"That was great, 'Mione," Ron said after he finished his cake, his hand still clutching Hermione's under the table. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand and he squeezed back. Rose watched them intently and smiled to herself.
Suddenly, there was a bang on the door.
"Herm-own-ninny! I know you're in there!" Viktor's voice boomed through the door. Hermione and Rose jumped while Ron stood up and stormed towards the door, opening it. Viktor stormed past him and went into the living room.
"Where is she? WHERE IS SHE?" Viktor fumed, running around. Hermione came out of the kitchen, shaking a little.
"I-I'm here," she said quietly. Rose ran into the scene, holding Hermione's hand. Viktor turned violently and stormed towards her and pointed a chubby finger in her face.
"You-You stood me up!" he shouted in her face and Hermione threw her head and body back a little, stepping away from him. Ron walked towards them cautiously and grabbed Rose and picked her up, taking a few steps back.
"I- Rose! She was feeling sick and I f-forgot to owl you and-" she stammered and Viktor cut her off.
"I don't vant your excuses," he glared at her, "The paparazzi came into Pushlio and vondered where you were! They vere asking Ophelia questions and she levt!" Viktor said angrily, shoving her shoulder. Ron exploded.
"OI! DO YOU WANT A REPEAT OF THE OTHER NIGHT?!" Ron put Rose down and screamed in Viktor's face. Fear flashed in his eyes for a few seconds, but soon it was gone. Viktor was about to leave, but then he looked at Hermione and gaped.
"Vhat are you vearing?!" Viktor yelled. Hermione looked down at herself slowly and realized she was wearing Ron's t-shirt and boxer shorts. Hermione opened her mouth, but no words came out. Rose looked at Ron, Hermione and Viktor, frightened. She decided to interfere.
"Mummy!" Rose jumped into her arms suddenly. Hermione regained balance. "I-I think I'm going to be s-s-sick!" Rose gasped and puffed her cheeks out. Hermione stood still for a few seconds until running upstairs with Rose and went into her and Ron's joint toilet.
"I think it's best you fucking leave now," Ron said angrily, clenching and unclecnhing his fist. Viktor growled and stormed out of the flat's door. Ron sighed and ran upstairs to find Hermione and Rose.
"Are you ill, Rose?" Hermione asked worridly. Rose smiled and shook her head. Hermione looked confused and realized that Rose claimed she was will to save Hermione. Hermione sighed and smiled, hugging her daughter close to him.
"I love you, you know that don't you?" Hermione said, pulling back and stroking her hair. Rose sniffed and nodded. "I don't want you to try and protect me anymore," Rose tried to protest, but Hermione continued. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me, or because of anyone. I can take care of myself, don't worry, sweetheart," she kissed Rose's forehead and Rose snuggled into her arms, mumbling,
"OK, Mummy." and slowly fell asleep in her arms. Hermione kissed the top of her head and looked down at her, sighing.
Ron came in right after and saw Hermione rocking Rose in her arms while she slept. Ron slumped beside Hermione down the wall and wrapped his arm around her, holding them both.
They sat there for a few more minutes until Rose started to shift and moan a little in her sleep. Hermione stood up with the help of Ron and they walked out of the bathroom with Hermione settling her down in the middle of her and Ron's bed, both tucking her in and kissing her cheek each. They decided to leave her and Ron shut the door behind her softly. Hermione looked up at Ron shyly and he enloped her into a hug.
"Did Rose throw up at all?" he asked. Hermione laughed.
"No. She was protecting me, once again," she said sadly, "I told her not to do it anymore. I don't want to be the reason if she gets hurts and I don't want anyone to be the reason if she ever gets hurt. I love her too much to want to let her spend the rest of her childhood care-free and happy, not try to act like a protective grown-up to her mother. That's my job," she said the last line fiercly. Ron didn't say anything; he held her because they both knew words didn't need to be said. Ron suddenly carried her bridal style and walked the way downstairs with no problem while Hermione clinged onto him, trying to fight back tears. Finally, he sat down on the couch with him cuddling up to Hermione and rocking her back and forth. Ron said nothing and held her and when she started to cry he clinged onto her more tighter and stroked her hair, letting her cry it all out. Nearly an hour later, Hermione hiccupped and stopped crying and Ron started to rub her back in slow, stoothing circles.
