A/N: So I am back after a bit of time away! I feel as if ever chapter that I write starts with an apology, doesn't it? Well, this one isn't too different. I do apologize for not updating promptly, but life just seems to keep getting in the way. Every time it looks as if I have a few spare moments to write, something else came up. So I have forced myself to make the time and update for all my lovely readers. If you cannot recall what has happened in past chapters please feel free to briefly click and scroll through the previous ones.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful world of Harry Potter; that belongs to the brilliant J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 4: Weapon Training

Hermione's POV

The moment Dumbledore announced that he was ready to start the meeting, I was glad that Cormac had to stop his story short. I honestly am interested to learn anything I can about this intriguing occupation, but I have a feeling that Cormac would not exactly provide an unbiased point of view. On top of that, I mainly feel overwhelmed and put off by his behavior. I enjoy being in the company of so many elite people, but there is a point that's reached when someone really cocky and irritating keeps talking. I was on my way to reaching that point.

But as Dumbledore begins with his opening remarks, I give him my full attention. This is new territory that I am entering and I will take any chance to learn whatever I can before I have to fully immerse myself in this case. I am in my comfort zone: learning and then applying what I have learned is what I do best.

With a slight smile on my face, I take a manila file folder off the top of the pile that is being passed to me, accompanied with a wink, from Cormac. With a polite nod, I send the stack to the man sitting next to me.

Opening the folder, I finger through all of the papers. It includes all the information that is expected plus things I would have never have imagined being included. From flight information to the map of the basement of the hotel that we are to be staying at and shots of the target, Tom Riddle, and the coordinates of every known house or headquarter of suspected accomplices or family.

The information was very thorough. Did you know that Tom Riddle enjoys blueberry scones? Yeah, I didn't either.

I grab my pen and pad of paper out of my purse and start taking notes. Every word that Dumbledore says is quickly taken down along with any insights, ideas, or questions I might have.

Although I am looking forward to going to the United States and working behind-the-scenes to catch the bad guys, so to speak, I must admit my fears. Truth is, I have never been in a fight. At least, never a hand-to-hand or otherwise dangerous scuffle. Would I have to carry around a small hand gun? Not only would I have any idea how to properly use it (although I did pick up a book on gun use on my way home from work yesterday), I don't know if I could actually pull the trigger, even if it was to save my own life.

I make a small note on the list of firearms and other weapons that are going to be brought on this mission to ask about acquiring a gun and perhaps a little bit of training.

Overall, the meeting was very interesting. It flowed just like any sort of board meeting we would have at my office, but the subject matter was, of course, different. We deal with the aftermath and legal matter of crimes, but to actually be present to see how the battle for a capture is conducted? That is a whole new ballgame.

"In conclusion," Dumbledore said, finishing up the meeting, "we have located who we believe are Riddle's potential allies. Leaving Thursday, I expect you all to be ready to work Friday morning. Hopefully once you find these guys, we can find Riddle and finally put an end to his dangerous agenda. Good luck everyone, I have complete confidence in this mission and all of you," he says this looking everyone in the eyes.

"Any questions before you are dismissed? Yes, Miss Granger," he addresses me with a small smile as my hand shoots into the air. I know, it seems overly eager, but I just cannot seem to be able to break the habit from my school days.

"As I was reading over the weaponry list, sir, I wanted to inquire as to whether or not I will be in the possession of anything while on the mission even though I am behind-the-scenes?"

"That is a very good question. Although you will not be actively participating in the field I want you, and this goes for the other specialists, to be able to protect yourselves. Agent Weasley and Agent Potter?" Dumbledore threw a beseeching glance at the red-haired man that I had recognized from the subway and the dark-haired man next him.

"Yes, sir?" The raven-haired man answers for the two of them as the red-haired man nods next to him.

"If you are not too busy would you be able to take the specialists to visit Lupin?" As a side-note Dumbledore turns and addresses me and two others who I assume are also some sort of specialists and explains, "Remus Lupin is in charge of any and all weapons and gadgets that are taken out into the field."

