A/N: I do not own any of these caracters with the exception of a few.Feedback is also greatly appreciated. Thanks and enjoy.
Ch 1: The morning Before
The sun had just begun to rise, sending rays of light throught the lone window in Hermione's hotel room. Her long, brown curls lay on her pillow. Her normally peircing, almond eyes, were closed gently and her full lips were pursed ever so slightly as she slept peacefully. Unfourtunately, sleep was the only time that peace came upon Hermione and even then, it was often invaded by nightmares or restless fear in her heart. At only 20 years of age, She had changed dramatically from the girl she had been during her years at Hogwarts School.(More on that later)
A loud tapping at her bedroom window startled her awake on that dreadfull morning. It was the morning before she was to return to London. . .to Hogwarts. You'd think that with the amazing bonds and adventures that Hogwarts had given her, she would be more than happy to return. Assuming you haven't noticed, that isn't the case. Hermione decided, as the tapping continued, to get out of bed and retrieve whatever the annoyance of an owl had brought to her. After putting a knut into the small bag attached to it's foot, she sat down at her small, dusty desk and opened what she had recieved. It was a letter from the person who she most hoped she wouldn't hear from...at least not so soon.
Dear Hermione,
I am so sorry. I never in a million years, meant to hurt you like I did. Though you probably don't believe this, I love you more than anything. You were the only reason that I survived my years at Hogwarts. Thoughts of you kept me warm, even on the coldest nights. I still truly believe that if you'll let me, I can make it up to you and to Emma. You are my wife, Hermione, and she is my daughter. If for any reason, you should see me, it would be for her sake. I miss you terribly...both of you. I guess that we shall see eachother soon enough. Our reunion at Hogwarts is tomorrow evening. I will try my best to explain myself when I see you there. Please forgive me. I know that deep down in your heart, you know that I am telling you the truth. Anyway, give Emma a kiss from Daddy and I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Love with all of my heart,
Ron
Hermione let out a long and strained sigh. She sat for another moment before placing the letter on the shabby old desk and walking into the next room. Once inside of the almost closet-sized room, she made her way to the crib on the opposite wall where her and Ron's daughter, Emma, lay asleep.
As Hermione looked at her only source of happiness, she realized for the first time how much Emma looked like her father. Emma had curled hair much like Hermione's, yet it was a bright shade of red, as was Ron's. As light from the doorway began to wash over the crib, Hermione saw on Emma's pudgy little cheeks, many freckles that spread even acrossthe bridge of her small button nose. They were very faint, yet noticable all the same. You could definately tell that she was a Weasley, even at only a year and a half old. Hermione began to stroke her childs back as memories of the "good times" started to overpower her thoughts.
It was the summer after thier fifth year at Hogwarts and Hermione was yet again spending the last few weeks at the Burrow with Ron, Harry, Ginny and the rest of the Weasley family. Harry had started dating Ron's younger sister, Ginny, at the beginning of the summer, so Ron and Hermione began to find themselves alone together much more frequently than in past years.
One night, as the rest of the family was out and Harry and Ginny had gone for a walk, Ron told Hermione that he fancied her and that he had since they first met on the train the first day at Hogwarts so many years before. Hermione had also admitted that she fancied him. They shared a first kiss that night and since then had been inseperable. At least until Ron screwed up big time. . .
Hermione felt the small form under her hand begin to move and looked down to find two almond eyes, not unlike her own, staring up at her from the crib. She reached in and lifted Emma swiftly, yet gently from her resting place. She then put Emma in a playpen with protection spells all around it and went to take a shower. After she finished putting on her robes and fixing her unruly hair that had calmed at least a little since she was a teenager, she got Emma washed up and after having a spot of breakfast, began packing their bags to London.
Hermione absolutely dreaded seeing Ron again so soon. She didn't know if she'd be able to face him. She sat down on the floor, exhuasted, next to Emma a while later as her memories once again began to pull her away from reality. . . . .