Fiercely Stubborn Hearts

Chapter 14

It was Christmas evening. Hermione and Draco had left Grimmauld Place at around five. They were sitting on the couch together, Hermione's legs over Draco's as she laid across the couch.

"So, Hermione. How would you like to go on another date sometime this week... before anyone gets back?"

She nodded and smiled, "I'd like that."

He hummed, "Would you like to pick the place we go this time?"

She placed her hands behind her head, then looked at Draco, a serious look on her face, "How about Australia?"

He snapped his head around to her, "Australia?"

She nodded, "So we can visit my parents. Wish them a Happy Christmas."

"Why are your parents in Australia?"

She bit her lip and slid her legs off his lap, sitting up, "Draco, I want you to know something, but I don't want you to react until the end."

He nodded, "Seems like a reasonable request."

She dragged her hands over her face and leaned back into the couch, then looked over at him, "I'm not a perfect person, Draco. I've done some horrible things."

"I would expect you had to."

She gave him a look and he shut his mouth, "We were full swing into the war at the end of sixth year and Harry had decided that he needed to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes. Naturally, Ron and I went with him. But, you see, I couldn't leave my parents where they were without protection, and no one would gladly risk their lives for a couple of Muggles except for maybe Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They were busy enough. Since I couldn't stay behind with them, I decided that the only way to protect them and keep Harry, Ron and myself safe while we were on the run was to Obliviate them. So, I erased myself from their lives entirely and sent them to Australia under code names so they wouldn't be attacked."

She looked up at him to find him staring at her, mouth gaping, "I only found them recently. I was wondering if maybe you could help me find a way to undo what I did. But I understand if you wouldn't want to."

Draco stayed quiet for a moment, "Are they happy?"

She nodded, "They're very happy. They've always wanted to move to Australia. They have a son now. Benjamin. I have a brother."

He shook his head, "I'll help you. As long as you help me with something."

She looked at him curiously, "Of course."

"I want to learn to cast a Patronus Charm."

She smiled softly, shaking her head, "I might not be the best person to ask for help on that, but I can try."

"I'm sure you'll do better than anyone else I could find. And Hermione?"

She hummed.

"I don't care what you've done in the past. You've somehow found it in yourself to forgive me. I think I can forgive you for anything at this point."

She looked at him and shook her head, a goofy smile on her face, "Thank you."

"When would you like to go?"

"Tomorrow morning? We'll have to leave early if we're going to make it in time for dinner there."

"Sure, dinner for breakfast."

"I figure we should just swing by their house. I don't want to invite ourselves to dinner without letting them know."

Draco nodded and twisted around so he was laying his head in her lap, "That makes sense."