Chapter 1: The Graduate

Her laughter rang out across the room as Arthur Weasley snapped picture after picture of her and her two best friends. Harry and Ginny each leaned in to mash a sloppy kiss to each of her cheeks, and Hermione's resulting giggle and grin lit up the trio as they immortalized Hermione's graduation day in the golden light filtering in through the large bay library window of Number 12 Grimmauld place. Hermione's graduation cap was perched jauntily upon her plaited curls that gracefully wrapped into a chignon at the base of her neck, and her fitted white shift dress glowed in the evening sun.

It occurred to him that she had never more looked like the embodiment of Golden Trio, Princess of the Light. Her crown was evidence of her brains and determination, and she shone with the joy of an accomplishment hard won. Hermione was a vision of brains, grace, and beauty. But as his mind drifted back to the meandering conversation he was supposed to be engaged in with several of his Department Heads, he reminded himself that those thoughts were a temptation he could not afford to indulge in.

"With the social justice track you're pursuing, you could hardly wish more for her to return to your department. After her success with the Werewolf Integration Agenda, you have to believe she'd consider returning to further advance some of the magical being rights that have yet to be advanced in their own legislative packages," said Miranda Hawkins, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation to Amos Diggory, Department Head of The Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. "Kingsley, has she indicated to you where she would like to return to within the Ministry? Please don't tell me she's considering going non-governmental with her experience…" inquired a slightly distraught Miranda.

"Well, I wouldn't blame her if she did," muttered Amos. "I hear that The Heritage Foundation has been sniffing around her coattails. Word is they were involved in some of the work that she did in France for her thesis, and that the Burbages would be thrilled to onboard her officially," with an air of dejection in his voice.

"You all don't give Ms. Granger enough credit," intoned an imperial sounding Evelyn Roberts, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, as she joined their little group. "And why is that?" Replied Hawkins waspishly. "What insider information might you possess that makes you think that?" "No insider information, Miranda. Just a keen sense of observation. Ms. Granger has never been one to shy away from working radically within the current system. You're right that The Heritage Foundation has shown a flattering amount of interest in becoming the new platform for launching Ms. Granger's new career, but their leverage for enduring change does not align with Ms. Granger's need to codify her progressive views," Evelyn responded with a fond smile.

Kingsley chuckled at this. Evelyn had nailed it. "You seem to have given a great deal of thought to the trajectory of Ms. Granger's career, Evelyn," Kingsley mused. "This wouldn't have to do with some of the new hires you've made in her absence, would it?" Kingsley asked knowingly. "Minister, you know as well as I do the vision I have for the DMLE. It would be grossly negligent of me to not consider how Ms. Granger might be a wonderful addition to my team," Evelyn replied with that crisp polite tone she had perfected over the years Kingsley had known her. Merlin, could that woman tell you how to go fuck yourself with a smile, and you never being the wiser.

"Right as always, Evelyn. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I am going to give the graduate herself my best wishes and then take my leave. For the love of all that is holy, please do not descend on the girl like a pack of vultures after I am gone. Let the girl enjoy her achievement for a moment, before you try to convince the girl to commit the next 10 years of her career to your noble causes." And with that, Kingsley departed from their conversation and began to make his way across the room to Hermione Granger.

- — - — -

For the first time in 3 years, Hermione finally felt like she was home. After her abrupt departure from London to pursue her post secondary training in Public Administration at L'Ecole Internationale des Affaires Magiques Cooperatives and investing herself in the thesis and field work of her capstone project within the French Ministry, she was finally back in Britain. Internally, she knew her decision to pursue her mastery in Public Affairs was a classic and patented Hermione Granger avoidance technique, but after all that she went through in the six months leading up to her departure, she couldn't help but be grateful that her inclination to dealing with problems in her personal life was to expand her academic horizons. Brains would take you anywhere and everywhere, and brains was something Hermione possessed in abundance.

And for the first time in four years, there were people here celebrating her brains – actively engaging in supporting her academic accomplishments! Harry, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Andromeda, little Teddy, Bill, Fleur, George, even Percy had come out to welcome her home with her new degree in tow. Her friends, Luna, Neville, Dean, and the Patil sisters were in the mix, catching up with their Hogwarts peers. There were other members of the Order who still came out to support the Golden Trio and their accomplishments, Kingsley, chief among them; contacts of his and Hermione's from her Ministry days mingled among family and friends. The only one missing was Ron. And honestly, Hermione wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

Hermione sat in a rocking chair with the young Teddy Lupin sitting in her lap, animatedly narrating his most recent adventure with his godfather Harry in which a visit to a magical zoo featuring a whole host of fantastic magical creatures. Making all of the appropriate noises of shock and awe to appease Teddy, Hermione's thoughts drifted to Ron. Their falling out was legendary; it played out in the media, as much as it wreaked destruction in her personal life. The Golden Trio had dwindled down to the Golden Duo for all intents and purposes; despite Ronald being Harry's first friend, Harry was Hermione's brother. When push came to shove, Harry's loyalties lay with her. To be fair, so did the loyalty of the rest of the Weasley's and the Order. In the course of everything that came to light during the investigation, Hermione never stopped receiving visits and letters from those that mattered most to her detailing their respect, love, and support for their beloved bookworm.

