And It Changed Everything
Rating: T; Lang and Adult Scenes
Pairings: H/G, R/Hr... for now. It will change.
A/N: I really hate the epilogue. I follow some things, but I mainly chucked it out the window. This is my own version, though I don't own any of it.

Chapter One: The Letter

"Hermione… there's… a letter here." Ron looked up into her lively eyes. His were sunken in and confused.

Hermione looked it over and shrugged as she clasped the smooth parchment. "It's from Harry… Why didn't he just…?" She was cut off by the small, fuzzy, white owl.

Looking down at it, Hermione gave a sad smile. The bird's resemblance to Hedwig was almost exact. Petting it softly and transfiguring a piece of meat, Hermione let her thoughts trail back to Hogwarts.

It'd been nearly five years since Voldemort was destroyed and yet, still things were unresolved. Everyone expected things to return back to normal. Everything was supposed to be happy and wonderful again.

"But how could it when so much was lost?" Hermione thought, her heart sinking with every new thought.

Her husband of three years cupped his hand around hers. "I miss them, too." He said.

Hermione looked down at his hands intertwined with hers. So much had happened since the last battle. They'd both aged. They were truly adults now. Ron, with his broad shoulders, stood in front of her. His wide, worn hands touched hers delicately. He worked with his brother on the shop. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had skyrocketed after Fred's death.

It seems the Weasleys got on. Well enough, at least. Molly still cried. Though none of the boys lived at home and Ginny was with Harry, everyone knew. The days after Fred's death…

It was hard on everyone. George was silent for months while Mrs. Weasley cried relentlessly. But now?

Now, Fred was dead and gone, cold in his grave. But the rest of the Weasleys… They all just floated on.

Ginny had married. Ron had married. George had his business and his fling with Katie Bell. Bill and Fleur were happy. Charlie traveled a bit and dated here or there. Percy had the Ministry, as usual.

But times like these, when memories came flooding back, like when Hermione scolded the twins for using first years as testers for their products, then it hit. It hit her hard.

Biting back the tears, she refused to let the tears fall. It's been five bloody years. But the wound still seemed fresh.

"Hermione, love…" Ron said looking down at her. He still had that awkwardness about him, like he didn't know how to deal with her.

Hermione smiled back and brushed the semi-bushy brown locks from her face. "I'm alright… I was just—"

"I know… I miss them, too." He said, putting his arm around her protectively.

Hermione still loved that about him. He still didn't know how to deal with women, but he wasn't afraid of it. Instead, he used his traits.

"I just wish they were all still here. Fred would be an uncle. Remus and Tonks could be a father and mother to their son. Moody would still be the skeptic of the Order…" Hermione trailed off.

The Order…

It'd been years since the group had been assembled or even mentioned. The last time they'd come together was at the funerals after the last battle. Sure, they'd see each other at different functions. They were always invited to wedding and baby showers, but things were different. Kingsley Shacklebolt was settled and had the prestigious office of Minister.

He'd done a great job, too. After the old Ministry fell, people thought this new way of governing would case even more chaos. But it seemed everyone liked a less corrupt government.

"The most we can do is live, Hermione. I'm sure Fred wouldn't want you to get all mushy…" Ron said. "Besides, Harry's letter and Hugo will be up soon and dinner is only four hours from now."

Hermione smiled up at him. Life still revolved around his stomach; that hadn't changed. "I know. I'm fine, really." She said, clearing her eyes and making herself appear to be normal.

"Why do you suppose Harry owled us?" She asked as she opened it. "They're coming over tonight, right?"

He shrugged. "That's what I thought. I was going to tell Harry about the new shop opening in Brighton." Ron said, a pleased look appeared on his face.

Hermione scanned the contents and gasped.

"What—what is it?" Ron said as he looked up pleadingly into her eyes.

"Go and wake up Hugo. We're needed at Twelve Grimmauld." Hermione said as she went for their coats.

A puzzled Ron stumbled after her. "What's wrong? What did the letter say?"

Hermione turned on heel and faced Ron. Her face was in a dead stare. Looking at him seriously, she shook her head. "They're back… There was an attack on Little Hangleton. Forty Muggles dead…"

Ron, wide-eyed, nodded and went down the hallway in their small London apartment. Coming back moments later with a small child in his arms, Ron took Hermione's hand and the family of three Apperated to the front of Twelve Grimmauld.

Just like old times.