A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
Never wanted this, never wanna see you hurt.
Every little bump in the road, I tried to swerve.
People are people,
And sometimes it doesn't work out,
Nothing we say is gonna save us from the fallout
~ Breathe by Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat
*~*~* June 7, 1998 *~*~*
Harry groaned as his knees gave out, and he hit the ground in Malaysia, "This is brutal." Hermione offered him a hand and helped him up, "How many more to go?"
"One, well, one until we pass Australian customs and then head to Canberra," Hermione told him with a yawn as she walked up towards the desk, "Let's get this last one over with. We're here for the 7:57 pm to Darwin, Australia."
The witch flicked her wand, and a paper appeared on the desk. She picked it up and looked at it, "Immigration papers for one, Hermione Granger and a Harry Potter. Approximate travel time: 15 minutes."
Harry looked at Hermione wide-eyed, "15 minutes? 15 minutes? Can't we just apparated there?"
Hermione took the paper from the witch and glanced over it, "No, I'm afraid we can't. I don't know what it looks like or the coordinates."
"Bloody hell, give me your suitcase," Harry told her as he took it from her and shrunk it. Opening his rucksack, he threw the shrunken suitcase into it, "I'm tired of that hitting me in the shins. I couldn't take it for 15 minutes."
"You don't have to be here, you know," Hermione said defensively.
Harry took her hand, "It's not that I don't want to be here. Please know that. It's just I hate portkey travel almost as much as apparition," Harry explained as he rolled his shoulders, "Why does wizarding travel have to be so painful? We should all just travel around on broomsticks."
"Because families can't travel by broomstick. Of course, magic carpets were a real thing that were outlawed shortly after…" Hermione trailed off as the customs witch and Harry stared at her, "Never mind, you should just get your driver's license."
"Wait, do you have a driver's license?" Harry asked.
"One minute until the portkey activates."
Hermione looked at him, surprised, "Of course I do. My parents taught me how to drive when I came home in my fourth year. I couldn't apply until after the sixth year since we didn't take driver training at Hogwarts."
"So, wait, you can drive a car?" Harry asked, surprised, "Not even Dudley could."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said as she hugged him.
The now familiar pull of their navels started, and Harry pulled her closer to him. After five minutes, Harry could see Hermione's face clearer, "We should have just shrunk your bag the whole time!" Harry yelled as the world blurred past them.
"Hugging each other is more comfortable, too!" Hermione yelled, burying her face into his chest, "How much longer do you think?"
After ten more minutes, they were sucked through the magical vortex and slammed to the ground in a much busier airport than the previous one that they left.
"Good day, mates! Welcome to Aussie Land!"
Harry stood up and helped Hermione to her feet, steadying themselves as they waited for the dizziness to pass, "Alright, that landing was harder," Harry groaned, popping his back. Hermione looked around to see they landed in a room similar to Gringotts.
A wizard approached them, "G'Day, may I have your portkey?"
Hermione held out the now crumpled parchment with their travel information as she tried not to let the nausea that she was experiencing take over her stomach.
"Name and birthdate?" The Wizard asked Harry.
"Harry Potter, July 31, 1980," Harry said.
"Hermione Granger, September 19, 1979," Hermione stated.
The Wizard froze and looked at them, "Wait, as in two parts of the heroes from Hogwarts? From up there in the UK?"
Hermione stood up straighter, "If you would excuse us, we have a prearranged portkey planned to Sydney."
"Of course, of course. That's the line; you just have to go through our customs, and you will be given instructions at the end," The Wizard stated.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she took Harry's hand, "The nerve of people!"
"Oh, come on, Hermione. While I hate the attention, our wizarding war had to be known even down here," Harry told her as they got in line.
A man before them turned to them, "Of course, mate! Don't forget many of us have descendants from England. Wizarding families of old were cast aside before Azkaban, this was the wizarding prison of Britain and Ireland. Were your families affected in the war?"
Hermione bit her lip, "That's why we are coming down here. I sent my parents here to escape it."
"Sheila, love, you are a brave lady," The man told her with a smile as a wizard called for him to come up to the desk.
"I don't feel very brave," Hermione mumbled as she took Harry's arm in hers for comfort, "I feel like a coward."
"You aren't. Don't ever think that," Harry said as they were called to the next desk.
They sat in the chairs in front of the desk and presented their paper and passports.
"Well, blimey! Are you the Harry Potter and Hermione Granger of the Golden Trio?"
Harry frowned, "Golden trio?" Harry looked at Hermione, confused.
"You know, the trio of Wizards from England that saved the world. Harry Potter defeated the bogan wizard Voldemort, who tried to conquer Europe. Hermione Granger, the brains of the group that is the smartest witch of our age, and their best friend Ron Weaselby," The Wizard stated.
