Amnesia by Starlight623 Rating: PG Ship: Harry & Hermione Canon: Books 1 - 4 Genre: Drama, Romance Status: Complete Length: 6,526 words in 5 chapters Published: 12 Oct 2003 Last updated: 20 Oct 2003 After a fall, Hermione has lost her memory. Harry must now find a way to get his wife back, for both his and their daughter's sakes. Sequel to "It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn." From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/1136/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. The Fall Disclaimer: Nothing in here is mine and no money is being made from it. It all belongs to the nice moviemakers, the good book publishers and the wonderful JK Rowling. A/N: I had originally written this story as a Piper/Leo story for a Charmed fanfic, but then I thought I could work it as a Harry/Hermione story as well. Is it possible to plagerize from yourself? ;-) Anyway, this is basically a sequel to “It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn.” **** It was just another routine night for the Potters. Harry had finished his work early, so he picked Lily up from Hagrid’s hut and went back to his and Hermione’s apartment in Gryffindor Tower. “Ok, what should we have for dinner, princess?” Harry asked their almost three-year-old daughter. “Skeddie!” the toddler replied. “Spaghetti, huh? Sounds good and even I can make that the old-fashioned way,” Harry said triumphantly. He sat Lily down and began to find the ingredients for dinner. Meanwhile, as Hermione was coming back from her Transfiguration class, something terrible happened. Some of the animals from her previous class had gotten loose. A big white dog (previously a marshmallow) was chasing a black cat (previously a piece of coal) through the halls. Just as Hermione reached the stairs by the entrance hall, the cat snaked through her legs and the dog knocked her down. She took a tumble down the stairs where two students found her. “Quick, Sarah! It’s Professor Potter. Run up to the tower and get her husband,” said Tracy, a second year Gryffindor. Sarah, a first year Gryffindor, was horror struck at the sight, but took off as fast as she could. Just then, Rubeus Hagrid came through the door. “’Ermione!” he yelled as he saw her unconscious form. “Tracy, find Madam Pomfrey. Professor Potter is going to need medical attention,” he said to the second year, who ran off. “’Ermione! Are you ok?” She wouldn’t answer. “’Ermione, you hang on now. ‘Arry and that little girl need you.” Sarah came running with Harry and Lily. Harry dove to his knees by his wife’s side. “Hagrid, what happened?” he asked. “Headmaster Potter, we think she fell down the stairs. Tracy and I saw her as we were leaving the Great Hall. She’s gone to get Madam Pomfrey.” “Good, that’s good. Sarah, go back to the Tower and tell the Gryffindors what happened. Tell them not to worry, I’m going to make sure she’ll be ok.” Sarah nodded and walked away. Harry passed a terrified Lily to Hagrid and conjured a stretcher. He carefully levitated Hermione on to it. They met Madam Pomfrey on the way to the hospital wing. She instructed them to get Hermione into a bed while she got some things together for a potion. They did and then sat by her. All three just starred at Hermione, waiting for her to open her eyes. Finally, Madam Pomfrey returned a vial of a green liquid. “Ok, this potion is to heal her injuries from the fall. Give it to her slowly, little baby sippies. I’ll be back to check on her in an hour or so.” And with that she left, leaving Harry, Hagrid and Lily to wait and slowly give her the potion. The little girl just stared at her mother as if willing her to open her eyes. “When is she going to wake up, Daddy?” “Hopefully soon, Lily. Do you want to talk to her?” “Yeah. I want to tell her that I love her,” Lily said with sadness in her voice. “Ok, but be quiet. Don’t yell or anything. Mummy can hear you just fine,” Harry said as he leaned closer to Hermione’s level. “Mummy? Hi! It’s Lily. Daddy says that you need sleep, but I really want you to wake up so we can play. I love you, Mummy. Please don’t go see Grandma and Grandpa Potter.” Hagrid instantly teared up at hearing the child mention her grandparents. Lily had never met her grandparents, but she had heard many stories and seen many pictures. She knew that they went to be with the angels. “Don’t you worry, princess, Mummy is not going to be with Grandma and Grandpa,” Harry said, holding back the tears. “Mummy? Please wake up,” Lily tried again. “Sweetie, let