Love the last two chapters tate they were great

Hermione and Arthur made their way to his office, stopping on the way at a little cafeteria where they both bought sandwiches and a drink. Once inside Arthur's office, Hermione sent a quick flying fax over to Ron letting him know where she was so he wouldn't worry. Then, between bites of their food, Hermione started the conversation by telling Arthur about her meeting with Scrimgemour. Arthur stayed silent and listened closely to what Hermione told him about the job offer and then about her reservations and her belief that it might just be the right move for her as a way to learn more about how the ministry was run. Then, she eyed her half-eaten sandwich, picked it up, and started eating, feeling a little embarrassed about telling Arthur about all her feelings.
Arthur looked at Hermione and smiled.
"I am honored that you would come to me about all this," Arthur said. "It means a lot to know you trust and value my opinions. And I will say that I don't see anything wrong with you taking the position if you want. You are way too smart to let anyone try to use you for their own means, and I think Rufas realizes that. I believe that he just may have been being honest with you, but, Hermione, be aware...he IS against doing those things that some believe need to be done to assure that the lures of the dark arts aren't as strong as they have been. He thinks that is too radical, and unnecessary and that the general population would never stand for it and would be threatened by such ideas, know what I mean? So don't challenge him on those points, at least not now, alright?"
"Is that what you think I might do?" Hermione said.
"I just know that there are things you feel very strongly about, Hermione," Arthur said. "It is not yet time for you to let yourself be led into any kind of conversation that might let those beliefs out...at least not now. Somehow, though, I feel that the time might just come when you will be able to let people know your opinion and that at that time, people will be more prepared to take you seriously."
"What are you saying?" Hermione asked, stunned.
"I am saying that, this new path you find intreging now, could just lead you into politics someday," Arthur said. "Have you ever given that any thought?"
"Well, not really," Hermione said, astonished by what Arthur had just said. "I mean, never seriously anyway."
"Well, maybe it is time for you to think about it," Arthur said. "Because why else would you be so intreged about learning about how things are run at the Ministry?"
"Oh my!" Hermione said. "I guess you're right, Arthur. I had better really think about that before I make a final decision on it. But, please, don't say anything to anyone about our conversation, alright? I don't want anyone to get ideas before I even know I have them, know what I mean?"
She smiled up at him and Arthur nodded his ascent.
"Thank you, Arthur," Hermione said, getting to her feet. "I had better get back to my office. Ron and I will have a lot to discuss later tonight, that's for sure!!!! Then I'll have to talk to Harry because I want to know how he'd feel if I decide to take the job, especially if I might become interested in the politics."
"Great idea," and thank you for the company over lunch. Don't forget to come to dinner with us next Sunday!!!!"
"I won't!" Hermione said as she headed out into the hallway to make her way back to Ron and her office.
"Could I really be interested in politics?" she thought to herself. She took a long hard look at herself on the way back to her office.

Great chapter!! Please post more soon. I can't wait for the "surprise". ^^

Great posts Tatewin, this story is great, im so happy shes pregnant. Keep up the excellent work

