OMG I'M FINALLY UPDATING!

[spazzeddreams]

Anyway, this is my latest fanfiction. I give my inspiration to J.K. Rowling and her latest book, Half Blood Prince. To give you a bit of background this fic is supposed to take three years after the series ends, 4 years after HBP is over. That means that the Trio is now 20. It gives clues as to what I think will happen/want to happen in the 7th book.Things like who I think will die, and who has turned and what not. It's just a general story about life with themes like love, loss, death, pain, recovery, and birth. Enjoy it!

It has HBP spoilers, so don't read if you haven't finished the book!!!!!!

The working title is Careful Tidings and I have not split it into chapters yet or edited it yet. So please deal. Oh yeah, and it's about 15 pages in Word so it'll take a bit of time to read. I think that's it. Finally, lol.



Hermione settled herself down into the chair next to her desk. She flipped on the small light, which illuminated the desk, and ground around her for a few feet. She pulled out a crisp new book and jumped right into it.

Awhile later she glanced at her clock.  11:43 P.M. Hermione sighed, laid the book down, and pulled back the covers to her bed. She flipped the light off and slid into bed. She let the covers caress her exhausted body and she fell almost instantly into a hearty sleep.

Hermione awoke to a bright flash filling her room. She uttered an “oh” of surprise. Seconds later she felt a tremendous pain her in right hand. As though someone had hit her over the head she fell back into a deep slumber.

The next morning Hermione woke to her parents fawning over her bed. “Good morning dear!”

“We’re so glad to have you back in our lives!”

“You know dear, you look like you’re glowing. Did you perform a spell on yourself last night?”

Hermione looked at her arm. She thought her skin looked a bit bright but she was by no means glowing. “I don’t think so.”

“How is your hand honey? Does it still hurt?”

“Good morning Mum. Good morning Dad. My hand is alright I guess.” Hermione had broken her right wrist a few days earlier while skiing with her parents. Not having her wand, and not being able to tell everyone she was a witch and could fix it easily in a few seconds, Ski Patrol had rushed medics to her help. Hermione now lugged a large black cast around. She didn’t mind though. This was the first time she’d ever broken a bone and had to suffer through healing it.

And lately Hermione had preferred the muggle world to the wizarding world. The war was over Voldemort was dead, but the world was still in disarray. Hermione had seen and experienced things she would never have dreamed, wanted, or believed could happen. She much rather they were wiped from her mind. She was twenty now, still young, but aged beyond her years. Her wand was still packed away in her bag, hidden under mounds of clothing and locked in the closet. She was slightly less found of it now that it had been used to kill people, even if they were Death Eaters.

It helped that her parents were mostly unaffected and she only bothered to keep them slightly updated on what had been going on for the past five years. They had been delighted when she said she’d be staying for awhile.

“Your father and I are going to be gone today for our anniversary. Will you be ok alone?” Her mother asked.

“Yeah I’ll be fine. I was thinking of visiting the Weasley’s today anyway.” Or at least what’s left of the Weasley family. Charlie and Percy had been murdered, and Bill horribly maimed. Mr., Mrs., Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron Weasley were all alive and well.

“That will be pleasant.” Her mother added kissing her on the forehead.

“Goodbye Hermione.” Her father added as they walked from the room.

Hermione lay in bed for about thirty minutes before she decided to take a shower. She carefully covered her cast in a plastic bag and let the hot water run over her body. She missed Ron dearly and sincerely hoped he was doing alright at work. Ron was now working for the Ministry of Magic, and Hermione had been training to become a Healer, but now she wasn’t so sure, seeing as many of her friends and schoolmates were at St. Mungo’s, some permanently. Harry had been recruited for Quidditch and his popularity had only soared. Not that he wasn’t already the most famous wizard of all time for defeating Voldemort, twice.

It had taken Harry nearly a year to recover from defeating Voldemort. He hadn’t been conscious to see the wizarding world celebrating and thanking him. Harry had been nearly dead but he recovered, however when Hermione looked in his eyes she knew he wasn’t completely recovered. She longed to see them both again and she longed to be held by Ron again. Though they had been dating for three years Hermione felt as though she had hardly seen him. They may have fought side by side with Harry, but there wasn’t much time for romance there. Hermione knew that when she dropped by the Weasley’s they would probably not be present, but it would be nice to see Ginny since she hadn’t in about five months.

She turned the water off and quickly got dressed. Hermione dashed down the stairs, grabbing a bit of toast to eat. The second she had finished she Apparated to the Weasley’s living room. She could hardly contain her excitement.

Mrs. Weasley was busy bustling away in the kitchen preparing a large dinner for this evening. “Hello.” Hermione said as she walked in. Mrs. Weasley gave a large jump.