Mummy rest now,” Harry said as he leaned back again. Just then, Hermione’s eyes began to flutter open. “Where -- Where am I?” she muttered. “Mummy!” Lily cried as she leapt off her father’s lap and stretched her arms up to Hermione. “I told them that you would wake up! And now we can go home and play!” Hermione panicked and looked around. She threw out her hands and cried, “Hold on! Who are you people?” “Hermione, you don’t recognize any of us?” Harry asked with hurt in his voice. “No, I’m sorry.” “Why don’t you ‘member us?” Lily asked as she tried to climb on the bed. Hermione still didn’t know the little girl, but she was so cute, she helped her onto the bed with her. “Hi there,” she told the child. “Hi, Mummy! Why don’t you know us?” Lily repeated. “Remember, honey, I told you that Mummy might not remember us at first? She got a bump on her head,” Harry explained. “Oh yeah. Well, don’t worry, Mummy. I know that Daddy will take really good care of you. He loves you so much!” Harry blushed a little. He knew that Hermione didn’t know him at the moment, and this was probably making her uncomfortable. “Um, Miss Lily, why don’t you come with me and we’ll go pick Mumma some flowers, ok?” Hagrid suggested. “Ooh! Ok, let’s go!” Lily said as she ran over and took Hagrid’s hand. “We’ll be back soon,” Hagrid said as the child dragged him out the door. “Ok, so Hermione, let’s talk. I’m sure you have a bunch of questions,” Harry said. “Oh yeah, you could say that. Maybe we could start off with who are you people?” Just then, Madam Pomfrey came in. “Ahh, Hermione, I see you’re finally awake! I’m sure your husband here has been taking excellent care of you.” “My husband? So I’m married?” Hermione asked as Harry blushed twelve shades of red. “So, you have experienced some amnesia. I expected that, so I made you this potion. Drink a sip every twenty minutes. Your memory will slowly return to you. I’m going to check on a student now. Seems that a spell has backfired and they’re spitting up slugs. Nasty business,” the nurse said. Harry laughed, remembering that Ron had done the same thing in their second year, but Hermione failed to see what was so funny about throwing up slugs. “I’ll be back, Hermione,” Pomfrey said as she left again. “No, wait!” Hermione said, hoping to not be left alone with the man that she guessed was her husband. He certainly seemed nice enough, but at the moment, she knew nothing about him. “You don’t have to be scared of me, Hermione. I would never hurt you,” Harry reasoned. “I know that. I don’t know how, but I know that.” “I’m sure you have a million questions. So, what do you want to know?” “Well, let’s start who these people are. So, you’re my husband?” Harry nodded. “And that precious little girl must be our daughter?” “Yes, she is. Her name is Lily and she’s the best little girl in the whole world. She’s so worried about you.” “She seems very sweet.” “Yeah, tomorrow is her birthday. She’ll be three,” Harry said. “Oh, no. I’ve ruined her birthday!” Hermione cried. “No, you haven’t. The best present we could give her would be having her Mummy back.” “ I guess so,” Hermione agreed sadly. “So, who’s the giant?” “Half-giant,” Harry said. Hermione gave him a questioning look. “Um, never mind. That’s our friend Hagrid. He’s the groundskeeper here at Hogwarts.” “Hogwarts? What the hell is that?” “Oh boy, this may take a while. Ok, Hogwarts is where we both teach. Well, I don’t teach as much now since I’m the Headmaster. But of course, you’re Deputy Headmistress. It’s a school for witchcraft and wizardry.” “Witchcraft? What are we?” “Magical. I know it’s hard to believe, but you are a witch and I’m a wizard and our little girl is a witch, too.” “Uh-huh. And you really expect me to believe that?” she asked, cynically. ‘Oh boy, logical Hermione is kicking in,’ Harry thought. “Ok, well, I’ll prove it to you,” he said. He reached into Hermione’s robes, which were on the back of his chair. “You were always a natural at stuff like this. Take your wand and point it at that chair. Good,” he said as she complied. “Now, I just want you to say ‘Wingardium Leviosa.’” Hermione looked at him like he was crazy, but she did it anyway. What could it hurt? But nothing happened. “Ok, now try it again with a swish and flick motion. Like this,” he said as he used his own wand to demonstrate. “All right, all right. Wingardium Leviosa,” Hermione said as she waved the wand at the chair exactly how she was taught. It rose several inches from the ground. “Holy cricket! Am I doing