LOVE AT SECOND PUNCH

Chapter 9 (A)

"Can somebody please explain what's going on here?" Mr. Granger practically yelled once they were away from everyone.

"This will only hurt a bit," Snape said, holding out his wand.

"STOP!" Hermione quickly snatched his wand away.

"I think we ought to explain what's going on first," Draco said.

"What's the use in that? It'll only confuse them further," Snape rolled his eyes and took his wand back and pointed it at Hermione's terrified parents again.

"Please don't kill us! We don't mean any harm!" Mrs. Granger yelped.

"I'm not going to kill you, I'm simply restoring your memories," Snape said as if this was common knowledge.

"But obliviation can only be undone through torture," Harry cut in.

"Not in my books," Snape said. He didn't give anyone time to say anything else before striking his wand at the Grangers. They immediately grasped their heads but didn't let out any signs that the spell had hurt them. Mrs. Granger looked up after a few seconds and disbelief crossed her face.

"Hermione?"

"Mum!" Hermione exclaimed before running into her mother's arms.

"Oh, we've missed you so much," Mr. Granger said, joining their hug.

"I've got so much to tell you both," Hermione said, smiling and motioning for the others to go away. Draco squeezed her hand as he walked back into the ballroom.

He was expecting to be met with the same warm energy that encapsulated the room earlier, but the room seemed to go completely still upon his entrance. Everyone stopped their conversations to stare at him, Snape, Dobby, Harry, Narcissa, and Lucius.

"Um, hello again," Draco said.

"There's been a minor... um... occurrence but everything's taken care of now! Please go back to doing whatever you were doing," Narcissa announced. Draco felt everyone's eyes burning into his back as he made his way back to his table.

"What was that about? Where's Hermione?" George asked eagerly.

"She's with her parents. Snape somehow returned their memories so they're catching up with her right now," Malfoy responded.

"Wow, this night has been crazy. Snape, Dobby, and Hedwig are still alive? I can't believe it," Fred said, rubbing his forehead.

"Me neither," Draco said tiredly. Admittedly, he was a little disappointed with how the night had turned out. He was glad that Snape and Hedwig hadn't died and that the Grangers got their memories back, but this night was supposed to be about Draco and Hermione. Now, it had gone to chaos.

"The good thing is, it can't possibly get any weirder," Malfoy thought aloud.