from Montana. It's one of the least populated states in the country, and the landscape of the land is breathtaking. I love living in the city, but with my company I've traveled all over the world and it's really been a great experience."

He nods, "What's your favorite place you've been?"

I think a moment and though I want to answer, it's just too personal. I don't want to open myself up to him. "I loved so many parts of South America. New Zealand is one of the most breathtaking places I've traveled to. Did you bring the memories?"

He nods. "Shall we get started then? Yes I have a pensive set up behind us. I would prefer to be submerged in the memory rather than view it on the tele."

He hands me a small chest and there are about forty vials labeled with dates on them. I pull out one vial.

"Let's get this over with. I assume you won't let me do this on my own, will you?"

He smirks, "Not a chance."

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19 September 1979

Ophelia's memory

Hermione

We enter the memory and Ophelia is in front of us. She's in a hospital and is moving at a fast pace. When we enter hospital room, I see my mum and dad. God, I've missed them so much. They are so much younger than I've ever seen them. When I obliviated them they were older, my dad was 63 and my mum was 55. Here they just look so young, and my heart is already hurting. Mum is holding a baby and dad is sitting next to her in the bed. My dad was 45 and my mom was 37 when I was born.

I turn and get a good look at Ophelia. She looks about 50 when she should have been almost 100. What shocks me is she's Viola Davies. Her hair and eyes are different, but it is unmistakably her. All that time she tutored me and she didn't tell me who she was. I'm so infuriated right now. I just want to leave the memory. I start to back up when I hear my dad speak.

"Mum you went too young with that damned potion again. You need to stop using it. You're almost 100 years old, it's time to act your age"

Ophelia huffs, "Well hello to you, my loving son. This potion is perfectly safe. It was only banned because some Malfoy got into a tizzy with his dangly bits."

My dad huffs, "Yes mum you've told me the story enough. All medications have side effects even your magical potions. You need to be careful."

He walks over to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek, "I'm glad you made it." Then he gives her a smile. "Are you ready to meet the most beautiful baby girl in the whole world? She's so perfect. Helen was amazing."

Ophelia walks over to my mum and kisses her check, and looks down at the baby. "Helen dear, she's perfect! May I hold her?" She reaches for the baby and takes a seat in the chair by the bed.

Ophelia tears up, "Oh Richard! She's so perfect! I love her so much already!" She looks at the baby and in an annoyingly sweet voice says, "Oh my beautiful girl, Grandma loves you so much, yes I do." She looks at my dad and says, "What name did you decide on?"

Richard smiles, and says, "Mum meet Hermione Jean Ophelia Dagworth-Granger. She weighs 6 pounds and 7 ounces and is 20 and a half inches long."

She looks back at the baby and unwraps her from the swaddle, "Helen of Troy's daughter, it's the perfect name. You gave her your full last name? Your father would have loved that. It's a powerful name. Oh my beautiful powerful girl. Richard her magical core is so strong. She's destined for greatness."

He sighs, "Yes, you've told me you were sure she was magical. Mum, you have to let her have a normal childhood. Helen and I are going to raise her in our world until you force us to send her to Hogwarts or whatever convoluted place you demand. You can't be teaching her magic early. I can't have Aurors swooping in when all my neighbors are muggles."

She huffs, "Richard don't be ridiculous she has so much she needs to learn. Her magic is so beautiful. I wish you could see it. Her core is pure white, it's so beautiful!" She looks down at the baby. "My sweet, sweet girl. Grandma loves you so much. I'm always going to protect you. I'll eradicate anyone that ever hurts you, my little love. I burn down the kingdom to make sure you are safe and happy. Yes I will."

Richard rolls his eyes and huffs, then smiles. "Mum, quit being barmy! You can't destroy everyone that hurts her."

Ophelia smiles, "I think I would set the world on fire for this precious girl. She so perfect. Look at those pretty pink cheeks and that precious tiny nose. Richard you were a beautiful baby, but this sweet baby girl makes you look like a baby troll." She looks at the baby and sweetly says, "Yes, he does baby girl. You're daddy looked like a troll in comparison to you. Grandma loves you so much."