“Oh! Dear, you gave me a start!” She grabbed Hermione in a very large hug, which Hermione reciprocated. She felt so at home in the burrow.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s quite alright dear.” Molly glanced at Hermione’s wrist. “What is that?”

Hermione following Molly’s gaze was prepared for the question. “Oh I broke my wrist while on holiday with my parents. I didn’t have my wand, and seeing as I was surrounded by Muggles I had to let them bandage me up.”

“I can fix it up in no time if you’d like.”

“Oh, thank you, but that’s alright. You’re busy enough as it is, and it doesn’t bother me much.”

“Alright dear, but if you change your mind.” She returned to the stove as her stew started to boil.

“Mother, are you talking to yourself again?”

“Look, Fred. It’s Hermione.” The twins appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. Before Hermione could respond she was sandwiched between the two twins in a large hug. “Hello ‘Mione.”

“Hello you two. Why aren’t you at your shop?” Hermione asked. She knew business was booming and the boys were always eager to sell more products.

“I would like to know that as well.” Mrs. Weasley not matter how old her boys were, would always be a mother.

“We closed for lunch, thought we’d stop by.” George explained.

“You’d think family would be welcome.” And in a perfect impression of his mother, Fred stated, “Oh Hermione, it’s so good to see you, dropping by unexpected. And what are you two doing home?” Hermione laughed and Mrs. Weasley cracked a smile.

Hermione took a seat at the dinner table as Fred and George talked with their mother. They were 22 now, a slight bit taller and a little less stocky than the last time she had seen them. They both had grown their hair longer, falling near their shoulders and Hermione knew Mrs. Weasley would make a comment. Sure enough a few minutes later Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley say “And haven’t you two cut your hair since you opened the shop? You don’t want to end up with pony tails like Bill do you?”

Hermione remembered the struggle with Bill before his wedding. Mrs. Weasley has desperately tried to get him to cut it. Bill had told her that is she could see past his scaring from the werewolf attack, then she could see past his long hair or she was mad. Mrs. Weasley had quieted down after that.

“Hermione, would you please tell mum, that our hair is just fine.”

“Tell her we look quite smashing, and that women fancy us more with long hair.” Fred gave her a dashing grin.

Hermione returned the smile. “I think their hair is fine, Mrs. Weasley.” Upon seeing the look on Molly’s face she added, “But they should get a trim every once and awhile.”

“Anyway, Hermione, how have you been? It’s been almost a year hasn’t it?” George asked sitting down next to her.

“Alright, you know still trying to get past a few things.” Everyone nodded. They understood about loss, pain, and healing.

“What is that thing on your arm anyway?” Fred asked, poking her cast. “Oi! It’s hard.”

“It’s the muggle way for healing broken bones.” Hermione explained.

Fred looked at her like she had suddenly sprouted large tentacles from her face. “Why would you want to do something like that?”

“She’s turned into a nutter like dad!” George exclaimed.

“It’s a shame, Hermione. They said you were the cleverest witch of our age.”

“Your father is not a nutter!” Mrs. Weasley yelled from the kitchen.

“It’s a bit of a long story, but I didn’t have access to my wand.”

“Well, I’ll fix it for you.” Fred offered, grabbing her cast. Hermione pulled away. “What?”

“It’s ok, I’d rather you didn’t.”

“Don’t trust my ability, Hermione?”

“I wouldn’t if I were her.” George teased.

“It’s not that, it’s just the Muggles at home will ask while I’m with my parents.”

“You’re not staying here then?” Fred asked.

“No, I’m not. I’m visiting my parents for awhile, before Ron and I buy our own place.” Hermione smiled at the last thought.

“Moving in together already.” George shook his head. “The witches of today.” He mocked Hermione’s eager expression.

“It’s been three years.” She protested.

“Has it already? My how time flies.” Fred smiled. Just then Mr. Weasley Apparated, almost knocking Fred out of his chair.

“Hello dad.”

“Fred, George, welcome home!” He embraced his sons. Molly came running from the kitchen.

“Arthur!” She gave him a quick kiss and they both turned slightly pink. Mr. Weasley did not see Hermione is all of the commotion.

“Hello Mr. Weasley.” Arthur didn’t respond, except to grab her in a very tight hug and squeeze her. Once everyone had caught up Hermione asked the question that was burning up her mind. “Where is Ginny? I haven’t heard from here or seen her in quite awhile.”

Mrs. Weasley beamed at this question. Hermione gazed at her baffled. “Oh she’s out shopping dear. She’ll be home this evening sometime. She also thought she might drop by and see Harry at work. She has some wonderful news for you.”

“And boy, will you be surprised.” Fred laughed.

Harry and Ginny had resumed their relation once everything had settled down. Ginny had proved to be a very good member of the order and a very powerful witch.

