Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 28

Hermione entered the room and pulled Ron close, instantly kissing his lush lips. Ron met her kisses with just as much excitement as she was giving. His hands wound around Hermione's small waist, and her petite hands threaded through his red locks. She sauntered backwards, their lips still attached, and sunk down to the bed. His body was so close to hers. Alarms were sounding in Ron's head. He needed to speak with her no matter what they did tonight.

He kissed up her cheek, and rested his head in the crook of her shoulder; trying to control his thoughts and breathing. She lowered her hands to his back, rubbing it soothingly, as he tried to compose himself. Then her hand reached his chin, pulling it gently to look at her.

"Ron, what's wrong?" She whispered closely to his face. Ron looked at the lips he wanted to snog all day; they were a shade darker than the lipstick she was wearing, and slightly swollen too. Ron groaned at this, and pushed himself off her. He sat upright next to the witch, who sat up as well. Distress and apprehension filled her eyes, as she worried she was being rejected. Ron quickly spoke.

"It's not that I don't want to, Mione. Because I really want to." Ron swallowed, as he gazed into her glittering eyes.

"It's just that Harry told me something I wanted to talk with you about..." Hermione tried to focus on his words; clearly concerned at what Ron was to say.

"Harry told me about what you two talked about when I was on the mission..." Hermione closed her eyes tightly; knowing exactly the conversation Ron was talking about.

"I can't believe he would tell you that!" Hermione groaned, leaning forward to rest her head in her hands.

"Don't be mad at Harry. He just wanted to help me not do anything too rash." Hermione sighed, and felt a comforting hand rubbing gentle patterns on her back.

"I had no idea you felt that way, Mione. I always figured that you wanted to wait until you were married... but you're no slag for sleeping with me." She cringed at his words. Pulling her head from her hands, and straightened; his eyes were honest and his face serious for the conversation.

"If I would have known that you feel this way, that night; it wouldn't have happened. I mean, I don't think it was a mistake; I got to know your true feelings, and I got Rose from it." He shrugged, and sighed, his hand now resting on her waist.

"I don't like you thinking about yourself that way. You didn't go around shagging every guy who looked at you. You were with me. We didn't just have sex; we made love."

Hermione tried to hold back a laugh at Ron's phrasing, but couldn't. She burst out a laugh, snorting as she covered her mouth with her hand.

"I never, in my whole life, would have predicted you'd use the term made love," Ron chuckled as well. As she sobered, he noticed tears swam in her eyes.

"That's because it's what it was, Mione." He reached out and took her hand. Hermione looked down at their hands, now intertwined with each other.

"I guess the letters after didn't help much..." she sighed.

"I've always had a plan for everything. Spending that night with you wasn't planned… I don't regret it. But, I wish I could have stuck to my morals." Hermione bit her lip, nibbling on it anxiously. Never did she think she'd be telling Ron any of this.

Ron reached up and brushed a fallen curl out of her face.

"That's why I wanted to have this talk, love." She looked up then, her eyes flickering to the features on his face.

"I'm sorry that things happened the ways they did. I know we can't go back and undo anything, and that we wouldn't want to... But, I am willing to wait if that is what you want." Hermione's eyes widened, completely taken by his suggestion. She thought for a moment.

"You want to wait to…" Hermione left the sentence hanging. Ron nodded his head and squeezed her hand.

"We've already had sex... I wouldn't be waiting until marriage to do so." Hermione whispered as she ran circles on his hand with her thumb.

"It would be the two of us, deciding right now, that we'll wait. It doesn't have to be until marriage… just when we're both completely ready. It'll be special for us... I want that for us. Whatever you want to do Mione: we'll do it." Hermione felt a tear spill down her cheek. She couldn't believe that Ron was suggesting they should wait. Was it what he really wanted?

"Are you sure Ron? I want you to be happy too..." Hermione bore into his eyes looking for any sign of him being dishonest.

