A reminder: I don't own Harry Potter.

Dinner had been wonderful. Hermione was genuinely laughing as we recounted old times. We stayed clear of any mention of funny things that happened while she was away. Although I tried and obviously Hermione did too, the subject of Ginny was brought up by Harry.

"So apparently she's already got someone else." He said somewhat slurred from the firewhiskey.

"I'm telling you mate, she is just trying to make you jealous."

"I agree Harry. Why don't you go see her?" Hermione suggested although she appeared very uncomfortable.

"I'm just coming off suspension I'm not going to see her now." He tried to get up but fell back down in his chair. "Besides, I've got girls all over me. Since the divorce has been final, I've had at least five proposals."

"Harry, didn't you say two were from old ladies and the others from school girls?" I asked trying to make light of the situation and perhaps get back to talking about old times.

"That's beside the point. They still want me."

"I'm sure they do Harry," added Hermione. "Hey, remember when Hagrid dress up all fancy for the headmistress of Beauxbatons?" She and I both laughed but Harry continued to look in his glass.

"So, 'Mione are you enjoying the library?" I asked trying to get conversation going again.

"Yes, but I'm looking forward to the Arthimacy post. Professor Vector will retire next June so I'll have the library whipped into tip-top shape by then. Have you thought about what you are going to do Ron?"

"Yea Ron, your mum will have kittens when she finds out." Added Harry with an air of satisfaction.

"Oh no, I haven't thought about mum. I'll break the news to her at brunch Sunday. You two planning to come?"

"No," said Harry, "I'm not ready to face the Weasleys."

"Me neither Ron."

"What? One of you has to come protect me from my mum. And no offense Harry but 'Mione has always been able to hold her own her mum so I'd prefer her."

"Sure that's why; you're madly in love with her, that's why you want her there." Harry added obviously feeling the strength of his drink. I looked to Hermione who was beet red and from the temperature of my ears I'm sure I looked the same.

"Well, I'm going to go. I think I'm going to enjoy my last weekend of no work by sleeping very late tomorrow morning." Harry got up and before I could suggest that he floo, he apparated away.

"I sure hope he didn't splinch himself." Hermione said looking quite concerned. "I think Ginny is just making that stuff up about having a boyfriend. She just wants to punish him for not siding with her." She was obviously angry at my estranged sister.

"You're right. He asked me if I thought she was ever coming back and truthfully I don't think she will."

"Well, I think I should be going." She said as she made for the door to take the short walk back to Hogwarts.

"Wait…" I spun her around and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. "What Harry said was the truth you know."

She smiled, looked down then back up at me. I went in for another kiss, this time more passionate. She started to kiss me back but she suddenly pulled back and pushed me away.

"I can't. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She began to cry and kept muttering she was sorry and that she couldn't.

"It's okay. I didn't mean to push it. I just thought with the pensieve…"

"The pensieve is a help, but I can't help that scared panicky feeling inside. I need to go. Please don't be mad."

"I'm not."

I saw her sprint down the street passed the shops and on to the road to Hogwarts. I had pushed her too far. I felt terrible. The last thing I want to do is to scare her away. Harry was right, I am madly in love with her.

Sunday came and although I felt awkward, Ron persuaded me to accompany him to the Burrow for brunch. Ron kept apologizing for his behavior and I kept assuring him that it wasn't his fault. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining and it was warm but not too hot. I wore a simple sundress and my hair had grown out some and the straightening I had had done was starting to wear off. According to Ron I was beginning to look like my old self. I'm not sure I wanted to be her again so I made an appointment for next week to fix my hair back to shorter and straight.

Gerard, Ron's little nephew was approaching one year old and Mrs. Weasley was fussing all over him. She was also pestering Bill and Fleur for a little girl.

"Hermione dear, I'm sorry I've been so distant lately."

"That's okay." I replied softly.

"No it's not. I'm feeling much better lately now that most things are settled. I hope to have you around more often."

"Thank you."

I turned to find Ron looking rather nervous. Then I remembered he had to tell his mum he had quit his job. He motioned for me to sit next to him as we took our places for brunch.

Everything was delicious. I kept waiting for Ron to break the news but apparently he was too chicken. So, his brother Bill did it for him.

"So Ron, I hear you up and quit the Aurors."

Ron's head jerked up and several forks were dropped. "How did you know?"

"A little bird named Harry told me."

"Oh."

"You did WHAT??? You've just thrown your life away. You always dreamed of being an Auror and now you just quit. Explain yourself."

"Well…" he started nervously, "I just decided that the Auror life wasn't for me anymore. It's just not the same; my heart's not in it."

"That's no excuse to not have a job. I hope that your brothers will be kind enough to give you a job at that shop."

"Don't worry mum; I've already found a job. A good one too." He replied with a smile on his face.

I had not heard of his new job so I was rather curious.

"Well, what is it dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley still rather annoyed.

"I'm going to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts."

"What?" I asked rather loudly.

"Well, McGonagall wrote saying that you told her that I quit my job. She needed a professor so I met with her. I took it. I think it's a good fit."

I smiled at him but inside my feelings were mixed. I loved being with him but I didn't know if I could handle it everyday. Things seemed to be moving too fast and my head started to spin. I took a big gulp of water and tried to get myself back together.

"Ron, are you crazy? No one ever survives that job. I guess we should start planning your funeral or a place in St. Mungo's." Joked Fred.

Mrs. Wealsey was obviously upset by her son's comments. "Nothing is going to happen to your brother! How dare you say such a thing after all we've been through!"

"I was just kidding mum."

"Well there's a time and place."

She continued to argue while others were congratulating Ron. I excused myself and headed for the bathroom to escape the crowd. When I came out Ron was waiting for me.

"You don't seem very pleased."

"It's not that! I'm happy to have you there. I just don't want everyone to get ideas."

"Everyone meaning me?"

"Yes, but I don't mean it bad. It's just first you move close and now we're working closely. It's just a lot to take in."

"I understand and don't worry. You'll be in the library while I'm teaching ickle firsties how to ward off vampires. I'll still be living in Hogsmeade so I won't be there all the time. But, if you need me, I'll be there this time."

"You weren't the reason I was attacked."

"If I'd been there it wouldn't have happened; we both know that. I'm not going to keep letting you down."

He turned and walked back down and I quickly made to follow. We returned to a happier group that had decided that Ron's new job was just what the Healer ordered.