Author's Note: Hi all! As we progress to the end of this fic, I wanted to get your input. Originally, I wrote this fic to be M-rated for a (lemon-y) chapter at the end. I edited that chapter down to a T-rating. I'm on the fence about which version I should post (eventually). If you have a moment and are enjoying this fic, could you let me know if you'd prefer the steamier version or the (equally nice) tame version? I'll keep it T unless I hear overwhelming support otherwise.

Thanks again for the supportive reviews!

Chapter 11

"Luceat clara" Hermione pointed her wand at the motorbike as Mr. Weasley stood back in awe. The mud across the bike evaporated into a bold red glittering shine.

"Well, Hermione. We've done it." He sighed.

"Though we've missed Harry's birthday." She chastised herself.

"And it was a good thing we did." He chuckled. "Poor Harry would have run himself into the ground if we hadn't tested it out on the pitch."

Hermione gave a knowing nod.

"Christmas present instead?" Mr. Weasley offered.

"He's going to love it." Hermione said fervently.

There was a comfortable pause as they admired their work.

"Mr. Weasley...umm...Arthur" Hermione adjusted. Mr. Weasley looked over.

"I was wondering if I could get your advice on something." She asked carefully, picking her wand up off of the Daily Prophet she'd brought in that morning.

"How can I help?" He offered.

Hermione flipped through a few pages to and folded the paper over and handing it to Mr. Weasley.

"There's a job...Assistant Director of Magical Law Enforcement." She stopped, watching him read through the position description.

"I...I'd like to apply."

Mr. Weasley nodded as he continued to read.

Hermione continued, "I'm just not sure if they will consider someone who...was sacked from her last position for breaking...you know...the law."

"Well…" Mr. Weasley started, "it is definitely something they would have to consider, isn't it?"

Hermione nodded, put out.

Though Arthur believed it to be a longshot, he encouraged her none-the-less. "But, Hermione, you've done so many great things that shine much brighter than your previous... infraction." Hermione looked up. "They'd have to consider those as well."

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, hopeful.

"This position looks perfect for you." He said earnestly. "And working under Adwell, she's a great mentor."

Hermione nodded. "I'd even get to partner with Head Auror Spivey on certain initiatives." She added.

Mr. Weasley handed her the newspaper again. "I can't tell you what to do, but they'd be lucky to have you." He said.

"Well, I guess the worst they can say is no, right?" She smiled.

"Precisely." Mr. Weasley smiled.

It had been a few days since she'd had the conversation with Mr. Weasley, but she'd already acquired all the documents she needed and filled out the detailed application for Assistant Director, and dropped it off at the Ministry.

She applied for a few other open positions while she was at it, but that was the one she spent the most time on.

She walked down the cobblestone path of Diagon Alley with her next project in mind. It wasn't just her career that Hermione had been reviving lately, she also wanted to do something about her friendship with Ron. She promised him she would gain his trust again, and she meant it. The problem was, it took her awhile to figure out how to show him that.

After a few moments the waving arms of Weasley Wizard Wheezes came into view. She watched as kids darted out the front door and then back inside. It appeared as busy as ever.

Opening the door, she walked in to see a familiar sight. Some shelves were moved around, but seeing George up on the second-floor landing screaming out orders to his employees tunneled her back to the picture of Ron up there four years ago. She chuckled at the idea that Ron had been pretty on target with the job.

George looked toward the door and gave her a wave. She pointed toward the stockroom and he gave her a knowing nod. She knew he'd been there as soon as he was free, and she had plenty of time.

Walking into the familiar stockroom, she stopped as she looked at the unruly sight in front of her. Everything was disorganized, piled haphazardly across the room. She flipped through the inventory book and noticed orders hadn't been updated for three weeks.

Without being asked, she started going through the boxes. Before she got too deep into it, George paced through the door.

"What brings you to this neck of the woods?" asked, giving her a quick half-hug.

Ignoring his question for a moment, "George, this is truly a nightmare." She said waving at the room.

"I know." He sighed. "Every time I try to get a system in place, it falls flat and my employees can't stick to the plan. We just go through so much inventory."

"Well, you aren't going to make it much longer like this." She tisked.

"Okay, mum." He teased.

"That is a compliment, you know." She smiled, appreciating being compared to the Weasley matriarch.

"Don't make me vomit." George laughed. "I know you didn't come round here just to take the mickey, Hermione."

She smiled. "No, actually I wanted to ask a favor."

He waited for her to continue.

"I've been searching for a way to make good with Ron. To...you know, be friends."

"You've just got to ignore him Hermione. You know how he is, especially when it comes to you." He gave her a look.

"Well" she ignored, "I was thinking about what all Ron's friends have in common…and...I've found...well, they've all got Quidditch in common." She finished.

"Okay…" George questioned.

"I was wondering if you could teach me to play Quidditch for your annual Weasley Christmas Quidditch Game at the Burrow."

George guffawed.

"Don't you hate heights Hermione? And Quidditch for that matter?"

"I'll admit, those aren't my two favorite activities," she acknowledged, "but it will give me something new to talk with Ron about."

"Not a bad idea, but honestly, you should ask Ginny, I just don't have the time." He waved to the stockroom again. "I'm barely hanging on here."

She shook her head. "I can't ask Ginny. The minute she hears of it, Harry will, and then so will Ron. Besides, she's in full swing planning the wedding. I don't want to sidetrack her."

"Guess there's nothing for it?" George shrugged.

Hermione's head popped up, George already seeing the light bulb atop of her head.

"What if I help you get your inventory caught up and set up a new system that your team can maintain? You know I have a knack for organization. I did clear out the Burrow, didn't I?"

George considered this, agreeing that what she had done at the Burrow was nearing madness.

"If you can get my shop in ship-shape, I'll turn you into a Quidditch star by Christmas." He said holding out his hand to Hermione.

"Deal." She smiled, shaking it firmly.