Chapter 2:
The kiss broke apart with a loud, "Ah-hem" from the behind them and Harry and Ginny both turned to see Ron and Hermione standing behind them, with Ron's face turning about the same shade as his hair. "Come on in", Ron started, motioning toward the Burrow, "Mums just about got the dinner prepared." "Great", Ginny replied happily, "I'm starving." And with that, they all headed toward the door. Ginny and Hermione walked ahead and chatted, while Ron and Harry idled behind chatting about the shop and Harry's Auror training, which was to begin soon. When choosing his career path, Ron had decided he had enough of fighting dark magic, and wished to pursue a lighter endeavor, taking up the position at the joke shop. Try though as he might, Harry could not shake his ambition to become an Auror. Although having encountered bad experiences in the past, he was receiving his training through the Ministry of Magic. Although his trainers were professionals, he often missed the wise words and gruff nature of Mad-Eye and wished that he were still alive to train him. As they talked, Ron suddenly grew serious. "Mate, are you sure you still want to do this?" Ron asked. "Of course, Ron" Harry replied, "We discussed it before, and I know this is what I have to do. Ron frowned. "Well", he began, "At least we don't have to worry about that Scrimgeour bloke anymore do we?" Harry frowned at the mention of the previous Minister of Magic. However, the new Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt was a welcome replacement. A former member of the Order of the Phoenix, Shacklebolt was able to relate to Harry's struggles better than most, especially in terms of Sirius. He was always welcome to lend a listening ear or to offer advice, and Harry was truly grateful. With her incredibly high NEWTs (Which came as no surprise to Harry or Ron), Hermione had been working under Shacklebolt as Undersecretary to the Minister, and was always glad to pencil in Harry if he needed a favor.
As they rounded the corner, Ron sensed Harry's mood and stopped. "Oi, Mate, sorry about that", he sputtered, hanging his head, "Didn't mean to bring up bad memories, just trying to watch out for you." Harry tensed, but thinking of what Ginny had told him quickly replied, "No worries, all in the past." Harry quickly changed the subject, telling Ron one of his own new, and rather smutty jokes, that caused Ron to double over with waves of hearty laughter, and even Harry cracked a smile. As they reached the porch and opened the door, they almost bumped right into Mrs. Weasley bustling about the kitchen in her usual hurried manner. "Oh Ron", she exclaimed, "Don't you ever watch where you're going?" She smiled as she saw Harry. "Oh Harry dear", she called, "Wash up won't you?" "It's all laid out", she continued, "We were just waiting on the two of you." Harry walked into the dining room and sat down next to Ginny. Beside her was Ron, followed by Hermione. At the head of the table were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. On the other side sat Bill and Fleur, followed by Charlie, George, and Percy at the very end. Laid out before them was quite an enticing feast. Lamb and roast duck, succulent roasted vegetables, several platters of various side dishes, and several massive trays of dessert. As he slid a napkin through his collar, Mr. Weasley cried out happily, "Why, Molly you have absolutely outdone yourself, it looks just as good as it smells." With this he picked up his fork and knife and licked his lips hungrily, and the rest of the group followed suit. Mrs. Weasley absolutely beamed at the compliment, and followed with the well met reply, "Well, what are you waiting for? Tuck in." The group happily obliged, and not long had passed before the trays had been emptied, and piled in the sink, waiting to be cleaned the next day by a full and very much sleepy Mrs. Weasley.
As each and every individual began to nod off, Mr. Weasley stood up, clapped his hands together and said with a yawn, "All right, everybody off to bed." The group happily followed suit, and all marched upstairs. George, Charlie, and Percy would all be sharing Fred and George's old room, and they all muttered "Goodnight" in near unison before walking in and closing the door. Bill and Fleur had their own personal room, and they issued their goodnight, gently closing the door on the way through. Ron and Hermione would share Ron's room. Ron turned and said goodnight to both Harry and Ginny. Hermione ran over and gave each a goodnight hug, before spinning around and walking into the room after Ron, closing the door behind her. The guest bedroom left would be shared by Ginny and Harry. They both entered and Harry closed the door behind them.