A/N: Here I go again. This week in my mind: the good ship Romione! This one goes hand in hand with my recent drabble, What Remains. When will I stop? The world may never know…

Journey to You

Chapter 1: Holding Hands

Hermione sat in the Great Hall eating breakfast. Ron was sitting next to her, holding her hand under the table (as he's grown so accustomed to doing at this point), as McGonagall announced the day's agenda.

"I would like to have the Grand Staircase completely fixed by this afternoon. We are currently up to the fifth floor thanks to Professor Flitwick's team." There was a small round of applause. "For those working with Professor Hagrid today, please be careful in the Forest-"

"If I may, Minerva," boomed Firenze from the far end of the Great Hall. "The centaurs would like to assist with protections of your kind going into the Forest."

McGonagall nodded. "Very well." She went on to assign more jobs to those who have finished their previous tasks.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione have yet to officially be assigned anything within the week they have been there to rebuild. But somehow, they were the most involved. Harry was always annoyed that he was never considered for a task.

"I only saved the bloody world," he'd mumble, to which Ron and Hermione would ignore.

But this day was different. "I need all of the D.A. present in my office after breakfast," McGonagall concluded, causing the handful of D.A. members to look at each other.

As Hermione, Ron, and Harry walked up to the Head Mistress's Office, they wondered what they were needed for.

"I hope it's not another bloody interview," groaned Ron.

"Don't worry," said Harry. "I told McGonagall to hold off on that for now."

They arrived in her office with Kingsley Shacklebolt beside McGonagall. Neville, Luna, Ginny and the rest of the D.A. were crowding around the old office.

"Ah, good, you're all here," Kingsley said. He stood up, looked at them and smiled. "You all have been working so hard since the beginning. And your efforts have not gone unnoticed." Ron took Hermione's hand, like he had for the passed two weeks. Kingsley flourished his wand, and pieces of parchment appeared on McGonagall's desk. "I know this isn't much, but on behalf of the Ministry of Magic, we would like to extend your acceptance into the Auror Department as a proper chance to reform. All those who are under the age of seventeen are still considered until they become of age."

Harry, Neville, Ron and a few younger members grinned, while the rest looked at each other.

"This is great, Kingsley," said Harry. "Where do I sign?"

"On your contract, if you wish."

Harry did not hesitate.

Neville was the next one to walk up, somewhat slowly, but proudly signed on the dotted line. Seamus thumped him on the back as a congratulations.

One by one some students signed up and shook Kingsley's hand.

Hermione could feel Ron's grip slipping, which caused her to blurt out, "What about school?" Everyone looked at her. "Aren't they supposed to test in with N.E.W.T. levels? We can all agree that we haven't exactly had a proper year."

"Hermione, you can't be-" Ron began, but Kingsley stopped him by raising up his hand.

"I understand your concern, but the Wizengamot agreed that a fresh crew would do best with reform," Kingsley explained. "Anyone who applies must train with the new recruits. It's not an easy path, but I am confident that you all have what it takes to be in our ranks."

Hermione face drew weary and Harry looked up at his best mate expectantly. Ron let go of Hermione's hand, walking forward to grab a quill; however, before he signed, he paused. "I can't," he whispered. "Not yet." He looked up at Kingsley. "I'm sorry, but I have to be with my family right now."

Hermione let out a breath of relief. She knew Harry would want to start Auror training right away, but Ron was different. Maybe they could have a proper year at Hogwarts for once. Studying together, going to Hogsmeade, playing chess… It all sounded like a nice life.

"I understand," said Kingsley. He shook his hand. "I can't wait to have you on board, Mr. Weasley."

Ron slumped slightly as everyone else politely turned down the offer or accepted it. Hermione touched his arm gently. As everyone else started to trickle out, Kingsley was talking to Harry, Neville, and some other people about the training process.

"Come on," mumbled Ron, sounding defeated. "Let's go."

"Wait," Hermione whispered. "I have to talk to him. I have to know what's going on with my parents."

"What if he doesn't know anything yet?"

"It won't hurt to ask though, right?" Ron shrugged, and Hermione smiled at him. It seemed like forever since she remembered using those muscles. "You can go if you'd like-"

"I'm staying."

"But it's not-"

"Hermione." He held her hand. It felt so natural now. "I'm staying."

So, they waited until Kingsley was finished talking with Harry and Neville.

"Kingsley, I wondered if I could have a quick word," started Hermione.

Kingsley gave Hermione a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry Ms. Granger, I haven't heard anything from my team yet."

"Are you quite sure…?" Hermione desperately tried to suppress her tears from falling.

"We are doing everything we can. You know how difficult it is to find people who don't know that they are in hiding."

"But maybe I didn't give you all the information. I have a plan that could work. We just need the help of some magical ambassadors-"

"We went over everything multiple times. It is very difficult to get in contact with so many countries, especially at a time like this. There are still Death Eaters lurking about, and we must keep our guards up. We just have to believe that no news is good news."

There was a pause, and then Hermione straightened up and said, "I'll find them myself."

"No, you can't-!" started Ron, but Hermione coldly interrupted him.

"You know I bloody well can!" She looked around. "You all know I can."

Kingsley sighed, quite knowing that this witch will not be dissuaded. "I will send a team with you-"

"I don't need a-"

"We'll go with you, Hermione," said Harry.

Neville nodded.

"No, I need to do this alone."

"Merlin, Hermione, now you just sound like Harry!" exclaimed Ron. Everyone looked at the red head. Even Harry shook his head in agreement. Ron took her by the shoulders and looked her square in the face. "If you don't want to bring along a whole team, that's fine. At least let me go with you."

"Ron, I-"

"It's not up for negotiation," he said boldly. He turned to Kingsley. "Let me know when we are safe to go."

Kingsley nodded. "We'll make plans tomorrow. I must warn you, it will be a slow process."

"I understand," she said without hesitation, her heart quickening. "Thank you, Kingsley."

Hermione argued with Ron the whole way down to the Great Hall.

"Aren't you gonna do anything about this?" Neville asked Harry.

"There's no stopping them in a row," Harry sighed to his friend. "Besides, now balance has been restored. They've been way too quiet for far too long."