A/N: Many, many apologies to my readers. September came and I had to return to work. After having the summer off, it took some adjusting to! Please know that I will NOT abandon either story although it might take me a little longer to post. Thank you for your patience!

Chapter 14: Welcome Home

"Ron! RON! Shift now!"

"I'm trying Hermione," Ron said through gritted teeth, "but this damn clutch is stuck!" He tried to shift again only to hear a horrific noise come from the car and a groan of frustration come from Hermione.

"Maybe I should drive," said Hermione. "Why don't you pull over there?" She pointed to a grassy area off the side of the road. When Ron asked if he could drive the car to the Burrow, Hermione thought it would be relatively easy to show him how to but he had absolutely no knowledge of cars whatsoever. Suddenly the car shifted into gear and she sighed in relief.

Ron looked at Hermione with a triumphant expression on his face. "See," he said, "I told you I could do it."

Hermione smirked and rolled her eyes. "Yes you did Ron," she replied. "Now could you please turn the car around? I think you left the transmission somewhere back there."

"Oh shut it," he said but smiled. He couldn't wait to pull up to the Burrow in the red Beamer. His father was going to go bonkers over it. He looked over at Hermione and saw her frowning.

"What's wrong?" he asked. "Do you really think I damaged the car?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, that's not it. The car is fine. It's just that, well, do you think it's too much? I mean pulling up in this car. It's not too flashy or showy, is it?"

Ron laughed and reached over to grab her hand. "No, it's fine! Besides, my parents already know about it. I told Ginny about how you rented it and I am sure she has told the rest of my family. She's probably at the Burrow already. They didn't sleep in like we did." He glanced over at her and smiled as he saw the familiar flush spread across her cheeks. They had spent a wonderful morning in bed together, complete with breakfast brought in by room service, and had gotten on the road a little later then they had originally intended to. Before she could answer, Ron shouted "Look! There it is!"

Hermione followed his gaze and gasped. It was like no other house she had ever seen before. There were three stories built haphazardly on top of one another giving the whole house a rather crooked appearance. Different bricks, stones, and shingles had all been used in its construction which added to its odd but yet charming appearance. Hermione counted at least four chimneys sticking out from odd angles as well.

Ron rumbled up a dusty driveway and pulled in front of the house. Hermione saw there was also a garage and a small chicken coop. "What do you think?" asked Ron.

Hermione turned to look at him and smiled. "I think it is the most wonderful house I have ever seen in my life! I can't wait to see the inside!"

Ron almost breathed a sigh of relief. The Burrow was strange to most wizarding folk so he wasn't sure how Hermione would react to it. Before he could say anything further, the peaceful silence was broken by the sound of his mum shrieking, "They're here!"

"That's our cue I think," he said and got out of the car. Hermione got out as well and took Ron's hand. Her stomach was doing nervous butterflies and she smoothed down the skirt she was wearing.

"Do I look alright?" she asked Ron as they walked towards the front door.

Ron smiled down and kissed her lightly. "You look beautiful. Now relax! My parents are really easy going and—"

"Merlin's beard Molly! Will you look at this!"

Arthur Weasley came barreling out of the house to stand in front of the car. He couldn't take his eyes from it until Molly came outside as well.

"Arthur! Don't be rude! Come meet Hermione!" she shouted at him. Ron flushed slightly at his mum's tone but Hermione just beamed.

Molly's features softened as she went to her youngest son and his girlfriend. "Hello Hermione. I'm Molly Weasley. I am so happy to finally meet you." She caught Hermione up in a fierce hug, again turning Ron red but Hermione seemed to be completely at ease.

"Hello Mrs. Weasley! Ron has told me so much about you and your family. I am so happy to be here!" replied Hermione. Ron's mum was everything she imagined her to be. She turned as Arthur finally was able to turn his attention away from the car.

"Arthur Weasley," he said, holding out his hand for Hermione to shake. "We're glad to have you here. This is a spectacular vehicle! Ron I didn't know you could drive a Muggle car!"

Hermione released Arthur's hand and laughed, "He can't. I'm surprised you didn't hear us coming!"

"C'mon Hermione," Ron scowled, "I really wasn't that bad."

Hermione reached over and squeezed his hand, "I'm just kidding! You did great! Much better than I did when you first taught me how to Disarm someone!"

