Disclaimer: Fourteen chapters in and I still don't own Harry Potter.

Everyday From Right Now
Chapter 14
By pacifickay

The warm afternoon sun shone down on the Weasley's paddock, with Fred's white marble head stone glistening just as brightly. There were still a few people mulling around it, setting down flowers or small trinkets, wiping the last tears from their eyes. But the majority of those in attendance had already done so, and were now scattered about the field and throughout the Burrow's yard, talking and laughing together as though it had been intended for them to do so all along.

After George's toast, the little wizard who was presiding over the service had lowered Fred's coffin into the ground and had been about to reprimand George and Lee, but a large Catherine wheel had zoomed by and caught his hat on fire. He had Disapperated in an affronted huff, but no one took any notice as they began to flock around George, hugging him and shaking his hand. The same went for all the Weasley's, who were still out amongst the crowd, greeting family and friends and receiving their fond recollections of Fred rather than lamenting with grief.

In the mass of bodies present at what was no longer a funeral, and could now only be described as the party that was honoring Fred's memory, Harry and Hermione found themselves standing off to the side of the throng of people, both sipping Butterbeer and more at ease than they had been for awhile.

"This is definitely not how I pictured this day turning up," Harry said, unable to hold back grinning.

"Not at all," Hermione agreed with a smile. "Though we were stupid to think that George wouldn't have planned something like it."

They looked over to where George was, standing with Ron and Percy amongst a large crowd. The three Weasley boys who had spoken for Fred had been approached by nearly everyone at the service, receiving compliments and admiration for their eulogies. George was back in his element, smiling and talking loudly to those around him; the sight was more than heartening to see.

"Hey, Hermione! Hey, Harry!" A voiced chimed out and they looked over to see Neville coming towards them.

"Hi, Neville," they chorused.

"You guys alright?" Neville asked. "Some party, eh? I bet Fred would've loved it."

"Definitely," Harry agreed.

"How're you doing Neville?" Hermione asked, her eyes sweeping over his still bruised and cut face, marks from both the brutal methods of the Carrows and the battle at Hogwarts.

"I'm fine," Neville said, waving his hand airily. "I look no worse than the rest of us."

"He means me," another voice said and the three of them turned to see Seamus and Dean joining them.

"I look the worst," Seamus continued. And it was true, for while all the others had their recent marks and bruises from fighting the Death Eaters and Voldemort, Seamus had been in a bad state even before then, but at least now he was recognizable.

"I dunno," Dean said, smirking. "I don't think you're too bad. Look, Harry, see this mark on his cheek? Think it can pass for a lightening bolt?"

"Maybe if the rest of us squint really hard," Harry responded and they all laughed.

"So, Hermione," Neville said. "You thinking of sitting the N.E.W.T.'s in a few weeks? That's when we all are."

"I'm not sure yet," Hermione said. "I mean, Professor McGonagall said it was a possibility, but she said she'd get back to us about it."

"Well, if you do, could you help me study?"

Hermione smiled. "I wasn't even at school all year; you ought to be helping me."

"And me," Harry said.

"Ah, c'mon, we all know Hermione could sit the test now and pass it," said Seamus.

"Well, it all depends on what Professor McGonagall says," Hermione repeated. "For all we know, we'll have to go back and do our seventh year over."

"Great," Dean groaned, "If you three have too, then maybe I ought to as well. McGonagall did offer."

"She did?"

"Yeah, but I told her I'd just go with what I knew with the N.E.W.T.'s. Apparently, they're being a tad less stringent with grading this year, thanks to everything that happened, so I may take my chances."

"Excellent, Harry," Seamus said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You beat You-Know-Who and, with that counting as 'extenuating circumstances,' now we'll all pass our tests no problem."

"I just need to sit the Herbology one," Neville said. "Professor Sprout said that she could use extra help around the greenhouses this summer, replanting everything we lost in the fight. And who knows, maybe she'll keep me around for a bit."

"That'd be brilliant, Neville," Harry said.