Ron, Harry, and Ginny never arrived for dinner but Ron did drop his head by in the fireplace to say a quick Hello to Hermione and explain that he was working late again and that Harry and Ginny were also very busy. She’s given Ron a very quick kiss goodbye and relayed the information to the rest of the Weasley’s. Bill and Fleur had come with their one year old daughter. She was beautiful and fair skinned with bright blue eyes like her mother, and in classic Weasley fashion, she had fiery red hair, but she lacked the Weasley freckles. They had named her Chloe. Everyone seemed rather good natured as it had been two years since Percy’s death and two and a half since Charlie’s. Hermione glanced at the Weasley clock and realized that both Charlie and Percy’s names were missing. George had followed her gaze towards and the clock and leaned in to explain with a hushed voice. “Mum removed them after the both died. It made her burst into tears every time she saw their names on dead. It was hard you know.” Fred and George were hardly ever serious, but this was on of those moments. She squeezed his hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok. We’re moving on. They’ll never be forgotten.” Hermione reminisced about the first time she had ever seen the Weasley twins cry. Dumbledore’s funeral, and then Charlie’s and finally Percy’s. She had cried uncontrollably at all three. Though she’s never been particularly close to Charlie or Percy, she was a Weasley at heart and it hurt her to see them punished for Voldemort’s evil twisted ideals. Dumbledore’s funeral by far was the worst funeral Hermione had been to, not because he was remembered badly, that had not been the case, but because she was still in shock. How could someone so beloved, and so intelligent be stripped away so quickly? It wasn’t the first or last death she experienced but it was the hardest.

Hermione drew her mind away from the sad memories. George was looking at her quizzically. She realized a tear had escaped. He squeezed her hand in return. “You ok?”

She nodded and quickly, wiped the tear away. She was so glad for the closeness of the family. She felt comforted whenever she needed it. She looked around at the family smiling happily and enjoying each other’s company. Life moves on.

Hermione Apparated home around eight in the evening. She wanted the family to have some time together without company. She settled back in her book for awhile. When she finally drew herself away it was already ten thirty. Hermione decided it was time to get into her pajamas and go to bed. After brushing her teeth, washing her face and slipping into her pajamas, Hermione pulled back the covers to her bed once again.

“You’re one of them.” It was a statement, not a question. Hermione jumped. She didn’t recognize the strange, cold voice.

Hermione looked up and let out a small gasp. A tall, thin man stood in front of her. Though her room was dark, and his face was greatly shadowed she could see his chilling blue eyes. She had never seen eyes like his before, they seemed to bear into your soul and ice it over. His dark hair fell around his eyes, and for a fleeting second Hermione thought Tom Riddle had appeared in her room.

Her mind immediately rejected the idea. He’s dead. And anyway, he didn’t have blue eyes. Hermione’s mind kept repeating this as though to reassure her. Hermione tried to grab for her wand, only to realize it wasn’t in her pocket as usual. She glanced behind her at the locked closet. She couldn’t back up to it and risk getting cornered to get her wand.

“One of what?” Hermione tried to play stupid.

“Don’t play stupid with me! You’re Hermione Granger. The cleverest witch of your day or so some of them say. You don’t seem very clever to me.” He took a step towards Hermione. She backed a step, shell-shocked. She tried to hide the emotion on her face.

“Who are you?” Hermione asked, keeping her voice as steady as possible. She glanced around him.

“I’m Chaz. The greatest ‘muggle’ you’ll ever meet.” Hermione’s jaw dropped. How did he know her name? Where she lived? Or that she was a witch? “I always told people, witches and wizards are still out there. Everyone thought it was a bunch of hogwash, but I knew better. I’d seen magic performed through my own eyes. And I knew you couldn’t be permitted to live among us!” Chaz’s voice rose steadily as he grew angrier. “You could be casting spells, or making potions to change us or our behaviors. You could be using love potions to force us to love you! You’re kind is hazardous! You’ll kill us all and take over.”

Hermione decided this man was mental. She had to get away from him. “I’m not a witch Chaz. I think we need to get you help.”

Before Hermione could react he slugged her in the face. She let out a small gasp. She could feel the warm blood rushing from her nose now. “He told me you’d act like this. That you’d be a know-it-all and try to hide your identity. But you see you’re glowing. He helped me. He performed a spell for me, so I could pick you all out and eradicate you. He’s one of the few that is still kind towards humans.”

Hermione interrupted Chaz’s rant. “You mean this man put a spell on all the witches and wizards in the country to make them glow, so you could pick them out and kill them?”

“Yes, he is very powerful. He marked all of you, you are all glowing faintly, but only Muggles will notice. And you all have a purple line on your right hand.” Hermione glanced at her right hand. It was covered in a cast, so she hadn’t noticed. But why hadn’t she noticed the Weasley’s being marked?

“Who is he? Who helped you?” Hermione desperately asked. Who had betrayed his fellow brothers and sisters?