that?” “Yes, dear. You are.” Suddenly, the thought of what was going on hit her like a ton of bricks. She dropped her wand and the chair fell with a clatter. “This cannot be happening. I cannot be a witch or a mother or a wife. I don’t even know who I am!” She began to bawl and Harry held her close. She couldn’t explain why, but it felt so good to be in his arms. Just then, Hagrid and Lily returned with a beautiful bunch of wildflowers. “They’re for you, Mummy!” Lily said with happiness. “Why, thank you, sweetie,” Hermione replied quickly wiping the tears away. She didn’t know why, but she lifted the little one onto the bed with her. “Do you ‘member anymore, Mummy?” Lily asked. “Bits and pieces, pumpkin.” “Pumpkin! That’s what you always call me!” “That’s right, Miss Lily,” Hagrid added. Lily beamed with happiness. Madam Pomfrey returned again. She noticed that none of the memory potion was gone. “Hermione! If you want your memory back, I suggest you begin drinking that! I see that your injuries have healed though, so if you want to return to your own room, you may - as long as someone stays with you. I’ll assume Harry, here.” “Yes, I’ll stay right with her,” Harry agreed. “Are you ready to leave, Hermione?” “I guess so,” she said as she tried to stand, but her legs were still too weak and she began to stumble. Harry caught her and swept her into his arms. “Do you want me to carry you?” he asked sweetly. Self-reliant Hermione wanted to protest, but logical Hermione prevailed. “I don’t think I can walk yet, so, yes. Please.” “Ok, well, first things first. Take a sip of your potion. Good. Now, Hagrid, will you take Lily for a little bit?” Harry said as he began to leave with his wife. “’Course, ‘Arry. C’mon, Lily. I’ll tell you the story of a baby dragon named Norbert,” Hagrid said as he carried Lily happily away. Harry could only hope that this was going to work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Beginning the Road to Recovery Once Harry and Hermione made their way back to their apartment, Hermione was nervous. So this is where she lived with Harry . . . her husband. And their daughter. Hmmm. “Make yourself comfortable,” Harry said. “Is there anything you need?” “A memory,” Hermione joked. Harry laughed. At least joking was a good sign. “Don’t worry. We’re going to get your memory back.” He looked at her with such love in his deep green eyes that she shuddered. “I love it when you do that.” “Do what?” “Get all protective like that,” she said, wondering how she knew that. “I gotta look out for my girls,” he said with a warm smile. “I want you to stay right here. I’m going to run down to the kitchen and get some food for dinner. The elves will be happy to hear that you’re doing a little better. Maybe I’ll get Lily while I’m out?” he asked apprehensively. “Yeah. Get her. I’d like to get to know her,” Hermione said. “Ok. Take another sip of your potion. We’ll get your memory back in no time!” Harry said as he left. After a family dinner, Hermione began to feel better, but still the memories were foggy. Once Harry put Lily to bed, Hermione realized that it was also time for her to go to bed. A bed that she normally shared with Harry. As if he could read her thoughts, Harry said, “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, so I’ll sleep on this cot.” “What cot?” she asked. “This one,” he said as he transfigured a pillow into a small bed. “See? You’re not the only one good at Transfiguration.” “Yes, but really. A pillow into a cot? That’s not much of a stretch.” Hermione wasn’t sure why she was saying that. It just seemed to come naturally to her. ‘That’s my Hermione,’ Harry sighed to himself. ‘Always correcting.’ He smiled. “Well, I thought I would take the easy way out this time. Next time, I’ll make it out of a tea kettle.” “Good, see that you do,” she said back, laughing. It was so good to hear her laugh. They both lay down and talked until Harry realized that she was not responding anymore. She had fallen asleep. He was glad because she needed her rest. In the middle of the night, Hermione began to dream. She saw the last battle with Voldemort. The one that almost cost Harry, Hermione, Sirius and the unborn Lily their lives. “Harry!” she cried, still half asleep, as she sat straight up. “Hermione! What’s wrong?” he asked as he flew to her side. “I . . . I saw you. In a forest. Your scar was … I never even realized you had one,” she mumbled as she brushed back the hair to see the famous scar. “Oh, Harry … it was horrible!” “It’s