Hey guys, I'm sorry it's been so long. I have been very busy with work; it takes so much energy from me and once I get home I just want to go to bed. Also I got a couple messages and reviews with people who were extremely mad at me for this story and how Hermione is being portrayed, listen I respect how fierce the HP fandom is and how devoted they are to the characters, I am not one that thinks Hermione is weak and everything, this is just my point of view from how it could have happened after the war, even JK has stated that Ron and Hermione would need marriage counseling, okay so we all know their relationship wasn't perfect. So that was another reason for me stepping back from the story because I was trying hard to find ways to show people who didn't like the story that I don't think Hermione is a weak little character. I love her, she's amazing but I just took from the book sometimes she was pushed around by the boys a little bit. She did push back but still, I just want this story to be good. I appreciate everybody's opinions but negative comments still hurt. Okay enough of that: hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

-Erin

The next week flew by fast for Hermione; most of her time was spent either at work or at the Burrow. She was gratefully that Molly needed a lot of help at the Burrow lately, she was baking like crazy. Apparently this coming weekend was the first time all of the Weasley kids would be home at the same time. She was working overtime to make sure everything was clean and ready and was baking too much food. Molly was excited to see Percy, Charlie, Bill and George. She was excited to see Charlie and Bill, she saw Percy at the Ministry all the time and George at Diagon Alley at his shop. He travelled frequently for his job for Gringotts, and Charlie who is a Dragonologist. Hermione had a little crush on Charlie when she was younger, he was a rebel and who studied and handled dragons. It would be quite interesting to see all of them. Molly had told her that only the boys would be coming, no grandchildren or wives. Hermione thought it was odd but Molly had stated that this was planned and only wanted the boys home for the celebration. She didn't know anything about a celebration and whenever she asked Ginny what Molly meant she always found a way to not give her a straight answer. Which bothered her, Ginny was her best friend why couldn't she tell her. Hermione was brought back from her day dreaming to a familiar knocking sound on her office door.

"Come in"

Hermione smiled when she saw Arthur opening her door.

"Oh hi Arthur, it's so good to see you."

She smiled at the awkward Weasley man standing in front of her, his bald spot was getting brighter and brighter every year. But he still held so much warmth in his eyes.

"Hi Hermione I just thought I would stop by and see you, I know you have been working extremely hard lately not only her at the office but as well as at the Burrow. Molly and I appreciate your hard work and I thought to show some of my appreciation I could take you to lunch."

Hermione's heart swelled at his offer, she loved him greatly he was practically her father now. She would be forever grateful for the Weasley family and how much they loved her.

"That sounds lovely, let me just get my coat."

Hermione quickly got her coat and follow Arthur out of her office; with a flick with her wand she locked her office door. Nobody would be able to open it. Better safe than sorry she always said. Hermione followed Arthur out of the Ministry to the streets of London. As usually it was a wonderful London day, meaning it there was sleet rain coming down, everything was wet and cold. A normal London day; Hermione stuffed her hands into her pockets; damn she wished she would've brought some gloves. She didn't think it would be this cold.

"Some cold weather for May isn't it?"

Arthur led her down the street to a small café, it was cozy quiet café that Hermione loved to eat at least twice a month. She could probably eat there once a weak but she had to restrain herself, too much of anything isn't good. Plus Hermione gained 5 pounds her first 6months at the Ministry because she ate there 2 times a week. Arthur held the door open for her; she was greeted with the overwhelming smell of coffee. Hermione saw a table tucked in the back that looked warm and cozy.

"I'm going to order us some tea."

Hermione watched Arthur walked toward the café counter. She removed her jacket and sat down at the table, the café resembled a sweet looking cottage, like something out of a childhood story. On the outside it looked like any other normal café, but the inside was truly breath taking. There was an area with couches and surrounded by a couple tall bookshelves. Giving customers the chance to read a book and drink some tea or coffee. The café felt more like your grandmas' house, always welcoming, cozy couches, quaint little tables and delicious food.

"Here we are"

Hermione was pulled out of her little daydream and saw Arthur had returned with two big cups of tea. Hermione wrapped her hands around the warm cup, bringing her immense relaxation. She took a sip of the tea, it taste a bit fruity, she could taste the milk and honey in it; it was amazing.

"Oolong tea, I hope I put enough milk and honey in yours."

"It's wonderful, really spot on."

Hermione gave him an appreciated smile.

"So what new bill are you working on now?"

"Well I want to get Elf Protection Rights to be passed, right now it's more of if you want to follow it you can but won't be punished if you mistreat house elves. I really want magical creatures to be seen as not just creatures but as something the wizarding world needs to respect and understand."

"Yes I do agree the wizarding world needs to let go out these standards that only a few are allowed to be privileged. I am so proud of you Hermione; just don't be working too hard you need to take care of yourself first."

Hermione laughed at him, he was always treating her like he was her father. Never wanting her to work too hard, but was always proud of her. She was blessed to have him in her life.

"You know I can't promise you anything, I just have so many ideas that can change and help others in need."