"I will be happy no matter what we do, or in this case don't do... I will be with you, and that is what I want. What will make me happy. I know this is important to you." He wiped the tears that splashed onto her cheeks. She sniffled and chuckled at the love she had for this man.

He would do anything for her. She knew this would be one of the hardest he would have to do.

"Okay. I-I would like to wait… at least for a bit." She whispered. Ron nodded his head, in agreement. She leaned forward and kissed him firmly.

"I love you. Thank you, Ron." She rested her forehead against his, and gazed into his eyes.

"I love you, Mione. More than anything." He kissed her again, and stood. The redhead turned to exit the room when he felt a hand on his wrist.

"Where are you going?" She asked, with a hint of panic in her voice.

"I was heading to bed."

"Would you stay with me?" Hermione asked meekly. The ginger couldn't believe how the witch could look so sexy and innocent at the same time. Her lips puffy, the tight dress clinging to her full breasts, the amount of love shining in her eyes. He was in a tight spot being so turned on, yet, he couldn't deny her. Ron gave her a crooked grin and nodded. She blushed, as they separated to change into their bedclothes.

Ron returned to the bedroom Hermione had been staying in. He changed into a grey t-shirt and plaid pajama bottoms; not what he typically wore to bed. But, based on what they had discussed earlier, it was the correct choice. Ron laid down on the bed, getting comfortable under the covers as he waited for Hermione to exit the loo. She emerged moments later. The brunette had undone her plait to release her wild curls, which trailed down her back. He held his breath when he saw what she was wearing. A midnight blue, capped sleeve, nightdress covered her body, ending just above her knees. Ron's eyes traveled to her long, toned legs.

Hermione looked up then, to see Ron's mouth hanging open. She felt goosebumps travel over her skin and knew a deep blush followed. She teetered on her feet before she spoke.

"Should I pull on some bottoms?" She asked, breaking Ron from his gaping stare. He shook his head frantically. Hermione smirked as she noticed the tips of his ears turn red. She crawled into bed next to him and snuggled into his side. He adjusted around her and held the witch close. He knew it would be a long night.

"Mummy! Daddy!" Rose squealed when her parents walked through the Floo and into George and Angelina's den. The tot ran toward her mum and leaped into her arms. The newlywed couple offered to take Rose for the morning, since she was comfortable with them, and they needed to practice caring for a small child. Hermione hugged her little girl back, just realizing that she had never spent a night away from her before, and gripping her tighter then. Ron leaned in and kissed the small girl's curls.

"I missed you darling," Hermione whispered, while spreading small pecks all over her daughter's head. Rose giggled and reached for her dad, who was ready to get his hug from the child. Hermione smiled and walked towards Angelina, who was sipping on a cup of tea. She was still wearing her pajamas, with a crimson robe over the top.

"How is our newest mum feeling?" Hermione asked, as she sat beside the witch. Angelina scoffed and relaxed back, stretching out her feet and placing a hand on her tiny belly.

"Just wonderful." She replied sarcastically, then gave a laugh. "I would be much better if this little guy would give me a break from morning sickness. And afternoon sickness. And evening sickness…" Hermione laughed as well, knowing full what Angelina was going through.

"Yes. I'm not sure why they call it morning sickness when it lasts all hours of the day." She gave a sympathetic smile to her friend.

"I thought it was supposed to end at 12 weeks. I'm past that and still vomiting everything I eat." Angelina attempted another drink of her tea. Ron came over to where the women were sitting. He sat on the ground as Rose resumed her coloring, scrunching his nose when he heard Angelina's comment.

"It usually ends around 14 weeks. Unfortunately, some women have morning sickness until they give birth." Hermione shrugged, as Angelina looked shocked at her.

"You're joking. How long did you have it?" Ron's ears perked when the question was asked; they had never discussed Hermione's pregnancy before.

"Until the middle of my fifth month." Angelina groaned and threw her head back; her hands going to her hairline.