ok, Mione,” he said. “We made it out of there. We’re fine.” “It really happened?!” she cried. “Yes. It did. But we survived and we’re all fine. The evil is gone. Here, take another sip of the potion.” She took the glass and took a drink. Then she got brave. “Harry?” “Yes?” “Will you hold me until I fall back to sleep?” Hermione couldn’t believe that she was asking a stranger to do this, but he wasn’t really a stranger. She must have loved this man a lot to marry and have a baby with him. And he had the most caring eyes she had ever seen. And he was so good with that little girl. Hermione knew she could keep on listing Harry’s qualities, but what was the point? Those green eyes practically had her in a trance and she didn’t really want out of it. “No problem,” he said as he climbed onto the bed with her. He didn’t want to seem too eager, but he did want to show that he cared. So he gently wrapped his arms around her and listened for her breathing to change (the sure way to know when she fell asleep). Just as he noticed she fell asleep, he succumbed to exhaustion as well and fell asleep holding her. When she awoke in the morning, the heavy figure next to her startled her. She almost screamed until she saw who it was and where they were. Her quick motions woke Harry, who instantly felt bad for how she found him. “Hermione! I am so sorry!” he said as he sat up quickly. “I must have fallen asleep too.” His face flushed a deep crimson as he realized what happened. “No, Harry, it’s ok . . . I think. I mean, it must have been ok or I would have woke up sooner. It felt kinda natural to wake up like that,” Hermione said, not knowing how she knew that. “You’ve always liked that,” Harry said quietly. Just then, there was a knock at the front door. Harry got out of bed and ran to the door, grateful to be away from the awkward moment. It was Ron and Lavender Weasley. “Ron! Lavender! Great to see you,” Harry said, inviting them both in. “We came as soon as we heard. How is she?” Lavender asked. “Getting better, but the process is slow,” Harry said sadly. Hermione came into the living room then, carrying Lily. “Good morning, princess! Happy birthday! Did you sleep well?” Harry said. “Yeah. Mummy said we can spend the day together since it’s my birthday!” “Did she now?” “Well, I did hear you say that you’re the Headmaster, right? So, you can cancel my classes,” Hermione said confidently as she sat down with Lily on her lap. “Hmmm, there are benefits from sleeping with the boss, huh?” Ron said, eliciting glares from Harry and Lavender. “Idiot! Don’t bring up sex yet! She barely remembers Harry!” Lavender hissed. Ron blushed and turned to Hermione. “I’m really sorry, Hermione. I didn’t mean anything by it. Trust me, you guys have a fairy tale romance. A real dream come true.” Hermione nodded, unsure of what to say to that. “It doesn’t matter anyway. Today is Halloween and all classes have been cancelled. I know that the second year Gryffindors have double potions with the Slytherins today,” he said with a wink to Ron and Lavender. “Wait a second. Halloween … Fairy tales … hmmm,” Lavender began to think out loud. “If today is Halloween, that means that the Hogwarts Halloween costume ball is tonight. Weren’t you guys going to go as fairy tale characters? You could have another first date, you know, get to know each other again.” “Ooh! That’s right, Mummy. You could be like Cinderella and Prince Charming! Or Sleeping Beauty!” Lily said with happiness. “But what about your birthday, Lily?” Harry asked. “If I can have Mummy back, I don’t want a party,” the little girl said. “Oh, princess, don’t you worry. We are getting your Mummy back. Tell you what, I’ll take Mummy to the ball tonight and then we’ll have a big birthday party for you,” he said. “Ok, Daddy!” Lily said with a hug. “Are you going, Mummy?” “Hmm, that might not be a bad idea. Maybe if Harry and I could have another “first date” it would break the ice with us,” Hermione thought out loud. “Yay! Mummy and Daddy are going to the ball!” Lily said as she jumped off her mother’s lap. “But I don’t have a costume,” Hermione said. “We never got around to making them,” Harry said. “We were going to do it yesterday.” Hermione frowned. Something else that was ruined because of her. “Don’t worry, Mummy. We just need to find you a big pretty dress!” Lily said, excitement radiating from her. “Ooh! Let’s raid your closet and I’ll see what I turn into a ball gown for you. By the way, I’m Lavender Weasley (used to be Brown). We went to