Chapter Twenty-Four Opening Week

Disclaimer: Any characters other than Athena and any situations related to the book or any other Harry Potter related items belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I do not gain any money from this. I only write to relieve stress and to get the ideas out of my head.

A/N. Feel free to leave a review or comments on anything I messed up on or if you have a suggestion for the story. Don't feel obligated to give me a review though. I appreciate everyone who reads my stories. Reviews are bonuses in my eyes so like I said don't feel obligated to leave one. Thank you also to those who have added this story to favorites or following I appreciate it. ".."=talking '..'=thinking *..*=text message/notes.

A/N 2. Sorry for taking so long on this chapter. I started my new job a couple weeks ago and readjusting my schedule to write has taken longer than I thought it would. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

March 1, 2001

Athena sat at her desk in her new office glancing down the street as people walked by occasionally glancing into her office. Yesterday she had received news that her offer with all of the conditions had been accepted and that she was allowed to move in today. She had spent a few hours organizing some of the furniture before taking a seat at her desk. She began to make a list of things she needed to buy for the office before looking at online courses for muggle law. Once more she glanced outside before getting up and walking out of her office locking it up before walking down the street to the diner that had recently opened as her stomach growled reminding her that she had not had breakfast.

Meanwhile at the ministry Hermione worked occasionally looking at the cubicle where Athena used to sit missing her friend. She worked as hard as she could wondering how Ron and Athena were doing at their new businesses. Harry worked on paperwork slightly sad that his best friend was now working with George instead of as his partner but accepting that Ron was most likely happier working at the joke shop. He had missed escorting Athena to the ministry that morning. He got up after a few minutes and headed over to where Hermione was sitting.

Hermione looked up noticing Harry "what's up Harry? It is a little quiet here without Athena and Ron isn't it? I guess I never realized how much I would talk to Athena about little projects or parts of our research until now. How is it being at your desk without Ron next door?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck "it is very quiet. Usually we would finish a certain amount of reports or read over information we were given then he would come over and crack a joke or talk about a soccer game that he had watched the previous night. Now I've been bored enough to rearrange my desk and start assigning aurors to training duty. I miss my best friend but I know he is a lot happier working with George and I'm working on my duties as Deputy Head Auror. I should text him or George and ask them to check on Athena for me and see if she needs any help setting up her office."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry "do you really think she needs to be checked in on already? I mean she just opened her office this morning I'm sure she is fine. It is one thing to have George or Ron go over there to help her out while it is a completely different story having them go over to check on her. Wait until lunch time and we can go visit them together and you will see then that she is completely fine. I don't want you to bother Ron and George this early just because you aren't adjusted to the fact that she doesn't work down the hall from you anymore. She is fully capable of defending herself and other than one slip up has never had to worry all that much about not taking care of herself. Your behavior is reminds me slightly of Mrs. Weasley so calm down and go back to work until lunch." She turned her attention back to the books and parchment in front of her.

Back in Hogsmeade Athena was enjoying breakfast at a new diner that had recently opened. She ate quietly keeping an eye on the other patrons missing the company of her normal breakfast companion. After a little while she had finished her breakfast she got up taking her to-go cup of tea with her back to the office ready to get back to work now that she wasn't hungry anymore. She walked the small distance to her office before unlocking the door and walking back inside glancing around. She pulled out her phone glancing at the time before sighing softly and heading back out and down the street to Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. She walked in smiling as she saw Ron "good morning Ron!."

Ron glanced up from where he had been stocking some fireworks smiling "good morning Athena. How is your office coming along?" He had heard from Harry that Athena was moving into her new office that morning.

Athena smiled excited "it is going great. I really need to go get some furniture later but otherwise I have everything that is in the office the way I want it. How has your morning been now that you have left the ministry?"

Ron finished placing the last of the fireworks in their place "it is nice. I don't feel as if I am under as much pressure as I was when I worked in the auror department. Besides it is nice to be working with George and having a laugh with him. It does make me miss Fred a bit but I am glad that I can be here and help out. I do miss working with Harry a little bit and being just down the hall from my wife but I know they are happy that I decided to come work with George."

Athena nodded understanding "I feel the same way. I miss working with Hermione and being just down the hall from Harry but I knew that it was time for me to leave the ministry. I had planned on leaving the ministry in Boston in a couple years and opening up my practice but after dealing with all the death eater cases it just made me want to get away from the ministry. I just wanted to be able to help people with other law related things and be able to be less stressed about who could possibly get hurt because of my work. That's why I am glad that I am able to open up my own practice and work on law related things that won't be as dangerous."

George came out from the back looking at surprised when he saw Athena "good morning Athena. I'm a little surprised to see you this morning but it is always nice to see you. So what brings you to our little shop this morning?"