Molly's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Ron taught you spells?" she asked. "Well, it seems like we have lots to talk about then! Let's go inside. I just baked a lovely batch of scones and I have some of Ron's favorite raspberry jam."

"That sounds lovely," replied Hermione following Molly inside. She turned around to see Ron and his father still standing by the car.

"We'll be along in a bit," said Ron. "I just want to show my dad the car."

Hermione nodded and walked inside. She looked around in amazement. The entryway led into a cozy living room with a small couch and several mismatched armchairs. There were knickknacks and family photos everywhere but instead of appearing cluttered, the room was warm and welcoming. Ginny walked in at that moment carrying a tray with tea and the scones. She put it on a battered coffee table and crossed the room to give Hermione a friendly hug.

"You're finally here!" she exclaimed. "Did you have a good time at the wedding last night?"

Hermione nodded. "It was wonderful. Chloe looked beautiful, Dean looked smitten, and the music and food was fabulous. It was everything a wedding should be!"

Ginny's eyes sparkled. "I know! It has made me very excited about planning my own wedding!"

The two girls sat down on the couch while Molly chose an armchair. She began to pour the tea and pass around the mugs. "So Hermione," she began, "Ron tells us you are a schoolteacher. You must have just begun your summer holiday then, right?"

Hermione took a sip from her mug and nodded. "Yes but I work a few days a week at a bookshop to earn some extra money. Its easy work and I get a discount on any book I want!"

"Hermione is a bit of a brainiac mum," said Ginny. "She went to Oxford."

"Oxford!" exclaimed Molly. "Even we wizarding folk know what an outstanding educational institution that is."

Hermione flushed slightly. "Yes, well, both of my parents are dentists and I entered Oxford pre-med but changed my mind."

"Teaching is an admirable profession," said Molly. "I am sure your parents are very proud of you."

Hermione grew slightly uncomfortable in her seat. She hadn't spoken to her parents since she told them about Ron. Before Hermione could comment, Arthur, Ron, and Harry came into the house.

Arthur's eyes were shining brightly as he said, "Simply remarkable! Wait until Charlie sees it!"

"Charlie?" repeated Ron. "Charlie's coming home?"

Molly smiled up at Ron. "He's here already! He came home for the weekend. We haven't seen him since Christmas and when I told him you were coming home and that Ginny and Harry would be here as well as the rest of the family, he said that he would try to make it as well!"

Hermione hadn't heard Ron speak about Charlie. "Where does Charlie live?"she asked.

"I live in Romania. I guess my little brother left out that fact."

Hermione turned to see a short but extremely well-built man walk into the room. Ginny stood and gave him a hug. "I hear congratulations are in order," he said as he released Ginny and shook Harry's hand. "Don't forget Potter, I have access to the most dangerous dragons in the world. Ginny only has to say the word."

Harry smiled but looked a tiny bit tense as he laughed and replied, "I will most certainly never forget that but I promise Ginny will have no need for them."

Charlie smiled and moved to Ron, crushing him in a bear hug. "Well look at you little brother," he said. "Not so little anymore and making quite the name for yourself in the Auror department I hear." He turned and flashed a brilliant smile at Hermione. "And you must be Hermione. Charlie Weasley," he said and extending his hand to her.

Hermione smiled and shook his hand, noting the calluses and burns that seemed to mark them, and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you Charlie."

"The pleasure is all mine," he said, a flirtatious smile playing about his lips. "I can see why Ron has been keeping you all to himself. George told me you were pretty but that was clearly an understatement."

Hermione could feel herself flush at his statement and it only caused him to smile wider and make his blue eyes sparking. "Absolutely lovely," he said.

Ron rolled his eyes as he watched his brother fawn over his girlfriend. He loved Charlie as much as he loved his other siblings but he wasn't anyone he would want to leave Hermione alone with.

"Hermione," he said, "come with me and I'll show you around."

"Yes, yes dear," said Molly. "Go! I just have to finish up things in the kitchen. Everyone else will be arriving soon and then we'll be sitting down to eat."

"Alright," said Hermione, putting her cup down. Charlie took the spot she vacated and reached for one of the scones.

"Now don't be getting lost you two," he said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. "One of us might be forced to come after you."

Ron rolled his eyes and grabbed Hermione's hand. "Let's go out the back," he said leading her through the kitchen and outside.

