Hermione hated long nights.
As a student, she'd never have admitted this. She had a reputation to maintain, after all. But, as a young barrister in the Wizengamot, things were very different. And that wasn't even touching on the fact that she just didn't have the energy anymore to stay up to 3am every night.
Having two children would do that to you.
She was almost amazed that Ron seemed to have all of his infamous energy, considering that he had been primarily responsible for childcare and house work. Even if he did have a natural ability for both that had been shocking for anyone who had known him as a teenager. Well, apart from Hermione, of course. But she always had been more aware of him than most people were.
Hermione smiled to herself, before yawning widely. The clock on her office wall chimed 2.30am, reminding her that the paperwork was due in barely six hours. As if she even needed reminding. The bushy-haired witch sighed wearily, thinking longingly of her shared bed with Ron at home, and dozing happily into his chest-
There was a knock at the door, and Hermione startled.
'W-who is it?'
Through the frosted glass, the tall, redheaded figure grinned.
'Hermione, who else would it be?'
The door opened, and Ron strode in, carrying a box.
'Morning, luv,' he said, pressing his lips to Hermione's forehead, before sitting down on the other side of her desk. 'How's the paperwork going?'
'It's barely going at all,' Hermione mumbled, wearily. 'This is a three-person job, but Jenkins is on paternity leave, and Ernie is on holiday in Stockholm.'
Ron tutted sympathetically, before placing the box down on her desk.
'What's this?' she asked, her inquisitiveness getting the better of her.
'Just something I whipped up; you always forget to eat when you're working hard.'
With a flourish, Ron opened the box, pulling out a homemade Lasagne, still simmering hot. Hermione's stomach let out a growl.
'You know me too well.'
Ron chuckled, cutting her a large slice, and placing it on a plate he had just transfigured from a spare bit of parchment.
As Hermione bit into it, her stomach seemed to purr in satisfaction, and she let out a small moan.
'I'll take that as a compliment,' Ron said, grinning. 'Even Barrister Granger-Weasley needs to take a break at times.'
Hermione smiled.
'That is true; I didn't get dinner earlier because I was so swamped.'
'Knew it. Well, consider me your personalcook,' Ron chuckled, stroking her arm fondly. 'Even if it is stupid-o-clock in the morning.'
Despite her tiredness, Hermione felt her cheeks glow. Even after being married for years, she felt herself still utterly smitten with her husband. He was such a sweetie.
'Thank you, Ron.'
The redhead smiled, and Hermione knew that this night wasn't as hopeless as it had first appeared.