Disclaimer: I own nothing and make nothing from writing Harry Potter fanfic. As we all know JK Rowling owns it all.
While Hermione is updating Harry and the Minister for Magic on the case, Draco is practicing the Patronus Charm. His memories of the last few days fuel the brightest one Narcissa has seen. She teaches him how to send a message, so instead of writing to Zellina about his fears for Hermione's parents, his Patronus delivers it. Zellina's peregrine falcon replies that she will immediately check in with Katie Bell at the Australian Ministry to see if they looked at the permanent residential care homes and get right on it if they had not.
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Meanwhile, Ginny stops at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes talk to George about Angelina. She hasn't really had an opportunity to develop a close relationship with the older girl, and wanted to see if he thought it would be a good idea to ask her to be a bridesmaid. Ron overhears the conversation and it hits him hard that Harry had not asked him to be his best man, or even a groomsman. A month ago he would have been an angry bitter prat about it, but with the help of his mind healer, he realizes he should go and talk to him. He hopes the reason Harry hasn't asked was because he hasn't seen him. After all, he wasn't at the Burrow when they announced their engagement over the weekend. When George told him about it, he was hurt that he hadn't been in the planning part with Harry, but he knew it was his own fault for the way he'd been treating everyone. He decides that it is time to apologize to Harry for the way he's acted. He's wanted to do it for a while, but hadn't had enough control of his temper to do so. It really helped with his family and he hopes it will with Harry and eventually Hermione. He stays in the back until Ginny leaves then approaches George about leaving the shop for a while. When he tells him why, George wishes him luck and sends him on his way.
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After the update, Kingsley returns to his office and it gives the two best friends time to chat. "Harry, I want to tell you again how much it means to me that you are okay with me and Draco." After a minute of thought he replies, "Well, I figured if I can trust him in the field with you, I should be able to trust him with your heart." He scrunched up his face as he remembers their kiss on New Year's Eve, but seeing her happiness, he smiles at her. "Just try to keep the snogging to a minimum around me." She laughs, "I'll do just like you do with Ginny." He grimaces, "Well I guess that's a lost cause then." Harry walks around his desk and hugs Hermione. "I really am happy for you, even if you are with the ferret!" They both laugh as she reminds him him about dinner that night. As she reaches for the door it opens, and sees Ron standing there.
"Her...Hermione? I didn't think you were back yet." He takes a step away allowing her enough space to flee past him. Harry shoots out the door behind her calling her name, knocking Ron back several more steps in the process. She's so caught up in memories she doesn't hear, and when she gets to the apparation point, she's forgotten she doesn't have her wand. She curses when she doesn't disappear and runs to the lifts to escape. Harry is pulling at his hair and Ron stands there in shock at her reaction. He thought she'd still be in training and hadn't considered seeing her when he decided to come apologize to Harry. He's stunned at her reaction to seeing him.
Harry turns on his once best friend, his green eyes blazing, "What the fuck are you doing here?" Ron looks down, he knew he had screwed everything up, but hadn't realized how badly until now. With Hermione running away from him and Harry practically growling at him, he swallows and takes several deep breaths. His face is red, not from anger but embarrassment, "I know I messed everything up Harry. I um...came to apologize to you and to um...tell you how happy I am for you and Ginny." Harry is still glaring at him. He shakes his head. He's concerned for Hermione, but is pretty sure she'll head strait for Malfoy. Seeing Ron with his shoulders slumped and looking broken is enough to convince him of his sincerity. Harry shakes his head again and sighs, motioning for Ron to have a seat in his office so they can talk.
The lift opens in the lobby and Hermione rushes toward the wall of fireplaces, not paying attention to her surroundings. Concentrating on getting away, she doesn't notice the prickling sensation of her magic that usually warns her of danger. The only other person in the lobby is leering at her. He can't believe his luck as he sends a curse her way, then drags her into the nearest floo.
A/N: Please review!