The next day found Ron and Hermione on an adventure with the Grangers. Ron wasn't quite sure what he was expecting of the day, but it certainly wasn't anything he could have imagined. They'd packed a lunch, and taken a drive along the Great Ocean Road, making a pit stop in the Great Otway National Park for their picnic, enjoying the scenic nature that southern Australia had to offer. He was incredibly surprised that Hermione had suggested trying the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, given her fear of heights. She gripped his hand tightly for the majority of it as her parents congratulated Ron for helping her overcome one of her fears.
Ron and Hermione had agreed not to bring up anything about the Grangers' future plans until the end of the day so as not to ruin the mood if things went awry. It was a good thing, too, as it was quite the drive when all was said and done. As they were driving back to Melbourne, Ron was thinking a lot about his future.
That morning he'd taken care to fill out his paperwork that Kingsley had sent, committing his availability for anytime after 20 June. Hermione had agreed on the date, and checked over his paperwork before sealing it up to send out before meeting her parents. They'd also touched base with Graham, letting him know they'd have a firm date for portkey travel within a day or two. Ron was relieved when Graham told them they were more than welcome to stay in the flat until they left. He knew the Grangers would have no doubt welcomed them into their home, but he found he quite liked the time alone he shared with Hermione.
As they were arriving back to the city, Ron felt Hermione's hand rest on top of his as she gave it a squeeze. He could tell she looked nervous. In all honesty, he was too. They'd only been in Australia for a week, and she was already wanting to discuss returning home. Who knew how her parents would react? He hoped things would go smoothly. Ron was pulled out of his thoughts as Mr. Granger slowed down before turning into a public parking lot.
"Right on time," Mr. Granger said as he parked the car
.
"Our dinner reservations are at this lovely restaurant just down the street. I think you'll both really enjoy it," Mrs. Granger added.
A short while later they were settled at their table. Hermione waited to say anything until after their orders were placed. Ron heard her clear her throat and knew that she was about to broach the subject. "So, Ron found out some big news yesterday," she said nervously.
"Oh? What's that?" Mr. Granger asked as Mrs. Granger looked on, giving him her full attention.
Ron gave Hermione a look out of the corner of his eye. This was definitely how he thought this was going to happen, and honestly, he was a bit annoyed that she'd pinned this on him. "Er, I received a letter from Kingsley Shacklebolt. He was in the Order with us, and is now the acting Minister of Magic." He looked up to see them nodding in understanding. "Anyways, I've been invited to join the Auror training program."
"Wow, that's wonderful, Ron! Congratulations!" Mrs. Granger said as Mr. Granger nodded. They both seemed sincere.
"Ron's been hoping for this since fifth year. It really is a great honor!" Hermione gushed. "They're even shortening the training program to a year, and if he passes the academy he'll be a junior Auror around this time next year!"
"It certainly does seem like an honorable career," Mr. Granger said, "though I'm a bit surprised after everything you've been through that you'd want to go back into the field."
Ron didn't blame him for his hesitation. Hell, he and Hermione had even sort of discussed that last night, which resulted in him promising to be careful and that he'd always come home to her. "Well, yeah, but the work's not over yet. There are stil de- er, bad guys out there, and I want to help catch them and bring them to justice. Even after they're all accounted for, I still want to help make our world safer for everyone."
He watched as Mr. Granger nodded at his words. It looked like he approved of Ron's answer. "So when does all this start?" he asked.
"Well, I'll, er, have to go back to England by the end of next week to be ready for a screening test with the Ministry. It needs to be done by the end of the month as training starts in July." Ron explained.
"He had to follow through with this offer. It's completely unheard of, but the force was significantly depleted because of the war, and they're looking for trustworthy individuals. If Ron doesn't seize this opportunity, then he'd have to apply and join with the following year of recruits and fulfill the three year training process," Hermione explained.
Ron looked at Hermione. Now he knew exactly what she was doing. She was using his return as the scapegoat to bring up the conversation, and if things went sour, she could blame his need to return. He felt his ears grow hot at the realization. He knew better than to bring it up here, but that didn't take away his displeasure.
"So you're not going back to Hogwarts next year?" Mrs. Granger asked him.
"No. Even if I didn't have this opportunity, I don't think I could," Ron admitted in a slightly hollow voice.
