It seemed like ages until anything happened. Her breath caught in her chest as she watched the door open slowly, expecting to see Severus. But it was Harry who exited the courtroom instead. He nodded at the guard stationed outside in passing and approached Hermione.
"Well?" Hermione breathed.
"They deemed it 'inconclusive'." Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. Hermione felt a nervous chill creep up her spine.
"And…and what does that mean?" He sighed.
"It means there'll be another trial. They want the Order members to be there to give testimony and include Kingsley."
"How will that be different than today's hearing?"
"The vote was too close. So many members of the Wizengamot are distrustful of Severus and then the Aurors had to vote as well…" He trailed off.
"How did the Aurors vote?" She knew the answer, but wanted to hear him say it.
"I was the only one that voted in his favor." Harry said quietly. Hermione nodded, jaw tightening. "Hermione, give him a chance. I know he's been an arse lately but after all this time he deserves to be heard. And then there are the children."
He was right. Ron did deserve to have his side of things heard. He wasn't completely in the wrong but he wasn't in the clear either. Everything had gone from black and white to gray so quickly. As for the children, she didn't want to disrupt them. She knew she had to talk to Ronald and go back home before the days end for their children's' sake.
"Where is he?" She asked, looking expectantly at the door.
"He's working with the guards, he shouldn't be long."
"Severus?" She asked, confused.
"No, Ron. Weren't you asking about him?" Hermione dropped her eyes to the floor, face flushing hot. "I guess not." He said slowly. Hermione swallowed hard, feeling like the lowest person on earth. Looking up, she caught Harry's look of warning and disappointment.
"The trial isn't until the New Year. Severus will be held in Azkaban until then." Hermione's heart dropped. Her head turned towards the door and she tried to rush towards it. The guard stepped in front of the door and Harry put his arm around her, holding her in place.
"Let me go, please, Harry. I just want to see him for a moment, to tell him it'll all be okay; to say goodbye." She pleaded.
"They're already gone." Harry said quietly. She stopped fighting and turned to look at him. The sympathy in his expression did nothing to help the sadness she felt in her heart, or the guilt twisting her stomach.
Ron and Hermione had spent the past few hours holed up in their bedroom with the intention of talking through things but mainly Hermione had just sat quietly on the bed and Ron had been pacing the floor, muttering quietly from time to time. Finally Hermione stood and watched Ron until he stopped and looked back at her.
"Let's just agree to get along while the children are here. It's their holiday break and we can't let our personal issues affect them." She said in a weary voice. Ron stared at her long and hard.
"Alright, 'Mione." He finally replied. His voice sounded rather weary as well. With a small smile, Hermione exited the room, heading to the kitchen to start dinner.
Rose and Hugo returned home full of stories and excitement. They had a big dinner and talked all evening until the kids could barely keep their eyes open. Once they had gone up to bed, Ron retreated to the living room while Hermione cleaned up. Afterwards, Ron went up to bed and Hermione headed for the guest room.
~8~
Christmas morning the children rushed downstairs and began tearing open gifts, same as always. But to Hermione, everything felt different. She had been careful to wake early every morning so no one would see her leaving the guest room and though she and Ron didn't speak when they were alone, she thought they were keeping up appearances rather well. Still, there was a definite shift in the air which made it all feel tainted and strange.
They followed tradition and all headed to Harry and Ginny's for a big Christmas Dinner that evening; Hermione and Ron immediately splitting ways as the boys all gathered for games in the living room while all the girls headed to the kitchen.
A few hours later they were all stuffed, the dishes were cleared away, and everyone was relaxing. Hugo, Lily and Albus were off comparing gifts while Rose and James were deep into a game of chess. Harry and Ron had taken a bottle of Firewhiskey into the other room and Ginny and Hermione were curled up on the sofa.
"How are you?" Ginny asked.
"I'm fine, how are you?" Hermione replied, amused at the blasé question.
"Fine. I was asking about the hearing though; and Severus." Hermione's glanced over at the kids quickly, ensuring they weren't eavesdropping.
"Erm, fine I suppose. Why?" Ginny shot her a look.
"Hermione, I've known you for years. I knew you weren't telling me the whole truth about "Miles" and I heard you almost call him Severus. When Harry told me about finding the two of you that day, I put things together. So how long have you been in love with him?" Ginny said this all rather matter-of-factly and then took a sip of her drink, gazing calmly at Hermione. She, on the other hand, was anything but calm.
"Love?" Hermione spluttered. "I'm not in love with him. I barely know the man."
"Actually, I'd say you know him quite well."
"It doesn't matter, I'm not in love with him."
"Alright, then how long have you been attracted to him?" Hermione scoffed, incredulous.
"I'm not, Ginny!" Ginny just raised an eyebrow in her direction.
"Hermione, it's alright. I know you and Ron haven't been doing well. I want you both to be happy because I love you both – if that means you not being my sister-in-law any longer, so be it. I just hope that you don't stand in your own way. Listen to your heart."
Ginny squeezed her hand and stood, walking across the room to refill her drink. She watched the younger witch leave, her mind whirling. Could she be right? Something made her glance to her left and found Rose looking at her curiously. Once they made eye contact, however, her daughter turned back to her game, leaving Hermione alone in her thoughts.
~8~
It was the day that the children were returning to Hogwarts – Ron and Hugo had gone ahead while Rose said she needed to double check her bag. Hermione waited with her, looking around the train station and fondly remembering her own days excitedly rushing through the station to get to the train.
"Mum?" Hermione turned to look at Rose, who was standing beside her cart, facing her.
"What is it? Did you forget something?" Hermione checked her watch, wondering if they'd have time to go back home.
"No. I wanted to talk to you."
"Oh? Well, the train is about to leave, dear – can this wait?"
"Mum, I heard you and Aunt Ginny talking at Christmas." Hermione's heart sank.
"You did?" Rose nodded somberly. "I'm so sorry, Rose. It's not what it sounds like and Aunt Ginny doesn't know what she was talking about."
"Mum, it's okay. I know something has changed. You and dad aren't the same anymore, and I know you were sleeping in the guest room. I don't know exactly what is going on but whatever it is, Hugo and I will be fine. You've raised us both to be strong and independent and I look out for him anyways. If you and dad are happier apart, that's what you should do. You both deserve it."
Hermione's eyes were full of tears as she felt her heart surge with pride at her daughter's words. She was certainly no longer a child but a young woman now. She felt terrible that she had caught on to what was going on but felt a bit relieved that she was taking it so well. She pulled Rose into a tight embrace.
"You aren't my little girl anymore, are you?" She asked tearfully. Rose shook her head.
"No, I'm not. I'm fifteen, mum. At my age you were battling Death Eaters. I can handle my parents breaking up." Hermione pulled back and caressed Rose's face.
"You know we both love you. So, so much." Rose nodded. Hermione smiled, ran her hand through one of Rose's stray curls and sighed. "You really ought to get going. Dad and Hugo will be wondering what we've been up to."
"Don't worry mum, I won't tell Hugo anything." With that, the young girl grabbed her things and walked confidently through the barrier. Hermione hung back only a moment, realizing she had a lot to think about.