"You-You probably thinking I'm pathetic. A grown woman c-crying," she said and hiccuped.
"No, I don't," he said in a low voice. Silence. "Are you going to leave him?" Those words threw Hermione off guard.
"I- Ron, you know I... I love him," she protested weakly and then started to lie.
I do! I do love Viktor. It's not a lie! Hermione cringed at her thoughts. She looked up and saw Ron staring at her with many emotions in his eyes. Anger? Saddness? Dissapointment? Regret? Whatever it was, she turned away because she couldn't look at his intense glare any longer. She reluctantly pulled away from him and slipped next to him on the couch, staring right into the burning fireplace.
"Are you OK now?" Ron asked in a solemn voice. Hermione turned to face him and saw him frowning at the floor, his body completely still. She tentively reached out her hand and brushed her fingertips against his jawline. He flinched slightly, but didn't move away. Hermione sucked in a deep breath before leaning in slightly and rested her hand against his cheek, feeling a bit of a rough stubble prickle out. She shivered in delight at the thought of Ron having a stubble. He would even look more masculine and sexier than before.
She inhaled deeply once the overwhelming smell of his aftershave wafted over to her as she never really noticed how nice he smelt before. She reached up and kissed his jawline, planting soft, sensual kisses in its wake. She felt her lip vibrate against his skin as he started talking.
"If you're in love with Viktor so much, how come you're here kissing me?" he asked in a cold, hard tone he never realized he had before. Hermione froze when her lips was on the corner of his mouth and pulled away, gasping.
"I-I didn't mean to do that!" she exclaimed, gasping heavily. "I just meant to see why you were upset... I didn't mean to..." she trailed off and shook her head. "THIS IS SO COMPLICATED! YOU'RE SO COMPLICATED, YOU KNOW THAT?!" she screamed at him suddenly, both of them unaware there was a high chance of waking Rose up. Ron tried to take a few deep breaths, remembering to try and keep calm in every situation, but his arguments with Hermione had always got the better of him. He stood up and shouted just as loudly.
"I'M COMPLICATED? I DIDN'T GO UP TO YOU AND START KISSING YOUR JAW LIKE THIS!" he pushed Hermione's body towards him and started to kiss her cheek and jawline quite passionately which made both of them moan, groan and become breathless. "DID I?!" he pulled back, but his hands were glued to her shoulders. Hermione shook underneath his hands and slowly lifted her hand up to touch her cheek. Ron's grip slackened on her and he rubbed his face. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, looking up a while later. Hermione shook her head and smiled up at him.
"It's my fault for shouting at you in the first place, let alone k-k..." she broke herself off, both of them blushing. "I'm sorry," Ron shook his head.
"Don't be. I did it back,"
"Only as a demonstration!"
"So? I still did it,"
"Ron-" he cut her off by hugging her and she giggled slightly. They pulled away a while later and smiled.
"I say we call it a night," Ron said, looking out of the window which the sky had darkened considerably. Just then Hermione yawned and Ron knew that she'd agree. She nodded and Ron grinned to himself. He held her hand as they walked up the stairs and slipped in the bed, looking to see a still peaceful sleeping Rose. They lipped into bed either side of her - Ron on the left and Hermione on the right - and snuggled against her.
"She'll be a riot when she wakes up," Hermione whispered, smirking. "She jumps on the bed and on your stomach and demands that you get out of bed so you can play... think you're up for the challenge?" Ron caught the mischevious glint in her eyes.
"Oh, I daresay I am, Miss... Granger," he hesitated and saw Hermione's eyes darken and look wet. Ron kissed her forehead quickly. "I'm up for anything," he puffed out his chest, trying to change the subject. Hermione snorted and laughed, covering her mouth as she was trying to be quiet for Rose.
