To a Better End

Chapter 9

May 25th 1898

This wasn't going to be hard for her. Hermione started looking into memory charms at thirteen, hoping it would be a way to keep her parents safe and alive. She was right. Of course, she was.

No, this memory charm wouldn't be hard for her. The false memories that she had already created and placed in tiny vials wouldn't be hard to implant. Even the curse she would place on them to get them to trust her long enough for this to go down injury free wouldn't be hard.

But the lies. Maybe lying to Malfoy would be hard. Build those walls, Hermione.

"Gertrude? Gertrude Harper? Is that you?" She feigned a tone of excitement, one that would be used on an old friend.

The sweet woman turned to Hermione. She was holding some bags from the shops around them. She seemed to be in a bit of a rush to get back to the castle. Despite her hurry, and even though Gertrude didn't know Hermione, she still had a warm smile.

"Hello, dear. Do I know you?"

Placing her hand on the woman's shoulder, Hermione said, " Imperio. You're safe. You trust me. I was a student at Hogwarts during your first years of teaching." Hermione's magic was flowing through her fingertips as she let the curse do its work.

"I trust you. I remember when you were in my class. Such a nice girl." Gertrude's voice was calm and steady.

Hermione nodded. "You were just telling me the other day that you received a fantastic offer to go to America. You'll be teaching there."

"I have already informed everyone. I'll be leaving this weekend." Her voice was monotonous and amenable.

"That's right. And if anyone asks about your absence, your presence was required for a sick family member."

Gertrude's head tilted to the side, her eyes blank, her voice thoughtful. "Why can't I tell them that I'll be leaving for America?"

"Because, Miss Harper, they'll question everything when they see me posing as you."

"Oh yes. Quite logical." Getrude nodded, reaching out to touch Hermione's cheek with a smile. "You were my smartest student."

Hermione leaned into the touch while continuing to rub Gertrude's shoulder as she implanted the false memory.

"One more thing. You have always wanted a bit of a haircut."

With a nonverbal slicing curse, Hermione cut a chunk of hair a few inches shorter. She removed her hand from Gertrude's shoulder and pulled out a jar from her small bag to place the hair in.

"That'll be all, Gertrude. Off to America." She waved her away, and Gertrude Harper happily walked away to begin her journey to America.

That's one down and one to go.

*****

Hermione made a quick detour to grab the bed she promised to find and dropped it off at the house. She looked around and found a green sofa sitting in the living room. Rolling her eyes, she looked around the house to see if Malfoy was there. She would rather avoid seeing him until she was all done on her end. Making her way to the kitchen, she found a note on their small counter.

Granger,

Gone to grab some food for dinner.

-D.M

(or I suppose it would be D.G. since I'm sure you wouldn't take my last name.)

If someone could get an award for how many times they were able to make Hermione roll her eyes, it would be that pesky, preppy blond. Hermione rushed back out to avoid him. It was almost time for her next meeting.