Richard is shaking his head, "Thanks Mum."

Helen laughs, "Richard quit giving your mother a hard time. Ophelia, is she really magical?"

Ophelia smiles, "Yes, Helen. Though I'm particularly biased about her, she has the most beautiful magical core I've seen. She'll have control of her magic very early. Richard your father would have loved her so much. You were so loved by him, and he would have been so proud of you. Thank you Helen for loving my baby boy and giving him this amazing gift. I knew you two were destined to be."

Richard interrupts, "Because you cheat mum. You can't talk about destiny when you use your powers to read everyone's minds and see bonds. Oh and quit calling me your baby boy, I'm a forty-five year old man."

Ophelia laughs, "You'll always be my baby! However, this sweet precious baby is the new love of my life." She tears up. "She's so special already. I'm going to protect her always."

Richard walks over to Ophelia and places his hand on her shoulder, "I know mum. I love you, you old hag."

Ophelia laughs, "I did not name you Dick, don't act like one. I won't be a hag for at least another 50 years. I love you too, you spoiled prat! Thank you for ringing me and allowing me to meet her. She's amazing."

She stands up and walks over to Helen and hands her the baby, "I'll go so you can have some privacy and rest. Helen, I love you, and if you need anything ring me or send me an owl. I'll come by in few days to check on you and bring a gift." She kisses Helen's cheek.

Richard walks over to his mother and says, "Mum, I love you, be careful leaving here. This is a busy part of London. Take a black cab to the Leaky Cauldron so your aren't caught apparating again. When you bring a gift, I swear to God if you buy that baby another stitch of clothing, I'll burn it!"

Ophelia smacks his arm, then gives him a hug, "See you both in a few days, unless you need me beforehand. Bye, Loves."

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We leave the pensive and my whole body is shaking. She could see bonds. Spiritual Magic, Viola taught me about it, and made me study it. I thought it was rubbish like Divination. I didn't take Ophelia serious when she told me Malfoy was my soulmate. 'He's been gone 26 years and 14 days, and I still feel it everyday.' Fuck!

Malfoy takes a step closer to me and I put my hand up, "Stop. I'm just processing. Do you know about the potion they were discussing?"

He sighs, and says, "Yes I do. Do you remember me telling you the story of her taking me to an amusement park?"

I nod, "I think so, maybe." Christmas night 1998 in Abbott library. He was wearing a dark green jumper and a pair of jeans I talked him into buying when we went shopping for Christmas gifts. He told me the story while I was putting batteries in his CD player.

"Would you like to see the memory of her explanation of the potion?" He asks.

I close my eyes. Can I see him young again and it not hurt? "Yes. Please." I already regret this.

He pulls the memory and we are a library. Ophelia is sitting across from Malfoy. The same young Malfoy I fell so in love with and it hurts my heart to see him like that again. I look over at her and she has the same color of hair and the same eyes as me and my dad. That is where the similarities stop. She is pretty, but, her face is rounded, her nose is long and straight, she has high cheek bones. She tells him about her Legilimens ability and the story of the Cinderella potion once her youth fades. She talks of her husband. I see a woman in pain. I recognize that pain because I've seen it in the mirror. (A/N Chapter 5)

We step out of the pensive, "Thank you for sharing that memory, Mr. Malfoy. Do you mind if we do one more?

"I'll stay with you through this as long as you would like." He grins.

I nod, "Thank you Mr. Malfoy. I could call someone else to go through them with me if it's inconvenient."

"Granger, I'm happy to be here for you. I knew her too, and I was able to answer questions you had. I don't mind staying if you'd prefer me to."

I nod and go back to the chest. I don't understand how someone who loved my parents like that could abandon all of us. I look for the next chronological memory

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19 March 1980

Ophelia's Memory

We land in my old house and Ophelia is holding a baby in the sitting room.

