Chapter 2

After being so dedicated early in the day Hermione finished up early. She decided she would make a surprise appearance to the Auror department to visit Ron since she hadn't seen him yet today.

Hermione walked traveled through the ministry and reached the right department. She walked directly up to Ron's office and opened the door.

"That's odd," said Hermione to herself. Ron wasn't there. Where was he?

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" asked Harry.

"Oh I just finished up early and I wanted to surprise Ron but I guess he's gone still gone?" said Hermione in a questioning tone.

Draco picked that moment to walk up.

"Ron is…" he started but was quickly interrupted by Harry.

"Out," said Harry turning around and shooting a harsh look at Draco.

Draco was confused but then realization hit him. Hermione didn't know and her best friend was keeping the secret from her. He didn't expect Potter to just sick back and accept this AND keep it a secret. Man, things really had changed from Hogwarts.

"Oh. Well I can just wait for him," said Hermione starting to walk in.

"No!" said Harry a bit too forcefully, "You know I don't think he's actually coming back here."

"Oh, well in that case I guess I should just go then," said Hermione.

"You're coming tonight right?" he asked.

"Of course! How could I miss it! Plus I haven't seen Ron all day and I know he'll be there," said Hermione.

"Yeah… ," said Harry scratching the back of his neck and looking down.

"Bye," said Hermione happily as she walked out of their department.

As soon as she was out of sight Draco looked over at Harry.

"Seriously? I can't believe you of all people are keeping that from her," said Draco.

"I know, alright! I know! I just don't know what how to handle this the best way," said Harry, "Plus I was hoping it was just a phase Ron would grow out of. Apparently not."

"I can't believe I'm actually saying this but Hermione deserves better and needs to be told that her scumbag of a boyfriend is cheating on her," said Draco.

"I can't believe you said that either," said Harry raising an eyebrow at Draco.

"Yeah well things change," said Draco.

"Why do you care anyways? You always hated her," said Harry.

"I hated her because she was friends with you and she beat me at everything. I have no reason to hate her now and I don't care. Just after being continually cheated on myself I know how it feels," said Draco.

Harry just nodded.

"But anyways tell her before I do and I'm sure she won't appreciate hearing it from me when you've known all this time," said Draco.

"I will. Soon," said Harry.

Draco nodded and turned to walk away.

"Hey… Malfoy. Before you leave, Ginny asked me to invite you tonight too. She doesn't believe that you've changed. She wants to see for herself. You up for it?" asked Harry.

Draco turned around.

"After all you've told me about the pregnant Weaslette you think I'd want to go see her?" asked Draco.

"It's Potter now."

"Right. Of course. I wouldn't miss this for the world," said Draco with his trademark smirk.

"Don't make me regret this," said Harry as Draco walked away.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Hermione arrived first… even before Harry was home. She wandered into the kitchen and found Ginny struggling to pick up a fallen fork off the floor. She was about 7 months pregnant now and getting pretty big.

"Oh, Ginny let me get that," said Hermione rushing in.

"Thanks," said Ginny with a sigh, "This is getting old… and I still have 2 months to go."

"It will go quicker than you think. Do you need anymore help?" asked Hermione.

"No. I was just setting the table. And yes before you say it I know I'm a witch but I get bored sometimes too so I was doing it the muggle way," said Ginny.

Hermione just smiled and didn't say anything. She loved being a witch herself too but she thought magic sometimes made everyone a bit too lazy.

"I haven't seen you for a while, what have you been up to?" asked Ginny as they finished setting the table.

"The usual. Just researching for work and reading. Ron's been away a lot so I kind of keep to myself," said Hermione.

Ginny froze for a second but then quickly recovered.

"Which speaking of Ron, have you seen him? Is he always at work like Harry says or did I do something wrong?" asked Hermione.

Ginny didn't know what to do. She knew her brother was cheating on Hermione but neither her nor Harry knew quite how to handle that yet. And she wasn't going to be the one to do so right now.

"You know, I'm not really sure. He doesn't really come by here either," said Ginny.

"Ok," said Hermione looking depressed.

"I'm sorry. I'll talk to him and tell him to stop being an idiot and give you the treatment you deserve," said Ginny – and that was the truth. He was really going to get an earful soon.

"Thanks. I just miss him. He's the only man I've ever loved," said Hermione.

Ginny bit her lip as she looked at Hermione. Now she felt awful! She was saved when Harry walked into the room… with Malfoy. Ginny kissed her husband and then grinned slyly at Malfoy. Harry swore he had changed but there was no possible way! She knew that his true colors HAD to come out if he was hanging out with old enemies.

"Draco Malfoy. So glad you could make it," said Ginny.

"Thanks for inviting me," said Draco coolly.

Hermione looked up. Draco was here? Well… whatever… she thought to herself.

"Hermione," greeted Draco.

Hermione just nodded in acknowledgement. She was still distracted with thoughts of Ron. He still wasn't here yet… and even Draco Malfoy was here.

"I'll go get the food," said Hermione and she left the room.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Draco.

"Uhh…" started Ginny.

"It's ok. He knows," said Harry.

"He knows? Are you kidding? He knows and not Hermione?" asked Ginny.

"Shh! Keep it down!" said Harry.

"This is ridiculous. She's got to be told. But why did you tell him?" asked Ginny.

"I didn't. Ron showed up with Lavender attached to his arm. He mentioned he thought he was dating Hermione and I couldn't lie and I said he was," said Harry.

"Is Ron even coming tonight?" asked Ginny.

"I don't know. He was distracted of course when I reminded him," said Harry.

"He wouldn't have the nerve to show up with her here would he?" asked Draco.

"Merlin I hope not or I'd have to avada him myself," said Ginny.

"Remind me to not get on your bad side," said Draco.

Ginny looked over at Draco. He gave her a small smile to let her know he was joking. She gave a small smile back and shook her head at him.

"You're kind of funny. Maybe we'll let you hang out more often," said Ginny.

"If you always have Gryffindor drama I'll be there," said Draco.

Hermione walked back into the room and set the food down in front of everybody. Then the door swung open and Ron walked in… and he was completely drunk… and he was a bigger idiot than everyone thought because Lavender was with him.

Cliffhanger... lol gotta keep your interest somehow. :)

Oh and I forgot to mention in the first note that normally I'm a really good writer and post every other day or so but this time it might be longer in between... like a week... just a warning. But then on the other side if I post a cliffhanger like this I won't leave you hanging forever because that's just mean. haha

Let me know what you think!