Hey, so this is my first Hermione/ Bill flick. I started reading some recently and have found myself quiet addicted to them and couldn't resist the urge to write one myself. It has been a while since I have written anything so please bear with me; I may be a bit rusty.
I really hope you will R&R all thoughts and comments will be immensely appreciated! I could use as much constructive criticism as I can get, and I want to know if people are enjoying the tale that is spinning in my head. It will help me know where to take it next! Anyway, once again please R&R and I hope you enjoy!
Thx, IncubusDreams~
It had been nearly three years since the war with Voldemort had ended and Hermione, though she would never admit it out loud, was finding herself rather board. Life had settled into an easy steady pace, Ron, Harry and herself had graduated she had just celebrated her twenty-first birthday.
As she walked down the hall, towards her superior's office, at the Ministry of Magic Hermione wonder just what it was that her boss wanted to discuss with her. She was half hoping it was something exciting and dangerous. Yet, as soon as that thought flickered in her head she felt guilty. The war was over but not for a lack of casualties, and Hermione was very grateful it had come to an end. Even though it had been nearly three years since the final battle, and while she would never wish another war on the wizarding world, she had not quiet gotten used to having a quiet, peaceful life. After spending so much time in the constant chaos of war the idea of a normal day's work still seemed almost foreign to her. The order had spent the over a year after the last battle trying to chase down the remaining Death Eaters, and some still remained unaccounted for.
Lost, in her thoughts and memories of the past Hermione piloted on automatic, completely oblivious to the interoffice memos that went whistling quickly past her head. It wasn't until she was standing with her nose inches from the plaque on the massive oak door. Finnius Denton, Head of the Department of Magical Creatures. Giving her a quick mental shake to rid her thoughts of old memories Hermione lifted the gargoyle knocker and banged.
Within seconds the door opened, and a rather gruff voice called out "Come in."
As she entered her boss' well lit office Hermione's gaze wandered to the numerous paintings that virtually covered the walls, nearly all of which possessed some kind of magical creature in it. Watching as a unicorn galloped across the paintings Hermione came to a stop a few feet front the big mahogany desk. Behind it sat a large grizzly looking man with graying hair. Hermione waited a moment while he scribbled away on a piece of parchment before announcing herself, "Hello sir, I just received your memo."
Denton wrote for a moment longer before looking up and rolling his massive shoulders back, "Ah, Ms. Granger, thank you for coming. Please have a seat." As he spoke a chair sliding out of nowhere, not making a sound on the stone floor.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, as she sunk into the deep red cushions.
Setting his quill down Denton regarded Hermione seriously, "I'm sure your rather curious as to why I ask you to come see me, no?"
"Yes, normally I receive any assignments via memo or by owl or if it's paperwork it fills my in box." Hermione responded, resisting the urge to fidget under the Denton's intense stare.
"Yes, however what I would like to request of you is different from your normal assignments. You have been doing a good job in this last year since you joined the department. I was particularly impressed with your work last month with the rouge Hippogriff."
Hermione felt her face go flush and was sure she was turning bright red. Denton was not known for giving out compliments. "Th- thank you sir," Hermione stuttered, shocked at the praise.
"It was that impressive work that had me thinking you would be the best applicant for an assignment that has come up. I asked you to come see me because it is rather more complicated than your last couple assignments."
"Oh," now Hermione was really curious.
"Yes it would require you to relocate, temporarily, of course. But it will still likely be at least six months, although more likely a year."
At this Hermione was both excited an unsure, it would be an amazing opportunity but she wasn't sure she wanted to leave everything she knew behind, even if it was for only a year. Realizing she had stopped listening Hermione focused her attention back to Denton, "I'm sorry, could you repeat that, where did you say I would be going?"
"Egypt, their government has asked for additional help, it seems that there has been a rather large drop in the local Griffin population as well as a rather large drop in Silver Back numbers. Their department is so bogged down that would like us to look into. As I understand it another of are ambassadors is going to aid you while you are there. That is of course if you would like to take the job." Denton asked her, his shaggy salt and pepper eyebrows rose as he eyed her intently, waiting for her reply.
Even though she knew she should ask for some time to consider the offer Hermione found herself answering immediately, "Of course I'll go."
Denton's face broke into a rare grin, flashing remarkably white teeth, "Excellent, you leave in two weeks time. I shall owl you with all of the details."
Still slightly shocked at what she had just agreed to, Hermione found herself sitting at her desk before the new finally registered in her brain. "I'm going to Egypt!" she muttered incredulously to herself. Then dread slowly dawned on her. "I'm going to have to tell everyone, bugger!"
Cussing silently, Hermione began planning on how to break the news to everyone. Luckily there was a dinner at the Burrow tonight and she figured the sooner the better. If she could convince everyone else that her going to Egypt wasn't a crazy idea then maybe she would start to believe it herself.
Several hours later Hermione found herself standing at the edge of the path outside the Burrow hesitant to enter. However, before she could even consider backing out of the dinner she heard a familiar pop behind her. Turning she saw a smiling redheaded Ginny walking hand in hand with Harry towards her. Even though his dark blue robes were in order Harry's black hair was a disheveled as ever. Quiet the contrast the Ginny's tamed red locks. Hermione couldn't help but chuckle a bit, no matter how hard she tried her hair would never look as casually refined as Ginny's.
"Looks like we both have perfect timing" Ginny exclaimed as she reached out to hug Hermione.
Hermione quickly found herself enveloped in the arms of two of her best friends. "Yes, just in time to see if Ron has eaten everything before we have even arrived."
Harry laughed at that, "Let's hope he hasn't or we'll have to listen to him moan all night about how his stomach is killing him." Then he gave Hermione a quick once over, "How are you doing Hermione? You looked a little worried when we arrived."