"Oh, Ron," she sighed and smiled contently at him which he did the same. He turned off the lights with a flick of his wand and with a chorus of "Goodnight!" they both immediately fell asleep, wrapped up in a warm, comfy duvet and both snuggled to their daughter, holding each others hands.
"Daddy! ... Daddy! .. Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! DADDY!" Ron shot up straight away and saw Rose sitting on his stomach, innocently smiling. He saw Hermione standing by the end of the bed dressed in work robes and tying up her hair, tutting playfully.
"I told you you wouldn't be able to get up to the challange!" Hermione said in a teasing voice. Ron "hmphed" and started to tickle Rose which made a loud sound of giggles, squeals and squirms fill the room.
"D-D-Daddy, I'll be good, I swear!" Rose said through her laughing. Ron picked her up and laid her back in the bed, cuddling up to her as if she was his own teddy bear. He started to fall asleep, but Hermione took his pillow out from underneath his head and whacked it on top of his. Ron shot up for the second time that morning and grabbed the pillow and threw it at the other side of the room.
"OI! What are you doing, woman? I'm trying to get some sleep!" he bellowed, but his eyes held a playful tint. Rose snickered and Ron playfully glared at her. She squeezed her mouth shut tightly, her face going red from holding in laughter. In the end she rolled around on the bed laughing with Ron and Hermione watching her with content and joy. She soon stopped and sat in Ron's lap, cuddled against his chest.
"Ron, I want you to get up early so we can go to work and drop Rose off at my parents," she explained. "It's turning six already so we only have three hours left," Ron looked glum and yawned, trying to not fall back to sleep. "I tell you what, if I give you another hour's sleep, let Rose join you so you can have a shower and bathe her. How does that sound?" Ron's face broke out into a grin, despite the tiredness, and gave her a huge kiss on her cheek.
"I'd love to do that! He summoned his pillow and laid back down, Rose's back against him.
"Mummy, join us!" Rose said. Hermione shook her head.
"Oh, no, sweetheart. I can't. I'm already dressed and I showered and..." she caught Rose's innocent, pouting look and felt like she couldn't resist that look. She then looked at Ron who looked hopeful.
"Come on, 'Mione! One more hour isn't going to hurt. Maybe if you're lucky you can even share a shower with moi," he winked at her. Hermione blushed and stuttered.
"R-R-Ronald!" he laughed and gave her his famous lopsided grin and patted the space in front of Rose. She rolled her eyes playfully and quickly stripped so she was in her bra and panties, hanging her work robes up neatly against her wardrobe. She snuggled back in bed and realized how tired she was. She opened her eyes slowly and saw Ron gaping at the lacy silk she was wearing. She blushed, bit her lip and turned to him, smiling seductively. Ron swore under his breath.
Little minx! he thought. He grinned back at her and hugged Ron and rested his hand along Hermione's back as he could reach her as well. His eyes drooped and soon he was falling asleep along with Hermione and Rose.
Ron kept to his word and bathed Rose and dressed her. As an extra treat for Rose, he braided her hair into a neat and simple plait. She squealed in delight once he was done and thanked him over and over again.
"Rose, you don't have to keep thanking me, sweetheart. I love you and I'll do anything for you," he said sincerely. Hermione, who was in the room serving breakfast, froze at Ron's words to Rose and her heart fluttered and her mood brightened up and she beamed. She couldn't stop beaming when they ate breakfast; she couldn't stop beaming when they dropped Rose off to her parents house; she couldn't stop beaming all through the Ministry and she couldn't stop beaming when she had finished work and found Ron and Rose already home and playing with each other.
"I missed you, Daddy. I wanted to come to work with you," Rose said with a pout. Ron kissed the top of her head and scooped her up in his arms.
"I missed you as well, Rosie, but I don't want you to wake up early. You need sleep and energy, love," he explained and Rose sighed, nodding. She saw Hermione out of the corner of her eye and she squealed.
"Mummy!" she let go of Ron and leaped into Hermione's opening arms. Hermione picked her up and twirled her round and kissed her. She set Rose down and hugged Ron briefly. Ron hugged her a moment longer and then pulled away, smiling softly to her.