“Mr. Malfoy did. He told me all about you-” Chaz was never able to finish his sentence. Hermione punched him in the face with her right hand. She heard the sickening crunch as his nose broke. She immediately felt all the pain in her right wrist. At least her cast had done some damage, however she knew she’d just re-broken the bone. Hermione ran as fast as she could from her room. She heard his heavy footsteps following her.

His large hand grabbed her shoulder and he sent her hurtling threw the air. Hermione’s parents, glass French doors broke her fall. She felt the small pieces of glass cutting her face and arms. She fell to the ground in a pile. He struck her head as she lay there with something hard. Probably his shoe, Hermione thought. She kicked back and connected with his soft belly. He fell to the floor. Hermione seized her chance. She ran jump down the stairs and darted for the garage. She locked the door and stopped to catch her breath.

A few seconds later she heard him pounding on the door. She glanced around frantically. There had to be some kind of weapon in here. She saw her father’s old baseball bat. That would do, she thought. Hermione grabbed it and ran to hide next to the door.

The door swung open with a loud bang. Dust flew as the handle shoved into the garage wall and stuck. A hand grabbed Hermione around the throat, cutting her air off. This was not what she had been expecting. She dropped the bat and grabbed at his hand. She could feel her neck growing hot and he let go with a yelp. She had not planned to use magic but she was highly stressed. She grabbed the bat and struck him in the face.

Chaz crumbled to the floor. Hermione started to run but fell as his hand grasped her foot. She smacked against the concrete floor. Her head spun. She felt him grasp her head. Next thing she knew her face was connecting with wall.

Hermione swung blindly trying to get him to let go. She finally connected with something and he loosened his grip she pulled away. Her eyes grazed, searching frantically for the baseball bat. She could hardly see, blood was running into her eyes and her head continued to spin. She saw the bat lying clear across the room. Chaz must have thrown it after she hit him with it.

Desperately Hermione screamed, “ACCIO BAT!” As the bat flew into her hand, Hermione let out a sigh of relief. Hermione was growing dizzy she had to stop this fight soon. She turned as Chaz picked himself up from the floor. Without warning Hermione struck him in the abdomen and then in the face. He groaned and fell again. For good measure Hermione hit him over the head and he fell unconscious.

Hermione collapsed and grasped his arm. She breathed heavily. She Apparated into the Weasley’s living room.

Molly screamed as a very bloody Hermione clattered to her floor, grasping an even bloodier man. Arthur ran to Hermione immediately. “What happened Hermione? I need you to tell me what happened.”

“He attacked me…wants to kill all the witches and wizards…Malfoy…” Hermione could barely string her thoughts into words. She was rapidly losing blood.

“We have to get her to St. Mungo’s now!” Arthur yelled. Fred, George, Ginny, Ron, and Harry all had run out at the commotion. All of the color had drained from Ron’s face.

“Do you think she’ll be alright?” Ron asked Harry as everyone gathered around Hermione and Chaz.

“Of course she will.” But Harry wasn’t sure as he looked at Hermione. Arthur grabbed Hermione’s lifeless body and with a loud crack disappeared. Fred and George followed Arthur, holding Chaz’s body in what looked like a very uncomfortable position.

“That will teach him to attack Hermione.” Ginny let out a large sob. Harry put a comforting arm around her. She latched to her shoulder as silent sobs fell down her face.

“We mustn’t worry. Everything will be alright.” Mrs. Weasley said. Ron looked at her incredulously.

“I’m leaving now.”

“Wait, Ron! We’re all coming with you!” Ron Disaparated, and arrived at St. Mungo’s with a pop! Three more pops were heard and he saw Harry, Ginny, and his mum standing behind him.

“We’re here to see Hermione Granger.”

The witch behind the counter let out a small “oh.” Ron glared at her. “She’s on the fourth floor. They didn’t know where to put her you know? She was in a big of muggle dueling, no magic involved.” But Ron was already heading towards the elevators.

“That’s because she was attacked by a crazy muggle who tried to kill her for being a witch!” Ginny snapped at the witch behind the counter. Many people turned to stare and the witch gasped. Mrs. Weasley and Harry each took one of Ginny’s elbows and dragged her after Ron. Ginny snarled at the witch and pulled away from her mum and Harry. “Stupid git.” She mumbled following after Ron.

The Healer’s bustled around Hermione, repairing her numerous cuts and feeding her various potions. “They say she’ll be okay as long as we stay out of the way so they can do their work. They said they’d have to give her a potion to replenish her blood. She lost a lot.” Arthur informed the worried faces surrounding him.

“What about that man?” Ginny asked, putting a nasty emphasis on that. Ron glanced at his bed; none of the Healers were working on him.

“Dead when we arrived.”

“Serves him right.” Fred snorted.