"I don't know if I can do this Hermione. I've never felt so shi- crappy in my life!" She recovered quickly as there was a child sitting with them. Hermione exhaled, relieved that her daughter seemed to be too preoccupied with her drawing than listening to the adult's conversation.

"Well, it does get better. I remember there was one day, I was about 17 weeks along and I laid in my bathroom thinking that I couldn't take it anymore. I was emotional and stressed. It was pathetic. I laid there crying my eyes out and trying not to vomit." Hermione chuckled bitterly, thinking back.

"Anyways, that's when I felt something. At first, I thought I was just going to be sick again. But, it was different. I, kind of, er, poked around my belly. That's when I realized she was kicking." Hermione looked at Rose, smiling brightly.

"After that, it was easier to focus on the reason why I was enduring all the symptoms. I was doing it for her." She returned her gaze to Angelina.

"It'll get easier once you feel the little one."

Angelina smiled at Hermione and nodded her head, hoping that she too would get through this stage. Below, Ron watched Hermione in wonder. When she spoke of feeling Rose kick for the first time, she glowed. She looked so brilliantly happy. Ron turned his view down to Rose who was drawing random shapes on parchment. He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat, questioning why he was so emotional about watching her experience it. He noted to ask Hermione more about what he missed, later.

"Merlin. Who knew three people could make such a mess?" George exclaimed when he came into the den. He looked around and sprawled out dramatically by his brother.

"Do me a favor and teach me some cleaning charms. Mum would kill me if I asked her after she already taught us!"

Angelina continued to question Hermione about her pregnancy, while George began a chat about Quidditch. Rose continued coloring on the floor, but eventually ventured up to sit in her mum's arms for a while.

"So, did you and Hermione have a lovely child-free night?" George inquired Ron while wiggling his eyebrows. Ron's ears turned an intense red. George caught this, and looked surprised at his little brother.

"Ronnie! Look at you! Back at it already!" He playfully shoved his shoulder. Ron's eyes quickly shot to Hermione, making sure she wasn't listening to the conversation with his brother.

"Piss off, you! Nothing happened; it's none of your bloody business anyways." George watched Ron curiously for a moment, as he gazed at Hermione.

"Merlin, Ron. You need a good shag. Maybe then you'll stop being so uptight with your blue bal-" Ron tackled his brother cutting off this sentence. The scuffle caused the women to look over at the two boys, who were laughing and wrestling on the ground. Rose squirmed off Hermione's lap and, giggling, joined the fun.

"Tickle daddy and unkee Georgie!" She shrieked, running over to the men rolling on the floor.

The next few weeks were very eventful. Days after Hermione's birthday, Ron had been ordered on another mission in a couple of weeks. This had not been something they were looking forward to, but were happy to have advanced notice to prepare. Hermione had been finding children's books, both muggle and magical, that discussed parents leaving for extended periods of time. She and Ron both worked on preparing their daughter for Ron's next mission. Rose still became upset whenever they spoke of it, and she loathed the word, mission. However, over time, and getting used to being with other family members, she eventually stopped crying whenever the word was spoken. They knew it would be interesting to see how Rose would take this next mission, but, they felt they had done all they could to prepare the tot.

The planning for Harry and Ginny's wedding was in full force as the autumn wore on. Now that they were in early October, Ginny was feeling the pressure to finish all the details. Hermione was constantly called on for opinions, fittings, and preparation. The Sunday dinner before Ron left on his mission was an all-day affair, as Ginny needed Hermione to help organize invitations.

"Isn't there another magical way you could do this?" Questioned Ron, who seemed to be on Ginny's last nerve. The youngest brother kept distracting the brunette witch; something the bride was finding very frustrating.

"It doesn't look like it, love. Using computers would have been much more efficient for the task…" Hermione dipped her quill, coating it in fresh ink, and wrote another line on parchment.

"A what?" Ginny snapped, irritated that they weren't getting further with the invitations.

