The next morning, I woke early to make sure I had enough time to get ready for brunch. I had done the math and realized I hadn't been to the burrow in nearly three months. Time goes by so quickly sometimes we fail to notice its passing. I felt terrible and picked up a large order of pastries on the way to bring as an offering.

Sunday brunch wasn't a formal affair, but it would be poor taste to show up in jeans. I had decided on a floral sun dress and a light make up charm.

When I stepped through the grate to the burrow, pastries in hand, the place was already a bit crazy. Little James Potter was already chasing around Victoire, and Teddy was egging them on.

I stepped through and headed towards the kitchen where I ran into Fred and George and their heavily pregnant wives, Katie and Angelina.

Mrs. Weasley caught sight of me and the potatoes she was grating crashed noisily to the counter as she ran over for a crushing hug.

"Oh, my dear Hermione! I'm so glad you made it!"

Returning the gesture, I smiled. Since my own parents' death, I had come to appreciate Molly's protective and loving behavior even more.

"Hello Mrs. Weasley. Thanks for forcing me out of my bubble."

"Oh, nonsense dear. I'm just glad I you were able to get away from work for a bit. How is everything?"

Before I could respond, more bodies began to fill the kitchen and we were all shooed away so she could finish up the food.

We settled around the table. The kitchen had been modified over the years to accommodate the additions to the family. Even so, I was sandwiched between Fred and George. The pair of them kept reaching over and behind me as they spoke and schemed. Even marriage and pending fatherhood couldn't change those two.

It was an interesting morning. I would have loved to talk to Charlie a bit about the Romanian reserve, but we kept missing each other. In fact, there were so many people to catch up with, I barely got to finish a sentence before I was pulled in another direction. I really did want to catch up with everyone, but I still hadn't even had the opportunity to tell them I was leaving and I was fit to burst with the information.

As we were finishing up our meal, Charlie excused himself early.

The room quieted as he stood. "My apologies all, but I have to be back at the reserve this evening."

I tried to hide my disappointment. I had wanted to speak with him more than anyone else and it just wasn't in the cards.

There were hugs all around before he took his leave. The room was still relatively quiet so I grabbed the opportunity before chaos resumed.

I stood and Mrs. Weasley interrupted me. "Don't tell me you're leaving too! We haven't seen you in so long dear. It feels as though we've barely had a chance to catch up."

I gave her a small smile. "No, actually I have some news to share and since you're all here I thought now would be a good time." Molly clutched at her dish towel. I couldn't tell if she was excited or afraid of what I was about to say.

"I have been given a promotion of sorts and with it comes a reassignment. Tomorrow I will be moving and I'm afraid I won't have much contact beyond owl communication for a few months."

The room was eerily quiet for a moment before it broke into thunderous noise as everyone began to sling questions in my direction at once.

"Where are you going?"

"What will you be doing?"

"What do you mean limited contact?"

Mrs. Weasley whistled and the noise stopped.

"Now children, behave yourselves and give Hermione a chance to speak. I'm sure she will answer all our questions if we give her a chance."

I couldn't look anyone in the eye and instead gazed at the table as I traced one of the grains with my pointer finger. "I'm afraid I can't. The position is classified for the time being. All mail will be routed through the ministry to get to me." I see the flares of indignation and tried to diffuse the situation quickly. "It won't be forever, I promise. In a few months I'll be able to give you all details."

The room was quiet for several seconds and I could feel my anxiety kick up a notch.

Harry was the first to break the silence. "Is this what you want?"

My eyes met his. There was a sincerity and seriousness in them that I appreciated. "I do, Harry, I really do. I have poured my heart into my job, but it's become my life. As I said, I really can't share anything, but this is a chance to be a part of some really positive changes. It feels like the right thing to do right now."

Harry held my gaze then nodded. He got up from across the table and made his way to me. His embrace meant everything.

After a minute, the others followed and offered their best wishes.

Eventually the room quieted and several smaller conversations broke out. I made my way to the sitting room and Harry and Ginny followed.

"Hey, I meant to talk to you two. I know you're finally getting around to renovating some of the worse off rooms. Housing is being provided for me. Would you guys like to take the furniture? If not, I'll just donate it."

Ginny grinned. "Your stuff is fantastic! It would go great in our house. Anything new would just look awkward. We would love it!" I was relieved.

Brunch was winding down and we decided to take care of the furniture now. They left James with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and headed to my place. We reminisced for a little bit before they headed out and I spent my last night in my flat on an inflatable air mattress.