Hermione groaned, "Weaselby?"
"Look, we are just here trying to get to Sydney to bring her parents home. It was more than just us helping in the war. Can we just get going, please?" Harry asked.
"Of course, of course," The Wizard said as he waved his wand, "Any bags you have to check?"
Harry set his rucksack on the desk as Hermione set her backpack down that held her charmed bag.
The Wizard waved his wand over their bags, and a piece of paper emerged. Harry's was much shorter than Hermione's, who she had to look away as her paper rolled and folded multiple times before ending.
"Blimey, all that stuffed in that tiny bag? England must have a good charm for packing," The Wizard stated as he reached down and grabbed an object before placing a handset from a phone on the desk, "Any particular destination in Sydney, mates?"
"We have an appointment with the Ministry of Magic in Canberra tomorrow. Other than that, no. Is there a campground near Canberra, possibly?" Hermione asked.
"Goolabri has a magical site. Do you need money to be exchanged?" The Wizard asked them.
Harry opened his bag and pulled out his coin bag. Pouring out galleons, knuts, and sickles, he looked up at the surprised Wizard. "I'm not sure how much this would be in Australian money, but we'll exchange this," Harry informed him.
"Harry, no. I have money set aside. I can't use your money," Hermione told him, eyes wide.
"What else do I have to use it for?" Harry asked her as he pushed the coins closer to the customs wizard.
"Alright, mate, one galleon is worth 6 Australian dollars here. A sickle is 30 cents, and a knut is one cent," The Wizard explained.
"Wow, it's worth more here than even back home," Hermione said surprised.
"We have Gringotts down here in Sydney and Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, and almost every major city in Australia is where Wizards have settled. You can get more information at the Ministry too," He said as a goblin returned with a wallet and handed it to Harry, "If you didn't mind, mate, we took a galleon for the wallet. Muggle money here is pretty straightforward. Dollar amounts are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. We have dollar coins for $1 and $2. Five cents, 10, 20 and 50 cents too. Same in the Wizarding world. We don't do knuts here."
Harry put the wallet into his rucksack, "Thank you."
"Just go to the end of the hall, and there is a door marked portkeys. They will give you your portkey to Goolabri. They have tents for rent and everything," The Wizard told them.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she took the paper from him, and they stood up.
"And, thanks," He said, nodding at them as he motioned for the next traveler.
"So, Golden trio," Harry said as they approached the marked door.
"We won't be telling Ron that they call him Weaselby here," Hermione stated as Harry opened the door, "I hope the Golden Trio doesn't stick. We weren't the only ones fighting."
"No, plenty of others died saving others," Harry said, nodding as they got in line for their portkey. After waiting a few minutes, Hermione walked up to the desk and handed her paper to the Goblin behind the desk, "Portkey to Goolabri, please."
The Goblin looked over the parchment, "Everything seems to be in order. Do you understand that Goolabri is a primitive camping site?"
"That is fine. We have our magical tent," Hermione told him.
"Good," The Goblin said as he handed them a log, "Portkey will land you a short walk to the grounds caretaker. He has been notified that you are coming. His name is Mike."
"Thank you," Hermione said as she took the log.
"Just head over there. It activates in two minutes," The Goblin stated as they moved to the side where they had been instructed as soon as the person in front of them had disappeared.
"I know we have only been traveling for a couple of hours, but I'm feeling exhausted," Harry admitted as he put his rucksack back on his back.
"It's the pull from our magical cores," Hermione informed him as she put her backpack on her back, "Our cores are still healing. Kingsley suggested I waited for that very reason because he thought it would be too much for me with all these portkeys."
Harry smiled, "Well, I'm glad I'm here then," He said as she put her arms around him as the portkey activated, sending them back into the magical vortex of the portkey.
They found themselves next to a lake after five minutes and a short tumble.
"Oh, this is beautiful," Hermione said, looking over the sparkling lake.
Harry took her hand, "Let's go find the caretaker." After a short walk, they found a small cabin slightly larger than Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. A man came to the door.
"Hello, how are you this eve?" The man asked, "Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger, I assume?"
"That is us," Harry nodded.
"I am Mike. Do you know how many nights you will be staying?" He asked, taking an old metal box and setting it on the small table.
Hermione looked at Harry, "Let's just say tonight and tomorrow. We will let you know if it's longer."
"Got it, that will be four galleons and three sickles," Mike stated, and Harry pulled the money out, "You will be in lot 48 over there by the lake. If you need water, the lake is clean. Do you have a tent?"
"Yes, we do," Hermione told him.
"We have anti-muggle wards up on this side of the lake. If you stay over here, you'll be fine. Have a good night," Mike said as he shut the door behind him.
