A/N: Work seemed to last forever today and the same song kept coming up on shuffle, somehow this idea just appeared in my mind and won't leave me alone! I'm gonna give it a go even though I'm not entirely sure how good I am with mother/daughter relationships, or even Rose's character at all! Fingers crossed! Reviews very very very much appreciated, as always.
The song that was my inspiration was "Home" by Ron Pope.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
"And the last award... Outstanding, all-round academic achievement. Awarded to Rose Weasley!"
As her little girl made her way up to the stage, Hermione sat in the audience, her heart swelling with an almost incomprehensible mix of emotions. Pride, sadness, worry, excitement. She realised a few minutes later that she had let her mind wander when she felt a familiar, wild-haired lump throw itself at her. The leavers' assembly was over. Rose was pushing an engraved plaque into her mother's hands and talking really fast, all she could do was to pull her young daughter into her arms and hug her tightly in congratulations.
The headteacher announced that all the year 6's could leave, bidding them all a heartfelt farewell and wishing them luck. Hermione watched on as Rose said goodbye to her friends – she would see them soon of course, but Hermione couldn't help feeling sad for her daughter. She was finally eleven, and as far as Hermione was concerned, about to embark on the journey of life.
They walked home. It was a half-hour walk to the village where they lived, but Hermione had never been particularly fond of cars, even before magic. Rose swung on her mother's hand, skipping happily. Moments like these were becoming bittersweet for both of them, each knowing they wouldn't last much longer.
"43 days now, mum!" Rose said. It came out quieter, and much less enthusiastically than she had intended it to. "Could we take the long way home?"
Hermione smiled down at her and nodded. "Yes, of course. How come, Rosie?"
"It's so nice having you all to myself – without Hugo."
"We could detour to the park?"
"Good idea." But even so, Hermione and Rose continued in silence for another 5 minutes.
"Will I ever see my friends again, mum?"
Hermione noted the fear in her voice. She knew her daughter well, and she'd known for quite some time now about her worries concerning Hogwarts. Ron had been completely oblivious and, as usual, tactless. It had been all he'd talked about for weeks on end and Hermione had seen poor Rose's uncomfortable smiles. She had always been her mothers' daughter in that respect... Always going along with what Ron said to make him happy, and never showing signs of worry. They both knew his intentions were never anything but good.
"Of course you will, Rosie. Don't worry about school either. You can owl me letters to send to your friends and have them over in the holidays – even the Christmas holidays if you want..."
At this point, Rose rounded on her mother, both of them coming to a halt and looking at each other. Rose looked guilty as she spoke.
"If I tell you something, you can't tell anyone." She said. Hermione just nodded. "I can't bring my friends home mum, we're too weird." Her expression was one of someone begging for understanding.
Hermione indicated for them to continue walking and they entered the park. She knew Rose wasn't trying to be rude, but she couldn't help feeling a little hurt.
"It's dad." Rose added simply, and then Hermione understood. A thousand muggle memories flooding back to her, things she'd forgotten. She realised then that she would probably never understand her daughters world, the same as Ron could never understand hers.
"Your dad tries so hard Rose, and I'll let you in on a little secret."
"What's that?"
"He's never been any good at it." They shared a smile. "We'll think of something, Rosie, don't you worry."
Rose slipped her hand back into her mothers. "What do you mean he's never been any good at it though?" Rose said thoughtfully. "Surely you never had this problem? Dad was your friend. You never had to hide your magic."
They reached the swing set and Hermione motioned for Rose to sit down, taking a seat herself.
"You'd be surprised! There have been a few occasions," Hermione laughed, leaning back against the swing as though she was a child herself.
"Tell me?"
Yes... the next part will be a flashback :) I'm aware it is short but the story is short and it seemed a good idea to split it into sections for effect :) pleeeease review! :)