“Hermione did a fairly good job considering she used no magic.” Ron stated. Fred, George, and Mr. Weasley looked at him. “That’s what the witch at the counter told us. She said Hermione had been muggle dueling.”

“That makes more sense now, doesn’t it?” Arthur asked to no one in particular.

“Well, we’ll just have to hear her story when she’s ready to tell it.” Molly put an end to the conversation. They all filed out to the hall. Ginny wiped away some of the tears. She still looked a bit angry, like she wanted to go back to the witch and give her a few more pieces of her mind.

Harry glanced over at Ron. He was sitting completely still, the color still drained from his face. Harry himself was a bit worried. It seemed the Healers had been working on her forever.

An hour passed with no news and people continued to run in and out of the room. No one had said anything for a long time. “What do you think she meant when she said Malfoy? Do you think he attacked her?” It was the first sign of life from Ron in the past hour.

“I don’t think so. I think that git attacked her, probably on Malfoy’s orders.” Harry suggested. “I want to know why she didn’t use magic.”

“I’m going to grab us some water.” Mrs. Weasley stood up and headed towards the elevator. The conversation was clearly disturbing her.

“She said something about wanting to kill all the witches and wizards.” Ginny added. “I’ll bet that muggle thinks we’re trying to take over and kill. Malfoy wants him to think that so he can take over in place of Voldemort!” No one shuddered at his name anymore. They’d seen him, faced him, and Harry defeated him. There was no longer a need to fear him

“What’s that purple mark on your hand Harry?” Ginny asked as she pulled his hand towards him.

“I dunno. Probably a joke of Fred and George’s.” Harry glanced; he hardly thought it was important.

“What about us mate?” George asked, hearing his name.

“This purple mark. It the effect of one of your jokes.”

“Sorry mate, but we didn’t do that.” Fred shook his head. “Look, Ginny has one too.”

“So do I.” Ron added as he looked at his right hand.

Fred licked his finger and tried to rub it off. “It won’t come off.” He grunted as he rubbed harder.

“Look, everyone here had one.” George said and pointed. He was right, everyone who walked by had a purple mark on their hand.

“Oi! It’s getting darker!” Fred’s mark grew more and more distinct as he rubbed.

“I bet it’s just a St. Mungo’s thing. It’ll go away when we leave.” Harry stated.

“Here’s water for everyone.” Mrs. Weasley passed out the water to everyone and soon it fell back to silence.

Fifteen more minutes passed with no new news. Suddenly Ron threw his cup water splashing all over the walls and floor. “I hate this waiting! I want to know if she’s ok!” Molly jumped up and hugged her son. He had started to cry.

“Mr. Weasley?” A tentative young healer asked.

“Yes?” Arthur got up and walked over to her. She brought him into the room. About five minutes later he came back. “You’re all clear to go in.”

Everyone slowly and quietly entered the room. Hermione looked very peaceful sleeping. Her cast had been removed and was lying on the table next to her. She too had a purple mark on her right hand. Her arms were bandaged and her head was wrapped. Ron watched her chest rise and fall with her steady breath.

“So she’ll make a full recovery then?” He asked the nearest Healer.

“Yes she will.” At these words Ron collapsed into the chair near her bed. At this sound Hermione’s eyes fluttered open and Ron hopped out of his chair.

“How long has it been?” Hermione asked completely flustered.

“An hour and a half since you fell into our living room.” Arthur answered. “Hermione I need to tell you what happened.”

Hermione recounted every detail she could remember. “That’s it!” Everyone was startled by Hermione’s sudden outburst. “I thought I was having a dream, but I remember a flash of light and then my wrist hurting, I just assumed it was because it was broken.” Hermione glanced at her right arm. “Where’s my cast?”

“They took it off dear; you’d re-broken your wrist.” Mrs. Weasley answered.

“Well, can I keep it? After all it helped to save my life. Oh and Mr. Weasley?”

“Yes, Hermione?”

“Did you tell anyone what Malfoy is planning?”

Before Mr. Weasley could answer the Healers rushed in another patient. “Another muggle attack.” One of the older Healers mumbled.

“I’m on it right now.” Mr. Weasley disaparated.

A Healer approached. “Now I want her to stay the night just to make sure she had enough blood. She should be good to go tomorrow morning.”

Hermione leaned forward and motioned to the Healer. “I have a huge favor to ask of you. Would it be ok if I nipped back to my parent’s house for a few just to fill them in on what is happening? All they will come home to is a bloody house with many things broken and me missing. They’ll be absolutely terrified.”

The Healer pursed her lips. She was obviously hesitant. “I tell you what, if you promise to be very quick and someone goes with you-”

“I’ll go.” Ron volunteered as he interrupted the Healer.