Nodding in understanding, I look to the two agents that are being requested to bring us to Lupin. They quickly exchange a few words and turn back to Dumbledore to give him their answer.

The bespectacled man once again answers for the two of them, "Of course, sir. We would be glad to help out." Although I am glad that I will be able to get the gun, or whatever it may be, I am not sure how I feel about being taken by the infuriating man from the subway. Maybe I will be able to confront him about what happened and ask him if he knew who I was. I look at him to try and gauge his reaction but his countenance reveals nothing, just a blank face.

Smiling in approval, Dumbledore once again addresses us three specialists, "Great. So if you three would please follow Agents Potter and Weasley. They will provide you with the necessary equipment and will train you in their usage. Afterwards, please stop and see Miss Lovegood for their new passports and identification information, they should be ready." This last remark he directed toward the pair again. They both nodded in assent.

"Everyone else, this meeting is dismissed. Be sure that you all also grab any equipment or disguise pieces that you do not already have, I am sure that Tonks can help you find anything that will give your cover the perfect touch. Pick up your communication units from Lupin before you leave today. If there are any other last minute questions or problems throughout the day send me an e-mail. With that, I bid you good-bye for now." Dumbledore nodded to the room at large, picked up his folder, and exited the room.

After he had left, everyone pushes back their chairs and starts to gather their things, any notes, folders, or pens. I, too, push back my chair and, just as Cormac is turning to me to most likely elaborate on that story that he was trying to tell me earlier, I turn and start to walk towards Agents Weasley and Potter. I know that I didn't start on the right foot with the red-head, but I figure it would be better than getting my ear talked off by Cormac. At least, I hope it's better.

Taking a deep breath I walk towards the two agents that are waiting for the specialists. Two other men are approaching them and they are quite opposite of each other. One is rather scrawny, has mousy features, appears younger, and is blonde. The man walking alongside him is tall, well-built, rather handsome and has reddish-brown hair.

They reach the two men before me since they were sitting on the same side of the table as the agents. Shaking hands, they introduce themselves. The short one's name in Colin Creevey, he specializes in surveillance and any type of video work. The tall one's name is Cedric Diggory and he is an explosives expert, anything chemical or otherwise. I sincerely hope that he will not need to be used too much on this mission.

And then it is my turn. I put a brave, confident smile on my face and reach my hand out to the raven-haired man first. "Hello, my name is Hermione Granger. My specialty is basically anything and everything law."

"Nice to meet you. My name is Harry Potter." Suddenly recognition hits me. As I was researching Tom Riddle in preparation of the meeting today, his name had popped up several times. He is basically the leader in the fight against this man and has escaped his grasp on more than one occasion.

"Oh yes, I have read about you." He nods modestly. Seeing that this particular conversation is not going to continue, I turn reluctantly to the man standing next to him.

Connecting eyes with him, I address him, I admit, rather coldly, "And I take it you are Agent Weasley?" Just as Cormac had addressed me earlier, this was more a statement of fact than a question.

Following a very brief handshake he answers, "Yes, I am Agent Ronald Weasley." His eyes betray no emotion and his face is just as impassive.

"Fancy meeting you here…" However, he does not take the bait, leaving me still curious as to whether or not he knew of me when we had "met" the day before. He shrugs his shoulders slightly and, for just a moment, he allows himself to display some emotion and his mouth pulls into a small smirk.

There is an awkward silence following that statement and I can see Harry looking between Ronald and myself. Oddly enough, his look of confusion brightens as if he has just figured out a difficult problem and, with a smile, breaks the silence.

"Well then, now that we have all introduced ourselves, I suggest that we head downstairs and see Lupin." With that, we take our leave of the room and head to the elevators.

Ron's POV

It is an odd feeling walking through these hallways, in my own territory, with someone who is from the outside and definitely does not belong. Hell, we are even equipping her with a gun or two for good measure! Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to turn out; I respect Dumbledore's judgment, but I am not sure if I will be able to handle having these specialists on a mission when they have never dealt with this sort of thing. I am, of course thinking of one person in particular.