"Lumos," Hermione said, pointing her wand to lead them to the marked campsites. They passed other campers and waved in greeting to some as they reached the 40s section. Thankfully, there were two open spots next to them as they settled into their assigned camping area, "Let's set the tent up. I thought ahead this time and brought food."
"You know Ron was just being Ron when we were on the run, right? We were hungry, but you kept us alive in more ways than one," Harry told her as he took the tent and helped her unfold it to set it up.
"I just did my best with what we had. I put at least a week's worth of meals, this time in the ice box with a status charm. We will be able to go to stores this time at least," Hermione said as the tent snapped into place. They entered the tent, Harry froze, and Hermione turned to him, "What's wrong?"
"This isn't the same one we used," Harry stated, looking around.
"This is Bill's tent. The one us girls used at the World Cup," Hermione told him as she threw her bag on an armchair.
"Why didn't we ask him for this one all along?" Harry said, amazed, taking in the clean look of the tent with a kitchen area and two bedroom areas.
"Because it's smaller," Hermione told him as she handed him a bucket, "Go get some water, and I'll get food started."
Hermione looked up from her book as Harry came out of the tent with wet hair, wearing a pair of lounge pants and an old shirt that were both too large on him, "Now that you are away from the Dursleys, we need to get you some better clothes, Harry."
"Bill gave me some old clothes of his to take on the hunt with us. I miss some of them. Bill has good tastes," Harry said as he sat beside her, "What are you reading?"
"Just a travel book about the Wizarding areas of Australia. I hope they ended up sticking near those areas so we have the wizarding areas to fall back on. Kingsley had an Auror friend who moved down here who was going to do me a favor and begin the search and find a healer that may help us bring back their memories. Who knows, though? I should have been more detailed with the spell and put the idea of going to a specific place into their minds. It was such a hard spell anyways-" Hermione rambled as Harry took her hand and looked at her, "We will find them, Hermione. Don't worry; we won't leave until we do," Harry assured her.
"What do I tell them when I find them?" Hermione asked, looking at the fire, "Sorry, Mum and Dad, I erased your memories and had you sell your practice so that you could be safe from harm while I nearly died?"
"Maybe a more gentle approach, but the truth is better than nothing. They will be mad, I assume," Harry told her as she yawned, "Come on. Let's get to bed. It will hopefully be a long day tomorrow."
Harry stood up and held his hands out to her, and she took them, allowing him to pull her up to stand. Hermione put her arm around him, "Thank you for coming with me, Harry. I know I thought I could do this by myself, but I'm glad that I don't have to," Hermione said as she looked up at him, "You know, I didn't notice, but have you grown more since the battle?"
Harry laughed, "I think so. My pants are getting shorter, at least. Eating again probably has helped."
"I'll be lucky if I start growing again. I'll probably be at this height forever now. I'm not too short, at least. Just feel short next to Ron," Hermione said as they entered the tent.
Harry took out his wand and put to the top of his head, "Metimur."
Hermione came up close on her tiptoes and read the tape from his wand, "177.8 centimeters. 5 foot 10 inches."
"So yeah, I've grown two inches since last summer," Harry told her as he tapped her head, "Metimur."
Hermione felt her breath catch as he bent down to read his wand, and she could see the gold floating within his green eyes for the first time.
"177.8 centimeters, so 5 foot 4 inches," Harry said as he pulled back and noticed her holding her breath, "God, is my breath that bad?" Hermione watched as he blew into his palm.
"No, no, well… yeah, a bit," She said with a chuckle.
"Shite, time for bed anyways. Which bed do you want?" Harry asked.
"I'll take it upstairs," Hermione told him as she grabbed her beaded bag.
"Alright, goodnight," Harry said as she climbed the stairs.
"Night," Hermione said as she slid close the door to the room and stood back against the door to calm her suddenly racing heart, "It's been a long day, Hermione. That is all."
*~*~* June 8, 1998 *~*~*
Hermione stepped out of the alley that Mike, the Caretaker, had informed them to apparate into, with Harry following her. Looking up, she saw they were in a busy shopping area, "This is different than our Ministry," Hermione said as they turned the corner.
"How do we get in?" Harry asked, following behind her, taking in their surroundings.
"Kingsley said it was within a store called, ah there!" Hermione said as she spotted it.
"Ministry Menswear?" Harry stated, surprised.
"Yeah, hidden in plain sight," Hermione stated, "I'm sure there is an employee entrance just like at our ministry," She told him as she opened the door.
"G'Day! I'm Cecil. How can I help you all today?" An employee asked as he walked over.
"I have an appointment with the Ministry," Hermione told him, "With Auror named Peter-"
"I got you, doll. Go back to fitting room five," Cecil told them with a wink.
"Thank you," Hermione said as they walked to the fitting rooms, found the door marked five, and walked inside. After shutting the door, a shelf appeared. "Please set your wands on the shelf and state your reason for visiting the ministry," A woman's voice stated.
