SD ~ Rowling reaps all. I just play.

~*~

Love Will Find A Way

-dutchtulips-

~*~

Hermione Granger sighed as she sat at her desk in front of her classroom. A tall pile of homework sat on it, waiting to be graded. She groaned inwardly and pulled the top piece off. Now I understand why some of my teachers were sharp, she thought bitterly. But it pays off, I suppose. After all this time, I'm back at Hogwarts - but it's the only real place I felt that I belonged at.

Suddenly she was reminded of her old friends. Of Harry. Of Ron. She could just imagine the quip Ron might have made at her thought of belonging at Hogwarts.

How she missed the two of them. After graduating, Harry and Ron had left to become Aurors. But Hermione had stayed behind to advance her studies, and now she was a successful Hogwarts professor, skilled in History of Magic and Arithmancy, both of which she taught.

Hermione had kept in touch by owl with Harry and Ron after graduation while she was at a secondary witchcraft school, but after awhile, the demands of her work, and Harry and Ron's, had left the three little time to write. Eventually the letters stopped altogether, and before she knew it, Hermione was graduating, again.

Oh, there's no sense dwelling on it now, Hermione thought, drifting back to the present and the stack of homework. We always knew we'd go our own ways. Why, Harry and Ron might not be in contact anymore either.

Still, Hermione couldn't stop her thoughts from drifting again.

~*~

That night, after the evening meal, Hermione went off to her quarters, arming herself with the pile of homework she hadn't completed grading yet. Once inside her room, she dropped the papers on her desk and begun to prepare for bed. Hermione pulled off her deep purple robes and threw on her turquoise nightgown, then sat down at her desk to grade papers.

She had been working along pretty smoothly until she reached a paper from a student named Jacob. He was one of her favorite students. Hermione saw a lot of spirit in him - a compelling spirit she'd not seen since she was a student at Hogwarts herself - a spirit she'd seen in Ron.

I should have told him, Hermione thought. I should have told him. After fourth year, everything was so clear. . .

I should have, but I didn't. I should have told Ron. Why didn't I? I knew since fourth year, probably even subconsciously before that. But no, I kept my mouth shut. That last day of school, I let him walk right out of the common room without telling him. I let him leave King's Cross without my telling him.

Do I still . . .? No, no that's crazy. Daniel and I are engaged to be married and you are perfectly happy.

Hermione let out a long sigh, her battling thoughts exasperating her. But her memories got the best of her and she pushed the homework papers aside. Unrolling a fresh piece of parchment, Hermione loaded up her quill and started to write. A letter.

Dear Ron,

Hey, guess who? It's Hermione. It's been a long time, hasn't it? Nearly five years since we last saw each other ~ at graduation. The last time we exchanged letters, I was in my third year of my four-year term at Goldthwaite's Secondary School of Witchcraft & Wizardry.

Well, I'll bet you'll be glad to know I've graduated now. I'm a professor now and I'm sure you can guess where ~ Hogwarts! My work keeps me pretty busy, but it's so nice to be back where I know I belong.

Are you still in contact with Harry, or have the two of you parted ways as well? If you still are, send Harry my best wishes. I hope he is doing fine.

How is life as an Auror? I hope you are enjoying it, Ron. You'd always had lots of potential to do anything you wanted to. I just know that you're doing great.

I hope we'll be able to meet up again someday ~ you, and Harry, too. I'm also hoping this letter finds you, and that you might write me back with what's going on in your life. We haven't been together in such awhile. I miss you and Harry very much.

Love From

Hermione

Hermione looked over at what she had written. She hadn't mentioned anything about Daniel, or anything else from her personal life. All in good time, she rationed. She stared at the bottom of the letter at where she had signed her name.

Should I have written "love" ? Well, I do as a friend. Ah well, it's not as if I hadn't at one time in that way. . . .or still do. . . .

"Stop it," she said aloud. "Those days are over. You have a different life now. You have a fiancé." But nevertheless, Hermione left her letter unchanged, and crept out of her room and down to the aviary to send it off.

~*~

Someone was waiting for Hermione in the Great Hall a few evenings later.

"Daniel!" She exclaimed, embracing him. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my fiancée of course!" He grinned. "So how's it going here at Hogwarts?"

"A little exhausting, but I love it all. I love being here again," Hermione smiled. "Everything's great. Why don't we go up to my quarters and talk?"

Once they were there, Hermione asked, "How are things at the Ministry?"

"Oh, same as always. Bickering over nonsense and covering up for things that appear in the Daily Prophet," Daniel replied. He paused. "I've been thinking, Herm. . ."

"What about?" She inquired, sitting down near her window.

"Why don't we. . .bump up our plans to get married? I mean, that way we can get ourselves a house and be together a lot more often."

Hermione blinked. "H-how soon are you talking about, Daniel?"

"Well, if all goes well with getting my vacation pass, I was thinking maybe in two weeks," he answered.

Hermione bolted up. "You know we can't, Daniel! We don't have the money!"