At that Hermione tensed, "I had an interesting day at work, I'll tell you about it later." She told them smiling at how mysterious it sounded.
"Okay, sounds good." Harry said as they started up the path to the Burrow. "We just worry about you. We may not have the ties but you are family, and our best friend."
"Harry's right," Ginny agreed "you are family and don't ever doubt it!"
Hermione chuckled, "Thanks guys, I really appreciate it." Her smile faded a little as remembered just how much these people meant to her. If it hadn't been for the Weasley's and Harry Hermione knew she might not have made it through the end of the war. Death Eaters had found her parents and even though they had had no memory of Hermione the Death Eaters had killed them anyway. So the people that were waiting for her in the burrow really were her family. Pushing the past out of her head Hermione headed towards the laughter that was echoing out of the open door. She really hoped her family was going to take her news well.
Inside, the kitchen was bustling with life, and, not surprisingly the twins were at the center of all the attention. From the look of it, their most recent product experiment had not gone quiet according to plan as they were both a disturbingly bright shade of blue. The two blue twins were looking at each other in shock while almost all of the Weasley children stood around them shaking with laughter. Hermione came to a stop behind Ron and Luna just in time to hear Ron ask the twins what happened, "What exactly was supposed to happen?"
"I think that they were supposed to turn into Blue Warbles" Luna told Ron in her slightly far off voice.
George shook his, "No we were supposed to turn into-"
"Smurfs," Fred finished for him.
"What's a Smurf?" Ginny asked, looking up at Harry confused.
"They're a muggle thing," Hermione replied, looking at the twins bright blue complexions she couldn't help but laugh, "well at least you got the colour right."
"That they did," Harry agreed laughing too.
As everyone chuckled at the twins latest blunder Molly Weasley walked in from outside, her husband Arthur in tow. Looking at the twin she shook her head, "What have you two done now!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed looking between the two grinning men in exasperation.
Mr. Weasley tried and failed to suppress a chuckle as he said, "Well, Molly my dear, it would appear they have turned themselves blue."
"Never mind then," Mrs. Weasley huffed, "everyone get ready for dinner. Oh Harry, Ginny you're here, and you too Hermione good! That means everyone is here we can eat then."
Two hours, Hermione, seated between the twins and Ginny, listened as everyone was happily chatting, full after a good meal and discussing the major topics of the day. The main topics of the evening being; Harry and Ginny's upcoming wedding and Ron's recent engagement to Luna. The twins, while still bright blue, were discussing how to fix their latest invention and Percy and Arthur were in deep conversation about the Ministry. Hermione listened with a slight twinge of melancholy as everyone seemed to be moving forward with their lives, especially Harry and Ron. All but the two oldest Weasley boys where there and everyone seemed content. Hermione was beginning to wonder if now would be a good time to make her announcement; everyone was discussing the future so she could share the news about hers.
As Molly was trying to convince Luna that pink and orange bridesmaid's gowns may not be the best idea if a large portion of the bridal party had red hair. Taking a deep breath Hermione cleared her throat and spoke "hey, everyone I have some big news."
Fairly quickly, the table died down and everyone turned to look at Hermione. Before Hermione could share her news Molly asked excitedly, "Oh really what is it, is there something you want to tell us about that Tomas fellow at work?"
"What," Hermione asked confused, "no, I only went out with him a couple times" Hermione explained, feeling a little awkward. Even though she knew Mrs. Weasley meant well and was just hoping for another wedding to plan, Hermione suddenly felt even more awkward about sharing her new job opportunity. "Actually, what I wanted to tell you is I have a new assignment at work. So, I'm moving to Egypt for at least six months, probably a year."
At first no one said anything, then Fred spoke up, "Wicked! What are you going to be doing there? Hey, are you going to be working with Bill?"
"I- I don't know, I don't think so I'm being sent to monitor their Griffin and Silver Back number." Hermione responded.
"Oh, Hermione," Molly chimed in, "are you certain that's a good idea? Those are some very dangerous creatures!"
At that George laughed, "Hermione fought in the war with us. She faced You Know Who with Harry and Ron; somehow I don't think that she is too worried about a couple Griffins."
"Yeah, she a better witch than half of the witches and wizards in her department combined" Fred added, soon the rest of the table was joining in, expressing their agreement.
As the table sprung to life discussing Hermione's new she let out a sigh of relief, thankful that everyone seemed to be taking the new okay. Suddenly Ginny's voice cut through the chatter, "Wait, and so when will be leaving?"
Suddenly the room grew quiet, and Hermione found a slew of curious eyes settling on her expectantly. "Well, Denton wants me there in two week." Once more the volume in the room climbed immensely, Hermione saw Ginny open her mouth but Hermione answered it before she even had a chance to ask. "Don't worry; I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world. I'll be back for it, and I'll bring you a gift from Egypt."
At that Harry laughed, "We don't need a gift, just you being there will be great."
"Don't be mental; of course they want a gift!" Ron chimed in, "but if they don't want it I'll take it"
"Pratt," the twins said in unison, throwing a bun at their youngest brother.
"Hey!" Ron yelp, launching the roll back at his siblings, hitting Fred squarely between the eyes.
"Oi," George yelled as he reached for his spoon, but before he had it half way up a swift pull on his right ear had him colliding heads with his brother. "Oi, Mum!" the twins yelped together.
Ron started laughing only to cut short abruptly "Ouch, Mum!" The three of you are adults, and yet with how you act it is like you are still children!" As the three boys got scolded the rest of the table started laughing. While the kitchen filled with joy, Hermione felt all of her worries slowly ebb away, as she lost herself in the chaos that was the Weasley household.
Hey, so thank you for reading! Please review and let me know what you think. I'll try and update as soon as I can. Hope you liked it!
Thanks,
IncubusDreams~