Harry and Hermione set their wands on the shelf, "I have an appointment with Auror Peter Clarke," Hermione stated.
Badges appeared next to their wands, "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, Auror's office is on the fifth floor."
Hermione took their wands and badges as the wall in front of them disappeared as they put the badges on. Walking forward, they found themselves in a building that reminded Hermione of a Muggle shopping mall. Memos were paper airplanes flying above their heads as people in robes and muggle wear moved about the area.
"Look, an elevator," Harry said, pointing it out.
Hermione took his hand and led him to it, then pressed the number five button once inside, "Why does our ministry seem so backward compared to Australia already?" Hermione wondered aloud as the elevator slowly started to rise.
"Because the wizarding world of Britain is behind the times in general," Harry admitted, "Clothing, even electricity. You can't tell me that this place isn't run by electricity this elevator seems like a normal elevator."
"It has to be," Hermione said as the doors opened, and they exited the fifth floor.
A woman stood up behind a desk, "Hello! How can I help you today… Harry Potter and Hermione Granger?" She asked, reading their name tags, "Wait, are you the British Harry Potter and Hermione Granger?"
"Yes, I have an appointment with-"
"Peter, yes, he is expecting you. I'm Isabelle Sinclair. Kingsley will be glad to know that you arrived safely," She said as she shook their hands, "Welcome to the Australian Ministry of Magic," She said with a kind smile, "We have been working on your parents' case since Kingsley contacted Peter."
Hermione felt a sense of relief wash over her, "Thank you."
Isabelle let them in through a door, and they found themselves in a room with many desks. Men and women in robes and muggle wear sat around talking, eating, and on computers and phones, "This is our station. Peter is one of the lead Aurors, so he is over here," She explained as she knocked on a door, "Peter, Ms. Granger is here to see you. She has a Mr. Potter with her."
"Come in!"
Isabelle opened the door, "Go ahead. It was a pleasure to meet you. Want anything to eat or drink?"
"A water would be nice. Thank you," Hermione said as Harry stated he would take one as well as they entered the office.
"Hermione, it is a pleasure to meet you, and this is the famous Harry Potter, I assume?" Peter Clarke said as he stood up and walked around his desk to shake their hands.
"Unfortunately," Harry said with a smile.
Peter laughed, "Kingsley said you were just a kid, but man, you are just a kid."
"I'm of age. I'm 17," Harry told him as they sat down after he motioned for them to.
"Seventeen years old and defeated the darkest wizard since Grindelwald," Peter said, shaking his head as he looked at Hermione, "From what Kingsley said, you played a huge part in that, too."
"The biggest, I may have said the spell, but she went on the run with me to find a way to defeat him," Harry said, looking at Hermione with a smile, "Without her, I'd be dead."
Peter smiled, "You are a cute couple."
Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry choked on his spit, "Don't believe everything you see in the papers, sir. Harry is my best friend. Anyways, to the reason we are here. Last summer, I cast an oblivation on my parents because I was at risk, and in turn, as Muggles, so were they. In fact, from my understanding, the wards I placed on our home were breached, and a Death Eater did go to my home."
Harry looked at her, stunned, "You didn't tell me that!"
"As much as I hated doing it, it was needed, and it paid off because they were safe and unharmed," Hermione continued, "I erased all traces of me from their memories, as well as they had always wanted to come here for vacation but never had, so I paid a solicitor to sell their dental practice so they could move here. The practice is sold. The house is empty. From there, I don't know what happened to them. I gave them the names Wendell and Monica Wilkins, which was my mother's maiden name."
"What are their real names?" Peter asked, sitting back in his chair.
"Dan and Juliet Granger, Daniel Wendell and Juliet Monica," Hermione stated.
"Wasn't Hermione a Shakespearean name?" Peter asked.
"It was a family tradition to name your children after Shakespearean characters. All the good ones were taken," Hermione told him.
Peter sat up and folded his hands on his desk, "I talked to some healers, and they told me that after a year with such a large memory modification, it will be hard to get their memories back," Peter admitted. Hermione felt her bottom lip tremble, "Not impossible, but you are in luck. Here in Canberra, we have a witch named Adelaide Marlowe. She was a healer in the first war back home that dealt with memory charms. Remember, many people claimed they were under the imperius curse. She was part of the team that checked their memories and repaired those who were imperioed."
"Do you think she'll help?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, but she can't be apparated anymore or travel by floo powder. So you will have to bring your parents to her if you find them," Peter informed her, "She is near 105."
"I thought only Dumbledore lived that long," Harry mumbled.
Peter looked at him, "Wizards that take care of themselves can live up to 150 easily," Peter stated as Harry looked at Hermione, who nodded, "England's average age is just low because of the two wars and the pandemic they had before the last war."
