Chapter 14: Two Steps Back

Harry was having that 'déjà vu' moment. Hermione was at his side, frozen again, as they waited for Mrs Granger to open the door.

Her face was pale and shocked, just like Hermione's.

"Mum?" Hermione whispered.

She took hold of Hermione's arm and pulled her inside, Harry followed. She led them to the living room where Mr Granger was resting on the couch. He looked lifeless until Harry saw his chest rising and falling. He was breathing at least.

"What happened to him?" Harry asked, turning to both of the Granger women.

Mrs Granger shook her head, "I don't know… we were just sitting and looking at a photo album when he started to shake and then… he just collapsed on the floor…" her voice faded as she looked down at her husband in horror.

Hermione's eyes shot wide open, "Wait… mum, you said you were looking at photos?"

Mrs Granger nodded, "We found them upstairs… our old selves must have taken them throughout the year."

Hermione turned to Harry, then back to her mother, "Of course!" she cried and hurried over to the sofa where Mr Granger was still resting.

She lifted her wand and closed her eyes, "Obliviate!" she yelled, as a soft blue light erupted from the tip of her wand.

"Hermione!" Harry cried, "What are you doing?"

Before she could speak, Mr Granger snapped up from the sofa and turned to Hermione, "Uh- what happened?" he muttered, rubbing his face.

Mrs Granger lurched across the room and threw herself at Mr Granger, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"I'm happy to see you too, honey" he chuckled, "could someone tell me what's going on?"

"It was my fault…" said Hermione, not turning her gaze from Harry.

Mrs Granger pulled away from her husband and turned to Hermione, "What spell was that, sweetie?"

Hermione took a deep breath and sat down, collecting herself. "How could I have been so stupid?" she muttered.

Harry knew it was time for him to act, she needed his comforting. He paced towards Hermione and sat next to her, pulling her into a tight hug, "Please, Hermione… just tell us what happened."

"The photo album… it triggered dad's alternative memories which I set for him." She began. The Grangers looked very confused, but Harry already understood. He was actually quite surprised to have caught on so quickly. Maybe Hermione's cleverness was rubbing off on him.

"The photo's brought back his fake alias?" he asked.

Hermione nodded, "I read about it the night before we came here… It's extremely rare… but if someone has been given alternative memories for a long period of time, bringing back old memories would not be enough to flush out the fake ones."

Mrs Granger nodded in understanding, "and that spell you used… what did it do?"

"Dad's alternate memories were clashing with his real ones, which is why he lost consciousness… he was in some form of a catatonic state. I used the opportunity to remove those alternative memories for good… it won't happen ever again. But I can't say the same for you, mum."

"What can we do to make sure it doesn't happen?" Mr Granger asked.

"Well, mum wasn't triggered like you were when looking at the photos. This means that she might not have that problem. Like I said… it's extremely rare for something like that to take place." Her shoulders sagged, "I can't believe I could have been so reckless."

Harry was rubbing her back, "Hermione… there was no way you could have predicted that."

She gave him a weak smile and turned to her mother, "We shouldn't stay here."

The Grangers looked back at her in surprise, "Why not?"

"While dad's problem is gone… we still don't know if Mum doesn't have that issue too. Like I said it's very rare, but I don't want to risk anything. No one really knows what could have taken place if we allowed for Dad to stay in that state. He could have experienced permanent memory loss… I'm not going to take risks."

"So, what do we do?" Mrs Granger asked.

"We're going back to England. It's the only way we can make sure that these triggers don't take place. I don't know if your alternative memories have been permanently removed like dad's and there is no way to find out. So the only thing we can do to make sure it doesn't happen is to have you back home where your old memories can grow stronger."

The Grangers thought about her words for a long time before Harry stood up, "I can help you pack." He smiled at them.

He didn't like the idea of leaving Australia. They were supposed to stay for another week, and Harry desperately wanted to speak with Hermione. But this was important to her, and Harry was not about to bother her with his stupid feelings which she doesn't even share.

Once the Grangers were packed and ready to go, Hermione was going to apparate them to the floo network. Muggles were not actually allowed to be transported through the floo, but since their daughter was a witch, it gave them the right to travel as well.

She found Harry in the living room as her parents were doing final checks for anything they might have forgotten.

"Harry, while I take them back to England, could you please give the house one last search and get rid of any documents and photos which may have anything to do with my parents?" she asked.