Athena smiled "good morning George. I bought the office we looked at. They officially let me move in today so I've been making a list of things I need and organizing what I already have. I just decided I needed a break and after I had brunch I figured I'd pop in and visit you and Ron."

George smiled "well I'm glad you are officially part of Hogsmeade now and that you have been able to move in this morning. Ron and I are always glad to see a familiar face in the shop so feel free to visit anytime. So can I interest you in any of our marvelous products?"

Athena shook her head "not at this time I'm afraid. I will be back and I'm sure another time I will buy some of your products." she glanced down at her watch "well I should probably get back to my office and finish organizing so that I can finish my list and go shopping for furniture before the shops close. It was good to see you two." She gave them both a hug before heading out and back down the street to her office sighing at the amount of work she needed to get done that day.

Meanwhile at the ministry Hermione had been called into one of the two deputy head's office. She sat patiently in an uncomfortable chair waiting to find out the reason she had been called in slightly nervous that her brains were going to get her in trouble. She looked up standing up as her boss walked into the room. She gently shook the hand offered to her before resuming her seated position as he took his seat. She listened perking up as the conversation continued along before nodding her head "I would love to take that position. It is something that I have dreamed about since I started S.P.E.W at Hogwarts and I feel as if my abilities to help creatures have been limited with my work here. I do enjoy creating legislation to help creatures but I feel that working in the department for regulation and control of magical creatures would better suit my dreams and goals."

Harry was in a meeting with the Head Auror as they discussed his training and eventual take over of the department. The head of the department was trying to make sure that not only was Harry comfortable with his responsibilities but also trying to make sure that in a few years he would be comfortable taking over the position if the man was ready to retire. Harry looked at the sheet in front of him outlining the next few years before nodding "this looks reasonable. This way I ease my way into the role and it doesn't look like I just took over the department because I am Harry Potter. It proves that I have worked hard and that I have proved that I deserve the honor of being the head of the Auror department."

A few hours later it was lunch time. Hermione walked over to Harry excited about her news and hoping she could convince him to go to Hogsmeade with her. She walked up to his office lightly tapping on his door "hey ready to go to lunch? I have some news that I want to share with you."

Harry looked up from the report he was reading taking a moment to glance at the clock before glancing at Hermione "sure lunch sounds great. I'm glad to hear that you have good news. So where do you want to have lunch?" He got up walking over to her thinking about the paper in his pocket outlining the next three years of his work life.

Hermione locked arms with him "I was thinking maybe we could go to the new diner that opened up in Hogsmeade and maybe convince Ron to join us for lunch and Athena if she isn't too busy."

Harry escorted her to the lift before walking out with the crowd as they reached the lobby "hopefully neither of them will be too busy to have lunch with us. George told me earlier that both of them seemed happier now that they are no longer working for the ministry. I can believe that it is less stressful for them away from here."

Hermione nodded "I'll text Athena and see if she wants to meet us at the diner." She grabbed his arm walking over to the door and out into the city. She hurried to the nearest alleyway before apparating them both to Hogsmeade. She pulled out her phone once they arrived in the village before texting Athena *hey there Athena. Could you spare some time to come have lunch with Ron, Harry, and I? I have some news I'd like to share and I would love to hear about how your first day has been.*

Athena looked up from some paperwork she was filling out at her desk before pulling her phone out of the desk drawer. She smiled reading Hermione's text before replying *sure I can spare some time to see my best friend. I'm excited to hear you have news. I'll meet you three at the new diner that opened in five minutes. They have amazing food and great tea.*

Harry walked down the street towards the joke shop glancing around reminiscing about all the good times he had when visiting the village. He walked not even noticing all the stares and whispers of the people around him too busy remembering. He opened the door to the joke shop smiling as he saw Angelina "hey there Angelina. How's business today?"

Angelina turned around from stocking a shelf "well hello Harry. It has been steady not as busy as we are on Hogwarts weekends but it is still decent. What brings you to this lovely establishment?"

Harry glanced back at the door as Hermione walked in before glancing back at Angelina "well Hermione and I thought we would come see if Ron is available for lunch. Hermione has some news she wants to share with him now. I also wanted to see how Athena is doing at her new office today."

Angelina nodded "that's right I heard she officially joined us this morning. I saw quite a few people lined up outside her office to check out her business."

Ron walked out of the backroom hearing Harry's voice "hey Harry, Hermione. What brings you two to this establishment?"

Hermione walked over giving her husband a quick peck on the lips "we were wondering if you would be up for joining for us for lunch. I have some news I'd like to share with you so I can go back to work with an answer for my bosses. Either way I will make a decision I just thought it would be nice to see what everyone else thought as well. We should hurry I told Athena we would be at the diner soon."