"Erm…" Hermione was unsure if the witch would actually care for an answer or if she would just be more frustrated knowing there was an easier way.

"Maybe I'll show you someday. Ron, would you mind checking on Rose to make sure she's alright?" Hermione asked, darting her eyes to the door. She needed as much peace as possible, and with the two hot headed gingers in the same room, that was not going to happen.

Ron agreed, putting his hands up in surrender as he exited the room. Although, not for the reason Hermione envisioned. He had to tear himself from the den where Rose was playing, before he went to see how Hermione was doing. Knowing that in just a few hours he would leave them again was hurting a tad too much. He made himself comfortable talking with his father, Harry, and George while Angelina helped his mum in the kitchen.

That's when they heard a knock at the door. His father went to answer it, figuring Percy decided to Apparate in, instead of Floo. When he opened the old wooden barrier, his face displayed complete shock. Instead of seeing the thin Ministry worker, he met a tall, muscular man who looked incredibly like Ron; minus the ginger hair wrapped into a bun at the back of his head, and the full red beard marking his face.

"Charlie!" Arthur gasped, grasping his son in a strong hug. He led him in, surprising the others. George and Ron each gave a firm hug to the brother they hadn't seen since the first Christmas after the war. Molly rushed over as well to greet her dragon loving son.

"What are you doing here?" Molly exclaimed, confused, yet thrilled, that her son had come home.

"What? Am I not allowed to visit my family anymore?" Charlie asked, acting as if he was hurt. The men laughed while Molly looked flustered.

"Oh, you know what I mean!" She jokingly hit him on the arm. "Why didn't you tell me you were visiting?"

"I thought it would be a fun surprise." Charlie chuckled, removing the knapsack from his shoulder, vanishing it to his room.

The whole time, Rose stayed seated by where her father previously was, playing with her lamb, and a few toys from Ron's childhood. The ruckus made her a bit more nervous than she normally was at the Burrow. The addition of a stranger, even though he looked an awful lot like her father, caused her to be on edge. Ron, looked down to check on the tot, and noticed her demeanor. Swinging her up in his arms, he returned to his full height and returned to his spot. Charlie noticed this and a grin grew on his face.

"This must be my niece." He looked at the girl, now enchanted with the man in front of her.

"Charlie, I'd like you to officially meet Rose. Rose, this is Uncle Charlie. He sent you all your toy dragons." Charlie waved to the tot, looking so small in her father's arms.

"Dwagons?" Rose inquired, tearing her glimmering eyes from Charlie's, to Ron's. Her father Accioed one of them from her nappy bag, and gave it to Rose. A smile grew on her face as she acquired the toy.

"Dwagon!" She cheered, seeming to come out of her shy state, holding the figure out for him to see.

"That's right, that is a dragon. That one there is an Antipodean Opaleye. But, we'll get to that later." Charlie chuckled at the tot. Rose looked at him with wide eyes.

Ginny came into the room, looking around.

"Hey mum, is dinner almost ready or- Charlie!" Ginny screamed, running to hug her brother. He embraced her back tightly.

"Please tell me you're staying until the wedding." She asked with pleading eyes.

"I'm here till Christmas, sis." Charlie said with a wicked grin. The witch screeched and gave him another excited hug. Hermione descended the stairs next, coming much closer before she realized what was going on. Charlie caught her eye, and she gasped in surprise.

"Charlie?" The brunette wondered aloud. When he grinned wickedly back at her, she rushed to give him a comforting hug. Ron watched as the two embraced, feeling a tinge of jealousy. Hermione wasn't one to hug people she didn't consider her family, and she had only met Charlie a handful of times. He shook the thought from his head, and readjusted Rose in his arms. She stepped back from the embrace and looked at him with huge eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione questioned still awestruck, not moving far from her spot in front of him.

"I took some leave. I figured I needed to come meet my niece, go to my sister's wedding, and Christmas of course." Hermione's eyes flitted to Rose who was being held by Ron. She paced over to the redhead and took the little girl, who reached her chubby arms out to her mum.