Hogwarts together and I married Ron,” Lavender said as she dragged Hermione and Lily out of the room. Ron shook his head. “Sorry, mate. Looks like this will take a while.” “If it’ll help Hermione, I’ll wait forever,” Harry replied. They were startled by another knock at the door. It was Ginny Weasley. “I just heard what happened! Is she ok?” Ginny asked impatiently. “She’s doing pretty good. If you want to join the party, Lavender is in there making a Cinderella costume for her. Ginny smiled and took off for the bedroom. “Well, Headmaster Potter. What shall we do while the women are getting ready?” Ron asked. “Get a costume ready for me and then get some butterbeers. I think it’s going to be a long day,” Harry replied with a sigh, knowing that Lavender would be keeping his wife occupied for some time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. The Plan Meanwhile, in Hermione’s closet, Lavender was getting things together to make a ball gown with Ginny’s help. “Thanks so much, guys,” Hermione said. “Don’t worry about it, honey. We’re going to get things back on track in no time!” Lavender said with a hug. “Are you excited, Mummy? You’re going to the ball with Daddy!” Lily chimed in. “I’m very excited, pumpkin.” “Good! You’re going to look so pretty!” “I hope so,” Hermione said dreamily. “You thinking about what Harry’s gonna look like?” Ginny playfully asked. “A little,” Hermione admitted. If he could look so good even in the formal wizard robes he was in today, what would a regal prince costume look like on him? “I think he’s going to be pretty se--” she stopped herself before saying “sexy” in front of Lily. “Handsome. Very handsome,” she corrected. Ginny and Lavender could only stifle laughs, as Lily looked confused. “Yes, Hermione, I’m sure he will look very . . . handsome,” Lavender teased. Hermione stuck her tongue out at her friends and then looked around the room. She noticed the bed. 'Hmm, that’s the bed that I share with Harry,' she thought to herself. Wasn’t so bad to wake up with him this morning. The whole idea made her a little uncomfortable and yet a little excited. What could be so bad about sharing a bed with a man who was so handsome and loving and . . . ‘Ok, Hermione, get a hold of yourself,’ she thought as she glanced at the walls. There were tons of pictures hanging in beautiful frames. She zeroed in on one of three young ladies outside. She recognized them as herself, Ginny and Lavender. Then she saw one of her wedding day. It was a picture of her and Harry’s first kiss as a married couple. Even from that one second in time, she could tell how much love she shared with this man, this angel. The next picture made her heart melt. It was taken in the hospital the day Lily was born. Hermione was holding the tiny baby and Harry was sitting next to her with his arms wrapped protectively around the both of them. “This is a perfect family,” she sighed. Giggles from Lavender and Ginny snapped Hermione back to attention. “Yes, Hermione, this is a perfect family and yes, this is the bedroom you share with that handsome man out there,” Lavender teased. “I don’t need a Divination class to see that thought crossing your mind.” As Hermione blushed, Lavender leaned over to Lily, “Are you ready to get your parents back?” “Oh, yes! I just can’t wait to see their costumes!” the little girl replied. Ginny and Lily began to help Hermione with her makeup. Hermione styled her hair in the exact way she wore it on her wedding day. “I recognize that hairdo!” Lavender said. “Would that be how you wore it when you became Mrs. Potter?” “Yeah, I saw it in the pictures. I thought it might be kinda symbolic.” “I like it!” Ginny encouraged. “Oh, Mummy, you are going to be such a pretty princess!” Lily sweetly said. “Thank you, sweetie. I hope Daddy thinks so,” Hermione sighed. “Hermione, do not worry about that. You could wear a burlap sack, or a pile of rags, or one of his robes -- actually I think he likes that -- but anyway, he thinks you are beautiful no matter what you are wearing. So, please, do not fret over what you look like. You’re going to take his breath away. Now, let’s get you into your gown, your majesty!” Lavender said. “I’m gonna go wait for Daddy!” Lily said as she ran for the door. “Ok, I’ll go with you,” Ginny said as she took off after the girl. After Hermione was dressed and she slipped her feet into the clear “glass slippers” they had enchanted from an old pair of Hermione’s shoes, she looked into the mirror. She smoothed out the dress