"Pandemic?" Harry asked.
"Dragon Pox, it was a horrible sickness that swept through England," Peter told him, shaking his head, "I lost some Great-Aunts and Uncles to it myself. It was similar to the Muggles mumps and chickenpox, but instead of pox, you scab over with scales similar to dragons, and it affected the heart, so many passed from it."
Harry thought back to a conversation that he had with Sirius years ago, "I think my Grandparents died from it. Sirius said something about my Dad losing my grandparents in his final year to the pox. I thought he meant chicken pox," Harry told Hermione.
"According to our muggle records, Hermione, your parents came into Australia through Perth to our West. All the way on the other side of the continent," Peter told her.
"So they may still be there?" Hermione asked.
Peter shook his head, "Three weeks later, they boarded a flight to Sydney. From Sydney passport records, they never left by flight. That is where I'd start on your search. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help."
"No, that is very helpful. I know how it is for our Aurors and how busy they are. That is why my boyfriend, Ron, could not be here. He is starting the Auror academy this month," Hermione told him as she sat forward and shook his hand.
"Ron Weasley? Kingsley said Harry was as well," Peter said, surprised.
Harry shook his head, "Not yet. I'm going to go back and finish my 7th year."
"Smart, I learned a lot in my final year, and you will too," Peter told them as he stood up, "If you need me, send a message to me or call me at this number."
Hermione took the card, "We don't have phones, but I'm sure we can find a pay phone."
"Britain is so far behind technology," Harry stated, "Can we send a patronus if needed?"
Peter looked at them wide-eyed, "You can send a patronus?"
Hermione and Harry whispered, "Expecto Patronum," an otter and a stag started running around Peter's office.
"My God, they taught that before the seventh year?" Peter asked, surprised.
"We had a dementor problem in the third year, so Harry learned it in the third year. I mastered it my fifth year," Hermione told him.
"Dementors in the wild?" Peter asked, shocked.
"No, at Hogwarts," Harry told him, "We were attacked on the Hogwarts Express, and some of us were affected by them more, so my professor taught me the spell to protect myself."
"Third year? A corporeal Patronus by the third year?" Peter asked in disbelief, "No wonder you defeated Voldemort. If you don't mind me asking, what spell did you use to finally destroy him?"
"Expelliarmus, thank you for your help, sir," Harry said as he opened the door for Hermione.
Hermione looked at Harry as the door shut behind him, "Harry, is that truly the spell you used in the end?" She asked, looking up at him.
"Yeah," Harry nodded, "He essentially killed himself, Hermione. His spell rebounded on himself, killing him."
"I thought you may have just said a nonverbal spell," Hermione said, surprised.
"I'm pants at nonverbal, you know that," Harry said as they entered the elevator, "Only once did I use it, well twice have I ever been able to do a nonverbal. I laugh when people say I'm the most powerful Wizard. That has to be you."
Hermione laughed, "No way," Hermione said as suddenly she was floating and gasped as Harry caught her, "What was that?"
"Well bloody hell, I can do a nonverbal wingardium leviosa," Harry laughed.
*~*~* June 10, 1998 *~*~*
Hermione bit her lip as she stared at the animal in front of her at the Magical Menagerie in Sydney, Australia, "I wish we had a camera. Luna would love to see some of these creatures."
"The Kookaburra laughed at me," Harry complained, looking over at the cages of them.
Hermione laughed, "Haven't you heard the song, 'Laugh kookaburra laugh'? That's what they do, Harry. Although, look at this Koala. Isn't it adorable?"
"Be careful. It has a warning on the cage," Harry told her, pointing it out.
Hermione looked at it, "Warning: Fire breathing?" Hermione looked up surprised, then looked at the shop owner, "Do they really?"
"Oh yes, when upset only," The owner told her, "Looking for a familiar?"
"We are from London, and we were walking by. Thought we'd take a look," Harry informed him as he saw a Nifflerpus, "Is this a Niffler?"
"Niffler and Platapus hybrid. Great for searching for treasures at the beach," The owner informed them.
Harry looked at Hermione, "Wait, whatever happened to Crookshanks?"
"With my parents, hopefully," Hermione sighed as they left the shop, "Let's go back to the muggle side. I want to get something to eat."
"When we came here, I saw a McDonalds. I always wanted to eat there," Harry told her as they walked down the busy wizarding district.
Hermione looked at him, surprised, "You've never eaten at McDonalds?"
Harry shook his head, "Well, I got a half-eaten cheeseburger once after they put mustard on it when Dudley didn't want it."
Hermione bit her lip, "Those damn Dursleys," She said, swallowing hard, thinking about what Harry's early life had been like.