Hermione walked into the Auror's office and the first person she saw Ron. In fact, he was the only person in the room. Hermione felt a sense of relief because she knew everyone would be full of questions about her meeting with Scrimgemour. She headed straight over to her husbands desk.
"Where is everyone?" she asked.
Ron laughed. "Your note made everyone hungry, so they went out to get a bite to eat!" he said.
"Well, why didn't you go too?" Hermione asked, a twinkle in her eye.
"Because all I was hungry for is you!" Ron said with a smile and a wink. "Actually, I did go, but I brought my lunch back here so I would be here when you finished lunch with my dad. How did that happen anyway?"
Well, I ran into him in the hallway," Hermione said. "He siad he had gotten your owl about our news, He and Molly are SO happy, Ron! They want us to come to dinner Sunday."
"I thought they'd be happy," Ron said. "This little one will be their first grandchild. Yes, we will have to go to the Burrow for dinner on Sunday, but right now, I want to hear about your meeting with Scrimgmour!"
"I had the feeling you'd ask me that!" Hermione said with a laugh. "But, seriously Ron, this is something we will have to discuss in private, after work. You see, Scrimgemour has offered me a job! And I am thinking seriously about taking it."
"WWhat?" Ron said, astonished, and he looked a little let down as well. "What about you being an Auror?"
"Oh, I will still be an Auror, Ron," Hermione said. "The job will not change that. But my office will not be here, it will be in the head office, but hun, as anxious as you are to know all the details, please let's wait until tonight. There is SO much I want to tell you, but not here. Everyone will be back soon, and they will all have their own questions and I want to talk to you about it all first."
Ron searched his wife's eyes, then nodded. They would wait until tonight.
"Oh," Hermione whispered to Ron as the office door opened and Moody, Lupin, Shacklebolt, Tonks and Neville walked in. "After I have told you everything, we will need to send an owl to Harry. I want to talk to him about it too. You'll understand why after we have our little chat."
"Well?" Moody said as he made his way to Hermione's desk. Hermione noticed the others had stopped in their tracks, waiting to hear the answer.
"Well," she said. "This is the situation. Scrimgemour offered me a job that will not affect my being an Auror. But, until I talk to Ron at home tonight, I am not going to divulge the details. I have a lot to think about, and I will also need your advice in the morning before I give my official answer. Sorry to keep you waiting, but this is something I must discuss with my husband first!"
"We understand," Shacklebolt said. "I'm relieved to hear that we aren't going to lose you as an Auror, and for now, that is enough. Harry had to go out on an assignment - nothing serious, so he won't be back until later an I will tell him what you said. Tell you what. There isn't a whole lot that needs to be done today, and I think Tonks, Remus, Neville, Moody and I can handle everything okay. So, why don't you two go ahead and take the rest of the afternoon off."
"Are you sure,?" Hermione asked.
"I am sure," Shacklebolt said. "I think you need this extra time to decide what you want to do. A few hours this evening won't give you much time, and, if I am correct, this decision isn't something one would want to rush into!"
"Thank you very much, sir!" Hermione said. "You are right about that!"
Ron shuffled some papers on his desk and put them away. Then he stood and held his hand out to his boss. "Thank you, sir!" he said as Shacklebolt shook his hand and nodded.
Ron then put his arm around his wife and they made their way out of the office.
"Let's not go home," Hermione said. "Let's just take a nice walk, and we can talk along the way. The weather is just too nice to waste!"
"Great!" Ron agreed. He was thrilled to have the extra time with his wife, and of course, anxious to hear what she had to tell him. "I have a plan," he said with a smile. "If you will take my arm, I will show you what I have in mind!"
Hermione smiled and took her husband's arm. She closed her eyes in anticipation as she felt Ron begin to spin.
Seconds later they had arrived. Hermione opened her eyes and looked around. Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were happy tears! They were back on their little island near the Burrow where they had spent their honeymoon. Peace, quiet and butterflies!!! Just what she needed!!
"Oh, Ron!" she said as he looked into her eyes. "This is perfect!"
They walked while Hermione repeated what she had told Ron's father, and Ron also remained silent, just taking in what his wife was saying. She also told him about the conversation with his father and how he brought up her possible interest in politics. Afterwards, Ron replied to what he had heard.
"Hermione," he said. "I know that you weren't going to be satisfied with being an Auror alone, even before you told me about your conversation with Dumbledore's portrait. And it has always been quite obvious that politics interested you. Look at the organization you used to create S.P.E.W. and the old Dumbledore's Army! Hermione, you are a natural born leader and you have talent. Sure, I don't trust the ministry any more than you do after all that has happened, but you could help change that! The ministry needs honest and intelligent people like you in it! Now I know why you want to consult Harry about this, but, I think you will find he will back you on this. I think everyone will, as long as this is what you really want."
Hermione's eyes sparkled. "I think it is!" she replied. I feel I have to try, just to see where it leads. I love to learn, and I think this is definately one of those doors Dumbledore told me about."
"Perhaps someday my wife will be the Minister of Magic!" Ron said, chuckling.
"Yeah, right!" Hermione snorted. "In your dreams! I have enough going on without that kind of headache!"
"Shall we move on, Madam Minister," Ron said as he held out his arm, his eyes dancing with amuzement.
Hermione cracked up so hard, it was only Ron's elbow that kept her from falling to the ground laughing.
"Let's stay here tonight," Ron said. "I'll send an owl to dad so he'll know if he notices the lights on in the cabin. We can also send an owl to Harry and have him meet us here!"
"Great idea!" Hermione said. "But invite Ginny to come too! We can all have a picnic dinner together as we talk!"
"It's a plan!" Ron said. "Shall we head back to the cabin and send those messages?"
Hermione and Ron turned back on the path and made their way towards the cabin.