"You'll have to forgive Charlie," said Ron. "He is a terrible flirt."

Hermione laughed. "That's alright. He kind of reminds me of Seamus."

"Yeah, well he is a proclaimed ladies' man and lifelong bachelor. He is also my oldest brother and thinks it's his responsibility to embarrass me."

"He wasn't that bad," said Hermione.

"Not yet," replied Ron dryly. "Just wait until George gets here."

Hermione leaned over and kissed him gently. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Ron grinned. "I am sure you will." He gave her hand a squeeze and led her past his father's workshop and towards the garden.

"Look at all of these beautiful wildflowers," Hermione exclaimed. She bent down to sniff a patch of snapdragons but quickly stood up again. "Ron! There is something down there looking at me!"

Ron chuckled, "It's just a garden gnome. Don't get too close—they like to bite. And whatever you do, don't tell my mum you saw them. She'll have us out here trying to get rid of them before we leave! It's not a pleasant task!"

"Amazing," said Hermione. "Garden gnomes look very different in the Muggle World."

"I'm sure they do," Ron laughed. "Let's keep walking."

As they walked, Ron pointed out the small pond full of frogs that he and his siblings used to swim in when they were growing up. There was a small dock in the center of it and a tire swing on a branch that hung over the pond. Hermione smiled as an image of a younger Ron floated before her, launching himself off the tire and into the water.

They walked a little further into some woods. Hermione noticed they were going uphill slightly and was just about to ask where the path led to when the woods opened up. She gasped at the view she was afforded. Rolling hills were spread before her, all topped with beautiful wildflowers similar to the ones in Molly's garden.

"It's beautiful," she whispered. She looked up to see Ron looking at her. There was something in his eyes, some emotion but he looked away from her before she could discern anymore.

"I used to come here a lot when I was younger," he said. "The Burrow get's crowded and sometimes I just needed to get away." He sat down on a patch of green grass, pulling Hermione down with him. "I probably spent the most time here after the war was over."

Hermione lifted his hand to her lips, brushing a kiss over his knuckles. "I wish I knew you then," she said. "I wonder how different my life would be now."

"I'm glad I didn't know you then," he replied. He saw the hurt in her eyes and quickly said, "I mean that if I had known you, if we had been together back then, I would have been even more terrified. I would have worried about you constantly. I might not have been able to protect you and what if the Ministry had taken you in because you are Muggle born?"

"I guess I didn't think of that," she said quietly. "I just wish I could have been there for you then."

Ron kissed her, his lips moving over hers gently but with barely contained desire. He pushed her back so she was lying on the soft grass and leaned on one arm. He broke their kiss and looked down into her eyes, caressing her cheek. "You're here for me now and that's all that really matters."

Hermione stretched her hand behind his head, bringing his face down for another kiss. His body soon followed and Hermione shifted to accommodate his weight on top of her, spreading her legs slightly so he was between them. She could feel his hands on her thighs, pushing her skirt up as his mouth moved down her throat and she sighed with pleasure.

"We really shouldn't be doing this," he murmured as his hand slipped under her shirt to cup her breast, his thumb moving lightly across it until he felt the tip harden under his touch.

"I don't know how you are physically able to do this after this morning," Hermione said followed by a light moan. She closed her eyes as Ron continued to feel her, his hand moving lower to skirt the outside of her knickers.

Ron chuckled. He removed himself from her with a sigh. "We should get back to the house before Charlie does come and find us," he said as he reached down and pulled Hermione off the ground. He watched as she straightened her skirt and smiled as he saw that she had bits of grass stuck in her hair. He plucked them out and took her hand.

When they reached the Burrow, they discovered that the others had yet to arrive. Molly was busy with the final touches for dinner and Hermione watched in amazement as she used her wand to stir the various pots and pans on the stove.

"Do you need a hand Mum?" Ron asked.

Molly tsked at him and said, "Of course not! Now finish giving Hermione the grand tour!"

Ron smiled and led Hermione to the backstairs where they climbed all the way to the top of the Burrow. "My old room," he said as he pushed open a small door. "What do you think?"

Hermione walked into the small room. "I think it's very—orange," she said. The walls had several Canons posters on them as well as Gryffindor hangings. There was a small twin bed pushed against the wall with a rather threadbare orange plaid comforter on it. Other childhood knickknacks and even the occasional book were on the shelves that lined the wall opposite the bed, as well as a small desk and chair. "It's very you," she smiled, walking over to the small window and peering out. She turned away from the window, looking at the objects on the shelves.