Harry nodded, "Of course."

They stood for an awkward while until Hermione spoke, "What about our Cabin?"

Harry forgot about the matter completely, "I'll apparate there and pack everything. Then I'll make my way to the floor network and go to Grimmauld Place. We could meet there."

Hermione looked very unsure for a moment, and clearly upset about the whole thing. She placed her arms around his waist and pulled him into a light hug, "Thank you" she whispered.

"Don't worry about it. I'll see you at Grimmauld Place." He assured.

Hermione stepped back and handed him her bag, "take my handbag. Pack everything inside."

Harry took the bag and gave her a warm smile, "Will do."

"I'll see you back home." She said and left the house.

The moment Harry heard the door close, he gave a deep sigh. This was the end of their wonderful vacation… a part of Harry wanted to speak with Hermione and ask if she wanted to stay for another week… but he knew it would be an impossible task. Her parents were going to be back in England and there was no point in her staying here with him anymore. It was a really depressing thought.

Harry did a final check around the house, going through all drawers and checking all rooms for any evidence of the grangers ever stepping foot inside the house. And luckily, he couldn't find anything. He decided to keep the photo album and placed it inside Hermione's bag.

He left the house and locked the door, placing the keys in his pocket. He appeared at the cabin and started to pack his clothes. Once all of his things, including the elder wand, were safely stashed in the bag, he made his way to Hermione's room.

He started with placing all her books, then made his way to her counter where she had a couple of cosmetics. After carefully placing her perfume and some makeup in the bag, he continued to the wardrobe. He was almost done when one final outfit was left to place inside the bag; Hermione's bikini.

Harry felt nervous, as he took hold of the costume and placed it inside the bag, with shaking hands. He was trying to push away his thoughts as the picture of Hermione wearing that exact bikini was forcing its way into his head.

Once everything was packed, he made his way to the living room where only once more thing remained; Pigwidgeon was still resting on the table.

"Hey, Pig. It's time to get going, buddy." Harry muttered, as he picked the bird up and rested him on his shoulder. Pigwidgeon was still sleepy and tired, but he clutched to Harry's shoulder.

Once Harry was sure everything was packed, he took a final glance at the house… as memories of the past week started to pierce his mind. Sadness. That was the correct word. Sadness. It was throwing its way through his mind.

He stepped out into the porch and focused on the little dining table where he spoke with Mrs Granger. He smiled at the thought. Then his eyes slowly dragged over to the little spot on the beach, where he almost kissed the love of his life, Hermione Granger.

He locked the door and placed another set of keys in his pocket, before apparating to the floo network.


Emma was finally back in her house, and happy to see it was exactly like they left it. All it needed was some spring cleaning and it would be back to its formal state.

"I missed this place." Hermione smiled as she made her way to down the stairs. She was most likely back from her room.

Emma smiled at her daughter, "Not only you, sweetheart. Oh, and you're so helping me clean up." She laughed.

Hermione gave a weak smile, which quickly faded.

"Hermione, you really don't have to blame yourself for what happened. The most important thing is that we're all okay now. There's no point in digging through the past." She hugged her daughter and gave her a warm smile. "How's dad?"

"Oh my god! My desk has so much dust!" came Daniel's voice from upstairs which made both Granger women smile.

"I'm guessing he's fine." Emma chuckled.

Hermione's smile faded too quickly once again. This time, Emma was certain it wasn't about what happened with her father.

"What's bothering you, sweetie?"

Hermione sighed, "It's Harry… we… we kissed."

Emma gasped "what!"


Once Hermione explained the whole story to her mother, she was surprised to see how angry Emma Granger was.

"I can't believe you did that, Hermione." She sighed.

"What was I supposed to do?"

"Tell him how you feel, not lie!"

Hermione shook her head, "But he agreed with me! He's said it's better we just forget the whole thing."

Emma glared at her daughter, "Hermione, what did you expect him to say? Did you just think he would deny what you were saying and confess his love to you? You told him you got carried away… how was he supposed to respond to that? No wonder the poor boy stormed out the house! I would have flipped the damn kitchen table if I was him!"

Hermione threw her head in her hands, "God, I'm such an idiot."

Emma took a deep breath and placed her arm on Hermione's shoulder, "You are a very smart girl, Hermione. But I already told you this once. When it comes to love, you need to think with your heart… and what did you do?"

