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Chapter 42

The house was quiet that afternoon. The individuals seeking sanctuary withing it's walls heavily dwelling on the happenings of that morning. The Aurors had been invited in once again by the matriarch and offered tea and lunch; which they graciously accepted after setting up a multitude of wards around the property. The trio wolfed down sandwiches like there would be no tomorrow. The young girl Ginny knew quite well keeping up with the men as well as Ron as she practically inhaled Molly's home made lunch; much to the older woman's pleasure.

"There's more where that came from dearies, no need to eat like it's going out of fashion. Be sure not to choke" Molly cooed from her place at the work surface, turning to smile at the three.

"These are great sandwiches" The young girl replied while taking a breather.

"Mom makes the best anything" Ginny spoke, for what seemed like the first time since that morning.

"I don't doubt that for a second" The blonde man spoke in turn, almost answering for the young girl who had since pushed another sandwich into her mouth.

Molly seemed all too happy to accept the praise, and continued about her business of making more sandwiches for their protection detail.

Ginny's hazel eyes were firmly on her wife and child. Hermione was rocking Rose back and forth while feeding her, a bottle wedged between the babies lips. The small bundle had a tight hold of one of the brunettes fingers, her bright eyes staring up at her mother in awe. Hermione seemed totally transfixed, a small smile playing at her lips as she hummed softly; barely paying attention to her own half eaten sandwich sat on a plate in front of her.

"I'll take Rose up for a bath when you're done there" Ginny spoke, leaning closer to Hermione as she did so.

"If you're sure" Hermione looked skepticle. After the way Ginny had acted that morning, she wasn't entirely sure how the redhead would react to their child. Though when she looked up to meet her wife's eyes she knew there was nothing to doubt. Ginny was a good parent, and a good partner, she'd never think twice when it came to the pair of them.

"I figure after that we can put her down for a rest and see about a rest for ourselves. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted" Ginny spoke, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind Hermione's ear before planting a tender kiss on the older witch's cheek.

"Do you want any help?" The brunette asked, knowing how hard that morning had been on the redhead. It had been hard on her too, but there was a difference. It was hard on her because she had to watch her lover go through it, and had really no way of helping. Nothing in any of the books she'd read had been able to prepare her for this. She couldn't help, not significantly; she could only watch and reassure.

A part of her heart broke for her wife, as she watched the inner turmoil twist and settle into the redheads gut earlier that morning. She'd been angry at the younger girl for not doing research herself, for just relying on Hermione for any information she'd need.

"I think that would be nice" Ginny spoke quietly, reaching over to brush a curl away from Rose's eyes much like she'd done to Hermione a moment ago.

The three aurors where chatting idly between themselves as they continued to munch on their lunch. Though the large blonde man was eyeing Ginny carefully, a small smile playing on his lips as he nodded to her.

"Mom, we're going to give Rose a bath then have a rest ourselves. Call us if we're needed?" Ginny spoke as she stood from the table, giving the blonde Lycan a grateful smile. What he'd offered had meant a lot to her, and once everything died down she'd be seeking his help.

There was nothing she wouldn't do to make this entire process easier on both Hermione and Rose.

"Alright dear, shout if you need anything" Molly spoke over the whistle of the kettle. Turning to smile at her daughter and Hermione as they both left the room.

"They're a lovely couple" The shifter stated from the table, clearly thinking aloud. Her statement had been met with nods and a proud looking Molly Weasley.

"They've been through a lot together, it's a shame they've got this to handle as well now. Though if anyone can do it it's the pair of them. Rose is such a lucky girl" The Matriarch gushed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Tea?" She asked as she bustled over once again.

-x-x-x-x-

Hermione lead the way up the steps, still rocking the baby swaddled in her arms gently back and forth. She could feel Ginny's presence behind her, protectively blocking the way down the stairs in case of a slip. The redhead had developed such a habit during the first week of Rose being with them.

The brunette smiled to herself as she headed for the bathroom, leaving Ginny to gather a few of Rose's things from their room. With a swish of her wand, she'd started the water up and plugged the drain. Moving slightly to sit on the side of the bath as she watched the redhead wander in. Carrying Rose's bath seat Molly had insisted they had for when they stayed, a fluffy towel and a fresh nappy and onsie.

The door was shut tightly behind them, and they'd set to work. Ginny readying the tub, while Hermione readied the baby. It wasn't long before the brunette was lowering the more than happy child into the water, being splashed by the little girl as she did.

"Hey there, none of that" Ginny spoke, her voice warm as she tipped a small bucket over their daughters head. The little girl looked startled for a moment, bright eyes going as wide as saucers as she looked between both her mothers. Hermione's hands soothingly smoothing her now wet hair away from her face.

"Tell her! Tell her that wasn't very nice!" Hermione cooed, pointing in Ginny's direction.

The baby followed Hermione's finger, and threw her arms up before splashing again, giggling something wild when a small wave of water hit the side of the bath.