"Hi," he said.
"Hi," she said back and was still beaming. "I'll go make us some dinner," she announced and walked into the kitchen.
"I'll look after Rose, but call me if you need any help!" Ron hollered. Hermione said a thank you to him and got to work on making a meal. Just as she was about to get started a familiar, repetative bang on the front door ensured like last night. Hermione tensed up and slowly walked out of the kitchen and saw Ron smiling reassuringly at her and nodded. She felt more confident all of a sudden and smiled back and strode toward the door in a confident manner and opened it. She was suddenly pushed past by Viktor storming in. She took in a deep breath and shut the door slowly and turned around and went into the living room where Viktor was snarling below at Ron. Rose stood up suddenly and kicked Viktor in the shin, hard, and Viktor started hopping up and down on one foot. Ron and Rose started to burst out laughing and Hermione thought the situation was funny, if only her daughter agreed that she would stay out of trouble for her and herself and Viktor hopping up and down on one foot was hard not to laugh at as well. Viktor regained himself quickly and went on his knee, going to Rose's height. She started back just as viciously as he was staring at her.
"Ivv you vere in Bulgaria I vould teach you a LESSON!" his voice was raised at the last word and Rose stumbled into Ron's arms, fliching and then started to cough convincingly which made Hermione dash to Rose's side.
"Breath... cough... mint!" she gasped out and Ron burst out laughing again, bringing Rose with him. Hermione stood up and shook her head.
"What is it you want, Viktor? I need to make a start on dinner for my fam... Ron and Rose," she quickly corrected herself and stared bravely down at him. He stood up and went close to her. Ron looked on suspiciously and felt jealousy course through him as he watched Viktor nearly touching Hermione. Rose noticed the tension and held onto her dad and he smiled at her reassuringly.
"Herm-own-ninny," Viktor said in a sweet voice he could muster and lifted his hand up. Ron was ready to attack, Hermione flinched and Rose ran and stood next to Hermione immediately. Hermione looked down at her and she shook her head, pointing to go and sit with Ron. Rose pouted and nodded, slumping back to Ron. He hugged her tightly and rocked her back and forth, kissing the top of her head and carried on watching the scene.
Viktor rested the back of his hand against her cheek and started to stroke her cheek.
"Very soft skin," he commented lovingly. Hermione let out a ragged breath. Viktor stepped a few steps towards her and tangled his hands through her hair and closed the gap between them; he kissed her suddenly and passionately.
Hermione's eyes widened at first and then her eyes drifted to Ron and Rose; Rose was making gagging noises and turned away and Ron looked at them with tears shining in his eyes. He caught her eyesite and he turned his head away, grabbing his sleve to wipe his eyes. Hermione was about to pull away, but Viktor was kissing her more roughly now in a way to say "Hurry up and kiss me back, damnit!"
Hermione kissed Viktor back in disgust and ran her hands through his stubbled head. She cringed; she hated touching the rough stubble above his head. She loved to touch red, soft firey locks that was as smooth as silk and wasn't cringful at all...
She mentally cursed herself and went back to the task in hand kissing Viktor. She pulled away suddenly and found an excuse.
"Viktor, Rose is in here!" she gushed and blushed. Viktor growled and looked disdainfully at the little girl in his enemy's arms.
"So?" he leaned in for another kiss, but she stopped him.
"What kind of mother am I to be an example by kissing in front of her?! She's only TWO!" Hermione screamed the last word. Viktor winced and nodded.
"Alvight, Alvight, calm down," he rolled his eyes and then looked at her lustfully. "How about ve take this upstairs to the bedvroom?" he said in a sleezy voice that turned Hermione off than she already was before and shook her head.
"N-No! After the wedding," she whispered furiously at him to bring a subject like that up in front of Ron and especially Rose! Viktor grumbled and stormed towards the fireplace.