"Well, I'm assuming you've already met our little darling?" Hermione asked, now holding her excited daughter. Ron stayed next to her, sliding his arm around her waist.

"I have. She's lovely. You make a cute looking kid, brother." Charlie commented as he slapped a hand on Ron's shoulder, causing the tips of Ron's ears to flush red.

Molly swept into the room once more.

"Well, we can continue catching up through dinner. Come on, now! Dish up! There's a feast awaiting!" The matriarch announced cheerfully.

They all sat at the large table. Ron sat next to Hermione, Rose sitting to Hermione's right in her high chair. Charlie took the seat across from them, knowing he wanted to visit with those three the most. Food was passed, and soon the plates were nearly empty. The loquacious family continued to converse as the evening wore on.

"How are your parents Hermione?" Charlie questioned as he sipped on his ale. Hermione had been monitoring Rose, now sitting on her lap, munching on her dessert. Ron, who had his arm around her shoulders while she leaned comfortably into him, noticed she looked perturbed at this inquiry, but tried to hide it.

"They're doing well. Still in Australia and all." She gave a tight-lipped smile causing Ron to marvel just what prompted the question in the first place. Charlie didn't even know her parents.

"Did they ever try that seafood shop down the street yet? I'm telling ya, best fish and chips I've ever had. Hands down. Better than any I've had in England." Charlie leaned forward, elbows on the table as he spoke.

Ron's eyebrows scrunched together in befuddlement.

"Hold on, how do you know about where Hermione's parents live?" This was this first time Ron had spoken in a while. He had been keeping to himself, anxiously anticipating his departure in a few more hours. But, he just couldn't wrap his head around why Charlie would know anything about Hermione's parents. Hermione glanced at Ron.

"Oh, Charlie went with me to Australia after you left for training." Hermione mentioned, acting as if she answered a simple Hogwarts: A History, trivia question instead of saying she left the country with another man. He couldn't believe she was so relaxed about the statement. It wasn't until he caught her chewing her bottom lip, when he knew she was nervous telling him.

"What?" Ron asked incredulously. The rest of the table had hushed their conversations in turn to listen to this one, far more interesting than their own. Charlie looked at Hermione to answer.

"Well, after you and Harry left, I decided that I would return to Australia to spend some time with my parents." Hermione glanced up, well aware that the entire clan was now listening.

"When I spoke to your parents to notify them of my plan, they refused to let me leave without someone to go with me."

"It wasn't safe enough dear. Horrid Death Eaters were still out looking for revenge." Molly added, nodding slightly toward Ron, hoping her youngest son would understand.

"Right. So, they insisted I take someone with me. Everyone was still healing, and I didn't want to cause a fuss…" Hermione looked around at the table. Gorge sat slumped in his chair looking at his lap, while Angelina reached out to take his hand. Ginny was staring at Ron intensely, watching for a reaction.

"George and Ginny needed to stay here with the family… Percy and Bill were both helping to sort things out at the Ministry..." Hermione continued, looking down to watch the redhead sitting in her lap instead of the one next to her.

"So, I volunteered to go." Charlie added, Hermione glanced up at Charlie's words, then bowed her head, gently running her hand over her daughter's springy curls. Ron glanced down to look at the witch before slowly meeting his brother's gaze with furrowed brows.

"We stayed at the house for a few weeks. If they went on an outing, I went with them or at least followed behind. Everything went okay. No issues or anything from Death Eaters. But, they had this great fish and chips spot just a block or two away from their house. Merlin, Ron. It was bloody delicious. I mean the fish was so-" Ron cut him off as he thought on his words.

"You mean Hermione stayed at their home and you stayed in a hotel. Right?" Charlie looked at his brother confused, while Ron looked more like an Auror than he'd ever seen him. Hermione glanced over to Ron, noticing his hardening stare. Ron knew the witch was wanting him to look at her and to stop probing his brother, but that wasn't going to happen.