Her shrieks of glee caused both women to giggle, Ginny sitting back on her haunches as she watched the sight before her. Taking in the normalcy of it all, how soothing it actually was in the light of what had happened. It was like they'd shut the world away outside the door, and in this small bathroom, bathing their daughter was where real life resided.

Another delighted shriek, though this time from Hermione brought her attention back to their surroundings. Rose had managed to splash so high she'd soaked the brunettes front. The little girl looked decidedly torn, as torn as babies get that is. The baby clapped her hands together a few times, bouncing around in her little seat after a moment of just watching her mothers reaction.

That was all Ginny needed to join back in. The process taking a little longer than usual as they both indulged in playing in the water. Enjoying how their little girl seemed so happy and so unawares as to the evil that had been trying to get them. So innocent and unabided, completely happy that they were both with her and completely content to sit in the water splashing around for a while.

Some time later, Ginny pulled the freshly clean baby from the tub. Rose holding her arms up for her, chubby fingers fully extended and wiggling in the air; waiting to grab her mother as Ginny leaned over. Passing her over to Hermione who waited with a towel against her chest to wrap the little girl up in. Rose's head finding her shoulder sleepily as Ginny lead the way to her cot; holding doors open for the brunette as she followed behind.

This was a tried and tested practice; they'd both agreed they'd do this together as often as they possibly could. Neither wanting to miss out on something special, and both totally new to dealing with babies. Two heads were better than one after all.

-x-x-x-x-

The pair collapsed into Ginny's bed after Rose had finally dozed off for her nap. The redhead wrapped Hermione up tightly, kissing the older witch gently as she shut her eyes to bask in the warmth the brunette provided.

Hermione smiled a small tired smile, her fingers tracing down the contours of Ginny's cheek. "You did great this morning, No need to patch anything up" the brunette spoke in hushed tones, as if her words where just for the redhead that had wrapped her up.

"Yeh, It's a start" Ginny conceded "I still don't like the idea of it for anything more than protection though" The redhead admitted. "I hate the idea Rose might have to deal with it too."

"Gin, She'll be fine. We'll be fine. As long as we're supportive she'll be alright. She'll know everything she needs to know and as long as we never hide it from her it'll be alright. The magical world is really starting to accept things like this. Look at you, you're a professional quidditch player for Merlins sake." Hermione almost scolded, pulling away slightly to seek out the redheads eyes.

"But that's me, Hermione. I'm supposed to protect her, and make sure nothing ever hurts either of you. Yet I'm the person that's passed on this... This thing and she's the one who might have to pay for it!" Ginny sighed, frustration laced heavily in her voice, her words hanging in the air for a while.

"She won't have to pay for anything Ginny. This only came about because you did something not many other people would ever do. She'll be proud that you're the way you are because you're so brave and honourable. She won't hate you, she won't have to pay for it. It's not a death sentence, it's just a slight hitch. We knew this could happen" The brunette stated, leaning in to press her lips gently to Ginny's.

"Do you regret what's happened? Anything that's happened?" Hermione asked seriously, running her fingers down Ginny's side as she reached for the duvet.

"No, nothing" The redhead said earnestly. Unable to bring herself to regret anything, it just wasn't possible.

"So you wouldn't change anything?" Hermione asked again.

"Nothing" The younger girl smiled a slightly confused smile.

"Then even if you could you wouldn't change the events that lead up to this. Ginny, this isn't a disease, this is part of who you are now. It's part of who I am, and who she is. We can't change it, we can make it easier. As long as you stop seeing it as a handicap." Hermione smiled a wide smile, completely confident in them as a couple, and as parents to be able to handle the entire situation.

"Well when you put it that way, I guess it makes sense. But you saw how they all acted, you saw what they did to the ministry" Ginny grumbled, not yet willing to give in to the issue.

"Yes, but so did all of Voldemort's followers. Does that mean all witches and wizards are evil?" Hermione sighed, shaking her head as she watched realisation dawn in her wife's eyes.

"I guess you're right" Ginny admitted, leaning forward to nuzzle her nose against the brunettes. Finally allowing it all to sink in properly. "When we get up, maybe I should try and shift again... See if I can" she almost asked, smiling sheepishly as she thought on it. It was almost exciting now that she knew Hermione was totally behind her.

"Maybe you should, while the Aurors are around in case something goes wrong. The two of them seem to know what they're talking about when it comes to shifting" Hermione conceded, raking her fingers through red satin as she pushed her hands through Ginny's hair soothingly.

"I won't bother them, but it might be useful, just in case anyway" The redhead sighed, pressing kisses to the older girl's neck.

Hermione squirmed away from the touches, and almost laughed. "I thought you wanted to nap!" She squealed as the Lycan's fingers found her sides and tickled her.

"This is so much more interesting!" The chaser laughed, nipping at the brunettes bottom lip playfully.

"Well, you've definitely changed your tune!" Hermione laughed, squirming away from the intrusive fingers.