The Red Door

Chapter 1

One sunny late afternoon when Hermione was sitting outside the Burrow under a tree reading her book she was interrupted by the deep tones of her friend and the new Minister of Magic Kingsley Shackelbolt. At first she was a little shocked to see the Minister of magic sit down next to her but when he started to ask her about her plans for the future she started to become curious as to why he was really there.

"I would very much consider it a personal favour if you would join the Aurors training program" He asked casually but with an air of authority

"I was planning to go into the Department of Magical law Enforcement for magical creature care and use my seat on the Wizengamort to help change some of the hideous laws that are incredibly out dated" said Hermione not wanting to sound rude but she couldn't hide her disappointment at being asked to change her plans for herself, she thought after everything she would be free finally. She thought wrong.

"I'd like it if you would sit on the law review board that will be looking at all the laws and by-laws that are standing, you would have a say in the creation of new by-laws and the demolishment of others" said Kingsley with a little smile that looked close to a smirk knowing she would in no way give that up.

"Deal" she said holding out her hand for him to shake on it.

He took her hand, smiled and got up and started to walk back towards the house

"Wait" she called after him getting up and running towards him. He stopped and half turned back but didn't say anything.

"Why do you want me to be an Auror" she asked "I doubt you're personally recruiting every new Auror now" asked Hermione curiously

"Just the special ones Miss Granger, the ones I have great plans for" he said as he walked back into the house and floo'd away leaving Hermione confused and a little concerned.

What plans could the minister of magic have for her?

She walked inside to tell the Weasleys about her deal with the minister of magic and the change in plans for her future.

Everyone sitting around the kitchen table ready to eat dinner was excited for her news, everyone began wishing her well and speculating about the "future plans" the Minister of Magic had for their friend.

The only person not to speak was George. He had barely spoken since Fred's funeral 6 weeks earlier and when he did it was only to Molly and occasionally Hermione. He got up from his seat next to his mother making it squeak along the floor a little and everyone stopped talking to looked at him as he walked over to Hermione who was sitting at the other end next to Mr Weasley.

He pulled her up from her chair gently and into a tight hug. Hermione hugged him back but could tell this hug was saying much more than just good luck.

George pulled back and rested his forehead against Hermione's looking directly into her eyes

"I think you would make a brilliant Minister of Magic" he said taking the side of her face in his left hand and kissing her other cheek "please be safe" he whispered before letting her go and walking to the stairs.

"Thank...you.... George" said Hermione trying to hold her tears in as he disappeared up the stairs.

She had felt a part of the family for a long time now but since the war she realised that she was just as special to them as they were to her.

Everyone was a little touched by George's action except Ron who didn't like other people being that close to Hermione.

They were together now finally and he didn't want anything to ruin that.