Ron watched as she picked up one thing or another. He closed the door behind him quietly. "You know," he said, "this is the first time I have ever had a girl up here."

Hermione arched an eyebrow up at him. "Really?" she asked. "No sneaking a girlfriend up here after your parents had gone to bed?"

Ron shook his head. "No. Now my brothers are a different story but I was more the shy type." He watched as Hermione plopped herself down on the bed, sitting back and tucking her legs under the rest of her body. Every adolescent fantasy came rushing to him as he looked at her looking at him. How many nights had he spent in that bed wondering what it would be like to have a girl, any girl, there with him? And now, here was the girl of his dreams on his bed, looking at him with those lovely brown eyes. Before he could stop himself, he crossed the small space between them, pushing her back down on the bed, crushing his lips against hers. He grinded against her and heard her gasp, causing him to smile.

"This really isn't a good idea," she murmured as he kissed her neck. "Your family is downstairs!"

He didn't seem to hear, as his hands worked to push her skirt down over her hips. Hermione didn't care though, as he kissed her again, his tongue pushing into her mouth. She reached down and lifted his shirt over his head, breaking their embrace. They worked furiously to rid each other of their clothes until they were both naked on his bed.

Hermione pulled Ron down to her, kissing him and stroking him at the same time. She moaned as she felt his fingers enter her and bucked up against him. She twisted until he was lying beneath her and quickly moved to straddle him. Ron watched, his eyes full of desire, as she lowered herself onto him, her head thrown back in pleasure as he filled her. She leaned forward, kissing him again, and he thought he would go mad as he felt her hard nipples rub against his chest.

Hermione smiled as she moved on him, knowing she was fulfilling some adolescent fantasy of his. She pushed herself off of his chest so he had a view of her whole body. She moved slowly and he groaned loudly while at the same reaching up to caress her breast before letting his hands move down until they were on her hips. Hermione moved quickly, mostly out of pleasure but also out of fear of being caught, and they were soon lying beside each other on the bed, waiting for their breathing to return to normal. Outside, Hermione heard a familiar popping sound and then voices raised in greeting.

"It sounds like some of your family has arrived," she said as she pulled on her knickers and clasped her bra before dropping to the floor to retrieve her shirt and skirt which had somehow found their way under his bed.

Ron rolled onto his side, propping his hand on his head, and smiled as she scurried about the room. "Probably but we are in no danger of them coming straight up to my room," he said.

Hermione adjusted her top and straightened her skirt then walked over to the mirror above his dresser and tried to fix her hair. Her eyes locked on his through the mirror and she turned around and hissed, "Get up Ron! How can you just lie there! Get dressed!"

Ron rolled onto his back and sighed but did as she asked. Hermione turned back towards the mirror in a huff, cursing under her breath as she tried to use Ron's comb to put some order back to her curls. Satisfied with what she saw, she said, "I'll go down first so it doesn't look as suspicious. I'll say you are in the loo."

Ron was buttoning his pants and saw that Hermione was about to walk out of the room. He grabbed her hand before she pushed open the door and pull her to him. He bent down and kissed her gently.

"You're incredible, you know that, right?" he said. He felt a rush of pleasure as he saw her cheeks flush from his comment.

Hermione moved a lock of hair off of his forehead and replied, "You're kind of incredible yourself." She kissed him one more time before slipping out the door and heading down the stairs. As she walked down the stairs, Hermione looked at the pictures hanging on the wall, all of them of the Weasley children. She smiled at one in particular, a baby picture of Ron's. He was holding on to the corner of a coffee table, a look of concentration on his face as he contemplated taking his very first step.

"It must be strange for you to see the pictures moving."

Hermione looked up to see that Charlie was on the landing below, having just emerged from one of the bedrooms. "Not anymore," she replied.

Charlie smiled as Hermione made her way down to where he was standing. "Right," he said. "You've probably been introduced to a lot of our world through Ron."

When Hermione reached Charlie, she peered into the bedroom he had just come out of to see two suitcases on the floor. "Fleur and Bill are going to spend the night," he replied.

Hermione smiled and replied, "That's nice. I am sure your parents love every moment they get to spend with their grandchildren."