Great chapter!! "PAMS"

Great posts! I think that Arthur had some pretty sounds advice to give to Hermione. I am glad that she is including not only Ron but also Harry and Ginny in this decision. That is the sign of an awsome friend that they don't think of just themselves in their decisions!

Alright. Here's another.
It didn't take long for Harry and Ginny to arrive at the cabin, and Hermione repeated what she had told Ron over a nice picnic dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, apple pie and some wine for each of them.
Both Harry and Ginny were enthusiastic about Hermione's plans to take the new job, much to her surprise.
"I have to agree with Ron," Harry said. "We need more honest and bright people in the ministry. Hermione, you will do a terrific job, I am sure of it. But like Arthur said, take things slow and easy and see where it all leads you. No matter what happens, you are still an Auror, and you can always fall back on that should things at the ministry not work out to your liking!"
"That's true," Hermione said., knawing on a chicken leg.
"Also," Ginny said. "You can't do much as an Auror right now anyway, you being pregnant. They won't risk putting you into danger. Use that time to see what the new job might hold for you."
"Okay," Herione said. "You have convinced me. I will tell Scrimgemour in the morning after I tell Moody an the rest of my co-workers. I do wonder what they will have to say about it, though."
"I think they will be relieved, under the circumstances," Harry said. "Later, after the baby is born, they might miss having you available at all times, but they'll know if it's important, you'll be there to help!"
The four spent the evening together challenging each other with a games of exploding snap and gobstones. All too soon, it was time to part so everyone could get ready for another day at work. Ron and Hermione watched the Sun set from their chairs on the porch, remembering back to their days spent on the island after they were married.
"How'd I get so lucky?" Hermione said to Ron.
"Huh?" Ron said, not understanding what she meant.
"Well, I've got great friends and a great husband as well as a great job," Hermione said softly.
"That's not luck, Hermione," Ron said, hugging her close. "That's just who you are! I'm the lucky one, because I am the one who has you!"

Awesome! I am glad that Hermione decided to take the job, it will be good for her!

Loving it alot. Can't wait for more.

