Hermione
“Hello?” Hermione called from the floo.
It had surprised her a bit when Harry and Ginny decided to renovate and live in his parents cottage in Godric’s Hollow, though she had to admit it was rather cosy.
“Nearly ready,” Harry said as he walked into the kitchen, working the last button of his shirt. He hugged her quickly as he waved his wand at the table, sending breakfast dishes to the sink. “How are you?”
“Fine, ready for this holiday to be done with. Is that awful?” Hermione said, leaning against the counter. She picked up the mug of tea sitting there and smiled to see it was just how she liked it. Harry must have put it there just before she arrived.
“Not awful, you’ve had a lot to deal with,” Harry said with a shrug.
“Hermione, good morning!” Ginny shouted, bounding into the kitchen. She took Hermione’s mug and took a sip. Making a face she handed it back.
“Morning Gin,” Hermione chuckled. “You’re sure you don’t mind me running off with your husband for the day?”
“Not at all, take him, he’s been arguing all morning. Bring him back in a more helpful mood, yeah?”
“Uh oh, Harry, you really shouldn’t argue with Gin. It never really works out.”
“Would you like to explain what I’m being unhelpful with, love?” Harry set Ginny with a warning look.
“Nonsense, just go do your shopping, buy me something wonderful.” Ginny waved them off kissing Harry soundly before walking to the floo.
“Should I ask?” Hermione said as she followed Harry toward the front door.
“Probably best not to, you know Ginny and her schemes.” He pulled on his coat and they walked out the door.
When they had been on the horcrux hunt, when it was just the two of them, they had stumbled into a muggle village. In an attempt at cheering her up, Harry suggested they do a bit of shopping. They both had a good bit of muggle money on them, thanks to Hermione’s planning. It had been a tacky tourist shop and they bought several hideous figurines. The next December, they had decided to return to the shop to buy more. The family had loved the silly little gifts, so they decided to continue to do their shopping there every year.
In an effort for them to reconnect to their muggle upbringing, Harry and Hermione decided to always make the trips as muggle as possible. Harry would joke about finally being able to go to a shop and buy anything he wanted and Hermione would reminisce on past trips with her parents. While the stories and emotions weren’t the happiest, they always had a good time together.
They made their way to Harry’s car, a project he had worked on for months with Arthur and Ron just after the war. He had gone and got his driver’s licence, though he only used the car a few times a year.
“So, Fleur said she’s talked to you?” Harry said as he started the car and pulled onto the street.
“Yes, I’m so happy for them, they are going to be great parents. Bill is always saying he’s half raised six children already.”
“I always love the fights that starts with Charlie.”
“Half raised hell,” Hermione said in a terrible impression of Charlie. “You’re only two years older than me, you great self important prat.”
“And what about the rest? Not to put any more pressure on you, but if I should be looking for someone else to head the foundation I’ll need some time.”
“I know, I’ve not had a lot of time to think.”
“Well, we have another forty minutes till we get to the shop. Pro/con list?”
“Very well,” Hermione agreed with a smile. “ I am now at six career possibilities, Fleur and I got rid of Magical Law Enforcement.”
“My personal opinion, get rid of the Auror office as well. You’re brilliant, no doubt, but I think that’s your weakest option. Plenty of other choices to play to your strengths,” Harry said absentmindedly as he navigated the narrow road.
“You’re right, I think it was nostalgia that kept that option open, really. Thank you for finally offering an opinion.”
“Hey, when you asked my opinion you had been obsessing for three days straight. Fred told me to be cautious to not get hexed.”
“Bollocks, I’ve only hexed you the one time, and it was to hide your identity.”
“We’re getting off topic, I think your best choices are the foundation, Professor, or Healer. You want to help and writing the newest edition of Hogwarts, A History doesn’t fit the bill. Besides, you can do that later if you decide you really want to.”
“That’s true, and the more I think on it, the more I feel I just don’t want to go back to Hogwarts. It was too strange being back there without you and Ron.”
“So, Healer or the foundation? I’m completely biassed here, but the foundation has more pros than Healer.”
“Go on,” Hermione encouraged.
“Alright, first of all you can make real change in the wizarding world. We have already seen positive progress in how people view werewolves. You already know the process for submitting new bills to the ministry, as you’ve been helping Fleur from the beginning. You know how to make the wolfsbane potion. I know Fleur has already begun paperwork on Veela and House Elves, another area you’re passionate about. You’ve matured incredibly in debating, proven by how you haven’t interrupted me once yet.”
“Cheeky,” Hermione said with a roll of her eyes. “You make excellent points, all those things are valid pros. But, what about the cons?”
“There are none,” Harry said, turning down the lane.
“How about the constant uphill battle? While opinions on werewolves have changed to be a bit more positive, we haven’t won yet. Not to mention, it will start all over when we introduce elves and goblins, veela and centaurs.”
“Sure, but since when has the great Hermione Granger been afraid of a fight? Plus, another pro; you’re already saying we, not they.”
“Oh alright, the foundation is officially in the lead.”
“Then there’s that one last pro,” Harry said, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Yeah?”
“The office is only three doors down from the joke shop, lots of opportunities for lunch with a certain business owner.”
“Merlin! Not you too. I’ve told you, and everyone else, we are just friends,” Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Of course, whatever you say.”