"Hi sweet princess. Grandma missed you so much!" Baby Hermione giggles and babbles. Ophelia is using the same sweet voice. "My goodness you are such a big girl now. You are half a year old today! Grandma brought you a present today, yes I did, I bought you a this pink stuffy. All princesses need a pink stuffy in the shape of a bear. Yes they do! Grandma also bought you two winged horses, but don't tell daddy. No, no we won't tell daddy will we sweetheart?"

Baby Hermione is giggling and babbling with Ophelia while she is talking.

Richard walks in the room and says, "Don't tell me what mum? What barmy shite did you do this time?"

Ophelia looks up at her son, "You watch your foul tongue young man! I'm strong for an old lady and I'm not afraid to put you over my knee. You can't say such things in front of baby Mia." Then she looks at the baby, "No, you tell daddy 'no'. Our little princess demands respect. Doesn't she?"

Baby Hermione laughs and babbles.

Richard shakes his head, "Mum, you didn't answer the question. What did you get her this time? I told you no house elves!"

Ophelia smiles. "Richard dear, I didn't get her a house elf, yet. Though Hester would love her dearly. I bought her a young colt and a filly. They are three years old, and stabled at the castle. I have a man that comes and takes care of them. They are both very gentle."

Richard gives a stern look, "Mum, what kind of horses did you buy that need to be housed at Larceny Castle?"

Ophelia huffs, "Richard, it's not larceny. Replication is not thievery. It's a very beautiful form of transfiguration magic."

Richard laughs, "It is when you keep the original, Mum. I had a panic attack the first time I took art history."

Ophelia rolls her eyes and looks at the baby, "Daddy is so dramatic. Yes he is. He is just ridiculous. Grandma won't let you be as dramatic as daddy, no she won't. She will teach you how beautiful your magic is. I love you so much! Yes I do! Grandma loves you!"

Richard huffs, "Will you talk to her like a person. You sound absurd talking to her like that!"

Ophelia glares at Richard and says, "Hush… She loves me! I use to talk to you the same way and you would laugh and babble just like she's doing. Maybe this time around when I teach her manners, they will be ingrained."

Richard laughs, "Good luck, Mum. She is obviously my daughter though and though. Now stop deflecting, Mother. What type of horses did you purchase, that requires you placing them in the Château du Grand Vol's stables?"

Ophelia lifts her chin, determinedly, "I bought my beautiful, magical grandbaby to two pure white abraxans."

Richard glared at her, "Mum, you better have mispronounced arabians because I know you wouldn't dare buy my six month old baby girl a couple of fucking giant winged horses."

Ophelia smirks, "Language Richard. Of course I did! They are just babies, really. It takes 20 years for abraxans to reach full maturity. She will be fully grown by the time they mature. She's a princess and has particular needs."

Richard who is obviously annoyed, says, "Fine Mother, but you promise me you will not let her ride either abraxan until she is eighteen, not seventeen, eighteen."

"Fine Richard, I promise I will not let her ride either abraxan until she is eighteen years of age. Now go away, I'm talking to my Mia!" Then she looks at the baby and sweetly says, "My beautiful, sweet girl let me tell you all about these special horses Grandma bought you. They are half unicorn and half abraxan. They will be smaller than full blooded abraxans. Perfect for my little princess. They are pure white like unicorns, but lack horns or the magic associated with unicorns. They are just very beautiful, just like you."

Baby Hermione smiles and then yawns, and Richard comes over and takes Hermione. "Time for nap my Mia." He kisses her cheek and heads up stairs.

After a couple of minutes he heads back downstairs and sits on the sofa on the other side of his mother and turns to face her. He looks at her and sighs. "Are you going to tell me why you are missing work to come talk to me on a day you know Helen has a 12 hour shift?"