"Don't cry, please don't cry. I'm fine. I'm away from them," Harry told her with a smile, "Weasleys and you are more family than they ever were."
Exiting onto the muggle street, Hermione saw a sign saying 'Janie's Sweet Tooth' and froze as she saw a familiar logo of a sparkling tooth, "Harry, I want to go there."
"The candy store?" Harry asked, surprised, "I doubt they have sugar quills, but sure."
Harry led her across the street and opened the door for her. A few customers were looking at the selections on the shelves.
"I'm just going to look around," Hermione said quietly.
Harry frowned as she walked away, looking down the aisles. Looking at the shelf before him, he laughed as he saw a chocolate shaped like a frog.
"Hello, can I help you?"
Harry looked up, "Bloody hell," Harry said surprised seeing the familiar woman in front of him, "I mean, hello. I was… I was just looking at these frogs."
The woman smiled, "Chocolate frogs. My husband thought they were funny. I'm detecting British. Are you here visiting? You are lucky. We just opened. Moved here from England ourselves."
"Harry, I don't see…" Hermione trailed off as she froze, seeing the woman speaking with Harry.
"Hello, I'm Monica. Are you looking for something specific?" The woman said as Hermione saw her mother for the first time in a year, "And excuse me, but do we know each other? You seem very familiar."
Harry swallowed hard, "Hermione, they just opened this store after moving here from England."
"Hermione? Such a beautiful name," Monica said with a smile.
"Harry, Harry, honey, don't you need to step out and make a call?" Hermione asked, her voice higher than normal, "To our friend Peter?"
"Oh, sure," Harry said, nodding, "I'll call him now."
Hermione cleared her throat, looking around, "This is a cute little store."
"We are retired dentists. It's slowly gaining feet. All of our sweets are sugar-free and better for your teeth than traditional candies," Monica informed her as she stared at her, "What part of England did you grow up in? I wonder if I possibly knew your parents. You look so familiar."
Hermione swallowed as she looked at her mother, "Hampstead Garden."
Monica looked confused momentarily, "I think I knew people there once."
The bell rang above the door as Harry returned to the store, "I made the phone call."
Hermione nodded, "You run this store with your husband?"
"He is with his friend now. His name is Wendell. His friend is a fellow candy maker. We met him on a cruise, which gave us the idea to open this place. You'd be surprised with how many people need sugarless candies," Monica told her.
"What hours are you open, Ms. Gra… Monica?" Harry asked, stumbling.
"We are open every weekdays until 5 and Saturday mornings," Monica told them, "Feel free to stop by before you head back home."
Harry took Hermione's hand, "We definitely will come on HONEY."
Hermione let Harry pull her out of the shop, and Harry hugged her as she started crying.
"They are safe, Hermione. You saved them. They are safe. They weren't harmed," Harry assured her.
"I was familiar to her, Harry. What if that means they could have been found?" Hermione sobbed.
"They weren't. Hey, look at me," Harry said, taking her face in his hands, "If you are familiar, that means they should be able to erase the memory charm more easily."
Hermione swallowed hard as she nodded, "You are right."
Harry took her hand and led her to a phone booth, "Let's call Peter."
Hermione fumbled with the change as the chill hit her numb fingers from the shock. Taking it from her, Harry put it into the payphone and dialed Peter's number.
"Peter, desk, how can I help you?"
"Hello, my name is Harry Potter-"
"Harry! I just received your Patronus. How long ago did you send it?" Peter asked.
"About five minutes ago," Harry told him, "Look, we found her parents. Pure dumb luck, but we found them."
"That's awesome. Also, how did you get your patronus to talk?" Peter asked, "Never mind, sorry, just curiosity. Do you think you can stun them and get them here?"
Harry looked down at Hermione, who buried her face in his chest, "No. I don't think so."
"Bugger, Adelaide can't travel magically because of her age. Unless you can drive? It's only a little longer than a three-hour drive," Peter told him.
"I can't, but Hermione can. Hermione, could you drive three hours to bring Adelaide here?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked at him, "I've never driven that far, but I'll do it."
"You don't have a car, though. I'll get permission for a Ministry car. You are the defeater of Voldemort. I'll make some calls, call me tomorrow around three. I'll let you know my progress," Peter told him.
"Thank you," Harry said as he hung up and hugged Hermione back, "We did it. He will make some calls, and I have to call him tomorrow to see when we can do everything."
Hermione swallowed hard, "It was harder than I thought," Hermione admitted, "Seeing them, but not being able to hug them."
"I'm sorry, it is a level of torture. I never told you, but that night at Hogwarts. I used the resurrection stone. I saw my Mum and Dad, Sirius and Remus. Mum tried to touch me, but her hand just went through me," Harry admitted, "It's not the same, but I get it. If I could hug her, I would, and I don't even know her."
