A Coded Parchment

Chapter 4: Ron's Professor Girlfriend

"Weasley, what in Samhill's name did you just say?!" The outcry had come from a plump, middle-aged wizard with a full head of black hair streaked with gray. Jason McNeil, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Ron sighed and repeated what he had just said, "Request permission to help Unspeakable Harry Potter on his current case of the coded parchment."

"That information is classified, Weasley!" yelled a red faced McNeil. "I'm not going to bother asking how you found out about it. But it's out of your hands! Leave it to the Department of Mysteries. You're job is to catch dark wizards!"

"But sir, if you would please..."

"Listen Weasley," McNeil's face softened and his expression warmed. "You're one of the best damned Aurors I got in my department and I mean the best! But you don't have what it takes to work with an unspeakable. Aurors have a reputation of shoot first and ask questions later. But you, Weasley, tend to shoot first, shoot again, shoot once more and finally ask questions when everyone's dropped dead!"

"Uh sir, I've always brought my targets in alive."

"That's beside the point!" yelled McNeil, his face going read again. "You don't have what it takes! STAY OUT OF THE BUSINESS OF UNSPEAKABLES!"

Ron sighed and gave his assurance. He muttered to himself, "Love the star treatment you give your Aurors, McNeil" as he exited his bosses office.

"McNeil getting down at you again?" asked a kindly voice. Ron turned around to see Sirius Black, deputy head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Harry's Godfather. Sirius had been cleared of his charges during the trio's sixth year within five years he had worked up to the position of deputy head of the DOMLE.

"Nope he awarded me the Order of Merlin," said Ron sarcastically. "Yeah, when is he not down my bloody arse? Oh well, at least I can look forward to my date later today."

"Oooooooh! So Ronnie's finally got himself a girlfriend after so many years," said Sirius with a huge grin.

Ron scowled. "For your information, Sirius, I've had plenty of girlfriends in my lifetime. Let's see," he started counting off from his fingers. "There's Hermione during fifth year, Victoria Richardson during seventh year, and... OK! Fine! This is the first girlfriend I've had in years!"

Sirius was still grinning. "Soooooooo, who is she?"

Ron smiled. "You know her. Natalie Robyns."

"The Hogwarts transfiguration professor? How old was she again?"

"23"

"Ah, going for older woman now? Didn't think you had it in you," said Sirius.

"Dream on, Padfoot," said Ron. But he had a goofy grin on his face.

* * * * *

Hogwarts looked pretty much the same since the trio had gone to school there but there were a number of cosmetic differences in the staff. Albus Dumbledore had passed away two years ago, or at least that was the common belief. There was an unconfirmed rumor running around that he had secretly retired, secluded himself from society, and was enjoying his post Voldemort days in style. Whatever the truth was, Minerva McGonagall was headmistress now. She was far less stern compared to her teaching days but she still was not someone you wanted to cross.

Severus Snape was still head of Slytherin house, potions master, and he was now deputy headmaster. Luckily, he had grown a lot fairer in his inter-house treatment but he was still as nasty as ever. Remus Lupin had returned as the Defense against the Dark Arts professor during the trio's seventh year due to the invention of the more advanced wolfsbane potion. He was now head of Gryffindor house. Flitwick was still there (though nearing retirement). Sprout had retired after the trio's seventh year and the herbology professor who replaced her was none other than Neville Longbottom.

But the object of Ron's affection was a tall young witch with waist length blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes. Natalie Robyns was the transfiguration professor and the head of Hufflepuff house. Ron met her, that afternoon, at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade village.

"Ron! Over here," she called when she saw a familiar shock fiery red hair enter the pub. Ron smiled and joined the beautiful blonde woman at her table.

"Hey Nat. Sorry I'm late."

Natalie laughed. "I expected you would be so I came a little late myself. So you're more or less on time." Ron grinned sheepishly. "So, how's life been treating you recently?"

"Oh, my boss got on my back today like usual. And Hermione got attacked by dark wizards last night..."

"WHAT?!"

"Don't worry, she's OK," said Ron hurriedly. "Harry was passing by and he got her out of hot water."

"I'm glad that she's alright," said Natalie looking a little relieved. "What was she doing at the time?"

"You're not going to believe this. She had just had a date with Draco Malfoy..."

"No kidding?! He's like one of the most eligible bachelors in the wizarding world!"

"So's Harry. Anyways, date was a complete disaster, told her so, and she stormed out on him. But then, she ran into these dark wizards on the way back. She was lucky."

"Well, since I'm sure that Hermione is all right, why don't we forget about everything and enjoy each other." Said Natalie with a smile. Ron grinned and kissed her sweetly.

* * * * *

Ron and Natalie had the time of their lives in Hogsmeade that afternoon. They visited Zonkos, Honeydukes, the owl post, and the Shrieking Shack. They even paid a visit to the joke shop Weasley Wizard Wheezes, run by Ron's older twin brothers.

"Hey Ron, you scored big time with her," whispered Fred as he checked Natalie out.

"Awwwww, our baby Ronniekins is growing up," whined George as he wiped away a mock tear.

"Shut up you gits!" hissed Ron as Natalie came back from the bathroom.

They left W.W.W. and started make their way back to Hogwarts. Ron decided to pay Neville, Hagrid, and Remus a visit and went up to the school. He met many familiar faces in the Great Hall. He was just about to engage Neville in a discussion about Quidditch when an owl flew in and dropped a letter on his lap.

"Bollocks," said Ron as he read the letter. "Sorry Natalie, but I've got to go. They've located some renegade warlock in Liverpool and it's my job to hunt him down."

"OK. I'll see you again," said Natalie. They kissed before Ron left the School. He had to walk out of the Hogwarts grounds to apparate and he chuckled when he remembered how Hermione used to say, "You can't apparate or disapparate on Hogwarts grounds!"