A/N: I've been at this writer's block forever and I've got my finals on top of it all! But, it's almost Christmas! This next chapter was originally not supposed to be this long, I even considered separating the two portions, but instead I decided we would check in on the twins in chapter 9. Happy holidays everyone, here's chapter 8.

Please rate and review! It means a lot to me.

On a side note, I've noticed a lot of friends and family struggling to find someone to confide in or to just have conversation with. Always know I'm here to listen, whether it pertains to the story or not. Also, I'm based in San Francisco, so feel free to PM me!

Chapter 8: The Aftermath

"Are you sure you'll be okay, Gin?", Hermione asked, wearily. She hadn't been able to sleep all night and Mondays were the absolute worst.

"Seriously, Hermione, I love you, but I do know how to babysit", she joked, rolling her eyes, "shoo now, you'll be late for work. Mind you, the twins will be more upset to have to see you go than to wake up to know you'll be back after work. Plus, Teddy's going to be here with them all day. They'll have a blast."

Hermione hesitated, bouncing from one foot to the other. She glanced at the clock, twenty minutes until she would be late. Which meant if she didn't leave soon, she'd never get her pre-meeting notes arranged…

"Alright", she conceded, "thank you, Ginny".

"Don't worry", she said, her motherly tone coming through, "You'll see Harry for lunch, yeah?"

"Yes", Hermione answered as she stepped into the floo, "see you after work Gin, thank you, again."

Once at the ministry, Hermione made her way towards the elevators. She hated those things, always lurching this way and that. They had a mind of their own, but at least they got her to her destination. She glanced up as all the notices flew into the elevator above her head; there were dozens, in multitudes of colors. It was easy to identify, for a ministry official, but to anyone else, they were just randomly colored papers.

Finally, the elevator stilled and she stepped out into the narrow hall that led to the Department of Mysteries. It was never her favorite place, it was corrupted with dark memories, but the department intrigued her. There was an endless bounty of knowledge that she could almost feel in the air around her. It was as if the air was dense and heavy with the vast possibilities at her fingertips.

She made her way towards her desk, passing the office of the department head. She felt a pit in her stomach, now, as she walked by. The thoughts of opportunities missed engulfed her mind and she rushed to her small office and shut the door behind her.

'How could this happen?', she questioned herself, 'I had been so careful, Ron couldn't know about the twins… could he? Is that why he lied? Is that why he no longer loves me? Is this what I deserve?'

Thoughts of yesterday's events obscured her focus from work and she buried her head in her hands. Her world was beginning to fall apart, one piece at a time. What would she do about her babies? Her paycheck itself would be plenty for the three of them to get along, but it was their curios and questioning nature she worried about. Soon, they would want to know why their 'daddy' left. They would want to know why he didn't love them anymore. She allowed a few tears to trickle down her cheeks and inhaled, deeply.

'I can't do this', she thought, shaking her head. She wiped her tears and settled into her office. There were things that had to be done, regardless of the situation with Ronald. She knew this day would come, she had thought about it a million times. However, she had never factored the thought that Ron might not love her.

'Why doesn't he love me anymore? What did I do wrong? What is wrong with me?', she thought, desperately trying to find the answers, 'Is this what I deserve for the sins I've committed?'

A knock resounded through the small office, 'great, just what I need right now', she groaned, internally.

"Come in", she stated, waiting for the intruder.

"Ms. Granger", a deep voice said, demanding her attention.

"Hello, minister", she straightened, "How may I assist you? Is there anything you need?"

"Come now, Hermione", his features softened, "Old friends do not entitle one another."

She nodded, "Alright, Kingsley, what can I do for you?". She forced away thoughts of Ron and Lavender and all the events of last night. This was more important right now.

"There is a new lead", he said. Immediately, she shuffled through her files. She knew exactly which case he was referring to. The file of Alecto and Amycus Carrow. Prior to the commencement of the final battle, the siblings were tied and forgotten in Ravenclaw tower. Due to the frenzy of the battle, they had managed to either escape or be freed. The ministry had been searching for the two ever since, but there had been no leads, no hints, nothing. It was as if they had vanished.

"Although the lead is not entirely solid, it is a lead. Two people matching the height and physique of the Carrow's were spotted near Knockturn Alley, heading towards Borgin and Burkes. Again, Hermione, this is not a solid lead. However, it is all we have for now. I'm putting you in charge of the case. The meeting regarding the initial team will be held next Monday at noon.", he finished.

Hermione was diligently noting down every word she heard, nodding in agreement. She hadn't noticed the change in the minister's features as they softened into an almost empathetic look.

"Listen, Hermione, don't worry too much about it. It might have been nothing. I understand you have quite a bit to take care of at home now, as well as caring for two children on your own", he said.

Her head shot up as their eyes locked, "How do you…?"

He laid a paper on the desk, one she hadn't noticed in his hands when he had initially entered the room. Splattered across the front page, in bold writing was:

"What Happened to Hermione Granger?"

