"Good evening. Dobby said you were back."
Using the light from the entryway, Harry secretly studied Hermione's tired face and sighed inwardly.
"You probably haven't had dinner yet, have you? Want to join us?" he added. "We can talk about something else while we eat."
"I already ate. Winky prepared dinner."
Hermione froze for a moment, seeming somewhat surprised. But she quickly guessed that Harry and Ginny had come to see her at this hour for some other reason. She stepped back, making room in the entryway and inviting them inside.
"If there's something you want to discuss, come in first!"
"Ron probably... I mean, he's getting married." Harry's gaze swept over the messy pile of manuscripts on the table, and he frowned slightly.
"To Lavender Brown," Ginny added.
"Oh, when are they planning to get married?"
Hermione was not particularly surprised by the news. Harry had told her about Ron and Lavender's story before. It was a good thing, in a way, that they had ended up together. At least she would not have to worry about Ron continuing to pester her.
"They haven't decided on a date yet, but it should be soon."
Harry looked Hermione in the eyes and suddenly said in a very formal tone, "Have you heard? Kingsley is planning to do something very important lately. He needs trustworthy people of his own to help him. Would you be interested in serving as his Ministerial Assistant for a while?"
"Ah, this... I still have..."
Hermione hesitated. Albert had told her about what Kingsley intended to do as well.
This was undoubtedly a good opportunity for Hermione...
Oh, so that was it!
Hermione finally came to her senses. She understood why Harry had suddenly come looking for her.
"Honestly, I don't think that thing of yours