Plans
When Charlie got back to Ron's room, he found Bill beside Ron on the bed, hugging him. Charlie walked over and put his arms around both of them.
"How are things at the burrow?"
Charlie settled into a chair."Well, basically, Ginny told Harry that he could talk to Hermione if he wanted to, but she couldn't. The guys are going to take your lead Ron. Dad is trying to play peacemaker as always." Charlie stopped.
"And mum?"
"Well, let's just say she yelled, I yelled, and I left. She still thinks you two love each other and you'll get over it and get back together with her."
"That's what I thought." Bill and Charlie both looked at Ron. "She's always let me know how lucky I am to have her. I guess I'm just not enough for her either. I can't go back to the burrow when she feels that way.'
"We'll talk to Percy. I'm sure he'll let you stay there."
"Just don't tell anyone yet."
The next day the family came to visit. Ron had some news for them.
"Hello dear" Molly said. "You look great today."
"Well I should since I'm getting released tomorrow." Cheers went up throughout the room.
"Oh Ronnie! That's great news. We'll have to have a big dinner. We'll invite all of your friends-Harry, Neville, Luna, Seamus, Hermione, Lavender, the Patels.."
"Whoa! Hold on there mum. I do not want Hermione anywhere near my party. If you want her to come, I won't."
"Ron, I think you need to relax. She's very important to you.."
Arthur put his hand on Molly's shoulder. "Dear, this is Ron's party. We'll only invite the people he wants." He gave her a look that told her not to argue.
"Okay. Well, I need to go. I've got to go start cooking. I'll see you tomorrow dear." Molly kissed his forehead. Arthur joined her. "Well, I need to get to work. Boys, I think you do too."
"Hey Percy, do you think you could stay a minute?" Percy nodded his head and sat back down. Ginny hung back. "Ron, if you don't want Harry to come I'm sure he'll understand."
"Ginny, I won't do that to you. You and Harry belong together. Don't worry. We'll work it out." Ginny smiled at Ron and left.
Percy stood up. "What can I do for you Ron?"
Ron looked at Bill and Charlie. "Percy, I need a favor. Can I stay at your flat with you for a while? I can't stay with mum right now. Bill and Charlie will be taking turns staying too."
"Of course you can Ron. For as long as you need."
"Thanks Percy. Now you'd better go. I don't want to make you late."
"Oh don't worry about that. I turned in my notice at the Ministry last week. I'm going to work with Fred and George. Meet the newest jokester in the family." Percy beamed as he went out the door. Ron, Bill and Charlie all laughed.
Bill stood. "I need to go to the bank for a little while today. I promised to take my wife to lunch later. I'll be back after that."
"Bill, can you please go by the Ministry and asked Kingsley to stop by? I need to talk to him."
"Is this about our talk the other night?" Ron nodded. "If you're sure."
"I am Bill. I'll fill Charlie in after you leave."
"Alright. I'll ask him to come by this afternoon." With that, he left.
Kingsley came by later that afternoon.
"Hello Ron, Charlie. I heard you wanted to talk to me."
"Yes Kingsley I do. I need to talk about my future. I appreciate your offer from earlier Kingsley, but I feel like I need to get away from England for a while. Can you help me?"
"Ron, I figured something like this would happen. I would love to lie to you and tell you no, but the truth is I have had conversations with a number of other Ministries that want you to come work for them." Ron looked shocked. "I told you Ron, we were highly impressed with your plans. Word got out and everyone wants to talk to you now."
"What do you think of the offers?"
"Well, there are some great offers. Personally, the offer from the States would fit you perfectly. It's a tactical position. I could set up something for you. But I will ask that you at least stay until the celebration."
"I will. I would appreciate it. I'll be staying with Percy. I have to ask you keep this confidential. I don't want anyone to know until I'm ready."
"Will do. I'll get in touch with you when I speak to them."
"Oh Kingsley, here are the letters I asked you about. Can you get them to the families for me?" Kingsley took the letters and left.
After Kingsley left, Charlie looked at Ron. "Brother, I understand what you are doing, but I hate to see you leave."
"Hopefully it won't be forever. I just need to get control of my life and I can't do it here right now."
Bill and Charlie were at the hospital the next afternoon to take Ron to the burrow for the party. They had already taken his things to Percy's flat. Ron was doing very well. He was walking with a cane, but his arm was completely healed.
As they stepped out of the fireplace at the burrow, Ron was pulled into one of his mothers gut wrenching hugs.
"We are so glad you're home. Where are your things?"
"Bill and Charlie took care of them for me. So where is everyone?" Ron was trying to distract his mother from asking too many questions.
"They're all outside waiting for you. Go on now."
Ron walked to the back door. When he stepped outside he was in shock. It seemed that everyone he had ever met was there. Neville looked up and saw him.
"Ron! Mate! Welcome back!" Neville yelled. Everyone turned to look at him. His ears instantly turned red. Everyone came running up to see him. He got slaps on his back from the guys and hugs from the girls. Lavender and Pavarti cried. Even Hagrid and his professors were there as well as several of the order.
Ron smiled at his friends. "Okay guys! Let's get to the food!" Everyone laughed at Ron. Some things never change. As they all started walking back to the tables Ron grabbed Harry's elbow. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Of course Ron."
"Look, I understand how you are feeling. I can't tell you that I agree with you, but I do understand. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't try to push me though."
"Ron, I'll never do that. I want you to know that I do not agree with what she did or how she did it, but I can't blame her for trying to help me. I know we'll never be like we were before, but I can't shut her out."
Ron nodded and headed toward the party. Everyone was talking and enjoying themselves.
"So Harry" Seamus said, "how does it feel to be done with Voldemort? I mean you finally killed him."
Harry ginned at Ron. "Well actually, that's a much different story than you think."Everyone stared at Harry.
"What do you mean?"
Harry looked at Ron again. "Do you mind mate?"
Everyone looked at Ron. He shook his head. Harry told everyone the story. Seamus and Neville turned and stared at Ron with their mouths open. Dean grinned at him. "Mate, I always knew you had it in you." Everyone started laughing.
After they ate, everyone sat in the backyard enjoying their time together. Lavender looked up to see Mrs. Weasley coming out of the kitchen followed by someone.
"Hermione!" Lavender yelled. "I wondered where you were." Everyone turned and looked at the door. Ron stopped where he was and looked at Charlie.
"I got it Ron." Percy said. "You and Charlie go on." Charlie grabbed Ron's arm and disappeared with a pop.
Mr. Weasley was furious. "Molly, what do you think you are doing? I thought we had discussed this."
"Arthur, Ron's just being stubborn. I thought if he saw her he might change his mind. Where did he go?"
"He's left mum." Percy stood and faced his mother. "He's staying with me. He was afraid you'd try something like this. Mum, I love you, but this was wrong. You can not force any of us to do something just because it's what you want. I can't believe you would do this knowing it's not what he wanted." Percy nodded curtly to Hermione and his father and was gone with a pop.
Lavender whispered to Seamus "I think we missed something here." They looked at Ginny. "They've broken up. And no, I can't tell you why. That's their story to tell if they want to."
Hermione was standing at the door, crying. Mrs. Weasley wrapped her arms around her. "I'm sorry. It was too soon." They walked back in the house. Harry got up and looked at Ginny.
"Go on, Harry. She needs you."