“If I get caught, you snuck out ok?” Hermione nodded. As soon as the Healer left she grabbed Ron’s arm. “We have to come up with a story. My family will have phoned the police and they’ll be searching all over for me. My house is probably a crime scene.” Ron nodded but he hardly understood any of this. Hermione seemed to understand. “Just follow my lead and you’ll be fine. When the police ask for my statement I will tell them what happened, leaving out all parts that involve magic. I will then tell them that I called you to pick me up and take me to the hospital. You will tell them I called and said I had been attacked and was badly injured and that you transported both of us to the nearest hospital as quick as you could. Do you understand Ron?” He shook his head to show that he knew what she was talking about. Hermione stood up and gathered herself. “Let’s go.”

Ron and Hermione apparated three houses away in the shadows cast by the trees. It was near midnight now, but the neighborhood was lit up from the flashing light of the cop cars. Yellow crime scene tap surrounded her house. She could see a detective interviewing her parents. CSI’s were running around gathering evidence. Hermione walked up, pulling Ron slightly by the hand.

“Mom! Dad! I’m here!” Hermione’s mother let out a loud shriek and ran to her daughter, grasping her in a bear hug. Her father wasn’t far behind and Hermione was almost covered head to foot in her parents.

“We were so worried!”

“What happened?”

“The house was all bloody…”

“Glass everywhere…”

“No sign of you…”

Hermione pushed away. Her mother had tears streaming down her eyes. “I thought you were dead.”

“I’m fine mum. This mad man broke in and tried to kill me. He said I was a witch and he had to get rid of us all because we were trying to take over.” Hermione hoped her parents would pick up on her subtle clues. They were smart enough not to shoot their mouths off in front of the detective. Hermione once again recounted in detail what had happened.

“Can you give me a description of this man?” Te detective asked with his notepad out.

“Yeah, but it won’t help. He died at the hospital.” The detective was shocked.

“He did? And how did you get to the hospital?”

Hermione signaled towards Ron. “I was bleeding a lot and I knew I couldn’t drive myself so I called my boyfriend, Ron. He came right away and drove us to the hospital. I passed out somewhere between there and the hospital. The man who attacked me, he was really tall and skinny. White, with black hair that fell into his eyes. He had really blue eyes, but they were creepy to look at. Like if you looked at them too long they’d freeze your soul over.” Hermione almost added he was like am muggle dementor, but caught herself in time.

“Chaz Lilinquest. I know him well. He was always over the edge. I think he was schizophrenic.” The detective seemed to be lost in memory. After a moment he said, “Well I’m sorry this had to happen to you young lady. Bt at least you’re alright for the most part.”

Hermione nodded. The detective ordered the people to clean up and Hermione took her parents and Ron upstairs. She put an Impermeable Charm on the walls and filled them in. “Basically I need to stay at the Burrow until I know it’s safe to come back.”

Her parents both hugged her and kissed her goodbye. Hermione went to her room and gathered her things once again. She made sure she had her wand hidden in her pocket for easy access. Once she had it she felt so much stronger. They dissaparted back to St. Mungo’s.

Everyone had fallen asleep while waiting for them to return. Hermione fell asleep almost instantly, still holding Ron’s hand. It wasn’t long before he too had drifted into dreams.

Hermione awoke and suppressed a giggle. Ron had fallen asleep against the bed rail. Drool was gathered around his mouth and a large red mark from the bar was across his face. “Wake up honey.” She whispered.

“Fiph more minuets.” Ron mumbled.

“Oh get up, you lump.” She poked his head. He pulled his head up and rubbed his eyes.

“Whayawant?” He asked his eyelids still drooping.

Hermione daintily wiped the drool away from his mouth. “You.”

“Hmm?” Ron asked and Hermione knew he was still not awake really.

“Oh, nothing. I’m ready to go home that’s all.”

“Hermione, Ron you’re awake!” Molly grabbed them both is a hug. “The Healers said it would be alright for you to go home now. We just have to keep an eye on your cuts. Change the bandages if they need them. She said they were more a precaution anyway. And if you’re going around she’d like you to wear you arm in this sling. Just for a week or so. It’s mended but must be careful you know?”

“Where is everyone else?” Hermione asked.

“They’ve all gone home to shower and get ready for breakfast.” A shower sounded very pleasant to Hermione at the moment and that was the first thing she did when she returned to the Burrow.

When Hermione finally arrived at the table for breakfast everyone was already eating. “I left a plate for you next to Ron dear.” Hermione took her seat and dug in. She was very hungry.

“This is delicious, Mrs. Weasley.” She gobbled down her breakfast quickly. “Ginny! I haven’t seen you in so long. What have you been doing?” Ginny blushed furiously at Hermione’s question. This puzzled her, as it did not seem like an embarrassing question to Hermione. “And what is this special news your parents say you have to tell me?” Ginny turned an ever darker shade of red at this.

“I haven’t done much. Just spend time with Harry at our place or here when he’s away at Tournaments that I can’t travel to. I mostly shop or hang around Fred and George’s shop. As for the news you have to wait till dinner.”