"You sure you all wouldn't just want to attend Hogwarts next year with us?" Ginny spoke up, coming up to the small group with Luna. "Imagine all of us being seventh years together."

"Oh, that'd be really fun," Luna said smiling honestly. "It'd be like being back in the D.A., wouldn't it? All of us learning together?"

"I think half the staff would quit if we all went back for another year in class together," Dean said to general laughter and agreement.

Harry looked over at Hermione. "What do you reckon? You think you'd want to go back?"

Hermione smiled softly as she thought about it. Going back to Hogwarts after everything that had happened definitely had its appeal. She'd officially finalize her schooling, no doubt as Head Girl, and almost get to re-do the last year of her life with Ginny and Luna and anyone else who went back. But at the same time, going back to Hogwarts was a bit odd. It wasn't going to change the fact that her, Ron, and Harry had gone and defeated Voldemort. And as much as she knew it was time to begin moving on from the past year, she wasn't sure that pretending it hadn't happened was the way to do it.

"We'll see what happens," Hermione told Harry, who smiled back at her, knowing that it was definitely something they'd have to think about soon.

As the afternoon went on, more people began to come over to the small group and join in with the laughter and discussions about school and future plans. It was the first time that many had seen each other in a non-threatening environment since the final battle and they were wasting no time in swapping summer schedules and addresses.

"Imagine if we all lost touch with each other after this," Ginny said as they waved goodbye to Hannah Abbot. "I can hardly picture not knowing what everyone's up to in a few years, after being through so much together."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "It was weird enough not knowing what you lot were all up to when we were gone. I'm not really that keen on continuing it now that we're home."

"There you are, Harry," a deep voice said, and they looked around to see Kingsley Shacklebolt coming over to them.

"Hello, Kingsley," Harry said, grinning, "or would you rather be known as Minister now?"

Kingsley laughed. "No, please, my name is more than fine. Though right now, I do need to talk to you about a few things as Minister," he added.

Harry looked at him in surprise and glanced at the others around him. Ginny and Neville exchanged confused glances and Dean pretended not to hear, but Hermione met his gaze and nodded.

"Alright," Harry said "but as I'm sure you already know Hermione and Ron get to come and hear too."

Kingsley smiled. "Of course, I do. Drove us all mad for a year, remember?"

"I'll go find Ron," Hermione said.

"We'll just be inside," Kingsley told her. "It won't take long." He nodded at the others in farewell and began walking off towards the house.

Ginny frowned at Harry. "And why don't I get to come? I thought we were done with secrets."

Harry at least had the good grace to look a bit sheepish, but he stayed firm. "You know I'll just end up telling you everything anyway, Ginny, don't worry about it."

Ginny looked at him for another moment before sighing in defeat. "Fine," she said. Harry smiled and kissed her swiftly before hurrying after Kingsley.

"Where is Ron, anyway?" Hermione wondered aloud, scanning the crowd.

"He's over there," Luna said, pointing. "I saw him talking with more people. He did do an excellent job today, I told him."

"Thanks, Luna," Hermione said, and after another reassuring smile at a still slightly cross looking Ginny, she headed off in the direction Luna had been pointing.

It took Hermione a few moments to make her way through the chattering crowd, having to stop here and there to exchange a few words with someone she recognized or receiving a hug or handshake from those still talking of Voldemort's downfall. Eventually, she was able to spot Ron standing with George and talking to another group of former students including Alicia Spinnet, Terry Boot, Pavarti Patil and Lavender Brown. And much to her bemusement, it was the last person who spotted her first.

"Hermione!" Lavender said brightly, hurrying over to her and giving her a one-armed hug; her other was wrapped in a sling, thanks to her fall from a balcony during the battle.

"Hi, Lavender," Hermione said, hugging her back lightly, still confused. It wasn't that she had never gotten along with her former dorm mate, perhaps with the exception of sixth year, but it was still a bit unusual to be on such high terms.

"I never had the chance to thank you," Lavender said, pulling back and her eyes shining as she looked at Hermione. "Had you not stopped Fenrir Greyback from attacking me…well, thanks."

