A/N – PLEASE READ BEFORE THE STORY

Firstly, this is my first fanfic that I've uploaded, so yeah, go easy on me. xD I thought I'd give it a good shot.

Secondly, there's a few bits I'd like to explain!

1)This is set after the defeat of Voldemort and Hogwarts has re-opened, offering 'wizarding degrees' for those who have finished their seven years studying at the school. Most of Harry's year have stayed on at Hogwarts to study one degree or another. (The degree itself is roughly equivalent to a Muggle degree)

2)The story itself is set in the summer, after Harry, Ron and Hermione have completed their first year of studying wizarding degrees. Locations, dates etc are listed!

3)I'd like to introduce the character "Charlie". !HE IS NOT RON'S OLDER BROTHER! - He's a figment of my imagination, although I failed and named him as Ron's older brother, hence some confusion! .

Basically, Charlie is a Muggle-born wizard, who studied at Hogwarts alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione for two years before dropping out. He transferred to Muggle education, leaving Hogwarts behind, almost for good. He did, however, remain in contact with the Golden Trio, allowing for them to maintain a strong friendship. In his two years at Hogwarts, Charlie was romantically involved with Hermione - all will be explained in the story!

4)I believe that's pretty much all there is to it... just a DISCLAIMER as is necessary; I don't own anything to do with the Harry Potter saga, and a number of songs and bands are referenced - I also do not own any music/lyrics/band names etc, those are property of their respective owners.

-PROLOGUE-

The Burrow

Ottery St Catchpole, Devon

June 22nd

7PM

The hot summer sun beat down hard on the lush English countryside. The air was still and there wasn't a cloud in the glowing blue sky; a perfect summer evening. Two eighteen-year old wizards and two witches sat in the sun, enjoying yet another fine evening.

"We've been lucky with this weather," Ron said. "Devon always was such a nice place to live!"

"For me, anywhere is better than Privet Drive," Harry cringed, chuckling. Ron chorused his laughter, taking a drink.

Harry leant back in his seat. This is the life, he thought to himself. Basking in glorious weather, on summer break from his first year of studying a wizarding degree of Aurorship at Hogwarts. Voldemort had been defeated some time ago and since then, Hogwarts was on the slow but sure road to repair, and fortunately all classes had been re-opened. It was business as usual.

To his left, Ron sat with a pint of home-brewed cider, Hermione sitting on his knee reading a book. Occasionally she'd return to the real world, turn to her boyfriend, share a kiss, and then return to her world of fiction. They haven't changed a bit, he thought, smiling. Harry then turned to his right, where one Ginny Weasley was looking up at him.

"I love you," she whispered, going in for a kiss. Harry felt her lips on his, closing his eyes and losing himself in the moment. To him, Ginny was fantastic. She had a fiery streak but was one of the most loving girls he knew, and she just so happened to love him. Harry was certain that the feeling was mutual – he loved Ron and Hermione, but the love for them was different to the love he felt for Ginny.

"Get a room, guys," Ron called out, bringing their moment to an end. Ginny blushed sheepishly.

"Says you," Harry snorted back. "You've always got your tongues down each other's throats!"

Hermione grinned, also blushing. "He's right, Ron…"

"It's because I love you." He put on a flamboyant grin.

"You soppy old man," Hermione laughed, giving him a peck on the lips.

It was then that another voice called out.

"Not interrupting anything, am I?"

The four of them turned. Walking towards them from The Burrow's back door was Charlie.

"Charlie mate! How you doing?" Ron called out, giving him a hug as he arrived.

"Not bad man, and you?"

"I'm good! Fancy a cider?"

"Sounds awesome!"

"I'll go grab one!" With that, Ron headed inside.

Charlie sat down, turning to Hermione. "Hello, you," he said, hugging her. He greeted Harry and Ginny in a similar fashion, and the four fell deep into conversation. It didn't take long for Ron to return with some glasses of cider, and on his return he too joined the conversation.

"Been a while, Charlie! What took you so long to come and visit?"

"You'd not believe how busy I've been recently," Charlie replied. "The Muggle world isn't all that quiet…granted, we don't have evil wizards trying to take over our world, but y'know, festivals, and gigs, and all the rest of it…yeah, I've been a busy man!" The group chuckled as Charlie continued. "So how's Hogwarts going? Enjoying the wizarding degrees I hope?"

"It's fantastic," Hermione said enthusiastically. "Just like the old times!"

"Yeah, they've really outdone themselves, the degrees were a brilliant idea. Nearly everyone in our year has taken them on," Harry added. "Plus, it keeps us out of 'real life' for a while!"

"Tell me about it!" Charlie laughed. "University is exactly the same. I love it, but it is an excuse not to grow up quite yet!"

The five of them laughed, slipping into a brief silence as they each enjoyed the peace.

"So," Charlie added, breaking the spell. "Anyone for a game of volleyball or something? Or would that be a bit to Muggle-like of me?"