And speak of the devil…

She interrupts me as I start to explain to Lupin, "As I am sure you have heard by now, we have been sent down here to acquire some guns for the specialists..."

"I was researching and I came across a couple of guns that I believe I would be able to handle with the minimal training I will be getting here before we head off." Hermione immediately addresses Lupin from the moment that she steps into the artillery room, successfully cutting me off.

"Wait? You already researched guns and picked the ones you would be most suited for?" The question comes out of my mouth before Lupin can cover up his shock and answer her question.

"Of course. You couldn't have expected me to come into here completely unprepared, could you?" For a moment my shock must have slipped through my mask of cold indifference that I had worn since she stepped forward to introduce herself. Blushing slightly she continues with a small shrug of her shoulders, "It's what anybody would have done. And the book didn't take too long to read last night."

"You read the entire book last night?" I had already started talking with her so I might as well continue.

Looking slightly offended she answers with a quick "yes" and looks back to Lupin to comment on her statement that she said before our little conversation got her off track.

I take a small step back, cross my arms, and consider this bemusing woman in front of me. She really is full of surprises. Who reads an entire book a night? She is either brilliant or barking mad.

Lupin picks up several guns and shows them to the specialists. These guns are nothing too powerful or too dangerous for the inexperienced people controlling them. Grabbing a small array of weapons including some makes of derringers, just a muff pistol if you will, that wouldn't be too much of a risk but would still be efficient and easy enough to carry around, and also a standard issue 9mm and 10mm handgun. Each person can try them out and get a feel for them.

As Lupin goes over the basic instruction for handling these guns, Harry and I head to the area at the far end of the room for a little bit of target practice before the three specialists head over for their training.

We don't talk as we concentrate on the matter at hand. Allowing the murmurs of the conversation taking place not too far away to become a mere background noise, I pull on my shooting glasses and ear protector. I take out the stress that I can feel building up inside me on this exercise.

After ten minutes of solid shooting practice, we both engage the safeties on our guns and pull off our eye and ear protectors. As we look over at the small group huddled around Lupin who is showing them how to properly check if there is ammunition already in the gun and, if not how to reload, I notice that Hermione asks a long-winded question. I can't help but smile a little at how seriously and how in-depth she is about learning how to operate the guns.

Still looking at the small group, I catch the bottle of water that Harry throws at me. As I unscrew the cap and take a swig of water, Harry follows my line of vision.

Not even looking at me he comments, "She is a feisty one, that Hermione."

As I tear my gaze away from her and look at Harry who has just repeated my words from the day before, he only smirks and says, "Did you really think I wouldn't figure it out, Ron? I am your best mate and a spy; you need to give me some more credit."

"Was it that obvious?" I could already feel the trademark Weasley blush take over my ears. I have worked so hard over the years to get that under control, but unfortunately it has never completely left.

"It wasn't until she made that comment about seeing you here that I put two and two together. I should have realized when I noticed you kept stealing glances at her during the meeting." I shove him a little and he only laughs saying, "Yeah, I picked up on that too."

"Okay, so you figured it out. She is the same girl from the subway." I make sure to look in his eyes as I say what I hope is the last on this subject, "But it doesn't mean anything; nothing is going to happen."

"Probably not; you would mess it up before it even starts. Anyways, I'm sure she is already taken."

Somewhat guiltily I correct him, "No, she's single." Shrugging slightly when he looks at me questionably, I defend myself, "It was in her bio. It's not my fault that you didn't read it."

"I scanned through them, but I didn't memorize them." I roll my eyes, knowing that, regardless of what I say, he will not really listen. "Well, mate, we are going to Vegas. Who knows what will happen."

Before I can say anything back, the small group approaches us.

"Ron, Harry, mind letting this lot take a chance?" Lupin jokingly asks. After we step aside, Lupin addresses Hermione, Colin, and Cedric, "now remember everything that I taught you and have a go at it. The three of us will be right here to answer any questions or solve any problems."