"No. I stayed in their guest room. It was only for a few weeks. That's when Hermione started feeling ill, and we went back to England." He shrugged his shoulders as if it was nothing.

"Guess we know it wasn't a stomach bug, eh Hermione?" Charlie chuckled, giving a wink to the brunette. Hermione knew a slight blush powdered her cheeks at the action. Also feeling Ron's hand pull back from her shoulder. A sudden cool breeze danced across the space, highlighting the removal of his arm. He rested it on the back of her chair instead.

"Your parents insisted Harry and I stayed in a hotel. Why wouldn't they do the same to Charlie?" Ron asked Hermione, now turning to the witch. She readjusted, no longer leaning on him, allowing her to see the Auror while speaking.

"I don't know. You would have to ask them." She replied honestly, not liking what this conversation had turned into. Ron grunted his response and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep her composure while she threaded a few of her curls behind her ear. She could feel her cheeks flush red, knowing the whole family was observing this awkward conversation between Ron and his brother. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

"Well, I'm off." Ron said as he stood suddenly, startling Hermione, and the tot on her lap.

"What? Already?" Molly exclaimed, jumbled to why her son would need to leave so early from a dinner where his brother just came home.

"Yea, well I have to be at the Ministry at 9:00. We leave just after that." Ron shrugged and pushed in his chair as Hermione stood as well. Molly understood that he had a mission to attend, suddenly glad he didn't say the word. She never liked to see Rose distressed. Ron waved his goodbyes, while Hermione, knowing Ron was agitated, gave hugs. Taking a bit longer than Ron would have liked, but eventually they Flooed to Ron's flat.

"Were you ever going to tell me that you spent almost a month with my brother in Australia? Why didn't you mention that in your letters?" Ron asked, trying to keep his temper under control and irritation minimal. Hermione sighed before responding.

"Of course, I would have. It just never came up in conversation. And I didn't mention it to you when I wrote because it wasn't a detail that mattered." Hermione spoke calmly, as she began to change Rose's nappy and get her into her pajamas. She didn't want their daughter to think anything was wrong.

Ron rolled his eyes.

"Because you spending almost a month with my handsome brother, in a room next to yours, alone most days while your parents were at the office, is nothing that I need to know." Ron vanished the dirtied nappy and tossed Rose's day clothes into the laundry bin. He then began rummaging for the items he'd need for his mission.

Hermione's head snapped up to look at him, knowing well what he was implying.

"It doesn't matter because nothing happened. This is precisely the reason I didn't tell you in my letters. You would have completely overreacted and been distracted, which could have got you killed." She whispered harshly.

Rose was now lying on the bed, fully dressed in her pajamas, holding to her lamb and sucking on her dummy, while her vivid azure eyes darted between her bickering parents.

Ron scoffed and shook his head as he finished loading his knapsack and threw it by the bedroom door a bit harsher than either had wished. Hermione internally groaned and stepped closer to Ron.

"Hey," she said gently while she took his hand and pulled him to face her. She gazed up at him, and when he refused to meet her eyes, she put and hand on either side of his face.

"Do you trust me?" She breathed, trying to keep him focused on her for the moment. Ron's frustration withered away as he looked into her gleaming brown pools. He listened to the brunette.

"Yes." He replied, inching closer to the witch.

"Then trust me when I say that nothing happened. I promise you Ron." The redhead nodded.

Hermione knew by his expression that the thought still drifted around in his head, ready to come out to fight another day. But, for now it seemed it had been put to bed.

"Good," she spoke softly.

"Because I love you. Only you." She ended with a firm kiss on his lips, which he met and deepened instantly. Hermione was on the verge of a moan when they heard Rose cooing. She stepped back, glancing over her shoulder at their daughter, who laid there's grinning widely at her parents.

"Let's get this girl sleeping so you can be on time."

