a/n: Thanks to dennisud and poka for the reviews! Thanks for reading.

Day 2 prompt: HHr go ice skating

Chapter 2: Changes

Saturday, December 23, 2000

The blades of the skaters cut through the ice with a satisfying swipe. The older kids and adults zipped around the largest rink as Harry and Remus tried to teach their oldest kids how to stop with their new skates in the beginners' area. Teddy and Lily were too busy trying to beat the other one to the far side of the rink, stopping wasn't something they were interested in doing properly. They slammed into the wall and fell on their bums at nearly the same time. The toddlers rolled and giggled. "Alright," Harry said, skating up to them. "You're going to get someone hurt if you're not paying attention to where you're going." He lifted Lily up into his arms as Remus did the same with his son. "Let's go see what your mum is up to." Skating across the ice, he stepped carefully off, adjusted to being on solid ground again. The heated section instantly removed the chill that had been creeping in around him.

Hermione was sitting next to Tonks at a table. Three strollers were lined up in front of them. The Lupin twins were sleeping soundly, Shiloh was wide eyed but content. She really was a peaceful baby.

"Mommy! I raced Teddy," Lily announced as soon as she caught sight of Hermione. Harry nearly dropped her as she threw herself at her mom.

"Whoa there, careful," Hermione said, catching her daughter with ease. "You raced? Well did you win?" she asked, setting Lily on the table in front of her. Taking the tiny hands in hers, she made sure they weren't too cold.

"Nah, we tied," she said simply.

Harry sat down next to his family, double checking on Shiloh's blankets and absently rubbed Hermione's back. A tray of steaming hot cocoa sidled up to the table.

"Good timing. We just ordered," Tonks explained, handing out the cups and put some coins on the tray. "We were just talking about getting a bite to eat at the Leaky Cauldron on our way out. If James and Sirius don't wake up screaming."

Smiling at the names of the newest Lupins, Harry nodded at Remus. It had been a shock to learn they were expecting twins. It hadn't been planned. Neither had Shiloh. Glad the two women had each other through their pregnancies, it had come as a surprise when both Tonks and Remus had asked Harry to have a serious conversation. Worried that something was wrong with the twins, relief was quickly followed by confusion when they asked permission to name the boys after Harry's dad and godfather. Remus assumed since they named their first child Lily there was a plan to honor James and Sirius. It hadn't been something either Hermione or Harry had discussed. And as far as Harry was concerned, Remus had just as much a right to want to honor his lost family as he did. He was just glad the memories were being honored. Naming Shiloh had come pretty easy. Harry and Hermione had settled into their new life, Hermione teaching at Hogwarts and Harry training to be an Auror, it seemed like a new era. A time of calm and peace.

Lily was walking across the table top, making her way over to sit next to Teddy with her cocoa, chattering on about toys she wanted for Christmas when Tonks leaned over. "I've got these girls. You two go on and spend some time alone."

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Hermione asked, not wanting to burden the couple with five kids.

"I'm sure. Remus and I get plenty of time alone with my parents helping out. You two should enjoy a spin around the ice."

Harry didn't need to be told twice. After all, ice skating had been Hermione's idea and she hadn't gotten a chance yet to put her skates to work. Standing, he helped her up. "Lily, you listen to your Aunt and Uncle," he said, certain the nearly three year old heard his instruction but chose not to acknowledge it. Remus waved them off.

Taking Hermione's had in his, he led them to the larger rink and joined the flow of people. It wasn't as crowded as he thought it might be, still there was a good number of people likely doing the same thing as themselves. Completing last minute shopping and taking time to spend with family at the rink in the center of Diagon Alley. "Lily caught on pretty quick to getting around. I'd say the skates were a hit."

"Hmm, she is fearless. It's terrifying," Hermione answered.

He couldn't argue with the assessment. Small talk wasn't why he wanted to spend time with his wife. She had a decision to make. "Have you decided what to do about the job offer?"

She skated for a ways before pulling him off to the side. They found a corner to stay out of the way. "Teaching at Hogwarts was always supposed to be temporary. It's been a rewarding experience, but it just isn't what I want to do for the rest of my life."

Pulling her scarf a little tighter around her, nodded. A part of him hoped she'd get a job at the ministry with him. The way they treated her the previous two years, he didn't think she'd ever take a position there.

"I have a lot of respect for the mission at the ICW," she continued.

"But?"

"But maybe they asked me to consider the position because they know the message that would send to the ministry. Like I'm picking sides. And I don't want to be a pawn in that kind of game," she admitted.

Harry pulled her closer and rubbed her arms. He was furious at the accusations that had been leveled at her and how the ministry did nothing to refute them. Kingsley of all people should have stood up for her. He was fighting his own battles. "I don't think they'd make this kind of offer if they weren't serious about their new department. Shaping policy that would actually benefit people, that seems like job made just for you."

"Muggle protect agent," she tested the title, looked in the direction of their kids. "Hogwarts is convenient. I never feel like I'm missing out on Lily's development. We'd have to find a new nursery. And what about Shiloh? It seems unfair to have to change her entire routine."

Harry hated how she felt like she had to choose between her career and her family. She could have both, they just needed to work it out, together. "What if we get a nanny? That way they'll be at home when we're both at work. It's not like we won't have the galleons with the salary they're offering and we've never tapped into my inheritance in my vault."

"Are you sure? It sounds like an extravagance," she said, leaning back, starting to look excited at the prospect.

"If it helps you feel better about pursuing a career you want, it's not an extravagance. It's necessary," he explained, brushed her hair back.

"It'll be a big change."

"We'll work it out," he promised, took her hand again, and pulled her pack into the flow of people. He knew she liked teaching DADA, but she had so much more to contribute than teaching others how to defend themselves. In her heart, she wanted to be proactive. Changing injustices. The ICW was offering her a chance to do just that.