Two years had passed since the birth of their son, though Ron and Hermione barely had time to realize how fast their children were growing. Rose had begun to read when she was three, as well as receiving her first toy broomstick and reaching a foot off the ground. Now she was four, and she was constantly bragging to her cousins how she was going to be on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team "just like her daddy".

Hugo was less like either of his parents or his sister, and more like his uncle. He seemed to be like Harry in a way, though they weren't blood-related. He had a tendency to be a mystery, and at times, his parents had to guess what he was thinking. Of course, it was probably too early to tell, seeing as he was only two years of age.

Harry and Ginny had had their last child, Lily, soon after Hugo was born.

It was on a day like any other, did Ron come home with the worst news he had heard in ten years.

Hermione had arrived home before him and greeted him cheerily when he walked into the door, as if nothing was wrong, which of course, is exactly what she thought. Ron greeted Rose and Hugo who were attempting to play wizard chess, which he had promised he would one day teach them, along with riding a real broom, degnoming the garden at the Burrow (they thought it looked fun) and playing Quidditch. But this news could surely hold Ron back from teaching his children anything for a while.

He avoided telling the news to Hermione all through dinner. She told him about her day, but she kept shooting him shifty looks, as if she knew he was hiding something, which, Ron had a feeling, she did.

Finally, after dinner, Ron took the liberty of washing the dishes to avoid talking with Hermione. But she sensed something was wrong, he could feel it. After nineteen years of knowing each other, they each knew exactly when the other had something to hide.

Hermione came up behind him as he stood at the sink and wrapped her arms around his waist. "What's wrong, love? You're never this quiet."

"What makes you think something's wrong?"

"Well, you didn't touch your food at dinner, I have to figure something's wrong."

Ron sighed and put the dish he was washing down. He turned around and kissed Hermione soundly and slowly, something he hadn't done in a long time. He looked her in her eyes, which showed how worried she was. "I love you," he told her.

"As I you," Hermione replied sweetly, but a bit confused. "Ron –"

Ron, who had started to walk away, turned on the spot and said, "I need to talk to you, now."

Hermione sighed; finally glad she was able to get him to talk. Ron led her up to their bedroom and locked the door behind them; Rose and Hugo were back to their chess game downstairs.

"What is it?"

Ron sighed. "Hermione, you know how there's been new Death Eaters showing up in the news lately?"

Hermione nodded, scared of where this was going.

"Well…there's been a major breakout of them in Australia. They've been causing a lot of problems, and the muggles are getting suspicious of the disappearances. And my boss wants me and Harry to go on a mission to Australia to gather them up with a bunch of other Aurors."

"How long will it be?" Hermione asked, dreading the answer.

"Two years at the least?" Ron answered meekly.

"Two years?"

Ron nodded.

"TWO YEARS?" Hermione's voice rose and Ron retreated a few steps back.

But Hermione's anger was overpowered by her heart. She sank to the ground and stammered, "B-But, why d-do you have to go? I mean, y-you told me you don't go off to b-battle unless it's absolutely n-necessary!"

Ron sank to his knees next to Hermione and gathered her in his arms, hating himself. "Love, this is absolutely necessary. You know I don't want to go, Hermione, I tried every possible way to get out of it, but this is the only way."

"Why don't you quit?" Hermione suggested wildly. "We could live off of my pay, and…"

"Hermione, you know we can't be supported with only your job."

"Then, I'll work two jobs!"

"Hermione," Ron looked closely into her eyes, telling her it was no use. "You know I'm going to miss you like mad, and Rose and Hugo, but there's no way around it."

Hermione got up off the floor and turned her back on him, leaving the room. "That's it. I can't deal with this."

Ron remained on the floor, stung by her last words, wishing he had never become an Auror, and already missing her like mad.