Great chapter!! Wonder if she will take the job seriously. PAMS

The next morning came too soon for Ron and Hermione's liking. Before they knew it it was time to apperate to work, leaving behind the cabin where they enjoyed the peace and quiet for a short while.
Once at the Ministry, Hermione had to request a meeting with Shacklebolt where she explained the offer made to her by Scrimgeour. Shacklebolt was excited for her, but sorry that she had to leave the office.
"Don't worry," Hermione told him. "You won't get rid of me that easily! Remember, my husband works here! I'll be seeing you all quite frequently, I am sure!"
"That's right," Shacklebolt said, smiling. "We won't have the chance to miss you too much!"
Moody shook her hand, as did Lupin, Tonks and several others as Shacklebolt announced Hermione's new appointment to all of them. They all seemed pleased with her decision and congratulated her warmly.
"Well," Hermione said, finally. "I guess I had better go make sure the Minister hasn't changed his mind! I told him I would give him my answer this morning."
She then gave Ron a hug and headed out the door and made her way to Scrimgeour's office. She knocked on the door an nervously waited for the answer.
"It's open," came the reply from the deep voice she knew to belong to the Minister of Magic himself.
Tentitively, she opened the door and stepped into the office.
"Oh, " Scrimgeour said. "It's you. Sorry I was so gruff. Do you have my answer?"
"Yes, sir," Hermione said. "I have decided to take the job."
"Wonderful!" Scrimgeour said, getting to his feet and holding out his hand to his new assistant. "You come highly recommended, by the way."
Hermione returned his smile as she shook his hand.
"Alright," Scrimgeour said, gesturing toward a middle aged man standing nearby. "Lets get you settled in. I'll have Davies here show you your office and get you familiar with what goes on here. You will follow him around for the next few days. It is Davies you're replacing. His last day is Friday."
Hermione followed Davies who took her into a nice office just down the hall.
"Once I'm gone, you can fix this office up anyway you like," Davies said, smiling. I keep my daily planner right here where it's handy because this will be the most used object in your work. Meetings take up most of your duties, meeting with various heads of departments an getting updates on their work - meeting with representatives from various different countries and organizations, and attending certain special functions. Occasionally you will be meeting with various dignitaries, including the Prime Minister on occasion as circumstances require. It will never be boring, I can promise you that. Here is where the flying faxes are kept. As they come in, they will land here, in this box to await your signature or reply. There is plenty of parchment, quills and ink, and you will need it as well to take notes to keep track of everything. This file cabinet holds everything you might need. Histories, bios, backgrounds, whatever you might need to prepare for any meeting. Am I overwhelming you yet?"
Hermione laughed.
"It's not as bad as it sounds," Davies said, eyes twinkling. "I think you will love the job, but there is a lot of responsibility being the Minister of Magic's right arm, so to speak."
"Why are you leaving, if you don't mind my asking,?" Hermione said.
"My wife and I are moving to France to be closer to her ailing parents," Davies said, smiling. "I will be working with their Minister of Magic. So, I'm sure we'll meet again. Well, I am going to leave you alone for just a little bit. Familiarize yourself with your new office. I will be back here in about 45 minutes to get you. We have a meeting with the head of the Department of Mysteries. And, before I forget - what goes on in these meeting is top secret and not to be repeated to anyone but Rufus, understand?"
"Of course!" Hermione said, fighting to hide her excitement of sitting in on a meeting with this department, which held so many fascinating things inside its locked doors! She might even get to know the meaning behind some of the things she saw when she and Harry, along with Ron, Neville and Luna had gone there to find Sirius Black and ended up fighting the Death Eaters over the Prophecy about Harry that Voldemort wanted.
Davies nodded and left the office shutting the door behind him, leaving Herione alone to discover her office.

Those were lovely posts!
Its getting very interesting .

Ooh, the dartment of mysteries, huh? that is most exciting! I wonder how our dear Hermione will contrive to not talk to at least Ron about what happens in this meeting, especially since they are so interested in those rooms, and the veil perhaps...?

I agree it is getting very interseting

We need more! I can't wait for the next chapter.

