The Alpha Dynasty (Sequel to MARKED FOR DESTINY) (Book 2 of 2)

82. The Favor

Hermoine was anxious, and she would be lying if she said it felt like she was taking advantage of the position of her friend.  She was a clever woman, and in no way would ever use someone like that, but she really had to try.  

She had gone over every single scenario in her mind, and every time the result was the same.  She would ask her favor and it was shot down, not by anger, but by the words that she hated to hear.  "It can't be done Hermoine".  Or, "It's impossible, sorry". 

There were times when she just wanted to shout it out to the world, that she deserves this, because it was her fault and had been her decision to do what she had done.  But it was for the right reasons, she thought.

She had taken her parent's memories away, and now they lived in Australia, not kowing that they had even had a daughter.  This is what she needed to face, and repair, and make right.  This is what had to be done, because if she was right, and she usually was, it was time to come home now.  She missed them terribly.

They had known the dangers of the wizarding world, because Hermoine had told them.  Not everything, mind you, but she shared some of the things.  That fateful day, when her mother had called her down for tea, and she had obliviated them, had been the hardest and bravest thing that she had ever done.  But now, now it seemed all so pointless.

As if what she had done, should never have happened.  Voldemort had been too full of revenge for Harry, to even think of going after her parents, and now she was sorry, and was starting to hate herself.

Ron had comforted her the one night when she couldn't sleep, and had gone downstairs to cry silently.  He had found her in the comfy couch in front of the fireplace, and had just held her.  She would tell him what was on her mind when she was ready.

And so, taking a deep breath, and gathering what was left of her bravery, she told him about the favor that she wanted to ask Harry.  She told him of her fears, and how she thought he would tell her that there was no way he could help.  She told him that she missed her mother's voice, and how her father would always ask about her day.  She told him that she had made a mistake doing what she had done, and she didn't know how to fix it.

Ron had held her that night, rocking her gently, stroking her hair.  And when she was done talking, it was his turn to say a few words.  "'Moine, you know I love you.  I could never see myslef loving anyone else.  And one day, I want to marry you, but I also want to do it the right way.  I honestly don't think that there is anything Harry can't do, not while being the Alpha.  Why don't we swallow our pride, go and ask him, and hear him out.  If he says he can't, then we accept it.  And we find some way back into their lives, but if he says he can, imagine having them back in your life love", he said.

"But I'm so scared to ask him Ron", she replied teary eyed.

"But why would you be scared of Harry?", he asked.

"I am not scared of Harry, I am scared that he says he doesn't know how to help me".

"But we won't know until we try, will we?", he stated, "and he would never deny you the chance.  He will do what he can to help you".

Hermoine started feeling better.  They made their way up the stairs after that very long conversation, Hermoine with her red eyes from crying, but at least her heart felt lighter.  And Ron, with the hope that his best friend would be able to help, or be gentle with his words, if he were not.

It had been a week since their conversation, and every time that they had seen Harry, Hermoine simply didn't pluck up the courage to speak about it.  Harry could see that there was something on her mind, and wondered if he should perhaps speak to Draco about it.  But something stopped him.  He remembered when Snape was witholding information from him, and how Draco had scolded him like a child.  He had to be patient.

When everyone was laughing, enjoying the sunshine and a day at the pool, Hermoine looked preoccupied.  So Harry, being the insufferable sap that his husband said he was, thought that this was his chance to find out if everything was all right.  Were her and Ron not okay, he wondered.  He sat down next to her and sighed.

"Hermoine", he said softly.  He could see that she wouldn't look him in the eye, and this bothered him greatly.  Had he offended her somehow?  She was fidgeting with her hands, and when he placed one of his over hers, he felt her shakes.

"Hermoine, what's going on?  You haven't been yourself for a while now.  Is everything okay?", he asked kindly.  She looked at him, and her eyes started brimming with tears again.  She really had no idea how to ask this of him.

Harry was feeling her sadness, her guilt and her trepidation, and he got the feeling that she wanted to ask him something.  "You know you can ask me anything, right?", he said trying to calm her.  And it was like a wave hitting her head on, like a tap being opened for the first time after a terrible drought, she burst into tears, and wept into her hands.

He put his arm around her and waited for her to speak.  She had to know that he was there for her, in every way.  Her body, convulsing with sobs, she tried to get the words out.  "Harry, I need......"   "I need....to..a...ask....you...s...som...something", she stuttered.

"Hey.  Take your time, I'm not going anywhere", he offered.  She gave out a little laugh through her tears, pulled herself together and blurted it out, even though she did it in a whisper.  "I wanted to ask you a favor", she said with a small smile.

"You can ask me anything 'Moine", he stated again.

"You are the Alpha of the wizarding world", she claimed.  He nodded and replied.  "Yes.  Although I still can't believe it".

"I wanted to ask you if you would consider helping me with something, but I don't want you to think that I am taking advantage of the fact", she sighed out.

"Help you with something?  And what is it that our great Hermoine can't do?", he asked with a chuckle.

It was crunch time, so Hermoine braced herself and told him straight.  "I cannot heal my parents'memories from when I obliviated them, and so I was wondering if you...."

Harry threw his arms around her and held her, because she had burst into fresh tears.  "You want to know if I can do it?", he finished for her.

"Yes", she said.

"It might take a lot of complicated magic to repair their memories, I mean it's been a while since you obliviated them.  Why did you take so long to ask me though?", he enquired.

"I was scared.  Scared that you would say there was no way to reverse what I had done".

"Hermoine, there is always a way to reverse something.  Always", he said.  They spoke further about where her parents were, how long they had been gone, what exactly did she take away from them, and when did she want him to start.  They made plans to meet over the weekend, because he and Draco had meetings to attend, and he wanted to give her his full attention.  She thanked him, feeling so much better, and gave him a hug.  Telling him that Draco was lucky to have him.

"Do me a favor and don't tell him that", he replied with a laugh.