In the early hours of morning, when most were still asleep, Hermione lay awake staring at the ceiling. The dreams never seemed to cease, in fact, year by year they became worse; more vivid. Every nightmare became more realistic in her mind of the great war of Hogwarts and every time she thought about it she thanked whatever god there may be her daughter wasn't around to see it.
The soft snores coming from beside her shook her from these thoughts; and as she looked down to see ebony hair spread across the pillow next to her she smiled knowing the world wouldn't be as frightening a place since she herself had a hand in ending the evil that once filled their world with fear. She held the small frame closer to her, listened to the soft breathing and slowly fell back into a pleasant slumber.
"Mom! Wake up! It's tomorrow!" The brunette slowly opened her eyes, a weight was on her stomach and she saw her daughter looking excited and expectant.
"It's tomorrow already?" She said groggily while offering a sleepy smile. The little girl jumped off the bed and ran to the window, pushing aside the curtains to let the brilliant days light shine in. It became a morning routine since Sydney could never seem to fall asleep on her own.
"Look for yourself!" The little girl pleaded as her mother did turn her face to catch the sight.
"Well why don't you go and get dressed, I'll make us some breakfast and we can go to the park." At the suggestion Sydney shot out of the room to get dressed leaving her mother chuckling behind. Breakfast seemed to pass in a flash. Hermione listened patiently to her daughters ideas for what they could do that day in the park from candied apples to swing sets. A weekend away from work was always a joy especially since a weekend off was so rare. Since leaving Hogwarts she remained in close contact to a few choice people from her time, but was hesitant to bring her daughter into that world too quickly. If Sydney received a letter then she would go to Hogwarts as expected but if not then she would remain in the muggle world and so would Hermione. The dangers were too great and after having lost her lover because of ignorance she wouldn't risk the same of her daughter.
Breakfast seemed to last all of a moment as they were tucking into toast and eggs one moment and quickly pushing arms through sleeves the next. Throughout eating Hermione listened patiently to her daughters suggestions for what they may do that day in the park from swings to candied apples. Sydney's eyes shone with an excited curiosity whenever they ventured from their small London flat. She would gaze hungrily around asking questions, pointing out things she hadn't seen before and stating her opinion whether it was asked or not. Her mother didn't mind at all knowing full well that it was in her nature to be just as thirsty for answers and knowledge. As the pair made their way to the park they barely noticed a rather thing frame striding down the sidewalk towards them. The figure to wandering eye was wrapped in thought. Hermione bumped shoulders with the individual so hard she knew it would bruise and her hand slipped limp from Sydney's.
"Courtesy also means watching where one is going..." The crisp accent shocked the tall brunette and she instantly met the woman's eyes who expressed the same surprise.
"Professor..."