Ron snatched Rose from the bed to give her some extra cuddles during her story. Hermione noticed he held her closer than usual, and continued to nuzzle his nose in her hair, or give sweet kisses to the crown of her head. As the story ended, she looked over to Ron who was silently slipping from the bed, and gently lowered Rose into her cot.

"Goodnight, Rosie. Daddy loves you so much darling." He whispered, giving her a final peck to the cheek. Rose sighed in her sleep and rolled over, still slumbering.

Hermione left the bed and followed Ron just outside the door. Ron shifted his knapsack to his shoulder and looked at the witch below him. Hermione knew the second time he left would be difficult, but she didn't understand why she felt as ill as she did during the first time.

"You have the coin still?" Ron asked, realizing that leaving was never going to get easier. Hermione nodded solemnly.

"It's on the side table." Hermione tilted her head toward the bedroom door. Ron nodded back. They stood there in silence for a few moments. Hermione decided she needed to make the next move.

She closed the distance between them and stepped forward, entwining her arms around his middle, and resting her head on his chest. After a moment, he returned the embrace, hugging her back just as firmly.

"Come back to me, Ron." She whispered against his jumper, turning her head to look up at him. He closed the distance to her lips, and she felt the intense love that he felt for her.

Later that night, Hermione crept back into the bedroom from her shower. Steam poured into the room as she silently crawled into the comfort of Ron's bed. She turned to extinguish the candle, providing soft light to the room, when she noticed the faux galleon glowing gently on the side table. She eagerly snatched the coin, internally berating herself for being this excited to hear from him when he only left an hour before. Her eyes darted over the etched gold, while his gruff voice whispered the words.

Made it safe. Not sure how long this mission should be.

The text disappeared as Hermione read it, and was replaced with new words.

I'm sorry about tonight. I love you, Mione. More than I can say.

Hermione's heart constricted at hearing his voice saying that emotional message. She was so grateful they created a way for the coin to transmit voices as well as words. She whispered her reply, which carved into the coin. She laid back on the fluffy pillows that were rested on by Ron not too long ago. She breathed in deeply, taking in his intoxicating smell. She knew his second time being gone would still be difficult, but she hoped it would be far better than the first time.

Hermione sat in her office, leaning back in her chair, and nibbling on a crumpet. She stretched out her neck, practically hearing the muscles screaming to be extended. To say the last two weeks were stressful was an excessive understatement. She reviewed the past few days in her head, groaning at the thought.

Ron was still away on his mission. Rose was hanging on. It didn't take her nearly as long to adjust when realizing her father would be away for a bit. However, the tot still cried for her daddy daily. Hermione's heart broke every time her daughter wept for Ron. She pulled everything she learned from the books the witch had read and used the information frequently. They read the children versions to help with her anxiety, and for the most part, it did help. The one thing that always calmed Rose, was the nightly message from Ron. Hermione became teary every time Rose held the gold coin in her small hands, staring with wide eyes, listening to her daddy's message to her.

The family also stepped in to help, as they had the last time. Harry, Ginny, George, and Angelina were all there to assist in distracting Rose from her worries. Charlie came over almost every night, sometimes with other members of the family. But, sometimes he came alone. Like tonight, Harry was called on a mission, Ginny had a game in Germany, George was working late getting a product deadline out, and Angelina was turning in early, still fighting her constant nausea. Hermione had insisted that she was alright on her own, but Charlie claimed she didn't need to be alone, with Ron being gone and all, and with the news she received a few days prior.

Hermione swallowed thickly thinking about it, while her stomach twisted with unease.

"Are you alright?" Hermione's head snapped up, shattering her internal thoughts, to see the deep voiced man.

"Ron!" She squealed, dropping her snack and jumping from her chair. A grin split across Ron's face as she ran toward him, tossing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. Ron held her tightly to him, lifting her from the ground.

After a moment, the Auror set the petite woman back on the floor. He gazed in her eyes as he tucked an escaped curl behind her ear.