Charlie chuckled, "Yeah. They're spoiling them pretty rotten but I am told that is what grandparents are for. Do you have any nieces or nephews?"

Hermione shook her head as they continued down the narrow rickety stairs. "No," she said. "I am an only child."

Charlie's eyebrows went up at this. "Wow," he said, "I can't imagine that. I hope it's not going to be too overwhelming for you to be here with the whole Weasley gang. It can get pretty rowdy."

Hermione smiled wryly at him. "I think I can handle it. Besides, Ron prepped me." They had come to the base of the stairs and were standing in the entryway. Before either of them could speak a word, Hermione saw a flash of red at her knees that collided directly with Charlie.

"Uncle Charlie!" shouted a little girl who appeared to be no more than three or four years old. Hermione's breath caught in her throat at the girl's beauty. Her skin was luminous and she had beautiful green eyes that were only set off by her telltale ginger hair. There was no doubt that she would be anything less than stunning when she grew up.

Charlie scooped the girl up in his arms and swung her around. "Victoire! Look how big you have grown! What does your mother feed you—not gillyweed I hope!"

The little girl giggled, a beautiful tinkling sound, and replied, "No! Mama makes me eat fruit and vegetables. She says they will make me grow up big and strong!"

Charlie smiled and put her down, "Your mama is a smart lady!"

Victoire giggled again and turned to look up at Hermione. "Oooh," she said, "look at your pretty hair! Can I touch it?"

Hermione knelt down and smiled, "Of course! And thank you for thinking it is pretty!"

"Victoire! Zat eez enough! Stop touching 'Ermione's hair!" said Fleur, slightly out of breath as she came out of the kitchen. Hermione noticed that Fleur was sporting a baby bump that had not been present when she had first seen her a month earlier. "Allo 'Ermione!" she said, kissing her on both cheeks. "We are so glad that you and Ron were able to come!"

"Hello Fleur! Congratulations! How are you feeling?" Hermione asked.

"Tired," she sighed, "but I think that I will be feeling zis way for the next twenty years at least!"

Hermione chuckled. She turned to see Ron coming down the stairs but before he could join her, Victoire ran to him. She smiled broadly as he scooped her up and placed her on his shoulders saying, "Did I hear you say you only eat fruit and vegetables? Uncle Ron has better treats than that! To the kitchen!"

As Ron went into the kitchen, Hermione was prevented from joining him by the arrival of even more Weasley's—George and Angelina running in after a little boy who couldn't have been more than four years old. He ran straight for Ron, attaching himself to his leg.

"Freddie!" Angelina shouted. "No snacks before dinner! Did you hear me Ron!" She shook her head looking both exasperated and happy at the same time. She was holding a newborn in her arms while George was struggling to get through the door with various baby gear.

"Bloody hell Ange," he muttered through gritted teeth, "we're only staying one night, not one month!"

Angelina held up one long manicured finger. "Don't start George! Otherwise you can sleep in that play yard not Roxanne!" She paused for a moment and then saw Hermione, her face breaking into a wide smile. "Hermione! How wonderful to see you again!"

Beginning to feel slightly overwhelmed, Hermione smiled but before she could respond, Angelina moved past her yelling after Freddie while George began his ascent up the stairs. The once crowded entryway had become suddenly silent. Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes. It was so different from her childhood home.

"Don't enjoy it too much, it surely won't last."

Hermione opened her eyes to see Arthur standing in the doorway. "You must be used to it," Hermione replied.

Arthur smiled broadly, "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now come with me my dear. I made Molly promise me that I could sit next to you at dinner so I can learn all about the many uses of a microwave."

The meal Molly had prepared was simply delicious: a roast beef with all the trimmings and a heavenly apple tart for dessert. Ron could feel the waistband of his jeans fitting a little bit more snuggly against him. He looked down the table and smiled. Hermione was sitting next to his father who had done nothing but fire nonstop questions to her about Muggle life. They were separated by a few of his family members, Ron having ended up next to Percy who showed up right at the beginning of dinner. Audrey, his girlfriend, was seated on Hermione's other side.

"You're quite taken with her, aren't you?"

Ron dragged his eyes away from Hermione to look at Percy who was peering intently at him from behind his horn-rimmed glasses. "It's that obvious?" Ron asked, eyebrows raised.