“Just tell her now Ginny.” Harry pushed.

“No I had dinner all planned.” Ginny smiled at Hermione’s confusion. “Don’t worry, I promise its good news.”

Hermione kissed Ron, and hugged Harry before they went to work. Ginny stood to kiss Harry goodbye. She was wearing very baggy, loose clothing.

“Ginny, why are you wearing such loose clothes?” That was uncharacteristic for Ginny. “Are you-” Hermione smiled. It suddenly dawned are her. “You’re pregnant!”

“So much for dinner.” Ginny beamed but her cheeks had started to flush again. “Yeah I am. Four and a half months.”

“Congratulations! It’s Harry’s isn’t it?” Hermione couldn’t have missed his beaming face in the background.

“Of course Hermione! What are you suggesting?” Ginny asked, fake scolding Hermione. She ran and hugged Ginny. After the boys had left for work Ginny changed into her real clothes. Her abdomen was protruding a small amount. It merely looked like Ginny had rounded out a bit, except she was a little too round to have just gained weight.

The girls decided to walk around Diagon Alley for the day to get some exercise and so Ginny could tell her all about her and Harry’s plans. “So when did you decide to start a family?” Hermione asked. No one had given even the slightest hint away.

“Well Harry and I were talking one night and he told me he’d always wanted a family. And of course I wanted to have his babies and I told him so. He said he’s figured he’d handled the dark lord, he could handle a baby. He wanted to pass on the Potter name, beef up the family a bit, seeing as he’s really the only one left. I think he put it ‘In case there’s another dark lord, they’re always be a Potter to take him on’.

Hermione giggled. “That’s so Harry. I take it you planned this then?”

“Oh yes. But mother nearly fainted when I told her I was pregnant. She thought nineteen was too young. Said I hadn’t lived my life yet and Harry hadn’t either. She calmed down a bit when I reminded her that she had Charlie at this age. And I told her Harry and I had seen more than our fair share of life and that if I wanted to settle down and have children I would. She’s been happy for me ever since.”

“Are you and Harry married now?” Hermione was slightly upset that she hadn’t been invited to the wedding. She glanced at Ginny’s left hand. There was no wedding band or an engagement ring. Hermione instantly wished she’d bit her tongue.

“Oh Hermione. Why do you always have to ruin all your surprises?” Ginny sighed. “Just wait until this evening. Everything will be answered.”

Hermione smiled. “Well when your parents told me you had news I never expected Ginny Weasley to be pregnant. Or in a rush to be a mother. Or even to settle down.”

“Well I just knew Harry was right. I knew I would eventually marry him. And I never thought I’d be the one to settle down, I figured I’d travel. And I will Hermione, but it was right to do at the time. I couldn’t be happier. I’m so excited. The feeling of having another person growing inside you. There’s nothing like it, you know? It’s so happy and scary all at once.” Ginny beamed as she talked about it. Her speech made Hermione want to get pregnant. But there were things she needed to do first.

A month had passed since Hermione’s attack and she was nearing her 21st birthday. Ginny’s belly grew more each day and she her stomach was starting to resemble a watermelon. The muggle attacks on wizards and witches had been slowed but had never stopped. Two wizards and a witch had been killed by two different deranged muggles. The Ministry was working overtime to clear the attacks and repair the damage. Only protected Wizarding towns were safe. Hermione had not dared venture out.

On one eventful evening Ron had come to the Burrow very upset, covered in sweat and dirt. He let out a long slew of inappropriate words before telling what had happened to him. Ron had been sent to a muggle town to retrieve a wizard by the name of Hurley Gamot to transfer him to hiding. A delusional muggle had tried to run him over with his car. Ron had only barley dodged it in time after he’s pushed Gamot out of the way. Hermione though glad of Ron’s safe return, had to giggle. What Ron didn’t know was that a car hardly moving five miles per hour could not inflict a deadly blow.

It was one day while Hermione and Ginny was shopping that she realized she wasn’t doing anything with her life. “You know Hermione, are you ever going finish school to become a Healer?” Ginny asked. She had noticed Hermione had put it off for a month now.

“I don’t think so. I’ve realized it’s not what I want to do. I mean I love helping people, but it’s not fun when you’re seeing your old school mates with their brains all addled.” Ginny agreed. “What have you been doing to make money?”

“Well I was working at Fred and George’s shop. They’re always really busy and they always need. But when I got pregnant I stopped working about two months into it. Harry insisted I didn’t need to work and that we had plenty of gold and to enjoy my pregnancy.”

“I could always work for Fred and George.” She glanced over at their shop. A very bright flashing sign read Now Hiring! In smaller fine print it said, “You must be willing to have new products tested on you.” Hermione giggled. That was probably why no one was applying. She grabbed the sign from the window and walked in. “I want the job.”