Ron walked over to the two before gently pushing them out of the shop "well let's get going there is food to be eaten and things to be discussed."

At her office Athena filed some of the paperwork she had completed beaming that she had a few clients glad she had decided to branch out. She glanced at the time before getting up and walking out of the building locking the door before she headed down the street to the diner. She walked into the diner glancing around before following the waitress to a table in the back. She sat down glancing at her blackberry making sure she wasn't too early for lunch before reading a text from her mother about a contract her parents were working on.

Harry walked into the diner glancing around slightly surprised by how muggle the establishment seemed to be. He glanced at the waitress "we have a friend waiting for us." He blinked when she began to walk away without a word before following after smiling when he saw she was leading them over to Athena. He took the seat next to Athena giving her a quick peck "hello sweet. How has your day been so far? How is the office coming along?"

Athena looked up at him smiling "it has been good. The office needs a lot of things so I am going to go shopping after I close up for the day. I actually have a few clients needing other legal work done for them. So I am officially in business and I will have work to take home with me tonight but I don't mind since it doesn't feel like I have a ton of work like I used to at the ministry." She turned her attention to Hermione "so what is this exciting news that you have?"

Hermione looked at her then at Harry and Ron "earlier I was approached by one of the deputy head of my department with an offer for a position in the department for regulation and control of magical creatures. I wouldn't be deputy head or head of the department but I would be the one in charge of all legislation that affects the creatures and I would be one step below the deputy head of the department. There is also a chance that within the next year or so I could take a deputy head position within the department as the head of the department is thinking of retiring and is grooming the deputy head as his replacement. He wants to make sure the deputy has a replacement in mind and ready to take over before he retires. I want to take the offer but I wanted to discuss it with you three to see if you can see any reason why I shouldn't take the position."

Ron looked at his wife surprised "that's great news darling. This is what you've wanted since we were still in school and you will finally be able to do what you want to do. I know you like working in the legal department of the ministry but I think you would be happier if you took this position. Besides the opportunity to become a deputy head and maybe eventually a head of the regulation and control of magical creatures is amazing. I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't take the position." He kissed her forehead before turning his attention to the waitress who had walked over to their table. He placed his order after waiting for the others to do so before kissing his wife's forehead "take the job sweetheart. You will be much happier and it is time for you to leave the department you are in."

Harry looked at Hermione "I'll miss you being so close but like Ron said this is what you have wanted since we were in school and it will make you infinitely happier than you are right now. Besides this way you make sure that laws are fair for the creatures and can work on making the unjust laws a mere memory to the creatures. Think of all the creatures you can help by doing this. Take the job Hermione."

Athena smiled softly "I don't think I need to repeat what the boys have said for you to know that it is true. I know I am happier working on the other side of the legal field helping out with smaller matters and I know you would be happier working in your new position. You won't find an argument from me about why you should stay in the department. I want you to be happy and I know you aren't as happy as you thought you would be in the department. Take the job and be a happier person. Besides I think the wizarding world is a much more peaceful place now that we did our jobs and got the bad people locked up and the others that aren't locked up who once were a threat are now in education program. We really don't have anything to worry about anymore."

Hermione smiled "I'm glad that I wasn't wrong about making this decision. I am also glad that I got three sets of input since it makes my mind rest easy. So what exactly do you need to go shopping for Athena?" she asked wanting to change the topic now that her decision had been discussed.

Athena pulled her list out of her bag stopping when she noticed the waitress approaching with their drinks and food. She waited until after the food had been set down and the drinks placed before taking a small bite of her food savoring it. Once she had no more food in her mouth she glanced up at her companions "basically a lot of furniture and decorations. The previous owners left me a desk and a chair and that was pretty much it. So I get to decorate it how I want it and also make sure that I have enough furniture for clients with children to have enough seats. I also thought about making a small play area for children who come in with their parents to play in until their parents business is done." She resumed eating her food starving for once.

Hermione looked at Ron "well do you think maybe we should accompany Athena after work to help her with her purchases and maybe tomorrow you and George could help her arrange the furniture."

Ron shook his head " I don't think George would be willing to leave tomorrow as he has a huge shipment coming in tomorrow. I think it would be better if you and Athena went shopping together without us boys since we will likely want to look elsewhere or complain about it."

Harry looked at Athena "I'd be happy to accompany you later if you would like."

Athena placed her hand over his "I'd like that but like Ron said I think you would get bored. I can go by myself. This isn't the first nor will it be the last time I shop for furniture and decorations. I'll be okay. Hermione you don't have to join me either if you don't want to. I tend to get absorbed in my search and block out others on accident. It is better for me to go alone."

