Breakaway

by princessg101

Hermione takes a sabbatical from the ministry for a year and finds herself with a lot of time but little to fill it with. Enter Fred with an offer to help out at the joke shop for the summer. Of course shenanigans and fluffy romance ensue. EverybodyLives!AU 100% pure fluff guaranteed. We've had enough angst for this decade :)

1. Chapter 1

Breakaway
Prologue – Go Home Hermione

A/N: Hey guys, after a long hiatus from writing anything Harry Potter related I AM BACK! I missed doing simpler stories especially for my favourite ships. Hence this is pure Fred/Hermione joy. If you want cute fluff and wholesomeness then you've come to the right place. ENJOY! R&R PLZ!

Hermione hummed idly as she twisted a lock of hair around her finger, scribbling the final details for the last of her paperwork for a long while. She loved her Ministry job but she was just so tired. It was like she'd never slowed down after the war and it was catching up to her. Clearly those around her had seen something too. Everyone was all smiles when she announced she was taking a break and Kingsley had happily granted her a year-long sabbatical with a heartfelt wish for her wellness. "There," she announced, triumphantly dotting the I in her name on her final memo. "Done."

As if on cue, Minister Shaklebolt tapped on her door. "Go home Hermione."

"But -" Hermione checked the clock, it wasn't even midday.

"No arguments, you're on sabbatical for the next year," Kingsley tugged the papers out from under her. "I promise I won't allow the Ministry to fall in your absence."

"Surely there's more -"

"Nothing we can't handle on our own, I know you Granger," her friend said severely, made all the more dramatic by his deep baritone voice. "You may have asked for this break but given enough time you'll find more excuses to linger. Leave. Now. That's an order."

Hermione sighed, he was right of course. She was tired, burnt out and desperately wanted to stop and yet she loved her work more than anything. "Yes sir," she said smally and reached for her suitcase.

"Hold it," Kingsley snatched it up and opened it.

"Seriously?!" Hermione whined.

In response, Kingsley took out the articles and drafts in there and raised an eyebrow. Hermione deflated, chagrined and the minister tucked them under his arm and gave her the empty bag. "Home."

"Yes sir." With a nod and a crack, she was gone. Home. She dropped her suitcase and flopped on the couch. More than any other time, she was aware of how quiet her apartment was. The ticking clock. The gentle hum of foot and car traffic outside. Just her, in the house, all year. Joy.