Obliviated

Hermione slept well with thanks to the Dreamless Sleeping Potion. When she awoke in the morning, Ginny was still asleep. She rolled over onto her back and stretched, feeling all of her muscles tense in protest. She jumped in surprise when she saw Malfoy walking quietly towards her holding an overnight bag. He looked at her apologetically.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.” He whispered.

He placed the bag next to the bedside table. The look he gave her was sweet and loving.

“I'm so glad you're alright.” He said gently.

He sighed and closed his eyes, stepping away from her.

“Listen, Hermione, I know it's going to be really hard for you to trust me again, but I just want you to know I'll be here when you want me.”

Malfoy looked into her eyes.

“If you want me...”

She looked away quickly. He cleared his throat quickly in the awkward silence. She could feel his heartbreak. How could this be Draco Malfoy?

“So, anyway, I called your parents and they are flying in this afternoon because their flight was delayed.” He talked quickly as though it was painful for him to keep on talking to her. “They generally stay in our guest room. I don't know how you feel at the moment, but if you're not comfortable with me, I can stay with the Potters or something.”

Hermione nodded and sat up.

“Thank you.” She heard herself say. It was foreign saying it to him. She could barely believe that he would use a phone, let alone speak to her parents. “I'll see how I feel later, yeah?”

Malfoy nodded and gave her a small smile. He moved to the door.

“The Healer is just organising your release forms. You should be ready to go in an hour or so. Potter will be here in a couple of minutes. I'll be out in the hall if you need anything.”

She nodded and he left, quickly closing the door behind him. Hermione looked down at her engagement ring, it really was beautiful. The design was unique; contemporary and classical at the same time. And the diamond was perfect size; not too overbearing and not so small that it felt like it was being overshadowed.

She sat, contemplating her new relationship with Malfoy. What if she didn't get her memory back? Could she really jump into a relationship with him? She could just break off the engagement and tell him to leave, but after all she had seen so far and all she had been told, how could she? Ginny was right, he deserved a chance. She would have to get to know him all over again.

Ginny stirred and rolled over, yawning and stretching. She turned to look up at Hermione.

“Good morning.” She said smiling. “How are you feeling?”

“Scared.” Hermione said. “It's starting to sink in now. Malfoy has been so nice and sweet and it scares the hell out of me. I feel like I should be on defence.” She sighed. “Old habits die hard I suppose.”

Ginny nodded.

“Are you going to give Draco a chance?” Ginny asked. “He would give you as much time as you needed. But if you decide to chuck it all in, no one would really blame you. It's up to you.”

Hermione swung her legs over the edge on the bed, and stepped onto the cold floor. She put her hands on her lower back and bent backwards feeling all of her sore muscles stretching.

“I'm not the kind of person to run, everyone knows it.” Hermione began. “But the thought of being in a relationship scares me. I've only ever kissed two men. Well, not technically, but you get what I mean.”

Ginny got up and walked around the bed to give Hermione a lengthy hug.

“I feel like there will be all these expectations on me to feel a certain way or to move in a certain direction and I know you guys are here for me, Malfoy as well, it's just... it's – it's doing my head in!”

Ginny nodded and sighed into Hermione's hair.

“I know. It's all overwhelming.” Ginny said stroking her hair soothingly. “All you can do is take each day as it comes. You have the right to feel the way you feel at all times. Don't let anyone guilt you into anything. What ever you do from here, is your decision and everyone will have to respect that. I will be here, no matter what.”

Hermione held her friend at arms length and smiled.

“You always know just what to say, Ginny Weasley.” Hermione said. “Thank you.”

Ginny smiled.

“Any time, sweetie. But it's not Weasley any more...” They shared a little laugh.

Ginny began to change from the sleepwear that the hospital provided and into her clothes. Hermione opened the bag that Malfoy brought her. She dressed in a pair of comfortable blue jeans, a grey tank top, and a simple purple jacket. It felt very much hers. Inside was also her deodorant and her favourite perfume. Malfoy had done well.

She pulled her hair up into a messy bun, washed her face, and brushed her teeth before she walked with Ginny out into the hall. Harry and Malfoy sat in the chairs next to her door, talking quietly. They stopped when she appeared in front of them. Malfoy looked at her briefly before muttering something about chasing up the paperwork. Hermione looked at Harry. He stood and gave her a hug before wrapping his arm around Ginny's shoulders.

“Malfoy and I were discussing what was going to happen from here.” He said. “The Healer thinks it's best if you go home, provided it doesn't stress you out too much, and go about your normal routine. She said it was best if you were in familiar surroundings because something may trigger a memory.” He explained.

Hermione wanted to laugh. Her normal routine would include going to work and sharing a bed with Malfoy.

“I will come with you and Malfoy back to your place. Ginny can go home and have a shower and then come back to your place if she likes.” Harry kissed the top of Ginny's head affectionately. “Then once your parents arrive we will probably go home, and depending on how you feel about having Malfoy around, he'll either stay in your other guest room or come home with us.”

Hermione nodded and took a deep breath, willing herself some strength.

“Sounds like a good plan of action to me.”

Malfoy returned with Healer Clarkson who had a flying clipboard and quill close behind her. She smiled and took a seat, motioning for Hermione to do the same.

“I'm glad to see you up and looking so well this morning.” She said cheerfully. “I'm just going to cast a final test before I sign your release papers.”

She waved her wand over Hermione's head and smiled again.

“All your vitals look great and I am very pleased with your brain activity. How do you feel this morning?”

“A little sore.” Hermione said. “But other than that I feel fine; no headaches or pain.”

“Good, good.” Healer Clarkson said. “Well I am satisfied. You may go home. Here is the memory stimulation potion I told you about last night.” She pulled a small bottle from her robe pocket. “Only two drops are needed in your glass of water or juice. All the directions are on the bottle anyway. Take a nice hot bath with a muscle relaxant potion when you get home, that should help the muscle pain. And please, no Apparation for the next twenty-four hours, as all other medical potions will take that long to exit your system.”

She stood and Hermione followed suit.

“Now, is there anything you would like to ask me before you leave?” She asked, eyebrows raised.

Hermione shook her head.

“No, thank you.” Hermione answered, smiling politely. “You've explained pretty much everything.”

Healer Clarkson nodded and took Hermione's hand.

“I will see you in a week for your follow up. And you remember if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me.”

Hermione nodded and the Healer walked away. Hermione looked at Harry who smiled at her encouragingly. She gazed at Malfoy who watched at her with an unreadable expression. Her bags were already in his hands. He smiled politely and moved past her towards the Floo Channel.

“Let's get you home.”