Word Count: 426
"Right," Ron says, rubbing his palm over his hair and leaving it a mess. He frowns, clearing his throat. "The goblin riots… Er… Well, they ended after wizards and goblins came together to sign an accord."
He nods because he is confident in that much of his knowledge. It's the little details that escape him now. And the big details. Most of the details.
The fact that Hermione is looking over at him, smiling as she sips her coffee doesn't help. He knows she's giggling on the inside. He can see it in the soft flush of color that paints her cheeks.
Rose looks less amused. History of Magic is not her strongest subject. She might have gotten her mother's passion for learning, but she also inherited Ron's disdain for boring things.
"Sorry, Rosie."
"Mum! Help me?" she asks.
Hermione shakes her head. "Sorry, sweetheart. You have to actually do the work yourself." She fixes Ron with a look that is halfway between amusement and exasperation, and he wonders if it's because they both know he has no business trying to recall historical facts, but he tried anyway.
"That's not fair!" Rose says. It's become her mantra over the summer upon realizing exactly how much homework Binns assigned. "Mum, you used to let Dad and Uncle Harry copy your notes."
"Go study," Hermione says firmly. She softens an instant later. "If you get this essay written before lunch, we can all go out for ice cream after."
That's all it takes. Rose snaps to attention, offering them both a grin. She clutches her book to her chest and scurries away.
"I'm impressed by your knowledge of the riots," Hermione teases, resting a hand on Ron's knee.
He grins, completely unabashed. "You took better notes than me," he says.
"Probably because it's easier to take notes when you aren't snoring."
"Oi! I…" Ron considers, but they both know he doesn't have a valid argument. He just laughs and pulls her closer, kissing the top of her head. "I was lucky to have you. I'm still lucky, you know."
"I'm lucky too."
He can't but smile at that. Sometimes he worries that Hermione would be happier with anyone else. Maybe it's Rita Skeeter's nasty columns that appear from time to time, or maybe it's insecurities that never left him when he got older. Whatever the reason, he still feels relieved at the little confirmations she offers him.
"You're a great dad," she says, snuggling closer. "A great husband. I'm glad I have you in my life."