"Ron told us," Pavarti added, smiling at Hermione's confusion before giving her a hug as well. "I'm sure you barely remember it."

"Oh," Hermione said, as she vaguely recalled blasting the werewolf off his feet before he could have reached Lavender. "No, I do. But- well- you're welcome, Lavender," she finally finished, going faintly pink. It was odd to be thanked by someone directly; there had been so much going on, it was hard to recall who saved who during the fighting.

"What's up, Hermione?" asked George, who, like the others, had watched the exchange with mingled amusement.

Hermione looked over at Ron. "Kingsley wanted to talk to Harry about something, and Harry wants us to hear it too."

Ron frowned slightly. "What's it about?"

"No idea, but we ought to go find out, it shouldn't take long," she added.

"Alright then," Ron said. He and Hermione told the others they'd see them later, and after another wide smile from Lavender, the two of them set off side by side towards the house.

"So," Hermione said after a few moments, looking over at Ron. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Ron said, glancing back over his shoulder at the party guests. "This is a right sight better than the Hogwarts memorial. I was worried I wasn't going to see George so happy for a lot longer. And it's been great to see everyone again at a time where we're not fighting for our lives."

"That's true," Hermione agreed. "Though I certainly didn't expect to see you talking with Lavender," she added, raising an eyebrow at Ron.

Ron looked over at Hermione in alarm, his face flushing. "She came over to me first," he said quickly. "I was talking to George and Alicia and then she was the one who came over and – and – it doesn't- I didn't - you're not - ?"

He stopped as Hermione began to laugh. "It's alright, Ron," she said, smiling up at him. "I'm just giving you a hard time."

Ron looked at her closely. "You're sure you're not going to get all mad at me?"

"Why would I get mad?" she asked him, surprised.

"I dunno," he said, "I guess after what happened earlier-" his ears went pink again, but he pressed on. "-well, I don't know if you're going to be short with me or anything after that."

"Oh," Hermione said shortly, looking away from him, her cheeks matching his blush as what had happened in Ron's room came back to her. The kissing had been familiar, but the intensity hadn't. The deliberate moves of his hands touching her face and everywhere else had been almost enough to make her cry and laugh and scream all at once. Not to mention the way his breath had mingled with hers, his mouth soft and warm against her own. It had been everything and yet it had been nothing, and it was driving her mad.

She looked back up and was met again with the blue eyes that she knew so well. They looked at her fearfully and eagerly, and it was obvious that he was thinking the same things.

"Hermione," he said, his voice soft as he reached out and held her carefully by the arm, bringing them both to a halt in their walking, the Burrow just in front of them. "I'm sorry that…well…that everything had to happen the way it did, the bad timing and Ginny seeing us and everything."

She nodded. "I am too, Ron."

"But I'm not sorry that it happened," Ron said abruptly. "I'm not sorry that I kissed you like that. No bloody way am I sorry about that part of it."

Hermione laughed softly in spite of herself. "That's good to hear," she admitted. "I'm not sorry you did either."

Ron looked slightly taken aback. "Really? You're not going to tell me that it can't happen ever again?"

"I didn't stop you the first time, did I?"

"No," he said, unable to hold back his grin. "No, you certainly did not."

"Ron," Hermione said, reaching up and gently smoothing her fingers along his cheeks, smiling slightly as it caused him to breathe in deeply at her touch. "You said it yourself. We're not exactly in a non-physical relationship anymore, we both admitted it."

"Best damn thing we've ever agreed on, I'd say," he muttered.

"Don't swear," Hermione said automatically, though she secretly agreed. "Anyway, we're just going to have to learn how to control it, that's all. No need in trying to stop completely, neither of us could handle it."

Ron laughed, taking her hands in his own and bringing them down between them, before he bent his head to hers and kissed her, loving the sensation she brought out in him as she kissed eagerly back.

"Thank you, by the way," he said, pulling away and looking at her softly. "For staying by me at the funeral. I thought I'd blown it again."

