Always grateful for kind words, so thanks as always. Review encourage a girl to write. Apologies as ever for any mishaps.

So the final single chapter before two worlds collide...

Hermione Granger practically skipped back to her flat, the temperature had dropped considerably, but she really was too happy to care. The sun was still shining brightly, but because of the cold it hadn't melted the snow, it might last the day after all Hermione thought, putting up her collar to keep out the now rather biting wind. The little coffee shop at the end of her street was open, quite surprising for New Year's day. The owner, Luis had lit the large heaters outside and one brave couple were enjoying hot chocolates and buns. The owner spotted one of his regular customers and waved enthusiastically at Hermione, smiling she waved back. Deciding, she too was just ready for a hot drink and a very naughty but nice, home-made cake of some sort.

"Felice anno nuovo, Signorina Hermione." The large jovial man called as she walked through the door, a little old fashioned bell ringing over her head as it closed behind her.

"Happy New Year to you too Luis." She smiled brightly. "The usual please, but today I am going to spoil myself, have a slice of your Panetone and sit and enjoy it here, by one of your heaters."

"You make yourself comfortable and Luis will bring it to you."

Hermione did as she was told, determined to make the most of today. Whilst she was both excited and happy at the prospect of her new job, she also knew there would be some dark days ahead, so a few carefree hours now, were just what she needed to put her own head in the right space to deal with the others.

24 Hours Earlier…

Minerva McGonagall had promised to owl Hermione the results of her N.E. between Christmas and New Year. To say Hermione had spent the intervening few days on tenterhooks was perhaps the understatement of the century, she had hoped they would arrive immediately after Boxing Day, but that would be a Saturday and although owl post did not work quite like the Royal Mail, she didn't expect the Headmistress to be working over the holiday weekend. Monday 29th came and went, as did Tuesday 30th. Hermione was just about to leave for the Burrow on New Year's Eve when a familiar owl tapped on her window. Suddenly she felt sick, and was not quite so anxious to know the results. The bird regally handed over its missive before departing once more, Hermione gazed at the parchment, with the stylish handwriting on the front, there was no mistaking Minerva McGonagall's elegant script. The Hogwarts seal on the back was quickly broken and Hermione opened the envelope.

There was a single sheet of cream parchment attached to the front of the results, all it said was "Congratulations. I am so very proud" it was signed with two M's, Hermione lifted it to reveal her results.

Charms ~ Outstanding

Transfiguration ~ Outstanding

Herbology ~ Outstanding

Arithmancy ~ Outstanding

Ancient Rune ~ Outstanding

Potions ~ Exceeds Expectations

Defence Against the Dark Arts ~ Exceeds Expectations

Hermione almost fell into the chair behind her, she had worked and studied very hard, but this had exceeded even her expectations, especially the last two. She felt sure she would have just scraped through both Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts; even Professor Snape might have been secretly rather pleased with her achievements.

She left for the Burrow moments later thinking yes indeed, this was going to be a Very Happy New Year.

The Weasley home was practically full to bursting when she arrived, she still didn't understand why Molly and Arthur hadn't had it made bigger when it was rebuilt. Harry was already there, along with the rest of the Weasley clan and the extended family. Molly was busy clattering around in the kitchen, baking and taking things out the oven, the washing up was busy doing itself and Arthur was stealing hot looking things from a tray behind his wife. They all, almost simultaneously stopped whatever they were doing to greet Hermione, they had only seen her a few days before for Christmas, but none the less she was welcomed like a long lost friend who they hadn't seen for years, not of course that she minded in the least. They were the closest thing she had to family now, and she loved them all, including Ronald.

Mr Weasley gave her a big bear like hug, sneaking her one of his purloined pies and Molly told her she was looking a little tired, just as she had done on Christmas Eve.

"So come on" Said Harry, taking his turn at the hugging. "Did you get your results?"

She knew he would remember, even if no one else did, she nodded, trying desperately to look disappointed, but she'd had no one to share her joy with since she had received them, and in truth she was about fit to burst.

"Five outstanding's and two Exceeds expectations. I got them this morning" She practically squealed at Harry.

"Wow Hermione that's fantastic." He was genuinely pleased for his friend, knowing how hard she had worked.

Ron nudged her playfully, "Bet you are really disappointed with those two ONLY exceeds expectations."

She was just about to slap him equally playfully when Ginny did it for her, only with a little less sisterly playfulness.

"Ron, that's just mean, like you would have got anything above poor or dreadful".

Thus the first Weasley spat of the day ensued and in record time too, it was brought to a halt only by Mister Weasley pointing everyone in the direction of the still steaming pies.

Remarkably, relative peace continued for a good few hours before George accused Percy at cheating at Wizard Charades, which brought the game to an abrupt end. Fortunately, by this time it was fast approaching midnight, Molly had supplied yet more pies and nibbles for her ever hungry family and Mister Weasley and Charlie had gone outside to make sure the fireworks were all ready. A Quick wave of his wand at the stroke of midnight had proved they were more than ready. A stunning display of pyrotechnics nearly set fire to the Weasley home for a second time, Molly breathing a huge sigh of relief as they narrowly missed the wooden roof, prompting a few more choice words which were hurled in a raised voice at her son and husband. But after so many years of happy marriage Arthur Weasley soon placated his wife, and they enjoyed a New Year kiss much the disgust of their children.

Watching the happy scene and being once more back with her friends and part of the Wizarding World, Hermione knew she had made the right decision.