"Only to those closest to you," he replied, "like your family." He paused before continuing. " She really is lovely. Smart too. I can tell that Mum likes her already."

"She's hard not to like," said Ron. "The big question is whether or not her parents will like me when I meet them."

"Have you made plans to see them?" asked Percy.

Ron shook his head and took a sip of tea from his mug. "Not yet. Hermione has told them about me but we haven't made any definitive plans. I honestly would like to wait until my case at work has been resolved. I want to be able to give the Granger's my full undivided attention."

Percy polished off the last of his tart and nodded. "I heard all about it. Strauss has been giving the minister updates on a daily basis. It sounds like you have made some headway as far as nailing down Knox and Goyle."

"Not enough as far as I'm concerned," said Ron grimly. "I'm surprised Strauss hasn't thrown me off the case yet."

"He seems pleased enough," said Percy. "He's a strange bird Strauss."

"What do you mean?" asked Ron quizzically. He always thought of Strauss as a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of man.

"Well," began Percy, "you know he was at the Ministry during the war, right?"

"No," said Ron, "I didn't know that. I thought he went underground like so many others did."

Percy shook his head. "No, he was at the Ministry although he was just an Auror then, albeit the best one in the department. He kept a low profile, for the most part, but there were many who felt that he was just a bit 'too cooperative' with the administration at the time." Percy flushed slightly. "Although, many could say the same about me as well I guess."

Ron put his hand on his older brother's shoulder. "You did what you did to survive Percy. And you came through when it meant the most, don't every forget that."

A trace of a smile appeared on Percy's lips. "Yes, well, those were difficult times for everyone. Many of us tried to do the bare minimum for the administration, some even going as far as a little internal sabotage. Strauss, though, well there were rumors that he was doing some personal bidding for Thicknesse. Naturally, there was an investigation done when the Ministry was being restored but nothing was ever proven. Those who had their doubts about his loyalty had conveniently been killed during the Battle of Hogwarts."

Ron sat back and let Percy's words sink in. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck were standing up. Percy saw the pensive look on his younger brother's face. "What is it Ron?"

Ron shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "It's just this case," he said. "For a while Harry and I have felt like we are missing the bigger picture. We know that there has to be at least one other person involved in this plot, someone with an agenda and money to see it happen." He stopped for a moment and then asked, "Are you sure there is no one alive who can tell me more about Strauss during the war?"

Percy shook his head slowly, "Not that I can recall but, if you don't mind, I can make some discreet inquiries around my office."

"Very discreet," replied Ron. "Thanks Perce. I hope I'm wrong about this but we can't afford not to leave every stone unturned."

"It's no problem," he said. "Now, go rescue your girlfriend before Dad asks her how a lawnmower works."

Ron chuckled but before he could take his brother's advice, Hermione rose from her seat and began to clear mugs and dessert plates from the table, following his mum towards the sink. He watched as she handed dishes to Molly and was pleased to see how well they were getting along. In fact, Hermione had seemed to win over everyone in the family, including Percy's own rather uptight girlfriend Audrey. As happy as it made him, he felt a pang of nervousness at the prospect of meeting Hermione's parents and hoped they would like him as much as his family liked Hermione.

The sun was close to setting as Ron and Hermione made their goodbyes to his family. Everyone gave Hermione hugs and kisses, although Charlie held Hermione a little too close for Ron's liking. Ginny and her sister-in-law's had made plans to meet up with Hermione in the city for a girls afternoon out. Although Ron knew Hermione wasn't one for shopping, he could tell she was secretly pleased by the quick friendships that had been made that day. Molly had made Hermione promise to come for tea soon and Hermione in turn had promised Arthur that when she did return, she would bring the lawnmower manual from her parent's house.

The drive back to the city took longer than expected as people were returning back from holiday weekends making the traffic a bit heavier than usual. Ron went with Hermione to return the Beamer and, after one last wistful glance at the little red car, he led them to a small alley where he Disapparated them back to Hermione's flat.

Their feet had barely hit the ground and Ron knew that something was dreadfully wrong. Hermione shrieked besides him and he finally was able to focus on the destruction that had taken place in her flat. Furniture was upended and stuffing was pulled out of her sofa and chairs. The many books that had lined her shelves had been pulled down and slashed through. There was broken glass everywhere from the large windows in her living room which had been smashed. A quick look down the small hallway towards her bedroom confirmed that the destruction had been continued in there as well. The most disturbing sight of all was the words that had been spray painted in green and black paint across all of the walls in a sick run-on sentence: "Muggle Bitch Die."