Fred looks mildly surprised, but George gave a malicious grin. “Well, first you need to fill out the application, and then if you seem to be a good candidate we will call you in for an interview.” He handed her the job application.

“Very funny George. I’m the only candidate as of right now.”

“Well, Hermione what are you doing applying here if you need a new job? McGonagall is looking for teachers. They’re reopening Hogwarts.” Why hadn’t this occurred to Hermione before? Teaching would be perfect and at Hogwarts of all places.

“When did they decide to reopen it? And when did you hear about this? And how?” Hogwarts had been closed after Dumbledore left. Many people thought it was too dangerous to stay open.

“Well Dad talked to McGonagall the other week. She mentioned she was hiring because many of the teachers are…,” Fred hesitated “…well, dead.”

“Or they retired. Or in Professor Sinatra’s case, a Death Eater. I think he’s long since dead though.” George added.

“Well can I work here until the school opens?” Hermione asked. There was still about a month until the school year started.

“Yeah, but just promise not to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.” Fred winked.

“Do you still think it’s cursed then?” Hermione asked.

“Well just because Voldemort’s dead doesn’t mean the curse is gone does it?” Fred asked.

“Well, I don’t know. I mean according to Harry, Dumbledore’s spell was released when he died. So maybe the curse has been lifted. I’ll ask Professor McGonagall.” Hermione didn’t care, she loved the idea that she might be teaching!

“Ginny would you like to come with me tomorrow while I visit Hogwarts?” Ginny readily agreed. None of them had set foot in the school for over four years. Hermione could hardly wait to relay the news to Ron that night.

“Hermione! We want you to start tomorrow as soon as you get back from Hogwarts. We’re very busy you know.” George called after her.

“Yes, of course!”

Ginny had asked everyone to dress nicely for dinner because they were having it at a nice restaurant. Hermione had picked a silky maroon dress that came in a v-neck with small spaghetti straps which fell into a slightly ruffled, uneven skirt. Ron looked smart in his new black dress robes. Ginny looked brilliant in an emerald green dress that sat on the edge of her shoulders and fell into a low scoop neck. Harry had settled for a nice pair of slacks, a dress shirt, and a nice tie which had a snitch all over it.

Ginny and Harry stood up. “We have some very good news” Harry started.

“We’re going to get married!” Ginny blurted out in excitement.

Most of the table looked happy but unsurprised. They were congratulations given out from around the whole table. Mrs. Weasley has tears streaming down her face. “I’m so happy. My baby is getting married. My only daughter!”

“We’ve set a date. We plan on getting married October 15th. Then we’re going to take a honeymoon for two weeks. We haven’t decided where yet.” Harry explained.

Mrs. Weasley looked appalled. “But that’s only two months away! How are you to be ready in time? There is so much to plan and do!”

“Relax Mum! I’ve got it all planed out already. All we really have to do is find me a dress and set up the flowers. We already know where we’re going to have it and who we want to invite and what not.” Ginny smiled at her. “I love you, Mum.”

After dinner, Hermione pulled Ron aside. “I have excellent news.” Ron smiled and gave her a quick kiss.

“What is it?” He asked.

“I’m going back to Hogwarts tomorrow to apply for a teaching position! They decided to reopen the school!” Hermione was beaming. “I never thought about teaching, with the school closing and all. I just always assumed I’d be a Healer, but that doesn’t interest me anymore. Then I applied for that job a Fred and George’s store and Fred asked why I didn’t just become a teacher at Hogwarts. He’s brilliant. I never thought I’d say that. I’m so excited Ron!” Hermione spoke very quickly from her excitement.

“That’s excellent! What position will you take?” Ron asked. “Wait, you applied for the job at Fred and George’s?”

“Yeah, and they said I could work there until I got the job at Hogwarts. At least I’ll be making money and doing something with my life.” She hugged Ron. “I just hope McGonagall will let me teach. I will be so disappointed if she doesn’t.”

Ron looked at Hermione as though she was mental. “You were always teacher’s pet of course she’ll give you the job.”

“I was not teacher’s pet! I just was recognized because I worked hard and actually did my homework instead of copying off my best friend!” She giggled at the look on Ron’s face.

“I pay you a compliment and you return it with an insult. I don’t know about you Hermione.” He began to tickle Hermione. She shook and laughed until she cried but he wouldn’t stop. When Hermione was finally able to escape Ron she had to gasp for breath. Her sides ached from laughing so much.

“I love you, Ron.”

“I love you too, Hermione.” He gave her a soft, sweet kiss. With that they both turned in for the night.

The next morning Hermione tried to tame her hair, and dress as nicely as possible before she left.  Ginny walked down the stairs to meet her in jeans and a tank top. “What are you so worried about ‘Mione? It’s McGonagall, she loved you, of course you’ll get the job!”

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