AN: Hey guys! Here's chapter two. Hope it's okay...remember I'm new to this. Review! Pretty please?

Disclaimer: All of the character and places that you recognize are JK Rowling's.

The familiar surroundings of her charming little flat came into view as Hermione apparated. She let out an aggravated groan and threw herself onto a small baby blue couch in her living room. What am I going to do? She felt the anger start to bubble up deep inside again as she buried her face into a pillow.

Just as she was going to scream, she heard a rustling sound in the kitchen that stopped her in her tracks. The impending scream was silenced, as a twinge of fear traveled through her body. Slowly and cautiously, she grabbed her wand and tiptoed towards the offending sound.

Jumping out, the end of her wand was met with a pair of frightened blue eyes.

"M-M-'Mione p-put your wand down," Ron managed to choke out, his voice shaking.

"Oh Ron, I'm so sorry!" She said as she flung her arms around his neck, and pecked his cheek.

"It's alright, " He smiled, his ears turning a deep scarlet.

Hermione giggled as she pocketed her wand. Not but seconds later though, her facial features shifted into complete disgust as Harry's words echoed through her mind. She let out another groan and buried her face in her hands.

A mixture of confusion and concern washed over Ron's face as he reached out and placed a comforting hand on her head. He began to stroke her hair as he questioned her.

"What's wrong 'Mione?"

She looked up at him, tears threatening to spill over her eyes as she wondered what she should say. She knew how he would react and dreaded what she was about to do.

"'Mione?" He questioned again. His brows were knitted together in deep concern. She sighed and began to speak, slowly at first.

"I received an assignment from the ministry today," she began, unsure of what to say next.

"That's good though, right?" He asked with a small smile. Hermione noticed that it didn't reach his eyes.

"In a way I suppose...oh what am I saying? It's horrible Ron!" Just as the words left her lips, she started to cry uncontrollably.

Ron was a little uncomfortable with the tear shed, but crossed the small difference between them and embraced her.

"Shh shh," He whispered, trying to calm his now hysterical girlfriend.

"Oh Ron!" She cried out during sobs, tightening her grip on his waist.

"Shh shh," He cooed again, rubbing her back in small soothing circles. He loosened his grip on her to look at her face. Tears were still streaming, but the sobs started to lessen, as she grabbed control of her emotions again.

Hermione looked up at Ron and guilt wracked her body as she realized how little she had actually said and how deeply concerned he looked. She broke away from Ron and made her way to a stool at the island counter. She shifted uncomfortably and began to speak again.

"The Ministry wants me to go to...to...," She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "To Malfoy Manor."

Ron's eyes hardened. "For what," he barked.

Hermione flinched. "To watch and keep an eye out for trouble, and to clear their names with the Ministry."

Ron thought for a moment as his face turned a deep red, the anger bubbling over the surface. "This doesn't sound like a one day trip," he spat.

"It's not."

He went over to Hermione and looked her straight in the eye. "How long?"

She didn't answer but instead stared straight ahead at the wall.

"Dammit Hermione, how long?" He shouted, pounding his fist on the counter.

"A year," she whispered.

At that moment a fire seemed to ignite in his eyes, and his arms flung out in pure frustration. He completely lost whatever little control he had over his temper. "Bloody hell!" He fumed, pacing the wooden floors.

Hermione got up and stepped right in front of his path. Ron lifted his head and their eyes met. "Does Harry know of this?" He sighed, anger still coating his voice.

"Yes. He's the one who told me."

"Bloody hell!" He repeated. "There's nothing he can do to stop this? No one can take your place?"

"No," Hermione choked out, tears spilling down her face again.

Ron stopped and let out a loud sigh. He rubbed his face with his left hand and grabbed hold of her with his right. "We'll figure something out 'Mione." He lifted her chin with a delicate finger and gently brushed his lips against hers. She buried her face into his chest and let out a heavy sigh.

"Yeah," She whispered, but she knew that was highly unlikely.