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Have Hermione's Parents Forgotten Her Forever?

Published in Harry Potter Lore 2 mins read

No, Hermione's parents did not forget her forever. In the Harry Potter canon, their memories were ultimately restored, and they were reunited with their daughter.

The Truth About Hermione's Charm

During the Second Wizarding War, Hermione Granger, anticipating the dangers ahead, made the difficult decision to protect her Muggle parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. To ensure their safety from Voldemort's forces, she altered their memories and sent them to Australia.

It is a common misconception, often fueled by interpretations from the movie adaptations, that Hermione simply Obliviated her parents, making them forget her permanently. However, according to the books, Hermione employed a more complex and reversible spell: a False Memory charm.

  • Not an Erasure: Hermione didn't just erase their memories of her or their life in England. Instead, she rewrote them, implanting false memories that led them to believe they were entirely different people named Wendell and Monica Wilkins, whose life's ambition was to move to Australia and pursue dentistry.
  • A Safety Measure: This elaborate charm was a strategic act of love and protection, ensuring that they would be safe from Death Eaters who might target Hermione through her family. They would have no knowledge of the wizarding world or their daughter's involvement in the war, thus eliminating any leverage against her.

Their Memories Were Restored

Following the Battle of Hogwarts and the defeat of Lord Voldemort, Hermione traveled to Australia to find her parents. She successfully reversed the charm, restoring their true memories and identity. This means the Grangers were able to return to their normal lives and remember their daughter and all their shared experiences. The "tragic ending" of them permanently forgetting Hermione never occurred in the book series.

Aspect Canonical Outcome (Books) Common Misconception (Often Movie-Influenced)
Type of Charm Used False Memory Charm (rewrites memories) Obliviate (erases memories)
Reversibility Reversible; Hermione restored their memories. Permanent; memories are lost forever.
Parent's Fate Reunited with Hermione, memories restored. Forever oblivious to Hermione and their past.

This demonstrates Hermione's advanced magical skill and deep love for her family, as she meticulously planned for their eventual return and ensured their well-being throughout the war.