Hermione smiled. "I told you I'd be there for you. It'll take more than an awkward moment between us to send me packing."

"Yeah…poor Ginny," Ron chuckled, shaking his head. "We ought to apologize for that."

"As if that would be less embarrassing?" Hermione asked with a groan.

"Probably not," Ron agreed. "But let's think of that later. We'd better hurry up and see what Kingsley wants to talk to us about. Any ideas?" he added as they resumed walking across the final stretch of the lawn to the Burrow.

"Plenty," Hermione sighed. "And none of them are good, so hopefully I'm wrong about some."

"Hermione, you're very rarely wrong."

"That's what I'm afraid of..."

Entering through the back door, Ron and Hermione entered the kitchen, Crookshanks darting between their legs and out across the lawn. With everyone out on the paddock, the Burrow felt completely still and silent.

"Harry?" Hermione called.

"We're in the living room," Harry's voice answered back and Ron led the way over.

"This seems oddly familiar," Ron remarked, as he and Hermione sat on the couch together, facing Kingsley and Harry, who were both standing. "Though the last time the three of us were in here with the Minister of Magic, the air was much more hostile"

Kingsley chuckled. "Well, I give you three a lot more credit than Scrimgeour did. That's why I'm telling you all this as soon as I can."

"What's up, Kingsley?" Harry asked.

Kingsley looked at each of them in turn before he started. "There are a few different issues that I have to talk to you about. I didn't want to do it today, but this way you don't have to be seen around the Ministry too much, which still isn't the best thing at the moment, as we try to make sure all those affiliated with Voldemort are caught.

"I'm not sure how much you all have heard so far, seeing as half of your family, Ron, works at the Ministry, but I may as well tell you as much as we know. Obviously, with Voldemort gone, we've begun rounding up the remaining Death Eaters as best we can."

The three of them all nodded, but said nothing, waiting for Kingsley to continue.

"That being said, there's still some of them out there, and while we don't think any would be foolish enough to try and start another rebellion, we can't rule it out. Therefore, Harry, I have to let you know that you're still going to be under a certain amount of protection until we can get the more reckless Death Eaters arrested."

"Like the Lestranges?" Harry said, feeling it would be stupid to pretend that they didn't already know about this.

"Precisely. Now, I know that you are all more than capable of looking after yourselves, but I'll be putting some protection around the Burrow. Especially with Hermione and Ron still with you. It was common knowledge for the past year that they were helping you and there's every chance that they could be targets as well."

Harry glanced over at Ron and Hermione for a second. "Can't I just go stay at Grimmauld Place?"

Kingsley shook his head. "We don't know exactly how many Death Eaters have knowledge of Sirius's house and the fact that you have stayed there. It's under Ministry watch at the moment, and even though it seems to be safe, we shouldn't put it in use until it's absolutely necessary, just in case."

"I don't want to lead any Death Eaters here," Harry said fiercely. "Wouldn't it be better if we all just split up?"

Kingsley held up a hand to calm him. "No. The more people around you the better. You're forgetting, Harry, that this isn't as intense as what you're used to. No Death Eater is going to come barging in here when there's no master to serve. You just need to be aware that you are going to be under surveillance, mostly with the remaining Order members, and I'd advise you to stick to the Burrow for awhile.

"Which actually leads me to telling you the same thing, Hermione," Kingsley said looking at her. "I know that you'll want to go home, but with the possibility that you're a target, I'm not convinced that you going back into the Muggle world would be safest. There's less protection out there."

"But my parents," Hermione began, her eyes wide, "I want to bring them home, Kingsley. I can't just leave them in Australia forever."

"I understand," Kingsley told her gently, "but they've been safe there so far, haven't they? They may not be as lucky if you bring them back. I'm sorry, Hermione, but I think it would be best if they stayed there longer."

"How much longer?" Hermione said, her lower lip trembling. Ron reached out and took one of her hands in his own; she gripped back tightly.

Kingsley regarded her for a few moments in silence, obviously thinking about the matter. "Well," he finally said slowly, "give the Ministry and myself a few more days to assess the dangers that are still out there. After that, we can work on bringing your parents back into the country, though with a very liberal amount of protection. That's the best I think we can do for them."

