Ron had been detained at work as usual. Aurors didn't have days off. Honestly, he hadn't minded it so much. Yes, he was missing the family Christmas party, but he had been thinking that Hermione might be there and he had no idea what to say to her. Bloody hell, had they been reduced to this, back to strangers or the kids that they were in school. Everything always seemed to come out all wrong when he was around her now. At least on the streets, while doing sweeps of neighborhoods, he had time to clear his head. It was definitely better than sitting at his desk, giving him that much more time to think. It wasn't until his shift was over that he had to start thinking again. Holidays were always too bloody sentimental.
Scratching his head, almost as if to get the thoughts out, he shook off the dest from the floo. He looked around, not seeing anyone in the room. "Mum, I'm here. Sorry it took so long. There were early reports of prowlers around several residences while the families were away." This made no sense. "Did you hear me?" He walked towards the door heading outside, wondering what was going on.