Hermione held him tighter as a new round of tears hit her eyes.
*~*~* June 12, 1998 *~*~*
Harry looked at Hermione as she pulled the car they were borrowing onto Adelaide Marlowe's street, "You are doing amazing, Hermione. You know, this is essentially a broom on the ground, I think-"
"Nope, not flying on a broom with you ever again," Hermione told him as she slowed down to see the addresses and pulled into the correct driveway. Putting the car in park, she turned the engine off, "What if she doesn't want to help?"
Harry grabbed her hand on the shifter, "Then we figure it out ourselves. You are the brightest witch I know, and with the spells we've been messing around with at the campsite, spells seem easier. We can do it if she won't," Harry assured her, "Plus, money talks."
Hermione scoffed, "Not to everyone."
They jumped as an elderly woman knocked on Hermione's window, "Yep, you are Hermione and Harry. Is the back door unlocked?"
Harry looked at her, shocked as the older woman opened the back door and climbed in, "Hello," Harry said, surprised.
"Adelaide Marlow," She introduced after fastening her seatbelt and placing her bag in her lap, "Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I just used to loo, and as an older woman, I'll likely have to use it soon. Go ahead and head off to Sydney."
Harry shrugged as Hermione started the car back up and backed it up.
They sat silently, with only Harry and Hermione looking at each other.
"So, Ms. Marlow, thank you for doing this," Hermione said, breaking the silence after she merged onto the A23.
"My pleasure. When Peter called me and told me who I would be helping, even down here, we knew the details of the war. Too much was lost the first time. If I can help you, dear, I want to," Adelaide told her as Harry stared out the window, "Tell me about them."
Harry and Ms. Marlow listened to Hermione talk about her family for the next half hour as Hermione drove them into New South Wales.
Harry watched all the cars and the other scenic things as Hermione drove.
"You are quieter than I thought you would be, Harry. You remind me more of your Grandfather than your Grandmother in that way," Adelaide told him.
Harry turned back and looked at her, surprised, "What?"
"Your Grandfather Fleamont, he is quiet and reserved unless you got him talking about potions," Adelaide informed him.
"My Grandfather's name was Fleamont?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Dear boy, did no one tell you about them?" Adelaide said sadly.
Harry swallowed hard, "No, are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm positive. I was your Grandmother's best friend before she passed from Dragon Pox," Adelaide told him.
Hermione gasped, "You said they died from that. Sirius told you that."
"Sirius Black? He would know. He was James' brother in all but blood," Adelaide told them, "I couldn't believe it when they said he was in jail for their death."
"He was innocent. It was Peter Pettigrew, my Dad's friend, who betrayed them," Harry told her as he swallowed hard, "What was my Grandma's name?"
Adelaide smiled, "Euphemia, she was a Fawley before marrying your Grandfather. They were a middle-ground family in the war. Nothing like your Great-Uncle Charlus, who married Dorea Black."
"No one has ever told me their names," Harry told her as he frowned, "I don't know anything about my Dad's side of the family, honestly. Sirius never told me much about them before he died."
"Well, your grandfather was a potions master," Adelaide told him, "Euphemia was a healer like me. Have you heard of Sleekeazy's?"
"The hair potion?" Harry asked, surprised, turning back towards Hermione, "Yeah, Hermione used it for Yule Ball, right?"
Hermione nodded.
"Your Grandfather invented it," Adelaide told him as Harry looked at Hermione wide-eyed, "Potters were notorious for their messy hair. Your Grandmother refused to give him the time of day until he could make his hair look like he hadn't been flying. So he mixed muggle and magical ingredients and tamed his hair. He slicked it back every day after that."
"Way too much trouble to use every day," Hermione mumbled.
"They were married in 1940 and traveled the world. Euphemia returned to St. Mungos only after they discovered they would never have children. Almost adopted a little girl if I recall, then in '59, they found out Euphemia was pregnant with your father," Adelaide told him with a smile, "Surprised the dickens out of them. Euphi was 52 when she found out she was pregnant with James. Even by Wizarding standards, it is older for a woman to have a baby."
"No wonder Dad was an only child," Harry said surprised.
"That was, of course, before Sirius. He moved into their home by '76," Adelaide told him, "Then the rest of the friends were always there too. Remus had his room in the attic. I believe he is still alive."
"He passed in the Battle in May," Harry said sadly, "I'm the godfather to his son."
"I'm sorry that you have lost so much in just your short life, Harry," Adelaide told him, "Your grandparents would have loved you and your girlfriend here."
"Ma'am, we aren't together," Hermione told her, glancing at her in the rearview, "Just best friends."
"Oh, I'm sorry, you remind me of Lily when she and James first started dating. Are you related to Hector Dagworth-Granger by any chance? He was a famous potioneer around the turn of the century," Adelaide asked.