Hermione nodded. "Thank you," she said softly, reaching up with her free hand and swiping quickly at her eyes.

"I'd still rather go to Grimmauld Place," Harry said again.

"I know you're worried about everyone's safety," Kingsley assured him, "but that is where the protection comes in. I'm setting most of it myself and I'd much rather keep you three in one place instead of sending you out into hiding again."

"How long d'you think we'd have to keep this up?" Ron asked. "Because McGonagall was saying how we could take our N.E.W.Ts in a few weeks or even go back to school in September, but would this all be done by then?"

"Well, that actually is another thing I wanted to discuss with you three. Have you made a decision yet about what you'd like to do about finalizing your education?"

They all exchanged looks. It had certainly been on their minds, but it was only a few days after they had fought at Hogwarts; they hadn't exactly done any heavy discussions on it.

"Well," Hermione spoke up. "I was thinking of taking the N.E.W.Ts, just to try getting some qualifications."

"I haven't decided," Ron said and Harry nodded.

"It's all up to you," Kingsley said, "but perhaps I can offer you another choice?"

"What's that?" Harry asked.

"Well, to be honest with you, you've gotten more experience in the past year than most of the current Aurors who've been with the Ministry for ages. And the thing is, we've got a Ministry to try putting back into order, while at the same time rounding up the last Death Eaters, and we could sure use the help."

The room went still. Hermione was looking at Kingsley in sheer disbelief, Ron had his mouth hanging open, and Harry blinked stupidly as he stared at Kingsley in wonder. Kingsley raised an eyebrow at their reactions.

"Why so surprised?"

"You were just saying that I'm supposed to be protected from Death Eaters," Harry said incredulously, "and now you want me to help chase them down?!"

Kingsley laughed appreciatively. "It does sound crazy, I know. But, Harry, I honestly can't think of anyone else who could make a better Auror than you could. Besides, I wouldn't exactly put you out in the field without having to go through the necessary training. Imagine what Molly would do to me if she knew that."

"Then what exactly would I be doing?"

"For starters, you'd just be involved in the tracking and interrogating. Maybe I could allow you to come on some assignments that aren't as high of threat, with my own supervision or with a senior Auror. Of course, when things begin to settle down, you could jump right into the appropriate training and work your way from there."

"You really are serious, aren't you?" Harry asked in an awed tone.

"I am." Kingsley confirmed. "And if anyone wants to try saying that Harry Potter doesn't have any other qualifications to be an Auror, then they can take it up personally with me."

Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione, both of whom looked back up at him with just as much surprise as he had.

"Kingsley," Harry began weakly, "this is – I mean – are you sure?"

"It's up to you Harry," Kingsley said again. "You don't have to decide right away, just think about it. You could join up tomorrow or in a few years, it wouldn't make a difference to me. The same goes for you two as well," he added to Ron and Hermione, who both looked back at him with wide eyes. "Just something you are free to consider."

Ron, Hermione, and Harry exchanged several glances at each other. This was certainly another option that they would have to think about. It was both tempting and daunting for their own reasons, not at least because they were terrified to accept right away.

Kingsley surveyed their stunned reactions and chuckled. "Didn't mean to frighten you three," he said.

"I think," Hermione finally said breathlessly, "that I'd need to think about."

"Yeah," Ron managed to say. "I'll need to think about it too. And by that I mean I'd have to ask Mum and see if she'd even allow it."

They all laughed, the tension easing somewhat. Kingsley looked at Harry, who smiled and shook his head.

"Same here," he said. "It's an amazing offer, but I'll need a few days."

"Fair enough," Kingsley said warmly. "And with that, I've got one last thing to talk to you all about and then I'll need to get back to the Ministry."

For the first time, Kingsley hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Now, there's been no real way around it, but you three are going to, of course, be awarded with the Order of Merlin, First Class, for all you did."