He put his hands on her shoulders. "Yes we do," Daniel replied in a calming voice. "My savings vault at Gringotts should cover the expenses. And if we just have a small wedding, than it will be practically no money at all!"

Hermione found that she was shaking madly. "It's - it's too soon," she whispered.

"We've been engaged for six months, Herm," Daniel responded. "Please say yes."

She let out a long breath, and then put on a smile. "Okay," she said softly.

He embraced her tightly. "Great! Well, I've got to get going, Herm."

"Wait!" She replied. "Where are you going? Can't you stay for the evening meal?"

"I've got to get back to the Ministry. Got a lot of loose ends to wrap up," Daniel told her. He leaned forwards and gave her a kiss. "I'll send an owl later in the week, okay?"

"All right." Hermione watched him go.

Sighing dejectedly, she dropped down on the window seat again and looked out at the darkening sky. A dark form was speeding towards her. Hermione fearfully jumped back, unable to tell what it was. She continued to stare at it, and then it burst into her room.

It turned out to be Keppler, her owl. He hopped on the windowsill and held out his leg. She stared at him for a long moment, contemplating the note on his leg, and then reached a trembling hand forward and took it.

"Thank you, Keppler." She stroked his wing gratefully. Keppler hooted, nipped her finger affectionately, and flew off.

Hermione slowly unrolled the letter, revealing a familiar untidy scrawl. Her breath caught in her throat, scarcely daring to believe it.

Dear Hermione~

I can't tell you how surprised and delighted I was to get your letter! It has been a long time! I can't believe we let ourselves fall out of touch. I've missed you something awful, Hermione.

Yes, Harry and I are still in contact. We are still as close and as best friends as ever. He was even here when I received your letter. We couldn't believe it was from you. No surprise you're back at Hogwarts. I always knew you would be. Well, I know where I can reach you now! (Harry and I are living in London.)

Life as an Auror is great ~ Harry and I enjoy it very much. In fact, we even have some time off, so guess what? We're coming up to see you! Ever since your letter, we've being dying you pay you a visit. I find I'm too excited to sit still.

Today is Saturday so we'll see you in a few days. We've got a lot to talk about, 'Mione.

Love,

Ron

. . . .and Harry

Hermione stood there, awestruck. Ron and Harry - coming here? I think I've got to get some sleep. . .

~*~

The next day was Tuesday, and Hermione was in her classroom, lecturing her students. "So, in four-twenty B.C. when one of the first Magic Arrow charms was executed, . . ." Her voice trailed off and her eyes grew wide, as from the back of the room, someone stepped into the class. He leaned up against the doorway with his arms crossed, wearing a silly lopsided smiled on his face. And he wasn't just any someone. . .

Hermione felt her breath go all funny. "R. . .R. . . . R-Ron. . . ."

Luckily, the bell rang signaling the end of class. "See you all later," she said to her students as they departed.

Once they had all gone, Hermione looked at Ron, who now had one foot against the wall. "H-hi."

"Hi 'Mione. How are things?" He asked.

"Oh, n-not bad." She couldn't tear her eyes away from him. He had the same red hair as always, but he was taller and more muscular. He also wore dark blue robes. "You?"

"Pretty good."

"You - you've grown. . . you look different, now," Hermione commented.

"I reckon you do, too," he grinned. "I like what you've done with your hair. It looks, well, really nice pulled back like that."

"But it's still as bushy as ever," She remarked.

Ron continued to smile. "Do you have another class coming in or anything?"

"No, that was the last one. Where's Harry?" Hermione wanted to know.

Ron reached out and took her hand. "Come on. He's visiting with someone."

"Who?" Hermione stared down at their clasped hands as he pulled her out into the corridor.

"Hermione?"

She looked up to see Harry coming towards her, along with the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. "You never told us Professor Dumbledore was still headmaster!" Harry exclaimed.

"Just slipped my mind, I guess. I mean, I'm so used to seeing him here," Hermione replied.

"I can't tell you how glad I am to see you two again," Professor Dumbledore smiled.

"Well, we had to come back and see our friend 'Mione!" Ron grinned again.

Hermione looked back and forth between Harry and Ron. She stood there for a moment, and then hugged Harry. "I've missed you two so much!"

She released Harry from her embrace and turned towards Ron. She paused for a brief moment, just staring at him, and then hesitantly wrapped Ron into a hug as well.

They stood there like that for a very long time, just holding each other. Finally Hermione loosened her grip and kissed Ron's cheek. It hasn't gone away. . .I'm right back where I started again, right back after fourth year. . . she thought.

Aloud, Hermione said, "Where are you two staying?" She asked, still staring at Ron.

"Well, here of course," he answered.

She shifted her gaze to Dumbledore, who was still smiling. "Professor?" She said questionably, her brow furrowing.

"No need to worry, Professor Granger. I'm allowing Harry and Ron to stay here on board for their visit," he assured her.

~*~

to be continued