19th January 2006, at about 22.00 o'clock

Grinning Hermione stood at the foot of the bed. "Don't even thinking about it!, " warned Ron, "I have my check-up tomorrow, and so I need my beauty sleep!" Demonstrative he pulled the covers up to his chin: "Good night!", and he closed his eyes.

Suddenly he felt his wife crawled under his blanket and climbed up on his body. He lifted the blanket, and looked into her eyes, which sparkled with mischief: "Hey!" she smiled. "When I talk about this to Healer Miller!", Ron said with a grin. "As your wife I have to make sure, that you are in good shape! Mmh, definitely too thin!" She tickled his belly. Ron giggled: "Please, please be merciful and stop!" – "Nope", came the muffled reply, and then Hermione kissed his belly button.

„Mummy?" Ron looked terrified at the door. In the doorway stood Rose, with tousled hair and sleepy eyes, in her arms her teddy bear Mr. Wilbert. Under the covers, his wife was very quiet. "Where's Mummy?" Hermione's head peeked out from under the blanket, her hair tousled too. "Rose, why haven't you slept yet?!" Rose looked at her mother with wide eyes. Ron cleared his throat: "Did you have a nightmare?" Rose shook her head: "I am thirsty! Mummy, what are you doing under the covers?". Ron crossed his arms over his chest: "Yes, Hermione, what are you doing under the covers?" Hermione pinched his nipple. Then she jumped out of bed: "Come little mouse, I'll take you back to bed." His daughter waved: "Night, daddy".

"Ouch!" Ron patted his mistreated nipple. "Have fun explaining," he thought delighted, snuggled into his blanket and was asleep within seconds.

20th January 2006, St. Mungo/examination room

"Auror Weasley, please take a seat, Healer Miller pointed to the chair in front of her desk. "Thanks", Ron smiled amiably, but she was already engrossed in her file. So he waited, waited and waited. He cleared his throat: "Soooo!"

Finally she looked up: "So, Captain Weasley, please answer my following questions:

"Headache?" - "No"

"Difficulty breathing?" - "Nope"

"Your right arm?" - "Still there"

Stern look of Healer Miller

"No problems with my right arm!"

"Any other complaints" - "No"

Body weight - "About 155 pounds

"So, now undress down to the belt," – Ron raised his right eyebrow – "I have to listen to your lungs!" – "Oh, okay!"

Healer Miller stood behind Ron: "Inhale, now hold on ….. Exhale".

"How's my little Nurse Rose?", asked asked she curious.

"She wants to be a healer or a dragon tamer", Ron grinned.

"The one does not exclude the other," Healer replied dryly.

Ron looked at her with open mouth. "A joke from Healer Miller" Ron was speechless.

"So, now I have to listen to your chest. Inhale, now hold on ….. Exhale! –

Very good, no noise to hear!"

"No noise, ups, I'm dead?" – "Captain Weasley!" – "Sorry!"

"You can get dressed!" Healer Miller sat down behind the desk and taking notes, "And Hugo is still too lazy to walk?"

"He is walking,", Ron chuckled, "to the dismay of our dog!"

Healer Miller looked questioningly at Ron.

"He is always running after him and want him to pull on the tail".

Healer Miller leaned back in her chair and smiled: "Your kids are really cute! You can truly…" Suddenly she stopped short: "How long have you been doing this?"

„What?", asked Ron astonished.

She pointed at his right hand. "You clench always your hand!"

Ron looked surprised at his right hand: "Really?"

Healer Miller stood up: "Please make a fist. Okay. Now press my hand as hard as you can!" She shook her head and looked at Ron seriously, "Captain Weasley, and now I would like to hear the truth. Do you have any problems with your right arm or your right hand?"

Ron rubbed his neck: "Every now and then I have a numb feeling in my hand!"

"How often? Once a day or more often?"

"Constantly. "Ron gulped, "Not good?" – "Not good", confirm Healer Miller.

She sat down on the edge of the desk and sighed: "If I'm honest, I was amazed at how quickly your arm had recovered from the fracture. When you were delivered, I have your wife prepared, that it is a long process of recovery. Unfortunately, I was right, the nerves in the arm are damaged!".

Ron grew pale: "How long will it take, until the arm is fully functional again?" – She was silent. – „Weeks, months, years or ", Ron whispered, "never?"

Healer Miller took his hand in her hands: "The good news is, it is curable. But you must be patient, it takes how long it takes!"

Ron closed his eyes briefly, then he took a deep breath: „ Then I'll have to learn quickly, my wand to use with my left hand!"