Ron let out a low whistle and Hermione gasped softly, but Harry raised a weary eyebrow. "Really, Kingsley, is that necessary?"

"Well, no, but frankly, this one is out of my hands," Kingsley said apologetically. "The public and Wizengamot are both clamoring for it, and honestly, it's a start in the Wizarding World paying you back."

"But, I don't –" Harry began, but Kingsley cut him off.

"You should just be thankful that I convinced them not to do a parade," he said simply. "It's a small victory, but I've gotten them to have only a closed ceremony. You'll be in and out as fast as I can possibly get away with."

Harry sighed and smiled awkwardly. "Alright," he conceded. "But it'll be in and out and no interviews."

"Deal," Kingsley said, extending his hand, which Harry took and shook with a smile.

"Thanks, Kingsley," he said. "For everything."

"I'll be in touch of course," he told them, shaking Ron and Hermione's hand as well as they got to their feet. "We'll see where we are in a few days with everything, so you three be sure to think a bit harder about your plans."

"We will," Hermione said.

"Good. Well, I'm going to go say some more goodbyes and then I'll be off. I'll see you all soon."

They exchanged some final words and with a final wave, Kingsley went back out to the paddock, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing in the living room.

"Well, so much for having a life without trouble," Harry said, looking at Ron and Hermione with a puzzled and amused expression.

"I'll say," Ron said, running a hand through his hair. "Finding out about the Order of Merlin, getting a job offer, and the idea that we're possible targets for some rogue Death Eaters. And all before dinner, no less."

"Not altogether surprising, though," Hermione said.

"Which bit?"

"All of it," she said shrugging. "Well, except the job part. We have no qualifications whatsoever."

"We have no paper qualifications," Harry pointed out, "but its like Kingsley said, isn't it? We've got plenty of field experience."

"Yeah, enough to share with half the department," Ron said. "Though is that really what we want to do?"

The three of them all fell silent, each thinking about the new offers and information they had received.

Of course Harry's inclination was to accept the job of being an Auror; it was, afterall, the only true career path he had ever seen himself in. But even with the training, would that truly be enough? And he had beaten the single most evil wizard of all time mere nights ago, was he ready now to jump right back into the fight?

Hermione bit her lip nervously. True, she hadn't made any set plans to retrieve her parents yet, but hearing that she'd have to wait even longer hadn't been comforting. Not to mention the guilt she felt of bringing them back home, when she was still in danger. She wanted her parents safe, but that might mean that they couldn't come home. And she wanted the exact opposite, especially if she was supposed to receive a reward and try continuing a life in the Wizarding World; she wanted to share that with them.

Ron was stuck in disbelief over everything Kingsley had said. To be receiving such a high honor as the Order of Merlin sounded crazy to him. Plus Kingsley had said that he could be an Auror too. That was definitely not expected, but more than welcome; even if he had a feeling that his Mum would be worried, he honestly couldn't see what else he could do. There was no way he could pass many N.E.W.Ts after just a few weeks of studying; only Hermione could do that.

At that thought, Ron looked over at Hermione then, watching her. She was obviously thinking of something, and while he was still learning how to read her, he had a feeling he knew what it was about. The way she had clenched his hand tightly; she was worried about her parents, and he couldn't blame her. He reached out and softly nudged her hand, causing her to look up at him. He smiled softly at her, trying with all his might to let her see that no matter what, it was going to be alright. Hermione understood, she smiled back at him and sighed.

"Well," she said, looking at Ron, but speaking also to Harry, "there's no use in deciding it right now. Kingsley said a few days, so there's time."

"Right," Harry said, looking relieved at that thought. "There's time to talk about it. We'll figure it out."

"We should head back outside," Ron said, "don't want to miss out on any more of the party."

They all agreed and together they headed back outside and began to walk out towards the paddock. It was still a silent walk as they allowed their thoughts to again stray to other things. They of course knew that they'd have to be making some big decisions soon. But right now, they felt that it was best that they wait just a little bit longer before they had to take another step towards their new futures.

Author's Note: So many plot point. ...and I'm covering them ALL. :)