Obliviated

Hermione gasped, a hand covering her mouth.

“What?!”

Malfoy nodded.

“We have been together for eighteen months now. We got engaged two months ago.” He said.

“But how?! We don't even like each other!” She said. “You're joking right?”

He looked away, pain in his eyes. Harry took her hand.

“It's all true Hermione.” He said. “Everyone changed after the Final Battle. When you both saw each other again, it was like you were meeting for the first time. Of course, we -” he motioned to himself, Ron and Ginny “- didn't like it to begin with, but Malfoy had changed. We all had. The wizarding world was ready to move on, start a new life.”

Hermione didn't want to believe it. She looked down to the hand that Harry was holding to see an engagement ring on her finger. It was beautiful, but she still didn't believe that she was romantically involved with Draco Malfoy of all people.

“So...” She took a deep breath and drew the blankets up. “Tell me what happened after the funerals.”

This time Ginny spoke.

“Well, you went back to finish at Hogwarts. Most of it is rebuilt now. Only half the student population have come back though. Only a handful of people our age went back to do their N.E.W.T.S. - that's when you and Malfoy got together. He was one of the few that returned.”

Hermione again looked at Malfoy. His hair had grown longer and he looked older than he had when she had seen him in the final battle. His stormy grey eyes were cast down as he listened to Ginny.

“Harry and Ron went to train as Aurors.”

Hermione looked to Harry. She knew he would. He was born to lead. Ron would follow of course.

“I joined you at Hogwarts and then I decided to run the Quibbler jointly with Luna when we graduated.” She said. “Of course you passed with O's in each subject. So did Draco. I didn't do too badly either, mostly E's.”

She smiled at Hermione, rubbing her hand, trying to make her feel better.

“Harry and I eloped after the final battle. When we came back, Mum practically forced us to have a ceremony and a reception. You were my maid of honour.”

Hermione smiled a little and hugged her best friend. There was so much information to process. She was so tired.

“Is everyone okay? Molly and Arthur? My Mum and Dad?” Hermione asked.

“Everyone's fine. Worried about you, but otherwise fine.” Harry said. “Your parents are on holiday in France. They were organising flights when I spoke to them a few hours ago. They should be here tomorrow morning.”

Hermione nodded, wiping her eyes. She yawned.

“We should go, lovely.” Ginny said, pushing Hermione's hair out of her face. “Let you get some sleep. We can explain everything tomorrow.”

“I don't want to be alone.” Hermione said.

Hermione looked up at Malfoy feeling awkward for saying so with him present. He looked away disappointed. It was all too strange for her to process.

“I'll stay, if you want.”Ginny said.

“Yes, please.” Hermione said gratefully.

Harry stood, and walked over to Malfoy clapping a hand on his shoulder.

“Should we head home, mate?” He asked. “We could all use a good night's sleep too.”

Malfoy nodded.

“I'll bring a bag with some clothes and things tomorrow morning.” He said, looking at Hermione. “And I'll let your parents know what's transpired. If that's okay?”

Hermione nodded. She supposed it would have to be. Her friends trusted him, her parents trusted him, and apparently she did too.

“I'll see you in the morning then.” He said, giving her a little smile. “Good night.”

“Night, 'Mione.” Ron said, giving a wave.

Harry kissed her on the forehead.

“Get some sleep, I'll be back in the morning. We'll all be by your side, you won't go through this alone.” He said.

“Thank you, Harry.” Hermione said giving him a hug.

The three men walked out, the door closing behind them, and then it was just her a Ginny. Hermione sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

“So much has changed.” She said. “I can't believe it. I'm engaged to freaking Draco Malfoy?! How did that happen? He's an arsehole!”

Ginny smiled sympathetically.

“To be fair, he has changed astronomically since the war finished.” She said. “You two are fantastic together. I know it's hard to believe, but you both are so happy together. He loves you just as much as Harry loves me.”

Hermione couldn't imagine this being true. Malfoy had been nothing but rude and hurtful. It was extremely hard to believe that he could be anything else but the Ferret that they had come to hate.

“Really?” Hermione asked. “I just can't picture it. Here he was, acting totally civil, even concerned, and I – I just don't get it.”

“You will see it all in time.” Ginny said. “Even if this potion doesn't work and you don't get your memory back, you'll see. He loves you Hermione, and the last thing I want to do is put pressure on you, but he's been worried sick. This is going to be really hard on him as well, so have patience with him. He does deserve it.”

Hermione once again sighed and nodded, slinking back down the hospital bed into the foetal position.

“I'm going to conjour up a cot for the night and check with the Healer.” Ginny said, standing. “I'll be right back.”

She walked to the door when Hermione called to her.

“Thank you, Ginny.” Hermione said. “I feel better knowing that you're here.”

Ginny smiled.

“It'll all going to be alright.”