"Dinner at mine tomorrow, Hermione, I vant you there straight avter vork! Bring that ungrateful brat with you if you vant," he commanded and snarled and flooed away. Hermione looked at Rose and saw her reaction which was just a sad smile. Hermione walked towards Ron and Rose and sat in front of them and took Rose off Ron's lap. Rose looked at her in disappointment and Hermione was thrown back as she would never expect that look from Rose.
"I'm going to bed," she announced after a while later. She stood up and kissed Ron's cheek. "Goodnight, Daddy," he gave her a long hug.
"I'll tuck you in soon, yeah?" he whispered. She nodded and went upstairs, ignoring Hermione.
"Ron... can't you just try and get along with Viktor, for me?" she asked him once Rose left. Ron glared at her.
"What the fuck do you think?! How can I get along with the person I've hated since fourth year and then I come back and find out your married to the fucking git and he's been abusing you! He's probably cheating on you as well!" he spat. The smack on his cheek echoed everywhere.
"How dare you!" Hermione fumed and stood up. Ron stood up as well, his cheek sore and red. "Viktor would never, ever do that to me; he adores me!" She knew Ron was most likely speaking the truth.
"And do you adore him, hmm?" Ron replied. Hermione gaped at him.
"Yes. Yes, I do," she jutted her chin out. Ron scoffed.
"Yeah, right. If you did then we wouldn't have been in the tub together yesterday and I might have nearly not fucked you senseless right there and then!" he shouted. Hermione's face flushed and she shoved him.
"Rose can hear all of this you know!" she hissed.
"Don't try and give me fucking parenting skills, Hermione; you wouldn't excactly win an award for the 'Best Parent of the Year' would you?!"
"Oh, and you would?"
"I WOULDN'T FUCKING KNOW BECAUSE I WASN'T THERE FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF HER LIFE!" Ron bellowed suddenly which made Hermione jump and back away from him. He sighed and rubbed his face warily.
"Hermione, I'm sorry..." he broke off and walked towards her, but she shook her head vigorously.
"NO! You told me yesterday you forgave me!" she yelled. Ron looked at her impatiently.
"Hermione, I'm sorry, alright?" he snapped. She shook her head.
"You can sleep in the spare room, tonight!" she shouted.
"FINE; I WILL!" he screamed and stormed into the kitchen. Hermione followed after him and saw him get a bag of crisps, bread, ham, knife and a plate out.
"Food - how typical," Hermione scoffed. Ron took a few deep breaths before continuing.
"This is for our daughter. She went to bed quite early considering it's-" he broke off and stared at his watch he got as a present off his parents before he left Auror training, "6:13. Now, if you don't mind I'm going to make her some food before she most probably starves to death," he got out a cup and warmed some milk and poured it into the cup, attatching the lid to it. He got back to making the ham sandwich for Rose and put some crisps onto the side. He set the knife in the sink, picked up the plate and cup and without looking back at Hermione started up the stairs. Hermione watched after him and sighed in despair. She went up the stairs and went into her bedroom after she glanced at Rose's door. She got changed and slipped into bed, realizing how exhausted she had become. She slowly succumbed into a restless slumber.
"Rose," Ron said quietly and knocked on the door, deciding to use the levitating charm. He heard a sniff. He immediately opened the door and found Rose lying in her large bed with the green lamp on and it showed how tear-streaked her face is. He came in and set the food and drink down at her bedside and enveloped Rose's tiny body in his large, muscular arms.
"Don't cry, Rosie-Posie," Ron tried to say soothingly and cursed and kicked himself mentally. "How... How much did you hear?" he asked hesitantly. Rose hiccuped.
"I covered my e-ears after the 'What the f.. do you think'," Rose refused to swear. Ron shook his head, sighing, and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm sorry, Rosie," Rose stayed quiet. Ron handed her the plate and bottle of milk. "Here, you must be hungry," he offered gently. He watched as Rose ate and drank and held her while she fell to sleep. He kissed her, accioed the plates downstairs and tucked her in. After one last check he went straight to the spare room and opened it.
He looked around and realized he hadn't stepped inside the room ever since Hermione offered him to share her original room with each other...