Arthur gave her a knowingly smile.

"Yes but we must always help ourselves before we can help others."

Hermione couldn't argue with him there, damn he always gave great fatherly advice.

"Any idea about what you want to eat?"

Hermione knew he was trying to change the topic, he never wanted to upset her, but wanted her to know he thought she was more important than her ideas.

"Oh yes I think I will some smoked salmon finger sandwiches, feel like it would go great with my cup of tea."

"That sounds wonderful I will probably get some ham finger sandwiches."

Arthur was about to get up to order the food but Hermione beat him to it."

"Please allow me, you got the tea, I can get the sandwiches."

Arthur gave her a curt smile and sat back down, Hermione made her way to the other side of the café that held a small counter for the deli. She always tried to not let Arthur spend too much money on her, she felt like she was forever in the Weasley family debt with everything they did for her when she was younger and still all that they do for her now. She owed so much of her safety to them, they protected her took her in, made her a part of their family. She was born a Granger but was welcomed as a Weasley to them. She didn't know how she deserved their love but she was blessed to have earned it. Hermione reached the counter and ordered the sandwiches. The young lady behind the counter recognized her and smiled. Did she feel like if she didn't stay with Ron she would lose her only family now? Would they still love her if she left Ron? Probably not, Ron was an actual Weasley, he was blood, there is no way she would be welcomed back with open arms ever again at the Burrow if she left him. She probably wouldn't be able to see much of Harry if she left Ron. Back at school whenever the 3 were fighting Harry had usually stayed with Ron, not really taking sides but never leaving Ron. Really only time Harry and Ron had a major fight was when Ron was jealous Harry was picked to be in the Tri-Wizard tournament.

"Here you go"

Hermione turned to see the young lady behind the counter giving her, her order. Hermione paid roughly 10euros and made her way back to the table.

"Here you go."

"This looks delicious, thank you Hermione."

Hermione placed the sandwiches on the table and sat down. They began to eat, the sandwiches were extremely savory and Hermione was fighting with herself to not eat here again tomorrow.

"So you are coming this weekend to the family gathering?"

"It's on Sunday right?"

"I believe that's what Molly is telling me."

"What time? I got invited to go the quidditch game this Saturday, Irish vs Bulgaria again but this time it counts."

"Oh really how did you get tickets it's been sold out for months."

"Oh well Viktor Krum offered them to me, I was thinking of bringing Harry, Ginny and Ron with me."

"Have you asked them yet?"

"Oh well Ron is going but I figured I'd ask Harry and Gin when I seem them later this week."

Hermione was curious why he was asking so many questions about this match.

"Is Harry and Gin going to be too busy?"

Hermione watched Arthur's face turn the Weasley famous shade of red.

"Oh well I'm not sure, you uh know there is a lot going on this weekend, with all the boys coming home for the weekend. I uh wasn't sure you know I don't know."

Hermione watched the head of the Weasley family fumble with his words; he looked like he was trying not to tell her something important. Which made her want to know even more what he was hiding.

"What are you hiding from me?"

"Oh you know nothing big, nothing big or important at all."

"Really because it seems to be focused around Harry and Ginny, what it's not like they are gonna announce they are getting married are they?"

Hermione laughed at her statement, there was no way they would get married without telling her first, she was their best friend. Hermione looked to see Arthur completely still, his face was white and he looked like he was a deer caught in headlights.

"Wait, they are getting married?"

"Well uh…"

Arthur nervously itched the back of neck, ran his hand through his balding hair.

"They are getting married, and they didn't tell me…"

Hermione couldn't hide that sadness of her remark.

"They didn't tell anybody but me and Molly, they wanted to have the family together and tell you all, as a family. Me and Molly only knew because well obviously he asked for our permission which was lovely of him but I mean come on he is like my son, I am happy they are happy."

Hermione gave a fake smile, she knew he was trying to cheer her up but was still upset that they didn't tell her, they had been lying to her for over a week. She knew she shouldn't be upset but she felt betrayed. She felt Arthurs hand gently grasp hers.

"Hermione, they wanted to tell you but they knew you have been extremely busy with work and with Ron…they didn't want to add more stress to you. They know…and we know how difficult the past months have been for you Hermione, with Ron and work, well mainly just with my arse of a son. I don't know exactly what has been going on but you can tell me Hermione, I am here for you as well, I will support you as well. You don't have to worry about losing us, we all love you Hermione and we all want what's best for you. Obviously Molly and I wanted you and Ron to live happily after but we don't want to push you into staying with him. Just know whatever decision you make know that we will still love you."

Hermione felt like crying after his kind words, they were meant to give her support but she just felt all the stress and pain from the past couple of months hitting her like a ton of bricks. She couldn't fall a part in front of him, not now. She pulled herself together, but on her Gryffindor brave face.

"Thank you, I know you all love me and I truly love all of you. A lot has been going on, I think I should call it a day and get some much needed rest."

Arthur gave her sad smile and gently squeezed her hand before letting go.

"Okay let's get you back to the office so you can go home."

Hermione smiled at him.