These drabbles are in response to a challenge by Droxy. The whole point is to learn to write concisely (who me?) by writing scenes with no more than one hundred words. This is a post-HBP fic.

I own nothing you recognize. I simply play in JKR's universe for fun.

The Oldest Friend

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All of these people Hermione had not seen in decades. She immediately recognized Ginny Delacour, who had gained a little weight and a French husband. She couldn't wait to talk to Luna, who had married a muggle expert on UFOs and alien abductions. She'd seen them on television talk shows. Seamus and Dean from Gryffindor were there. So were Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Vector. Red headed Weasley parents and red headed children were everywhere.

Hannah was wiping the face of a little red haired girl who was toddling about on uncertain feet. Molly had written about Ron's marriage years ago.

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Hermione's hand tightened on Emily's shoulder as the tall rangy form walked towards her.

"Just a moment, son," whispered Severus to Jonathan, as he moved back towards his wife.

Before Ron could reach her, Hermione was surrounded by the crowd of old friends.

Severus gave a sigh of relief and shook Arthur's hand. Molly pulled him into a breath stealing hug.

Hermione was overwhelmed with introductions to wives, husbands, and children. She noticed them glancing at her husband. All the passing years had diminished their hostility. They seemed to have forgiven her, so surely they could have forgiven him, too.

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Severus kept an eye in Hermione's direction as Ron Weasley hovered at the edge of the crowd. His Secret Keeper noticed him watching. Molly bent down and whispered into Jonathan's ear, which sent the boy running towards the Weasley twins. Fred and George clapped Jonathan on the back and declared that he was their biggest fan.

"Molly?" asked Severus.

"Give him a chance," replied Molly in hushed tones. "He finally looked in the Pensieve."

"Ron has had to rethink everything he believed to be true," said Arthur. "Given how stubborn he's been about the whole business, it hasn't been easy."

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Hermione looked up at an older version of the face she remembered so well. His hair was shorter and there were lines at the corners of his eyes. He was chewing the inside of his cheek as he waited.

'He's more patient than he used to be, if he's waiting his turn," thought Hermione as she was introduced to Seamus' American wife and their three children. 'I can't believe he'd be here if he intended to explode. Arthur and Molly wouldn't let him'

The crowd surrounding her thinned. Eyes turned surreptitiously in their direction as they waited for this reunion.

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"You look good," said Ron, in a voice deeper than she remembered.

"So do you," replied Hermione, watching him warily. "You and Hannah have quite a family."

"Two sets of twins were a surprise," he answered. "They run in Hannah's family, too."

Hermione quickly ran out of conversation. Ron's accusations all those years ago stood between them. Harry Potter had been dead for years, but he was a very real presence. For an instant, Hermione was afraid. Ron had nearly killed her that day. She wished Severus was standing beside her.

"Hermione," said Ron, shuffling his feet. "I was wrong."