and smiled. Harry was going to love this costume. The back was a little low and it showed a good bit of shoulder. She didn’t know how she remembered that he liked that, but she did and she took it as a good sign and took another sip of the potion. “You look beautiful, Hermione,” Lavender said as she hugged her friend. “Thanks. Are you sure this will work?” “Believe me. You are going to knock him out of his wizard socks!” Hermione smiled and wondered about that. There was so much about Harry’s world (and her’s as well) that she didn’t remember. But she pushed it out of her mind and decided to just let the night take its course. Just then, little Lily burst into the room. “Mummy! Prince Daddy’s ready and he looks very handsome!” she said, proud that she pronounced handsome correctly after Aunt Ginny taught it to her. “You should have heard her. She told him that he was not allowed to come near the bedroom at all because you needed to make a grand entrance!” Ginny told them. “Ok, pumpkin. Good job being a bodyguard. Tell Daddy that I’ll be out in a minute,” Hermione said. The girl smiled and took off. “Are you ready for this?” Ginny asked. “No, but I think I can handle it.” “Ok, then I am going to go wait with his majesty,” Ginny said, leaving the room. “Time to go, your highness. Prince Charming awaits,” Lavender said with a hug. “All right, let’s get this show on the road,” Hermione sighed as she left the room. As she slowly opened the door, Harry finally came into view. He couldn’t have looked more handsome to her. This was turning into an actual fairy tale to her. Her friends were truly fairy godmothers making her dream come true. Once Harry spotted her, he got the overwhelming feeling that everything was going to work out that night. She looked as beautiful as ever. She wore her hair just like she did on the day they got married. The dress showed off her figure very nicely and the shoes were a cute touch. This was going to be a great night. “Good evening, m’lady,” Harry said as he got down on one knee and took her hand. He looked into her eyes and kissed her hand gently. Hermione instantly blushed. But she caught herself in time to play along. “Hello, good prince.” Lily giggled wildly. She loved fairy tales and watching her parents play one out was just a wonderful thing to the little girl. “Why, little princess, what do you find so funny?” Harry asked as he pulled his daughter closer and tickled her. “Daddy! You and Mummy look just like Cinderella and Prince Charming!” “Thank you, sweetheart. Now be a good girl for Uncle Hagrid, ok?” Harry said as he hugged her. “Ok, Daddy. I love you!” “Love you, too.” “Bye-bye, sweetheart,” Hermione said as she kissed Lily. “I’ll love you forever.” “I love you always, Mummy.” Then Harry stood and offered his arm. “Ready to go?” “Yeah. Let’s go,” Hermione replied, taking his arm. “Ginny, will you wait until Hagrid gets here? We’ll meet you guys in the Great Hall,” Harry said. “No problem,” Ginny replied. “Have fun!” And with that, Harry and Hermione headed off to their second first date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. The Halloween Ball 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. A Fairy Tale Come True Harry ran into the living room and found Hagrid and Lily on the couch, reading a story. “She tore right into your room and I think I heard a locking charm. You aren’t getting in there any time soon,” Hagrid said. “Mummy left you her shoe! It is just like Cinderella!” Lily said as she noticed the shoe in Harry’s hand. “Yeah, princess, she did. Maybe the shoe will fit. What do you think?” Harry said. “Of course it will! It’s Mummy’s shoe!” Lily said, matter-of-factly. She was definitely Hermione’s daughter. Just then, Hermione slowly came out of the bedroom. “Harry, can you come here please?” she asked as she led him to the kitchen. “Harry, I’m really sorry about what happened down there. I just got so panicky. And I’m just so frustrated, but that’s not your fault. And I just wanted to give you this.” With that, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a mind-blowing kiss. It felt familiar kissing him and wanting him even though they had “just met.” He didn’t want to seem too pushy, but he wanted this as badly as she did. He dropped the shoe and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her as close as he could. Their lips almost crushed each other’s and their tongues met in passion. Hermione suddenly began to remember why she loved this wizard. He was so caring and