Disclaimer: All the characters that look familiar have been created by JK Rowling and have just been used to fit in a plot written by me. No songs used throughout the story are written by me. Any similarity of non-JKR characters and plot is purely coincidental. No money has been gained in writing of this fanfic and it is just for entertainment.

Chapter 5:Surprise!

"Ron!"

"Hermione!"

Both of them exclaimed at the same time. They were too shocked to see each other to decide how to greet each other. While Ron had stepped forward to give Hermione a quick hug, Hermione had held out her hand to shake. Reluctantly, Ron shook her had and mumbled,"Nice to see you, Hermione."

"Well, now that we got both of you introduced to each other. Lets get down to business," Mr.Weasley broke the awkward silence that had enveloped the room.

"Oh yes, Mr.Weasley. You mentioned a special assignment for me. What is all about?"

"Patience, Miss Granger, I am getting to it. Your assignment is sitting right next to you."

"WHAT!"

Both Ron and Hermione had screamed out in disbelief.

"Wait Let me explain. Hermione, you know that Ginny's wedding is drawing near. Owing to that, Molly is getting hysterical. Besides, I know you have working your head off on this report, I have decided that you take a sabbatical. But don't assume that you can a lot of free time. Along with shopping for Ginny, you are going to act mediator while Ron is on the blind date."

"But Dad, why would Hermione want to do that?"

"My point exactly. Why-"

"Wait, Ron , Hermione. I am not done yet. Hermione, you will be completely responsible for Ron whenever he is on a blind date. You will be his mediator and you will come and report to me directly. Ron, you know Hermione from school and I know her as my subordinate, won't you agree with me when I say that Hermione is a very talented, clever and hardworking witch and deserves her due?"

"Yeah Dad, But that is not the answer to my question?"

"Don't you think she deserves a promotion, or wait, a double promotion?"

"Yeah sure…"

"Mr. Weasley, you don't mean…."

"I think you understand exactly what you mean. Ron, could I have a word with Hermione in private?"

"Sure Dad, I'll just be in lobby,"Ron said and left the room.

"OK. Now Hermione, I know, in front of Ron, it soounded like a bribe. But it is not. The idea of the double promotion has been there in my mind for a long time and I firmly believe that there is nobody more deserving of it than you are."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. But I don't think I need a sabbatical. I am fine with the work."

"Oh yes you do. I have noticed that you deserve a break. Lighten up a little. Apart from being my employee, you are also a member of my family. So participate in the wedding preparation as you promised Molly. And while you are at it, please do this mediator thing for Ron, as a favor for me and Molly."

"As a favor to you and Mrs. Weasley, ok, I will do it for you."

"Thank you. Hermione. And one more thing, you will report to me directly about everything. What Ron thinks about the girl, and vice versa. I don't care whether the girl is Muggleborn or Muggle or Witch. The only condition is, she should like Ron and Ron should like her."

"Ok, I understand."

" So, from this moment onwards, you are on a sabbatical and your assignment begins."

"Yes sir."

"Hello, Ron."

"Hi, Hermione. How about a coffee?"

"Yeah, sure. There is a new coffee shop in Diagon Alley. Shall we go there?"

As Ron and Hermione sat at their table in the coffee shop, they looked at each other to notice the changes that taken place in them over the passage of time.

Hermione had noticed, all the while, that Ron was no longer awkward around Muggle technology as he was when they were at Hogwarts.

"Hermione, how are you doing? What have you been upto?"

"I am fine, Ron. After you and Harry left for Auror training, I joined your father's department. It helped a lot being a muggle-born and knowing both wizards life and muggles life. You tell me, what have you been upto?"

"You know, training was tough but fun, at least for Harry and me. Maybe, getting into trouble right from the first year, made us a little tough for all this tough training. And then our internship……Bottomline, it was risky but fun."

"How is Harry?"

"You'll see. Harry has really changed, you know Hermione. Now that he can live his life as he likes, he has lightened up. Sometimes, he has those sad moments, what after losing his parents, and Sirius. I think losing Sirius had a greater effect on him, because he was just beginning to crave for some fatherly love, ever since he knew Sirius was his godfather, and after that incident in Department of Mysteries, his world just came crashing down…"

"Ron, please let us not talk about that."

"Oh yes, I am sorry."

"it's just that I have taken a lot of effort to come in terms with my life and-"

"I understand, Hermione. So tell me, when did you get reading glasses?"

"Oh that, I have had them for at least 5 years."

"I thought that you were going to have them during the school days, considering the amount of homework, research and studies you used to do. 5 years back is a bit too late, don't you think?"

"No I don't think so."

"Just kidding. So what do you suggest we do about your new 'special assigment'?"

"I'll see about that. I have some people in my mind."

"Ok , since Dad has given you the whole responsibility of person, date and place, why don't you call me on my cell?"

"Cell! You have a cell? When did you learn to use muggle technology?"

"Actually, Harry and I needed to use it for a mission when we were undercover. After the whole thing was over, we found it very useful, so we decided to own one each. Harry has one too. And the speciality of our cell is that it works in a magical environment too."

"Oh That's nice. Give me your number and I'll call you soon."

"Oh OK. See you soon."

Ron and Hermione parted ways after exchanging a brief friendly hug.