A/N: I do not claim any of the characters or the world they revolve in to be mine. I will be using names of popular people but they may act very differently from their namesakes. I intentionally give them a different background or personalities. If you get upset, please read other fics instead.

I have another project and might not be able to get in touch with you for some time.

Hermione hurriedly typed on her laptop as the door to her room creaked open.

I have to go. I'll miss chatting with you.

She thought about putting an emoji but decided against it and pressed Enter. She closed her laptop without waiting for a reply.

You see it's been years since the war on Hogwarts but the golden trio was still wary of the Dark lord's followers who were hiding or those who were not convicted by insisting that they were forced to become Death Eaters.

As an added security they have become secret keepers of each other, trusting only each other with the location of their abode.

This meant there are only two people who can come into her house. She stood from her desk and sighed at the sight of Ron Weasley. "Why, again was I assigned for this mission?"

"Take it up with Harry. Frankly, I need a break and babysitting global artists seems like a vacation compared to the team's second week of stakeout."

"Maybe they should call us babysitters instead of Aurors." She smirked at her own remark. She walked and grabbed a stack of folders from his arms. "These files all about them?"

"Happy reading. Aren't these the same group Gin's infatuated with?" He went to her side and glanced on the open folder she was studying.

"That's why she she inserted herself in the team." Hermione stared at the group photo. "What could these guys have done to require high ranking Aurors?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Porbably crazy, delusional groupies taking thing too far." He scanned her room, thinking about the many times he slept in it just months ago.

"Do you see anything else you think that belongs to you but is really mine?" She arched am eyebrow at him.

"Nah. I'm just amazed that your room looks a lot bigger than what I remembered." He kissed the top of her head and started for the door. "I'll see you in the office, tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you then." She smiled at his retreating back. She then dropped the files on her bed. She stretched and went back to her desk eager to go back to her dialogue. She turned her laptop back on and saw that there were new messages on the chat.

You can't sneak a message or two? I just want to know that you are okay.

Hello?

Depends on how demanding my new project will be.

I could sneak a daily message to appease how clingy you are.

Clingy? I just want to ensure that my friend is alive.

I've been on a project before. We can talk then.

Will your ex be on the same project?

No. I told you we have different teams.

Good. I remember how upset you were those first few weeks.

Hermione sighed and smiled.

I'll never forget how you pulled me out of the rut. I hope I can do the same for you someday.

You want me to have my heart broken?

Hermione bit her lower rip trying to stop the smile escaping her lips.

Just know that if you need help in anything, I'm here for you.

I'll hold you to your word.

Are you smirking right now?

No. I'm smiling.

I'm tempted to rescind our agreement on keeping this to chat.

Hermione drummed her fingers on her desk, deciding how to react.

I don't want to lose my only friend who does not have any connection with my ex.

I understand. I just thought it would be easier to talk versus writing.

Let me think about it.

What about exchanging photos?

Hermione tightly gripped her mouse.

I'm not comfortable yet.

Are you afraid to learn that I do not conform with the normal beauty standards of society?

You're teasing me?

I want to put a face on one of the most important people in my life.

Hermione smirked and continued to type.

A smooth talker like you, I would be shocked if you did not look like a Ken.

A Ken? Blonde? I am Asian.

I meant, someone who's handsome and knows it.

And that's a bad thing?

Well I am not. I told you, I wasn't popular in school. I haven't had suitors after my break up.

That's because youve been engrossed with work... Or so you told me.

I can't jeopardise this thing that we have. Please, let's just stick with chat for a while.

I won't push it any further. I hate to do this but I have things to do. Can we chat again tomorrow?

Tomorrow or later?

Tomorrow, same time.

Got it.

Hermione smiled and closed her laptop. She went back to her bed and started studying the files.