"What about you, Hermione. Will you go back, then?" Her mother asked, picking up on Ron's reluctance to talk about it and not pushing him further. He was thankful for that.
"Yes. We talked about that last night. My education is important to me, and I'd like to finish my final year now that it will be safe to return. I'm sure it will be challenging, but we'll find a way to make it work." Hermione offered an encouraging smile in Ron's direction.
"So, that means you'll need to be returning home to England soon," Mr. Granger observed.
"Yes," Hermione answered quickly. He was thankful she finally seemed to be taking over, as he was worried he'd be put in the middle of a conversation that was truly meant for them. "And I- well, I'm intending on returning with Ron when he goes back next week."
Hermione's mother gave her a sad smile. "We wouldn't expect any less of you, dear. We figured you'd want to go back together."
"H-have you thought anymore about whether you'll return to England?" Hermione chanced.
Ron watched as her parents shared a look with each other. "We have, actually," her father said.
"As much as we love Australia, we do want to return to England. We'll still need some time to get everything in order here, but we anticipate we'll be able to move home in August," Mrs. Granger added.
Ron watched as Hermione's relief washed over her. She was instantly more relaxed, and he knew the toughest part of the conversation was over. At least that's what he hoped.
"Hermione, I do need to ask," her father said, "What exactly are we coming back to?"
Ron looked at Hermione, who seemed thrown off by her father's question. Mr. Granger must have sensed the same as he elaborated a bit more. "What of our practice? Is the house still in our possession? Sweetheart, I know you were trying to protect us, but please tell me you made arrangements for our lives back home."
Ron watched as Hermione took a sip of her water before answering. He remembered asking her the same questions last summer, and the only straight answer she'd given him was about the house. Seeing that she was freezing up, he attempted to jump in and rescue her.
"I think there are protective charms in place so it didn't look completely vacant this year, so you'll have your home to return to. Right, Hermione?" Ron looked at her and waited for her to nod before going on. "I'll talk to my dad and brother about checking the house and completing a sweep to make sure it's safe for you to return."
"Why wouldn't it be safe for us to return," Mrs. Granger asked.
Ron was trying to avoid mentioning things like Death Eaters and magic in public, just in case there were nosy people around, but it looked like his efforts weren't understood. "Er, we need to be careful. I wouldn't be surprised if they went looking for Hermione, or even you both. They probably left traces behind that we need to check for."
He looked across the table to see Mr. Granger nod with a look of understanding on his face as he leaned over and whispered something in his wife's ear. "We'll write to you straight away once things are safe to return. If anything's damaged, I'll make sure it gets fixed up as well," Ron added.
"Well, that's very nice of you, Ron," Mrs. Granger said sweetly. She turned to her daughter. "Hermione, what happened to our practice, dear?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment, no doubt thinking about what to say, "I- you were to tell them you were going on sabbatical for one year to study the dental hygiene habits of various cultures around the world," Hermione managed to say.
Her parents both thought over her answer. "That's actually quite a brilliant idea you thought of," her father told her.
"Yes, but now you're going to return with no new knowledge!" Hermione sounded upset. "I- I really didn't think it'd ever be safe for you to return, or that- that I'd be here right now." She was trying to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Honey, it's okay," her mother said as she reached over to take her hand in reassurance. "We'll find a way to sort this out. There's no need to be worried or be upset."
"Yes, if our practice is still running and we'll have jobs to return, then you clearly did enough to ease our return," Mr. Granger said.
"Y-yes. They permitted you to take the year, but that was in early July so you'll need to call them and give them an update I'm sure-"
"Well, that won't be a problem at all. We'll call first thing on Monday. It'll be nice to chat with Wendy and see what's been happening. There's no need to worry about anything, Hermione" Mrs. Granger said happily.
"But what will happen when you come back with no research?" Hermione asked nervously.
Ron watched her parents work through that problem. "That shouldn't be too much of an issue, actually. We aren't working for a family practice here like we have back in England. There were openings with an emergency dental facility here, and we took up residence there. You'd be surprised how many tourists come in with cracked teeth and other mouth injuries! We've seen many patients from all over the world," Mr. Granger explained.