'Ronald Weasley was spotted leaving an intimate restaurant on Sunday afternoon, however, shockingly, he was hand in hand with, not Hermione Granger, his wife, but, with Lavender Brown!

"Ron and I have found each other. We've had a love that has lasted from our sixth year at Hogwarts, through a war, up until now. Nothing can tear us apart, really.", stated Ms. Brown.

When asked of her opinion on Ms. Granger, Ms. Brown had clear feelings:

"She was simply a mistake. Ron was lost and he didn't know where to turn, so he turned to what he knew would always be around. Really, how can anyone be with someone who doesn't put in any effort? Have you seen the way she's dressed? Plus, we've got a little addition to our family. We can't wait to start our lives together and put all that in the past", she answered, patting her swelling stomach.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, Ron Weasley is having a child with Lavender Brown!

What will become of Ms. Granger and the two children they share together? Hermione Granger has not made an appearance into the public eye just yet, but keep reading to stay in tune with what will unravel in this wild love triangle.'

Hermione's head was suddenly ten times heavier as she groaned out loud.

"I'm sorry, Hermione", Kingsley started, "but I know you. I know you're strong. That's why I want you to lead this case. If anyone can solve it, it is you. Don't worry yourself about Skeeter, let me handle that. You simply take care of yourself and Alice and Oliver. They need you more than anything right now."

"Thank you", she whispered. Kingsley patted her hand as he stood, leaving the room and Hermione to her thoughts. She couldn't believe this was happening. Hermione couldn't decide if she was enraged or depressed. Maybe it was a mixture of the two. She checked the time on her wrist, it was half past 11. She still had about half an hour until she was to meet Harry.

She spent the next half hour forcing herself into the Carrow file. She made an entire database of the facts they already had. Next, she made a list. Lists were her favorite things. Specifically, they were fun to make and even more fun to finish. Her list was conceived of people who may have seen the Carrows, or whoever the two people were, and shops within Knockturn Alley and the surrounding area. Her mind reeled, she would have to travel to Knockturn Alley for most of her list, but if it meant getting even a tiny step closer, it would be worth it. Before she knew it, she was engulfed in her note taking and list making. It wasn't until Harry knocked on her door that she realized she was late.

"Hermione?", he asked, entering the room, "Are you alright? It's fifteen past noon, I wasn't sure if we were still having lunch."

"Oh, Harry", she gasped, "I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting so long, I've just been so busy with work. We can go to lunch now, where were you thinking?"

He smiled, "Really, Hermione? Don't you ask me this every single time? Don't we go to the usual place every time anyway?"

She chuckled, "Alright, don't get your pants in a knot. Lead the way", she said, grabbing her scarf and coat off the rack.

She linked her arm with his as they made their way to the floo in silence. Mutually, they both knew that any conversation that needed to take place would take place once they were seated at the small diner. They floo'd out of the ministry and walked towards the apparition point. Harry side-along apparated her to the alley beside the place. It had been years that Harry and Hermione had begun coming here. Prior to the battle, right after their fifth year, they had begun meeting for lunch occasionally. Now that the two worked in such proximity, it had become a regular thing.

It was called Mel's Diner. Once Harry and Hermione had become accustomed to wizarding foods, they quickly realized that their childhood favorites were not always an option. So, coming to Mel's Diner had become a necessity. It was decorated with 50's style décor and Elvis Presley was almost always playing on the small jukebox in the corner. Hermione walked up to the register and smiled at the man behind it.

"Mel!", Hermione exclaimed, "It's been so long. I thought your son took over the diner?"

"Now, sweet Hermione", he started, "Nothing beats the original. And you ought to know I'm not that old. Sometimes the old diner calls to me and I answer her calls. Tell me, what can I get you today?"

"I think I'll have a turkey on sourdough please, with some avocado as well", Hermione stated, pulling out her wallet.

"And to drink today?", Mel asked.

"Mm… I think I'll have a hot chocolate, please", she answered, "thank you, Mel."

Harry ushered away Hermione's wallet as he said, "It's my turn, remember? Hey Mel, nice to see you again. May I have a turkey on wheat, toasted please. And to drink, I'll have a coffee, thanks Mel."

"Nice to see you too, young man", Mel said, taking the money from Harry and handing him the receipt, "Now you two have a nice day, hear?"

"Alright, Mel, hope to see you around", Harry chuckled. The old man was a legend, his sandwiches were simple, yet unbelievable. Mind, his son, Gerald, did a decent job of it, too, but like Mel said, nothing beats the original.

Hermione headed towards their favorite seat. It was a small booth, nestled into the corner of the diner. Just the nostalgia of it made her heart feel lighter. The red leather seats on the booth, the white plastic tabletop, the small, two-person booth, all of it gave her a sense of ease. Everything was going to be okay. She was going to be okay.