"No, I'm muggle-born," Hermione told her as she changed lanes.
"So was he," Adelaide told her, "He mysteriously disappeared in the 20s. Anything is possible."
"Are you also a historian?" Hermione asked her.
"I am. Albus had been trying to get me to write a book about our histories for years, but I never did," Adelaide told them.
"Why did you move down here, if you don't mind me asking?" Harry asked.
"My husband died in the first war, and after Euphemia and Fleamont passed, and Lily and James had to go into hiding, I left," Adelaide said sadly, "Left only a month before they had you. They were scared but happy that you were coming, Harry."
Adelaide sat on a park bench at the Sydney harbor as Harry and Hermione sat on the grass staring out at the Sydney Opera House. A slight breeze blew off the harbor as they looked at the glistening water.
"Are you sure about this, Hermione?" Harry asked quietly, watching a boat float by, "She is old, really old, and trying to undo the memory charm may be complicated."
"I have to try, Harry. I can't live with this guilt of knowing what I did to them. They deserve to know the truth. Maybe they won't forgive me and stay here. I don't know, but I have to try even if it kills me," Hermione admitted, picking at her shoes as she rested her chin on her knees.
Harry bumped into her shoulder, "It will be okay, though, so we don't have to worry about it."
Hermione's wand vibrated as her tempus charm went off, "It's 20 til 5. If we start heading over, we'll be there right before they lock up. Hopefully, Dad is there too."
With a deep breath, she led them back to the car. A short drive led them to a parking deck near the street where her parents' store was located. With Harry assisting Adelaide, they slowly walked to the storefront and made it with five minutes until closing.
"Sorry, we will be closing in five minutes."
Hermione tried not to gasp as she saw her father.
"Oh, hello. We were in here earlier in the week and spoke with your wife. Is she here?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes, Monica! There are some people here to see you!" 'Wendell' yelled.
Hermione's mother appeared, and Harry told Hermione that he would go look around the store.
"Hermione!" Monica smiled as she saw her, "I'm so glad you returned. This is my husband, Wendell. Wendell, this is Hermione. She is from back home."
Wendell looked at her, "Hermione? Why does that name sound so familiar?"
Harry appeared again, "No one else is here," Harry informed them.
"What is this about?" Wendell asked.
"Is there any place we can sit? My age is getting to me, and they wish to speak to you about something," Adelaide informed them.
"Let me lock up, and we can talk in the back. We have a slight den area set up," Wendell said, looking at his wife confused.
"Follow me," Monica said, leading them to the back of the store.
Harry led Adelaide to the small couch and helped her sit down as Wendell reappeared.
"Alright, what is this about?" Wendell asked as Monica scolded him, "Please have a seat," Monica said as they pulled up wooden chairs, and Monica went to get a pitcher of tea.
Hermione swallowed hard as she looked at Harry, "My name is Hermione Granger. I grew up in a little brick home at 8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden in London. My parents are Juliet Monica Wilkins-Granger and Daniel Wendell Granger, and I sent them here to Australia to save them."
Hermione's mother looked at her father, confused, as she sat down in a chair next to Hermione, "Wilkins, you say?" Monica asked.
"There is no easy way to say this, but I need you to relax and close your eyes. Try to remember back home in England," Hermione told them, "Where did you live?"
Monica closed her eyes and then opened them to look at Wendell, "Humor her at least, Mr. Skeptic," Monica said as Wendell huffed and then closed his eyes.
Harry leaned over as Adelaide took out her wand, "You are your Dad, by the way," Harry whispered to Hermione.
Hermione huffed and posed similarly to her father before she realized what she was doing as Adelaide cast her spell. A surge of golden light came from her wand, illuminating the room as magic seemed to hum and shimmer around her parents' heads. Adelaide spoke in whispers so low even Hermione could not hear them as threads of magic similar to those Harry had seen as memories in a pensive flowed weaving together with the golden strands. Her parents sagged down in their chairs as darker strands emerged from their heads. The silver and gold strands seeped into their skin.
The process seemed to take forever for Hermione as her heart dared to beat out of her chest before the final golden strand entered her Mother's head, and the room became quiet.
Hermione and Harry looked at Adelaide, who sat back on the couch as a bead of sweat rolled down her temple, "You are a brilliant witch, my dear. It's done. They were almost breaking the spell on their own. Their love for you is strong."
Tears filled Hermione's eyes as she watched her parents slowly re-awaken.
A/N: So I wasn't going to post this chapter so soon, but I wrote another chapter this week so I decided to post this one early. I'm aiming for one every other week. Again, I'm from America and I've never been to the UK or Australia, so both aspects of that side of the world are by research and from my brain.
Thank you to all the new followers! I appreciate each and every one of you. Please review so I know what you are thinking about this so far.