The group continued to talk and eat as time passed before long it was time to head back to work. Hermione and Ron walked back hands interlaced to George's shop. Harry held Athena's arm tucked into his as they walked back to her office. He looked at her "are you absolutely positive you want to go shopping alone this afternoon?"

Athena rolled her eyes as she reached for her keys with her free hand walking "i'm sure Harry. I wasn't kidding earlier when I said I tend to block out people and my surroundings when I go shopping. I blocked out my mother when we went shopping for my apartment and ended up losing her in the store. I got a howler for that one when I got home but it was a situation where I knew what I needed and I didn't really need her help. It is pointless for you or Hermione to come along when I have an idea of what I want to get. You can help me tomorrow though if you can find time to help arrange all the furniture." She removed her arm from his leaning up and wrapping her arms around his neck to give him a proper kiss.

Harry gently cupped the back of her neck pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss not yet ready to stay goodbye. His other hand slid around her waist keeping her close to him. When he finally pulled away both out of breath "I will make something work so I can be of service to you tomorrow. I would just rather be there when you go shopping today." He kissed her forehead before removing his arm from her waist "I should probably go back to work."

Athena unlocked the door to her building walking in before turning and looking at Harry "you probably should. It would be bad if the deputy auror showed up late from lunch. I'll see you tomorrow my love." She walked over to her desk and took a seat looking at the pile of papers neatly organized on her desk.

Harry watched her for a moment before apparating on the spot arriving in an alleyway near the ministry before carefully walking inside his workplace and heading for the lift glad that everything was going well for him and those he cared about. He walked into his office sitting down as he looked over the schedule the head auror had given him before making some changes to the next day to fit Athena into his schedule smiling.

Hermione walked into the office she had been in earlier "I have my decision sir. I accept the position. I would like to know how soon I can transition over to my new department." She listened as the details were discussed pleased to hear it would only be a few more days before she was moved over.

Soon enough workers were leaving the ministry. Harry and Hermione walked through the lobby before both headed to their seperate residences. Ron had left a bit early so he could be at the flat waiting for his wife. Athena was furniture shopping losing her sense of surroundings as she tested the texture of the chair she was looking at. She looked up at the clerk who had stopped near her "this chair has a peculiar texture what is it made of?" She listened to the clerk before asking how many they had in stock. She continued her shopping while she waited for the clerk to return with the number they had in stock.

A few hours had passed Athena had finally arrived at her flat. She had quite a few bags of items for her office and had scheduled to have the furniture delivered the next afternoon. She slipped off her coat and gloves placing them on the rack near her door before taking a seat on her couch closing her eyes for a moment trying to relax from her long day. After a few minutes she got up walking into the kitchen as she tried to decide on dinner suddenly missing the company of her usual dinner companion. She pulled out her phone texting Harry *hey what are you up to at this hour?-Athena*

Meanwhile at Grimauld Place Harry was drinking a cup of coffee as he sat in his office ready to look at the reports he had been given earlier that afternoon. He jumped spilling his coffee in his lap as a loud vibration rocked his desk. His phone was buried under the pile of papers. He set the cup down on the clean edge of his desk before carefully moving the various papers into an organized pile retrieving his phone from the bottom before glancing at the text. He smiled *I'm about to start reading reports but if you have a better alternative I'm all ears.* He got up going into his room changing into a pair of pajama pants before walking back to his office muttering a few spells to clean up the coffee off the furniture.

Back at her flat Athena glanced at the text as she continued to make herself a small serving of chicken ranch tacos. She set the stirring spoon down in the holder before replying *well I was about to make dinner and then maybe read over some of my legal paperwork. I guess I am used to you being here when I make dinner it feels a little lonely without you.* She looked at the time before adding another text *I'm going to assume that since it is this late you have already had dinner though. So I will leave you to your reports and see you tomorrow to help me arrange furniture and decorate.* She went back to working on dinner quickly getting lost in thoughts of other reasons she would need to decorate and buy furniture.

In his office Harry stared at the texts he had been sent before putting his phone down and starting to read the reports making notes on a few that were less than satisfactory. He ignored the urge to call Athena and ask her to come over for the night knowing both of them were busy and needed to get things done. He had begun to consider asking her to move in with him since they spent a decent amount of time together and usually fell asleep at one of their places. He shook his head to clear his thoughts before returning his focus to the papers in front of him refusing to get distracted again.

The pair continued to work at their separate residences both consumed by the need to finish reading and processing the paperwork that they didn't notice the time until finally both fell asleep in their offices exhausted.

Song Choice:Breaking Benjamin-Angels Fall