AN: Before we get to this new chapter I wanted to thank those that have reviewed! Well, most of the reviews anyway... Guest reviews that are left as an insult instead of constructive criticism are not my cup of tea, but another guest review made my day! As usual, I own nothing. There are a few choice words used later in the chapter so forewarning there. Otherwise, thank you for reading!

Chapter 23: And the Bomb Dropped

Hermione woke up on New Year's Eve with hope for the upcoming year. She went down to breakfast and ate with her friends. Mrs. Weasley was already planning supper for the family. Apparently, the whole family would be here tonight. Well, minus Charlie. And some of the old Order members would possibly stop by. Hermione was excited to see everyone. Well she was until she realized Ron started drinking more today. This was going to be a long day…

Ron behaved until dinner.

Everyone converged on the Weasley's dining table. Food was passed around. Smiles were on everyone's faces. Conversation flowed around the table, or at least until someone asked Percy Weasley how things were at work. "Well, we have been very busy and will probably get some backlash in the next few days."

Ron looked up and shouted, "Does that have anything to do with that stupid letter you sent me? Like what the fuck? Why can't you just say what's going to happen?"

Percy paled. Now was not the time to start a fight, so Percy tried to take a diplomatic approach: "I sent the letter to forewarn you that your friendships will help you through anything that could happen. Things won't be easy."

"And they're easy now? Just tell us what's going on! You said you sent it because you're my brother? Well I think you're just a bloody wanker that needs to learn how to be a decent brother because you're shit at it!"

Kingsley stood in defense of Percy: "Ron, he really can't tell you. He's bound by oath."

"Shut up, Kings! He can figure out how to tell us! He's just being a pratt and you're supporting him!"

Everyone froze. Ronald Weasley had just spoken to the Minister of Magic that way. No one moved. Everyone held their breath in anticipation of how the Minister would respond. However, before Kingsley had the chance, Ron pulled out his wand and tried to shoot off a stunner.

Hermione was faster. When she saw him reach for his wand, she acted without thinking. Simultaneously, she produced a shield over the Minister and Percy while sending Petrificus Totalus at Ron. He snapped at attention and fell to the floor. The table turned to her and stared. She blushed immediately, realizing she cast the spells silently and wandless without thinking.

"Sorry Mrs. Weasley."

Everyone kept staring. Kingsley finally spoke: "Thank you, Hermione. That was quite impressive."

That broke the awkward silence and staring contest. Harry levitated Ron outside while Ginny ran to get a sobering potion. Percy thanked her, as well. No one said anything about her magic, but George Weasley looked at her with an impressed grin. She blushed deeper and tried to leave the table, but Molly Weasley told her to sit and finish her food.

Ron ran into the room fuming: "What the fuck 'Mione?!"

Harry ran in after him: "Come on mate. You need to come back outside."

"Not without HER," Ron responded with malice in his eyes.

Hermione rose but George put a hand on her shoulder. "She's not going outside with you throwing a hissy like that." George gave her a knowing look. Did he realize how bad Ron was getting? Was he protecting her?

Ron stormed off with Harry trailing behind.

Everyone dispersed after that. The night had been ruined by Ron's behavior. Hermione went to Ginny's room, but George followed her up.

"He's a dick. Why do you put up with it?"

Hermione froze. She really couldn't say. Convenience? Love?

"He's obviously hit you. More than once I would assume at how you took his slap the other week. Yeah, I caught that. I heard him yelling about Malfoy and was curious. You need to stick up for yourself. He's only getting worse, and you can't save him. He's not the same Ron I grew up with. And he's only hurting you."

George left after that, leaving Hermione to think about everything. How could she be so stupid? Yes, Ron was her friend, but things had gotten out of hand. She crawled into bed, deciding there had been enough excitement for one night.

The next morning, the Daily Prophet released its biggest headline yet: "Ministry Matches All Eligible Witches and Wizards." Well, that would explain the hesitancy from Percy.