Amnesia

            The dance was actually going quite well.  Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall had come back and they were dressed as Muggle farmers.  It was hysterical.  Ron and Lavender finally made their way down dressed as (ironically enough) Dumbledore and McGonagall.  Both professors got a kick out of it.  Lastly, Ginny and her new boyfriend Neville came down dressed as Quidditch players.

            The six had fun dancing to the fast songs being played by the band.  They enjoyed all the refreshments and each other’s company. 

            “So, Hermione, any memories coming back yet?” Ron asked during a break from dancing.

            “Not yet.  But I am having a great time.  Thanks, guys, Harry,” she replied.

            “You’re more than welcome,” Harry said, taking her hand.

            Just then, Albus and Minerva came by.

            “Good evening, everyone!” Dumbledore said happily.  “Enjoying yourselves, I assume?”

            “Of course!  Look at all the food!” Ron replied.

            “Ugh, is that all you can think about?” Lavender asked.

            “Well, you and the kids and food, yes,” Ron answered with a smile.

            “Hermione, how are you feeling?” Minerva asked.

            “Better, but not completely well yet.  Thank you for asking though.”  Hermione didn’t totally remember her old professor, but she did seem familiar.

            “Well, with Harry taking care of you and that precious little girl pushing, I’m sure you’ll be your old self in no time at all,” Minerva said.

            “Yes, he’s taking excellent care of me already,” Hermione said, with a slight blush.

            Everyone giggled at Hermione’s discomfort.  It was kinda cute; almost like they were back in school again and Hermione was once again hiding her crush.

            “Well, we must be off.  Time for these old folks to get to bed,” Dumbledore quipped.

            They all shared hugs and goodbyes.

            As Minerva was hugging Hermione, she whispered, “He’s a good man, Hermione.  Don’t worry about anything.  He’s got it all under control for you.  Just focus on getting well and Harry will take care of the rest.”

            “I know.  I’m really beginning to see that now,” Hermione replied.

            Minerva smiled and left with husband.  (A/N: yeah, I hooked up Dumbledore and McGonagall.  I just think they’d be cute together.)

            Then a slow song filled the Great Hall.

            “Care to dance?” Harry asked as he stood.

            Hermione looked a little nervous.

            “Go on,” Lavender said as she pushed Hermione up.

            Harry extended his hand and Hermione took it.  He led her out to the dance floor.

            “Come here,” he gently urged.  He wrapped his arms around her and they slowly swayed to the music.  “You know, you don’t have to worry about rushing.  I’ll be with you every step of the way through this.”

            “I know.  And I’m not worried about rushing; I’m just worried about this working.  What if I never get my memory back?”

            “You will.  And even if you don’t, we’ll make new memories.”

            “I suppose so, but still, I want to remember our time here, learning to be a witch, falling in love with you, our wedding, giving birth to Lily.  There’s so much I’m missing,” she said with a slight sob.

            “Mione,” he said as sweetly as possible, wiping away the single tear that fell.  “Don’t worry.  I have so much confidence in you.  I know you’ll get those memories back.  The potion’s working already, isn’t it?”

            “A little.  But nothing’s concrete.  Just a lot of things seeming familiar.”

            “Well, then.  That’s a start.  This could be a slow process, Poppy said that.”

            “I know, I know.  I guess I’m just impatient.”

            “I already knew that.  Just trust me.  I know that may be difficult since you don’t really remember me.  But just know that I believe in you.”

            “I trust you, Harry.  I don’t know why, but when I look into your eyes, I just see such honestly and compassion.  I can’t help but trust you.”

            Harry smiled.  He was making a breakthrough.

            As the song came to a close, Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled.  She wanted so desperately to kiss him, but it made her so nervous.  She wished she had discussed it with Ginny and Lavender. 

            ‘Ugh, what do I want to do?  He is just waiting for me to make a decision.  I know he’ll understand if I can’t kiss him yet, but he wants to as badly as I do.  I can see it in his eyes.  If only this wasn’t so frustrating!’ she thought to herself.

            “Ahh!  I can’t handle this right now!” she said.  He looked at her with uncertainty in his eyes.  “I’m really sorry, but I don’t know what’s going on.  I really want to kiss you, but I don’t know if I’m ready and . . . I just need to go.”  And with that, she ran out the door.  She tripped along the way and left one of her shoes behind.

            Harry bent down and picked it up

            “Where’s Hermione going?” Lavender hurriedly asked as she and Ron ran to Harry.

            “I hope she’s on her way back to the room.  She got really confused and ran out,” Harry explained.

            Ron chuckled.  “At least she left you a shoe.”

            “I’d better go get her.  I’ll keep you guys posted,” Harry said as he took off for their room, leaving the others to wonder what happened.