"Ronald, I will recommend the Head of the Auror Office, you temporarily not to use in the field".

"What? - Why?", Ron asked, shocked.

„To participate in a mission, you must have 100% physical fitness, with your arm, you have only 80%.", she said sorrowfully.

Tears stung in Ron eyes, but he swallowed hard to fight against them.

"Ronald, you can believe me, that I am very sorry!", Healer Miller said sincerely. In a consoling gesture, she squeezed his shoulder and whispered softly: "You can owl me anytime!"

20th January 2006, bedroom of the Weasley-home, at about 21.45 Uhr

Ron stared dazed at the bedroom ceiling.

"Love, you need patience and the good news is, that the damage is not permanent!" Hermione tried to calm Ron.

"Have you not been listening to me? - It could take months or years until the hand is fully functional again! ", Ron shouted angrily, " I'll condemned to a the fucking desk job!"

Hermione grabbed her wand cast a silencing charm on the door. "No need to curse!" she hissed annoyed, to proceed in a softer tone: "You would be home every night to put the kids to bed", she gently stroked his arm, "and and we would have more time for each other".

Ron looked at his wife in disbelief: "That almost sounds as if you are glad, that I have to sit behind the desk?!"

Hermione looked away and said nothing.

"Are you?" Ron asked through clenched teeth.

"Yes, " Hermione replied softly, "yes, I'am!"

"I can not believe it, my wife is happy, that my hand is only 80% functional!" Ron yelled.

"Don't be silly!" , Hermione shouted back, "Obviously I'm not happy about it. But yes, I would rather see you behind the desk, as in the field!"

Enraged, Ron jumped off the bed, grabbed his pillow and his blanket: "Tonight I sleep in the guest room!"

„Fine!", screamed Hermione, "But don't call for my help, if there is a spider!"

„Don't worry, I will not bother you!", with these words, Ron stomped out of the room.

Hermione threw her pillow after Ron.

21th January 2006, at the burrow

Ron looked thoughtfully out the window. The offspring of the Potter-/Weasley-family was outside busy with the building of a snowman. His brother George watched him with concern: ". Enough is enough!", he thought, and gave a playful pat on Ron's back: "Ickle Ronniekins, what do you think of a small snowball fight. You and me against the Potters".

His brother smiled tiredly: "Sorry, George, I am currently not looking for fun, maybe later!"

"Look, Ron, you can work immediately in the joke shop. You know, Weasley brothers need to stick together!" George grinned.

Ron raised his eyebrows: "Excuse me?"

"I've heard of the checkup and…" George rubbed his neck and pointed at Ron's right arm.

At that moment Hermione came with a tray of teacups into the living room.

Ron turned to his wife: "Have you asked George for a job for me?"

Hermione quietly put the tray on the table and looked at her husband: "And when?"

George grabbed Ron's arm: "Ron, I wanted to ask you anyway, I could use your help in the shop!"

Ron shook George's arm off, took his jacket and hurriedly left the house.

"Who wants a cup of tea?" , asked Hermione with fake cheerfulness. George squeezed her shoulder reassuringly: "Sorry, I only wanted to help!" She smiled sadly: "I know."

Ginny angry run after her brother, but Arthur Weasley stopped her at the door "Leave him alone!"

The snow crunched under Harry's steps as he slowly approached his friend, who saw – with his hands in the pockets – on the lake.

Ron gave Harry a sidelong glance: "Oh, they send the cavalry."

"Hey, I come in peace!" , Harry nudged him, "And better me, than an angry Ginny with her Bat-Bogey- Hexes."

Ron laughed shakily: "Yeah, or worse, the Bird-Conjuring Charm from Hermione".

Harry hesitated: "Mate, you have to understand, when you were missing, she has ceased to live virtually, of course, she took care of the kids, but she was like ... a shell."

"It's not like, that I don't understand Hermione's worries, " his brother-in-law sighed, "but I always wanted to be an Auror", smiling slightly, he added , "well, until 13 age I wanted to be a Quidditch player at the Cannons."

"Ask Robards about your options!"

"Options?", Ron laughed bitterly, "unpaid leave or desk job, that's my options". He fought against his tears, Harry silently gave him a handkerchief.

Ron laughed sheepishly: "Shit, now I'm crying like a baby too". He wiped away his tears and said in a husky voice: "Let's go back into the house, I have to apologize to George!"

Harry looked at him meaningfully. Ron sighed, "and to Hermione!"