Mrs. Granger let out a chuckle and added, "It's almost as if you imparted some of that knowledge on what to pursue in us. I actually began taking notes on what we were seeing a few weeks after being hired, and in our downtime I've been researching what could have influenced the injury. It's been quite fascinating to study."
Ron leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear, "See how brilliant you are? You even managed to guide them with what to do here."
Hermione finally allowed herself to smile as their meals arrived. Ron listened as her parents began detailing all of the barmy situations they'd witnessed as they tucked into their dinner. Things seemed like they were going to work out easier than Ron had anticipated.
~o~
When Mr. Granger pulled up to their flat to drop them off, Ron was surprised when Hermione invited her parents inside for tea. They'd accepted, but promised they wouldn't stay for more than a cup, as everyone was knackered from the day's. As they let themselves into the apartment, Hermione put the water on as they sat at the table.
Thankfully, things were picked up so he wasn't embarrassed by clothes or other belongings lying about, but there was still parchment scattered across the table. Ron took it upon himself to stack the parchment and get it out of the way, when Mrs. Granger stopped him.
"What's all that paper for?" she asked.
"Just for writing letters. We only sent my application back today along with a letter I wrote thanking Kingsley, but I'll need to write Harry and my Mum to let them know when we'll be home. Sorry for the mess," Ron muttered.
"Oh! Do you think I could borrow one sheet? I'd love to write to your parents and thank them for everything they've done for Hermione. They've truly been so kind over the last few years," Mrs. Granger gushed.
"Er, sure," Ron said as he handed her one of the sheets. "I can send it out tomorrow morning with the others."
Mrs. Granger smiled sweetly at Ron as she pulled out a pen and began writing. After Hermione passed out the mugs with the tea, she sat down in the vacant seat. They settled into easy conversation as Mr. Granger discussed all the things he missed about England and how he was excited to get back.
"We should be able to partake in some of the later summer festivals," he commented. "Hermione, you should take Ron to Chessington. He'd love it!"
"What's Chessington?" Ron asked.
"It has nothing to do with chess, if that's what you're thinking. It's a theme park with rides and activities."
"Rides?" Ron asked, clearly confused.
"Think of it like riding a broom, but instead you're in a compartment of sorts and they run on electricity," Hermione said with a laugh.
Ron wasn't sure what to think about it, but he supposed he'd be interested in trying it.
"You'll love it, I'm sure," Mrs. Granger said as she folded her letter and addressed it to Mrs. Weasley. She handed the letter to Ron and looked at her daughter. "Will you be coming home to stay with us once we're settled, dear? We wouldn't want you to be an imposition at the Weasley's once we're home."
"Oh, I- I don't know. I guess that would make sense," Hermione admitted. "Especially if you're in training," Hermione said with a shrug.
"Ron, you'll be welcome to visit and stay any time as well. I think it's about time we returned the favor after all those summers, don't you think?" Mrs. Granger said.
"I'll keep that in mind, thanks," Ron said with a smile, even though his heart was sinking.
He should have seen this coming. Of course they were worried about Hermione's parents wanting to come home, but they'd been so focused on that, that neither had thought about the repercussions of their living situation. Well, at least he had until August before he had to think about it.
"Well, I think we should get going," Mrs. Granger said. "We're scheduled for a shift, but we'll be in touch after."
"Thank you for everything today," Ron said.
"Yes, it was lovely!" Hermione agreed as the bid goodbye to her parents.
Once Hermione shut the door, Ron returned to the table to begin writing to Harry as she cleaned up. "I'm going to tell Harry we're requesting a portkey for Wednesday if that's alright," Ron said to Hermione.
"Sure, as long as Graham can arrange that. It'll give us another few days with my parents, at least," Hermione agreed.
Ron didn't answer her as he went back to his letter. He really didn't want to pick a row, but he was still annoyed over dinner. Ron realized that he'd been gripping the quill a bit too hard when he saw his knuckles were white. He was glad he didn't press down too hard and cause himself to poke through the parchment. Signing his letter to Harry, he set the quill down and folded it before moving on to a quick letter to his parents.
He was vaguely aware that Hermione had moved into the bedroom as he finished his writing. Ron set the three letters in a stack on the table before pushing the chair in and checking the lock on the door. When he entered the bedroom, he walked over to grab a fresh set of clothes.
