Chapter 10: Interruptions

5 months later, late March, 2004.

Hermione was in a hurry to leave work and get home. Ron had gone home sick a few hours earlier, and Hermione was anxious to check on him. Just three weeks ago, she and Ron had bought their first house together in the middle of the country. It was halfway between The Burrow and Grimwald Place, and it was still a mess. She hoped Ron would be alright and be able to find anything he needed.

When Hermione finally got home, she was surprised to find the house completely dark. Without realizing he might be sleeping, she called Ron's name.

"Ron? I'm home!" she called. "Is everything alright?"

No answer. Hermione went into the kitchen and flicked on the light. As she did so, she saw a small piece of paper lying on the table near her chair. Puzzled, she picked it up and began reading.

Dear Hermione,

I am so sorry to leave you on such short notice, but it's an emergency. We think we've found the Malfoys, so Harry and I need to track them down and capture them. We're not allowed to tell anyone where we are going, and Mr. Robards hasn't even told us where we will be yet. I may be gone for our wedding, so I sent Mum an owl telling her to postpone it. I don't want to be away from you, you know that, but it's for everyone's safety including yours. We will get married as soon as I get back, I promise you, Hermione. And I WILL come back. Don't think for a minute that I won't, because I will, very soon.

Love always, Ron.

Hermione felt as if her heart stopped beating. Ron was gone. The Malfoys could kill him, and she didn't even get to say goodbye. Clutching Ron's note to her chest, she ran into the bedroom she shared with Ron, and cried.

Hermione had no idea how long she had been crying, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Startled, she lifted her head from her pillow and weakly said, "Come in." to whoever was waiting outside.

The door slowly creaked open, and Ginny stepped into the room. She looked as if she had been crying too.

"Let me guess." Ginny said with a sigh. "Ron went home sick today and left you a note saying he and Harry are tracking the Malfoys, and you're worried about him and upset you never got to say goodbye."

Hermione nodded weakly, and Ginny sat down on the bed next to her. "We can't keep crying about this, Hermione. I was just as upset as you are until I realized Harry and Ron wouldn't want that. They would want us to be positive for them. They survived the war with Voldemort, so they can, and will, survive this too."

Hermione sat up and wiped her tearful eyes. "But, what if something happens, Ginny? We have to postpone of wedding, all because of the MALFOYS! The Malfoys, Ginny! It isn't fair! I don't want to lose Ron!" she said angrily.

"HERMIONE, WILL YOU GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF. YOU'RE SMARTER THAN THIS!" Ginny shouted, making Hermione jump. "We've got to think positively. Harry and Ron will come home, and the Malfoys will go to Azkaban."

Hermione sighed. "You're right, Ginny. I'm being ridiculous." She said, hoping she was right.

Author's note: Yes, I know this chapter is REALLY short, but hopefully that means I will get two chapters on today.