21th January 2006, Home of Hermione and Ron Weasley, at the evening:

Rose looked at her father with wide eyes, "You are really riding on a dragon?" – Her daddy nodded – "Cool!"

"Yeah, cool!" grinned her father, "but now is bedtime!" Ron ruffled Rose's hair affectionately.

"Daddy?" Rose yawned. – „Mmmh?" – „ If you are playing again hide and seek with Mummy, I know a really great hiding!" Slowly Rose's eyes closed.

"Hide and seek?" Ron asked puzzled.

"Mmhh, Mummy said that you played hide.." and then was Rose already asleep.

"Nox!", Ron whisper softly and tiptoed out the room.

He went to the first floor, where Cannon was waiting on him, wagging its tail. "Hey, don't be so impatient, old boy, I just have to pull a jacket on!"

Hermione came out of the living room and watched silently as her husband got dressed and took the dog on a leash. "I'll just walk around the block", he informed her. She nodded and went back into the living room.

When Ron came home after an hour, the living room was already dark. Cannon placed itself immediately on his blanket under the stairs. His master went with weary steps up to the master-bedroom, which was empty. He opened the door to the bathroom and leaned against the door frame. Hermione stood at the sink and brushed her teeth.

Their eyes met in the mirror. Ron looked first to one side, then cleared his throat: "Hide and seek?"

Hermione rinsed out her mouth: "What?"

"Honestly, Hermione, hide and seek?!"

Hermione blushed embarrassed and stammered: "Rose is only 3 and..."

She was interrupted by the hearty laughter of her husband.

Annoyed she looked at him, but then she smirked "Parenting is not as easy, what?"

They both laughed.

When the laughter subsided, Ron looked at his wife apologetically: "I'm sorry, it's not your fault I've broken my arm or…"

Hermione prevented him from speaking further, as she put her finger to his lips: "Shhh!"

She took a deep breath: "I must apologize too, I was very insensitive."

Ron interrupted her amused: "I'm probably not the only one with the emotional range of a teaspoon, he!"

Hermione rested her head on Ron's chest, who embraced her tenderly. "No matter what decision you make, I'm always behind you," she murmured softly.

"Even if I decide in the future to work as a trainer for a Quidditch team?"

„Mmmh!" she nodded with approval. – "Or as the Knight Bus Conductor?" – "Mmmh, yes!" she murmured contentedly, while Ron tenderly stroked her back. He chuckled: "Rosie would say: Cool!"

23th January 2006, at G. Robards office:

Robards looked at Ron thoughtfully.

"Sir, I know that I have only two options: unpaid leave or a desk job, but..."

"Currently, there's a third," interrupted Robards.

"Sir?"

"Auror Weasley, have you ever thought to train recruits"

"Train recruits? Have you never heard about my job as a perfect at Hogwarts. I am crap as a respected person, ask my wife, ask Auror Potter."

"Auror Weasley, Ron, the recruits looks up to you. Each junior Auror would like to work on your team and the other team leaders are full of praise for you."

"Wow, I don' know what to say, to train recruits, wow."

Ron looked at Robards aghast: ""Wow, I don' know what to say, to train recruits, wow."

"Think about it. At the end of the week, you can tell me your decision, okay!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

Ron left relieved Robard's bureau and walked thoughtfully to the elevator. He was so absorbed in his thoughts, that he did not pay adequate attention to his own way and collided with a man. "Oh, shit! Are you all right?" – The man, with white hair, nodded. – "I'm very sorry! ", Ron apologized sheepishly for his carelessness.

The man smiled kindly: "Really, nothing had happened!" But as Ron wanted to go further, he stopped him. "Wait, Ronald Weasley, Auror Ronald Weasley? Yes, you are! The red hair cannot be forgotten!"

Ron grabbed in his hair and grinned: "Yeah, it's like a curse!"

"You don't remember me?" – Ron thought for a moment – "I was your auditor in the subject strategy, at your final exam. But you were at this time probably too excited. My name is Auror Leonard ….!" – "Thomsen!", Ron completed. – "Yes, nice to meet you, again, Auror Weasley". The two men shook hands.

"Actually, I was on my way to your boss, "after a glance at his watch, Leonhard Thomsen looked questioningly at Ron, "but I still have time for a cup of tea. I would be very happy, if you …" – "I like to go with you. By the way, the cookies are delicious in the canteen!"

In the canteen by the Ministry

"This is bad, really bad!" affirming Auror Thomsen and looked at Ron pityingly.

Ron sighed and ran his fingers through his hair: "Soon I've probably been trained our recruits".