She looks down and sighs, "I'm scared. Things are escalating with the blood supremacists. Elizabeth Prewett lost both her sons last week. "Do you remember, the red headed twin terrors we took to Blackpool in '63?" He nods, and she continues, "All of the McKinnons were murdered. There have been threats to the Bones' and Abbott's. Twenty-eight of the muggle-born families I have helped have been destroyed. I can't expose the lies because the papers are still in the Purebloods and the Ministry's pockets. The I.C.W. will not help Great Britain. I even asked MACUSA, and the United States, who traditionally help to protect democracy from tyranny all over the damned world, will not help. I can't just leave the country, I need to keep the business for Hermione. I have been basically in hiding, and I think Lucius may be deterring them from attacking me. They have killed almost all of my generation, Richard. We are all the most educated and powerful. There are less than twenty people alive that were born before 1920. Now a good many were lost during The Blitz when the Ministry was bombed, but regardless more are disappearing. I fear Mia will land in the Book of Names before all this is over and they will target you, Helen, and Hermione."

Richard grabs his mother hand, and asks "Is there a way suppress Hermione's magic until this is over?"

She nods, "I don't want to do that. She's so strong, I hate for her not to trust her gift. I want you, Helen, and Hermione to go into hiding at Dagworth Castle. It's the safest place in all of England."

Richard shakes his head, "No Mum. I was hidden at Castillo de Robos my whole childhood, and I know you did it to protect me. You and dad did everything to make sure I was safe, educated, and secure in who I am. You never made me feel less because I didn't have magic. You always, always loved me completely. I'm content with who I am, and my life. I have a very successful career and Helen loves being able to work. So many women are still looked down on for working, and I can't deny her the opportunity to fulfill her dream. We have a great life mum. I love you so much. You have given me everything. I can't live in fear of a hidden world who doesn't appreciate Helen or I. What if you obliviate us? I'm not going back to that castle. I don't want to live in fear. Mom, you are perfect at memory charms. You could just obliviate Helen and I until the threat is over."

Ophelia is crying now and Richard takes her in his arms. "Mum we will be ok. I'm sure you will find a way to protect the three of us. We all love you so much."

"Y-you're asking me to give you up to this muggle world and leave your lives. I need to think about this. I'll do it, I'll always do what you ask of me, but we need to speak with Helen. I need to think about this a couple of days. I love you, Richard. I'll come by Friday at 5."

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We step out of the memory. It was my dad. He was the one that asked for her to obliviate them. I thought she did it without him knowing and just stayed away from us, I need to know more. Growing up, dad would tell stories of his parents. He loved them both so much. He and mum worked alternating days in their dental practice so one of them would always be with me before I started primary school. Once I started school they worked daily but would alternate days leaving early. They were amazing parents. Even when I used the time turner I would spend a lot of evenings with them. Sirius and Remus illegally set up my parents home for floo travel. They knew I was being tutored. I wonder is my dad just assumed Ophelia set that up.

"Malfoy do you think it's a tampered memory?" I ask.

He shakes his head, "I'm not sure, but knowing her, I would say no."

"I need to know what happened next to even process everything. You can go, Mr. Malfoy. I have taken enough of your time." I can't be vulnerable around him.

He signs, "I will leave if you really want me to, but I won't leave if your worried about my time. I don't have anywhere else I need to be right now. I want to be here with you. I came here because I know a bit more about the situation, and you need to know the whole truth, but before I tell you, I think you need to learn more. Everything Ophelia did was for you."

I know Viola Davies was Ophelia now. Why would she allow The Order to use me as a weapon? I go back to the chest and look at the vials and one is dated for 21 March 1980. Hopefully this will explain more.

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21 March 1980

Ophelia's Memory

We enter the memory and again Ophelia is holding the baby in the sitting room. She looks sad today, and is holding the sleeping baby close.

Helen walks in the room and says, "Richard should be home any moment, his last patient is checking out now."

Ophelia doesn't take her eyes from the baby and only nods. Helen says, "Ophelia, Richard asked too much from you. You don't have to take our memories. You don't have to disappear from our lives. I don't agree to this. You are the only family we have."