Ron's fall from grace in wizarding society was a spectacle no one could miss. Apparently, society drew the line at one of their heroes using his romantic relationship – or was it relationships? – and fame to embezzle funds from a multitude of post-war charities that Hermione was the public face of, and that Ron lent his begrudging support behind the scenes. Unfortunately, the behind-the-scenes work meant his involvement in logistics (because "what better a role than for a chess player known for his strategy and forethought, right Hermione?"), as well as some more…physical…involvement with a less than scrupulous witch named Eleanor who oversaw the dispersal of funds and began dispersing them to Ronald.

The embezzlement was short-lived, as was Eleanor's patience for Ronald leaving Hermione to be with her. The whole…affair…came to light splashed across the front page of the Daily Prophet; it was only due to Hermione's personal relationship with the editor who had overseen the society pages after ensuring Rita Skeeter and her former editor's removal from the Prophet permanently that she had any warning. Hermione's distressed arrival to Number 12 Grimmauld Place in the middle of a dinner party was the stuff of legends, her magic crackling and threatening to spill over and unleash; the moment Harry learned what Ron had done, he had circled the wagons and made it clear that anyone who publicly spoke in favor of Ron would subsequently lose Harry's public support.

The investigation was closely monitored by Kingsley and the DMLE to ensure that the discovery and release of information was above reproach. It was quickly revealed that Hermione had no idea of what Ronald was doing, nor that he had effectively blown through his financial award from the war and was in desperate need of additional funds. His Auror career was terminated immediately, and he was ultimately sentenced to five years in the newly created Wingate Wizard Prison, a far more humane form of magical incarceration that had been established in the early years after the Second Wizarding War. Some of the greatest failures of Wizarding society were ingrained in Azkaban's existence and modus operandi. One of the first things Kingsley had worked to repair was the cruelty of the criminal justice system.

Kingsley's commitment to justice was one of the things Hermione most admired about the man. During her years in school, she had always noticed the fine line he had walked being an Auror during the horrible times of Voldemort's second reign and how whatever he ultimately did or decided fell firmly within the bounds of his principles that bent towards justice, regardless of the means.

But it wouldn't do her good to let her mind wander down the six-month rabbit hole of her life following the revelation of Ron's misdeeds, much less let her mind wander to the six months of purgatory she endured prior to his downfall. It's not so much that things were horribly wrong on the surface between the two of them, but it was just how wrong things were beneath the surface, that Hermione Jean Granger and all of her formidable intellect didn't recognize, that absolutely killed her. She prided herself on reading the signs, seeing the big picture, and she failed miserably in this instance.

Before her thoughts could wind too far in that direction, Hermione was pulled back to the present by Teddy's exclamation of "Kings! I saw a phoenix the other day and it was JUST. LIKE. YOURS." Kingsley's smile was affectionate and conspiratorial towards young Teddy. "You know, I'm convinced that Mirage has decided you are her youngling Teddy boy. The colors of your hair the last time you saw her were the most perfect match I've seen you make to her yet! I think you have her convinced!" he said with a soft nudge of his finger to uplift the young boy's chin. Teddy's eyes grew wider at that statement. "Mione, did you hear that? I think Mirage loves me! I have to go find Nana Dromeda and tell her. Maybe she'll let me go see Mirage again so I can practice!" And with that, Teddy bounded off through crowd to find Andromeda leaving Hermione to stand and greet Kingsley.

"Hermione, well done," Kingsley said as he pulled her into a hug. There was something infinitely comforting about his warm baritone and gentle inflection that made Hermione so grateful for his friendship. "Kingsley, it is so good to finally be home. My love for France is real, and deep, but London has this je ne sais quoi that I just haven't been able to find in Paris," she sighed as she happily leaned into his hug. "But thank you. I am so happy to be back. And it is so good to see you, my friend."