"Ron - I may call you that?" - Ron nodded, "Good. Ron, "Auror Thomsen leaned forward," you were at the Academy the best strategist of the year, hell, I've never seen a better one!" Ron blushed. "Have you heard from the Operating Unit Strategy and Tactics, O.U.S.T for short? No? This unit did not exist before two years and is in the 11th stock. I would like to tell you more of O.U.S.T, but unfortunately, Auror Robards is waiting for me." Ron looked at him disappointed. "You know what - look at our organization personally. How about at 11.00 o'clock? Fine, see you later"

Ron stroked thoughtful his chin and looked at his watch, another three hours, but with renewed vigor, he jumped up and went to the gym. He ran a few laps and lifted weights.

Then he showered and went freshly strengthened with the lift in the 11th Stock.

When the elevator-door opened, Ron was surprised by the silence on this floor. He looked helplessly around after Auror Thomsen. "Hello Sir, can I help you?" A pretty young woman smiled at him kindly. "Uh, yes, I'm looking for Auror Thomsen." – "Follow me, please, I'll show you the way to the Head of the O.U.S.T." – Surprised, looked Ron at the young woman: "Auror Thomsen is the Head from O.U.S.T.?" – "Yes! " She smiled and holding out her hand, "Bye the way, my name is Clarie Fisher." Ron shook it: "Nice to meet you, I'am Ronald…." – "Weasley, I know!" – "What has betrayed me - my red hair?" – "That and the Head Thomsen has you already announced. Oh, we're here!"

She knocked on a large dark wooden door. When the door opened a grinning Leonard Thomsen stood before them. "Come in, come in - Claire, that's the smart guy of whom I have told you."

Claire rolled her eyes "He raves about you for hours. You have won the famous game of chess at Hogwarts, right?"

"Stop, you make him quite embarrassed, Claire!" The two told Ron about their tasks, daily schedules and answered all his questions. Finally announced the Head Thomsen: "Ok, Ron, Claire will you lead around. I see you later in my office, " he grinned mischievously, "to tea and biscuits!"

Ron was impressed. Unlike the Auror office, where is always hectic, here everything went quietly.

Later, in the house from Hermione and Ron

Hermione gently pushed the stroller with a sleeping Hugo in the hallway. "Mummy, can I watch a movie?" Hermione held her finger to her lips: "Psst, Rosie, your brother is sleeping!" "Can I watch a movie, please, please!", Rose whispered extremely quietly. Hermione knelt in front of her daughter and took her winter jacket and boots off. "Have you tidied your toys?", she asked sternly. "No", Rose said sheepishly. "If you have cleaned your room, you can see the Sesamstreet." Rose shoulder slumped with disappointment. Hermione gave her a playful slap on the butt: "I will come and help you, to make it go faster!" Rose beamed and went up the stairs.

Her mother looked in search of her husband in the living room: "Empty. Certainly in the kitchen – nope". She glanced at her son, who was still sleeping. "Bedroom, probably asleep." Hermione walked into the bedroom and found her husband, not sleeping in the bed, but before the open closet. „Love, what are you doing?", she asked curiously.

Ron stared into the closet, "Inventory!" – "Inventory?" – "Did you know that I only have two suits and a dress uniform!" , Ron frowned, "I never thought I'd say this: I have nothing to wear!" He glanced at his wife: "I'm afraid we have to go shopping." Hermione felt his forehead: "Nope, no fever!" Her husband smirked: "What do you think, how many suits do I need…" – "Ron, love, please explain to me what's going on!" Hermione interrupted him impatiently.

"Hermione, love, "Ron grabbed Hermione tenderly on her shoulders, "I need suits for my new job!" - "New job? Knight Bus Conductor?", she joked uncertain. "No, as employees for the Operating Unit Strategy and Tactics!" - "The Operating Unit Strategy and Tactics?" – Ron grinned: "Or O.U.S.T. for short" – "And you need suits for this job?" - He sighed dramatically: "Unfortunately, but we are for the most part in the ministry and also cooperate with the Muggle organization Europol." – "But I thought, no wait, I know, you hate desk jobs!" – "This is no ordinary desk job, " Ron's eyes lit up with excitement, "we plan, organize and coordinate…" Hermione interrupted him with a gesture. "No missions?", she asked shakily. " Ron looked at her lovingly: "No mission!"

With a happy cry Hermione jumped into the arms of her husband, who from the force of the hug backward fell on the bed.

Hermione, littered Ron's face with feathery kisses, and pulled with one hand the blanket over both of them.

"Are you playing again hide and seek?"