Ophelia looks at Helen and frowns, and says, "Helen there are strength in numbers. The muggles will destroy all of them if they need to. I need to make sure my family is on the right side of all of it. It's too selfish of me to keep you three on the edge of a world that has grown ignorant and scared. I want you all safe. I have thought of every scenario. Richard will not leave the country, he's a grown man and I have always tried to respect his independence. You two found each other, and I couldn't be happier with the life the two of you have created. You are going to be a strong role model for this little girl and she is going be so amazing when she grows up. You know me well enough to know I'll never be far away, and I'll watch over the three of you."

Helen smiles, and says, "I just don't want you to be lonely."

"Oh dear, don't you worry about me. I'm still a delight and I'm always asked for tea. I'll be just fine." Then she looks at the baby, "I need to protect this little one."

Richard walks into the sitting room and he kisses his wife, and kisses his mother on the cheek. "Hi Mum. So what have you decided?"

She smiles and says, "I think it's best you remember our world. I want you to have the option to go to Dagworth Castle if it is necessary. I will create trust funds for you as well as Hermione. I will have thirty million galleons transferred into her vault on her eighteenth birthday. I will not tell her whom she really is until all the threat has been eradicated from our society. I will make a vow to her on my magic so I know when the time has come. At that time she and I will discuss if I should reverse your memory charms. I will find a way to give her the education she deserves. Since you both are squibs she will be listed as a muggle-born which will carry a certain disadvantage, but I will change all of it. I'll swear it on my magic if I need to. Your future grandchildren will live in quite a different world than there has been this last century. As for the two of you. You will remember my funeral that happened in 1975. That way the mourning time will not effect you. Richard is off work on Monday. We will go to the banks and set up the trust fund. Is this agreeable?

Richard shakes his head and says, "No, Mum I hate it all, but I agree with the plan. Thank you. Thank you for loving us and doing your best to keep us safe. I know this isn't what you wanted, and I love you for respecting my wishes. Will Hermione have a difficult time at Hogwarts if she is muggle-born?"

She sighs, "Yes Richard she will, but she's smart. She takes in all her environment. She is already starting to form cohesive thoughts at six months old. I think she may have your memory and intelligence, and possibly surpasses it. You could read at the age of three, I suspect if you keep reading to her, she will react similarly. Minerva has been helping me with the muggle-borns for years. I'll be able to know how she is doing in school. I will come up with a plan for her education."

Richard grins, "Of course you will, I wouldn't expect anything, but meddling from you, Mum. She's lucky to have you."

Ophelia takes her wand and touches it to the baby's heart. "I Ophelia Cornelia Avery Dagworth-Granger swear on my magic to you Hermione Jean Ophelia Dagworth-Granger that I will not reveal to you your heritage until the threats of Death Eaters have been eradicated. I swear to you I will destroy all who hurt you. So mote it be." Her wand emitted a glow, and surrounded Hermione in a gold light.

Richard smiles, "Thank you, Mum. Let's call in a pizza. You can stay the evening."

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When it's over I fall to the floor sobbing. I've had it wrong all this time. She died before she could tell me. She truly loved us. I know why she didn't tell me when I met her, the threat hadn't been eradicated. Fuck!

All this time I had it all wrong. It was her, she ensured I had an education. I wasn't a weapon for the order. She connived McGonagall into giving me the time-turner, I just know it. I remember her face the first time I met her what stopped me in my tracks; it wasn't the way she was dressed, it was the look on her face. The look of pure joy.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't notice the yelling in the background until now.

"….fucking cried in five fucking years! What did you do to her this time you pompous fucking douchebag? Sasha is on her way, and she'll fucking kill you if hurt her a-fucking-gain! I assure you they will never find a fucking body, you mother fucker!" Mychaelia is in Malfoy's face, and I need to stop her.

"M-Mac. STOP! He didn't do anything to me. When Sasha, and I assume Kelly, get here, you can see the memories yourself."

She stops yelling, then smiles, and holds out her hand, "Oh! Well then…Hello, I'm Mychaelia Murphy."

Malfoy smirks and shakes her hand, "And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."