Hermione had dropped to her knees where she had pulled a photograph of her and her parents out from a pile of wood that looked to be the remains of a credenza. "Why?" she whispered. "Why do all of this? What point are they trying to prove?"

Ron pulled her up from the ground and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "The point they are trying to make is for me to know that you are not safe." He swore softly and then realized they he had foolishly not gone through the apartment to ensure they were alone. He pulled Hermione to him tightly and Disapparated back to the Burrow, landing in the orchards that lay beyond the house.

"But why are we back here?" Hermione exclaimed. "I need to be at my flat to put it back into order."

Ron shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not Hermione. You are no longer safe there. Don't you see how easy it was to get through all of the protective spells I placed on your flat?"

"Then I'll stay with you," she replied, "or I'll go to my parents. I refuse to runaway like this!" She turned around throwing her hands up in the air. "I only just met your family tonight! I can't stay here with them!"

Ron looked at her through narrowed eyes, "Here is the safest place for you to stay and my parents will agree. My dad can get you to work through the Floo Network on the days you need to go into the city."

Hermione stood her ground. "You can't order me around like I'm one of the members of your squad Ron! I have managed to take care of myself before I met you and I'm sure I'll be able to manage now!"

"Bloody hell Hermione, stop being so stubborn!" shouted Ron. "You are not safe and it's all of my fault! I am not going to stand by and see the girl I love get killed by whoever is behind this sick and twisted plot!" Ron shouted.

Hermione flushed at Ron's words. "The girl you love?" she echoed looking at him with her luminous brown eyes.

"Bloody hell," he muttered, "not only can't I protect you but I can't even get a bloody declaration of love right!" He looked up at the sky, running his hands through his hair. It wasn't how he had planned on telling her; he had pictured something much more romantic involving candlelight and a large bed. He ran his fingers through his hair and then closed the distance between them, taking her hands in his.

"I think I loved you from the moment I saw you use your wand to clean coffee of your blouse," he said with a half-grin. "I can't bear the idea that someone can take you away from me Hermione, not when I've only just found you." He looked down into her eyes and moved a curl away from her face before leaning in to kiss her softly and resting his forehead against hers.

Hermione sighed lightly, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm afraid too, you know," she whispered. "Afraid that you will get hurt or worse." She pulled away from him slightly so she could see his face. "I love you too."

Ron smiled broadly and pulled her in once again for a kiss, deeper this time. When he pulled away, Hermione was slightly breathless and leaned into him to steady herself. "Can you please do this for me?" he asked.

Hermione sighed and nodded. "Only because I love you too much," she said.

Ron put his arms around her and steered her in the direction of the house. "I think I can get used to the way that sounds," he said.

The man tried to steady his hand as he replaced the phone on its cradle. Bloody Muggle contraption, he thought but it did nothing to lighten his mood. He could feel the cold trickle of sweat make its way down the side of his face. The menacing tone of voice that had been on the other end of the phone was still echoing in his ears.

How could he have let it get this far, he thought as he ran his hands through the thinning hair on his head. He had promised himself that it wouldn't happen again, that he wouldn't let it get this far but here he was in familiar territory once again. Except this time he had more than money to lose. He glanced at the picture of his family on his desk. It was taken on their last holiday, a trip to the seashore. His two sons and daughter smiled up at him, their hands waving to the camera while his wife tried to keep her hair from blowing in her eyes. He could feel his bowels loosen and thought that he might soil himself then and there.

There was definitely too much at stake now to turn back. He took out his handkerchief to wipe his forehead before straightening out his work robes. He pushed himself back from his desk and walked out onto the floor. It was Sunday and no one was at work today except for him. He used his wand to turn off the lights as he pushed open the door that led to the bank of lifts. A little further down the corridor was a worker from the Magical Maintenance Department pushing a cleaning cart. As the man drew closer, he smiled and tipped his cap.

"Working late again Mr. Strauss?" he asked with a toothy grin.

"The job's never done Chester," Strauss replied with a grim smile of his own. The doors of one of the lifts opened and he stepped in turning to look out. "It's never done."