Chapter 4: Good and Bad News

Ron showed up to work late the next morning, He had woken up earlier than any person should wake up only to lie in bed, still thinking of Hermione. Deep down he knew he should ask for her forgiveness but how could he expect her to forgive him when he couldn't even forgive himself? He had only gotten up when he finally realized that the buzzing in his ears was not the lack of sleep, but the alarm calling him late for work.

"There you are, Ron," announced Harry as Ron appeared in the room with a pop, his hair still in a tangled mess atop his head. "We've got an assignment!"

"Really?" proclaimed Ron eagerly as Harry began informing him of their task.

"There have been a number of kidnappings in the Czech Republic; all believed to be by the same dark wizard."

"Wha duhs dah haff to do wiff us?" said Ron, unable to stifle his yawn.

"Hold on, I'm getting there," chastised Harry impatiently. "There has been a kidnapping here as well. By the same wizard most likely, and seeing our reputation with dark wizards, the ministry chose us to investigate!" finished Harry with an air of triumph.

"Who was kidnapped?" asked Ron keenly. (Everyone listening in was flabbergasted at the way he and Harry were talking about dark wizards so merrily.)

"Well Durdle wouldn't tell me until you showed up. He said we should hear at the same time," shrugged Harry.

Ron followed Harry into Mr. Durdle's office.

"Oh hello you two," greeted Durdle brightly.

"Hi we came to get the information for our new assignment," said Harry.

"We? Harry this assignment is just for Ronald, although I do think you both should learn who was taken at the same time. Has Harry already explained the basics?" asked Durdle, now addressing Ron.

"Huh? I mean yeah...yeah," Ron answered. He was amazed he was being trusted to handle this assignment alone. Everyone had recognized him as a major asset in the defeat of Voldemort, but, as always, Harry was the focus of attention. He was proud to finally be acknowledged independent of Harry, but still wished he could have Harry by his side.

"Well this is the tough part," started Durdle. He was straining for the best words to use. "Now don't let this influence your ability in any way but, well, you two might want to sit down."

Ron sat obediently alongside Harry. His mind was racing, who could have been kidnapped to make Durdle so nervous to tell me?

"Ron, three days ago Hermione was taken from her home in London."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed that chapter! Here are a few shout outs:

Tiffany-45: I am glad you are still interested, I would be pretty disappointed if I lost a reader because I was too boring! I mean if someone just doesn't like my story there's nothing I can do, but if its too boring then I need to fix something fast! I am glad I made you feel special. If I can make a reader feel as special as they make me feel for reviewing then that is awesome! I will always try to give a shout out to anyone who reviews!

hikaru: I am glad I made you feel special, like I told Tiffany-45, you make me feel special by reviewing as often as you do! I know you have been waiting a long time for invisible but Tammy's mom has been out of town and wont allow tammy to get online at all! It will still be a while unless she can somehow get them to me. But if I know tammy when she finally is able to get back online she wont be able to hold back any of the chapters she has written in her absence. You will probably end up getting several chapters all at once!

Juan-li: You may have to wait a while for Hermione and Ron to talk but beleive me, it will be worth the wait. I am writting that part now actually and if you find it half as amusing as I found it while wrioting it then you will be in for a treat! Thanks for reviewing!