"I thought with my brain instead." She finished.

Emma smiled down at her daughter, "Don't you see Hermione… this boy clearly loves you. His reaction to that conversation is plain and obvious evidence."

Hermione raised her head to look at Emma, "How can you be so sure?"

"If he agreed with you… why would he storm out the house?" Emma asked.

Hermione shook her head, "I don't know."

"Because he didn't agree with you… because he wanted to say something else. And it hurt him that you didn't share his feelings."

"But I do!"

"But he doesn't know that," Emma answered.

"Why does it have to be so hard?" Hermione croaked.

"Because it's real, sweetheart. Because your feelings are true."

They sat together for a while, in silence. Then Hermione looked up again, "What should I do?" she asked.

Emma shook her head and smiled, "I will not instruct you, Hermione. If you truly love him, you will find a way to show it. I can give you advice and I can speak with you about everything you wish… but I will not be a cupid. I want my daughter to fight for her love. It's the only way you can see it for yourself."

"See what?" Hermione asked.

"That you're meant for each other."


Harry was back in Grimmauld Place. It really was true, the place made him feel grim. He sat down in the living room and stared into the fire he lit up. That's when Kreacher appeared in the room.

"Good morning, master." The elf bowed, "You have arrived earlier than you promised."

"Sorry, Kreacher. Things happened and we had to come back." Harry explained.

"Does Master wish for breakfast?"

Harry shook his head, "No, thank you Kreacher."

The elf was about to apparate when Harry called his name, "Actually… could you bring me some firewhisky?"

The elf bowed and disappeared, appearing a second later with a tray which held Odgen's Old Firewhisky and a single glass. Kreacher placed the tray on the small table in front of Harry and apparated.

"Thank you," Harry muttered to the empty room as he uncorked the bottle and poured its contents into the glass.

It's been almost a year since he last drank alcohol. It was when he found out about Mad-Eye Moody's death…

He raised the glass to his lips and whispered "Constant vigilance" before downing the class in one go. The drink was burning through his throat and chest as he poured himself another one. He was about to take another drink when he heard the front door open.

Hermione was standing in the doorway, looking down at him.

"Hey" she called to him.

"Hi," Harry answered.

"May I sit with you?" she asked.

Harry turned to her in disbelief, "Of course, you can."

She smiled and sat down on the sofa next to him, "Did everything go smoothly with packing?" she asked, playing with her sleeves.

"Everything is in the bag." He pointed at Hermione's handbag in the corner of the room. "I've taken all my stuff out already, so you can take it with you."

"Where's Pigwidgeon?" she asked.

"He's sleeping in my room. Hedwig's cage is there. I think he misses her too." He explained as his gaze dropped to the fire. He took the glass to his lips and drank again.

"Is that Firewhisky?" she asked.

"You're full of questions today, aren't you?" he asked, pouring himself another glass.

"Harry." She pressed.

Harry paused as he held the third glass in front of him, "What?"

"Please, don't do this."

Harry stared at the glass for a long while, before resting it back on the table and turning to her, "I'm sorry. It's just this day… feels like years have passed since I slept. And yet, for some reason, I'm not tired."

"I can't help but agree…" she muttered, and took hold of his hand, "there was something you wanted to tell me… before we left to my parents… what was it?" she asked.

"You parents… how are they?" Harry asked as his hands slipped from hers. He knew telling her now would be pointless… she didn't feel the same… the courage which he built up at the beach was long gone now.

Hermione gazed at him for a while before answering, "they're good, mum's already started cleaning. I honestly don't understand that woman sometimes." She smiled. "She wanted to call the ambulance right away when dad collapsed, and yet she managed to figure out that it might have something to do with magic. It's so fascinating in a way… considering she's a muggle."

"Well, you had to get your brains from someone, right?" Harry chuckled.

She smiled, "Harry, what about our cabin? You rented it for two weeks didn't you?"

Harry nodded, "It's all good. I'll just go back there next week and return the keys. Speaking of keys, I left the keys to your parents' house in the bag." He informed.

"Thank you… for everything." Answered Hermione.

Harry smiled, "No, Hermione…. Thank you. I've had a great time in Australia. The best, actually. I can't thank you enough for taking me with you."

She smiled back at him, "I wouldn't want to take anyone else." She whispered.

Harry stared at her, trying to hide his awe at Hermione's words, "really?"