True to his word, Davies knocked on the door of Hermione's office exactly 45 minutes later. Hermione was ready with a notebook and a quill for taking notes. Davies looked at her, pleased at her excitement.
"Good girl!" He said, "But you might find this easier!" as he handed her a different quill. "This one writes by itself," he said.
Hermione thought back to the quill Rita Skeeter had, and distaste came to her, and it showed.
"What's wrong?" Davies asked. "Don't like the quill?"
"I was just thinking back to another self-writing quill and it wasn't too nice!" Hermione answered, looking hard at Davies.
"Let me guess," Davies replied, eyes twinkling. "Rita Skeeter, right?"
"How did you guess?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, I remember her well!" Davies said. "But you should know, these quills take on the character of the one using it. If one is honest, it will be. I don' think you'll have to worry about using one, Mrs. Weasley."
"Okay," Hermione said. "But, please call me Hermione, alright?"
"Hermione it is!" Davies said, smiling. "Shall we get going?"
He turned and started walking. Hermione followed.
"Where are we going to meet them?" she asked.
"Well," Davies said. "Since they are from the Department of Mysteries, which contains many secret things, we meet them right there in their office. That way no one has to worry about anything being overheard by the wrong person."
"Yes," Hermione said. "That make sense."
The two climbed into a waiting lift and headed to what Hermione knew was far underground. It took several minutes for the lift to finally stop at their floor. Hermione looked around. Memories flooded back to her about the one other time she had been down here. She gave a small shudder.
Fortunately, Davies had not noticed her shudder as he walked toward the door marked "Department of Mysteries - Main Office".
"At least I have never been in there!" she thought to herself. "It should be fairly normal."
Davies opened the door and motioned for Hermione to go in. She took a deep breath and walked across the threshold and into a - very normal looking office! Davies followed right behind, and within seconds, a man was there to greet them.
"Richard!" he said, extending his hand in greeting.
Davies took the mans hand and shook it warmly, then, glancing at Hermione, he said "May I introduce my replacement, Mrs. Weasley."
"Weasley," the man said, smiling, but clearly thinking. "Are you related to Arthur?"
"Well, yes," Hermione said. "In a way. I married his son, Ronald."
"Oh yes!" the man said. "You are Hermione, used to be Granger, right?"
"That's right!" Hermione said, surprised that this man knew who she was.
"Please forgive my manners," the man said, smiling warmly. "I am Amacus Mitchell, and I am very glad to meet you. You see, it is almost a matter of legend how you, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and a few other friends took on Voldemort's Death Eaters right here in our workrooms!"
Davies looked at Hermione questioningly.
"You did?" he said, surprise written on his face.
Hermione blushed a little.
"Well, yes, but that was many years ago while we were still students at Hogwarts," she said.
"You must tell me the story sometime," Davies said, sincerely.
Hermione nodded.
"I'm surprised you haven't heard it already, Richard," the man Amacus said. "Well, should we get down to the meeting? Steward and Anderson are waiting in the conference room."
Hermione and "Richard" (Why hadn't he told her his first name?)Hermione wondered as they followed Amacus down a hallway and into a comfortable room.
Introuctions were made around the table, and Hermione could tell that Anderson and Steward knew about her as well as Amacus did. She took a seat across the table from Davies, which put her next to Anderson. Steward was next to Davies and Amacus sat at the head of the table.