"I'm going to have a shower," he told Hermione, who had already gotten into bed and was looking at him with hopeful eyes.
He tried to ignore the fall of her face as he walked into the bathroom. Maybe she doesn't realize what she did earlier, Ron thought, giving her the benefit of the doubt as he turned on the water. The hot spray of water felt good on his skin as he let the water wash over him. His thoughts continued to wander back to dinner, and how Hermione brought up the Aurors first, trying to weigh both sides of what could have possessed her to start with his job offer.
The door opened, breaking him out of his thoughts. "Ron?" he heard Hermione call his name. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked. "You've been quiet since dinner. Should I not have invited my parents in for tea?"
Ron could imagine the frown that was on her face as he shut the water off. He reached around the curtain for his towel before answering. The curtain remained closed.
"No, it wasn't tea," he told her as he dried himself off.
"Then what is it?" she asked.
"Why did you bring up the Aurors with your parents?" he asked her as he wrapped the towel around himself and pulled the curtain back.
"I- I wanted to tell them. I thought we agreed to tell them. It's such an honor, I thought you'd want to share the news and celebrate," she said, a look of confusion on her face.
"Sure, but the way it sounded was that you were using it as a lead in for discussing our return to England and asking them about their plans," Ron told her.
She furrowed her brow as she looked at him. "I didn't-"
"Save it, Hermione. Luckily it went over alright and everything worked out, but if it hadn't, I would have been the bad guy because I need to return to England for an appointment."
Hermione was shaking her head. "I- I didn't think about it that way, honest. I just thought it would be the easiest way to start the conversation."
"So you did deliberately start it that way," Ron said. Ron wanted to move around her, or at least get dressed, but she was blocking the door of the small bathroom.
"I-"
"Next time you're planning that, maybe tell me first next time. I know you're trying to rebuild your relationship with your parents, but as your boyfriend, I also have a relationship to maintain with them, too, and I don't appreciate what you did."
"I-I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about that," she apologized to him.
Ron took a deep breath, "Well, remember we're a pair now, yeah?"
"I know. I guess I'm just not used to it yet…" she said quietly as she looked up at him through her lashes.
As if a switch was flipped, the animosity he'd been feeling all evening had suddenly vanished. There was no way he could stay mad at her, especially when she was standing there in one of his tees, and looking at him with those sad eyes. It was as if his mind and his body had suddenly remembered that it'd been all day since he'd held her and kissed her.
He was overcome with need as he reached out and pulled her close to him, his lips crashing into hers. Her hands were cold against his body, but he didn't care, as his own reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it up over her head. They made their way clumsily to the bed, shedding her clothes and his towel, before picking up where they left off that morning.
A short time later, they were cuddling in bed, both thoroughly satisfied now that the misunderstanding had been cleared up. "How do you feel about me moving back in with my parents in August?" Hermione asked.
"Not great," Ron answered honestly, "but I get it."
"I feel like I'll need to, but it'll be rather odd after being away for so long," she thought out loud.
"What if you split your time? And I could split mine? So we could at least see each other as much as possible," Ron offered. He had no idea what his training schedule would look like, but he wanted to make it clear that she would still be a priority for him.
"That could work...but do you think they'd actually let us sleep in the same bed?" Hermione mentioned.
"Well, I think maybe Mum'll come around when we're back, and your parents are already aware that we're sharing a bed here, so…"
"That's true," Hermione agreed. "And we are adults, technically.."
"Exactly. Who knows, maybe Harry is planning on fixing up Grimmauld Place after all, and if I move in with him, we wouldn't have to worry about Mum."
"Do you think he's going to?"
"He's mentioned it a couple times. I don't think he wants to be an imposition to Mum anymore either, even though he's not," Ron told her.
"Well, I wouldn't mind that plan if he does," Hermione said as she leaned up to kiss him. "Things have a funny way of working themselves out, so maybe we shouldn't worry so much about it."
Ron laughed. Truer words had certainly never been spoken. Ron held her close as he let the exhaustion from the day wash over and lull him to sleep. He felt more confident and secure in their relationship with every passing day. Even though there were so many unknowns of what the future would hold, especially with the coming year, Ron knew that somehow they'd make it through. There was one thing he knew for sure: no matter what life would throw at him, he'd be able to overcome anything as long as he had her by his side.