Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, she owns all these wonderful characters, I am just 'playing' with them

A/N: Please Read and Review, Criticisms are welcome, first fic ever.

CHP 3: Lunch at The Burrow

Letting out a loud yawn, Hermione stretched her arms over her head as she sat up in bed. Her vision still blurred, she grabbed the watch that was lying on the bedside table. Squinting she climbed out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She had stayed up much too late cleaning and arranging the house. She had tackled her bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen and the study before passing out from near exhaustion. Rinsing her face in cool water she patted it dry with a towel then brushed her teeth. Pulling her long, thick brown hair back into a pony tail, she changed into jeans and a sweater before heading to the kitchen. Grabbing a muffin out of the basket Ron had left; she took a bite and contemplated some coffee. She had become quite addicted to it while in the States, most Americans preferred it to tea and the caffeine had got her through many long study sessions. Realizing that she was due at the Weasley's for lunch she quickly grabbed her rain coat and slipped it on over her sweater and apparated to the Burrow.

Hermione blinked rapidly as rain hit her eyelashes. Hurrying forward she walked up the drive and knocked lightly on the door. Hermione couldn't help but grin when she heard Molly yell from the kitchen.

"Yeah?" said a somewhat disgruntled Ron as he pulled open the door. There was no good reason for his mother to be yelling at him like that, he had only wanted one cookie.

"Hi to you too!" said Hermione with a giggle.

Grinning sheepishly Ron stepped back and let Hermione into the house, he couldn't help but notice how the droplets of rain water clung to her hair and sparkled in the light. "Sorry Hermione" he stammered taken aback by her dazzling smile as Ginny spilled out from the kitchen. She ran to Hermione and enveloped her in a huge hug. Each girl let out a small squeal of pleasure, knowing they would have plenty of time for girl talk later.

"Hello Hermione" said Harry who was leaning casually against the door jamb leading to the kitchen. "Harry!" said Hermione as she rushed forward to give him a hug. "It is so good to see you!" Stepping into the kitchen, Hermione said her hellos to Fred and George as well as Mrs. Weasley. Arthur had left for work and the rest of the family wouldn't be arriving until the wedding.

"Sit...sit" said Molly as she ushered everyone to their seats. Fred and George sat together, while Harry and Ginny were on the other side of the table. Hermione sat down in the only empty chair, next to Ron. Hermione watched as Ron continued to pile food on his plate, amused to see that his appetite hadn't changed over the years.

"So Ginny? What plans have you made so far?" she asked.

Smiling Ginny looked up from her plate "Well, we have most everything decided upon, the wedding is going to take place here, Mum is taking care of all of the food, we hired a band for the reception, the only thing we have left to do is get my dress, and yours of course."

Setting down her fork Hermione asked "So will we be going to Diagon Alley then?"

Ginny nodded; reaching across Harry's plate she pulled a cherry from his dessert.

Hermione half listened as Molly and Ginny continued discussing the plans for the wedding, taking small bites of her tart. She looked up when she realized that Ron had just asked her a question.

"Uh...sorry Ron, what was that?" she asked looking up into his sparkling eyes completely forgetting what they were talking about.

Likewise, Ron was captivated by Hermione and he couldn't look away, until her heard Fred clear his throat rather loudly, all the other conversation had halted. Turning red, Ron turned towards the group and said "I was just asking Hermione if she had planned on staying in London and applying for a job at St. Mungo's."

Caught on the spot, Hermione was not sure how to answer. "Well...I haven't decided yet, I guess I am just taking some time off before I start working." She said starring at her hands clasped firmly in her lap. When the awkward silence continued Hermione continued looking up and addressing the group, "I plan on setting the house to rights, painting it and making livable before I start to work."

Molly nodded her head in approval, understanding that Hermione still needed to undergo some healing. "That's wonderful Hermione! I am sure the boys would be more than glad to help you."

Ginny stood up and began to clear the table; Harry immediately took the plates from her and carried them to the sink. Hermione passed her plate to Harry as she and Ron stood up from the table. Hermione said her goodbyes to Fred and George as they headed out for their shop. She and Ron stepped outside, the rain had slowed to a drizzle.

"Ron? Are you still living here or?"

Ron shook his head no before saying "Harry and I have a flat we share in London, though when he and Ginny marry they will move in there. I have spent the past few weeks at home until I find another flat."

Hermione nodded as she walked towards the flower garden on the other side of the lawn. Ron walked beside her, in silence. She looked up to see that he starring at her. Blushing she leaned down to smell one of the soft yellow roses.