Hermione headed back to the Auror's office filled with a mix of emotions! She knew that after what the Ministry had done to Harry when he tried to tell them all that Voldemort was back was terrible, and some of those people behind the attacks on those that had agreed with Harry were still in various positions of power, including that hag Delores Umbridge, although she had lost a lot of her influence after her Hogwart's fiasco and lost her job as Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic....Scrimgemour, at least, wanted nothing to do with her. That was a plus! But, knowing he had also tried using Harry, she definately didn't trust him, although he had seemed sincere! 'But here is a chance to learn more about how things are really run in the wizarding world!; said an inner voice in Hermione's head. "I guess it would be opening doors that I might not otherwise get a chance to notice," she said to herself. But before she made any decision, she knew that she must talk to several people....Ron, of course, Harry, Lupin, and perhaps Shacklebolt and Moody as well.
"There are some good people who work for the ministry," she thought. "There's Mr. Weasley, of course, and there needs to be more!"
Hermione finally looked up from her musings and realized she had passed the elevators that would take her back down to her office. Shaking her head, she turned around to head back, then heard a voice calling out to her. She stopped and turned back around.
It was Arthur Weasley! He waved at her and hurried to catch up to her.
"Hermione!" he said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I just heard the wonderful news! you and my son are going to make me a grandfather! I am so happy for both of you!"
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, smiling. "Has Mrs. Weasley heard yet?
"I just told her a little bit ago," he answered. "And i must say she is just as thrilled as I am! We thought Fleur and Bill would be first, but I think Bill's job keeps them apart for days and sometimes weeks. That could have something to do with it! Say, how about the two of you coming for dinner with us next weekend! Molly would love to see you both! But, Hermione, there's just one thing you must do for us, alright?"
Hermione looked at Mr. Weasley quizically, wondering what he might be about to ask. "Sure, Mr. Weasley," she said. 'I'll try!"
"Oh, don't worry," Arthur said. "My request is very simple. You see, Hermione, I find you using our last names to be just a bit too formal, and although I realize old habits are hard to break, I am asking you to try to call me Arthur and my wife Molly! Could you do that for us, please?"
Hermione smiled. "Oh course! It is an old habit, but I will do my best to break that habit, AAArthur!"
Arthur laughed!
"There! It wasn't that hard now, was it!" He said.
"It'll take some getting used to, though," Hermione said, chuckling herself.
Arthur put his hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"So, where are you headed?" Arthur said. "When I first saw you, you looked lost in your own thoughts!"
"I was!" Hermione said. "AArthur, I need to talk to you, privately. Is there somewhere we could go and talk?"
"So, this is serious, is it?" Arthur asked, looking at Hermione closely. "It's not trouble is it?"
"Oh no!" Hermione answered shaking her head. "I just need your advice about a possible career change."
"Oh!" Arthur said, looking half relieved and half surprised. "Alright. Why don't we take a walk down to my office. We can have some privacy there, and yoiu can send a quick memo to your office regarding your whereabouts so they don't worry. Just tell them I ran into you and invited you down for a quick lunch. Are you hungry?"
"I guess I am!" Hermione said, smiling.
The two walked to one of the lifts and headed down to Arthurs office.