gentle, even in his fits of passion. Memories began to flood back to her. It was as if the kiss gave her brain the jump-start she needed. Hermione began to kiss him even harder in the hopes that it would speed up the process. Harry was worried that maybe things were moving too fast, but Hermione gave him no opportunity to stop the kiss. Once she finally had to stop for air, she looked up at him. “Thanks.” “You’re very welcome, but what was that all about?” “Well, at first, it was what I’ve wanted to do since this morning. By the end of it though, it was my memory coming back. Harry, I think you unlocked it all for me. You woke me up with that kiss.” “Like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty!” Lily cried as she ran into the kitchen, followed close behind by the “aunts” and “uncles” that came to find out what was going on. “Hey there, pumpkin! Come give Mummy a hug!” Hermione said as she knelt down. “Are you back, Mummy? Do you ‘member everything yet?” “You know, Lily, I think I do. I think your Daddy saved me,” Hermione said with a tear in her eye. She stood up and looked at Harry. “Thank you so much!” she said as she pulled him down for another great kiss. “Oooooohhhh!!” Lily teased as she watched her parents finally returning to normal. As the kiss finished, Harry directed Hermione to sit in the nearest kitchen chair. He bent down to pick up the dropped shoe and he looked up at her. “This,” he began as he put the shoe onto her foot, “I think belongs to you. Perfect fit.” “Yeah, I think it is,” Hermione replied, beaming. They kissed again, despite all the family members that were watching them. “Come on, Lily, I think you’re parents need to be alone,” Lavender said, picking Lily up and carrying her out of the room, Ginny and the rest following close behind, smiling. “So, are you all back now?” Harry carefully asked. “I think I am. And it is the most amazing feeling. It’s like a floodgate opened and all my memories came rushing back -- good and bad. But it’s just so great to remember it all. Everything about you, Lily, our friends, our powers, everything.” “I’ve missed you so much,” Harry told her, almost crying, and leaning his forehead to hers. “I know, honey, I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault. I’m just glad that it’s over. We can finally go back to being normal.” “Well, as normal as a family of witches and wizards can get,” Hermione laughed. “True,” Harry admitted. “So, Mr. Potter, what do you say we say good night to the witchy family and we see what else I can remember tonight?” Hermione said seductively. “Ooh, Mrs. Potter, I like the way you think!” “I know you do! Ok, let’s go say goodnight and go . . . celebrate in private,” Hermione said as she grabbed Harry’s collar and pulled him with her. “Ooh, girl, you show him who’s boss!” Lavender said as Hermione and Harry stopped in the living room. “We’ve just come to say good night to everyone. I need . . . my rest. So anyway, good night, everyone. Thank you so much for everything,” Hermione said as she pulled her friends into a group hug. “Don’t worry, we’ll let ourselves out,” Lavender giggled. “Details later, Hermione, all of them,” Ginny whispered. “If you’re lucky,” Hermione whispered back as the hug broke up. “Ok, Lily, to bed with you. And I want you asleep ASAP!” she said as she knelt to be on her daughter’s level. “Ok, Mummy. Welcome home!” “Thank you!” “Good night, Mummy. I love you always,” Lily said, hugging her mother. “Good night, pumpkin. I’ll love you forever. And happy birthday!” “Good night, princess. Happy birthday! I love you,” Harry said, kissing Lily on the top of her head. “Good night, Daddy. Love you bunches,” Lily replied. “Come on, birthday girl. To bed with you!” Lavender said, taking Lily’s hand. Hermione’s friends waved to her as she closed the bedroom door. “Are you really all back?” Harry cautiously asked. “Yeah. I am. I could feel everything coming back. It was really weird, but great,” Hermione replied. “I’m just so glad that it’s over.” “You are not the only one. We were all so worried about you.” “I know. And I feel so terrible about that.” “Hermione, it’s not like it was your fault. It was just another hurdle and we cleared it and now we can concentrate on our present, not the forgotten past,” Harry said as he pulled her into an embrace. “Hmm, I like that idea,” Hermione said as she began to kiss her husband. The couple stumbled over to the bed and Harry welcomed his bride back to their wonderful and loving world. Not Quite The End?