From this angle, his face was almost perfect. Even in sleep, she could not turn away from him. The gentle sweep of his crimson hair intrigued her, and his freckled face was filled with laughter, even in her dreams. She traced the geography of his facade, disclosing it into her mind, and hummed to herself. She felt content just to watch him sleep. Even in the morning, when his eyes were filled with sleepy slumber, when he would slowly dip his biscuits into his morning coffee, when he smiled at her, when he would look into her eyes to measure her uncertainty…when he kissed her. It was that passion, that wifely passion that drew her to him the most. And she loved it.
It was getting light now and the sun was entering their lives again, its rays shining through the opening of the curtains, slicing through the dark void like a knife. She leant closer and watched him breathe, his shallow breaths held her in a trance, a wistful reverie she was reluctant to break. It would only be a few hours before they were to be separated again, her to the cities, and he to his Auror post at the station. She could not bear to wake him. Sighing, she reached over and pressed her cool lips to his, whispering, "Ron. Ron darling, wake up."
He murmured in his sleep.
"Ron, it's time."
He sighed and rubbed his eyes, "'Mione?"
She smiled, "Yes. You'd better get up now, or you won't be able to meet up with Harry."
"Do you have to go today?" he asked her timidly. He wanted her to stay with him. He wanted her protection.
"Yes. You know I don't want to, Ron."
He adjusted his eyes to the light, and reached for his shirt.
"What time do you have to be there?" he asked her as he zipped his trousers.
"Around one o'clock. That's his only free column. Which means I can't meet you at Rosie's this lunch."
"Oh." His face fell dark. "You're having lunch with him, then."
She sighed. "I'm sorry, Ron. You know I don't want to do this anymore than you would. But it's my job, and I can't pick around people."
"But Malfoy! Anyone but Malfoy!"
She smiled. "I'll come back with some interesting stories, just you wait. We can arrange a dinner with Harry and Ginny. You can call them now, if you like."
Ron sat down on the bed and kissed Hermione on her forehead, "I don't mind, if you don't. Just make sure you look after yourself, alright?"
"I will. Now hurry or you'll be late for work."