"I don't think it would have been as fun if I took Ron with me. With you, I was able to relax.. forget about everything… get carried away."

He wanted to kiss her. Right there and then. But something held him back. What was it? He would never know. Maybe he didn't want to kiss like this… maybe this day already had too many events to be filled with yet another one… maybe it was better to wait… maybe he didn't deserve to kiss her. He didn't have the courage to show his feelings, so why should he have the courage to kiss Hermione?

"Well… I'm gonna put these back." He answered and stood up. He closed the bottle of firewhisky and made his way to the kitchen. When he was back, Hermione was still sitting on the couch, staring into the fire. "Are you alright?" he asked. What a stupid question.

Her eyes turned to him, "I'm fine… just tired I guess, but we have to wait until night time unless you want your body clock all messed up..."

"Yeah... it's weird, leaving Australia at midnight and arriving here in the afternoon" he grinned.

They sat in silence until Hermione stood up, "I'm going to head back home, need to help mum clean up." She gave him a weak smile and walked towards the front door.

Before leaving, she turned around to face him again. "We should probably go visit the Burrow sometime tomorrow."

Harry nodded, "Good idea."

She gave him a weak smile.

"Bye, Harry."

"I'll see you later, Hermione."


She was on the beach. His forehead was pressed against hers as they stared into each other's eyes. Their lips were almost touching… she could practically taste him already. Her fingers were running through his jet black hair, as he held tightly to her hips.

"I love you, Ginny," Harry said.

She pulled away to look at him. She was terrified as she searched her hands, they were not hers.

"What's wrong, love?" Harry asked.

She turned around to face a mirror, Ginny Weasley was staring back at her.


She shook herself awake, sweat starting to form on her forehead. She was gasping for breath as she pulled away from the covers and sat up. She paced to her bathroom and turned on the lights. To her relief, Hermione was looking back at her. Her bushy brown hair was all over the place as two chocolate brown eyes gazed right into her.

Hermione tried her best to calm down and balance her breathing. Once she was calm again, she made her way back to the bed to lie down. She didn't understand her dream at all. What did it mean? Why wasn't she herself? All of this seemed to bring up memories of her last conversation with Harry. He never told her what it was he wanted to say back in the cabin. Her mind was racing as she tried to remember his desperate face when he emerged from the porch. She wanted to say something equally important but he didn't seem to think about it as much as she did. She knew there were things which they both hid from each other. Could they be feelings which Emma spoke about? That was the case on Hermione's side, but was it also on Harry's? Her head was starting to ache as she dwelled on her thoughts. Fortunately, sleep came quickly.

It felt like only a couple seconds have passed when she opened her eyes. Yet, her room was lit up from the sunlight outside. She had a shower, brushed her teeth, dressed and then made her way downstairs to find Emma and Daniel already awake.

"Hermione, dear. Good of you to finally wake up." Emma smiled at her.

"What time is it?"

"Just past noon. We decided to let you have a lie in. We all had quite the night yesterday," Said Daniel.

"So, did you go see Harry yesterday? When you came home you just disappeared into your room and I didn't have time to ask." Emma wondered.

Hermione nodded, "Yeah I saw him. He's packed everything and returned to Grimmauld Place."

"I'm happy he made it back safely. That boy was a great help yesterday. Don't know what we would have done without him." Emma said.

"Maybe we should invite the young lad for dinner…" Daniel suggested.

Emma smiled, "That sounds like a lovely idea! What do you think, Hermione?"

"I'll ask him later today when I visit the burrow," Hermione informed.

Time seemed to have swum by quite fast. Hermione was helping her parents clean the house, and before she knew, she was standing at the door of Grimmauld Place. She wanted to step inside. But instead, she knocked.

Harry opened the door, clearly surprised to meet her at his doorstep.

"Hermione… why didn't you just come in?" He asked, smiling "You know it's your house as much as it is mine." He informed.

Hermione smiled, "It just seemed more formal at the time, I guess." She answered, trying to hide her blush. "Ready to leave?"

Harry nodded as he put on his jacket.

"Pig!" He called down the hallway, as the bird came flying towards them and sat on Harry's shoulder.

"Wow! He obeys you more than he does Ron…" said Hermione.

Harry chuckled, "Probably because I treat him nicely."

They took each other's arms and apparated to the burrow.


This doesn't count as a cliffhanger, right? I hope not.