"Well, as you know, "Amacus began. "We are still trying to break through the secrets of the Veil. We have had some luck in that we are able to hear the voices on the other side more clearly. But we still cannot understand them because it sounds like they are all speaking a language that is unknown to our world. We have considered all the known languages that were ever used here in our world, and what we have heard does not sound anything like what we have on record. Anderson, tell them what you are trying to do."
Anderson cleared his throat as he pulled a black box, about the size of a narrow shoebox out from beneath his cloak.
"This box is a 'deciphering' machine I am developing especially for this project," Anderson said. "I am in the process of programing it using every sound that can be made by the human vocal chords. With time, and a bit of luck, we may be able to finally translate what the voices are saying and perhaps even communicate with them."
Excitement showed on his face as he nodded at Amacus.
"These men aren't Unspeakables!" Hermione thought to herself. "They're wizard scientists!"
"Very good!" Davies said. "Rufas will be pleased that this is being developed. How long would you guess it will take for you to know whether or not it has been successful?"
"Well," Anderson said. "I probably have another several weeks of programing to do before we can test it. We'll start small....have someone speak French, German, Arabic , etc to it first and see what it can do. Then, if it passes those tests, we will procede to using it on the voices behind the Veil. That will be the big test! I will definately inform you when it is ready to test! You (nodding to Hermione) and Rufas can come down and watch the test if you would like. We should know the results within a half hour of the test."
"Wonderful," Davies said. "And what are you working on, Steward?"
"Well," said the little man, who was quite a bit older than the rest. He looked a bit ill at ease and kept glancing at Hermione as he spoke."I have been able to recreate four new time-turners,"
It was Hermione's turn to blush. It had been their battle against the Death Eaters that had led to the destruction of the original time-turners. She was amazed it took this many years to fix! Hermione wanted so much to ask the men what all they did here! She thought back to some of the startling things they had seen back then, and she shuddered again as she remembered the baby-headed Death Eater! She also remembered the little bird that kept hatching, growing old and dying only to be born again and go through the whole process again minutes later!
"Take it slow!" Hermione reminded herself. "Take it slow and easy!!!"
"Well, thats about it for new developments," Amacus said, getting to his feet and stretching his body. "We're hoping to have a lot more for you next month, and not just about the Veil, either!"
"Wish I could be here to hear about it!" Davies said, rising to his feet also. "Perhaps Hermione here can keep me informed. That is, if it's alright with Rufas, of course!"
"Hermione," Amacus said, smiling warmly. "I am looking forward to seeing you again!"
"Me too, sir," Hermione said, rising to her feet also and holding out her hand. Amacus shook it, as did Anderson and Steward, who both smiled at her as well.
Amacus showed them both back to the office door. Hermione heard a lock click into place as he shut it behind them.
"How did that quill work for you?" Davies said as they made their way back to the lifts.
"Great!" Hermione answered, smiling.
"And by the way," Davies said, returning her smile. "Call me Richard!"

