Disclaimer – I don't own the characters or anything else I use in this story that the brilliant J.K. Rowling created for us. I only wish I was that imaginative and genius…

Chapter One

Let's assume – just for the duration of this story – that Harry Potter defeated Voldemort before his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Harry's seventh year, not Voldemort's…that would be assuming a bit too much!). That's really the only way I can be certain that my story will make sense. I need all the characters available to my use, regardless if I decide to use them or not, and this is the only way I can be guaranteed that luxury. So, are we clear? Harry has defeated Voldemort. It's over. And he and his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, had quite the normal – if not celebratory – final year of school.

I assure you, I am not lazy. I could easily begin this story right where book six left off, writing my (horribly boring and not at all worth your time) book seven, complete with the very intense final bout between Harry and Ol' Voldy. But why would I do that? The story I have imagined takes place long after our three friends complete their seventh and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ten years, to be exact. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, now 27 or 28 years of age, have made sure to "keep in touch" over the years (as many muggles may promise to do in yearbooks or annuals), but only by way of letters or the rare (very rare) telephone call. When this story commences, these three best friends haven't met face to face in…well, in ten years, to be exact.

I know it's hard to believe that these three people who stuck together through countless obstacles – some more challenging than others – have gone ten whole years without so much as a luncheon together. Sad to say, it's true. Upon completion of wizarding school, the three ambitious teens embarked on very different, very busy careers. It happens all the time, I'm sure. But these three? Alas, they have been separated.

What do you say to reacquainting ourselves with Harry, Ron, and Hermione?

Harry Potter, having led Dumbledore's Army and survived multiple trips to the Forbidden Forest and more battles with Voldemort than you'd like to believe, finally eliminated all traces of Voldemort and his evil from the world. So, naturally, the person who saved the world from certain doom returned to Hogwarts to become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. No, he's not the number one seeker in the world. No, he's not a world class auror (do they really need them anymore after Harry eliminated all traces of Voldemort and his evil from the world?). Harry had enough adventure and danger during his school years. Now he's a teacher.

But it seems Harry's broken the curse, as he's held the position for the last ten years. 'Tis true. The Hogwarts Administration and the Ministry of Magic figured Harry – having eliminated all traces of Voldemort and his evil from the world – had enough experience and expertise in defending against the dark arts and just let him return to school after graduation as a teacher. Yes, I can hear you now. If they don't need aurors, why do they need a Defense Against the Dark Arts class? The answer is simple, but two-part. 1) The auror thing was a poor joke on my part, and 2) new evils could always arise, and you want future generations to be prepared for such an occurance. So, naturally, Harry Potter was the only man for the job of preparing future generations.

It seems we're also assuming that an 18-year-old would be allowed to teach at Hogwarts, but he's friggin Harry Potter. I think they'd make an exception.

Now, on to Ron. Ron Weasley decided to pursue a career in athletics. He is currently the keeper on the number one Quidditch team in the world, the Chudley Cannons. Talk about a dream come true! Ron's really raking in the galleons these days! He's used a good bit of his earnings to set up his family with some new and desperately needed things: a new home, new car, new furniture, new clothes, new owl…I think you get the picture. Ron is a generous guy. Don't think he gives all his money away. No! He has to keep himself comfortable, and a Bentley Continental GTC certainly is comfortable…

Ron's got good taste, what can I say?

Finally, Hermione. Miss Hermione Granger could have chosen to follow just about any career path imaginable, with her expansive knowledge of all things magical. She chose to be a Healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. It is common knowledge that to become a Healer, one must achieve a grade of at least an E (exceeds expectations) on their N.E.W.T.s in the subjects of Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. We all know that Hermione, of course, achieved straight Os on her N.E.W.T.s…she wouldn't have it any other way. Hermione gets to fix people's (sometimes absurd) magical medical problems. It's a perfect balance for our dear Hermione – she gets to help people while showing off how smart she is all at the same time. I'd say that's ideal.

A teacher, an athlete, and a doctor. Three of the most busy professions you can have. No wonder these people haven't got time for each other. They've barely got time for themselves. I'd say it's time they met back up again. What do you think?

Well, now that we've more or less established what our characters have been up to the last ten years, please come back for Chapter Two, in which the real story will begin...