She stepped back from his embrace to look up at him. Kingsley's eyes radiated the kindness and friendship she had come to treasure in the years since the war. Their exchange of letters over the years had provided Hermione with the mentorship she didn't realize she needed. Not long after her graduation from Hogwarts, Hermione had been inundated with offers for both magical mastery apprenticeships, ministry employment, and full time-charity appointments with a focus on rebuilding; one night, as she had been mulling over the letters, spread out in front of her, with notes jotted in the margins, and pros and cons lists littering the coffee table amongst the letters, Kingsley had wandered into the library at Grimmauld. What was supposed to be a quick perusal of tomes for a work specifically dealing with the history of Azkaban and its codification into wizarding society, turned into Kingsley having one of his first and most in-depth conversations with the young Ms. Granger. Her reputation certainly preceded her, but Kingsley still found himself in awe of her intellect, attention to detail, and nuanced understanding of the society in which she was going to debut her fledgling career as they discussed the decisions she faced. That night, he made a standing offer to Hermione – should she ever need insight into wizarding career paths, the justice system, or the legislative process he would be happy to receive and respond to her letters.

It had taken less than a month for her first letter to come across his desk. Despite the hardships of his role as the newly inaugurated Minister, he read and responded to her letter almost immediately. She had chosen to take a role as a legislative aide in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. And it wasn't long before she began to hit stumbling blocks with the Wizengamot. Despite Kingsley's best intentions, meaningful Wizengamot reform had not been possible in the short time he had been appointed. However, he did have some allies in the legislative body that he could point her towards and with some judicious relationship building and her trademark tenacity, it would be a pathway forward.

Her response to his letter was one of gratitude and a subsequent list of follow up questions, as well as astute insights from her tentative forays into legislative negotiations in a prejudiced judicial environment. Some of her insights were so pointed and impactful that Kingsley had questions of his own for the young Ms. Granger and detailed them into a letter wanting her opinion on some legislative reforms percolating in his own mind. Ms. Granger's background in the muggle world and her knowledge of their legal systems opened up a realm of philosophical and judicial possibilities for Kingsley as he further settled into his Minister's position.

Their correspondence continued over the years, even after her departure from London to France. He was the first to learn of her intention to return after graduation, and it made him smile to know that their friendship was just as valued by her as it was by him. "Hermione, now that you're back on British soil, I believe I owe you your first official cup of British Tea. Come by the ministry on Monday, and I will make sure my schedule is clear to properly welcome you back to British Wizarding Society. Word is that you've found a townhome in Muggle London for your official residence of record?" he asked with a raised brow. "Yes, it's not far from the Ministry entrance, and there's a lovely little neighborhood that reminds me of where I grew up," she replied.

"Well, I'm sure it's a lovely area with much to offer. I'm always looking for a good curry spot, so if you come across any of those, you'll have to let me know," he said with a wink. "And as much as I would like to continue catching up, I am afraid I must take my leave. I have a Ministry event later this evening, and I cannot stay much longer. But I did want to let you know how proud I am of what you have accomplished, and I look forward to seeing what you choose to do with your time moving forward."

"Eight o'clock Monday Kings? I think we're long overdue for that cuppa," Hermione said with a brilliant smile. "It was so good seeing you this evening Kingsley. I look forward to our meeting on Monday," as she leaned in for a final one-armed hug.

"That sounds wonderful, Mione," Kingsley said as he leaned in and dropped his head towards her right ear. "However, I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you on my way out: following my exit, I imagine you're going to be inundated by my peers. The Ministry is eager to retain your services now that you're back in the country. If I were you, I'd find time for a chat with Ms. Roberts. She might have an intriguing offer," he whispered with a knowing grin. Kingsley gave her shoulder one final tight squeeze, and she flashed him a grateful smile and then watched as he made his way to the Floo. His personal Auror, Benjamin Hayes, fell in behind him and escorted him into the bright green flames as they disappeared with a flash.

It wasn't but a moment later, that one Arthur Weasley escorted a well-coiffed, tall and stoic looking Evelyn Roberts over to introduce her to Hermione. Hermione straightened her shoulders and met Ms. Roberts frank gaze with a welcoming smile. "Ms. Granger, a well-deserved congratulations is due, I believe. I've been tracking your progress and studies, and I have to say that what you've accomplished under your thesis work has wide reaching implications for the advancement and growth of wizarding society. Not many have had a vision as nuanced or far-reaching as yours in recent years, and your ability to execute your ideas was most impressive," stated Evelyn. "I presume, Kingsley forewarned you I wanted to chat. You seem to know who I am," she said with a knowing lift of her eyebrow. "I am the Head of the DMLE, and if you find it convenient, I would like you to drop by my office on Monday after your meeting with Kingsley," Evelyn requested.

"I appreciate the kind words, Ms. Roberts. I didn't realize that my work in France was so closely followed abroad," said Hermione gracefully. "If it suits, I could be at your offices around 9:30 Monday morning?" "I look forward to seeing you then, Ms. Granger. Now, I must also take my leave, but congratulations again Hermione," said Evelyn. She threaded her arm through Arthur's once more, and took her leave, "I do hope you'll take me to say goodbye to Molly before I go, for it's been far too long…" Her voice faded as Arthur nodded goodbye at Hermione and led Evelyn away.