She sat on one side of the booth and waited for Harry to bring the trays. No matter how hard she'd tried, he'd never let her carry anything; it was just how he was, just a Harry thing to do. Hermione had given up pestering him to let her carry her own things and simply accepted it, it made him happy and much more comfortable to do so.

"So, how's work been today? You seemed really into whatever you were doing earlier", he said, placing her tray in front of her.

"Well", she started, "Kingsley mentioned someone had spotted the Carrows. He wants me to take lead of the case. Honestly, Harry, I don't know if I can do this. Maybe I should just let him know now to give someone else the lead and just let me take part on the team."

"Hermione", Harry said, eyeing her as she bit into her sandwich, "If anyone can do this, it's you. What's this really about? The brightest witch of her age would never admit that she couldn't do something. Especially not the Hermione Granger", he chuckled.

She set her sandwich down and took a sip of her hot chocolate, contemplating.

"What if Ron was right? What if Lavender was right? Have I stopped caring for everybody else? Am I not good enough? What if I'm not good enough to take on this case? What if- ", she panicked.

"Hermione, breathe", he said, placing a hand on her forearm, "You're barking mad if you believe anything they said. You're Hermione Granger! You're better than that."

"Harry, he cheated on me. His reason for doing so was the way I look and act.", she sighed, "I'm a cardigan-wearing, lunch-and-dinner-making mom. He got tired of me. He found someone more exciting. No wonder he wasn't home until late in the evenings and cooped himself up."

"This is not your fault.", he said, "I repeat, this is not your fault. He may not realize it right now, but he's just made the biggest mistake of his life. He walked out on you and Alice and Oliver. He left you. He doesn't deserve you. I've told you that before and I'm telling you again, now."

She looked down, covering the tears that were beginning to pool in her eyes. She couldn't help but blame herself.

"If I had only tried a little more. I could have dressed more nicely or maybe made his favorite meal a little more often. I could have done so much more, Harry", she cried, letting the tears openly fall now, "I should have tried harder."

Harry handed her a napkin and put her hand in his, "Hermione, you did your best for your children. If Ron didn't understand that, that is not your fault. To hell with him. Although he will always be one of my best mates, this is not something he can blame on you. He cheated on you and lied to you. Don't let yourself take the blame."

She patted her tears dry, slowly nodding her head. He was, after all, right. Alice and Oliver meant the world to her. They were all she needed and she would make sure they didn't feel the absence of their 'daddy'.

"Thank you, Harry", she said, a small smile forming on her lips, "thank you, for understanding. Enough about me, how was your day? Any luck finding who tipped us off about the Carrow's?"

"My day's been pretty splendid, actually, thanks", he said, jokingly. She knew he was doing his best to be light-hearted and maybe get a laugh out of her.

"Is that so? I wonder whether that's got anything to do with the fact that a certain Mrs. Weasley is probably currently beginning to make your absolute favorite dinner…", she smiled, widely. He always had an air of light around him.

"Well, if you're hinting that my wife is making steak and potatoes, that's got everything to do with everything", he said, almost seriously.

Hermione laughed, out loud, this time, "Harry! You and steak, inseparable, aren't you?"

"Listen, it has been man's favorite meal since the beginning of time. There's no need to question it, ever", he stated, factually.

"Alright, alright", she replied, a smile still lingering on her pixie features, "Shall I head over to your office after work so we can floo to my place together?"

"Sounds like a plan", he smiled, collecting the trays. He dumped the contents into the bin and placed the empty trays above it.

Hermione linked her arm in his once again and they headed back to the ministry, arm in arm. Luckily, lunch with Harry always made her feel better. He always knew what to say and when to say it. Once back at the ministry, they parted ways for the day and Hermione found herself in her office, alone.

'Right, then', she thought, opening the thin file the minister had handed her earlier that day, 'Let's see what we've got here.'

She had become so engulfed in her work, trying to decipher tiny details and wondering if she was simply grasping at straws, she jumped when the small watch on her wrist began beeping. She had set it early on, knowing she would get too immersed into her work and forget to leave the office. She filed her notes and documents into a small folder and tucked it into her desk drawer. Generally, Hermione had done everything possible to prevent having to take work home. She wanted to be with her children when she was home, giving them her attention, not huddled in a corner surrounded by paperwork. She exited her office and headed back down the hall towards the elevators, she would have to journey to the auror's department to get to Harry.

She held onto the strap that dropped from the ceiling and prayed the damn thing would stop lurching so much. Finally, she stepped out into the department and headed towards the office plated 'Harry Potter, Head Auror'. She knocked twice and heard, 'come in'.

"Harry, are you ready to head out? If not I can wait a few minutes", she said, but he shook his head.

"I'm ready, I can already taste the steak", he swallowed, mouthwatering.

"Alright", she turned and stepped into the private floo in Harry's office. It had been linked to the floo in Hermione's apartment since he first received his title of Head Auror. He stepped in beside her and together they were whisked away to her flat.