Great one Tate. I really like this one.

I will try to add a chapter in a day or two!!! Been real busy at work!!!!

I've only just finished page 2, but I will be back! What I've read so far is excellent! Very well written, Tate!
I'm sorry I haven't been here sooner, but problems with my laptop have been a bit of a hindrance! However, all is well now, so expect to see a bit more of me around here...LOL
*huggles*
Shan
XoXo

Loved that post Tate!! .
Cant wait for the next chapter .

If it's work, that's a different matter, but I'm really excited about what's going to happen next.

Hermione returned to her office, excited about what she had heard during the meeting with the Department of Mysteries. A whole new world was opening up for her in this new position, and she found herself grateful that she had taken it. A short time later, she and Richard were called to a private meeting with Scrimgemour where they filled hi min about the new developments they had been told about. The Minister was pleased indeed.
The day passed quickly, with Hermione meeting several times with both Richard and Rufas to go over agendas for other meetings that were coming up during the week. 4 p.m. came quickly, and Hermione headed down to meet Ron.
Her husband met her excitedly, and he wasn't alone. Everyone wanted to know how Hermione's first day at her new job had gone. She told them ALMOST everything. She could not tell them about the meeting with the Unspeakables nor tell them anything about the exciting things they were doing. She wished she could, but Rufas has explained to her how important it was to keep information given at these meetings secret, and Hermione had understood and agreed. Trust between the Minister's office and the individual departments was very important. Some information, if known , could be quite dangerous in the wrong hands. People were informed on a need-to-know basis, with the approval of the department heads and the Minister's office. Each department understood this, including the Auror's Office. They did not question her on which office she met with, or ask anything personal at all. She saw that they appreciated that bond of privacy, and, knowing what Aurors do for a living, Hermione also appreciated it, imagining what could happen if word got out about a raid by the Auror's on one expected of breaching the ban on using the Dark Arts.
The feeling left Hermione relieved. Everyone understood that there would be things she could not tell them, and respected it. She knew Ron would too.
Ron an Hermione apperated home together, looking forward to a good dinner and some relaxing hours before bedtime.
The week went fast for Hermione. She found herself soaking everything in like an overly dry sponge. It was not always fun, especially when she attended one meeting and found herself sitting across the table from none other than Delores Umbridge herself. Umbridge had, of course, been dismissed from the Minister's Office in disgrace after her disasterous attempt at taking control of Hogwarts. When word leaked about about some of the methods she had used...from setting Dementors on Harry at his aunt and uncle's house, the hand cutting quill she used as punishment on the students, the attack on Professor McGonagall and Hagrid, and especially the intention of using an unforgivable curse on Harry to force information out of him about Headmaster Dumbledore...well, needless to say, Umbridge might still have a low-rung job inside the ministry, but she got little respect from anyone there. Despite this fact, Umbridge seemed as haughty as ever, and eyed Hermione with a smirk on her face before acting as if she had dismmissed Hermione as unworthy of her notice. If Hermione had been sitting alone in the room with Umbridge, she would have laughed out loud. "Talk about illusions of grandeur!" Hermione thought to herself! The meeting turned out to be as exciting as one of Professor Binn's lectures, but Hermione dutifully kept her notes to relay to Rufas later. And she was relieved when Umbridge finally stood, dismissing Hermione and Richard from the meeting after about an hour of meaningless hype. As Richard and Hermione exited the room and made their way down the hallway, Richard looked at Hermione and made gagging sounds. Hermione could contain herself no longer! She broke down laughing so hard, she had to steady herself against a wall to keep from falling over. Richard was laughing just as heartily. Others walking past, looked up to see which office was closest to the couple before nodding their heads and grinning themselves in a knowing way. That made the two of them laugh even harder.
Suddenly, the high pitched sound of "Hem, Hem!" brought them to silence. They stared at each other a moment before turning around to face the source of the sounds. Umbridge stood looking disgustedly at the two, who suddenly felt like they were unruly school kids. "I don't know what it is you find so amusing," Umbridge croaked. "But one would expect more mature behavior from Scrimgemour's employees! I think you had better move on!"
Hermione and Richard glanced at each other again, and Hermione caught herself before she answered, "Yes, Professor!" almost instinctively. Richard took hold of Hermione's arm. With a toss of her head, Hermione turned and allowed Richard to escort her wordlessly away from Umbridge. They didn't stop or speak until they were far away from that corridor that led to Umbridge's office. Then, they started laughing again, almost in unison.
"Will she report us to Rufas?" Hermione asked, giggling.
"Probably," Richard said, eyes twinkling. "But don't worry about it! Scrimgemour detests her, and more than once I have seen him breakdown laughing after a meeting with her! She's bizarre!"
The two made their way back to the office where Rufas immediately called the into his office.
"Got a flying fax about you two from Umbridge," Rufas growled, although both Richard and Hermione both noticed his lip quivering and his eyes sparkling. "Next time I send you to a meeting with her I expect to hear you've done more than just laugh outside her office to annoy that woman!!! You understand me?"
"Yes sir!" Richard answered crisply.
"I understand completely, Sir," Hermione said.
"I understand completely, What?" Rufas growled
"I understand completely, Rufas?" Hermione said.
"And don't you forget it!" Rufas said, breaking into a wide grin. "Now, get back to work!"
"We're going now," Richard said, bowing deeply as he took at step backwards and spun around neatly to head down the hallway to his office.
"Now, cut that out!" Rufas barked. "People'll think I let my staff get off too easily!"
Richard raised his hand and waved as he kept walking. Hermione also headed toward her office, but before she had entered, she heard Rufas chuckle deeply. She smiled. "Wait until Ron and Harry hear this!" she thought, chuckling softly to herself. They are going to be on their faces laughing!"

I love it! That is too funny! That evil little toad woman! Great posts. I havn't been able to get on much this week, work has been crazy busy! I can't wait to hear more about the veil and the Department of Mysteries.

Umbridge still has the same character, whether at Hogwarts or not. I want to know more about the meetings, and about what's happening to the others. PAMS