"Tired?" whispered a cheeky voice in her left ear, as she felt her best friend's arm slip around her waist. "Ginny, I think I have made it about as long as I can around this crowd. With the ceremony Friday, the move back to London this morning, and this lovely get-together, I am simply done-in," Hermione whispered back. They turned to face one another. "Well, you know that I am ALWAYS happy to help you make a getaway…Fred and George taught me well," Ginny said with a sneaking smile. "Go on, and head home. I'll make your excuses to those that need to know. If you use the office, you can Apparate if you wish. Harry told me that you're still keyed in to the wards if you'd like."

She could feel a relieved and grateful smile wash across her face. Her eyes scanned the room and found Harry, who gave her a knowing wink and then focused back on to his conversation with Neville and George. Bless that man, Hermione thought to herself. Always looking out for me. She gave Ginny a quick kiss on the cheek, and before anyone was the wiser had slipped into the hallway and made her way to Harry's office. The office was one of her favorite rooms in the renovated Grimmauld, though nothing could compare to the library once Harry had finished cleaning and reappointing the furnishings. Harry's office reminded her of him, with earthen tones, warm wooden furniture, and green accents that were a shade darker and more tamed than his eyes; the carpet was warm and cozy under her feet as she slipped out of her heels and sighed with relief. It was such a welcoming space that Hermione almost wanted to go lay on his large, buttery soft camel brown leather couch and just rest her head right there – just for a minute. But instead, she dropped a quick thank you note on his desk and then picked up her shoes, and spun on the spot, leaving Grimmauld Place behind.

- — - — -

Hermione landed softly in the entryway of her new home and made her way up the stairs to her main living area. She had found this cheery white painted 3 story brick house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a wonderful living area in the lower level of the house with built-in shelves that she was already planning on turning into her library and office. She had gotten the majority of her furniture and belongings moved into the home, and had even managed to store things in what she was already thinking of as their proper places, but it was the soft touches that made her house feel like a home that were still missing. But as she knew from her time in France, it was a process and it would come with new adventures and a strategic décor shopping trip or two with Ginny and Luna.

She stepped in to her kitchen and started a kettle to heating. As the water came to a boil, she placed an herbal tea bag in her favorite mug and leaned against the island in her kitchen. Her thoughts started to drift towards the party she had just left. The party was almost a whirlwind of an event for her. For most of the people there, it was the first time Hermione had seen them in nigh three years; not that they hadn't made it perfectly clear she would have been welcomed home for holidays and breaks, but Hermione's heart couldn't handle the thought of the scrutiny she might be under returning to London so soon. Ron, rightly or wrongly, remained Hermione's deepest shame. And she just didn't have to manage it as publicly when she remained in France. Oh certainly, she kept in touch by letter, regularly scheduled Floo calls, and had the occasional dinner with friends that came to Paris for work. But with each holiday and break from her studies, Hermione would find an excuse to avoid returning to her friends and the recognition she endured in London. The kettle whistled, and Hermione finished making her cup of tea and moved into the den.

Her upstairs den had a bay window overlooking the street, and the park that faced her row. She wandered over to it and settled in with a pillow at her back, and brought her knees and a throw pillow up to her chest. The first sip of tea was like a balm to her soul. The first sip of tea had the power to wash away all of her insecurities and troubles for just a brief moment and highlight what was important. And with that first sip, her mind drifted to Kingsley. The man had become a confidante and mentor to her over the years. In the two years she spent at the DRCMC, he had fielded her questions, asked insightful ones of his own, and provided her sounding board and a wealth of guidance when needed. He was one of the first to really encourage her to put a voice to the systems of her muggle heritage in a public manner.

Strangely enough, it was her meeting with Kingsley that she was most looking forward to on Monday. His advice had yet to steer her wrong, and when he suggested that she entertain Evelyn Roberts' offer, she was certainly intrigued. She had several questions for him as to why her offer was the only one he found worth endorsing, but she decide that her curiosity could wait until Monday morning. Amos had already sent her a letter asking her to consider bringing her new administrative experience to the DRCMC, listing the many magical beings groups she could improve the welfare of. While her experience under Amos, had been enriching and educational, she was not looking to return to the department where she worked when everything went down with Ron. There was something about her departure and the circumstances surrounding it that she felt tainted any return to her work there.

Hermione finished her tea and gazed out at the moon coming up over the park. It was time for her to get to bed. She had what promised to be an interesting day ahead of her, and a few big decisions in the near future. She stood and walked to the kitchen to put up her mug, and then made her way to her master suite on the third floor. It was time for rest.