However, as the three of them put on their protective gear, Harry pulls aside Lupin to ask about a new gun that he had noticed as we had walked in. As they walk away, Harry turns around and looks meaningfully between me and Hermione.

Shaking my head, I turn towards the three of them as they are about to start their target practice. Cedric picks it up rather quickly and, after two shoddy shots, he manages to get a decent shot off. Where it seems that Cedric exceeds, Colin does not seem to bode well with the gun; his shots are completely off target.

I am about to head over to Colin to help him out when I notice Hermione at the end of the table with her gun aimed above and to the left of the target. She has not taken any shots yet, but has instead stood there taking what seem to be calming breaths. Finally seeming ready, she places her finger on the trigger and, right as she pulls it, her eyes shut. However, nothing happens.

Opening both eyes in shock in confusion, she doesn't hear me as I approach her. She jumps a little bit in surprise and spins a little. I rush forward and take a hold of her gun and point it back at the target.

"First rule of safety, do not point the gun at someone who is not the enemy; you never know if you will accidentally set it off."

"Right I know that, sorry. I was just surprised after it didn't go off and I didn't hear you approach." She is quick to explain.

"It 'didn't go off' because your safety is still on." I reach around her and push the safety back. "Also, your aim was slightly off so you wouldn't have hit the target anyway. Try again."

I pull away and she once again tries to line up her shot. However, she overcompensates and her barrel is aimed too far right.

Figuring that the only way she will get this right, I step behind her and put my hands on top of hers. She stiffens slightly but allows me to adjust her aim. "Make sure when you readjust your aim, you don't overcompensate. Looking down the barrel will help you line it up correctly. Now go ahead and pull the trigger but this time, don't close your eyes as you take the shot. Keep them open." I finish in a whisper as she nods her head and takes another calming breath.

I keep my left hand on hers and move my right to her right wrist so she can pull the trigger without my interference. The bullet is finally released and she leans back into me from the force of the shot. However, I don't concentrate on the feeling of her backed into me, but look ahead at the target. A smile spreads on my face when I see that her shot hit the target.

In her excitement of getting her first shot on target, a brilliant smile adorns her face and she turns slightly in my arms to look at me and exclaims, "I hit it!"

Chuckling slightly, I reply, "I know I saw it! Try it another time."

And in the same position as last time, she takes another shot, once again getting it on target.

I am about to congratulate her when I hear someone clear their throat behind me. Turning my head, I see Harry standing behind us with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face. Quickly pulling away from Hermione, I can already feel the tips of my ears heating up.

As she turns around with a questioning gaze, I just tell her to try without me.

The rest of their training was uneventful and I tried not to favor Hermione too much when I went around helping people and offering advice because every time I went to help her, Harry would wink at me and start smiling.

As Harry and I help pack everything up at the end of the session in preparation for the mission, Hermione walks up to us and says to me, "Thank you, Ronald, for your help today. I really appreciate it."

"Oh, um, no problem. And you can call me Ron."

She just shrugs her shoulders and, with a small smile, says, "We'll see."

Once she walks away, Harry shoulder-bumps me. Unable to keep the smile off my face I just tell him to shut-up and get back to packing all the weapons. I grab the bag from Lupin with all of my gear for the mission, including my comms unit, and head to see Luna to get the new identification things for the specialists with Harry right behind me.

Alright, so there is the fourth chapter! I hope you enjoyed seeing Ron and Hermione interact a bit in this chapter. Please excuse me for my lack of knowledge on guns, I did some research but I really am not sure about what I'm talking about. If you know a bit on guns and wish to offer some advice, please feel free to because I would really appreciate it. So please, please leave a REVIEW; I cherish each and every one of them. Next chapter they will be leaving for the United States! And please excuse any mistakes, I am only human and just my sister and I read over it. Speaking of my sister, she was unsure what a comms unit was, which is mentioned in the last sentence. A comms unit refers to the communications unit that Dumbledore refers to earlier and is the little thing that goes in your ear that allows you to hear everyone else.

Until next time!

aweasleytwin