"I missed you." Ron whispered to her as he bent down to meet her awaiting lips. Hermione responded enthusiastically, before remembering just where she was.

"I missed you too." She whispered as she released him, stepping back while a flush rose in her cheeks.

"How is Rose?" She stepped backwards, further into her office, pulling him along with her.

"She did better," Hermione shrugged and gave a small smile. "Still had a difficult time sleeping and eating. She wasn't our little Rosie, but, she adjusted better this mission. Hopefully it just improves with time. There's actually something I…" Hermione trailed off looking just over the tall Auror's shoulder at the Interdepartmental Memo zooming right toward Ron's shoulder. It zipped, missing him by centimeters, curving quickly, and stopped just in front of his nose. Ron tried to move out of its way to continue speaking with the witch, but, just as Ron moved, the memo moved also. He groaned and snatched the enchanted parchment from the air. Glancing over it quickly he grumbled and tossed the parchment back into the air, it instantly incinerated, burning a quick purple flame.

"Hartman wants us back at the department immediately. Says we have to be at a meeting." Ron muttered, obviously put out that he didn't get to spend more time with Hermione.

"What were you saying?" He added, remembering how she became distracted when she was speaking earlier by the pesky Memo. Hermione shook her head gently, and wrung her hands, lying by her pristine skirt.

"It's nothing. I'll tell you later." Hermione whispered, her eyes roving over his Auror uniform instead of his face. Ron, however, noticed her features as she chewed on those lips he had felt against his moments before. Her brows were slightly ruffled, as the crease between the two seemed to be worked actively over the past few days. Her hands stretched and pulled at each other, stopping on the thumb nail on her left hand, her other, pushing the cuticle back absentmindedly.

He stepped closer to her, placing a hand to calm her busy ones, and bringing the other to her chin, placing a single finger to tilt her face to him.

"Are you sure?" Ron purred, hoping she would be honest with him. Another memo came whizzing in, this time staying at his shoulder, repeatedly running its tip into his uniform. Ron's jaw set, alerting her that he was irritated with the magical object. Yet, he still watched her softly, waiting for her response.

"Yes. I'll speak with you later." Hermione tried to give him a heartfelt smile, hopefully convincing him she was well enough for him to leave. He, however, knew better than to take the weak smile honestly. He gave her a quick peck, and turned grasping the memo, still thumping him in his shoulder, and crumpled it in his hand as he walked out of the room.

"Why was this meeting so important is what I want to know!" Ron grumbled to his team. There were many of the same comments going around the table, which normally sat twenty. This evening, there were only about ten, as many of the crew were still at St. Mungo's from the latest mission. When Hartman stepped in, a silence was spread about the room.

"I know many of you were upset a meeting was called when crew one just returned. However, I assure you, this is important. We have had an Auror promoted to join our ranks." A mummer spread among the Aurors. They hadn't heard of anyone applying for the Special Forces.

"Was it Bartholomew? She's definitely earned the spot since her last mission." A fellow Auror asked from further down the table.

"No. She is not interested in perusing the Special Forces." Hartman announced. "He is a transfer from Ireland's Ministry, where he has been highly recommended for the position. So, I'd like to announce the newest Auror for the Special Forces…"

All eyes focused on a smug looking man, who strutted into the room. He was of average height, with dirty blonde hair, slightly curled. He was handsome, there was no denying that. Overall, he was just an average looking bloke.

But then again, not to Ron.

Ron knew exactly who that slimy git was well before Hartman had finished his sentence. His blood boiled and he felt his fists clench as the Auror locked eyes with the self-righteous son of a…

"Cormac McLaggen"

A/N: This is the longest I've taken to update. I'm terribly sorry about it. I have been toying with this chapter for a while now, and finally just went with my gut and posted. Please let me know what you think of this chapter, any feedback is very welcome. Thank you all for reading!

Also, a special thank you to JayBat, who left a review for a previous chapter about books that could help Rose with her anxiety. Thanks for the idea!